In one instant, it was gone. The kingdom, the peace, the protection. All gone. They had come silently and without warning, like assassins in the night. To go inside would mean certain death, but I still came to the main entrance to see what had become of this place. I stood outside the castle, quiet as I could possibly make myself, the dark color of my nohrian clothes helping greatly to blend in.
Honestly, it was thanks to my loss of time that I was able to escape. Having been studying in a low room, I had fallen asleep on my desk and was later woken up by the presence of intruders. My candle had gone out and I woke in darkness, despite the window being open. They attacked while the moon was overcast with a foggy haze. All I could hear was the occasional thud from outside my door, but I still knew something was wrong. I grabbed a bag that had carried my study paper, and put some bread and dried fruit inside instead. Just as I was about to climb through the window, a noise came from down the hall, and as it reverberated through the empty corridor and to my small study, I realized it was the sound of battle, and the shout of determination to protect one's kingdom was unnervingly paired with a power hungry cackle. I could almost hear the clashing of swords, but it was hard to tell given how far away it was. Then, the shouts stopped. Endless tense seconds passed before anything happened, even my breath held itself.
A few more seconds. I told myself. If nothing happens in the next thirty seconds, we're safe. But fate favored the shadows who invaded my home, and the sound of a triumphant shout sounded from the hall. Three full seconds later, horns bellowed from all directions, surrounding the castle in a ring of morbid triumph. I started to tremble. This was it. The end of my future. Unless…
My eyes went back to the window, and finally, breath returned to my lungs. I had a chance. Not a good one. In fact, the chance I had was like a penny to a beggar. It was so small, so minuscule, and taking it would likely make no difference. But staying would mean I would likely die only hours, if not minutes later. I had to take it. As slowly and as quietly as I could muster, I shifted myself over to the window and dropped out into the dried and wilted grass. My boots were luckily made from soft leather and were relatively easy to move in, paired with my burgundy pants and long-sleeved, obsidian shirt, it made for convenient attire. Cloth bag in hand, I came to where I had started to tell this story.
The castle was my home, and yet, now it looked so foreign and imposing. Perhaps because now I knew that it no longer belonged to the royal family. Under the still present cover of the grey, nohrian fog, I quietly made my way out into the world where there might be someone willing to help me.
After some amount of time, I had honestly lost track, I slowed my pace and let a dry cough escape my throat. I wrapped my arms around myself and let a shiver from the damp air run through me.
"Well, I… I think I'm far enough now." The air was cold and thick, more so than it usually was, and it became hard to breathe. My gaze scanned the small, dark field and I settled for a slightly-still-alive tree to rest by. I pressed my back against the tree and slid down, gulping in air as I did so. Only then did I realize how tired I was, as my night of sleep had been interrupted. My eyes felt so heavy, and my head felt as foggy as the air around me. Exhausted in every aspect, I let my eyes slide shut.
Just for a moment. I thought. Only a moment of respite, then I'll find someone who can help me. I took deep breaths, listening to the dense silence that surrounded me.
You. A voice resonated through me, It wasn't a voice I could hear, but rather one that resounded throughout my very being. I snapped my eyes open and sat up, physically shaken by the voice. What was it? It was unlike anything I've ever heard. Or felt rather than heard. I took some deep breaths, willing myself to calm down. It had to have been some kind of trick or hallucination from my exhaustion. But… that hardly made sense. I was tired, sure but not enough for something like that to happen. Was I sick?
Either way, it meant I had to rest. I leaned back against the tree and after some hesitation, I finally slid my eyes shut.
You are the lone hope. The voice again. I inhaled sharply and opened my eyes to see nobody there.
"Is it… only when my eyes are closed? Strange…" This was all kinds of strange, and yet… I felt compelled to learn what the voice was. What it wanted from me. I steeled my nerves and closed my eyes for the third time, leaned against the withered tree.
You and few others managed to escape a horrible fate. You have done so under the fog that the invaders brought to aide themselves. Tell me, young one: What do you wish was possible in a situation like this one? What did I wish was possible? I… I wish I had the ability to protect those I care about. To let them have hope. To let them have something to trust in. I wish that I was able to gather strength so that those I have and have not met can live safely and with little worry. I wish to be a guiding light that shapes this kingdom into peace.
There was a stillness, like the voice was contemplating. I myself was contemplating as well. The way I communicated with the voice came as naturally as thinking, but it was somehow separate from my thoughts.
A valuable answer indeed. Very well. Your wish will be granted. Those who invaded the castle were asked the same thing. Would you like to know what their leader's answer was?
I… suppose so…
When their leader became angry with her living situation, she blamed the king. Her response was this: "I wish to have the power to control. To make what I want a reality. I wish to make the kingdom what I envision it to be, where everyone is exactly where they need to be without any arguments or questions. I wish to be an iron chain that holds this kingdom together." Your answers are similar, yet still very different. You believe the people must have free will, while the Iron Chain does not think people can handle it.
In any case, it is my job to grant your wish. You will be given the power to guide and to influence the way you see fit. Please know that this will not guarantee your victory. That will be up to you. I will allow the definite protection of one person of your choosing, which keeps the Iron Chain from hurting them. She has chosen herself to be protected from the Guiding Light. Would you like to do the same?
No. If he's still alive, I would like you to protect my father. He is of greater importance.
You two are so different, and yet somehow so similar. Very well. He will remain outside the castle and untouched. Should you choose to do so, you may seek him out. As for you, you will be the Guiding Light, bestowed with a legendary weapon, similar to the bow belonging to the Iron Chain. While the king has been dethroned, it is your job to restore the kingdom. You will be the king of a stolen kingdom. Do you understand, Siegbert?
Yes. I understand. Thank you.
