I N T E R L U D E 1

I have had a long day. As I write this letter to you, I hope you have been well my dear. And I hope to hear back from you as soon as you can.

The Capital of the sun-touched cities, Slenham, is always a wonder. I truly wish you could be here to see. Alas, it is not meant to be yet. The buildings never failed to amaze me as they touched the skies. I have wondered and wrote to you before about it. How do they build those? I do wish to know one day.

Today I was assigned to guard the Sovereign's Throne Room. Oh, how it hurts me every time I have to do it. We were both there, as he fought the wyverns as he defended the capital. Those were the days as he united us, separated men without a purpose, waiting for our deaths.

Yet now, he sits on his throne without any soul. He is almost a toy as they make use of him as a puppet. He is strong, I believe he is the strongest in this world. But he had somehow lost his soul. I pray to once know.

I stood guard, putting my full attention in the room. There was no real need for me to be here, it was more like a formality. If someone came and he couldn’t deal with them somehow, then my existence there wouldn’t even bother whatever monstrosity was there.

Yet, my dear, I stand there. As we both wish and hope, I keep my eyes on the Sovereign. I pray and hope for the day of his return. For that day, glory will return to those cities of ours.

Next to the sovereign stood the northerner I told you about, Hjorn was his name, I think? He doesn’t speak much, and everyone knows of how loyal he is to the sovereign. Yet, perhaps that was the reason almost all the members of the court hated him. That and the way he stood out, a northerner just stands out too much here.

Today, my dear, was quite eventful. As I stood there, I saw the prime minister. He was the one who truly held the scenes. He passed by me, having seen me too insignificant to be noticed. He kneeled in front of the Sovereign, one of the few ways he barely shows respect, as he informed him of some news.

Apparently, there was a person who called himself a “traveler” who had attacked the border city of Zeltol. Normally, I don’t think they would report something that insignificant to him, yet as I overheard their speech I finally understood.

The royal advisor had lost a hand, and his bodyguard was hurt and hospitalized for a few weeks. I wonder, who that traveler is, but those two were candidates. I won’t lie, it scares me sometimes. Yet I have a job, a duty to do here. Regardless of how pointless it could be.

Hearing the report, the sovereign got mad as he shouted at the prime minister, who didn’t seem to mind. I mean why would he? He had control of the entire country, keeping a few pleasantries to keep the sovereign as an icon. Being shouted at a few times occasionally doesn’t matter much now, does it?

As the prime minister left, I saw the sovereign collapse on his chair as he sighed. Somehow, his sigh was deeper than normal. He was in deep thought about something, but I was in no position to ask. And I respected him too much to try and get any information out.

Hjorn seemed to get closer to him as he whispered something to him. But the sovereign shook his head as he told him not to bother. And I saw Hjorn leave the hall a bit later.

I saw the sovereign stand, as he muttered “Traveler… was it.”. He wore a look of melancholy. Yet for a moment I wished for in my life, I witnessed something else.

He stood as a look appeared momentary. He stood as his body emitted his pride, his strength. He stood a king, a sovereign for that one moment. I will never forget that look. That’s how he was when he fought all those years ago.

Perhaps, we will see that day again my dear. Perhaps, we will see the day our cities rise again.

I will keep writing to you as always, dear. As I go through every day of this life of mine.

Yours truly

Zanith