The Chronicles of Colteran: The Warrior Queen

Chapter 2

"Espers are magical beings created as a result of humans coming into contact with magic during the Primordial War, a war for dominance of the three gods: Gamron, Sylves and Nemun, which occured thousands of years ago. After the war, the gods exhausted all their powers and realized what they did was wrong. Knowing they'll be slumbering for ages to gain back their power, they gave the Espers the free will and tasked them to protect the peace of the world of Colteran in their sleep. In the second war, it's between Espers and humans seeking to use their powers and the gods'. At the height of the war, the espers created a realm where they escaped, bringing along with them the slumbering gods."

Chapter 2

Two days passed and the group finally managed to reach Stratenwit, home to the finest queens in history as its type of government is matriarchy. Elizaria looked in awe as Stratenwit is more advanced than it was before and from the looks of the houses, the people seem live luxurious lives thanks to her childhood friend. Queen Braelynn did a very good job looking after her kingdom. Elizaria wished she could be like her.

“Finally, we're here!” Denzell cheered as they are nearing the castle walls. Reinald approached Elizaria.

“We're here, Elizaria. Are you ready?” He asked.

“Ready as I'll ever be. Let's get this over with. Bree and I have a lot of catching up to do with our lives,” she replied, excited to see her childhood friend. As they walked they way towards the castle, Ruth caught up to Elizaria.

“Don't you think it's weird? Stratenwit's strangely quiet,” Ruth mentioned.

“You're right, Ruth. People should be crowding the streets, for it's a working day,” Elizaria agreed.

After crossing the bridge, they're about to set foot on the boundaries of the castle when an arrow flew out of nowhere. Luckily, Elizaria was able to dodge it and it whistled past her left ear. She could feel her heart beat fast.

“What the hell?” Elizaria exclaimed.

Denzell went to her side.

“What kind of welcome is this for the Crown Princess of Lichenston?” He shouted. Reinald carefully eyed the silent borders of Stratenwit. “Something's off.” Everyone looked at him.

“Be on your guard,” Reinald commanded them.

Everyone pulled out their weapons. As Elizaria pulled out her sword, she readied herself for what's to come. Someone tried to kill her, but why? Why would they do that? Are they trying to give Stratenwit a bad name? Denzell and Ruth had their backs on Elizaria. Reinald, and Malin stood at her side, ready to protect the heiress. Then a rain of arrows poured from above.

“Run for cover!” Reinald yelled.

Denzell, Malin and Ruth ran to the trees for cover while Elizaria and Reinald went to the boulders.

“Where did those come from? Are they really trying to kill us? Any ideas why?” Denzell screamed from the trees.

“Whatever it is, the goal is to kill Elizaria, that's for sure,” Malin answered.

Reinald cursed under his breath. He never knew the Crown Princess was already targeted even before her coronation. “We will get to the bottom of this, but first, we must find a way to get inside those castle walls without getting killed,” Reinald said. He was about to come up with a plan when four Stratenwit soldiers came out from the bushes.

“Get out of there! You'll get shot on the way!” Elizaria shouted at them.

Ignoring Elizaria's order, they still went to her, barely missing the arrows.

“Your highness, you have to leave Stratenwit! It's for your own good!” One of the soldiers told her as they settled at her side.

“Why? What's wrong?” Reinald asked them.

“Stratenwit has been invaded by Carnificina! They sent their army here not long ago. We tried to hold them off, but to no avail. They've taken the castle,” one soldier replied.

“What?! There's no way they could've... Wat about Lady Bernadette, Queen Braelynn and Princess Briana? Are they safe?” Elizaria asked, concerned for her childhood friend's safety despite the situation she's in.

“They have fled after the castle has been taken. They took refuge at Prussengard.”

“That's good to know. How can Carnificina do this? Carnificina agreed that they will stop conquering any nations as part of the peace agreement,” Elizaria recalled.

The War of Nations started at the time of King Frederik Angus Silverwind, High King Garrett's grandfather and Princess Elizaria's great-grandfather. The war caused a lot of casualties, putting all nations at the brink of destruction. At one side was Lichenston, Stratenwit and Prussengard, on the other was Carnificina and Luxemberg. The three kingdoms emerged victorious in this war. Despite its loss, Carnificina continued its battle against the other kingdoms. In High King Garrett's time the kingdom of Carnificina withdrew from battle. The way he ended the war was not stated in any history scrolls, but his victory on ending the 80 year war made other rulers acknowledge him and make him High King, a King over Kings. To strengthen the peace wrought under his rule, he established peace agreements with every other nation.

“Well, the peace agreement's not working for me,” Reinald said sarcastically.

“I can see that,” Elizaria muttered.

“Let's get you out of here, Princess Elizaria! You must make your way to the kingdom of Prussengard. There, you are protected from Carnificina's hands,” a Stratenwit soldier told her.

“No. We should head back to Lichenston and report this treachery to the High King. Then we'll help you take back your kingdom,” Elizaria suggested.

“It's impossible to take back the kingdom. There would be no help coming,” a soldier answered.

“Why?” Reinald asked the soldiers.

“The High King was proclaimed dead and Emperor Magnar of Carnificina is the new ruler of Lichenston.”