King Genesis sat in the dimly lit room, the air thick with the scent of old parchment and worn leather. He held a heavy tome, its pages filled with ancient wisdom, and shared its knowledge with the young boy beside him. Dara, though only fifteen, is his child. His eyes, the color of storm clouds, held a wisdom beyond his years, a reflection of the weight of responsibility that rested on his young shoulders.
Genesis, the king, was a man of quiet strength, his face etched with the lines of countless battles fought and victories won. He spoke of the kingdom's history, of the seven tribes that made up the Hall Kingdom of the Heavens, and the challenges they faced. The Genesis kingdom, once known simply as the "West," was the smallest and most vulnerable, often oppressed by the other tribes.
Genesis, however, had a different vision for the future. He saw a kingdom united, not divided, where each tribe would contribute their unique strengths to build a prosperous and peaceful future. He believed Dara, with his unwavering spirit and keen intellect, was the key to achieving this vision.
The king's own time was waning. He had sons and daughters, Mara and Peter, who were now approaching their thirtieth year. He, however, was well into his eighties, his body weakened by the burden of ruling and the constant threat of war.
He knew his time was short, but he was determined to prepare Dara for the day he would inherit the throne. He would teach him everything he knew, sharing his wisdom and guiding him with a father's love. For Dara was not just the future king, he was the hope for a better future, a future where the Hall Kingdom of the Heavens would finally be united under one banner, a banner that would stand for peace, prosperity, and justice.
The kingdom of Genesis, named after its current ruler, was a relatively new entity. Before King Genesis, the land was known simply as the "West," a part of the larger Hall Kingdom of the Heavens. This Hall Kingdom was one of the a breathtaking realms located above the clouds, was comprised of seven distinct tribes: West, East, South, North, Northwest, Southern, and Southeast.
Despite its beauty and abundance, the Western tribe had always been the most vulnerable, often exploited by the other tribes. Though the West held the resources that fueled the entire kingdom's prosperity, they received the smallest share in return.
King Genesis, however, changed everything. Born in the 20th year of his reign, he rose to power through strength and cunning. He forged a formidable army, becoming a fierce and determined leader who fought for his people's freedom and independence.
His victories brought not only freedom but also prosperity. The Western tribe, now known as the Kingdom of Genesis, flourished under his rule. Its wealth and influence grew, attracting merchants and traders from across the heavens. The kingdom became a beacon of prosperity, a testament to Genesis's leadership.
However, peace was short-lived. Whispers of discontent began to spread, fueled by greed and ambition. Some sought the kingdom's wealth, claiming parts of its territory as their own. But the most dangerous threat came from those who coveted the throne itself, their eyes fixed on the power and prestige that came with it.
Karl, the eldest son of the former Lord of the West, was the first to openly challenge King Genesis's rule. He believed that the throne rightfully belonged to him, arguing that his father's position as the former lord gave him a claim to the kingdom. However, Karl had not fought for the kingdom's independence, nor had he earned the respect and loyalty of its people.
His claim was met with resistance, but not outright rebellion. The whispers of discontent grew louder, fueled by Karl's ambition and the knowledge that King Genesis's time was nearing its end. The king, however, was a shrewd strategist, aware of the brewing storm. He knew that his death would be a signal for those who coveted his power to make their move.
Genesis, therefore, spent his remaining days preparing for the inevitable. He meticulously planned the kingdom's defense, ensuring its security for years to come. He also knew that Karl, also possessed a powerful lineage, and that his son, a young man named after the mythical dragon of the east, was destined for greatness.
Genesis, too, had a son, Dara, a young man who mirrored Karl's son in his power and potential. Though Karl was significantly younger than Genesis, the king knew his own time was short. He felt the weight of his mortality pressing down on him, a constant reminder that his reign was nearing its end.
This realization was the reason he sat in his room, sharing the wisdom of ancient texts with Dara. He knew his son would one day face challenges beyond anything he could imagine, and he was determined to equip him with the knowledge and strength to overcome them.
Dara, absorbing the knowledge from the book, posed a question that mirrored the anxieties of the kingdom. "Dad, if the dragon of the east rises, who will it support? If war breaks out between our kingdoms, who will stand with whom? will it stand with the easterns since it's from the east?"
The question was a poignant one, echoing the very real threat of conflict. The dragon of the east, a mythical creature of immense power, was a symbol of both hope and fear. Its allegiance, a powerful force in the balance of power, was unknown and uncertain.
"Dara, we're talking about a dragon, not a human. Dragons are inherently creatures of chaos, but their actions are influenced by those who wield their power. It's the will of the person who commands them that determines their actions. The dragon follows the one who first makes contact, the one who is destined to lead them," King Genesis explained, his voice filled with wisdom and experience. Dara nodded, absorbing his father's words.
"So, do you think dragons actually exist?" Dara asked, his curiosity piqued.
"There are many things we believe don't exist until we see them with our own eyes, Dara. Now, it's time for you to get some rest. You have a long day of training ahead of you tomorrow," King Genesis said, gently guiding his son towards the bed. He tucked Dara in, smoothing out the covers with a loving hand.
Though he treated Dara with tenderness, Genesis knew his son was no ordinary boy. He was destined for greatness, and the weight of the kingdom would soon rest on his young shoulders. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for the burden he was leaving behind.
"Goodnight, Dad," Dara whispered as Genesis turned to leave.
"Goodnight, my son," the king replied, his voice thick with emotion. He closed the door behind him, a wave of sadness washing over him. He knew the task ahead of Dara would be challenging, a daunting responsibility for a young man. But he also knew that Dara, with his strength and courage, would rise to the occasion.
He believed in his son's ability to overcome any obstacle, to lead the kingdom with wisdom and strength, just as he had done. The future was uncertain, but Genesis had faith in Dara's ability to forge his own path, to become the leader the kingdom needed.
                      • Jane's House •
The silence of the night was broken only by the creaking of the old house and the rustling of the wind outside. It was the dead of night, a time when most people were lost in slumber, yet Jane lay wide awake, her heart pounding in her chest. Fear gnawed at her, a constant companion since Mara's chilling threats.
She knew she shouldn't be alone, that she should have sought refuge elsewhere, but the thought of disturbing her grandmother filled her with dread. Her grandmother, one of the most influential figure in their small town, was the one that secured Jane a position as a serving girl to the king's daughter, a privilege Jane cherished deeply.
Tossing and turning, Jane tried to find solace in sleep, but her mind wouldn't settle. The darkness seemed to press in on her, amplifying her anxieties. Then, a sharp rap on her door shattered the silence, sending a jolt of terror through her.
Her breath caught in her throat. Fear propelled her from the bed, her feet barely touching the floor as she cautiously approached the door.
"Who's there?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"It's Tailor," the voice rasped, sending a wave of relief washing over Jane. At least she wasn't alone. Tailor was a towering figure, a reassuring presence, and Jane felt a surge of gratitude for his arrival.
She flung open the door, a smile lighting up her face. "Tailor, you're a lifesaver! What can I offer you? Some wine perhaps?" she asked, but Tailor shook his head.
"No, I'm here for a quick chat," he said, his gaze intense as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
He moved closer, his eyes searching hers, and then he leaned down, brushing his lips against hers in a brief, tender kiss.
"Are you sure you don't want anything else?" Jane asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Tailor smiled, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "No, I just wanted to ask... you had a problem with Mara, didn't you?" he said, his voice low and serious.
The question hung in the air, a silent confirmation of Jane's worst fears. "You knew, didn't you? She sent you to kill me, didn't she?" Jane asked, her voice trembling.
Tailor's smile remained, but it held a chilling edge. "So, you understand why I'm here," he said, his words like a knife twisting in her heart.
"Are you going to do it? Kill me for her?" Jane asked, her voice barely a whisper. She stepped closer, her eyes locked on his, her trust in him shattered.
Tailor's hand moved, a flash of steel as he drew his sword, the glint of the blade reflecting in his eyes. He stood before her, his gaze cold and unforgiving.