Tale of Aeon Series: Part I
With the ongoing war council, Aeon was feeling opposingly calm. In regular times, there is nothing to fight. However, not everybody in the empire thinks that way. Merchants worry about their profits being cut between the Noctus and the empire. Mothers are worried about their children and villagers about the coming winter. Aeon, thinking of all the struggles others bear, sees war as a necessity.
The war started long before Aeon's time. Forces of Noctus invaded the newly formed colonies of the empire, trying to shrink the empire. Fifteen years of war, one after another. Villages were ravaged, and castles laid to ruins. Ancient philosophers who lived in those periods would name arche as blood and ash. The temple of Agony was deserted. Opposing sides blamed each other for sacking the sacred temple.
Aeon wore his chest and grabbed his always loyal dagger. He always thought that nothing else must be trusted than this cold steel. History showed what trust in others meant with red ink. He opened the gates made of aneryhte. The giant doors opened slowly but without any crumbling.
Master Aeon, "I have recent reports from the economy of Noctus," muttered strategist Metra.
"Thanks, Metra, but the plan is going according to our council". Aeon stopped.
"They will shrink before their economy".
Metra, without any doubt, "Why are you so sure about the move?" he looked directly into the eyes of Aeon.
"The council gathered enough intel about the position of General Nocture." he smiled. "Once the head of the army is down, Noctus will shatter!"
"Why are you so sure about killing the leader with such ease?"
"We know a secret of Nocture". Aeon smiled, imagining himself killing Nocture himself. "Their blood lust is greatest with their leader."
Metra was leaving unsatisfied about this particular move. But while all the council agrees, how could an individual be right? The educated minds of the Empire, the most extraordinary collective mind, will again show its unmatched power.
"Come, Dear Nirna." Seeing Nirna leaving her chambers.
"Lord Aeon, what a warm surprise on this cold day",, raising her hand.
"My lady, A sun is always hotter than everything else," said Aeon while kissing their hand of Nirna.
"You are as always kind, Lord Aeon." She smiled. "Lady Mirsa would be turned to ashes before the Noctus."
"Ma lady, how is your father?" smiled with pride Aeon. "A wicked arrow of Noctus shot him months ago, and he hasn't been moved out of bed yet, sadly."
Mirsa looked to the back of the corridor and replied, "This foul magic of Noctus pulses through his veins. Don't be fooled, as he is the strongest of our empire."
Swordsmen equipped with ceremonial halberds shouted and greeted Mirsa and Aeon. Obsidian doors of the war council opened crying. Aeon always thought those doors were living hatred. He could swear that there were red pulses in the craved head of a drake. Years ago, the gossip of a disappeared child servant event could have ignited this illusion. The captivating door had taken too much attention from Aeons as Idian's underestimating gaze touched Aeon's skin.
Idian opened his arms. "Welcome and welcome Lord Aeon and Lady Nirna!".
As soon as Idian saluted the early comers, soldiers encircling the great hall shouted, "Long live the empire!"
This is the first episode of the Noctus series. Subscribe for the next to receive a notification as soon as it is published.
DALL · E has created the cover image.
Initially published for Polyhedron on 7/31/2022
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