Welcome to Kadyshi

For every Era of Peace, there is an Era of Darkness and War. It balances us, keeps us humble and meek.

There was once a time when all five of my Kingdoms were full of joy, laughter, and love. My healing powers touched all and everyone was happy. My King was away fighting the battles of the world and my powers were much in abundance it healed his army anywhere in the world. There marked a great period..."The Great Peace"

It wasn't long thereafter when a new kind of darkness arrived. Unlike anything my Kingdoms have ever seen before, it was ruthless and unmerciful. It had no boundaries, as it was heartless and without thought, only suffering as it grabbed hold of one of the most innocent of us all.

The children...

This darkness...it had many forms; some say that it would manipulate itself into a shadow of a human or creature.

The dark magic possessed our children’s minds turning them against their selves. They did heinous acts of self-harm. Many died by their own hands. As result, the parents of the kingdom were in outrage. Most turn on their partners blaming themselves and each other. Villages against villages were all on the break of civil war as the children's lives hang on by a thread. They were kept in their homes, weren’t allowed to play with any of their friends for no one could be trusted. There was little to no music in the lands for all fell in the great silence of fear…

"My Queen...? what are we to do with the festival of Arts and Energy? It is to happen in a fortnight upon the King’s arrival. With most of the children being sick and the rest of the Kingdom in fear...my Grace...have we lost hope?" Taylor the hand of the Queen asked.

I smiled seated upon my throne looking at my dearest friend kneeling below me. "Come Taylor." I extended my arm to her. I took hold of her fragile hand and looked her in the eyes... "Do you remember the famine many seasons ago? It was the worst this Kingdom had has ever seen. We lost 2/3 of our kingdom and everyone feared all would be lost." I asked "Yes, my Grace." She looked at me. "I was only a child, but I do remember the stories very well."

"We made through that, and we shall rise above this as well. Do not let fear overpower your hope. We will continue with the festival. It will show the Gods our appreciation and love despite trying times...for this too shall pass." I spoke.

"So, the festival is an act of faith?" she asked. "Yes, my darling, now make haste for there is much to do. Our King awaits us in only a fortnight away...so soon yet too far away." I sighed "You miss him, my Queen, I can tell by the look in your eyes." She said. "Yes, I do, with all my heart," I confessed.

The night arrived as quickly as the day started. As I was being undressed by my ladies of talents; the contents of the day ran through my head: more causalities...more spells...more death...and twice as much fear. I have little time to regenerate, an energy bath should help. I am healing others more than myself.

My energy is known to connect with all forms of life. I heal whatever is subjected to healing in doing so, I absorb their pain. Each person’s pain is different, the healing time differs over time I’ve had to get more creative, yet no one is left without. I stepped into the deep oval tub. The waters mimic the different colors of the night sky. I sit and slide my body downwards until I am completely under. It is quiet here...peaceful. I inhale.

Colors surround me, shades of purple, orange, and black. There are billions of white spots only to be identified as stars. The world of old would have called it Space, I beg to differ. The first wave of light approaches, it always hurt to take away the pain I absorbed. Yet I am used to it, I welcome it. The second wave revives my healing abilities, replaces what was given. I groan in pain. I feel a sharp pain in my right side this wound isn’t healing. I drift into sleep. I dream the same dream every night…

A boy is sitting on a bench with his hand on a book called “The Mockingbird’s Song" when I look at the boy he has no face but he has been touched by the darkness. I gasped. He disappeared, then I see orange eyes opening wide as the sound of thunder woke me out of my sleep.

I step out of the tub and reach for my towel. I look at my milk chocolate skin in the mirror. I am not very tall, I stand 5ft7inches, am curvy, pear-shaped, weigh 169lbs, My brothers used to call me an alien because my eyes will turn colors from black to purple. I smile in the memory of their voices. My kinky hair defies gravity yet it still falls down my back, I love my hair with all its high maintenance. I look out the window, it’s still night yet I can smell the morning dew. Sunrise will be soon. I put on dark blue pants, an earthy color brown tank top; I pull my hair into a bun then open my room doors.

“Hello Jason, Matt. How are you this morning?” I ask my guards “Good My Queen.” He answered. “I think I would go to see Nanda today. She is making bread for the refugees.” I smiled. “Good. Phoenix is headed to the west” He said in the mic.

Every morning I help the people who keep this land running. The kitchen stretches about half a mile, and the smell of Nanda’s cooking is from wall to wall. Grey walls to the ceiling are covered in a multilayered pattern, there are large islands lined up in the middle of the floor, each island has an oven inside. A sink on top. We have several more ovens on the wall large enough to fit 20 men inside, cabinets stretch across the walls. Every kitchen appliance you can think of is here.

I spot Nanda at the first island kneeing the dough. I believe she is the first one awake in the Kingdom every day. I doubt if she ever sleeps. “Ah, my Queen.” She says as she bows. “Hello, Nanda.” She comes over to kiss my cheek. I grab some bread and follow her lead. We talk about the hustle and bustle of the Kingdom. The kitchen slowly starts to fill with other workers. Each saying hello.

“Where would you be heading after you leave the kitchen?” “Jack and his team are still building the guest rooms in the west hall. I figure I go and help out there.” She looks at me with a disappointing look. “Nanda.” I sighed. “I know, know. I have been trying to chase you out of this kitchen and talk you out of doing kind of work forever. It is not fit for a Queen to get her hands soiled like this. We serve you, my Greatness.” Her accent thickened.

“And I serve the Kingdom, I don’t mind at all. I love being with you all. I have learned so much over the seasons. Way more than a book or court could ever teach. A true Queen knows her people only by spending time with them, she is not afraid to get her hands dirty a bit. I do it because I care.” I spoke.

“And that is why we will always choose to follow you,” Tina said as she walked up to me and bowed. She is a few weeks due to having a baby girl. Swollen feet and flushed lips, I know that she is tired. “Tina, please take my seat.” I insisted. “Have you thought of a name yet?” “Not yet. I know I don’t have much time.” She laughs. “I figure that when I see her I will know.”

“Make sense.” I agreed.

“Um, my Queen…?” She looks down at her fingers. “Soon Tina. He should be here very soon, just in time for the baby’s delivery.” A sense of relief across her face.

“Well, my ladies, I am off.” I washed and dried my hands. “Um huh,” Nanda replied. I take off my apron, smile a wave them goodbye. When helping with the guest rooms, Taylor informed me that our guests will be arriving shortly. I returned to my quarters to change.

“The Guests”

A bruised man with bloody clothing holds tight to his two children. A little girl, no younger than 5, his son 13. They walk closely behind a group of guards in black and silver armor. The little girl looks up to see one guard holding a flag with a dire wolf.

She points to the flag, “Daddy look.” “I see Miyoyo. That is the sigil of this Kingdom.” He looked at his son whose eyes flashed blue to green and back again. “Son no powers here.” He spoke. Disappointed, his son’s eyes returned to their original brown color.

They approached the 900-meter wall and walked through the gates. Tunnel-like walls glowing from soft dim lights to huge flashes of multi-colors. The little girl laughed as she saw something waving to her in the wall. Finally, at the end of the tunnel, the large group walked into a huge courtyard. There were multiple tables with food and supplies. Clothes and medic tents all around.

“Daddy, is she a princess?” Miyoyo asked in amazement. Upon a balcony, a young woman with brown long tribal braids down to her leg, and striking hazel-gold eyes smiled at her. Miyoyo looks at her dress that lightly touches the floor. “I think so, honey.” He replied. “No, she is the Hand of the Queen.” His son said.

The Lady held up her hand and her bracelets start to glow and the white hollow graphs of her spread across the courtyard. “I am Taylor, the hand of the Queen. Please, my friends, trust and know that you are welcome here. Some, if not all of you, have been victims of the war outside of our walls. We will do our best to help you in any way possible to make our Kingdom a safe space. Our King and Queen believe in the safe healing of all our guests. Stay as long as you need. We have all found a way to live in the light of our true desires within this land, and thanks to our King’s justice and our Queen’s love we all have found our place and we all live in peace for thousands of seasons. Here, may you find a new home full of serenity, and a new beginning full of hope.

Welcome to the Queen’s and King’s mercy...Welcome to the land of Ka'dy'shi'..."

Taylor walked out of the room into another room where the Queen was standing. “How many?” I asked. “50,000, my Grace. 10,500 children, 20,000 elderlies, the rest women and men.” Taylor said.

I walked inside the room as the groups were being divided accordingly to their needs. I walked over to a man and his two children. “Now daddy that is the Queen!” The little girl said. I smile, “Yes my child, welcome to my home. ” Your Grace, the man bowed. “Thank you for seeing us in. My name is Tondure. This is my daughter Miyoyo and my son Helio.” “Nice to meet you Helio, you have quite interesting abilities, don’t you?” I asked. “Yes, my Queen.” He smiled as he changed eye colors. I smiled in return. “Your children are special; I have a place for children of such talents in my Kingdom. That is if you are welcome to see?” I asked. “Why yes your Grace of course!” Tondure replied. “See that this family is seen by the Arts, they may need to go to the land of the Children.” “Yes, my Queen”, said Taylor. “Good. I will see you all in a few days.” I smiled.

Heading home, we took the main road that goes through the heart of the Vile, one of the largest towns in the 5 Kingdoms. Stone buildings are to the North of the Vile. A simple store here and there, a place to eat, and a road home. Further, into the Vile, you have a diverse market full of life, lights, and senses. People yelling, selling the best of everything. I smile at the atmosphere, yet I can remember a time when it felt happier. The Vile is still standing but my people live in fear. I tell the navigator to stop in the center of town, there is someone I want to see.

I wave at the people who are shouting my name. I thank them all for their hard work. I see a tall man over six feet with blue eyes, a dark tone, with long dreads. One of the most beautiful men I have ever seen in my life. He has an electronic device in his hand, standing in front of a fabric store. He turns and lifts me into a hug. His ever-so-warm greeting.

“Hmmm, Your Highnesses, good to see you!” He smiled. “Hello Diego, I take it that you’re doing well?” I laughed. He brought me down to my feet. “Yes, just getting everything ready for the festival.” “I am so excited,” I said. “As you should my Queen. I am grateful that you didn’t cancel it. Thank you for allowing me to plan and direct it.” He smiled as he rocked side to side to a beat only, he could hear. “Yes, well you are the only one I can trust to make this into a night we won’t forget. The people can use some inspiration and fun.” I laughed.

Diego stopped and clapped his hands, “No! What is this? I said lightographs! Not whatever the hell this is!” He said as he waves at the man with strange multi-colored fan-looking devices. I smile, “Well I will leave you to it, honey.” He turned and waved a kiss to me. I proceeded back home.

Gods, please let this festival build courage and faith…

“Little Lord”

The next morning after my rounds, I am in the gardens with my nine-year-old son he smiles at me as we prepare for the harvest. We are picking berries of all sorts for the festival. “Mom why couldn’t I go with Ketrell?” Damon asked. “Because he is working honey,” I said He walked around the corner to pick from the other vines. "Mom," he says. “I wanted to go with Ketrell. I don’t think it’s fair.” He pouted. “Maybe when you are older honey,” I replied. I kissed his forehead.

My earpiece beeped, "My Queen there is a matter that requires your immediate attention," Thomas said. “I am sending detail to pick you up.” 30 seconds later two detail and my lady was here. "Alright, Calvin will you bring Damon back to his quarters please?" I asked. "Yes, My Grace." He replies. I turn to my son, "You do as he says understand? Right up to your room.”

“I can take him if you like.” My lady, Nucole offered. “Yes, thank you,” I replied. I followed security. Nucole walked in the opposite direction.

“Hey, would you like to see something, cool little lord? Like magic, the type of magic the King does?” Nucole asked. “Yeah sure,” Damon answered. “Ok, I have this friend who can show you it to you.”

“Alright.” They walked to the left corner wall of the garden. Damon saw a man tall and slender walk through the wall. “Wow, I only know one person who knows how-to walk-through walls.” Damon surprisingly said. “Well, now you know two. Come, little lord. Let’s play a game…”

I walked towards the counsel's table. "My Queen we have noticed a breach alongside the North wall. Seventeen witchlanders have come inside and morphed into the villagers." Thomas said. “Witchlanders, the spies. They trade information for protection and food. They don’t have the resources to breach our walls on their own, nor do they have the strength. They...someone helped them. But who would...?" I said.

"It was the children’s mother." My oldest son Ketrell said as he walked in the room. “I have the parents of one of the groups of kids who let them through the back watering gates. Mother, I have never seen anything like this. The children are...” He spoke. “I know my darling. Have you captured any of the witchlanders?” I asked as I kiss his forehead. “Yes, mother. I have it in the binder; it shouldn’t take long for the serum to work. It will be ready for integration as dusk.” He said. “What is its form?” I asked.

“It calls itself Lori and its form is a little girl, looks to be no more than 8 years of age.” He spoke. “Then we shall call her Lori. Everyone deserves respect in my land. Ketrell, even our enemies.” I said. I can tell he disagrees, yet he nods.

"My Queen! Please it is Damon hurry!" Tilya, my lady screamed in my earpiece. I never ran so fast in my life; I opened the doors to his room to see my son on his bed reading one of his favorite books. He looked at me and my world was forever changed. The Darkness rests on the left ear and down his neck.

"Oh no!" I thought to myself. I didn’t want Damon to be afraid. I walked over and hugged him. “Mom, is my brother back?” He asked. “Yes, honey. He is downstairs in the binder.” I said. “Ok! Good, mom, I hope you are not mad at me, I walk to my room by myself.” “Oh, you did?” I asked.

“I found him down the hall, your grace. I immediately sent one of your ladies to get you as I searched his room and the perimeter. Once his room was secured, I told the prince to go in his room and lock his door.” Calvin said. “Where is Nucole?” I asked. “She is waiting for you in her quarters your Grace,” Taylor said. “Mom is not her fault she was talking to her friend,” Damon said.

“Which friend Damon?” I carefully asked. “The man that can do magic tricks. He showed me one.” As he waved his hand in the air like a magician. My heartbeat increased.

“What does he look like honey?”

“I can’t remember, he was some man.” He replied.

“Was he mean to you?”

“No.” He looked at me with his beautiful brown eyes.

“Did he touch you?” I rubbed his head.

“I don’t know.” My son laid his head on my lap.

“Do you remember his name?” I asked. “No.” He sadly said. “Where was Nucole?” I asked as I continue to rub his head. “I don’t know she was gone; I think. Mom is she in trouble? I don’t want her to get in trouble.” He sat up and looked at me. “No honey she is not. Tell me what magic trick he showed you?” I asked. “I can’t remember mom, I’m sorry.” He was disappointed.

“It’s an all-right baby.” I hugged him tightly.

I looked to my right Ketrell was standing in the door. “Hey, Ketrell!” Damon yelled. He ran to hug his big brother. “So, what happened in the North, did you have to fight?” Damon asked. “No.” Ketrell laughs. “It was a peaceful ride but a more adventurous return. I will tell you about it at supper.” “Well, I shall leave you two to catch up.” I left the room. I looked to Taylor as she followed me.

“She said that she doesn’t recall anything,” Taylor said. Let’s hope not I walk into Nicole’s room she came rushing and fell at my feet. “My Queen! I am so sorry! Is the prince, ok?!?!” She said tearfully. “Come Nucole”, I help her to her feet. We sat on her bed. “Tell me everything,” I demanded.

“I remember heading towards the castle with the prince’s hand in my hand. I asked him about magic and if he liked it. And that’s all I remember. I was found in the garden by Uni, she told me that Taylor demanded my presence in my room. She told me what happened to the prince I swear my Queen, I swear on my life I know nothing! I will never let anyone hurt him! Please! You have to believe me!” She cried. Her tears were heartfelt. “Of course, Nucole I trust you, but I will verify. Charles takes her to the Labyrinth to see if we can bring back your lost memories.” I hugged her. “Anything my Grace, I am yours.” She spoke.

I headed down to the binder to interrogate Lori. She was sweating, in a fetal position on the floor, showing the effects of the serum when one tries to resist its powers. I stared at her…"Lori, how do you feel?"

"Hot, my head is hurting, you hurt my head." She spoke.

"An uncomfortable side effect of the serum we gave you, I will see that they give you something for it soon. But we need to talk Lori. Where do you come from?" I asked. "The Northern Regions a place your King wouldn’t dare for you to see. Your Highness" she sat up.

This young girl's body is no taller than 4 feet. She has on a neon yellow long-sleeved shirt with blue overalls. Clothing of worker's child, I wondered if this little girl suffered before her body was taken..."How old are you?" I asked. “Fairly young my Grace 450 seasons," she said rocking back and forth. Her eyes close tight.

"How many came with you?" I asked. "This time? Seventeen. But there are many more in your Kingdom." She smiled. "How many more Lori?" I asked. She smiled then frowned and let out a massive groan as the serum dug deeper into her cerebral cortex.

"Hundreds...more" she painted "...all around you." She laughed. “Ugh, disgusting!” Walking in circles she starts to scratch the little girl’s skin until it bleeds. "You know My Queen...we weren't always as we seemed. We once were at peace; our lands were safe. Until your King's vision...ruined us." "You were killing innocent people," Ketrell said. "I know about you and your kind. You feed on blood." She squatted and looked up at him with sweat running down her face.

"And don't we all my fair Prince...you like what you like...and we liked ours red..." she said as she came closer to us. "Murders!" He yelled. Ketrell said stepping closer to her with his hand on his dagger.

“Enough!" I spoke. She snarled back into the corner and let out another loud cry. "No one can hear you," Ketrell said. "Is that what you think my Prince? I told you Hundreds...tell me how the young Prince is now that he has his new mark?" She smiled.

How did she know this information? “How did you learn of this?” I demand.

Holding her head she said, "He…who has…he has a plan...bigger than him...bigger than all of us!" She stood with her hands to the ceiling laughing. "The Darkness is coming for you, my Queen. It grows, for we are all two sides of the same coin...Miss Light!" She laughs, crawls to the glowing bars, and said, "What would the world think of you then???!!!"

“UGH! MAKE IT STOP! YOU PROMISED YOU WILL MAKE IT STOP!” She started to hit her head against the wall...

"STOP!!!!!" she growls.

BANG! She hits her head harder.

"STOP!!!!!"

BANG!

Harder...

She yells, scratching the wall hard unit her nails started to break.

“STOP!!!!!!" Her voice grew deeper.

BANG!

Blood splattered across the wall as she continued to hit her head over and over.

Ketrell nodded at the guard to give her the antidote.

I held up my hand to stop them as I watched her continue...suddenly the aching pain in my side grew but it didn't stop me from watching her pain. One more blow to the center of her forehead, she knocked herself out. The little girl’s face was barely recognizable. Several deep lacerations, blood covered her pretty frame. Her nails were still in the wall. "Give her the antidote, a sedative, and clean her up. Feed her when she awakes." I said.

"Yes, my Queen." Said the guard. The Prince and I walked away.

"Ketrell, send a Raven to the King he needs to know..."

"The Raven is already in-flight mother..."

To be continued...