Races to the Kingdom

A long, long time ago. A forest bordered the realms of men from the realms of beast. The forest itself was a forbidden point for all creatures, predator or prey. But undiscovered by humans, there was another world past the great forest they called “The Moon Goddess’ Wood”. A world in which six powerful races shared ownership. The High Elves, clever and cunning, they lived inside the burnished Mountains of Dust. The Mountains of Dust were huge concave mounts of rock that just about touched the sky. A kingdom burned under the stone shell ruled by Vexima, the Queen of the Elves. The Vampire Allegiance, devious and skilful, travelled throughout the realm. They were creatures of darkness, led by the mighty Vladimir. The Fairies of the Glade, a compassionate but defensive city of fairies, hidden by a beautiful valley which outsiders called The Canyon of The Lost, as it was easy to lose your way in the rocky gorge. Their ruler, the beautiful Fairy Queen Lyra. The Mermaid Cove, home to the strong yet caring mermaid race. They roamed the depth of the Grey Sea, existing out of sight and under the rule of Percy, founder of Mermaid Cove. The Werewolf Legacy, aggressive and mighty shape-shifters who lived amongst the trees of the realm. They roamed in packs, all serving the main bloodline and the Alpha of the realm, Lupus.

Trouble was festering in the realm of Beast. The creatures of the Races battled each other for the title of ‘Best’. But the rulers knew they had to stop this, as it would only end in war. Vexima, the Elf Queen, sent out four doves across the realm with a message only to be heard by the rulers of the other Races. Vladimir, Lyra, Lupus and Percy all agreed to meet with Vexima in the centre of The Moon Goddess’ Wood, at a Shrine that no humans would dare venture to. Except, of course, one.

Tobias was a boy, born and raised in the realm of men, by his poor grandfather. His parents had died long ago, their graves were in The Moon Goddess’ Wood, and so were only visited once every year. Three sunrises before the meeting of the Races Rulers, Tobias set off through the wood towards his parents’ tomb where he’d lay down a shovel and a rose. To signalise the hard work of his father and the beauty of his mother. For days, he trekked through the unforgiving trees until finally he came upon the tomb in which his parents laid to rest. As he placed his offerings, a deep thudding of paws on soil approached from outside. Along with this, the tinkle of wings and the swish of water could be heard.

Outside the tomb, the rulers gathered. Percy swam up from a fish pond that was just outside, he brushed off the algae and settled in the water. He had travelled across the realm through underground rivers that mermaids knew of well. Vladimir stuck to the shadows until the sunlight gave way to a looming moon. He appeared, pale as light wearing a black cloak that enclosed his form. Lyra sat on the archway to the tomb, her graceful pink and gold wings fluttering in the night breeze. Vexima walked out from the shadows, a long white cloak trailing behind her. She wore a circlet of gold and jewels around her head. Lupus was the first to arrive but the last to appear, he stalked out of the shadows in wolf-man form, joining the circle. The rest of his pack gave snarls and howls from the trees surrounding the tomb. They were ready to begin. They stood facing one another in a circle where they exchanged opinions and argued over how to resolve the issues. After hours of waiting, Tobias knew he must leave the cave before he is suffocated by the tension. The rulers faced Tobias in shock as he appeared from his parent’s tomb.

“I’m the son of the founders of the realms, the two who kept the peace between human and beast for centuries before being betrayed by their own supporters.” Tobias announced, “I propose a solution, each of you join together, with our assistance. We may live in peace as we once did before an impenetrable wood separated us.”

The rulers were stunned yet inspired by the young boy’s words. Tobias himself did not expect them to agree, but one by one they knelt to him, welcoming him to their covenant of leaders. And together they ruled in peace, The Moon Goddess’ Wood was no longer a border, but a meeting place! Where each race could roam without restrictions and be free at last, living together in the Kingdom they were destined to be part of.