Hunter

2004

Caelindria.

An alternative dimension which lives not among your Earth but beside it.

A place which was forced to go into hiding.

Because.

Of.

Mortal.

Betrayal.

Created in 1090 AD by Kalani Stenwright, our race descends from the name Celestial, or God, due to our warrior, healing, pioneering and elemental powers, which we are able to acquire, with the right training of course. Our race consists of two types of people, firstly pure Caelites, or ones who have been born into our kingdom, and secondly deceased mortals. Mortals who our Syricates find personally that live exceptionally difficult lives on Earth, and deserve another chance at life, which if they chose to pursue our offer, results in their human body dying and their spirit reincarnated into a Caelite body, with the promise they’ll be able to fulfil their potential in life.

And finally be accepted for who they are.

For over three centuries, since the creation of our dimension, our kingdom was blessed with peace - peace which was brought to an abrupt end due to the birth of the Phorean Dynasty.

Descended from the God, Serli, they’re a race who are half human and half Serli, who harbour a diverse range of harmful black magic abilities. From inflicting harm to being able to tear through lands, their powers pose nothing more than danger for us all. For four centuries, they desperately tried to break through the borders of the Paladin, something which until the birth of the first half-blood monarch, seemed to be impossible, but now in the face of evolution, have been something that they’ve been able to manipulate, which has brought danger to our kingdom more than ever.

Despite being a part of one of the most powerful races to ever exist within history, every day I still face continual threats, especially as an advisor within the palace to our monarchs. Whether that’s a looming prospect of another Phorean Invasion, the secret of our existence being fully exposed to the mortals or whether that’s just simply internal conflict within the palace alone, no day is ever fully guaranteed to be secured.

No.

Matter.

How.

Much.

We.

Wish.

It.

Was.

“The last time that Zelina was located at the borders was less than forty eight hours ago. If we don’t strategise and prepare our warriors for defence, then further damage is only inevitable,” I stressed, as I conducted an emergency meeting with Queen Hannah and King Fabian regarding the deteriorating affairs within Emberspear Palace, the central heartbeat of the kingdom. “And given the scale of the recent attack, I’d hate to cause the kingdom any more damage.”

“So are you suggesting that we bring the date of the selection tournament forward?” Fabian said, raising his eyebrows.

“I’m afraid so, your majesty.”

“How many exactly did the report suggest?” Hannah asked, as she played with her chestnut brown curls anxiously. She was a short woman, around 5ft 4” with tawny skin, upturned hazel brown eyes, and held a lean stance, who was born as a mortal but decided, like I did myself, that human life was no longer for her.

And that she could rebuild a better life for herself here.

“250, maybe even more.”

“Well, in that case we need to draw upon all warriors, who have passed the minimum of the first theory exam and assessment,” He demanded. “If we have any chance of keeping the Phoreans at bay and ensuring that our children, including our own daughter, remains protected-”

“250?!” Hannah cried. “Some of the apprentices are not even fifteen, are you really prepared to sacrifice them so soon?”

“Hannah my love,” He said, turning to hold her hand. “When the apprentices came to the kingdom, each and every one of them made a solemn promise, one to protect and serve the kingdom to their last breath-”

“But some of them are children,” She said, tearfully. “You know what Zelina is, what she can do, what she’s capable of and you’re just prepared to throw them like meat to the dogs. I understand that you just want to do what’s right for the kingdom, believe me, I truly do, but surely you can spare them-.”

“Oh sweetheart,” He said, putting his arm around her. “ I completely understand where you’re coming from. But this is the only way.”

“He is right, your majesty,” I assured. “Please just let us do this.”

“Ok,” She exhaled shakily. “But promise me that you will try and protect the children at all costs.”

“I promise,” I said, smiling. “Which was to bring me to ask you both, I know that we’ve been discussing about alternative arrangements for Hereissa, given the evolving dangers of Zelina’s counter attack-”

“Please don’t remind me,” Hannah said, putting up her hand as if to indicate she didn’t want to further divulge within the subject. “I don’t even want to begin to think about saying goodbye to her.”

“I know you don’t, love, but this is for her safety,” Fabian said, gently. “As much as she might stay within the kingdom, at the end of the day her Dehril status makes her incredibly vulnerable to attack, and I’m not sure about you but I think I’d much rather have her alive.”

“But she’s going to grow up not knowing who we are,” She sobbed, as I saw the heartbreak unfold within her autumn brown eyes. “Not knowing who she-”

“The carers,” Fabian asked, wanting to return to the core matter at hand. “I know we’ve been in talks about sending her to be raised within Miller Oak for a while, are you sure that they are suitable to care for her?”

“I am,” I said, nodding. “I’ve conducted numerous assessments over the last two weeks, especially monitoring their relationships with residents, one of them being a friend of mine, and I am sure that these people are the best to ensure her safety and protection, whilst fulfilling the-”

“The agreement,” Hannah said, taking deep breaths. “The day she hits twelve years old is the day she returns, right?”

“Yes, that is the plan,” I said. “When would you like me to take her, your majesty?”

“Tomorrow,” Fabian said. “The sooner she’s out of the kingdom the better.”

If you ever read this, there’s a few words that I just need to get off my chest:

I’m so sorry, Hereissa.

Giving you up was one of the hardest decisions that me and your parents ever had to make.

We would’ve loved to have kept you here and raised you within the kingdom that one day you are destined to take over.

But Zelina’s power continues to grow, and your status as a Dehril poses a huge risk.

I just hope that your carers are keeping you safe and protected.

And

Most

Importantly

Prepared.

For.

My.

Return.

Because believe me, when I say that one day I’ll be back for you, I will.

Prologue: "Caelindria"

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