Arika: The legend of the lost jewel

chapter 3

Eris, a land so different from Zayd, it almost felt like a world apart. Where Zayd was simple, nestled in nature’s quiet embrace, Eris was a land of grandeur, its towering walls and gleaming buildings visible from miles away. The city was a marvel to behold, with intricate architecture that spoke of advanced knowledge and untold wealth. Its streets were lined with beautiful stone pathways, polished to perfection, leading to towering structures that reached toward the heavens.
The walls that surrounded Eris were formidable, built not just for protection but also to flaunt the city’s power and elegance.
Behind those walls lay a society steeped in luxury, its people draped in the finest silks, their homes adorned with art that could make even the most skilled Zaydan craftsman weep with envy. The people of Eris, those fortunate enough to be born into this world of privilege, knew only the best of everything—food, entertainment, and leisure.
The heart of Eris pulsed with endless activity. During the day, markets brimmed with exotic goods—spices from distant lands, rare jewels, and fabrics dyed in colours so vibrant, they seemed almost unreal. Artisans displayed their delicate creations, while scholars debated theories in grand courtyards, their words echoing off the marble columns. Music drifted from every corner, the melodies played by skilled hands that never faltered.
Yet it was during the night that Eris truly came alive. The city was a hub of entertainment—grand theatres where stories were brought to life in elaborate performances, parties in lavish estates where the elite danced until the early hours of the morning, and private clubs where only the wealthiest citizens were granted entry. It was a place where laughter flowed as freely as the finest wine, and the troubles of the outside world felt like a distant memory.
But beneath the gilded exterior, not everything was as it seemed. Eris had its own faults, hidden in the shadows of its perfection. For those who lived in the upper echelons of society, life was a constant display of wealth and status, a competition
To be seen and admired. The pursuit of entertainment was relentless, leaving little room for anything deeper than surface-level indulgences. Beneath the fancy possessions and endless parties, there was a hollowness that no amount of luxury could fill.
The people of Eris were blessed, yes, but with blessings came expectations. Everyone was born into a role, and deviation from that role was met with disdain. While some thrived in the strict hierarchy, others struggled to maintain their place, quietly suffocating under the weight of societal pressures.
As the sun set on Eris, the city sparkled under the light of a thousand lanterns. The streets filled with laughter.
“Your Highness, the preparations are done,” the young maid repeated softly, her head bowed low, as she stood before the king and queen. The king, a broad-shouldered man draped in a magnificent fur coat, his crown glittering with the rarest jewels, rose from his seat. His presence commanded respect and fear alike.
“Let us make our way,” he said in his deep, authoritative voice, turning to his wife, who sat beside him. The queen was equally as striking. Her golden hair shimmered, cascading down her back, matching the brilliance of her crown. She wore a long, flowing gown of pure white silk, embroidered with golden threads that reflected the light in delicate patterns.
Every inch of her attire spoke of the vast wealth and power they commanded.
She stood gracefully, her serene face betraying nothing of her thoughts. Beside her elegance, the maid, still veiled and modest, seemed like a shadow—silent, unobtrusive, and almost invisible except for her duty to serve. With a swift turn, the maid led the royal couple out of their chambers.
As they descended the grand staircase of the palace, the grandeur of Eris unfolded before them. The palace itself was an architectural wonder—its walls adorned with tapestries and towering pillars carved from the finest marble. Lavish towers loomed overhead, casting long shadows as the first light of dawn kissed their peaks.
The stairs were lined with a plush red carpet, carefully maintained to reflect the status of those who walked upon it.
On either side of the staircase stood rows of young men, dressed in finely tailored uniforms, their faces expressionless as they bowed deeply in respect. Their bows were precise, their movements choreographed to perfection—a reflection of the discipline and order that governed the kingdom of Eris.
“Your Highnesses,” the maid spoke once more as they reached the base of the staircase, her voice hushed as if afraid to disturb the air around them. She gestured toward their awaiting carriage, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The carriage itself was painted in a gleaming white, with intricate gold trimmings. Two magnificent
White horses, their manes braided with silver ribbons, stood ready to pull it.
The king and queen approached the carriage with regal poise. The horses snorted softly, their breath misting in the cool morning air. As the maid bowed again, the royal couple entered the carriage, their movements smooth and rehearsed from years of carrying the weight of the crown.