Sacred Kingdoms

Chapter 2

The morning upon Eliann the next day shone brighter than any morning ever had. Perhaps it was the excitement diluting common opinion. This was the dawn of the annual Aerith festival, dedicated to the ancestors who built the nation of Eliann. The festival itself was considered the most important day in all of the year, on par with the induction of a king. In Crestalia, the joy that filled the air practically overflowed. Many merchants had already set up shop in the town square, selling gems, artifacts, exotic foods, and sacred weapons. But with the presence of such value, it is never without greed.
" Get him! Execute that thief! " yelled Roke, a soldier of the Crestalia guard. He shot at the running theft furiously, as if he had been the direct victim. The thief narrowly dodged each arrow but also kept his constant speed, with the stolen weapon in hand.
" Augh!! He's moving fast! Stay on him men!".
The thief quickly hopped on the roof of a merchant's stand, avoiding the soldiers after him. He jumped from each roof until the kingdom gate to the western woods was in sight. The thief sped closer and closer to the gate as did Roke and his fellow soldiers. The theft jumped down in front of gate but was met with 12 soldiers charging from the other side. Closing in on the thief happened quickly, especially supported by Roke's anticipation. As the first soldier to encounter the theft swung his sword, the thief hesitated. With a quick flash, the sword was deflected by the theft's knife. Immediately the thief tried to also deflect the incoming arrows, but had little success. They dug deep in the thief's skin.
" Got you", said Roke as he aimed his next arrow. With the command of thief's arm, Roke's bow burst into flames. The flames burned but Roke continued to run towards the thief. In the blink of an eye and with a quick smile, the thief simply vanished. Roke immediately knew what sort of opposition he was dealing with. A mage. A powerful one at that. Mages are usually rare to encounter and their abilities are prohibited by the Eliann council. Roke started to curse harshly.
" That blasted mage", he said as he gritted teeth. " I couldn't even lay a finger on him! He couldn't just stand still...". Roke looked towards the sky. "What is strength like that even doing around Crestalia?"
"Minding that of it's own," said the victim merchant.
"I humbly apologize about my failure to reclaim your ware, sir", said Roke, humiliated. The merchant pulled Roke up from his knee. "It's quite alright. The stolen item wasn't of great value. It really just of family importance." Roke asked," Your name, sir? I'd like to place a watch on the thief anyways."
"My name is Wisa. The blacksmith. I hope the thief is found."
"Place your faith in the Knights of Crestalia once more. We won't let you down", said Roke as he and his soldiers headed back towards the castle. Wisa simply smiled as he bidded Roke farewell. He quickly sneered once Roke was out of sight.

Gale stared in his bedroom mirror. He wore all of his casual clothes, including his leather boots and silk shirt. The authority of a king still lie in his heart. Justine sat happily brushing her hair until it was great in size and extremely fluffy. Gale thought it looked comfortable. Justine looked over at her husband and smiled with authentic bravery. Gale reflected the same. The new king and queen were ready to revel in their positions.