The kingdom of Elaris glowed, painted in the light of a setting autumn sun that washed over its rolling hills and sprawling forests. High atop the towering stone walls of Valion Keep, young Akin Valion stood at the balcony looking out over his ancient family's stronghold below with a mixture of pride and wonder. At age eighteen, he was already taller than most men, his frame broad and strong from years of rigorous training under his father's watchful gaze. His dark black hair reaches down his shoulders as it moves slightly due to the evening breeze. He was the spitting image of his father in height but those sharp angles came completely from his mother, Lady Elara.
Akin peered out from the high walls, at his father's lands; fields of vegetables and grain where farmers spent their days planting seeds or yanking weeds in a battlefield against insects that carried sickness by land and sky (a mixture he had deduced considering they would later use poisoned arrows to hunt stalked deer), lush forests surrounding the farm like sentinels so tall Akin believed sloths with tree-like limbs might have resided there if given enough time, it is said you could lose yourself within rugged mountainside climbs dotted through woody paths made for man, for it was the land of milk and honey, The promised paradise.
The "Warlord-General" Thorian Valion, a title bestowed upon him for his strength as both the most successful strategist and general Elaris had in a millennium. He had unified all of the divided provinces under one banner before joining the court.
As he took in the sights, Akin found himself pondering what lay ahead. These lands, this legacy would one day be his to rule and guard. It excited him but scared the crap out of him. That was the responsibility, the burden of leading something he trained for but would he be ready when the time came?
"Akin" A deep voice from behind pulled him out of his day-dream.
When he looked, it turned out to be his father nicknamed "Warlord-General" Thorian Valion standing at the entrance to his balcony. Thorian seemed to dominate the room, not only through his physical stature but by the sheer force of his personality. Six and a half foot tall, with broad shoulders and a heavy beard that was long enough to hide most of his face and eyes that could strike fear into the bravest man; Thorian embodied every essence of a warrior. His armor, that has experienced countless battles, gleamed in the fading sunlight, and the sword at his side, the legendary Blade of Valion, was a symbol of his might.
"Father," Akin said, coming forward and bowing his head respectfully.
Thorian smiled, a sight unusually seen on his stern face, and placed his heavy hand upon Akin's shoulder. "Don't tell me you're still out here daydreaming?" Shakes head. "There is much more that comes with the mantle of leadership, than gazing over your lands" he chuckled.
A grin began to form on Akin's face as he stood upright. "Just thinking, Father... About the future."
"Excellent," Thorian responded, his voice sobering. "You should always be prepared for the future. That is something I learned the hard way." He stopped, gazing in the distance.
"Come, walk with me" Thorian spoke softly, He walked away from the balcony gesturing Akin to follow him. The two of them descended through the winding spiral staircase that wound down from high above in the tower, the sound of their feet echoing off the stone wall.
As they strode through the vast halls of Valion Keep, Akin was struck by how unusual his father seemed today. Thorian was never a man of much talk to start with, but tonight there seemed to be… something else in his actions — a heaviness that clung to each motion. His father had won countless battles, defied the odds that no man could survive, and brought a kingdom back from ruin. But as they neared the great hall it seemed to some that he was growing heavy with his years as a warlord.
"Father, is something troubling you" Akin asked cautiously, sensing the tension in his father's silence.
Thorian halted his steps, staring far off in the distance. "Trouble… there is always trouble, Akin. Peace is but a fleeting illusion. It takes constant vigilance to maintain it." He turned somberly to look at his son. "One day son, all of this is going to be yours. For now, Elaris is done, but that state of peace can never last long. There will be enemies, both foreign and domestic. You must always be ready."
Akin swallowed hard, feeling the heaviness of his father's words. "I will be ready, Father. You've trained me well."
Thorian nodded, his expression softened by a fraction. "You have always been a quick learner. But leading is more than just swinging a sword, Akin. There are so many wars fought in secret — treacheries, schemes. You must learn to see the truth behind men's words, to know who can be trusted and who cannot."
They continued walking towards the great hall to find that there was already a feast underway. The hall was filled with the smell of roasted meats, sounds of laughter, lutes, flutes, and music played by bards who sang of Thorian's victories. Noblemen and women from across Elaris had gathered to honor the famed Warlord-General, their brightly colored garments reflecting the opulence of their status. At long tables, food and drink were piled high with servants running to and fro to see to the guest needs.
Lady Elara, Akin's ever so prim and proper biological mother sat at the head of the main table, her regal presence commanding respect even amid the revelry. There was a fiery nature about her too, combined with her raven hair and high cheekbones gave her an air of nobility. She swept her fierce gaze over the room; watching, ever present of every nuance. In addition to being an attractive woman, Elara was a political thinker who Akin had learned much from her over the years.
Seraphina, Akin´s younger sister was with her laughing and chatting animatedly with some other noble children. Seraphina was only twelve but showed the same sharpness and beauty as her mother. Akin had the urge to be the protective elder brother whom she would always run to. But she is fiery spirited and always resisted his attempts at being overprotective.
Thorian led Akin to the head table where he sat with his mother and sister. They had only just taken their seats when the hall fell silent, and all eyes gravitated toward the Warlord-General.
Thorian raised his goblet and the hall fell into complete silence. He cleared his throat, and stared at everyone across the room with a deep voice he spoke, "To peace. "… "and those who fought to secure it."
The crowd erupted in cheers and Thorian drank from the goblet before setting it down. His gaze swept across the hall, lingering for a second or two on some faces–advisors, generals, and lords who had fought alongside him. Akin noticed the tension on his face right away. His father's words reverberated within his head once more' Enemies will come, from within and without.'
The feast carried on late into the night, and though the air was filled with joy and celebration. Akin couldn't shake the sense of foreboding. He watched his father throughout the night, noting the subtle exchanges between him and several of his closest advisors. Lord Daemon, one of Thorian's most trusted lieutenants, caught Akin's attention. Daemon was a man of considerable influence, having served under Thorian for over a decade. He was a tall, witty man with a sharp intellect and a reputation for being ruthless in both war and politics. Akin had always been wary of him, though he had never shown outright disloyalty.
Akin excused himself after a while and stepped outside into the courtyard, as night fell. The night air was cold and welcomed compared to the heat of the hall. Beneath the night stars, his thoughts racing. His father had spoken of enemies, of betrayal; but not near like in this kind. But who could betray Thorian? He was a hero, his people loved him and his allies respected him. Still, there remained an uneasiness that gnawed at Akin.
He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he failed to hear the footsteps behind him until they were almost upon him.
"Akin," a familiar voice called him softly from behind.
He turned to see his mother, Lady Elara, standing a few feet away. She moved gracefully, her dark gown flowing like silk "What are you doing out here alone?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I needed some fresh air," Akin said, forcing a smile. "It was getting too loud in there".
Elara nodded, her sharp eyes fixed on her son. "You are worried about your father, aren't you."
Akin paused then nodded. "He seems… troubled. He spoke of enemies, of treachery and betrayal."
Elara sighed, stepping closer to her son "Your father has always carried the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders. It's a heavy burden, and has only grown heavier with time." She looked out at the darkened horizon. "There are those who would like to see us fall, Akin. Men who envy your father's power, who would stop at nothing to claim it for themselves."
"Do you think someone would betray him?" Akin asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
Elara was quiet for a long few moments, her gaze distant. "I think... I think your father is right to be cautious. Power breeds jealousy and jealousy breeds treachery." Reaching out, she touched her son on his shoulder. "But, do not forget this, Akin: your father is not easy to defeat. He has braved worse than this. He will protect us."
Akin nodded, but the sense of unease in his chest remained. Even great men can fall, the idea of his father — strong, unbreakable Thorian— felled by treachery made him shiver.
"Get some rest," Elara said, squeezing his shoulder softly. "Your father needs you to be strong and clear-headed. There will come a time when you will one day have to stand in his place."
Akin watched as his mother turned and walked back towards the keep, her figure disappearing into the shadows. He stood there for a long time, staring at the night sky, wondering what the future would hold.
The stars above glittered like distant promises, unreachable and silent.