The Lost Kingdom of Saris
Once upon a time, in the forgotten land of Doriath, nestled within the tranquillity of verdant valleys and tranquil lakes, lay the kingdom of Saris. A kingdom of unparalleled beauty and grandeur, its fame echoed far and wide. Ruled by the benevolent King Ardashir and enveloped in harmony, Saris was the epitome of peace and nourishing prosperity. However, it was also the bearer of an ominous prophecy: 'When the sun aligns with the brightest star, Saris will stand no more.' This prophecy, passed down through generations, had forever lived in the shadows of Saris, whispering silent prayers of desolation.
King Ardashir's sceptre bore a large jewel, the Heart of Saris, which was believed to protect the kingdom from impending doom. It was a mesmerizing sapphire, beaming rays of hope and radiating an aura of formidable power. Saris thrived under its charm, and the people rejoiced in the serenity it bestowed.
One fateful eve, King Ardashir discovered that the Heart of Saris had started to dim. His heart pounded with fear, and a cold sweat ran down his spine. He was taken aback and filled with panic, for he immediately recognised the prophecy's occurrence was at hand.
The following morning, King Ardashir summoned Cassandra, the wise seeress from the House of Efre-Tari, renowned for her prophetic visions and known far and wide for her sage knowledge. She held the reputation of never being wrong in her predictions. The King, in his moment of urgency, requested her counsel to avert the end that seemed so close.
Observing the fading Heart of Saris, Cassandra dove into a deep trance. She spoke, her voice echoing like a hymn in the hushed throne room, 'The Heart seeks the Guardian from the Old World. Find the Guardian, and Saris will stand till infinity.' No one understood the cryptic message except King Ardashir.
The Old World was an age-old fable of a time when men could command the elements, and mythical creatures roamed freely. The Guardian was a legend imparted to young Princes as a bedtime story—an ethereal entity blessed with the power to resonate with the Heart of Saris.
With Cassandra's cryptic message in mind, King Ardashir dispatched a troop of the bravest knights under the leadership of his most trusted knight, Sir Caelis, on a quest to find the Guardian.
Journeying through perilous terrains and hostile territories, Sir Caelis and his knights remained undeterred. After months of hardship, they stumbled upon a hidden path leading to the forest secluded from the rest of Doriath. Entering this unfamiliar terrain, they discovered a sole abandoned temple. Inside, they found a young maiden, Elfeya, living in solitude.
Elfeya was no ordinary maiden; her eyes held an ancient wisdom, and her aura radiated a mysterious power. On acquaintance, Sir Caelis could discern that Elfeya was the Guardian they had been seeking. Sensing their noble cause, Elfeya agreed to return to Saris.
Upon her arrival, Elfeya was led to the throne room where the Heart of Saris laid, its glow faintest. Grasping the sceptre, Elfeya closed her eyes and whispered an ancient spell. The room lit up with an intense light, and the Heart of Saris burned brighter than ever before. As the light dimmed, it became clear that the prophecy had been thwarted. Saris had been saved.
Love blossomed between Elfeya and Sir Caelis, and they continued to serve Saris together. With each passing day, Saris thrived under the reign of King Ardashir and the protection of the Heart of Saris. The prophecy could only whisper in the vacant shadows, never to be heard again.
Although this tale has been lost in the sands of time, the glory of Saris and the steadfast determination of Sir Caelis and Elfeya continue to inspire. Whatever comes our way, as long as we have the courage to fight and the faith to believe, we can always change our destiny. The story of Saris is a testament to this eternal truth.