Aetherian(Part 1): A War Begins

Darien

 "How could we have fallen for that?" Lord Semil demanded. "They have my daughter." The skirmish at the Fields of Highspring was nothing more than a feint for the rest of Karlon Vestarr's forces to march to Riverford and break Arry's siege. When Arry received word that the northerners and Duar were charging their way, she gathered her own army and marched north to face them, but they were outnumbered by thousands. Arry's army was butchered by Lord Karlon's, and Arry herself was captured. It's not known what's become of her. As Lord Semil's forces regrouped at the cursed Epsilon city of Vallea, it was only then when they learned of Alyssa Busch, as well as House Williams, and the internal war in the Sandlands. House Drumwind of Belhall and House Mercer of Desertwood had aligned themselves with Kara Karvine, who was preparing to march to Sandstorm. It was even rumored that Kara had planned to elevate House Drumwind to the High Lords of the Sandlands.

"It's not looking good for us, is it?" said Damien.

"No, it really isn't," Simon Lysander agreed. "Karlon has proven more formidable than anticipated. I don't suppose suing for peace is an option, in order to get my sister back."

"Is it true about Alyssa Busch?" asked Lord Lawson.

"I'm afraid so, our aunt has taken up arms against Vorian," said Darien. "She wants the Dragon Throne."

"Vorian's her nephew," Simon reminded.

"It doesn't seem to matter to her," said Damien. "She despises House Lysander, and Vorian's mother is a Lysander."

"We can't afford to look weak," Darien argued. "We can get Arry back on our terms."

"They have my daughter!" Lord Semil suddenly roared, slamming his fist on the table, and everyone quieted. "What will we do?" There wasn't any words from the other lords or ladies of the Highlands, or even young Simon. They must have been too afraid to speak, but not Darien.

"We have Karlon's brother and mother, don't we?" he asked. "And his sisters?"

"Prince Roderick helped them escape Mistral," Damien corrected. "And Karlon isn't exactly reckless, he's smart. At thirteen, he pretty much won the Redwald Rebellion for us."

"The boy has talent, true," agreed Lord Semil. "But he is still a boy."

"So are we, so is Vorian, and Roderick," Darien reminded. "So was Gunnar Karvine, and so was Trevor. We all know how formidable the Guardians are, and our new King decided to start a war with them?"

"That's without mentioning that Commander Vestarr was also the father of the leader of one of the largest armies in this country," Damien added.

"So, Vorian made a grave mistake," agreed Lord Semil. "I think we can agree on that, but we still have to fight."

"And I will fight, my lord," Darien promised. "Vorian is my brother, and he's been betrayed. Worse, my father was also betrayed by this." At first, Darien had his doubts about fighting against Karlon, but with every day that passed, he thought more. He had tried to remind himself that Vorian was his brother, and Karlon meant to kill him, and every Lysander in Aetherian, including Roderick and Andrella, whose mother was a Lysander.

"I am glad to know where your loyalties lie, Ser," said lord Semil. Suddenly, King Vorian himself came on a large screen on the wall of the mobile base's cabin.

"Lord Semil?" he asked, and he stood in his presence, along with Damien, and the other Highlands lords and ladies. "I would like to speak with my uncle and brothers alone, my lords, my ladies." Lord Semil, Darien, and Damien stayed in the vehicle as the other nobles and Knights left.

"We heard about father a few weeks ago, brother," said Damien. "How did he die?"

"What do you mean?" asked Vorian. "What killed him, or what were his last words?"

"Either," Darien answered.

"I don't know what his last words were, but he was poisoned," said King Vorian. "We're still trying to find out who did the deed, but it's been difficult with the war. Where are you all?"

"Vallea," Lord Semil answered.

"Vallea?" said Vorian. "Isn't that place cursed?"

"I didn't know you believed in that stuff, brother," Damien teased.

"Dragons nearly tore the whole world to pieces ten thousand years ago," the King reminded. "I've had a few experiences that changed my view in the past day. Darien, you are the new Commander of the Dragon Knights, Damien, I need you in Mistral as fast as you can get here."

"Wait, what?" said Darien. "I'm the Commander of the Dragon Knights? What about Ser Brett?"

"There was a sort of complication," Vorian admitted. "You aren't as calm as you look, are you, uncle?"

"No, Your Grace, I am not," Lord Semil admitted. "Your cousin has been captured."

"Arry or Simon?" asked Vorian.

"Arry," Lord Semil answered. "Lord Karlon's forces overwhelmed hers, and she ended up in the hands of the enemy. We have valuable prisoners, but..."

"Uncle," Vorian interrupted. "Lord Karlon's army is marching towards you as I speak, and they have Arry. I promise you, I will bring your daughter home." Right as he was about to end the transmission, a soldier suddenly came into the cabin of the vehicle.

"My lord!" he shouted. "Green Hill has fallen!"