one has dared traveling through there to find out though because of the old lore of it being wrapped in so much magic a man could go mad by just stepping foot within its shadows. In fact, not many people have ever seen an Ascarian. They tend to like their privacy, which is another reason they cause concern. Whatever side they decide to join, if they decide to join, could be one hell of a fight.”
“How do you even know they exist?” I questioned, watching as Soran thought about his answer.
“They exist. Some people claim it’s a load of fantasy, and the kingdom died out years ago after their last king passed. Those people say the people who remained assimilated to life in other kingdoms and courts. I don’t believe that. I know they’re out there, hidden, waiting for whatever it is they wait for. Besides, who else would kill a prince of Lor’Lak? It’s said that Zaros stole the Ascarian princess and made her his bride, and she gave him his two sons. She eventually died under suspicious circumstances. If I had to guess, I’d say the entire feud between Ascaria and Lor’Lak had something to do with that. Perhaps they didn’t want their beloved princess to have children with Zaros. It doesn’t explain why they killed Xalvador yet allowed Calixto to live.” Soran shrugged. “But, like I said, they’re mysterious. We may never know.”
“That is odd,” I murmured. “Do you think maybe they knew wh-what Calix would become? Maybe they supported it?”
“No,” Soran replied thoughtfully. “I don’t think they supported Calixto. If they’re even involved in any of this. We don’t know because we have no proof of their interference. We’ve sent Sentries to find answers, and they’ve heard stories of a small army approaching the place where Xalvador was camping. There was a skirmish, and the small group of Lor’Lakians executed. But it could’ve simply been a band of rogues and unfortunate timing. When Zaros came to us, begging for us to help him take out the Ascarians, the stories were too suspicious. A kingdom no one ever hears from randomly attacks? It didn’t make sense, and Zaros didn’t seem to want to offer further details. How do you find a hidden kingdom, especially one beyond the great forest where no man dares to tread? It would be a waste of time and energy to wage war with a place you cannot find. Besides, the Ascarians are shifters. Even if it was their army who took out Xalvador at his post, we’d never be able to tell because the story goes that the Ascarians can change how they look. They’re changelings. So what might appear as a fourteen-year-old girl with flowers in her hand, might actually be something else entirely.”
“They can change how they look?” I squeaked, amazed at how crazy this world seemed to be. It was like living out a SyFy Channel movie.
“So go the stories.” Soran nodded, his blue eyes focused on a Citera as it fluttered its wings nearby. “I’ve never met one, at least not that I know of.”
“This is insane,” I whispered, shaking my head.
“It may seem extraordinary, but don’t dwell on it too much. This is merely a mixture of speculation and stories, Analia. Who’s to say what all is true and what isn’t?” Soran replied, pulling his attention away from the small bird and giving me a gentle smile. “I got sidetracked. I was telling you about Zaros coming to Dar’ish.”
I sat forward, waiting for him to continue his story.
“As you may have noticed, Father tends to be an accommodating man. He’s generous when he needs to be but don’t underestimate him. He’s a true warrior,” Soran sounded proud as he spoke of our father. “When Zaros requested to be seen, Father welcomed him to our table where they feasted together. Father knew of Zaros’s feelings for our mother and how they’d once been in love. Wanting to let the past go and strengthen our world by uniting the two courts, Father was more than willing to hear Zaros out. Of course, much like me, Father didn’t buy into Zaros’s story of the Ascarians. When Zaros requested to see you, our parents reluctantly allowed it to happen. You were brought out to meet Calixto and Zaros. You reached your tiny hand out to the prince. The moment your hands touched, there was a brilliant flame. There were so many colors to it. I’d never seen anything like it. I