In a world where magic is part of everyday reality, there existed three independent realms: Parsani, Aeber and Reight. There were many scattered villages and each held their own allegiance to the realm of their preference, but they did not necessarily follow their beliefs.

The first one, and the oldest, was the realm of Parsani, the land of the warriors. The Parsanian leader, Jeyson, was a fierce warrior and was very much loved by his people. He had a family: three daughters and a son. His wife, Aagatha, was the sister of the King of Aeber.

Unlike any realm on this world, Aeber was a kingdom. With the ruthless King Aarin and the two motherless sons, Aasdrel and Aaniv, Aeber was known to be the realm of deceit, discord and fortune. Formed centuries after Parsani, it still held many advances that were acquired at the expense of others.

Reight was regarded by the other realms as the rebellious barbarians who aren’t as wise as to follow them. They were very secretive people; all they needed was in their land. Few have ever really seen them, none have interacted with them. All that’s known from them is that they wore their hair long, not many clothes and painted their bodies with white and red. They lived in a forest isle.

On Parsani, the chief family was dining. Aagatha and Jeyson were at the head of the table, their son in the chair right to Jeyson, followed by his youngest daughter. On the other side the other daughters. The servants brought the food in, trays filled with meat, fruits and potatoes.

The son spoke, “Dad, Iower is coming.” “When, son?” “I hope tonight”, interrupted Aagatha. “All that travel by sea is not good for a pregnant belly.”, she added. “Did the mage tell her what’s it going to be?”, asked the oldest aunt-to-be. “She said on the letter that she would tell me as soon as she gets here.”, replied her brother. They remained silent, only the grind of food was heard.

When they had finished, the daughters rose respectfully. “Sit.”, said the father. “What is it?”, said the middle daughter. “Yesuil, Jeyson, Fwery and Aaeryn, there is a matter we all must discuss.”, said the father seriously. “Aaeryn, have you decided?”, he added. “Father, I have, but I don’t think it is who you want.”, the youngest daughter said with her head bowed. “Don’t tell me you chose that kid, Drok! He is a measly wizard! He doesn’t even know how to do a simple spell!”, protested Aagatha. “Do you?”, reacted Aaeryn. “Do I?” “Yes. Do you know how to do a simple spell? They are very complicated, and he is learning.”

“Is this your choice?”, asked her father. “I love him.”, said Aaeryn. “But, what about Aasdrel? He is going to be a king soon.”, protested Aagatha again. “Well, like you said, he doesn’t even know how to do a simple spell!”, replied Aaeryn as she rose from her chair and left to her room. Fwery, the middle sister, followed her. Yesuil and Jeyson stared at their father, then their mother and then back to their father. “How am I going to tell this to Aarin, he won’t like it one bit.”, sighed Aagatha. “We will write him a letter. Anyway, I didn’t like the idea of cousins marrying…”, the father said.

On Aaeryn’s room, they were lying on the bed. “You are lucky, if this had happened when Yesuil had to marry or I, we would not be here.”, said Fwery. “Isn’t it better, though.”, asked Aaeryn. “What?” “To leave here, even if it’s just for a while.” “I’ve been out there, it’s not so great.” “At least you’ve been there, at war…” “Well, you weren’t of age, plus you know the rule: no marriage, no war.” “It’s a pretty stupid rule.”

“I heard that.”, interrupted their father. Both women sat upright on the bed. Fwery tried to make amends, “Sorry, father, we did not mean to—“ “It’s alright, I understand.”, he interrupted again. “Aaeryn, write a letter sending for Drok. I’m sending both messages tonight.”, said Jeyson. “Yes, father.”

The following day, King Aarin received a letter from the Parsani realm. “Come, son. This must be news of your engagement.” Aasdrel rushed to his father’s side with eagerness. ‘Dear brother, I regret to inform you that my daughter’s heart is far from your wondrous kingdom. It lies on one of the villages of wizards faithful to Parsani. This has been her choice, and it is my duty to respect it. Your sister, Aagatha.’

The king tore the letter to pieces and grabbed the messenger by his shoulders. “Who is my niece favoring?” The messenger trembled and in a quivering voice replied, “I know not, sir. I know that I must send this other letter to a village called Hogu.” “Is that a wizard village?” “Yessir… I know that the royal family vacations there often.” “Could I see the letter?” “No, sir. Chief Jeyson hisself asked me not to show this letter to anyone.” “Then, will you tell me what’s in the letter?” “I know not what’s in the letter. But I heard that Chief Jeyson is sending for his daughter’s fiancée by means of his fastest ship, the Apollion.” “Thank you messenger, for your trouble.” King Aarin’s stout hand made way in his cloak, and came out with many gold coins. He handed them to the sweating messenger. “Thank you, s—sir.” The messenger left the royal room.

“So, I’m not getting married? Wonderful!”, Aasdrel said inexpressively as he yawned. “I would not be so sure of that, Aasdrel.”, the King said as he walked around in circles grasping the information he now had. “Aaniv!”, he called. Aaniv, the younger prince, ran towards his father. “Yes, my King.”, he bowed. “We have suffered a minor setback that must be remedied without delay…” “Father, what do you plan to do?”, asked Aasdrel. “Well… We must take matters into our own hands. Aaniv, have you been training the guards?” “Yes.” “Very well then, take the Guoif for a spin… Head towards the village of Hogu. Keep the ship between Parsani’s path and that island. When you see the Apollion, follow it, and after it leaves Hogu attack it, and leave no prisoners.”, the King demanded as a smile curled up his thin mouth. Aaniv bowed and made to leave the room. “Oh, and Aaniv, don’t let anyone know this was our attack…” “Yes, my King.” “Oh, and don’t screw this up.”

Later, that day, the village of Hogu was uneventful. Uneventful, of course, if you’ve been in a wizard village before. There were many young wizards messing up their spells, as disapproving older wizards were running around trying to make amends to the mess. The messenger was at last in his final destination, and as he stepped off the harbor, he was impressed. It was a beautiful island with massive palaces. It seemed richer than any other realm. An aging wizard came to him. “Yes?”, asked the tall thin man. “I’m here with a message from Chief Jeyson.” “To whom?”, he said elongating the last syllable. “To a young wizard, by the name of—“ “Drok!!!”, shrieked an old lady in the back. “Drok.”, the messenger finished as he looked towards the shrieking lady. “Yes, the young man is incorrigible. He tries to learn the magical ways, but he thinks too much, he can’t really let go. Do you know what I mean?”, said the old wizard. “No, not really.” The wizard glared at the messenger.

Drok, a young man, saw the messenger, and saw that the messenger had the shield of Parsani embroidered in his left chest. He ran towards the messenger and with wide eyes and a big smile said, “Please, tell me it is good news from her.” “Here is the letter.”, the messenger handed the much awaited letter. ‘My dearest Drok. My heart is filled with joy as I write this letter. Mom and dad have agreed to our love, and we can finally be wed. Father will send his fastest ship as soon as I receive your letter saying you agree. We will meet and hold the celebration here. Any of your wizard friends may come. This is truly a splendid occasion and all should celebrate. Yours forever, Aaeryn.’

Drok jumped up and down and laughed as he held the letter to his heart. “I take it, she said yes.”, said the old wizard. “Yes! And her parents! We will be wed as soon as I get there.” “How will you get there?” “They will send a ship! Bolter, my friend, you have to come, it is my wedding!” “I can’t, young student. Many others are seeking my counsel here.” Drok pouted, but the smile ultimately made way.

“Will you be sending a letter?”, asked the swarthy messenger. “Yes. Yes! Hold on.”, Drok went inside one of the palaces. “I thought that Lady Aagatha wanted her daughter with her nephew.” “Yes, that’s right, but the Lady’s heart remained true to her daughter’s.” “And what about that ruthless king?” “Well, he didn’t take the news lightly b—b—but he re—he re—resigned in the end.” “Did he?”, Bolter’s eyes squinted. “Y--yessir, he did.” “Right.”, the old wizard went inside the palace.