Bridging Worlds: Book 1 Celestoria's Time

-Minstrell Chalice, Ignisfell-

“I am Rosche Daramar of Ebonvale,” she began, “and this is my brother, Geran.”

Geran nodded in acknowledgment.

A note of apology colored Rosche’s words. “I apologize, Hargan. I forgot to introduce everyone to you earlier.”

Davhil Wynthorn, a mage from Umbralith, stepped forward next. “I am Davhil, and this is my sister, Eowyn.” Eowyn, who seemed to recall a distant incident, took a moment to express her apologies. “Nice to meet you, and I’m sorry about how I treated you earlier. I was just wary of strangers.” Her apology hung in the air, and Hargan appreciated the honesty and humility it carried.

Hargan, showing a gracious spirit, accepted Eowyn’s apology with a nod. “I understand,” he said, his eyes reflecting understanding and compassion. The exchange revealed a layer of camaraderie forming among the group, a bonding moment as they navigated the delicate dance of first impressions.

Kiryo, a figure with an air of quiet confidence, contributed his own introduction. “I am Kiryo, a pyroclasmist.” His words were concise, but the aura of power around him spoke volumes. Hargan took in the diverse array of abilities represented in this group, noting the uniqueness each member brought to the table.

The room felt warmer, not just from the magical energies swirling around, but from the genuine camaraderie building among the mages. Hargan couldn’t help but smile at the openness displayed by these individuals. Their warmth was a stark contrast to the often solitary and guarded nature of magic users.

“It was nice meeting you all,” Hargan expressed, his gaze moving from one face to another. “It looks like you are a group of young mages from different races. It’s heartening to see such unity among individuals with diverse backgrounds and abilities.” His words held a touch of admiration, recognizing the rarity of such alliances in the magical realm.

The atmosphere in the room was lively, filled with the chatter of friends enjoying a pleasant evening. Laughter and camaraderie echoed in the air, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. However, this cheerful ambiance was abruptly interrupted when Geran’s keen eyes caught sight of a poster in Rosche’s hand.

The atmosphere in the room was lively, filled with the chatter of friends enjoying a pleasant evening. Laughter and camaraderie echoed in the air, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. However, this cheerful ambiance was abruptly interrupted when Geran’s keen eyes caught sight of a poster in Rosche’s hand.

“What’s that?” Geran inquired, pointing at the poster with a furrowed brow. Rosche, realizing that Geran had noticed it, held the poster up for everyone to see. The image on the paper depicted the two princes, the chosen heirs to the throne, and hinted at an impending battle that their kingdom would face.

“This was all over the city. Do you guys remember when we went to the palace a few days ago? The two princes are the chosen heirs to the throne, and it looks like their kingdom will face more of a dilemma,” Rosche explained, a hint of concern in her voice. Geran snatched the poster from Rosche and quickly scanned the contents.

“Battle between the princes...” Geran mumbled, absorbing the information.

Kiryo, who was usually quiet and reserved, decided to join the conversation. “Kingdoms without rulers are weak. That must have been the council’s thought when they selected those arrogant princes to the throne. And, of course, tradition. But they are wrong. Kingdoms without a proper ruler will make them even weaker. That’s a wrong decision for them.”

The group was taken aback by Kiryo’s impassioned response. While they knew Kiryo was not one to engage in political discussions or care about royal drama, they couldn’t help but acknowledge the truth in his words.

Eowyn, ever the pragmatist, added her perspective.“But it’s their problem to solve and bear. If the council doesn’t see that, their people will suffer. And I don’t think we have the right to meddle in those affairs,” she remarked, trying to maintain a sense of detachment. Geran, who typically didn’t see eye to eye with Eowyn, surprisingly agreed.

“I have to agree with what she said, Rosche. Although we want to help them, this is beyond our boundaries,” Geran stated firmly. Rosche, caught in the middle of the conflicting opinions, fell into a momentary silence as she pondered the situation.

“I know. I just hope they have another candidate for the throne, someone other than those princes,” Rosche finally spoke, her words carrying a weight of concern for the fate of the distant kingdom. The room fell into a thoughtful hush as each member of the group grappled with the implications of the political turmoil unfolding in a kingdom far away from their own lives. The lively atmosphere was replaced by a subdued mood, marking a shift in the evening’s dynamics.

Hargan, discerning the gravity of the situation, chose to contribute to the conversation to assuage the concerns of his friends. “There was...”

The collective gaze of the group fixated on Hargan.

“Was?” Rosche probed.

Hargan, preparing to disclose a startling revelation, settled into his seat. “Actually, I served as King Altair’s esteemed advisor. I was a devoted subject. The Queen and King bore a son...”

Rosche, her curiosity piqued, interjected, “They had a child. Where is he then?”

Hargan, poised to share a troubling truth, began, “The reason for my departure from Celestoria is rooted in false accusations, forcing me into exile. Princes Draven and Oberon, contrary to belief, are not King Altair’s biological children; Consort Rosenda committed infidelity.”

The revelation hung in the air, leaving the group stunned.

Davhil, struggling to comprehend, responded, “Then who is their real father?”

Hargan continued, “The actual father of the princes is General Dale. When Queen Melisandre welcomed her newborn son into the world, Consort Rosenda, consumed by rage and fearing her sons’ diminished standing in the line of succession, poisoned the infant. I was an eyewitness to this atrocity. Rosenda, to save face, accused me, leading to my fugitive status.”

The group absorbed the dark truth with a mix of shock and disbelief.

Geran, expressing his disbelief, remarked, “I can’t believe she would commit such a heinous act against an innocent child.”

Hargan, shedding light on Rosenda’s ruthless nature, continued, “Rosenda is not only vicious; she possesses a ruthlessness that knows no bounds. She is willing to do anything to maintain her grip on power, including the unthinkable act of murdering an innocent child.”

Geran, still grappling with the revelation, added, “Still, that level of cruelty is unimaginable.”

Rosche, reflecting on the lost potential of the young prince, commented, “If only the young prince had survived, he would have been a fitting ruler for the throne.”

Hargan, observing Rosche, divulged his underlying motive, “That’s precisely my intention, and it’s the reason I return here. I yearn to atone for my past mistakes and my moments of cowardice.”

Turning the conversation towards the unique abilities of Eclipsarians, Hargan addressed Rosche directly. “Rosche, are you aware of the paramount power possessed by Eclipsarians?”

Rosche, intrigued but uncertain, inquired, “What do you mean?”

Hargan clarified, “It appears you may be unfamiliar with the power you also possess. Eclipsarians are not confined to merely conjuring solar flares or trivial spells. We wield the formidable ability to manipulate time itself. We possess the means to journey back in time and with this I can correct my past errors, and potentially save the destined king.”

The group absorbed this revelation, realizing the profound implications of Hargan’s abilities.

Seizing the opportunity, Davhil questioned, “If all Eclipsarians have the power to manipulate time, why not employ it to rectify all the wrongs in our world? Even the esteemed Council of Twelve includes an Eclipsarian.”

Hargan, offering a sobering reality, responded, “We hope it were that easy.

Kiryo, responding to Davhil’s inquiry, elucidated, “While Eclipsarians indeed wield the power to manipulate time, it comes at a great cost. One must not assume that everyone’s abilities are boundless. For Eclipsarians, the act of bending time is synonymous with bending their own life. To alter time, one must forfeit a portion of their existence.”

Rosche, seeking clarity, interjected, “What exactly do you mean, Kiryo?”

Hargan, choosing his words carefully, provided a straightforward explanation. “Manipulating time is strictly forbidden, and to journey back, an Eclipsarian must exchange a portion of their life. This involves a delicate balance — a trade of time for life.”

Kiryo concluded Hargan’s explanation with a somber note, “Engaging in such forbidden spells entails the ultimate sacrifice — the caster must pay with their life for the audacious act of manipulating time.”

The group absorbed this profound revelation, realizing the immense sacrifice that accompanied the extraordinary power possessed by Eclipsarians.