The Forsaken Hero

I drifted through dreams, nightmares, and visions for what felt like an eternity. They flicked from battles between the hordes and humanity, important war councils, and hidden whispers between conspirators. It was impossible to memorize it all, or even weed out the illusions from prophecies, but I witnessed and remembered as much as possible. We were at war now, and anything I could learn would be of help.

The final scene found me floating in Brithlite’s luxurious throne room. Alverin sat upon his throne, surrounded by councilors and advisors. They discussed something in low, hushed whispers but fell silent as the doors opened and a beautiful young woman strode through. She had flowing golden hair and was dressed in a striking red dress with a low neckline and a short, shimmering skirt. The silken fabric was thin and sheer, scandalously clinging to her curves and leaving nothing to the imagination.

My entire soul shuddered with dread as I recognized the provocatively dressed woman, if not the confidence she walked with. Her beautiful eyes lacked the innocence and vivacity of when last I saw her, but no matter how desperately I tried to deny it, they were the same.

My fears were confirmed momentarily when Alverin smiled and extended a welcoming hand to the golden-haired beauty. "Ah, my dear Elise. I trust your evening was most enjoyable?"

Elise giggled and practically skipped across the throne room, giving a slight curtsey before unceremoniously plopping herself in Alverin’s lap. The contrast between his cruel eyes, graying hair, and her vibrant youth and flowing golden curls was almost sickening, leaving my spectating soul in anger and disgust.

"Truly delightful," She said, snuggling against his chest. One of her delicate hands rose to caress his chin, playing with his short, trimmed beard. "I’ve ever enjoyed the company of the noble ladies of your court. Their pets were most amusing this time. It’s hard to believe I ever thought it was weird."

He chuckled and wrapped one arm around her shoulders while the other crept salaciously up her thigh, creeping an inch or two beneath her already short skirt. "Do not feel ashamed of your thoughts made in ignorance, my golden princess. All that matters now is that you understand the truth."

She nodded. "Thank you, my king. I believe you said you had some news to share with me?"

Alverin’s smile faded, and he took on a look of distraughtness. "Indeed. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that your fiancée, my beloved son, has fallen at the hands of the demon hordes in the north. He was part of a valiant effort to destroy the filthy traitors allowing the demons to ravage our lands. We had every reason to think it would succeed, but..."

"What...?" Elise’s eyes widened, and she suppressed a gasp with her hand. "But he...he said he’d come back."

"Sometimes, things don’t go as planned," Alverin replied. He cupped her cheek and lifted her face to his, pressing his lips on her forehead in a fatherly kiss. "I’m sorry, I truly am."