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2024-10-29 19:42:56The moon was out. Stars arrayed in the sky illuminated the darkness. The kayaans were ready. They were all at the center of the village ready for the feast. The elders were getting ready for the feast rites. Each one of the twelve elders had a bat on their shoulder and their faces colored with black chalk. Merriment was ongoing and everyone was anticipating the feast rites. It was the most anticipated feast in the Kayaan kingdom as it meant new dawn. They were all looking forward to the presence of the new Commander. The priestess stood before them next to the altar. Ralph, her apprentice stood in his small form next to her. Ever since he started growing under her wing, this was the most exciting thing he has had to witness. The young apprentice couldn't wait to be in the position of the priestess one day so he too could perform the rites one day.
Lily was in her cave unsure whether to attend her feast. Her nerves were getting the best of her and her heart wouldn't stop throbbing. She had fought and anticipated this day for years but here she was scared to move an inch from her cave. "Where is the new Commander?" This was the question on everyone's mind as they all became impatient waiting for Lily. Murmurs broke out between the elders as there was still no sight of Lily. The priestess whispered to her apprentice, "find Lily!" Ralph ran as fast as his small legs could carry to Lily's cave. He took a calculative step making sure to take shortcuts he knew to her cave.
"You're needed at the center of the village," Ralph announced when he made out Lily lying in her dark cave. Reluctantly, Lily stood and followed the young apprentice. Her heart didn't cease its throbbing as they made their way to the feast. Each step she took, she was anxious for what the future held for her. Yes, she was excited and fulfilled to become the next commander but a part of her was anxious. "I was just as nervous when I was told I would be the next priest." Lily cast her gaze to the apprentice and he added, "everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear. Don't let fear stop you." The new commander smiled behind her mask. His words helped give her courage and morale. The priestess was a good teacher, it was obvious her apprentice was learning fast. There was silence as all orbs made contact with Lily when she arrived. Ralph returned to his place next to the priestess while everyone stood cheering her on. They all hurried to her and soon she was on their shoulders as they sang songs of victory celebrating her.
Their cheering came to an end when Lily was put before the priestess. Everyone became quiet again as the new commander was brought to kneel before the old priestess. The crowd concentrated with much interest and scrutiny. No one wanted to miss a part of the feast. The old priestess took a bowl filled with Oxblood and put it round Lily's head three times. Then she gave the bowl to Lily. "Drink up." She ordered. Lily obeyed and scrunched her face as the liquid went down her throat. The crowd yelled as Lilly returned the empty bowl to the priestess. The priestess took a blade-like object and made it take off Lily's mask. Lily was quick to stop her. She had a lot hidden behind that mask. She couldn't let anyone see the scars on her face especially now she was their new leader. She needed to earn their respect and not have them making jokes about her scars.
Lily pulled down her mask just enough to reveal her forehead. The priestess cut her forehead and inserted a white powdery substance into the cut. Lily didn't mind the pain, she quickly covered her face fully. The elders came before her and blessed her with the blessings of a bat. She would see all that is in the dark about the kingdom. She would soar like a bat and be invincible to her enemies. The priestess helped her up and took Lily's right hand up. "Your new leader, commander Lily!" The priestess announced at the same time hitting her staff on the ground. The kayaans cheered for their new leader and carried her on their shoulders celebrating Commander Lily. This was a new Dawn for the Kayaans kingdom.
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Of Glory and Of Doom FIVE - Laura
Hollow. That's the feeling that you get when you walk through the wolf kingdom. Places that were once creeping with Ivy and scattered with roses, now lay desolate. You could see what was left of fountains and stone hedges, houses, and stores. The wolf kingdom was falling. And it was falling fast.Some years ago, immediately after the wolf king took I'll and was sheltered from worrying eyes, the kingdom began to eat away. Like something infectious was finally making its round. And making sure that we saw the progress and the mark that was left on the town.Yes, the wolves stayed by the king. They didn't seek for greener pastures and ease to their riotous stomachs, they were forever loyal to their sovereign and they would see him to the end. If he lived to see more moons.Princess Laura, the king's only and loved daughter, could be called a fool. Not foolish per se, but the people of the kingdom didn't look too fairly upon her. She didn't act like she was capable of ruling after her dad
Of Glory and Of Doom SIX - Not Good
Her face fell. Her chest heaved with sorrow. When she had been informed that her father wanted to meet her, it had not occurred to her that marriage would be the subject of conversation."I'm getting married?" She asked incredulously. It was so sudden, so unexpected that it made her want to cry. Her father nodded slowly and said, "Yes, Laura. You're getting married. You didn't expect to remain single all the days of your life, did you?". He had a tiny smile on his face and she wondered if he found this amusing, if he thought the pain in her eyes was a joke."Why are you saying this all of a sudden? You have picked someone out for me?" She asked. Perhaps, her father was getting too desperate. How could she make him see reason with her? How would she explain to him that this wasn't what she wanted? She did not want somebody that her father had chosen for her. She did not want to even have this conversation right now."Yes, you are getting married to prince Nicholas" her Father said with
Of Glory and Of Doom SEVEN - Suprise!
Nicholas swung his sword left, right, ducking the way he'd been taught to when the dummy mechanically swung its sword at him in an offensive way that would have slashed his chest, something Nicolas thought would greatly please his sadistic father if he hadn't parried the strike.It was all his father's idea, making him train with a dummy. Something Nicolas had thought would be easy until he realized the dummy fought harder and more expertly than anyone he'd ever trained with. Nice, Nicholas bitterly thought, slashing again and missing the dummy who stepped out of the attack zone and roughly kicked at his legs, making him stumble and barely keep his balance. Nicholas didn't know what to call this bloodthirsty thing fighting with him but 'dummy' didn't cover it."Watch your feet, Nicholas! You're too negligent with your feet!" His father barked from where he was sitting, munching on grapes and watching his son fight something greater than him. Nicholas was suspecting that the man was g
Of Glory and Of Doom EIGHT - History
Lily sighed for the nth time listening to the elders speak about the history of the Kayaan Kingdom. It was something she had heard over and over again and her ears were definitely getting bored of sending the information to her brain. All she wanted to do was explore her new position and power as the commander of the Kayaans. It came with more respect than she thought.Her lips curved upwards when she saw Baba Mbari saunter into the secret room. The secret room was where the elders, priestess and commander were to meet. It was the only place they could get privacy to speak about weighty things.Baba Mbari sat on a stool listening to the other elders speak about the Kingdom. His eyes flickered from Lily to the priestess every now and then. He wanted to cut off Sarandi who was speaking but he knew just like the others that some stories are better left untold. The elder couldn't be more proud of Lily. Ever since she arrived at the Kayaan Kingdom, she was entrusted with him. He was to car
Of Glory and Of Doom NINE - Unknown
He kicked up his feet, watching as the dust rose into the air, disappearing slowly into the evening sky. The sight was almost entrancing and he found himself kicking up some more dust and watching it go before he realized he was indulging in some childish impulse and he gritted his teeth, picking up his pace as he walked around the palace grounds.It was a habit he'd developed a long time ago and he'd figured out that it didn't actually relieve any of his stress, it just created a distraction from the problems by giving him something else to think about. Like how his calf was burning with the strain of walking. It reminded him of some things that couldn't be kept at bay no matter how he tried.As he walked past the dead garden where creepers and moses had made their home, he couldn't help but grimace at the poor state the kingdom was in. The once blooming gardens of fresh roses, hyacinths, tulips and different types of flowers that had reeked of life and prosperity had withered and die
Of Glory and Of Doom TEN - A new discovery
"But you did a good job, keep it up,"Prince Nicholas just couldn't get his father's words out of his head. There was something about those words that gave him hope. Those few words brought his hope of his father fully accepting him and he was sure his mother was smiling from heaven having heard the King say such words. It was beyond the bounds of possibility to get his father to say such words and that only meant one thing. Those words were genuine. It calmed Prince Nicholas that his father meant his words. There was light at the end of the tunnel. He was close to winning his father over.The young prince got out of his bathroom, a white towel wrapped around his waist. He smirked at the sight before him. It was just perfect. A good way to unwind after a really long day.He joined the maid in his bed, slowly caressing her cheek. He moved closer to her, burying his nose to the crook of her neck. His nose picked up a familiar smell of roses. They smelled like the ones in the palace.
Of Glory and Of Doom ELEVEN - Wake up call
Laura woke the next morning, after having a very short night filled with turns and discomfort. She still couldn't get her mind over what was being requested of her. She played back the last years and her suitors' parade, the long line of requests and invitations just to be showed off and her worth determined. She hugged, hitting her bed harder till the frame shook beneath her. Elaine entered just then, an empty laundry basket in her hand and Laura remembered their conversation yesterday. Laura had been trying to glean more information about her mother and seeing as Elaine was always ready to tell her about her mom, she asked her about her mother during her marriage with her father. Elaine froze then, slowly turning towards Laura and searching her eyes. She probably didn't find what she was looking for because she bussed Laura's cheek and whispered, "She was beautiful." And she walked out, nervously glancing at Laura as she closed the door. Laura knew that Elaine was hiding
Of Glory and Of Doom TWELVE - Devastating News
Banks walked briskly towards her, like he was determined to plow right through her till she became a brown mound on the floor. Sidestepping his advancement, Laura shrieked as he followed her movements. Then he stopped, right in front of her.Banks had always scared her, with his bushy black brows and inky black hair. He was always in white, never opting for a different shade than the snow white color. Currently, his hand rested on his bejeweled walking stick, another accessory that he didn't need but always kept by his side. She was very sure that the knob at the top housed a weapon, but she never voiced that out."What is it?" She asked, stepping away from his frowning self till she could comfortably look up at him without getting her neck in knots. "You have to be the most insufferable child on this earth. Your father needs you to stop being a girl and finally man up to the task at hand and you can not do that. He's provided another means that would enable this town not to fall dow
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- Of Glory and Of Doom
EPILOGUE - Happily Ever After
Lily could feel the sombre mood that settled on the castle when news of Laura's death spread. She knew that she should feel at least, terrible about what had happened, but she couldn't bring herself to grief like the rest of the kingdom. She barely knew her and although, she felt bad that her sister was gone before she knew her well, she didn't feel as bad as she had expected herself to feel.She had expected the news to hit her hard, weren't twins meant to feel each other's pain? She barely felt anything, except, maybe guilt. That she didn't feel that connection with her even if for a little.So while others mourned her twin, she mourned the relationship she never had, that they never had. She watched as the King - she hadn't gotten around to call him her father yet, moved around the castle aimlessly and felt bad that his child had died so young. Lily tried to get into the mind of her sister and figure out why exactly she died? It couldn't honestly be because of what had happened so
- Of Glory and Of Doom
SEVENTY FOUR - And so it ends
Laura had never known heartbreak if it stared at her in the face before but today... Today was very much different than any other day she could have imagined. She had been through a lot but still survived because she believed her love for him was what would save her from all the figure she endured but now, been here... Hearing this. She would much rather be dead.Nicolas never loved her, Nicolas never even cared for her but Nicolas loved her and Nicolas cared for her, she kept on asking herself 'what did she have that I didn't ?' it was a terrible question to ask because she knew she was really beautiful despite the scar but she still didn't understand why he would choose lily over her. She was beyond sad and somehow even angry a big and it was justified. He didn't think their marriage was that much of something worth saving, he looked at their marriage like it never happened and like it was a skillful sacrifice. In more ways than one, it was a sacrifice.She buried herself between he
- Of Glory and Of Doom
SEVENTY THREE - It was Laura
"Thank you so much, my love." Princess Laura hugged her husband. When the hug tried to linger for longer, gently, he pushed her from his space. "All thanks to the commander. She offered to get the kaayan healer to try restore you father's vision. Clearly, it worked." The princess couldn't contain her excitement from knowing her father could see now. She was sad he didn't have his sight during her wedding ceremony but now she was happy he was going to get to see all his grand children and he was going to be able to nurture then with extra love and care. Laura smiled, taking Nicholas hand. "I'm happy our love could stand all the tests of life. Our marriage is still standing firm after all we've been through." She went on her tiptoes and place a peck on his lips. Nicholas knew he had had to break the news to her now. He didn't want to keep letting her fall deeper and deeper with him. He loved someone else and she deserved to know that. It was important she knew he didn't feel the sam
- Of Glory and Of Doom
SEVENTY TWO - Healing
Laura heard a shout from her father's room and dashed inside, sidestepping Lily who stood in front of her. Elaine rushed inside as well and they both closed the door. Laura walked slowly to his bed, watching as the healer hefted him up to a sitting position and made him rest against the headboard. The healer turned, her huge fur coat obstructing their view of the king as she spoke. "It's done, Princess. Why don't you move closer?"Laura couldn't help the apprehension that skittered down her back. What if he'd turn his face away from her? What if he'd look at her with hate? She had brought about the destruction of her people after all. Laura sniffled a bit, hating how she felt. She was shocked when she saw a head pop around the healer's white coat. Her father.He smiled widely at her, his hand weakly lifting to the healer's elbow and moving her out of the way. His strength was non-existent at this point, so Laura knew that the healer moved all by herself.She ran towards him when he
- Of Glory and Of Doom
SEVENTY ONE - Toast
"How long has he been in darkness?" "Ever since I got into the werewolf kingdom." Prince Nicholas answered. All the leaders were in the dining hall having dinner in the werewolf kingdom. It was in celebration of their victory. Lily put a forkful of chicken into her mouth then sipped from her wine. "How did it happen?"The prince recounted the whole story and the commander gave desolate sigh."The doctors?" She raised an eyebrow. "Have you taken him to other kingdoms? They could have the antidote." Lily ended with a shrug, watching princess Laura feed her father.Nicholas took a sip from his wine. "We've called all the doctors, magicians and healers we know and there as been no change. " Lily felt pity for the werewolf king. She couldn't imagine being a leader and not having her eyes working. She wouldn't be able to lead the war if she was blind. "The kaayan healer could be of help.""Lily, we've had a lot of doctors come in from different kingdoms but there hasn't been any changes
- Of Glory and Of Doom
SEVENTY - Liason
Everyone bowed before the commander. The kayaans, the fairies, the werewolves, the witches, the vampires, the angels and the gnomes were all faced down paying homage to the commander. Despite the lives lost, they bowed before her singing her praises and celebrating her leading them to victory. The commander was standing next to the prince. Their hands were intertwined, both staring at each other. The people stood up cheering and dancing in victory while Nicholas engulfed her into a hug. He smiled when he got a whiff of her lavander scent. The scent had a mix of foul odour so he grimaced in disgust. The groaning coming from Lily made them pull out of the hug and etched on Lily's face was a wide smile.Prince Nicholas skimmed the commander's body taking in the bruises on her skin. Some parts of her skin were swollen and she had a black eye. "Thank you." He breathed out, holding her hands. Lily gave a smile and he added, "I should still come take the fighting lessons though." The both
- Of Glory and Of Doom
SIXTY NINE - A clash of worlds
They had broken out of the woods and were now crouched in the bushes, just outside the palace. Thanks to the excellent tracking skills of the bear shifters, they were able to navigate the woods, be treated to a very nice meal of roast meat and be protected from wild animals by the fairies. The trip had done alot more than Lily had expected. It had created some sort of bond between the kingdoms and there was no doubt that after this war, there would be a lot of strong allies to be called on.Despite the tense situation where they found themselves, Lily was feeling awfully good. It was a refreshing feeling, very different from all the adrenaline she usually felt before a match and she was finding it a good break. It didn't matter that Nicolas was even there, she didn't care. All that mattered was the euphoric feeling she was feeling."One of my fairies just came back with info," the fairy king announced, drawing Lily's attention to the now crouching fairy that had appeared out of nowher
- Of Glory and Of Doom
SIXTY EIGHT - Strategic Alliances
The fairy king had come a long way on such a short notice but a war was on the brink of time and he had no choice. It was a mystery that he could find the crowd in the forest as they made their way towards their mission.A whole lot of his soldiers were just in front of him, guiding him from any attack that was peonw to happen if they were not careful enough. Lily and the others had stopped walking and waited for their arrival as the priestess had already told her that they were not far away from where they were nestled.It didn't take long before a buzzing sound was heard followed by a gentle sweet breeze. A signature entrance by the fairies. Everyone was on their feet, alert as always and anxious, Lily didn't know about anybody else but she was anxious. The soldiers all lined up, their fingers in a twist position for defense and their king at their center. He walks out as graciously as he could manage, it was a wonder still tahg he could still think of grace in this position and at
- Of Glory and Of Doom
SIXTY SEVEN - Confessions
Lily was gazing faraway, thinking of Him, again. She had moved further away from her warriors that were training on the plain and sat, surrounded by a parchment of wild daffodils, overlooking a swords clashing and grunts could be heard afar off from her warriors as they trained rigorously. They would be there till mid day but, it was always worth it. They were the undefeated Kayaans and she meant for it to stay that way. She picked up a smooth stone from the soft earth, brushing off leaves and dirt around it. She tossed it in watching as the waters formed larger ripples from the place where the stone had landed. She felt like that was the way her mind worked at the moment. A small thought or sight would trigger her thoughts, making her to loose focus. These days, it seemed he was all she could think about. She had already resolved in her heart that she would focus only on protecting her people and dealing with the Vampire King. But, everytime she saw Nicholas, since he joined forces
