Fallen Kingdom

CHAPTER ONE: Solas

The clouds drifted slowly over the jagged stone precipices below, their damp undersides leaving long trails of dew upon the mountains which they kissed. Expanding towards the distant horizon, these harsh summits and barbed peaks softened into gentle hills, their faces alive with the slight shimmer of disturbed blades of grass that swayed tenderly within the afternoon zephyr.

As the breeze flowed farther from the earthly sentries on whose back the sky relinquished its weight, the telluric slopes morphed once more into open fields of wheat, the heads of grain whispering softly to one another in a language known only to them and God. Their mysterious message spread swiftly among them, culminating in golden ripples that urged the encroaching sea to put hold upon its advance and listen―listen to the tender murmurs of a thousand unanimous voices, all crying out in pleas of mercy against the roaring surf. Enamored by their desires, the deep responded to their calls with waves of its own, acknowledging their shared existence on the planet which they both knew as home. The blue expanse shifted its offensive towards its opposing shore, grinding indefatigably upon blocks chiseled carefully from stones whose origins have been lost to time.

Within these rigid walls, the Kingdom of Solas flourished beneath the benevolent rule of a compassionate king and queen. The monarchs knew their power stemmed solely from the love and admiration of their charges, for without them, their rule would not only be onerous, but futile.

Queen Azulae the Munificent was renowned across the land not only for her natural beauty, but also her willingness to always do what she believed was best for her kingdom. Her husband, King Liäth the Enlightened, was a man of few words, yet second to none in the skill of talking down those who wished to bring each other harm.

On the twenty-fifth day of November, the King of Solas fell gravely ill. Renowned doctors from the surrounding kingdoms offered their services, yet none could draw Liäth out from the clutches of the virulent infection. By the time the new year arrived, Azulae had been forced to take over the entirety of Solas's management, periodically returning to her lover's isolated chambers for guidance and assistance; as time wore on, however, the King agreed to see her less and less, until finally he barred her from coming near his room.

During this period of upheaval, the Royal Court became indispensable for governing the realm, their guidance directing the kingdom's policies and external affairs. Although these advisors were vital in helping Azulae keep Solas on course, they were not confidants―that honor was reserved solely for the King's Guard, the Guardias del Cros. As the turmoil continued, Azulae had often visited their leader, Grand Master Ranout, and spent hours conversing with him about her concerns and fears. Through this, Ranout had taken on a role closer to the monarchs, leading them to consider him as more than just a protector―he was their friend.

It was this compassionate stance which was bubbling to the surface as he escorted Queen Azulae to another meeting with the Royal Court. Her movements this morning were faster and less refined than usual; the standard sweeping gestures she used to inspire tranquility in others had been replaced with stuttering gesticulations. Ranout had to jog slightly to keep up with her rapid pace, an experience which was completely foreign to him.

Azulae pivoted, taking a couple steps in a different direction before shaking her head and returning to the knight's side. "I'm not looking forward to this gathering―it's been weeks since the last update, which tells me the situation likely hasn't improved. I'm not losing hope, yet these infrequent and disheartening meetings are making it difficult to see the light."

"Your Majesty, I'm certain the King wouldn't want you to dwell on his condition, especially considering how severely it's impacting your disposition. You should try to focus your mind on other things."