"They say what makes a kingdom strong is the oath of allegiance. A bond between the king and the people, where loyalty and protection are exchanged for obedience and service, but I say poppycock"
"Elena" Lady Cecile called in a warning tone.
"Sorry. I mean there's more to it than that. There's the king, his wise council, the harmony of the people, the environmental balance. Eryndor is a great kingdom built on the foundations of wisdom, strength and unity. Where magic and wonder thrive, and people live in peace and prosperity".
"Thank you Elena. A round of applause for Elena ".Lady Cecile said waving Elena off the tiny podium.
Elena smiled at the group of students and took a little how before moving to stand with the other youth leaders.
Today at Juniors , youths of York town who the school felt could inspire and motivate the students were invited and Elena happened to be one of them.
"You were great up there".
"You think so?"
" Yeah I do"
" Thanks John". Elena said smiling at John another youth counselor also chosen for this day.
Elena sighed in her head. She wondered what could have made them choose her. Of all the people in York town, she was chosen.
York town, a tiny village found at the outskirts of Eryndor.
Eryndor a kingdom so breath takingly beautiful. The endless expanses of sun kissed grass land, home to majestic horses and the roaming animals.
It's forest we're as green as emeralds, a lush and vibrant woodland.
It's mountains, towering and shimmering with ethereal light. Some say the mountains have reached the starlight and are said to be the dwelling place of the gods.
It's cities, wonders to behold. The kingdom of Eryndor had 9 Cities in it.
Eldrador- The capital city. This is the center of government and politics. Also the seat of the royal family.
Crystal Haven- A city of crystals and gem stones. Skilled artisans and healers, craft remedies here.
Nova Haven- A city of discovery and innovation. Inventors and tinkers experiment and create new wonders.
Aethoria-A city of great wisdom and home to great library of Eryndor.
Aquilari- A city of water and sea, where skilled sailors, shipwrights, and aquamancers build and navigate the kingdoms mighty fleets.
Terraverde- A city of nature and growth. This was the city of farmers.
Ferrum- The city of industry and craftsman. Master blacksmith, inventors and engineers could be found here.
Luminaria- A city of light and magic, where the most powerful mages reside and the art of magic is honed to perfection.
Silvans Glen- A city of the forest. Skilled hunters and trackers could be found here. Some say they also serve as guides and protectors.
And then there's York town, a tiny village found at the outskirts of Eryndor. One would think it's a village of outcasts, but far be it.
Eryndor, such a beautiful place to live in and yet Eryndor was dying. They say the king had been sick for a while and was soon to die.
The Queen was now ruling, she and her son, prince Cedric.
The royal scepter of Eryndor refused to recognize the queen or her offspring, hence she infused dark magic in it and ruled the land with it.
Because of the Queen's dark magic, the kingdom of Eryndor began dying.
And so, this is the story of a girl, who is infact the daughter of the king. She journeys through the kingdom of Eryndor with her guide, mage and protector, to save the king and restore Eryndor to it's former glory.
When Elena returns home after a long evening shift, she immediately notices something wrong—the front door is slightly ajar. She freezes on the landing. She remembers locking it herself before leaving. Her pulse jumps.
Her mind begins racing.
Could it be the landlord again, checking pipes without informing her? He'd done it once before, and she'd warned him never to enter without permission.
Or worse… a burglar?
The thought sends a cold ripple down her spine. Whoever it is, they picked the wrong house tonight. A fierce determination settles over her. She whispers to herself, "They'll regret stepping in here."
She pushes the door open an inch at a time, careful not to let the hinges creak. Just inside the entryway is a broom, leaning against the wall. She wraps her fingers around its wooden handle, gripping it like a makeshift weapon.
With slow, controlled breaths, she tiptoes into the apartment, eyes scanning every shadow, every corner, listening for the faintest sound of movement. The living room is dim, the curtains still drawn, but something feels… off. A picture frame is tilted. A coaster is on the floor.
Someone is in her house.
Broom raised, she moves from room to room—silent, alert, ready.
And she is determined to find the intruder before they find her.
"You're going to need a lot more than a broom to stop me"