King Roderic was the ruler of Marvellon for the past 15 years, and today the kingdom mourns his passing and honors his sacrifice, but his death leaves Marvellon in danger once more. Without a new ruler, the magic barrier weakens with each passing day, leaving it’s people vulnerable. The council of the elders was summoned to the castle once again to find a new ruler, where five elite candidates waited and hoped to gain Luminarion’s favor.
All students at the prestigious Luminae Academy, a magical school where the gifted learn to master their abilities, among other disciplines.
The Coronation Hall was a grand and majestic chamber, a true jewel within the heart of Marvellon. Its towering walls were adorned with intricate tapestries that depicted the kingdom’s rich history and the valor of its past rulers.
The massive, ornate doors at the far end of the hall swung open, revealing the candidates for the Golden Crown, and as they stepped into the hall, a hush fell over the audience, and all eyes were fixed on them. The candidates moved with measured steps down the long crimson carpet that stretched from the entrance to the dais where the Coronation Throne awaited.
The atmosphere was electric, charged with the collective hope and anticipation of the kingdom’s people. The Coronation Hall, a place steeped in tradition and history, stood as a witness to the unfolding destiny of Marvellon. The candidates, now standing before the Coronation Throne, were about to embark on a journey that would shape the kingdom’s future.
Candidates line up to wear the golden crown, but the crown chooses it’s ruler.
It bestows the chosen with Luminarion’s pure white light, forging an unbreakable bond that lasts until the ruler’s demise. Yet all that power has a price; the ruler must stand alone and devote his entire life to Him and no one else, and those who disobey His laws are severely punished.
Among those chosen few were two twin sisters, Celestia and Seraphina. They are the daughters of the late Queen Arabella. She once fell in love with a man and gave birth to twins. God was not pleased with her actions, so He took her sight and sent the man to burn alive in the flames of the Phoenix Maw.
During all this time and despite all the sorrow, her heart never tarnished, and her loyalty to Luminarion remained untouched until the very end.
The Queen raised her daughters until she passed away, and later on they entered the Academy for training, but not everything was easy for them.
They were often insulted and humiliated because many pupils thought of them as abominations who shouldn’t be allowed to live.
Over time, they became stronger, and now they are among those selected to be the new ruler.
“Who do you think will be our new ruler, sister?” Celestia asks.
“I will, of course; I am the most powerful student the Academy has ever seen, and I am the best choice to become a ruler.”
“And what kind of a ruler would you strive to be?”
“I would rule as I saw fit and punish all who got in my way!”
“I don’t think that is what a ruler should be!”
“You’re too naive, sister! Don’t you want revenge for what He did to our mother?”
“No! If that was his judgment, then he must have had a purpose. Questioning God’s judgment is not the duty of a ruler!”
“Love is not a crime; she did nothing wrong.”
“She broke the laws He created and deserved to be punished.”
“To hell with the laws!”
“Do you question God’s judgment?”
“I do.”
“Are you aware of what fate awaits a ruler who disobeys His judgment?”
“His judgment is flawed.”
“Is this really about Mom?”
“I endured so much to become stronger, so one day I would have my revenge. It’s all I have now.”
“Why are you talking about it like that? You shouldn’t indulge in such dark thoughts, or you’ll end up like her!”
“I’m much stronger than her; I will endure!”
“What if He chooses me? Will you serve me as your ruler?”
“You? Don’t make me laugh!”
“If you want to be a ruler just to disobey Him, then you’re not fit to be one!
The future of humanity is in jeopardy while you are obsessed with revenge. Darkness is stronger than ever, and we need to fight it as hard as we can. Whatever happens, in the end, light must prevail.”
They finally stopped talking when they arrived at the altar, which was surrounded by the council elders. Despair and apprehension were visible in their faces.
The elder leader, Eldron, comes forth. His white robes contrast with his long black beard. Silence spread across the hall.
“Good evening, people of Marvellon. We are gathered here to bear witness to the coronation ceremony. We have chosen five of the most distinguished students of the Luminae Academy as candidates to become our new ruler. I call to the altar Isolde, Garrick, Thaddeus, Celestia, and Seraphina. You may all sit.”
Eldron kneels before the golden crown for a moment as he prays silently, asking for God’s guidance.
“To be a ruler is not just wearing a crown; it is a symbol of His guidance and judgment. But the path of light is meant only for those who earn it. A pure heart and an unclouded mind are only the starting point, not the destination. A trial must be conducted to test the abilities, leadership, and strength of our candidates, and only then will they be worthy of His blessing. Our enemy waits for a chance to attack while our magical shield is weak, but we also have the chance to strike.
Our scouts spotted an enemy encampment to the south in the heart of the black forest nearby, belonging to one of Nyxara’s most trusted generals. It is the will of God that these candidates venture there, destroy the encampment, and bring us General Vorandor´s soul as proof. The one who fulfills God’s request will be our ruler. Remember all that you have learned, and Godspeed to you all!”
To be continued...