For so long had it been said that whenever the nine monarchs of Aurum gathered, soon after blood would be spilt. The concentration of that much power, of beings who by many considered to walk in the realm of demi-gods; to many they were in fact demi-gods in their own right, was cataclysmic. It was only natural that magnitude of energy would eventually spill over causing disaster. The way to mitigate such misfortune was to limit their interactions together unless it was utterly necessary. Even the emperor who was meant to stand above them, was subjected to heeding this caution too. Dangerous and deadly powers were at play. It was because of this, in part, that the monarchs had not gathered together for several thousand years. The reasons given were never truly important, always well thought out excuses, gifts sent out to placate those who would have issues. Yet none would ever truly voice their concerns on the matter. Eventually as time progressed, the meetings would consist of perhaps three of them, rare occasions five may even appear. The rest elected to send emissaries in place of their rulers.

However, today was different. Today would be historic. Eight of them accompanied by their Lord Regent's had all gathered in the Emperors' personal debate hall. They were draped in their realms colors, and each of them carried the air of divinity about them. They were descendants of ancient houses who had shaped and forged Aurum into the continent that it was today, sons and daughters belonging to the bloodline of legendary heroes and warriors whose accolades had been etched into the halls of time. They who stood above all, who could only find equal within this very room. Through their veins the blood of their ancestors flowed with power and respect. The northern rulers had gathered together sharing in familiar pleasantries. While the southern rulers had all taken their seats while they talked. As much as both groups carried a calm and tempered demeanor. They all waited in anticipation for the arrival of the last monarch. It was because of him that they were all here, not just in this city but this very room. The oldest house dictated that they would journey south and so all followed suit.

The golden doors to the hall opened and a rush of cool air filled the room. The ninth monarch had arrived and all turned in his direction. King Antares Xerxes walked into a hall he could only compare to the one that housed the Stygian throne in Castle Xerxes. It was incredibly spacious in its design and contents. Rich green walls were stylized with different curtains, and paintings. The room was meant to be populated with various seating furniture and tables, but they had all been cleared away. Replaced in the center an impossibly large stone, cut flat and shaped into a circular table. Around it stone chairs sat carved, with various symbols and iconography representing each of the nine realms. Embedded at the top of the stone chairs were gems corresponding with the nine monarchs.

To the far wall on the right was a large open balcony that looked capable of holding a hundred people, perhaps double if they stood close together. The giant green curtains held the path towards it open, an inviting imagery as though it was a path to the very sky itself. The wooden floors were kept clean; hand crafted carvings of stags and various animals were visible. Like all of Castle Blackrose, its beauty was in the absolute detail taken to highlight the otherworldly wealth and power of those who inhabited this great home.

The table should have been the biggest draw of such a spacious and exquisite room. Certainly the floating golden chandeliers and their multiple arms carrying bright lights would also be of interest. However as most things went, when in the presence of the emperor. He would always be what everyone first noticed when they arrived here, Antares was no different. His eyes met the old man's who sat atop his golden throne, teasing his grand child in his arms.

"My fellow monarchs, forgive my tardiness." King Antares bowed.

"You are here now, that is all that matters." King Satori, bowed along with the rest of the kings of the northern realms.

"Finally," groaned Queen Enrieta. "I was growing bored with all the pleasantries." She shot the Stygian King a sly gaze.

Antares approached the large table along with the other rulers. Those who had sat already, rose again to offer their welcome, all except for Enrieta who had no desire to show any more hospitality. As he sat with the others, he looked around the table at the various kings and queens of Aurum. These people were responsible for the lives of millions within their own borders. The weight and expectation of thousands upon thousands of years of history and culture. Some were chosen, others had to claim the right to rule. All the same, the crown sat atop their heads. Their desires dictated the lives of millions. His eyes moved from one to another, until they rested on Crown Prince Galahad Bludgaard, who quickly hid his scorn for Antares. But was not quick enough.

"King Antares," Saturn cleared his throat, "Although Crown Prince Galahad is not yet a king. He is the Lord Regent of Vistoria, and has assumed many of the responsibilities from his father."

Antares nodded, "I have no qualms." He turned his head towards the emperor, "Will you be taking part as well?"

Nero hid behind his grandchild playfully. "Not at all my king! Ruling Aurum is a young man's game. I simply intend to watch and hope my little boy here learns something." He tickled Prince Jupiter who laughed like his mother.

"With that, we can begin the gathering." Saturn turned to the Queen of Neith, "Queen Emma the floor is yours."

"T-thank you King Saturn," she nervously looked around the table. "My fellow rulers…"

Emma Vezimeer was a plain looking woman, even for a royal. There was no air of authority or power around her. One would not be punished if they had thought her a part of the commonfolk. Such was the way those of House Vezimeer carried themselves. They did not see any difference between them and the commonfolk. They merely were just the ones chosen to rule over them. Although those of House Vezimeer would rather say that they guide the people of Neith. With the influence of the Golden Company of course.

This was who Edward Vezimeer had chosen to inherit the crown. Antares did not see anything about her or within her that could make her unworthy. The Stygian King elected not to test her like he had told her father. He was curious about her, and the growing confidence her brown eyes held with each word she spoke. Her command of the room only grew the longer she felt comfortable to address them all. At first she spoke as someone who looked out of place, but all showed her the respect she deserved. That was the beauty of all who had gathered here, regardless of their personal feelings about each other. To sit in this room, among other monarchs was enough proof one was worthy of the crown atop their head.

Conversations went on like that for some time. The topics of discussion were relatively simple, most monarchs elected to just listen and nod along periodically. Their responses were quick if they were needed to speak, King Saturn above all others had mastered this. Those that did engage in conversation such as King's Artorias, Dion and Queen's Roderika and Emma. Spent most of it trying to fill the silence, with insights into possible new trade goods and economic standings through the realms.

None of them were particularly inclined in being the one to commence the true conversations. Their inaction was not done out of fear, or a sense of dread of what was to come. It was less concrete than that, it was the ambiguity of what may come from the conversation. Each monarch was born into a world that had seen peace for over a century. In truth none of them wanted to be the ones' to disrupt it, despite their own personal desires for their realm. None except one that was.

"And so I think we would be best serv-"

"Thank you Queen Emma," Enrieta sat up. Her eyes locked onto her father's who grinned. "But I would like to discuss more important matters."

They all looked at her with hesitancy, all of them except King Antares.

"Our yearly allotment of blood is lacking." The Nephilim Queen folded her hands, "Runa tell them."

Lady Regent Runa Fierar stepped forward. Her stoic face dotted with piercings, scanned the table that sat the different rulers of Aurum. Her eyes lingered on the Stygian King for the briefest of moments before she lowered her head.

"It is an honor to be given the right to speak," she thanked. "It is as my queen says, our blood reserves are not where they should be. We are thankful for what we do receive but there is a greater need for more."

"How much more do you need?" King Artorias asked.

"We are not your personal food supply," King Dion grumbled.

"Would you like us to go back to hunting your people?" Enrieta smiled earnestly, "I do not mind, my son is of age where he could use the practice."

The King of the Beastmen growled. His deep crimson eyes were filled with animalistic fury. "I will feed on your heart she-devil." The ancient tongue of the Beastmen roared through the open area.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

With such ease tensions had heightened. The Stygians were not the only eternal enemy of the Nephilim. The Beastmen of Laconia also fell into the same category. Their periodic war with their southern neighbors was just as bloody and gruesome as it was with the realm in the north. Both species were former humans, transformed by the fantastical nature of Aurum and the meddling of humanity with dark forces, both forever to be locked in battle of supremacy. Their stories, like all the other realms, were soaked in blood.

"Please King Dion forgive my sister," Queen Roderika bowed. "She only jests, I see I need to constantly remind her how terrible she is at it." She glared at her younger sister.

"Quite right, you see Dion a joke! Do not be so serious." King Artorias patted his oldest friend on his shoulder.

"Perhaps if you stop your pointless war with Iliad for Hightower-"

"King Dion!" Artorias began.

"Pointless you say? Is that how you feel?" Enrieta chuckled with no warmth.

"It is as King Dion said."

The room fell silent. All eyes turned in the direction of the Stygian King. For the first time since his introduction he had finally spoken. His sudden agreement with King Dion had caught them all off guard. They knew not what he would say, his face remained indifferent and hollow. He was allowed to continue speaking.

"This pointless conflict for Hightower is benefiting no one and costing resources," the King of Iliad bemoaned. "I have lost thousands of men, so have you Queen Enrieta and you Queen Roderika. It is time we put this to bed. None benefit from this folly."

"So you are willing to accept my fathers offer?" King Saturn addressed him.

"Not at all," Antares called for a drink. "As I told your sister, Hightower is a part of Iliad; it is not for sale. At any price."

"And yet those who live in Hightower see themselves as belonging to Vanaheimr. The Stygians who live there included."

"You misunderstand me King Saturn," Antares amused at the Sun God's words, as he sipped from his chalice. "I do not care what the people of Hightower think. The Valley of the Hunt has been Stygian land long before Hightower existed, and long will it remain so after Hightower falls."

With that, the topic of debate was squarely on Hightower and its legitimacy. The famed city put them all on edge, their desire for independence from the Stygian collective was well documented and discussed by all. As with all conversations the reality of what was discussed was found at the end of it: the land belonged to the Stygians. They would never part with it, after all the land they had perceived to give up across the countless millennia for the growth and success of the other realms. Hightower represented many things to the different realms, but to the Stygians most importantly of all, even more so than the symbol of unity that they claimed it represented. It was the last of their old ways. Its location was once sacred land, used by their greatest warriors. The power that congealed and lived in that valley was intoxicating. To ask them to part with it was near madness.

Still Hightower continued to demand their independence and while the other northern realms ignored their cries. The southern realms were ready to answer the call. Emperor Nero had desired it. Saturn continued with his growing back and forth with Antares over the state of Hightower and how it was viewed. Neither men budged from their position on the matter. Others offered their opinions trying to quell the atmosphere. Whereas Enrieta looked to continue stoking the flame between her brother and her new interest.

"Well I hardly see how any of this is fair," Enrieta took a deep sip from her chalice. "If you are not even willing to budge on Hightower. How do you suppose you are going to convince us all to give you our grimoires?"

The clarity in which Antares was able to hear all of their heartbeats was in large part due to how quiet it had gotten. One by one they turned their attention from Enrieta all towards him. The look of horror and stifling rage on many of their faces. Except for Saturn who looked on stoically, studying him in great detail. The reaction of the northern realms was expected, he had not told them of his desires to reclaim what belonged to his people. However, it was the reaction of the southern realms that most surprised him. They should have known, Enrieta should have told them. Unless…

Antares looked at Enrieta unimpressed, she returned his look with a warm smile and sat back.

"It seems Queen Enrieta had not shared the entirety of our discussion from our first meeting."

"It seems that way," Queen Roderika did not hide her venom for her little sister. "I am scared to ask how such an oversight could have occurred, dear sister."

Enrieta feigned ignorance, "Oh my, it must have slipped my mind." Her lips curled into a grin.

"Is this why you accepted Princess Reza's hand in marriage? You mean to use her to bargain?" Crown Prince Galahad spoke with ruthless condemnation.

"What?" Queen Roderika was incensed, "You would use my sister as a tool?" her words shook the room.

"Queen Roderika please," pleaded King Artorias. "If you would just-"

"You have no right to levy such accusations at the Stygian King." King Dion roared, his black hair flared with aggression.

It did not take long for the room to devolve into a constant back and forth among the monarchs. Enrieta had lit a fire under all of them, what she revealed about the desires of the Stygian King sent them into a frenzy, thousands of years of history was spoken about. The importance of the grimoires and what they contained within them. They spoke of the blood spilt in defense of them, and those from ages passed who clamored to reunite all of them and the consequences that came in the process. Many of the rulers flexing their knowledge of Aurum's bloody history. What had begun as a debate between monarchs now devolved into argument between would-be scholars. As Nero looked on, only three sovereigns refused to speak, King Satori, King Saturn and most importantly of all, King Antares himself. The old emperor could not hide the joy on his face. Enrieta's offense to hide the truth about the Stygians desire for the grimoires, was instantly forgiven because of the spectacle it now caused. Much was learned about the Stygian King in this very moment, more than Nero had thought he would find out.

Emperor Nero's old mind came alive and his thoughts grew with countless opinions on why Antares wanted with the tomes. How long had it been since dealing with a being like this? In his final moments, he would be shown someone worthy enough to have dueled him. He cursed the fates for their cruel joke with the widest of smiles. The emperor rocked his grandchild to sleep and continued to study the scene unfolding in front of him.

"Why?"

King Saturn's words silenced them all in an instant. They turned to King Antares for his reply.

"Why does it matter? They belong to me." The apathy he wore on his face was more insulting than his words. As though the reasoning were too obvious to even address.

The Nine Grimoires of Nyx were legendary tomes crafted by Aurum's first Black Witch, Queen Nyx Xerxes. Ages ago, before the time of humanity, before the Old Forest breathed life into the Thirteen Heavenly Beasts. Before the time of the Fire Giants and their cruel ways, who ruled with the advantage of the very sun. Before their extinction at the hands of the Lords of War. The Stygians had first appeared on primordial Aurum led by their Queen.

It was she who wielded the Other like fabric, sifting and weaving through time and space. Parsing through causality in search of paradise in a ruined world seared by the One War. She who opposed the God's and their wicked ways to rule over all life. She who warred with Fate for an alternative outcome and the survival of her kin. Her arrival in paradise, as well as her peoples, only possible by the great books, for when combined they showed all possible futures. All possible ways victory would always belong to the First Among Equal, to the new rulers of Aurum. To the Stygians.

The words seared into their minds, as the monarchs of Aurum recalled the first time they had all been taken to their respective tomes after their ascension. They scarcely understood what was said, for the words of the grimoires spoke of ages long before their time, perhaps long before time itself. Further proof of the timeless age of the Stygian people and their origins. But it also spoke of the power of the grimoires and how those who read its sacred pages had access to all historical knowledge of the previous monarchs of their realms, of Aurum itself. A treasure trove of information, a wealth of knowledge that was the culmination of countless millennia of rule. To know all that had happened before and the power to avoid any repeated tragedies. However such magic, such power was not easy to maintain or wield for what mind could withstand such wisdom other than a Stygian? However in time even human king's and queen's managed in their own way to endure the great burden of history. Those capable could read the grimoires for a few minutes at most enough to understand what it was their eyes bore witness to. Anymore than that and their minds would shatter, fragment and scatter through the pages forever to be trapped in the tomes.

Yet as coveted as knowledge of the past was. It was not the only reason why the tomes were believed to be so sought after. For when all nine grimoires were brought together, they not only granted the reader combined knowledge of every monarch who had ever lived. They had also given the reader access to all possible future's, that led to the greatest desire of said monarch. Effectively assuring their kingdom's eternal success. In short, who so ever possessed the Nine Grimoires of Nyx ascended beyond godhood to the rumored and fabled realm of the Outer Gods. Beings who were whispered to exist outside of reality itself ungovernable in every sense of the word. The very masters of fate and space-time. Thus was granted by the primordial power of the Stygians. Among them all the only one who truly understood this, was the very man who sought the nine grimoires, the ninety-ninth Stygian King, Antares Xerxes.

"I fail to understand how that justifies anything?" Saturn leaned forward. "You say they are yours and yet each of us possess one. As decreed by God-King Gilgamesh Xerxes himself."

"Do not patronize me King Saturn," Antares was curt with his reply. "The grimoires were never King Gilgamesh's to give away. They belong to our people."

"So was your father wrong for not claiming them all when the opportunity arose?" The King of Talterra asked a damning question that silenced Antares.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.