The Eclipsed Throne (Book 1 of Throne of Magic Series)

There, sitting on the throne in front of her, was her grandmother, Elowyn Cromwell. The extravagant peach gown and elaborately crafted crown Elowyn adorned was a far cry from the knitted sweaters she had worn just months ago.

She looked healthier than she had in years – her opulent white hair had gained back its shine, her wrinkles had lessened, and she looked strong. It was a grave contrast to the sickly woman that Aurelia had taken care of for the last few months of her life.

“Aurelia!” Elowyn jumped up in shock, her eyes wide as she took in her granddaughter standing before her.

Despite the guards that lined the hallway, Aurelia ran to her in disbelief, hopping up the dais stairs and pulling her grandmother into her arms.

“I had no idea it was you,” Elowyn told her, squeezing her tightly. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”

The joy of seeing her grandmother she thought she had lost forever only distracted her for a moment before her confusion grew tenfold. Pulling back, Aurelia looked at her grandmother.“Where am I?” Aurelia asked. “I don’t understand. What am I doing here? What are you doing here?”

The crowd behind them rustled at her words and Elowyn glanced up from Aurelia, a look of concern crossing her face.

“You all are dismissed.” She announced to the room and then turned to Dinevra, who had been standing at the edge of the steps looking expectantly up at her queen. “Dinevra, you may wait for us in the kitchens. I will send word when we are ready for you.”

Elowyn turned back to Aurelia and took her hand. “Come. We have much to discuss.”

Aurelia begrudgingly followed her grandmother from the throne room, back through the castle, and to a large patio with large willow trees overarching the tables and chairs.

“You must have a lot of questions,” Elowyn began. “So let me answer them for you.” She motioned to two chairs near the fence and they walked over to sit and gaze at one of the best views of the village down below. Aurelia opened her mouth, but no words came out. It felt like for every one question, she had ten more, and her mind was barely keeping up with her as she took in her surroundings.

Elowyn smiled. “First, I must start at the beginning.” Gesturing around them, she began. “I was born here many, many years ago. My mother gave birth to me in this very kingdom, as the goddess of sunlight. Her name was Reyna. Peaceful queen.” Elowyn smiled fondly at the memory.

Aurelia’s eyebrows furrowed at her grandmother’s words.

Goddess of sunlight?

Suddenly the photo in her grandmother’s room clicked into place – the woman with shining fiery red hair like Aurelia, familiar but unrecognized.

“The jewelry box,” Aurelia interrupted, her eyes wide.

Elowyn looked in surprise over at Aurelia. “What?”

“The wooden box,” Aurelia repeated, placing her hand over her grandmother’s. “Was that you? Was that photo of your mother?”

Elowyn nodded. “How did you–”

Tears welled in Aurelia’s eyes and she looked down. “I–” Her voice broke. “Without you…I was a shell. I had become a shell. I couldn’t go in your room for months, and finally, just today, I did. By chance, I saw it beneath the dresser, and I saw…” Hesitantly Aurelia pulled the long golden chain beneath her shirt in which the sun pendant rested.

Elowyn leaned forward and hugged her granddaughter tightly, looking fondly at the pendant. “It couldn’t have found a better place,” She said softly into Aurelia’s ear. “I’ve missed you more than you will ever know, too.”

Aurelia blinked back her tears. “Tell me about this mother of yours. I’ve always been interested in your childhood.”

Elowyn gave her a knowing look. “Then I suppose it’s about time you learned the truth.”

She sighed deeply before continuing. “My mother was a strong and beautiful woman, and by far the kindest person I had ever come across. But just because she was peaceful did not mean the rest of the world was. Those were dark times, back then, with terrible war that overtook the Continent. As I was the heir to the kingdom, I was to be protected at all costs.”

Aurelia nodded her understanding.

“When I was twelve years old, my aunt was forced to abandon my mother and her warriors to protect me. She traveled to an entirely different dimension to protect me--” Elowyn paused.

“The dimension you are familiar with. The news was far and few between simply because of the strength you must have to travel dimensions in the first place, and we slowly stopped waiting for the time when we would return to our beautiful homeland.” Elowyn continued.

“You see, the magic it takes for such a feat almost completely diminished our powers. As the years went by, it eradicated them completely. I was officially a resident of your world, and there were few thoughts about my wondrous childhood.”

“Years later, long after my aunt passed away, I gave birth to your mother, with a man I loved greatly. Being a mother is still one of my greatest prides. When you were born, it had been years since I had thought of my homeland. My home was now wherever your mother and you were.” She squeezed Aurelia’s hands. “My greatest loves.”

Aurelia looked back at her grandmother fondly, still in disbelief of finding her not just alive, but thriving in a strange world of castles and gowns.

“But a year ago, my mother died with no heir to take over. With imminent danger yet again on the horizon, the universe protected itself and used ancient magic to summon me back to this dimension to fulfill my duty. As I had no power left myself, the only way to get me here was to....” Elowyn winced. “...eliminate my existence in any other dimension and summon it here.”

Aurelia froze at the mention of magic. “Nonna, there’s no way. Magic is impossible.” She couldn’t make herself believe it. “There are basic rules of the universe. None of this follows any of it. Not even the simplest of understandings.”

Elowyn tilted her head. “Maybe in that universe, yes. But not in this one.” She smiled at Aurelia’s look of disbelief. “Here, magic is possible. In fact, it’s practically limitless. How else do you think you got here?” She asked gently.

Aurelia shrugged. “I have absolutely no idea. None of it makes any sense.”

Elowyn shook her head. “You’re here because you are needed here.” She took both of Aurelia’s hands in her own. “I didn’t have a choice to leave. It was my birthright. I had no idea....”

Aurelia shook her head in denial of the words that her grandmother spoke of. It felt as if she were in a dream, transported into a land of evil creatures and supposed magic. Elowyn leaned forward and cupped Aurelia’s head in her hands. “The illness..... We were never sick, Aurelia. We were needed here. It’s ancient magic. It brought you here for a reason.” She paused, focusing on Aurelia’s gaze. “Please give it a chance.”

Aurelia gazed into her grandmother’s eyes, searching for the woman that had raised her and loved her so fearlessly. After a moment, she nodded.

Elowyn smiled and turned to face the kingdom, throwing her arms wide. “Let me welcome you to Calathis. The kingdom of sunlight.” She turned back to Aurelia. “Our land extends far throughout the mountains and valleys, as well as deep into the forest. Throughout our lands, you will find towns with families that worship the sun as we do and prosper in gardening and farming.

“The stronghold here, however, exists for another purpose: the knowledge of solar magic. Women with magical ability in this universe are called enchantresses, and enchantresses exhibit strength in practicing solar magic. More often than not, those women come here from all over the Continent to grow in their ability and knowledge of their power.”

Elowyn turned to face one of the smaller trees growing near the table. “Here, we provide a peaceful and nourishing environment to hone abilities and utilize the sun’s energy to perform various magical enchantments.” As she focused her gaze on the small tree and extended her palm, the tree slowly grew and sprouted fresh pink blossoms, the smell of spring christening the air.

Aurelia’s jaw dropped in response to Elowyn’s magic, and she turned to her in disbelief.

“Solar magic revolves the possibilities of the sun. Healing, growing, many earth-based properties, transformation, fire, and light. Hence the abundance of plants and flowers here. ”

Elowyn smiled. “You are in a world filled with magic, dear. Calathis itself is a safe haven for women – dedicated in the growing of knowledge and passion in women from all over the world. Practices include solar magic, artwork, music, gardening, or farming, as well as training to become a warrior. Calathis was created after a severe genocide of women with magical abilities that occurred many years ago.” Elowyn looked towards the horizon.

“Now, that will never happen again. We are strongly protected here, and our knowledge only grows with each passing day.”

Aurelia took a seat once more, trying to absorb everything her grandmother was saying. It was all so...inconceivable.

Her grandmother - a queen, not only in a foreign world but of a kingdom of magic.

“I’m sorry,” Aurelia said. “But what of me? Why was I brought here?” She looked up and around at her surroundings, taking in the beauty once more with uncertainty, the sun fading below the horizon as stars began to appear in the darkening sky.

Elowyn laughed. “Aurelia, don’t you see? As a descendant of the goddess of sun, you are destined to be a master of solar magic.” Elowyn paused. “You are....the heir to Calathis.”

Aurelia froze, still unsure they were having this conversation at all. No, that couldn’t be. Mere hours ago she was in her bed at home in an ordinary world, oblivious to any sort of magic.

“What of Evora?” Aurelia asked instead, her mind returning to her mother.

Elowyn met Aurelia’s gaze and gave her a pointed look. “It was never your mother’s destiny. You and I both know this.” Elowyn smiled.

“But you, Aurelia....you have what it takes. Both to master the magic and to take over one day. I’ve known it since you were a child.”

Clearing her throat, Elowyn stood. “I know you have so many more questions, and with every answer, you will come up with ten more. Digest everything I’ve said, and I will see you in the morning.”

Elowyn smiled down at her granddaughter. “Dinevra will get you settled into your new room. Tomorrow, we begin. Tomorrow, you will start to understand.”

“Nonna, one thing,” Aurelia called to her retreating silhouette.

Elowyn turned to face her. “Yes?”

“What about the key?” Aurelia asked.

Was that perhaps the ancient magic her grandmother was referring to? Is that what brought her to this foreign world?

Elowyn’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What key?” She glanced over at Clodovea’s impatient figure. Looking back at Aurelia, she winced. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go. We’ll discuss this tomorrow. Goodnight.”

Aurelia watched as Elowyn walked away from their table, meeting Clodovea at the doors into the castle and the pair hastily making their way indoors. She didn’t know what to say. Despite the joy of seeing her grandmother again, the pieces of herself that she had lost upon her death did not stir as much as Aurelia wished them to. She remained a shadow of her former self and though the day was joyous, it felt as if she had lost her grandmother all over again. But this time, someone completely different had emerged.

And what about the key?

All Aurelia could remember was placing the key within Nonna’s grave and the shimmering substance forming before waking up in what she had been told was a foreign dimension. It had to have been how she had gotten here in the first place.

If her grandmother hadn’t sent the key, who did?

“Aurelia?” Dinevra called from the doorway. “Follow me, please. Your room is ready.”

Aurelia snapped out of her thoughts and stood, following the warrior as they made their way back through the castle, her mind whirling with questions.

“Your room is in the northeast corridor,” Dinevra explained to Aurelia as they walked. Aurelia attempted to focus on their path, but soon gave up. It felt like she was being led through a maze – each part of the castle led to another that was so similar she could hardly tell the difference. Each corridor had the same open concept with skylights, trees, and bodies of water filling everywhere but areas to walk. Aurelia looked around in amazement as each archway opened up to at least three other corridors leading elsewhere.

“The northeast part of the castle is where most of the grand rooms are. They are meant for studying, reading, or napping. And, of course, your and your grandmother’s rooms of residence.”

Dinevra began leading her up a tall staircase. “The northwest corridor is home to the library and the enormous patio overlooking the grounds, as well as the classrooms for well, er…. magic.” Dinevra glanced at Aurelia nervously before continuing. Aurelia’s eyes swept the corridors as they walked, curious as to the magical place that her grandmother called home. Everywhere they went it was clear of their love of the sun - from golden emblems to large openings to the sky and beautiful plants and trees sprouting up all throughout the hallways, the castle stone glistening in the moonlight.

“The southeast corridor is home to the training centers for warriors. Swordfighting, boxing, archery, all of the likes. The training is very rigorous here.” Dinevra added as they continued climbing the staircase. Once they reached the top, they stepped through a doorway that opened up into a long corridor with doors on either side.

“Finally, you have the southwest corridor, which is has most of the rooms for the queen’s use. Where we were earlier today – the throne room, the great hall, and stuff such as that. These areas are where the Queen conducts business with visitors andother kingdoms. In this way, the other areas of the castle remain private.”

She opened one of the doors in the far end of the hallway which led to an enclosed bridge filled with windows. Unbeknownst to Aurelia, they had climbed enough flights to almost be at the same level of the mountains.

“Your room is just through here,” Dinevra announced, leading them across the bridged hallway into one of the castle’s towers. Aurelia’s eyes swept every which way in wonder before following Dinevra into the room on the other side.

As she stepped inside, her eyes widened. The room had been painted a jade green and windows covered every wall space not occupied by paintings or decorations. The canopy bed, embossed in gold, was pushed up against the far wall with a bedspread in a stunning sage green pattern. Candles were lit throughout the room, on both nightstands as well as the magnificent oak desk pushed up against the glass windows. An elegant chandelier hung from the ceiling, catching the moonlight and reflecting it in spheres across the room. A doorway led to a bathroom with an enormous marble bathtub. Through the bathroom then opened up into a closet filled to the brim with various gowns similar to what the townsfolk had been wearing.

But nothing compared to the massive wall of books that made up the entire side wall. The bookcase was filled to the brim with various titles all waiting to be read. A moving ladder had settled on the far side of the bookcase for retrieving the books on higher shelves.

“Welcome to Calathis,” Dinevra said with a smile. “Tomorrow, the real work begins.” She bent over in a low bow. “My lady,” She said swiftly before leaving Aurelia and shutting the door behind her.

Aurelia, finally, blissfully alone, took a deep breath. There was so much to process – and she had no idea where to begin. She tenderly bent down to sit on her new bedroom floor, gazing up at the stars through her towering windows, wincing at the bruises forming where the creature had dug its talons into her. She couldn’t help but wonder if they were the same stars staring down on her world back home.