The Kingdom of Vanora

Vespera 1

24 Lepus of the year 12984(218 years since Korbin's birth)

Avalon's Pov

"Syrpant!" A voice screams.

Oh no. Not now. We've only just arrived in Vespera. Barely over the border.

I turn to Hadriel. He sighs. We turn our horses about and head in the direction of the voice. People scream and run in terror. Hadriel and I do our best to weave between people, buggy's, horses and mules.

Near the end of the line, Father is fending off a massive syrpant. With him is Ignatius. Together they use ice and fire to combat the slick syrpant. Pale green slime oozes from the syrpants thick hide. It's ready to eat.

And we're it's next meal.

Spirits help us.

Using my legs to brace against my horse as she moves I use my arms to form circles. I shout at Hadriel to copy what I'm doing. He seems to get the message. He forms circles identical to my own. Together we use the spell to calm the syrpant. If all goes to plan and we don't step on a body covered in the paralysis goo we should've able to revive the body. That is if the syrpant goes to sleep.

Other mages join in. A whole parade of us circles the great beast. Spells interlink with other spells. The lull of our spells has a great effect on the slimy beast. The syrpant finally shuts its eyes and turns back into a rock.

Our people erupt into a torrent of clapping. The syrpant stirs. Abruptly the clapping stops.
Father makes the universal sign for people to get a move on.

I instruct a few mages to begin looking after the 50 odd people stuck in the goo.
_____

31 Lepus of the year 12984

"Atlas,"

"Havard," Father and Uncle Havard clasp arms and hug. "You look well,"

"You look like shit," Uncle Havard grins. Father jostles uncle Havard's arm. My uncle's grin widens. "What are siblings for? Especially older ones,"

Uncle Havard wraps an arm around Ignatius' shoulders and walks him inside. All the while chatting about the last time he won the tournament. That was 8 years ago and uncle Havard wasn't there to witness Ignatius' victory.

Brielle and I walk inside arm in arm. Idris my cousin comes barreling over. He has to push through servants and people entering the castle. If all goes to plan the servents from Vanora will be integrated into Vespera's system. "Brie!"

Brielle drops my arm and runs to embrace Idris. What? When did this happen? Why didn't Idris tell me about this friendship? I would have loved to talk about Brielle with him. And vice versa.

The pair immediately start talking, completely forgetting that I exist. Thank you for this. I really needed to be reminded how useful I am.

Behind the pair, Aunt Grace walks with her daughters Patrea and Birsley. They give a half-wave. I return the gesture with a nod and smile. In my cousin's and aunts, hands are baskets of blankets. They must be giving them out to the people..no, refugees. My people.

I know father had talked it over with Uncle Havard with putting as many tents as we can into the citadel. Just until people are able to move into a permanent place of residence. That is the hope.

I estimate that it will take at least 2-3 days before everyone is settled. I can tell the people are tired. Not everyone had a horse and not everyone is used to walking all day. Not to mention children, elderly humans, sick and wounded and prisoners.