In the Kingdom of Talcuta, the nights were as still as an undisturbed lake. Peace between good and evil knew no bounds. All the people of the city lay peacefully in their beds, their dreams full of serenity and calm. It was still very early in the morning, but a tension hung in the air, a sense of foreboding that seemed to emanate from the very walls of the castle itself. Even the birds had fallen silent, as if they too could sense the change in the atmosphere. In the darkness of the castle's dungeons, a figure stirred, its chains clanking as it shifted its weight. It was a prisoner, held captive by the King for reasons unknown.
As the figure moved, a strange light began to emanate from its hands, slowly growing brighter and brighter until the room was bathed in a soft, eerie glow. The figure raised its head and, with a voice that sounded like thunder in an old tongue, it spoke a single word: "Eptha." The walls of the dungeon began to shake, and a crack appeared in the stone, growing larger and larger until it opened up into a gaping chasm. A cold wind blew from the depths of the chasm, carrying with it the stench of death and decay. And then, with a roar that shook the very foundations of the castle, a massive black shadow rose up from the darkness. It was a creature unlike anything that had ever been seen in Talcuta before. It had the head and body of a serpent, but the wings of an eagle. It was a creature quite unfamiliar to Talcuta, and it was free. As it soared into the night sky, the people of Talcuta awoke in terror, their sleep disturbed by the creature's unholy cry. As the creature flew over the city, it cast a shadow over the land, and the people below cowered in fear. The creature flew around the sky three times before it came to a halt as if it waited for something. The king and his men, though unprepared, quickly picked up their swords in defence of the kingdom. The creature not minding all the weapons pointed at it flapped its wing in order to steady itself in the sky. Just then, a figure appeared from the darkness under the flying serpent.
"Queen Azeira." A knight mumbled.
"My love, what are you doing? You can't handle that thing." the young king said, thinking his Queen was there for the creature as she had a very poisonous dagger in her hands.
He only just got married a few months back and did care so much about his wife.
The Queen, without any response, kept walking till she approached the king.
"You don't think I can?" She asked him and without waiting for a response she quickly passed the dagger into his heart and a gust of wind quickly threw all the soldiers off, leaving only the Queen standing as she turned and bowed to the serpent...
MANY YEARS LATER
The tranquillity of Talcuta's nights was shattered by unexpected chaos. The usually serene city was gripped with an eerie sense of unease as a mysterious disturbance took hold. The once peaceful sound of running water was now drowned out by the unsettling silence that enveloped the kingdom's castle. Even the birds seemed to have abandoned their usual chatter, adding to the growing sense of dread that hung in the air. Something was amiss in Talcuta, and its people could feel it in their bones. Were the events of the past about to take place again? As the night unfolded, it became clear that this was no ordinary disturbance this was the beginning of something much darker and more sinister than they could have ever imagined.
Lady Saphina's loyal handmaiden, Yotta, had gently extinguished the candle's flickering flame, ensuring her mistress was cocooned in warmth and tranquility before bidding her goodnight. As Lady Saphina was on the cusp of surrendering to a blissful slumber, a jarring symphony of warning bells shattered the silence, harmonizing with the thunderous cadence of soldiers' boots and the resounding thunder of galloping hooves.
She hurried to the window, deftly adjusting the curtain to conceal her presence, her heart pounding with anticipation. Straining her eyes to peer into the uncertainty outside, she discerned a shadowy sight, the unmistakable silhouette of soldiers marching purposefully through the castle gates. An air of mystery enveloped the scene, fueling Lady Saphy's curiosity and hinting at a clandestine unfolding of events within the realm.
The commotion disrupted the tranquil ambience of the palace, drowning out even the delicate scent of blooming flowers. "It shouldn't trouble you, my lady," Yotta reassured Lady Saphy from behind, causing her to startle and hastily turn around, the curtain falling back into place.
"I didn't hear you enter," Lady Saphy remarked.
"I apologize for the surprise. I just wanted to reassure you before I departed," Yotta explained. "I sensed the toll of the warning bells would unsettle you." She added.
Lady Saphina started to bombard her with questions, her concern evident. "What's happening? Who are those soldiers, and why are they here?" Each query tumbled from her lips, a whirlwind of worry and curiosity swirling within her.
"Slow down, my lady. They are your father's men, of course. I hear they finally apprehended Radna after all these while." Yotta responded.
"Radna?" Lady Saphina asked, insinuating she knew not whom Yotta spoke of.
"Yes. Radna, the rumoured king of demons and master of serpents. He is the definition of evil." Yotta responded excitedly. "The lord of all evil."
Lady Saphina curiously drew the curtain a little again to catch a glimpse of the supposed devil. He was being pulled by four horses even though he walked on his own and did not even fight to escape.
Yes, Radna, the rumoured king of demons and master of serpents. He embodies pure evil," Yotta replied with excitement. "He's the lord of all evil."
Lady Saphina curiously peeked through the curtain again to catch a glimpse of the supposed devil. He was being led by four horses, even though he walked on his own and made no attempt to escape.
His stride exuded immense pride, and his skin was unblemished, indicating he hadn't struggled before being captured. The only marks on his body were from the chains around his wrists and neck, which were meant to prevent him from attacking. The soldiers kept their distance from him for a reason Lady Saphina had yet to learn.
"You seem pleased about this," Lady Saphina remarked before letting the curtain fall back into place.
"My lady, you must never leave this castle," Yotta instructed respectfully. "You are not aware of the dangers of Radna. He is darkness itself." Yotta took Lady Saphina's hands gently to lead her away from the window and toward the bed. "The warning bells are to alert everyone to the dark presence within the castle. Radna could destroy this entire castle in an instant and vanish, so we must all be vigilant," she added. "You don't understand how dangerous he can be."
"Then how was he captured?" Lady Saphina inquired.
"I don't know, but it worries me that he surrendered willingly and didn't resist, even though our soldiers were unprepared. You must lock your doors tightly, my lady. Having a demon in the castle is unprecedented. I don't understand why he wasn't immediately killed like the others. Perhaps it's because he is their king. I must take my leave now. Please be cautious."
"Thank you, Yotta," Lady Saphina replied.
"If you wish, I can stay the night with you," Yotta offered.
"You don't have to," Lady Saphina responded.
"It's my duty to ensure your safety."
"You're not a knight, Yotta. I can take care of myself. You need not worry about me."
"Very well. Be safe, then," Yotta said before leaving. Lady Saphina locked the door behind her.
Lady Saphina couldn't help but be curious about Radna. Who was he really, and were the rumours true? What were the rumours anyway?
Talcuta was a kingdom where demons were forbidden. They belonged in hell and were never to leave. The term "demon" refers only to magicians who could influence minds and manipulate people's actions. They were called mind tempters or serpents, and they were indeed malevolent, as the rumors suggested. Any demon found in Talcuta was swiftly captured and executed before they could corrupt others. None had ever been brought so close to the castle before. The queen had a special platform outside the castle where she watched the demons being executed. Radna was believed to be the prince of demons, the master of all tempters, a son of evil, the prince of darkness, and for some reason, Queen Marissa had ordered him to be brought to the palace instead of being executed like the others.
Queen Marissa, the queen of Talcuta, the mother of Lady Saphina, and the wife of King Nero, was more of a ruler than the king himself. Her orders were law, and King Nero seemed to be under her spell, as many believed.
The next morning, as Yotta walked into Lady Saphina's room to wake her up, she realized Lady Saphy had gone missing...