Journeying for Hope

King Matias stood among the ruins where a missing time portal once stood in the Lost Caves, his heart heavy with the loss of his people and his trusted guards. A strange silence had replaced the familiar voices that used to fill the streets of Thornhaven. His people, those he had sworn to protect, were gone without a trace. Determined to find them, Matias set out on a journey across the land.

He steps into unknown territory and unfamiliar places. Cities empty, nothing left behind but a few talismans, not even mares.

Undeterred, Matias continued on to a place that was known for its scholars and wise elders. He hoped they might have insights into the mysterious events. He heard once again of the ancient time portal. A prophet known to their lands of the destruction. They warned Matias that such a portal was powerful and dangerous, and it could be the key to understanding what happened to Thornhaven. How to get there would be puzzling for Matias as he was able to dream of other lands, why not the one city where he sought to find.

Matias found Elara and explained everything. Elara listened carefully and agreed to help. She told him that the time portal had been tampered with by unknown forces to her, causing Thornhaven and its people to be pulled away from their time. Leaving the ones left behind in a state of confusion.

It feels as if the secrets are buried under the rubble. After a long journey, Matias returned to Thornhaven, but he did not travel back alone. Elara who spoke of her love for words and desires to teach about words drew her here with him to help the new arrivals.

King Matias’s story does not end here. As he continues to long for his people, there is an entire city here that awaits him. Shall he continue traveling far and wide for those who are gone, or does he stand up for the new people of Thornhaven as their King.

The Kingdom faces many challenges, for who would even accept a King? The newest members of Thornhaven are from lands that are free, and the independence was strong. With so much uncertainty, the future of the Kingdom remains fragile. There are challenges ahead that await us, but together, we will create a path toward a future where the city may thrive once more.