The sun stretched its golden fingers over the palace gardens, lighting them up with a golden hue.
In the middle lay Lex and Anastasia, completely drenched in sweat and breathing heavily in exhaustion.
"Rylan is a monster; nothing can convince me otherwise." Anastasia exclaimed.
"I feel like my lungs forgot how to hold air," replied Lexx, wheezing.
A long shadow fell over them both as Rylan came into view. "Aw, c'mon, guys. It wasn't that bad."
Clad in simple yet practical training clothes, Rylan was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a surprisingly young face but eyes that sparked mischief and told of great adventures. He was assigned by Queen Teagan to guide Lexx and Anastasia in their physical training and was currently being stared at like he'd grown two more heads.
"Not that bad? Are you kidding me?" Anastasia quizzed.
"Sooo, that's my cue to give you guys a break?" Rylan answered, raising his eyebrow.
"No," Lexx interjected, rolling his eyes sarcastically. "How about you just kill us instead?"
Rylan chuckled, then extended his hands towards the both of them, pulling them off the moss-laden garden floor.
"Alright, toothpicks. Go get freshened up. I hear the queen wants to see us in the royal court."
A few moments later, they were all on their way to the grand hall, where the royal court was being held. After being announced by the court herald, they were being ushered into the magnificent hall.
With sunlight streaming in from ornately painted glass windows and banners bearing the royal insignificance hanging from the walls alongside other decoratory items, it was a sight to behold.
Queen Teagan sat on her elaborate throne at the head of a long table, and her advisors gathered around her. Lexx, Anastasia, and Rylan sat side by side, listening intently.
"Welcome, kids. How is your training going?"
"It's been wonderful, your highness." Lexx and Anastasia answered with a slight bow.
"I see it was a great call for Rylan to train you two, then."
"You're too kind, your highness." He answered.
Queen Teagan nodded. "Sir Orin, would you do the honors?" She gestured towards one of the court officials.
Sir Orin, a tall, frail figure with long, impeccably white beards, stood up. "I'd be honored, your highness."
He turned towards Lexx and Anastasia. "Your highness Lexx, Lady Anastasia, we seem to have reports on the whereabouts of the space orb."
Lexx furrowed his brows, and Anastasia's eyes widened in surprise. "Where is it?" Lexx asked.
"We are certain it is somewhere in the plains of Valtor, north of the capital. However, we are unsure exactly where."
"The orbs are not mere artifacts," Queen Teagan continued. "They are powerful relics with a purpose we must understand. Our knowledge indicates that there are other carriers, like you two, scattered across Mirac. Your mission is to find them and unite the orbs."
Lexx exchanged a glance with Anastasia. "When do we leave?" he asked.
"Soon. The nearest teleport array in Valtor is a three-hour ride to the point where the orb was last confirmed. Go prepare your things."
As the meeting concluded, Lexx and Anastasia made their way to their chambers to prepare. "This is going to be quite the journey," Lexx said, packing his belongings.
"At least we're not doing it alone," Anastasia replied. "I heard we're getting a guide."
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. A tall figure with an air of confidence entered. "Did you miss me?" he said.
"Rylan? What are you doing here?"
"I'm your guide, pipsqueak."
"How on earth did that happen?" Anastasia quizzed.
"What can I say? I've traveled all across Mirac and know its lands very well."
Lexx and Anastasia sighed in exasperation.
With their somewhat reluctant team formed, Lexx, Anastasia, and Rylan set out from the palace. The journey ahead was filled with uncertainty but also hope. As they left Ethera's grand gates behind, the first rays of dawn lit their path.
Their destination was Valtor, a village that held the key to the next piece of their puzzle. Lexx felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The quest to gather the orb carriers had begun.