DRAMATIS PERSONAE:
The Onderians:
- Saagen, Blood Prince of Onderon [half blood]
- Ayden, Prince Royal of Onderon [half blood]
- Yela Yuvin, Prince of Yeling, Prince Regent of Da'Lyan, Prince Honorarius of Onderon [Mar'Kaa, Yela and Lian Tribes]
- Annira, Queen of Onderon [half blood]
- Talin Tykrana, House of Goral, High Prince of Onderon [pure blood]
- Chief State Councilor Tacitus, Head of the Grand Secretariat [pure blood]
- Vice-Chancellor Danae Volsca of the Grand Chamber, Archon of the Greater House of Volsca [pure blood]
- Chancellor Livia Balasich of the Grand Chamber, Archon of the Greater House of Balasich [pure blood]
- Lady Emilyn Tylena, Archon of the Greater House of Tylena, the Queen's Cousin [pure blood]
- Hektor Belleron, House of Vasilus, exiled soldier [pure blood]
The Humans:
- Colin Rylandar, King of the Humans
- Esteemed Clan Princess Nelia Nenge of the Western Afrann Principality
- Elder Lord Adnan Kaleka of the Eastern Orienne Principality, Chief Advisor to the King and Regent to the Rylandar Throne
- Hereditary Prince Valin Stryver of the Nordea Principality, Chieftain of the Northern Clans, Vice Regent to the Rylandar Throne
- Clan Prince Mir Stryver of the Northern Nordea Principality, Chief Administrator of the Kalinga Bay Center Office
- Captain Kayra Astier of the Royal Guards
Others:
- Ceferyn, Chief Merchant of Kalinga Bay [Onderian]
- Kai'leen, Great Mother of Herne [Ney'shi]
A FALSE START
Saagen dreams of his foster parents, Mira and Ganuus whom Ganner and Ceferyn entrusted to raise him on Istar. They are trying to tell him something but as they are about to speak the words, the dark smothers them and takes them away. Saagen wakes to join his family for breakfast - present at the table are Ayden, Yuvin, and the children – Teran, Aera, and Ywain. Notably missing are Annira (the Queen) and her consort, Talin, the High Prince. Yuvin tells Saagen “he looks like shit” and Saagen replies that “he did not sleep well.” Ayden warns Yuvin and Saagen to “gain some strength and stamina” for they have a busy couple weeks ahead of them – the Rylandar Delegation will be arriving at the end of the month.
Ayden, Saagen, and Yuvin attend the State Council court meeting. Tacitus, the Chief State Councilor and Head of the Grand Secretariat asks if they should ever expect to see the Queen at these court meetings – she hasn’t shown up to any since the Crowning Ceremony. Ayden waves away Tacitus’ concerns, stating that his sister the Queen is still recovering from ill health. When she is better, she will join them. This causes murmurs amongst the members of the State Council. Tacitus asks, “will the Queen get better?” Yuvin becomes annoyed and snaps at Tacitus. Tacitus turns his gaze onto the Prince of Yeling and changes his target. Why is the Prince of Yeling still in Aurain? Having been reinstated as the Prince Regent of Da’Lyan, shouldn’t he be in Das’Vengar instead? It is highly inappropriate to have an outsider aka foreigner regularly attending Onderon’s royal court meetings, much less the Third Son, the Child of Prophecy himself – the one who caused the Queen’s death, and by extension, the Prince Father’s death (that’s two Children of the Allfather who are dead).
Ayden’s anger is set off. The Prince of Yeling is a Prince Honorarius – that makes him not only a citizen of Onderon, but also a member of Kastus Royal Family. He has every right to be here. And who was it who was claiming all those years ago that Saagen was the Child of Prophecy? That shuts up Tacitus. However, the Chief Censor points out that in all honesty, Ayden himself does not have the right to be leading the court meetings, twin to the Queen he may be. He is not Lord Regent nor is he the High Prince. As the Queen’s brother, he doesn’t have any kind of official status (beyond being the Prince Royal, the former Queen’s eldest son) that grants him the power to act on the Queen’s behalf. This causes more murmurs in the court.
Fortunately, the High Seneschal announces the timely arrival of Talin, the High Prince. As Talin enters the Throne Room, everyone bows to him, including Ayden. He is greeted as the “High Prince” very respectfully. Talin thanks the State Council for their views and recommendations and assures them that the Queen will take their advice. He then ends the meeting.
After the meeting, both Ayden and Yuvin are angry, though not at the same people. Yuvin is angry at the State Council while Ayden is angry with himself for being so easily rattled. Talin tries to calm them down. Saagen points out that if Annira nor Talin will be attending the court meetings, Ayden does need to be officially instated as a Lord Regent (as their grandfather, the Archon of the Greater House of Tylena, was made Lord Regent to rule over Onderon on his daughter, Adeline’s behalf). Talin thinks that’s a great thing for Saagen to bring up to Annira – when he meets her, right now. Saagen is a little confused and scared – she wants to meet him, right now? Saagen hasn’t interacted with Annira on a one-on-one basis yet, but Talin tells him that she merely wants to get to know him. They leave to find Annira.
We find Annira in a closed garden, with her months-old twins, Arik and Aren, in the cradle beside her. She seems a little lost, her eyes glazed. Annira tries to lift a goblet using her telekinetic skills but is then immediately crippled by pounding headaches and visions of her imprisonment – when she was basically conditioned into not using her powers, on the pain of A’Ni’s death. As Saagen and Talin enter the courtyard, Annira quickly tries to resettle herself, but Talin catches on – his eyebrows furrow in worry but she successfully sends him off to have some alone time with Saagen.
Saagen asks after her health and that of the twins. Annira replies that all three of them are doing fine. She hopes that it’s okay that they speak like this – they haven’t really had the opportunity and time to do that since he rescued her from Kai’leen’s prison. At her behest, Saagen regales Annira with tales of his life as a blacksmith’s son on Istar, and then his journey since. Everything he knows was taught mostly by Talin. Annira thanks him for keeping Talin’s mind off her while she was missing.
Saagen brings up the matters of the Court (and the issues with who can rightfully represent Annira) and asks why she is not attending. Annira replies that she does not have the strength to attend – really, she does not have the strength to rule the kingdom. Saagen wonders if that is so, why Annira has not properly instated Ayden as the Lord Regent. Annira is silent for a while. She reveals that eventually, she will regain enough strength that Talin will feel comfortable not being by her side 24/7 and can lead the Court and rule the kingdom on her behalf as the High Prince. As for Ayden…she trails off. Saagen impress his sister by quickly catching onto her meaning. The Human delegation is coming, along with the Old King himself – his first visit in three decades. With their father’s death, the Old King is surely coming for Ayden. As Ganner’s firstborn son, and as the person who was leading the treaty talks between the two kingdoms, Ayden will surely be Crown Prince. Annira: “You are right. That is why I have been reluctant to make him Lord Regent of Onderon. For if he is Lord Regent, how can he then be Crown Prince of the Rylandar Kingdom?”
Saagen is not sure that given Annira’s current state, Ayden will be so willing to leave Onderon for the Humans. Even now, she still depends on him physically. But Annira will not and cannot stand between Ayden and his birthright, his ambition. He is too worthy to simply live his entire life as a Queen’s son, or a Queen’s brother. It is Annira’s intention to have Ayden train Saagen as best as he can before he leaves for Ryland and for Saagen to take on the mantle of Lord Regent.
Saagen is extremely flustered! A couple months ago, he was just a blacksmith’s son. How can he suddenly help rule an entire kingdom in this short amount of a time? Annira presses on that if not him, then who? Saagen is her and Ayden’s brother of the blood – the third child of Adeline and Ganner. She can trust only him to act as Regent on her behalf. She knows she’s asking a lot of him, but she believes it is possible. Saagen has done well in the past couple months – she’s heard his praises from many people, including Ayden and Talin. And it might do well for someone like him, who lived a “normal” person’s life, to be in a seat of power. Does Saagen not think so? Saagen smiles at that comment and replies that Adeline had said something like that before.
But, Saagen points out, it is not just Annira that Ayden would be leaving behind in Aurain. What about Aera, Ayden’s only daughter and current sole Heir to the Onderian Throne? In Ryland, Aera would be a mere love child. By human custom, children born out of wedlock cannot be recognized. Aera’s status would change from being Heir to the Throne in Onderon to being the King’s bastard daughter in Ryland. Can Ayden stand to see such a slight to his only child?
Annira: “Aera must remain here, with me. She cannot go with her father. She is my heir.” Saagen tentatively asks after “the health of her womb” and Annira reveals that due to the trauma of the last childbirth with the twins as well as her psychological scars and physical issues, the healers don’t think she would survive another pregnancy. And so, Annira points at the brew she was drinking, they have been giving her contraceptives and she has been taking them. “So, you see, little brother. What we are fighting for is not only my rule, but Aera’s eventual right to rule. Her quarter blood makes her a very vulnerable Heir to the Throne. That is why I need you here with me.”
Saagen leaves Annira deep in thought. Talin returns just as Annira is trying again to use her telekinesis. She fails again, however. He tries to comfort her by stating that her powers will return eventually, but Annira thinks they are lost forever – they would not want to stay with a broken vessel such as herself. She asks him if he regrets getting off that ship at Elvinport. She has only been able to give him chains over the freedom and the love of the sea that he sought. How selfish she is. Talin tells her to stop talking nonsense. He made his decision that day and he has never looked back. His place is by her side. He’s known this since that day in the pits on Isle Mokoa. Talin just regrets not being able to give Annira a daughter in time. Annira doesn’t mind though. She has four lovely sons (who would have ever thought). Surely, they would not give her as hard of a time as she gave her mother.
---
Having heard of Annira’s intention to instate Saagen as Lord Regent, Ayden goes to find his younger brother. He finds Saagen sparring with Yuvin, while the three kids (Teran, Aera, and Ywain) watching. Ayden takes over the instructing while Yuvin joins the kids on the benches. Ayden and Saagen have it out while Yuvin eggs them on from the side, earning himself a scorching retort from Ayden: “Why are you still here, Yuvin?” Saagen explains to Ayden that Annira wants to clear the path for him – that is why she is not entrusting the Lord Regent position to him. Ayden asks Saagen if he himself seeks or wants anything (either the Lord Regent or the Crown Prince position) but Saagen only replies that he just got to this Continent a couple months ago and knows little. “But you are a quick study, little brother.” Saagen insists that he will only do what is required or requested of him from his siblings. There’s no one else left in this world that he owes allegiance to. That makes Ayden pause. He pulls Saagen up from the ground and clasps his shoulders, praising him on his quick improvements in the arts of war. Ayden makes Saagen promise him that if he (Saagen) should want something, anything, that he trusts him (Ayden) enough to tell him the truth.
After Ayden leaves, Saagen joins Yuvin and the kids on the benches. Yuvin asks Saagen if he really doesn’t want anything. Afterall, he too is the blood of Fire and Earth – whatever power, rights, and claims that Ayden and Annira have, so too does Saagen. Does Saagen truly not want to be Crown Prince of the Humans? Does he not want to be Lord Regent? What does Saagen want, actually?
Saagen replies that it is not his place to want anything – it has never been his place to want. When he lived as a blacksmith’s son, he worked to survive because it was what people did. He wanted to stay in one place for more than a few years, but that wasn’t possible. He wanted a peaceful life with his parents and his best friend whom he just recently learned is his spirit uncle, but he didn’t get that. He didn’t want to a Lost Prince – the Child of Prophecy – to be drawn into a fight he has no stakes in. Every time he wants something, it doesn’t end up well. What can Saagen possibly want in this life? Everything that has happened to him has been of no fault of his own. So many external factors - people and events alike - have shaped – have controlled his life. How can he dare to want anything?
Yuvin replies: “that was then, this is now.” Maybe all that Saagen said in the past was true for the life he was living, as an unwanted child, then as a blacksmith’s son, then as a lost prince. But now, things are different. Saagen is in a place of power. As Lord Regent or as Crown Prince, he could change people’s lives. Doesn’t he want that power, that privilege? Doesn’t he feel that sense of duty to others? Saagen retorts that it’s easy for Yuvin to say. He has been Prince Regent for eight years and before that the Prince of Yeling, the Emperor’s only child. Both Ayden and Annira have been royalty since the day they were born. Everything they did mattered. They had the power to choose – to shape the lives of others. Saagen wasn’t born or brought up that way. Everything was chosen for him. How can he think of others – people he will never meet in this life? All he can see is what is in front of him – his siblings and family. He can’t bother to care or want for things he knows nothing of (aka the Human Kingdom).
Yuvin reminds Saagen that like Saagen, Yuvin was also a normal person – a commoner before he saved the life of Rayden and his Empress. He too remembers what life was back then, struggling day by day to make ends meet. His parents weren’t killed by Onderians (no matter how Yuvin wanted to hate them). They were killed other Mar’Kaa (Tribe TBD) in struggle over food. It is these experiences, these memories of flesh, that continually motivated him to fight for policies, no matter how unpopular they may be in the short term, as Prince Regent.
In a repeat of Ayden’s earlier words, Saagen asks Yuvin why then he is still here, with them in Aurain, instead of back in Das’Vengar Prince Regent-ing. Yuvin sighs morosely and wonders if they are getting tired of his presence already, just like the State Council and the Grand Chamber. As he gets up to leave, Yuvin answers Saagen’s question: “I have a promise to keep. That’s why I’m still here.”
---
Ayden joins Annira in the gardens as Talin leaves to handle some government affairs. He remarks that she looks so much better – she can even stroll in the gardens now for some distance. Annira replies that she’s experimenting – “trying something” that would make her better. Ayden wants to know what it is, but she will only tell him once she’s figured out if it works or not. Ayden remarks on the presence of Drag and Ali, Annira’s sworn guards, as well as the lack of Tallus. Tallus is a little annoyed by the unconventional arrangement – Drag and Ali are not Praetorian Guards but have been allowed to remain by Annira’s side. Given what they know about Kai’leen’s involvement with the kidnapping situation and their own history with Kai’leen, they didn’t want to leave Annira by herself, though she did try to release them from her service.
“What about Tallus?” Ayden asks. Where did he go? Annira tells him that she gave Tallus some time to visit his extended family before the Human delegation arrives. Tallus is not close to his family, unfortunately, but his parent House, the Greater House of Goral, has long been an ardent supporter of the Greater House of Kastus (from which the Royal House of Onderon descends from) since the Elvin people first landed on the Continent. If Aera is to succeed Annira one day, the support of the Greater House of Goral will be much needed. Ayden chastises his twin for already thinking of her successor/death when she herself just ascended to the Throne. Annira morosely responds that she knows her own condition best of all and one can never prepare too early – the fight for Aera to ascend will be tough. Even now, the State Council and the Grand Chamber have continually resisted and delayed Aera’s appointment as Heir to the Throne, despite her being the obvious and only choice. It will only get worse once she gets older. Annira just wants to make sure that Ayden can leave for Ryland with as little worry as possible for Aera.
Ayden becomes a little angry at the idea that Annira can think of sending him away at this time. She looks better today, that is true, but how long will it last? She needs his strength, still, does she not? However, Annira hates the idea of sponging off her twin’s core energy and strength to survive. She will find a way to sustain herself – at least until the time is right. Ayden again chastises his sister for speaking of her death as a near impending doom, but Annira waves away his concerns, stating she doesn’t want to talk about it now.
The topic of conversation finally turns to Saagen being appointed Lord Regent, assuming of course, that Ayden leaves for Ryland with their grandfather, the Old King. Ayden thinks it’s asking too much of Saagen in such a short amount of time. He also thinks Annira is trying to tie Saagen down in Aurain, so their younger brother doesn’t think of wanting the Human Throne. He asks his sister if that is not too calculating of her. Annira assures her twin that she is thinking of both Ayden’s and Saagen’s benefits in her plan. How can they send Saagen, who just arrived onto the Continent a couple months ago and has just only recently shed the curse of the Child of Prophecy, into the viper’s nest that is Ryland? Their mother would be raging in the Hall of Judgment at the thought of that. They cannot sacrifice Saagen – Ayden must go forth and bear the burden. Though Saagen will no doubt have his own struggles as Lord Regent, at the end of the day, it is still Onderon, and he still has Talin to support him in the State Council and Emilyn in the Grand Chamber. For as long as Annira is alive and Saagen rules in her stead, he will always have her at his back to defend him when necessary. What does he have in Ryland? A disgruntled and petty grandfather who couldn’t forgive his only son and heir and refused to see him until it was too late? A court of snakes who will rip Saagen apart in a bid to use him for their own agendas? No, they cannot let such a fate fall upon their little brother. Has he not suffered enough? Annira may be a shadow of her old self, she may have only a glimmer of her former strength, but she is still Queen, and she can still at least protect her family.
In her anger and indignation, Annira starts coughing and Ayden helps her sit down at a nearby bench. Ayden tries to calm her down, assuring her that he understands her feelings and of course, he too will protect Saagen and their family. But Annira speaks too harshly of the Human Court. She hasn’t worked with them, hasn’t interacted with them as Ayden has. Of course, she thinks badly of them. Saagen is no less a grandson of the Old King as Ayden is – the humans know that. And Annira is underestimating Saagen too much. He is more capable that she thinks. Annira replies: “That may be true, but is he as capable as you?”
---
Ayden gives Saagen the assignment of greeting the Human delegation. Yuvin remarks that he is jealous of how trusting they are of each other, despite them both fighting for the same throne. This wouldn’t happen in Mar’Kaa. In the Lian Imperial Tribe, brothers fight brothers for the Crown. Ayden retorts that no matter what happens, Saagen is still his little brother. If he is not capable, then he isn’t. If he is, he deserves a fair shot. And anyways, Ayden himself is not sure he can leave Aurain, his twin and his daughter so easily. The burden may fall onto Saagen eventually.
Ayden asks Yuvin why he is here. Yuvin tells him the truth (sort of) – there are still some answers he needs to find out regarding the whole Annira kidnapping conspiracy beyond the Kai’leen thing. Obviously, some Onderian higher-ups are involved and wanted to destabilize the peace treaty. Remember the last time Onderian higher-ups got involved in a peace treaty? Yes, that’s not happening again and Yuvin is here to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.
Ayden doesn’t believe that is the whole reason. Yuvin gives him another. For eight years, he’s had a tough life as Prince Regent. He’s had to fight tooth and nail to preserve his own life, that of the Hua Tribe, while still considering his younger brother and the Dowager Imperial Noble Consort, while guarding against the other Tribes who would use the tense situation only to their advantage. He just wants to rest right now. Where else can he rest if not Aurain? Besides, it will do them good to have him around to distract/attract the ire of the Onderian conservatives. He did, after all, cause Adeline’s and Ganner’s death. Ayden chastises Yuvin for thinking that way about himself. He asks why Yuvin is still holding onto that and Yuvin retorts back: how can he not. His entire life has been defined by losing parents. He must really be cursed. Besides, Adeline was disappointed by him when she met him again after eight years. She said that he had gotten crueler, more calculative. Maybe spending some time away from Das’Vengar will smooth away those edges he had to develop as Prince Regent.
---
Ceferyn, the Chief Merchant of Kalinga Bay and Ayden’s mentor, arrives in Aurain (by boat) after he hears about the appointment of Saagen as the Prince Ambassador to the Human delegation. He immediately expresses his unhappiness over the decision to his disciple-mentee. It is not a good idea to parade Saagen in front of the Old King (Colin Rylandar). What if Colin Rylandar takes a fancy to Saagen and chooses him as heir and Crown Prince over Ayden? They already know that the Hereditary Prince of Nordea (aka Valin Stryver) would prefer the green Saagen over the Onderian-born and -raised Ayden. And after all, it was Valin and his son who first found Saagen on the Continent.
Ayden is once again annoyed by Ceferyn’s insistent hounding over the matter. He cannot think of leaving Aurain given the current situation with Annira’s health. Saagen also deserves a chance to show and prove his abilities and worth. At the end of the day, one of them will be Crown Prince of Ryland and the other Lord Regent of Onderon. Either way, Saagen can use the practice of ambassadoring.
Ceferyn is still unhappy about the decision and begins to press the case. However, he is interrupted by Yuvin who defends Ayden’s decision and commends his adoptive brother for his magnanimity towards Saagen. Yuvin is a little rude to Ceferyn. He tells Ceferyn that while he understands Ceferyn’s goals and ambitions, it is not good to cement and foster enmity and jealousy between siblings. Before Ceferyn has a chance to retort back, Yuvin turns quickly to Ayden and reports that he and Saagen are ready to leave Aurain to receive the Human delegation at Trykan. Ceferyn asks why Yuvin is accompanying Saagen and Yuvin replies that he just wants to make sure Saagen doesn’t befall the schemes of those who would attempt to harm him, bodily or reputation-wise (basically implying that Ceferyn might work against Saagen). Ayden tells them to stop fighting and leaves.
Ceferyn is fuming. He directly asks Yuvin what his intentions are by first remaining in Aurain with the Royal Family and second, lobbying on behalf of Saagen. Ceferyn basically reveals that he’s been keeping tabs on Yuvin and knows that Yuvin is pressing Saagen’s case to be his grandfather’s heir in Ryland. What is Yuvin’s motive? What would he gain by that? Yuvin is offended by the questions. He’s here because he wants to spend more time with his adopted siblings, whom he saw little of in the last eight years. “Hmm…yes, the adoptive siblings whose parents you killed”, replies Ceferyn. “They were my parents, too.”
Ceferyn doesn’t understand for the life of the Allfather why Adeline was so taken with Yuvin and went as far as to adopt him. He also doesn’t really understand why Rayden also adopted Yuvin. Yuvin has only received the good graces and fortunes of his series of adopted parents and in return, what has he given back? He’s trying to dissolve the Da’Lyan Empire and do away with the only way of governance the Mar’Kaa have ever known. All for what? His dying father’s wish? Ceferyn has never heard or known of Rayden speaking such desire. Yuvin is angry now. How can Ceferyn know when Ceferyn is not Rayden’s son? And why is Ceferyn so against Yuvin’s plans for federalist rule? He thought Ceferyn hated the uncertainty brought about by the death of each Lian Emperor (most deaths bring about a question of succession, especially if the deceased Emperor did not formally instate a successor). Ceferyn replies that he does dislike the uncertainty and chaos of the succession crises. But now, the Imperial Tribe is few – there are no other claimants to the Crown. In truth, there is only Yuvin and the Second Prince, Lian Yujin, and Ceferyn knows Yuvin has no intention of seeking the Dragon Throne. Why can’t he just let his younger brother, the true blood heir and descendant of the Lian Emperors of old, of the Child of Water himself, ascend? It is not that Ceferyn doesn’t understand or agree with what Yuvin is trying to do. He just thinks his way, his method is too harsh and perilous of a path and would bring about the very chaos it seeks to prevent. A gentler method would be to instate a new law that would cement the eldest son of the Emperor or the legitimate son (which would be the son of the Empress) as the Taizi. Yuvin cannot agree. It is the custom of every Lian Emperor since the first to always allow the most capable and worthy son to succeed. Succession cannot and should not be guaranteed by birth order, or legitimacy of birth. That was the fatal mistake of the preceding Da’Chen Dynasty (the Chen Tribe was the Imperial Tribe before the Lian Tribe took over), allowing an unworthy ruler to ascend to the Dragon Throne just based on birth order.
Ceferyn and Yuvin agree to disagree on the matter. Yet, Ceferyn doesn’t understand why Yuvin is still here and pressing for Saagen’s claim even when Saagen himself would not. Yuvin reveals the truth. It is a debt of love and gratitude. It is the promise of a dying man he is trying to fulfill. Thus, the truth of Ganner’s ask before his death to Yuvin is revealed. He asked Yuvin to fight for Saagen’s right to the Human Throne.
Ceferyn is shocked. How can it be? It was Ganner himself who continually urged Ceferyn (especially before his impending death) to back Ayden when it came to the Human Throne. How can he ask Yuvin to do the same, but for Saagen instead? Yuvin poses that Ganner might have felt some guilt towards his youngest son. Or he saw Saagen’s abilities and was impressed, even in that limited time. Or he foresaw the issue of Annira’s health and knew that eventually, it could not and would not be Ayden. It could be a myriad of things, but Yuvin doesn’t really care. At the end of the day, Yuvin still feels guilty towards Adeline and Ganner for what happened to them. He knows that he didn’t kill them, but he did cause their deaths inadvertently. Though he couldn’t hear Adeline’s last wishes in time, he was able to listen to Ganner’s. And so, Yuvin must do as Ganner asked – he must fulfil the dying man’s wish.
Ceferyn know understands everything. He thanks Yuvin for the truth. Before Yuvin can ask of him, Ceferyn promises Yuvin that he won’t say a thing to Ayden or Saagen. “Ayden or Saagen… But what about Annira?” Ceferyn firmly states that Annira is the Queen of Onderon and as such, she must know what she needs to know. Though he won’t tell her the truth right now, if she asks or when it becomes necessary, he will reveal the truth. He encourages Yuvin to do the same as well. With that, Ceferyn leaves.
Yuvin and Saagen depart for Trykan the next day.
Blood of my Blood
Yuvin and Saagen arrive in Trykan. They are greeted by the disgruntled members of the Grand Chamber – the Archons of the Greater Houses of Onderon. They are not happy that Saagen was chosen to be Prince Ambassador, instead of Ayden or Talin. They are also not happy about Yuvin’s presence. However, Lady Emilyn Tylena, the Archon of the Greater House of Tylena and his cousin (Emily’s grandmother and Saagen’s grandfather, the Lord Regent Kaelin Tylena, were siblings) comes to his rescue. Chancellor Livia Balasich of the Grand Chamber, Archon of the Greater House of Balasich observes the commotion from the sidelines while she in turn is observed by Vice-Chancellor Danae Volsca.
We now move to the Human Delegation who are nearing Trykan. We are introduced to Colin Rylandar, the “Old King” of the Humans, and his lifelong confidante and friend, as well as keeper of his household and palace, the Esteemed Clan Princess Nelia Nenge of the Western Afrann Principality. They discuss Saagen, as well as the succession issue. Nelia reminds Colin of the importance of choosing an heir and choosing an heir now. The other Principalities have begun to put forth their own heirs (some far-off descendants of the Imperial Sazoryn blood) or are calling for dissolution of the Union and return to Principality self-rule. Colin asks what Nelia thinks of Saagen, since she has seen him (during Adeline’s funeral). He knows that Valin strongly favors Saagen over Ayden. Nelia would rather bet on Ayden, for they know Ayden better and Ayden has lived his entire life as a Prince – surely, he is more fit for carrying the duties of the “Reigning Chief of the Union” aka Chief of Chiefs than Saagen, a green boy who just recently stumbled upon onto the Continent. She then sighs and wonders why Colin even bothers asking her for advice when he seldom listens to her. She told him to make amends with Ganner before it’s too late and now it’s too late. “What would Aislyn say?” Colin huffs in anger and stops speaking to her in annoyance.
In the other carriage, we find Hereditary Prince Valin Stryver of Nordea, Chieftain of the Northern Clans (henceforth referred to as Valin) and Vice Regent to the Rylandar Throne, and the Elder Lord Adnan Kaleka of the Eastern Orienne Principality, Chief Advisor to the King and Regent to the Rylandar Throne (referred to as Adnan), whom Valin addresses as “Uncle Nanan”. Adnan complains that he’s getting too old for long journeys such as these, but Valin points out that Nelia and Colin are the same age as him, yet he doesn’t find them complaining. However, Valin doesn’t think that it was a good idea that both he and Adnan are accompanying the Royal Procession to Aurain, given that they are both regents. Adnan tells him to stop worrying. Valin’s eldest son and heir, Clan Prince Corrin, and sister, Elder Clan Princess Rhea are holding down the fort. Valin darkly mentions that it is not just them who remained behind in Ryland – the other Vice Regent, the Isai Hereditary Prince of the Mid’dya Principality is ruling while Colin is away. Clearly, Valin doesn’t like or trust the Isai Vice Regent (he was given this position because he is related by blood to Colin’s deceased wife, Aislyn, the last Imperial Princess of Sazorrn) but Adnan waves his concerns away and redirects the conversation to the conundrum at hand: Ayden vs. the newly returned Lost Prince.
Valin’s preference for the Lost Prince Saagen is quite clear as he restates his reasons why: Ayden, for all his strengths, was born and raised as the Prince Royal of Onderon. Now, his twin sister is Queen of Onderon. He cannot be trusted to remain objective in matters of ruling that are related to the Onderians. However, Adnan points out that Ayden is the eldest son and by the way of the Humans, the eldest son always inherits. What Valin is suggesting is dangerous – it would upset the other Clans of the Five Principalities. Adnan is looking forward to meeting this Saagen in person. Valin warns him to be careful – Saagen is the spitting image of his father, Ganner. Adnan remarks that it is Colin who should be warned of the matter.
On horseback, we now turn to Kayra Astier, Captain of the Royal Guards, and Clan Prince Mir Stryver of the Northern Nordea Principality, the younger of Valin’s two sons. Mir has temporarily left his Chief Administrator of the Center Office position in Kalinga Bay to help escort the Royal Procession to Aurain. Mir asks Kayra if she’s ready to see “him”, but Kayra remains noncommittal, refusing to answer Mir’s question and instead asking one of her own: what is Mir’s opinion on the Ayden vs. the Lost Prince conundrum? Mir has a positive impression of Saagen, but Saagen was a very lost boy when they last parted. Ayden clearly has more experience than Saagen when it comes to rulership. He also has other “incentives” for wanting the Rylandar Throne, which earns him a sharp look from Kayra. But Mir slightly backtracks - the news about the Onderian Queen’s ill health has spread far and wide. Would Ayden really be willing to leave his twin sister in the state that she is? And could he part with his only child, Aera, who is almost certainly the next Heir to the Onderian Throne? Kayra sighs and replies that she too doesn’t know.
The Human Procession approaches the gates of Trykan, where Saagen, Yuvin, and the Archons await. Suddenly, they are attacked by a group of Herne tribespeople. Colin’s life is saved in the nick of time by the renegade and exiled Hektor Belleron, House of Vasilus, and his followers. Colin is also a little taken back to see Saagen for Saagen is truly the spitting image of his deceased son and Child of Earth, Ganner.
Hektor Belleron’s return to the fold causes chaos for he is technically an exiled soldier – having been dishonorably discharged from the Onderian Military for assassinating Advisor Liya Heng of Da’Lyan, Rayden’s mentor, in revenge for the assassination of his own mentor, the Elder Lord Luka Ga’as, Archon Emeritus and former Commander General of the Western Elva Army. He was not imprisoned because of his previous battle feats and has been living much of the last eight years as a nomad, a hired soldier. Hektor claims that he was tracking this group of Ney’shi because they were being suspicious. Chancellor Balasich thinks Hektor should be sent on his way, but Vice-Chancellor Volsca argues that Hektor has gained merit in saving the life of the Human King. For obvious reasons, Yuvin is incensed and wants Hektor to continue to be exiled as punishment for his crimes, but the other Archons become annoyed that he, a Mar’Kaa Prince Regent of all people, is trying to interfere with their internal issues. Saagen calms the situation down by offering up a temporary solution: bring Hektor to Aurain to face the Queen’s judgment. Everyone agrees this is the best option. This situation has allowed Colin and the Human Delegation to see for themselves how Saagen handles a potential political crisis.
ANNIRA’S JOURNEY
Annira must come to terms with her physical weakness and inability to use her powers (telekinesis) without suffering from acute mental attacks that translate into week-long bedrest. She is someone who has always been physically strong, extremely capable in the martial arts and arts of other, and powerful (her telekinetic blasts could cripple entire commands). However, now she realizes that she can no longer depend on these physical abilities. The less she tries to use telekinesis, the stronger she is physically (the less mental attacks she suffers). Annira resolves to give up usage of her ability in a bid to become less physically dependent on her twin brother so he may go forth and be King of the Humans.
Her physical and mental weakness is so striking that even her grandfather is shocked to see the change in her. “Where has the flame gone?” However, Annira pleads with him to take Aedin to Ryland for Aedin deserves a life and destiny that is completely his own.
When Colin and Yuvin get into an intense verbal argument (after the former blames the latter for his son’s death), Annira gets so angry that she inadvertently uses her telekinesis to slam the table. This outburst knocks her into a three-day coma – she is only brought out of it by Aedin. She tells Aedin the truth – the more she uses her telekinesis, the weaker she is. However, she hates having to depend on Aedin like this – it is not right. Aedin is resolute in doing whatever he must to save his twin’s life. The healers inform them that if Annira does not use her ability, her life can be prolonged.
Talin wakes up one night to find that Annira is not in bed. After a short search, he finds her at the Temple that Adeline used to go to pray for guidance from an all-too-silent Allfather. Annira remarks that she thought she would miss her father more (he was always closer to her than Adeline), but since their deaths, she thinks of Adeline more. Even though her relationship with her mother improved with age and time, Annira still feels regretful that it was never as good as the one she had with her father. She wonders what her mother would think of her – seeing her as she is, so weak and unable to do anything of import. Annira thought that as Queen, she wouldn’t be like Adeline, but now that she has ascended, she understands a little more of the struggles that her mother faced – how Adeline couldn’t always choose her heart over the bigger picture. Annira’s heart wants her brother to be happy and fulfilled, but the bigger picture may require he stay with her. She doesn’t know if she can forgive herself.
At the climax, a situation arises in which Annira must use her telekinetic powers to save everyone as a last resort. Though she saves the day, she falls into yet another coma and is on the brink of death. Day by day, she doesn’t wake up. The healers tell Aedin that she may be able to live if he is able to donate his blood/life force to her. However, the process of the donation is lifelong – once you start it, only through death can it be ended. This would mean that Aedin could not be far from Annira which in turn means that he cannot be King of the Humans. Aedin finally makes his decision – we see it revealed in his apologetic confession to his grandfather. He apologizes to Colin – “it turns out he is more like his father (Ganner) than he thought. He will make the selfish choice (in reference to their conversation nine years ago), and for that reason, the people of Ryland deserve a King worthier than he.” Aedin asks his grandfather to take Saagen instead. As Aedin leaves, Colin stops him. Colin agrees with Aedin’s words – Aedin is like his father, Ganner, and for that, Colin couldn’t be any happier or proud of the decision he has made. With that, Aedin goes and saves his twin’s life.
Of course, Annira is upset by Aedin’s decision but after having an honest conversation with her twin, resolves to life with it. She knows too that she must never use her powers again – the healers have determined that death is the only certainty if she does – she will not survive another telekinetic blast. Annira also has a heart-to-heart conversation with Saagen. She is surprised to find that Saagen does want to go with Colin to Ryland and apologizes to her younger brother for underestimating him. She just wanted to protect him. Saagen understands and thanks her. However, it is time for him to stand on his own two feet and find his own power. He has been a small weed existing under the shade and protection of larger trees. It is time for him to be the tree now and provide shade and cover from the wind to others. Annira wishes him good luck.
That night, Talin once again finds Annira missing from their bed. He looks for her at the Temple but cannot find her. Eventually, he finds her at what was previously the apartments of her parents, which has been the apartments of every Queen since Araina the first. Annira and Talin have not moved in yet. However, Annira tells him that she is ready. They will move into the Queen’s apartments in the latter days. She tells him that she’s going to burden him a little longer – she hopes Talin is okay with that. Talin replies that he has never regretted getting off that boat. He knows that his place is by her side.
The day of her formal enthronement ceremony as Queen of Onderon, Annira puts away her lightwhips. This signals her intention to not use her powers again, at least not for the time being (the lightwhips are most effective when combined with telekinesis). Annira is enthroned as Queen of Onderon. She formally grants Talin the title of High Prince and Aedin the title and position of Lord Regent.
Comments