The Kingdom of Vanora

The Birth of Korbin

Before the Kingdom of Vanora was lost, it was the stronghold of Seraphina—a Kingdom to be compared with the spirits and human gods themselves. The scenery was beautiful beyond what the eye could see. Even the most skilled artists are never satisfied with what they create.

The Kingdom's harbours were filled with fish, cloth and spices. The flavours the spices and different foods held were exquisite. Each piece of cloth knew no bounds in beauty, and the exotic fish from the sea had fae and humans come from all over.

At any given time, the harbour was filled to the brim. Fae, humans, werewolves, dragons, seers, and many more filled its streets. Traders from distant lands. Kings of old and valiant knights.

In the forest, those who listen can hear the trees sing. Each song was different from the last. Filled with the utmost grace. Not even the spirits or gods could produce. High above the ground, the trees held luscious fruit. Only those brave enough to climb high above to sell fruit at the market.

The lone mountain behind the Castle is the highest in the whole of Seraphina. Higher than Mount Annola. Not many dare venture into the heart of the mountain. But those who do are rewarded with what no one truly knows. Most believe the mountain is a doorway to another world.

Past the mountain is a thick forest. Some say it is cursed. Others say haunted by knights of old, cursed to wander for all eternity after their crusade failed. Others say there's a doorway to another kingdom. A place even the most skilled traveller hasn't been able to find.
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21 Cressia of the year 12766

Elysia's Pov

Nearly every night, Mother would gather me and my five brothers by the bookcase and couches. Once we were settled, she would tell us to gather around. She would weave a story with a warm smile, usually from her archive of stories. She would tell us tales worthy of spirits.

Tonight is one of those nights. One by one, my brothers appear, with Mother not far behind.

The first to arrive is Carys, my twin. The next is Avalon, mine and Carys's elder by one year. A few minutes later, Aveyard and Hadriel were two and four years younger, respectively. And finally, Mother arrives with Ignatius, my younger by five years, in her arms.

"Gather around, children. Tonight I have a special story for you."

Avalon and I scooch closer to her. Mother sets Ignatius on the floor beside me. I wrap my arms around my 6-year-old brother. Mother sits on her favoured couch. The one that has a clear view of the door.

Mother folds her hands on top of her swollen belly. "This one I dug up from the Castle's archives. A tale that I've put off for many years."

My ears perk up with excitement. We hang off of her words. For when Mother weaves stories and tells tales, everyone listens. Her velvety voice lulls you into a state of mind where you feel so comfortable and hang off her every word.

Mother smiles. She knows we're all listening.

"In the early days of the vast Kingdom, Vanora's first King, Vesryn, and his wife, Nestril, bore six sons and a single daughter. Thus ensuring the King's bloodline would survive, with the laws in place, their sole daughter bore the right to Vanoras crown. Her six brothers' claim to the throne also held true, but only if they defeated her in combat, thus winning the crown instead of inheriting it. Even now, you and your five brothers are direct descendants from Vesryn and his wife." Mother leans down and lifts Ignatius onto her lap.

Ignatius gently pats Mother's swollen belly, in a small getting to the baby growing inside. Mother smiles. She pats Ignatius on the nose. My brother squeaks and grabs at her hand.