The Exiled King

Chapter 36 - He Who Fought

It was early Frostleaf—only a few days after they'd held the crowning ceremony and the night after the coronation parade—and the trees had only just begun to gain brilliant orange and crimson hues. It was still warm and bright, but with an air of early morning frost and the scent of winter in the air.

The Harvest Festival was a yearly occurrence where the people came together to celebrate a successful harvest. This year was of particular splendour and importance, as it marked the end of the long Elven-Dwarvish war—ended through the collaborative efforts of the six hero kings.

Sor'othi was bustling with activity and laughter, the streets illuminated by strings of paper lanterns and lined with hastily constructed market stalls. This city was the hub of festivities, as it lay closest to Greyrose Castle—where the six kings had gathered to be crowned—and it was where the kings had earlier in the day paraded through the streets. Vendors had flocked from all the corners of the kingdoms to sell their goods at the Harvest Festival in Sor'othi.

It was to partake in the festivities that Garyth donned less conspicuous clothes and a cloak and snuck out of Greyrose Castle. The young king was unused to the attention that came with ascending as a monarch and he found it particularly stifling. He glamoured his appearance to mask his facial features and strolled through the busy streets, relishing the lively hustle and bustle. The people dressed in festive colours and the wealthy and poor mingled in the streets together, uncaring of their day to day worries for a single day. It was with a sense of pride that Garyth realised that he'd been one of the ones to help create such an atmosphere. Such a thought almost made all of the pain and hassle of stepping in to stop the war worth it.

Garyth stopped near the city square, where there was music playing and the people were dancing. He stood a little to the side and watched the townspeople enjoying themselves, a little envious and yet too hesitant to approach anyone for a dance. He bobbed his head slightly to the beat of the song, enjoying the moment. It was fine to simply watch for a little bit, he decided.

"Will you dance with me?" A sweet voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

Before him stood a woman—who was quite pretty by most standards—with hair the colour of fire and warm brown eyes. She was dressed in a knee length dress with a leather corset top and she stood only to his chin, perhaps to his nose if she stood on her tiptoes.

"M-Me?" Garyth asked stupidly, stumbling over his words and making a fool of himself.

His face heated up and he hoped fervently that she couldn't see it.

"Uh, yes, of course... I'd be delighted to," He answered awkwardly, holding out his hand for her to take.

As a nobleman, Garyth was well-practised in the art of dancing. Though a little hesitant and awkward at first, he swiftly regained his composure and smoothly swept her out into the dancing throng.

He noticed her eyes fixed on him and couldn't resist asking cheekily, "Do I look familiar? Your gaze is burning a hole through me, you know."

She grinned in response and, with glittering eyes, replied, "I thought you were one of my father's mercenaries... but my father hasn't hired anyone quite as handsome as you."

Garyth chuckled, and continued their playful banter as he gracefully whisked her around the town square.

She was different... she spoke her mind and she was as fiery as her hair was. She had the bearing of a queen. Garyth was quickly smitten with her and he always remembered this day fondly. He was certain beyond doubt that he'd found his soulmate. Later, he learned of her name—Ariane.

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Ariane Farell was crowned queen the day that she married the sixth hero king, Garyth Herus. They were soon blessed with a daughter they affectionately named Elena. Alas, time was a cruel mistress, for Garyth was a being so filled with magic he wasn't quite human anymore—he didn't age... not at the rate that Ariane did. And magic could only prolong a life so long. When he was two hundred and sixty two years old, Garyth Herus lost his wife. His daughter had long since married and had children of her own, who had also grown up over Ariane's lifespan. Though the man had lost his dear wife, he strove to guide Sanobar to prosperity for his family... his daughter and her children.

He was a king beloved by all for his benevolent and just nature. Under his leadership, Sanobar soared to greater heights than ever before. And his popularity only grew when he devoted himself to the repairs of all the kingdoms after the devastating demon war.

But despite all the good he'd done over his long lifespan, he gained nothing himself. And when it truly mattered, he couldn't protect anything he held dear. Though perhaps his magic hadn't entirely forsaken him, for at the moment when he needed it most, he was given a chance. A chance to protect the world his wife held so dear, and the place his children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren called home.

So he took it. But the wizard king was unaware of the consequences of using such power. He was unaware of the pain and suffering that lay ahead on his path.

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The day that the world ended was surprisingly ordinary. Few people even knew what was happening until their lives were erased in one painless instance—vanishing along with their world like they'd never existed in the first place.

Garyth had been powerless to stop it, despite being the most powerful human wizard of all time. Initially, Pelos alone fought for Dargon. The other sibling gods dared not defy this foe. But Pelos fell, and when he fell, it spelled the doom for Dargon and the four worlds.

Garyth remembered it vividly, like it was yesterday... the day of the last stand. The guardians stood together with the heirs of the six hero kings and Garyth Herus—the only living member of the original hero kings.

That day, Garyth Herus perished—along with every creature on Dargon, Heresh, the Ether and the Abyss.

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So I wonder... has anyone figured out what happened yet?