A Weakened State

Kael Yeal sat on the throne of Wetherden. He looked incredibly fat, as he always did. He snorted and scratched his gargantuan belly as he slouched forward. Wetherden was merged under Dython's rule and is now one of many lands within the Elysian Empire. King Kael's son, Blick Yeal, was now a Duke and a high-ranking knight within Johan's ranks. Although he served Wetherden's state, he still served the Empire. Blick was a young man and a skilled fighter. He knelt in front of his father before speaking.

"I heard news that Johan took the crown from his dying father. Will you not make a move against him?" Blick asked.

"Patience, son. The king is dead, and a new head wears the crown. It is not the right time to start a revolution, but I have prepared for a certain attack." he said, stuffing his face full of bread.

"I will not be taking part in this." Blick said.

Kael spat out his food and anger took over him.

"What are you saying?!" Kael yelled.

"I am not going to help you. My position would be jeopardized." Blick said, standing up.

"Fine, have it your way. You will be useless to King Johan, just like how you are useless as a son and a husband." Kael said.

Blick held his composure well as he left the hall. His father smirked as he walked out. Blick pounded his fist against the wall in anger. The servants backed up in fear as he walked past them. He hated his father and what he had done to the Kingdom. Dython was right to dethrone him all those years ago. Blick retired to his chambers and ordered the servants to leave him alone for the rest of the night. He walked to his desk and pulled out a piece of paper and picked up his quill and began writing a letter. The letter was addressed to Johan and gave descriptive reasons and warnings of his father. Blick signed it and sealed it in a parchment. He told a servant to get a messenger hawk and sent it immediately. He looked out his window and watched the sun set. His father will betray the Empire and will be executed for it.

"Curse you, father." he said, clenching his fist, "You will only lead our family to ruin."

He gave out an angry sigh and turned back to the sunset. The birds flew over the castle and headed east, where the Capital of Elysia was located.

"Oh gods, if any still exist, I beg of you: please watch over me as I try to aid my people." Blick said, looking towards the sky.

The wind picked up and a chill was sent down his spine. He looked at the window and saw a four-winged creature, the size of a dove. It flew down and sat on a ledge in front of the window with the moon light shining down on it. Blick stared at it and it stared back. It blinked and tilted its head to the side, before flying away. Blick gasped in amazement and confusion. Blick rubbed his eyes and pinched himself.

Kael Yeal walked through the halls as his maids dressed him in a fine, elegant attire. He stopped at a mirror to check his appearance. His belly was sagging underneath the clothing. He smiled proudly and chuckled. He kept walking to the great hall, where he will be having breakfast with his sons and daughters. As he entered the room, they all bowed their heads to him. His youngest daughter, however, didn't look too pleased with her outfit.

"Daddy, this dress is so ugly." she said, "Can I take it off?"

"No, my dear." he said.

She huffed and slumped back into her seat. Kael smiled at her and began eating his breakfast.

"Where's Blick?" he asked.

"Haven't seen him in a while." the second son said.

"Kian, could you go ask around and see where he went?" Kael asked.

"Yes, father." Kian said, standing up and excusing himself.

Kian was a lot like Blick. They both had good physics and were skilled with a sword. Kian was two years younger than Blick. The only difference was that Kian had blue eyes.

He continued to eat, and his children did the same.

"Doesn't this thing itch?" his youngest daughter asked.

"Stop itching your arse and eat your food." the oldest daughter said, "And straighten your posture!"

"It's too tight on my chest." the younger daughter complained.

"Quit whining and eat your food! There are many children in Wetherden that are starving and would kill you to be where you are!" Kael said.

"I'm sorry father." she said.

The door creaked as Kian slowly opened it and looked inside. He found his brother staring at the blank wall. Kian walked up to him and waved his hand in front of Blick's face. The eyes moved as if they were reading something on the wall.

"Blick?" Kian asked aloud.

"*mumbles*" Blick said.

"I didn't hear that, could you repeat it?" Kian asked.

"In a place where nothing stands but a false pride

Kael Yeal's heart stops and blood rushes to his head

When he's condemned to a long death as the crown is shed

His legacy will be left for dead." Blick said.

"What?" Kian asked, "What are you saying?"

"To a dark being from another world

Maybe send the man who did the killing

Or send someone of the same kind

Someone strong and hard to bind.

A great evil is coming your way

The ground will be stained with blood

And death will spread like a plague

Be on your guard, this I say

Before it is too late." Blick said.

"I'm going to get a doctor." Kian said.

Blick grabbed his brother's arm and looked him into the eyes with tears. Kian's eyes widened.

"Forgive me... Kian..." Blick said.

"For what?" Kian asked.

"For what's about to happen." Blick said.