We stood just outside the Waystone Gate, the heart of the city's most secure and magical location, waiting for the king to arrive. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Soldiers in polished armor lined the pathways leading to the gate, their halberds glinting in the sunlight, while knights in ceremonial cloaks stood at attention. Banners bearing the royal crest of Valderin fluttered in the summer breeze, and the air was filled with the faint hum of magic emanating from the gate itself. It was a display of power and respect befitting a king.
The Waystone Gate was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Positioned at the northern edge of Kirel, atop a large stone dais that overlooked the bustling inner city, the structure was both imposing and awe-inspiring. Twin obelisks of smooth, dark marble jutted into the sky, their surfaces carved with intricate glyphs that pulsed faintly with light. At the center of the gate stood an archway made of a shimmering, translucent material that seemed almost alive, rippling softly as if it were water suspended mid-air. The faint hum of magic filled the air, and as I stared, I couldn't help but be amazed.
The Waystone Gate didn't just look like something out of a fairy tale—it felt like it, as though it connected this world to something far greater. For someone like me, a farmer's son who'd never seen magic of this magnitude, it was overwhelming. I had to stop myself from gaping like an idiot in front of the soldiers.
A sudden surge of energy crackled through the air, and the translucent archway flared with light, its center folding inward like the surface of a pond struck by a stone. The hum of magic grew louder, resonating in my chest as shapes began to emerge from the light. The first to step through were knights clad in golden armor, their faces hidden behind ornate helms, their movements disciplined and precise. Then, he appeared.
The King of Valderin, Alden Valdris.
He was an impressive man, to say the least. He towered over everyone around him, his imposing height and broad shoulders making the knights behind him seem small by comparison. His dark brown hair was streaked with silver at the temples, and his beard was neatly trimmed, framing a face that was both regal and weathered. His piercing blue eyes scanned the crowd with an intensity that seemed to strip away all pretenses, and when they landed on Elara, his expression softened, his composure breaking ever so slightly.
This was a man who had led armies, brokered peace, and carried the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders. And yet, in this moment, he wasn't a king—he was a father.
Without hesitation, he ran forward, his royal mantle billowing behind him, ignoring protocol and title as he reached for Elara.
"You're safe," he choked out, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
Elara clung to him, and soon they were both crying, their tears falling freely in front of the knights and soldiers. It was such an intensely personal moment that I felt like an intruder just standing there. I shifted awkwardly, trying to find the right time to quietly slip away and give them some privacy.
But as I took a step back, Elara's hand shot out and clasped mine like a vice.
"Father, this is Caelan," she said, her voice steady despite her tears. "He saved my life."
The king's eyes turned to me, sharp and assessing. For a moment, I thought he might speak, but instead, he strode toward me. Before I could properly react, he pulled me into a firm embrace.
"You have no idea how much this means to me, young Caelan," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Losing my precious daughter would have destroyed me, especially now that..." His voice broke for a brief moment, and I saw a flicker of grief in his eyes. It was gone just as quickly, replaced by a steady resolve.
I froze, unsure of how to respond. My mind scrambled for the right words, but all I managed was a garbled mess.
"Umm... I... your majesty," I stammered, bowing awkwardly as I tried to recover. I nearly tripped over my own feet in the process. "I just did what any normal person would do... umm... I..."
The king smiled faintly and clapped a heavy hand on my shoulder. "You're a good man, Caelan. Think on the rewards you wish for—I will spare no expense."
His gratitude was genuine, and for a brief moment, I felt the weight of his words settle on me.
"Now, I must speak with my daughter," he continued, stepping back slightly. "I hope we will speak more later."
"Yes, your majesty," I managed, bowing again. "I will await your summons."
I turned to leave, thinking this was my chance to escape and let the two of them reunite properly. But before I could take another step, a small hand grabbed mine and stopped me in my tracks.
"Father..." Elara said timidly, her voice soft and sweet in a way that caught me off guard. "Do you mind if Caelan stays with me? Or at least close by? I would feel more at ease with his presence... please."
Her eyes began to glisten with unshed tears, and I could feel her trembling slightly.
The king glanced at her, then at me, then back at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "I did hear she was quite attached to you, Caelan," he said, his tone lighter now. "I just didn't realize how much. Tell me, Elara, do you even let this young man breathe without standing over him?"
Elara blushed deeply but kept her resolve, her pleading gaze unwavering.
"If you insist," the king relented with a sigh, his lips quirking into a faint smile. "I suppose I'll be getting to know you sooner rather than later, young Caelan. How old are you, might I ask?"
"I just turned 18, three months ago, your majesty," I replied quickly. "On the fifth day of Greentide."
"Still very young," he mused, his tone thoughtful. "Come, then, young Caelan. If my daughter wishes it, you will join us. Let's not keep her waiting."
He gestured for me to follow, his presence commanding yet warm. The princess, still clutching my hand, beamed at me triumphantly, as though she'd just won a great battle.
And just like that, I found myself being pulled deeper into a world I wasn't sure I belonged in.
**
The carriage we rode in was nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the wealth and magic that flowed through the royal family. The walls of the interior were paneled in smooth dark wood, polished to a mirror sheen, with delicate engravings of golden vines and birds that seemed to shimmer faintly as if alive. The seats were upholstered in soft, silken fabric that adjusted subtly to the shape of my body, offering a level of comfort I'd never imagined possible.
Above, tiny enchanted gemstones embedded in the ceiling gave off a soft, soothing glow, mimicking the light of a starlit sky. The air inside was cool despite the summer heat outside, a faint floral scent lingering—no doubt another magical effect designed to make the ride as luxurious as possible. Even the wheels and suspension of the carriage were enchanted; despite the uneven cobblestones of the road, the ride was impossibly smooth, with barely a jolt or rattle to be felt.
I tried to focus on the intricate details of the carriage, not wanting to be rude and eavesdrop on the private conversation between the king and the princess. But despite my efforts, snippets of their discussion reached my ears.
The princess was speaking softly. "The trip to the summer estate was supposed to be a secret, wasn't it? No one knew except Mother's most trusted people."
"Yes," the king said gravely. "We took every precaution. But it seems even trust can be misplaced."
There was a pause, and then the princess spoke again, hesitantly. "Father, what is happening? I don't understand. Mother said things were dangerous... that things were afoot."
The king let out a weary sigh, and for a long moment, he said nothing. Through my Resonance Skill, I could sense the subtle tremble in his body, the faint weakness that even someone as powerful as the King of Valderin could not fully suppress. It was a sobering realization, to see the burden of grief and responsibility weigh so heavily on someone so imposing.
At last, he squeezed his daughter's hand and spoke, his voice quieter than before. "There is much you do not know, Elara. But I will tell you this: your mother was right to be concerned. The tensions between your brothers grow fiercer by the day. The crown, the future of the kingdom—it's driving them to desperation. I was away on a diplomatic mission, trying to secure allies and stability, but... I should have been here."
Another pause followed, thick with unspoken words. I shifted in my seat, unsure whether I should speak or remain silent. Before I could decide, the king turned his piercing blue gaze toward me.
"So, Caelan," he said suddenly, his deep voice cutting through the heavy air. "Where are you from?"
I stiffened under his scrutiny but managed to gather myself. "I'm from Ravenshollow, your majesty. A small farming village near the Eldergrove Expanse."
He nodded thoughtfully. "You left your village to become an explorer?"
"Yes, your majesty. I grew up hearing stories about explorers—how they discovered amazing treasures, ruins of forgotten civilizations, and wonders no one could imagine. Those stories fascinated me." My voice betrayed the sparkle of excitement I felt whenever I thought of my dream.
The king's lips curled into a small smile. "Ah, you have a case of wanderlust. I was much the same when I was younger, you know. There's a freedom in the unknown that calls to those with restless hearts."
His words carried a nostalgic warmth, but they quickly gave way to his more practical tone. "What are your plans, then, young Caelan?"
"I hope to register with the Explorer's Guild, your majesty," I said earnestly.
"A noble profession," he said approvingly. "But my daughter has expressed an interest in bringing you with us to the capital. She insists you remain by her side."
I froze, caught off guard. "Umm..." I stammered, rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly. "I'm not sure, your majesty. I'm just a farmer's son. I don't think I'm a good fit for something like that."
Before the king could respond, Elara suddenly dropped to her knees in front of me. "Caelan, please," she sobbed, her voice breaking. "You must stay with me."
I panicked, waving my hands frantically. "Princess, please! Get up! You don't need to do this—"
"It's Elara!" she shouted, her voice trembling with desperation. "Call me Elara!"
"Elara..." I said hesitantly, her name feeling strangely heavy on my tongue.
She looked up at me, her eyes wet with tears. "I need you, Caelan. Please. You're the only one who makes me feel safe."
"Okay, okay," I said quickly, trying to calm her down. "But... I don't know if I can keep you safe. I'm not trained for that."
The king watched the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and concern. "If you choose to stay with her, we can train you to be her protector. To be her warden, if you so wish."
"Father!" Elara screamed suddenly, standing up. Her voice was sharp, commanding. "Caelan will come with me. I won't take no for an answer!"
"Elara," the king said sternly, his tone firm. "That is Caelan's choice, not yours."
"No, no, no!" she cried, her voice growing louder, more frantic. The air around her seemed to shift, becoming heavier. I felt a pressure in my chest, a strange sensation that tugged at my thoughts like an invisible string. My Resonance Skill flared instinctively, and I realized with a start that her own Resonance Skill had activated.
The air vibrated faintly, as though an unseen ripple spread outward from Elara. Her voice took on an unnatural weight, every word sinking into my mind like a command. The king stiffened slightly, his sharp gaze snapping to his daughter.
"Caelan will stay," she said, her voice trembling but filled with a strange authority. "You will stay."
I felt my knees weaken for a moment, as if her words alone could force me to kneel. But my Resonance Skill pushed back against the unseen force, anchoring me in place. The pressure receded slightly, and I took a shaky breath.
"Elara!" the king barked, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. The ripple in the air vanished instantly, and Elara's shoulders slumped. She looked at her father, wide-eyed, as if realizing what she had done.
The king's expression was a mix of anger and sorrow. "We will speak of this later," he said firmly, his voice heavy with disappointment.
Elara turned to me, her tear-streaked face filled with guilt and desperation. "I... I didn't mean to..."
I nodded slowly, unsure of what to say. The king sighed deeply, rubbing his temples.
"Caelan," he said, his voice softening. "Take some time to think. If you choose to stay, I will see that you are prepared for the role. If not... you will still have my gratitude."
The carriage fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of what had just happened lingering in the air.