Sands of Sira'Nar

It was a week before their departure to Sira’Nar, Elios lay awake staring at the painting in his room. It was a woman he’d seen a thousand times before, her eyes emerald green like his and her hair jet black while she is standing in a sandy dune. He struggled to sleep, thoughts of the news his father received had assaulted him constantly.

The Emperor of the entire Nexus constellation had sent an official greeting to the House Krynn. He kindly requests that the planet Eridani Prime and the ruling family of House Krynn investigate the baren lands of Sira’Nar. A request you cannot refuse, lest you risk disrespecting the Emperor. Elios’ father didn’t react kindly to it either, to have them leave their home to travel to a planet with a nickname like “The Shifting Grave”.

Eridani Prime, a hub of interstellar civilizations due to its location at the crossroads of wormholes. The planet is rich in a rare element known as “Starcore,” which is believed to be the remnants of a collapsed star with unique properties. Starcore, as dangerous as it is beautiful, can bridge barriers or time and space and is highly sought after. The main source of Eridani Prime’s wealth.

Elios stares at the painting even more intently, eyes now open to slits. The winds of the castle are soothing and its calm doesn’t force Elios to stay awake for much longer as he finally closes his eyes.

A soft whisper broke the silence of the chamber. “You’re awake,” it said, a gentle yet unmistakable maternal tone to the words.

Elios managed a groggy grunt as he propped himself up. “Mother, ever heard of knocking?” he teased with a half-smile.

Her stern voice carried a hint of amusement. “Perhaps if your ears were as sharp as your wit, I wouldn’t have to….now gather yourself my lord, your father summons you”.

So early? Elios thinks to himself. Elios rose swiftly donning his dark coat and sturdy boots. He navigated the familiar corridors of Castle Arn, the stronghold of House Krynn, its walls echoing with the whispers of history. The castle was a labyrinth of splendor, each turn revealing more of its storied legacy.

He soon found himself in the throne room, a grand expanse that spoke of power and grace. Pillars of carved stone stood firm along the walls, their intricate designs a testament to the wealth and artistry of his lineage. The plush red carpet led to the throne, a simple yet imposing chair that seemed to command the room.

Seated there was his father, the Duke, a man whose presence needed no crown to affirm his authority. Clad in the garb of the common folk, he was a simple man and a simple ruler.

“I trust the night treated you well, Elios?” the Duke inquired, his voice a comforting rumble in the vastness of the room.

“Rest came eventually father though the thoughts of Sira’Nar cannot escape my mind.” admitted Elios furrowing his brow.

A brief chuckle escapes the Duke, a sound that seemed to echo in the room before be composed himself. His expression went solemn , “Tell me Elios….what do visions do you hold for the future of our world?”

Elios met his father’s gaze, the weight of the question anchoring him to the spot. The throne room, usually a place of his authority, felt unusually oppressive that morning. He knew the answer held more than just his own thoughts; it was a reflection of the legacy and burden of House Krynn.

“The future,” Elios began, his voice steady despite the slight uncertainty in the back of his throat, “is like the Starcore itself—full of potential and danger. Our planet has thrived as the nexus of wormholes, a beacon in the galaxy for trade, diplomacy, and knowledge. But with such power comes the envy and greed of others.”

His father nodded, the lines on his face deepening. “And what of Sira’Nar? What role does that barren world play in our future?”

Elios hesitated, the image of the woman in the painting flashed in his mind. “Sira’Nar is a mystery, one that the Emperor believes we can unravel. If its secrets can benefit Eridani Prime without bringing harm, then it is a path we can explore. But we must tread carefully, for the unknown has often been a siren’s call leading to ruin.”

The Duke rose from his throne, his presence filling the room. “Wise words, my son. We stand on the precipice of change, and your role in this will be pivotal. The journey to Sira’Nar is not just a mission; it’s a test—a test of your leadership, your courage, and your vision for our people.”

Elios felt the weight of expectation settle upon his shoulders. “I understand, father. I will not fail you or our people.”

With a solemn nod, the Duke dismissed him. “Prepare yourself, Elios. The stars await your command…We shall depart in five days.”

Elios turned and exited the room as he began to walk around the castle. He walked as if the weight of the world had been on his shoulders until he bumped into his mother. Her presence was commanding despite being only one of his father’s many wives, this, and the elegant dress she flavored only elevated her presence.

“What’s troubling you Eli?” she asked.

“He sighed, the name of the distant planet still weighing heavy on his mind. “Sira’Nar” he confesses.

Observing the creases of worry forming on his brow, his mother’s face mirrored his concern.

“The emperor is a greedy man” Elios grumbles looking to the ground.

Elios’s voice hardened with a mix of resentment and resignation. “The emperor… his eyes are set on Sira’Nar, a world without a master, and he aims to claim it.” His hands balled into fists.

“That is the curse of men in power, Eli,” his mother said, her voice carrying the weight of experience.

“They see not with the eyes of contentment but with the hunger of desire. To them, a place unclaimed is like a siren’s call, beckoning them to conquest, regardless of the cost.”

Elios raised his eyes to meet hers, finding a well of wisdom in her gaze. “But must we always answer such calls? Is there no end to such a cycle.”

His mother placed a hand on his shoulder, a gesture both comforting and empowering.

“Power does not corrupt men, Eli; it merely reveals them. Remember, a true leader seeks not to dominate but to guide, not to subdue but to uplift. Your heart knows the path of honor; let that be your compass on your journey.”

Elios nodded, the resolve in his mother’s words anchoring him. “Thank you, mother, I will remember it…. I will try to be the future that the people of this planet deserve.”

With a proud smile, she squeezed his shoulder. “Now walk with me, you absolutely must try this new pastry the head chef has just made.”

Meanwhile on the Planet Oberon

Castle Blackspire

In the shadow-draped throne room of Castle Blackspire on the planet Oberon, a man hurriedly approaches the throne, his voice echoing off the high, dark ceilings.

“My lord! My lord!” he calls out, breathless from urgency.

From the throne, a deep, baritone voice responds, the sound of it seeming to vibrate the very air. “What news do you bring, Caius?”

“The Emperor has tasked House Krynn with the exploration of Sira’Nar,” the slender man reports, his tone full of disbelief and concern.

“Krynn!?” The lord’s voice boomed, his form rising like a tempest from the throne. “Why would the Emperor entrust such fools with a mission to The Shifting Grave?”

Caius shifts uncomfortably. “I cannot fathom his motives, my lord. The planet is a death trap, and surely Duke Julius Krynn is aware of it.”

A growl of discontent rumbles from the lord’s throat. “Curse the Emperor and his games. The old fool’s time should have come long ago.”

“What would you have us do, my lord?” Caius inquires, his eyes never leaving the figure before him.

“For now, we watch and wait,” the lord grumbles, his mood as dark as the room around them. “We cannot act openly against them... yet.” He pauses, then adds with a casual tone, “Now, bring me one of the prisoners—one with a delicate frame and a lovely voice.”

“As you command, my lord,” Caius replies, bowing deeply.