Astrael, now five, strolled around the manor of Ravenastra, admiring and savouring the view of the morning birds chirping and the cool breeze rustling the trees.
His gaze shifted to the garden, where his favourite lavender and dandelion flowers were blooming.
With a confident stride, he enters the study room where his morning class will begin.
"You are late, Young Lord, again." A voice, pleasing to hear, sounded in his ear.
"It's only 5 minutes, Miss Greta," Astrael countered lightly.
"Don't talk back, Young Lord. She chided, her tone firm. " It's not a good manner. Respect your elders." She stated.
"I am sorry, Miss Greta, I will keep in mind," Astrael said with an apologetic face.
Miss Greta, his teacher, was arranged by his mother to teach him about manners, etiquette, nobility, and his studies.
Now he was able to read and write easily, which made him a genius in his household.
Where I was,.. Ah! Miss Greata.
She was pretty with blue eyes and auburn colored hair. The lesson with her feels amazing.
"Did you complete yesterday's assignment?" Greta inquired.
"Yes, here it is." He replied calmly while bringing his notes to her. He enjoyed this.
Since their first meeting, a quiet fondness had taken root in him. One might even call it a childish crush.
"Hmm....Ok, you have done well." She acknowledged, scanning the pages. " Now take your seat, we will continue where we left off yesterday." She opened her heavy textbook
At first, when she was brought by Lady Laira to tutor 5 year old boys, she was a bit skeptical. But, after some time, she learns that despite his tender age, he possesses a great intellectual mind. His learning ability is in no way inferior to adult.
Despite that, with on little praise, she maintained her calm and aloof personality. She was intrigued to see how such a keen young mind would develop.
"But you promised world history today," Astrael interjected. "You can't go back on your word."
Greta sighed, a hint of amusement softening her features. "Very well. After we finish this section. Happy?"
"Extremely," Astrael beamed.
Two hours later, Greta closed the textbook decisively. "Now, let us begin. What do you know of our world?"
"Nothing much, only that there are many continents, and races, with different cultures, and we are at war with the Demon race." He replied to what he remembered from the library, and he studied.
"Correct, coming there, do you know the name of the world, and why we are at war with the Demon race? And why has this war endured for millennia? She questioned.
"I don't know, Miss Greta."
" Listen closely," she leaned forward, "the world we are residing in is called Eldoria. It was divided into three continents. Namely, Holy continent, Qanela continent and Abades continent." She said while watching him.
Astrael straightened, his attention absolute.
"The Holy continent is the smallest continent out of three after Qanela, dominated by humanity. The Holy continent contained many Kingdoms, but under the rule of the Sacred Aureline Empire, which is the ruling Empire of the continent."
"In addition, the Church of the Eternal Light is the divine faith of the people living on the continent."
She paused, ensuring he absorbed the details before continuing.
"There are more races in our continent, but dominated by us humans. The Qanela Continent, where the Elves of the Sacred Tree, the Dwarves of the Heartforge and the mighty Dragons of the Skyrim Peaks."
Another pause. Astrael's eyes remained fixed on her.
"Lastly, Abades – the largest and most perilous continent. It is the forsaken domain of Demons and Devils. They are beings of inherent malice. It is the largest continent. They are evil and corrupted beings who enjoy tormenting and devouring the souls of others."
Greta's voice grew somber. "During the early ages, the three continents were whole, where all races were at war with each other for domination. And we humans were at the bottom. But with numbers, we were never defeated."
"But everything changed," she continued, her tone grave
"As the war intensified, Demons, who were inherently stronger, due to their strong fleshly bodies and souls, interfered with the course of war."
"No one knows where they came from, or their purpose. At first, no one took them seriously, but it was their grave mistake."
"They were stronger with high regenerative ability, and difficult to kill them. They easily took down many kingdoms and empires. It was hell on earth, depicted on the ancient scroll."
Greta paused, took a sip from the glass of water on the table.
"Due to the increasing threat and the gruesome method they use, it led to the alliance of different races to stop them."
"Everyone thought they would repel the Demons, but the first Holy War, which was known at that time, ended in utter defeat."
"When everyone was in despair," her voice lifted slightly, "Amidst the darkness, five figures arose - the Great Heroes. They confronted the Demon Emperor himself. In a cataclysmic battle, they successfully defeated the Demon Emperor and sealed him away."
"But sealing him cost them too much," she murmured," Which ultimately led Heroes to their demise."
"But after the great battle, this didn't deter the Demons. After the demise of the great heroes, the Demon Kings under the Demon Emperor again launched the war, rallied their legions, igniting the Second Holy War. This conflict ended in a bloody stalemate. And so it has continued, Young Lord. An unending shadow war grinds on to this day."
Greta fell silent, studying Astrael's thoughtful expression as he processed the weight of Eldoria's brutal history.
But he has many questions to ask.
"Enough for today," Greta announced, rising. "It's time for lunch. Afterwards, Captain Avalon awaits you on the training grounds. Do not keep him waiting."
* * *
🌟 Hey, fellow traveller of tales and treasures! 🧭 Your presence here is a journey filled with surprises, like uncovering hidden gems 💎. Isn't it fascinating how a little GOLDEN ✨ something can change everything? 💛