Chapter Two: Confrontations Impossible to Avoid

In a majestic castle nestled in the heart of a dense forest, there lived a twelve-year-old red-haired girl. The castle of Stormride, with its towering spires and stone walls adorned with ivy, was a haven of tranquility and beauty. The leaves of the surrounding trees whispered in the wind, creating a soft melody that contrasted with the more intense sounds echoing from the training yard.

There, in the middle of a spacious practice area, Lyanna Stormride was training with her sword. Under the guidance of her mentor, Garath Thorne—a knight renowned and respected throughout the Eastern Continent—Lyanna honed her skills with enthusiasm and dedication. Garath, a man of noble bearing clad in gleaming armor and with a perpetually calm demeanor, observed the young girl’s every move with great care.

"Well done, Lyanna! Remember to maintain your balance and posture," Garath said, his deep voice resonating with authority.

Lyanna nodded with a smile, adjusting her stance. Her movements were agile and precise, reflecting both her innate talent and the rigorous instruction of her mentor. As she continued her exercises, memories of that morning resurfaced in her mind.

"Master Garath," Lyanna began, "I noticed my stepfather was grumpier than usual this morning. Do you know why that might be?"

Garath paused, lowering his sword. A faint, rare smile appeared on his usually serious face as he turned to the girl.

"Grumpier than usual?" he questioned, prompting the redhead to nod in response. "Well, Lyanna, I suppose his sour mood stems from some serious issues affecting the entire Eastern Continent. The North will soon stop exporting stalite, and now the East and West are at odds over how to handle the situation. Your stepfather, as duke and second ruler of the Eastern Kingdom, has many responsibilities and decisions to make."

Lyanna frowned, her young yet inquisitive mind trying to grasp the complexity of the matter. As she continued her sword movements, she asked:

"Why is there so much disagreement over stalite? If it’s so important, why does the North get to control it?"

Garath looked at Lyanna, admiring her curiosity and her desire to understand.

"Stalite is a very valuable resource, and it only comes from the high mountains of the Northern Continent. Its green glow and unique properties make it coveted across all the cardinals. The Eastern and Western Cardinals currently lack the means to manage its exportation. Besides, the North has been handling stalite for years—hundreds of years. It would be tedious and very slow for the East and West to take over the mines," Garath explained, his gaze, though stern, held a special glimmer reserved only for his young apprentice.

"But the North, unlike the East and the West, is governed by a guild, not kings or dukes. Their lands are frozen and difficult to inhabit, so they cannot create cities like we do. Instead, they specialize in extracting stalite from their mountains."

Lyanna immediately saw a flaw in the situation.

"But if their lands are so inhospitable, how do they survive? They can’t possibly have livestock or crops..."

Garath nodded slowly, acknowledging the girl’s sharp observation.

"You’re right. Many would think the East and the West send them supplies in exchange for the exportation of stalite. However, ancient treaties between the cardinals require the Eastern and Western continents to sustain the North."

Lyanna frowned, about to ask another question, but her mentor spoke first.

"Stalite isn’t just the North’s main livelihood. In the less inhospitable areas of their continent, there are plantations and small settlements. Still, if they stop receiving the benefits provided by the cardinals, their resources could become limited. Furthermore, the Duke of the East wants to abolish the centuries-old treaty between the cardinals—a treaty that ensures the maintenance of the Northern Guild."

Lyanna nodded, her eyes gleaming with understanding as she tried to absorb the information.

"But what exactly is stalite? Why does the North extract it, and why do the other continents need it?"

"There are several reasons, but primarily because high-value coins used for trade are made of stalite. If stalite imports cease, the fear of running out would lead many to hoard the coins instead of spending them, which would negatively impact commerce."

The redhead nodded and asked another question.

"If that’s the case, why don’t we switch to a different currency?"

"Any change takes time, and this one in particular would be slow. There would be a lot of work involved. I don’t know exactly how much it would cost to create new coins, but I know we couldn’t afford to wait that long..."

Lyanna observed her teacher attentively and continued with her inquiries.

"Besides the coins, why is it so important for the North to export stalite?"

"Well, it’s unknown exactly when stalite began to be exported, but it’s a very resilient mineral. Fused with other materials like metal, it can create solid structures and formidable weapons. Moreover, apart from coins, the elites of the Eastern and Western cardinals wear jewelry made exclusively from stalite. For example, my sword is crafted from an alloy of metal and stalite," said Garath with a slight smile.

"The North, although they don’t want to admit it, relies on stalite exports to sustain their way of life. But now, according to them, the mines have collapsed due to a cave-in, and they’ll soon stop exporting stalite. The other continents are worried. The East and the West disagree on how to approach the situation. Some believe the North is lying about the mine collapse and intends to take complete control of the stalite. Others think we should negotiate peacefully and try to confirm if the North is lying or not. But everyone agrees that if the North doesn’t resume stalite exports, there will be many problems across the cardinals."

Lyanna observed her mentor, raising her sword again and continuing the movements she was practicing with the weapon.

"Why did the mines collapse?"

"According to the North, it’s because, after extensive explorations in the Glaciaris Mountain, they discovered a strange mystical force that caused the cave-in. Now, they want to proceed cautiously... they fear the mines might collapse completely if they use more drastic methods to reopen them."

Lyanna frowned, confused by the revelation.

"A mystical force? Do they mean magic, or something else?"

Garath understood the redhead’s unease and replied:

"The miners of the North still uphold the ancient traditions of the three continents. They are superstitious and believe in a spectral and very powerful threat hiding within Glaciaris. Specters of the Darkness, I think they call them. They’re humanoid beings, lifeless, who absorb a person’s essence and turn them into one of their own. Or something like that—it’s hard to say; I’ve heard countless variations of the specters’ stories, each more surreal than the last..."

Lyanna stopped her movements and stared intently at her mentor.

"It seems you consider the miners’ beliefs false. What do you think, Master Garath? What should we do?"

Garath sighed, his expression turning pensive.

"It’s a complicated question, Lyanna. First of all, what I believe is irrelevant to the world. Their beliefs and legends might just be myths. But there could also be some truth to them. However, honestly, there’s no evidence to prove those beings exist. It’s true that in this world there are people who possess qualities different from others, but to believe in a magical threat that causes mines to collapse... I don’t know. I’ve fought in battles and trained hard, and I know that, in humanity, nothing is truly magical."

Approaching a rock away from the training area, Garath sat down on its surface.

"Unity, peace, and diplomacy are always fairy tales they try to make us believe. So difficult to harmonize. Peace requires sacrifices, while diplomacy is quite the opposite; the more manipulation and deceit, the better. And if you have to take a few down to gain advantages, so be it."

Lyanna nodded, absorbing her mentor’s words. Her mind processed the information, reflecting on the complexities of power, diplomacy, and responsibility.

"The three continents are truly one kingdom; that’s what my instructor says when teaching me about the functions of our world. However, it seems we are more divided than we claim. Master, are we truly united?" she asked, seeking clarification.

Garath nodded.

"In theory, yes. Although the North does not have a king like the other two cardinals, it is also considered a kingdom. Together, we are three kingdoms that belong to one, which is why we call ourselves cardinals. But while we consider ourselves a united realm, each continent is autonomous in many respects. Over hundreds of years, we’ve drifted apart, each looking after its own interests. This separation creates discord among us."

Lyanna smiled, gaining a clearer understanding of the complex world she lived in. Despite her youth, she was determined to learn and comprehend, preparing herself to one day take her own role in shaping the events of her world.

Lyanna approached her mentor and sat beside him on the rock.

"Master Garath..." Lyanna began, her gaze fixed on a specific point on the ground. "Do you think the South, Erial, will also get involved in these political discussions? Could they influence the decision of the continents to wait for the North to reopen the mines and resume exporting stalite?"

Garath remained silent for a moment, his expression shifting to one of reflection. Lowering his gaze, he looked at Lyanna with a mix of seriousness and weariness.

"Lyanna, Erial lives in a world of its own. Its inhabitants are mostly indigenous, isolated, and uninterested in the affairs of the other continents. The leaders of the East and the West don’t consider them a relevant political force. They see themselves and their needs as the most important, which is why it’s unlikely they’ll concern themselves with Erial."

Lyanna frowned, absorbing her mentor’s words.

"Then Erial won’t influence any of this..." she murmured, more to herself than to Garath.

"But... what will happen if the North cannot reopen the mines and tensions between the East and the West rise? Could that lead to war?"

Garath looked around to ensure no one else was listening, then leaned closer to Lyanna, lowering his voice to a whisper.

"It’s very likely. If the North stops exporting stalite, tensions between the East and West will escalate. They already have their differences, and this will just be another reason to clash. They fear losing access to stalite and what that would mean for their economies and power. Indeed, I believe it could trigger a war."

Lyanna felt a knot tighten in her stomach at those words.

"And if that happens, Master? Will you have to fight for the East, as the knight you are?"

Garath nodded somberly, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"Yes, Lyanna. If war breaks out, I’ll have to march to battle. It’s my duty as a knight to defend our land and our interests. But don’t think for a moment it’s something I do with enthusiasm."

Lyanna noticed the bitterness in her mentor’s voice.

"Master, you always tell me to avoid confrontation if I can. You say war only brings death and that there are no real winners."

Garath let out a deep sigh, and for a moment, the unyielding facade of the knight crumbled, revealing the man behind the armor.

"I am not a noble knight, Lyanna. I don't want to participate in any battle, especially not over a fucking mineral..." The knight glanced at the young redhead and apologized for his words. "I’m sorry."

Lyanna gave him a soft smile and shook her head faintly, signaling that it was nothing. Garath returned the gesture with a faintly affectionate expression before continuing.

"War brings death and suffering, and I don’t wish for that. I’m selfish, Lyanna. Fighting for stalite, as valuable as it is, isn’t worth what I stand to lose..."

Lyanna nodded slowly, grasping the weight of Garath’s words.

"There must be something we can do. Is there any way to prevent the war? Maybe I could try speaking with my stepfather..."

Lyanna pondered carefully. Lord Aedan Stormride, the Duke of the Eastern Continent, was a stern man, reluctant to accept the will or opinions of others. Additionally, her stepfather didn’t hold Lyanna in high regard. Though he had allowed her to train with Master Garath, Aedan always belittled and undervalued her.

"Though I highly doubt my stepfather will listen to me..." she murmured, her voice tinged with both determination and resignation.

Garath smiled and stood up again, grabbing his sword, which he had rested against the rock. He gestured that they should continue training.

"There is nothing we can do, Lyanna. The kings and leaders of the East and the West are the only ones who truly make decisions. The rest of us can only hope they make the right one…"

Lyanna's training continued under the midday sun, with each sword strike and every lesson imparted by Garath strengthening not only her body but also her spirit and mind. Deep down, the redhead knew that difficult times lay ahead and felt a profound helplessness in her heart.

Meanwhile, in the distant southern continent of Erial, there was a majestic city called Sabla Urbo. At its heart stood an imposing temple, the residence of the Shántruk, a title equivalent to a king: Theodric Elektita Unu. The temple, built of golden stone and adorned with intricate mosaics, was a symbol of power and devotion.

In one of the temple's grand and luxurious meeting halls, a heated dispute was taking place between Shántruk Theodric and his advisors. Voices echoed off the walls, adorned with tapestries depicting the city’s history and the divine acts with which it was blessed.

"In kune: Ĉi tio estas neakceptebla! (This is unacceptable!)" exclaimed one of the advisors, his face flushed with indignation.

"In kune: La kardinaloj ĉiam malestimis nin, kaj nun ili forigas nin al mizero fortranĉante niajn statitajn importadojn. Ke feko ĉiam falu sur Erial unue; tion opinias la kardinaloj. Kiom longe ni devos elteni ĉi tion? (The cardinals have always looked down on us, and now they relegate us to misery by cutting off our stalite imports. Let the crap always fall on Erial first; that's what the cardinals think. How much longer must we endure this?)"

Shántruk Theodric, a man in his forties with a commanding presence, a thick beard, and piercing eyes, listened attentively, his expression grave but controlled. He knew he had to maintain calm and authority amidst the storm brewing among his advisors.

Another counselor, a Tezakar, second-in-command in Sabla Urbo, named Hazim Domovan, known for his sharp intelligence and cunning, stepped forward, an enigmatic smile spreading across his face.

"In kune: Via Ŝántruk, ĉi tio povus profitigi nin (Your Shántruk, this could benefit us)," he said, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

The murmurs grew louder, and Shántruk Theodric raised a hand to call for silence.

"In kune: Klarigu vin, Hazim (Explain yourself, Hazim)," he ordered, his voice firm and authoritative.

Hazim nodded, his smile widening.

"In kune: Mi ricevis informon, ke la Nordo devis fermi la stalitajn minejojn. Tio kaŭzis grandan streĉitecon inter la kardinaloj. La Oriento kaj Okcidento estas sur la rando de milito, ĉar ambaŭ volas kontroli ĉi tiun valoran rimedon. Iliaj gvidantoj estas tro fieraj por cedi kaj batalos por vidi kiu sendos soldatojn norden unue (I have received information that the North has had to close the stalite mines. This has caused great tension among the cardinals. The East and the West are on the brink of war, as both want to control this valuable resource. Their leaders are too proud to yield and will fight to see who sends soldiers to the North first)."

"In kune: Kaj kiel tio utilas al ni? Ne estas la unua milito, kiun la kardinaloj havis. Se mi bone memoras, la lasta konfrontiĝo kiun ili havis estis sur sia insulo Entremaro, antaŭ multaj jaroj... (And how does that benefit us? It’s not the first war the cardinals have had. If I recall correctly, the last confrontation they had was on their island of Entremar, many years ago...)," commented a skeptical advisor.

"In kune: Sed ĉi-foje ĝi estas malsama... (But this time it’s different...)," continued Hazim, his voice full of conviction.

"In kune: Ni havas la avantaĝon en nia favoro. Stalito, por ili, estas esenca kaj la Nordo povos eksporti tiun mineralon ĝis ĝiaj rafinejoj estos malplenaj. Tial ili decidis ĉesi sendi al ni statiton. Tamen, kiam la stalito estas finita, la kardinaloj eniros en certan militon. Mi antaŭdiras, ke tio okazos post ĉirkaŭ kvar monatoj... (We have the advantage in our favor. Estalita is essential for them, and the North will be able to export this mineral until its refineries are empty. That’s why they decided to stop sending us estalita. However, when the estalita runs out, the cardinals will enter into a certain war. I predict this will happen in about four months...)," Hazim’s smile widened, a plan forming in his mind...

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"In kune: La milito daŭros jarojn. La fortoj de la Oriento kaj la Okcidento estos diezmataj kaj kiam ili faros pakton por invadi la Nordon, la klimato de tiu kontinento estos neplaĉebla. Multaj el la soldatoj de la kardinaloj pereos en tiuj frostigitaj teroj. Iliaj armeoj malfortiĝos kun la tempo, batalante ne nur kontraŭ la malvarmo, sed ankaŭ unu kontraŭ la alia. Ni, en Erial, povas prepari niajn fortojn en silento, atendante nian tempon... (The war will last for years. The forces of the East and the West will be decimated, and when they form a pact to invade the North, the climate of that continent will be relentless. Many of the cardinals’ soldiers will perish in those frozen lands. Their armies will weaken over time, fighting not only against the cold but also among themselves. We, in Erial, can prepare our forces in silence, waiting for the right moment...)."

Shántruk Theodric looked at Hazim with interest, beginning to see the logic in his words.

"In kune: Ĉu vi sugestas, ke Sabla Urbo preparu ataki kiam ili estas plej malfortaj? (Are you suggesting that Sabla Urbo prepare to attack when they are at their weakest?)"

Hazim smiled, his expression tinged with meaningful darkness.

"In kune: Ne Sabla Urbo, Lia Shántruk, sed la tuta Erial (Not Sabla Urbo, Your Shántruk, but all of Erial)."

The Shántruk leaned back in his seat, resting his elbows on the meeting room table as Hazim continued:

"In kune: La milito de la kardinaloj daŭros jarojn kaj en tiu tempo, Lia Shántruk havos la ŝancon finfine plifortigi la kuniĝon de la kvin urboj kiuj konsistigas la regionon de norda Erial (The War of the Cardinals will last for years, and during that time, Your Shántruk will have the chance to finally strengthen the union of the five cities that make up the northern region of Erial)," said Hazim.

"In kune: Plifortigi Erial por komuna celo estus okazo postlasi la diferencojn inter la aliaj urboj (Strengthening Erial for a common purpose would be an opportunity to leave behind the differences among the other cities)," Theodric replied.

"In kune: Ĝuste, Via Shántruk. Ni ĉiuj konas la malstabilecon kiu ekzistas en la kvin urboj, la dezerto malproksimigis nin kaj ĉi tiu situacio eble plifortigos nian kuniĝon (Exactly, Your Shántruk. We all know the instability that exists in the five cities; the desert has distanced us, and this situation might strengthen our unity)," Hazim agreed, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"In kune: Kaj kiam la kardinaloj estos eluzitaj kaj sen trupoj kiuj povas defendi ilin, ni sendos niajn freŝajn kaj bone preparitajn militistojn por konkeri iliajn terojn. Ĉi tio estas nia ŝanco ŝanĝi la potenc-ekvilibron en nia favoro (And when the Cardinals are exhausted and without forces to defend them, we will send our fresh and well-prepared warriors to conquer their lands. This is our chance to shift the balance of power in our favor)."

The council fell into reflective silence. Some advisors still showed signs of doubt, but others began to see the potential in Hazim's plan.

"In kune: Pardonu min, Via Ŝantruko, sed mi vidas komplikaĵojn kun la eblecoj prezentitaj de Tezakar Hazim Domovan (Forgive me, Your Shántruk, but I see complications with the possibilities presented by Tezakar Hazim Domovan)," began one of those present, who wore golden armor and whose expression was marked by years of military training.

"In kune: Kion vi volas diri, Derik Guilerd, Ghárzhen de miaj gardistoj? (What do you mean, Derik Guilerd, Ghárzhen of my sentinels?)" asked the Shántruk.

Derik, a middle-aged man in charge of leading the defense soldiers of Sabla Urbo and protecting the Shántruk, rose and stated:

"In kune: Ni ne havos sufiĉe da soldatoj por invadi la Kardinalojn. La nombro de militistoj en nia urbo estas malpli ol kvin mil viroj. Kaj ni scias, ke la aliaj urboj de Erial estas en simila situacio. Kune ni ne povos kunigi pli ol dekkvin mil soldatojn (We won’t have enough soldiers to invade the Cardinals. The number of warriors our city currently has is fewer than five thousand men. And we know that the other cities of Erial are in a similar situation. Together we will not be able to gather more than fifteen thousand troops)."

The Shántruk immediately grasped what his commander of sentinels was asserting. One reason why the south had never decided to invade the Cardinals was precisely due to military complications. Erial was mostly a desert land with few cities. The trained men capable of fighting for the continent were scarce compared to those of the three other continents.

"In kune: Kaj la Dýnamis? Oni scias, ke tiuj el la sudo povis havigi pli ol kvindek mil virojn. Ĉi tiuj indiĝenaj homoj vivas malantaŭ la grandaj montoj kaj la granda dezerto, kiu disigas nin. Forĝi interkonsenton kun ili povas esti al nia avantaĝo (And the Dýnamis? It is known that those from the south could provide over fifty thousand men. These indigenous people live beyond the great mountains and the vast desert that separates us. Forging an agreement with them might work to our advantage)."

The Shántruk considered the possibility. The Dýnamis were a people who had settled in the ruins of the once-great cities of Aelorian. The Dýnamis sought to preserve the legacy of the Aelorians, an advanced civilization that had thrived a thousand years ago in the lands of Erial until its unforeseen and still-unexplained extinction left their city destroyed and its remnants scattered across the desert.

The Shántruk knew that the Dýnamis had no interest in confrontation with other realms, making it unfeasible to convince them to join the struggle.

"In kune: Tiuj indiĝenaj homoj havas neniun intereson helpi Erial kreski kaj iĝi estiminda kontinento (Those indigenous people have no interest in helping Erial grow and become a respectable continent)," commented an advisor, causing many to nod in agreement.

The council was in full swing; voices mingled in a cacophony of opinions and strategies. Many advisors, driven by deep resentment toward the three cardinal continents, tried to propose measures to prepare an army and take advantage of their adversaries' possible future weakness. The room was charged with tension and determination, reflecting the emotions stirring each of those present.

The Shántruk Theodric Elektita Unu observed his advisors with a penetrating gaze, assessing every word and gesture. He knew this was a unique opportunity to unify Erial and strike the Cardinal continents when they were weak. The possibility of consolidating his power and transforming Erial into an unstoppable force filled him with cold resolve.

A middle-aged advisor, with a well-groomed beard and an imposing posture, spoke up:

"In kune: Via Ŝántruk, por atingi niajn celojn, ni bezonos militservon. Ĉiu libera, vira kaj kapabla civitano devas esti trejnita kaj devigita aliĝi al niaj vicoj. Nur tiel ni povas formi armeon indan je la tasko antaŭen (Your Shántruk, to achieve our goals, we will need conscription. Every free, male, and able citizen must be trained and compelled to join our ranks. Only then can we form an army worthy of the task ahead)."

The room was filled with murmurs of approval, though not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. A young advisor, his voice trembling, stood up with a worried expression.

"In kune: Ne sufiĉos. Niaj junaj civitanoj estas nek multnombraj nek pretaj por tia granda milito. Ni bezonos pli da viroj, pli da rimedoj (It will not be enough. Our young citizens are neither numerous nor ready for such a great war. We will need more men, more resources...)."

A thin, shrewd figure, Counselor Darian Alenov, known for his wit and pragmatism, intervened.

"In kune: Do, mi proponas alian solvon. Se ni volas, ke militistoj batalu por nia afero, unu el la plej bonaj elektoj, kiujn ni havas, estas dungi soldulojn... (Then, I propose another solution. If we want warriors to fight for our cause, one of the best options we have is to hire mercenaries...)."

Silence fell over the room. Everyone present knew mercenaries were unreliable, their loyalty swayed by the highest bidder. Though the Cardinals, after their conflict, likely wouldn’t have enough resources to outbid them, it was clear that Erial couldn't afford the expense either.

"In kune: La kasoj ne havas sufiĉe da riĉaĵo por povi pagi la elspezon de dungado de solduloj (The coffers do not have enough wealth to afford the expense of hiring mercenaries)," remarked the Treasurer. Darian Alenov, with a smug smile, continued, revealing his strategy.

"In kune: Tial mi sugestas, ke Lia Ŝantruko geedziĝu kun la filino de potenca kaj respektata komercisto en Erial. Tiu ĉi alianco ne nur permesus al ni dungi soldulojn per la rimedoj de la komercisto, sed ankaŭ plifirmigi la aliajn urbojn sub lia gvidado (That is why I suggest Your Shántruk marry the daughter of a powerful and respected merchant in Erial. This alliance would not only allow us to hire mercenaries with the merchant’s resources but also consolidate the other cities under his leadership)."

Shántruk Theodric tilted his head, contemplating the proposal.

"In kune: Kiu estas la komercisto? Kaj kia estas via filino? (Who is the merchant? And what is his daughter like?)"

Darian Alenov smiled cunningly.

"In kune: La komercisto nomiĝas Reynard Zendel, viro kiu atingis grandan influon kaj riĉaĵon en Erial en la lastaj jaroj. Mi sugestas, ke Zhelyra Zendel aliĝu al la konsilio de Su Shántruk de kelka tempo, sed li ŝajnas ĝis nun ne interesita. Lia filino, Inísel Zendel, estas juna, pura, kaj de rimarkinda beleco. Ŝi estus ideala partnero por vi, Via Ŝantruk. Alianco kun la Zendel donus al ni la rimedojn kaj legitimecon por nia afero (The merchant’s name is Reynard Zendel, a man who has gained great influence and wealth in Erial in recent years. I have been suggesting to Zhelyra Zendel for some time that he join Your Shántruk’s council, but he does not seem interested so far. His daughter, Inísel Zendel, is young, pure, and remarkably beautiful. She would be an ideal consort for you, Your Shántruk. An alliance with the Zendel family would provide us with the resources and legitimacy for our cause)."

The mention of Reynard Zendel’s name and the description of his daughter immediately captured the Shántruk’s attention. The idea of marrying a young, beautiful woman began to appeal to him—not only for the strategic benefits but also for the personal pleasures it might bring.

"In kune: Juna kaj bela partnero (A young and beautiful consort...)," murmured Theodric, nodding slowly as a smile appeared on his face. "In kune: Tio profitigus al ni multmaniere... Jes, mi pensas, ke ĉi tio povus funkcii (That would benefit us in many ways... Yes, I think this could work...)."

The Shántruk's decision was met with nods and approving smiles among the advisors. It was a bold strategy that could change Erial's destiny and put them in a position of power against the cardinal continents.

In the heart of the wealthiest district of Sabla Urbo, a luxurious mansion stood imposingly, distinguished by its elaborate architecture and manicured gardens. Inside its walls, sunlight filtered through the large windows, softly illuminating the room of a sixteen-year-old girl with silver hair and intense green eyes. This young girl, Inísel Zendel, was in her room speaking with her maid, Isra.

Isra, a woman of similar age to Inísel, with dark hair and expressive eyes, had been bought as a slave. However, Inísel always referred to her as her maid and friend. To Inísel, slavery was a detestable practice, and she treated Isra with respect and kindness. Both were seated in a corner of the room, chatting as Isra combed her mistress's long silver hair.

"In kune: Ŝajnas, ke la mastro baldaŭ revenos hejmen (Seems like the master will soon be back home again)," commented Isra with a soft smile.

"In kune: Mi aŭdis, ke la mastro serĉas svatintojn por vi. Mi ankoraŭ ne povas kredi, ke vi povis konvinki la majstron ne edzigi vin al iu pli frue. Virinoj, filinoj de potencaj komercistoj kiel la majstro, kutime geedziĝas en la aĝo de dek du (I’ve heard the master is searching for suitors for you. I still can’t believe you convinced him not to marry you off sooner. Women, daughters of powerful merchants like the master, usually marry at twelve)."

Inísel let out a frustrated sigh, shaking her head slightly in disdain for Erial's traditions.

"In kune: Mi batalas por miaj rajtoj. Vi scias, ke mi ne konsideras tiun opcion por mi. Isra, mi ne volas fariĝi posedaĵo de iu ajn. Mia libereco estas la plej grava afero por mi (I fight for my rights. You know I don’t see that as an option for me. Isra, I won’t become anyone's property. My freedom is the most important thing to me)."

Isra nodded, understanding Inísel’s feelings. She knew her mistress was a strong and determined woman with clear ideas about her future.

"In kune: Vi estas malsama ol multaj aliaj junulinoj, Inísel. Kaj ne nur en aspekto, mi sentas, ke via forto kaj spirito estas nekompareblaj. Sed vi ne povos ŝanĝi tradiciojn; virinoj en Sabla Urbo ne povas elekti (You are different from many other young women, Inísel. And not just in appearance—I feel your strength and spirit are unmatched. But you can’t change traditions; women in Sabla Urbo can’t choose)."

Inísel sighed, knowing her tenacity had merely delayed the inevitable. She knew it was only a matter of time before her adoptive father came in to announce he had found a suitable suitor for her. Inísel despised feeling like a commodity, and although her adoptive parents cared deeply for her, traditions blinded them…

"In kune: Mi scias, ke edziĝo estas neevitebla. Sed mi sentas, ke mi devas batali por mia libereco kaj tiu de aliaj (I know marriage is inevitable. But I feel I must fight for my freedom and that of others)," she turned to look at her maid.

"In kune: Same kiel mi volas doni al vi liberecon, Isra, kaj respekti vin kiel mian egalulon, mi ankaŭ volas, ke la mondo ŝanĝiĝu. Mi volas, ke tiu sama spirito, kiun vi vidas en mi, faru ion bonan por nia popolo (Just as I want to give you freedom, Isra, and respect you as my equal, I also want the world to change. I want the same spirit you see in me to bring something good for our people)."

Isra nodded, intently observing her mistress’s emerald green eyes. She knew Inísel was strong and determined, but she also knew that, as a woman, society would inevitably swallow her spirit...

"In kune: Mi volas la plej bonan por vi, Inísel. Mi ne gravas, kio mi estas, mi estos eterne dankema al vi, ke vi traktas min kun respekto kaj amas min kiel homon. Sed ankaŭ mi rekonas mian lokon, Inísel. En ĉi tiu ĉambro mi povas esti via amiko, sed kiam mi foriras ĉi tie, mi devas esti via sklavo (I want the best for you, Inísel. No matter what I am, I’ll always be eternally grateful for the way you treat me with respect and as a human being. But I also recognize my place, Inísel. In this room, I can be your friend, but when I leave, I must be your slave...)," Isra began.

"In kune: Ni ne povas batali kontraŭ niaj tradicioj kaj kutimoj (We can’t fight against our traditions and customs)."

Inísel stood up with vigor, her brow furrowing obstinately.

"In kune: Iam, Isra, mi ŝanĝos aferojn kaj mi promesas al vi (One day, Isra, I will change things, and I promise you...)," she leaned down to gently take her maid’s hands. "In kune: Mi donos al vi liberecon. Iam vi ĉesos esti sklavo (I will give you freedom. One day, you’ll stop being a slave)."

Isra smiled and stood.

Before any contradiction to Inísel’s words could be spoken, a knock came at the door of the merchant’s daughter’s quarters.

"In kune: AntaÅ­en (Come in...)"

"In kune: Mi bedaÅ­ras interrompi, mia sinjorino, sed la mastro alvenis (I apologize for interrupting, my lady, but the master has arrived)," informed a slave, bowing his head and awaiting permission to leave.

"In kune: Koran dankon, Tekar. Nun ni malsupreniras, vi povas foriri (Thank you, Tekar. We’ll come down now; you may go)."

Inísel and her maid quickly headed toward the dining room, where Reynard Zendel, Inísel’s adoptive father and one of the most influential merchants in Erial, had just returned from a long business trip. Reynard was at the table with his wife, Diara Zendel.

Inísel entered the dining room with a radiant smile.

"In kune: Patro, kia ĝojo revidi vin! (Father, such a joy to see you again!)"

Reynard stood to embrace his daughter.

"In kune: Inísel, kara, estas bone reveni. Mi havas gravajn novaĵojn por dividi kun vi (Inísel, dear, it’s good to be back. I have important news to share with you)," Reynard spoke affectionately.

After warm greetings, they all sat down, prepared to hear Reynard’s news. The merchant began discussing the political situation in the three cardinal continents.

"In kune: La Estalita ĉesis esti eksportita el la Nordo (Estalita has stopped being exported from the North...)," Reynard said gravely.

"In kune: Tio kaŭzis grandan streĉiĝon inter la Oriento kaj la Okcidento. La minerala eksporto ĉesis atingi Erial unue kaj baldaŭ la aliaj kardinaloj ĉesos ricevi Estaliton. Se ĉi tio daŭras tiel, verŝajne la du kontinentoj de la Oriento kaj la Okcidento militos (This has caused significant tension between the East and West. The mineral export first stopped reaching Erial, and soon, the other cardinals will cease receiving Estalita. If this continues, it’s likely the continents of East and West will go to war...)," Reynard continued, pointing out the likelihood of conflict if the situation persisted.

Inísel frowned, worried about the consequences of these events.

"In kune: Ĉu milito? Je la dioj, mi pensis, ke la kardinaloj estas malsamaj ol Erial! Tiel superaj, ke ili konsideras sin al ni kaj jen ili, kverelante pri stulta ŝtono (A war? By the gods, I thought the cardinals were different from Erial! So superior that they consider themselves above us, and here they are, arguing over a stupid stone...)."

Reynard and Diara exchanged a glance, smiling at their daughter’s statement. Diara was the first to respond, her voice filled with pride.

"In kune: Inísel pravas. Estas ironie vidi kiel tiuj, kiuj opinias sin pli bonaj ol ni, povas fali en la saman kaptilon de avideco kaj milito (Inísel is right. It’s ironic to see how those who believe themselves better than us can fall into the same trap of greed and war)," Reynard nodded.

"In kune: Certe, mia filino. Sed ĉi tiu situacio ankaŭ donas al ni ŝancon en Erial (Certainly, my daughter. But this situation also gives us an opportunity in Erial)."

His daughter looked at him with a raised eyebrow, the delight shining in her green eyes.

"In kune: Se la kardinaloj estas malfortigitaj en la milito, Erial povus kapti la ŝancon (If the cardinals are weakened in the war, Erial could seize the opportunity)."

Inísel looked at her father, her expression becoming more serious.

"In kune: Mi pensas, ke Erial apenaŭ povas subteni sin. Utiligi la militon de la kardinaloj kaj atendi ke iliaj fortoj malfortiĝos por ataki ilin povus esti utila komence, sed longtempe ĝi signifus pli da perdoj por Erial (I think Erial can barely sustain itself. Taking advantage of the cardinals’ war and waiting for their forces to weaken to attack them could be useful at first, but in the long run, it would mean more losses for Erial)."

Her father looked at her curiously, crossing his arms over the table.

"In kune: Kial vi diras tion, mia filino? (Why do you say that, my daughter?)"

Inísel smiled and confirmed.

"In kune: Erial ne havus sufiĉe da rimedoj por teni la tri kontinentojn sub kontrolo. Ni konkerus la kardinalojn nur por perdi ilin post kelkaj jaroj (Erial wouldn’t have enough resources to keep the three continents under control. We would conquer the cardinals only to lose them after a few years)."

Reynard laughed, his sound echoing through the silence of the dining room.

"In kune: Vi havas tre akran menson, Inísel. Vi estus ekzempla suvereno (You have a very sharp mind, Inísel. You would be an exemplary ruler)," her father began, pride coloring his words.

"In kune: Vi pravas, longtempe, ne utilus al ni konkeri la kardinalojn. Erial ne havus sufiĉe da rimedoj por konservi ilin kaj ni perdus ilin en mallonga tempo (You are right; in the long run, it wouldn’t benefit us to conquer the cardinals. Erial wouldn’t have enough resources to keep them, and we would lose them in a short time)."

Reynard looked at his wife and gently placed his hand over hers.

"In kune: Mi sciis, ke la diino benis nin per unika kaj speciala filino (I knew the goddess had blessed us with a unique and special daughter)," commented her father.

Inísel sighed with growing irritation; it seemed her father’s affectionate words had caused an opposite effect to what he intended.

"In kune: Ni ne rekomencu, patro. Mi jam diris al vi, ke mi ne estas speciala; mi nur serĉas trovi la plej bonajn solvojn por la malfacilaĵoj, kiujn ni alfrontas. Mi kredas, ke la mondo estus pli bona, se ni ĉesus batali inter ni mem (Let’s not start again, Father. I’ve already told you I’m not special; I’m just trying to find the best solutions to the difficulties we face. I believe the world would be better if we stopped fighting among ourselves)."

Her parents looked at her with a love impossible to match. From the moment they had adopted Inísel, their lives had been filled, and the constant void tormenting their hearts had been replaced by the warmth and vitality she emanated.

"In kune: Denove mi konsentas kun mia filino. Vi estas mia trezoro; vi estas la elektita el la dioj, mia granda fiero (Once again, I agree with my daughter. You are my treasure; you are the chosen one of the gods, my great pride)," her father commented playfully, clearly intending to provoke his daughter.

Inísel stood with a radiant smile, shaking her head as she watched her parents begin to laugh at the young woman’s extravagant reaction.

"In kune: Vi estas tio, kio ne ekzistas (You're something else)"

She commented, causing her parents to look at her with smiles on their lips.