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There are many legends among the Kaspera's rich history; the most infamous is the story of the dark one. During the second mage war, the defeat of the mages was becoming apparent. Kaspera's forces stopped at nothing killing mages on sight. The city of Sen became the mage's last safe sanctuary only even that became the target of the Kaspera. The siege lasted for weeks, in the end the elemental forces broke through. In a final attempt to save whatever was left, the leader of the decayed forces of mages, Terpen, came forward to negotiate. But the leader of the Kaspera, Kuzhal refused to listen to him ordering the slaughter of the last of the mages that took shelter in the city's castle. Before Terpen drew his last breath he asked his brethren to cast one final spell in a form of a curse, his last words spoken were as follow; ''I curse you and your clan, 4 generations of struggle and darkness, you will kneel before the forces of nature and your clan will bend and snap like the twigs of a tree on a stormy night''. (Sadan Gil from his book ''An Era past'')
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You only get to be a King once, but who would wish to be a King? Kings die before truly living. What is so great about being a king anyway?
The crown between his fingers itched to leave them, to find the new head it will rest upon. He played with it, turning it around and around in an unconscious motion. The young king was already tired. The strife of belonging, the feeling of not fitting in is unnatural.
''Look more straight, this is not royal of you'' he said with a playful smile. Ezkiel looked at him with an unpleasant frown.
''Oh scary'', Raylee stepped down from his little hiding place dropping to his feet and squished his silhouette in front of the mirror right next to his successor.
''You hiding in the corners is not very royal of you either'' he growled. The mirror portrayed an unfitting pair. The young man with his bungled, blondish hair looked straight in the mirror reflecting his green eyes. His formal-normally tight- collar was unfastened, his rope on the colors of the evening sky was the only clothing on him that distinguish him from the rest of his court who were currently awaiting him in the main hall. ''Let's hurry now shall we''. His companion on the other hand, was fittingly formal, wearing his cape and black uniform with dignity. His dark hair was neatly combed and his blue eyes were clear and focused. ''You will go in the main hall dressed like this?'' Ezkiel asked with a disapproving tone.
''Who cares, the nobles certainly don't. They can't wait to get rid of me, my announcement will please them immensely'' he said sighing after a small pause.
''Well, Raylee you didn't invest time on listening to their agenda, which noble society would stand for that? Besides you didn't even warn them you will be relinquishing the crown. '' the older man shook his head in disapproval once again while putting the finishing touches on his appearance reflected on the mirror.
''And that's why I am giving the crown to you, it's too boring to be a King'' smiling to his grumpy companion, and turned to head towards the corridor outside of the room. He was stopped midway by a hand on the shoulder. ''why are you in such a hurry Raylee? You escaped the question enough times; don't you think I finally deserve an explanation? Why do you want me to be a King? Or rather, why you don't? ''.
The king dropped his head in a thinking motion, ''you are not wrong, you do deserve answer. Though I already know it will not satisfy you, the answer is simple; I don't deserve to be king, not even a grand-master, I don't belong here.''
Ez stood silent for a moment, ''this is nonsense, there isn't anyone more deserving than you, you saved the clan from oblivion. You are the clan's savior.''
Raylee shook his head ''you don't understand do you? I will have to say it out loud then. They left me to die, I procceded to kill their grand –master, and I forced them to accept me as their leader.'' Raylee raised his finger to stop Ezkiel from complaining ''I know what you are going to say my friend. They respect me, but along with their respect comes the fear. The people of the clan remember I was betrayed, I remember it, I might have forgiven them but they see in me the lack of trust as I see it in them. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. The council is watching me, day and night waiting for me to make a mistake, in their estimation I am too young to lead the honorable clan of Kaspera. They believe one of them should be in charge. And it won't be long before they decide to do something about it, then a new conflict will arise within our clan and once again I will be in the center of it, the ignition of it all. Now you see. It is time for me to leave, one day they might thank me for what I did, but that day hasn't come yet. Besides, I was forced in this position, I never longed to hold this much power.''
Ez looked the younger man in the eyes, the regret and disappointment where much clearer now.
'' I am sorry Raylee I should have seen it''
'' my friend, you are too serious, it is long forgotten. My decision is that, as your King and grand-master you have no choice but to accept it'' he answered smiling brightly.
''come on it's time to leave, don't fall behind, I don't want to watch those nobles' faces longer than I have too''.
Ezkeil's eyes flickered, he found himself holding back a tear; A tear of regret. That man was a hero and yet, his clan did not want him, his own brother conspired to kill him with the grand master of his clan disregarding him, and still, he stood firmer than ever, how could he back away now after he was asked to serve him one last time. He looked past the corridor's window before entering the hall of the king. What an upside world, evil will fester and good will become food for the worms instead.
Ezkeil entered the hall which was decorated neatly and yet grandly, with vigils of past ruling families. It was raylee's decision to keep them, not only as a decoration but a reminder to honor past traditions. Now a new ruling family has entered the picture. They brought a great deal of change to this land and it was the least they could do. The numerous windows which were situated on the top uppermost part of the hall were bringing in the sunrays from the east site.
The hall was already filled with the nobles, the clansman and many people residing within the castle. It was buzzing with noise and activity. The occasion was simple, yet an excuse to fill the king's hall was not hard to find. Everyone ceased their chit-chatting and dealings and turned to witness the entry of their king. Raylee simply walked on the high pedestal and sat on his throne, placing his chin on his palm. He took a long sigh filling the silent space of the throne room with exasperation. Few moments past and as a council man attempted to address the king, Raylee stood up shutting down the council man. The councilman kept silent. Ezkiel looked away in an attempt to hide his smirk.
"People of the city of Eurteh, people of the land of Emperos, all those who came across the land to my humble court and finally my dear clansmen; I have an announcement of the outmost importance. But before I get to that; a speech.''
Ezkiel sighed. It seems Raylee wanted to entertain his self. This was going to be a long, long day for him and the rest of the court.
"In the short span of time that I am king, I denounced the criminal activities of the wall painters who terrorized this city, and I threw the scams on gibbets all around the main street. Now every fool can paint them with fruit juice". Many people were tilting their heads in wonderment as to whether their king has gone mad and the rest were just plain old confused.
"I managed to put signs for those unaware of the massive and beautiful market of our city, filled with some of the most remarkable merchants and wood makers. For you I have the greatest respect." He started clapping, followed by a few hesitant claps by people who were listening to the speech.
"Secondly my beloved clansmen deserve applause for managing to stay vigilant on the worst time of our clan. Their eyes were widen open and their arms stretched ready to receive a relief.'' His word was followed by some intense murmur around the courtroom. He stretched his finger pointing at some of his clansmen. "Even now I can see many of you still sweating like little piglets ready to be roasted, remembering the good old days" he said the last bit with a sardonic smile and with much more spite than he would ever care to admit.
A lot of faces lit up from anger or embarrassment. He ignored the crowd's reaction and got up from his kingly chair and took a careful look around the room. He had everyone's undivided attention. He stepped over the edge of the plateau that the chair was placed upon. Before he fell toward the ground few meters below, a disc made of pure light spread beneath his feet. He gracefully landed on it with his feet. He walked around the courtroom hopping and forming the discs one after the other with seemingly no strain to his focus, his gabardine fluttered behind him. Many on the courtroom looked at this impressive feat with awe and respect, even fear for the man who was their grandmaster, for the man whose talent was unrivaled within the clan. He stopped in the middle of the crowded room, he was raised above ground level with the help of the light discs and everyone could see him.
"And finally we arrive to the reason as to why we have gathered here today. I feel incumbent to inform you that I will no longer serve as your King or as your Grandmaster for that matter" The whole room froze.
One of the nobles stepped forward. "My king, surely you must be jesting". He said hesitantly.
"Only fools jest in such matters, lord Serquin." Raylee winked at Ezkiel making him roll his eyes, which went unnoticed among the echo of shouts and disagreements. A moment before all this tension and raised voices turned into a riot, a big shout cut the air.
"SILENCE". Raylee's shout brought the room to stillness. He took a deep breath and continued. "I have already taken care of every personal matter, and sooner rather than later I will be leaving my position to someone more qualified than me."
Someone stepped forward amongst the crowd of nobles and clansman and stood before Raylee. She spoke coldly and to the point. "Your charades are creating a big disturbance, Master Raylee. As every clansman in this room knows, being grandmaster is forever. There hasn't been a single grandmaster in our history that stepped out of this respectful position, before their death. " Gersen never seemed afraid to speak her mind, but this time, even her own disciplines looked unsettled by her decision to speak against him.
Raylee turned towards her and came quite close while kneeling down on one knee to get face to face with her. "Master Gersen, you misunderstood. This is not up for debate, it is simply a declaration." He spoke calmly but loud, so the whole court could hear. He turned to the whole court and spoke once again "If anyone wishes to stop me from retiring, they are welcome to try. Maybe my death will keep the tradition going." Everyone on the court stood silent to the provocation of the Grandmaster. A chill run down Ezkiel's back. None dared to look him in the eyes. It was as Ray said; they were terrified of him.
"It seems there is no resistance in my decision. I feel a little sad, I was really hoping someone would fight for me" he said melodramatically.
He headed back to his kingly chair and sat down slackly. "Well now" he said touching and rubbing the metal railings on his chair. "It is time I announce the next in line." The room tensed. Whoever would succeed was somewhere inside the courtroom. "A new line of Kings shall begin; a line where both the Kaspera and the nobles can approve off; the son of lord Elbun and mistress Eswin, he listens to the name Sorakin." Eswin who was sitting on the front row jumped up in surprise. "Until he is of age, master and councilman Ezkiel will be in charge".
master Gersen spoke again, dissuaded by the early attempt of Raylee to intimidate her. "Your highness, the child has proven to be a Roth, how could the clan possibly approve of him?"
Her comment received a murderous look from Eswin who was still standing up. Raylee ignored that and spoke again slowly and deliberately, addressing the whole court "Indeed young Sorakin has no control of the elements and he has no obvious talents to speak off. But undoubtedly my decision was made after much deliberation and I leave Sorakin with a great burden. And to the doubters I say; one day the youngling will surprise you. Finally my last words to you are simple; do not forget that the clan of light is not immortal." The court felt silent again, confidently in their mind, this couldn't be the end. But to Raylee it was a done deal; he got up with no strain and turned away, dropping his robe to the ground, leaving a numb crowd behind him.
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"Alight, you made your point". Ezkiel said with frustration. "What's next now?".
They were sitting in the back garden. There was no one there as usual. Most of the kitchen stuff would sit there after a day's work but it was still early noon and the sun was shining hard on the benches situated next to the colorful ground of the garden. The purple lilies, the white roses and nonchalant sunflowers were the introduction to the sights of the royal garden that was at the end of the paved pathway stretched many hundreds of meters in front of them.
"You are the king. Good luck". Raylee said playfully.
"Right, you think your opposition will take this lying down?" he countered.
"Doubtful. But they'll get their turn. I assure you."
¨but what if they band together Ray? What then?"
"That's not the place to discuss this" he paused. "Remember when we all used to sit on the gardens of Karsin?" He said, changing the subject.
"Yes, but it will never be the same. That time is far gone. Now there is nothing left that's worth reminding us what we used to be. And what the Kaspera used to be."
"Now is not the time to be pessimistic Ez. The clan will pull through. The problem is that by the end of our strife, we will be the strongest elemental clan." He looked up at the sunny sky covering his eyes. He pulled up an old worn out cap and placed it on his head.
"And why is that a problem?" Ezkeil asked curiously.
"Because we don't know how to handle power, as it has been proven before. I am afraid we will be consumed by it."
"I guess now is the perfect time to ask." He looked at Raylee attentively. "It was a shock to me as well, despite knowing most of what you were planning. Yet here I am wondering along with the rest of the kingdom's subjects what madness led to that decision. Why Sorakin? Why that child?"
"All I can tell you is that it wasn't a spur of the moment decision. I have my reasons for choosing him. Though I cannot say more on the matter"
"No one can accept that as Gersen pointed out. "
"That's why my final decision as a King is to send him to Asten." Ezkeil turned his head curiously but Raylee continued. "He has a lot to learn. Even though he is a Roth, I really hope you trust my decision Ez. You are the only one left that I can count on".
Ezkeil let a surrender sigh out. "Fine Ray, I have no choice in the matter. I will support Sorakin as best I can, since you seem keen to keep your secrets".
"Ez, you better step away" Raylee said with a grim and gloomy expression. His green eyes darkened. "They are finally here."
Ezkeil jumped up aggressively when he the group of people that was headed their way.
"I better s…"
"No, step away Ez, this is my mess to resolve" He said with finality.
Ezkeil looked away depressed. "At least let me talk with them". He watched the squad of multiple councilmen and masters, walk with determined expressions towards them.
"It is pointless; they only came here for one single reason". Ray stepped in front to receive their uninvited and unwelcomed guests.
They were wearing their official clan sigils on their white, purple robes. Most of them wore bright clothing underneath their garments.
Masters and disciplines; they were at least two dozen. And they all looked serious and absolutely focused on Raylee.
Ray crossed and rested his arms in front of his chest. He was not surprised that the one leading the team of these highly skilled individuals was none other than master Gersen. It was about time she came for his head. Two of the elders were right behind her. And more behind them hidden among the crowd of insurgents.
"Grand master, I stand before you with the rest of the high-counselors in an attempt to persuade you to rethink your position. We cannot allow our traditions to deviate because of one single individual." Gersen spoke simply and to the point, her voice was steady and emotionless.
Ray simply smirked. "So you came to challenge my decision. You want me to stay? Is that it? I am certainly moved"
"The grand master position is for life. So unless you forfeit your life, you cannot forfeit the position either." One of the elders answered with zeal.
"Dear clansmen, even if you manage to subdue me, you should already expect that most of you won't survive the attempt. Serve the clan and not your superficial desires." Raylee said in an attempt to dissuade what he feared would follow. It was not in his nature to back down from a fight, except for a fight against his fellow clansmen. Especially after what happened to him.
Ezkeil knew as well as everyone here, including Ray himself; that these people were here to fight. Having Raylee as their leader might weight heavily on them. But they had the chance to bring him down as long as he was within their sights. Letting him go only to come back one day to challenge their need for power would be even worse.
The weapons were readied. Bows, swords and spears were drawn. None of them had pointed their weapon at Ray yet. Despite that you could feel the bloodlust on the still air.
Gersen once again spoke "you have no power to order anyone. You gave that up, but as long as you submit, you will be able to serve the rest of your tenure. Probably from inside a prison cell, depending on your attitude".
Ray's smile was followed by a single chuckle that steadily turned into loud laughter.
Ezkiel looked around him; the servants that were moving near the garden were alerted by the commotion and came to see what that was about. They started whispering while listening to the maddening laughter of their soon to be ex-king.
A few of the clansmen took a step back fearfully. They have seen the brutality of their leader. He had taken the previous clan leader's head within a few moves. His speed, power and mastery of the light element were unrivaled within the clan. And they were about to turn their weapons against a beast like that.
"Gersen" Raylee said slowly and with a mocking tone. "I have the greatest respect for you. Even though you never respected my reign at least you feared it. And that kept your ambitions in check."
Gersen raised her sword towards Ray pointing the tip in his direction. "I never had an ambition of power. I only cared for the clan's power and I respect the traditions."
Ray chuckled again. "Yes, that might be true. And right now your fear is being realized. That someone will rise to challenge the traditions of the clan you hold so highly." Ray turned sideways and steadied his hands behind his back. "And someone like that exists; above the clan's rules. But what you don't understand Gersen is that the clans itself forced me to rise above it. The tradition would have doomed us all."
"Gersen" Ray said again, this time his voice steady and serious. All the clansmen that were facing him were listening intently. "The Kaspera is just another clan in the depths of history."
Gersen began to protest "You were always insolent."
Ray raised his hand. "But, I always cared for the people. The council you so proudly serve, the council of old ideas and traditions do not understand what our rising power will cause to the continent itself; so many before us refused to adapt to the changing circumstances getting lost in the depths of history, never to be heard again. I refuse for Kaspera to be the same. Giving up my title means nothing in the grand scheme of things rather is the only way for peace to be achieved. If you can't see that then you are as blind as those foolish old men who only cared for power."
Gersen shook her head in disbelief. "I only see you trying to find an excuse for breaking the tradition and cowardly escaping your responsibilities rather than you trying to save anyone. The traditions are old and unchanged. And they are the reason our clan reached its current power. You refuse to see that in turn. We could have worked together to stop those refusing to accept your position. But you only wish to serve your egoistical desires."
Ray's eyes met Gersen's fierce glance. Raylee dropped his head, apparently defeated, he knew now that he couldn't stop the stream of events. He had to fight.
He took a position in front of everyone with his arms crossed. "It seems we are at an impasse. One of us is right. Very well Gersen, let's see which ideology is stronger."
It all happened in a flash; he was within striking distance before anyone realized what happened. His light blade appeared in his hands and he slashed cleanly through the first elder. His head fell to the ground. The rest stood baffled and shocked, but turned to face him nonetheless. They attacked from every side. Ray dodged and ducked and rolled avoiding every attack smoothly. His long sleeves extending downwards danced along with his movement. His eyes were fixating on every of his opponents' moves.
He spinned around forming small light scythes on the shape of the half moon. He moved his hands in a circular movement and all them spread across with force. Hitting and damaging everyone around him, some fell to the ground. Most took a step back, checking on their injuries, the rest continued to attempt to suppress Ray's movements.
They kept on going after him and he kept repelling everyone. He was untouchable as he was dancing a dance of death. Gersen was the only one able to go toe to toe. She deflected his light sword again and again. She stressed her fingers backwards and a light ball appeared and she smashed it forward repelling herself and Raylee away.
She then moved her fingers in a circle and attacked with light sickles which she sent in the direction of Ray. In return he quickly conjured a light shield blocking all the projectiles. His fingers barely moved, but Gersen's eyes moved quickly catching the movement as a light ray extended from his two fingers cutting through the air, Gersen dodged while slashing sideways with her spear blood spilled on both ends. The side of Ray's neck flashed red from blood and the ray's end cut through the chest of one of the disciplines behind Gersen, she fell lifeless to the ground. Gersen cursed angrily for her discipline's fall. Ray took a few quick step backs and touched his neck. The cut was shallow.
Gersen was not like the rest of the challengers that came there to confront him, but he knew that already. Only with his or her death would this end. Ray sighed strongly. He really didn't want to kill her. Though Gersen was far more determined to do so to him.
"Gersen" Raylee pleaded.
Gersen hesitated for a second. But she extended her spear in front of her and began to slice and dice and slice some more. Her quick slices would have pierced even the fastest of opponents. But Raylee was not like the rest, he dodged around creating light plates around him. He took 3 quick steps moving in midair. By the time Gersen realized he was behind her it was simply too late. Blood filled the air again. Gersen's fingers flew to the bright green grass painting it dark red; Raylee's light saber extended before his hands. Gersen screamed and hopped back in panic and shockingly looked at her injury. She trembled. Raylee did not step forward but gave her sometime to realize the situation.
Her desperation started to settle in. It was as Raylee predicted, the rest of the clan member stood behind and around her terrified or unsure. Everything depended on Gersen's resolve, and the resolve began to break after seeing half of her palm and two of her fingers severed in the last exchange.
"Give it up Gersen. I do not wish for this to end any worse than this. Look around you" both of them took a moment to appreciate the situation despite the adrenaline boost of the fight. All around them people were limping or when on the ground with severe or many minor injuries. "As you can see I did my best to limit the losses. But if this continues, many will die."
One of the remaining councilman stepped next to Gersen who was getting patched up from one of her disciplines. "He is right, we should count our blessing and let this fool leave. He does not seem intent to intervene any longer."
"You should listen to the advice of your elder, Gersen" Ray added quickly and quietly.
Gersen still seemed somewhat resolved or rather curious. Raylee smirked his eyebrows.
Ray's eyes widened, how could he be such a fool? Gersen was serving as a distraction all along.
Two spears appeared out of thin air behind him. They were enveloped in light plates and impossible to see in broad daylight; a brilliant strategy. Ray crossed his arms and created several light plates which were smashed by the spear but mitigated the damage none the less. Blood filled the green grass once again. His sides were slashed and felt several of his ribs break from the metallic edge of the spear.
The brand of the attack was only half finished. A third fighter appeared out of thin air in from of Raylee. He eyes closed in acceptance of his fate; the spear was heading for his heart.
A moment later his eyes opened again. Ez had blocked the spear and slashed through the third fighter. She dropped to the grass lifelessly. The two others tried to turn back to attack again targeting the wounded Ray. But before they reached within striking distance, Ezkiel's voice, cut the air.
"STOP, your king and grand master commands you so". Both of the fighters hesitated. They turned to Gersen whose face was up until Ez's intervention, filled with excitement and bliss but quickly turned to a sour and painful mask.
"It is enough" Ezkeil said more calmly than before. His eyes darted between each of the clan member in front of him. Even to the ones fallen to the grounds that were at that point gazing at him with embarrassment.
Gersen stepped forward while bleeding profusely. "Master Ezkeil, your friend chose his fate. He wishes to abandon our traditions and laws. He should be punished for it."
Ez's face darkened. He realized that Gersen was pushing despite her current position. The reason was simple: Raylee was exposed, his ribs broken and he was hurt. If there ever was a time where he was vulnerable, it was now. Still Ezkeil had to stop them somehow. They were out for blood. There was only one sensible thing he could that would appease them from now.
"Former king Raylee is hereby exiled. Any contact with the clan will lead to his immediate execution. Additionally if he is found within the clan's domain he would be attacked on sight." His voice sounded thunderous and clear. He stared at each of the fighter separately. They slowly backed away and sheathed their weapons.
Yet Gersen's expression darkened further. "This is not enough. He needs to die"
She took a step forward with her bloodied, butchered hand on her side dripping bloody.
"Back of Gersen, this is the final warning" Ez said with a stone cold expression on his face.
"it is over Gersen, this is all we can get" one of the councilman pleaded.
She hesitated.
She stared at Ray one last time "One day you will die by our clan's hands". She said coldly and left without turning to look at anyone. Her disciplines were following behind her trying to catch up to her swift steps to patch her up.
The crown dispersed along with the band of Gersen's collaborators.
"And with this, the story ends". Raylee whispered with a sigh.
Ezkeil stared at his friend and his injuries. "Come; let's get you treated first before you get into any more fights"
"Don't worry about it, they will heal just fine, I need to leave my friend. I can't overstay my welcome". Ray looked dignified even though his various injuries.
Some small weakened rays of light passed through the leaves of the dense tree area of the garden.
"The sun is coming down" Ray said simply. "Sometimes, Kings fall faster than the sundown." He chuckled. "I bit you farewell". He began to walk away without any hesitation.
"Farewell my King" Ezkeil whispered.