The Fall of Altair

The river ran backwards on the day the Queen vanished. A subtle slowing of the flow began in the early morning and became increasingly obvious over the course of a few hours. That's when we started to feel the land beneath our feet tremble slightly, then drop slowly in the direction of the setting twin moons.

We soon found ourselves leaning to the north in order to stay upright. The tilt increased, until an obvious slope formed and the waters of our faithful Gladstone slowed, halted – and reversed. The townspeople stood stunned for a long moment.

Just as we started to come to our senses and call out to one another, a violent tremor shook our feet from underneath us. This was accompanied by a deafening noise, which I can only describe as something between a screech and a moan. The land, itself, cried out in agony again as it snapped quickly upward, stopping just short of level.

The noise and the movement suddenly ceased and all was still. Moments later, the chaos began.

Our kingdom and its subjects are not regarded as cowardly. Panic isn't our way, especially among the residents of the river villages. The residents of Giliaise are as leathery as the Goddess the village is named for. We're staunch defenders of the Crown and the borders of Lenatia. Why, I, mine own self, a humble storyteller and historian, have taken up arms against threats from the west.

Still, it isn't every day that you're shaken and thrown to the ground by the very land that you love. That's not to mention witnessing the unnatural theft of your lifeblood by some unseen hand. All who could walk, ride or otherwise travel gathered those who could not and raced with the same mind toward the town castle.

For all its modesty, the fortress of our local monarchy is our solace. We've been ruled fairly and allowed many freedoms, such as the right to harvest the bounty the Gladstone offers to fill our cisterns and larders. In return, we pay reasonable taxes in the form of a portion of what we glean from the waters. We gladly answer the calls to fortify the castle and our borders.

Approaching the familiar walls, we found one of the towers collapsed and the castle dwellers badly shaken, but few signs of demise. A few young ones wandered in search of their parents, but they were quickly tended to by older children and adults who aided them in the search.

Our beloved Princess Alese stood at the uppermost balustrade of the standing tower, bright red cape boldly visible against the morning sky. Only those of us who know her well noticed how she used the stone rail for support. I have never admired her more than in that moment, steeling herself against the grief I could sense. What had happened?

The din of the crowd hushed as she raised a hand, swaying only momentarily in her unsteadiness. When she spoke, she did so with the gentle authority her subjects were accustomed to.

“My dear Giliaisans, I know your fears. What we have witnessed this morning is unfathomable and I am afraid I have more unsettling news. As you know, my moth - ” her voice broke only for a moment, and she continued, “your Queen traveled southward toward Altair only yesterday, after receiving an urgent message by raven. A second raven arrived moments ago, from a member of her entourage. I beg your patience as I read the message.”

“Your Royal Highness, I send this message with great trepidation. As the ranking officer in your Guard, I have the painful obligation of informing you that your mother, our beloved Queen Alicia, has gone missing. A massive quake caused a rift that has somehow separated us from her. Much of the entourage was scattered and I can only hope that she is under the care of those we cannot yet find. I stand now at the base of an impossibly tall cliff, while the remaining guards search for Her Majesty.

“We are standing in the spray of an enormous waterfall, which I deduce to be the waters of our Gladstone River. It still flows here, but I cannot say what you may be dealing with in Giliaise. At the moment, the flow from the south is creating a large pool at the rock face and, combined with that of the fall, is diverting westward along the cliff base to an unknown destination. I pray to the Goddess that we find Her Majesty safe, whether downstream or somewhere above us and near home.

“Meanwhile, those guards still under my charge search for a way to scale the monstrosity. As I write this, it appears hopeless, but we will not rest until we manage it. Your Loyal Servant, Always, Captain Horatio Maddus.”

The Princess steadied herself again and gazed at the silent throng below. I took my leave of the crowd and headed for the castle gate. Minutes later, I sent a raven to Lenatia and reported to the Royal Library, where I remain and will continue to stay until the outcome of these events play out, to whatever end. I, a humble servant of the realm, vow to faithfully perform my duties by recording coming events and, I pray, the homecoming of our beloved Queen.

May Giliaise guide us all.

***

My second entry for the Fantasy Prologue II Challlenge, linked below. I hope you enjoyed it!