CHAPTER 14: RETURN TO NETRALIA

JOIN OUR ADVENTURES:

Amethyst
17 August, 2025

The trembles of war are knocking on the doorsteps of the border between Netralia and Altgrön. That is what we have learned so far from this journey. Zayden and Marques have just crossed the border again, aided by Helmut. Without him, there is no doubt that Zayden and Marques would face severe punishment. It’s now time for them to head back to Faucon-Bas. Zayden’s mind is only set on seeing Jowlani again. To apologise for taking the purple stone all the way to Netralia. Losing it could be the key factor to losing the war. In the end, it’s safe and sound with Zayden. For how long will that last, if the invasion of the land begins?

The carriage rides once again on the main street of Faucon-Bas. It stops right where it once departed. In front of Jowlani’s house. It’s just past dawn and the sunlight is starting to shine. To ensure their safety, Helmut steps out first. He scouts the vicinity and calls it coast clear. Marques follow and Zayden leaves the carriage last. The rider is instructed to park at the nearest stable.

Zayden walks up to the front of the house. He knocks on the door and waits. A minute passes by, two minutes pass by. No answer. Until… from the neighbouring house emanates the always smiling Serena. She has a basket of washed clothes in her hands and looks towards Jowlani’s house. She drops the basket rapidly and runs over, already shouting:

“It IS you! You came back. Oh dear boy, so many stories to tell. So many worries to share, tears to cry, laughs to laugh! Welcome back!”

As soon as she nears Zayden, she opens her arms and hugs him intense. Then she goes up to the door, and yells through the keyhole: “Oh my, the house is on fire. Jowlani, wake up and run! Save Zayden!”

Apparently that is enough to trigger Jowlani’s sleep to end. In just a couple of minutes Jowlani unlocks and open the door. His sleepy head can only see aunt Serena.

“Why did you wake me up auntie? The house is fine. What were you mumbling about Zayden? He’s in Altgrön, remember? This is not the time for games to play with me. I slept bad and I’m a bit cranky.”

Aunt Serena says nothing and only smiles at him. After waving her hands in front of him to prevent him seeing, she steps aside. Jowlani can now see Zayden, Marques and Helmut.

“Hello there. Did you miss me when I was gone?” Zayden asks with a timid voice.

Jowlani runs past aunt Serena, down the doorsteps, towards Zayden. He smiles and yet tears come from his eyes as he runs. Zayden opens his arms for him and they embrace intense. Zayden can’t keep his emotions in check and tears flow across his face as well.

This is a moment that both of them were waiting for. A return to the past, even if not so long ago. To be together as partners and friends. This moment could last forever, though there is much going on in the world.

“It’s so good to see you again. I missed nothing at all, but you. You’re the one that matters to me. It is like I’m whole again. How was the trip? You’re back so early, I did not expect that. What happened there? We should head inside so we can have breakfast together.”

Aunt Serena waves everyone inside and she makes a full breakfast for all five of them. As they finish, Helmut makes a suggestion:

“Zayden, this may not be the best moment to talk about this. But we have to prepare.”

Jowlani and Serena look at each other and wonder what this is about. And so, Zayden tells the full story since the moment Marques and him left for Altgrön. From the events at the border, the events in Schenken, and the journey back to Faucon-Bas.

“Oh my goodness Zay, that’s awful. Just awful. I’m glad to see you alright. Thank you sir Helmut for bringing him back here. I don’t want to imagine what could have happened without you. Marques, thanks for protecting him as well. With this war on our doorsteps near our small village, we have to fight. There’s no other way.”

Zayden shakes his head and makes a cross with his arms. “I love you, but we can’t do this on our own. We would need far more protection. Helmut sent some border guards as messengers to the national government. To instruct them of what awaits us. We are the frontline here, as the first village to possibly fall. We can make a stand, if we have the right people. The Magician’s Faction can help us, but they would need weeks to prepare. Let’s hope we can buy time. We need to gather the most valuable people we can to help us.”

Jowlani and Serena make their way to the city centre. Zayden, Marques and Helmut head to the University of Magic. Once they return right at noon, Laura, Adnap and professor Rania have joined at Jowlani’s house. The events that occurred are explained to them as well. They stand firmly behind the rest of the group.

“Oh jeepers, this is bad news and bad timing. I was supposed to travel abroad soon. Well, guess it’s time for Team Laura to assemble for the greater good!”

Adnap also speaks: “This situation is getting out of control. Us merchants will assemble our goods and materials and put up the necessary traps across the way. That will create barriers at the border for our enemies, to buy us at least a couple of more hours.”

Professor Rania seems reluctant to speak, but when she does, she is firm.

“I knew this was bound to happen. Jowlani, Zayden, you made the right decisions. The path of fate walks amongst you two. You made the choice now to stand for what you believe in. For whom you love. This means I will face my brother once again in battle. A challenge, ending in life and death. Last time, I underestimated him. Now, I am fully ready. All students of the University will be assembled by the director and me. We have a couple of days left. We will train them with the best magic possible. To defend themselves and take out the enemy if needed.

Zayden, I want you to lead the resistance in melee combat, alongside Helmut. We go way back, and I know he’s a master in tactics. Jowlani, I want you to lead the resistance unit of magic. I will assist you in decision making and instructing professors and students. Adnap and Serena will be in charge of the necessities of food, beverages, equipment and healing our forces. Are we all agreed?”

A very loud “Yes ma’am!” sounds in unison. Final details are discussed, so everyone is on board with professor Rania’s plan. Helmut explains tactical strategies and instructions after that. Everyone’s role is clear, concise and they are ready to take on their task. They all leave Jowlani’s house on their way to their posts for the upcoming days.

Except for Jowlani, Zayden and professor Rania. She has more to tell them.

“Young men like you should not be fighting a massive war. You should roam free on this world, living out everything you dreamt of. Fate has other plans for you it seems. Before I let you go Zayden, I want you to accompany Jowlani and me. As it so happens, a member of the Magician’s Faction is here in Faucon-Bas. I invited him over to speak about next year’s curriculum at the University. Follow me, and learn more of how we can at least save the citizens here.”

The trio venture off towards the University of Magic. They walk past the Magician’s Square and its fountain, to a building on the western end of the grounds.

Rania knocks on the door and a man opens. They all have to look down, as this man is not very tall per se. He answers: “Oh Rania, it’s you. This must be Jowlani and Zayden. Welcome back to Netralia. I know of the events already. Come inside, so we can discuss.”

The man is small of stature, way smaller than Jowlani. He wears a blue robes, blue shoes and a blue bandana. Underneath the bandana, they see two colours. Having both blue and green hair. It piques Jowlani’s interest, as he’s undergoing his own journey of self-love at the moment.

“Sir, can I ask more about your hair, after you introduce yourself? It’s got my interest!”

The man suggest them to sit down, and pours a cup of tea for everyone. He sits down himself and sighs.

“How did we get to this point once again, Rania? I thought we were done with wars. The last one was exhausting for me. I’m here, but I swear this is the last time I’ll be leading the Magician’s Faction. It’s time to stand down.”

Zayden and Jowlani both look confused. He did say ‘the last one’, which was over 240 years ago.

“Kind sir, did you just mention what I think you said? Are you… ummm.. that experienced in life? Is that even possible?”

The man starts snickering a bit and answers Zayden’s question.

“Yes, that is correct. I have lived for a couple of hundred years now. That is the curse of the magic I possess in my body. Living this long is not a blessing when you’ve seen many people pass away. Ones you loved, ones you hate and ones you don’t know. Your dear professor bears the same kind of magic. We once fought alongside against Altgrön. We both survived, though barely.

I am Alexander van der Beerenstra. Leader of the Magician’s Faction. Former prime minister of Netralia for twelve years. It is my duty to protect this country till the end of my days, which means for almost eternity. Even if I have lost my partner and my children in the last war, I gained undying love for them and a lot of wisdom. To prevent that people I hold dear, are lost in something useless called war.

We have not chosen this form of life, but fate has bestowed this upon us. Ordinary people only hunger for money, power and might. That is not the way we should behave amongst the same species. However, I understand it is your family this time Zayden, that wishes to claim all life has to offer. Hardships will come fast. They make you a better person though if you handle them right.

Enough chatter about me. You both will lead and spearhead your respective divisions. As Zayden will be instructed by General Grafmann, we leave him be. Jowlani, I will train you as my right-hand man until you can take over the reins of the Magician’s Faction. Rania and I will guide you, so that we can keep the greater part of Netralia safe. I cannot promise you both that Faucon-Bas will stand. It may fall as the invasion occurs. If we manage to win time here, our chances of winning the war increase greatly. As former prime minister, I request you to do your utmost to aid this beautiful country. For progress towards a better future for all of us. For a land where everyone is equal and no one is left behind or cast out.”

The pair nods “yes” towards Alexander and shake hands with him. This deal will mean that the path of destiny is set. Gearing up for an imminent war.

The pages of time turn darker and darker again. When will it see the light again?

AMETHYSTADV