The ancient Mother Dragon Neyalha used her magic to help bring life to the world of Edon. Neyalha and her mate Gheyaral then gave birth to a pair of Dragons named Nayara and Ghaeron, and they were tasked as Guardians and advisors to the benevolent rulers of the realm. The people of Edon created two forces to preserve the good: The Black Knights, and the Sorceresses. Together they protected the realm against threats physical and mystical. Despite the Guardians’ efforts, Dark Magic and its practitioners began to rise. The Guardians knew that conflict was inevitable. But they believed there was hope yet for humanity; individuals of rare talent. Randey Edal, son of renowned Black Knights, was one such individual. Keyla Soril, a friend of Randey’s since childhood, was also singled out for her emerging skills as a Sorceress. But can they together help to defeat the forces of Dark Magic?
Lihat lebih banyak"Papa ingin menikah lagi, Ma!"
Rio yang tengah duduk di kursi makan berucap lirih, membuat sang istri yang kini tengah sibuk membuatkan sarapan untuk keluarga kecil mereka mematung dengan hati hancur berkeping. Hana Humayra—perempuan cantik dengan hidung bangir berusia akhir 35 tahun itu menghentikan gerakan tangannya yang tengah menyiapkan sarapan. Namun, tak berlangsung lama, sesaat kemudian ia kembali melanjutkan pekerjaannya, bersikap seolah baik-baik saja meski emosi seketika meluap.Ingin rasanya ia melempar wajan di tangannya itu ke sembarang arah.Setelah selesai, kaki jenjangnya melangkah mendekati sang suami. Meletakkan mangkuk berisi penuh nasi goreng di atas meja. Hana menduduki kursi yang berada persis di hadapan sang suami, dengan bibir terkunci dan sorot mata begitu dingin. Menatap lekat wajah laki-laki yang telah menikahinya selama empat belas tahun itu hampir tak berkedip. Hana tengah memaksa agar luka di hatinya tak membuat air matanya tumpah. Beberapa detik berlalu tak ada percakapan antara keduanya. Rio hanya menunduk. Tak biasanya laki-laki dengan ego tinggi itu menampakkan wajah kalah di depan sang istri yang biasa dianggapnya lemah. Rio Zamzani, laki-laki itu kini memberanikan diri untuk menatap mata Hana. Ada rasa bersalah di sudut hatinya. Namun, ego dan rasa sayangnya pada perempuan di seberang sana lebih penting dari sekedar rasa bersalah, toh, kesalahannya pada Hana sepertinya tak lagi dapat dihitung jari. Rio seakan tak lagi memiliki empati terhadap sang istri, ia tengah dimabuk cinta oleh perempuan yang 20 tahun lalu pernah menjadi cinta pertamanya, Inez. "Mama denger Papa?" Rio kembali melempar tanya. Hana bungkam. Wajah perempuan itu tak menunjukkan ekspresi apapun, hanya helaan napas panjang yang kemudian terdengar sebagai gambaran hatinya yang tengan tidak baik-baik saja. Bukan, bukan ia tak ingin marah. Namun, lebih tepatnya ia sudah sangat lelah dengan ulah laki-laki itu. 14 tahun mendampingi Rio bukanlah hal yang mudah. Laki-laki dengan ego tinggi serta keras kepala itu membuat Hana harus mampu menggandakan sabarnya, demi terjaganya keutuhan rumah tangga mereka. Terlebih tiga buah hatinyalah yang menjadikannya kuat seperti sekarang. Namun, sepertinya kali ini ia kalah kuat dengan sikap Rio yang ia rasa tak lagi memiliki hati nurani sebagai seorang suami. Tak puaskah laki-laki itu memusuhi keluarganya? Bersikap acuh terhadap perkembangan anak-anaknya? Abai terhadap perasaannya sebagai seorang istri? Hingga kini hal yang paling tidak ia inginkan pun ikut diminta oleh Rio, poligami. "Ma," panggil Rio saat melihat wajah datar sang istri. Hana mengerjap. "Papa minta izin," ujar Rio mengulang kalimatnya dengan kata yang berbeda tapi tetap mampu menyayat luka baru di hati Hana. Hana kembali terlihat menghela napas panjang, mengalihkan tatapan matanya ke atas meja makan. Ia sudah tahu ini akan terjadi. Seminggu lalu ia bahkan sudah menemukan chat mesra dari nomor kontak yang diberi nama 'Johan' di ponsel suaminya. [Aku akan melepaskan Marwan secepatnya jika Abang sudah mengantongi izin dari istri Abang.][Iya, Sayang. Abang akan secepatnya meminta izin pada Hana. Do'akan saja keinginan kita untuk mengulang cinta yang dulu menemukan jalan lapang.]Pesan WA yang mampu membuat Hana meringis menahan sembilu yang menoreh luka di relung terdalamnya. Pesan singkat yang mampu membuat kepercayaan Hana pada Rio yang memang tak banyak tersisa kini semakin sirna. Hana cukup lelah untuk menangis, cukup lelah untuk marah-marah. Namun, ia pun menemukan titik lelah untuk bertahan. Mempertahankan pernikahan yang memang sudah cacat sejak lama ini rasanya sudah tak mungkin, kecuali ia ingin hancur bersama kemenangan sang suami. "Apa yang kurang dari pelayananku selama ini?" tanya Hana dengan suara tercekat di tenggorokan. Namun, dengan ekspresi wajah yang begitu dingin. "Tak ada yang kurang dari pelayanan Mama." Rio kini tertunduk. Tak biasanya laki-laki itu berekspresi persis seorang petarung yang mengaku kalah. Biasanya ia akan membusung dada seolah setiap ucapannya adalah titah raja yang tak boleh dilanggar. Rio tak menampik karena selama menikahi Hana ia bahkan selalu dinomorsatukan oleh istrinya itu. Bahkan, Hana tak pernah memintanya untuk membantu pekerjaan rumah sekecil apapun. Setiap hari istrinya itulah yang mengerjakan semuanya. Bahkan 14 tahun menikah ia tak pernah sekalipun membantu sang istri memandikan anaknya atau sekedar mengenakan baju putra putrinya hingga saat ini. Semua Hana yang melakukannya sendiri. Rio bahkan tak tahu kapan Hana bangun untuk melakukan segalanya. Namun, semua pengorbanan sang istri seolah tak berarti apa-apa bagi Rio. Itu terbukti ketika beberapa detik lalu Rio meminta untuk menikah lagi. "Lantas?" tanya Hana berusaha tegar. "Pa—Papa masih sangat mencintainya, Ma," aku Rio dengan tergagap. Ia khawatir Hana akan mengamuk ketika mengetahui semuanya, karena ia sadar jika sejatinya tak satupun perempuan di bumi ini yang bersedia dimadu. "Cinta?" Hana berucap dengan dada bergemuruh. "Ya, Papa masih sangat mencintainya," lirih Rio pelan. "Lalu, apa alasan Papa menikahi Mama dulu? Bukankah kalian lebih dulu mengenal sebelum akhirnya Papa bertemu Mama?" tanya Hana masih dengan tatapan dingin. Jujur, ia mulai tak nyaman dengan panggilan 'Papa Mama' setelah tahu hati suaminya terbagi untuk wanita lain. "Dulu, kami sudah merencanakan untuk menikah, tapi orang tua Inez memintanya menikah dengan laki-laki pilihan mereka." "Ternyata Inez namanya … Mama kira Johan," ucap Hana dengan penuh penekanan membuat Rio susah payah menelan ludah sendiri. "Itu artinya dia bukan jodoh Papa," lanjut Hana tanpa peduli ekspresi sang suami yang mulai getir. Hana terlihat begitu tenang, meski hatinya sejak tadi memintanya menyiram minuman panas berwarna hitam pekat di hadapannya itu ke wajah suaminya."Bukankah jodoh bukan tentang siapa yang pertama? Dia mencintai Papa, Ma. Papa paham waktu itu Papa belum bisa membuktikan pada orang tuanya jika Papa bisa mapan dari segi materi, hingga orang tuanya tak merestui kami." Rio mengenang kembali bagaimana hancur hatinya saat itu, di mana ia harus kehilangan gadis pujaannya. Dan ia tak ingin kejadian itu kembali terulang setelah kini ia kembali mendapat kesempatan dari Inez. Hana menarik sudut bibir ke atas, menampakkan senyum sinis di wajah dinginnya. "Apakah dia janda?" tanya Hana kemudian. Beberapa saat Rio terdiam, pertanyaan Hana membuatnya dilema. Harus dengan kalimat apa ia menjawabnya. "Apa suaminya meninggal?" Hana kembali mengulang pertanyaannya dengan bahasa berbeda. Menelisik wajah tak nyaman sang suami. Rio terlihat mengusap dahinya. Tiba-tiba keringat dingin berjejalan ke luar. "Tidak, Ma. Suaminya kasar dan suka main tangan. Bahkan suaminya malas bekerja, hingga Inez-lah yang harus pontang-panting mencari nafkah untuk anak-anaknya." Kasar katanya? Apakah ia tak menyadari apa yang ia lakukan pada Hana? Entahlah, laki-laki itu seolah penjahat yang tengah berlagak menjadi malaikat penyelamat. Hana terdiam sejenak dengan gigi-gigi merapat. Ingin rasanya ia mengucap sepatah kata kasar laki-laki berijazah sarjana ekonomi di hadapannya itu, semisal 'bodoh' atau 'goblok!' Namun, ia masih mampu menahannya. Menurut Hana, Rio memang telah dibutakan oleh cinta haramnya dengan perempuan itu, hingga tak lagi bisa membedakan cinta tulus, dan cinta karena sesuatu. Sesaat kemudian Hana menghela napas panjang. Berusaha ia enyahkan sesak di dada, meski sesak itu kini kian bertambah. "Baiklah. Mama mengikhlaskan Papa untuk menikah lagi ...," ucap Hana dengan menggantung kalimatnya. Diulurnya tangan untuk mengambil segelas teh yang tadi ia peruntukkan untuknya. Menyeruput minuman berwarna coklat kemerahan itu sekedar membasuh tenggorokannya yang sedari tadi tak nyaman. "Hah, Mama serius?" tanya Rio dengan wajah menampakkan binar harapan. Hana mengangguk sambil meletakkan kembali gelas bening berisi teh manis yang masih separuh ke atas meja. "Ya. Tapi sebelumnya, lepaskan aku," ucap Hana dengan nada dingin. Tatapan matanya lekat pada wajah sang suami, membuat degub jantung Rio seketika berkejaran.“King Emerik!” Sir Andric’s voice echoed in the Throne Room as the Knight hurriedly approached. Light from the large skylight above illuminated the area surrounding the thrones with an almost mystical glow. King Emerik and Queen Adalyn paused, having just stepped down from the high seats. The room was mostly empty, as the last of the petitioners and Lords had been dismissed shortly before. Only a pair of guards remained, posted on either side of the large entry doors, and a pair of Pages lingered outside of the side entry near the thrones. The royal couple paused at Andric’s call, turning to face him as he approached and knelt. “Majesty,” he said, then nodded to Adalyn. “Your Grace.” “What is it, Sir Andric?” asked Emerik. Sir Andric rose, wearing an expression of anxiety. “I bring grim news, Majesty. The Citadel has been taken.” “What?” Emerik looked from Andric to Adalyn, who wore a similar expression of surprise. “How? By who, Knight?” “The Alva’himar, Majesty. It would app
The Dragons The Elders: Neyalha – (Nay-ALL-a) Gheyaral – (GAY-arall) The Guardians: Nayara – (Nay-AHR-ah) Ghaeron – (GHER-on) The Inhabitants of Edon The King and Queen Emerik (EH-merik) and Adalyn (AD-alin) The Grenyaar – (GREN-yahr) (The Black Knights) Sira – (SUR-ah) – Title for female Knights Sir Randey Edal – (Randy EE-dal) Captain Reidar Edal – (RIE-dar EE-dal) Sira Damara Edal – (Dam-AR-a EE-dal) Sir Braedon Soril – (BRAY-don SO-ril) Blade Master Kolton Stent – (KOLL-ton Stent) First Commander Storr Raegos – (Store RAY-gos) Sir Kale Andros – (Kale AN-drose) Sir Owin Jasir – (Owen JA-seer) Sira Torila – (Tor-ILL-ah) Sira Andreya – (An-DRAY-ah) Sir Andric – (AN-drik) Sir Garath – (GAR-ath) Sir Devlyn – (DEV-lin) Sir Milos – (MEE-los) Sir Garett – (GAR-ett) The Na’Himara – (Nah-Him-AR-ah) (The Sorceresses) Founder: Keyalla – (Kay-AL-ah) Maajira (Mah-JEE-rah): Vedila – (Ve-DEE-lah) Keyla – (Kaylah) Breya – (Braya) Ciara – (SEE-arah) Luceya –
Randey winced in pain. When the Guardian had appeared to engage the huge beasts soaring above, he had felt hope renew within him. It was dulled when he realized that Ghaeron was alone. He hesitated to think what could have prevented Nayara from joining her brother. The brief battle in the sky had been nerve-wracking, though he and Furgus had both quietly cheered when one of the beasts lost its head to Ghaeron’s attack. It was heartbreaking when the remaining two had gone after the Dragon, and more so when Ghaeron had fled. Randey doubted that it had been cowardice. It was not in a Dragon’s nature to feel such a thing. No doubt the Guardian had fled due to the injuries inflicted upon him. That in itself was exceedingly troubling. Never before had there been any creatures that could challenge the strength of a Dragon. And yet these had. Randey’s spirits sank as a dark despair crept over him. The situation had become dire indeed. With some difficulty he pushed that melancholy aside,
Taiya frowned as she walked across the grounds of the Citadel. She had caught a hint of movement in the woods beyond, and her Elven senses raised a feeling of unease. She couldn’t say why. Things had been proceeding with relative smoothness following the death of the Maajira. A group of thirty experienced Sorceresses had been sent off to join in the defense of Chulakh two days prior, and those remaining at the Citadel continued their own preparations for the coming conflict. Taiya had been tempted to accompany them, for she was eager to aid in the battle, but she had promised to remain and aid Ciara in her research. Ciara had yet to find a viable antidote to the small creatures’ venom, even with Taiya’s assistance. However, she believed she would find the solution before long. She spent virtually every waking minute in her laborium poring over the problem. Taiya had been assisting her, but had decided that she wished to take a walk. The Jivanaar preferred open spaces to confinement
Captain Devlyn was weary. The battle at Chulakh may have been small as battles go, but any battle was wearying to the body and spirit. Being a sworn Black Knight meant that he was willing and ready to engage in such battles, to defend the realm, but it did not lessen the physical and emotional toll fighting had upon all men. His Company – minus the fourteen good Knights he’d lost to the Goblins and those cursed flying things – was the first to be ordered back to the Hall of Champions. Captain Ellard, the Knight commanding the forces sent to Chulakh, had taken charge of the cleanup and aid, with more than enough remaining Knights for the job. Two Companies, along with the survivors of the fourth that had been sent to Chulakh. Ellard was anxious to get word back to the First Commander that the battle had been won. A messenger bird had been dispatched, but Devlyn and his men could provide important details to the Commander. In truth, Devlyn was glad to be returning to the Hall. It was
Ghaeron roared in fury. Circling above the city of Chulakh, he and Nayara saw the Goblin forces marching toward the high walls. A garrison of Black Knights had mustered atop the wall, watching over the parapet as the Goblins approached. A company of archers prepared their bows, placing themselves in the crenellations to take aim. The Guardians were glad to see the city’s defenses rallied so efficiently. There were more Knights on the way, marching from the South shortly after Randey and Keyla had departed, as well as Companies from the East. The Guardians had stopped at the Citadel on their way North, urging the Na’Himara to gather their forces also and ride to Chulakh. They, too, should arrive shortly, but it was clear that the Goblins would have the first strike. Marching ahead of the Goblin host was a line of ten Alva’himar. There were also more of the robed figures marching on either side, as well as ten more behind, effectively creating a loose rectangle surrounding the army.
Ghaeron roared in frustration. Nayara, gliding at his side, glanced at him in understanding. She was feeling frustrated as well. They were sweeping above the Ramash Mountains, for the fourth time trying to locate the stronghold of the Alva’himar. It should have been simple, given that Dragons have excellent geographical recall, in addition to their mystical instincts. Ghaeron had been sure of the location when he’d glimpsed the dark structure, but every time he and his sister flew low across that region of the mountains it was as if they had never been there before. Nothing was familiar, and they could have been over any part of the range for all their senses told them. They had even made a few passes while flaming, but nothing was revealed beyond scorched trees, earth, and rock. The Guardians knew that Dark Magic was at work. The fortress was there. Of that they were certain. But so long as their instincts and mystical senses were being confounded, it had become an exercise in futi
Kamryn was walking from Ciara’s laborium, across the lawn toward the Citadel proper when she saw the rider appear at the entry through the low fence. At first she was surprised, for the rider was garbed as a Grenyaar. It took only a moment for her to realize that the visitor was in fact a woman. Despite her short hair, her features were soft and pleasant. She passed through the entry casually, which also reaffirmed her gender. There were mystical safeguards in place that would have assailed her had she been a man. She stepped over to greet the new arrival. “Greetings, Knight!” she said, with a reverent bow. “I am Kamryn. How may I serve you?” “I am Sira Andreya. I wish to see the Maajira. It is urgent.” As it was only mid-afternoon Kamryn saw no problem with that. She urged Andreya to dismount, calling over one of the girls from the stables to take care of her horse. She then escorted the Knight into the Citadel. Andreya looked around with interest as they passed through the large
“Master Kolton?” Kolton looked up from the blade he was polishing. “Yes, Sir Kale?” “I’m concerned about Sir Randey.” The Blade Master nodded. “I understand. And your concern for your fellow Knight is admirable.” “Thank you, Master, but what can we do to help him?” Kolton examined the Khortaal he held, watching the light glint from the polished metal. Satisfied, he slid it back into its sheath. He looked up at Kale. “Nothing.” Kale frowned. “Nothing?” Kolton nodded. “Surely, Master, there is something we can do,” said Kale, his voice growing hard. Kolton sighed. He truly did understand what young Kale was feeling, and his desire to help his friend. However, Kolton had the advantage of age and experience. He’d seen more than a few young Knights have to deal with that which Sir Randey was now wrestling. The feelings of guilt and loss, grief and anger; they were all perfectly normal and expected. How he dealt with them would ultimately show his character both as a man and a Blac
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Komen