REIN
Rein stood on the balcony, watching the dawn break over Coldcave. The sun's soft rays cast a warm glow across the land, painting the sky in shades of blue and orange as birds filled the air with their cheerful melodies. It was a moment of pure serenity, a rare glimpse of beauty in the often bleak northern landscape. As his children played nearby, laughter filling the courtyard, Rein's mind drifted to the sacrifices made for this peace.
Suddenly, his seneschal, Henrik, approached in a hurry. Breathless, he handed a letter to Rein.
"What's the matter, Henrik?" Rein asked, his brow furrowed.
Henrik took a moment to catch his breath before replying, "My lord, a letter from the messenger."
Rein took the letter, his gaze lingering on the seal as a wave of unease washed over him. It bore the mark of the Stormrider family. With a deliberate motion, he broke the seal and unfolded the letter, glancing at Henrik and then at his wife, Adeline, before reading aloud:
"To the Honorable Lord of Coldcave,
It is with great respect that I inform you of the impending arrival of Geralt Stormrider, the esteemed ruler of the Nine Lands. Accompanied by his wife and children, he shall soon set foot upon the lands of Coldcave.
The purpose of his journey is to visit Frostspire Keep, where matters of importance require his attention. Please ensure that preparations are made to receive him and his family with the honor befitting their station.
By His Majesty's Command."
Without a second thought, Rein tossed the letter into the fireplace, the flames consuming the parchment.
Before he could speak, Adeline's voice cut through the silence. "Why is His Majesty visiting the North after twenty-three years?"
Rein chuckled softly. "Perhaps he hasn't forgotten he has a friend up north."
Henrik, still lingering nearby, asked, "Are you pleased, my lord? What if he's coming for more than just a visit, especially with the Hand of the King's seat vacant?"
"I don't know," Rein admitted, his thoughts racing.
"When will His Majesty arrive at Frostspire Keep?" Rein inquired, turning back to Henrik.
"If the weather holds, within three weeks," Henrik replied.
Adeline quickly added, "We need to start preparations for His Majesty's arrival," and with that, she and Henrik left to make arrangements.
Rein remained on the balcony, watching his two young sons in the courtyard below. Clad in padded armor, they dueled with wooden swords, their movements fluid and synchronized, a testament to their training. Sunlight glinted off their mock blades as they parried and lunged, their faces alight with determination.
---
In the Republic of the North, Seraphina stood in the grand halls of her late father's friend's palace, her gaze drifting to the mountains that loomed in the distance. They served as a constant reminder of the strength she needed to reclaim the throne that had been stolen from her family.
SERAPHINA
"I escaped the king's court when I was only two," she thought, her mind flashing back to that chaotic night. Clutching her one-month-old brother, Vernon, she had fled into the unknown. Now, years later, they live in the republic of North, in their late father's trusted friend's palace.
As she looked out the window, Vernon approached, his voice filled with determination. "Do you think we can really take back the throne, Seraphina?"
Standing tall at 6'1", Vernon's athletic build and striking silver eyes reflected the strength of his lineage. His dark hair was neatly styled, and he wore fine medieval garments that bore the gleam of his Valnheron amulet.
"It's our throne....we have to take it," Seraphina replied, her eyes fierce. "We are the last of Valnheron. Our blood is filled with the courage of our ancestors."
"But we are just 2 Valnheron and I am just a kid," Vernon murmured, uncertainty creeping into his voice.
"You may be young, but you're destined for greatness," Seraphina said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "The throne belongs to you. My goal is to see you where you rightfully belong."
Vernon's face brightened. "And then we can attack Indagian?"
Seraphina smiled, though her expression remained serious. "Yes. But we must be strategic. We need alliances. There are families here in the Republic of the North who despise the usurper in Indagian. If we can gain their support, we will have the strength we need."
"What do we do first?" Vernon asked, his enthusiasm evident.
"We start by reaching out to the Northern clans," Seraphina said, her mind already forming a plan. "I'll write to the leaders, reminding them of our family's legacy and their own grievances with the usurper. If we rally their support, we'll be unstoppable."
Just as they plotted their next move, the heavy door to the chamber creaked open. Lord Edric, their father's trusted friend, entered, his face bearing the wisdom of his many years.
"Forgive the interruption, Seraphina, Vernon," he said, his tone serious. "I bring news that may interest you."
Seraphina straightened, her heart quickening. "What is it, Lord Edric?"
"There is a fallen house in the Republic of North, House Darnell," Edric began. "They were once loyal to the Stormriders but felt abandoned after your father's death. They hold a deep grudge, and they seek a way to restore their honor. If approached carefully, they may be willing to support your cause."
"But why would they help us?" Vernon asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Because aligning with you could restore their lost status," Edric replied. "And it could weaken the usurper's hold on the throne. They see your claim as a way to regain their place."
Seraphina's heart stirred with hope. "What should we do?"
"We must act quickly," Edric urged. "Offer them reconciliation. Make it clear that together, you can take back what is rightfully yours. Their support could be crucial."
"We can do that, right, Seraphina?" Vernon asked, his eyes wide with determination.
Seraphina nodded, her resolve hardening. "We'll reach out to House Darnell. Together, we will reclaim our future. The Stormriders won't stand in our way any longer."