CHAPTER 21 – HEART OF THE NATION
- Amethyst
- 3 March, 2026
- Amethyst
- 3 March, 2026
“Rise and shine!”
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Zayden wakes Jowlani around eight o’clock in the morning. Today’s the day they venture off to the capital of Netralia.
The search for allies in the war against Altgrön continues, and the national government needs to pull their weight in order to succeed. So far, they’ve been hesitant allocating people and resources to it. After the fall of Faucon-Bas, it seems they’re making more haste, hoping their city doesn’t fall next.
Aunt Serena has decided to remain in Zomerhoven, just like Adnap. Blacksmith Luke and seer Kelly are aiding L’Tesera in making Zomerhoven the new bastion. That is until work on the new city and headquarters is complete. As long as Zomerhoven stands, there is a chance to win this war.
Jowlani, Zayden and Laura ascend into a carriage and the rider signals the horses. Off they go, an hour long trip towards the capital.
“Have you ever been to the capital? I once went there, but I was way more adorable than now. I’m still cute, but you know what I mean.”
Jowlani and Zayden both nod no towards Laura.
“I’ve not even heard the name of the capital. It seems like everyone has been shy to say what it’s name is. Like it’s a horror story of some sorts.”
“As someone from Altgrön, I would normally never be allowed anywhere near the capital of this country. I would be halted and jailed at the gate immediately. Studies never told me either.”
Laura shakes heavy no’s with her head.
“It’s not horror at all. It’s called the city of Heaven’s Stars for a reason, shortened to Caelhem. It’s a different language, so no idea what that means. The people there are called the “People of the Heavenly City”. Its’ ruler is the “Sovereign of Light of Caelhem”. I don’t know who it is exactly, but I’ll guess we’ll meet them in person soon.
No clouds in the sky, a sun and a mildly warm temperature today, the ride goes by with a breeze, just like the wind.
Exiting the carriage in front of the city gates, they are greeted by a knight on a horse.
“Good morning sirs and lady. Welcome to Caelhem, the city of Heaven’s Stars. I will escort you to our ruler and the current prime minister of Netralia. The Sovereign of Light of Caelhem will hear your plea on the current state of affairs. Follow me.”
He steps down from his horse and the party take a walk through the city. High buildings surround central roads and pathways. Unlike Zomerhoven, this seems much more slick. Filled with less… joy and feelings of happiness. The buildings are grey, stale and made of iron.
“This may not look like a city of pleasure to you. The capital has been overthrown many times in the last hundreds of years. Therefore, the rulers of the past decided to make our city more durable against any form of agressors coming our way. It’s paid off, but we lack a bit of colour here and there in the city centre. The outskirts will look much more Zomerhoven, or your own town. A shame it’s fallen. No worries, in time we will reclaim it and aid resources for it’s rebuilding. Now, here we are. The Shire of Light awaits inside the castle.”
They head inside, and are greeted by an official. He instructs them to wait until a bell is rung.
That’s their signal to head inside the shire, now closed of by what looks like a vault door.
“Inside this door, lies the Shire of Light. It’s our secret small village inside the city. Only the highest people in power, from here and around the nation, gather to deliberate urgent matters. In times of need like this, political gatherings and votes take place here. Take note of what I say next. There is no need to speak on formal tone with the Sovereign, as long as you remain respectful. Be short and concise and state what you desire. That’s the way to success. I wish you the best of luck. I will take my leave here for now. I will join you though at the new headquarters when it’s finished. The name’s Roderick by the way. Catch you on the winning side of war!”
The official then takes the party to a side room and waits with them for a couple of minutes. They then hear the bell.
“Thank you for your patience. To ensure maximum security, only handpicked officials by the Sovereign are able to open the doors to the Shire. It’s time you head to your audience with them. May the guidance of light be with you, praise be the heaven and stars!”
The party walks back from the side room and the Shire door has been opened. A new official instructs them to enter, and the door is immediately locked behind them. Click and clangs tell Jowlani there are around ten to twelve kinds of locks in place. Highly secure therefore.
He knows from experience since he always lockpicked chests as a kid. He did so to garner food and resources like wood to stay warm, after his parents died. It provided him with all the necessary items while he grew up. Aunt Serena once busted him, but let it slide since she took care of him as well. His path turned from sour to sweet during the years. Now alongside Zayden and Laura, he’s leading the to be newly found resistance.
Inside the shire, it looks like a calm and peaceful village, much like Faucon-Bas. Old, wood, and green most of all. Filled with plants, flowers, trees. It’s like an entire mini ecosystem that’s been put in place. Straight ahead of them, is a bigger.. hut. That seems like a fitting description of it.
Once they get to the entrance of the hut, the final act of security is displayed.
“Those who like to enter the Sovereign’s Quarters, know the word.”
Jowlani, Zayden and Laura look confused. No one has mentioned a word or sentence needed to come this far.
“What do we do now? We weren’t instructed by anyone we needed this.”
“It can’t be that we’ve come this far, to go back without any allyship, just because of a miserable password we never learned of.”
Laura has an idea. “Maybe if I just act all cute, they’ll let us pass!”
“That has never worked with anything Laura. Ask Jowlani. This is pointless. Unless we meet with the Sterrelyn, we won’t win this war.”
“What did you just say?” asks Jowlani to Zayden. “Sterrelyn? Not heard of that.”
“I managed to catch it from one of the officials earlier on. It’s like an additional title to the Sovereign of Light, used as last name for the ruler. It’s Caelira Sterrelyn. Let’s try that!”
They walk up to the official and say together: “Sterrelyn”.
The official confirms:
“That is correct. You may enter the Sovereign’s Quarters. We will monitor every step you put inside. Every breath, every word. All is monitored to keep the Sovereign safe from intruders.” He then moves away from the door. It’s opened up from the inside. A bright light appears. So bright, that you can not see the inside of the hut. A distorted call out is made to the party.
“Bringers of Peaceful Light, I, Caelira Sterrelyn, Sovereign of Light of Caelhem, prime minister of Netralia, have awaited you. Enter my premises after I finish speaking. Once inside, state the nature of your business so I can convene quickly. No time for small talk, but no time for high formality either. Let’s bring people together and peace back to these lands.”
The trio walks up and into the bright light. All appears white like nothing else is around them.
“Welcome to the waiting hall. The Sovereign is almost ready to see you. Make yourself at ease as you wait.” A comfortable couch with a side table appears. On it is a tea set, with self-pouring hot tea in cups, with a glass of water next to it.
They sit down and wait like instructed. The moment of truth is near.
Does the Sovereign and the national government vote in favour of or against the war against Altgrön?
Will the Sovereign provide more information about the creation of a new headquarters?
Can the trio convince the Sovereign and leadership that they are the destined leaders of the new resistance force?