Everi: Crown of the Eighth Flame

Before Everi plunged into the Darkness that you now know from our books, there was an even older Darkness that once shrouded the entire realm. This tale, once whispered as a mere bedtime story, has come to life before our eyes. As we delve into the annals of Everi's past, we'll uncover the true identity of Dover and the intricate Trials he designed to safeguard the legendary armor for generations.

The journey through the Trials starts now—

prepare to be enthralled as history unfolds and secrets are revealed.

Blue Phoenix known as Porti

Dover's nightmares were still filled with the images of his family laying broken and bloody at his feet. Felled by his hand with the armor and sword he earned as he searched through the kingdoms for a bride worthy of helping him eliminate the hold of his parents and brother and the Darkness they continued to inflict on the people. Dawn creeped through the cracks of the dark brown curtains calming his mind and telling him that it was time to awaken.

Rolling over, Dover found the warmth of the other side of the bed was undisturbed, his Queen still slumbering sweetly.

Dover scooted beside her and caressed her feathered cheek then let his hand drift down to her round belly. Playfully he rubbed the side of her stomach and watched as the baby pushed at his hand from inside. It never ceases to amaze me, this connection from the inside. The unconditional love from the unborn.

"If you two are finished with your game of kick Mamma, it's time for me to rise." Queen Kraljica gently lifted Dover's hand and set it aside, along with the light blanket that draped over her.

"Remember, sire, you have an important meeting today. We must decide their fate before it becomes too late for me to accompany you." With a graceful movement, she rolled out of bed and gave a light tug on the servant's cord.

In an instant, a flurry of activity filled the room as women bustled in to attend to her needs, followed closely by the men who served Dover daily.

"I see you've already broadcasted my early wake-up call to the entire household. Much appreciated, dear." Dover chuckled, tugging on his embroidered undershirt as it sailed over his head.

"Anything you want to bring up in today's meeting? Any ideas for what to do with the Armor? It needs to vanish, but I'm not sure how we can hide such power without inviting the next treasure hunter on a wild goose chase. And have we located Hester yet?"He paused as the undershirt settled over his shoulders, the intricate gold-threaded patterns catching the morning light.

Quick hands smoothed it down before he reached for his doublet, a richly colored garment adorned with ornate buttons and a crest that symbolized his new house- a hawk with its wings spread in flight. With a playful flick, he adjusted his velvet robe, which draped elegantly over his frame.

As Dover moved to fasten his leather belt, complete with an array of pouches and sheaths, he glanced at Queen Kraljica, who was now being attended by her ladies-in-waiting.

"You know, I do appreciate your knack for efficiency. But next time, could we skip the rooster call?" He winked, securing his polished boots, each bearing the mark of a master craftsman.

"If I have to be up to entertain the wives of the men with whom you are about to discuss, then yes, the 'rooster call' is necessary. As for the Armor," she sighed as she sat down at her vanity, the shimmering grey velvet of her gown pooling at her feet. "I think that there should be a trial that only someone of virtue will be able to pass. Maybe more than one."

Behind her the hairdresser looked at the Queen in the mirror questioningly. Seeing the question on the girl's face, Kraljica nodded and closed her eyes. Dover watched for a moment after he pulled on his boots, quietly walking over.

This was the calm before the storm, the precious moment when Queen Kraljica went silent, her thoughts turning inward as she whispered her morning prayers. It was a time she cherished deeply, a sacred pause amidst the chaos. As the young girl gently brushed through her hair, the Queen felt a sense of peace wash over her, each stroke of the brush a soothing rhythm that lulled her into a serene state. The intricate updo that followed, adorned with delicate hair dressings, was a ritual that made her feel both regal and grounded.

In this quiet sanctuary, any interruption was met with the fierce protection of her head lady's maid, whose stern glares were enough to silence any would-be intruders. For Queen Kraljica, these moments were a lifeline, a brief escape where she could gather her strength and face the challenges that awaited her with renewed determination.

Dover dared not interrupt. He stood silently at the door, watching as the Queen finished her morning prayers. The peaceful moment was sacred, and he respected her need for this quiet reflection. As the young girl carefully wove intricate patterns into the Queen's hair, Dover remained a silent sentinel, awaiting the moment she would be ready to be escorted to breakfast. The soft rustle of fabric and the gentle hum of morning preparations filled the room, creating a serene atmosphere that Dover was careful not to disturb.

Breakfast was a relatively quiet affair, save for the clinking of silverware and the occasional muffled conversations. Dover's mind, however, was anything but still. Why do eggs always have to taste like cardboard at this time of morning? he mused, glancing over at the Queen, who seemed deep in thought as she sipped her tea.

I heard that, Kraljica's voice echoed in his mind, her tone amused. You know, they wouldn't taste like cardboard if you'd let the kitchen staff cook them properly.

Oh, and who was it that insisted on 'lightly' done eggs, because 'firm is for the stubborn'? Dover retorted telepathically, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Touché, she replied, her mental voice laced with laughter. But seriously, Dover, we need to focus. The meeting today is crucial.

As they finished their meal, Dover stood and offered his hand to Kraljica. She accepted it gracefully, and they walked together towards the war room. "Any last-minute ideas about the Armor?" he asked, his mind buzzing with possibilities.

"Yes, actually. I think we should create multiple trials, each testing different virtues. Only those with the right qualities can pass. And as for Hester," she paused, sending a wave of concern through their mental link. "We still haven't located her, but I have a feeling she's closer than we think."

Great, Dover thought, his inner voice dripping with sarcasm. Just what we need, a game of hide-and-seek with a seer.

Focus, Dover, Kraljica admonished gently. We have to present a united front.

Entering the war room, the air was thick with tension and anticipation. Dover took his seat at the head of the table, with Kraljica standing by his side. The council members looked at them expectantly, waiting for the discussion to begin.

Let's do this, Kraljica's voice echoed in Dover's mind, filled with determination. And no more jokes about eggs.

Fine, fine. But you know I can't promise anything about the chickens, Dover replied, earning a barely concealed smile from Kraljica.

"Good morning, Lords and Ladies. It is a pleasure to see you in attendance today. The topic for this meeting has been weighing on my mind for some time. We need to discuss..."

Dover's voice trailed off as the rear door to the war room flew open and in stepped a woman Dover knew from sight. He stood as she approached and look her scaled hand in his brushing his lips over her knuckles.

"We have been searching the kingdoms for you, Hester. I need your guidance today."

"My boy, you have always needed my guidance." A hush fell over the room as the Lords in attendance held their breath waiting for the reprimand. Dover simply laughed and pulled the smaller woman into a hug.

"That I have, Hester, that I have. Come sit, let us discuss this armor business. Ladies, we will see you later, the Queen has prepared entertainment for you in her private sitting room." Dover waved the women off, kissing the Queen as she passed.

Then, with a grave look, he turned to Hester. "Brace yourself, my friend, for what I am about to unveil will not just change Everi but will rewrite the very fate of our existence." Hester's eyes widened with apprehension as the weight of Dover's words sank in, the silence between them pulsating with the enormity of the secret yet to be revealed, but she already knew.

What is this secret, you ask?

To uncover the mystery and witness how Dover's revelation will unfold, you'll have to join us in the next episode next week. Prepare yourself, for the fate of Everi hangs in the balance, and the discussion that follows will be nothing short of earth-shattering. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!