Darian Mayweather 

“Ahem,” Wulfric scoffed while adjusting his spectacle. “Have you perchance acquired time to memorise all the different roles of the Monarchy yet commander?” Small sharp daggers seemed to project from behind his eyes informing me that his question was more like a loaded crossbow.

“Aaah no. I’ve been too busy with um… paperwork as of late,” I diverted, turning my attention towards a small curtain as I peeked out at the passing countryside. 

‘Here he goes again,’ I groaned internally. ‘Although for once I really should listen if I want to understand what’s going on at the meeting today.

Wulfric’s face lit up with excitement as he began to shoot out a rapid-fire spiel. “Well, firstly there's the Equerry’s who are servants of the Zenith spire and sworn to secrecy, and then there's the rank of forthcomer who are typically the future heads of great houses attending for learning practices and are unable to speak during the council meeting…” 

‘He certainly loves to talk that's for sure,’ I smiled whilst fixating on the sun's eye reflecting off a neatly carved rock in the distance. Slowly but steadily more and more reflections gazed back at me as I finally painted the picture. ‘Their limestone ruins.’ I thought to myself.

 As we continued to travel onwards the oddly placed rocks began to retain the shape of more and more complex structures some of the rocky foundations were even more complex than that of my fortress back in Exousia. 

‘I suppose it's too late for me to be getting my mind blown now,’ I snickered. ‘This is the former utopia written in every kid's story around. Even saying that, I never would have thought I would find myself attending a meeting with the greatest figureheads of the world, and in the forgotten Kingdom of Aragarth no less. Now I’m one… no an entire flight of stairs closer to my goal’.

I assumed that I had kept my moment of prideful revelation inside my head however Wulfric had paused staring blankly in my direction and had obviously noticed my inattentiveness. 

“You know ‘Lord Commander’,” Wulfric expressed sarcastically. “if you don't absorb my teachings this mountaintop will likely be the last thing you see,” he glared. “My sincerest apologies ‘Butler’,” I struck back. “Please continue.”

Just when Wulfric had readied himself and likely backtracked a few hundred words there was a soft knock at the side of our cabin.

“Forgive me Master, my lord.” a head peaked out from a small wooden shutter.  “It seems as though we are going to need another stone in order to complete our Journey,” he expressed as our carriage faltered before slowly decelerating. 

I sighed. “We really don't have the resources to be needlessly travelling via Ether wagon,” I expressed more to myself if anyone.

“We may be short of Etherium crystals and other Zoi-related resources however, it’s imperative that we look as strong as people would expect of Exousia especially considering that we are about to meet with the leaders of every great kingdom in the realm,” Wulfric replied with a caring tone. 

He then reached down below his seat and pulled out a hefty box with an encoded lock that only I could unlatch, and held it out towards me. 

Placing my hand over the box latch I opened it with a simple wave from my body's inner Zoi before lightly tossing a fist-sized hunk of glowing rock in the direction of the carriage’s internal window. To my distaste, the operator proceeded to catch it with little to no effort. “Thank you, my lord,” he bowed before the wooden shutter slammed shut once more. 

“You really should show your servants some more respect Darian,” Wulfric chimed. “I’m the ruler of the greatest military nation in all of Etherium,” do not lump me in with that of a mere carriage whip, Godwyn.” 

After swallowing his thoughts, Wulfric proceeded once more with his former lecture. “As you wish my lord. Well as I was saying the first rank of people with a seat at the Monarch’s table is that of the Maesters like myself who are there only to provide evidence to support claims when called upon…”

“Please keep it short Wulfric,” I interrupted, my tolerance growing thin. “Well…,” he paused rearranging his thoughts. “The final three ranks are quite simple. There's the Voice who can freely speak. Then there's the Administrators, like yourself who can actually vote towards a notion. And finally, there's the rank of Surrogate or Judge which is taken solely by the High Monarch who oversees all decisions made by the great council,” he finished.

“I’m impressed, I’ve never heard you speak so straight to the point,” I chuckled.

“Knock knock.” ‘what now,’ I thought. The knocking this time came from above. “Presenting the Zenith Spire, my lord. The centre of the Empire,” the captain half yelled through the carriage ceiling as he thumped his way down from the vehicle's rudder. 

“Curses,” I mumbled as the chilly evening air trickled up my spine. The view was truly astounding, despite the obvious icy wind from off the mountaintop which threatened to take me as a sacrifice.

I’ve never been one to truly appreciate the natural wonders of the world. But compared to the vast baron land I call home no one would be able to look away when presented with such a sight. 

The Zenith Spire was located atop a single protruding mountain that was shaped more like a vast pillar holding up the sky. Surrounding it was a snow-capped mountainscape circling the towering rock from a distance like a nation-sized crater separating the spire from the expansive ruins beyond. With how tall the surrounding mountains are people would have never found such a place if it wasn't for the gargantuan split in the mountainside like a giant sword had struck down from the heavens slicing effortlessly through the bedrock. 

“Legend has it that it was Cernunnos, Aragarths first king who sliced those mountains in two,” a patronising yet poised voice chimed from above.

I shifted my attention from the gateway to the steep lime-stone stairs before my eyes finally reached a head of long sky-blue hair. 

“You must me Lord Dragemyre,” Wulfric deciphered a fraction later. “It’s a pleasure to be in the presence of such a renowned house, especially one who commands the Rifters,” he continued. “Spare me the compliments butler, I’ve grown rather tired of them since childhood,” he warned, shifting a lock of hair behind his ear and revealing a pale and perfect face, untainted by the trials of hard work. ‘Just the type of person I hate the most,’ I released internally. 

“You must be the man who has single-handedly caught up to Exousia in terms of military power,” I said. Introducing myself on a good note as I levelled with him atop the next flight of stairs. 

“Oh please my simple clan couldn't possibly be compared to that of a nation renowned for its top-class weaponry. Not to mention unique martial arts,” he gestured, firmly shaking my hand as he placed his left atop his other furthering his appraisal. 

As we locked eyes I couldn't help but be surprised when I noticed our similarity in age. His eyes were still wide with youth and matched the sky-blue colour of his hair. I deduced that he could hardly be 5 years older than myself making him still shy of 30. 

“Lord Mayweather, how about we visit the first wonder of the world while we’re here,” He waved, pointing towards a large archway embedded in the rugged cliffside. “A privilege of only the Administrators,” Wulfric added. “A perfect way to welcome the newest member of the Monarchy,” they both continued in a synchronised fashion. 

“Very well. And please, call me Darian,” I added. “In that case, you’re more than welcome to address me as Augustine from here onwards,” he smiled. It was a hollow smile. More of a practiced act than genuine kindness although I suppose one can’t expect much more through the pride of a first-class noble. 

“I shall go on ahead. You should still have about 20 minutes until the meeting," said Wulfric. After we had exchanged a subtle nod, I turned to catch up to Augustine who had already begun towards the archway. 

It was rather magnificent. The arch frame was adorned with gigantic wooden doors that could have only been carved from one of the world's largest trees and reinforced by small slate pillars. Most intriguingly however was the large rune symbol scorched into the wood where the double doors crossover. 

As Augustine approached the door a few paces ahead of me he reached his hand out placing it over the rune. I was confused at first. My own distaste towards studying had me dumbfounded in situations like this. However now as a member of the Monarchy, I must simply wear a face and pretend to know everything just like the other nobles do. 

Channelling only the smallest fraction of his zoi, a small surge of energy flowed from Augustine’s palm into the rune. The scorched rune marks began to glow an exquisite purple before the doors slowly creaked open. 

I suppose I’m meant to know what's in this room but alas I have absolutely no clue. I tried to quickly deduct the situation however, I couldn't even see more than a few meters in as the room was shrouded in darkness. 

Soon later Augustine came to a stop at what appeared to be a stone-carved railing just beyond the daylight's reach. “It’s quite perplexing wouldn't you agree,” he said, gazing down from the railing as an unknown light emanated off of his well-polished armour adornments. 

Placing my hands over the cold stone I leaned forward excited at the chance to see something truly magnificent. My eyes were met with a soft yet overwhelming fuchsia light that seemed to pulsate almost as though it was alive. Sending shockwaves of dense zoi in our direction making it hard to breathe. The soft light was coming from an enormous crystal that revealed the entire cavern below, its edges reaching mere meters from the side of the mountain. 

‘This has to be the largest Etherium crystal in the world,’ I thought. “Isn't the Arcane truly wondrous,” Augustine began. ‘This is the Arcane,’ I reassured myself. Letting the words sink in. ‘Of course, it is where else would the foundational stone of Aragarth be but in the very centre of the kingdom,’ I realised, ashamed by my ignorance.  

“It is rather dull for a crystal of such power, at least that was my first impression of it when my father brought me here as a child,” he continued. 

“Why is it that the Arcane glows so softly? Shouldn't it be lighting up the night sky?” I added. “I would tell you, however, I'm sure that with today's meeting topics, your answers will surely come into the conversation, and I would rather save my breath,” he sighed. “On that note should we continue up towards the spire, there’s still a great many stairs left to climb,” he questioned.

I took one final longing and confused look down at the castle-sized crystal below before feeling a hand weighing down on my shoulder catching me completely off guard. I spun to face Augustine. Only to be met with his hollow eyes once again. This time however they were no longer Doe-ish or welcoming but more narrow and stern. His cold change of attitude was accentuated by his seemingly endless blue iris’.

“Do you like commoners Darian?” he asked, his hand still on my shoulder. ‘Does he know?’ I worried internally. “Well I don't mind them, so long as they know their place,” I returned. 

“I’ve always quite hated the nobles, he continued,” his back now turned. “Their insufferable ignorance is rather outstanding. Almost like sheep in a cage full of wolves,” he added. I felt my blood begin to boil but I held it in. 

“They always hate upon those who lead for one small mistake while they get drunk, complain, and waste their days amounting to nothing. Never breaking free of the word run by us superior nobles.”

‘This man… for a moment I thought he was different. But in truth, all nobles are the same. They're overpowered by an insatiable greed. Their mere birthright just whiskey poured over a raging fire only fueling their delusions.’

“Darian,” he scolded as he paused in the doorway. “Didn’t you hear me? You Darian are nothing,” he glared, shooting daggers. This time blades that seemed to actually instil fear within me, unlike the fatherly disappointment that I earlier received from Wulfric.  

Even from this distance, I could see it clear as day. His eyes were no longer baron. But now they were the only thing standing between me and the raging blizzard inside of him. 

“You may have swindled your way to that of a ‘lord,’ but Exousia has no Dynasty,” he continued, as a sizable Ether crystal had appeared in his hand. 

“You have accomplished quite a feat becoming a member of the Monarchy. Despite having no right to be here. However, this is where your luck ends, commoner.” 

‘Augustine Dragemyre, he's trying to make me miss the meeting and he might just succeed,’ I scowled. ‘If I strike back now the entire monarchy will know what's going on. If that happens they will personally see to it that I be forcefully removed from my position,’ I realised, bracing for impact.  

As the colour faded from his Ether stone an overwhelming rage of snow and ice circled the cavern. After a short while of releasing all the zoi from his body, he began to slowly raise his palm forward. Elegantly pointing in my direction. 

In one fell swoop he closed his palm, pointing a single finger in my direction before a small shard of ice was sent pelting through the air carving into my leg. Blood splattered across the polished floor as I clasped my mouth resisting the urge to scream out. I writhed in pain curling up on the cold floor. Waiting for the despicable noble before me to finally leave. 

“You’re in over your head ‘lord’ Darian. How dare you try to level with us high nobles,” he scoffed. My eyes filled with rage and vengeance as he trailed off up the distant stairs, glancing down at me with an all-prideful smile.

“FUCK,” I Howled.