Chapter 1 : The Four Pillars of Arcanis

Through the busy streets of Arcanis, word spread like wildfire, with each whispered discussion tinged with wonder and excitement. The four princes, Kian, Arman, Ramin, and Dariush, who are often referred to as the Four Pillars of Arcanis, had triumphed in another battle with the adversaries who attempted to invade their territory. As the village's residents praised their heroes with songs, their valor and fighting prowess became the buzz of the town. The princes moved through the opulent hallways, remembering their experiences on the battlefield, as the sun began to set, bathing the palace in a golden glow. The aroma of spiced wine and roasting meats filled the air, hinting at the feast they were about to enjoy. "Remember when Arman attempted to climb that cliff during the raid?" Dariush gave his brother a back pat while laughing. “Oh, please don't remind me!” Arman shook his head and laughed. "I just wanted to get a better view!” "And you landed squarely in the enemy camp!" With his laughter echoing along the hallway, Ramin continued. "Maybe you should just fight instead of climbing!" Dariush mocked, drawing his brothers' amusing looks. The magnificent doors of the royal room opened as they got closer, revealing a scene that warmed their hearts. The assembled aristocrats and royal members of the court let out a jovial yell, their voices blending in a joyful revelry. Their father, Alpha Kaveh, was standing at the head of the long table, holding his glass high with a proud smile. "Welcome home, my sons!" he exclaimed, his voice booming with love and firmness. “Your courage and the defense you give our kingdom are celebrated tonight!" As the brothers walked toward the Alpha's table, the applause grew louder and they knelt before their father, “It is an honor to serve you, Alpha” Kian, the eldest son proclaimed, his father smiled down at them once again with contentment. “You may rise” he said They sat down as the Alpha started his toast, their hearts beating with pride. "To the Four Pillars of Arcanis, my boys! Once again, you have shown that our realm is secure in your care. May the spirits of our ancestors lead you in all of your conflicts and may your bravery never falter!” "To the Four Pillars of Arcanis!" The assembly chorused, their shouts echoed off the stone walls, vibrating through the palace's very foundations. The air was filled with laughter and the sound of clinking goblets as the feast got underway. The table was laden with plates of roasted vegetables, tender meats, and freshly made bread. Kian relished a bite of roasted lamb while leaning back in his chair with a contented smile. “I must have you introduced to the lady Shahan, a beauty she is, truly” Alpha Kaveh began a conversation with his first son, “Father please, I have just come from battle, I believe I deserve rest first, at least some food” Unready for marriage, Kian protested. “I don't see how a lady stops you from having your meal, or your rest even. It is just a word” Arman smiled mischievously, trying to taunt his brother. “You have no part of this conversation Arman” “Which lady do we speak of? Is she so beautiful that she stops food from going down your throat?” Dariush asked innocently and Arman burst into laughter. “What?” Dariush asked, as he paused to look at all their faces, Ramin couldn't help but suffer a laugh. “No, but really, what is it?” he pressed further, “Ignore your brothers, Dariush” Alpha Kaveh said and continued his meal. As the youngest son, Dariush had always been the one Arman played his silly pranks on. “Speaking of beauty, where is Aryana?” Kian asked his father, his eyes searching around the room. The king was about to reply when the great doors opened once more, and the commotion in the hall subsided. The court members rose up, staring at a figure that had entered the room. Her eyes glistened with anticipation as she looked across the hallway, her happiness palpable when she saw her brothers. She hurried across the room and Kian leaped from his chair to embrace her. “Brother!” she said, putting her arms around him quite firmly. “Hello little sister” he said as hoisted her off the ground and spun her around. “I've missed you! I'm so glad you're back!” Aryana smiled, joy spreading across her face. “I am glad to be back” he said The king gestured with his hand for the celebration to resume as they made their way back to the table. Kian was seated next to Aryana, whose presence made the feast feel cozier. As the feast resumed, there was more toasting, laughter, and sharing of experiences. “Not excited to see me? No hug or handshake? You have much love lost for me sister” Ramin teased her “Oh, do shut up, I pray you. If there's anything I've missed, it's your boring jokes, learn a thing or two from Arman” she teased back and they all laughed. Eventually, Aryana got up and looked at her brothers. She seemed a little tired as she continued, “I think I'll head to my chambers for a bit" “You’re leaving already? You just arrived!” Alpha Kaveh scowled, “I understand, but I'm not feeling well," she said, her cheeks starting to flush a little. She leaned to his ears, smiling slightly and whispered, "It's a woman thing” “Ah, I see. Very well then” he said “How could you leave me like this?” Kian said in a playful manner, his sister was the only one who would always take his side and he was trying to avoid any discussions of marriage. “Oh, I'm here for you brother” Ramin said and the brothers laughed amongst themselves. Aryana bowed in respect to her father and she smiled at her maid, who was waiting by the entrance. Understanding Aryana's subtle cue, the maid nodded back, and with that, they departed the big hall. Once they were in her chambers, her maid locked the doors and Aryana undressed to reveal the wound on her arm, “Have it treated” she said.