The Forgotten Artifact

Chapter 1 : The Nation of Elbra

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed across the polished floor of the grand corridor leading to a colossal door, the entrance to the King's audience chamber.

" Princess, please stop running... . You’re going to fall ! "

A middle-aged woman was trying to catch up with the young woman ahead of her. She was blonde with blue eyes, petite in stature, and slight in build. Yet, there was no mistaking her identity, her royal gown and equally ostentatious hairstyle bespoke a unique status.

BAM !

The princess pushed open the massive doors.

" Father ! "

Inside the chamber, her father stood in military uniform, surrounded by his ministers.

" My daughter, leave at once ! "

He adopted a stern tone, though his eyes betrayed his worry. The situation was dire, the last thing he needed was to have to deal with his daughter on top of everything else.

" Father ! Is it true ? Has the Albrug Empire issued a declaration of war ? "

Her father rubbed his forehead. News traveled fast, of course. If his daughter knew about it here in the castle, it was only a matter of time before the small nation of Elbra found out. He sighed.

" Yes... but we intend to appeal to other nations for aid. "

He said the words without conviction. Elbra was a tiny nation, boasting only a single seaside city and some farmland. It possessed nothing the Albrug Empire would covet. The Empire had risen fifty years ago, expanding rapidly to become the continent's dominant power.

Their small nation had remained neutral, content with the healthy revenue generated by its port. Elbra had once been a major continental power centuries ago, but those days were long gone.

The ministers remained silent. The situation was critical. By the time the formal letter arrived, the enemy armies might already be on the march. It would not take long to seize these small lands.

" Priscilla Von Elbra, please return to your chambers. "

" But... . "

" Please ! "

The princess walked away, disappointed. It was terrible news. She made her way down a long, semi-open corridor. From this height, the castle offered a view of the city by the water. To think that no one yet knew how drastically these people's lives were about to change.

It was frustrating... more than just frustrating !

" Damn the Empire ! "

" Princess, watch your language. "

She was usually calm, composed at all times, in fact. A symbol of royal perfection. The perfect princess, cultured, intelligent, gifted, and beautiful. The pearl of Elbra.

A pearl that was currently furious. Her gaze turned toward the lighthouse that illuminated the night and the sea. Even during the day, when the beacon was dark, the magical gem at the top could be seen gleaming as it caught the sun's rays.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck her.

" Since no one is going to dare help us anyway... we might as well go all out. "

She hurried back the way she had come, her maid ran to keep up, wondering how the princess could move so fast in such elaborate attire.

She had an idea !

It has to work !

Although the odds were as slim as any others, the situation was such that even the slimmest chance had become their best hope of survival.

---

Several days later... . Tension had gripped Elbra. The atmosphere within the royal castle itself was grim.

" Alburg's troops are a three-day march away. There are 10,000 infantrymen, 100 cavalrymen, a company of archers, and a small group of mages, though the exact number is unknown. "

" Even mages ? "

Mages ! Those who master magic. One does not simply become a mage, one is fortunate enough to be born with the potential to become one. Only those who can sense mana can become mages.

One in ten thousand, or even fewer !

The men gathered around the large table wore grim expressions.

Just then, amidst the tension, the sound of beating wings was heard. A bird flew in through the window, which had been left open to let in the cool air. Yet, this bird was unlike any other, it was translucent, like glass.

" Magic ! One of the men exclaimed. "

Guards rushed in, brandishing long spears and attempting to impale the bird. But the creature moved gracefully, dodging every thrust before exploding in a burst of brilliant light. Then, a powerful voice began to resonate from the mist.

" It is... . "

As the magical voice echoed, the men's faces lit up with joy !

They could hardly believe it.

" They’ve agreed ! "

" The princess's idea really paid off ! "

The king, however, was less jubilant than the others. This was merely the beginning; their problem was far from solved.

" To think that the magical nation of Dila has agreed to help us negotiate terms... . It’s better than nothing, but... we are far from out of the woods. "

He turned to the guard.

" Bring me my daughter. "

" At once ! "