The world began under a vast sky, with water stretching as far as the eye could see. From the depths, land emerged, birthing trees, plants, and all manner of creatures. Those who couldn't walk flew, and those who couldn't survive on land returned to the waters from whence they came. For a time, the world was at peace.
But darkness is an inescapable part of existence. It robbed the world of its blessings and its sustenance. The waters dwindled, and the creatures grew hungry. For centuries, the world was consumed by war.
Yet, with every curse comes a blessing, just as light exists within darkness. We arose not from the land nor the water, but from the blessings within the curse left by the world. The world had rediscovered its light. But darkness persisted, and it was known as Yin-Yan, signifying that the presence of light did not negate the existence of darkness. The darkness engulfed the world until only a sliver of light remained.
War broke out. We fought, lost, and won repeatedly until the world found peace once more, ruled by us, dārys (Men). But we were born from a curse, and darkness resided within us. This darkness led to another war—the war of dārys, which divided us. The world fractured into six dāerysion (Kingdoms), each ruled by a dāerys (king).
The first dāerys was King Aelon Stormheart, ruling Valyrtia. The second, King Roderic Ironhelm, ruled Ardanthia. The third, King Thelian Brightstar, ruled Eldoria. The fourth, King Brynden Seaforge, ruled Thalassar. The fifth, King Valarian Firebrand, ruled Dracoria. The sixth, King Elric Sunsworn, ruled Vaeloria.
For many years, peace reigned. But the darkness in the hearts of the dārys festered. Each king desired power. They would lead us into wars, using us as pawns. Then, a few years back, a legend emerged. It spoke of a boy destined to unite all six kingdoms and reunite the dārys.
Part 1
A small boy dashed to the castle, clutching a letter from King Aelon Stormheart of Valyrtia. He approached the king's chambers and knocked softly on the door. King Elric Sunsworn of Vaeloria, the largest of the six kingdoms, looked up from his writing and called, "Come in."
The boy entered cautiously, saying, "I bring a letter, King."
"A letter? Who gave a letter to a child?" King Elric asked.
"A messenger," the boy replied. "He asked me to bring this letter to you."
"Did he say what for, child?"
"No, King," the boy answered nervously.
The king sighed. "Very well. I will see that you are rewarded. What do you desire, boy?"
"I want to become a knight, King," the boy said, looking directly into the king's eyes.
King Elric chuckled. "But you're just a child. Do you even know what it means to be a knight?"
"Yes, King," the boy replied confidently. "I've learned from my father, Jorren Sandrik."
The king's expression darkened. "You're the son of Jorren Sandrik, the traitor?"
The boy's eyes filled with resentment. The king noticed and drew his sword, pointing it between the child's eyes. "If this letter weren't from King Aelon, I'd have you hanged, peasant!" He called for the guards, "Remove this child from my presence immediately!"
The guards dragged the child away. King Elric sat heavily in his chair, reading the letter from King Aelon. It read, "King Elric, I await your response to my proposal on the subject we discussed at the summit. In three days, my family and I will visit your kingdom to discuss further. - King Aelon."
With a frustrated grunt, King Elric crumpled the letter and called his advisor. "Yes, your grace?" the man said.
"Prepare for our guests, the family of that scoundrel King Aelon," King Elric commanded.
The advisor's brows furrowed in concern. "your grace. May I know when they will be setting foot in this kingdom?"
"In three days' time," King Elric replied curtly.
"But, your grace, we need more time to prepare properly," the advisor protested.
"Do not question me!" King Elric's voice rose in anger. "You are my right hand, not my father. Now go, and call my wife."
As the advisor left, King Elric sank back in his chair, his mind troubled. Meanwhile, outside the castle walls, Davos, the son of Jorren the traitor, trudged home with a heavy heart. His expression was one of sadness as he walked, lost in his thoughts.
When Davos reached home, his mother noticed the sorrow in his eyes and asked, "What's wrong, my dear?"
Davos sighed deeply before replying, "It's nothing, Matr.
"Davos, you know you can tell me anything," she said gently.
Davos mentioned his errand to the castle.
But Jorren, his father, overheard their conversation and intervened. "Davos, how many times have I told you not to go anywhere near that castle?" he scolded.
Davos hung his head, feeling the weight of his father's disappointment. "I'm sorry, Father," he muttered.
Jorren's expression softened slightly. "Why were you at the castle?" he asked, trying to understand.
"Someone told me to give a letter to King Elric from King Aelon," Davos replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jorren's eyes widened in alarm. "Didn't we teach you not to speak with strangers? This child will be the death of us, Alysanne," he said, turning to his wife.
Alysanne, her eyes filled with concern. "What happened after that, Davos?" she asked gently.
Davos explained everything that had transpired at the castle, including his encounter with King Elric.
Jorren's face darkened as he listened. "Didn't I tell you that you will not become a knight in this house?" he said sternly. "We don't produce knights, but blacksmiths. You will not be becoming a knight in my house, you understand, Davos?"
"No, I want to become a knight, Father," Davos protested, his eyes filled with determination.
Jorren's patience wore thin. He raised his hand and slapped Davos across the face. Shocked, Davos stumbled back, his cheek stinging from the blow.
Davos looked at his father, hurt and confusion evident in his eyes. Without a word, he turned and ran into his room, slamming the door shut behind him.
"Come back here right now!" Jorren called after Davos, but there was no response.
Jorren stood there for a moment, his hand still raised, before slowly lowering it. He looked at Alysanne, who was watching him .
Alysanne placed a comforting hand on Jorren's arm. "Don't say anything, I understand. Let me go talk to him," she said softly.