Shard and Shadow

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Chapter 1 / 4-6

Shard and Shadow

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Clash Beneath the Canopy

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A Changed Alberia

Summary

Just as the prince is about to claim the Shard, a man who resembles King Aurelius appears and makes off with both Zethia and the Shard. The prince and his friends rest in an old castle called the Halidom, then make for the royal city.

Dialogue

Ugh... I can't see anything in all this mist.

Are you SURE this is the way?

Yes... Or at least, it will be. Euden, head that way, into the deepest part of the mist. All right.

Euden acts on Cleo's words and takes a step into the mist. The moment he does, countless rays of light flood the forest, dispelling the mist like a bad dream. Almost as if it were welcoming him as the land's new king.

Just look at it... You'd never know a land this large was hiding in the mist. So pretty! It's just like the pictures of Old Alberia I saw in my storybooks. The vista and fresh air are revitalizing me. I can feel my memory starting to clear.

I cannot believe this day has finally come. There it is, Euden. That is the Sacred Shard you have been searching for.

This is it... I've never seen anything so lovely. You did it, Euden! Now we just need to return it to the royal city.

Everyone will be so pleased! I cannot wait to tell Father.

I have you now, Auspex. Everyone, get down! You will hand over that wretched Shard...right...now. F-Father? But I thought you went to the Binding Ruins. Oh, I went. Indeed I went.

I awoke in the miasma and reclaimed one of what was lost.

What are you talking about, Father? You're not making any sense! I thank you for removing the detestable barrier protecting this land.

I set all the fiends I could muster upon it, but the sylvan kept thwarting my efforts. However, you have solved that problem. Now nothing stands in my way.

So those fiends WERE being controlled by someone. Good! I've been lookin' for someone to blame for all this fiend nonsense.

Looks like King Jerkface here is the guy I need to talk to.

You have me all wrong, my friend. I am the king of mercy.

Because today is the day I grant you all eternal rest!

Your Highness, look out! Nngaaah! Elly? Hold on, I'm— AUGH! Euden! Guys! The heck is going on?! Rrgh... Who the hell is this guy? He hits as hard as a...dragon... Nnnh... He is using a forbidden curse to obstruct our mana! This is not our father, Euden. Why do you look like our father?! Heh heh heh! And why would I tell an insignificant speck like you?

Now come, Auspex. Surrender to me, and I will spare the others. You and the Shard are all I want. I care not if these maggots live or die. Now...surrender to me, Auspex!

Zethia...no...don't... Don't do it... Run...! I won't leave you here to die, and I will not surrender!

Blessed Ilia! Help us!

What's...going on? My body is feeling...hot...and I feel power...that's welling inside of me...I...

AAAAAAAAH!

He shapeshifted without a pact? How is that possible? Do I somehow have the power to awaken his dragonblood? Graaagh! Elysium!

You vile, accursed creature! How dare you stand in my way again!

What just happened? Zethia, did you do...that? Brother! Are you all right?! Stay with us! Dragonblood and maiden's prayer have united to awaken the new king...

The cycle repeats...and that I cannot abide.

Are you kiddin' me? How is he still standin' after getting nailed by an attack like that? Zethia... Again! Give me that power again!

It's the only way to protect everyone!

You're in no state to shapeshift again.

Your wounds have opened, and doing so could kill you. Please, Your Highness...

He's getting up? The wretched fool...

He does remind me of Alberius... But today the dragon bloodline ends!

Wait! ...All right. You win. Mmm? What's this? I'll go with you.

Only if you swear to spare their lives.

Zethia, no! What are you saying?! One day, Euden will save our people. Alberia cannot afford to lose him.

If we try to resist, all of us will perish. The wisest choice is for me to obey.

At least one of you has some sense.

Now bring me the Shard.

I'm sorry, everyone. Be safe. ...Good-bye, Euden. No... Zethia, no! Why?!

What do we do, Euden?!

We go after him! Nnnngh... You're injured, Your Highness! He'll kill you if you try anything! Right now, ya need to heal up so we can figure out what'n blazes just happened. All...all right. We'll return to the royal city as soon as I can move.

Father will know who that imposter was.

Sounds like we got us a big battle ahead. Ha! Sign me up! The mist has cleared. That means the castle here is ours to use.

It is called the Halidom. This is where Alberius the Founder's dynasty began. We should tarry here for a while and explore the castle. We may find something useful for the battles ahead. Also, if you will have me, I wish to accompany you and offer what help I can.

You've been a lot of help, Cleo. We'd be lucky to have you.

All right, everyone. We'll rest at the Halidom and prepare for the next leg of our journey.