Hex: The Fall of Aethria

Despite the dark sky and cool quiet air, the Godswood seems to remain fully alive and alert. The light breeze of late summer sweeps through the trees like soft air filling human lungs. Nestled in the middle of the Wood stands the Sacred City of Aethria, cocooned within its stone wall and surrounded by its deep moat. Despite sleep hanging over the perimeter, the men of the Brotherhood stand tall as the city’s sworn protectors. Each day and night the Brothers perch themselves atop and around the city wall, ready to defend Aethria from anyone who would wish to disturb her peace. Most nights are peaceful. Some are dreadfully boring. But tonight, a sound can be heard. Heavy footsteps crescendo as the presence draws closer. The men exchange weary glances. It is unusual to receive entrants to the city so far into the night.Out from the trees emerges a rhinoceros. Her leathery skin bathes in the glow of the moonlight. The medallion that hangs around her neck glints. There is no mistaking the brilliance of pure Emberish gold. As the rhino draws further away from the trees, behind her appears an ornate carriage fit for royalty. Two Brothers posted right at the base of the moat cross their spears. The rhino groans as it comes to a stop. Down climbs its rider; a tall man with skin almost as dark as the rhino itself. Judging from his uniform it is clear he is a soldier of the Midja, the Emberish Army.The rider walks over to the nearest Brother. He towers over them by at least a foot, but the men are not shaken. One stares right up into the rider’s eyes. “State your business in Aethria,” he commands. The rider peers down at the men as two look him over. His expression is unreadable. He slowly reaches a hand into his satchel. The Brothers tighten their grip around their spears. Their breaths stop as they wait to see what the rider will present to them. They need not worry, however. The rider simply reveals a parchment. He unfurls it gingerly and clears his throat.“Presenting Valeria of Britalka–newly selected Eye of our Lord Finnigas to be anointed in the Great Basilica in two days time;” announces the rider. The Brothers at the top of the wall look on at the carriage with a newfound curiosity. Whispers had overtaken the realm of the liaison the God of Flames’ chosen mortal liaison. Valeria is to be the first female in history to ever be anointed.“Awfully late to be making your arrival,” a Brother loudly muses from the other side of the moat; an eyebrow raised. The rider remains unphased. He simply shrugs.“My lady was anxious not to spend anymore time camping in the Godswood,” he dismisses. “The journey from the Emberlands is not easy for someone of her age. Nor is the threat of an encounter with the nightcrawlers.”Despite the quick spread of the news of Finnigas’ pick, the rumors were unclear on if Valeria had completed eighty years of age or eight. Some say she is unable to read or write due to her impoverished upbringing. Others claim she is mute.“Very well,” affirms the Brother standing before the rider. He turns and looks up at the very top of the wall. “Draw the bridge!”A few moments pass in silence before the heavy wooden door slowly begins to fall. The metal chains scrape against each other as the door makes its way to the ground. Startled by the commotion, birds erupt from the surrounding trees. As the door slowly touches the ground behind them, the rider walks back and mounts his steed. He spurs the rhino forward, onto the drawbridge and over the moat. As they pass, the two Brothers at the base try their best to peek into the carriage. Due to the carriage’s curtain and the cover of night, however, their attempts are unsuccessful. The mysterious Valeria remains–at least until her Anointing Day–a mystery.Feeling adventurous? The realm awaits…. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heritagio.substack.com