Kael Varos — Age 13 The Morning After the Feast
I. AFTER THE NIGHTMARE — STORM WITHOUT LIGHT
Kael did not wake gently.
He jerked awake—covered in cold sweat, heart pounding so violently his ribs ached. For a moment, he didn't know where he was. The shadows of the dorm room felt wrong, shaped like the skeletal silhouette of the Horseman.
Then a warm weight pressed against his ribs.
Valdyros.
The tiny dragon was curled tightly against him, wings wrapped around Kael like a protective cocoon. The sacred beast's scales, normally shimmering gold, were a dim muted bronze—the color of fear.
Valdyros slowly opened one eye.
« You screamed again. » His telepathic voice was rougher than usual. « This time, you tried to summon lightning in your sleep and nearly set the blankets on fire. »
Kael swallowed, throat raw. "Did I wake the others?"
« No. I shielded the sound. » Valdyros flicked his tail. « You needed rest. Even if you did not get it. »
Kael pushed himself upright, groaning as pain shot through his muscles. The aftereffects of Anti-Source exposure burned like ice under his skin.
"This isn't what I thought power would feel like," he whispered.
Valdyros snorted.
« Power is never what children expect. It is weight. Responsibility. Hunger. And cost. »
Kael rubbed his arms, shivering despite the heat.
"It felt like he was eating me. Like he could drain everything I am."
« He could have. » Valdyros's voice trembled. « If Daen and the others had arrived one minute later, you would be an empty husk. »
Kael closed his eyes.
Helda's split body.
Dolsen turning to ash.
The starving mask leaning toward him.
His stomach twisted.
You burn bright… little spark…
He squeezed his eyes shut.
Not again.
Not again.
Not again—
A soft knock shook him from the memory.
Before he could respond, the door creaked open.
II. LYRIA — THE WATER THAT CALMS THE STORM
Lyria stepped inside quietly.
Her hair flowed like a dark river around her shoulders, and her aqua water rings glowed faintly on her fingers. She paused when she saw him—shoulder tense, jaw clenched, body shaking.
Her expression softened with heartbreaking tenderness.
"Kael…"
She didn't ask.
She simply crossed the room and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close.
His forehead pressed against her shoulder, and for the first time since the attack, his breathing steadied.
"I'm here," she whispered. "You're not alone."
Kael's voice cracked. "I thought—I thought he was going to kill all of you."
"You saved us," she said fiercely. "You stood there. Alone. Against a Horseman."
Kael shook his head. "And I almost died."
Lyria pulled back just enough to look into his eyes.
"You lived. And we're all alive because of you. Even if you can't see that right now."
He swallowed hard.
"You shouldn't have had to see that," he whispered. "Any of you."
Lyria cupped his face gently, her water rings glowing brighter.
"Kael… I fight because I choose to. Because I believe in us. Stop blaming yourself for our choices."
He didn't answer.
She pressed her forehead against his.
"You survived something no one your age—or any age—should survive."
Kael's breath trembled.
"Are the others okay?"
Lyria nodded.
"They're awake now. Sore. Tired. Scared. But okay."
Kael exhaled shakily, relief washing over him.
Valdyros spoke softly.
« They waited outside your room all morning. Especially her. »
Lyria's face flushed. She quickly cleared her throat.
"You'll see them in the strategy hall. The king asked for us."
Kael tensed instantly. "The king? Already?"
"Kael," Lyria said softly, "you don't have to face this alone."
He met her eyes.
And for a moment—just a moment—the storm inside him eased.
III. THE STRATEGY HALL — A NATION'S EYES ON THE SEVEN
The hall was enormous—ceiling arched like a cathedral, sunlight streaming through crystal skylights. Maps of entire continents were carved into the marble floor, glowing faintly with runes.
When the Seven entered, everyone inside turned to look.
Not with fear.
With awe.
Kael hated it.
Ryven waved wildly. "Morning, Kael! You look less like death today!"
Serin shot him a glare. "Show some decorum, you buffoon. We are in the presence of the king."
Ryven shrugged. "And?"
Korran stood nearby, back straight, face stoic, but Kael could see the worry beneath it.
Nira rushed forward and hugged Kael tightly. "Don't scare us like that again."
Kael froze at the sudden embrace, then gently patted her shoulder. "I'll try not to."
Valdyros flicked his tail smugly.
« The child will do his best, which is to say: chaos is inevitable. »
Kael shot him a look. "Not helping."
The room shifted as King Eryndor stepped forward.
His presence alone could have filled the hall.
Strong. Calm. But carrying a weight Kael had never noticed before.
"You all came back alive," the king said softly. "For that, Elyndria thanks you."
His gaze lingered on Kael.
"You, especially."
Kael bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, we—"
"No."The king raised a hand."Today, you speak as someone who survived what most would call a myth. No need for apology or humility."
Kael swallowed.
The king turned to the entire hall.
"Write this day into the archives. The Seven of the Silver Road stand as budding heroes of Elyndria."
Servants hurried to inscribe the moment on glowing scrolls.
Kael's chest tightened.
Heroes?
He didn't feel like a hero.
He felt like a survivor.
IV. THE MISSION — GOLDEN ROAD TO VHARDAIN
The king gestured to a massive table covered in maps and markers.
"Your next mission will test your unity."
At the king's right, Princess Arion stepped forward. She was poised, regal—and staring directly at Kael.
"This expedition is diplomatic," she said. "But Vardain is… tense. Stern. Watching us closely."
Serin cleared his throat politely. "Their Iron Theocracy does not trust outside magic."
"Correct," Arion said. "They regulate mages. Monitor Source usage. Some rumors say they still practice old rites to the Creator."
Valdyros growled low in his throat.
« Creator-fanatics. Dangerous fools. »
Kael blinked. "Why dangerous?"
« Because they see the Prime Architect as a usurper. And the Anti-Architect as a punishment. Your triple-gates? Your storm? They will see you as an omen. Maybe a blasphemy. »
Kael stiffened.
Arion stepped closer.
"You seven will escort me through the Golden Road to Vardain's border. From there, we meet the Vardaini Sentinels."
Kael frowned. "The Golden Road is safe, isn't it?"
Eiran shook his head.
"Not anymore."
Sylara placed a teal-glowing crystal on the map. The runes flickered sickly.
"Anti-Source has seeped into the region. Weak, but present. Creatures may be corrupted."
Kael's stomach turned.
Famine's whisper echoed in his head.
Three more masks walk this land…
Kael's fists clenched.
"We'll keep her safe," he said.
Lyria nodded sharply. "All of us."
Arion smiled—warm, curious, interested—but Lyria immediately stepped closer to Kael, her hand brushing his.
Territorial.
Subtle.
Clear.
Kael didn't even register it—he was too focused on the mission.
But Serin did.
Nira did.
And Ryven grinned wickedly.
V. ARMING THE SEVEN — NEW GEAR, NEW ROLES
The royal armory was forged from star-iron and sapphire crystal. Rows of weapons hummed with dormant magic.
Captain Daen unfolded a velvet cloth, revealing new gear.
For Kael: A reinforced cerulean cloak etched with storm runes. A lightweight stormsteel blade—temporary until he earned a true one.
"Stormsteel resonates with your Gate," Daen explained. "It will stabilize your attacks. Somewhat."
Valdyros snorted. « He needs a dragon-forged blade. Not… this. »
"Later," Daen said dryly.
For Lyria: A silver circlet adorned with a water crystal. Three sapphire water rings. A reinforced waterweaver staff.
"This will double your control radius," Sylara said. "And allow fine manipulation—tides, cuts, barriers."
For Serin: Twin argent blades sharpened to a hair's width. A noble's defensive mantle infused with kinetic redirection runes.
Serin nearly cried. "They are beautiful."
For Korran: Armored gauntlets of weighted star-iron. A shield carved with a roaring lion.
For Ryven: Fireburst gloves. Explosive rune pellets. A self-repairing cloak.
Ryven screamed, "I'M GONNA BLOW SOMETHING UP—!"
Eiran immediately slapped the back of his head.
For Nira: A healer's robe with Source channeling. A healing lantern crystal. A protective sapphire charm.
Nira gasped. "This… this is worth more than a house."
"And so is your life," Sylara said gently.
VI. DEPARTURE — WHISPERS OF DESTINY
The Seven gathered at the palace gates, where a sleek silver carriage waited—this time reinforced with runic plates and guided by horned cerulean stags.
Princess Arion approached Kael directly.
"I'm counting on you," she said softly. "All of you. But… especially you."
Lyria's eye twitched so hard Ryven nearly choked trying not to laugh.
Kael nodded awkwardly. "We won't fail you."
Arion smiled brightly.
"Good. Then let's begin our journey."
As the carriage rolled forward, Kael glanced back toward the palace.
Valdyros whispered:
« Child. Feel the wind. Fate shifts. The Horseman's shadow is not gone… merely watching. »
Kael tightened his grip on the window frame.
He did feel something.
A wrongness on the breeze.A cold echo at the edge of thought.
He pushed it down.
For now.
VII. THE GOLDEN ROAD — BEAUTY & DREAD
The Golden Road lived up to its name.
Tall sun-kissed grasses shimmered like molten gold.
Ancient white pillars lined the roadside—remnants of the Old Kingdom.
Fire lilies bloomed in clusters along the path.
The sky stretched wide and unmarred.
But beneath the beauty—
Kael could sense it.
A faint wrongness.
A thin cold thread running under the warmth.
Source energy felt… thinner.Hollow in spots.Disturbed.
"Do you feel that?" Kael asked.
Lyria nodded. "Like water pulled too taut."
Serin frowned. "Like a dissonant chord."
Nira shivered. "Like something is breathing under the ground."
Korran tightened his grip on his shield.
Ryven muttered, "Like a monster just waiting to yell 'Boo.'"
Valdyros hissed, scales bristling.
« It is not Famine. But the land remembers him. Anti-Source stains everything it touches. »
Kael's jaw set.
"We keep moving."
But the road did not remain peaceful for long.
VIII. AMBUSH OF SHADOWED BEASTS — THE FIGHT THEY NEEDED
By noon, they reached a narrow pass bordered by towering stone walls.
Kael felt the shift instantly.
The air grew colder.
The wind stopped.
Birdsong ceased.
Then—
The first beast lunged from above.
A corrupted elk—its antlers blackened, flesh shriveled, eyes hollow voids—dropped from the cliff like a stone.
Kael reacted first.
"MOVE!"
He Flash Stepped—slamming his shoulder into Lyria to push her aside—then parried the beast's skull with a crackle of lightning.
The elk shrieked.
Its scream vibrated like cracking bone.
More shapes emerged—ten of them—all contorted, hollow, starving.
Lyria spread her arms.
Her three water rings spiraled outward—streams forming around her in fluid arcs.
She spun—
"RIPTIDE WALL!"
A circular torrent blasted outward, slamming three beasts into opposite cliffs.
Serin dashed in—
Twin blades blurred into a silver cyclone.He sliced through a beast's neck, spinning smoothly to block another strike.
Korran charged with a roar.
He slammed into the corrupted elk, shield-first.Stone shattered.The beast flew backward like a thrown rag doll.
Ryven grinned.
"TRY NOT TO DIE!"
He ignited both hands—fire bursting skyward—and punched the ground.
"FLAME ERUPTION!"
A geyser of fire tore upward, engulfing two beasts in a swirling inferno.
Nira knelt, hands glowing.
"Barrier of the Dawn!"
Light blossomed around the team, forming a shimmering dome.
But Kael—
Kael was already in the thick of it.
Lightning danced across his arms.
His eyes glowed faint gold.
He slid beneath a beast's strike and launched upward—
"Flash Step—Storm Lash!"
A whip of lightning cracked from his palm, slicing through the creature's torso.
Another beast charged him—jaws dripping black saliva—and Kael ducked, landing a palm strike into its chest.
"Thunder Pulse!"
BOOOM—
The shockwave echoed through the chasm.
The creature disintegrated mid-air.
Lyria stared, breathing hard.
"Kael… you're stronger."
He didn't answer.
Because something was wrong.
The beasts kept coming—
kept reforming—
kept shrieking—
But their shadows weren't natural.
Valdyros hissed.
« Child—these beasts are not just corrupted.
They are fed.
Something is empowering them.
Watching us. »
Kael froze.
And felt it.
A cold gaze on his spine.
A familiar void.
Famine was not here.
But he was aware.
Watching.
Waiting.
Kael's jaw tightened.
"Team—finish them."
Together, the Seven unleashed one final combined strike—
Water rings sliced the air. Fire spiraled upward. Wind blades cut clean. Soul light seared shadows. Steel clashed. Lightning detonated.
The corrupted beasts exploded into ash.
Silence returned.
Heavy.
Wrong.
Expectant.
Kael exhaled shakily.
"That wasn't random," he murmured. "Something sent them."
Lyria stepped close, placing a gentle hand on his arm.
"We'll face whatever comes," she said softly. "Together."
He nodded, though his stomach knotted.
IX. NIGHTFALL — A NEW OMINOUS SIGN
They camped by the edge of a shimmering lake where fireflies danced like tiny floating lanterns.
The beauty of the place felt wrong, like a painting hiding blood beneath the paint.
Kael sat alone at the water's edge.
His reflection stared back—eyes too old, too tired, too afraid.
Lyria approached quietly.
"You're thinking too loudly again," she said gently.
Kael stared at the ripples. "I can't shake the feeling something worse is coming."
"It always feels like that after a fight," Lyria said. "Fear bends everything."
"This is different," Kael whispered. "Famine… I can still feel him. Like he marked me."
Lyria knelt in front of him, making him look at her.
"Kael. Listen to me."Her voice was soft but firm."You are not a mark. You are not prey. You saved us. You survived. You lead us."
Her water rings glowed brighter.
"You calm the storm for us. Let me calm it for you—just a little."
A tear slipped down his cheek.
He didn't even realize it was there until Lyria brushed it away gently.
"You're not alone," she whispered.
Kael's breath trembled.
But before he could speak—
A cold wind swept the lake.
The fireflies died.
Every ripple on the water froze.
Valdyros shot upward, wings flared.
« CHILD—LOOK. »
The lake's surface darkened—turning obsidian black.
Then words formed in the water, carved in shifting shadow:
ONE MASK HAS TASTED YOU THREE MORE STARVE THE FEAST BEGINS
Kael stumbled back, eyes wide.
Lyria grabbed his hand, gripping it tightly.
Ryven shouted, "WHAT THE—KAEL, WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
Serin paled. "This is… a message."
Korran raised his shield. "A warning."
Nira's breath shook.
Valdyros roared.
« IT IS A CLAIM. THE HORSEMEN MARK THEIR PREY. »
Kael's heart stopped.
The water shattered.
The stars blinked out.
And the wind whispered a familiar voice:
Little spark…I will return.
Kael fell to his knees.
Lyria wrapped both arms around him.
Serin stood ready.
Korran shielded them.
Ryven and Nira drew close.
And Valdyros curled protectively around Kael, wings spread wide.
The Horseman's shadow had touched the Golden Road.
And Kael Varos—
the boy chosen by the Prime Architect,
stood at the heart of a war he did not yet understand.
The storm was building.
And the world was about to break.