Dimming Light

Chapter One: Fresh Start

A year had passed since the Heliean-Tryan war. Now, no one even thinks of Tryan. It made it's way into the history books. Trinity and I are still married and still in love. Emperor Fritz is still the ruler of Heliea, but I don't trust him. My mother still lives in Heliea and is great friends with Fritz. I think they know something about Sapal, but won't tell me. Sapal is still in hiding somewhere, probably building a new city and militia. There are rumours in Freile county that he is dead, but I know he's alive.

Sapal stole something last year, and I know I shouldn't be thinking of it still, but it's the only thing I actually ever think about. Emperor Fritz is the only person in Heliea that knows what it is, which tells me it was something personal. Why else would he keep it a secret? He would've told somebody by now. Maybe he has told someone and I'm overlooking who it could be.

Since last year, Trinity, as beautiful as ever, is the new host of the annual Meals of Heliea. Meals of Heliea is the biggest feast Heliea ever has. It's a way for the country to remain united. Ever since the Heliean independence from Cantale, the feast has occurred. There is always fresh fruit from the trees and bushes, fresh meat from our livestock, amazing vegetables from the fields where Wær used to be, etc. Meals of Heliea always occurs on the first Saturday of July, and luckily for Trinity, she's stuck with preparation of tables, food, and who the guests will be. She has only five days left, but she already has at least eighty-percent of the work finished.

As Trinity and I are preparing for the Meals of Heliea, Emperor Fritz entered our home. "What brings you here, Fritz?" I asked.

"Oh nothing, just came to see some of my favorite people.....and you, Detrick." He said smiling.

"Ha ha ha, very funny." I replied.

Trinity had just picked up a heavy basket of food for Saturday when Fritz bumped into her. She screamed in stress as the eggs and the milk splattered on the floor.

"Dang it, now I have to go buy more," she said, "I'll be back in an hour."

As she left, I realized what Fritz was doing. He had something to tell me, and it had to be in private.

"So my friend, how have you been?" He asked, but only to be polite.

"Pretty good. Trinity and I are thinking of moving to Yew (where Tryan used to be)" I responded,

"How interesting. You're not following in your brothers footsteps, are you?" He said with a suspicious glare.

"No, why would I?" However, more importantly, why would he ask such a thing? Doesn't he know that he almost ruined my life?

"The truth is, I came here because I have received terrible word of something.... Something I think you know more about."

"What is it?" I spoke without thinking first.

"Three of our cities have been attacked, they're saying it's an uprising of Cantale, and you're related to the leader."

"Sapal?"

"Nope."