chapter fifteen:The death of king Alexander Ephiphanes

King Alexander Ephiphanes, the ruthless ruler of Galvia, who had oppressed the people of Everia with unparalleled cruelty, fell from the balcony of his palace, landing with a sickening thud on the stone floor below. He was terribly wounded, his body broken and battered.

As he lay in his bed, struggling to come to terms with his fate, he sent some of his most trusted servants to seek out the wisdom of the High Priestess of Ramas, who lived in the town of Vakron.

The servants set off immediately, but on their way, they encountered a prophet from Everia, a wise and mysterious man with piercing eyes.

"Turn back, servants of the king," the prophet said, his voice low and authoritative. "Tell King Alexander Ephiphanes to prepare his household and get ready to die, for he will not survive his injuries."

The servants were taken aback by the prophet's words, but they knew they had to return to their king and deliver the message.

When they arrived back at the palace, they found King Alexander Ephiphanes in a foul mood. "Why did you not kill the prophet on the spot?" he thundered, his face red with rage.

But it was too late. That same night, King Alexander Ephiphanes passed away, surrounded by his loved ones.

And so, the kingdom of Galvia was left to ponder the consequences of their king's cruel reign, and the people of Everia rejoiced at the news of their oppressor's demise.

The people of Everia, who had remained faithful to God despite the cruel oppression, rejoiced at the news of King Alexander Ephiphanes' demise. They saw his death as a divine judgment, a testament to God's justice and mercy.

However, the rebellious Everians, who had long ago abandoned their faith, mourned the loss of their king. They had revered him as a powerful leader, and his death left a void in their lives.

The kingdom of Galvia was plunged into sorrow, as they had lost an idol. The news of King Alexander Ephiphanes' death spread like wildfire, leaving his subjects in shock and grief.

Three days after the king's passing, the news finally reached Brindlemark, in the Emberfell Kingdom. Edwin, one of Lord Mayor Thorne's trusted servants, arrived in Brindlemark, bearing the news from Galvia. Edwin was in charge of the lord mayor's businesses, and he had received word from one of his associates in Galvia.

Lord Mayor Thorne decided to share the news with his family over dinner. As they sat around the table, enjoying a hearty meal, Thorne cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"I have some news to share with you all," he began, his eyes scanning the faces around the table. "King Alexander Ephiphanes of Galvia has passed away."

The room fell silent, as the family digested the news. Sir Drinian, Lyra, and Helen exchanged curious glances, wondering what this development might mean for their kingdom and their people.

Sir Drinian's face lit up with a mixture of relief and joy as he heard the news of King Alexander Ephiphanes' passing. "Praise the Lord," he whispered, his eyes closed in gratitude.

Lord Mayor Thorne noticed his nephew's reaction and smiled. "I take it this news brings you some comfort, Drinian?" he asked.

Sir Drinian nodded, his eyes opening. "That tyrant drove me out of my homeland, forced me to flee for my life. I can only imagine the suffering he inflicted on my people."

Helen reached out and placed a comforting hand on Sir Drinian's arm. "We're glad you're safe, Drinian," she said.

Sir Drinian's thoughts turned to his family, whom he had left behind. "Edwin, do you have any news of my aunt, Mrs. Carolina, and her sons?" he asked.

Edwin shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't, Sir Drinian. But I can try to find out for you."

Sir Drinian's face lit up with hope. "Would you? I'd be grateful to know how they're faring. And what of Langford? How has the town developed since I left?"

Edwin nodded. "I'll make inquiries, Sir Drinian. I'll do my best to find out everything you want to know."

The coronation of Alexander Ephiphanes II was a grand affair, with dignitaries and nobles from all over Galvia in attendance. The young king, barely out of his teenage years, was sworn in with great pomp and ceremony.

Alexander Ephiphanes II had been brought up by his royal guardian, Lucian, a close friend and advisor of his late father, King Alexander Ephiphanes. Lucian had instilled in the young king the same values and beliefs as his father, including a deep-seated hatred for the people of Everia who remained faithful to their God.

As the new king settled into his throne, a delegation of rebellious Everians arrived in Galvia, seeking an audience with him. They were led by a charismatic leader named Malakai, who had been a close ally of the late King Alexander Ephiphanes.

Malakai and his delegation pledged their allegiance to the new king, promising to continue their fight against the faithful Everians. They asked King Alexander Ephiphanes II to continue his father's legacy, providing them with military aid and support to help them achieve their goal of joining Galvia and serving their god, Ramas.

King Alexander Ephiphanes II listened intently to their plea, his eyes gleaming with interest. He promised to look into the matter, assuring Malakai and his delegation that he would do everything in his power to support their cause.

The delegation left Galvia, feeling hopeful and encouraged by the new king's words. But little did they know, King Alexander Ephiphanes II had a few tricks up his sleeve, and his reign would prove to be even more brutal and oppressive than his father's.

King Alexander Ephiphanes II sought the counsel of his guardian, Lucian, regarding the proposals of the rebellious Everians. Lucian, a cunning and experienced politician, advised the young king to accept their offer.

"Your Majesty, it would be wise to form an alliance with the rebellious Everians," Lucian said. "They can provide us with valuable insight and support in our quest to bring Everia under our control."

King Alexander Ephiphanes II nodded in agreement, his mind made up.

Meanwhile, in Everia, Archbishop Matthias was furious when he discovered that Malakai had secretly met with King Alexander Ephiphanes II without his knowledge or consent.

"How could you betray me like this, Malakai?" Archbishop Matthias thundered, his face red with rage. "You went behind my back and pledged our support to the king of Galvia without even consulting me."

Malakai stood his ground, his eyes flashing with defiance. "I did what was best for Everia, Your grace," he said. "We need the support of Galvia if we are to survive."

The argument escalated, with both men raising their voices. Finally, they parted ways, each one angry and hurt.

The fallout between Archbishop Matthias and Malakai had far-reaching consequences. It caused a serious political breakdown in the kingdom of Everia, with some calling for their own king while others, led by Malakai, supported King Alexander Ephiphanes II.

The kingdom of Everia was on the brink of chaos, and it seemed that nothing could stop the impending doom.

Meanwhile Edwin returned to Brindlemark, his face somber as he sought out Sir Drinian. He found him in the garden, strolling with Lord Mayor Thorne.

"Sir Drinian, I have news from Langford," Edwin said, his voice low and hesitant.

Sir Drinian's heart sank as he saw the look on Edwin's face. "What is it, Edwin?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Edwin took a deep breath before speaking. "I'm afraid your aunt, Mrs. Carolina, and her sons...they didn't survive, Sir Drinian."

Sir Drinian's eyes widened in horror as Edwin continued. "The late King Alexander Ephiphanes had them killed because they refused to reveal your whereabouts. They died cruelly in his hands."

Sir Drinian felt as if he had been punched in the gut. He stumbled backwards, his eyes filling with tears.

"They also burnt down their house and properties as a warning to anyone who would dare defy the king," Edwin added.

Sir Drinian's face contorted in anguish as he blamed himself for his aunt and her sons' deaths. "It's all my fault," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

Lord Mayor Thorne stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Sir Drinian's shoulder. "It's alright, Drinian. These things happen for a reason. You can't blame yourself for the cruelty of others."

Sir Drinian nodded, still trying to come to terms with the news.

Lord Mayor Thorne turned to Edwin. "Edwin, would you kindly arrange for a shipment of grain to be sent to the village of Oakwood? They're in dire need of supplies."

Edwin nodded and bowed before taking his leave, leaving Sir Drinian to process his grief.