The Hellion's Court

Prologue: Descent

Raiken City sat like pearl in the heart of the Lantian plains. The Bokuza River cut a winding path through it like a snake, through the tall, golden wheat that grew for miles all around. Zoelle's boat cruised smoothly towards the city's canal gates. Farmers waved from the water's edge as they passed, and she waved back.

Beyond the city, on the horizon, the great white moon-god Tephim rose slowly. A soft crescent in the soft blue sky, the sun was still high in the sky. It had been two years since the mysterious sphere of rock emerged from its prison, the dreaming land. Much had been said about those who had set it free, some of it truth, and some of it lies. What could be seen orbiting high above was undeniable, though.

From behind the curtained cabin entrance emerged a masked figure in dark robes, and a broad shouldered man with tanned skin, white scars riddled his body. As he stepped onto the deck of the small vessel, he stretched, taking in a deep breath of fresh air. As he relaxed, his vision fixed on the gleaming city in the distance.

"It's been too long." The man said.

"Been a while, I guess?" Zoelle asked, looking up at the man.

"I am a free man," he said, "no cage can hold me."

"That would be because of us, Vist." Zoelle said, turning back to the river.

"It is destiny." He said, "If I was meant to be in a cage, then in one I would have remained. And yet I am free, just like Tephim."

"If this fails, you're just going to wind up back in a cage." Zoelle said.

"If that is my destiny," Vist said, eyes fixated on the rising moon, "then that is what will be. I have no reason not to face what fate will decide."

"Right..." She said, taking a deep breath.

"Be strong, islander." He said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "If this world is meant to be ours, then it will be. I will make it so."

The masked man behind Vist leaned forward to whisper in his ear. He nodded, and they returned to the cabin. Moments later, the small boat passed through the canal gates, and into the city. Zoelle's heart raced, but she was calm.. Guards watched passively as they cruised towards the docks. She stepped up and tied her boat the post.

As the dock-master approached, she glanced down the river towards the Palace, which sat right in the middle of it in the centre of the city. The old dock-master approached the woman with a wide and mostly toothless smile. She smiled back, and handed him a hefty bag of coins. He looked up surprised, the fee was not possibly that high. She gave a wink.

Smiling again, he nodded, and humbly turned back around to tend to his duties. Sighing softly, she went back to the boat, leaned into the cabin, and gave the signal. Three figures emerged from the boat's small cabin room, dressed in silk robes, hoods hiding their faces. Quickly they followed Zoelle through the city.

Merchants lined the sandy cobblestone roads, calling out to everyone on the street but them. Guards watched quietly from the corner of their vision, but something kept them from inspecting what they knew the be suspicious. People moved from their course, without even noticing, leaving a wake in the crowd as they walked.

The road to the palace was long, but they were unhindered. Getting in would not be as easy. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the palace gardens and inner wall, which was surrounded by the river. Guards watched each bridge over what was essentially a moat. No one dared cross without reason, and this was not something magic could hide.