chapter 1
Ten years. that was how long it had been since the war; since Eravis, king of Terima, and his daughter, Princess Aramina , went missing in the battle field. Still, the citizens of Terima hadn't chosen a new king. They believed the bureaucracy, set up by King Eravis's advisers, had everything under control, but the bureaucracy was corrupted. Very few realized this, and the majority of the people who did were employed directly under the king before he dissapeared: the very nosy kitchen maids, who always had a way of knowing more than they should; the King's most trusted knight and friend, Sir Fatimar; and Sir Fatimar's squire, Adian, who was the same age as Princess Aramina, and was knighted day after the end of the war by the king's advisers-- who now sported the name "The Ministry of Terima" and was led by Fatimar, the most corrupt ofthem all.
No one realized this, although Adian knew something wasn't right inTerima. He thought that maybe the Ministry was trying to control Fatimar, so, on the Ten-year anniversary of the dissapearances of the onlyremaining Royal blood of Terima--simply known as the Day of Farewells, also as tribute to the fallen men during the victorious battle-- he called a private conference with Fatimar to find out what was going on with the ministry.
Lightning flashed outside the windows of the high tower room in the Royal castle. "He's late, as usual," Adian said to himself as he waited for Fatimar, staring out the window. The castle was built on top of a high hill in Wyvern, capital of Terima, and it had such a view that aperson would think they could see all of Terima. The view did allow one to see all of the city, the neighboring towns and farms, and the forest. Suddenly, someone coughed on the other side of the room, bringing Adian out of his thoughts, and he turned.
" What is this all about, my friend?" Fatimar queried as he entered the tower room. Adian walked to a table in the room and indicated to Fatimar to sit.Then he said,"It is about how the ministry runs things"
"Ah, yes. I ask myself how we manage only with them too, and I havecome up with a solution," Fatimar replied, leaning back in his chair, asmug smile on his face.
" Really? Well, what is it?" Adian asked, intrigued.
"As you know, we have made do without a ruler, but the bureaucracy isweak. I believe we should turn to the people to elect a new King"
Adian stood up, outraged. "Are you daft? The citizens of Terima wouldnever allow it! They still refuse to think that their king and princess could have diedin battle, no matter how logical the concept is! They will wait. Besides, who could be as good a king as Eravis was"
"Why, young Adian, I understand your logic, but I believe the people will accept the new Monarch I have in mind," He replied, unabashed.
"Well, who do you have in mind, then?" Adian demanded, crossing his arms and staring at Fatimar. "Adian, I would have thought it was obvious," Fatimar laughed," I was thinking of myself. Do you not approve"
Adian was taken back by Fatimar's answer. He pondered the situation, and decided to delve deeper into this thought, so he replied, "Fatimar, you know I have always respected you, but I think that you should at least wait for awhile before making such a drastic decision. After all, it is a very tender anniversary to make an announcement of such"
"Wise words, Adian. You really have grown from the boy who used to be my squire," Fatimar replied, his voice full of pride, but his eyes glittering with distrust. If he wasn't careful, his whole plan would be ruined."What do you say we meet again in two weeks time and...continue this discussion?" Adian agreed, sohe continued, "Wonderful; it's settled. Oh, and if you should care to visit me at my home, please feel free. Lord knows it's lonely there." With that, Fatimar left.