Hadrian’s visitor came during the morning lessons as he taught geography of the empire. A gust of wind opened a terrace door and a small child appeared. Everyone turns to her in astonishment.
“I thought you knew I was coming. Mother said you did.” speaks the goddess.
She snaps her fingers and a cushion materializes next to the pupils. She claps her hands and a trunk appears behind her. Noticing her odd gown stands out from the other pupils, she opens her trunk and places a yellow robe over her dress. She pulls a kitten out of her pocket. The goddess declares that her mother apologizes for the
interruption.
“Iris said a visitor would arrive today, but not who or why.” replies Hadrian.
“Do you not know I am your daughter?” answers the goddess. Hadrian drops his scrolled maps and grows white in shock.
“What is your name, goddess? I am your brother Eurick.” inquires Eurick.
“Amalia, brother Eurick. May I sit for the lessons now?” answers the goddess.
Eurick takes her hand. Hadrian interjects to dismiss the class. Rurick, Kia, Enki, Boudicca, Eurick and Amalia leave to show Amalia the castle. Hadrian overcomes his shock to switch into rage.
“Iris!” he scowls. “Come out here, you fiend!” Iris the kitten meows from a corner and comes forward.
“And just how do we have a daughter I knew nothing about?” requests Hadrian.
“I dusted your food with a sleeping potion and mixed another from your hair and blood to impregnate myself with the potion. Alexis awoke to see my steaming cup and I cast him back to sleep believing I was a dream. I never planned on Amalia wanting to know her father someday. Will you allow her to live here for a while? She is curious
about mortals.” begs Iris.
“You had no intention of telling me about our daughter. I thought you were my friend. I was mistaken. You performed a good job embarrassing me in front of my son, Iris.” the scorn father pauses in his rage to gaze at Iris’s guilty face. “Amalia can stay as long as she likes, but you are not forgiven. Go play your tricks on Treynor. Now be gone.” orders Hadrian.
Iris transforms into a bird and flies out the terrace doorway. Hadrian strolls into Athena’s bed chamber where she is ordering palace servants in their duties. He sits in a daze next to Athena and begins to weep. Athena is oblivious to his presence until he wipes his tears away in disgust.
“Iris’s surprise package just arrived. She sent her daughter to live with us. She created a potion from my blood to make herself pregnant and now I have a daughter. How is your day?” speaks Hadrian as if he had the wind knocked out of him.
“That would explain her strange behavior of sneaking around the encampment during the war.” observes Athena.
“She has always been that way,” responses Hadrian.
“Then her lingering around unnoticed in corners of the palace,” inquires Athena.
“No, she has always done that. But she has been acting guilty lately. Perhaps, when Amalia started asking questions.” recalls Hadrian.
“If you say so,” states Athena.
“I should be getting back to class,” declares Hadrian.
“Pupils are supposed to say that,” giggles Athena.
Hadrian walks back to the classroom in a haze to find his students waiting for him on their pillows. Eurick sits next to Amalia. Hadrian changes subjects because he can not recall where they left off. They begin learning the new art form potters created that sells pottery in a heartbeat. The usual black outline of people displaying events in
history and everyday life has been replaced by more color and lifelike animals. One potter has made a large vase for her majesty with a portrait of the goddess Athena granting wisdom to the monarch. Rurick sits to the left of the painting with regal symbols of a gold tipped staff and gold crown. Amalia was quite intrigued over human
vessels. She receives a grand education in humans. She visit’s the temples, craft makers, peddlers, and homes of the poor. She is gracious and proper with all she meets. She displays her large elf shaped ears and strawberry blonde hair with jeweled combs and earbobs. Throughout her stay in Illium, she took her father’s form. In private, she transformed into her sprite goddess self. Eurick decided not to go with Pippi when she went home. Pippi was delighted to meet her cousin goddess. One day during Amalia’s stay, Eurick heard singing coming from one of the halls. He investigated the familiar song. He found Amalia floating in the air sitting upon a broom handle. She remained floating when Eurick interrupted her voice.
“I was wondering who was singing. My aunt Gilda sang about the trees talking to the birds and river stones speaking to fish.”
“My mother loves to sing. Her voice often sent me into dreamland when I was a babe. Our father is a strange creature. Mother said he is an amazing and gentle elf full of love and medicine to give. Yet, he has none for me.” responded Amalia.
“You have to forgive him. No one told him about you. He will eventually lighten up. I am fond of you, Amalia.” declared Eurick.
“I hope he does. He has time for Enki, Boudicca, Rurick, and Kia.” admitted Amalia.
“Would you like to come shoot arrows with me, sister? We have no classes today.” invited Eurick.
“I’d like that,” answered Amalia.
She fluttered her sprite wings into a descent and glided to the floor. She set the broom aside and followed her brother to the practice grounds. Eurick showed her a trick he learned from a visit with Alani to guide the arrow right to the target.
“That is how father never misses, he cheats.” gloated Eurick.
“He is so much like mother,” exclaims Amalia.
Spring becomes summer and the arrival of King Dylan comes as the harvest festivals are planned. Athena throws a grand ball for the monarch’s visit. His parade reaches the palace in full pomp and circumstance. His entourage is assigned bed chambers and occupies two guest houses. Enki is shaken with all the humans in his new home and disappears into the night. Eurick searches all over for him by changing himself into a bird. He finds him in Sieva’s Ashleigh estate. Lagash and Sieva took him for a time. With Kiko’s magic, Enki quit transforming into a werewolf by learning to change forms at will. The king was honored with a concert in the theater, a play based after a Lotan hero who won the heart of a princess, and the first chariot race in the nearly completed arena. Boudicca was mournful when her father had to return home.
The parade marched out of Illium toward home. The summer days slowly pass by into fall. The harvest and the New Year were celebrated in full splendor. Hadrian dressed in customary human robes made of the finest fabric the nobles envy. He danced the human dances. He participated in the awarding of a gold-handled sword to the winner of the chariot race. Rurick and Vim strut their skills in the archery and sword fighting contests. Rurick placed second in the sword fighting. Vim hurt his arm in his third fight and was disqualified. Felix was given the honor of anointing Kia a commander after she won the sword fighting competition. Sieva sat as judge in the foot race. Eurick won the children’s foot race. Boudicca and Amalia competed in the children’s pony races through the streets. Amalia was said to place a spell on her pony, but despite the accusation, she only came in fifth. Boudicca rode in after her. Enki places as third in the
children’s archery tournament.
Prince Hadrian softens his angry heart to love his daughter as Amalia hungered for her father. She sat next to him and Eurick during the play about the underworld goddess setting free the dead souls upon New Year’s Eve and Midsummer’s Eve. The love goddess Ishtar (or Aphrodite) took pity on a man who lost his poor wife to illness. They bore no children so the man gave his wife’s possessions to the poor people nearby. He aged into an old hermit and spoke to no one. Filled with a frosted heart from the god Vanir, he never knew love again and died a lonely man. As he stood at his soul judgment, the phoenix Hato weighed his heart too heavy for the peaceful afterlife his wife was in. Ishtar appeared on the man’s behalf and melted his frozen heart. Deemed worthy for the peaceful afterlife after the second weighing, Isis granted a compromise. Twice a year, the dead souls may return to the living world, but must return upon daybreak to the afterlife. The man was led with a candle into the dreary afterlife. Filled with Ishtar’s love, he carved a vegetable in the afterlife gardens and placed his candle in it so his wife could identify him in the living world. His name was Jack.
Felix and Rurick soon held a meeting discussing Felix taking over Rurick’s legions of soldiers in training. Vim took over the horse guards and reported daily to his royal friend. Kia’s role would be to learn to be a general and win the hearts of the men she commanded. Felix took her along as he examined villages training warriors. Hadrian continued tutoring his other students and educated a few noble sons. He also had the unfortunate discovery of Kia in Rurick’s bed chamber. Unlike anyone else who knew of the affair, Hadrian smacked Rurick across the face and scolded him for sleeping with his brother’s betrothed. Kia confessed she was tired of waiting for young
Jonathan to grow up. Hadrian ordered her to leave. Rurick defended his actions to feel his mentor’s hand again.
“You owe your brother a humble apology as well as Nalia who is waiting patiently to marry you,” lectured Hadrian. “You are a man who should know better. Kia is enamored with you because you are charming as she is lonely. She will be sent to Isis immediately. Do not forget how your grandmother will view this. Rychan’s family is
first in line and your mother’s family is second. Rychan’s grandchild would be placed before you in succession. Do you understand that? ”
“Kia would never overthrow me. She loves me.” declares Rurick.
“Everybody loves Rurick the heroic prince and future emperor, but how do you know they love the boy afraid of his own shadow as I do?” questions Hadrian.
“I am not afraid of my own shadow,” claims the arrogant prince.
“Come with me,” orders the mentor.
They walk to Hadrian’s bed chamber and a magical mirror appears on the wall in a wave of Hadrian’s arm. He stands in front of the non-reflecting mirror.
“This is the Mirror of Anastia. She was the fate goddess before her sister Freya. She created signs in the sky to foretell the future. One of Elexi’s wives grew jealous when a sign predicted Elexi casting her into the skies to marry another. She trapped Anastia into a mirror so the prediction would not come true. Elexi cast his wife into the
stars and gave the mirror to Anastia’s parents. The morning star Rurik and music goddess Callisto failed to undo the spell to release their daughter. They bore Freya to take over as fate goddess and the stars repeated cycles until she matured. Iris took pity on the enchanted goddess and brought the mirror to her home. There, Anastia shows
seekers of the pots of gold at the end of every rainbow their true nature before they capture the treasure. Many run away at the sight of their shadows.” recites Hadrian.
“I have no fear of Anastia. I will look into the mirror.” affirms Rurick.
He gazes at the goddess standing in the mirror and sees his reflection as a small boy mourning his father. He realizes all his ambition was his attempts to make his dead father proud. He then cocks his head to spot Hadrian’s reflection. He grins at a similar
figure. Rurick decides to make himself proud and plan his wedding to Nalia. Alas, the damage had already been done. Soon, Jonathan rejected his betrothed and avoided Rurick. Heartbroken, Prince Jonathan sought solitude at his aunt Kynthia’s faraway estate. Next, several maidens had spread word that they were carrying Rurick’s child and demanded money from Empress Athena. When Kia’s maidservants reported that Kia is possibly pregnant with an unknown man’s child, the Empress decided to make an example out of her. Princess Kia was arrested for conspiracy to erase Rurick as heir to the throne. Hadrian never told her about the incident with Rurick and Kia. Love struck Kia stood trial in front of Athena ready to lash the life out of her. She refused to name the father of her child and fully denied any conspiracy to overthrow Rurick’s Grand Prince title. She wept as Athena shouted at her what a disgrace she was to the family and declared stripping Kia from all inheritance and titles. No longer a princess, Kia humbly apologized to Her Majesty and begged for forgiveness. Hadrian stepped in on Kia’s behalf to claim guardianship over her and return her to her parents in Isis. Athena rejected his plea and ordered Kia beheaded to stop all plots against her rule. Rurick lost it and raced to his grandmother with his sword drawn. He admitted that he was the child’s father and demanded Kia be exonerated. One thing Hadrian learned from Athena, she was accomplished in manipulating people. She softly claimed she would never harm her granddaughter and granted Kia to depart for Isis.
Relieved, Rurick thanked his grandmother and stepped down from the throne. She left the future child’s destiny in Rurick’s hands. Rurick decided that no maiden will
profit from his name. He denounced all other claims of fatherhood and had greedy maidens whipped in public for conspiring to oust Nalia as his chosen bride. Kia was packed and escorted to the Conquered Lands. Hadrian wrote to his niece Pippi to look out for Kia, she is quite young and naive. Vim did his duty to Rurick and came as her
bodyguard. He brought escorts given strict orders to harm anyone conspiring to overthrow Athena’s plan of succession. They took over in command of Isis and lurked over Their Majesties. They noted to Athena that Queen Anneth stopped short of locking King Rychan in a tower to keep herself in control of the Conquered Lands. King Rychan
Commander Vim reinstated Kia’s training. Kia thought it amazing this small leprechaun barks orders to men twice his size. All remember him as Rurick’s best friend in the Elf War and showed him the respect he deserved. The commander showed a dramatic gesture introducing himself to the new soldiers not as familiar with him. He stood upon a rotting tree stump sparkling from his armor and made his position known. He strongly asserted a challenge to any human wishing to resist his authority.
“I am right here my soldiers, ready to defend myself against any enemy. Defy me now if you dare.” firmly declared Commander Vim.
Not one moved a muscle. A light breeze whistled in the air. The leprechaun dismissed his men and requested a tour of the city he was suppose to defend. An Isis resident showed off the guard towers, prison, and all the city’s defense networks. The commander greeted all the humans he met and a young man gave him a cow’s horn carved to blow during battle. Vim regularly rides around town and speaks to guards practicing their archery and sword fighting. Princess Kia is often seen with Vim and always spoke fondly of him. Kia learns of the rift between her parents from the palace
guards. His Majesty also suddenly became a king overruling his wife. Her Majesty had been very accustomed to running things her own way without an objection from her husband. News of spreading peasant riots the following morning woke up her father enough to make decisions that actually benefit his people. Anneth gained the reputation of a heartless, selfish queen entertaining herself at the suffering of others. The new King Rychan takes tours out to villages and speaks to the poor people about their grievances. He moves heaven and earth to build river projects in order to increase trade. Bridges are repaired. Canals and wells are dug to benefit the growing towns. River rafts with small sails are seen floating into Isis daily. Next, Rychan does the unthinkable. He hires centaurs to coin money and weapons for his soldiers. He made an official visit to the giant towns along the Opra River to convince them to help with the river projects. Gazing at their large wagons, he asked to help transport food from one end of the kingdom to another. They did agree to be hired as soldiers transporting building supplies and food for the workers.
Peasant riots ceased in two years to the relief of King Rychan. Even King Dylan of Lotan welcomed him and Kia into Tenochtilan for an official visit. A treaty was signed that allowed displaced villagers to settle back into their homelands and granted trade between the regions. Anneth plotted and schemed to regain her status to fail at disturbing her husband’s new confidence in himself. One night when the queen was about to throw a ball for the nobles, she cursed the cooks for not obtaining the colorful snails she ordered that they get from the river days before. The cooks declared they were hibernating along the riverbanks. She claimed how they were ruining her party with their disobedience. They responded that she should jump in the muddy creeks and dig them up herself. She fired them on the spot. Rychan saw them leaving and promised raises in their salaries if they stayed. The cooks refused and packed their belongings. Rychan forced his wife to thank the cooks for all they had done so far and promised the night off if they would stay. They accepted the offer. The party continued as planned and not one guest missed the snails. In early summer, Felix married Kaitlyn. Now a promoted commander of the army, Felix regularly reported to Rurick in the palace. Kaitlyn’s brother Inti intruded upon Felix speaking to Rurick
Soon, Felix helps move his in-laws into Inti’s new home. On his wedding day, Commander Felix rode a chariot driven by Alexis to the Temple of Aphrodite. A few horse guards and foot soldiers strolled in front of him. Flutes and horns announced the
incoming parade to the city dwellers. Many looked, but few cheered. Kaitlyn rode a horse behind her family. They were preceded by flower petal throwers who were children of the soldiers chosen by Felix. A sweet and simple ceremony was all Felix wanted. Kaitlyn insisted on more glamour. Flower bouquets decorated the temple and lit candle stands made the sun unnecessary. Prayers were spoken and incense burned. A song of celebration was played by harps and flutes. Offerings were made to the love goddess and money god. Kaitlyn’s father presented her share of inheritance of five bags of coins, a harp, four chests of clothing, and three boxes of her mother’s jewelry. Felix accepted the dowry, and then recited his vow.
“I Commander Felix of Leesville take in marriage Kaitlyn of Illium. I shall provide comfort, hope, love, security, and happiness for my wife as long as we live.”
“I Kaitlyn, daughter of Arison, take in marriage Commander Felix of Olin. I pledge my husband love, devotion, wealth in children, comfort, and happiness for as long as we live.”
The marriage contract was read and the High Priestess pronounced the wedding bond sealed. She introduced the couple as Commander Felix and wife Kaitlyn. The couple drove off to the guest house in Felix’s chariot. The off duty soldiers provided the music and entertainment for the reception. Felix and Alexis serenaded the bride out of tune to the laughter of the guests. Afterwards, Kaitlyn moves into her appointed bed chamber and waits for her child to arrive. She was quite the hostess to dinner parties Felix threw for Eurick, Enki, Amalia, and Boudicca. Musicians played concerts in the courtyard and entertainers amused guests in the great hall. Athena received much pressure to make out her will and the line of succession when she became ill with fever. Prince Hadrian gave her medicine and she recovered to the dismay of the nobles. Rurick made arrangements with his grandmother to write out a will for her. Eurick tipped a sharpened stick in a clay tablet to name Rurick is to be her successor to be emperor and under Athena’s orders to take Rychan and Kia on as advisors. Rurick soon learned when taking over some of Athena’s duties that people behind the throne were the ones
with the power. Athena left her properties and belongings to be divided between her children and grandchildren. She included Prince Hadrian and the children he cared for. She willed a diamond and silver necklace to Princess Boudicca because she always admired it. She willed a three-stringed pearl necklace to Amalia because she had
never touched a real pearl before. She gave Eurick any of her grandchildren in marriage so he may have a companion. She gave Felix, Enki, and Vim gold-handled daggers. Finally, she gave Hadrian the guest house to own, along with anything she gave him to decorate it. Eurick finished the will stating that Athena wished wisdom onto
Rurick when he takes his place as emperor.
As Athena recovered and appointed Rurick even more responsibilities, she felt a terrible sharp pain that grew from nowhere. Hadrian rushed to her side to watch her give birth to fish eggs. He dropped the eggs into jars and places them in the garden ponds. Black and gold fish sprouted a week later to the astonishment of all in the
household. As word spread of the odd occurrence a healer from a tiny village challenged Prince Hadrian’s position in the royal household. He spoke of the fish as a sign that Hadrian’s and Athena’s marriage is cursed because Hadrian’s first wife really lives. This accusation broke Eurick to tears. Many of the villagers where this warlock lives give the man portions of their meager crops for omen ceremonies. The wizard prince concocted a plan for his foe in his sleep. When he awoke, he summoned Iris because he suspected the scoundrel Andos was behind the propaganda against him. Iris hurried to her friend’s aide as she saw it as a sign he had forgiven her. He had a peculiar scheme in mind. Iris would take Hadrian’s form to clarify if this was indeed her father Andos or just another warlock.
postured and strutted in confidence to the villagers anticipating excitement. Before the first strike, the accuser grew in height to intimidate his adversary. Swaggering in his frightening stature, he summoned the thunderbirds of the sky. In pure Andos style, he then flung light beams and raised stones from the ground to hit Prince Hadrian jumping off his shiny chariot. Hadrian drew his sword and deflected every one. The villagers, awed and impressed, cheered the prince on. Hadrian followed in form and beckoned a bolt of lightening to strike the opponent. The ground was scorched black, but the warlock stood unscathed. Fireballs torched the peasants’ rooftops and thunderous booms scared the animals into the pastures. The enemies clashed swords all over the town and sparks flew at every strike.
Hadrian sensed the adversary figured out he was dealing with someone with godlike powers. The villain never led this on until Hadrian was belted onto a roof and responded in kind to force the warlock into the mountains. The heckling warlock landed upon a prickly briar bush complete with finger-length thorns. Trees fell over as more lightening and fire were cast. The light displays amused the villagers and bets were gathered on who shall win this fight. As the wizards stood on opposite sides of a raging river next to a waterfall, the warlock accused Hadrian of being someone other than his intended victim. Hadrian tilted his jaw and cocked an eyebrow to the frustration of arrogant man. He gave no other reply. The battle continued on the boulders of the raging river as the god and goddess in disguise hurled insults and spells at each other. A dagger projected into Andos sent him down the waterfall in defeat. The warlock disappeared and was never found. Hadrian thought he changed into a hawk and saw him fly up to the sky. Hadrian’s companion kitten came out of the burnt foliage and meowed at the hero. Observing the destruction the godly beings created, Hadrian and Iris moved limestone boulders to replace the destroyed wooden bridge over the raging river. The peasants named it Hadrian’s Bridge after the conqueror and often worship the kitten and elf statues standing on opposite sides of the bridge. A legend of the peasants says that Hadrian the Great kissed the kitten before bidding farewell to the
people. Many say to kiss the kitten figure will bring luck. Hadrian the Great rode into Illium in style complete with a pageant play describing the battle that made him so famous. All Hadrian had to tell his family was that he was glad to have Iris back as his friend.
As Prince Hadrian the Great was enjoying his notoriety and Felix rejoiced his fatherhood of a son, Alexis’s fame waned. He proudly recited tales of the Elf War for many months. He married and had a daughter, thus ending the tale. Now, he came back to his best friend after leaving his wife. He also took their daughter Lilia with him. He hid in Hadrian’s old home next to Aurora Falls after visiting his friend in Illium. He stated how the marriage fell apart as soon as it began. Lilia just made the arguments worse, not better as he had hoped. He claimed to leave Lanie after thinking hard for many days what he is going to say to her. When he went looking for her, she could not be found. He sat in her bed chamber to learn she was bathing with the mermaids in the castle caves. He waited for her in the hall as a spider hanging on a web. After her return to her bed chamber, he gathered his courage to confront his wife about his decision. She walked around barely dry and combed her wet hair. Alexis sits in one a chair, claims that he could not handle the tension between them anymore, and is weary living with a spoiled princess thinks so little of him. He rejected any god powers given to him upon marriage, but Lanie is never satisfied. He stated the accusation of Lanie never truly loving him by rarely corresponding in the Elf War. Then when he came back, she was not over joyous at seeing him. She never viewed him as a war hero, he was just an elf to her. She was often distant, and then flew into rage. He added demanding, jealous, and vain into his speech. She demanded attention, and then rejected it when he gave it. At meals, she hardly ever says a word to him when he purposely sits next to her for conversation. He was just exhausted with the fighting over everything from Lilia’s education to what toys to give her on festivals. During a fight, she once said that Alexis should marry Abbykins because he obviously adored the faerie more than her. Lanie stared at him frozen in shock, with her wet hair making her appear more pitiful.
He finished by stating that he thought he could make Lanie happy, but he was wrong. He turned his back on her and left with a bag of his belongings. He left behind all of Lanie’s gifts to him in his bed chamber. Alexis next picked up his daughter playing in the nursery and told Gilda he wanted a moment to say good-bye to his beloved before he left for good. Gilda un-amazed at Alexis departure left Alexis alone with his darling girl. He then took her and vanished into the Olin Mountains where Lanie would surely not look for him. His daughter cried and wailed for days. Abbykins used much faerie dust to calm her down. When Alexis failed miserably of satisfying the goddess, he asked his best friend to care for her. Hadrian is well practiced in this duty. Hadrian agreed to take in Lilia and made up a room in the palace to watch after her. Amalia was a great help in dealing with the babe’s magical tendencies. Toys floated in the air and
noisy servants were repelled downstairs. Amalia contained the infant’s powers so the humans would welcome the cuddly infant. Treacherous uncle Hadrian also notified his niece of Lilia’s whereabouts, provided she does not squeal to Alexis. He found out that Lanie placed a curse on Alexis for stealing their child, which can only be broken when Lilia returns to the Black Forest. Lanie also shut the door of Lilia’s room and placed another spell on the door so that only Lilia can enter the room. Later, she halted her mourning at the loss of her daughter and came as Eurick’s new pet purple salamander.
Autumn came to welcome Hadrian’s nephew Alani and the underworld goddess Manda into a bond of holy matrimony. Hadrian, Eurick, Amalia, and Lilia walked through the magical mirror of The Sorceress to find Alani’s new home in the Olin Mountains quaint
compared to most godly residences.
Wood pillars in front of stone walls gave it a humble appearance. There were few statues and painted murals. Mica mirrors hung above yellow brick fireplaces. The guest chambers had red and gray brick fireplaces with bronze mirrors. Volcano goddess Maya promised no earthquake or eruptions will disturb their celebration. Lixi’s, Gilda’s, and Hadrian’s families paraded before Alani to Iris conducting the ceremony. Devon, Charise, their children, and Isis paraded before Hato and Manda. Iris sprinkled faerie dust upon the couple to bless the marriage. Candles lit to honor Alano and fertility prayers spoken. Gilda’s voice sung a song of celebration after offerings were made to Ishtar and Pisos. Alani and Manda decided to say their own vows instead of the usual
commitment.
“I Alani of Itheram, take in marriage Manda of Roanoke. I loved you since the moment I met you, cherished your devotion, honored your loyalty, embraced your affection, treasured your respect for me, and adored your charm. I would do anything to make you happy.” seemed merciful when they announced his daughter’s disgraceful arrival. Queen Anneth on the other hand was not so sympathetic. Princess Kia arrived fully pregnant and walked slowly to her awaiting mother in the frigid winter snow. Horrified and humiliated at her daughter’s form, she ordered her taken to the dungeon to be whipped about the arena holding its third chariot races during Rurick’s wedding celebrations. Polite to the intrusion, Rurick excused himself and left the room. Inti declared Kaitlyn was carrying his child and insisted upon knowing when Felix planned on marrying her. Felix felt a month was necessary to set up Kaitlyn’s bed chamber in the guest house and plan the ceremony. He wanted a small wedding in the guest house courtyard with their families present. Felix sent out wedding invitations with golden eagles only elves can tame. Inti demands the ceremony taking place in a temple instead of a courtyard. A parade was perfected by Inti and they agreed to a temple wedding with a reception in the courtyard. Hadrian the Great came riding on a gold-plated chariot driven by unicorns to the village where the wizard heckled him. The warlock “I Manda of Roanoke, take river god Alani of Itheram in marriage. I adored your smile since I met you, prized your honesty, respected your dedication, welcomed your affection, appreciated your humor, and honored your commitment to me. I will always cherish your love.”
The dowry came next. Hato presented one hundred twenty trunks of clothing and shoes, ten harps, five flutes, one hundred bags of coins, fifty chests of jewelry, and twenty spell books. Alani accepted the dowry. The marriage contract read to the guests, the bond was sealed. The couple walked down the aisle to the other end of the hall. The reception followed into the next morning. Hadrian gave his nephew a leather vest he made and niece-in-law a gold necklace he also made. Eurick gave his cousin a frog for his gift. Alani graciously thanked his cousin and the frog transformed into a ferret. Eurick explained it is an animal that was hit during the Hadrian the Great’s fight with a warlock. The enchanted animal keeps changing forms and no one could find a spell to break the charm. The animal changed again into a wolf, then a snake. Amalia gave her
cousin a polished silver mirror with an etched silver frame. Eurick also grew fond of his cousin Elmo’s daughter Circe. The baby mermaid cooed and gurgled at the darman. Eurick changed into animals to delight the infant. Before Elmo could guess what would occur next, Eurick asked for a betrothal to Circe. Elmo laughed at the boy, but agreed to the betrothal. Iceni was unsure of this young boy’s commitment to her daughter, but let the enamored lad amuse Circe. Amalia got to know her cousins Lanie, Alani, Toralyn and Max. Toralyn and Amalia grew close as Eurick and Max. Treynor was present, but kept his distance from Prince Hadrian. He did approach Iris as she cuddled little Lilia. Lanie appeared since Alexis would not be here. When the goddesses had their turn with Lilia, she fed the infant chopped fruit wedges. Iris and Hadrian conversed on Athena. Hadrian had no plans for what he would do after her death, most likely move back to Aurora Falls. Iris asked about his friendship with Rurick who worships Hadrian. He was unsure of Rurick’s emotions toward him since they manage to argue over his unruly and arrogant behavior. He pitied Nalia who is about to marry Rurick the coming summer. He said the bride Kaitlyn has slowly adjusted to an enchanted home. Lilia though had the bad habit of charming Kaitlyn whenever she was nearby. Kaitlyn’s family rarely visited the guest house from all the magic. Hadrian, Eurick, Amalia, and Lilia appeared back at the guest house to view a calm Kaitlyn reading a leather-bound book. Lilia knocked the book out of her hands. Kaitlyn scowled at the infant and
assured her that she was aware of their presence. She simply is no longer startled by sudden appearances like Athena.
Hadrian took Lilia upstairs for a rest. The infant goddess eventually was controlled by her mother Lanie crawling as a salamander to her child’s basket. Amalia and Eurick continued their education with Enki and the noble sons. Kaitlyn gave birth to a son during the winter. Kaitlyn felt fortunate to have a wizard close by. Felix celebrated with his soldiers and promoted a few to higher positions in the army. Kia arrived back
to Illium when Rurick’s and Nalia’s wedding celebrations began the next spring. She had much to prove to the Army of Athena and Rurick. She learned quickly from Vim how to earn respect and admiration of the troops, thus leading them into battle. She practiced daily for the chariot race Rurick insisted she join to earn herself the award of general that Athena desired for her. Horse mistress Pippi remains the caretaker for Tatiana as Kia commits to her duties around the kingdom. Jealous Nalia watched Kia like a hawk, especially when she introduced Tatiana to her father. Rurick bestowed the title of princess to her, though at the same time demanded Kia renounce her claim to his throne so Rurick’s descendents through Nalia would assume the role of emperor. Kia promised that in the event that Rurick has no heir that her sons and grandsons could claim the throne. Rurick reluctantly agreed. Prince Jonathan was also a surprise guest to the wedding. He declared forgiveness for Kia and proposed marriage to her. She wore the sapphire ring Jonathan gave her every day for the rest of her life. A wedding date was set for next year when Jonathan turned thirteen.
seemed merciful when they announced his daughter’s disgraceful arrival. Queen Anneth on the other hand was not so sympathetic. Princess Kia arrived fully pregnant and walked slowly to her awaiting mother in the frigid winter snow. Horrified and humiliated at her daughter’s form, she ordered her taken to the dungeon to be whipped
for dishonor and disobedience. Kia’s fine clothes were ripped off and rags of prisoners replaced them. Her hands bound with rope, she was dragged down the dungeon steps to hear the moans of criminals. The guard’s lash soon came and Kia was shocked at her mother’s hatred of her. With pain and sorrow, the princess prayed to the gods to let the punishment end soon. Several strikes later, her father barged in. King Rychan ordered the punishment ceased. His daughter was then taken to his bed chamber. A guard carried her up the spiral staircases and a maidservant washed her lashes. For Kia, a new pain came in the night. By morning, her daughter was born. Queen Anneth was ready to toss the babe onto the snow banks. King Rychan asked the horse mistress Pippi to take her into her home. Kia named her daughter Tatiana after Alaric’s heroic aunt who saved Leesville from a vast forest fire with her magic.
seemed merciful when they announced his daughter’s disgraceful arrival. Queen Anneth on the other hand was not so sympathetic. Princess Kia arrived fully pregnant and walked slowly to her awaiting mother in the frigid winter snow. Horrified and humiliated at her daughter’s form, she ordered her taken to the dungeon to be whipped
for dishonor and disobedience. Kia’s fine clothes were ripped off and rags of prisoners replaced them. Her hands bound with rope, she was dragged down the dungeon steps to hear the moans of criminals. The guard’s lash soon came and Kia was shocked at her mother’s hatred of her. With pain and sorrow, the princess prayed to the gods to let the punishment end soon. Several strikes later, her father barged in. King Rychan ordered the punishment ceased. His daughter was then taken to his bed chamber. A guard carried her up the spiral staircases and a maidservant washed her lashes. For Kia, a new pain came in the night. By morning, her daughter was born. Queen Anneth was ready to toss the babe onto the snow banks. King Rychan asked the horse mistress Pippi to take her into her home. Kia named her daughter Tatiana after Alaric’s heroic aunt who saved Leesville from a vast forest fire with her magic.
seemed merciful when they announced his daughter’s disgraceful arrival. Queen Anneth on the other hand was not so sympathetic. Princess Kia arrived fully pregnant and walked slowly to her awaiting mother in the frigid winter snow. Horrified and humiliated at her daughter’s form, she ordered her taken to the dungeon to be whipped
for dishonor and disobedience. Kia’s fine clothes were ripped off and rags of prisoners replaced them. Her hands bound with rope, she was dragged down the dungeon steps to hear the moans of criminals. The guard’s lash soon came and Kia was shocked at her mother’s hatred of her. With pain and sorrow, the princess prayed to the gods to let the punishment end soon. Several strikes later, her father barged in. King Rychan ordered the punishment ceased. His daughter was then taken to his bed chamber. A guard carried her up the spiral staircases and a maidservant washed her lashes. For Kia, a new pain came in the night. By morning, her daughter was born. Queen Anneth was ready to toss the babe onto the snow banks. King Rychan asked the horse mistress Pippi to take her into her home. Kia named her daughter Tatiana after Alaric’s heroic aunt who saved Leesville from a vast forest fire with her magic.
seemed merciful when they announced his daughter’s disgraceful arrival. Queen Anneth on the other hand was not so sympathetic. Princess Kia arrived fully pregnant and walked slowly to her awaiting mother in the frigid winter snow. Horrified and humiliated at her daughter’s form, she ordered her taken to the dungeon to be whipped for dishonor and disobedience. Kia’s fine clothes were ripped off and rags of prisoners replaced them. Her hands bound with rope, she was dragged down the dungeon steps to hear the moans of criminals. The guard’s lash soon came and Kia was shocked at her mother’s hatred of her. With pain and sorrow, the princess prayed to the gods to let the punishment end soon. Several strikes later, her father barged in. King Rychan ordered the punishment ceased. His daughter was then taken to his bed chamber. A guard carried her up the spiral staircases and a maidservant washed her lashes. For Kia, a new pain came in the night. By morning, her daughter was born. Queen Anneth was ready to toss the babe onto the snow banks. King Rychan asked the horse mistress Pippi to take her into her home. Kia named her daughter Tatiana after Alaric’s heroic aunt who saved Leesville from a vast forest fire with her magic.
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