Kingdom of Yabla Vol.1: Aric Valen's Journey

Prologue: Kingdom of Yabla

In the ancient lands, nestled between the mighty peaks of the Valir Mountains and the restless waves of the Shanneth Sea, lay a kingdom both mysterious and revered — Yabla. Surrounded by mist-shrouded forests and perilous cliffs, Yabla was a land untouched by the passage of time, its beauty as timeless as the stars above. But beneath the serene landscape and its grand stone fortresses, a dark legacy simmered, waiting for the day it would rise again.

Once, Yabla was a beacon of prosperity and peace. Its people thrived under the rule of the House of Valen, a royal family known for their wisdom and their bond with the ancient powers that flowed through the very earth. The kingdom's success was rooted in this mystical connection, granted by the mythical Obsidian Crown, a relic forged in the heart of a forgotten age. This crown, with its eerie black gems, was more than just a symbol of power—it was a conduit for magic older than the kingdom itself.

But power, even the kind gifted by ancient forces, has a price.

Generations ago, during the reign of King Theron Valen, the kingdom was brought to its knees by a betrayal from within. The trusted sorcerer Tavar, once an advisor to the throne, sought to wield the Obsidian Crown's power for himself. Unleashing a curse upon the royal family, Tavar plunged Yabla into chaos. The once-united realm fractured into warring factions, and the kingdom's harmony crumbled into ruin.

Theron's final act as king was to hide the Obsidian Crown, sealing it away in a secret tomb deep within the kingdom's heart, beyond the reach of any mortal hands. With his last breath, he cursed Tavar, condemning the sorcerer to eternal wandering, a spirit bound to the shadows, ever seeking what he could never possess.

Centuries have passed since that dark time. The crown remains hidden, its location lost to history, and the once-great Kingdom of Yabla now lies fractured, ruled by rival lords and mercenaries who grasp for power. Yet, whispers have begun to stir in the wind—tales of the Obsidian Crown resurfacing, and with it, the return of ancient magic.

In the small village of Elthar, a young scribe named Aric dreams of the old tales, unaware that he is about to be thrust into a fate entwined with Yabla's future. For the kingdom's curse is awakening, and the fate of all who live within its borders will soon be decided.

The kingdom's dark legacy is about to unravel. And this time, the stakes will be higher than ever.