The Guardians Of Stellaraether

Within two days, a court was convened in the West at Queen Lucille's palace. The heads of all noble houses gathered, seated in solemn anticipation. Queen Lucille, poised on her throne, addressed the assembly.

"According to King Adam, his scholars were found at the capital's border. King Trillwick reports his scholar was at the southern border, while those of the West were discovered at the South's border. Clearly, the perpetrator is cunning, intent on turning us against each other. But what's even more peculiar is this—there were no soldiers stationed at the East-South border, yet the East-West and South-Capital borders were heavily guarded. And still, someone wielding dark arts managed to absorb our scholars and discard their bodies at our borders, all without detection. How peculiar indeed!"

A murmur rippled through the court before King Adam spoke.

"It's not as strange as it seems, Queen Lucille."

The nobles turned to him, intrigued.

"What do you mean, King Adam?" Theoden inquired.

Adam's gaze swept across the chamber. "King Theoden, I mean to say that it is not impossible. We are dealing with a wielder of dark arts, after all. Since the last incident, I have delved into their workings, and I've come across something that explains this situation perfectly."

"What is it?" Lord Charles asked.

Adam's reply was crisp. "Hypnosis."

Lucille frowned. "Hypnosis? What's so remarkable about that, King Adam?"

Theoden nodded. "Yes, we all know about hypnosis. Any skilled magician can wield it—it's nothing extraordinary."

"Ah, but this is no ordinary hypnosis, King Theoden, Queen Lucille." Adam paused for effect before continuing. "When we hypnotize someone, we control their mind to serve our needs. Once the spell wears off, the victim suffers a headache and loses memory of the experience. However, a dark arts practitioner does not merely control the mind—they control the very soul. Whoever orchestrated this scheme knew that conventional hypnosis would eventually allow the victim's memory to be retrieved. So instead, they used dark arts to enslave the soldiers' souls. Their memories remain intact, yet they have become mere puppets."

Lucille's eyes narrowed. "Are you suggesting that our own soldiers were compromised?"

Adam nodded. "Allow me to explain further. Queen Lucille, when you discovered the bodies, you must have questioned your soldiers about what transpired."

"Of course, I did," Lucille confirmed. "But they all claimed they had no knowledge of when or how the bodies appeared. They said there was a five-minute window during the shift change—a moment when the border was completely unguarded."

Adam turned to Trillwick. "And you questioned your soldiers as well, did you not?"

Trillwick nodded grimly. "Yes, and they told me the exact same thing."

Adam exhaled, surveying the assembled lords. "Now, does this not strike you as strange? We all discovered the bodies around the same time, and when I questioned my own soldiers, they too gave me the same answer. According to them, the momentary lapse during shift changes left the borders unguarded. And this occurred simultaneously across Stellaraether. Meaning, when West's soldiers were retreating to camp, so too were those of the South and East.We all know that even with magic, no single person could be in three places at once, carrying out such a meticulous crime without detection. So tell me, my fellow rulers—what does that imply?"

Theoden's expression darkened. "You're suggesting the soldiers at our borders are already under our enemy's control."

Adam inclined his head. "Precisely. They are lying. They were the ones who transported the bodies and strategically placed them across our regions."

Lucille's grip on her throne tightened. "How can you be certain of this, King Adam?"

Adam's voice was steady. "If you require proof, Queen Lucille, then I propose we conduct the Mirror Test. The Five Elementer is present and can initiate the ceremony."

A hush fell over the court. The lords exchanged wary glances before nodding in agreement.

Lord Charles broke the silence. "King Adam, you have learned much in just two days. It is remarkable."

Adam offered a modest smile. "You flatter me, Lord Charles."

Trillwick regarded him with newfound scrutiny. "Lord Charles is right. Your knowledge of the dark arts is uncanny. One would think you've been studying them far longer than you claim."

With that, Queen Lucille summoned the soldiers in question, preparing to put them to the ultimate test.

After what felt like an hour, a group of soldiers entered the court. Queen Lucille gestured for them to step forward.

"Stand in the center," she commanded.

The soldiers obeyed, positioning themselves before the gathered nobles. Adam stepped forward, his voice steady.

"Queen Athena, please proceed with the test." He gestured toward the center of the court.

Athena advanced, her gaze sharp as she addressed the soldiers. "Tell us the truth about the scholars' bodies found at the borders."

One soldier stepped forward. "Your Grace, we know nothing about the bodies—who they were or how they appeared at the borders. We only left the area unguarded for five minutes during our shift."

Athena's eyes narrowed. "You are certain you are not lying?"

The soldier placed a fist over his heart. "We swear on our lives, Your Grace."

Athena exhaled slowly, then closed her eyes. A mirror materialized before the soldiers, its surface shimmering with an eerie glow.

"If the mirror shows dark clouds above their reflections, they are lying," she declared. "If not, they speak the truth."

A tense silence gripped the court as Athena murmured the incantation. "Fanerothéte."

At once, a dense, swirling darkness formed above the soldiers' reflections. Gasps echoed through the chamber.

King Trillwick's expression twisted in shock as the soldiers convulsed. "What's happening to them?!" he demanded.

Before anyone could react, their bodies began turning black—just as the scholars' had.

Lucille's voice was grim. "King Adam was right. Our soldiers are mere puppets. Whoever orchestrated this knew we might uncover the truth. This… their deaths… even the Mirror Test… all of it was part of their plan."

Adam nodded solemnly. "I suspected this would happen. The same fate befell my soldiers when I questioned them."

Theoden's fists clenched. "Then what do we do now? King Adam, do you have any leads on who is responsible?"

Adam exhaled. "It's frustrating, but despite all this time, this is the extent of what I have uncovered. My knowledge remains limited, and I am still studying the matter. However…" He hesitated. "If my fellow rulers permit it, I would like to visit the library at Stellar Palace."

A heavy silence settled over the court.

Theoden finally spoke. "The Stellar Palace has been sealed off for centuries. I fear for the safety of its archives… but I must admit, if there is any place that holds answers, it is there. What do the rest of you say?"

Lucille turned to Athena. "Queen Athena, why don't you accompany King Adam to the Stellar Palace? It lies at the heart of the capital, isolated from the rest of Stellaraether. You are its queen, and it would be wise for you to go with him."

Athena stiffened. Her voice was cold. "I don't want to go. That place is cursed. It took everything from me."

The grief in her voice was palpable. Memories of her son and his wife's tragic deaths flickered behind her eyes.

Trillwick sighed. "We understand your pain, Queen Athena. But this is important—for the sake of Stellaraether. We all know the Stellar Throne has grown restless in the absence of its rightful heir. Its divine power could harm King Adam. Only you can withstand it."

Lucille nodded. "You've been preparing Aron for this, haven't you? One day, you will have to face it. Why not now?"

Athena remained silent for a long moment. Then, with a deep sigh, she spoke. "Fine. I will go with him."

With that, the court was dismissed, and Adam and Athena set forth toward the Stellar Palace.

As Athena and Adam rode toward the Stellar Palace, she turned to him with a knowing smirk. "I must admit, Adam, you've got the skills. How did you manage all that?"

Adam arched a brow.

"You not only silenced the scholars but also cunningly pinned the guilt on the soldiers while concealing the true villain. And now, you've convinced the heads of the noble houses to grant us access to the Stellar Palace for the dark scriptures."

Adam sighed, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "You wouldn't understand, Athena. When your life is on the line, you do whatever it takes."

In the Palace of Capitals

Ivan sat alone in his chamber, a spellbook open in his lap. His lips moved softly as he recited an incantation.

"Me ti dýnami pou krató, se lytróno. Lýo tin katára, xesfíngo ti thiliá sou."

His voice trembled slightly, not from fear but excitement. His cheeks were flushed, burning with a telltale blush.

As he chanted, his thoughts drifted to Nick. Should I tell him? Should I let him know I've mastered the curse-breaking spell? Should I finally help him?

His blush deepened.

The door burst open. Ivan jolted, snapping the book shut as Aron strode in. The prince froze, his sharp eyes narrowing at Ivan's flushed face.

"Why the hell are you blushing?" His voice was cold, laced with suspicion. "Has some girl kissed you?"

Startled, Ivan fumbled, the spellbook slipping from his grasp. Before he could reply, Aron scoffed.

"Never mind. I'm not interested in your pathetic love story with some ugly beggar." His voice dripped with contempt. "Go and clean my chamber."

Ivan didn't react. He merely nodded. "As you wish, Your Grace." Then, without another word, he picked up the book and left the room.

Aron watched him go before heading to the training grounds.

In the North

Nick arrived at the training ground, where King Theoden awaited him.

Theoden studied him for a moment before speaking. "Nick, you are to be the next ruler of the North. You must master swordsmanship."

Nick hesitated. "King Theoden, I appreciate your guidance, but my priority is learning spells. I want to break the ancient curse on my house."

Theoden sighed. "Nick, I understand your determination, but you must consider the risks. Look at your father—he's barely forty, yet he is on the brink of death. Why? Because magic has drained him."

Nick clenched his fists.

"Martial arts will serve you better. Didn't you say your friend Ivan is skilled in spellwork? You asked him for help, didn't you?"

Nick's voice was husky with despair. "I did… but I'm afraid he won't help me."

Theoden frowned. "Why?"

Nick's gaze dropped. "Because he's afraid. Afraid of Aron. Afraid of everyone around him. Besides…" He exhaled sharply. "He doesn't even consider me his friend."

Theoden chuckled. "Why do you look like a heartbroken lover? Did he reject you?"

Nick lowered his head, his ears burning.

Theoden clapped him on the shoulder. "Alright, I'll talk to Ivan for you. But for now, let's focus on your training."

With that, Nick picked up his sword and began practicing under Theoden's watchful gaze.

In the West

The soothing melody of a Guqin filled the courtyard as Princess Evylin played her spiritual weapon, her fingers dancing over the strings. In front of her, a girl of same age practicing swordsmanship, her movements precise and fluid.

Evylin called out. "Miriana, come here! I've finally mastered it—the note I've been practicing for two weeks!"

Miriana, Evylin's handmaid and closest friend, rushed to her side. "Evy, play it for me! I want to hear it."

Before Evylin could respond, a voice interrupted them.

"What's going on?"

Miriana flinched, immediately standing up and stepping behind Evylin as Queen Lucille approached.

"Nothing, Your Grace," Miriana said quickly. "Her Highness has just mastered the seventh note of the Guqin."

Lucille's sharp gaze softened. "Nothing, you say? Well done, Evylin. Now that you've mastered all the notes, you can finally wield the Guqin as a weapon."

Evylin smiled. "Yes, Mother."

In the East

The palace grounds were quiet until the sound of horse hooves broke the silence. A cart rolled through the gates, and Prince Charlie stepped out to see who had arrived.

A familiar figure waved at him from the cart—Prince Alastair. Without hesitation, Alastair jumped down and ran toward Charlie, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"Charlie! How are you doing?" Alastair asked cheerfully.

Charlie chuckled. "I'm fine, Alastair. But this is the fifth time this week you've visited the palace."

Alastair pouted dramatically. "What? Can't I visit my beloved friend?" Then, with a sly grin, he added, "Charlie, why don't you teach me sorcery? It's the specialty of your region, after all."

Charlie folded his arms. "No, I won't. Besides, what do I get in return?"

Alastair smirked. "I'll teach you the specialty of my region—the art of defense and dark magic."

Charlie raised a skeptical brow. "You? Teaching defense and dark arts? You know nothing about them."

Alastair gasped, feigning offense. "Pardon me! I do know about defense!"

Charlie tilted his head. "Is that so?"

"Yes! Why don't you test me?" Alastair challenged, then pointed at a nearby rock. "Pick up that stone and throw it at me. I'll prove myself."

Charlie narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure?"

Alastair grinned. "More than ever!"

Charlie shrugged, picked up the stone, and hurled it toward Alastair. The moment it was midair, Alastair chanted, "Amynomai!"

The stone froze in place, hovering for a moment before gently dropping to the ground.

Charlie blinked, impressed. "So, you really do know about defense. Alright, I'll teach you sorcery."

Alastair beamed. "You will? Thank you!"

---

In the Palace at the Capital

Ivan moved through the corridors, completely absorbed in his spellbook. His lips moved as he recited the incantation over and over.

"Me ti dýnami pou krató, se lytróno. Lýo tin katára, xesfíngo ti thiliá sou."

He was so lost in his studies that he didn't notice Ser Arthur walking toward him—until he collided right into him.

"Are you blind?" Ser Arthur snapped. "Why are you walking with your eyes buried in a book?"

Ivan stumbled back, quickly bowing his head. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Ser Arthur."

Ser Arthur scoffed and turned to leave, but Ivan hesitated for a moment before calling out, "Ser Arthur?"

The knight turned back with an impatient glare. "What is it now? Why are you calling me?"

Ivan swallowed his nerves. "Ser Arthur… do you know of anything in the palace that is cursed?"

Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Why the sudden curiosity?"

Ivan hesitated before answering, "I'm learning a counterspell for curses."

The knight seemed to consider this before nodding. "Follow me."

Ivan obeyed, trailing behind him as they walked through the palace grounds. Eventually, they arrived at a secluded pond, its waters eerily still.

Arthur gestured toward it. "This is the cursed pond. A legend says it was cursed centuries ago. Let's see if you can break it."

Ivan stared at the dark water, his pulse quickening. This was his chance to prove himself.

Author's Note:

1. Translation of the Spell:

"Me ti dýnami pou krató, se lytróno. Lýo tin katára, xesfíngo ti thiliá sou."

→ Meaning: "With the power I hold, I set you free. I break the curse, loosen the grip of Thee."

2. Guqin – A Cultural Element:

The Guqin is a traditional Chinese musical instrument, also known as the seven-string zither. In this story, I have incorporated various cultural elements based on the regions in my worldbuilding.

3. Distinction Between Dark Arts:

The Dark Arts of the South resemble witchcraft, practiced in a structured, ritualistic manner.

The Forbidden Dark Arts that Adam uses are entirely different, more dangerous, and likely involve powers beyond conventional magic.