The Guardians Of Stellaraether

The thought of being the Queen of the capital left Athena restless. Seated in her grand yet sombre chamber, she gazed out of the arched window at the dimming horizon. The ornate room, adorned with relics of her reign, felt colder than usual—a reflection of her inner turmoil. Unable to quell her unease, she summoned her most loyal guard, Ser Arthur Conan.

Moments later, the sound of armoured footsteps echoed down the corridor, and Arthur entered, bowing deeply before her. "Your Grace," he said with deference, "how may I serve you?"

Athena's gaze remained fixed on the window as she spoke, her voice distant yet commanding. "How is he doing? Aron."

Arthur hesitated briefly before replying, "His Highness is doing well, but..." He faltered, choosing his next words carefully. "He's still very young for all this. He's a little mischievous, and—if I may—his training seems... excessive, given his age."

Athena turned to face him, her expression sharp, her grey eyes as cold as steel. "It is not your duty to tell me what is right or wrong, Arthur," she said icily. "You are my guard, sworn to serve me, not to question my decisions. Aron must endure. He is destined to become the Great Five Elementer, and that destiny requires sacrifice. Do you think it does not pain me to see him struggle? I do this for his welfare."

Arthur lowered his gaze, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Of course, Your Grace. I did not mean to overstep."

Athena's sternness softened, and her voice grew quieter, tinged with an unspoken sorrow. "I know you care for him as well, Arthur. But Aron must grow strong—not just in body, but in spirit. Strength forged in hardship will ensure he is ready for what lies ahead."

Arthur nodded solemnly. "What do you require of me, Your Grace?"

"I wish to visit the Stellar Palace," Athena announced, her tone firm once more. "It has been far too long since I last set foot there. Escort me tomorrow."

Arthur straightened, surprise flashing across his face. "As you wish, Your Grace. When shall we depart?"

"At dawn," Athena replied. "Aron will be occupied with his training, and I do not wish to disrupt his schedule. Make the necessary arrangements."

"As you command," Arthur said, bowing deeply before retreating from the chamber.

Left alone, Athena turned back to the window, her hands clasped tightly before her.

Athena's thoughts were interrupted by the soft creak of the chamber door. She turned to see Aron entering, a tray carefully balanced in his small hands.

"Grandma, look! I've brought you your supper," he announced, his face beaming with pride.

Athena's stern expression melted into a warm smile. "Thank you, my dear." She took the tray from him and placed it gently on the table beside her bed. "How have you been managing with your training?"

The smile vanished from Aron's face, replaced by a pout. "I don't like the training," he muttered, his voice heavy with frustration. "It's too tiring. I want to play like the other children. I don't want to do all those boring, exhausting drills."

Athena sighed deeply, her expression softening but firm. "Aron, have you forgotten what I told you before? 'There's always a give in a take.' Hardship is the price you must pay to achieve greatness and uphold my legacy. Those other children may play because they are ordinary. But you, my dear boy, are not ordinary. You are destined to become the next Great Five Elementer. And to fulfil that destiny, you must endure."

Aron opened his mouth to protest but then closed it again, biting back his words. His shoulders sagged, and the sight of his dejected face tugged at Athena's heart.

After a moment, she waved her hand in the air, muttering a spell under her breath. The room was suddenly transformed as clouds began to swirl above, illuminated by bursts of radiant light. Aron gasped in awe, his earlier discontent forgotten as he clapped his hands in delight.

"Grandma, this is amazing!" he exclaimed, jumping up and down with excitement.

Athena chuckled softly, watching his face light up with wonder. As the spell dissipated and the room returned to normal, she pulled Aron into her embrace.

"Aron," she said gently, "do you want to learn how to cast spells like me?"

His eyes widened, and a wide grin spread across his face. "Really, Grandma? You'd teach me?"

"Yes, my child. But only if you promise me something."

"What is it?" he asked eagerly, practically bouncing in her arms.

"You must promise to take your training seriously," Athena said, her voice kind but firm. "If you do, I'll teach you everything I know."

Aron's face lit up, his eyes sparkling with hope. "I promise, Grandma! From tomorrow, I won't slack off during training—ever!"

Athena smiled, placing a hand on his cheek. "That's my boy. And if you perform your best in tomorrow's training, I'll start teaching you straight away."

"Yay!" Aron cheered, spinning around the room in sheer joy. Athena watched him dance, her heart lighter than it had been all day.

As the first rays of sunlight stretched across the horizon, Aron began his training with renewed determination. He poured every ounce of effort into his drills, desperate to avoid giving Ser Robert Tally, his strict trainer, any reason to report mischief to his grandmother. Meanwhile, Athena prepared for her journey to the Stellar Palace. Accompanied by Ser Arthur, she rode through the winding paths that led to the majestic landmark. Before long, the grand gates of the Stellar Palace loomed before them, their towering magnificence a testament to its storied past. Ser Arthur dismounted first, leading the way as they entered the palace. At the heart of the entrance stood the grand Stellar Throne. Its backrest was adorned with five intricately carved stars, their design shimmering faintly, and atop the throne rested a crown—deep black in colour yet gleaming like a diamond, radiating an otherworldly allure. Athena's gaze settled on the throne, and a wave of pain washed over her as the memories of the past came rushing back. She clenched her fists as the haunting image replayed in her mind—the moment her son and his wife had dared to approach the throne. In their attempt to claim it, the throne's divine power had struck them down. Her son's desperate attempt to shield his wife with a spell had only led to its cruel backlash, robbing them both of their lives. Athena closed her eyes briefly, drawing in a deep, steadying breath. Her voice was low, tinged with sorrow. "This throne… this majestic throne has taken everything from me. My child, my peace, and now my grandson." She took a hesitant step forward, her presence stirring the dormant power within the throne. Suddenly, the throne began to glow fiercely, and a surge of energy erupted from it, hurtling toward her. Athena's instincts took over, and she swiftly dodged the wave, her own powers shielding her from harm. Turning to Arthur, her voice carried the weight of authority. "Arthur, send word. Gather those who may shoulder the responsibility of the Five Elementer. Seek out the top students from Catalina High and bring them to me." Arthur bowed deeply, his expression resolute. "As you command, Your Grace." Without another glance at the throne, Athena turned and left the palace, her heart heavy yet her resolve unshaken. She rode back to her own palace, determined to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.

As Athena returned to the palace, Aron greeted her with a wide smile, his excitement evident. Ser Robert approached and bowed before reporting to Athena. "Your Grace, the young master showed slight improvement today. His determination in training was commendable."

Athena's face lit up with pride as she turned to Aron. "Well done, Aron! Well done indeed!"

Aron's grin grew wider at her praise, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Today," Athena began, her voice carrying a note of promise, "I shall teach you your first and very basic magic spell—levitation. This spell will allow you to move objects without touching them or even lift yourself into the sky if you focus well enough."

Aron's face gleamed with anticipation as Athena continued. "First, take your position. If you wish to move an object, aim your energy at it. If you desire to fly, concentrate your energy at the centre of your forehead. Then, say the spell aloud—'Aerios Nostos.'"

Nodding eagerly, Aron quickly assumed his position and began to practice the spell. However, his excitement got the better of him, and his lack of focus prevented the spell from working.

Athena observed patiently, her tone firm yet gentle as she stepped forward. "Concentration, Aron. Magic demands discipline, not haste." She placed her hands on his shoulders, helping him steady his breathing and focus his mind.

With renewed determination, Aron tried again. On his tenth attempt, the object finally lifted slightly into the air before tumbling back to the ground. The momentary success left Aron beaming, though exhaustion soon crept over him.

"Grandma, I'm so tired," Aron complained, his voice tinged with weariness.

Athena smiled and patted his head affectionately. "You've done well for today, my dear. Magic takes time and patience. Rest now, and tomorrow you shall practise the spell again."

Aron nodded, stifling a yawn. He clutched her hand briefly before retreating to his chamber, the thrill of his progress lingering in his young heart.

Author's Note:

1.Catalina High is a prestigious academy where students are trained in the art of magic and self-defence. It serves as a cornerstone for shaping the brightest minds and most skilled warriors of the realm, preparing them for challenges both magical and martial.

2.Aerios Nostos is a Greek phase that means Ascend to the Air