Koda paced around the council chamber deep in contemplation. Only six months ago did the Celestial Seal of Blight shatter, that no sooner, New Estinia experienced great turmoil. The earth sank deeper below into the swamps, Meric’s Morass grew wilder, and the rain showers felt never ending.

This is all because of me. I let Sable break the seal and now the whole world faces peril.

As like Northern Blight, the other home of a Celestial Seal, Alva of Dragon Realm Scorch had become unlivable. Massive waves crashed further up the shores, flooding coastal villages, and far more intense sandstorms ravaged across the country.

However, despite the apocalyptic events unfolding on two of the realms, the other three realms have flourished. Dragon Realm Cypress’s harvest had been as prosperous as ever, Dragon Realm Stratus gained warmer winters without its natural ecosystem suffering. Finally, in Dragon Realm Abyss, the rainforest grew greener and more lush.

Koda halted at his chair and took a seat just as his lords and acting councilmen poured into the chamber. The young king looked around the table, waiting for them to sit down before speaking.

“My lords and ladies, our world is in crisis. Since the Blight seal was broken at the tail end of our second war, the country continues to deteriorate— despite our donation of gold and engineers! I ask you, what shall I do?”

Cass Baneberry, ever the loyalist, stood and offered her advice. “My king, I believe it is time that you meet with the world leaders.”

A murmur of agreement sounded out from the rest of the lords.

“I, for one, would like to know how King Dallin and King Greyblade would handle this situation,” Halar Fieldrunner said.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Aye, their experience could shed some much needed insight,” Brenen Riverflow piped in.

“But the Dawnedge king is the only one that has such a degree of knowledge in the ancient seals!” Vala Treadheart pounded her fist on the wooden table.

“True, what can the other leaders possibly know?” asked Aster Starvow

“Surely the Scale Lord knows of the seals and how to protect the rest!” suggested Senri Swiftleaf.

Levric Songbrook glanced at each face of his fellow lords before turning to the king. “Your majesty, I agree with everyone. Cass is right, you should meet with the other world leaders, but at the same time, how could they possibly know what to do in a situation like this?”

Koda stroked the light beard that he started growing before coming to his final decision. “I think—”

Suddenly the council chamber doors burst open. All heads turned to a gangly messenger boy carrying a brown, leather satchel and a scroll in his hand.

“What is the meaning of this?” Halar said, rising from his seat. “Can you not see we are in session?”

Koda held up his hand and turned to the boy. “What do you have in your hand?”

The boy bowed and lifted the scroll for his king to take.

Koda hesitantly took the parchment. This could be another dose of grave news, or it could be a cause of celebration. He swallowed his unease and unraveled the scroll. His eyes scanned left to right, reading every word twice to make sure he had interpreted the news correctly.

“So..it has finally happened…” Koda whispered. His face turned as white as cream, and his cheeks trembled.”

“Koda, what is it?” Cass asked with a gentle voice.

The letter fell from Koda’s shaking hands. “My grandfather…has…died.” Koda’s eyes welled with tears. “I-I need to leave at once.”

“Where are you going!?” shouted Brenen. “You haven’t decided on anything yet!”

Koda grit his teeth and fought back his sadness long enough to conduct himself as king once more. “I must go to Nashoon to see that my grandfather has a proper burial. I wish for all of you to contact the world leaders to meet with me in Lost Dawns.” Koda bowed to his elven lords. “That is my command. I will return in one week.”