Description
The plateau of Adyll was born out of the sea, pushed up through tectonic pressures over a million years ago. To the east, beyond the cliffs where the capital city is located, lies a formidable desert which stretches for hundreds of miles, uninhabited except by tribal nomads who are Adyll's only contact with the outside world. To the west, the waves of the ocean crash violently into the steep rocks at its edge. Adyll's people have lived in this land peacefully for over a thousand years, raising livestock in the craggy mountain landscape, and growing crops in the fertile mountain soil. There is no need for outside contact for the nation of Adyll. And Adyll's people have no desire for outsiders. The royal family of Adyll is believed to be descendants of the Goddess known as the Lady. All people of Adyll are descended from Her, but the Queens of Adyll come from one direct line of eldest daughters of eldest daughters, who can trace themselves back to the daughter of the Goddess Herself. The worship of the Goddess is tied into every custom and way of life upon the plateau, from the shepherds who worship at sacred springs and bring their sheep for sacrifice at the Temple, to the coins used in every marketplace, to the Oracles who channel the Goddess during times of need. There are whispers that have made their way across the desert to the Land of Adyll... whispers of a man who is not a man, a man who is God-Among-Men, known as Mahleck the Locust King, and his vast army known as the Swarm. Adyllians believe that when she is needed the most, there will be a daughter born to the royal house who will lead them from the darkness the way that the Lady led Her own children from the desert. But the only surviving member of the royal house is Irinya, a mere child of twelve summers. TW: Blood, gore, violence, thoughts of self harm/suicide, sexual assault, and other mature themes. NEW CHAPTERS UPDATED EVERY MONDAY. Comments and questions are welcome!
Chapter One: Locusts at the Gate
