Royal Family of Ravel

Royal Family of Ravel

The history of Ravel, is indeed, unknown to most travelers. It's borders are long and thin, and it's capital, a city of slowly diminishing prestige and honor, is the last remnant of an age past. At present, King Kysar Tandriare sits on the golden throne of Ravel. It was written, that the Tandriare family was one of the first to conquer the lands of north and south across the sea. They had the misfortune of landing in the center of what would become two powerful nations. To the North, stood the Confederacy of Savaris, and to the south, the Empire of Nadyrimi. In order to keep his wealth, the previous king of Ravel had sold much of his land and people. When Kysar took the throne, many were lost in a chaotic frenzy. They were quickly losing power, trying to act as the go-between for Savaris and Nadyrimi land trade. The forests were gone. The land was being swallowed up the southern deserts. All they had left it seemed were wastelands and mountains. 

Kysar: The sun shines, but I am still troubled. Call in those of the court next door. I think it is time we give them due council, as I have yet to regain the trust my father foolishly lost. What is the right way for a king to serve his own? With fear? Nay, I think not. The peasant stick may be soft, but a thousand needles could easily kill a man, no matter the fashion of his throne. Why, if not for the seven battles I fought in the last Nadyrimi war, I'd be a dead king. 

L'andra: My noble lord, you must know, it was the father of that Mercelis girl, who served that vile court. In the darkest hour my family did face, that madman burned them with a turquoise fire, and only I did survive. 

Kysar: Then who can save my kingdom? If it is even that! Pah! Servant! Call whoever will come, but if it the Mercelis girl, let her stay. Perhaps they can divine something those priests cannot. 

Servant: As your will commands my lord. 

L'andra: I will keep my eyes trained on them my love. I trust you, but them I do not. 

Kysar: Fair, fair wife of mine... we know not where Kajika had fled, when he had gone mad from some toxin, and set his fire upon my city. But I fear we'll be served upon Nadyrimi spikes, as they are quite bitter from our bickering wars...ah...here appears a pair of young faces. 

Following behind the servant, and coming into the golden palace, is the two magicians, Tae and Vae, dressed in their usual robes, and bearing their same insignia [the bird perched upon the anchor]. Upon coming before the king, they bow deeply.

Tae: We are honored that you have called upon our order, my lord, for we have heard of what the previous proctor of our art, had done to the lady queen. We can only assure you that we are of a more gentler sort. 

Kysar: Very good to hear! Though I confess, you are not the gray-bearded wisdom I was hoping to meet in dire council. Who are you called? I've only heard the name of Ursula Mercelis, the daughter of that dark sorcerer. 

Tae: I am Tae, and this, is my younger sister Vae, daughters of Saselan and Patrica Demare formerly of the Jahara. 

Kysar: Ah, the same Jaraha I know, to be the minister Adator, who watches over my city as a quirky owl, but still his wisdom is one that has kept our treasury sound since he nested here. Are you of his kin too, then? 

Tae: Yes, my lord, our uncle is he. 

Kysar: Does not your sister speak? Why does she smile so? 

Tae: My lord, my sister has a sharp tongue, I thought it best she stay silent while in your presence, lest she causes some offense, and is punished. 

Kysar: Are all Jahara's quirks? If your king commands it, would you speak? 

Vae: Indeed, my lord, I would not deny you such a request.

Kysar: Very good then. Tell me how to save my kingdom! What magic can be spun that would reverse this slow spiral of death? What wisdom can you share, that my priests and advisers may shy from? Already we've tried our hand at trade: the Nadyrimi refuse out of anger, and Savaris is so self-sufficient, it hardly wants to pass any goods through our door without us paying them! 

Tae: With all due respect my lord, there is little the magician's court can do. Our funds have all but dried up, and you are not the only nation who has endorsed such magic. From Nyveressa and Lylamor, those of our trade have been hunted, but still in Morsala and Nadyrimi do such crafts they practice. 

Vae: If we were, with Morsala a joint guild invest, ties between Savaris and Ravel would grow. 

Kysar: I am glad you speak, but it sounds costly, how would we maintain such a bond? It sounds less of magic, and more of politics, I have other advisers for that! 

Tae: With some gold, and new practitioners, more powerful magic we could create, my lord. 

L'andra: Your funds have gone dry on it's unpredictability. Kajika went unopposed, and even still lives. Who knows what madness could take you in your dark work! The funds we barely make, would simply go to waste. 

Vae: And fair queen, in the future, Ravel will be without magic entirely, and Morsala, your ready neighbor will be the capital of such arts. 

L'andra: A good riddance! 

Vae: It would be so, until Morsala invades, or perchance, to enter Nadyrimi at least, to destroy their competitor's reign. 

Kysar: It is roguish for you to so blatantly ask for the gold of Ravel. Out with you, unless you have something of lasting effect to state!

Tae: If it please you, my lord, a spell I know, that could aid Ravel's poor state. 

Kysar: Of what nature? 

Tae: Regretfully, it is one of war my lord. 

Kysar: Be that as it may, I will call upon you again, to see the growth of it. Now, farewell, farewell. 

Tae: I take my leave.

Vae: As do I. 

The two magicians swiftly exit the palace, leaving the aging king and his wife along. 

L'andra: That little one troubles me. 

Kysar: A little runt, but a sharp mind. Ah, our children. Fair Edina, and strong Mark! 

Escorted by a group of guards, the prince and princess of Ravel come before the king and queen.

Mark: Father, word from the forest's edge. The sands are moving. 

Kysar: What... devilry looms on the edge of my vision...

Edina: Father, to the ships must I go? 

L'andra: Yes, my daughter, you must sail to Lylamor to see their lords and mistresses, so we may befriend them.

Edina: Why does Mark not go? 

Kysar: My sweet flower, your brother is captain of our standing army. If he leaves, who knows what will happen to Ravel? 

Mark: You give me too much credit father. I dare not pry, but was it not two magicians you spoke of just now? 

Kysar: Indeed, my son. What it will wrought, I have yet to see. 

L'andra: Darkness is coming swiftly. I pray, at least, that my children will bear long lives. 

And so, the court goes on. The news Mark has brought is a common phrase for those of Ravel. During the many skirmishes with Nadyrimi, "the sands are moving" described the way in which their desert horses kicked up the sand in the air. A sign of a battle soon to come. While the southern empire has yet to declare war, trouble is sure to come. 

And for the future, the young princess Edina, is being sent to Lylamor on a diplomatic mission. For now, the pyre burning is simply forgotten. 

Poisonous Tower

Poisonous Tower

The city of Ravel, the very same city that had a habit of burning their dead beyond the city walls, had a solitary tower that rose high above the battlements. It had been taken up by a wealthy minister named Adator. It was odd how a man so concerned about order, put his tower in the north eastern corner of the trapezoidal city...he spent his days writing in that isolated tower, but took a certain pleasure in watching the people of Ravel from his noble perch. In short, he was considered gentle, yet, quirky. 

And the very same night that a young man, known as Curtis, was sent off to heaven, the odd minister looked on through his looking glass.

Adator: I too have a son. That looks to be Delores the butcher Jared's wife, making her way through the night. 

Haiken: Well father, you have more than just one child, but I'm flattered. 

Adator: Ye, but you remain among the living. Alas, the fire is burned out. 

Haiken: Gracious, why do you watch every procession? You'll invite the dead to your perch while you sleep!

Adator: I take interest in the way people act. But curiously enough those magicians were present. 

Haiken: Hold, you mean someone we know has passed without us knowing?

Adator: Doubtful, they're odd. 

Haiken: Like you.

Adator: I'd say of a different sort. Magic is an invisible practice. I prefer the genius of minds, manifested in form. 

Haiken: Like the sword, or something more refined, like ah, catapult? 

Adator: Tools of war. Well, your brother is fighting even now I suppose. 

Haiken: Why he joined the army is beyond me.

Adator: It is beyond us all! I thought Nir to be too timid to sell his life to death and terror.

Haiken: Timid only when ignored. There's not a stronger will I've ever seen that of Nir. 

Adator: Well so be it! If he comes back to us, the gods will have my thanks, least I turn out like Jared the butcher. I'm off to bed. 

Haiken: Good night father, I'll stay up a moment. 

* * *

The city was quite different after the sun rose. The gold plated statues on the palace stairway glistened at first light, and the north and south gates opened to trade. The high H'tari Mountains loomed over the east and west walls. Though the capital, and home to the royal family, Ravel was straight on the border between two nations. Every speck of trade ran through the crowded streets. Though the slums grew ever larger, prosperity was to be had in such a place. 

Sinking beneath the high pillared palace, was a small, mostly underground unit that housed the most suspicious order. It was here, that members of the magician's court carried out their business. 

Tae: I've never seen you so insistent on working hard during our day of much needed rest. 

Vae: That girl has my mind, but first, of Curtis, I am most interested. 

Tae: Curtis? The butcher's son who was but a container, has your mind now? You hardly knew him! 

Vae: Few in this city did, but it was our business to get acquainted...his body was covered in dark cloth.

Tae: It was strange how much they intended to keep him hidden. 

Vae: Beneath the veil is a mystery I intend to unravel. 

Tae: Under what pretense? Any action taken, must have some precursor. And with you, it's always a dark one. 

Vae: I'll say it lightly then. There is a chance that Curtis may still yet live. 

Tae: Impossible. 

Vae: Did you see his mangled body beneath the tarp a'fore it went in flames? 

Tae: No, but first I felt his life force waning in his attic home, I knew that he was who he was. His mother had to look upon him truly. 

Vae: But even so...the time of death was never set. A melancholy soul has a way to heal itself in clever ways.

Tae: But faking one's death is a hard trick! We'd surely tell if it were so, the girl's spirit is proof enough. 

Vae: This plot reeks of Nir, I hate to stain our kindred's name, but it felt too closely to his mark. 

Tae: That would be a horrid thing! But then again, to Adator's tower did she flock. 

Vae: That tower is filled with poison. I have no trouble with our uncle, but it is sad that he must live in such a haunted place. 

Tae: Shall we then take our investigation there? Adator loves his sisters, and as such, he loves their children too. Ah, and it is the fifth day! Our cousin Haiken will be lodging there, lest he's already parted to Manessa.

Vae: This is so! Off with me!

Tae: And I as well.

The two magicians work their way through the streets, coming upon the tower they claim to be filled with poison. The black gates stand tall, and yet, before they can knock upon them for entry, they swing open and the finely dressed Haiken emerges, greeting them with a bright smile, and a pack slung over his shoulder. 

Haiken: Dear cousins! I was just about to find you before I left, since last night my father saw you both at a secret burning from his precipitous perch.

Vae: What a eerie hold he has on Ravel!

Haiken: Indeed, I find it strange as well. But would you tell me the nature of your visit here? You've saved me time as I am en route to Manessa to my mother's home.

Tae: We thought a magic came unto your father's tower proceeding the pyre's fire. It is, a frequent event, but my sister thinks it to be peculiar.

Haiken: I have to aptitude for magic, that's my brother's trade.

Vae: Fighting in the fools war is he.

Haiken: Aye, it is so. We pray for him to return.

Vae: Sooner than later, I fear.

Haiken: I'd dislike you for such comments cousin, if my father had not made them himself last night.

Tae: This matter is most morbid, I concur! Safe travels cousin Haiken, we must conduct our work within.

Haiken: Fare thee well, and to you, keep thy sharp tongue sheathed.

Vae: I will try.


The magicians entered the tower, finding it dim, and unlit. Only through tiny slits did the sunlight stream, and they carefully ascended the stone steps, leading to the various chambers and studies. Only at the top was there any dissemblance of comfort and homeliness. As they walked, they kept quiet, until they reached the apex, and yet it was empty, the final door securely locked. 

Vae: I quiver, sister.

Tae: At what anticipation?

Vae: Fear.

Tae: In the daylight too! You are a sensitive child, but even so, this unsettles me now.

Vae: The young girl's spirit has fled from us.

Tae: Where to did she go?

Vae: I feel she's passing north.

Tae: To Savaris then?

Vae: Indeed, if she were to fly as straight an arrow would, to Veris of Savaris she is bound.

Tae: Do we pursue?

Vae: Too easily we'll be lost from here unto that godly spire. Even so, she may become lost again. Let us return, and rest, and enjoy this day. I do not wish to know what truth it is just yet...

Tae: If it were Nir, to Veris he would undoubtedly go.

They quickly left the tower and gladly took their day of rest. For now, the issue seems to have changed.

The Pyre Gathering

The Pyre Gathering

It was customary for the people of the city to carry the dead outside of the city walls, with the exception of the royal family, and the priesthood, and burn them in makeshift pyres, leaving it to the well-being of the family to give certain rights to the deceased. Very rarely did anyone make proper ceremony of such an event, but on the 12th day of the 3rd month, a solemn ceremony, kept in secret was making it's way towards the outskirts beyond the city walls. Among the common mourners, a number of officials hid themselves in secret.

It was also true of the times, that men down on their luck would hang about beneath the parapets and wait for such funerals to take place and ransack the ceremony to steal the deceased's trinkets and dishonor their remains. In the dead of night, two such persons were waiting patiently for the secretive funeral to take place. It wasn't so uncommon, as word of their misdeeds had spread, for people to hold their mourning ceremonies in secret at night, so the renegades paid no special heed to the gathering at first...

Pargon: I see in the dark, a light! They thought to keep us uninformed, but it would seem that we've caught on well enough.

Jun:  Stay a moment longer Pargon. There's something suspicious about this gathering.

Pargon: Your eyes have never failed to spot a discrepancy. I wish I could notice as much in the shadow of night.

Jun: Aye, I'll lend you a glass. But even so, I see two woman who are ceremoniously dressed. However, their insignia is beyond my eyesight.

Pargon: Do you recognize any face?

Jun: The wind blows against us friend. I wouldn't touch this ceremony for ten fold our charge.

Pargon: Ah, that is well enough I suppose. But my curiosity is budding.

Jun: We might sell this off to some other fools, and hear about it later.

Pargon: Fair is fair! Let's make a hasty withdrawal.

* * *

So Pargon and Jun, the lowlife renegades, have backed away from their prize, with the fear that something more was going on at this particular pyre burning. Just as well, the proceedings went on. While most of the women present were dressed in black, and sobbing quietly, two joyous faces stand among the crowd, dressed in white and blue robes; a sign of their order etched on their short capes: a solitary bird perched atop an anchor. 

Tae: Poor Delores can't believe her son is dead. 

Vae: Even so, life goes on, the air itself is laughing. 

Tae: Only you could say such dubious things.

Vae: What could I ever do? Life goes on, and you are smiling too. 

Tae: And to what end? 

Vae: You wouldn't divine your own truth?

Tae: He's passed, but what I feel is rather strange. 

Vae: Indeed, but let's keep our voices low. We give our respects quietly, to lessen the offense. 

Delores: My son, my son...

Jared: What idiocy...I give my respect, but understand, gods, I am irritated! 

Delores: How dare you! At your son's funeral...

Jared: How dare the spinner of fate! I did my part to give him life, if someone took it away without asking, by all rights, I am irritated. 

Delores: Then give your respects earnestly, so they may give him back in fortune... 

Ursula: He'd want you to say, never come back! He was miserable in common clothes.

Tae: Goodness Ursula, you speak so wisely. But it is so; what he wants is more important than what we want of him. 

Fren: And he said that he was tired. May you sleep well brother. 

Delores: Oh... I can barely stand it. 

Tae: He uttered many other things. 

Vae: Dare I say it? He never lived honestly. But more importantly... 

Fren: What could you be speaking off back here among yourselves? 

Vae: A vision of the future, this spirit yearns to return, and eagerly so.

Fren: My brother's soul? 

Vae: Nay, good sir, the soul of an orphan girl. Was your brother intimate with anyone? 

Fren: Not that I could say. He lived and died a virgin. By that, shouldn't he be taken to heaven?

Tae: So that strange feeling... 

Vae: Indeed! 

Fren: Am I not worthy of your coded speech? 

Vae: No, it just might be a hard pill to swallow. 

Fren: I care not. 

Tae:  Don't scald my tongue!

Vae: He was just an automaton.

Fren: A what? He was idle in his last days I admit, but what you say is irresponsible unless you knew him better.

Vae: It is the truth good sir. His name shouldn't be honored. But we've come to respect the nature of the girl's soul.

Jared: We're returning shortly Fren, the corpse is nearly ash.

Fren: Aye father, I'll come a bit shortly. So what of this?

Tae: My dear companion has no sense to soften the blow...

Vae: But your bother is just a mannequin, in our practice, one's spirit holds more worth.

Fren: I will still honor him.

Ursula: Only a priest can send someone to heaven.

Tae: Are you bitter, Ursula? You've got sour words, but a content smile.

Ursula: I too, have come to love this spirit girl.

Fren: Are all you witches sent to dishonor a noble funeral?

Vae: If it were noble, we'd be in court. But we've come to this ceremony to see what would become of her.

Tae: My good sir, he never took a girl for his own, or dabbled in the savage world of such young men. His idleness is what a fool priest would call a temperate possession.

Fren: In short, you make him out to be a woman?

Vae: Not in body, no! But in rare cases, a strong spirit overtakes a weak mind.

Ursula: The ashes are nearly blown away, and the girl has drifted off. I'm going home to rest.

Fren: You've given me much to think upon. What makes us what we are, in our souls? Am I too a woman in disguise?

Tae: Rest easy good sir! What our souls are, is what they were when originally wrought. You'll soon find the truth once you part.

Vae: And away we shall go, to see what strange course she will take. I want to find her least Ursula takes all the spoils.

Fren: Well now, if I know anything, I am glad. Like a cage that's opened for a entrapped bird. I take my leave, giving you my respect as well. Freedom is something we all strive to obtain.

* * *

And so the pyre burns down to mere ash, blowing away on an evening wind. What transpired in these moments would open much greater doors in a near and distant future.