Chapter 1
A long time ago the world was nothing. No creatures, no light, nothing. Then out of this nothing, Qubris god of life was born. Qubris then created other gods and the world we live in today. With help of Eher god of knowledge, Khaborh god of chivalry, Cana goddess of youth, Reva goddess of destiny, Itlous god of dreams, Rhuzilos god of strength, and Adros god of hatred, Qubris created man. Qubris set man to roam the world to find life themselves and to live as they choose. Qubris tried to make the world the best it could be. Mountains, fields of green and the desserts. The say that the country of Esmaria was created by Qubris as a gift to his lover Phimera goddess of the land, who helped Qubris to create the earth. As a gift back Phimera made soil for men to grow food and other things that could live. She then gave birth to the four seasons Spring, Summer Winter and Fall. Man then found homes on the gifts from the Gods and soon the Kingdom of Libbara was founded.
The Libbara Kingdom is one of dreams. Vallie’s green and fields full of crops that can feed any army. Of course, all the kingdoms in the beautiful country of Esmaria is this way. Esmaria has many Kingdoms all have been at peace for thousands of years. Childhood in the palace was one in fairytales. There were parties every night, children running around laughing and playing. King Adam and Queen Beth were the kindest people anyone would know. Sadly, when they died the Kingdom took it hard, no laughter, no parties and a darkness fell over us all. I know little of King Henry’s life only that his parents died in a horrible illness. King Henry also had an older brother who died in childhood. The poor King has lost many things in his life. When King Henry ascended to the throne at the age of 18, the kingdom found hope ago. His sister Lilliana had already been married not long after the death of the King and Queen. The castle was light every night. The two years ago they just stopped suddenly. Around that time, King Henry did have a fiancé but then she disappeared. Some say she was taken prisoner, others that she ran away. There may have not be parties these past 2 years, but the castle has been happy.
Until a few months ago, strangers from far away attacked the village of Stoneview and all the land was burnt to the ground. King Henry and the allies have been struggling to find out who has done this, as talks of war spread throughout the castle. Everyone in the castle try to stay as calm and hopeful as we can. No one really sees the King except for his advisors and magicians. I do hear that they try to urge him to marry into another kingdom for reasons of alliances. For some reason he refuses it at the very thought.
“Come on people we don’t have time to dilly dally today.” Shouts Madame Emile as she walks around the kitchen.
“We never do.” One of the dish girls said. I smiled and continued cooking dinner for the night. My focus went to Madam Emile who rolled her light green eyes and went to check on the others working in the kitchen. Madam Emile is a lovely lady. Her dark brown skin shined and her black hair that is going gray with age. She is the Lady of the house and is in charge of all the servants and how the castle is ran. We all love her and though she never had to say it, she loves us as well.
“Everything looks lovely Eliza, smells good too.” She gave me a smile, placing her gentle hand on my bare shoulder.
I am Eliza.
My main job in the castle is the cook and to set up dinner each day. I also take care of the children we get in the palace. Like them, I have been here all 22 years of my life. My mother lived in the palace and worked till I was born. I never knew her because she died when I was young because of a sickness. Madam Emile took me in and raised me just like any other girl or boy in the castle. I knew nothing of my father, Madam Emile only said that my father was a good man and loved my mother dearly. The only thing I have left of their love and my mother is a necklace. The necklace is just a simple silver chain with a small purple stone. Sometimes at night if placed up to the moon it shines so bright the whole room turns purple. Madame Emile gave it to when I was about six and it has never left my neck. Madame Emile said that it has magical properties in it. She would ask for it all the time when a woman was pregnant. She said it could tell the sex of the baby but I never really believed it could do that. Madame Emile didn’t know much else about it expect just that.
“Well ladies and gentlemen you know what to do. Makes sure your chores are done before supper and make sure get them done quickly so you have some time to spare just before you go to sleep.”
“Yes Madam.” Everyone replies as she leaves the room. As I finish dinner other servants grab the food to send off to the King and others in the castle. I am beyond tried and try to finish cleaning, thank the gods one maid is generous enough to take over for me. I go to my living quarter and place my apron on my bed. I then make my way to the living quarters of our children. King Henry’s mother let all those born in the castle and those where left at the castle to live here and be raised. As I approach the children’s quarters, I hear screams, giggles, and laughter. I slowly open the door to see that they are running around and jumping on their beds.
“Little ones, why are you not ready for bed?” They all stop what they’re doing and they look at me. They only giggle in response and run around some more. There are boys and girls, from age of newborn to thirteen, the age when they start working in the castle. But till then they play and learn. Some days when I am not working, I teach them how to read and write. Because of the faith in Libbara I teach the children stories of magical creatures, tails of old, and the Gods.
“Okay if everyone promises to calm down, I will tell a story.”
“The story of Zuhita.” One girl shouts. I giggle at the girl.
“Goddess of Love! You’ve heard that one so many times. Any other stories?” There were no other answers. “Okay then. Get into your beds and I shall tell you the story.” They quickly rush to their beds as I pull up a chair. They were all in their beds, patiently waiting for me to start.
“All right. Zuhita was not always the goddess of love, she had to find love first. Zuhita was one of the daughters of the two great gods, whose names we do not know. Zuhita, as all the gods had to go through, there were challenges to determine what their powers would be. She was not well with weapons, crops, food, much of anything. Desperate, Zuhita goes to Eruer God of Hope. Eruer tells her to stay strong and go see, Reva Goddess of Destiney to see how she will gain her powers. Zuhita soon came to the home of Reva. Reva could not tell anyone of what may lie in store for them. Reva simply said, ‘You are the only thing that could end all it, but you could also cause it.’ Zuhita left more confused than ever. Zuhita arrived at the House of the Gods just as Adros God of Hatred was arguing with all the gods. Adros was in charge of some of the feeling the mortals felt. At that time, he had used his hate to spark wars. The Gods where not pleased. Zuhita had never seen Adros before, her mother had warned her of his temper and anger. Yet Zuhita was stricken by Adros. He was a large man, very well build, eyes green with envy and hair as red as hate himself. Zuhita slowly approached the gods and as soon as Adros saw Zuhita, all arguing stopped. They both look at each other and felt something so new that no god had felt it. Love. Zuhita and Adros approached each other, not saying a word. Looking into each other’s eyes. Adros puts out his hand for Zuhita to hold, and as she touched his hand, sparks flew. Zuhita was then hit by one of the sparks making her powers appear. Zuhita had gained her full powers, she was love itself. Adros God of Hatred fell in love with Zuhita Goddess of Love. They fell more in loved, had many children and live at peace with one another.”
Once I was then done with the story, I scanned the room seeing that the children had all fallen asleep. I get up from my chair quietly, hum a soft tune and close the door.
After I close the door my body is immediately slammed against the wall. In front of me was Richard, he was one of the stable boys. He is a year older than, well build of course. His hair was like mine, very black. His eyes are just as black as his hair and skin was dark from being outside all day. Richard came to the castle at a young age. His father had died in an accident and his mother left him. We grew up as friends but as we both got older, we felt affection for one another. A few months ago, we started courting with the permission of Madame Emile. We have never done anything more than kisses and till we are sure, nothing more will happen.
“You look beautiful, tonight.” Richard said kissing my neck.
“Richard please be quiet.” I push him away, looking straight at him. “They just feel asleep.”
“I cannot, not when you are near.” Richard counites to kiss my neck, trying to lower his kisses.
“Richard please I’m tired.” Richard rests his head on my collarbone, sighing.
“Will you at least lay with me tonight? I just want to hold you in my arms.”
“Alright.”
He gave a huge grin and picked me up in his arms, bridal style. We finally got to his room and I was ready to pass out. We both undressed but kept our garments on. I feel Richard come behind me and stat to kiss my neck again. I suddenly felt him rub his large bulge against me.
“Richard stop.” He turned me around so that we share a kiss. I was too tired for this today. “Richard!” With all my might I pushed him away. He stumbles
“One day Eliza, I promise to make you my wife. Then, when we have enough money we will get out of here and we will have so many children.”
“How many?” I turn to face him.
“As many as you can bare.”
“I would like that.” I smile, tracing his face with the tips of my fingers.
“I made this for you.” He turns to a table by his bed and picks up a little ring. “I made this today, a little ring made of hay. It’s a promise that I will always love...love you. When I have more money, I’ll get you a real one.”
He caught me by surprise. ‘He loves me’ I thought to myself! My heart stopped for a second and my stomach was full of little butterflies.
“I love you too.” I say back giving him a small kiss on the cheek. He pulls me closer to his chest and gives me a kiss on the forehead. His heart was beating as fast as mine but soon calmed down. I listen to his heartbeat as I slowly fall asleep in his arms. When I woke up in the morning I am in my own quarters, I look at my hand to see if it was all real. There on my finger was the ring, the promise Richard had made to me. I smile and get up ready to prepare breakfast.
