Prelude Chapter 9: Land of Magic

Rennala II

"Fire quickly and with precision," Rennala instructed a group of sorcerers in the courtyard of Raya Lucaria. As the spells struck the practice dummies with sharp hisses, Rennala observed the students. Her role, like many of the other faculty and Carian Knights, was crucial in fortifying the academy's defenses in anticipation of future assaults.

Alongside Rennala's focus on magical training, Rellana sharpened sword skills, while Moonrithyll and Bols, aided by other trolls turned Carian Knights, reinforced the defensive structures of the academy's walls and gates. Azur and Lusat, in the company of Jerren, escorted students to the safer grounds of Selia. Meanwhile, Loretta patrolled the perimeters, and Moongrum and Renna kept watch from the highest tower, their eyes scanning the horizon.

"Excellent work today, you are all dismissed. Thank you," Rennala concluded the session. As the last of the sorcerers departed, she walked towards a nearby stone bench and sat down, her mind racing with strategies to further enhance the academy's magical defenses. Ideas of autonomous spells and magically conjured soldiers flickered through her mind like wildfire. Rennala knew she was not truly alone as she sensed the presence of two others nearby, so fear could not come to her.

Exhaustion crept in, blurring her thoughts, as she leaned back, the world began to spin, but a firm, gentle hand steadied her. "Ah, dear Rennala, you must not overexert yourself. Share your burdens with this old fool." Iji's kind voice came from above, his large finger nudging her back upright.

"You are far from a fool, Iji. You are a treasured friend," Rennala replied, looking up through the mirrored grooves of Iji's mask into his gentle eyes—a rarity among the giant's kind.

"So, you concede I am old, then? You wound me," Iji chuckled, his hammer resting against his chest as he bowed slightly. "Yet, you remain a kinder sovereign than Queen Marika"."

"That remains to be seen, dear friend," Rennala murmured, feeling a heaviness in her chest at the thought.

"Have my words troubled you?" Iji's tone grew concerned.

"It's not just your words, Iji. It's the fear... my fear of failing those I hold dear—my family, my friends, and my students." Her voice trembled as she fought to maintain composure.

"Of reverting to who you once were?" Iji completed her thought, sitting down beside her with a heavy sigh. "The cruel champion of the coliseums who reveled in the loneliness you fear now?"

"Yes, that terrifies me above all," Rennala confessed, turning to face her oldest ally. "I cannot bear the thought of solitude, not again."

"I swear on my life, Rennala, you shall never be alone," Iji stated solemnly, the smile visible even behind his helm. "If I fail in this promise, let death take me where I sit."

"Please, Iji, make no vows of such nature during these fraught times. The thought of outliving you is unbearable," she said, her voice cracking with emotion.

"I intend to keep it, my queen. I plan to outlive this very Erdtree that overshadows us. I was here before, and I'll be here after," Iji's voice strengthened. "And so will you and your lineage."

Gratitude washed over Rennala, prompting her to wipe away a forming tear. "Thank you, old friend. Though we lack a direct heir, I remain hopeful for the legacy of Caria."

"Perhaps heirs will manifest in unexpected ways," Iji suggested, standing once again. "Now, about my duties for the upcoming battle?"

Realizing her oversight, Rennala quickly responded, "Ah, could you assist Moonrithyll at the gates? Your expertise in smithing would be invaluable there."

With renewed purpose, Rennala watched Iji bow deeply and lumber toward the gate, his massive form barely fitting through. She smiled, appreciating the semi-empty academy, spared from the usual chaos by the current sparse population. Although another conversation was yet to be had.

"Sister, I see you've concluded your teachings," Rellana's voice echoed down the staircase adjacent to where Rennala stood.

"Indeed, Rellana. How fares the swordplay among our scholars?" Rennala turned towards her sister, she felt her voice was a mixture of fatigue and curiosity.

"Their skills have sharpened considerably; they are battle-ready," Rellana responded confidently.

"Good. We shall meet the Golden Order in battle on open ground when they come," Rennala stated, her voice resonating with a firm resolve. Rennala stood up from her seat as she felt the cold stone vacate her bottom.

"Sister, I advise against that. We would be better positioned for ambushes as they traverse the swamp." Rellana countered, her tone laced with concern.

"They will anticipate such tactics. Therefore, a direct confrontation is necessary—we need only to win decisively once. Overwhelming the Golden Order and their allies will deter further conflicts," Rennala explained, her strategy clear in her mind.

"That's a significant departure from your earlier caution." Rellana observed softly, her expression thoughtful.

Rennala took her sister's hand, squeezing it gently, conveying strength she hoped to feel herself. "I have resolved to trust in the strength of our forces. A queen who doubts her soldiers serves no purpose."

Rellana returned the squeeze, her gaze steady and reassuring. "We shall prevail, Rennala. My faith is with you."

"Thank you, sister," Rennala replied, her voice softening with gratitude.

The moment of reassurance briefly faded as Rellana's expression turned grave. "However, I bear troubling news. The barbarian who conquered the Storm King has also defeated Serosh, the Beast Regent of Farum Azula. His victory has thrown Farum Azula into chaos, and now, its residents flee a city that stands no more."

"What do you mean by 'no more'?" Rennala's eyes widened in shock.

"Farum Azula has vanished, along with the Dragonlord and his assailant, Bayle the Dread," Rellana continued. "Furthermore, upon his return to Leyndell, the barbarian has wed Queen Marika and now stands as her consort."

"So it was that dastardly drake who planned an assault. Do we know this barbarian's name? Should we face him in battle?"

"Indeed. His name is Godfrey, now hailed as the first Elden Lord across the land," Rellana disclosed. "Though he marches with the enemy, he does not lead them."

"If not him, then who?" Rennala's confusion was palpable; it seemed logical for Marika's consort to lead.

"Radagon, a scholar we previously encountered, commands their forces. His prowess was evident when he managed to subdue Moongrum," Rellana explained.

"If so, I shall confront Radagon myself," Rennala declared, her determination rekindling the fiery spirit within.

"A wise decision, sister. But who will face Marika's consort?" Rellana inquired, her armor clinking as she shifted her stance.

"That task falls to you, sister. I trust no other to best him," Rennala affirmed, placing her hands on Rellana's shoulders and meeting her gaze intently. "Upon our sigil, a sword and a staff are crossed; you are the sword, defending us against our foes, and I, the staff, support and reinforce you. I believe in you more than ever, Rellana. Should either of us falter, we shall come to each other's aid—not just as warriors, but as sisters."

Their eyes locked in a silent promise, the weight of their forthcoming challenges pressing upon them. Finally, Rellana stepped closer, her voice resolute. "I will not fail our house, sister. I swear it."

With a nod, Rennala watched as Rellana turned away, each returning to their duties, their resolve firm, the younger sister retreated inside the academy, whereas Rennala took it upon herself to walk the grounds outside of the school, with each step of her feet upon the damp ground she felt reinvigorated by her two previous encounters.

Rennala stepped through the magical gate and immediately spotted a speck of silver in the distance which she waved to, knowing that distanced blur was none other than Loretta, the second in command of the Carian Knights. Slowly but surely the knightess rode over the hills to meet her queen, and with the thunderous hoofbeat of her steed Loretta became more visible to Rennala until she halted in front of her, Loretta's steed Solaris reared backward as the knightess pulled back upon the reigns.

"My lady, I did not expect to see you outside the academy. Whatever service may I provide for you?" Loretta's voice was kindly and caring, yet Rennala knew that Loretta could hide her commanding tone whenever she wished, as Rennala had heard it many times when Loretta was her student.

"Only your insight Loretta, nothing more I ask of one of my original students." Renalla responded as she looked upon the straps that fastened Loretta to Solaris. "Your leather seems to be quite worn, would you like me to commission Iji to make you replacements?"

"That is appreciated my queen, although I shall replace them after we drive off the Golden Order. I do not wish to add further stress to Ser Iji's daily routine at this time." Loretta removed her silver helm, which upon the crest adorning the top was the Carian sigil.

"A wise decision, well beyond your years. Yet I Insist, if you were to fall from Solaris in battle due to such an oversight, I would never forgive myself. I Myself learned some leatherworking skills during my early years, I shall make them for you, my dear." Rennala was quite fond of Loretta as she was a cripple and without the use of her legs due to an incident in her childhood she refused to tell. As a young girl Loretta had heard of Raya Lucaria's formation and dragged herself through Liurnia to attend the academy as one of its original students alongside Renna, as the two were the same age, although Loretta carried herself with much more dignity.

"My queen! I could never accept such a gift." Loretta said agasp as she lowered her head.

"Knight Loretta, You have worked harder than any other in my service, and done much for my family and friends. I, as your queen and former teacher, order you to take this gift. For your own benefit." Rennala said firmly as she smiled up at Loretta.

"Thank you queen Rennala, my loyalty is unwavering to you and your house." Loretta seemed to bow her head even deeper as she closed her eyes in respect.

"Alas, sweeting, my house is your house as well, are you not a knight of Caria? You will have a seat at my table forevermore." Rennala placed her hand upon Loretta's hand as she smiled upon her

Loretta's pale pupils met Rennala's as she nodded silently, Rennala even saw the knightess become slightly teary-eyed from the generosity gifted to her, although Rennala did not view her act as generosity, she viewed it as repayment for Loretta's service and a gift for overcoming the hurdles of her life and predicament.

"You are too kind, my queen."

"I do not believe I am kind enough, Loretta, continue your duties. I shall have your straps ready by tomorrow's morning."

Loretta nodded and took the reins of her steed as she galloped away to continue her patrol. Rennala was left to continue her stroll and she looked upon the horizon where the sun was beginning to set, and she covered her eyes to watch the sight.

"This Golden Light, how blinding it is."