Year 567, Nordic Kingdom.
In the province of Monte Blanco, north of the vast Nordic Kingdom, lies one of the most imposing wonders of the realm: the White Cordillera. From over 15 kilometers away, its snow-capped peaks are visible, rising majestically on the horizon, a natural border between the Nordic Kingdom and the neighboring Kingdom of Kyros. At the foot of these colossal mountains, in the only pass connecting both kingdoms, stands the legendary White City.
This city-castle, one of the most important pillars of the Kingdom, is both a fortress and home to thousands of inhabitants. Known for the white splendor of its walls, built with enormous blocks of quartz extracted directly from the mountain range, the White City is a monument to the strength and ingenuity of its builders. The stones, meticulously carved, range from one to two square meters in size, composing not only the walls that protect the city, but also entire rooms excavated in the bowels of the mountain.
The castle itself covers nearly two square kilometers, while the outer city, which extends beyond the imposing walls, covers approximately five additional square kilometers. Around 150,000 people call this magnificent city home, whose government is under the command of the powerful Duke Le Blanc, assisted by three important baronial families: the Ashki, the Lewing, and the Snow. To these are added four noble families of lesser rank but with great influence in the city: the Groth, in charge of the agricultural lands south of the territory, livestock, breeding of animals for their fur trade, and the hunting of various species of wild beasts; the Cavil, a family of knights of long tradition; the Rich, former commoners who obtained their noble title thanks to their significant impact on the local economy; and finally, the Delin, of which the royal physician, Ronnie Delin, is a member.
At the beginning of each year, the city prepares for one of the most important events on the calendar: the festival of the founding of the empire and the arrival of spring. This festival takes place not only in White City, but also in the other two cities that represent the pillars of the Nordic Kingdom: Eden, the capital of the Kingdom and central pillar, and Tryen, the castle that protects the south. Together, these three pillars sustain the security, prosperity, and stability of the entire kingdom.
During the festival, the city is bustling with activity. Men and women of agricultural strength, hunters, merchants, and gatherers organize themselves into caravans to leave the city and embark on their trade journeys, agricultural work, or hunting expeditions. Citizens gather at the main exit of the city to see them off, wishing them good fortune and a safe return. This is a crucial moment for the kingdom's economy, as much of the year's production and trade depends on the success of this festival and its preparations.
Main Square of White City...
"I'm glad you decided to share this night with me and enjoy the festival together, brother," she said with a smile as she watched the festival lights.
"Well... I promised you on your birthday. I, Arthur Ashki, always keep my promises, especially those I make to my spoiled little sister," he replied, laughing softly. "Ah... I'm sorry, I meant my beloved little sister."
"Hehe, you're so funny, huh!" she retorted, feigning annoyance, but with a smile on her lips. "Let's go to the fair and get something to eat. I'm dying to try the delicious Groth family ice cream, the one they only sell during the founding festival."
"Alright, I'll treat you as an apology," said Arthur, nodding with a smile. "I also wanted to browse the festival shops. I want to buy a souvenir for our mother and, of course, something for when Father returns from the campaign against the bandits."
"Yes! I'll buy that tunic I love so much, the one I saw in the new shop on the main square, Le Monc."
Arthur sighed deeply before responding and following his sister's steps.
"You just want to go look at clothes... but I can't do anything about it. Let's go."
In White City, the festival takes on even greater importance, as most men who do not belong to the army participate in trade expeditions or agricultural and hunting work. The region, located in a mountainous area with poor soils, depends heavily on the trade of quartz and other minerals extracted from the mountains. The mines are worked mainly by slaves and prisoners under the control of the army, making trade the backbone of the local economy.
The festival, which lasts approximately one week, receives merchants from all the cities of the northern part of the Duchy of Le Blanc, who come to participate in the festivity, trade minerals, and acquire slaves for their own trade journeys. During the last days of the event, caravans are organized that, escorted by soldiers from the noble families, leave the city in a grand parade of carriages.
On the first day, the farmers and independent travelers depart. On the second day, a huge caravan of more than a thousand decorated carriages, escorted by guards and soldiers, says goodbye to the city. Fireworks illuminate the sky as the city's inhabitants cheer and celebrate their departure. During the night, lanterns shine in the air, each with good wishes and hopes for a safe return. Families, with their hearts in their hands, see their loved ones leave, trusting that they will return safe and sound when autumn knocks on the city's doors.
When the festival comes to an end, the city is plunged into a deep silence. The streets, which had been full of activity and joy, are now empty. Only the moonlight illuminates the White City, a moon that, on that particular night, seemed tinged with an unsettling red, as if foretelling that something out of the ordinary was about to happen.