Vox Machina: Blood of the Primal Deities

Chapter 25 The Fall of Emon

It seemed like a dream to Rafael as he slowly walked down the halls of the castle. Turned seeing Lydie, playing with Gren while her dire wolf Fenrir lounges lazily in the afternoon sun. Rafael smiled, seeing Gren tackling Lydie to the ground while laughing boisterously. He walked down the corridor into the kitchen area, where his Axel is sweet talking a maiden cook while Illiya sneaks a few sweet buns from under her nose. Rafael hid behind a pillar as the two quickly rushed out from the scene before they got caught. Those two reminded him of when he and Uriel were younger, mischievous, yet loveable. Making his way towards the library, Rafael could hear Phoebe teach Odessa Exandrian mythology. He watched as Phoebe and Odessa discussed the stories sharing thoughts and questions which added a new meaning.

Finally, Rafael made it to Uriel's quarters. The two guards opens the door, revealing Uriel along with Rafael's sister in law, Salda, sitting on a couch close to his desk. Uriel turned seeing his brother entering and smiled, "Ah, brother, glad you could make it."

"Well, I didn't make it all this way from my usual meditations to see your dreadful face." Rafael jested. Uriel rolled his eyes while Salda chuckled, "Now, what is it?"

"I was thinking long and hard about this. And with Salda's guidance--"

"He's abdicating the throne?" Lydie questioned as Rafael relayed the message. Axel eyes widened in shock, while Phoebe tried to make sense of it all.

"Well, not abdicating." Rafael explained, but after a moment of realization, "Actually, yeah he's abdicating."

"This, changes everything." Phoebe spoke up.

"I agree." Rafael said with a nod, "But change is needed. If your grandfather was alive he would've said, 'Change is always inevitable'."

"So if Uriel steps down, then you will rule Emon?" Axel questioned.

"Not entirely." Rafael answered, "Since I'm Master of Divinity I am responsible for making decision on the certain traditions and customs throughout Emon, and obviously be the representative of the Moonweaver, but in time the other religions will join in as well."

Lydie lowered her eyes. She'd been with her father for about three weeks, but it seemed like she'd known him forever. Her heart tinged with sadness as she looks up to him, "Will you come see us?"

Rafael was stunned by Lydie's question. But softened seeing her concerned stare. He kneels down and cups Lydie's face, "I promise." he answered, resting his forehead on hers.

******

The next day was a glorious sunny evening as Uriel called forth the citizen of Emon. Uriel's family stood to his left, while Rafael, Lydie, Phoebe, and Axel stood to his right. The crowd begins to cheer seeing the Sovereign along with his family and the council. Uriel lift up a hand as he begins to speak, "Friends and family. Allies of this fair city of Emon. Houses-in-arms to the Tal'Dorei family. Guests, guardians and law-keepers alike. I thank you for coming on such short notice. Tal'Dorei has been beset by evil, wearing the faces of monsters and men. I allowed strangers into our midst, entrusting them with power they never should've had." He then glances at the band of mercenaries in front, "Vox Machina saved us from this threat. My weakness put the realm in jeopardy. But I vow never to allow that again. And so, with humility, I hereby renounce the throne, and cede the government to the council of Tal'Dorei." With that, the crowd ruptures into gasps and murmurs, "These wise patriots shall ensure..."

Before Uriel could finish his speech, Lydie felt a cold chill run down her spine followed by the feeling of dread, she then looks over into the setting sun to find and her eyes widened in shock, "Wait...is that?"

"No." Phoebe responds her eyes widening in horror.

"Impossible." Axel breathed.

Over in the horizon, four winged beasts screeched, their wings creating a flapping noise. Rafael furrowed his brows, "Dragons." his eyes glowing a neon blue. Suddenly, the guards marched out in formation, "The call to arms! Everyone move!" Jarett calls out as he made his way towards the podium. Before long the square erupted into panic, scattering around like ants. Over head a white dragon flew into view shooting a black freezing the tower as large cracks begin to form. The white dragon breaks through the ice, causing large spikes that killed several people.