Chapter 158: Family's history
The Gadfraye family's mythological heritage was intertwined with various mortal legends and tales, further enhancing their divine legacy. It was said that Ageotus played a pivotal role in several mythological events, earning him a reputation as a hero in the ancient world.
Ageotus began his journey as a simple soldier, a face among many in the old kingdom's army. But as fate would have it, Ageotus possessed something extraordinary, something that would set him on an unparalleled path.
In the battles he fought, Ageotus's skills and courage outshoned his comrades. His prowess on the battlefield was unmatched, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the army. It wasn't long before he stood at the pinnacle of power, a king with no equal. His enemies fell like leaves in the wind, unable to withstand the might of Ageotus.
With his ascension to the throne, a new era was born.
Ageotus then founded the Gadfraye family, marking the inception of the Gadfraye dynasty. It was his dominion built on the foundation of his strategic brilliance and combat mastery.
Ageotus led his people on a conquest of epic proportions, expanding the empire's territories with each passing year.
Ageotus's reign was a golden age of invincibility. His name became a byword for victory, and those who dared to oppose him met with swift and decisive defeat. Battle after battle, Ageotus displayed not only extraordinary courage but also tactical genius. His foes could do nothing but tremble before his might.
Yet, Ageotus's legacy extended far beyond his martial prowess. It was said that he fathered nearly a hundred children, with very few inheriting his exceptional abilities. These offspring would become instrumental in the empire's growth and governance, forming a formidable force that ensured the Gadfraye dynasty's enduring dominance.
Ageotus's life was shrouded in mystery, for he lived far beyond the normal span of human existence.
The ancient texts and scrolls spoke of his remarkable longevity, with tales of him reaching the astonishing age of 150 years. His vitality and endurance became legendary, and his people revered him not just as a king but as a timeless figure.
As the sands of time continued to flow, even Ageotus could not escape the grasp of mortality.
Slowly, he faded away, leaving behind a legacy that would echo through the ages. The ancient prophecy had foretold that his descendants would inherit his exceptional abilities and continue the empire's prosperity.
And so, the torch of leadership was passed from father to son, generation after generation. The Gadfraye Empire endured, a living testament to Ageotus's indomitable spirit. It weathered storms, wars, and challenges, standing as a symbol of strength and resilience.
Every generation had an exceptional individual like Ageotus, leading the family and keeping the balance. Zeus had blessed him with the boon.
In the annals of history, Ageotus remained an immortal figure, a hero whose legend transcended time.
His tale inspired generations, reminding them that with unwavering determination and exceptional abilities, the impossible could be achieved and an empire could be forged from the crucible of adversity.
The Gadfraye dynasty stood as a living tribute to the enduring legacy of Ageotus and the extraordinary family he founded.
The Gadfraye family's connection to Zeus remained a closely guarded secret within their lineage, passed down through the generations with great care. They believed that their divine heritage bestowed upon them a sacred duty – to protect and preserve the knowledge and traditions passed down from the gods.
As the centuries passed, the family faced numerous trials and challenges. They weathered wars, political upheavals, and the shifting tides of history. However, the Gadfraye family remained steadfast in their commitment to their ancestral legacy.
In times of need, they would invoke the blessings of Zeus, seeking guidance and strength from their divine ancestor. These rituals and ceremonies reinforced their connection to the gods and ensured that their bloodline remained blessed and protected.
As time flowed onward, the magical plane continued to advance, and the extraordinary power once solely possessed by the gods began to find its way into the hands of mortal beings.
However, with each passing generation, the pure bloodline of the Gadfraye family grew increasingly diluted. The world had transformed, yet House Gadfraye remained steadfast in its unwavering loyalty to the legacy of Ageotus, upholding its ancient traditions and responsibilities.
Even with changing times and advancements in knowledge about arcane power, House Gadfraye continued to be a stronghold of exceptional members.
At this moment in history, the mantle of leadership rested upon the shoulders of Joolicus Varis Gadfraye, the reigning Emperor of the Gadfraye dynasty.
Time had aged him, but his spirit remained resolute. Joolicus was a man of honour and integrity, and alongside his devoted wife, they had been blessed with three remarkable children.
Genevieve, their eldest, had brought forth a daughter and son into the world, while Zenumus, the middle child, had sired three sons and one daughter of his own. The youngest of Joolicus and his wife's offspring was Angus, a man of distinctive character and an interesting tale of matrimony.
Before he became committed to Augusta, who later became Jaegar's mother, Angus had previously been married to Emercella.
Among the siblings, Angus had been a difficult one, from a young age, he had shown little interest in palace affairs and was always fooled around. And he had been blessed with an exceptional gift, the power of lightning.
When the family learned of his power, they all said that he was blessed by Zeus. He was revered as one of the strongest, and he was also said to be a ruthless and cunning person.
Jacqueline, the firstborn of Angus and Emercella, stood before Jaegar.
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and curiosity as she regarded her half-brother.
Vivianne, their grandmother, had entrusted Jacqueline with the important task of looking after Jaegar.
She had always been one of Vivianne's favourite grandchildren, and she had eagerly awaited the opportunity to meet and converse with Jaegar ever since the moment Bernat had been dispatched on the mission to bring him to the Gadfraye estate.
Jacqueline, with a graceful gesture, dismissed Bernat, the faithful family servant who had accompanied Jaegar thus far.
As Bernat left the room, she offered Jaegar a comfortable seat, inviting him to take a seat in the ornate chair.
Jaegar settled into the chair, his curiosity palpable, and he posed a direct question to his half-sister.
"Have we met before?" Jaegar inquired, his gaze focused on Jacqueline. He couldn't help but ask as he saw her gaze at him with tenderness. He only saw that in the eyes of Diana and Angelina thus far.
A warm and nostalgic smile graced Jacqueline's features as she recalled those distant memories. "You were merely a newborn at the time, Jaegar," she explained gently. "I did catch glimpses of you on a couple of occasions, but as you said, we never really had the chance to talk or truly get to know each other."
Jaegar absorbed her words with a thoughtful nod, acknowledging the truth of her statement.
He then delved deeper into their family ties, and his curiosity piqued. "Considering that our connection stems from the same man," he began, "I'm curious to understand why you seem so eager to talk to me now. We haven't had the opportunity to meet or converse before today."
She spoke with a sense of nostalgia, "You see, Jaegar, our family has always been bound by a deep sense of connection, even if we haven't spent much time together. Blood ties run strong, and even though we may have been distant, the bonds of kinship have always been there."
She leaned forward slightly, her eyes filled with sincerity. "Besides," she continued, "I've heard so much about you from Grandma that it made me curious so much that I even came to your school."
She paused and then continued while looking him in the eyes, "When I learned that you were coming, it was an opportunity for me to finally get to know you and to welcome you into the fold."
Jacqueline's words carried a sense of warmth and acceptance, as if she genuinely hoped to bridge the gap that had existed between Jaegar and the rest of the family.
She leaned back in her chair, her expression softening, and asked, "So, Jaegar, what has life been like for you? What have you been up to all these years?"
"The last time we met, I couldn't talk to you because of a hndrance, now we can talk all we want," she said, beaming a smile and closing her eyes.
Jaegar leaned forward, his demeanor firm but respectful, as he addressed Jacqueline. "While it's nice to see you and all, my purpose here isn't about reconciling with you or the family," he declared, making his intentions clear.
He wasn't one to beat around the bush, especially when it came to his desires.
His gaze turning stoic, Jaegar continued, "I'm here to meet Grandma."
"Oh, is that so?"
Jaegar stayed silent, staring at her as if telling her to move.
Jacqueline, somewhat taken aback by his directness, leaned back in her seat, her apprehension showing in her eyes. "Very well," she conceded, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I'll take you to her."