The Fliskan team soon enters the star system where Ludin belongs. The said planet is situated close to its sun star. The temperature would have been intensely unbearable for life forms to flourish. Luckily, it has a cryosphere.
If planet Earth has a magnetosphere that protects it from harmful radiation from its sun, Ludin's cryosphere is a barrier made of ice shards and vapors. This barrier protects Ludin from the intense heat of their sun.
Carefully, they review the guidelines set by the Ludinians together with their landing permits on how to safely maneuver through the cryosphere. After evading the ice shards and enduring turbulence, the surface came into view.
Ludin was known to be a winter wonderland or Ice Paradise. Although they have a summer season, the weather is often cold, and that some areas have ice all year round. Though the people are the kindest in this region, they tend to have uncomfortable first impressions. That is why there is a saying describing someone being as cold as a Ludinian.
As they land on the runway, Zyric reminds everyone of the weather outside and that all of them should be wearing a cloak to keep them warm. Kanunia and Dazifae distribute the winter garments from the closets located at the back of the ship.
Upon disembarking, General Vedro of the Ludinian Military welcomes them with their basic greeting which translates as "Welcome to Winterland." On their way, they see the beauty of Winterland whose architecture looked like a modern depiction of ancient Egypt and other old Mediterranean structures. The general pointed to their grand temples that resembled pyramids with carvings atop these structures resembling a square cut gemstones.
When they reach the royal palace grounds, he leads them to where the monarch of Ludin awaits. The Queen was the same age as Queen Azestina. The tall regal staunch-looking lady stood there and opened her arms as she warmly welcomed them.
"Greetings to all, I am Monandra, ruler of Ludin. I have been expecting you and your company, royal highness." She slightly bows to Elzilaura. "All is set for your trial of light and I am pleased to perform the gem-linking ceremony for you."
Elzilaura responds. "It is a great honor to finally meet you, Queen Monandra, and have my trial of light to be conducted by you. When can we do the ceremony, your majesty?"
"Anytime you are ready my dear." She informs.
Elzilaura was pleased. "I prefer today if you give me a few minutes to meditate."
Kanunia disagrees. "But it's too soon. Can we wait a few more days? Just to make sure you have good health."
"But we do not have that much time." The princess expounds. "I must learn to commune with the gem if I am to maximize its full power and use it against our enemies. We are at war and there is no time."
The Queen of Ludin then invites them all inside her abode. The guests noticed that the Ludinians are clad in dull colored heavy looking cloaks but upon removing them, they are dressed to the nines. Men and women were dressed in structured silk and were well adorned with jewelry. The women lined their heads with gems and other ornaments.
The Queen sent the princess to get changed for the ceremony while the people who are permitted to watch gathered in the hall of the sacred pool. Upon reaching her preparation room, Elzilaura requested a brief moment to meditate. The servants waited for her outside the room as she meditated and reflected on what she is about to do. Then she allowed the servants to dress her up.
When they were finished, Kanunia came in. "I'm here just to remind you that the pool is ready and that Queen Monandra is waiting. No rush though."
Kanunia then notices the younger sister was troubled by something. "What's bothering you?"
"Just a little scared. You know what happens right? It's either you pass or fail. You live or you die in the pool."
"I told you to postpone."
"Delaying it will not calm my nerves."
"Then now is the right time. And now there is no more room for these doubts in your head." Kanunia draws closer. "After all you've been through, you should trust yourself. Time and again, you have proven your worth. The outcome may not always be perfect but you are succeeding."
"Thank you, Kania," Elzilaura affirms.
Suddenly, someone enters the room. It was Dazifae. "I came to wish you luck, dear cousin."
"Thank you, Dazi."
"And if anything happened to you, may I have your clothes and jewelry?"
Kanunia grabs a piece of paper, rolls it, and uses it to hit Dazifae's arm. The lady shouts. "Ouch."
"Well, you deserve it. You never seem to learn your lesson. You were told to be ladylike time and again. You are still not behaving properly."
"I was just kidding," Dazifae says. "Besides, hitting me is not ladylike of you either."
Elzilaura just laughs and gathers both her cousin and sister in a warm embrace. "I'm glad I have both of you here with me." She whispers. "No matter what happens, we stick out for each other okay? The two ladies agree.
"I must now ask you two to join the assembly at the sacred pool so I can finish preparing."
Meanwhile, Zyric was helping security. General Vedro affirms that the Ludinian defense forces are well scattered and prepared for this day. Should any attackers come, the Ludinians and their allies are ready for them.
When things are better, Zyric and Alednos left the Ludinian security and made themselves present in the assembly at the great hall. Before going to the great hall, they paid a visit to Elzilaura's room. The two men wished their princess luck and she thanked them warmly. The two men did not stay for long. They were about to leave when Elzilaura asked Zyric to stay for a moment.
When they were alone, she initially thanks Zyric for keeping his promise to be there for her. She then continues her message with the phrase should anything happen to me. Zyric was about to contradict her when someone knocked on the door.
Captain Maraidos approaches giving orders from his superior. Queen Monandra claims the ceremony must be delayed for a while. Lenron's fleet with Mudrogos Vel troops is approaching with great speed. Queen Monandra's household, including the Fliskan guests, is requested to evacuate immediately. Zyric offers to help General Vedro and his men with the Patara defense fleet.
As head of Ludin, Queen Monandra sees to it that everyone else in the castle was safely relocated to a special underground base. When they were all settled, she leaves the secured area to help General Vedro and the rest of the defenders. She then uses the power of her gem, the Sardonyx Square, and chases Lenron who was flying across the Ludinian skies using the power of his Power Rock, the Misty Marble. Soon, they engage in combat.
Monandra was leading at first but soon they both grew tired. Then, Bartava and his men come in and reinforce their allies. Monandra had to battle two men. Seeing this, Elzilaura wanted to rush to her aid but the people in the secured chamber refused to let her go. Just before Monandra was overwhelmed, help came. Ovded came out of nowhere and teamed up with the lady to battle Bartava and Lenron.
Zyric and General Vedro lead their teams against Lenron's generals, Haxani and Tovas. Haxani was a loyal servant to Lenron's father while Tovas was a former Fliskan officer and Zyric's rival. He wanted to be the Marshal but Zyric was chosen. Since then, he was undermining the Fliskans. His bitterness led him to betray his countrymen.
Pretty soon, the attackers were losing men at a considerable rate. Before losing everything else, they decide to retreat. Haxani vows to return and shall be victorious while Tovas promises to Zyric they shall continue their feud soon.
The attack did little damage to the surroundings but alas the sacred pool was once again ruined. Queen Monandra believes that somehow the power gems are connected with the sacred pool. She then asks for the help of Ovded. With their power gems, they combine forces to repair the damage to the important structure. In a matter of minutes, it was ready.
They allow her to continue to meditate. She wanted to call for Kanunia, Zyric, and all the others again but there was no time. She must clear her head with all feelings, anxieties, and doubts. Focus is the only key to her survival and the future of her kingdom depends on it as well. After a moment of reflection, a servant then escorted the princess to where she will face one of the greatest tests of her life.