The Shattered Crowns

Chapter 1: The Power of Old Wars

Part 1: The Calm Before the Storm

The evening sky, heavy with storm clouds, hung like a shroud over Alina's cottage. The wind howled and rattled the branches of the trees outside, carrying with it the distant echoes of a storm yet to come. But within the humble walls of the cottage, there was a strange warmth—a fire crackling in the hearth, sending flickering shadows across the rough-hewn walls. The scent of roasted herbs, mingling with the earthy fragrance of wood and lavender, filled the air.

Alina sat near the hearth, her youngest, Kael, nestled against her side. His small face, bathed in the flickering light of the fire, was full of wonder as he watched the flames dance and twist. Beside her, Eidan—her adopted son—sat in silence. His eyes were distant, and the restlessness in his gaze spoke of a hunger for something more than the life they led in their remote village.

Her other children played quietly in the corner, their laughter a soft hum in the background, but it was the silence that had settled over the room like a heavy blanket that Alina could not ignore. Her heart felt leaden, burdened with the weight of secrets she could no longer keep. Tonight, she would tell them of the past—of a betrayal that would change the fate of the world.

The fire crackled, and with a deep breath, Alina broke the stillness. "Tonight, I will tell you a tale of betrayal," she began, her voice steady but filled with sorrow. "A tale of a kingdom lost to greed and ambition, of magic, power, and a man who tore the world asunder—Malachar."

At the mention of his name, Kael leaned forward, his eyes wide with curiosity. The air grew thick, heavy with anticipation, as if the very walls of the cottage were holding their breath. Alina felt a chill deep in her bones as she began to speak of the past—a past she had hidden for so long.

Part 2: The Rise of Malachar

Eidan's brow furrowed. He could no longer remain silent. "Who was Malachar, Mother? How could one man destroy everything?"

Alina's face darkened as the weight of the memories surged to the surface. She closed her eyes for a moment, steadying herself before speaking. "Malachar was a Veyra—a being of ancient magic. There were five Veyras, each one bound to the ruling bloodline of a kingdom. The Veyras were the sacred bridge between the land and its rulers, linked by blood, spirit, and magic older than time. They were the ones who guided the rulers, who kept the balance of the realms."

She paused, her gaze turning to the fire as if seeking courage. "Malachar was the Veyra of King Aaron, ruler of Elyria. Elyria was the heart of the world, a kingdom where the magic of all five realms—Forge, Waters, Wind, Earth, and Light and Shadow—intertwined. Elyria was a land of balance, where all magic existed in harmony, where the Synergy of the five realms kept peace and prosperity. There was no kingdom more powerful or more beautiful."

"But Malachar sought more. He wanted dominion over all the realms. He desired control, to reshape the world in his own image. And to do that, he needed to break Elyria's heart."

Eidan's voice was a whisper. "He betrayed the king?"

Alina nodded grimly, her expression filled with pain. "Yes. Malachar turned against King Aaron, shattering the sacred bond between the royal bloodline and the magic of Elyria. To control the realms, he needed to unlock the power of Elyria, but only the ancient keys could grant him access to that power. These relics, scattered across the kingdoms, were the keys to the true heart of Elyria. With them, he believed he could unite the realms under his rule."

Part 3: The Division of the Kingdoms

Alina's voice grew quieter, filled with sorrow. "At first, the other kingdoms trusted him. Elyria had always been a beacon of unity, and Malachar had earned the favor of King Aaron. The kingdoms had no reason to doubt him. But Malachar was a master of whispers, sowing distrust between the kingdoms. He preyed on their fears and their pride."