The Empire of Sol was a place where the cold winds of the north whispered tales of glory and danger. In a world steeped in magic, Sol Empire was built on the valor of warriors, the wisdom of mages, and the guidance of gods long forgotten. Among its most prestigious houses was House Eryndor, protectors of the northern borders and architects of the Empire's survival during its founding days. While the royal family sat on the throne, it was whispered that without House Eryndor's sword and shield, no empire could stand.
But where strength brought admiration, it also bred mistrust. Bound by an ancient pact, the royal family was forbidden from marrying into House Eryndor, fearing that a union of their powers would unbalance the Empire's delicate peace.
As the Empire of Sol's fragile peace teetered on the brink of distrust and internal strife, the once-mighty House Eryndor, defenders of the northern borders, began to fall—undermined by those who feared their strength. While the royal family clung to their throne through deft alliances and subtle manipulations, the Eryndors, bound by honor and power, grew increasingly seen as a threat by the court. For years, they had served as the Empire's shield, its warriors and mages standing guard against the dangers beyond. But in the eyes of the royals, their power now posed a danger to the delicate balance the crown sought to preserve. And so, behind the facade of peace and order, betrayal took root, unraveling the very family that had once been the Empire's foundation.
Althea Eryndor, the youngest of house Eryndor, at the age of twenty-three, stood alone in the crumbling halls of Eryndor Keep, the proud banners of her house torn and stained. The once-mighty fortress, which had stood as a symbol of northern strength and defiance for centuries, was nothing more than a tomb for the family it had sheltered. She stared at the shattered remains of her family's crest—the sword and wolf symbol that had once commanded fear and respect across the empire.
Her father, Lord Halvard, had been the first to fall, followed by the other members of the family.
Althea had lived through every moment of her family's ruin, powerless to stop it. Her frail body and lack of influence made her a helpless witness to the schemes of the royal court and their allies. She had begged her family to listen to her warnings, but her words were dismissed as the fearful ramblings of a weak girl who knew nothing of politics or war.
When the final blow came, the fall of Eryndor Keep, Althea was the only survivor, not out of skill or cunning but because she was deemed too insignificant to kill. She was left to wander the empire, carrying the weight of her family's destruction, consumed by grief and hatred. Her final days were spent in quiet despair, her body ravaged by illness and exhaustion.