Rise of Ogithus and Death of the King
Chapter 3: The Rise of Ogithus and death of the King
by Steward
The Rise of Ogithus
Time crept along in Thornhaven, the city, still filled with magic and wonder. Ogithus, the once-promising dreamer who became obsessed with power, was a brilliant scholar with curiosity for the unknown. Ogithus's fascination with magic grew from an early age. When he was young, he was fascinated by the Primordial, the beings of elemental power. He had spent many years studying the nature of Thornhaven and all its inhabitants. His thirst for knowledge became a dangerous obsession during the time Sydrah came along. Ambitions that twisted his mind, turned him into the madman feared by many.
There were magical forces within the city of Thornhaven, and Ogithus had been studying them all, seeking to control it. The more power he gained, the more he desired, and he began plotting to control the Primordial for his own gain. Tempted by dark promises, and whispers of the orbs, Ogithus’s ambition spiraled, and he began his hunt for the orbs. He had aligned himself with the God of the Void, Sydrah.
The King sent his mighty army after Ogithus, and knowing the true strength of Thornhaven lay within its people, they never stopped fighting to take him down.
As Ogithus's influence grew, King Therimen became increasingly alarmed. “You seek power, but at what cost?” the King challenged during a tense meeting. “You’ve drained the very life from Thornhaven. The balance is broken.”
Ogithus sneered, “Balance? That’s a fool’s hope. Power is what truly matters. With it, I will reshape Thornhaven as I see fit.” The air filled with tension as the King and Ogithus faced off.
Ogithus had felt the weight of the King’s words. And the citizens of Thornhaven, though weary, were united in their love for their home. Perhaps there was a strength greater than he had anticipated. But just as the words were spoken, they quickly were forgotten.
The chaos enlarged and King Therimen's downfall came during a fierce battle that would forever change the course of Thornhaven. Ogithus, empowered by the dark god Sydrah, had called upon an army of chaos born creatures, and they stormed the kingdom with devastating force. In the heart of the conflict, King Therimen, wielding the ancient power of the orbs, fought to defend his people. However, Ogithus, with mastery of forbidden arts, struck with a blow, severing the king from his connection to the orbs. As dark energy surged through the battlefield, Therimen faltered, weakened by the overwhelming power of Sydrah's influence. In that moment, Ogithus delivered the fatal strike, claiming the orbs and leaving the once great king mortally wounded. Therimen’s fall was a devastating blow to the hope of Thornhaven.
Ogithus began drawing knowledge from bending dark magics to his will. Sydrah taught him how to harness the power of the Void, and Ogithus's ambitions grew. He began to gather supporter's, other dreamers who had been lured into Sydrah’s promises. With this power, Ogithus used the four orbs of to manipulate them for his will.
Even in the midst of the trials and tribulations of Thornhaven, the Kingdom still expanded, and the fate of the city would one day rest on the shoulders of Matias and Rivin. The princess whose name was revered among the people, the daughter of the late King Therimen and Queen Asolde whom often sat by her mother's side, learning her ways and absorbing the knowledge passed on to her.
She was full of grace and compassion. Caring deeply for the people and sought to alleviate their suffering whenever it was possible. This princess was born into nobility, but she grew with wisdom and a gentle demeanor that earned her the respect of all those around her. The kindness of this princess, and the honor in her words often carried the weight of the kingdom.
From a young age the princess was groomed to sit on the throne. Yet, her upbringing was far from that of being pampered. King Therimen instilled in her a sense of duty and honor, teaching her the ways of diplomacy, while her mother, Queen Asolde, instilled her with compassion for others.
Her father, King Therimen would spend most of his time planning at the round table. The grooming that he showed his dear princess, would not be the same as the people of the lands. For there was always division with the barbarians and outcasts.
But it was not just within the confines of the castle walls that the princess found her education. After finding the hidden way out, she wandered the beautiful streets of Thornhaven even more, disguised so her presence would not be known, listening to the tales of its people, understanding their struggles, and witnessing things that no one at her age should ever see. It was during these times that the princess would learn to become a queen who would serve her people.
She would often be found down in the Lost Sea, climbing the ship. Or running through her favorite planes or skipping through thresh to get a glimpse of the newly awakened.
One evening while out exploring, she ventured into the Royal Gardens. There, she found a hidden path covered in vines and followed it. As she walked, she heard whispers of a secret place in the deepest depths of the city.
Instead of ignoring the whispers, she strolled deeper into the forest until reaching a sunny glade. Only to hear a low growl voice. Her excitement faded when the voice asked who dared to enter.
With courage, she introduced herself quickly. And surprisingly, an ancient voice in the distance came closer. Though you could hear the hesitation in the voice as it welcomed her.
She spent hours there, with the voice in the distance, listening to tales of old, and prophecies of new.
Dawn was quickly approaching, and Riven knew that she must go. She promised she would return one day, and surely, she would. For the fate of her future and her home would depend on it.
The princess lived and breathed Thornhaven. She cared more for her city as a young girl than others that were older in age. As she grew, the princess navigated the politics with grace, and her words carried the weight of the kingdom with wisdom beyond her years.
But her journey to the throne was not without its trials. As she grew older, the darkness around grew fiercer. It thickened the doorsteps of the Kingdom, especially with Sydrah's influence and Ogithus lurking.
The Mistborn, monstrous creatures that haunted the depths of Thornhaven, steadily threatened the city and its people. The Barbarians, outcasts and secret societies often attacked the kingdom on whim. Leaving innocents harmed or struck down with the mighty fell art. The many wars and even the eclipse, it was during such encounters that the princess was truly tested.
With a sword in one hand and the courage that her father instilled in her heart, she stood against the darkness and chaos that loomed the city. Alongside her knights, she helped to lead the charge to vanquish the creatures that threatened the kingdom.
Princess Rivin met a dreamer by the name of Matias during his service to the King. He was strong and wise, and the two quickly formed a deep bond, united by their shared commitment to the protection and prosperity of Thornhaven. Their love blossomed amidst the trials and triumphs of their city, and they soon married.
Matias up bringing was not much different as he would also learn the ways of the city through unexpected experiences. He awakened to the city of dreams as a young boy, his eyes wide with wonder, curiosity, and drive. From the very beginning, he exhibited a fierce determination and an unyielding spirit. His early days in the Dream were filled with exploration and learning.
As he grew, so did his prowess as a warrior. Matias trained under the most skilled mentors, mastering the arts of combat and strategy. His dedication and skill earned him the respect of his peers and the attention of the leaders of Thornhaven.
By the time he reached adulthood, Matias had proven himself as a formidable force in the defense of Thornhaven. His bravery on the battlefield led to his appointment as a general. Under his leadership, the city's defenses were bolstered, and its enemies repelled.
Matias continued to lead the city's warriors, ensuring that Thornhaven remained a bastion of hope and safety within the Dream. Through the trials of leadership and the battles fought, Matias remained steadfast, and a beacon of strength in the city.
When the time came for her to ascend to the throne upon her father's striking, and the wed of her beloved, there was no doubt that Thornhaven would be in capable hands. Matias was crowned King, their union symbolizing a new era of unity and leadership for Thornhaven. Matias stood by her side, offering his support and guidance.
The kingdom expanded, until it stretched to the farthest reaches of the dreamscape. Even with the greatest of armies and the strength of its people, things were lurking and looming over. The fate of the kingdom did not rest upon the prophet, but the words would surely shake all citizens of Thornhaven.
This was not always their story, for soon would come a day where their reign would prosper and mold into something fierce, yet beautiful, even though the kingdom's fate was always in jeopardy.