Emergence (2)

Shattershire Estate.

The elaborate estate that I have lived in for the past six years stands tall and proud, a majestic structure that commands attention. Its exterior is a symphony of intricate details.

The façade showcases abundant ornamental elements, including decorative trims, carved moldings, and elaborate stonework.

Shattershire has an imposing presence, enhanced by its towering turrets, steep gables, and a main central entrance adorned with a beautifully crafted wooden door.

The windows, framed by delicate tracery and adorned with stained glass, reflect the sunlight in a mesmerizing display of colors.

Uncle Robert and I briskly walked toward the other side of the magnificent hallway. It was the same hallway where I had just been running.

The urgency of escape and the nerves of panic I felt, the embellished walls around the hallway, and the vague memory of past events that occurred before I was isolated and detained in my room.

The light refracted through the iridescent window positioned in the walls of the estate, revealing a lush green view outside.

The bright green of the plains has always been an astonishing sight to behold. Uncle Robert sent books to my room to broaden my understanding and knowledge, preparing me for the world I would soon be sent into.

A Stele noble is expected to possess knowledge in politics, history, magic theory, sword theory, and other significant matters. Capable of upholding honor and glory. During my isolation, I indulged myself in reading the books provided in the room, not necessarily comprehending the subject matter, but seeking entertainment while secluded in the spacious chamber.

The Stained Plains earned its name due to the violent history that unfolded within its borders. Men and their dominions shed blood while fighting off the threats that emerged from the Everthorn Woods.

Amidst the relentless warfare and savage battles, the once serene estate now finds itself engulfed in a somber tapestry of darkness and despair, its very existence shrouded in a haunting allure.

Mutating, undetermined, and formless monsters emerged from the woods in enormous waves, dominating the kingdom and unleashing creatures thought to be dead, extinct, or unheard of. The grand-scale battle bathed the plains in scarlet liquid, staining the ground. As the kingdom's heroes united, they fought to prevail in the battle between the woods and the kingdom.

These formidable figures, such as The Bloodthorn, Nights-Dusk, and Flamescion, emerged from adversity and struggle, bringing a glimmer of hope for humankind.

They ultimately shifted the tides of war, transforming dire circumstances into a resounding victory. However, the environment and structures that supported the humans in their fight suffered disastrous effects.

Shattershire, the shattered stronghold that secured the victory, became the fortress and central hub for the war.

After the war, prominent figures were recognized and awarded for their valiant duty and heroism. Lost Souls were honored and awarded for their sacrifice and devotion to the kingdom.

The pillars recognized by the kingdom provided support, sacrifice, martyrdom, and dedication: Stele, Montgomery, Sinclair, and Ashcroft.

Distinguished individuals from each of these family lineages received awards, recognition, and glory The Stele family was appointed by the king as Sentinels, tasked with reporting, protecting, and serving the kingdom.

We are near our destination, Enzo. Keep your wits about you," Uncle Robert's stern voice reverberated through the large hallway.

Thinking of one of the prominent figures during the grand-scale war, Uncle Robert disseminated the battlefield with awe-inspiring and unique stratagems. He was a master of the hunt, a relentless tracker who employed cunning strategies to pursue his prey with unwavering determination. With his prowess and resolve, Robert "The Bloodhound" Stele.

"But where are we going, Uncle Robert?" Enzo asked.

Robert chuckled. "I have been entrusted with the duty to preserve the family glory and uphold our duties as Sentinels. I must also keep the promise to protect, guide, and teach you, just as I promised your parents..." Robert added with a wistful tone.

Uncle Robert and I made our way to a large yard in the estate. We walked through the arched door and went outside.

Surveying the surroundings, I noticed that the yard was enclosed with fences, resembling a ranch for livestock. Approaching the border, I leaned over to catch a sharper view of the Stained Plains. Paths connected various structures like stables, masonry, and cottages, branching out to other residences. Forgetting the history embedded in this land, I admired the vastness of the plains, stretching as far as the eye could see. The serene and tranquil atmosphere embraced my senses, while the sun cast its warm golden glow, adding radiance and warmth to the stunning scenery.

I turned around and saw Uncle Robert approaching the center of the yard. He looked around with interest and surveyed the scene with a serious expression. His eyes locked onto mine as he reached into his coat pocket, rummaging through it until he pulled out a pocket watch. He stared at it for a prolonged moment.

Closing the watch, he placed his hands by his side and slowly approached me. Then, he turned his right hand, palm facing upward, and curled his fingers inward. He gently blew into his hand, and orange ethereal smoke began to rise. The smoke had an otherworldly quality, as if it transcended the physical realm, creating an ethereal and transcendent atmosphere.

The ethereal smoke descended slowly, expanding and shaping into amorphous figures and shadows that grew in size. One of the figures stood as tall as half a human's height and stretched a few meters long. Another figure grew to the height of a human and lengthened to a few meters as well.

Eventually, the figures solidified into the silhouette of a large dog—a hound. The hound possessed a muscular and strong build, with a deep chest, a long torso, and a well-balanced frame. Its large, expressive eyes were set apart on the sides of its head, their scarlet-red color resembling fresh blood.

Three hounds stood by Uncle Robert's side, their gaze fixed on me. One of them, as tall and intimidating as Uncle Robert exuded elegance, fear, and nobility. It's large stature and muscular build added weight to the aura of intimidation that surrounded it. The hound had large paws and sharp claws, seemingly capable of inflicting a thousand cuts.

"This is Don, the lead hound that I introduce to you. He will be the one to facilitate and 'play' with you," Uncle Robert pointed his hand at the large, tall hound standing behind him.

"The other two hounds are Ron and Aion. They are under Don's command during your playtime," Uncle Robert added.

Dominations and Dominions—a unique power that is uncommon but difficult to comprehend. The magical ability to command souls through the compatibility of the user and the soul's element. It was said to capture the souls of the dead and form contracts through soul binding.

This unparalleled magical ability comes from the conceptualization of an individual that enables them to dominate the soul of another and use them as their dominion.

The term was given to scholars and people of the age by the dominating power it displayed during the grand-scaled war and through minor battles throughout the country. Domination is a denomination of magic it deals with the souls of the dead and the souls of other living organisms. The intrinsic value of one can be closely associated with the natural element that they are conceived or they are compatible with.

The user of this powerful ability is called "Sovereigns" and each holds a class of their own league. The four pillars of the kingdom possess powerful sovereigns that have a contract of souls amassed—thousands the rumors say. However, it was never confirmed which of the house sovereigns was more powerful than the other. The procedure to obtain a soul-bound contract.

First is to find the subject of interest as to who the sovereign wants to dominate, they may weaken the target, subdue the target, or come to terms with each other for the contractor these must be achieved, but the most common way, kill the target, however, resistance can be seen even after they have died.

The next step would be to have a mutual understanding of each and have both of consensual contracts, the soul-binding contract terms will be discussed by the sovereign and dominion. Disclaimer, a soul-binding contract cannot be done if either the sovereign or dominion does not allow the contract to proceed.

There are a lot of restrictions and rules that have to be followed, however, I wasn't interested in this subject matter a long time ago and read only the base definition and description, possibly forgetting some definitions.

The final procedure of the contract would be to properly obtain the Dominion. The dominion must respect and follow its sovereign, and never break its oath and contract. This can be used on an animal that varies in size, the stronger the dominion you possess the more difficulty of it increases. And then... I forgot what was next, I decided to learn the rest of the information later when I come back to the room.

"I feel sad about keeping you in the room all day until I say so. I hope this will be much more educational and entertaining for you... Hehe," Uncle Robert gave me a sinister and wicked smile.