Moon 5
They all exited the slab and entered a building. Unlike the stone of the academy, this place didn’t look old. It was still marble, but the walls were clear and impossibly smooth, as if they had been made just a few days ago. The entrance room was styled in Greco-Roman fashion, in contrast to the Gothic style of the academy. Two large marble columns greeted them, each embedded with statues: one of a girl with long, flowing locks and the other of a witch with four arms. Written underneath the girl were the words, ‘Daughter of the Moon. As the Queen remembered.’ Under the witch, ‘Daughter of the Moon. As the Queen dreamed.’
Behind them were three large doors with a stairway surrounding them, leading to the floors above.
“Welcome to Ranni’s Rise. The great hall is this way,” Jack yelled, leaning on the doorway. The center door was wide open revealing the great hall behind.
The professor stalked towards Jack, the boy’s face visibly degraded. He flinched with his hands dramatically protecting his face.
“Did you set the chairs?” The professor's voice was tired.
“Ya-yes…”
“Is the food prepared?”
“All ready and counted for.” Jack chirped.
He sighed. “Good job, boy. I’ll retire for the night. They’re your problem now.” The professor walked back to the front door and stepped outside. It was a dark night, with crystals illuminating the distance, and the wind howled against the doors. His stance was weary, and he truly showed his age; maybe babysitting a bunch of hyperactive kids was too much for him.
“Good night! I love you, Dad!” Jack waved merrily.
“Don’t push your luck, brat!” Wilhelm yelled back before slamming the door shut.
Silence fell in the room, the only sound being Jack's footsteps as he walked towards the group. He wore his usual happy smile, but Rellaun knew it didn’t reach his eyes. According to his brother, Jack was like stagnant water—you only see what you think you see, his true self is so obscure you could easily mistake it for something else. There was no malice, no joy; he could see nothing. This person was nothing. As his brother said, he’s one of the most dangerous of the stars; you never know where his loyalties lie.
“Are you ready kids!? It’s almost time for the grand finale!” His smile was so bright it was contagious. Rellaun couldn’t help but smile back.
“It’s time for the big dinner! Oh I remember my first time! It was so magical I threw up…” He spoke to himself as he led us into the great hall.
The great hall was immense, a wide open circular space surrounded by marble columns. It was three stories high, with balconies stacked on top of each other. Along the sides were tables, chairs, candles, rugs, all styled in art deco. At the center, three wide tables were filled to the brim with food: roasted boar, fruits of every color, a giant lobster claw, venison, fondue pots, salads glistening with fresh dew, a pot of glowing scorpion stew, macaroni and cheese, stacks of pizza, and other dishes that smelled amazing.
But the thing that really caught their eyes was the ceiling. The roof was a night sky, with the moon and its dark counterpart front and center, surrounded by quasars, shooting stars, a river of gold, flickering red flames, microcosms, and floating glintstone; it was like the skies of the eternal cities. Rellaun had heard about it, but seeing it this close was mesmerizing. A tiny star floated by his head, and a curious student poked it. The star flickered in a pulse of light before vanishing.
“Alright, everyone, choose your seats and pick your meal. If you want something else, just snap your fingers, and an albinauric will serve you,” Jack said with a smile.
“Ummm, sir,” Theseus tugged on his robes. “I can’t snap.”
“Oh... So there's a design flaw,” Jack rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“I can do it,” Rellaun said out loud.
Jack’s eyes wandered to Rellaun, his emerald green eyes shining like gemstones. Against Rellaun's darker shade, they were so bright it was almost distracting. “Really?”
“Yeah… If you want?” Rellaun looked towards Theseus. The boy seemed sad; Rellaun could tell from his eyes. He had flat brown hair, pale skin, and dark lines under his brown eyes. Completely ordinary, someone you could easily pass by on the street.
“If… if it’s not too much trouble. I’m allergic to peanuts. Does anything here use peanuts?” Theseus mumbled.
Jack looked stumped. “I don’t know…” He glanced awkwardly to the side, chiding himself for forgetting and praying Wilhelm wouldn’t find out.
“Oh…”
“Don’t worry, I can whip you up something,” Jack’s smile turned mischievous. “How do you feel about jellyfish?”
In the end, they chose boiled prawn, a delicacy in Liurnia. Spicy, with juicy meat that had a hint of lemon and some other spice that tickled the palate. It was addictive; Theseus seemed to agree. Jack oversaw the entire table, casually chewing on the arm of an octopus. Rellaun looked upward; the balconies were empty, but he could imagine them filled with students looking toward the center. The space was shaped more like a theater than a great hall; it wasn’t even a hall. At the center was a giant stage, with curtains surrounding it like a cone.
A couple of albinauric’s dressed as waiters came and went, each carrying empty dishes or extravagant meals, some of the children kept asking for more and more fantastical food which the albinauric’s prepared on command. Once most of the children were sated the lights dimmed truly showing the majesty of the night.
“It’s starting.” Jack whispers to the nearest student.
The lights dimmed, revealing an albinauric stepping forward. Near the edge, it knelt, praying. Even without eyes, Rellaun could sense its sorrow. Its torso began to bloat until it exploded into a flurry of stars. A green river of light soared into the air, gliding through the theater like a fish in water. The children’s eyes were captivated as its body gathered stars, racing and dancing. The entire night sky twisted around the current, all the heavenly bodies bowing to its whims—except for the moons. The full moon and its dark shadow hovered defiantly, releasing a brilliant glow that illuminated the entire theater, cutting through the darkness. Some children shielded their eyes or became dazed, and Rellaun saw a few chairs tip over. When the light dimmed, all was still. Then, the moons began to lower, and the stream of green, along with all the stars and heavenly bodies, followed it like a procession.
Once the twin moons were on stage, each piece of the cosmos lowered itself in a bow, and the current of stars disappeared into the darkness. Suddenly, both moons splashed down, creating waves of air that blew everything away. The stars faded, and the night sky was lost. That’s when the theater lights turned on. What had been an empty stage was now filled with people—adults seated on chairs circling a woman and her silver knight. The albinauric from before contorted into a podium, its face rounding into a crystal microphone.
The woman walked forward to the mic, and under her robe, glimpses of silver armor shone through. Her face was bare, the resemblance was uncanny, the Queen of the Full Moon. She tapped the microphone once, the blue sparks amplifying the sound until it reached the back of the theater.
“Hello…” She gave a test run. “Right. Hello everyone. I hope you enjoyed the meal.” For Rellaun this is where the illusion breaks.
"I am Rennala, Queen of Caria, Governess, and your Headmistress." Her smile made Rellaun's heart ache. "I want to personally thank you for choosing the Academy of Raya Lucaria. I promise you an education of the highest caliber. Though we may be new compared to other magical schools, I assure you, we are equally competitive. Here at Raya Lucaria, we strive for excellence in magical education and beyond. Welcome to the future of sorcery."
Most of the children were silent; Jack hollered, waving his fist in the air.
"Of course. Allow me to introduce you to our esteemed faculty." Rennala turned gracefully, her hand sweeping from right to left as she introduced each person seated.
The first was a man dressed in an extravagant purple robe adorned with a feathered collar and a crown featuring a large hole at its center. His gloved hands delicately petted a small finger-creeper, making the children cringe.
"Former preceptor, Count Ymir, your instructor of Carian and finger sorceries."
The man bowed his head. "We will become quite acquainted, children. I promise to treat you as well as your own mother." His voice sent chills down the spines of most of the students.
Next was a woman in white robes with blonde hair styled in rings of braids and rosy cheeks. She looked comely, younger than all the other teachers.
"Lady Zorayas, your English teacher and the Gelmir instructor."
"A pleasure to meet you all," she said, her voice soft and soothing, making it easy to relax around her.
"Agnaros, your Geography teacher and, if you wish, instructor of flame incantations." The queen’s hand moved to a gruff man with a long red beard and a bright red hood that covered his face. He grunted and crossed his arms.
"Sir Ansbach, the Phys. Ed teacher." The man didn’t look like a knight; he wore a dark robe with a mask covered in hair.
"An honor to meet new faces." His voice was old and tired, even more so than Wilhelm's.
The queen’s hand moved to someone who caused half the students to sit up or quiver in their seats. Sitting on the chair was an animal, a beast-man in a red shirt covered by a white toga.
"Locusta, patrician of the beast-men of Faram Azula. Potions master and the school's expert herbalist."
The beast-man smiled, his grin enough to give the children nightmares. "Fresh meat..." His voice was garbled, making the boy at the end of the table yelp.
"Please, none of that," the queen chided him, and the beast-man backed down, still smiling. She quickly moved to the next one. He had dirty blonde hair combed slick back, wearing a suit and tie. He glared at the beast-man next to him.
“Bartemius Crouch the younger., your professor of wizardry, charms, and curses.” The man didn’t look happy; he didn’t even look at the children, his eyes always somewhere else.
Her hand moved to the woman next to him. “Roderika, professional spirit tuner. She’s the school's nurse and instructor of spirit summons.” She looked mid-aged, with a blue scarf in a traveler's wear.
She bowed her head. “Please be kind to me, and yourselves.” She giggled.
“And finally, Mr. Rogier. He’s–” The man stood up. He was wearing a short coat, witch hat and underneath, his legs were metal, with a black root crawling up his neck puncturing his left eye.
“Pleased to see new students. I am a scholar of death sorceries and a proud member of those who live in death.” His voice was the most animated, and the smile on his face wasn’t a lie. He casually sat down, the smile never fading.
“Right... I’m sorry, this isn’t our complete faculty; most couldn’t find enough time in their busy schedules, but you will all know them soon. I sincerely hope that you would–”
“Umm. Your majesty?” A voice interrupted her.
They all looked towards the man sitting in the corner. He was an average man in a suit, his hand held up with a wobbly smile.
“Ah… You forgot me?”
“Oh.” The queen looked genuinely surprised. “Sorry. Children, this is… You are… Ah…?”
“Keith Persons… The math teacher?”
“Ah. Yes. The astrologer.”
“No…” he mumbles quietly
“While this isn’t the complete faculty, I know you will meet them all in the future. On behalf of the moon, I wish you good night. And hope–” At that moment, an albinauric walked up the stage. The knight by her side touched the hilt of his sword, but the queen waved him to stop. It walked closer, whispering in her ear. Her face frowned.
“I see.” Though her tone sounded pleasant, Rellaun could hear the hidden irritation. Her smile returned when she faced the students. “It turns out we have a surprise guest.” She gestured to the albinauric to continue. The creature walked to the edge, unlike the waiters was dressed in a long toga. On its chest was the sigil of Caria, except instead of a sword and staff, there was a thunderbolt with a green glintstone at the center. The albinauric, like the others, had no eyes, only a mouth with no teeth. Creepy from afar, its silver skin glistened in the lights.
“Presenting, the Prince of Caria! Master of Volcano Manor! King of serpents!” Its voice was strong, the students could feel it echo in their bones. “Prince Rydaun! Son of the Moon!”
A kid walked up on stage, followed by a black knight. He was tall for a child, with dark hair and pale skin. Dressed in the symbols of royalty, he wore a long blue cloak and a black suit embroidered with gold, with a green glintstone brooch under his collar. A red serpent flies in the air around him, a small snake with batwings that wraps around his neck like a scarf. The man behind him could be mistaken for a crucible knight, but its armor was dyed black with soot and half melted. It carried a huge great shield with one hand and its great sword sheathed in the other.
The boy approached the podium, and the queen casually stepped back. Despite his height, the microphone was still too high. The prince snapped his fingers, and the albinauric came running, going on all fours like a step ladder. The black knight lifted the prince onto its back, allowing him to finally reach the microphone. He was a handsome youth, but with a permanent scowl on his face and haunting green eyes that glowed just like the glintstone on his collar.
“I know you all.” His voice was accusatory. “And I have to say, what a good turnout. I never thought the Academy would accept such colorful individuals. You should be proud, for you have entered the most prestigious school in the world." He clapped his hands silently, prompting the students to clap awkwardly in response. "I know you will achieve great things, but always remember it was the royal family that brought you here. It was through our whims that we opened the doors and took a chance with you. So don’t make us regret it. Your loyalty is tied to Caria forevermore. And if I find one hint of betrayal, I’ll rat you out! Because that's what you are! Traitors in the making!” The snake hissed with its master’s outrage.
Rellaun slapped his forehead in disbelief.
“Betrayers, all of you!” The prince’s finger moved around the room. “Just like the stars! The Moon will–wha!?” The queen grabbed the prince’s torso, pulling him away from the mic. He struggled in her arms, but she was a warrior through and through. The black knight looked like he was about to intervene before the queen’s glare froze him in place.
“Well… Ah. Thank you for coming!” she announced while the prince flailed in her arms. The snake tries in vain to bite through her armor. “Hope you have pleasant dreams! Take them to the dorms.” She directed Jack, who stood obligingly.
“Alright everyone, follow me!” Jack said with enthusiasm. The other children were still staring at the display on stage, with the prince trying and failing to pull himself free, wrapping himself and her with the red snake. It took a few moments before they all left the great hall. Jack shut the door behind him, but the shouting could still be heard through the thick steel.
“Um. Sir? What was that?” Theseus asked, voicing what they were all thinking.
“Oh! The prince was just off his meds again. He’s eccentric. I remember when he called me a two-bit blunt-stone traitor with stupid hair.” Jack said it as if it were a fond memory. Most of the children were silent. “Well! That’s enough excitement for one day. Now that you're full, I bet you're all sleepy now. I’ll show you to the dorms!”
They moved to another slab, the opposite of where they had entered, which connected directly to the building on Seluvis Rise, the dorm rooms.
Rellaun looked back at the door, the shouting growing louder. He was starting to regret this assignment. Maybe his brother really can't function without him...
“Harry? Are you alright?” Theseus asked,
“Yeah…” Rellaun replied, forcing a smile. They both walked into the slab, following the group to the dorms.
“Thou careless nephew!” his aunt berated him, her voice sharp and unforgiving. “Thou hast invited suspicion upon thyself! Thou hast made thyself a madman!”
“Like they don’t already,” he muttered, stomping into the chamber, the serpent coiled tightly around his arm.
“Thou hast cast thine prejudices upon innocents. They art thy peers!” she continued, her voice laced with disappointment.
“Peers!? That poor excuse for humanity! They’re naught but vermin!” he spat back, his anger seething.
His aunt raised her hand, and the boy flinched, the color draining from his face. He backed away until his back touched the wall. She slowly lowered her hand, the point made without the need for further action.
“Thou shalt never be Lord if thou canst not trust thy vassals,” she said, her tone softening slightly but still firm. “What will thou do? Fight the unalloyed thyself? You and thy serpents, against the armies of a god?”
“That’s what mother did.” He grit, turning his back towards her.
"My sister wast the champion of Caria. She did earn the loyalty of all Liurnia. Giants, dragons, trolls—she did spare even her rivals. She did garner thousands of followers, erstwhile enemies and trusted allies alike. And together, they did turn back the armies of gold." Her face furrowed. “Thee is only a child. A mad child, screaming in the dark.”
Rydaun clenched his fist. “Where were those allies when they imprisoned Mother? Where were you?” He pointed at her. His aunt’s eyes flared, blue like the moon.
“Thee knoweth not of what thou speakest. Caria was in a fragile state, and it remaineth so. And thou art not helping.” His aunt spoke the truth.
He sneered, his snake matching his temper. Its green eyes watched the entire scene unfold, flapping its bat-wings to lift itself. His aunt regretted gifting that snake to him. It only inflamed his ego.
"And what is worse? Thou hast dragged thy own brother into your delusions. Pulling him down to your level."
"He was only doing what you asked."
"No, I desirest both of you to join your peers. Thee twisted it into a witch hunt, making him thy spy. There are no traitors within these walls."
“Yes, there is. You spared one, there could be more, growing in the dark! Besides, I’m not like Rellaun, they would never accept me.” The snake wrapped around his neck tightly. “Rellaun was always good at making friends. I can't do that. I don’t–”
“Rellaun…” Another voice broke through the conversation. Rydaun rushed to the bedside. She lay there, her eyes tired, body weak. His dear mother, worn down by years of imprisonment, still struggling to recover even after a few years of freedom. Trapped in an endless dream, awakening only briefly twice a month before slipping back into unconsciousness. Rydaun held her hand tightly, his heart aching.
“Rellaun?” She murmured, her eyes stirring.
“Mother, it’s me, Rydaun. You remember me, right?” His voice pleaded desperately. Her sister approached quietly, eyes cast downward.
“Radahn? Radahn is here?” She spoke softly, her eyes opening, a pale moon against a dark night.
“No, no, it's me. Rydaun. You named me. Remember?”
“Rydaun? I... Rydaun, my sweet boy… My kind child.” Recognition flickered in her eyes, Rydaun rubs his face on her hand. “My kind child. Sweet Rydaun, I saw your brother. Little Ranni took him to the Moon.”
“He’s here, Mother. He’s safe. Please, just stay awake,” Rydaun pleaded, his voice trembling.
“I’ve seen him, on the moon. She has taken him, to the Moon.” Her eyes stared at the ceiling, her strength fading.
“Mother, please…”
“To the Moon... He waits for me. On the…” Her eyes closed, and she fell silent again. Rydaun wept beside her.
Rellana couldn't watch this any longer and walked away as the boy cried. Despite his constant arguments, his station, and his innate talent in sorcery, he was still a child. With a child’s heart and a child’s temper. But he needed to be more; he was a prince of Caria. They needed a strong front, especially now. She didn’t know when the ceasefire would end, but when it did, they would need all the strength they could muster.
That’s why she took her sister’s station. That’s why she continued this ruse. Caria needed a champion, it needed allies, it needed strength, even if that strength was an illusion.
She stood at the window, gazing out over the lands of Liurnia. The landscape was peaceful for now, but she knew it wouldn't last. The unalloyed gold was only biding their time. She clenched her fists, steeling herself.
"For Caria," she whispered, determination hardening her resolve. "For our people. We must be strong."
It’s during these times, she wonders, what would her Lord do?
Crest of the Serpent King
The Carian sigil, repurposed by the prince as his own coat of arms, bore a thunderbolt and eye, symbolizing his bond with his brother, whom he always admired.
The son of the moon had once been thrown into Mt. Gelmir as a child, left to die by those who betrayed the moon. But he spoke the tongue of serpents and was spirited away to be devoured by the blasphemous.
The kind boy died in the mountain, his sanity preserved only by festering in unnatural hatred. What emerged from the carcass was the fractured being. The self proclaimed king of serpents.