Seven years later
Wooden swords clashed in a flurry of wood, the sound echoing through the imperial palace courtyard. Seven-year-old prince Khane and young lord Eyrin, their faces set in fierce determination, exchanged blow to blow.
Their master, handpicked by the commander, a wise and seasoned warrior, watched them fight with a knowing smile with his hands behind his back under the sun.
He watched them with satisfaction, perceiving great things from them.
Just as they were getting into the rhythm of their training, the sky darkened and it began to rain.
Prince Khane looked up to the sky, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's keep going, master! he exclaimed.
"Your highness, young Lord Eyrin, please head to the study space for shelter. When it rains, we continue. Off you go now." The master chuckled as he pushed them slightly to the study space.
The two boys reluctantly made their way to the outdoor shelter, which served as their study area.
The study area was an outdoor shelter where they studied and were taught by various scholars. It had a roof and short stairs, but there were no windows.
The two boys waited there as they were looking out at the rain, waiting for the rain to stop.
"Master, why can't we practice in the rain? It will be much fun," Prince Khane said with lit eyes as he turned to their master.
"You're a prince; if you get wet and fall sick, it will be bad for you, and the master will be scolded." Eyrin said cautiously.
The master, still smiling, nodded in agreement as he patted Khane's head.
Prince Khane gazed at the rain, then he closed his eyes, letting the cool breeze wash over him. The cold air blew his skin and his hair.
With his eyes closed, he said, "Master you said that with time we will know what our internal essence is."
"That is right, he said.
"And how long does it take, master? he asked.
The master hesitated—I can't really say. People discover it at different times." The master said as he looked at him. Wondering why he asked.
Prince Khane's eyes snapped open, shining with excitement. "Master, I feel like I can control water or the rain; I've long felt it." Prince Khane said with a bright smile as he looked at the master.
Eyrin's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know? I haven't discovered mine yet. And isn't it rare for someone's internal strength to be water, master?.
The master nodded. It is very rare."
"I want to be a god. I will practice hard with all my strength and might and ascend to immortality, then I will become a god.
Prince Khane's face lit up with determination. I want to be a god. I'll practice with all my might and ascend to immortality. Then I'll become a god!" His bright eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he envisioned his dream.
"You can't be an immortal or a god,Young Lord Eyrin said, recalling his master's words. "The highest phase is the sovereign phase.However,which god do you want to be?"
Prince Khane took a deep breath and raised his sword, pointing it forward with determination.
"Lord of the skies and the sea, being life-giving waters, wild and free.
With drumbeats thunder, loud and clear, he summons storms and calms each fear. His tears of joy, or wrathful sighs, nourish the earth and soothe the skies.
His realm is vast, his power untold; in every drop, a story's told. His wisdom guides through stormy nights and fills our hearts with wonder and delight.
I want to be a rain god! "he exclaimed, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. As he finished, he jumped into the rain and opened his arms, allowing the droplets to touch him.
The master quickly followed, grasping Prince Khane's hand and leading him back to the study space. Your highness, you shouldn't get cold, "he cautioned.
Young Lord, Eyrin watched, was bewildered by the poem Prince Khane has recited. He tried to remember if he had read something like that or if the master had said anything like that before.
He looked at Prince Khane's with newfound curiousity, wondering what inspired such a passionate declaration.
"Your highness, where did you read that?" Young Lord Eyrin asked, intrigued. "I have no memory of it.I want to read the book too."
Prince Khane swung his wooden sword onto his shoulder."I didn't read it anywhere; I formed the poem, "he declared, as he beat his chest proudly.
The master watched him and was amazed. He knew that sometimes Prince Khane acted beyond his age, but he had no problem with that. For him and everyone else, it was a good thing.
Though he saw that Prince Khane was faster, he was worried about young Lord Eyrin, who, despite being the same age, seemed to be lagging behind. He was afraid that Prince Khane would surpass young Lord Eyrin as they grew by a great gap.
It was good that the prince surpassed, but in the situation as friends, how would Eyrin see it?
Will he be proud of him, or will he be jealous?. For jealousy is like a tree that grows; its roots dig deep, its branches expose, a tangled web of emotions dark and cold, choking the heart, and growing old.
Its leaves are sharp, like pointed knives, cutting down trust and all that thrives; it's fruit is bitter, a poisonous seed, spreading resentment."
Just then Prince Khane turned to Eyrin and said, "It's time I show you my little dragon." He stretched out his hands.
From Prince Khan's wet palms, a small serpent-like creature formed and floated on his hands.
Young Lord, Eirin's eyes widened in amazement."That's not a dragon but how did you do that? he exclaimed.
Prince Khane tried to pass the creature to the young lord, Eyrin, but the water dropped on the floor.
"It's dead." Young Lord Eyrin said as he bent to look at it.
Prince Khane bent as he looked at it. "No, it's not," he said, trying to create it again but he couldn't do it.
He was scared, and they both complained to the master that the dragon was dead.
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Later that year,at the lady quarter of the year. The commander's rebellion erupted. He had secretly amassed armies for years, preparing for the rebellion, infiltrating even some of the imperial palace guards.
As the king and his family received the news of the impending attack, a minister advised them to seek refuge and wait for a chance to reclaim the throne. However, if the king were to fall, all would be lost.
Luckily for the royal family, more than half of the ministers, generals, and other officials remained loyal to them.
The king hesitated but heeded the minister's counsel and fled with his wife, his seven-year-old son Khane, his six-year-old daughter, Killian, and a small contingent of soldiers. Their destination was the neighboring kingdom of Nanib, a trusted ally.
But half the way, some traitor soldiers caught up with them, but the king's loyal soldiers slained them.
However, their escape was short-lived, as traitorous soldiers caught up with them halfway to Nanib.
The king's loyal soldiers fought valiantly, slaying the traitors, but in the chaos, the queen became separated from her son, Khane.
Desperate to protect the sole heir to the throne, a scholar named Leindi ,who worked in the palace and journeyed with the royal family whisked Khane away to the west, ensuring his safety.
Meanwhile, the royal family's worst fears came to pass. Commander Vexar, now the usurper king, claimed the throne with his wife, Aya, as queen. Their children, including Eyrin, were elevated to royal status.
The kingdom was now in the grip of the power-hungry Vexar, while the rightful king and queen were forced to flee, their son's whereabouts unknown.