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For over a millennium, the four kingdoms lived happily and were united in harmony, following Siorai and reveling in the gifts that he gave his creations.

Siorai loved them dearly, and for the first time in his immortal life, he finally had companions.

However, this would not last for all eternity, as Siorai had hoped.

Over time, his creations became restless and hungry for power.

The kingdoms of Briezius, Zulgalros, and Abeautrox demanded that Siorai give them unrestrained access to his abilities and to allow them to equally share the power instead of it being separated.

Though Siorai tried to explain the balance of how he’d distributed the abilities, they wouldn’t listen as greed became their desire.

With a broken heart, Siorai relented and made a bargain with each of the kingdoms. The royal lines of each kingdom would not only wield one ability, but rather two of the strongest abilities within their own kingdoms—except for Abeautrox, to which he promised they would be invincible in their strength.

He also granted all of his creations the gift of no physical signs of aging after twenty-five, giving them the look of immortality.

This appeased the three leaders and their lust for power.

However, because Malvoria did not come before him, demanding power, Siorai promised their ruler that not only would their descendants be able to wield two abilities, but that from their lineage, an heir would come that would wield abilities from every signet that Siorai had given his creations—the Na Fíréin.

Once their reign began, there would be unending peace in all the kingdoms.

Upon hearing this, the other three kingdoms were outraged, demanding answers from Siorai.

However, the god no longer answered their pleas, nor did he entertain audiences with them.

Over the next ten thousand years, the rulers that made the original bargain with Siorai eventually died and their heirs ruled in their stead.

Eventually, they also died and were replaced by their descendants.

The Na Fíréin Ruler was never revealed, nor did they come to reclaim peace amongst all four kingdoms.

The rulers never heard from Siorai again, despite crying out to him. Many believe that Siorai abandoned Celestae, but some believe that he is lying in wait for his Na Fíréin to rise and bring peace to his beloved realm once more.”

Typically, that is where the Elder’s story ends. However, that is not how the history of Malvoria ends.

Two-hundred and twenty years ago, King Elias ascended the throne, and he was beloved throughout his kingdom.

King Elias and Queen Riona ruled Malvoria with grace and compassion.

Their reign was one of peace and harmony—everything flourished under their touch.

King Elias even orchestrated peace amongst the other three kingdoms, in order to unite Celestae once again.

The king would host elaborate parties to which everyone in the kingdom was invited, as well as the courts of the other three kingdoms.

For a time, all seemed well. Celestae believed that perhaps King Elias could be the Na Fíréin.

Though he never wielded more than the two abilities promised by Siorai, the Malvorians were hopeful that the salvation of Celestae had come at last. But ten years ago, King Tiernan of Zulgalros invaded Malvoria, bringing the Drakhul with him—a sentient mist with the ability to curse everything in its wake.

Creatures that once lived in harmony now hunt and kill one another.

The creatures transformed into depraved beings such as orcs, wraiths, and kelpies—completely losing themselves to the curse.

Malvorians waited for King Elias’s orders to take back control of their precious kingdom, but it was as if he and his entire family vanished.

Not a word of their whereabouts were ever uttered.

As the days grew darker, the hopes of the Malvorians diminished.

They eventually gave up hoping for the return of their beloved king and instead accepted King Tiernan’s rule.

However, some still believe that one day the Na Fíréin will return to save us all.

It is believed that the reign of the Na Fíréin will be marked with the return of the ancient dragons.

No one has seen a dragon in over four centuries, but the stories say that they were glorious creatures that proudly served Malvoria.

It’s also rumored that one was seen nearly fifteen years ago, but that sighting was never confirmed.

“It would be a miracle,” many have stated, clinging to the hope of the prophecy.

Personally, I stopped believing in miracles a long time ago.

Miracles occur when there is still enough hope and light in the world to combat the darkness.

They’re subtle changes that eventually evolve into grander victories.

They’re what musicians write minstrels about in order to raise spirits and rally troops.

Miracles don’t happen in places like Malvoria… At least, not anymore.

The king, his soldiers, and the Drakhul made sure of that.

I stumble over a rock as Cara and I make our way down the winding path.

As I glance up, I notice a cloaked figure moving toward us.

I move to walk behind Cara, making room for the person to pass.

The stranger is almost past us when their icy grip grabs my wrist. I try to yank free, but their hold only tightens.

The air around me cools significantly as terror stirs in my chest.

The captain must’ve sent one of his horrid soldiers to seize me.

But why do it now?

I pull against their hold, but their vise-like grip doesn’t relent.

“Let me go,” I yell, hoping it catches Cara’s attention.

However, she continues walking, not noticing the strange person has grabbed me .

“Cara,” I cry out, praying she turns around. “Cara! Help me!”

My heart sinks as she continues moving forward, not hearing my pleas.