The Epic of Antares

It is said that among the nine realms, the great city of Akkad has only one equal. One place with as much history and meaning to humanity as to the Stygians. In many ways it is their birthplace. However if the Stygians were to be asked, they would consider such a comparison as lacking. For the significance of Akkad was better appreciated by humans than the northern Night Lords themselves. A far more accurate equivalent to the capital city of Talterra would be to the ancestral city of the Stygians, Uruk. Like the mythical city deep within the northern mountains of Iliad, Longshore stood as the bedrock of humanities civilization on Aurum. It was here, over a hundred thousand years ago that the first humans—the First Men as they were later referred—arrived after an innumerable amount of time on the open seas.

From the shores of the southernmost tip of Aurum, the humans would eventually go on to inhabit much of these lands. With that came great costs of hundreds of thousands of lives, as they navigated the once wild and unpredictable wildlife of Aurum. It had taken them a thousand years alone to build Longshore, through great hardship and the occasional clash with the ancient Stygians of the time. But like the human will, the perseverance to carry on in the face of great strife prevailed; thus the city was founded. A reminder of what could be achieved when all worked together for a common goal against whatever stood in their path, be it monsters, gods or even Stygians—some would whisper.

The Stygians were not immune to the grandeur of the famed city. It was thrice the size of Akkad and still looked to be growing each year. Her high outer walls mirrored the great walls of Eirdu and they too were decorated with great statues. While Eirdu sought to honor her Stygian heroes of old. Longshore chose the many legendary heroes who once called this great city home.

The deeper one traveled into the city the larger the buildings looked, many homes and structures made of stone and wood. The contemporary designs of the buildings gave off the appearance of a great many little castles all bunched up together. In its own right, Longshore was a maze much like Akkad, without the mystical influence that permeated through it. It was known as the greatest of the human cities, many of its designs borrowed from the different species who inhabited the nine realms. From the intricacies of Stygian architecture to the harsh brutalism of Nephilim buildings and even the simplicity of the Beastmen of Laconia, could be identified.

Yet of all the noteworthy designs to be associated with the ancient city, three structures stood out above the rest.

The great coliseum located in the center of the ever growing city was a reminder of the volatility that humanity possessed. Unlike the Stygians who saw combat and violence as a means to an end. Humanity sought more, to understand it, to control it, and in that they found joy and spectacle. Great warriors would battle to entertain the people of the old city when the times demanded it. It was not outlandish to believe this was one of their greatest temples to their gods. The offering of blood and flesh demanded a worthy arena to be shed in. Across the coliseum the green banners of House Blackrose bore the familiar golden stags with black roses adorned on their antlers. Atop the high point of the structure, statues of the seven gods from the Faith of the Seven stood defiantly, ever watchful. Among the many warriors carved into the pillars of the coliseum, some even contained Stygians as well. A sign that the shared history between humans and Stygians ran deeper than those in the north cared to admit.

The second of these famed structures was the Black Path that snaked from the docks all the way to the steps of the largest castle known throughout Aurum. It was far more accurate to call the walkway a large continuous bridge but there was a time it was a simple black path and so it remained as so by those who called this city home. Over the millennia it had been added to and eventually raised above the city to act as a second level. The sturdiness in which it was constructed—with thick and heavy stone—allowed for homes for the nobility and other structures like great taverns and shops to be constructed on top of it. But most importantly the width of the walkway was maintained wide enough where three ships could be placed side by side. It was from here traditionally whenever a new ship was built it would be blessed on the steps of Castle Blackrose by the king or the emperor and then it would be allowed to slide its way down the walkway towards the dock and eventually into the ocean. A famed and storied tradition reminding all who lived in the city or otherwise, of how they had managed to arrive at this glorious continent.

However the true crowning jewel of Longshore city was its famed Castle Blackrose. It had no equal anywhere to be found in Aurum. Even the Stygians themselves acknowledged the beauty of its creation–twin castles joined together by a glass walkway. Once each castle represented a different kingdom, a different family. But a great hero whose name had long since been lost to the tides of time, sought in her duty to humanity to join the warring kingdoms together. Her reward for her valiant effort was the rise of House Blackrose, one of the four great families of Aurum. Not in her wildest of dreams could she ever imagine what would become of her house, of what they would achieve. Now here, thousands upon thousands of years later; on the stone steps of Castle Blackrose, stood hundreds of followers waiting in anticipation. Among those present who carried her blood through their veins, two queens and a soon-to-be crown princess—waited patiently for the oldest family in all of Aurum to make their appearance after many millennia.

Reza covered her mouth as she yawned. She had been required to rise well before the sun and now that it shone brilliantly in the sky above, she was more than ready to retire to her chambers. Her duties and responsibilities did not give her much time for personal activities, even sleep was seemingly difficult to find. She looked on as the people of Longshore carried on in terrific celebration and cheered at her and amongst themselves. The festivities had seemed to grow in excess over the days but today was different. With the arrival of the King of the Stygians many could not contain their excitement. The same could not be said for the nobles that stood around her as the ever concerned look of worry covered their faces. She would have carried the same look, but in truth her stress had reached a tipping point where she could no longer bring herself to worry about what was to come. She more or less was resigned to her fate, she did not share it with anyone but she was eager to see what the famed Stygian King looked like.

"Look Roderika, our little sister truly did come."

Reza turned to watch as both Queen Enrieta and Queen Roderika descended from the steps of Castle Blackrose. Like her, they were adorned in the rich green of their fathers house, the vibrant colors were woven with golden trims. The princess was concerned about her appearance but seeing the beauty of her sisters in similar gowns only did to highlight how lacking she felt. Roderika had opted for a less revealing green dress but it did nothing to hide the ease in which her figure was made prominent. Her olive skin was tastefully accentuated against the emerald dress. Her short auburn hair that was always braided now hung free. Her jade colored eyes glowed with a tamed tone. Not even her perpetual scowl could hide her beauty, not on a day like today.

Enrieta on the other hand was as stunning as she always was. She chose a far more flattering green dress that made all present turn in her direction. She was the kind of woman that was breathtaking regardless of the color of her attire. The contrast between the rich green dress and her porcelain Nephilim skin, made it look as though a soft glow emanated from her body. Her long snow white hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail that exposed her beautiful face for all to see. Her ruby eyes even carried a hint of joy in them.

In their presence Reza truly felt as though she did not quite live up to their splendor; most importantly of the regal energy that they possessed.

"Enri do not tease her so," Roderika warned, moving closer to hug Reza. "You look stunning, my sister dearest." The Queen of Lunaelia rubbed her sister's hand.

"Thank you," Reza smiled at the compliment.

"Reza, tell me how beautiful I look!" demanded the Nephilim Queen as she spun around showing herself.

Roderika gave her an annoyed look.

Enrieta rolled her eyes, "I suppose you have finally become a woman worthy of competing with me." She moved in and hugged her lovingly.

Reza was thankful for her sister's attempt to calm her fears. It felt the only time they did not argue amongst themselves was when it pertained to her. If she had her way she wanted them to remain like this forever.

"Where is everyone else?" the young princess asked, interested to know why not all were present so close to the arrival of the Stygians of Iliad.

She had thought all of her family would gather, including the monarchs who had arrived in the last few days, to welcome King Antares . So much of her lessons had been stressed of the importance of showing a united front. Truthfully she had hoped the others would do most of the greetings and she would be allowed to disappear into the background of the pleasantries. Yet as the days went on, Reza had begun to understand the responsibility of a Crown Princess was far more direct and present than she would have liked. So many times she was asked to be the center of attention and she was still learning to stand proudly. Once again she had much to learn; that saddened her slightly.

"They entertain the other monarchs," Roderika answered. "Mother as well."

"The emperor thought it would appear more welcoming if only his daughters greeted the Stygian King," Enrieta added, slightly annoyed by the reasoning. "Though I believe he just did not want to stand out here waiting."

Reza giggled, that sounded far more like their father.

Enrieta moved past them to look at the large crowd that had gathered, as well as those above who looked on from balconies within the castle, down below and from the walkway ahead. The cheers and celebrations grew with each hour that passed. Such excitement had overstayed its welcome, she thought. But more importantly she had grown bored of the monotony of duty, the Stygians arrival was sure to make things far more interesting.

"They are lively today," she said unimpressed.

"The Stygians have just entered the city." Reza could not hide the nervousness growing in her voice at the reality that approached. "They will reach here any moment."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

A sudden thunderous cheer rang out.

The Nephilim Queen puffed her cheeks and placed her hands on her hip. "They did not cheer this loudly for my arrival," she remarked.

"Well how could you compare to the King of Iliad?" Roderika mocked her, "You said it yourself, his greatness is near incomparable." The queen reminded her sister while she snickered.

"His beauty," Enrieta raised a finger, correcting. "Besides I do not know why you are talking, I barely noticed when you arrived." She mockingly laughed in her older sister's face.

Roderika's familiar scowl returned and she crossed her arms, "No man is that beautiful. You play too much."

Enrieta shrugged, "I guess you will see."

"My, my, you are all so lively today," the Queen of Talterra mused.

There were gasps and those present all fell to one knee in utter subservience. From the nobles to their servants, to even those who looked on from the balcony. Her mere presence was enough to command the respect and admiration of all here. Such was how Queen Freyja Stormborne was seen in the lands of Talterra. Her golden hair flowed in the wind with the ease of a summer breeze. The richness of it gave each individual strand an appearance of woven gold. The tight braid that ran around the back of her hair was neatly kept in place by a frozen butterfly broach. Her dress was a pantone green, of a deeper and richer color than any of the dresses worn by the daughters of Nero Blackrose. The designs stitched onto it were dazzling yet subdued in their creation, much like the beauty of the woman who wore them. Atop her head sat a golden crown with several jewels placed within them, even still their brilliance paled in comparison to the storm filled eyes of who many declared the most beautiful human to walk the lands of Aurum, since the queen's own elder sister, Queen Myrra. Freyja approached with the elegance reserved only for the most elite of royals.

"Queen Freyja!" Reza called out moving towards her. " I didn't know you would attend!"

"By the gods look at you my dear, you are absolutely beautiful." Faye rubbed her cheek.

Reza blushed at the compliment, hearing such a woman praise her was enough to grow the dwindling confidence within her. The Terran Queen exchanged pleasantries with both Roderika and Enrieta and joined them.

"Emperor Nero…suggested I attend the welcoming of the Stygians." She offered a half smile, and feigned whispering to Reza. "I agreed, besides I thought you would much rather enjoy my company than watching your sisters bicker."

Roderika and Enrieta both reddened at the remark and looked to calm themselves. Even they could not argue that it would not be long before they pressed one another as they always did. While Princess Reza playfully approved. As the days had gone on while she remained in the castle, her fondness of Queen Freyja had only grown. The princess had begun to admire the strong yet soft air the queen carried herself with. In many ways she had hoped to convey herself in such a manner. Having her by her side in a growing tense situation did very much to calm her. They all continued on in casual conversation as the Stygian carriage made its way through the city. The ferocity of the commonfolk's cheers, was a good indication on how close the envoy was to the courtyard of the castle. Before long, the crowd of thousands gathered started to part ways allowing for the famed guests to arrive.

The first of the guests that Reza was able to make out were three Stygian women who rode atop horses surrounded by soldiers on both sides. From the manner in which they carried themselves, she knew them to be knights. It was a similar kind of disposition that those of her fathers knights held, one of quiet and peaceful strength. It was easy to tell they were strong. Immediately she understood from her lessons how the Stygians in the south differed from those of the north. It did not have anything to do with their appearance, they were all equally beautiful, obviously so. However these women that she saw were distinct enough in how they conducted themselves; especially the woman who rode in the middle, her hair like wildfire. She was massive, larger than any man she had ever seen. The sun shining on her made it seem as though the very flames of life danced in her hair–a Stygian with giants blood, she thought. Just like Prince Galahad and her younger brother Mars.

"That is Crown Princess Guinevere," Freyja whispered to her. "King Antares' younger sister."

Reza turned to her in shock, she could not believe that striking woman was a princess like herself. She was not even in her presence and still she could feel the energy radiating off her. If Freyja had told her she were a goddess descended from the heavens she would have believed her. Reza was in awe of the brilliance of the Stygian princess. She recalled gossip of how Enrieta had been engaged in battle with a great Stygian woman who towered across the battlefield with a ruby mane like a lion. For that person to be the very princess before her was incredible. She looked over to see what Enrieta's reaction was, half-expecting her elder sister to carry a look of contempt. She was pleasantly surprised to see a genuine smile on her face, a welcoming one at that. Before Princess Guinevere had dismounted her horse, Reza was sure she had seen the Stygian royal glare at the Queen of the Nephilim.

Soon after the other knights descended from their mounts to roaring applause from the crowd gathered. They proceeded to continue their duties without much acknowledgement to the cheers sent their way. After them several more carriages arrived, and from them both noble Stygians and humans dismounted as well. The vibrancy of their clothes was unlike anything she had ever seen before. A dazzling array of colors that all seemed to center around the royal purple that was the ever famous true color of House Xerxes.

Finally the last carriage arrived to the loudest of cheers. The design and size of the caravan was notably different. It was thrice as large as the others and was pulled by some of the largest horses the Princess of Lunaelia had ever seen. It reminded her of the emperor's carriage when he had come to visit her some time ago. The main difference between the two was this one had no wards or protection spells on it. Nothing to indicate outside of its shape or design that whomever was contained within was of the highest importance. Nevertheless the little princess's heart increased in its rhythm as her anticipation had reached a breaking point.

The servant who had driven the carriage descended himself and approached to open the door. The man that first disembarked, left her utterly speechless. She had believed that Princess Guinevere was the largest being she had ever seen or perhaps would ever see. But such a belief was easily shattered moments later. He stood at the very least eight feet tall, but she was sure it was closer to nine. He was more than a giant, it was apt to call him a titan of a man. His ruby mane like the princesses flowed an even fiercer red. There was a wildness to him, she likened it to how she felt when she was around Helax. Yet she could not explain it; she was sure this man was far more dangerous than an elder dragon.

This must be him, she thought–the King of the Stygians–the crowd agreed with her for their cheers now reached a level she did not know possible. Of all the rumors and the stories that she had heard, none of them could do him justice. They had said he towered over the war fields in magnificent glory but this was much greater. How could a warrior like this even know defeat? Reza was not knowledgeable in the ways of conflict but could understand why even the Stygians themselves would make such a man their king. He turned to the crowd and waved with cheerful laughter acknowledging their praises which only spurred them more. Princess Reza could not help but smile at the sight, she did not think Iliad's king was this much of an animated fellow.

Yet few moments later, a second Stygian exited the caravan as well. He was considerably shorter than who she believed to be the Stygian King but compared to all the men she knew he was still quite tall himself. He seemed to chastise the Stygian titan much to her shock–that there existed a man who would even feel comfortable addressing their king so casually. There was a cooler air to the man, he conducted himself like how Reza had imagined most Stygians did. A reserved and unidentifiable attitude that rivaled that of the many statues that covered her fathers courtyard. He halted his berating of the larger Stygian for a moment and turned his attention towards the direction of her sisters. She followed his gaze towards Roderika who looked to be even more on edge than she normally was. It was only the briefest of exchanges before he looked away, he did not react to the praise from the crowd. Unsure of among them, which was King Antares she readily turned to Freyja for assistance, and that is when she felt him.

It was a warm day, warmer than most. So the sudden change in temperature was quite noticeable even if it was only by a few degrees. All of the Ilian guests present, soldiers, nobles, the three knights and even the two Stygians who exited the carriage all lowered themselves to one knee in strict unison. Their heads hung low aimed towards the open caravan door with the reverence afforded to what she could only think to compare him to–a god. She felt it in her bones, winter arrived, King Antares Xerxes had arrived.

"By the gods," Roderika whispered.

"I told you," Enrieta declared triumphantly. "None can compare."

Reza had no reason to doubt her sister, in fact she was sure that what she spoke of was the truth. She could not recall the last time Enrieta had complimented anyone on their appearance let alone be so eager to do so. Upon gazing at him for the very first time, even Reza believed that her sister could not accurately capture his appearance. He carried the best of both feminine and masculine features–a soft nose, full lips, sharp eyes and a jaw to match. And an utterly symmetrical face tying it all together. To call him beautiful would be an insult. He was beyond that, an ethereal being from a distant world. They all were in their own right; among his own kin he stood at the pinnacle. His hair as dark as midnight, within stars glittered with a cold glow. His eyes carried the very famed setting sun that all Stygians had. He walked with stride befitting a monarch. The crowd themselves were too stunned to say anything as he approached. Along with Enrieta and Roderika, Reza stepped forward unaware of her action.

"Queen Enrieta Zxyphor," his voice as smooth as silk. "I have longed to be in your presence again." His smile carried with it a pleasant expression.

"King Antares Xerxes, I trust your journey was not too taxing." She bowed much to the shock of all present. "Welcome to Talterra, to Longshore city. My sisters and I welcome you."

Antares returned the courtesy.

"Ah, the daughters of Nero Blackrose. To think each of you are just as beautiful as Queen Enrieta herself. It is truly an honor to make your acquaintance."

Reza listened to her sister Roderika giggle in a way she had never heard before.

"King Antares, the pleasure is mine-I-I mean ours of course." Roderika's face reddened a bright color. The Stygian took her hand and kissed it.

He turned his attention towards Reza who could scarcely speak. "And you must be Crown Princess Reza Altieri herself? Tell me how can each sister be even more stunning than the last? I hardly know if I have the words to express your exquisiteness." He kissed her hand, the coolness of his lips shocking the young princess.

Reza Altieri, Antares repeated her name in his head. After so long he finally had laid eyes on the woman that had become the center of the very gears that spurred Aurum into action. There was petiteness to her demeanor and her appearance. What he said was true, she was stunning. The darkness of her hair reminded him of his own, her thick eyebrows highlighted her crystal sea-blue eyes that looked even more amazing under the redness of her blushing face. She was delicate to the touch as though she was made of glass. Of all he thought of her, finally meeting her now, he gazed into her with his Akashic Eyes. In that moment he was convinced that this girl who had only just become a woman, could not carry the weight of what came with being the Queen of Iliad.

Antares hid his disappointment well, unwilling to sour the mood so soon after he and the others had just arrived. It was only the beginning and much would still have to occur, but the contents of her Will, of her nature gave him cause for concern. But as soon as he raised his head, all of that faded at the sight of the woman who approached from behind the little princess. None of it mattered now, nothing else did. Except for her.

"King Antares," the sound of his name on her lips struck him like lightning.

"Queen Freyja," to hear his voice after so long, burned her very soul.