“What awaits us, my King?” Titus asked.
“An adventure beyond compare.”
Their gaze drifted to the vast ocean stretching across the western horizon. The waves along the Vestlig Coast lapped against the shore in rhythmic harmony. All around him the world seemed to be singing a new song, one no longer restrained by a fractured chorus.
An adventure? he thought. Excitement deep within him came bubbling to the surface. A sense that many new songs, tales, and memories were just around the corner. He turned once more to face the High King.
“Where do we begin?”
Months later all of Islandia heeded the call of the High King. Among the white walls of Kingshelm, countless men and women gathered. Small signs of the siege remained but the scars drew little attention away from this day. Titus couldn’t help but smile at the date chosen. The Day of Remembrance. The day all this had started for him.
The Grand Throne room was filled with royal figures of ages past. Titus stood in awe. Whether it was the first High King Yeshu or High King Bailian, the man who first stood against the Felled Ones, all of their regal splendor dimmed by the one who now sat on the throne. Tapestries and banners of the many kingdoms of the world were displayed among the marble columns. Illuminated by the sun’s rays, all stood eager for the High King to speak.
Eloy stood and with a booming voice declared, “I have gathered you all for a Day of Remembrance.” A kind look stretched across his face.
“Not for my long departure from this land, but to remember you. The faithful servants who were entrusted with it. And the remembrance of this city. One that has seen its fair share of sorrow. But no more! For she is reborn this day with a new name. The name of New Edonia.”
A crescendo of voices filled the room at the surprising announcement.
“Quiet, the High King wishes to speak!” ordered Cebrail who stood at the base of the throne. The ebony lions at his back resonating his fierce tone. With a murmured hush the voices died down.
“Thank you, Cebrail. While there are countless men and women who deserve to be honored, and their day will come, I cannot help but bring forth those who have stood the greatest trial of our age and found themselves victorious.”
Again a chorus of murmurs filled the room at whose names might receive such an honor.
“Khosi Imari, please step forward,” Eloy said extending a hand.
With a humble bow Imari placed himself before the throne. His family stood off to the side, beaming with pride.
“Of all in the kingdom it is you who has desired to serve your people above all else. Even at the expense of honor, fame, and glory you laid your wants aside so Khala might honor her oaths.”
“It is no burden, my King, to serve at your side,” Imari said bowing.
“Because of your faithfulness, Khosi, I give you the title of High Khosi. There has never been nor will there be another like you in all Islandia.”
Imari gulped as he fought back tears. “I am unworthy of this honor.”
With a motion of his hand Eloy urged Cebrail to present a gift. As the King’s guardian stepped forward, in his hands rested a pristine white cloak of a snow leopard. Along its edges rested the finest of gold.
“It is a cloak worthy of a High Khosi such as yourself,” Eloy said smiling.
Without a word Imari dismissed himself, but Titus could see the shared awe as he presented the cloak to the rest of his clan.
“Lancelin, please come forth.”
The Leviatanas prince broke from the crowd. His sandy blonde hair was swept back, and he wore a jade tunic embroidered with silver.
“My High King,” he said taking a knee.
“Many in this court may question why you should be beckoned forth.”
Titus could see a tinge of fear cross the young prince’s face.
“But I have called you my dear friend because your name should be honored through the ages.”
Lancelin lifted his face in shock. “My King… I.”
“Dear Lancelin, you among men have tasted what the enemy had to offer. You who thought yourself doomed to darkness has seen the light. Even as the enemy tempted you, you proved yourself a conqueror over failure and temptation.”
“Eloy it…it was and is my greatest honor to serve you.”
“Indeed, and you have proven to be one of my most faithful companions. So the gift I give to you is this. Before all, I declare you, Lancelin, the title of faithful and true. Let no man speak ill of your name again.”
Hot tears streamed down Lancelin’s cheeks at the High King’s words. With a gentle hand Cebrail helped the prince to his feet. They exchanged a look as if a mutual understanding resonated between them. In Cebrail’s hand was a shield and on it the symbol of a bluejay.
“Your kingdom shall no longer be known by the serpent Leviathan. I give you a new crest. The bluejay shall forever mark your name as a faithful friend. Let all who look on it remember that fact.”
Lancelin proudly took the crested shield and returned to those he loved. Quietly, he, Izel, and the rest of their family admired the new sign of their kingdom.
“Amira,” called the High King.
Shock pierced the young Sahra princess as she stepped forward.
“You come from the proud lands of my family’s founder.” Eloy’s eyes locked with the ancient King Yeshu who stood near the throne. Slowly he returned his eyes to her.
“You alone stood firm when all others failed. Without you many who represent Sahra today would have fallen into shadow. Your path may not reflect others, but do not think it worthy of less honor.”
“I don’t know what to say, my lord.”
“Your actions have spoken for themselves and because you stood by Imari and Islandia, I honor you with this. Bring forth the crown.”
Cebrail stepped forward presenting a silver circuit. The diamonds embedded sparkled with dazzling light.
“My King!” she exclaimed.
Eloy raised a hand. “I have spoken with your sister. She has wished this for you. She will retire to a life with her Khosi. A life she has chosen. Know this, Amira, no longer are you the unwanted child of a Sulta. You are now chosen as royalty.”
In stunned awe she bowed before the High King. Silently, she moved away from the throne clutching the small crown in her hands. Nabila and many others from Sahra welcomed her with a bow reserved for royalty.
A grin crossed Eloy’s face as he called the next name, “Geralt, please.”
The grizzled vet stepped forward. A slight muttering permeated the crowd.
“Eloy, you don’t need to…” Geralt was cut off as the High King motioned for the crowd to silence.
“Every man, no matter his kingdom, who has been a faithful servant deserves honor,” Eloy said chastising the crowd.
With compassion he looked down at Geralt. “Without you, Geralt of the Hills, Islandia would lay in ruins. For all you have endured, my friend,, let it be known you deserve honor among all men.”
“It is the second greatest honor of my life, my King,” Geralt said bowing.
“Second?” Eloy said with raised eyebrow.
“Yes, my lord. I have no greater honor than to see the children I protected all those years stand with us now.” His eyes caught Lydia’s who stood at Titus’ side. He could see the faint blush fill her cheeks at Geralt’s words.
“Indeed,” Eloy said smiling. “You have been a faithful servant to many, but I must ask Geralt, do you have a place to call home?”
The grizzled man looked up at the king. “I am home, my lord.”
“Yes, yes you are my friend, and this is my gift to you. I declare Geralt of the Hills as my kin. Wherever you go you will bear my name, my clan, and my sigil as your own.”
Those in attendance burst into a roar of shock. Even as Cebrail motioned for all to calm, Titus could just make out the shared look between Eloy and Geralt. Finally, the man who had given so much had f
ound where he belongs. The grizzled warrior shot Lydia a glance. The once weary eyes now full of new life.
“For my final honors on this day, I call forth the two of you. Titus, Lydia.”
He turned to his bride. Her red curls were braided and adorned with wild flowers for the occasion. His lips parted in a grin as he took her hand in his.
“Shall we?” he said.
“We shall.”
They stepped out onto the red carpet that splayed across the floor. He could feel the host of eyes fall on them as they walked in unison toward the throne. Towering above, Eloy’s eyes fixed on them.
“What can I say of such a couple?” Eloy mused. “Titus, you were faithful unto death. Lydia, even as all crumbled around you, you stood firm in the midst of the storm. Yes, you both have been faithful to the end and now…”
Eloy slowly descended the stairs as all eyes stayed glued on him. Without command, Cebrail moved to present the High King with the gifts that had been prepared. Resting in his hands were two marvelous crowns.
“For you, my lady,” Eloy said extending a golden tiara with a diamond that shown like the sun.
“You who desired to see the Morning Star look no further, for it has come,” Eloy said as he delicately placed it on her head.
He turned to Titus. “And you, faithful Steward. I present to you the Kingdom of Islandia.”
“High King!? This is your realm. I could never,” Titus stammered.
“Ah it is one of them, yes, but every king needs those who can steward his lands. Who greater among men than you?”
He felt the weight of glory at that moment. An undeserved honor, but how could he refuse?
“If it is your will,” he said bowing to receive the crown.
“It is,” Eloy said as he placed the seven pointed diadem on his head.
With that, Eloy turned to all present.“Behold! I present to you High King and High Queen of Islandia.” All that gathered erupted in a joyous cry. Titus could see the beaming faces of his father and mother as they looked on from the crowd. The faces of his friends grinned from ear to ear as they welcomed their High King and Queen.
Titus turned and whispered to Eloy, “What about you, my King.”
Eloy nodded and addressed the crowd once more, “The reign of Maluuk has fallen from this world. Yet many have not heard the news of our victory. I must go for a time to proclaim that the New Dawn has broken through.”
Those in the hall grew silent at his words.
“Do not worry. I will not abandon you. No, many of you will join me in this great endeavor. As for the others. It is time we begin to build a new kind of kingdom.”
He placed a hand on Titus’ shoulder. “Together.”
A sound like no other echoed out from those gathered in the throne room. As Titus stared in amazement at the scene, he felt the grip of Lydia’s hand at his side.
Before he realized it, he found himself crying out, “May your reign never end!”
All rallied with him, as they showered praise onto Eloy. As each moved to bow to the one who had brought about such a day, Titus couldn’t help but think this truly was a day to remember. Surrounding him was the glory of a new kingdom and its king. He found himself unable to do anything but bask in the wondrous moment. Deep within him he felt a stirring, a tug of the heart, a call to worship. As he surveyed the towering halls and vast decor that adorned it, he found them frivolous objects. The jewels and gold that gleamed on every person were nothing but shining stone now. Even the hearts and minds of history’s greatest heroes that encircled him seemed but equals now. His eyes drew downward until they locked with the only one worthy of such praise. Amidst the cheering crowd Titus could see Eloy’s face crease into a faint smile. It was sent in his direction as if to acknowledge the thoughts floating in his mind.
It was this man, this High King, not any other object in all the world that deserved his praise. History and all its glory and death, its failings and triumphs, joys and sorrows, they all rushed like a stream to one place. It was in that merging that every memory of his life now rested. The wild banks of time came to their end, and in that place an ocean of tranquil new life had greeted them. Here where the High King reigns forevermore.
Among the ancient ruins a new day has passed.
Amidst the haunt of jackals life has sprung once more.
A peoples, a kingdom left in desolation reborn.
From the ashes of destruction they sing.
Bursting from their mouths a new song rings,
Rejoice! Rejoice!
A New Dawn is here.
The one who holds the Morning Star has drawn near.
By his voice he shatters the strong.
His commands make us break out in endless song.
O Kingshelm a city of ruin no more.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
The people shall have no reason to weep.
For Maluuk the defiler has been brought down in a heap.
The vile enemy has tasted the grave.
The New Dawn has sprung into glorious day.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
All who are near.
The day has arrived when all is made right.
Every generation comes to witness his glorious might.
In him the nations will cease their wars.
For the old way is dead and shall be no more.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
With one final cry.
The High King shall reign and never die.
We who serve will live evermore.
For the gift of Eloy has been restored.
The End
Illustrations By:
Steven Bell
Appendix
Kingdom of Kingshelm
People of Kingshelm:
High King Eloy: The true High King of Islandia. Descendant of Yeshu and Saria
Cebrail: Royal bodyguard of High King Eloy, Commander of Eloy’s personal forces
Steward King Richard: Made Steward King after Eloy’s mysterious departure
Queen Eva: Wife of Steward King Richard, mother of Titus
Titus: Son of Steward King Richard. Later made Steward King after his father’s death
Elorah: Commander of Kingshelm’s Army
Dios: Captain in Kingshelm’s Army
Eli: Head Advisor to Steward King Richard
Henry: Kingshelm ambassador and spy, Sent to help Imari and the Khalans
James: Guard of the Kingshelm ambassador, Sent to help Imari and the Khalans
Places in Kingshelm:
Riverlands: The territory encompassing the Kingdom of Kingshelm
Kingshelm: Capitol city of all Islandia
Des Rivera: Large trading city between the Atlas and Fortis Rivers
Western Watch: Fortified city on the western edge of the Riverlands
Forest’s Edge: Small village on the edge of the mountain chain known as The Crowns
Kingdom of Valkara
People of Valkara:
King Doran: Overseer of Valkara, Father of Aiden, Brayan, Lydia, and Nara
Aiden: Eldest son of King Doran
Brayan: Youngest son of King Doran
Lydia: Eldest daughter of King Doran
Nara: Youngest daughter of King Doran
Geralt: Captured Hillmen made guardian of the royal family and bodyguard to King Doran
Jorn: Royal ambassador of Valkara
Lokir: Royal ambassador of Valkara
Ferir: Commander of the Valkaran Army
Balzara: Mysterious advisor to King Doran
Places of Valkara:
Valkara: Capitol city of the Valkaran Kingdom
Thoras: A small port that sends trade to the southern kingdoms of Islandia
Rodenhill: A meager town on the way to the Lowland Hills and the Riverlands
Kingdom of Leviatanas
People of Leviatanas:
King Leon: Overseer of Le
viatanas, Father of Lancelin
Queen Prisca: Wife of King Leon, Mother of Lancelin
Lancelin: Prince of Leviatanas and childhood friend of Titus
Places of Leviatanas:
Leviatanas: Capitol city of the Leviatanas Kingdom
Jezero: Port city for Leviatanas off the northern coast of Lake Leviathan
Founding Harbor: A harbor built in memory of the Founders’ first arrival to Islandia
Levia Landing: Port city of the southern coast of Lake Leviathan, trade port with Kingshelm
Samadura Port: The largest port in Islandia, Known for its trade with other continents, Remains strongly independent from other cities in Islandia
Kingdom of Khala
People of Khala:
Khosi Imbata: Overseer of Khala, Betrayed and murdered by Sulta Fahim, Father of Imari, Khaleena, and Imbaku
Queen Mother Khali: Wife to Imbata, Mother of Imari, Khaleena, and Imbaku, also killed by Fahim
Khosi Imari: Overseer of Khala, Became Khosi after the murder of his parents, Married to Nabila daughter of Sulta Fahim
Imbaku: Brother of Imari, Son of Khosi Imbata
Khaleena: Sister of Imari, Daughter of Khosi Imbata, Leader of the nomadic Masisi tribe
Impatu: Young Khalan warrior eager to prove himself, Friend of Imari
Imamu: Captain of the renowned Bomani royal guard
Imran: Captain of the Khalan city guard
Lombaku: Guardian of Khaleena, Masisi Warrior
Boani: Guardian of Khaleena, Masisi Warrior
Places of Khala:
Khala: Capitol City of the Khala Kingdom
Khala Desert: An endless stretch of dunes and sand swept landscapes
Cape of World’s End: Most eastern tip of Islandia, A rarely visited port along the eastern trade routes
A New Dawn Page 21