Chapter 1: The Fortress of the Sun

  The Fortress of the Sun stood atop a hill in the western reaches of Azharian, its golden stone walls gleaming in the sunlight. Within its grand hall, King Bahram sat upon his throne, a simple yet imposing crown resting on his head. His kind but determined eyes scanned the crowd of petitioners gathered before him. It was a day of audience, and the hall was filled with people from all corners of the fortress, each seeking the king’s justice.

  A farmer stepped forward, his hands calloused and his face weathered by the sun. “Your Majesty,” he began, his voice trembling, “this year’s drought has destroyed our crops. If you do not help us, our families will starve.”

  King Bahram regarded the man with a calm but firm gaze. “Do not worry,” he said. “I will order the granaries opened for you. No family in the Fortress of the Sun will go hungry.”

  Ashkbos, standing to the king’s right, scanned the room with a serious expression. Clad in his military uniform, his sword sheathed at his side, he appeared calm, but his mind was elsewhere. As the king listened to the concerns of his people, Ashkbos walked to a large window and stared out at the horizon.

  He approached Tahmasb, the king’s elderly advisor, and whispered, “Why are you still worried? The people’s trust in King Bahram has been restored. The conflicts in City of Zar have been resolved, and we’ve even received word of a peace treaty between the Grand King and the Sheikh.”

  Tahmasb, without looking at him, replied, “No peace lasts forever. History has shown no mercy to kings who grow complacent.”

  At that moment, the king’s laughter rang out. He was joking with a child who had brought him a gift, and the hall was filled with an air of joy and hope. But Tahmasb knew better. He leaned closer to Ashkbos and murmured, “If we are not prepared, the darkness will consume everything.”

  Ashkbos felt a flicker of unease. Suddenly, a loud noise made him draw his sword instinctively. The petitioners and the king turned to him in alarm. It was just a wooden staff dropped by one of the shepherds. Embarrassed, Ashkbos sheathed his sword and stepped back into the shadows.

  The King’s Garden

  After the court day, King Bahram walked through the gardens with his wife, Sahra Banoo. The Fortress of the Sun was one of the key cities of Azharian, ruled by the peaceful House of Farahin. After twelve generations, the crown had passed to Bahram, a just and fair ruler who was respected even by rival tribes.

  Sahra Banoo’s long, dark hair shimmered in the sunlight as she plucked a red apple from a tree. She turned to her husband and said, “I’m worried. Our daughter, Samin, has been distant lately. She used to be so full of energy and curiosity, but now she spends hours alone in her room. Even when I speak to her, it’s as if she’s not really there.”

  King Bahram frowned. “Perhaps it’s just her age. Samin has always been strong. I’m sure this is just a phase.”

  Sahra Banoo shook her head. “No, Bahram. This is different. Last night, I saw her standing in the garden, staring at the stars. When I called her name, she didn’t even notice me. It was as if she were in another world.”

  The king sighed and looked out at the horizon. “Maybe it’s just the whims of a young girl. But if you’re concerned, we can talk to her. Perhaps there’s something she’s not telling us.”

  Sahra stepped closer, her expression serious. “Bahram, I feel like something is changing. Not just in Samin, but in everything. Even here, in this garden... it’s as if a shadow is creeping closer.”

  The king placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’re starting to sound like Ashkbos,” he said with a faint smile. “Seeing threats where there are none. City of Zar is safe, and the people are happy. We should focus on that, not on imaginary shadows.”

  Sahra Banoo looked into his eyes, her own filled with quiet determination. “I hope you’re right, Bahram. But if you’re wrong, the cost will be more than we can bear.”

  The Council Chamber

  Minutes later, a messenger arrived, breathless and anxious, summoning the king to the council chamber. The room was vast, with towering bookshelves lining the walls and a large table at its center. Tahmasb and the other advisors, Ardeshir the Wise and Esfandiar, were already there, examining a letter.

  Ardeshir, the court’s chief astronomer, approached the king. “Your Majesty,” he said, his voice grave, “the Seacity is in chaos. A tribe from the east has attacked our ships and stolen our cargo. Only one captain returned, after enduring unspeakable torture. He brought a message for you.”

  King Bahram took the letter and read it aloud:

  “To His Majesty, King Bahram of the Fortress of the Sun

  I bring grim news. Fifteen of our ships, carrying gold to the east, have been attacked in the most brutal manner. We do not yet know which tribe is responsible, but we are investigating. The captain who returned has lost both his ears—not in battle, but as a warning. The attackers left the severed heads of two hundred sailors on the ship and painted strange symbols on our banners. The captain keeps screaming, ‘This is for the blood debt of Jean Luc!’ We await your orders.”

  The king smirked. “So the people of the Seacity still pray to the God of the Sea. That’s more surprising than the attack itself.”

  Tahmasb stepped forward, his voice urgent. “Your Majesty, this cannot go unanswered. The peace treaty between the Grand King and the Sheikh was supposed to secure the seas. Either the Grand King failed to guarantee our safety, or we’re dealing with a force beyond even their control.”

  King Bahram leaned back in his chair, his expression darkening. “Esfandiar,” he said, turning to his chief advisor, “you were responsible for dealing with the Frass army. What do you make of this?”

  Esfandiar, a man of sharp wit and polished demeanor, stepped forward. “The Frass were reckless. Jean Luc’s arrogance led to his downfall. When he attacked Azharian kingdom, our armies crushed his forces in less than a day. We executed him and sent his head to his people as a warning. They had no love for him and even sent us gifts in return. There’s no one left to avenge him. If I may, Your Majesty, this is a ploy. The Sheikh is behind this, trying to sow discord between you and the Grand King. He wants to isolate the Grand King and take his place as his closest ally. Think about it—why leave the captain alive? This savagery reeks of the Red Nomads, who spare no one, not even women and children. We must act swiftly.”

  The king rose and walked to the window, his hands clasped behind his back. “If the Sheikh is behind this, then he’s playing a dangerous game. But we cannot act without proof. Esfandiar, you and Ashkbos will go to the Seacity and investigate. Tahmasb, work with Ardashir. Study the stars and the old texts. Perhaps they can shed light on this threat.”

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  Ashkbos, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. “Your Majesty, if I may, we cannot rely solely on our informants. If a new threat is emerging, it may be beyond their reach. I suggest sending a team of skilled scouts to the borderlands to gather intelligence.”

  The king nodded. “For now, our priority is uncovering the Sheikh’s role. If that leads nowhere, we’ll proceed with your plan. In the meantime, prepare our forces for a potential conflict with the Red Nomads.”

  Ashkbos bowed and left the chamber, his mind racing. He knew the real danger might lie elsewhere, but for now, he had to follow orders. Meanwhile, Tahmaseb and Ardashir huddled in a corner of the council chamber, their heads close together as they spoke in hushed tones. Tahmaseb, his voice tinged with worry, asked, “Ardashir, what do the stars say? Do you see any signs of darkness?” Ardashir the Wise, his face creased with concern, replied, “The stars are restless. Something is changing, but I cannot yet say what it is. I must study further.”

  The Princess

  King Bahram drew Tahmaseb aside and explained Samin’s condition to him. Finally, he requested that Tahmaseb visit Samin to ease Sahra Banoo’s mind and assess the situation. Without objection, Tahmaseb made his way to Princess Samin’s chambers. She was a slender, beautiful girl with lustrous black hair, her appearance undeniably reminiscent of her mother, Sahra Banoo—a woman who had devoted her entire life to her daughter, loving her more than her own eyes. After years of struggle and the loss of two children during childbirth, Samin had become King Bahram’s only child. Following the traditions of the Azharian realm, the king had resolved to make her his rightful heir, regardless of her gender, and one day see her crowned Queen of the Fortress of the Sun.

  Tahmaseb, the elder, sat beside Samin’s bedside. Clearing his throat, he began, “Your mother is worried... You’ve been spending so much time alone, isolating yourself from everyone... Ashkbos also mentioned that you haven’t been attending your combat training for weeks now. Princess! You know that a queen without swordsmanship is like a bee without its sting! The lives of all the inhabitants of the Fortress of the Sun depend on you in the future... What has troubled you so deeply?”

  Samin, who had been staring out the window, slowly turned her head to look at Tahmaseb. Her eyes were filled with shadows, as if they had wandered in from another world. She paused for a moment, as though gathering her thoughts, and then spoke in a soft, trembling voice, “Tahmaseb... Do you also think I’m just a young girl running away from my responsibilities because of adolescence or laziness?”

  Tahmaseb leaned back slightly, studying Samin’s face intently. He had been King Bahram’s advisor for years and had seen many faces, but there was something in Samin’s gaze that gave him pause. “No, Princess. I don’t think you’re lazy. But something is troubling you, and I’m here to find out what it is.” Samin took a deep breath and clasped her hands together. “I... I see things, Tahmaseb. Things no one else sees. At night, when everyone is asleep, I hear voices coming from the darkness. And sometimes... sometimes I feel like something is watching me from the shadows.”

  Tahmaseb raised his eyebrows. “Voices? Shadows? Princess, these could just be troubled dreams. Or perhaps the stress of your future responsibilities...” Samin shook her head insistently. “No, these aren’t dreams. I’m awake when they happen. And lately... lately I feel like something is approaching. Something dark and dangerous. I can’t explain it, but I know it’s real.”

  Tahmaseb fell silent for a moment, then said gently, “Princess, if that’s the case, you must tell someone. Your father, your mother, or even Ashkbos. You’re not alone. We are here to protect you.” Samin turned her gaze back to the window and said softly, “If I tell them, they’ll think I’ve gone mad. Or worse, they’ll think I’m weak. I can’t appear weak, Tahmaseb. I must be strong. I must...”

  She left her sentence unfinished, but Tahmaseb knew what she meant. Samin was destined to be queen, and a queen could not appear fearful or weak. Tahmaseb rose slowly and placed a hand on Samin’s shoulder. “Princess, fear is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of humanity. And if something is approaching, it’s better that we are prepared. You said you see things... Do they only appear in dreams, or have they happened in reality as well?” Samin hesitated, as though reluctant to reveal the truth. But after so long, she finally had someone to confide in about the turmoil in her mind, and she didn’t want to lose this opportunity. In a voice barely above a whisper, she said, “It happens in reality too... Last night, someone was by my window... My room is two stories above the ground, but I saw him there...”

  Tahmaseb stroked his long beard. Far from being frightened, he seemed intrigued and pressed on. “By the window... Hmm? Tell me... Did the one you saw by the window resemble a human? Your mother said she heard you speaking... Did you talk to him? I only want to help you...”

  It would have been unnatural for Tahmaseb not to be surprised. Samin knew this could only mean one thing: Tahmaseb the elder knew more than he was letting on! With growing confidence, she replied, “I was afraid... I didn’t dare look at him directly. But from the corner of my eye, I noticed his impossibly tall stature. His body was human-like, but his legs were elongated, so much so that when he stood on the ground, he towered above my room. He bent down to look at me, placing his hands on the window... I turned away, but I could hear his strange voice. He told me that danger is near, that the magic of the forest is fading... that the guardians of the realm are abandoning this land! I didn’t understand what he meant, but he said I would play an important role in this... Tahmaseb? Do you think I’ve gone mad?”

  Tahmaseb ran a hand through Samin’s hair. He exhaled deeply and replied, “No, my dear girl... This is not madness... This is a gift I’ve only read about in books! Have you heard of the Farr of the Forest? A legend spoken of in tales for generations. In the library, I came across several accounts of people who claimed to possess the Farr of the Forest in reality... Most were ridiculed and cast out from society... But when I researched further, I became certain that many of the warnings these individuals gave had come true not long after. Those who possess the Farr of the Forest are not mad. They are intermediaries between humans and the forest folk. You haven’t lost your mind, Princess... If I’m not mistaken, the Farr of the Forest has chosen you, and the one you spoke to last night was one of the forest folk... Tell me, what did he say to you?”

  Samin closed her eyes and recalled. The voice of that strange being still echoed in her ears. She spoke in a quiet, trembling voice, “He said the forest is dying. The magic of nature, which has preserved this land for centuries, is fading. And if this happens, darkness will consume everything. He said I must play my part... but I don’t know what that part is. He only said that the time is near.”

  Tahmaseb listened carefully to Samin’s words, then said softly, “This is far more serious than I thought. If the forest is dying, then the entire realm of Azharian is in danger. The forests are not only the home of the forest folk but also the source of life and magic for this land. Without them, darkness will spread unchecked.”

  Samin looked at Tahmaseb with worry. “But what can I do? I don’t even know who the forest folk are or how I can help them.” Tahmaseb gave a small smile and said, “Princess, you are not alone. We are here to help you. First, we must learn more about the Farr of the Forest and the forest folk. I will speak with Ardeshir. He has studied the magic of nature and ancient legends for years. Perhaps he can help us. But don’t forget, my knowledge is based solely on writings from the past... writings that may have been distorted over time, and what you’re experiencing might simply be a manifestation of your inner turmoil... We cannot be certain of their truth.”

  Samin nodded. “Very well... But please, don’t tell my father and mother. Not yet. I don’t want them to worry.” Tahmaseb placed a hand on her shoulder and said kindly, “As you wish, Princess...” With a kiss on her forehead, he left the room.

  Death is Near

  Miles away, at the highest peak of Mount Bidad, ear-piercing shrieks echoed. A massive, grotesque creature with glossy, lifeless skin hurried into the cave of Mount Bidad, dragging several boar carcasses with its hind hands. The anxious Div reached the depths of the cave, where its mate was in labor. As the boar carcasses were placed beneath her, the fetus tore through the amniotic sac with savage ferocity and began devouring the flesh. With each bite, the fetus grew, soon reaching the size of a human adolescent. The mother Div, overwhelmed by the strain of childbirth, began to bleed profusely and died. The father looked into the child’s eyes and named him “Kiya Div.” The child smiled at first, then suddenly clenched his eyes shut and attacked his father with a mace lying nearby. The assault was merciless, and after killing his father, he turned to consume the remaining carcasses. In less than an hour, Kiya Div had grown to the size of a full-grown man. Emerging from the cave, he let out a deafening roar—so deep and piercing that every Div in the realm heard it and began moving toward the cave.

  And thus, Death was born!

  Azharian: The Battle of Shadows! I’m thrilled to share this story with you, and I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the world of Azharian. This is a tale of magic, mystery, and the fight for survival, where the line between light and darkness is razor-thin.

  Azharian to your reading list. It really helps the story reach more readers.

  Amirhossein Zare