12 Great Kingdom of Hoogpor (1/2)

Just like Mathras from the north, the Great Kingdom of Hoogport bordered the Black Lands, too. But, it bordered it from the eastern region of the Skyhaven. It was a kingdom created thousands of years ago, by the only female among the four surviving Great Magus, named Atelia. She named it Hoogport because of the port found at the northern part of the kingdom, and Hoog was the name of a special wood the kingdom exported to other parts of the continent. They could only grow and harvest this tree within the great kingdom of Hoogport. Unlike the Tiodon which was a small kingdom in the grand scale of the continent, the Great Kingdom of Hoogport was second only to the Black Lands in land mass. It was a thriving kingdom for those who belonged to the path of light, albeit a human only territory. Its population numbered in the billions, and just like the Tiodon kingdom it operated a monarchy system. It had seven cities within its territory, with each city ten times bigger than the whole Tiodon Kingdom. Its streets were more lavish and bustling than that of the Tiodon Kingdom, with several armored soldiers found on every street corner. The flags of the Great Kingdom had the emblem of a roaring Lion, which represented the insignia of Atelia. She had the nickname - Roaring Lion.

Because of the land mass of the Hoogport, depending on the city one found himself, they would either experience night or day. Like Mathras, one could observe a divergent weather in the various cities of the kingdom. Some places where covered in lush grasses while snow fell all year long in other areas. In some cities, it rained all year long while others were akin to a desert. Because it was a Human only territory, other races regarded Hoogport as the Human capital city of the world.

Apart from being the largest of the great kingdoms, Hoogport was also the richest in terms of natural resources. Being the human capital of the world, it also had some of the greatest human minds within its lands. In terms of the quantity of warriors and sorcerers belonging to great kingdoms, the Great Kingdom of Hoogport was ahead of the others. In fact, most of the talents of humans had the lifelong goal of serving under the illustrious banner of Hoogport.

Since its formation, it had never experienced war nor internal strife. Owing to the status and might of its Royal Family. Although certain factions from the Black Lands attempted to cause internal strife on various occasions, the Royal Family foiled their plots on each occasion. While crushing the instigators behind the rebellion. On the Continent of Skyhaven, most people would think twice before them attacked a citizen of Hoogport. Not to talk of a member of the Royal Family or the military. Three factions made up the spine of Hoogport. The Royal Family, its military, and its Hall of Wisdom.

Haveme City, Great Kingdom of Hoogport.

The City of Haven was one of the seven cities in Hoogport, and Its total population numbered in the millions. They built the city in a valley amid various mountains which towered into the skies. Unlike other cities in Hoogport, the weather was fair. Because of this, most people referred to it as the third best city in Hoogport. Its major export was a rare ore minded from the surrounding mountains called Olahyme. Thousands of people trooped into the city each day because they wanted to buy this rear ore. Because, it had a myriad of uses. Although the major occupation in the city was mining, Haveme looked nothing like a mining city. Beautiful structures of varying shapes and height lined its busy streets. The strange thing about most of these structures, was the material used in their construction. Most of the buildings glistered as if made from a precious gem. Such a sight would leave most tourist awed. It even mesmerized the citizens of the city on various occasions.

Apart from mining, Haveme had one of the biggest organized and underground markets on Skyhaven. No matter what an individual sought, they would find it in the Haveme markets. Since Hoogport operated under a monarchy, a prince governed its affairs. One of the three arms considered being the spine of Hoogport had its headquarters in Haveme, too. It was another reason most people considered it the third best city.

In a certain part of Haveme, Dustan stood in a beautiful garden. While assuming a pensive his demeanor. Three weeks had rapidly gone by since the events that took place in the Tiodon Kingdom. Standing beside him was an old man, who looked as if he had been alive for countless eons. Unlike Dustan who dressed in plain clothes, the old man wore a blue mage's robes which had several garish colors on the chest region of the robes. As the gentle wind blew, it tousled their hairs while carrying the fragrance of several flowers to their nose. Although they stood in such a beautiful scenery, which had several mountain peaks in the background. The duo had solemn expressions on their faces as they discussed in a soft tone of voice.

”Great sage, is there any change to marigold's condition?” Dustan asked. His eyes had a tinge of regret in them while his lips trembled a little. Dustan's reaction and question caused the old man to sigh while shaking his head. ”Dustan, don't trouble yourself with matters concerning Marigold. I know you mean well for her, but you must let her weather this storm herself. She can still find fortune from this disaster. I'll convey your messages to her when she steps out from her training, but I must warn you. After her recent experience, it might not be the same Marigold of yesteryear,” the great sage said. Just like Dustan, his aged eyes had a tinge of regret in them. But, unlike Dustan, he maintained a calm demeanor.

Meanwhile, Dustan's heart sank in helplessness. He could not help but feel dejected. The scene of James jumping though the portal kept on playing over and over in his mind. Since the incident, he held himself responsible for James's escape. He berated himself for not doing better. The massacre carried out in the Dumin household also made him scared of the future casualties that would arise from James's escape. Most of all, he hated that he could not apprehend the person who shattered the reunion of his friend.

Noticing the saddened expression on Dustan face, the Great sage patted him lightly on the back, ”Dustan, do not let the events of that day trouble you. That Blay De Tovar character hid himself relatively well. Even our Clairvoyants could not detect something like this would occur. If fate wills it, you will meet him again,” the great sage said. It was his attempt to console and motivate Dustan.

Meanwhile, Dustan nodded his head as he heard these words. But, his face still had the same expression. Seconds later, a certain thought flashed through his mind.

”Great sage, what is the status of the grandfather and granddaughter duo?” Dustan asked.

The old man furrowed his brows upon hearing Dustan's question while assuming a serious demeanor.

”The two of them are recovering better than I had expected. If they had arrived a day or two later, they would have died a gruesome death. The young lass is also someone shrouded in mystery. Although she is only a human, I can sense she is not someone normal. I want her to recover first before I test my theories. If they are right, then she can become a pillar within Kingdom,” the Great Sage said.

Listening to the manner in which the Great Sage praised Daisy, Dustan had a stunned expression on his face. Because he knew the status of the old man. Considering the number of talents in Hoogport, if someone like him could praise Daisy so much, he could not imagine how frightening she could become.

'Hmm… The Great Sage is not one to speak words carelessly. If the consultant to the Royal Military says; she can develop into a pillar for the Kingdom. Who am I not to believe? If that girl grows into another pillar for us, it will be our gain. Whoever placed that nasty curse would never have expected this…' Dustan mused.

”Great sage, does that mean you will take her as a disciple?” Dustan asked after overcoming his initial surprise.

”Yes! A talent like her should not remain in the mundane world of mortals. I only hope she will accept me as a Master,” The Great sage said.

”It is her great fortune to have you as a Master. I'm sure she will be glad to have you as a master, Sir,” Dustan said. He felt as if the great sage was joking when he said he hoped Daisy would take him as a Master. From his point of view, in the whole of Hoogport, who would dare turn down such an offer? The title of Great sage was not for show. Only those who had accumulated hundreds of years' worth of experience in their respective occupations had a chance of being given the title. Even ten thousand libraries could not compare to one Great sage.

Hearing Dustan words, the Great sage could not help but chuckle. At that same moment, Dustan continued his statement, ”Sir, did either of them mention anything about this Blay De Tovar? From the investigation carried out in the Tiodon Kingdom, we found out he was posing as the adoptive son of Lord Dumin, James Dumin.”

”Although they did not know his identity back then, the trio contacted each other. The description in your report matched that of the duo. So, I assumed it was the same person. They mentioned they came in contact with him at a cemetery. Apparently, since the day they made contact, the young lass condition became worse. Although the grandfather was suspicious, it was the handwork of James Dumin, he reasoned that it was impossible. Because, he detected Blay De Tovar was only a weak apprentice mage. I've read the reports from the interrogation of those Halflings. Apparently, they three of them are from The Order. It is really not surprising when you consider their history. But, how they went unnoticed for several months is a source of worry for all Kingdoms.” The Great Sage said with a solemn look on his face.

”lest I forget, the young lass also mentioned something about purple and red things floating beside Blay De Tovar. Although I'm uncertain, but from her description, she might have seen damned souls. But, I've never heard or seen anything like a purple damned soul,” the Great Sage added.

As if a lightning bolt struck him, Dustan remembered all the damned souls he saw at the Iroko walkway and the Tiodon Kingdom. He did not report it earlier because he felt it was impossible for damned souls to appear that way. Even though he was not a necromancer, it was common knowledge for those who practiced soul related sorcery that Damned souls were red. A purple damned souls was unheard off, not to talk of an active sighting.

”Sir, I'm sorry for not mentioning this earlier, but I also saw those purple damned souls. Even though I was certain I was not under any illusion, I could not believe such a thing exists,” Dustan said while lowering his head in apology.

Meanwhile, there were no changes in the Great sage's old face as he listened to Dustan's words. It was impossible to determine if he was angry or not at Dustan for that slight oversight.

”Don't bother yourself with such mundane issues. If I were in your shoes, I would have being skeptical, too,” The Great sage said with a slight smile which caused Dustan to have a relived expression on his face. A few seconds later, his voice echoed again, ”What is the current situation at the border? What of the other Great Kingdoms?”

”Sir, everything is chaotic at the moment. According to our people at the border, the armies of two of the successors are making subtle movements. War looks inevitable at this moment, the only problem is when they will strike. According to our strategists and spies, it is likely they will strike seven to ten years from now. Although it is not a long time, it is not a short time, too. We can only do our best to prepare for the inevitable. As for matters concerning the other Great Kingdoms, preparations are still being made,” Dustan explained.

”Hmmm… The successors of the Man of Darkness are about to throw this word into chaos again,” The Great sage said in a helpless manner while shaking his head.

”Sir, unlike ten thousand years ago, we will not allow those from the path of Darkness to do as they please. We will not let the peace our ancestors fought for to end in this generation,” Dustan said. His facial appearance also carried the same confidence as his voice. Noticing this, the Great sage nodded his end in an approving manner.

”I like your confidence Dustan, but I'll advise you not to be too overconfident. In your generation, hardly will you find anyone who can rival you and other - four kings. But, the next few years will see the rise and fall of several heroes and villains. I might not have the gift of clairvoyance, but even I can foresee war and bloodshed covering the lands of Skyhaven. Whether the path of light or that of Darkness prevails, is unknown. Who knows if Skyhaven remain the same? Only the heavens know,” the Great Sage said.

Dustan had a solemn look on his face as he digested the Great Sage's words. Just as he wanted to respond, the Great sage interrupted him, ”Your men are on their way here. Visit me in my quarters when you have the time, I've something important to discuss with you. I believe the same people who placed the curse on the young lass have something to do with the Dragonsites.”

The moment the Great sage finished speaking, he disappeared from the garden like a puff of smoke. Meanwhile, Dustan had a stern expression on his face which showed traces of surprise, anger, and fear. The word Dragonsites stirred his emotion, causing an involuntary chill to go down his spine.

”After all these years, the Dragonsites are becoming active again. It seems they will drown the next few years in bloodshed and chaos,” Dustan muttered while sighing. Just as he finished his statement, the silhouette of five armored guards appeared within the garden. After discussing briefly with each other, Dustan and the five armored guards disappeared from the beautiful garden.

Meanwhile, in another part of the Great Kingdom of Hoogport. Hundreds of the top military officials gathered in a secret chamber which acted as a war room. Within the slightly rowdy room, various maps of the entire Kingdom of Hoogport floated in midair. Because of various magical runes found at different corners of the room. On each of the maps, it was possible to see various military positions of the armies of the Great Kingdom.

Inspecting the individuals found in the room, one would notice that they were of two categories - based on their dressing. Half of them wore the familiar armor of the great kingdom while other half wore a gray scholarly robe which had several star-shaped embroideries on the sleeves. Those clad in armor were from the military branch of the great kingdom while the others were from a branch called the Hall of Wisdom. One could say the Hall of Wisdom was the military backbone ofHoogport. While the main military groomed monsters in the art of war, the Hall of Knowledge groomed the brightest minds.

With hundreds of people found in the war room, the atmosphere was a little tensed, which was because both sides of the military were in a heated argument.

”Gentlemen, we can no longer underestimate the threat the Black Lands poses. If we don't act now! We may as well be inviting a disaster by folding our hands,” A burly man clad in military armor said.

”General Thoa, we all know the threat the Black lands poses, but it will be injudicious to wage war against them right now. We neither have the numbers nor the resources to wage war against as of now. Please don't act rashly,” a scholarly looking old man retorted. General Thoa's words displeased him.

With a sneer on his lips, General Thoa spoke to the scholarly old man, ”Master Kane, what the hell do you know about the Black Lands?! Do you think because you have read a thousand or two thousands tomes you are qualified to speak about the black lands?”

Master Kane could not help but cackle when he heard General Thoa's words, he knew he had hit a sore spot.

”Whether I have read a hundred or a thousand scriptures is none of your business. As a representative of the Hall of Wisdom, it is my responsibility to act in the best interest of the Kingdom and his majesty. We are not like you lots from the Military,” Master Kane said.

Just as he finished his statement, there was deafening booming sound within the war room. Because, General Thoa smashed a small table into smithereens.