18 years passed after the night of the burnings.The kingdom of Astraeon faces a major crisis.
"The Oracle predicted that within 20 years this kingdom will collapse! Yet none of you have made any progress in finding the hero who shall save this kingdom."
The king of Astraeon Marcus Astra said. With an heir of dignity and frustration. He knew from personal experience that the Oracles predictions are never wrong. The Oracle that has lived for 5 centuries is what led to his ancestors to create this kingdom in the first place. It is a wrinkly looking old woman. With white hair and weak arms. Unassuming in appearance, but it's been blessed with starlight. Allowing it to predict the future with accuracy unrivaled.
" But sire. If a boy who could not speak was born, he would be killed before he turn a year old. We searched everywhere but couldn't find a single one alive! "
A minister said, his voice tense. Every other minister nodded in unison.
"There might be one." The queen, Olivia Astra chimed in.
" There was a incident 18 years ago of a village burning a husband and wife for birthing a mute boy. It's rumored that someone had snatched the boy from the mob. Preventing his death as well. Maybe he is the one the Oracle is talking about? "
" Wouldn't the kidnapper just sell the boy to verdanth? That kingdom doesn't kill of undesirables. It enslaved them instead. Slaves there sell for 100s of Mark. The kidnapper will be set for the rest of his life! Not to mention, the boy is the son of a commoner couple. He couldn't possibly use the Radiance. How could a boy with no radiance defeat whatever is trying to cause the collapse of the kingdom? Exclaimed one of the ministers. Not convinced with the queens suggestion.
" We failed to change the tradition. Nowhere was it stated by the Oracle that the kid had to be born the same year as that old hag predicted the kingdoms downfall. Yet even with the royal decree making burning undesirables and their parents illegal. The people still did it. Albeit secretly. Some influence you have as a king." Atlas spoke, mocking his father.
"You shouldn't speak to your father like that Atlas! He's trying his best!" The queen shouted at Atlas.
" He is correct honey. I failed to change the hearts and minds of the people of my kingdom. How can I call myself a king if I can't lead my own people?"The king said, with a sad look. Knowing his son was correct in his mockery.
"But we must continue! If our dear Astraeon is to survive, we must find the hero blessed by the moon and who has never spoken a word."
The moon shines brightly in the sky. It's beauty enamores the boy looking up at it from the roof of his hut.
" KAI ASTRA !" A woman screamed with s terrifying voice. Shaking the boy on to his core.
" Get down here! I know you are the one broke my clay bootle! "
Kai was afraid. He knew he was in trouble. He contemplated staying on top of the roof for the rest of his life. Realizing how unrealistic that is he hesitantly came down. Entering his hut braced for a beating of a lifetime.