Princess Evangeline Ressei is on the move to the meeting place for days. The weather is in favor for their journey as they arrive where the western border of the imperial east and the eastern border of the middle kingdom meet. The sun almost never showed in the region of Sein Miguelisia because of the mountains of the empire, hence the region itself was rather shaded. But the region was famous for its unmatched scenery at night where the night skies were clear and were always full of stars. Moselei and Evangeline’s carriage made a stop in a town called Samau, where both the tigris and trasidar people lived side by side. They decided to spend the night in Samau for the journey was still a long way.

“My Princess, are you alright?” Moselei asked as he noticed the uneasiness surrounding the princess.

“Yes, I’m feeling alright good sir. Just a little bit uneasy because this is my first time to sleep beyond the walls of my bed chamber and in a foreign land as well,” she answered.

The diplomat smiled at the princess and sat right beside her. “My Princess, despite its cloudy days, Samau has a very wonderful view of the clear night sky that cannot be seen in both our kingdoms,” he said and then walked outside the balcony. “My princess, can you join an old man here on the balcony?”

The princess suddenly smiled and answered, “I’d love to.” She stood beside Moselei as they both took a deep breath to feel the cold breeze of the night.

“You know Princess, you remind me of my daughter,” he said as he gazed upon the princess and she looked back at the diplomat. “She is about the same age as you. She is in Tamara living with her mother.”

Evangeline listened to her companion and asked him to tell her more about his daughter.

“She has the same hair as you, the same grace as you. She even has the same character as you. That’s why every time I see you, every time I look at you, all you remind me is my daughter back home.”

The Princess was quite flattered. Then a thought suddenly struck her and she smiled at the diplomat.

“No wonder you take care of me so kindly and no wonder you want all these best warriors of the west kingdoms to unite. To protect your daughter,” she said.

Moselei replied laughing, “Well, I think you got me your highness. Anyway, it’s time for you to sleep. The night is getting late and we don’t want you’re beauty to fade away along with it, do we?”

Evangeline smiled and replied. “Yes, we should rest, especially old men like you.” She giggled while she escorted the diplomat to the door.

He smiled, “I’ll get on my way then. Goodnight your highness and may pleasant dreams come upon you.” He left the room and Evangeline closed the door. She head back to the balcony once more and gazed at the night sky.

“Goodnight, mother & father, wherever you are.” She kissed the necklace her father gave and head to bed to rest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beyond the northern borders of the Empire, a kingdom that was unlike the others was about to make contact once again with the Trasidar people. Another diplomat that has been sent by the Archbishop of the Empire made haste towards the Mystic Realm of the Falcons and to meet its council.

As the envoy head for the location of the city, they saw that it was sitting on a mountain. The top of the mountain was surrounded by thick clouds and they also heard that daybreak almost happens only dozen per year. The realm of the Falcons was indeed one of the most mysterious kingdoms. To their surprise, a rare event began to unfold before them as the clouds are shed with sunlight. As they look closer, they were stunned by what they saw. It truly was mesmerizing that the driver put the carriage to a stop.

“What in the name did you stop for— what the—” said the diplomat as he saw, an enormous tree sitting right on top of the mountain.

Towering high into the sky, glowing orbs circled the leaves on top of the tree as sunlight hit its peak. The leaves carried a beautiful golden glow as the sun showers it with as it flowed down to the mountain.

The diplomat finally got back to his senses and said. “Hey, what are you doing? We’re not here for sightseeing. Come on let’s go.”

It was almost sundown when they reached the outpost town of Quasien. From here, they stopped and waited for their escort to pick them up. They decided to get out of the carriage first to stretch their bones and muscles. It was also full of people of both the Falcon and the Trasidars. Children played around the streets, the market buzzed with business, clearly this town was lively and well. The mix of races somehow created a haven for both people.

Suddenly, six Falcon-kinds emerged from the orange sky descending to the ground. It was their pick up party to bring them up in the nested city in the great tree, the city of Juntoreigh.

The party landed around the carriage and one of them approached the diplomat. They knelt before him and then stood up.

Bearing the distinctive characteristic of the Falcon-kind, their eyes glimmered of ashen blue. They almost had same olive skin as the trasidars but only a shade lighter. However, their wings were slightly smaller than the High Eagles.

“It is our pleasure Imperial Diplomat Ferrier Ole, to bring you to the city of Juntoreigh. The Falcon Council is awaiting your arrival,” said the falcon guard.

Ferrier showed a small smile and asked, “Okay then, pick up my things behind the carriage and we’ll go.”

But the falcon guard began to speak, “Your excellence, it is not needed because we are going to lift up the carriage along with you, but your guards and escorts will remain here. They will be treated with great hospitality.” Ferrier agreed and said to his guards and escorts to remain until his return.

His escorts removed the bolts that attached the horses to the carriage. He entered the carriage and the falcon guards tied ropes unto the carriage and tied it to a U-shaped beam.

The head falcon guard ordered for take off and they slowly lifted the carriage off the ground. They began to ascend for the nested city. They slowly gain speed until they reached full height. From a far, the carriage seemed to be lifted by giant birds as they began to disappear into the orange horizon. The diplomat was enjoying the spectacular view of the mountains, and the forest under them. One of the falcon guards knocked on the window, prompting Ferrier to open up.

“Are you enjoying the ride your highness?” asked the curious falcon guard.

“I’m enjoying it very much, thank you for asking,” he answered with a smile on his face.

“Enjoy it for a long time your liege because we are still a long way from the city. I believe you have food there? You should eat up first. We will arrive their by moon rise.” said the falcon guard.

“Very well then, thank you for the advice,” he answered back. The falcon guard returned to his position in the sky and they continued to fly to their destination.

As they approach the city, more guards rallied to mark their path in the air. They pointed their spears in front of them making an arch. The people of the city walk on the enormous branches of the great tree awaiting the arrival of their guest. With the moon fully raised, the night shrouds the sky with stars lighting it up. The city lighted up its posts and prepared for the arrival of the imperial diplomat. Finally, they arrive along with the carriage and the people applause as the carriage enters the city. Ferrier was glad by the warm welcome given to him by the people.

As they made their way to the top of the tree, he stuck out his head along with his arm and waved to the people in acknowledgement. Ferrier got his head and arms back inside, before checking for the scrolls he had brought along the trip to see if everything was there. His deep sighs only indicated the work he would be doing for the King of the Falcons is not that easy to convince. But still he knew the King would answer their call for aid. For they had been allies for so long that the King should eventually acknowledge their rare call for help.

They arrived at the Prest, the sacred citadel on top of the tree which was covered with leaves. The council went out of the Prest to welcome the imperial diplomat. The Falcon guards slowly put down the carriage and it touched the floor smoothly. The Falcon guards made a path from the carriage and made another arch for Ferrier to walk under. The door opened and Ferrier walked out of his carriage.

One of the council men approached and hugged him, “Welcome old friend. It has been a long time my friend, now what brings you to our humble tree city?”

They both laughed and it slowly stops as Ferrier’s face turned serious.

“Is something wrong?” the council member asked.

Ferrier sighed deeply, “I’m going to tell you all inside the council chamber. It is a matter of security for not only both our people but the whole west continent itself.”

With that, the councilors murmured for a while before they entered the chamber. The council members sat in their places while Ferrier stoods before them.

Ferrier looked at the council and asked, “Where is King Razolden? I request the King to be here for this message is of grave importance.”

The council murmured again and his friend then stands and said. “We, regret to inform you but King Razolden died several days ago. We already dispatched a messenger to tell you days ago but it appears that the news hasn’t reached the Imperial Council yet.”

Ferrier was confused about the varied statement that has been given to him.

“But rest assured the Mystic Realm is in good hands,” the councilor reassured Ferrier, who was clearly not amused. He didn’t like being left out.

Ferrier’s face showed mixed emotions then asked,“When exactly did you send out this messenger you speak of?”

“About five days ago your highness,” answered one of the councilors.

Ferrier suddenly burst out of anger, “We are not prepared for this kind of information gap! Have you not tried using the messenger owls that the Orderian is providing us? That would’ve been faster.”

A councilor stood up to explain themselves, “Yes we have received them but they are proving difficult to use because the owl is always getting los—”

“The point is you never tried to really use it!” Ferrier, lashed out on the council and interrupted the councilor while he was talking. Ferrier calmed down and everyone on the room was quiet.

After several moments, the diplomat asked calmly. “Where is the King’s son? Where is he? He is the new King of the Falcons.”

Another councilor stood up and answered. “The prince refuses the crown but we always consider his opinions before we make a decision.”

“Very well then, I want the prince to be present in this meeting right now.” Ferrier demanded firmly.

“He can’t. He’s still training in the battlegrounds,” said another.

“I will only tell the Prime Minister’s message in the presence of the Prince. Thank you for your time.” the diplomat bowed down to show his frustration and left the chamber immediately and head out to his designated room.

The councilors talked to one another as the diplomat left.

“If the Imperial Palace hears about this, they will surely be angry about the delayed communications. They could cut trade with us as punishment,” pointed out by one of the councilors that so happens to have his town as a border of the Empire.

“They wouldn’t dare. Ferrier mentioned that the new Prime Minister wouldn’t be that wreckless.” another one countered the previous statement.

“Who is this Prime Minister anyway? Shouldn’t the Imperial King be the one who sent us the message? Every message the Empire sent has always come from the Imperial King.”

They continued to discuss the matter on why it was not under the Imperial King.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile down in the battlegrounds, two Falcons were training. Clanging swords and fluttering wings echoed in the air.

“My King, let’s take a break. We’ve been training the whole day now,” one of them shouted.

The King stood up and pushed the other one away from him.

“Don’t call me that. I don’t even control the realm anyway or even wear the crown,” he said as he charged towards the other and his training partner blocked it with his sword.

The trainer pushed the other man, “But King Ravaen, you only need to accept the crown so you can control it fully.”

King Ravaen Adevok was the son of the late King Razeldon Adevok. He is one of the finest warriors in the mystic falcon fleet. He had a ash-black hair and eyes like those of a praying falcon. But the one that made him different throughout his race was his unchallenged “Far Sight”. He could spot a small rothma, a small rodent-like creature from miles away. He was also faster than their counterparts, the High Eagle-kind. His focus was also unmatched if the situation called for it. He knew how to tick and bring someone to his or her most vulnerable point and would use this against them. But despite thses advantages, he was one stubborn prince. He refused almost everything he was told, he refused the crown and preferred to be addressed as prince.

After their training, Ravaen and his trainer flew back to the city and head straight to the citadel. Ravaen landed on the balcony of his room. His wings settled and glowed before disappearing completely into his back. He removed his armor and shoes, and rested in his bed to face tomorrow.

The sun’s rays broke through the leaves of the enormous tree and through the room of the prince. Woken up by the light hitting his face, he got up, and walked toward the balcony. He glanced outside to view the entire land just below them. To the Falcon-kind, this is their world.

He saw some of his people flying from branch to branch as they started their day with the tasked ahead. He stretched his arms high above his head, and drank his glass of fine wine. He took a deep breath before returning inside. A knock came from his door. He opened it and a Falcon guard walked in.

“My Prince, the council and the Trasidar diplomat calls for your presence,” said the Falcon guard.

He looked at the guard and took a sip of wine before he answered, “Tell them I’ll be there.” The guard put his fisted right hand on his chest then bowed down before leaving and the prince closed his doors.

The prince walked through the prest halls with two falcon guard escorts looking only at the enormous doors. The doors opened and the guards entered first before the Prince. The doors closed again and he sat on the high chair in the middle of the council men. The Trasidar diplomat, stood below him at the center of the council chamber looking unpleased.

“Imperial Diplomat, welcome to Juntoreigh. How can we help you at this time?” asked the Prince to the unfriendly-looking diplomat.

“I’m just going to tell you now that I’ve already sent a messenger owl, courtesy of the Orderian on its way to the Imperial Council,” said the diplomat. The Prince was confused while the rest was chattering.

“The more important message that should have been delivered yesterday, if not for your absence, is that Archbishop Menoich Anarchu now holds the position of Prime Minister and is currently leading the Trasidar Empire until further notice,” said the confident Ferrier.

The Prince was surprised, “Why is the Archbishop currently in power? Where is King Madarick? Prince Tamiron? How about his sister? Is something wrong with the Lluch Monarch?”

“The King is ill due to the fact that Prince Tamiron rebelled against the Empire,” Ferrier answered right away. The prince suddenly stood up while the councilors were shocked by the news, “News does travel slower in and out of the Mystic Realm for I can see that you haven’t heard of the news,” Ferried added.

“I do apologize for us not knowing it much sooner, diplomat. We give you the deepest of sympathies for the events that are unfolding within the Empire,” said Ravaen. Given the circumstances, Ravaen did know where and when to be polite. “Why did the Prince rebel? This is completely out of his character,” he asked.

“The reason is unknown to us,” Ferrier answered, “but there is the fact that we were attacked one day by a very old enemy, the Xerxecia.”

The Prince walked towards the window while the rest of the people inside the room along with started a loud chatter.

Ravaen said to Ferrier “So it’s true. Xerxecia is deemed to come back. What truly surprised me is that one of the Lluch Monarchs betrayed you. The very fact that the Prince rebelled is not only a threat to you but also the west kingdoms as well, this is a grave problem indeed.”

“Yes indeed, your highness,” Ferrier answered.

“What is the Prime Minister’s plan for this?” one of the councilors asked Ferrier.

Ferrier looked at the one who asked him while the Prince sat down again.

“The Prime Minister dispatched a group of diplomats to the seven kingdoms. The Prime minister wants to unite the mightiest warriors of the land to kill the Prince.”

The councilor was stunned from the answer he got and drank his glass of wine to keep his composure. Ravaen, looking rather disappointed said, “You want me to join in his assassination, is that it?”

The diplomat chuckled for a moment then answered, “Yes your highness. And we will not take no for an answer.”

“What your Prime Minister wants is too steep! Killing one of the Lluch Monarch or any royal ruler of any given kingdom is strictly a crime,” one of the council said as he pointed at Ferrier.

“The Prime Minister has already made up his mind. The Prince is a great threat to the Trasidar Empire itself. He can bypass every defense we have. They can literally walk in our lands and into your own undetected. Add to the fact that he is leading the very army that attacked Tamara,” the diplomat spat back.

Then the council men shouted one by one,

“This is absurd! Where is the Imperial Princess?”

“This cannot pass to the other Kingdoms!”

“This is not right!”

“A trial must occur on why he did that!”

“Directly from the Prime Minister himself, with a great threat barreling down upon us, we will do anything for the prince’s head!” Ferrier shouted, and then looked at the Prince.

Ravaen silenced his council then spoke, “Killing him so instantly is something all of our kingdoms will find, unsettling. For you see, any act against the kingdom will come to a trial first. What you want to happen is far too heavy.” Ravaen tried to clarify. Ferrier was about to answer but Ravaen stood up and continued.

“So in light of that, do you want me to kill or at least be one of the killers of a Trasidar Prince in cold blood without even hearing why he did it? Is that what you want? And don’t consider your Prime Minister’s command on what your answer to me. Is that what you really want?” he calmly said as he coldly stared the diplomat down, startling everyone on the room. Ferrier was taken aback but answered hastily.

“I know that this is hard, but what he did is unforgivable and—”

“That does not give you the right to bestow a verdict without his side, diplomat,” he calmly protested.

“I understand, but the Prime Minister said it is absolute. Even I can’t do anything about it,” Ferrier said. Ravaen was silent and returned to the throne and plants his hand on his forehead in quiet distress.

“Believe me Prince, a lot of councilors including diplomats oppose the very idea of killing the Prince. But with the devastation that he is doing and the unrest that he causes, we really have no choice,” Ferrier said with heaviness in his tone, “So my Prince. What is your answer?” he asked finally.

The councilors looked up to the Prince. One of them saw the fist of the prince bleeding. Ravaen stood up and answered the question the diplomat had laid unto him. “I’m in.”

The council room went silent while Ferrier showed a smile of relief and threws a paper to the prince. He caught it and read it for a moment then stared at the diplomat.

“That’s the location of the meeting place. The Princess of the Orderian is already on her way. May I suggest for you to depart immediately.”

“You may leave Juntoreigh now, head back to the village. Your mission here is done,” said Ravaen and left the room completely. Ferrier did the same while the council members remained.

The prince entered his room and slammed the door shut. He punched the wall several times before calming down. He rested on his bed for a moment while looking up at the ceiling. He remembered the Trasidar Prince. It was not like him to just go to the other side. He remembered the day when they first met, it was not much, but it was enough to know that the Prince was a good person.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was mid-day at the northern city of Gramork back then, in Malatur’Aren. It was the capital of the region and the one closest to the borders with the Mystic Falcons. Both of the respective Monarchs were in the city for a goodwill visit of the Falcons and King Razolden Adevok had with him the young falcon prince, Prince Ravaen. The Trasidar Monarch were already in the city palace. Waiting inside were the whole Imperial Council, along with the Imperial King Madarick Lluch IV and the young prince, who still did not have his iron hands, Prince Tamiron Lluch.

The Falcon Monarch arrived that day in the palace and the formal greetings had been given. The Imperial King leaned a little towards his son.

“My son, go on and be with the Falcon Prince. The Falcon King and I are going to have a conversation now,” the King said in a hush tones. The Prince nodded with a glow of excitement on his face.

The Falcon King said the same thing to his son and when Ravaen was about to answer, the Trasidar Prince dragged him playfully outside the palace gardens.

They played in the garden with soldiers hidden behind the bushes. They ran around the gardens beating every shrub. The two boys had so much fun that day and the guards also had fun watching them. They where ran towards the end of the palace gardens when Prince Tamiron tripped. The guards rushed for the prince but Tamiron suddenly stood up and prompted the guards to halt. Prince Ravaen helped him to dust off and notices a small scratch at the prince’s knee.

“We should go inside and just sit in the library. We don’t want you to get hurt anymore.” Ravaen asked Tamiron. Ravaen saw that Tamiron’s pain from the scratch. What made him curious though was why Tamiron continued cleaning off the wound when someone else could do it for him.

“You know there are your servants,” Ravaen pointed at the servants that closed in to clean up the young prince. Tamiron only smiled at him back and finishes off the cleaning. He waves at the servants to said he’s ok and be on their duties.

“Come on Ravaen. Let’s go to that big tree over there. It has a good view of the city.” Tamiron said then ran off. Ravaen was still bothered. He had everything being done for him, because he’s a prince. He summoned his wings and flew to Tamiron, who were trying to climb up the big tree.

He held him by the back and carried him to the top and settled him on a big branch. He de-summoned his wings and sat right beside him.

“Tamiron, why didn’t you want your servants to help you? You should have let them because that is their duty.” Ravaen said to the smiling Tamiron.

“You know Ravaen, not everything will have to be done for you,” he said, in which struck Ravaen. “Yes, they are here to serve us, to make our lives easier. But that should not be the case every time.”

Ravaen just stared at him in awe.

“We, the future leaders of our kingdoms, should learn first-hand that we must endure pain for our people, to make their lives better. To sacrifice for the people,” he said then turned to Ravaen with a big smile.

“So my little scratch is nothing compared to what people endure to make their lives better. I love my kingdom and I love the people within it. And the day that I become king, I will make it my priority to make their lives better because my father always said, Happy people leads to a happy kingdom and in turn, will make the kingdom stronger and closer,”” Tamiron said.

Since that day, Ravaen was influenced by Tamiron. They stay there on the branch over looking the city, and behind the mountain is the silhouette, of the Great Tree.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ravaen remembered how much Tamiron loved his country and his people. Why the sudden change. Those words he said years ago now made him concerned about The Empire. What will happen to them if he left?

Ravaen knew he could trust the council to run his kingdom in his absence. With that aside, he readies himself for his departure. He puts on his armor with the falcon crest. He looked at his forehead protector with the Adevok crest on it also, but decided not to bring it along. He grabbed his sword and walk towards the balcony. He looked at the surroundings again for one last time, trying not to forget the wonder outside of his world. He took a deep breath then looks toward the sky above.

He stared at the map the Trasidar diplomat gave him for the location of the meeting place. From his back a glowing wing-like radiance started to spread and then completely materialized into his wings. He looked at each then flapped them for a moment. Assured that he is ready, he took a deep breath, squatted, and then took flight into the sky.

The diplomat was escorted back to his carriage. He gets in along with his things then closes the doors behind him. The Falcon guards then prepares to lift the carriage back to the village. With his mission accomplished, he took a short nap. The Falcon guards gently lifted up the carriage and left Juntoreigh once more.

Arriving at the village by moonrise, Ferrier’s escorts were waiting for the guards to lower him down. Gently touching the ground, the falcon guards let go of the ropes. They saluted to their counterparts and acknowledged the diplomat’s presence for the last time, and then flew back to Juntoreigh. They attached the horses to the carriage, preparing to leave. After checking if everything is set, they left for their next destination and left the outpost village into the far north.

“Sire, where are we going next?” asked the driver as they made the next trip.

Ferrier looked outside the window and towards the giant tree of Juntoreigh, where the clouds weren’t covering it yet.

The diplomat replied, “Were going to the metal-rich realm.”

The driver felt confused and thought of it for minutes, and asked again, “What realm is that exactly your excellence?”

The diplomat took his eyes to the mountain parts where hazardous thunder clouds could be seen because of the constant lightning strikes in that particular region. “The Iron Kingdom of the Kra’ens,” he answered.

The driver’s eyes widened for a moment and he said to him, “This is going to be one heck of a trip.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Evangeline was preparing her things for the road as they continue on to the meeting place of the seven member team. She closed one of her things and laid it down from the bed. She dropped down to the bed with a sigh of relief and a wry smile on her face. Still recovering from her loss, a teardrop fell from her eyes but tried to be strong for she knows she should not be weak at this time. She then told to herself, “Mother, Father. I’m fine now.” She wiped her tears and closed her eyes, wiped the tears once more and she gots up from the bed.

She walked to the balcony of the room and looked outside as the sunlight shone throughout the early buzzing town. The kids played early on the streets and the escorts prepared the carriage that they would use.

One of their escorts knocked on the door. “Come in,” said Evangeline while looking at the door. The escort entered the room along with two others.

“My princess, we are going to bring your things down.” The princess entered the main room once more and closed the balcony doors. She pointed out the ones that were going to be brought down. The escorts then picked up the last baggage and they all went down except for one. “Is there anything else princess?” the escort eagerly asked.

The Princess only replied with a smile. The escort bowed down and left the room. Evangeline prepared her clothes while another knock came from the door, she opened it and it was Moselei standing on the other side.

“Your highness, we have been waiting downstairs for you. Please hurry up,” said Moselei.

Both of them chuckled and Evangeline said, “I’ll be there. I’ll just change clothes.” Moselei nodded and closed the door.

Evangeline prepared her clothes and changed into it. She went down to the carriage. She looked around her to remember it and the short time she spent there.

“Soon you will be back here princess, don’t worry,” he said as he looked outside the window.

Evangeline was satisfied and replied, “I’ll make sure of it.” Smiling both to each other, she entered the carriage and commenced to their destination.

As they entered the country side again, Evangeline noticed the tower from afar. Moselei noticed the princess and looked at the direction Evangeline is looking. He sat back and grabbed a book from the top closet in the carriage. He opened a particular book and searches for something.

Evangeline went back to the diplomat and asked, “What are you looking for, dear sir?” Moselei just continued looking and finally found what he was looking for. He smiles at the princess and handed the book to her.

The princess looked at the picture drawn in the book. She compares it with the one outside. The diplomat then answered Evangeline’s question, “That your highness, is the Eldemenster Temple.”

End of chapter II

Next Chapter: Chapter III: Spring and Autumn