The Mythical Emblems of Gragodon - Volume 3

By Venkataraman Gopalakrishnan

The passing of Lord Abel of Lamiras heralds the departure of joy from Castle Len. The gloom surrounding the castle permeates to the citizens of the land. The coming of hard times is envisaged by the Puyrruhian Sorceress, Lady Jasmina.
The comrades, Irah and Daasarpias, unaware of the tragic events taking place in faraway Lamiras, make a detour towards the hidden abode of the women warriors of the Sol Hills in Solma.
Fired up by idealistic ponderings, Irah wonders whether it is possible to bring about a reconciliation of sorts between the ruling reptila of Solma and its past stewards. In the process, Captain Korgul and his brave reptilian warriors are roped into this wishful-thinking venture.
However, the stark realities facing the reptila and the human warriors of Solma remain an altogether insurmountable obstacle to overcome. In the task that he is about to carry out, Captain Korgul realizes the grave consequences facing the vast populace of his reptilian people.
In the meanwhile, the bearer of the Black Bangle, after his victorious challenge over the monarch of Lamiras and the Spirit of the Sea, sets his sights on the remaining Gragodonian emblems. He seeks out the rest of the Emblem bearers, intending to defeat them one after another. The Sceptre emblem soon comes into his arsenal of mystical weapons.
Queen Orlinda of Orvidea, learning of the heroic exploits of the Emblem bearers, sets her sight upon wooing one of the valorous monarchs. Any monarch worth his salt would definitely acknowledge the advantages in having such a warrior queen for a wife.
In the parallel world of the smaller-sized folk of ZoVog realm, Daasarpias and Yuleyae find themselves facing the wrath of another mighty Sorcerer, ZoValmar. The weapon of this Sorcerer exactly matches the fury of the Black Bangle of Belgond. Yuleyae beholds, firsthand, the might of ZoValmar’s dark forging.
In the land of Belgond, the time is right for Prince Navlon to gather his might and plan

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9789810797836

Book preview

Chapter 1

In The Meantime

Streaks of sunlight peered through the canopy of trees surrounding the castle at Len Lamir, when the flutter of wings revealed a pigeon, just about to land on its feet in the wee hours of the morning. Like a weary wanderer looking for a place to rest, the pigeon found a welcome perch on the windowsill of Lord Abel’s royal chamber. It was exactly a month and ten days to the time when Anamarias and Irah left Lamiras with their Gragodonian emblems, in pursuit of a quest they had the least inkling about.

Abel heard the coos of the little visitor and hurried to enquire into the nature of its arrival. The continued calling had shattered the silence of a moment ago, like a scream in the still hours of an awakening dawn. A roll of parchment lay tied to its foot and Abel quickly placed his fingers over the bird’s soft, warm feathers. A green tinge at the fringes of its wings announced the nesting ground of the pigeon.

As he read the parchment, a saintly smile came to Abel’s lips. The tidings were from Lord Marirah, the father of King Irah of Meldovia. The young kings, Anamarias and Irah, were already on their way to the kingdom of Orvidea, after crossing into the Land of Wons. A scribble towards the end of the parchment made Abel gaze again at its meaning. It revealed the identity of the original sender of the message – Lady Jasmina – who had her abode in the mountains, east of the sandy terrain just before one reached the desolate Land of Wons.

Lady Jasmina… Abel whispered ever so softly.

He had heard the name mentioned by Melthur months earlier when the reptilian incursions into Varnosia’s borders were being discussed. Abel wondered about the strange creature which sported the body of a human from the waist up, while the lower half resembled the form of a horse.

My acquaintance with the female puyrruh has stood me well… all these years. Do not underestimate the extent of her powers, my Lord Abel, just because she is of the so-called fairer race. A stronger ally you will indeed find hard to come by.

Melthur had always spoken well of the Lady Jasmina and often looked her up in the course of his adventurous pursuits, for the welcome counsel she inevitably gave. Her strength of spirit was legendary and, now that Melthur was no longer around to give wise counsel, Abel could not but look forward to an encounter with the famed oracle of the race of puyrruh. If and when the going got tough, she was the one he would have to seek out for help. The more he thought about the strange creature, the more he found himself straying towards tales of the ancient Puyrruhian race, not one of whom had he ever come across in all his life.

The days after Navlon’s disappearance, the length and breadth of the castle and its surroundings were hunted for signs relating to the grim murders. The suddenness and manner of the killings sent shivers down the spines of even the bravest warriors, whilst the hunt for clues led to much court gossip, though no answers were readily forthcoming from the continued searches.

Surely there had to be a connection between the three incidents, the lords Abel and Maldi were certain. Yet, what it was they could hardly envisage. Shortly after the departure of Anamarias and Irah on their rumoured quest, the castle was besieged with fear for the safety of the royal family; the protective Emblem of Lamiras having already left the kingdom. Rumour centred on the unknown assassin, who had slain his victims in the most gruesome manner. Here and there, in the towns and villages, seemingly wise heads acknowledged the approaching end of the Lamir dynasty of rulers.

The peace in the kingdom could no longer be taken for granted and it was only a matter of time before more members of the royal family, or the handful of warrior-lords holding high rank in the court of Len Lamir, met their doom. Their young king, upon whom the stewardship of the realm rested, had also ridden away from the kingdom.

It did not augur well for the citizens when their young king seemed more concerned with his own welfare and had ridden away to safer havens. Amongst the discontented citizenry, the identity of the next victim was already being pronounced and, in many an inn, bets were secretly wagered.

Fortunately, for the hopeful citizens of Lamiras, the arrows of the mysterious assassin found not another victim since their young, but strong king rode forth on his dangerous quest. As the days passed, one after another, the initial fear gave way to a semblance of confidence in the authority of Lord Abel and his generals, and the feeblest signs of gaiety returned to the castle grounds.

The tidings from Meldovia had come at the right moment. They gave Abel the boost he needed to restore the drooping spirits of his warrior-lords, after many a dark day had besieged their hearts. Sighs of obvious relief escaped the lips of the court nobles and the sun shone bright once again over the horizon of beleaguered hearts.

The border limits around the chief towns of the kingdom were being reinforced by the enlistment of eager citizens seeking employment in the service of the king. Strong hands and the not-so-young found themselves recruited into the king’s army. To the curious onlooker, it seemed that a heightened level of activity was taking place over much of the realm.

An exodus of people from the inland parts of the kingdom towards the outer fringes of the realm brought forth curious stares from the older folk. Inns and taverns mushroomed along the routes stretching up to the main city of Len Lamir, to cater to the growing needs of her people. Blacksmiths found their hardy skills put to the test and the clang of one piece of metal striking another came to be heard, even in the late hours of the evening.

The citizens, especially those who had something or other to sell, looked forward to the hustle and bustle around them because it was a rare occasion indeed when they gained a handsome profit from the throng of passing visitors.

Yet, through all the goings-on of the moment, a fear still lingered in the air. The citizens had no way of knowing for how long the excitement of the past weeks would continue. Tidings from the grapevine brought forth bits and pieces of uncertainty and these saw the wizened folk shake their heads in disappointment, which the younger folk read as a sign of the times.

Attempts by court nobility to hush the truth from the citizens did not escape the notice of many an eager enquirer. Never the antidote to lift up the spirits of the people out of their despondency, such gossip upset the citizenry further and invited a depressing gloom, not at all welcome at this point in time. While it was hardly a secret that the lords, Arben and Melthur, were murdered, the reasons for the killings and the disappearance of the royal scout were never made known.

The nobles of the castle had their hands full in one way or another, enforcing new rules to keep an eye on the people who visited the kingdom, from those who left for greener pastures. More sentries were posted to guard the gates to the chief cities. Suspicious looking wayfarers, who entered the gates, were frisked and relieved of their armour. More often than not, these were returned when their owners left the city.

In such trying circumstances, the guards at the gates of Len Lamir found themselves face-to-face with a never-before-encountered situation. Early on the tenth morning of the implementation of the new rules, they espied the form of a lone rider on horseback coming from the distant horizon. From afar, the rider looked like any other horseman, though the hurried pace of the horse made their gaze follow its path. As the animal came within earshot, the sentry’s face bore a bewildered look bordering on astonishment. He had never before come across a creature having the body of a human from the waist upwards, while the lower half revealed the features of a horse, complete with four sturdy muscular legs and hoofed feet.

What… wh… who… are you? came the uncertain gasp from the warden at the gate.

A semi-circle of warriors had taken up their positions, naked swords drawn from their dull-looking scabbards, as they stood beside their surprised warden, wondering what he was about to do. Even at such close quarters, they could hardly make out the facial features of the creature, for it was clothed in a dark shawl from head to waist. Other than the shawl, the creature wore little else on its animal body. Obviously the protective strands of cloth must have come in handy to ward off the heat and cold of the changing seasons and the dust of the desert sands, or so the warden believed.

When one hand from the creature pushed back the shawl a little, the guards beheld an old female face giving them the once over. And just as unexpectedly, they heard a strong guttural tone from its lips.

I have journeyed a long road… to meet with Lord Abel of the House of Lamir. Take me to him fast, or you will regret the day you set eyes on Jasmina… of the ancient race of puyrruh.

Warden Landa gaped hard at the arrogant apparition come upon them, from out of the blue. He was in two frames of mind. The first told him he faced a female creature; an old one at that for him to take control of the situation. The second took note of the uncanny quality of authority coming from the lips of the female creature. The tone was similar to those of experienced warriors, who preferred not to be trifled by the likes of lesser men.

A bow lay slung across the creature’s shoulders while around her middle - the animal part of the creature, a quiver of arrows rested harmlessly. The quiver enabled for easy reach from either hand. All in all, the creature looked capable enough of making her threat come true, despite its aged features. Landa glanced towards his comrades standing beside him. They were equally unsure what to do next. Perhaps, this was nothing more than a show of arrogance from the bigger creature, he thought.

The orders from the castle were clear. The guards had to search each and every visitor entering their city. If one turned up armed to the hilt or gave suspicion of his intentions, he was to be detained until the Captain of the fort ordered the release of the suspect person. To the warden’s gaze, the creature before them was definitely the strangest of visitors and certainly armed to the hilt.

Lay down your weapons, creature! Landa demanded of the apparition standing tall before him. You may stand taller than the rest of us… but will be no match for our combined strength!

When some quiet moments passed and the creature did not appear to take the warning seriously, Warden Landa and his men strode forward to disarm their visitor.

Do as you are bid, old one, before we seize and bind you down with rope! Landa repeated his order.

It was precisely what the visitor had anticipated. With a speed belying her age, the creature pulled out three arrows in quick succession. Her bow, pulled taut in the stance of attack, stared nakedly at the guards, ready to let loose at the slightest provocation.

You will not live to see the sun set over yon horizon, Warden of Len Lamir, she hissed menacingly, unless you and your men sheath your swords this instant!

The advancing warriors froze in their tracks. They had seen enough archery to admire their peers draw arrow from quiver as they fired away at their targets, but the speed with which the creature armed herself, from intended victim to attacker, had them gasping in awe. Within the blink of an eye, she had turned the tables on them and was now the aggressor. By this time, a crowd of eager onlookers from inside the gate gathered to watch the unfolding commotion. It was a rare sight to behold the warriors of their kingdom being bested at their own art.

You and your men are no match for me, human! I have come on a mission of grave undertones. Do not block my path any more than you already have, Jasmina said, though her lips hardly moved.

It was more than just a whisper but the warden and his men heard it in clear tones. They stood rooted to the spot, unsure what to do in the face of certain death. When more than a few moments passed without a sound coming from the warden’s lips, Jasmina swiftly returned her arrows to the quiver.

I can outrun any of your horses and also leave the rest of you dead if I had wanted to. But it is not the reason why I am here. One amongst you has to escort me to the House of Lamir, for the times warrant the tidings which I bring. I come in peace and I intend to leave in peace as well, unless you force me to act otherwise. What do you propose to do now, Warden?

I will escort you to the castle, my lady, a friendly voice from the rear announced, to the surprise of the gathered crowd.

Captain Markiv! the warden exclaimed, obvious relief showing on his face.

Captain Walno Markiv, a seasoned warrior of Lord Maldi’s regiment and the commander of the fort, gazed at the unfolding scene before him. He had come unnoticed upon the clash of words between his warden and the strange creature.

Having risen through the ranks to become captain of the fort fronting the castle at Len Lamir, he kept a keen eye on the doings of his subordinates. He prided himself with the ability to assess and take charge of a situation whenever a challenge reared its ugly head.

In the circumstances leading to the standoff between the warden and the tall puyrruh, Markiv realized that his men had been given a second, and probably a third chance to reconsider their stand against a stronger adversary. The creature exhibited wisdom in the way she had chosen her words. He was convinced the female puyrruh was the stronger challenger compared to the dozen warriors blocking her path. He could not go overly wrong by offering to escort her personally towards the castle at Len Lamir. It would prevent an unnecessary fight and probably save innocent lives as well.

Welcome to the realm of brave warriors, my lady, the Captain bowed low as he strove to make amends. I seek the pardon of one from the valiant race of puyrruh if you feel we have not shown the proper respect due to you. Yet, these are uncertain times and we have the right to protect our land the way we see fit.

The creature smiled in return. She had beheld a gamut of emotions pass through the warden’s countenance, but was happy to see a born leader in charge of the fort. He read the situation the way it should have been handled in the first place.

After the introductions were over, Captain Markiv led the way inland towards the highland castle of King Anamarias, followed by Landa, the warden. The ride towards the castle was punctuated by Markiv’s persistent questions, endeavouring to find out as much as he could about the way of life of his guest and her intentions.

From the horse’s mouth, the men learnt of the forgotten race and the tales of ancient ways and times, which they had never before heard from another living soul. By the time Castle Len came into view, Captain Markiv was smiling unto himself. He had done the right thing, taking it upon himself to escort their strange visitor all the way to the castle. The lords, Abel and Maldi, when they learnt of the arrival of their unusual guest, lost no time in making haste towards the Hall of Thought, curious to know the nature of Lady Jasmina’s visit.

Abel found himself gazing open-mouthed, unable to give voice to the customary words of greeting expected of a royal host towards his guest, for outlandish she appeared in every sense of the word. A nudge to his shoulder by his younger brother brought him out of his daze and Abel stepped forward to extend a courteous bow, in the gesture of welcome.

To what do we owe the honour of your visit, Lady Jasmina? Abel asked, his voice giving way to the fears in his heart.

It is I who owe you the honour of my presence here, Lord Abel. I have come to the house of courageous men, who think not twice about battling foes, stronger than they can ever imagine. When I speak of courage, not only do the young monarchs of Lamiras and Meldovia come to my mind, but their aged parents as well. You tarried not to send your only child into dangers, unimaginable to the average human, so that peace would descend onto the lands of living beings.

You speak kind words, my lady. We received the tidings, which you sent to Lord Marirah of Meldovia, some days ago. They have in turn brought about a welcome sense of hope, long overdue in the House of Lamir. Yet, a father’s heart longs to know how his children fare on the danger-filled path. Pray fill my ears, not only with tales of their exploits… but their thoughts as well, Abel said.

Jasmina gazed at the frail-looking human. His eyes bared the emptiness in his heart and a want for joyful tidings. This need had eaten into his health. His words revealed an overpowering attachment for the son whom he had sent into the unknown wilds of danger-infested trails. Her heart went out to the two men standing beside one another, waiting eagerly to hear her speak. In appearance, each bore a resemblance to the other, as children of the same seed usually appeared to the eye.

I will narrate the dealings of their courageous exploits, for I sensed the hand of the higher powers above, in the arrival of the young kings to my abode. You will appreciate that your trust in the valour of the bearers of the Gragodonian emblems has not been in vain.

For the benefit of the assembled nobles, Lady Jasmina recounted the quests of Anamarias and Irah, and Daasarpias as well, ever since the kings stepped into the realm of her faraway domain. The hours passed and Jasmina beheld the emotions of fear, joy, anger and sadness pass through the faces of the small gathering. Her narration came to an end at the point where she parted company with the three kings, near to the border limits of the kingdom of Orvidea.

I have entrusted to each of the kings… a Band of Healing. It will help heal most injuries and also reveal the nature of the persons they come across in their future journeys. They have a long and hard road ahead of them, Lord Abel, before they behold the shores of their birth again.

The nobles in attendance nodded their heads. They had not expected anything different from what the departed Melthur had revealed, just days before he was found slain in his own chamber. As much as her narration had uplifted their morose hearts, Jasmina’s countenance quickly changed into a frown.

A certain matter troubles my heart, the more I ponder about it. Just before I came upon the young kings, I sensed the presence of two powerful humans as they rode through my domain. I tried to pierce through the veil of their intentions, but something in their possession prevented me from discovering their identities. These two riders came from the same road the young lords took. I perceived they came from the direction of Lamiras.

Abel and Maldi blinked at each other, not understanding the words of their guest.

Who in your kingdom, other than the departed Melthur, could have possessed a power to hinder the far-sighted eye of Lady Jasmina? she asked.

Only Melthur possessed any kind of mystical power, my lady. Melthur’s apprentice, Navlon, learnt some of the mysterious art, but he too perished soon after Melthur’s slaying, Maldi replied.

My eyes see farther than most, Lord Maldi. I knew what I saw was neither an ordinary presence nor an illusion. Such strong, dark vibrations emanated from the realm of Lamiras and passed through the mountains towards the Land of Wons.

You must be mistaken, my lady, Abel added. Like Lord Maldi said, we have yet to come across another Sorcerer as powerful… or anywhere close to what the Grandsire used to wield.

Jasmina eyed her hosts for several moments, unable to believe the import of their words.

They must have sensed my presence, for they avoided the whereabouts of my abode and chose their own path across the mountains. I did not pursue their trail because an all too familiar sensation distracted my sight. My presence was needed elsewhere, for some other purpose, though I did not know what it was going to be then.

You referred to the strong vibrations as being dark? Maldi asked, thinking he had not rightly heard the creature.

Jasmina nodded. You heard right, my lord. The riders were not possessed of good intentions. Only evil could have come about from the machinations of those two!

The chamber became uneasily quiet as they pondered over the meaning of her words. Just as abruptly, the puyrruh gave out an encouraging nod.

Thus far, victory has sided with the good peoples. The three kings are strong… and prepared to deal with almost any encounter they will likely meet on their path.

At these words from their guest, a shout of joy went out amongst the warrior lords at the encouraging tidings and they raised a toast of victory to their lips. They were happy to know that the three young kings had command of their respective emblems and were also empowered with more charms to protect against further evils along their path. But more than anything else, they were taken in by the chivalrous nature of their young king, thus far in his quest.

Lord Maldi was deep in thought. He had not joined the cheer of the other nobles. He knew then why they had been spared the wrath of the mysterious assassins. The killings had ended with the departure of the two mysterious riders from Lamiras.

Abel was especially glad to hear that Anamarias had returned to sound health after the harmful wound inflicted by Dalgon, near the mountainous abode of his guest. Yet, he was also assailed by uncertainty, from the events Lady Jasmina had narrated, though he did not give voice to his feelings, preferring instead, to relish the chivalrous deeds of his courageous son.

It was late into the evening when Lady Jasmina finally took leave of her hosts. She sensed Abel was not as cheerful as he made himself look towards the rest of the audience. He had held something back from his warrior-lords. They would have to talk further, just the two of them, when the morning dawned and before she returned to her home in the mountains.

The morning found Jasmina well rested and refreshed for the long ride back home. The Lords Abel and Maldi came together to send her off from the castle. As they bid their farewells, Jasmina could not help but notice a morose-looking Abel wave back at her.

The signs of worry show clearly on your forehead, my lord, Jasmina said, even as she retraced her steps towards the men. I sensed you were not as joyful when the other nobles celebrated the heroics of their king. What troubles your heart, Lord Abel?

Jasmina glanced towards Lord Maldi, wondering why he was also looking as glum, when the tidings she delivered the previous day were anything but gloomy.

Abel held his head down. When he looked up to meet Jasmina’s eyes again, she perceived mixed emotions coming from her host. There was indeed something which he could no longer hold back from revealing.

There are some matters held close to my heart, which only Lord Maldi and Marias’ mother have any inkling about. Melthur was also aware of them, but he is no longer around to give his usual counsel. Many a month ago, he had urged me to seek you out and heed your wise words, if ever I needed any. It looks like he peered into the future and beheld the events about to come upon Lamiras. Now you have come to me at a time when I need help most.

Abel paused. He did not know whether to continue or hold back whatever it was he wanted to say. He glanced at Maldi, who felt equally uncomfortable with what was about to be unburdened.

Like my loving brother said, there are gloomy secrets of long years buried in the recesses of our hearts, Maldi added. I doubt it would help to bring back those memories, when nothing untoward has come about in all the years those secrets have slept peacefully, as they should be.

Marias is not the child born to Lady Uma and me! Abel blurted out from the depths of his soul.

Maldi let out a deep sigh and buried his face in the palms of both hands. The memories of the past years returned vividly to his mind and he fought back the urge to stop his brother from revealing too much of their tragic past.

Like the breaking of a long sturdy dam, Abel’s pent up emotions washed upon the banks of Lady Jasmina’s hearing. Before he could stop the tirade of words from leaving his lips, Abel found himself giving voice to his fears.

"The queen and I were having the time of our lives, being the lord and lady of this peaceful kingdom. It was after many a year of wedded bliss when we felt an intruding emptiness entering our lives. What could be more joyful than hearing the prattle of a babe in the confines of our large castle? There was no offspring from our union.

Yet Maldi, my loving younger brother, was about to become a father in his own right. Perceiving the plight of his king and brother, Maldi swore upon an oath which he has kept to this very day. He promised me his first-born when the time came for the baby to come into the world. The fates have been more than unkind to him.

The mother of his child died soon after freeing herself from the shackles of the infant baby. Maldi took the ill-fated occasion to place the new-born Anamarias into our hands, thereby soothing the hurt of his king. The Grandsire welcomed the willing sacrifice but counselled us not to speak of the matter again. Marias grew up, from then on, as the heir to the kingdom. Not another soul knows about the origins of the king’s birth."

In the ensuing silence, Lord Abel’s breathing sounded loud to the ears of his listeners. His brow was bathed in a thin layer of perspiration.

I fear for Marias’ life because he is not of my lineage, Abel added. Would there be anything to be concerned about with regards to the Staff he wields? Would he be able to tap into its mystical powers as only a true son of royalty can be expected to? Or… will the fates turn against him when he least expects it? As far as the words of the ancient seers hold, only the immediate descendant can be chosen to wield the emblem.

Jasmina walked a step towards Abel. She took his hand into hers and felt the smooth skin of his palm. A vision came before her eyes. Lord Abel’s days in the land of living beings were coming to an end, yet there was much to be done before the time came for him to leave.

I will say what comes from my heart, Lord Abel, Jasmina said. I do not know much about the Emblems of Gragodon, other than the little Melthur revealed many years ago. But what I do know is this. The emblem chooses its bearer. If the king was not to be the bearer of the Staff emblem, he would not have found it in the first place. I have beheld the skill with which he wields his emblem; like it was made for him. The Staff has already made its choice and you have nothing to concern yourself with, in this matter. The wise Melthur would have said the same thing had he been well and alive this day.

As she glanced towards the person of Lord Maldi, Jasmina could not but offer words of praise to the long-silent man.

You have indeed made the utmost sacrifice, Lord Maldi; not revealing to your only child the yearning of an aching heart. I can see how Marias has indeed inherited the traits of a wonderful man, as exemplified by your deeds.

This is the secret we have long withheld from Marias. Come what may, the strange tale of his birth must not be revealed to him, Maldi reminded her.

Your secret stays safe with me. The fates have been more than unkind in your particular station, Lord Maldi. Yet something joyful comes out of the sadness we experience. When will you reveal the truth to your son?

I lost my lovely wife, Ana, the day after Marias was born, Maldi explained. "When she died, all the happiness in the world died with me. I could not bring up a child all on my own.

My brother and Lady Uma have given Marias everything which I could not. They have been the father and mother he has never found wanting. I could not have asked for more than to see my son grow into the strong and fearless person he is, with the love of a father and mother at hand. There will not be a need to reveal to Marias the secrets of long years. It will only bring about much pain to his innocent heart."

Lady Jasmina put one arm around Maldi’s shoulders in a kindly gesture, as if to say she understood his concerns well enough.

Do not fear for the safety of your king, Lord Abel. He is the rightful bearer of the Staff emblem, Jasmina said, glancing at the elder human.

Your kind words have the power to put restless hearts to rest, Lady Jasmina, Abel sighed. Yet why do I keep having the same dream, night after sleepless night, where the Staff slips out of Marias’ grasp at his moment of need?

Jasmina took a step towards Abel and held his face in her palms, even as she gazed into the dark pupils looking back at her. To her vision, the signs of worry were etched deep in Abel’s heart. And then, she beheld the same scene Abel had experienced repeatedly over the past nights.

"What has been made known to me and you, Lord Abel, will come to pass in the not too distant future. To my vision was revealed the presence of a woman, filled with extraordinary strength. The vibrations of the powerful person told me Lord Marias will come upon friends of an ancient age. The king may lose his Staff but will gain much more from the loss, although I doubt he will be without his emblem for long.

Then again, the emblems are not the only armour of protection for those who can perceive and make good use of the moments given to them. If it will put your heart to rest, let me reassure you that I do not sense another powerful being, whether sinister or otherwise, in this part of the kingdom."

Just what we have been telling you all along, my lady, Lord Maldi added.

Abel returned Jasmina’s stare. He felt better after having heard Jasmina’s version of his dream. His eyes watered with happiness, realizing Anamarias was indeed the true bearer of the Staff emblem and the rightful king of Lamiras.

Jasmina bade farewell to the royal family. She had beheld the power of sacrifice and love exhibited by one sibling towards another. They had all benefited from the sharing of love. For her part, she had brought much joy to the two brothers and given them the assurance of her assistance, should they require it of her.

Yet, she hid from them her misgivings, especially where the young king of Lamiras was concerned. Anamarias was not the natural child of Lord Abel and his lady, as everyone had thought him to be. Although the incident had taken place more than thirty years ago, a feeling of unease had come over Jasmina when Abel disclosed his well-kept secret. She had to ruminate over the revelations and delve into their inner meanings. As far as she could fathom, there seemed nothing out of the ordinary for apprehension to be exhibited. Yet, there was reason enough to view this lapse from customary tradition with dread.

It was the only instance when an emblem had passed on to the next generation of bearers, where the chosen bearer was not a direct descendant of the previous line of kings. The higher beings of power had their peculiar ways of interpreting each piece of the mystical puzzle, more so when it came to the understanding of the ancient lore of the different realms, least given to the average human to comprehend. More often than not, the littlest change to the ancient customs resulted in grievous harm to the unfortunate partaker, who chose to do things differently.

A cloud of despair continued to clutch at her heart and she remained quiet for much of the road back to the fort of Len Lamir. She had to explore other horizons to ensure the continued safety of Lamiras and their peace-loving neighbours. The journey to Lamiras had been worth her exertions because the kingdom needed to get out of its overly melancholic mood.

Lady Jasmina returned the same way, escorted by none other than Captain Markiv and Warden Landa. They were careful not to ply the quiet-looking puyrruh with more questions, as they had done on the first leg of the journey towards the castle. Lady Jasmina looked troubled with her own thoughts and tended to ignore the men, much to