Prologue
The children gathered around Viala on the floor, waiting patiently as their newest member searched the book shelf for the story that would be read tonight. The war had taken a toll on the economy as well as the people but they tried to keep their children as sheltered from the chaos as they could.
Sixtyyears was a long time to be fighting, even if the average life span was two hundred. Everyday there was blood on the streets; everyday a group of people who would not let themselves be suppressed by a tyrant fought for what they believed in and Viala was one of those people.
She had taken to watching over the children whose parents were vital members of The Resistance during drills and important meetings. She was a member of the original royal family, the first cousin of King Zan and Princess Vilandra.
Viala smiled as shslooked to the bronzed young girl who was holding up the book she'd chosen from the shelf.
"What is this one?" The little girl looked up through loose red curls. "There's no words on the front."
Viala smiled as she glanced it over. The cover was made of a copper-like metal and the only thing that adorned it were five black dots in the shape of a V.
"That's the story of the royals," a young boy chimed in.
"It's what everyone's fighting for," a young lady with dark hair turned toward the child holding the book. "It tells how they'll come back and free us from Kivar."
"How long has it been since they died?" A red headed boy asked. "How can you still have so much faith when they've done nothing to prove they're coming back?"
"Having faith is not about having proof," Viala said simply. "It is about believing something to be true in your heart when there is nothing tangible yet you feel it deep inside." She turned to look at the little girl again. "Come here honey, I think your brother needs to hear this story."
The boy did not look impressed but it did not discourage Viala. She had meant many disbelievers but once she told them the story, most became believers or at least gained respect for her cause.
The girl handed the book to Viala and then took a seat next to her older brother, leaning against him.
Viala leaned back and took a deep breath before opening the book to the first page. She crossed her legs and began slowly, "The legend of The Royal Four..."