Fate, Chapter 4
Iris found herself floating. This time she was in a place that resemblance outer space-place. Stars and planets surrounded her. When she admired a dozen of stars near a small planet, this void sound resounded.
My chosen master…
“Who’s there?” Iris asked. “…Master…? Are you the Fate Rune?”
Indeed. I will be your power from now on. But first, I will show you how to find the stars of guidance. Your allies.
“Oh, I see….so, how I can know about them?”
When you met the certain star, you will have this sight. The sight of stars. The other Tenkai called this vision with many names, ‘Waking Dream’, ‘Chamber of Stars’. You may call it as you wish.
“Hm…let me call it Sight of Star, just like you did.”
Very well. So, when you see a person who will be your allies, you will have this vision. The star that they born under will shine and you will know that they were destined. For this time, these people are your current allies.
Four stars began to sparkle, and some silhouettes appeared from it. Iris recognized them. They are Rudger, Ehlen, Kaylee, and Latina.
“Um, okay. I guess I don’t need to bother for not having some stars this early,” Iris nodded. And some silhouettes appeared again. These time the silhouettes of Clovis and Alexis. “Oh, are they my allies too?”
Yes, Master. But they not yet trusting you, hence they are not your allies yet. They will be your allies later.
“Oh, that’s a pity…but if you said they’ll be my ally later, then I’m glad.”
Now, I shouldn’t take your time. You need to wake up soon, Master. The rest of the Stars await you. ‘Til we meet again…
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Iris blinked her black eyes. The dawn light went through the room’s window curtain. The blonde girl sat up and rubbed her eyes. Everything around her still felt hazy, until the manor’s servant knocked the door from outside.
“Lady Iris, it’s morning,” she said.
“Yes, I’m awake,” replied Iris, walked to the door, and opened it.
The servant bowed. She brought clothes for change to Iris. “This is from Her Excellency,” she raised the clothes. “She said you should wear it. Where shall I put these clothes on, ma’am?”
“Uh…on the drawer is good.”
The servant nodded. She came in, approached the drawer, put the clothes on it. She then gave Iris a salute and came out of the room, returned to the servant lounge. Iris closed the door and looked at the clock that hung on the wall.
“I better go bathing now.”
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After she took a bath, Iris changed her clothes. Before, she only wore the normal dress of Dunan people, specifically the one that Greenhill citizen would use: green garb and long skirt that covered most of your body. Now, she had new attire. The clothes that Lyon provided that young lady were a black turtleneck without sleeves. On it, there was this small shawl like to cover her chests, since the turtleneck tight and stick to her skin. She also had pair of knee-length white shorts, followed by long black socks and white boots.
She smiled on herself when she saw her reflection on the mirror in that room. After satisfied admiring herself, Iris came out of the room and went to the dining room. Ehlen and Rudger were there, eaten some portions of their breakfast.
“Oh, good morning,” greeted the silver haired guy.
Ehlen wore different outfit today. He was no longer wore the royal outfit for some reason. He wore this white turtleneck under his orange cloak. He also had a pair of long white silk trousers, followed by a pair of brown combat boots. He also wore brown colored fingerless gloves.
“C’mon, sit down already,” invited the brunette boy. When Iris looked at him, she burst in laugh, made that boy blushed and yelled in angry, “D-don’t laugh at my outfit!”
Well, of course Iris laughed. Rudger totally changed his appearance. He wore the uniform of Queen’s Knight, the traditional black outfit that embroidered with golden embroidery on it. Under it, he wore the white kimono with long furisodes and a long blue colored shawl belted the kimono from inside the black armors. He also had the long black arm protectors and the black combat boots. Very similar to a Queen’s Knight.
“Why did you wear that?” asked Iris, finally stopped her laughs and sat down on the seat next to her partner to enjoy her breakfast.
“Father decided that now you’re a True Rune bearer, you’ll be ranked as higher as me. And so on, to protect you, it’ll be Rudger job. For the convenience, he’ll be introduced as a Queen’s Knight Apprentice that assigned to be your bodyguard. With those, everything will go smoothly and you’ll gain some convenience during the journey to gather the Stars. Isn’t that awesome?” explained Ehlen, seemed excited.
“This uniform is too heavy, geez,” Rudger complaint. “And hot too. And why I need to wear this ribbon like shawl?”
“Oh, that’s just mark for a Queen’s Knight. Actually, there is still a headband, but…”
“No! I don’t want to wear anything like that! This outfit was shameful enough.”
“C’mon, don’t be such a child. It’s cool,” Iris giggling after she chewed her first bite of her meal. “The black armor represent determination and will to fight for what you dear most, while the golden signature represent glory, something that fit ‘the protector of the Queen’.”
“Wow, you wouldn’t stop kept me impressed, Iris,” said Ehlen.
Iris was blushed a little. “I read it in a book; it’s not such a big deal.”
“Well, after we finished our meals, we needed to meet Father and Mother. But, don't need to be so hasty. They’ll be here until the noon, after all.”
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Prince Frey and Lady Lyon were stayed in their private manor. It was at the other edge of the area. Ehlen has gained his own manor since he reached sixteen, which meant he had it since three years ago. When they arrived there, Kaylee and Latina were the only one that greeted them.
“Alexis and Clovis were back to the palace this early morning,” explained Latina when Iris asked her where the two are.
The two ‘siblings’ brought them to the manor’s lounge, where the royalist seemed still enjoying their morning tea. However, they properly let the teens sat down on the sofas to begin the conversation.
“Hm, my choice wasn't wrong. It suits you well, Lady Iris,” Lyon smiled as she saw Iris wore the clothes she gave the young lady this morning.
Iris nodded and has a slight blush on her cheeks. “Thank you for this outfit, Your Excellency,” she said.
“That Queen’s Knight Uniform didn’t weight your movement, Sir Rudger?” asked Frey concerned. “If it’s too weight, I could ask them to give you other uniform.”
“No, its okay, Your Eminence,” replied the brunette for the formality.
“Good,” the silver haired man leaned his back to the sofa and smiled to the three youths. “Now, I think you’ve prepared. You can begin your journey to gather the Stars of Destiny now. I suggest you go to Lunas, the Holy Land first, since it’s closer than Rainwall from here.”
Iris nodded and rolled her eyes to Kaylee and Latina. “Um, Your Eminence. Did Kaylee and Latina will accompany us too?” asked the blonde girl, made Frey grinned mystically.
“Are they?”
“…Yes, they are.”
“If that is, then so be it,” Frey stood up and faced the two Queen’s Knights. “Queen’s Knight Kaylee, Queen’s Knight Latina, from now on, you’ll have extra assignment. Aside from serving the country and the royal family, you will be assigned to serve and protect Lady Iris in her journey. Will you accept the decision?”
Kaylee looked at his ‘sister’, and vice-versa. They smiled each other and turned to the ex-Commander of the Queen’s Knight. “We proudly accept the assignment, Your Eminence,” and they gave the formal salute of Queen’s Knight.
“Oh, count me in,” interrupted Ehlen.
Frey sighed as he turned to his only son. “I know you eventually will say that words.”
“Don’t you have assignments to do as well, Prince Ehlen?” asked Rudger, rather annoyed by how that young prince acted so carefree.
“Like what I said the last time, my cousin Princess Amaterasu has returned from her emissary trip. So, I have no tasks to do right now,” Ehlen shrugged. “Well, there’s still task to accompany my other cousin Princess Yumigami at her inspections, but I don’t want to guard a bratty obnoxious girl like her...”
“Prince Ehlen, watch your language!” hissed Lyon.
“Well, if you insist…why not? You’re still a bravery sword,” Iris smirked.
“What?” both Rudger and Ehlen frowned at the blonde girl, but she merely giggled and refused to explain more.
“So, we’ll go to Lunas now?” asked Kaylee.
“Yes, let’s go,” Iris smiled. “Your Eminence, Your Excellency; by your leave,” she, Rudger and the Queen’s Knights gave the two royalists a salute.
“Father, Mother, until out next meeting,” the silver haired boy bowed a little.
Both Frey and Lyon approached their son and rubbed Ehlen’s head. “Be careful,” they looked at the other. “You guys too.”
Iris, for unknown reason smiling wryly but she quickly erased her irritated mind and nodded. “We will.”
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The journey finally began. In the first battle today, Iris quickly experimented with her Fate Rune. When Rudger was caught off guard and badly wounded by a boar attack, she cast her first level spell of the Fate Rune. It quickly healed everyone’s wound and they all felt stronger. Hence, they succeed defeating difficult enemy in their way to Lunas. Iris titled the magic as Rebirth.
“Hm…that was one good magic. It’s like Shield Rune, but it mixing both healing and boosted stats magic in one spell. Very convenience,” said Kaylee after observing the spell.
“But, are you feeling well, Lady Iris? I mean, it’s very powerful…” Latina seemed worried.
Iris nodded and grew a reassuring smile. “I’m still having lot of magic power left. The spell only requires the same concentration and amount of magic power like when I used my Kindness Drop.”
“Well then, if we need extra power, we’ll be relying on you, Iris,” Ehlen smiled.
“Yes. Leave it to me.”
After fighting monsters and received some money and valuables, they finally reached Lunas. Like every other who never visit Lunas before, Iris and Rudger amazed by the sparkling river at the entrance of the holy lands. Ehlen explained that it was gold dusts from the gold mine upriver of Lunas. The two young scholars also surprised by the elves that freely wandering around the place. However, before the young prince could explain more, someone called him.
“Ehlen! Hey!”
Ehlen tilted his head and smiling when he found the one who called him. It was yet another silver haired guy that slightly older than him. That guy approached Ehlen and the group, followed by an emerald haired elf.
“Long time no see, Ariel!” replied Ehlen, do a high-five with the other silver haired boy. “And long time no see to you too, Feaux!”
“Heh, still as carefree as ever,” snorted the named Ariel.
“Young Master, you aren’t supposed to talk that casually with Prince Ehlen,” the named Feaux interrupted seriously.
“Oh, it is okay, Feaux! Ariel and me are cousin, oh no, wait. You’re my uncle, if I really think of it,” Ehlen chuckled, placed an arm around Ariel’s shoulder, as if they really are best friends.
“Huh?” Rudger frowned. “Please explain yourself.”
“Well, it’ll take longer, um…” Ariel looked at Iris and Rudger carefully.
“Iris Wisemail, and this is Rudger Fleming, he’s…um, you might call him as my bodyguard,” answered Iris formally.
“I’m Ariel Falenas, son of Oracle Haswar. I’m the one in charge here whenever Mother was out to the Palace. This is my assistant, Feaux. Pleased to be your acquaintance, Lady Iris, Sir Rudger,” the older silver haired guy bowed a little, followed by his bodyguard’s salute. “Well, um…let’s talking inside the conclave. I guess you’re tired standing here while we talked, right? Follow me.”
The groups followed Ariel and Feaux to the conclave. There, a purple haired elf greeted them. She bowed and smiled rather shyly to the group of teens behind her young master.
“Welcome, Prince Ehlen, and…?” that elf still frowned at Iris and Rudger, as she didn’t recognize them.
“Well, Fennes, if you want to know more, why don’t you join our talk? C’mon, let’s talk in the guest lounge,” invited Ariel, continued walking as he patted the elf’s shoulder quickly while he passed her.
And so on, the teens gathered in the guest lounge. Ariel sat on the sofa that back against the window of the lounge, while Feaux and Fennes arranged themselves around him. Iris and Rudger sat at the sofa in Ariel’s right side and Ehlen, Kaylee and Latina sat on the sofa in the opposite.
Ehlen began explaining the current condition. About Iris’ rune, and about her that demanded to gather the Stars of Destiny. After the young prince ended his explanations, Ariel seemed like have a hard time to comprehend the situation.
“Hm,” Ariel murmured. “So, we’re in threat to have war with Harmonia because the resurface of both the Three Runes of Falena and the Fate Rune on Lady Iris’ forehead? And you’re in search of these Stars of Destiny? And Ehlen, Sir Rudger, Kaylee and Latina are the current found Stars?”
“Yes,” Rudger nodded.
“Is there any way to know that a person is the mentioned Star?” asked Fennes.
“Yes. If I have a vision, then I’ll know that they’re the mentioned Star,” replied Iris.
“So, are you having the vision yet, Lady Iris?” asked Kaylee again. But Iris only looked down and turned silence.
“Not yet, or it’s merely nobody here a Star?” helped Latina.
“Um…can I hold your hands?” Iris looked at the three, Ariel, Feaux and Fennes.
The three looked at each other and agreed. Iris got up from her seat. She stretched her hand and Ariel took it, shook the hand. Then, the atmosphere around them changed. From Iris sight, nobody was there except herself and Ariel. A star shined on top of Ariel’s head.
Ariel Falenas, the Tensyo Star, the Swift Star, or the Featherless Arrow. He’ll be a trustworthy ally for you, Master.
After Iris heard the last word of another Fate Rune’s voice, the surrounding area returned to the guest lounge in Lunas once more. Ariel and Iris still holding hand, since the guy waiting for her words.
“Lady Iris?” called Latina, broke the blonde girl’s concentration.
“Oh, yes,” Iris quickly released their holding hands and continued. “You’re a Tensyo, the Swift Star. One of the Stars I seek for alliance.”
“Really? Neat! Now I can work with my dear nephew over there!” Ariel smirked at Ehlen, who muttered about something that nobody could hear. Then the young master rolled his eyes to his two servants. “Um, just me?”
“Hmm, let’s try Feaux and Fennes too,” suggested Rudger.
The two elves approached Iris as that blonde girl stretched her arms. Feaux and Fennes rolled their eyes to each other and then nodded. They grabbed Iris’ hand. Once again, the surroundings changed in Iris’ sight. Two stars on top of the elves’ head sparkled.
Feaux, the Tenritsu Star, the Star of Standing Spear or the Warrior of the Two Spears. Fennes, the Chisou Star, the Strong Star, or the Night Ogre. Both of them are loyal to their master, but also loyal to everyone that their master believes, including you, Master.
“Okay,” Iris released the elves’ hands and nodded. “Tenritsu Star and Chisou Star. You two are also my alliances.”
There was a slight cheer from the elves’ lips, but it quickly went unnoticed as Ariel grinned and placed his arms around his assistants’ shoulders. “Yes! I’ll be glad to work with you guys!” he chuckled.
“Oh, the pleasure all ours, young master,” replied Fennes happily, followed by Feaux’s agreement nod.
“Well, okay. I’m still glad that I can work with anyone that I know well.”
And the group of teens laughed happily. Iris was sure it’d be a good start for the next hard journey that they’ll jump into soon.
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Meanwhile, at the Crystal Valley, Holy Kingdom of Harmonia.
The bishops were become edgy lately. Sasarai noticed this. But he hardly know what are they talking about, since every time he tried to talk with those bishops, they always reasoned “It’s nothing, Your Excellency”, “It wasn’t something that you need to concern, Your Excellency”, like that.
Even after he secretly ordered his loyal fellow Dios, Sasarai still couldn’t know the slightest thing of the bishops’ conversations.
“Something was up, I know it,” he hissed. He walked across the hall with Dios and yet two bishops quickly walked away from them.
“Maybe it was really nothing you should worry about, Your Excellency,” replied Dios politely, even he also wonder why the bishops has been acting strange lately.
“I need to know.”
Just some seconds after Sasarai finished his last sentence, a quick image appeared on his mind. Someone from far place wore a black outfit. Sasarai tried to look at the man clearer, as everything he could see was the man’s back. When that man in image finally turned around, that bearer of True Earth Rune gasped in shock. Before he could stumble backwards, Dios caught him carefully.
“Your Excellency!”
“…That can’t be…!” the brunette bishop shook his head. He stood up on his feet again and glared forward the hall. “We need to see the other Archbishops. Let’s go, Dios.”
The large door of Archbishop Edlind’s chamber opened rudely. The mentioned bishop was sat behind his desk, gasped in surprise, as he never thought the ones who opened his door would come, right here and now.
“My, His Holiness! For what honor do I have your presence here?” asked the forty years old bishop, got up from his seat and approached the two bishops.
“Bishop Edlind, be honest with me,” the brunette bishop hissed as he tried his best to angry to the old bishop. “Something was happening, right? Something about a True Rune that currently is in the Queendom of Falena. I know you can tell me, you are different than those follies.”
Bishop Edlind sighed and looked at the serious face of Sasarai. That young man seemed like wouldn’t give up anytime soon, so Edlind stepped back and signaling Sasarai and Dios to sit on the chairs in front of his table. The two men sat up and waited Edlind to sit on his seat so he could explain more.
“Well, to be honest,” Edlind leaned his back against the chair and looked at Sasarai’s eyes. “The other Archbishops sent some spies to Falena lately, and they reported some unexpected events occurred.”
“Unexpected events…?” Sasarai frowned.
“The Fate Rune has resurfaced.”
Sasarai touched his temples and closed his eyes. “A True Rune that was once in the protection of Harmonia. It was stolen and the culprit was never captured. Rumor it was a person from Sindar race, since the Rune refused to accept anyone except those ancient bloods people. So…”
“Well, apparently, the Sindar race were hiding their presence somewhere, and some of them came out from the hideout, succeeded hiding their identity and mix in common people somewhere else.”
“And their descendants came to Falena, to reclaim the right of the True Rune?”
“…Probably.”
Sasarai opened his eyes and crossed his arms in front of him, thinking for a way. Something disturbed his mind. That person in the image is the reason he confused by all of this sudden events.
“Well,” Sasarai looked at Edlind. “If you tried to make any war with Falena…go on. Just be careful. The Sun Rune and her children were there as well. They might be banded together to chase us away from taking the Fate Rune.”
“What about you, Your Excellency?” asked Dios.
“…I’m still tired since the previous war in Grasslands, so I won’t join the force for now.”
“If things getting worse, will you join?” now Edlind asked. He won’t try to force Sasarai if he doesn’t want to, since the senior bishop knew that the young man still in shock state after he heard something unbelievable.
Sasarai got up from his seat followed by Dios. He smiled and turned around as he said. “If things are getting worse, yes, I’ll confront him myself.”
My chosen master…
“Who’s there?” Iris asked. “…Master…? Are you the Fate Rune?”
Indeed. I will be your power from now on. But first, I will show you how to find the stars of guidance. Your allies.
“Oh, I see….so, how I can know about them?”
When you met the certain star, you will have this sight. The sight of stars. The other Tenkai called this vision with many names, ‘Waking Dream’, ‘Chamber of Stars’. You may call it as you wish.
“Hm…let me call it Sight of Star, just like you did.”
Very well. So, when you see a person who will be your allies, you will have this vision. The star that they born under will shine and you will know that they were destined. For this time, these people are your current allies.
Four stars began to sparkle, and some silhouettes appeared from it. Iris recognized them. They are Rudger, Ehlen, Kaylee, and Latina.
“Um, okay. I guess I don’t need to bother for not having some stars this early,” Iris nodded. And some silhouettes appeared again. These time the silhouettes of Clovis and Alexis. “Oh, are they my allies too?”
Yes, Master. But they not yet trusting you, hence they are not your allies yet. They will be your allies later.
“Oh, that’s a pity…but if you said they’ll be my ally later, then I’m glad.”
Now, I shouldn’t take your time. You need to wake up soon, Master. The rest of the Stars await you. ‘Til we meet again…
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Iris blinked her black eyes. The dawn light went through the room’s window curtain. The blonde girl sat up and rubbed her eyes. Everything around her still felt hazy, until the manor’s servant knocked the door from outside.
“Lady Iris, it’s morning,” she said.
“Yes, I’m awake,” replied Iris, walked to the door, and opened it.
The servant bowed. She brought clothes for change to Iris. “This is from Her Excellency,” she raised the clothes. “She said you should wear it. Where shall I put these clothes on, ma’am?”
“Uh…on the drawer is good.”
The servant nodded. She came in, approached the drawer, put the clothes on it. She then gave Iris a salute and came out of the room, returned to the servant lounge. Iris closed the door and looked at the clock that hung on the wall.
“I better go bathing now.”
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After she took a bath, Iris changed her clothes. Before, she only wore the normal dress of Dunan people, specifically the one that Greenhill citizen would use: green garb and long skirt that covered most of your body. Now, she had new attire. The clothes that Lyon provided that young lady were a black turtleneck without sleeves. On it, there was this small shawl like to cover her chests, since the turtleneck tight and stick to her skin. She also had pair of knee-length white shorts, followed by long black socks and white boots.
She smiled on herself when she saw her reflection on the mirror in that room. After satisfied admiring herself, Iris came out of the room and went to the dining room. Ehlen and Rudger were there, eaten some portions of their breakfast.
“Oh, good morning,” greeted the silver haired guy.
Ehlen wore different outfit today. He was no longer wore the royal outfit for some reason. He wore this white turtleneck under his orange cloak. He also had a pair of long white silk trousers, followed by a pair of brown combat boots. He also wore brown colored fingerless gloves.
“C’mon, sit down already,” invited the brunette boy. When Iris looked at him, she burst in laugh, made that boy blushed and yelled in angry, “D-don’t laugh at my outfit!”
Well, of course Iris laughed. Rudger totally changed his appearance. He wore the uniform of Queen’s Knight, the traditional black outfit that embroidered with golden embroidery on it. Under it, he wore the white kimono with long furisodes and a long blue colored shawl belted the kimono from inside the black armors. He also had the long black arm protectors and the black combat boots. Very similar to a Queen’s Knight.
“Why did you wear that?” asked Iris, finally stopped her laughs and sat down on the seat next to her partner to enjoy her breakfast.
“Father decided that now you’re a True Rune bearer, you’ll be ranked as higher as me. And so on, to protect you, it’ll be Rudger job. For the convenience, he’ll be introduced as a Queen’s Knight Apprentice that assigned to be your bodyguard. With those, everything will go smoothly and you’ll gain some convenience during the journey to gather the Stars. Isn’t that awesome?” explained Ehlen, seemed excited.
“This uniform is too heavy, geez,” Rudger complaint. “And hot too. And why I need to wear this ribbon like shawl?”
“Oh, that’s just mark for a Queen’s Knight. Actually, there is still a headband, but…”
“No! I don’t want to wear anything like that! This outfit was shameful enough.”
“C’mon, don’t be such a child. It’s cool,” Iris giggling after she chewed her first bite of her meal. “The black armor represent determination and will to fight for what you dear most, while the golden signature represent glory, something that fit ‘the protector of the Queen’.”
“Wow, you wouldn’t stop kept me impressed, Iris,” said Ehlen.
Iris was blushed a little. “I read it in a book; it’s not such a big deal.”
“Well, after we finished our meals, we needed to meet Father and Mother. But, don't need to be so hasty. They’ll be here until the noon, after all.”
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Prince Frey and Lady Lyon were stayed in their private manor. It was at the other edge of the area. Ehlen has gained his own manor since he reached sixteen, which meant he had it since three years ago. When they arrived there, Kaylee and Latina were the only one that greeted them.
“Alexis and Clovis were back to the palace this early morning,” explained Latina when Iris asked her where the two are.
The two ‘siblings’ brought them to the manor’s lounge, where the royalist seemed still enjoying their morning tea. However, they properly let the teens sat down on the sofas to begin the conversation.
“Hm, my choice wasn't wrong. It suits you well, Lady Iris,” Lyon smiled as she saw Iris wore the clothes she gave the young lady this morning.
Iris nodded and has a slight blush on her cheeks. “Thank you for this outfit, Your Excellency,” she said.
“That Queen’s Knight Uniform didn’t weight your movement, Sir Rudger?” asked Frey concerned. “If it’s too weight, I could ask them to give you other uniform.”
“No, its okay, Your Eminence,” replied the brunette for the formality.
“Good,” the silver haired man leaned his back to the sofa and smiled to the three youths. “Now, I think you’ve prepared. You can begin your journey to gather the Stars of Destiny now. I suggest you go to Lunas, the Holy Land first, since it’s closer than Rainwall from here.”
Iris nodded and rolled her eyes to Kaylee and Latina. “Um, Your Eminence. Did Kaylee and Latina will accompany us too?” asked the blonde girl, made Frey grinned mystically.
“Are they?”
“…Yes, they are.”
“If that is, then so be it,” Frey stood up and faced the two Queen’s Knights. “Queen’s Knight Kaylee, Queen’s Knight Latina, from now on, you’ll have extra assignment. Aside from serving the country and the royal family, you will be assigned to serve and protect Lady Iris in her journey. Will you accept the decision?”
Kaylee looked at his ‘sister’, and vice-versa. They smiled each other and turned to the ex-Commander of the Queen’s Knight. “We proudly accept the assignment, Your Eminence,” and they gave the formal salute of Queen’s Knight.
“Oh, count me in,” interrupted Ehlen.
Frey sighed as he turned to his only son. “I know you eventually will say that words.”
“Don’t you have assignments to do as well, Prince Ehlen?” asked Rudger, rather annoyed by how that young prince acted so carefree.
“Like what I said the last time, my cousin Princess Amaterasu has returned from her emissary trip. So, I have no tasks to do right now,” Ehlen shrugged. “Well, there’s still task to accompany my other cousin Princess Yumigami at her inspections, but I don’t want to guard a bratty obnoxious girl like her...”
“Prince Ehlen, watch your language!” hissed Lyon.
“Well, if you insist…why not? You’re still a bravery sword,” Iris smirked.
“What?” both Rudger and Ehlen frowned at the blonde girl, but she merely giggled and refused to explain more.
“So, we’ll go to Lunas now?” asked Kaylee.
“Yes, let’s go,” Iris smiled. “Your Eminence, Your Excellency; by your leave,” she, Rudger and the Queen’s Knights gave the two royalists a salute.
“Father, Mother, until out next meeting,” the silver haired boy bowed a little.
Both Frey and Lyon approached their son and rubbed Ehlen’s head. “Be careful,” they looked at the other. “You guys too.”
Iris, for unknown reason smiling wryly but she quickly erased her irritated mind and nodded. “We will.”
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The journey finally began. In the first battle today, Iris quickly experimented with her Fate Rune. When Rudger was caught off guard and badly wounded by a boar attack, she cast her first level spell of the Fate Rune. It quickly healed everyone’s wound and they all felt stronger. Hence, they succeed defeating difficult enemy in their way to Lunas. Iris titled the magic as Rebirth.
“Hm…that was one good magic. It’s like Shield Rune, but it mixing both healing and boosted stats magic in one spell. Very convenience,” said Kaylee after observing the spell.
“But, are you feeling well, Lady Iris? I mean, it’s very powerful…” Latina seemed worried.
Iris nodded and grew a reassuring smile. “I’m still having lot of magic power left. The spell only requires the same concentration and amount of magic power like when I used my Kindness Drop.”
“Well then, if we need extra power, we’ll be relying on you, Iris,” Ehlen smiled.
“Yes. Leave it to me.”
After fighting monsters and received some money and valuables, they finally reached Lunas. Like every other who never visit Lunas before, Iris and Rudger amazed by the sparkling river at the entrance of the holy lands. Ehlen explained that it was gold dusts from the gold mine upriver of Lunas. The two young scholars also surprised by the elves that freely wandering around the place. However, before the young prince could explain more, someone called him.
“Ehlen! Hey!”
Ehlen tilted his head and smiling when he found the one who called him. It was yet another silver haired guy that slightly older than him. That guy approached Ehlen and the group, followed by an emerald haired elf.
“Long time no see, Ariel!” replied Ehlen, do a high-five with the other silver haired boy. “And long time no see to you too, Feaux!”
“Heh, still as carefree as ever,” snorted the named Ariel.
“Young Master, you aren’t supposed to talk that casually with Prince Ehlen,” the named Feaux interrupted seriously.
“Oh, it is okay, Feaux! Ariel and me are cousin, oh no, wait. You’re my uncle, if I really think of it,” Ehlen chuckled, placed an arm around Ariel’s shoulder, as if they really are best friends.
“Huh?” Rudger frowned. “Please explain yourself.”
“Well, it’ll take longer, um…” Ariel looked at Iris and Rudger carefully.
“Iris Wisemail, and this is Rudger Fleming, he’s…um, you might call him as my bodyguard,” answered Iris formally.
“I’m Ariel Falenas, son of Oracle Haswar. I’m the one in charge here whenever Mother was out to the Palace. This is my assistant, Feaux. Pleased to be your acquaintance, Lady Iris, Sir Rudger,” the older silver haired guy bowed a little, followed by his bodyguard’s salute. “Well, um…let’s talking inside the conclave. I guess you’re tired standing here while we talked, right? Follow me.”
The groups followed Ariel and Feaux to the conclave. There, a purple haired elf greeted them. She bowed and smiled rather shyly to the group of teens behind her young master.
“Welcome, Prince Ehlen, and…?” that elf still frowned at Iris and Rudger, as she didn’t recognize them.
“Well, Fennes, if you want to know more, why don’t you join our talk? C’mon, let’s talk in the guest lounge,” invited Ariel, continued walking as he patted the elf’s shoulder quickly while he passed her.
And so on, the teens gathered in the guest lounge. Ariel sat on the sofa that back against the window of the lounge, while Feaux and Fennes arranged themselves around him. Iris and Rudger sat at the sofa in Ariel’s right side and Ehlen, Kaylee and Latina sat on the sofa in the opposite.
Ehlen began explaining the current condition. About Iris’ rune, and about her that demanded to gather the Stars of Destiny. After the young prince ended his explanations, Ariel seemed like have a hard time to comprehend the situation.
“Hm,” Ariel murmured. “So, we’re in threat to have war with Harmonia because the resurface of both the Three Runes of Falena and the Fate Rune on Lady Iris’ forehead? And you’re in search of these Stars of Destiny? And Ehlen, Sir Rudger, Kaylee and Latina are the current found Stars?”
“Yes,” Rudger nodded.
“Is there any way to know that a person is the mentioned Star?” asked Fennes.
“Yes. If I have a vision, then I’ll know that they’re the mentioned Star,” replied Iris.
“So, are you having the vision yet, Lady Iris?” asked Kaylee again. But Iris only looked down and turned silence.
“Not yet, or it’s merely nobody here a Star?” helped Latina.
“Um…can I hold your hands?” Iris looked at the three, Ariel, Feaux and Fennes.
The three looked at each other and agreed. Iris got up from her seat. She stretched her hand and Ariel took it, shook the hand. Then, the atmosphere around them changed. From Iris sight, nobody was there except herself and Ariel. A star shined on top of Ariel’s head.
Ariel Falenas, the Tensyo Star, the Swift Star, or the Featherless Arrow. He’ll be a trustworthy ally for you, Master.
After Iris heard the last word of another Fate Rune’s voice, the surrounding area returned to the guest lounge in Lunas once more. Ariel and Iris still holding hand, since the guy waiting for her words.
“Lady Iris?” called Latina, broke the blonde girl’s concentration.
“Oh, yes,” Iris quickly released their holding hands and continued. “You’re a Tensyo, the Swift Star. One of the Stars I seek for alliance.”
“Really? Neat! Now I can work with my dear nephew over there!” Ariel smirked at Ehlen, who muttered about something that nobody could hear. Then the young master rolled his eyes to his two servants. “Um, just me?”
“Hmm, let’s try Feaux and Fennes too,” suggested Rudger.
The two elves approached Iris as that blonde girl stretched her arms. Feaux and Fennes rolled their eyes to each other and then nodded. They grabbed Iris’ hand. Once again, the surroundings changed in Iris’ sight. Two stars on top of the elves’ head sparkled.
Feaux, the Tenritsu Star, the Star of Standing Spear or the Warrior of the Two Spears. Fennes, the Chisou Star, the Strong Star, or the Night Ogre. Both of them are loyal to their master, but also loyal to everyone that their master believes, including you, Master.
“Okay,” Iris released the elves’ hands and nodded. “Tenritsu Star and Chisou Star. You two are also my alliances.”
There was a slight cheer from the elves’ lips, but it quickly went unnoticed as Ariel grinned and placed his arms around his assistants’ shoulders. “Yes! I’ll be glad to work with you guys!” he chuckled.
“Oh, the pleasure all ours, young master,” replied Fennes happily, followed by Feaux’s agreement nod.
“Well, okay. I’m still glad that I can work with anyone that I know well.”
And the group of teens laughed happily. Iris was sure it’d be a good start for the next hard journey that they’ll jump into soon.
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Meanwhile, at the Crystal Valley, Holy Kingdom of Harmonia.
The bishops were become edgy lately. Sasarai noticed this. But he hardly know what are they talking about, since every time he tried to talk with those bishops, they always reasoned “It’s nothing, Your Excellency”, “It wasn’t something that you need to concern, Your Excellency”, like that.
Even after he secretly ordered his loyal fellow Dios, Sasarai still couldn’t know the slightest thing of the bishops’ conversations.
“Something was up, I know it,” he hissed. He walked across the hall with Dios and yet two bishops quickly walked away from them.
“Maybe it was really nothing you should worry about, Your Excellency,” replied Dios politely, even he also wonder why the bishops has been acting strange lately.
“I need to know.”
Just some seconds after Sasarai finished his last sentence, a quick image appeared on his mind. Someone from far place wore a black outfit. Sasarai tried to look at the man clearer, as everything he could see was the man’s back. When that man in image finally turned around, that bearer of True Earth Rune gasped in shock. Before he could stumble backwards, Dios caught him carefully.
“Your Excellency!”
“…That can’t be…!” the brunette bishop shook his head. He stood up on his feet again and glared forward the hall. “We need to see the other Archbishops. Let’s go, Dios.”
The large door of Archbishop Edlind’s chamber opened rudely. The mentioned bishop was sat behind his desk, gasped in surprise, as he never thought the ones who opened his door would come, right here and now.
“My, His Holiness! For what honor do I have your presence here?” asked the forty years old bishop, got up from his seat and approached the two bishops.
“Bishop Edlind, be honest with me,” the brunette bishop hissed as he tried his best to angry to the old bishop. “Something was happening, right? Something about a True Rune that currently is in the Queendom of Falena. I know you can tell me, you are different than those follies.”
Bishop Edlind sighed and looked at the serious face of Sasarai. That young man seemed like wouldn’t give up anytime soon, so Edlind stepped back and signaling Sasarai and Dios to sit on the chairs in front of his table. The two men sat up and waited Edlind to sit on his seat so he could explain more.
“Well, to be honest,” Edlind leaned his back against the chair and looked at Sasarai’s eyes. “The other Archbishops sent some spies to Falena lately, and they reported some unexpected events occurred.”
“Unexpected events…?” Sasarai frowned.
“The Fate Rune has resurfaced.”
Sasarai touched his temples and closed his eyes. “A True Rune that was once in the protection of Harmonia. It was stolen and the culprit was never captured. Rumor it was a person from Sindar race, since the Rune refused to accept anyone except those ancient bloods people. So…”
“Well, apparently, the Sindar race were hiding their presence somewhere, and some of them came out from the hideout, succeeded hiding their identity and mix in common people somewhere else.”
“And their descendants came to Falena, to reclaim the right of the True Rune?”
“…Probably.”
Sasarai opened his eyes and crossed his arms in front of him, thinking for a way. Something disturbed his mind. That person in the image is the reason he confused by all of this sudden events.
“Well,” Sasarai looked at Edlind. “If you tried to make any war with Falena…go on. Just be careful. The Sun Rune and her children were there as well. They might be banded together to chase us away from taking the Fate Rune.”
“What about you, Your Excellency?” asked Dios.
“…I’m still tired since the previous war in Grasslands, so I won’t join the force for now.”
“If things getting worse, will you join?” now Edlind asked. He won’t try to force Sasarai if he doesn’t want to, since the senior bishop knew that the young man still in shock state after he heard something unbelievable.
Sasarai got up from his seat followed by Dios. He smiled and turned around as he said. “If things are getting worse, yes, I’ll confront him myself.”
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