I

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  Arc I Chapter 1

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  11th Anima Lunar VIII AAC 753

  The kingdom of Arcadia was an old kingdom. A kingdom rich in culture and history, located in the heart of Eudia, the ancient continent. A kingdom populated by countless duchies, counties, baronies, and pesky nobles.

  Some duchies were small. Some duchies were large. And some were duchies with history. The Duchy of Schwarzwalt was such a case. It was a duchy with history, a history interwoven with the foundation of Arcadia itself. Schwarzwalt enjoyed a prominent place across Arcadia, known among commoners and nobles alike, but not because of its possessions, not because of its wealth, not because of its military might.

  The duchy comprised vast territories situated in Arcadia’s heartlands. The duchy mustered a respectable military. The duchy profited from a sizeable population, a prosperous industry, a productive agriculture, but what gave Schwarzwalt its importance was a single family.

  Since ancient times, the proud House von Schwarz had been ruling over these lands. Few doubted they would continue to do so for the coming centuries.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  The House von Schwarz was an old, a powerful lineage, which traced their origins back to the earliest days of Arcadia and beyond. Empires, kingdoms, dynasties rose and fell since the dawn of time, but the Schwarz persisted throughout the ages with their place firmly among Arcadia’s high nobility.

  The name Schwarz was a name that could not be ignored. It was a prestigious name that carried weight, that commanded respect even among neighbouring countries.

  The authority of all of nobility derived from their magic prowess. From the lowliest knight to the mightiest king, magic formed the basis of the power and might. The ability to wield magic was a rare gift, a privilege inherited only through blood. Commoners graced with this gift existed, but their numbers were few, their abilities weak.

  This was a world where lineage and blood determined your worth. The House von Schwarz was such a powerful lineage, feared for their might and their mastery of fire. Rumours claimed their magic had weakened in recent times, but few were brave enough to verify these claims. Their magic remained potent, yet, unbeknownst to everyone, times were changing. Danger lurked in the shadows.

  A lone coach travelled through the ancient forest, returning from the royal capital of Arcadia, on its way to the city of Freyburg, the proud capital of the Duchy of Schwarzwalt. The journey was a long and arduous one. A journey of days and weeks. Icy wind swept across the trees, and ominous clouds darkened the horizon, as thunder roared in the distance. A storm was gathering.

  A man emerged from the shadows to report. “Captain, we have located them. Albert and Hagen have spotted the coach. The knights wear the crest of the House von Schwarz. They are approaching our position. No doubt, it is them and the girl should be among them, provided our intelligence is correct”

  “Excellent.” Guenther gripped his sword, satisfied with his second in command. His steel blue eyes glimmered with a sense of anticipation, with the excitement of a born hunter cornering his prey. He and his men had chosen simple attires. Their gear made them look like mercenaries, or bandits. Both of which were in plentiful supply these days. They wore hauberks, mail, sturdy leather boots and gloves, but their posture betrayed Guenther and his men. They were neither mercenaries, nor bandits. They were professionals. They were knights, royal knights with a mission, armed with steel.

  Guenther commanded, “Ludwig, prepare the horses and gather the men. Tell them that it is time to move. We have got a girl to kill.” Because the proud House von Schwarz would end today.

  Forest of Schwarzwalt

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