THE WARD OF NARSILLIA

Esdelron Lake.

The looming Esdelron Lake lay ahead, its dark waters reflecting the stormy clouds above. The leader of the Holy Kingdom troops hesitated at the entrance to the dungeon, unsure if they should proceed.

"Your Majesty, shall we enter this area?" he asked, turning to King Arus who stood at the head of their troops.

"The prophecy says The Ward is here. We must investigate and eliminate any dangerous creatures lurking within." King Arus declared, his voice determined amidst the sound of thunder and rain.

"But Your Majesty, the prophecy is from an ancient book of magic. Is there really a person with the title 'The Ward'?" the squad leader asked.

For a moment, King Arus was silent. Then, with determination in his eyes, he shouted over the pouring rain,

"We must have faith! The Prophet leads us!"

His words ignited a spark of courage in the troops, who cheered and rallied behind their king's unwavering belief in restoring glory to their kingdom.

Suddenly, a piercing scream ripped through the air, followed by the sound of heavy panting. One of the soldiers shouted from a distance, as if he had made a discovery.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" he shouted, sprinting towards them with drenched clothes and a look of fear on his face.

"What is it? Have you found something?" King Arus demanded, striding towards the soldier with impatience in his voice.

"You-you need to see this," the soldier replied breathlessly, casting a grave look at his king.

Without hesitation, King Arus quickly dismounted his majestic horse and followed the soldier who was urgently calling for his attention. The rest of the troops, still reeling from the sudden turn of events, trailed behind their fearless leader.

Their suspicions were aroused when, despite a thorough search, they found no trace of monsters in the area. And there was something wrong with the silence that engulfed them - it felt too eerie, too unnatural.

The soldier came to a halt near a monumental rock that blocked their view. As soon as King Arus arrived, he saw a sight that sent shivers down his spine. A terrible phenomenon was unfolding before him, both terrifying and awe-inspiring. His decades of waiting since his coronation had not been in vain.

The soldiers and army chiefs stood in shock at the scene before them, unable to believe their eyes. A vast plain stretched out before them, seemingly endless and completely barren. Not a single living tree could be seen, possibly torn apart by some unimaginable force.

But what truly stunned them was what lay before them - an overwhelming sea of lifeless monsters gathered in one place. The carcasses were evidence of a fierce battle that had taken place here. And yet there was something else that added to their confusion - someone standing amidst the chaos with unknown intentions.

In front of the grotesque and decaying monster carcasses sat a lone figure, slumped and forlorn in ragged clothing. The foul stench of death hung heavily in the air, a constant reminder of the destruction that had taken place. No one dared approach, as if the boy were cursed or diseased. But then King Arus appeared on the scene, his bold stride scattering rocks as he made his way towards the boy.

"Narsillia!" King Arus' voice echoed through the desolate surroundings, startling both the remaining troops of the Holy Kingdom and the motionless boy.

As all eyes turned to the source of the call, they were greeted by a sight that took their breath away - the boy's irises were as vibrant and colourful as a rainbow, in stark contrast to his gaunt appearance. King Arus himself was filled with a mixture of excitement and wonder at this unexpected discovery, but his eagerness was short-lived as he approached.

Without warning, King Arus was suddenly thrown backwards, as if struck by an invisible barrier. The troops around him.

"Your Majesty, are you all right?" The leader of the troops asked worriedly as he helped King Arus back to his feet.

The rain continued to fall heavily, drenching King Arus and his battle-worn clothes as he stood before the boy. His clothes, once crisp and regal, were now caked with mud from the treacherous terrain they had just traversed.

"Thank you," he said, acknowledging the barrier Narsiliia had created with a wave of his hand. The king then turned his attention back to the boy standing before him, his eyes blank and unseeing.

"Is this the one mentioned in the prophecy?" the squad leader asked, looking at Narsiliia with wonder and curiosity.

"There is no mistaking him," King Arus replied slowly, looking at the boy with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "He is the one foretold in the 'Rough Prophecy' sixty years ago."

As he spoke, King Arus reached for a necklace around his neck and carefully removed it. He held it up for all to see before pointing forward at Narsiliia.

"Do you see those eyes? They are unlike any I have ever seen - not human, not elf, not orc. This is 'The Ward' we have been searching for." With a determined look on his face, King Arus stepped forward towards Narsiliia, feeling the invisible barrier that surrounded him.

Without hesitation, he embraced the boy, taking in every curve of his body and feeling his tears soak into his armour. Narsiliia remained still and unresponsive, but King Arus could sense something stirring within him.

As he felt the boy's tears subside, King Arus pulled away slightly and looked deep into Narsiliia's eyes. Without a moment's hesitation, he pulled a black blindfold from his pocket and gently placed it over Narsiliia's sightless eyes.

As King Arus gave the signal, the magical barrier surrounding the area dissolved into nothingness. He turned to address his troops, his horse standing tall and proud at his side.

"From this day forward, Narsillia, you will no longer be alone. I will protect and guide you until you are grown," he declared, his voice full of determination.

Narsillia stood before him, her young face already adorned with an eye patch.

The king's words brought a glimmer of hope to the boy's eyes.

"Only when you have discovered your true calling and found what truly ignites your passion may you remove this blindfold. Trust me, my dear, you have infinite potential," King Arus continued, gently ruffling Narsillia's hair before mounting his own horse.

Before leaving, King Arus raised his sword high in the air and spoke a single word: "Light Smear". A brilliant light radiated from his weapon, illuminating the once dark and dreary landscape. The heavy rain that had been falling on Lake Esdelron stopped, and the monstrous creatures that littered the ground vanished into thin air. Trees began to sprout from the earth, thriving in the warmth of the light.

In a dazzling display of magic, a transparent seal bearing the symbol of the Holy Kingdom materialised on the ground beneath them. And with that, Lake Esdelron was officially declared part of the Kingdom's territory.

The sound of galloping horses echoed through the air as King Arus and his troops rode away from their triumphant victory at Lake Esdelron.

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Haven Palace, Holy Kingdom.

Nestled in the heart of the Shiltz Continent, surrounded by sweeping fields and majestic mountains, stood the magnificent Great Palace of the Holy Kingdom. It served as the epicentre of power and governance for the entire kingdom, attracting high-ranking officials and influential figures from all corners of the continent. Renowned for its beauty and rich history, the Holy Kingdom covered a vast area, encompassing seventy percent of the continent of Shiltz itself.

But this was not always the case. In ancient times, the sacred lands of the Holy Kingdom were plagued by monstrous creatures that had corrupted and desecrated the once sacred land. The gods turned their backs on the kingdom, leaving it to fend for itself against these dark forces. But under the rule of King Arus, who ascended to the throne ten years ago, the tide began to turn. Through strategic expansion and fierce battles against evil forces, a third of the Holy Land has been reclaimed during his reign, restoring much of the kingdom's former glory.

A striking and skilled black-haired knight with piercing blue eyes and a noble bearing, King Arus is a respected and ambitious leader. He was given the title of Knight at the age of fifteen, despite already being Crown Prince of the Holy Kingdom.

As a third-generation descendant of the King of Oracle, he carries with him a rich heritage and a strong sense of duty to his kingdom. The people of the Holy Kingdom hold him in high esteem and admire his bravery and leadership. With the help of several esteemed hero organisations run by Saint Kingdom, King Arus has achieved great success and glory during his reign.

The Order of Apostles, led by wise spiritual leaders, ensures the well-being of the kingdom's citizens. The Hall Of Fairystar, led by mystical fairies, protects against dark magic and other supernatural threats. The Mercenary Guild offers its formidable skills for hire in defence of the kingdom. The Order of Blacksmithing forges powerful weapons and armour to equip the soldiers of the kingdom. Finally, The Knight Of Shield serves as an elite force dedicated to defending the kingdom from the relentless monster invasions. These five hero organisations, hand-picked by King Arus himself, work tirelessly to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Holy Kingdom under his rule.

Mighty fortresses stood tall and imposing along the borders of the Holy Kingdom, their stone walls a symbol of strength and protection. The cities surrounding the kingdom were also fortified, with guards stationed at every entrance to keep an eye out for any potential threats. But the greatest protection came from the royal sorceress, who had used intricate barrier magic to create a mighty dome. It encircled the entire kingdom, shielding it from outside dangers.

But despite these defences, there was still animosity within the kingdom itself. The two heroic organisations, the Order of the Apostles and the Hall of Fairystar, rarely worked together, instead harbouring jealousies and prejudices against each other. Clerics and wizards from both sides clashed and sneered at each other, constantly vying for supremacy and demonstrating their prowess in front of their peers. This division only served to weaken the kingdom's united front against outside forces.

The traditions and customs passed down from their ancestors had shaped the kingdom into what it was today, with no sign of change in sight. King Arus desperately attempted to hold a meeting to resolve the ongoing strife among his people, but it proved to be a futile effort that only exacerbated the tensions between them. The only time in recent history that they had been able to put their differences aside was during the epic battle against the mighty Sky Dragon sixty years ago, which ravaged the continent of Shiltz, leaving even the great Kingdom of the Saints in ruins.

It was believed that these mighty dragons could never escape the seal created by the Ancient One, but somehow in recent decades someone had managed to break the seal and unleash the destructive beasts upon the land once again. That person must have been incredibly powerful or cunning to have broken such a powerful spell. And now their actions had led to the destruction of an entire continent.

The once warring kingdoms of Men, Elves and Dwarves have united in a desperate attempt to contain the dragon's movements and seal it before it destroys their lands. Even the proud elven queen of Anu Arendel has set aside her hostility towards humans and offered herself as an ally to King Arus and his kingdom. The centuries-old rift between humans and elves is put aside for the greater good, as the queen of Arendel sacrifices her pride and long-held grudges to once again seek peace in Shiltz. The air crackles with the tension of unlikely alliances as each kingdom puts aside their differences for a common goal. Amidst clashing cultures and treacherous terrain, only one thing is certain - they must work together if they hope to defeat the mighty dragon that threatens their very existence.

The guard at the entrance to the king's chamber cried out in a voice filled with awe: "Behold, the Sacred Pillar Mariel has arrived! A stunning woman entered, dressed in seductive and opulent robes, her long hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of silk. In her left hand she held a beautifully crafted wand, decorated with intricate designs.

"Mariel, my dear! And where is Narsillia?" asked King Arus eagerly as he approached the enchanting sorceress, who bowed gracefully in greeting.

Mariel of Fairystar was not only the leader of the prestigious Heroes' Hall of Fairystar, but was also known as the most powerful sorceress in the entire Holy Kingdom. Despite the presence of royal sorcerers, none could match the power and skill of the Fairystar leader. Her very presence commanded the respect and admiration of everyone around her.

"I was surprised when you brought Narsillia to Fairystar and even asked me to take care of him and train him to become a wizard?"

The sorceress, Mariel, spoke with a hint of sarcasm as she questioned King Arus about his decision to bring Narsillia to Fairystar. But beneath her words was a deep respect for the king. King Arus chuckled softly and ran his fingers through his jet-black hair, trying to convince Mariel to take care of Narsillia.

"Narsillia is like my own child," he explained.

"I want him to grow up to be a strong and independent individual who can handle any challenge that comes his way. Even though I found him only a month ago at Esdelron Lake, he is very important to me and to the Holy Kingdom." His voice took on a tentative tone, revealing how much he cared for the young Narsillia.

Mariel couldn't help but laugh at the king's rare display of vulnerability. "Narsillia, come in and greet your king," she called to the entrance.

The doors swung open to reveal a young boy dressed in simple robes that marked him as a wizard. There was nothing extravagant or flashy about his outfit, but there was an air of power and mystery about it. He wore a blindfold, a symbol of his initiation into the world of magic, given to him by King Arus himself at Lake Esdelron. Gariel Narsillia was the only male wizard in the Holy Kingdom, a title he wore with pride.

"It is against Fairystar tradition to allow a man to become a wizard, and I caused quite a stir when I broke that rule," Mariel said, wrapping her arms around Narsillia, who was much shorter than she was.

"I'm sorry, Mariel," King Arus replied with a hint of sadness in his tone.

"Do not apologise, Your Majesty. Despite the ridicule I receive from the elders of the sorcerer's clan, I never tire of teaching Narsillia about ancient and divine magic -" Mariel paused for a moment before continuing.

"Furthermore, yesterday afternoon, Your Majesty, I uncovered a fascinating revelation about Narsillia. You will be both surprised and delighted by the news." Mariel's lips curved into a knowing smile as she glanced at Narsillia, who remained stoic, his blindfold still obscuring his vision. The anticipation in the room was palpable as everyone leaned forward, waiting for the big reveal.

A voice shouted from behind, breaking the chatter of the busy courtyard. "Narsillia!" The boy turned at the sound, a look of surprise and recognition dawning on his face.

"Jack?" Narsillia said, his blindfold unable to hide the recognition in his voice. The crowd around her murmured in amazement at his ability to identify someone without sight.

"Jack, can you take Narsillia outside for a moment?" King Arus' voice boomed above the din, giving a coded order to his first-born son.

"Okay, Dad! Come on Narsillia, I'll show you something!" Jack exclaimed eagerly, taking Narsillia's hand in his own and leading him through the bustling crowd. As they made their way through the courtyard, Narsillia could feel the sun warming his skin and hear the sound of birds singing in the distance; he couldn't wait to see what Jack had in store for him.

The first-born child of King Arus, Jack Renville of Oracle was hailed by the Order of Apostles as the most promising Guardian candidate in all of the Holy Kingdom. Even at the age of ten, Jack displayed a remarkable strength and will that set him apart from other children. He was taken into the care of the Hero Organisation, where he received a prestigious education. Meanwhile, Queen Claire, the beloved wife of King Arus, was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of her second child this year. Rumours circulated that the baby would be born with great potential and destined for greatness. But despite his royal lineage and expectations, King Arus never pressured his son to follow in his footsteps as a knight. Instead, Jack chose a different path - one that led him on the sacred journey of becoming a Cleric. His decision aroused both curiosity and admiration among those who knew him, for it was clear that he was no ordinary prince.

Despite this, King Arus always showed respect for his son's choices and offered his unwavering support for whatever Jack chose to do. With only two years between them, the king couldn't help but imagine the potential of Narsillia and Jack as a powerful duo.

King Arus was taken aback, his brow furrowed in shock as he listened to Mariel's story. They were gathered in his opulent office, the polished mahogany desk separating them from his wife, Queen Claire, who sat beside him with a look of concern etched on her face.

"What?" he exclaimed, leaning forward in his plush leather chair.

Mariel met his gaze unflinchingly, her expression grave as she recounted her encounter. "There was a mole behind his ear. At first I thought I was mistaken, but the mark was very distinct and looked like someone I knew."

The Queen interrupted, her voice soft but sceptical. "Are you sure, Mariel?"

Mariel nodded with conviction, pointing her index finger at her own ear. A hint of fear crept into the room as Queen Claire and King Arus exchanged wide-eyed glances, wondering what this might mean for their kingdom.

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Drapp...Drapp...Drapp...

The sound of galloping hooves echoed through the forest in the eastern part of the Holy Kingdom, bringing life to the otherwise quiet woods. The tall green trees seemed to hide something in their branches. Jack and Narsillia rode their horses into East Laywook Forest, both eager to see what secrets it held. Narsillia held on to Jack as they rode, still getting used to the blindfold King Arus had given him. The hot wind made them both sweat, especially with Narsillia's long clothes covering his entire body.

"Jack, why have you brought me here? We shouldn't be in this place," Gariel asked as they continued their journey.

"You are really great, Narsillia, you can find out where we are going. Don't worry, after all you are a great Guardian of the Holy Kingdom with me," Jack replied proudly.

Gariel's response to Jack's words was silence. Deep down, he couldn't help but smile at the thought of having such a cheerful and kind friend as Jack, who didn't even mind playing with someone like him.

King Arus had given Gariel a blindfold that heightened his senses and allowed him to understand the emotions of others. After the incident at Lake Esdelron, Gariel couldn't remember anything that had happened. When he finally regained consciousness, he was in the care of his master, Sacred of Pillar Mariel Fairystar. Deeply grateful for King Arus's compassion and support during his recovery, Gariel knew he could never fully repay him. In his heart, King Arus held a special place as his saviour and confidant.

The horse's hooves came to a halt on a high plateau surrounded by towering green trees that seemed to reach for the sky. Jack dismounted first, his boots crunching against the soft earth, before reaching up to gently lift Gariel from the saddle. The boy was small and light compared to Jack's muscular frame, but Jack handled him with care as he set him down on the ground.

Gariel reminded Jack with a surprised look in his eyes, "What do you want to show me? You know I'm blindfolded."

Ignoring Gariel's words, Jack carefully swung the little man's body forward and was greeted by a breathtaking sight. A herd of majestic creatures, their coats shimmering in the sunlight, grazed peacefully in the distance. Gariel's surprise was palpable as he too felt the presence of the herd, his head turning towards Jack even though his blindfold obscured his vision. The air was filled with a sense of wonder and awe as the two men took in this unexpected encounter.

Impatiently, Gariel exclaimed, "We must leave at once!" He reached for Jack's hand, but Jack hesitated, holding him back with his large frame.

"Narsillia, what's wrong with you? Don't you want to see all the exciting activities of the incubi and succubi in this forest? Look, they've finally discovered our hiding place." Jack was delighted, while Gariel beside him was filled with fear.