The Academy Prologue:

Once, a very long time ago, there was a magnificent kingdom in a very far away land. You won’t find this ancient kingdom in a history book though. No, this land, and all of it’s many secrets and inhabitants, was hidden from the eyes of human beings. Very few have heard of it’s existence, and even they had brushed it off as a mere fairy tale. This land, this beautiful, magnificent, magical land, was called Nevaeh.

The residents of Neveah, - Duolcs, as there were called- were not your average humans, though they may have looked it. Inside each and everyone of the Duolcs lied something great, something powerful. There were four different types of Duolcs -fire, air, water, and earth. Each had their strengths and weaknesses and each had a mythical protector.

The fire Duolcs were said to be the bravest throughout the kingdom. Their courage led them to the front line of every battle. Fire Duolcs were said to be hot headed as well. Their anger were often the cause of riots, battles, and even a few wars. Before going into battle, the fire Duolcs would pray to the dragons for protection and strength.

Air Duolcs were the wisest in Duolcs. The were very studious in their studies and often ended up working as clerks or astrologers. Air Duolcs, however, had a low tolerance for those who did not match their wits. Air Duolcs would begin each day by praying to the spirits of the winds for wisdom and protection.

The most beautiful in all of Neveah were said to be the water Duolcs. They loved to take pride in their appearance. Most water Duolcs worked in the shops, sewing clothes or making armor. Beauty is only skin deep, however. Water Duolcs were often cruel and looked down upon those they deemed unworthy of their beauty. They prayed to the water nymphs for blessing them with their beauty.

Earth Duolcs were mostly pleasant and playful. They loved helping out those in need, and were great with children. They often worked as teachers. However, they were also the cause of many pranks, something that irritated most other Duolcs. Earth Duolcs worshiped the Elves and their cunning ways.

Male Duolcs were often the rulers -or Emperors- of Neveah as it was rare that a female was born into the royal family. The first Empress in over a hundred years, was Maria Escittle, a fire Duolc. Her father, Emperor Duke, had wanted a son, but after Maria’s mother died, he knew it was impossible and therefore passed the title down to his daughter.

Maria ruled over her kingdom for many years. She was the greatest ruler the kingdom had ever seen. She was fair and just but not naive. She was brave and powerful, but not arrogant. For years the people and creatures of Neveah lived in peace under Maria’s rule, until Kalyla, Maria’s older cousin and an earth Duolc, created a rebellion.

Kalyla's father, Marson, had been emperor before Duke. Like Duke, Marson had only a daughter when he died. According to the laws of the land, Duke -being the only male descendant left- had the rightful claim to the throne. Once Duke died and Maria became Empress, Kalyla grew angry. She thought she deserved the title because Marson had ruled before Duke. Maria refused to turn over her crown, though.

Kalyla had threatened to overthrow Maria, resulting in her banishment from Naveah. For the years that followed, Kalyla lived in the surrounding forest, planning her takeover of Naveah. She had help in the form of her best friend, Janea, a water Duolc who worked as a royal dress maker. Janea fed Kalyla all of the information she came by in the castle.

It was through Janea that Kalyla learned of Maria’s marriage to Lyam, another fire Duolc and Kalyla’s former love. Slowly, Kalyla and Janea built a rebellion against Maria. Once Maria had started noticing her once faithful followers were now lying to her, she knew something was up. As a precaution Maria had asked the Elder Elf to make her a weapon that would defeat Kalyla.

The Elder Elf accepted Maria’s request. Using the tears of a mermaid, dragon’s fire, the north winds, and Maria’s own blood, the Elder Elf crafted the sword, promptly naming it Exscittleburg.

The battle between Maria and Kalyla did not last long. Unfortunately for both sides, there were casualties and deaths. In the end, Kalyla was defeated. Her dying words spoke of how she would one day have her revenge, cursing every male descendant of Maria’s.

Soon after Maria found out she was pregnant. Nine months later Prince Adion was born as an earth Duolc. Taking this as a bad sign, Maria once more visited the Elder Elf. Maria realized Exscittleburg was a powerful weapon and did not want it to fall into the wrong hands. The Elder Elf casted an enchantment on the sword, muting it’s power until the first female descendent of Maria’s was ready to wield it’s power.