Prologue
A thunderstorm raged outside the Southern Castle the night it was invaded by the Mistwalkers. The land of Vairia was spiraling down into civil war against these Northern creatures of the night. Three kingdoms against one should not be too hard to handle, but the Mistwalkers are slick and cunning. They are a wicked race that seek the destruction of all things good. They want the whole of Vairia to themselves.
“Artemis!” King Dorian shouted. King Dorian of the Southern kingdom found himself in the throne room. He searched around desperately for some kind of light.
“Searching for light, Dorian?” a smooth, breathy voice said. The chandeliers and torches suddenly illuminated the room. A laugh echoed around him. He turned only to come face to face with his enemy. She grinned, her fangs dripped with fresh venom.
“I see you’re ready for your next victim,” Dorian remarked. The Mistwalker, known as Vairlynn, seemed humbled by his conversation-starter.
“Young blood is so enchanting. It’s like drinking wine that is so sweet, you just can’t get enough,” Vairlynn explained. She began to circle around him. The king took a deep, thought-filled breath.
“I’m going to kill you, Vairlynn,” he said casually. She was amused by this. Then, the queen entered the room. Her eyes fell on the Mistwalker, threatening her husband.
“You!” she snarled. Dorian’s thoughts raced with worry and how to protect her from the monster. He didn’t want to see her get hurt.
“Artemis, don’t!” Dorian warned. The queen came further into the room. Vairlynn smirked at the situation unfolding. Dorian stood between them, protecting Artemis, but threatening Vairlynn.
“Why not?” Vairlynn whined. The thunder raged louder outside. The battle being fought throughout the castle could be heard echoing back to the throne room.
“Artemis just go! I’ll be fine!” Dorian demanded. She didn’t listen. The staring contest was over and Vairlynn made the first move. Dorian quickly stepped between them and took the blow.
“DORIAN!” Artemis screamed. The Mistwalker wrestled against him. He dominated the battle. Vairlynn growled with frustration. She soon escaped the fight and lunged for the queen. They both took the challenge and fought violently. Dorian pulled Vairlynn away. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a display of a suit of amour and that the spear it was holding was made of silver.
He ran to it and grabbed the weapon, then turned and drove it into Vairlynn’s heart. Dorian found himself crying out in shock from unexpected pain. Artemis screamed in horror.
“Curses!” Vairlynn spat. “CURSES! Curse upon the first royal born of the three kingdoms!” Her dying words laid guilt on Dorian’s shoulders. The Mistwalker’s body burst into flames and then she was gone.
Artemis ran to the platform of their thrones where Dorian stood, drenched in tears. She caught him as he began to fall. They sank to the floor and she grabbed his hand tightly.
King Dorian coughed and struggled to breathe. Artemis took the handle of the dagger that was still in him. She slowly pulled it out and as she did, more cries of pain filled the room. Artemis wept at the sight of it all. Taking deep breaths, he shut his eyes tightly and tried to ignore the pain, but it was too much. He opened his eyes, looking up at his queen.
Artemis ran her fingers through Dorian’s hair. She took him closer into her arms and he buried his face into her shoulder. The agony was unbearable. Artemis wept more and kissed the top of Dorian’s head.
“Don’t leave me Dorian, please,” she sobbed. His breathing turned to wheezing and it only began to get worse from there. He tightened his grip on her hand. The king knew he was dying and Artemis knew she was going to have to let him go. With a heavy heart, she gathered up the courage to say her goodbye.
“There’s something you should know,” Artemis began. Dorian strained to hear what she had to say. “I’m with child!” she cried. Dorian looked at his wife, heartbroken.
“Artemis,” Dorian breathed.
“Dorian, you have a child! They’ll have no father if you give up now!” she lamented. Tears came to his eyes.
“The curse… .” his voice trembled.
“Yes, our child will be the first royal born,” she confirmed. Dorian stroked the side of her face.
“Tell my child that I’m sorry,” he said. He pulled Artemis toward him and kissed her one last time.
“I love you,” he whispered in her ear. She trembled at the reality of his last words. Then he was gone. Queen Artemis wailed cries of sorrow as she cradled her husband’s dead body in her arms.
