The Earthen Heir
Lords of the underworld were fierce warriors, the brothers Daysshrad and Nightsshrad were no exception. They ruled their realms with unmatched power, dignity and a mutual understanding that somehow managed to keep peace beneath the trembling surface of Earth. Yet, a seed of envy was silently growing in Nightsshrad's heart. Daysshrad’s subjects loved him, for he was just, wise and merciful. But, Nightsshrad's realm lived in fear of his unending wrath and cruel punishments. Not valor nor power, it was love that Nightsshrad sought.
One rhyme-ridden prophecy, uttered by a soothsayer, forever changed the fate of the brothers. It foretold of an earthly child that would become the king of both realms. Nightsshrad saw in this prophecy an opportunity to seize his brother's kingdom, and hatched a plan. He would find the prophesied child, raise it as his own, and utilize the power to take over both realms.
Thus, it started, the quest for the Earthen Heir. Nightsshrad’s minions scoured the surface of the Earth, kidnapping every child that could fit the prophecy. It was during this mad hunt when they found Lysander, son of a brave einherjar, born under a full moon. Seeing his birthmark, shaped like the underworld's emblem, they knew they had found the heir.
Despite Nightsshrad's best efforts, Lysander grew into a kind and generous person, his heart burning brighter than the torches in the dark underworld. He held no malicious intent and trembled at the sight of unjustifiable punishment. Nightsshrad started realizing his plot might not work as he’d planned.
On Lysander's 16th birthday, the prophecy began unfolding. Shaking ground split open, revealing a path to Daysshrad's realm. Arming himself with the courage of a ready soldier, Lysander decided to meet his fate head-on.
He was welcomed and admired in Daysshrad's kingdom for his brave heart, ingenuity, and fairness. Daysshrad, warm-hearted and honorable, saw his mother's eyes in Lysander's. They were like morning dews on autumn leaves. He knew then, he was the prophesied one, the Earthen Heir, destined to bridge the realms.
A duel was ordained, Lysander against Nightsshrad, for the king could not deny the prophecy. The battle arena witnessed true valor that day as Lysander faced Nightsshrad with poise and dignity. He wasn’t fighting for the kingdoms, he was fighting for the love and respect he so desired from Nightsshrad.
Their blades clashed, casting sparks of raw, uncontained power. Not of strength, it was a battle of wills, a battle of hearts. Eventually, Lysander stood victorious. But instead of slaying Nightsshrad, he showed an unexpected gesture of compassion.
'Shouldn't a father deserve mercy from his son?', Lysander asked, his voice echoing through the realms.
This broke through Nightsshrad's iron heart, the son he raised, ready to overlook his hatred and offer love. United, they returned to rule their realms, thus, fulfilling the prophecy. The story of a child born of Earth, who became the king of both realms, was whispered in the wind, slithered with the rivers, and echoed in the valleys,
The Earthen Heir, balancing the light with darkness, connected two unfathomable powers, binding them with the strongest force of all, Love.
And so the prophecy was not of a victorious war, it was a prophecy of peace hidden under the cloak of the misunderstood war, for the Earthen Heir was destined to rule not through power, but through Love.