The Higher Court

EVERYONE believed that Niapachad Island was an island located on the west side of Crete Island in the Aegean Sea. However, no one survived to tell the truth of that belief. Some said that it was concealed in a powerful veil that was invisible to the naked eye and any human from modern society cannot come to the island.

Others believed that there was an entry point on Crete Island that could transport you to Niapachad Island, wherever it was located. Some claimed that there were other entry points around the world but that was up for discussion in the scientific community of the modern world.

But one thing is for sure, Niapachad Island was a secret in the modern world that scientists wished to uncover but it remained a mystery to this moment.

Niapachad Island was a country that conserved a history that surpassed time and century. The country was ruled by monarchs and the gentry was still in the system of social hierarchy.

It was believed that time was frozen on the island where everything was looked and came from the 19th century. So, everyone's clothes, accessories, lifestyle, manners, and etiquette were centuries-old from modern society.

The country has 5 cities and towns that were ruled by powerful lords that were known as Belikov, Kain, Vyckos, Raine, and Fell. The capital of the country was Royal Molftus where the young queen and her prince consort settled down at the Royal Castle.

Each city and town has its history and it was recorded as the Origins founded the country. The capital, Royal Molftus was ruled by the Duke of Belikov, who was the cousin to the current young queen of Niapachad Island.

St. Betown was a sprawling town that was named after Saint Betown, which was known for its arena that people went to see in the east of the island for the Contest of Champions which was held once every year to see who was the strongest amongst the islanders. It was ruled by the Marquis of Kain.

Stonelockteco was located in the South. It was famous for its mining history and heritage. Locals and tourists alike crowded the sprawling town to get their hands on the jewelry that was the finest on Niapachad Island as well as around the Kingdom of Ludonea. The young queen of Niapachad Island would also have to compete to get one of those. It was ruled by the Viscount of Vyckos.

Then, there was a coastal city in the west of the island. It was ruled by the Earl of Raine and it was a small town with elaborate legends of all the supernatural creatures. Whether it's true or not, it's debatable. It was said that the town was to be sprawling with vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches, and wizards, as well as demons. But it was never proven to see those supernatural creatures walking down the streets of the city, terrorizing people.

It was assumed that the locals were bored and came up with those legends. Well, that was before everyone knew the island and when they did get the better of the history of the island, they wished that they never did.

Last, but not least, we have North Msallste which was overseen by the Baron of Fell. It was famous for its extraordinary theatres, art, and cultural exhibitions. It was beyond its time and the tourists and locals alike loved it so much.

The nightlife on the island was different from the daylight. Why, did you ask? Well, it was because the gentry mostly went out of their mansion and houses when the night was upon the sky. It was the best time for entertainment, as well as the business, was booming. It offered something that daylight couldn't.

The life of the theatre, the balls that were being organized by the gentry and were invited for anyone that wanted to come, and the sight of the gentry that was rumored to be handsome out of this world.

However, it was rumored that the country was ruled by supernatural creatures...

While the island was hidden from the rest of the world, The Origins, who were known to be the first settlers and pioneers of the country, developed a genetic mutation that was carried by one or two parents and passed down to their children. It was causing the porphyrins to build up in the body and harm the skin and sometimes it would be on the nervous system as well.

It was known as Porphyria, which later evolved the Origins to be enhanced beings.

The symptoms can be seen as early as 12 years old or on average when the children are 15 years old. They would have severe abdominal and chest pain, and vomiting that could result in blood as well as fever and high blood pressure.

It would usually go on for days or weeks. After the children passed that stage, their skin would be pale and their eyes would be lighter than usual as the blood was not enough in their bodies.

They were no longer humans and had been known as Vampyre for the blueish-red blood that flowed through their veins. The Origins that founded the country had this disease and their descendants inherited it.

With that knowledge, they have agreed that the House of Dragomir, the first Origins that contracted the disease, would be the monarchs and other Origins would act as their advisors on how to govern the country as they formed a court that was known as The Higher Court.

However, the pioneers that didn't contract the disease were known as The Lesser Gentry for their mortal origins and their descendants remained as humans but knew the secret that the Royal family and The Higher Court kept from the commoners.

It was never been told to the public of this disease development. It was a secret that the locals wanted to know. And that was the history that you would read in the history book if you were born on this island.

So beware, don't forget to look behind your shoulders because who knows what might be lurking around at night. Most people did not believe it to be true until they saw it for themselves and that was the first sign that they were in danger.

But are they truly in danger? Now, that's a question that has not been answered up until now.

(Adapted from The Niapachad Island; in the perspective of The Origins, first edition)