《Empire at War》


 Teaser Prologue

    t has been eight months since Baruch set her free; for all that time, she has been searching for the whereabouts of the slave trader who had owned her and her younger brother, before she was sold alone almost seven years ago. Her journey has taken her all the way from the Apamea fiefdom back to the capital of the Myrmekion fiefdom, where she had been sold. Tracking down the slave trader to the Dodona fiefdom''s second largest city, Erythrae, she was now finally on the trail of finding her brother.


    Pulling the hood lower to avoid unwanted attention, Lahya headed towards the market near the town center. At the Southern corner, the shadiest place on the plaza, she found what she was looking for: Stalls of slave traders, showing off their "merchandize" to people acting uninterested, who would repeatedly pass by to scrutinize the wares on offer casually. Her target was one of the more prestigious slavers, with a large tent in front of which he had some of his more average goods lined up. Interested customers would be discreetly invited in for refreshments and shown the full assortment. In front of that tent stood a man, framed by two men of the physical type, asserting his presence to any passersby who looked remotely rich.


    Markos, called "The Sly" under the breath, was a middle aged man with a slim build, wearing lavish robes similar to a noble''s, but with excessive embroidery born from the false perception of luxury only a person of common birth could hold. Seven years only served to increase the varied accessories adorning his ears, neck, wrists and fingers, while his skin has grown paler inversely proportional to the amount of time he had to spend outside to make a living. The bodyguards were testament to his success stemming from the reinvigoration of the slave trade following the invasion of the Ljosalfar territory and the enslavement of those who were not massacred straight away.


    Approaching the tent while holding back her anger, Lahya came to a stop mere steps away from Markos. From under her hood she peered up at the man, her sapphire blue eyes fixed on his brown ones without betraying a hint of her thoughts. For a moment, she remained motionless, as the slave trader''s expression bordered on confusion; before it could turn into suspicion, she spoke up.


    "I would like to see your merchandize," Lahya whispered, just barely audible to her opposite. Markos'' face cracked into a wide grin filled with understanding and greed; this was a customer who sought to talk business in discretion.


    "Please, come on in," He invited the secretive girl into the large tent, where the slaves in his possession were sitting on wooden chairs, chained together. When the owner entered, they all hurriedly stood up to put themselves on display, as they have been taught. There were men and women, small children and even a beardless Dvergr, most likely a very young child. Seeing them churned Lahya''s stomach, but she had come prepared to see worse, such as back when she was still in Markos'' possession. As expected, her brother was not among the current merchandize.


    "I would like to discuss something with you in private," Lahya said quietly. Markos looked surprised but then made an all-encompassing gesture into the room. "Do not worry, their presence is of no consequence. They will remain silent until allowed to speak. Just treat them as part of the tent''s furnishing."


    Looking about, Lahya noticed the absence of a will in all the slaves'' eyes, causing her to nearly bite her lip in boiling rage. Holding back her feelings, she nodded to Markos and finally removed her hood, to reveal pointy ears extending horizontally at twice the length of a human''s sticking out from under her shoulder length silver hair: She was a Ljosalf, called Light Elf in the new human tongue.


    For a moment, the slave trader stood in perplexed silence, his mouth  open in astonishment at the beauty before him; however, his expression lacked recognition, showing his ignorance as to her identity. Lahya knew that a slave trader treated merchandize the same way a fruits merchant treated his apples and pears. Once sold, the memory of the goods would fade even before the next customer could come along. This also meant that most likely he would not be able to recall her brother, and whom he was sold to.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Judging that he needed incentive to jog his memory, Lahya drew one of the rapiers hidden under her cloak in a rapid motion and pointed it right at Markos'' throat. It took the man a moment to realize that he was suddenly being threatened at the other end of a sharp weapon that could take his life with just a slight motion. Stepping forward, she directed his back against one of the pillars holding up the tent, stopping his backwards escape route, the blade only millimeters away from his skin.


    "If you call your guards, I promise you won''t be able to finish whatever words you use to do so," Lahya muttered in a tone that left no room for doubt in the fact that she would make good on her promise swiftly. "I have four questions for you. Answer them truthfully, and you may yet live."


    Markos was shaking, looking at the Alf threatening him, with wide eyes. He nodded ever so slightly, fearing that a motion too big may drive the rapier into his flesh.


    "First question: Do you remember me?"


    The slave trader was visibly racking his brain to recall Lahya''s features. She knew that in the past seven years she had grown up and changed greatly, but she had vainly hoped that he would remember her the same way she had engraved his face into her memory to one day enact vengeance on him. Suddenly, his face lighted up in realization, eliciting Lahya''s eyebrow to twitch in surprise.


    "You... I remember you. You were my sla-... I mean, you were with me a long time ago. It''s been what? Four, five years?" Markos changed his words when he felt the cold steel touch his chin.


    "Six years, nine month and three days, Markos the Sly," Lahya pressed out from between her teeth. Her statement was telltale of her feelings about having been a slave in his possession. "Second question: Do you remember my brother, Nerous?"


    "I... let me think... ah yes, I... acquired you two together. He was two years younger than you, I recall."        "Four years."


    "Ah yes, four years younger. He and you were both such preci-"


    Lahya''s cold murderous eyes shut him up.


    "Third question: Do you remember who you sold him to?"


    Markos showed recollection straight away, but went deathly pale at the same time.


    "You do. Now tell me."


    "To... to a noble from the south of Pandosia, not far from here. His name is... Prokopios of Gornia, a repeat customer. When he heard that the Elves had been subjugated he came all the way to Myrmekion to aquire a..." Markos swallowed.


    "Continue."


    "... to aquire a young boy Elf."


    Lahya''s eyebrow twitched again, this time in displeasure. She was very well aware of what his words implied, and it caused her anger to very nearly boil over. Composing herself, she went cold to the core.


    "Last question, and think hard about this one: How much is your life worth to you?"


    Markos'' eyes widened.


    Lahya exited the tent, the hood covering her hair and ears again. The two men standing guard outside were surprised to see her leave alone and one of them immediately went into the tent to check on their employer. Markos was sitting in a chair with the back towards him, seemingly brooding over something on the table. The bodyguard approached and made his presence known - to no avail. Sensing that something was wrong, he rounded the table to discover that the slave trader was staring blankly into nothingness, drooling and flapping his mouth silently like a madman. No matter how much he shook his employer, no sign of consciousness returned to his features. Shouting and running out of the tent, he and his colleague were too late to apprehend the girl, who had disappeared into the crowded Erythrae market.

 Chapter One Prologue - Beginning of an Era

    wo days north of Erythrae lay the border between the Dodona and Pandosia fiefdoms. Though, speaking of border, there was no physical difference between the two territories and only a milestone next to the dirt road, half buried in the ground, denoted that this place held any significance at all. Just a few hours'' march away was the town of Gornia, the town the noble named Prokopios governed.


    Lahya had barely rested since she had parted ways with Markos. Her brother should be fifteen now, which meant that he may no longer fall in the field of interest of the pedophile lord who bought him. The fate awaiting a slave no longer serving a purpose depended on the owner, and in Lahya''s case, she had been exceedingly lucky. A nobleman with a fetish that could not be made public would never set a slave free that knew of his secret. Even if he did, there were methods to make a person become unable to talk - or be able to reason at all, for that matter. What Lahya had done to Markos was only one of many methods a rich person with access to darker channels in the market could employ. Even though it has been nearly six years since he had been sold to Prokopios, she felt that coming to her brother''s rescue even a minute earlier could prevent the worst from happening.


    Being a half-Alf, Lahya did not have to eat much every day and had a lighter step than humans, enabling her to walk longer distances before tiring. However, in the past few days, she could feel her human half more than ever, trading superior stamina for greater physical strength that held no meaning in long-distance travels. Indeed, Alfar were physically weaker than humans, but were more dexterous and persevering; this also allowed them to go without sleep for several days with no consequences to their psyche, something no human could ever do. It was pure willpower that drove Lahya''s human half forward at this point, but she knew that rest was an absolute necessity before confronting Prokopios in what would undoubtedly result in a battle. With every step she took, bringing her closer to meeting her brother again, the impatience inside her grew.


    Reaching the top of a hill, the walled town came into view. Practically every town and city with a population greater than a thousand in the Eternal Empire of Zenter had walls, remnants of a bygone era of strife and a seemingly endless war for supremacy. The first Emperor, Alkaios Ohm Zenter, made it into a tradition to maintain the walls and allotted substantial funds to city defenses. The period of stability ushered in by Alkaios'' successor was mainly based on the fact that bandits and remnant troops from the defeated nations were unable to raid settlements of significance and soon scattered.


    Gornia was a town inhabited by a mere two thousand souls, surrounded by fallow fields covered in the frost of winter. It was rare that no snow fell at this time of the year, but temperatures had been moderate throughout the entire winter. Unlike the South, which easily reached tropical conditions during the summer, the northern parts of Pandosia could be considered subarctic. Lahya barely felt the cold, another boon granted by her heritage.


    The city gates were open and guards checked merchants seeking to peddle their goods inside. Activity could in no way be described as busy, but it appeared decent considering the size of Gornia. Soldiers stared at Lahya wherever she went, owing to her hood and heavy robes, and this time was no different. However, whenever a guard glimpsed her face, he would turn to his colleague and speak in a hushed voice. Deciding to make the first move to preempt any suspicions, Lahya walked up to one who displayed the insignia of a captain.


    "Greetings, sir. Could you please tell me if his lordship, Prokopios of Gornia, is presently in this town?" Her demeanor was the trained facade of a lesser noble, masking her high birth and the fact that she had once been a slave. The inquiry was but small talk, considering this was the city Prokopios governed, meaning there was little reason for him to ever leave it - aside from maybe going out to personally pick his boy slaves.


    Perplexed at Lahya''s manners and resolute appearance, the captain first needed a moment to collect his thoughts. When he finally did, he scratched his stubbly chin while scanning the girl''s features, as if trying to perceive her motives for wishing to meet his master.


    "Lord Prokopios is in town," He finally responded. "Who are you? You look just like the escaped boy servant the lord is looking for."


    At the captain''s words, Lahya''s heart skipped a beat. Her unique facial characteristics due to being of mixed human and Alfar blood meant the only person he could be talking about was Nerous, her brother. He mentioned that he had escaped and was being pursued. Throwing all caution into the wind, the young half-Alf could not hold herself back from questioning the captain further.


    "You say I look just like him? When did he escape?" She quickly asked. Raising his eyebrows, the captain''s gaze became one of concern. Scrutinizing Lahya''s features once again, he waved over a nearby guard.


    "Three days ago. Nobody matching his description has exited the city... as far as we know," He said, absentmindedly, as he took a paper scroll the guard handed to him. From her angle, Lahya was unable to see the content, but judging from the captain''s eyes repeatedly going between the paper and her face, it was something like a wanted poster. "The resemblance is astonishing... Men, apprehend him!"


    If he had been more subtle in his comparing gaze, Lahya would have been surprised at this turn of events. But now she had ample time to prepare mentally, and responded by taking off her hood. Underneath, her shoulder length light brown hair came into full view. Her eyes, a cornflower blue, were firmly gazing up at the captain.


    "Even if I look like him, you should be able to tell that I am a woman," She said, while casually fixing a strand behind her ear, intentionally showing off that she had human ones . The captain looked at her with his mouth hanging slightly open in surprise. "Do I really resemble him that much?" Alfar were generally androgynous, with males looking effeminate and females lacking the pronounced feminine curves human women had. The telltale difference between the Alfar genders was their heights when they reached full maturity, in which males were almost always about a head taller than females. Since Nerous was four years younger than Lahya, they should have been about the same height by now.


    Once the immediate suspicions regarding her identity were cleared up, the captain''s expression relaxed slightly. Instead, a hint of something even more unpleasant crept into his features, when his eyes wandered over her face and down her body, practically undressing her in his mind.


    "Oh yes, you do. So I''ll have to check whether you''re really a woman or not," He finally said, thinly veiled lust plastered all over his face. "It''s all proper procedure."


    Lahya had faced this sort of sexual harassment many times before and understood that the sooner she got it over with, the faster she would get away from these kinds of people. Steeling herself for yet another pair of large hands to crawl all over her body, she composed her breathing and closed her eyes.


    "So this is proper procedure for a captain of the city guard here in Gornia. Perhaps I should sign up with you," A boisterous voice suddenly resounded in the area. Its large volume was picked up by people all around, its deep bass shaking them to their very bones. Flicking her eyes open, Lahya turned to look at the source of the voice, to find a man nearly twice her width approaching in a bold gait. He was by no means fat, but rather well built with a strong core and muscular arms that showed through the inadequately thin clothes he wore despite the cold. Dark suntanned skin, a brown bandana coverings his head and a long dark brown beard twirled into a braid suggested that his profession was of a physical nature. A large leather backpack, rattling with the sound of metal tools hung from his wide back.


    The man came to a stop in front of Lahya and the captain, towering a full head above the latter. His presence exuded confidence, as he stared down on the embarrassed guards who looked around to see the gazes of civilians fixed on them, seemingly in reproach.


    "Uh... move along, get inside the city or leave," The captain quickly said to the half-Alf and walked away, the figurative tail between his legs almost visible. The surrounding guards scattered back to their posts as well, bellowing commands to people entering and leaving the city to gloss over their shameful display.


    "Thank you, mister..." Lahya began.


    "Alexander,"  He introduced himself and shook his head at her gratitude. "It''s only proper to extend a helping hand when a person faces injustice." With a wide smile, Alexander nodded in farewell and walked through the gate, leaving an astonished Lahya behind him.


    "To think such people still existed in the empire..." She muttered, watching his wide back disappearing around a corner. A slight smile played over her lips and she quickly entered the city, past the gate guards watching her with scowls.


    Gornia was, by all means, nothing more than a village. The only buildings in the city exceeding two stories were the lord''s stronghold, little more than a walled-off mansion, towering over the rest of the city on top of an elevation, and a single inn. The villagers looked all but discontent and children playing in the streets could be seen here and there. The marketplace, despite the time of the year, appeared to be well-stocked, although missing produce from the southern parts of the continent, due to the aftermath of the rebellion.


    Lahya had to readjust her view on Prokopios: His pedophiliac tendencies aside, he appeared to be a good ruler to his people and brought stability to this town. Under the empire''s rule, not many corrupt and incompetent governors stayed in power long, extending even to minor local lords and stewards.


    In a large city, Lahya''s first course of action would have been to try and find underground dealers or those operating in the black market to gather information. However, Gornia had a small enough population for people to know the names and faces of everyone up to both ends of the streets they lived in. Those who worked in the shadows usually preferred bigger shadows to blend into and avoided such places. Thus, all she could do was to search on her own, not even knowing whether Nerous was still in the city or had already slipped out somehow.


    Then again, Gornia was also small enough to cross in less than an hour, and it did not feature an extensive net of small alleyways. It would not even take a full day to comb the entirety of the town''s streets. Still, she could not search inside the houses, in case some kind soul was harboring her brother, meaning it was entirely possible that they would miss each other. For now, all she could do was to search for any potential hiding spots while gaining an overview of the street layout, to systematically search all of the town. Paying attention to the guards and their demeanor, she would be able to deduce whether they had found him or not. She would do anything to find her brother.


    Searching for two days without rest or sleep, Lahya was at her limit, both mentally and physically. On the day after her arrival, the presence of guards inside the city had thinned out. When she spoke to a soldier, she learned that they had been unable to find the escapee and the lord had reluctantly agreed to call off the search. They had a better understanding of the city''s potential hiding spots and had given up, most likely because Nerous was no longer here.


    The trail was growing cold and Lahya could feel panic welling up inside her previously calm mind. If they had missed each other, she would never be able to find him on this vast continent. By moving from this city in any direction, she risked distancing herself from him with every further step. In all those years she had never given up on the hope of finding him, but fatigue took its toll on her mind, clouding her judgment with pessimism. At this rate, she would collapse in the middle of the street. She had to rest.


    Dragging her tired body to the only inn in Gornia, the half-Alf rented out a room as quickly as she could, caring for neither food nor special services. Half-conscious, she followed the clerk to her room, had enough presence of mind left to lock the door behind her, before she fell face-first onto the bed and fell into a deep, dreamless slumber that would last for almost an entire day.


    Waking up to the bustling clamor of a crowd coming in through the cracks of the windows'' storm shutters, Lahya quickly scanned her surroundings. She faintly recalled that this was a room she had rented in an inn, but could not remember when she had fallen asleep. Checking her belongings, she found that everything was in order and nothing was missing. Surprised at herself for having the composure of locking the door in the sorry state she had been in the previous day, the half-Alfar left the almost untouched room and exited through the front door of the inn.


    Outside, a crowd of several dozen people was gathering around a notice board. Group mentality drove her to become interested in what everyone appeared to be agitated about, and she tried to push her way to the front. Unfortunately, the gathered people were all men, and none would budge until they had had their share of time to read the notice, resulting in Lahya''s unsightly struggle to find an opening to slip through. She was about to give up after several repeated attempts, when a shadow fell over her.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Notice to all who possess a heart of righteousness and chivalry: Chancellor Hesper of Naxos, the corrupt and shameless pig who keeps the young Emperor hostage, lives in lavish excess while the people of the capital are suffering from a food shortage. His tyranny is a continuation of the misguided Mad Emperor Eugeios Ohm Zenter''s crusade against the free races of Yggdra. He may have signed a ceasefire, but is secretly amassing troops to once again bring about a war of extermination. We are calling out to all those who cannot forgive such injustice to join our Anti-Hesper Alliance and punish the traitor to the Empire," A powerful but calm voice washed over the people from behind. Everybody turned around to see the person it belonged to, including Lahya. An imposingly tall man, about seven measures1 in height, towered over the half-Alf of only four and three quarter measures. He had long golden hair of an impressive volume, reminiscent of a lion''s mane. A slight tan that matched the color of his skin with his hair, and wearing clothes in light ocher gave him an overall gilded appearance. The man''s expression was a mixture of righteous indignation and concern, clearly a reaction to reading the notice. His eyes seemed to be eternally narrowed, but the attentive gaze of the golden irises told of his conviction.


    Lahya could not help but stare at him.


    "What will you do if he is dead? What will you do if you can never find him again? Will you continue chasing his figure disappearing in the horizon, even if it means falling off the edge of the world?" Brynjarr the Shadow asked, his ebony skin illuminated by the campfire. With piercing crimson eyes fixated on Lahya''s sapphire ones, the Dokkalf2 searched the Ljosalf''s soul, just as she did, for an adequate answer to his questions.


    "I don''t know," She finally admitted, shaking her head and breaking off the connection between their gazes, unable to hold his pressure any longer. "It''s been everything that drove me. I think I couldn''t go on if he was dead."


    "Then what if he has his own life now? What if he has no need for your presence in his life, like you appear to need his?"


    "I don''t know," Lahya repeated.


    "Shall I tell you something you could do?"


    "Please..."


    "Seek revenge. Seek retribution. Seek redemption."


    "But..."


    "Seek ambition. Seek aspiration.... Seek ascendancy."


    The Dokkalfar''s sweet, magic-infused words seeped into Lahya''s very being, exerting their dark influence on her weakened psyche. A part of her was crying out deep inside, screaming not to listen to him, but her frail part yearned for his support, his counsel. He was both a poison and a medicine, an existence that could grant her fortune or bring about her downfall, all with the very same advice. After all, she was the one who held her own destiny, and how she herself acted on his words decided her future.


    "Deep down, you know what it is that you want. You have known it all along. Searching for him was just a part of it," Brynjarr whispered sweetly.


    "What should I do?" Lahya muttered in a daze.


    "When the time comes, you will know," Was the only response she received.


    As if a switch flipped inside her mind, Lahya expression flared up in determination. Looking down in surprise, as if he only now noticed her presence, his golden gaze met hers. The surrounding people slowly scattered after having finished reading the notice, but the two of them remained, standing still, keeping eye contact like two children playing a game; whoever first looked away was the loser. The man first closed his eyes and a smile appeared on his face, as if he came to an understanding in their exchange. When he opened them again, he was astonished to see that a smile filled with strength played on the girl''s face.


    "My name is Leontis of Dion. May I ask you for your name?" The man finally introduced himself with a bow.


    "I am Lahya Eventyr. I am truly honored to become acquainted with a man of valor such as you, Sir Leontis," She responded, giving her full name for the first time since she was enslaved. Seven years ago, every child in Yggdra knew the name Eventyr; the stories of the Ljosalfar with their immaculate beauty and mystical presence were a tale children would repeatedly request before bed. And the royal Eventyr line always played a part in those tales. As expected, Leontis knew the name and his eyes widened at her introduction.


    "You are truly beautiful, Lady Lahya, but surely, you are not an Eventyr. Just as much as I am of noble birth. I am not deserving of being addressed with sir," He finally said, smiling. Perplexed, the girl in question took a moment to try and process why he had answered with such conviction. Then she remembered the spell she had put on herself that disguised her Alfar features.


    "Come with me, Master Leontis." Lahya walked ahead, into the tavern section of the inn, expecting the imposing man to follow. When she was approached by a waiter, she asked for a more private area, away from prying eyes, upon which they were led to a tea room in the back. Ordering tea for the two of them, she rounded the table and sat down, facing Leontis. At her resolute actions, he could only follow suit unquestioningly. Thus, they sat silently until the tea was served and the waiter was told to leave them in private until called upon.


    When the steps disappeared down the hallway, Lahya finally took out a small crystal from inside her robes and held it against her forehead. In the following transformation, Leontis could only hold his breath as he watched light brown hair changing into a silver, glowing like the moonlight, cornflower blue eyes beginning to sparkle in pure sapphire and her rounded ears growing longer and pointed. It was over quickly, and before Leontis sat a person unmistakably of Alfar descent.


    "I had no idea..." He muttered. His golden radiance, a mere imitation of the sun, seemed to be overshadowed by the light of a genuine moon that descended from the heavens. "I deeply apologize, your majesty." Leontis quickly stood up from his chair and made to kneel, but Lahya immediately stopped him.


    "No, do not kneel before me, Master Leontis! I have seen something in you, and I want to believe that it is a form of dignity this Empire has forgotten about, deserving more of respect than a monarch without a throne or a throne occupied by a puppet. You possess a spirit of honor and chivalry, something so easily betrayed for greed and luxury in these times," The half-Alfar stated in a tone filled with respect. "When you read the notice, you were filled with indignation. You were lamenting the state of the Empire and that men of vice were given free hand to defile it further. Tell me, was that an illusion?"


    "It was not, Milady. You have a discerning gaze. Indeed, I wish to join the Anti-Hesper Alliance and return the Empire to the hands of its righteous leader," Leontis responded in unwavering confidence. His expression did not betray the underlying implication that this could include Lahya, who was of royal blood and held a claim to the throne. The person in question was very well aware of that fact, but her most ardent wish was to rebuild Ljosalfarheimr, regain its territories, now divided and swallowed by the surrounding fiefdoms which had invaded it seven years ago, and gather the Ljosalfar diaspora.


    "Then shall we-" She was cut off by shouting and the sound of something breaking coming from the front of the tavern. Without hesitation, both Leontis and Lahya jumped up from their seats and rushed outside to see the cause of the commotion.


    "Apologize to the lady!" A booming voice shook the entire establishment. The owner of it was a man of large build wearing a dark brown bandana, grabbing the front of another man''s shirt. "You don''t do these things in my presence! Actually, you don''t do these things at all!"


    Lahya stopped in her tracks and stared at the man she had met at the gates when she first entered Gornia. Next to him, on the ground, sat a woman with disheveled hair and a bruised face, blood running from the corner of her mouth. Apparently the other man had been beating her and it had been seen by Alexander. Once again, he was up to helping a stranger for only one reason: Because it was the right thing to do.


    The man he had grabbed was whimpering, staring up at his much stronger opposite, knowing he could never best him in a fight. He crawled down on all fours and apologized to Alexander. Seeing the sorry sight, Lahya could not help but show a smile; the man had committed another mistake and she anticipated the moment it would be punished.


    "Not to me!" Alexander boomed and slapped the man''s head. "To her!" The man looked as if the slap had shaken up his brain, but he turned to what appeared to be his wife and began to shower her with apologies. "Good. Promise her you''ll never do that again. If I ever see her with a bruise... I''ll leave what I''ll do to your imagination." After the man did as he was told, Alexander lifted him to a standing position by his collar and gave his back a mighty push that very nearly sent him flying. "Now get out of here!" To the lady, he was much more tender, as he helped her to her feet.


    "If something like this happens again, don''t remain still. Tell your neighbors. I won''t always be around to help you, as much as I would like to be." Thanking him profusely, the woman exited the tavern as well. The moment the show was over, the onlookers returned to what they were doing before the interruption. Alexander put several silver coins on the neighboring table, as the one he stood above had been broken in the short scuffle, nodding to the inn owner that this was for the repair costs. With this, he finally turned around and his gaze fell upon Leontis, to whom even he had to look up. Then he noticed Lahya, who had forgotten to reapply her disguise before rushing out.


    "Oh my!" He boomed, and approached her. "So you were an Alfar." At his voice, the person in question went pale and she quickly ran up to him and covered his mouth with both her hands. However, the damage was already done and the room went deathly silent, everybody''s eyes fixed on Lahya.


    "Come with me," She said and grabbed Alexander''s arm, trying to pull him along. For a second he did not understand and remained completely unmoving, despite Lahya''s greatest efforts, but finally realized what she was trying to do, and gave in.


    Once back in the quiet tearoom, with the three of them seated, introductions began anew. When Lahya revealed her background, Alexander did not appear overly surprised and instead only commented "the princess of the Ljosalfar, huh?" with an admiring expression. Anyone in the Empire who had not followed the Mad Emperor''s call to exterminate all non-humans were those who had personal relations to them or held a hidden reverence of their mystical natures. Compared to the short life of a human, Alfar, Dvergr and Jotnar appeared timeless, as if a part of the world itself came to life.


    "Now, Sir Alexander-" Lahya began, but was interrupted by the boisterous man.


    "I''m not of high birth, so no need to add Sir. I''m Alexander of Thoryvodis, a mere carpenter. I was commissioned to work on the local lord''s mansion," He corrected her. "It was just a small leak, and he called me over from the neighboring town just for that..." He added, displeasure written in his face.


    "Master Alexander," Lahya began anew, earning a dumbfounded look from the large man. "I have seen twice now that you are a man of morals and justice. I believe you are meant for more than just fixing roofs for some nobles." Alexander scratched his head bashfully at her high esteem of his character. Then his expression grew serious.


    "You''re talking about the notice outside the inn," He said. "Yes, I am going to join the alliance."


    "You are aware that when you join their troops, you will be treated as a simple soldier due to your common birth," The half-Alf stated and straightened her back. "Join me! We will raise our own army and join the alliance on even grounds with the other lords. Not for glory, not for riches, but for righteousness. What say you?"


    For a moment both Leontis and Alexander stared at Lahya with admiration, her small figure was gallant and her radiant aura was reflected in their eyes. They were captivated by her strength and majesty, leaving no doubt in the fact that she was royalty of Alfar descent. In their hearts they had already been moved by her and now they only needed to act on it, to discard all hesitation and walk alongside her on the long and arduous path to peace. The two men looked at each other, then stood up, rounded the table and knelt down on one knee before Lahya, to her surprise.


    "It would be an honor to serve under you, your Majesty!" They declared, their expressions filled with determination. Lahya got up from her seat and to their astonishment, joined them on the ground in the same posture.


    "It would be my honor to serve alongside you, Master Leontis of Dion, Master Alexander of Thoryvodis," She asserted, a reassuring smile on her lips. When the two men saw her eyes, they knew that Lahya Eventyr would henceforth shape not only their destiny, but the destiny of the entire Empire.


    ____________________________________________________


    1 measure - 35cm (13.7 inches)


    Dokkalf (pl. Dokkalfar) - Dark Elf

 From the Annals of the Empire at War - 001

    Year 346 of the Imperial Calendar:


    Photion Ohm Zenter, the reigning Emperor of Zenter, dies from a brain tumor, a condition the medicine of the time did not understand. First in the line of succession is his son, Euphranor Ohm Zenter, aged thirty-six. However, on the same day as Photion''s death, Euphranor is assassinated by his younger brother, Eugeios, to claim the throne for himself. In the wake of his coup, he proceeds to hunt down and eliminate all members of the imperial family who are of age, to remove all potential obstacles to his future rule.


    In the same year, Eugeios Ohm Zenter announces that he would conquer the territories belonging to the various non-human races, to achieve complete human supremacy on the continent of Yggdra. Following his call to arms are those who have the ambitions to expand their territories, while those who have had good relations with their non-human neighbors protest against this injustice. Marked as rebels, soon the entire continent is embroiled in a civil war.


    Year 347 of the Imperial Calendar:


    The crusade against all free races in Yggdra reaches its height as the Empire fights on several fronts. It finally reaches Ljosalfarheimr, the capital of the Ljosalfar territories. The city falls within a day, the peace-loving Light Elves unable to fight the physically superior humans. Many are slaughtered, others are captured and brought to the capital to become servants in the homes of court officials and the Imperial Palace. Less fortunate ones are captured by mercenary forces, who sell them to slavers for immediate profit. The royal line of the Ljosalfar is lost in the chaos, with the Queen Ihana Eventyr and her husband, younger brother of Photion, Isidore Ohm Zenter, are confirmed to be deceased. Their two children, Lahya and Nerous Eventyr, are missing and presumed dead.


    Within the same year the attacks on the Jotnar and Dvergr lands net great territorial gains. Only the Formido in the North, a new race of half-Jotnar half-human created through over a millennium of mingling, go on the counteroffensive and instead claim new land for their territories.


    Year 351 of the Imperial Calendar:


    Initial successes of the crusade are overshadowed by the stalemate the war has entered from 348, when the first rebel armies from various fiefdoms of the empire finally mobilized and came to the aid of their non-human allies. For the preceding three years, the war situation has not changed and territorial gains have been miniscule.


    The sudden death of Eugeios Ohm Zenter, from a sickness he has been hiding all his life, marks the beginning of the Eternal Empire''s downfall. Due to the fact that no heirs of age are available, Eugeios'' oldest sibling, his cousin Loukas Ohm Zenter, ascends the throne at the age of ten. Grand Marshal Kleitos of Iasus, an old veteran who has been serving the imperial family since Photion''s father was in power, becomes the regent until Loukas comes of age.


    Loyal to Eugeios'' cause, Kleitos continues his legacy and endeavors to finish what the deceased emperor has started.


    Year 352 of the Imperial Calendar:


    Following Kleitos'' command the imperial armies set out against the biggest resistance, coming from the fiefdom of Rhamus in the South, whose governor, Galeno of Rhamnus, adamantly defends the Fire Jotnar. His initial push resulted in major territorial gains for the Eternal Empire.


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    Confident from the success, Kleitos proceeds to attack the retreating lines of the Fire Jotnar, but meets their princess'' forces in battle. Aslaug of the Lava Lash, a Jotunn wielding a weapon forged by the Dvergr of a bygone era, stops the advance with her elite troops. Kleitos personally rides out and manages to cut off Aslaug''s left arm, wounding her deeply. Her father Brandr, called The Living Conflagration, joins the battle and incinerates Kleitos and his personal guards in retaliation.


    Despite Kleitos'' death, the offensive ends in a success and the Fire Jotnar are driven from their homeland. However, the loss of the empire''s regent ends the crusade, as no other general capable enough can replace Kleitos. This marks the turning point of the civil war.


    Year 353 of the Imperial Calendar:


    In a massive counteroffensive, Galeno of Rhamnus marches towards the capital of the Eternal Empire, amassing his troops on the way as nobody can stop his advance. The court officials are thrown into a panic and call for help from Duke Hesper of Naxos, who commanded a veteran army against the Formido and was the only fiefdom to wrestle territories from them since the beginning of the crusades.


    Bringing along his personal army, Duke Hesper gathers the forces from the fiefdoms on Galeno''s path in a counterattack, while at the same time commanding the fiefdoms surrounding Rhamnus to attack their home base. Within only half a year, Galeno is driven back and the territories gained by Galeno fall back into the hands of the empire.


    Duke Hesper signs a ceasefire with the free races of Yggdra, who are only too willing to end the bloodshed. This removes Galeno''s legitimization for any further campaigns. Using this time, Duke Hesper amasses an army in secret, to attack all those who sided with the free folk, designating them as traitors to the empire. He replaces the young emperor, Loukas, with an even younger sibling, Zacheus Ohm Zenter, to be used as a puppet. Declaring himself Chancellor of the Empire, Duke Hesper becomes the de facto leader of the Eternal Empire, and begins a life in lavishness, while the population of the fiefdoms around the capital suffer from food shortages in the wake of the civil war.


    Year 354 of the Imperial Calendar:


    News of Duke Hesper''s tyranny and transgressions reach the outside world and it is made known that Loukas Ohm Zenter has died under mysterious circumstances, implying that he was assassinated so that loyalists would have no figurehead to rally behind. This time, governors of several fiefdoms rise up in rebellion to punish the tyrant and usurper, Duke Hesper, gathering an Anti-Hesper Alliance to march on the capital once more. Many of them hold the ambitions to rise in ranks, expand their fiefdoms or grasp power in the imperial court, some even eye the throne of the empire itself.


    Their gathering place, before setting out for the capital, would be the city of Edessa, capital of the fiefdom of Pandosia.

 Chapter One: The Anti-Hesper Alliance - Escape from the Capital

    yron of Thronion, Minister of Interstate Infrastructure, was a man of many expressions. He would plainly show his discontent, when he felt wronged, and he would wear a genuine smile when he praised someone. People who liked him thought him an honest person who seemingly had nothing to hide. Those who disliked him for the very same reasons would badmouth him as a simpleton, while the more suspicious would call him a cunning fox who was acting the fool with great skill. Since his position was of fairly low importance and little reform was necessary in the empire''s infrastructure sector, his voice would rarely be heard outside of the protocol greetings and dismissal phrases during the morning assembly before the Emperor. This meant that nobody deemed him important enough to consider him an enemy.


    None really touched upon the full truth behind Minister Kyron, however. He was an immensely ambitious person who had the most elaborate facade among the court officials, and those who thought they had seen through him had barely touched the tip of the iceberg that was his character. His father, Count Aniketos of Thronion, was of humble birth, who had worked hard to finally become a court official at the age of forty-two. Through exemplary performance, the now deceased Emperor Photion Ohm Zenter had granted him the fiefdom of Thronion six years after, when the line of the previous governors had died out. Kyron had taken the state exams to become a court official at roughly the same time when his father received the promotion, and had passed with flying colors. Thus, at the young age of twenty-three, he was given his father''s previous position, much to the resentment of older court officials who were still toiling away below his rank.


    When Emperor Photion died and his second son, Eugeios Ohm Zenter came into power, Kyron kept a low profile and hid the fact that he opposed the extermination of the non-human races of Yggdra; rather than out of humanitarian reasons, he thought it was a waste of state resources and would hurt trade in materials humans were relying on other races to obtain. His presence in court grew so thin that he was practically forgotten for the entire reign of the Mad Emperor. When the young emperor Loukas Ohm Zenter ascended the throne, he was so far on the sidelines that even if he had plainly shown his thoughts on his face, nobody would have paid attention to it. At that time, he was rejoicing inside, as he saw an opportunity to rise in the ranks at court.


    However, when the rebellion of Marquis Galeno of Rhamnus drew closer to the imperial capital, the court panicked. Following the lead of Arsenios of Helorus, Treasurer of the Empire, and Diokles of Lepreum, Minister of Defense, many court officials pleaded to Emperor Loukas to decree help from Duke Hesper of Naxos. Kyron had made a mistake when he had cloaked himself in obscurity, because he was strongly opposed to this agenda. Since he was by now a person of insignificant influence, any resistance he offered would instead turn around to become a danger for his future, when the Duke learned of it later on. Thus, he remained silent and in the background once again.


    Kyron was among the first and foremost who welcomed Duke Hesper''s arrival, imprinting his amicable mannerism in the would-be regent''s memory. As planned, he soon considered the low-ranking minister a friend and would invite him to his mansion for dinner parties. There, Kyron met the rumored Baltsar of Naxos, adoptive son of the duke. He understood the difference in their makeup on the first look; Baltsar was an individual exuding might. He was neither very tall nor featured an especially muscular build, but despite his youth, his presence seemed to belong to that of a martial arts master fifty years of age. He was said to have mastered all weapons, commanded the horse he rode like an extension of his own body, and could shoot through the eye of an eagle flying overhead with the bow and arrow. As much as Kyron admired Baltsar''s abilities, he disdained him for his apparent simple-mindedness. Youthful hubris was written in his face and overconfidence in his own skills would one day surely lead to his downfall.


    At the same time as he curried favor with Duke Hesper, Kyron secretly went along with those who had an anti-Hesper sentiment. Vasilis of Histria, the Minister of Education, had been the most vocal in opposing calling the duke to the capital, but had been keeping a low profile after his arrival. When the rebellion was suppressed and Hesper replaced Emperor Loukas with his younger brother Zacheus, to use him as his puppet, loyalist sentiment boiled over. On the day the decision was officially announced, the Minister of the Imperial Palace, Hyginos of Massalia, drew a dagger he had smuggled into court and rushed up the steps towards the throne to stab the duke, who stood halfway between the emperor and the court officials. Not only did the assassination attempt fail on the hard plate armor Hesper always wore under his robes, but the perpetrator was immediately cut in half by Baltsar, who had paid more attention to a female servant than to his adoptive father for a moment.


    Before a terrified child emperor and cowering court, Duke Hesper, covered in Hyginos'' blood, with the image of a war god standing beside him, embodied by Baltsar, announced his decision and his self-promotion to Chancellor of the State. Everybody present understood that this was an undisguised coup, but not a single person dared to protest. None wanted to share Hyginos'' fate. Kyron cursed his misfortune in not having the same resources as the duke, else he would have been the one standing next to the practically depowered emperor.


    Between the newly made chancellor and Kyron, nothing changed, and their relationship remained in good standing. The minister continued to openly show his support for every decision Chancellor Hesper made, well aware of the fact that resentment against him grew in court; they could not be hostile to the chancellor, but a lowly Minister of Interstate Infrastructure was a different matter. Kyron had calculated the risks against the rewards and knew that the one powerful ally he had could offset the entire court that had become his enemy.


    Yet, Kyron was no fool, and he was aware that neither the Chancellor nor certain individuals within the court could be considered fools either. Operating on the belief that he could be seen through at any moment, the minister forged many plans to fall back on if the situation should turn unfavorable for him. One such plan involved the Minister Vasilis, who had been keeping his head down and played the part Kyron had during Emperor Eugeios'' reign. Meeting with Vasilis secretly one evening, Kyron ensured his support in an assassination attempt on the chancellor.


    The next day, after the morning assembly, he was surprised to be invited to the chancellor''s private residence, his heart filled with anxiety and suspicion. Following a lavish lunch in the extensive gardens of the mansion normally reserved only for distant relatives of the reigning emperor, Kyron was confronted by Hesper. He had been seen going into Vasilis of Histria''s residence, a known opponent to the chancellor being called to the capital. Since he had not done anything since Hesper''s arrival, there were no grounds to punish him on. However, associating with a person like that in secret put pressure on Kyron - something he did not want at this time.


    Thus, he discarded Vasilis to save his image, telling Hesper about the plot to assassinate him, into which the old minister tried to recruit him. Furious, the chancellor called Baltsar, who had been promoted to Great General of the Northern Forces a short while ago, and ordered him to take his troops and arrest the traitor.


    But Kyron had not calculated that Chancellor Hesper was a fickle man, who would listen to the counsel of people that did not know better, and that Minister Vasilis was cunning and quick-witted. When Baltsar broke down the front gate of his mansion to apprehend him, the general came upon the minister''s adoptive daughter, Calantha. It was love at first sight, and it was noticed by Vasilis, before he was captured. She led Baltsar in the wrong direction within the extensive manor, then received orders from the old minister to give false testimony to the general. Vasilis knew that none other than Kyron could be behind this, and he cursed himself for thinking for one moment that the sly fox could be trusted.


    Vasilis was apprehended and brought before the court of justice, headed by a man Hesper had brought from his fiefdom of Naxos, Methodios of Mylasa. Convicted of treason and conspiracy, the old minister was locked up until further notice, although the fate of execution was almost certain. It was during that time that Baltsar talked to his adoptive father about the witness who had seen the plotting. With this new evidence, just hours later, Kyron found himself before the same Methodios as Vasilis had earlier. He was immediately convicted and thrown into the cell right next to the old minister, earning a snide remark about irony from the latter.


    Sitting in his cell, Kyron calmed himself and faced the gravity of his situation; knowing Hesper, there was no chance for him to talk his way out, now that he had gotten into it so deeply. He requested paper and a piece of coal to write with, and began to write a will, filled with indignation at the chancellor''s misdeeds, evidence about how the dethroned Loukas had  been assassinated, and lamenting the state the empire had fallen into. Then he began to recite it loudly, for the entire cell block to hear, as if he had gone mad. He was publicly denouncing the very man that held his life in his hands, causing Vasilis to laugh loudly in the cell next door. To him, Kyron was a phony and he would never trust him again.


    However, there was one person who believed him. It was none other than Methodios of Mylasa, the judge that had proclaimed his sentence. Thus, he ordered Kyron into solitary confinement, where he could talk to him in private, away from prying ears. Unbeknownst to either of them, this was a fateful encounter that would dictate the flow of many events to come.


    ____________________________________


    "Minister Kyron, you realize the position you are in?" Methodios asked, locked inside the small ten by ten measures space with the man he addressed. "Why are you adding oil onto the fire?"


    "And I ask you, Judge Methodios, can this fire still be put out?" Kyron reversed the question with a smile. "We both know that I am a dead man come tomorrow, so let me speak my mind to my heart''s content until then."


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    "If the chancellor hears of this, you will be tortured before execution!" The judge said, concerned at the calm attitude Kyron was displaying. "And he will execute your entire family along with you."


    "That may be so, but I still cannot remain silent before this injustice."


    "It is you who was plotting to assassinate the chancellor. How can you speak of injustice?"


    "It lies in the fact that a pig like Hesper has free reign in the capital and has proclaimed himself Chancellor of the State, killing the rightful young emperor and using the even younger child he placed on the throne as a puppet. Do you not think this situation unjust?" Kyron argued, looking Methodios deep in the eyes. He had seen indignation in the judge''s demeanor during the trial and had noticed that he clearly disdained the farce he had to enact to quickly pass the sentence.


    "Are you implying that I harbor treacherous feelings?" Methodios asked with a dangerous undertone in his voice.


    "No, I am implying that you are a man of morals and justice. If you had the power to oppose Hesper, you would do so without hesitation."


    "Do not speak of me as if I am an ingrateful dog who would bite the hand of its master! Chancellor Hesper has always been good to me!" The judge exclaimed in outrage.


    "As he has been, to me. You see, he was convinced of my treachery by believing the very traitor I had presented to him as a show of my goodwill. Just this morning, he believed me when I reported Minister Vasilis to him. Only an hour later, he believed Vasilis and now I am behind bars, facing execution as soon as the next morning, even before the old minister himself."


    "What are you trying to say?"


    "That you are relying on the goodwill of a fickle man. What do you think would happen, if somebody who disliked you reported you as a traitor to Hesper? Somebody he, in that moment, trusts more than you?" Kyron whispered, sowing the seed of doubt in Methodios'' mind. For a moment, the judge remained silent, but then he suddenly burst out laughing from the bottom of his heart. Taken aback, the minister looked at him dumbfounded.


    "Minister Kyron, you are a truly cunning man. If it were anyone but me, you would be executed within the hour," Methodios finally said, his laughter disappearing behind a serious expression. "You are truly fortunate that I was your judge, and that you were placed in my jail. You may yet get to live."


    "That a fact? What are you planning on doing?"


    "Why, I will get you out of the capital."


    "Do you realize that this puts you in danger as well? I would not want to bring harm to you for my sake, dear judge," Kyron pleaded, maintaining a facade of concern. In his heart, he was rejoicing and could barely hold himself back from embracing the offer as quickly as possible. "Even if you escape, that villain Hesper will harm your family."


    "My family is in Naxos, and I can send them a letter that will reach them before Hesper can. And they have already resolved themselves, when I was brought along to the capital, that I might one day fall out of this man''s favor," Methodios responded with clear determination.


    "You have made up your mind then."


    "Yes. Let us go."


    Knocking on the heavy steel door to get the guard''s attention, Methodios ordered him to open it. The dimness of the solitary confinement cell was illuminated by the only slightly brighter outside corridor. Passing by the armed guard, who stood by without a word, the two men walked out and began to head for the jail''s exit. It was not a guard''s duty to question their superior''s decisions, and they were never held accountable for following orders from someone they had been taught to obey.


    However, at the gate leading to freedom a lone soldier stood, his halberd held at the ready for battle. He was an imposing figure, taller than Baltsar, and had a build like a bear, sporting a magnificent beard and the piercing round eyes of an eagle glaring at its prey. Even though he wore a helmet, one could see that he was bald underneath it, giving him an even more ferocious presence.


    "Judge Methodios, what is the meaning of this?" The man boomed, his voice seemingly shaking the entire corridor. "Are you aiding in the escape of a convicted criminal?" Immediately, Kyron was taken by this man''s presence, and he forgot his situation.


    "My dear friend, who is this guard?" He whispered to the judge besides him.


    "He is Androkles, a man who will do the right thing even if it may cost him his life. He has been promoted and demoted many times because he would speak candidly before superior officers," Methodios responded, wearing a difficult expression on his face.


    "Then he is a man of justice, too! Let me speak to him," Kyron stated and walked towards the bear-like man. "Androkles, you are aware that you are not obliged to stop us? Think, if the judge were to have a good reason to be taking me outside, would you not be punished for obstructing him in his duties?"


    "I am following my own duties as a jailer, and that is to keep criminals from leaving these grounds until the appointed time. I know who you are, and that you are scheduled to be executed tomorrow," Androkles responded resolutely.


    "Then are you aware that Judge Methodios let me out for a very good reason? Chancellor Hesper''s ways are unjust, and to punish it, the judge and I are escaping to fight another day."


    "You are saying the chancellor is unjust?"


    "I am sure you have witnessed it yourself. You should know that the chancellor has removed the rightful emperor from the throne and replaced him with a puppet under his control. He is a tyrant not deserving of your loyalty!" Kyron announced with conviction. "I can see that you are a man of honor. Serving a dishonorable man like Hesper is a waste of your talents. You should come with us."


    Androkles of Orestias seemed to look like a simple man of brute strength, who wore his heart on his sleeve and could not hide his feelings. But in reality, he had a complex personality, and had resolved himself to live an upstanding life devoid of falsehood. He stayed true to his ways throughout all the troubled times in the military, when his skills in combat against the Formido of the North saw him promoted to major, and his unabashed criticism of foolish battle plans drawn up by inexperienced nobles resulted in his demotion again and again. Ultimately, he was delegated to jail work, where his military career was practically at a dead end, an exile from which he was meant to never emerge again, far from the eyes and ears of those who found him unpleasant.


    He had long understood that Duke Hesper, now Chancellor of the State, was not a righteous man. The only reason he remained was because he admired Methodios'' character, who seemed to be very similar to his own, if not quite so outspoken. When he saw this very man standing before him, committing treason to help someone escape from jail, he felt confusion. At the same time, he was also interested in Minister Kyron, the reason for Methodios'' sudden betrayal.


    Thus, when Androkles heard this man speaking, he immediately understood that he was worth following. Kyron was a man deserving of his loyalty, and if Methodios was leaving, there was nothing binding him to Chancellor Hesper''s service anymore.


    "I understand your reasons and I feel the same. It would be an honor to aid you in your endeavor, Minister Kyron," The guard finally responded to the offer and lowered his weapon. Methodios breathed a sigh of relief, but looked up to Kyron to see that the man seemed to have anticipated this turn of events. Smiling to himself, the judge only thought that he had made the right choice to free the minister and follow him; he was meant for great things in the future.


    With the help of Androkles and Methodios, Kyron was able to successfully escape the capital. Since nobody outside the palace had been informed about his treachery yet, the soldiers guarding the city gates let him pass, wishing him a great journey. Methodios was startled when Kyron answered the guard with a wide smile, saying that he certainly would. Not only was the minister a cunning man, but he was also a mischievous daredevil.


    It was only hours later, when Baltsar had convinced Chancellor Hesper to meet Minister Vasilis and give him a chance to redeem himself, that Kyron''s escape was discovered. If Baltsar had not been so taken with the minister''s adoptive daughter, Calantha, and spoken to Hesper about wishing to marry her and hoping for her father''s blessings, the flight of the three traitors may have only been reported the next day, shortly before the planned execution.


    By the time the enraged chancellor sent Baltsar to personally pursue Kyron, his trail had grown cold and he could have vanished in any direction. Of course, Hesper thought of the possibility that the escapee would most likely return home to Thronion, governed by his father. But when news of another rebellion arising reached the capital, it took everybody''s minds off the situation surrounding the former Minister of Interstate Infrastructure.

 Chapter One: The Anti-Hesper Alliance - Meeting in Edessa

    dessa, the capital of Pandosia, was a beautiful sprawling city of over two hundred thousand inhabitants. Located near the northern tip of the Great Koroneia Lake, the largest lake in Yggdra, it was prosperous and valued by many as a treasure of the empire. Tall walls and a wide moat, siphoned from the lake, made it a nigh impregnable fortress, one that had not been taken even once in its nearly three century old history.


    The Anti-Hesper Alliance''s leaders met here, their armies camping on the vast plains surrounding the city. Over the past two weeks almost two hundred thousand soldiers had gathered outside the walls, ready to march on the capital at a moment''s notice. Even then, minor nobles bringing their personal troops and volunteers from farther away towns steadily streamed in to bolster the army''s numbers further.


    The person who proposed the alliance was Duke Paramonos of Olynthus, who had brought fifty thousand troops from his territory north of Pandosia. He was a man with an impressive family background that dated back as far as the Grand Marshal under the very first emperor of Zenter. His family has since held the fiefdom of Olynthus, while those who did not become the direct heirs oftentimes worked in high positions at the imperial court or as governors of major cities across the continent. However, Paramonos himself was a mediocre man with no outstanding capabilities, save for his eye for choosing the right people for various duties.


    Count Iason of Herolus was the younger brother of Paramonos, who had been granted a small fiefdom to the south of the capital, based on his lineage rather than his merits. He was even less outstanding than his older brother, surrounding himself with yes-men who praised him at every opportunity, no matter how infantile or inept he oftentimes acted. He had brought few troops, because he had to travel for a long way to join the alliance, and because he opted to scrounge off Paramonos'' better trained soldiers.


    Marquis Galeno of Rhamnus, the first to rebel against the Mad Emperor, had brought an army of ten thousand soldiers from his faraway southern fiefdom of Rhamnus. Even though his previous rebellion had been suppressed only half a year prior, he had collected a considerable force and travelled almost the entire length of the continent to join the alliance. From a proud line of governors of Rhamnus, Galeno was a father of four; he had brought his two sons, Drakon and Agathon, who were twenty and fifteen respectively, while his daughters, seventeen and ten, remained at home.


    Baroness Myrrine of Stagirus, a woman of advanced age who was hailed as a genius warrior during her youth, had brought an army of eight thousand. She had been one of the reasons why Galeno''s rebellion could advance so far on the capital over a considerably short amount of time and with nearly unstoppable momentum. She had been the one to keep their neighboring fiefdom of Apamea in check, which could have struck Galeno''s supply routes or the back of his army, while he was marching eastward.


    Count Straton of Abila, the governor of a small fiefdom located between the much bigger Olynthus and Naxos, was a benevolent leader of an upstanding personality. While more powerful nations sat idly by or supported the Mad Emperor''s reign of terror, Straton was helping Countess Alexis of Aegae in holding back the armies of the fiefdoms of Kios and Dorylaion from invading the north of the Jotnar Territories. Their combined efforts resulted in the fact that the Jotnar only had to defend in the South. They each brought an army of five thousand battle-hardened soldiers.


    Lord Kyron of Thronion surprised everyone with his presence, when he brought an army of seven thousand from his father''s fiefdom of Thronion. By now his plan to assassinate Chancellor Hesper, and his subsequent imprisonment, had become a well-known rumor, and the will he wrote while awaiting execution had been duplicated as propaganda. The elaborate and skillful use of phrases and expressions, all meant to condemn and scorn the chancellor, had helped spread Kyron''s name far and wide. Nobody had expected that a man with such an artful streak would join the alliance as a warlord.


    On the morning of the Third Day of the Bull, in the Month of the Vanir, a messenger came from Olynthus and informed Duke Paramonos that scouts had seen an army of roughly a hundred thousand troops marching towards the capital, only a day away from Edessa. They flew the flag of Naxos, specifically that of Hypatios of Naxos, one of the chief generals under the chancellor, a man rumored to rival Baltsar in combat skills. Paramonos called for an emergency meeting of those who contributed substantial troop numbers to the cause, knowing that if he invited all those who thought themselves worthy to sit at the table of leaders, the result would be a chaotic assembly of hundreds.


    The same day, Lahya Eventyr arrived at the front of her troops of two hundred brave volunteers who followed her not for riches or glory, but for righteousness. Alexander of Thoryvodis had sold his family carpentry business and used the money to buy equipment and horses, while Leontis of Dion personally trained the troops to march in formation and in the handling of various weapons. He was a talented warrior who had mastered several different arms, although his weapon of choice was a nine measures long halberd that was too heavy to be carried by a man of normal height. Alexander had no formal military training, but what he lacked in fine motor skills he made up with brute strength; he wielded a sledgehammer, made to demolish houses, that was even heavier than Leontis'' weapon.


    When Lahya and her soldiers approached the camp outside the city, a man quickly came out to greet them personally. It was none other than Kyron, who had posted scouts several miles outside the camp, so that they may inform him of important arrivals. Followed by Methodios and Androkles in full armor, the former minister hastily walked up to the half-Alf and welcomed her warmly.


    "Lahya Eventyr, you are as the rumors say," Kyron stated and gave a bow. Surprised at the welcoming, Lahya dismounted her horse and returned the gesture.


    "I am honored, lord..." She began, waiting for an introduction.


    "Kyron of Thronion."


    "Lord Kyron, thank you for coming out to personally greet me. I have heard of you and have read your letter against the self-proclaimed chancellor. I must say, you have impressive penmanship," Lahya continued, a smile on her lips. "And what do the rumors say about me?" She knew that her appearance was the most-discussed characteristic about her, and she could not blame the common folk. Despite the fact that she was aware of her own beauty, complacency did not take root in her heart; before a woman, she was now a warlord, riding at the forefront of her own army, no matter how small. However, Kyron''s response caught her unawares.


    "I heard of your valor and fervor for righteousness. You are of royal blood, so of course you cannot watch idly when the empire is torn apart from the inside by the usurper Hesper," The former minister stated, making no mention of her physical appearance. He was a pragmatic man who would see beyond the outwards shell to appreciate the talents and skills of a person regardless of gender or looks. Androkles, who had become Kyron''s personal guard, was only twenty-seven years of age and was already completely bald, and he had the face of a feral beast; seeing past all that, Kyron valued the warrior''s loyalty.


    "I am flattered, Lord Kyron."


    "Please, follow me to the meeting of the alliance leaders," He said, offering to lead the way. "Duke Paramonos has called for an emergency meeting."


    "Lord Kyron, I am but the leader of a small band of soldiers. I could not sit as an equal at the same table as those heroic commanders who have brought thousands of troops and many generals of valor," The half-Alf assessed, refusing the offer. "I am willing to offer mine and my men''s services under your lead, as a contingent within your army."


    "No, Lady Lahya, I do not believe you are an equal of those leaders that you call heroic, for they are not. You are above their kind, and deserve better treatment. However, forgive me if I cannot provide such, and can only offer a seat at the table of lesser men. That is the lot the times have dealt to people like you and me," Kyron conveyed, as he gestured to Lahya to follow him. Moved by his words, she finally yielded and joined him on his way to the alliance meeting.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    On the way, she left her troops in Alexander''s care, who would find a spot to set up their own camp, and only had Leontis accompany her. In front of the entrance to Duke Paramonos'' encampment, where the meeting was held, Lahya turned around to speak to the giant behind her.


    "Please remember that we are here as Lord Kyron''s guests. Our position is very small among those leaders inside, so we should not be making any demands," She said to Leontis, who nodded with an understanding expression. Over the past few weeks Lahya had learned some of her two sworn companions'' quirks, and understood that they were not paragons of virtue. Alexander liked to indulge in alcohol, and although he was not the type to start a fight when drunk, he would speak his mind without thinking of the consequences and easily offend people. Leontis was a quiet and reflective person, but he had his moments of arrogance when he was aware of his superiority, or at least believed himself to be so. Lahya, despite being the youngest of the three, was the most mature, and had to reign them in on several occasions.


    At the large wooden table at the center of Duke Paramonos'' encampment, the various warlords who contributed the largest number of troops and supplies to the alliance sat, staring at Lahya Eventyr with various expressions. They had heard of the number of troops she had brought and many were wondering why she deserved a seat at their table. However, Leontis'' presence and vigilant expression, standing like a monument behind the Ljosalfar princess, made them keep their thoughts to themselves. Only one person could not read the mood and complained openly to everyone present and no one in particular.


    "Why is she here? With only two hundred measly troops, how can she presume the right to be among us?" Count Iason of Herolus blabbered, earning many angry looks. He had only brought a thousand troops himself, but felt entitled by the fact that he was Paramonos'' younger brother, to sit in a position of power. Aware of that fact, his older brother remained silent, hoping that Iason would tire of the matter soon and cease his arrogance.


    "Count Iason, please cease your complaints. Lady Lahya is royalty, and having her with us lends our alliance more credibility," Marquis Galeno cut in, when nobody else seemed to be willing to speak up.


    "Are you saying we need to mind public image and add credibility to our righteous task to punish a traitor and usurper?" Count Iason turned his attention to the marquis. "Would that not mean that since you are not of royal blood, your rebellion against the previous emperor was baseless?"


    "I would not say that, Count Iason. Standing up for the lives of the free folk is reason enough to oppose the madness of an emperor who would kill his own brother and have his family hunted down so that he may entertain a delusion of grandeur," Baroness Myrrine came to Galeno''s aid. When he was faced two against one, Iason shifted his eyes to his brother to see if he would receive help. When Paramonos closed his eyes, as if to say that he would not join in on the conversation, the count finally conceded and went silent.


    "We are here to discuss the matter of Hypatios of Naxos, who is on his way to the capital to bolster the usurper''s troops. He is only a day away and our armies may clash at that time, if he decides to take matters in his own hands. Our scouts estimate that he commands an army about half the size of ours, but unlike our soldiers, those from Naxos are battle-hardened veterans. Many in our camps are volunteer civilians who have had little military training," Paramonos finally spoke up about the reason for the emergency meeting. "We have to decide whether we stay here and wait for Hypatios to pass by and then strike the back of his army, or go out and face him straight on."


    "Dear brother, I believe that our alliance army is of high morale and we outnumber the enemy, so we should strike them head on," Count Iason was the first to offer his opinion.


    "No, I have clashed with the armies of Naxos on open battlefields before, and their heavy cavalry is a force to be reckoned with. It would be better to fortify inside the city, lure Hypatios here and coax him into a siege battle, where horses would be useless. They are far from Naxos, so their supplies are limited," Count Straton interjected.


    "That is cowardice! We outnumber Hypatios'' army greatly, we should be meeting him in a direct confrontation and show our righteous superiority!"


    "And incur unnecessary casualties? Easy for you to say, when you have brought only so few troops yourself!" Countess Alexis openly expressed her discontent at Iason''s audacity.


    With this, the alliance leaders began a lengthy and chaotic dispute over differing opinions that lasted for hours with no end in sight. The only people who remained silent were Lahya, Leontis, Kyron and Androkles, watching on as the situation soon escalated into hostility. The half-Alf was aware that only few people acted on feelings of justice and righteousness, and many sought glory or material gains in this alliance, but she had not expected that the alliance was so splintered when faced with a potential battle.


    "Lady Lahya, now you see what I mean? They may appear like heroes of our time to the outside, when only their great exploits are made known. But once viewed from the inside, you can witness their true faces," Kyron leaned over and whispered to Lahya.


    "I am amazed that even on the brink of a battle, the leaders can still be arguing over such trivialities. What I think is that this alliance needs a supreme leader," She responded, but apparently it was loud enough for someone to hear.


    "The lady makes a good point!" It was none other than Count Iason. "I believe that we have to elect someone to be the leader of the alliance, who makes the decisions without having to face constant questioning." This motion was carried by others, who believed that it was the best opportunity for them to rise to power.


    "I nominate Duke Paramonos as our supreme leader!" Kyron announced, turning everybody''s heads. He had not spoken up once since the beginning of the meeting, so some had forgotten his presence altogether. "He is a man of peerless valor and the one who called for this Anti-Hesper Alliance in the first place. His contributions in soldiers and supplies are inarguably  the greatest, and he has many valorous generals under his command."


    Count Iason glanced over those present; he understood in that moment that nothing more had to be said from his own end. Others followed Kyron''s opinion, stifling their own ambitions when faced with the overwhelming odds stacked against them in this race. Duke Paramonos had indeed brought nearly a quarter of all troops and many more rations all by himself, more than many of those present had, together.


    Ultimately, it was unanimously decided that Paramonos would become the supreme leader of the alliance.


    "I will now hand out the positions and tasks to everybody," He declared as his first act.


    "Report! The Hypatios army is approaching from the North!" A messenger stormed into the meeting, knelt down on one knee, and announced quickly. General Hypatios had driven his cavalry onward when scouts reported the large army camping outside Edessa, leaving his foot soldiers behind to join him at a later time. Thus, he arrived with only sixty-thousand horsemen, but at a speed that took the alliance by surprise.


    Everyone in the room went silent, until the messenger had left, upon which all eyes turned to the newly appointed supreme leader. Faced with such expectations, he was overwhelmed for a moment and stared back in impotence. Horns and war drums resounding from the distance drew him back to reality; the enemy was close to their camps and retreating the entire army inside the city was an impossibility at this point.

 Chapter One: The Anti-Hesper Alliance - Birth of a Legend

    suggest we fortify the middle camps with shields and lances, while drawing in the soldiers of the outside camps. The tents and small wooden palisades should slow the enemy advances, since they are comprised of heavy cavalry," Kyron suddenly said. Paramonos listened to the suggestion, decided that this course of actions had its merits and nodded in approval.


    "Immediately pull back the soldiers from the outer camps. Have the shield bearers and lancers form a defensive line at the middle camps. We will withdraw to the top of the city gate to overlook the battlefield," He commanded, his tone befitting of a leader. Duke Paramonos had his rare moments of valor, when he had the farsightedness to listen to the advices of his betters.


    The gathered warlords immediately sent off their followers to inform their troops, before collectively going towards the city gates. Lahya did not join them and left with Leontis to meet with Alexander to personally command the retreat of her soldiers, who were located in the outer ring of camps, since they had only arrived recently. Kyron tried to persuade her not to put herself in danger, but seeing her conviction, reluctantly let her go.


    The war drums were approaching steadily, testament to the fact that Hypatios was not attempting a surprise raid. Despite bringing only cavalry, his main goal was to lock down the alliance army at Edessa, rather than allow it to set out for the capital. His foot soldiers would arrive soon after him, while his vanguard created pressure on the outer camps. He anticipated that rather than come out and face him directly, the alliance would rather dig in; the large plains surrounding Edessa were in favor for the heavy northern cavalry from Naxos. The armies of the North were feared for their fierce charges and horseback skirmishing troops that could even fight the ferocious Formido.


    Thus, by the time Hypatios, riding at the front of his troops, climbed the last hill surrounding the city and saw the alliance army''s camp, he had to laugh at the sight. Soldiers from the outer rings were still in the process of withdrawing, while there was a defensive wall built to counter his cavalry charge. His intimidation tactics had succeeded, now all he needed to do was to keep the enemy from setting up a counterattack while he waited for his main forces to arrive.


    Riding down the hill swiftly, the Hypatios cavalry approached the abandoned outer camps with flaming arrows and set fire to the tents. This would keep the alliance army in check for even longer; it appeared that the alliance leadership was incompetent and had played right into his hands. With roaring laughter, the general of Naxos watched on as the blaze spread like wildfire.


    Kyron''s advice to Paramonos had been in the awareness that Hypatios was planning to pin them in Edessa. While the other leaders panicked at the burning camps, he laughed at the fact that he had seen through the enemy general''s train of thoughts.


    "Lord Kyron, what is so funny? Your suggestion has put us in a bad situation. We can''t go out and meet Hypatios, while his army can set up a proper camp and begin a siege of the city," Paramonos turned to address the former minister.


    "Worry not, old friend. In a siege, Hypatios'' cavalry would become useless, meaning his power is cut in half. With a hundred thousand troops he cannot hope to take this city, now defended by over two hundred thousand soldiers," Kyron responded, laying out the numbers before the gathered leaders. Just then a soldier rushed up the stairs to the pavilion on top of the gate, inside which the headquarters for the Anti-Hesper Alliance had been set up provisionally.


    "Report! Our scouts have spotted another army, three days away from here. They number in a hundred and fifty thousand and fly the flags of General Loukios and Miltiades of Naxos!" The messenger announced upon falling onto one knee. A murmur went through the room upon these news, with many eyes falling on Paramonos once again. The enemy had more than equal numbers to the alliance now, and it was known that Loukios and Miltiades had been in the capital with Hesper, meaning more options for supply lines were opened this way. If this turned into a lengthy siege, Edessa would not be able to feed the mouths of all gathered troops for a long time.


    "Report! Hypatios is shouting challenges at our troops to bring out our strongest champions to fight him. He-he says he wants to kill some time," Another messenger arrived and reported, reluctantly stating the entirety of the message, before leaving again.


    "This is a chance! If Hypatios is killed, his army will have lost their leader. If we then attack with our troops, they will disperse in chaos," Iason shouted eagerly.


    "Is there a warrior who is willing to ride out and face Hypatios as the champion of the Anti-Hesper Alliance?" Paramonos inquired.


    Lahya had returned with Leontis, after she had ascertained herself of the fact that Alexander and her soldiers had retreated behind the line of defense and set up her own measures against an all-out battle. Upon these words, Leontis motioned to volunteer, but was held back by Lahya subtly shaking her head. Without questioning the reason behind it, the giant stopped and remained silent.


    "I have a general who will be more than a match for Hypatios!" Phaidros of Delos, the governor of a large town in the fiefdom of Kamarina, announced. He had brought three thousand soldiers and had earned a seat at the table of leaders that way. Phaidros sent his attendant to call the general in question, who soon arrived in full armor, wielding a spear.


    "I, Praxion of Delos will claim Hypatios'' head!" He proclaimed.


    "You seem a man of valor! A toast to your victory," Paramonos stated and lifted his cup to Praxion. When the round finished, the general promptly set out to face the enemy general in a duel on horseback. Only moments later, a loud but distant cheer from many throats could be heard and a messenger entered with a report: Praxion had been beheaded on his first bout with Hypatios. Phaidros went pale and shrunk down in his seat; his best general had been slain without as much as putting up a fight.


    "Is there anyone else who can stand up to Hypatios?" Paramonos again asked the gathered warlords. Once again, Leontis motioned to step forward, but was stopped by Lahya wordlessly. Kyron noticed it but did not let his knowledge show on his face. He guessed that maybe she feared for one of her few trusted companions and did not want him to die needlessly.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "I believe I have a warrior who can best Hypatios!" Simonides of Elateia stood up from his seat. He was a noble who brought two thousand troops from the city of  Elateia located in the fiefdom of Pella, southwest of Thronion. Once again, the general in question was called in front of the gathering to introduce himself. "Arcad of Elateia, at your service. I will cut down the traitorous general."


    Paramonos spoke a toast to the warrior heading out to battle, this time looking less confident about the man''s victory. And as expected, soon after, another distant crowd cheered and a messenger arrived to inform everyone that Arcad had been slain on his second bout with Hypatios. Everyone looked at Simonides in pity, who went silent and did not try to defend his fallen champion; he knew that any words he uttered now would only serve to deepen his embarrassment. Leontis saw Lahya''s expression and once again did not speak up about wishing to volunteer. He trusted her judgment enough to put it before his own wishes to help the alliance and make a name for himself.


    "My general will not fail like those before him and end Hypatios once and for all!" Artemon of Helike, the governor of the city of Helike in the fiefdom of Gortyn, southwest of the capital of Zenter, declared. He had brought a little over three thousand troops, and he was known to many as a man who gathered talented people under him. Paramonos'' face showed hope when Artemon spoke up, and when he saw the general that entered, he was delighted. "I am Dionis of Helike. I will take Hypatios'' head for sure!"


    Dionis of Helike was a well-built man wielding a large glaive. His presence exuded confidence and his every motion looked cultivated like those of a martial arts master. It instilled awe in the people present, who bore hope that against the third champion, Hypatios would finally fall. The general from Helike set out after a toast, asking for the drums on the gates to sound for his victory.


    When the battle began, so did the drumming, but after only ten beats they went silent, followed by the third time the enemy army cheered. Everyone understood immediately that Dionis, too, had fallen to Hypatios'' halberd. When the messenger came to report, he was sent away by Paramonos before he could speak up. Artemon dropped his cup and fell into a daze; he had not only lost his most valuable general but also his face.


    "How can it be that our alliance cannot produce one man of valor that can stand up to this vile traitor? If only I had brought Evaristos, he would have been able to easily defeat Hypatios," Paramonos lamented, as he leant back on his seat with a deep sigh. Everyone present had heard of Evaristos of Rhegion, a general of exceptional combat prowess, with some rumors claiming him to be close to Baltsar in skills. However, they also wondered why Paramonos had left his most capable commander in the capital of his fiefdom.


    "There is one who can defeat Hypatios," A voice cut through the murmurs filling the room. It belonged to Lahya, who had spoken in a clear and firm tone, as if stating a fact rather than proclaiming an intent. "Leontis, it is time," She added, quieter, for only the giant behind her to hear. Kyron, who sat beside her, witnessed the connection between the two and smiled to himself; he knew the trust they shared and understood that Leontis would succeed without a doubt.


    "What is your name?" Paramonos inquired, when the golden man stepped forward.


    "I am Leontis of Dion, general under Lahya Eventyr," He introduced himself with a nod of his head. His gestures suggested that he did not wish to slight his stature by bowing or falling to one knee. "Toast to my victory on my return." He preempted Paramonos'' attempt at lifting his cup to the valorous warrior heading out to his death match.


    Everyone in the room was fascinated by the extraordinary presence of Leontis, but they did not hold much hope for his victory after the display of the previous three. When the warrior left, some sighed and others looked at Lahya in pity, expecting her champion to fail. Kyron got up from his seat and walked out of the room and up to the ramparts to watch the battle below; nobody cared to stop him, as they waited with little expectation.


    Only moments later, Kyron returned. Everybody present was expecting him to bring the bad news, that Hypatios had claimed his fourth victim. However, rather than filled with disappointment, the former minister''s face showed content, as if he had witnessed something great. At the same time, a loud cheer resounded from just below the gates, coming from the alliance troops. Wordlessly, Kyron sat down on his own seat again and turned to look at Lahya. Seeing her expression, his smile faded away, as a wave of fear washed over him; he suppressed the emotion so that it would not show on his face. Making a mental note of the half-Alf, he made sure to remember her as a formidable person.


    Heavy footsteps announced somebody''s approach, and when Leontis turned the corner, everybody''s mouth fell open in disbelief. The imposing man was carrying a bloody bundle in one hand, which he tossed before Paramonos'' feet. It opened up to reveal the head of Hypatios, cleanly severed in a single stroke. The atmosphere in the room exploded and the gathered men and women celebrated the victory. Kyron saw the same expression as Lahya''s on Leontis'' face and understood in that moment, that he had just witnessed the beginning of a legend.


    They were showing neither pride nor complacency, but were expressing that what had happened was a matter of fact, just as the sun would rise in the East and set in the West every day without fail.


    In the wake of Hypatios'' death, his troops sounded a hasty retreat; the fact that only the cavalry had been present was the only reason his army was not routed by the pursuit parties. Scouts reported that they regrouped with the foot soldiers who had been following behind, and were moving quickly to meet with Loukios and Miltiades'' armies.


    Riding on the momentum, Paramonos ordered the alliance to set out and march on the capital; morale was high after Leontis'' glorious display, which had been witnessed by thousands of soldiers. The rumors that a man of unparalleled might, as strong as Baltsar, if not stronger, was on their side, spread like wildfire among the common rank and file. These news also spread to Loukios and Miltiades, who sent out messengers to the capital, to ask for Baltsar''s aid.


    Little did everybody involved in the war know at that time, that things had been set into motion in the capital that nobody could have foreseen.

 Chapter One: The Anti-Hesper Alliance - Clouds over the Capital

    he day after Kyron''s flight and nearly two month before Hypatios was cut down by Leontis at Edessa, Chancellor Hesper pardoned Vasilis of Histria, Minister of Education. Baltsar had implored his adoptive father, due to the fact that he had fallen for Vasilis'' adoptive daughter, Calantha, to set the old minister free. On grounds of Methodios'' betrayal, any judgment he had passed down was now considered nullified, and the old minister''s involvement in the attempted assassination was turned over to put him in the position of a victim, as someone who had been coerced by the traitorous Kyron.


    On the very next day after Vasilis returned to his home, Baltsar came to pay him a visit and ask for Calantha''s hand in marriage. Led to the garden pavilion where the minister was waiting, the general had the gait of a young boy hopelessly in love, rather than the graceful step of a weapons master.


    "Dear Minister Vasilis," Baltsar greeted the man he wished to appease even more than his adoptive father at the moment with a deep warrior''s bow.


    "What can I do for you, oh great general?" Returning the gesture, Vasilis feigned ignorance.


    "I came to apologize, again, for my rough treatment of your esteemed person. Please tell me how I can make it up to you." The general fell on his knees and earnestly expressed his regret.


    "Please, general, stand up. You have done nothing wrong. Kyron is a cunning fox who fooled even Chancellor Hesper with his lies. You acted on the chancellor''s orders, and in good faith, so no blame falls on you," Vasilis quickly walked up to Baltsar and pulled him up from his kneeling position. Of course, as the general was wearing full armor and the minister was weakened in his advanced age, the young man rose, understanding his elder''s intention.


    "Dear Minister, I wish to ask for your daughter hand," Baltsar finally confessed, laying bare his true intentions for the visit with a respectful bow. Acting astonished, Vasilis looked at the general with an expression of disbelief; he had witnessed Baltsar''s interaction with Calantha and had immediately understood that this was an opportunity too good to miss.


    "I cannot accept this," Vasilis began, quickly continuing when the general looked up in surprise and ready to complain. "You are the Great General of the Northern Forces. She is the daughter of a deceased attendant of mine, who had served my family for all his life. I took pity on her soul and adopted her, but she is of low birth. How could you wish to marry a lowly commoner such as her? You are meant for greater heights."


    "Even if she is of low birth, her beauty surpasses that of even the Ljosalfar. Tell me, what is higher than that, dear minister?" It appeared that Baltsar was adamant about his wish. Secretly, Vasilis had to admire the general for his burning affection; he was reminded of his own youth, when he had chased the woman of his love and defied all odds to gain hers in return.


    "Then, if the general is so insistent, I can only accept. However, you will have to gain your father''s approval, first. I will have to know that she is welcome in the family of her future husband," Vasilis finally gave in after acting reluctant for the longest time. Secretly, he had barely been able to hold himself back to agree readily, but doing so may have seemed suspicious.


    "So you believe your daughter is sure to agree to it?" Baltsar asked, showing a rare moment of uncertainty.


    "Oh, how could she oppose a marriage with a person such as you? She would be mad to refuse you," Vasilis laughed and eased the young man''s worries. "I will tell her the good news, you go and persuade your father." Standing up, the minister implied that it would be best to strike the iron while it was hot, and immediately go to fulfill their respective tasks. With many bows and words of gratitude, Baltsar left and silence returned to the manor.


    Vasilis sighed and all tension left his body; the general''s imposing martial presence put a heavy strain on even those who had little understanding of it. The old minister had been in the military and had learned the basics of armed combat, so he was able to recognize Baltsar''s skills instinctively. If it had such an effect on a pencil-pusher with only a little fighting background, what would it be like on a veteran of many battles or a martial arts master?


    Pushing those idle questions aside, Vasilis hurried to Calantha''s room to inform her of the general''s intent to marry her. Knocking on the door, a bell-like voice beckoned him to enter. Inside the sparsely furnished room, more befitting of a warrior than of a rich minister''s teenage daughter, Calantha sat cross-legged on a small cushion on the floor. Her eyes were closed and she was meditating, her presence combined with the easy to move in clothes belonging to all but a sheltered girl.


    "I assume you have heard, Calantha," Vasilis began. His tone of voice was the same as when he spoke to the officials in his employment, not the way one would address one''s daughter, even if she was only adopted. Taking her silence as a confirmation, he sat down on a chair across from her. "To save the empire, you will marry Baltsar and alienate him from his adoptive father."


    Finally opening her eyes, a set of cold jade green irises peered up at the minister. Her gaze was filled with neither surprise nor hid opposition at the one-sided demand, but showed the will to fulfill a duty. Indeed, she would not question Vasilis'' decisions or plans, all that was required of her was to do as she was ordered.


    After all, she was from the line of assassins that had served his household for generations.


    The chancellor allowed the marriage, stating that whatever his son wished for would be granted. Over the following month, preparations for the auspicious event were underway in the capital, the citizens forced to pay horrendous taxes and work to support the decoration of the entire city. Hesper only thought it appropriate that the security and prosperity he and his son brought be repaid by the people.


    Masses of delicacies and fine wines from around the empire were brought to the capital, even as a food shortage ran rampant among the common people - a result of the reckless war of the Mad Emperor. None of the imported goods ever came into the hands of the citizens and were all directly brought into the imperial palace, where it would be laid out in the most lavish banquet ever seen, surpassing in wastefulness even the famed Zenter Imperial Feast with over a hundred dishes and spanning three days. The chancellor ordered more than three hundred dishes and for the festivities to last an entire week of twelve days.


    The Minister of the Treasury was bedridden with an immense headache and unable to attend the morning assemblies after the plans were imposed on him, testament to just how wasteful he considered the entire undertaking to be. In the meantime, the threat of a new rebellion looming over the empire was pushed out of everybody''s minds in the wake of the preparations. The fact that the chancellor openly announced the festivities across the lands only served to cement the rebellion''s position on his tyranny.


    Despite oppositions even within the imperial court, the marriage went through as planned and on the first evening, when the groom and bride appeared before everyone, all negative thoughts were forgotten. Baltsar''s gallant figure, a paragon of valor and the very symbol of what all men should strive for in these times, struck awe into the hearts of men and women alike. Calantha''s radiant countenance, an avatar of beauty and the very definition of elegance, struck the perfect balance in the pair. Neither overshadowed the other, and all could only watch the perfection that was their union in reverent silence . An earth-shattering cheer resounded throughout the capital, when the marriage ceremony was concluded and the gathered masses gave voice to their emotions.


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    However, once the two disappeared into the imperial palace to partake in the banquet, the people gathered outside were reminded of their own hunger and misery once again. They would return to their cold homes where the meals would consist of old bread and some stale vegetable soup. None could even begin to imagine the feast of three hundred dishes, when they could barely scratch three dishes together to last them for a week. The common folk was unable to take action against this injustice, but those court officials who had declined the invitation by feigning illness had the resources to write to the brewing rebellion and inform them of the tyranny in the capital.


    In the month following the festivities the capital streets, previously so beautifully decorated with fresh flowers imported from the warmer south, became desolate and were blanketed by a feeling of oppressive depression. Many merchants had left the city to find better luck elsewhere, leaving the inhabitants to starve alone. If it had not been for Vasilis, asking Calantha to persuade her husband and father in law to give the many leftovers and remaining ingredients of the banquet, that would have otherwise been thrown away, to the starving masses, they may have risen up in revolt. That danger had been compounded on by the fact that Loukios and Miltiades had set out with an army of a hundred and fifty thousand strong, taking many supplies with them and leaving the city defenses lacking.


    The greatest couple of the capital, blissful in their marriage, lived far away from the harshness of life, however. Calantha was genuinely happy, despite the fact that she had been ordered to deceive Baltsar and Hesper. Of course, she would not forget her mission to break apart the strong bonds between those two, and would put her life on the line to achieve that.


    And she knew exactly how she would do it.


    "Congratulations, general. Your wife is with child," The imperial doctor said, smiling to Baltsar with an almost proud expression. Completely taken aback by the news, the young man could only stare at his opposite in disbelief.


    "Are you certain, doctor? She is not ill - her life is not in danger?" Baltsar was finally able to speak, and asked hesitantly. Different from his usual cool self, he was clearly distressed and uncomfortable with the situation. After all, he was still young and did not understand the many mysteries of life.


    "I am certain, she is very healthy. Morning sickness often results from being pregnant, although it is not a certainty," The doctor responded, but continued before Baltsar could interject. "But I located the pressure points on her body, and they tell me that she is indeed carrying a child. Of course, I cannot tell whether it''s a boy or a girl yet, but this is certainly an auspicious event."


    The fact that the woman he loved was with his child finally sunk in, and Baltsar jolted up in joy. Rushing into his wife''s room, he embraced the surprised woman of his life lovingly, eliciting a giggle from her. "Not so rough, my dear," She said and tried to wiggle free from his steel-like arms. Upon these words he quickly let go and shirked back, a fearful expression distorting his face.


    "Do not worry, my dear husband. I am sure this child, whether it be a boy or a girl, will grow up as strong as the father," Calantha said, stroking her abdomen. There was no physical sign of her pregnancy as it had only been a month since conception, but the gesture conjured a smile of pure affection on Baltsar''s face. For a moment, she was enchanted by this sight, the ambitious general from the North, adoptive son and supporter of a tyrant, making an expression filled with endless love. The moment was interrupted when a servant came to report that a messenger from the palace had arrived. Calantha looked up in worry, to try and discern the emotions beneath her husband''s face, which had returned to being the mask of a warrior.


    "Excuse me, my love. My father is asking for me," Baltsar stated and stroked his wife''s cheek gently. "I will return as soon as I am freed of my duties." With these words he stepped out, his stride befitting that of the Great General of the Northern Forces. Calantha could only watch his shadow disappear out the door, uneasiness filling her heart.


    The reason for being called to the palace was that news of Hypatios'' death at Edessa had arrived. Baltsar''s reaction to this information was reflective silence, as he considered the rumors that accompanied it: A gigantic man of seven measures had beheaded the general on their first bout. However, the young general never regarded Hypatios especially strong; it was not that he was weak, but Baltsar was just on such a high level that to him someone as formidable as the fallen general was only considered to be mediocre.


    The opponent of Hypatios reportedly taunted him by saying that he had no name to give to a dead man. Just from hearing this, the young general understood what kind of person the giant was. Anyone else would have named himself for the whole world to know, especially if they were confident about their skills. However, this individual had displayed his superiority by slighting someone hailed as a strong warrior and killing him easily afterwards. He had turned himself into a legend through actions before titles. Finding out the name of a man who was now regarded highly by the rebel army was an easy feat for spies hiding among the common soldiers.


    As expected, the name Leontis of Dion had spread even among the troops from Naxos, and many spoke of it fearfully. Rumors had that this individual was a young Formido, who had not yet grown to his full size, while others even thought him a descendant of the Aesir, godlike beings who lived on Yggdra when the first humans arrived. But the most important piece of information was that none had ever heard of him before he had stepped out onto the battlefield to face Hypatios in a duel.


    When Baltsar beheld these rumors, for a moment he forgot about his wife and unborn child, and a feeling he thought he had lost boiled up inside him. It was the burning excitement before a battle, the emotion swirling inside someone about to face death and fight for survival. There had not been any challenge to his might ever since he first stepped on a battlefield, and he was even a match in a duel with Formido warriors. If this Leontis could illicit such a feeling, the young general was only looking forward to meeting him on the field of battle.


    "Baltsar, my son. Loukios and Miltiades have requested your aid against the rebels. They are scared of this Leontis upstart, who has slain my beloved General Hypatios." Hesper was visibly enraged at the loss of one of his veteran commanders, alongside whom he had fought in the North on many occasions in the past. Of course, the chancellor was aware that his adoptive son was much stronger than Hypatios ever was. "Ride out and bring down the hammer of justice on this rebel vermin. Bring me the heads of their leaders, I want to drink out of their skulls!"


    "As you command, father," Baltsar responded, a fearless smile creeping onto his lips. No thought was spared on his pregnant wife and that he would leave her behind, for there was no doubt in his heart he would return alive. Under the Heavens and on this Earth, none could best him on the field of battle. "I will show them the might of Baltsar of Naxos."

 Chapter One: The Anti-Hesper Alliance - Battle at Lato Triada

    hile the alliance army marched from Edessa, the capital was in an uproar about the approaching battle. Many rich citizens who were not tied down in any official capacity hastily gathered their belongings and fled the city, while some made secret deals with the alliance to help in their advance and eventual sacking of Zenter. Those who were financially constrained and had no means to either of these options could only pray that the invading army would not loot and pillage.


    In the meantime, among the court officials, sentiments regarding the impending siege were divided. Some secretly wished for the success of the Anti-Hesper Alliance, while others feared for their livelihood, since they had supported the chancellor in his bid for power. However, of the former, few bore hope in face of the insurmountable odds stacked against the alliance. Chancellor Hesper''s army had larger numbers than the alliance''s, and Baltsar was their commanding general.


    Hypatios'' death was a great hit for Hesper''s military might, but his troops escaped with very few losses and regrouped with Loukios and Miltiades'' armies. They retreated back to Lato Triada, the fortified pass leading through the mountains and into the central plains of Kamarina, which extended up to the capital of Zenter. The pass consisted of a massive wall, double the height of the second tallest in all of the empire, and three heavy steel gates side by side, which could allow a large number of people to pass through quickly. Any other pass in the mountain range represented choke points that could cost the alliance army many days to cross and could be easily defended with only few soldiers. Just as Edessa was said to be impregnable, Lato Triada was an immovable fortress if manned with the right number of troops. The heavy steel gates were vertically-closing, and raising a single one required more than a dozen draft animals. In times of peace, all three were kept open at all times, but in a siege, they could prove to be as sturdy as the walls surrounding them.


    Lato Triada had been constructed under Alkaios Ohm Zenter, the man who would go on to become the first Eternal Emperor. Historically, it was built as one of many large-scale defensive structures for the borders of the empire, spanning less than an eighth of the continent in its fledgling years. The pass was a site of one great battle, in which an alliance of five kingdoms attempted to wipe Zenter off the map. The gate was held by a hundred thousand soldiers, against a combined army of nearly five hundred thousand. When it did not fall even after a month-long siege, the alliance retreated and dispersed. Historians would argue that this was the watershed moment for Alkaios'' eventual unification of the continent into the Eternal Empire of Zenter.


    The alliance leaders were aware of this titanic obstacle and brought siege weapons, such as massive towers and ramp carts, things the alliance of five kingdoms in Alkaios'' time hastily produced on the field, when faced with the overwhelming size of the wall. Alexis of Aegae looked past the obvious solutions, understanding that tall siege towers would present easy targets for burning arrows; due to her fiefdom''s proximity to the central mountains where the Jotnar and Dvergr lived, she was able to recruit some of the latter into her army. Dvergr Smelters would melt down the heavy steel gates so that the army would not have to rely on siege weapons that could be destroyed before even reaching the walls.


    However, what none had anticipated was that when the alliance army approached the gates, not only the flags of Loukios and Miltiades, but also those of Baltsar of Naxos were flying on top of the gates. The general hailed as the mightiest human warrior had arrived only hours earlier, and had immediately set himself up outside the still open gates, at the front of a thousand of his own personal elite troops. His intentions were clear: He was challenging the alliance to a duel of champions, just as Hypatios had done at Edessa.


    Fear washed over the ranks of the alliance when they beheld Baltsar''s imposing figure, sitting on his horse and holding the halberd that had been specially crafted for his mastery. It was a double-bitted poleaxe with a bladed spear tip, a weapon many polearm masters would call ridiculous due to its unwieldiness. The fact that Baltsar''s name as an invincible warrior had reached even the ears of the common people in the most remote areas of the continent was testament to the fact that none would doubt his proficiency with the arms he wielded. It meant that whatever weapon he chose to bring onto the battlefield would prove to be a deadly instrument of war.


    Yet, there were fools everywhere, and people did not learn from past events, even if they only occurred weeks ago. This time, it was a general under Iason of Herolus himself, who stepped up to the alliance leaders and announced that he would be their champion. The only reason nobody stopped him was because they were awed by the weapon he carried: A spiked steel ball the size of a grown man''s head, mounted on a steel pole. It looked exceedingly heavy and everybody believed that a man who could wield such a weapon was surely a master of combat. Thus, he rode out, accompanied by the cheers of the soldiers and the intensifying war drums in anticipation for his victory.


    "I will smash your head in, Baltsar!" He shouted and rode forth, eliciting barely a reaction from his opponent. Just moments before they met, Baltsar swung his weapon with a single arm, beheading the charging horse and severing the warrior''s torso from his lower body. The sheer force sent the severed parts flying, as the horse took a few more steps and collapsed at the same time as the pieces landed on the ground.


    In an instant the entire area went deadly silent at the display of Baltsar''s might. The Naxos troops remained quiet, as if saying that this conclusion was a foregone one and not even worth cheering over. The alliance army was in shock, with many shaking in their armor, knowing that it would provide them no protection. After all, Baltsar''s weapon had cut through even a general''s heavy armor as if it was made of silk. Not a single voice among the self-proclaimed mighty generals of the alliance army was heard, and all thoughts of wishing to achieve glory by slaying this legend were replaced with the pure wish to flee and survive.


    "Bring out your best, rebel scum!" Baltsar shouted, his voice carrying over the ranks of troops and into the camp of the alliance leaders. Some forgot themselves, others were frozen in terror, while those with more willpower shook their heads in disbelief. How could a human be this powerful?


    "Here I am, following your call, traitorous cur!" A mighty shout responded, and from within the ranks of the alliance one man rode forward. It was Leontis, his golden mane radiating hope, his countenance looking ahead with confident sternness. His weapon was as ridiculous as Baltsar''s, and he had made a name for himself in slaying Hypatios in a single stroke with it. Cheers rose from the alliance when they saw that their previous champion came out to face this seemingly insurmountable obstacle.


    "Who are you, to call me a traitor and a cur? Name yourself!" Baltsar responded, angered at the insults.


    "I have no name to give to a dog who would wag its tail at a pig!" With this, Leontis charged, swinging his halberd over his head with a single hand.


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    The two weapons met and repelled each other, and what followed was a dance of death that commanded awe and silence from all who watched. Even after two dozen bouts no winner could be determined, but Leontis was the first to wield his weapon with both hands to attack and parry. Suddenly, both horses gave out in an especially heavy exchange, and the two warriors tumbled to the ground. Immediately getting up again, they continued their fight as if nothing had happened.


    To Lahya and Alexander, who were watching intently, it became clear that Leontis was slowly losing ground. Baltsar was still wielding his weapon with a single hand, as if with ease, while their comrade found increasing difficulty in making counterattacks and was forced to block more often than he was able to strike.


    "I, Alexander, shall bring you down!" The boisterous man suddenly shouted and ran forward. He was not adept at riding yet, as he had never been on the back of a horse before joining Lahya and Leontis. Thus, he preferred to run on foot rather than make a fool of himself by falling off the saddle. Swinging his heavy hammer, he joined the fight and began to put pressure on Baltsar with sheer strength. Now that he was fighting two at the same time, he was forced to use both hands to steady his grip, blocking the halberd while dodging the hammer. Even then, he still did not seem to be pushed into a corner, fighting evenly with two men who were physically more imposing than him.


    The battle continued and many dozen bouts passed with neither side gaining the upper hand. Both armies could only watch the awe-inspiring battle raging on, with dust and dirt getting kicked up in a torrent of steel.


    "Baltsar, prepare yourself!" Lahya exclaimed and rushed forth, her small figure appearing from within the ranks of the soldiers like a whirlwind. What she lacked in strength and stature, she made up with speed, as she drew two rapiers from within her cloak, to join her comrades in battle. The four performed a beautiful but dangerous waltz in which a single mistake could cost a limb or result in broken bones. Unable to take action, the onlookers remained in their positions, mouths agape at the monumental fight before their eyes.


    Finally, Baltsar was pushed back, forced to block and unable to attack in face of the three-pronged assault. His opponents slowly but surely grew tired, but he knew his own limits and understood that the three of them were master warriors in their own rights. Even though he could discern that among them, the half-Alf was the weakest by far, and the stout man would be no match for him in a duel, they covered each other''s openings so perfectly that he noticed himself praising them in his heart.


    Jumping backwards he swung his weapon in a wide arc to drive the three of away a few steps. They understood that this was a means to separate them from him and give him some breathing room, but they did not press the attack. They, too, were exhausted and needed to catch their breaths. Even then, none of them appeared to have the intention to back down, as smiles crept onto their faces. Seeing this, Baltsar faced them with a fearless expression, determined to take all three of them on at the same time.


    "Now that we have traded blows... I am Leontis of Dion, the one who slew Hypatios of Naxos. Baltsar, you are a man of valor, and in your fighting skills I see no falsehood. It would appear that you are simply misguided," Leontis finally introduced himself. "A man of your caliber should not be serving under someone like Hesper."


    "I owe my father many things, and I cannot stand idly by when he is insulted," Baltsar responded and raised his voice, ready to begin the battle anew.


    "Baltsar, sooner or later you will learn that when a valorous person follows a villain, nothing good will come from it. A villain may, at any time, repay kindness with atrocity," Lahya cut in, her face a mask of anguish. "I do not want to see someone like you fall into despair when that time comes."


    "You speak as if you will survive this fight, girl," He spat out in response. There was nothing more he wanted to say, as he readied his weapon. However, at that moment a momentous rumbling interrupted him; the alliance army had begun to move. Seeing that Baltsar was occupied, Paramonos ordered an all-out charge so that the army may push through the still open gates and take the fortress while avoiding an extended siege that would cost much time and many lives.


    "And you fight alongside such cowards. Nothing you say holds value, Alf!" Baltsar cursed and quickly returned to his troops. The three did not give chase and only watched, finally feeling the exhaustion wash over them. Soon, their allies streamed past them in a scramble to make it to the gate.


    Even Baltsar, with only one thousand soldiers, could not fight the overwhelming numbers pouring towards him, so he and his elite troops sounded a hasty retreat through the gate. Arrows rained down on the alliance, as they followed in mad pursuit. In the chaos the alliance soldiers pressed over the threshold, swarmed the gatehouse and destroyed the mechanisms to drop the gates, successfully setting up the bridgehead for the following army.


    In their momentum, the alliance soon pushed back the defenders from directly behind the gate and the soldiers on top of the wall, isolated from their main army, was routed quickly. Seeing that their position was lost and their troops in disarray, Loukios and Miltiades had their armies retreat. Baltsar and his troops followed, forming the rear guard while holding off the overeager pursuing forces.


    Within only two hours after the first engagement, the impregnable fortress of Lato Triada was taken, the result of Lahya, Leontis and Alexander''s fight with Baltsar, and a chain of fortunate events in the chaos following Paramonos'' ingenious order. In reality, Kyron had influenced the alliance leader into this gambit, when he first saw the gates being open. In the ensuing chase, the only reason the Naxos army was not routed was because of Baltsar''s heroic stand at the last choke point of the mountains before they opened to the plains of Kamarina. Personally slaying over a hundred soldiers, his elite soldiers numbering ten thousand strong held back an army of ten times their size for long enough to ensure the escape of his main army. Only when he was sure that the enemy''s momentum had run out did he order a retreat.


    Thus, the Battle at Lato Triada was concluded, elevating the three comrades to great prominence. Even then, Baltsar''s name was not slighted in the least, as his stand at the exit of the pass was a violent and relentless one; his presence within the Naxos army was still considered a great obstacle to which no conclusive solution had been found. On that day, the legend of Lahya, Leontis and Alexander was first told and delivered to posterity, but it also served to cement Baltsar of Naxos'' position as the greatest warrior of his era.


    Still, morale was high when the Anti-Hesper Alliance poured onto the plains of Kamarina, from where on no more structural or geological impediments would slow their march on the capital.

 Chapter One: The Anti-Hesper Alliance - Baltsars Wrath

    he defeat at Lato Triada showed that the alliance was not just a loosely organized group of warlords, but a force to be reckoned with. Baltsar''s loss against its three champions, whom he later learned the names of, served to prove that in an age of strife heroes would appear one after another. Complacency had killed Hypatios, and it would surely bring the downfall of many more people of renown in the near future.


    Incidentally, the person who interested Baltsar the most was not the strongest of the three fighters he faced, but the weakest; Lahya Eventyr, a direct progeny of the Ljosalfar royal family which was believed to have been wiped out during the Mad Emperor''s genocidal war, had piqued the great general''s interest. Despite her lack in combat skills she had thrown herself at him, the warrior hailed as the strongest in the whole empire, wielding determination and a strength of spirit he had never seen before. For now, she only commanded a small group of soldiers, but the two warriors by her side were worth an army of thousands. If given the chance, she would rise up in this world and become a formidable leader.


    Entering the Fields of Akur, the plains surrounding the capital, Baltsar finally moved to the front of the marching army, leaving rear-guard duty to Argyros of Naxos, a great warrior in his own right and his trusted right-hand man. They would reach Zenter within the day, while scouts reported that the alliance army had been left behind them at a distance of two days. Naxos'' troop mobility was at the apex of the entire empire, and even simple foot soldiers possessed great marching capabilities, achieved through training in the harsh frozen steppes of the north. They would have ample time to prepare a defense against the impending siege of the city.


    Only when he was approaching the walls of the city that harbored his beloved Calantha did Baltsar remember her features, which had been filled with sorrow at the news that he had to leave for war the last time he saw her. He was also reminded of the fact that he had dismissed her worries all too readily, confident of his invincibility. Understanding that a lack of fear of death was a trait of the foolhardy, Baltsar chastised himself quietly, vowing to change his youthful hubris so that he would not worry his wife each time he had to set out and fulfill his military duties. Thinking about it, the reason he had retreated, rather than attempted to make a stand against the surging alliance army may have been the result of a subconscious longing to see Calantha and the baby she carried again. It had helped him make the decision of running to fight another day, something he would not have done before marrying her.


    The army under Loukios turned eastwards, to return the fortress town of Zenteroest, while Miltiades moved his troops westwards, to Zentervest. Zenter had been constructed with four satellite settlements in mind, which were each located the exact same distance from the four main gates of the city walls. They served as the final stations of a chain of outposts that would inform the capital of invading forces, while at the same time acted as bait. In case either of these satellite fortresses were besieged, Zenter would be given time to mobilize its armies. If the enemy decided to ignore them to attack the capital directly, the troops stationed in those fortresses could come to the aid of the capital and strike the invader''s backs. Built solely for the purpose of housing armies and transformed into training academies over the centuries of peace, they were now once again about to perform their intended function.


    If they had been with Baltsar, when he returned to the capital, history may have run a different course.


    The beautiful city of Zenter, a magnificently planned work of pure architectural art, glimmered in the red of the setting sun. The white walls were built by Dvergr stonemasons, using building materials transported from the central mountains, which lay nearly four hundred liges to the west. As with all Dvergr craftsmanship, humans were unable to fully comprehend the magic-like techniques employed, and were unable to reproduce them. The imperial palace, a city within the city, housing the imperial family and over ten thousand servants, was the greatest attempt at replicating the incredible work of the Dvergr. Although it remains a failure in comparison to the lavish architecture of Myrkrheimr, the capital of the kingdom under the mountain, its peerless beauty is unparalleled among human works.


    Baltsar drove his horse forward, in childlike anticipation to meet his wife again, his defeat all but forgotten at the prospect of holding her again. When he approached the gates, his eyes were drawn upwards, to the magnificent fortified gatehouse, where the figures of several people could be seen. In surprise, he glanced upon Calantha, standing among them and seemingly struggling against the grasp of two people - servants of his house, he realized. Stopping his horse, his gaze was fixed on the spectacle as he attempted to discern the situation.


    "Please reconsider, milady," The female servant pleaded, as she was clinging to Calantha''s waist with both her arms, desperately holding her back.


    "Look, your husband is back! Please do not act rashly," The male servant did not dare to touch his mistress and was begging her to stop her actions. When Calantha heard that Baltsar was back, fresh strength entered her arms and she freed herself from the servant''s grasp, quickly climbing onto the battlements and standing at the edge to a deadly drop.


    "My dear Baltsar! I cannot live with this shame and grief!" She wailed, tears streaking down her face. Her appearance was disheveled, completely unlike how he remembered her when he left, her beauty overshadowed by her woes.


    "Calantha, please get down from there! It''s dangerous! Tell me what happened, I can help you!" Baltsar implored his wife, understanding that she was about to take her own life. Her next words caused a cold shiver to run down his spine.


    "No, not even you can lift your hand against this monster!" The once beautiful girl cried out, closed her eyes and jumped to her certain death.


    At this, Baltsar threw down his weapon, leapt from his horse and rushed forward faster than the eye could see. He caught the falling frail figure of his beloved wife, frantically checking for signs of injuries when she remained limp in his arms. Breathing a sigh of relief when he noticed that she had lost consciousness during the descent, Baltsar looked up at the gate, from which the two servants stared down in fear.


    "Tell me what happened." His voice was barely a whisper, but to the two servants, it sounded like a commanding roar. They flinched in their deep prostration, while the master of the house sat beside the bed of his sleeping wife. He felt mentally exhausted, but his countenance showed no signs of it; to everyone else, he would remain the inviolable paragon of strength, his very presence the image of power.


    The servants exchanged a look of anxiety with each other, but did not dare to respond, as if fearing that the truth would cost them their heads. They were shivering, like mice being stared down by a snake, their heads lowered to avoid looking their master in the eyes. This behavior suggested that whatever the situation was, it was one common servants were too scared to speak about.


    "I promise that you will not be punished for anything, so tell me," Baltsar finally said, understanding that whatever the reason, they were not part of it. Even then, the two remained reluctant to speak, flapping their mouths open and closed like fish gasping for air. Neither seemed to know how to start, but eventually, the female''s voice leaked out shakily.


    "The mistress had a miscarriage." Her trembling body was pitiful to watch, but at her words Baltsar''s mind went blank. Unable to comprehend it, he turned to look at Calantha, whose face, even though emaciated, was still the visage of an angel. Her relaxed features showed just how exhausted she must have been before losing consciousness. Just by looking at her body, he could not discern if the servant was telling the truth.


    "How?" Was all he could press out from between his clenched teeth.


    "A week ago she... she was invited by the chancellor to partake in a banquet. That night she returned late and-" The female servant responded, but stopped herself, too afraid to continue. Baltsar slowly stood up from his seat, looking down on her with a menacing air. Upon seeing it, she very nearly forgot herself and slammed her forehead on the ground in prostration.


    "Her hair and clothes were disheveled, and... she was bleeding from her-" The male servant continued, feeling that if they remained silent now, the general would kill them on the spot. However, even he could not speak the whole ugly truth, fearing that it would only serve to cause Baltsar to fall into a mad rage and let it out on those before him. "She has refused to eat since that day and has stayed at the gate, waiting for your return."


    "The imperial doctor has confirmed that the child in her womb is..." Without lifting her head, the female servant, practically kissing the floor, added in a shaking voice. "It is possible that she will never-"


    "Who did this?" Baltsar interrupted the servant. At this question, they winced in fear, unable to respond; it was proof that whoever did it was a powerful person who could silence even the servants of his own household. The answer was very obvious, but he did not want to believe it. "Enough... leave."


    The terrified pair was only eager to comply and hastily beat a retreat, closing the doors behind themselves. As their hurried steps echoed down the hallway and disappeared, the general sat down on the bed, by his wife''s side. Stroking her cheek, he swept a strand of loose hair aside to take a good look at her sleeping face once again, imagining the suffering she had to endure that night.


    When he thought about it, he had never considered the position of people weaker than him before. Being at the apex of strength had dulled his compassion for those who could not overcome every obstacle with sheer power, and he had forgotten that there were frail beings who had to struggle through everyday life. Because Calantha was his wife, he had thought her impervious to such matters, as he would protect her. He neglected the fact that as a general and leader of the armies, he could not be by her side at all times. Even then, she should have been safe in the palace, especially since everybody knew whose wife she was.


    Feeling a stir next to him, Baltsar''s ruminations came to an end and he turned around to face Calantha. The love of his life opened her eyes and looked upon him with a smile, before shock ran through her features, tears formed in her eyes and she turned her gaze aside. Worried, he leaned over her, but she tried to push him away.


    "Why am I still alive? Why do you make me live with this shame... this sorrow?" She sobbed and covered her face.


    "Death is the end, my love. No matter what befalls you, there is no honor to be had in dying by your own hands. Tell me who did this, and I shall reclaim your honor through justice and retribution," Baltsar breathed to her. Finally turning to look at him, Calantha''s reddened eyes seemed to be a mirror of her broken spirit.


    "You cannot stand against him," She finally answered.


    "Who do you think I am? I am Baltsar of Naxos. There is nobody who can withstand my might!" The general announced in a tone of confidence, speaking words others would be ridiculed for. But not him, for it was the truth. "Tell me, who do you think is more powerful than I, your dear husband?"


    At these words, Calantha was unable to suppress the urge to break out in tears, as she buried her face in her hands. Through the muffled cries, he finally beheld the name of her tormentor; as he heard it, his expression was not one of doubt, but that of reluctance - albeit only for a moment. Then he stood up wordlessly and walked out the room with resolute steps.


    "Father, your son has returned," Baltsar stood outside the door to Hesper''s private chambers, which was framed by a guard on each side, and announced. From inside he could hear a grunted recognition, followed shortly by a slightly slurred order to enter. Opening the door, the general could smell the stench of human bodily fluids wafting out, causing a twitch of his eyebrows. However, he did not let it affect him and walked in, flanked by the two guards, whose expressive reactions in regards of the chancellor''s lifestyle were more readily readable. The large curtained canopy bed hid Hesper''s carnal misdeeds, and it was clear that the soldiers were thankful for it. Baltsar stepped right up to the curtain and spoke through it.


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    "I am here to report on the rebel army''s progress," He began, his voice firm and without a hint of hesitation. "Lato Triada was lost and the rebels are two days away from the capital."


    "You mean, you lost Lato Triada," The chancellor''s voice resounded from the other side of the curtain. "And I made you my son because I believed that you were invincible." At these words, the young general lifted an eyebrow briefly, before returning to his previous expression of somber indifference. "Was that a mistake? What did I take you in for, Baltsar?"


    "You are drunk, father." Answering with a statement that seemed to explain the harsh words, Baltsar looked at the shadowy figures through the thin fabric. There were more than three curved bodies on the other side, aside from Hesper''s more voluminous frame. "Please call for me when you have sobered. I will make my report then." With these words, he motioned to leave.


    "Even when I am drunk, I can clearly discern the words of a failure. You have failed me, and you require the appropriate punishment. Losing such an important position cannot be repaid with just a demotion." Hesper''s voice grew firmer, as if the alcohol left his system with every word. "Guards, arrest him." The last words were almost a bellow. Shocked, the two guards looked at the curtains before turning to the unarmed Baltsar, whose expression revealed no emotional response to his adoptive father''s sudden order.


    The guards extended their hands to grab Baltsar''s arms to carry him off, but in the next instant, the swords on their belts were pulled from their sheaths and cut a red arc through the air. For a moment the two soldiers looked at the general''s posture, a bloodied and chipped sword in each hand, with an utter lack of understanding, before they could feel the liquid of life gushing out from a large diagonal gash running across each of their torsos. In the same motion as he had drawn their swords, Baltsar had cut through their armor and almost deep enough to cleave them in half. Dropping the useless blades at the same time as the bodies hit the floor, he stepped up to the curtain once again.


    "You laid your hands on my wife..." Just saying the words drove a painful anger through his heart. "Why...?" Even after Hesper''s order for his detainment could he not believe that the man who had adopted him, and whom he had called father for years, would commit such an atrocity. Of course, Baltsar knew that the chancellor was not a man of virtue, but he thought that even a man like that would not perpetrate such a grave sin as to violate his adoptive son''s young wife.


    "Have you never heard of the saying? A father''s possessions are his son''s possessions, a son''s possessions are also his father''s possessions," The chancellor responded through the curtains with a chuckle. The young general''s eyes widened at these ridiculous words.


    "She lost the child she was carrying. Our child... my child."


    "You can always make a new one. And if she cannot, just throw her away. There are so many good women in this world." Hesper''s response sounded like the ramblings of a lunatic to Baltsar.


    "I have certainty now. You have lost your mind," He whispered and drew the curtain aside, revealing Hesper and several sleeping naked women, half-covered by thin silken blankets. The chancellor looked up to his adoptive son, realization slowly dawning on him when he beheld the blood covering his armor.


    "What... what are you-" Scrambling away from Baltsar, he pushed aside the women and fell off the other side of the bed, ripping and pulling down the curtains. Entangled in the beautifully ornamented tatters, he struggled to stand up and pull away, while the young general rounded the bed menacingly. "Guards! Help! Guards, come and protect your-"


    The screams were interrupted by Baltsar''s hand, which grabbed the chancellor''s throat and crushed it as if in passing. Choking and gasping for air, his eyes filled with pure terror began to tear up. Lifting the corpulent man up into the air with a single arm, the general''s expression finally changed into one of righteous fury.


    "You were like a father to me. How could you repay my loyalty and love with-" He suddenly stopped himself in surprise, recalling Lahya Eventyr''s words to him after their duel.


    "A villain may, at any time, repay kindness with atrocity."The half-Alf had warned him accordingly.


    "I see now..." Baltsar whispered, looking up to the flailing figure of the man he once respected like his own father. The rumbling of many footsteps could be heard approaching, the guards coming in response to the chancellor''s cry for help. "I was a fool."


    With a scream filled with rage and agony, the general slammed Hesper into the wall and with a mighty punch, shattered his face like a ripe melon. Dropping the twitching carcass, Baltsar looked at it with pure hatred, his fists clenched so tightly that his fingernails broke the skin of his palms. Shaking in uncontrollable anger, he felt no relief at having avenged his wife''s sorrow and their unborn child''s death. Killing this monster did not bring back what was lost. How could it?


    "Chancellor, what...?" The first guard that entered through the door beheld the two corpses on the floor and breathed in heavily. Then he noticed Baltsar''s bloodied fist and the unmistakably dead Hesper, all color draining from his face. "The... the general has gone mad and killed the chancellor!" He shouted, just as more guards poured into the room behind him. With their weapons drawn, they approached their unarmed general, who turned around to face them with unabated wrath.


    The imperial palace was in an uproar, when the word spread that Baltsar had killed the chancellor in a frenzy and was now on a rampage. Like a storm, the invincible general raged through the corridors, killing all that dared to try and stop him, as he made his way back to his wife''s side. When the guards saw the death and destruction Baltsar left behind, they ceased all resistance and just left him alone, hoping he would not come their way. Once hailed as a god of war, he was now reduced to no more than a raging demon, whose only reason for existence appeared to be trying to fill the void of his anger with blood.


    Finally, he returned to his residence and to Calantha''s side, who gazed upon her beloved husband''s bloody frame without a hint of fear. She understood what he had just done and her heart was beating out of her chest knowing that it had all been for her. Vasilis'' orders had been fulfilled and the tyrant was dead, but she had fallen for Baltsar soon after being with him. Her feelings had been genuine, and were now stronger than ever, after seeing the lengths he would go to for her sake. All loyalty to her master had been forgotten in the face of her husband''s presence; he was the man she would be with for the rest of her life.


    The smile she greeted Baltsar with served to calm him down and return his senses from the blood rage he had given himself into. In the presence of her angelic countenance it seemed as if the general was absolved of all his sins, his spirit cleansed of the haze of anger that had clouded his mind since the moment he killed his adoptive father. He was back to his old self, a peerless warrior and the symbol of valor.


    Thus, Baltsar and Calantha fled the capital that night. Following him were several generals, such as Argyros and Meriton of Naxos, as well as over four thousand elite soldiers who were loyal to him, rather than to the now deceased chancellor. They had heard of the occurrences in the palace and already learned of the rumors regarding Hesper and Calantha. All of them would consider Baltsar''s actions just.


    When Loukios and Miltiades heard of the news, they were already far too late to chase after them, as the alliance army was approaching their fortresses and they had to take defensive measures. This aided in the disappearance of Baltsar''s forces from the forefront of history for the years to come.


    A week earlier, while Baltsar was still on his way back to the capital from his defeat at Lato Triada, Chancellor Hesper was holding a banquet for his loyal ministers. With the young emperor in his grasp as a hostage, the chancellor and the corrupt politicians were enjoying their lives, free of worries about the alliance army. News had not yet reached the capital, after all.


    Also invited was Vasilis of Histria, who took the opportunity to visit Calantha in her and Baltsar''s private residence within the imperial palace before the commencement of the festivities. Since the marriage, she had not left the palace and time to speak with her adoptive father had been limited. She had been able to inform him of her plan to alienate Hesper and Baltsar from each other before, and he was there to tell him that tonight was the most opportune moment to carry out the next step in it.


    Hesper had proven to be an upstanding father, who cared dearly for Calantha and her unborn child. Clearly, he was looking forward to seeing his grandchildren, even if he and Baltsar were not related by blood. Luckily for her, her husband did not know of that coddling side of the chancellor''s, and she made sure nobody learned of it during his visits. It was all in preparation for when she would make him show his true colors to his adoptive son.


    Calantha had declined every offer to banquets in the past months, excusing herself on grounds of her pregnancy. In reality, she was not with child, and the imperial doctor was privy to the plans to assassinate Hesper; he had played along and as the doctor who also saw to the well-being of the chancellor himself, nobody doubted him. However, with Vasilis'' order to commence the most important step in their plan, she concocted an excuse to attend the state dinner that night, bringing no servants from her household with the argument that it was only a short stride away from their residence and that her father was with her.


    Thus, when Calantha appeared at the banquet, a beautiful dress that drew all the gazes, Hesper was positively surprised. Tonight, she would let him show his pampering side to everyone, so that a misconception could be born from it. Indeed, without a worry for appearances, the chancellor was as familiar with her as he was when visiting her residence. Some would think he was disregarding her marital status and the fact that her husband was his own adoptive son, and was too intimate with her. Vasilis was among the crowd, instigating the rumors that began to circulate among the ministers that night.


    At an advanced hour, when the embers of the party slowly faded away into the cold of the night, and only few attendees remained, Calantha finally took the step. Slipping a drug into the chancellor''s drink, she spoke a toast to his person and as a sign to end the banquet on a high note. Unsuspecting, Hesper downed the contents of the offered cup and saw off the guests, before making his way to his personal chambers. At that time, the drug began to take effect and he fell heavily into his bed, his character about to be forever altered by the feverish dreams that haunted him that night.


    He was completely unaware of the fact that the one steadying his pace was none other than Calantha, but it was witnessed by servants along the way. She entered the chambers with him, made sure he was fast asleep, and began to forge the evidence for what could only be described as a violation of her honor as a woman. Undressing the chancellor and throwing his bed sheets into disarray was the coffin, inflicting wounds upon herself and ripping her clothes was the lid, and her screams for help and tear-stained flight from Hesper''s room, for all to see, was the nail.


    The hammer to drive it in came in the form of Baltsar''s wrath a week later.

 Chapter One: The Anti-Hesper Alliance - The End of the Alliance

    t was a testament to the Naxos forces'' discipline that they did not break apart after Hesper''s death and Baltsar''s betrayal, and continued to follow the next generals in the line of command. Loukios and Miltiades had left contingents at the fortresses of Zenteroest and Zentervest to maintain the defenses against the siege, while using the hidden underground passageways to enter the capital. At their orders, the Naxos army plundered and then abandoned the city of Zenter, taking the court and the child emperor with them. Their destination was the port city of Hierapolis, a hundred and twenty liges to the southwest of the capital. Aiding in the evacuation was the Aganon, the longest river on the continent, stretching across half of Yggdra at a length of nearly one thousand liges. Hierapolis was the second largest city in Zenter, the winter residence of the imperial family, when the cold winds from the north would reach as far as the capital, and was located downstream.


    Miltiades proceeded with Hesper''s initial plan, one that the chancellor would have personally overseen if he had been alive, to set the capital ablaze, in case the alliance was able to come so far. Due to the size of Zenter, as well as the composition of the Naxos army being more suited for mobile battles on plains and steppes, he had discerned that they would not be able to hold the walls on all sides against the troops of the Southerners, which were more used to siege battles. Thus, as the capital was emptied of its riches, while the civilians were left behind, fires were set in key locations that would spread the flames throughout the entire city in no time.


    By the time the alliance army arrived at the gates of Zenter, the majority of the city had been reduced to smoldering cinders, and the imperial palace, the greatest architectural achievement of the humans in Yggdra, was in the process of burning down. The leaders of the alliance could only watch in impotence as centuries of history was crumbling to ashes before their eyes. Some of them, including Lahya, entered the city, coming to the aid of many civilians who had not been able to flee in time.


    From captured stragglers the alliance soon learned that Hesper was dead, and that Baltsar was the one who killed him, for reasons unknown. Paramonos immediately called for a meeting of leaders, but it was already too late; many, discouraged by the loss of the capital, were already packing up to return to their own fiefdoms. Their supplies and soldiers were exhausted, compounded by the fact that their morale dropped the moment news about the traitor''s death were released to the common rank and file. The raison d''¨ºtre for the alliance had disappeared along with the city some secretly dreamed of ruling from the shadows after their success.


    To the surprise of many, the first to withdraw was Galeno of Rhamnus, the one who had been most fervent in wishing to restore the authority of the emperor. He had the longest distance to travel to his fiefdom, so some could understand that if the alliance was going to break apart eventually, he wanted to be on his way sooner. It proved to be the trigger that led to other key figures leaving as well, marking the end of the Anti-Hesper Alliance on the First Day of the Dragon, in the Month of the Ljosalfar, little more than a month and a half after its formation.


    Marquis Galeno of Rhamnus had been the first to enter the city, hours before any of the other alliance leaders. He was leading the vanguard because his troops were veterans of many battles, fought in his rebellion against the Mad Emperor''s reign. His motive had been to rush his troops into the imperial palace, kill the traitor Hesper and rescue the emperor and take him under his protection. The  marquis genuinely wished to restore the power of the emperor into the hands of a righteous heir, but due to past mistakes he also wanted to become a guide for the young emperor, so that further bloodshed may be avoided.


    When he came upon the city, still burning in many places, his first concern was the safety of that emperor. Even if he was just a puppet, he was of imperial blood and at this point, the only rightful heir to the throne. Galeno dismissed Lahya Eventyr, on grounds of the uncertainty of her birth and the fact that, even if she was genuine, she was not in the direct line of succession.


    However, the palace was burning and from servants who had been left behind, Galeno learned that the capital had been relocated to Hierapolis, and Loukios and Miltiades had taken the emperor away half a day ago. His morale suffered a heavy hit from these news and the marquis ordered his troops to help the civilians while he consulted his aides about how to proceed. The veteran general Nikandros suggested pursuit, stating that traveling with enough ships to transport the entire court would slow their advance. Going by land with cavalry should allow them to cut off the escapees at two points before they reached Hierapolis. However, Galeno''s youngest son, Agathon, advised against this, arguing that the troops were exhausted after their march on the capital and the subsequent battle. Even if they caught up, Loukios and Miltiades were powerful military leaders in their own rights and had the numerical advantage.


    While Galeno contemplated the options, his older son, Drakon, returned to the camp from helping civilians combat the flames, carrying something unexpected. From a servant who worked in the palace, disguised as a peasant, he had received the Imperial Seal. The seal comprised of a Mithril statue of a winged dragon, its four legs grabbing onto a cube of an unknown shimmering blue mineral the size of a grown man''s fist, created by the Dvergr as a present to the very first emperor. Its nearly indestructible nature had made sure it survived the many centuries of being passed down, even during civil wars. Whether handing it over had been a mistake on the servant''s part or they had explicit orders from a minister sympathizing with the rebellion, nobody knew. However, this turn of events meant that the marquis could now write imperial decrees with full legitimacy.


    With this in hand, Galeno had gained a powerful chess piece that ignited hidden ambitions he did not know he possessed. The thoughts of restoring the imperial authority were pushed aside at the prospect of beginning his own dynasty of Rhamnus. The marquis'' followers congratulated him for this heaven-sent present, and some urged him to immediately announce his ascension. Once again, Agathon was the voice of reason, when he warned his father that if he were to make his ambitions known, the other warlords within the alliance, who more openly harbored the wish to attain power and authority, would not hesitate to turn on him. Praising his son''s insight, Galeno ordered a retreat from the capital and sent a messenger to Paramonos, informing him of his withdrawal from the alliance to return home.


    Walking through the smoldering ruins of Zenter, Lahya''s troops extended a helping hand wherever they could, rescuing many from within collapsed buildings and tending to the wounded. The half-Alf personally dismounted from her horse to help, her compassion earning the gratitude and appreciation of the common people. With Leontis and Alexander by her side, she worked tirelessly to save as many as she could, ignoring Paramonos call for a meeting. She knew that the loss of the capital and Galeno''s sudden withdrawal marked the end of the alliance, even while the emperor was still in the hands of traitors.


    It was during her charitable work that Lahya ran into a young woman in silver armor, one she had seen in the allied camps. She was Thais of Abila, a young general under Straton of Abila, who had left a positive impression on the half-Alf the first time she laid eyes upon her. Only slightly taller than Lahya, her presence was nonetheless on the level of Leontis'', her graceful trained gait proof of her martial prowess. Her ice blue eyes, light complexion and silver-blonde hair, typical traits of those from the northern parts of the continent, gave her an ephemeral air, much like an Alf''s, but her resolute expression was clearly that of a transient human''s.


    "Lady Lahya!" Upon spotting the half-Alf, Thais quickly called out and walked over to greet her. "A meeting for the leaders has been called. Why are you not attending?"


    "The alliance will be breaking apart, so there is no reason for me to go to what has just become a formality. I would rather dedicate this time to help the poor souls in need," Lahya responded without hesitation. "Why are you here, Lady Thais?"


    "Lord Straton is attending the meeting, but he ordered his troops to search the city and save as many as possible." Only now did the half-Alf notice that Thais'' armor and especially her gauntlets were covered in soot, the precious white cape had turned gray in the ash-laden air and there were black streaks on her cheeks that spoke volumes of her personal involvement in working to rescue people from the rubble. "You seem sure that the alliance will scatter. Why is that?"


    "The traitor Hesper is no more, the capital has been destroyed, Galeno of Rhamnus, the vanguard and most fervent supporter of the alliance, left, and the army is too low on supplies to both march another one hundred liges and to besiege a city at the end of it," Lahya explained, sighing.


    "But the emperor is still being held hostage by traitors. If it had not been for Pelagio of Naxos'' surprise attack on our supply base, and Count Iason''s inability to defend it, we would have enough provisions to last another two months." Thais was disgruntled and openly spoke her disapproval of Iason''s ineptitude as a field commander. Lahya smiled at her counterpart, thinking that she, too, was a righteous individual with an outspoken character. "Where are you going after this, Lady Lahya?"


    "I do not know yet, but as long as the empire remains in the hands of usurpers, I will not rest. I have to make a name for myself and then raise an army once again, to punish the traitors and return the empire to the hands of a just ruler. Only then can I attend to personal matters." It was a firm response. Impressed, Thais bowed her head at the half-Alf.


    "My lord would be delighted to have you as an honored guest, until you are ready to set out on your own path, Lady Lahya," She said, offering to welcome Lahya and her followers under Straton of Abila''s mantle.


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    "Lord Straton is an upstanding and chivalrous leader. It would be my honor," Lahya responded with a bow of her own. "I will gladly ride with you under his banner."


    "I am glad that you accept, Lady Lahya. But make no mistake, you are not entering under his vassalage. You are under no obligation to follow any orders from him or his subordinates, regardless of their ranks, and you can leave at any time you want. He welcomes you as a guest of equal standing," Thais clarified, delighted to have the half-Alf''s assent.


    "Lady Thais, I cannot do that. I am but a leader of a small band of militias. How could I consider myself of equal standing to the Count of Abila, who commands tens of thousands of soldiers?" Lahya insisted. Once again, Thais was pleasantly surprised to see the honest personality of her counterpart. "Please tell Lord Straton that I will not accept any special treatment, or I shall make use of them and leave right then."


    "Thank you, I shall convey everything you said to him word for word. Please let me express my appreciation of your gallantry!" Thais bowed deeply, her left hand as a fist on her heart. "You are an example of chivalry to all, Lady Lahya."


    "You overvalue me," The half-Alf dismissed the praise with a genuine smile.


    Thus, it was decided that Lahya, Leontis and Alexander would join Straton of Abila for the foreseeable future. Among the leaders of the alliance, she regarded him most highly for his moral and sincere leadership. With the proximity of Abila to Naxos, they would be able to keep a close eye on troop movements, in case Loukios and Miltiades requested reinforcements from their northern homeland.


    When the Anti-Hesper Alliance finally dispersed two days later and the various warlords returned to their own fiefdoms, Kyron went to visit Lahya in her all but packed up camp.


    "Lord Kyron, what brings you here?" She inquired upon seeing him approach, flanked by a man and a woman in full armor. The man was Euripides, and the woman was Euphemia, twins, cousins of Kyron and generals within his army. Despite their youth, they were highly regarded by many as capable leaders.


    "It was inevitable that the alliance would fall apart. The official reason for its existence was to kill the usurper and save the emperor, but ultimately, everyone was secretly aiming to replace Hesper. With him gone, morale and supplies low and the capital burned to the ground, ambitions scattered in the winds of change." Kyron did not immediately state his intentions and began to speak his mind about the end of the alliance. "We both know that this marks the beginning of troubled times. Remember the faces of the warlords here well, for the next time you see them, it may be at the front of their armies, facing your own."


    "I do not believe that these men and women, who followed the call of justice, would be willing to risk a civil war, while the emperor is still in the hands of traitors," Lahya denied the assumptions.


    "You think too highly of these petty people. Given the chance, they will abandon the path of righteousness for one of misguided glory. I am sure you heard of the rumors regarding Marquis Galeno of Rhamnus'' quick departure?" Kyron asked, exaggerating an expression of secretiveness.


    "I am afraid I have not," The half-Alf replied openly and truthfully.


    "That he found the Imperial Seal that was hidden in the city by a loyal minister. He was the first to enter the city after all. This means that his return to Rhamnus may result in a declaration of a new dynasty."


    "Marquis Galeno is an upstanding man who has been fighting all these years for the restoration of a just rule. He would not suddenly decide to become a traitor by declaring himself emperor, after all he has done." Lahya denied the possibility, fully aware of the fact that when given a glimpse of unimaginable power, many would succumb to the temptation. However, if that was not the truth, she did not want to slander Galeno''s good name. Time would tell whether the rumors proved to be true or not.


    "I admire your trust in these warlords. And I admire your choice of friends." Kyron nodded at Leontis, standing behind Lahya, and Alexander, who was with the volunteer militia and speaking with them as one of them. "I had hoped you could join me, to bring peace to this era of strife and prevent another unsuited fool to reign over the empire." He had heard that Lahya would take her men and ride with Straton of Abila, but still attempted to bring her onto his side.


    "I appreciate the offer, Lord Kyron, but I have already promised to follow Lord Straton." Closing her eyes for a moment, a fearless smile graced her lips as she looked up to her opposite. "And it would seem that we do not see eye to eye. You hold great ambitions yourself, Lord Kyron. The way you spoke of a suitable individual to reign over the empire makes me think that you see yourself as such, more so than the current rightful emperor."


    At these words, Kyron laughed heartily. Peering up at his face, Lahya noticed that it was genuine and so contagious that she very nearly joined him in his elation.


    "It would seem that you possess little insight into people''s hearts, Lady Lahya. You misunderstand magnanimity driven by ulterior motives as genuine, while what you think is ambition is in fact the wish to bring justice to this world." When he finally stopped laughing, the former minister stated with a grin. "But I do not care when people misunderstand me, and I never will. Let them misjudge me, I will do what is right."


    "What you think is right," Lahya corrected him, returning the grin. "And that is why I would have declined your offer, even if I had no previous arrangement with Lord Straton."


    "I see, I see. Very well, let us just hope that we will not stand against each other too soon, Lady Lahya. I would not want to see a brilliant figure such as yours falling from grace before your time." With these closing words, Kyron strode off laughing, his two silent cousins in tow. Lahya remained, watching as he left, contemplating their exchange and changing her evaluation of the former minister.


    "Are you going to leave him be just like that?" Euripides asked when they were far enough away for Lahya to be unable to hear them. With a glance back, he made sure who he was talking about. "That man is wasted under that little pointy ears."


    "Oh, it would seem that my cousin also possesses little insight. If you cannot see her greatness, I will have to rethink my decision to have you as a commander in my army," Kyron responded jokingly, earning a flustered gasp from Euripides. Euphemia looked at her twin brother expressionlessly, but the two of them shared a strong bond that let him understand that she was silently mocking him. "The reason why I invited that little pointy ears to join me was because I want her potential in my grasp. Her future is very promising, even if she possesses no influence or power now. And I want to be the one that controls that future."


    "What did you see in her?" Euphemia asked, to the surprise of Euripides; she rarely spoke, and when she did, it was usually only in response to someone she could not just stay silent with. For her to ask a question of her own accord was an occurrence as rare as sunshine on the Tempest Islands.


    "I am sure you both remember the battle of Leontis against Hypatios - if you can call that a battle." The twins nodded in confirmation. "He was an unknown and defeated Hypatios, a distinguished and immensely powerful warrior, in a single stroke. While I admit that I want Leontis to become my vassal, his might is not what surprised me the most on that day. It was Lady Lahya''s reaction to his overwhelming victory." Remembering it caused a shiver to run down Kyron''s spine. "What do you think she did? She did not even bat an eye at it, as if it was a foregone conclusion and the most natural outcome. Lahya Eventyr is a formidable person, more so than anyone else in the alliance. She rushed out to help Leontis and Alexander against Baltsar, despite posing no threat to him whatsoever. But she fought with the conviction that her companions would cover for her, as she would cover for them. Alexander may be in the shadow of Leontis for now, but he stood on the same battlefield as Baltsar, and came out unscathed, too. I do not believe for one second that those three will stop at remaining vassals to anyone."


    "If they pose a threat, should we ambush them on their way to Abila?" Euripides was a man of action, a general proficient in hit-and-run tactics and ambushes. The only reason the Naxos troops stationed at Zentervest had not been able to flank the alliance army in the battle for Zenteroest, which was held by Loukios, had been because Euripides had sniped the general sent by Miltiades with his longbow from inside the tall grass, and scattered the confused contingent with his own numerically inferior troops.


    "No, they ride with Straton, who is good friends with Paramonos and Alexis. We cannot make enemies of them just yet," Kyron warned his overeager cousin. "Come, we will return to Thronion. There is a lot of work to be done."


    The end of the Anti-Hesper Alliance marked the beginning of the Era of Heroes. It would go into history as the time when tales of valor and heroism cemented the positions of many an individual, rendering their names immortal and their legends beyond reach for those that came after them.

 Chapter Two Prologue - The Two Wanderers

    ews of the war, which resulted in the burning of the capital, spread throughout the empire and many saw it as the end of the Ohm dynasty. Those remaining loyal to the authority of the emperor were few, and even fewer had the military might to raise their banners against the traitors that held him hostage. Of the Anti-Hesper Alliance, the majority sought personal gains and with it disbanded, each returned to their respective fiefdoms to gather troops and resources, to prepare for the wars to come. The entire continent was covered in a blanket of suppressed anticipation, everyone waiting for the first to make a move - and potentially a mistake.


    For peasants, it meant increased taxes and military drafts that would serve to bleed out the many for the power struggles of the few. Even then, life continued and gossip was all that reached those who were far from the actual occurrences. People would lament the loss of earnings, but were happy that it would not extend to their loved ones for the foreseeable future. The war against Hesper had been a climax of sorts and a strained peace returned to the lands for a while.


    Loukios and Miltiades were, compared to Hesper, the bigger evils. Coming from backgrounds of lower social positions, they tasted power and were consumed by it much more easily than their lord had been before them. Hierapolis was in the iron hands of these two, who allowed their soldiers to plunder the city for its riches and supplies, as they established a cruel rule over its inhabitants. Yet, they lacked interest in court matters and did not coerce the emperor into unreasonable decrees as often as Hesper had. Everything they did was out of self-interest, and they showed no concern for the events outside the new capital, leaving the various lords of the empire to do as they pleased.


    Far from these occurrences, in a forest at the border between the fiefdoms of Bouthroton and Miletus, two boys were on a journey. They were both muddied and dirty, wearing what could only be described as rags, carrying small bundles that represented their entire belongings. To anyone seeing them they would only appear as orphans of war, travelling to find a peaceful place to settle in.


    However, if one were to examine them closely, one would find that their skin was, under all the dirt, fair and smooth. Their hands showed not a sign of ever having done manual work, something only found in the children of nobles. Even then, at this point none would ever be able to guess their real identities. For under all the dirt the one that looked about fifteen years of age hid hair in the color of moonlight. Long pointy ears were concealed using a shabby leather cap and mud was deliberately smeared over his face to mask his light complexion that magically defied being darkened by the rays of the sun. This was Nerous Eventyr, the last male surviving member of the royal family of the Ljosalfar.


    His companion was an equally dirty boy of around fourteen years in age, named Nimeton. The two of them had fled together and concealed themselves in the barrels on a merchant''s cart for two days with no water or food, never making a sound. They had dug themselves into the contents, with one of the two being covered in pickled plums and the other in dried mushrooms, and passed the checkpoints at the gates undiscovered. Their extraordinary patience and nerves of steel allowed them to remain still until the cart driver stopped nearly a day later in another town for rest. Pilfering some of the goods, the two left their hiding spots in the dead of the night and were able to pass through the gate unhindered, each now carrying a small bag of provisions.


    Nimeton had not talked much about his past, but his street smarts and survival techniques in the wild, as well as his eloquence that helped on their travels many times, suggested that his parents were of low birth but had been able to provide their child with a good education. Nerous had grown up as a prince, and having been taken from his parents at the tender age of eight, he never learned anything about the outside world. Having a companion like Nimeton saved his life, and even being of royal birth he understood to show his gratitude.


    Their journey had started as one with no aim, with them just trying to get away from their pedophile slave owner, but after some discussion, it transformed into a voyage back to Nerous'' homeland. He had witnessed his parents getting killed before his eyes, but still bore hope that the magnificent city in the forest would remain intact. During his time as a slave, he had not heard news about the outside world and was not aware of the Ljosalfar holocaust; those that were able to flee scattered and went into hiding, the survivors reduced to wandering beggars.


    One feature of the Ljosalfar territory that stood out from the rest of Yggdra was the growth of massive trees that did not exist anywhere else on the continent. What little magic remained after the departure of the Aesir and Vanir had disappeared in the waves of history, stirred up by the wars of the humans, but the Ljosalfar possessed an inborn ability to communicate with nature. They were able to hear the whispers of plants, understood the language of animals and could make out the voice of the wind, carrying information from faraway places. The especially talented had the power to plant suggestions in the growth of living things, turning trees into works of art. They were called the Laulaya, "nature singers".


    "Wait until you see the palace. It is the largest tree in all of Yggdra, grown over many millennia." Nerous'' memory of his home was still vivid enough for him to recall the magnificence of Alfar craftsmanship. Years of sexual abuse and psychological trauma had not been able to destroy his mind; maybe it was due to his own mental strength, maybe it was due to the instinct that as a half-Alf his incredibly long lifespan would allow him to outlive any tormentor, that helped him weather the hardships subconsciously, or maybe it was a combination of both. He was still able to brag to his companion about the beauty of his homeland.


    When they climbed the last stretch of a slope and reached the top, the view before them took their breaths away; however, it was not in awe of the remembered and promised beauty. The forest of the Ljosalfar had disappeared, and in its place the abandoned stumps of dead trees dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see. The immense tree that was the center of Alfheimr was clearly visible, standing against the distant foggy mountains; it had been reduced to a leafless and charred state, the sorry remains of what was formerly spoken about by humans as the world tree.


    Nerous sunk to his knees as he beheld the remains of his homeland, a landscape that could only be described as having sprung forth from his innermost nightmares. He had been too young to understand that human soldiers invading the palace meant that the entire city had fallen, and the outcome before his eyes should have been the obvious conclusion. Maybe he had lived in the wishful thinking that the Ljosalfar had been able to retake and rebuild their nation since then.


    Tears of sadness formed in his eyes as he looked at the remains of Alfheimr, the dead remnants of a once proud and noble race, and the haven of his dreams, now but a distant memory. Screaming in pain and anger, the young half-Alf gave voice to his feelings, hammering his hands on the ground and clawing at the grass in impotence. His home, his last hope, was gone.


    Nimeton stood beside him, looking over the scenery with a grim expression. It had been nearly seven years since the human invasion, as far as he remembered. Not content with taking the lands and enslaving the people, they had destroyed millennia of history in less than a decade. Pillaging the natural riches and burning what could not be taken, the humans had fallen over the peaceful Ljosalfar like a swarm of locusts. Disgusted by his own peers, the boy could only silently apologize for the crimes he committed by proxy. Therefore, he could find no words to comfort Nerous with.


    "Is it frustrating, your majesty?" An alluring male voice suddenly resounded from behind the two. Nerous and Nimeton both immediately spun around, and what greeted them was a pair of crimson stars in the blackness of the night. Standing before them was a tall man, dressed in black robes covered with golden embroidery, making him look like he was cut out of the night sky itself. His skin was jet black, as if actively refusing to be illuminated by the sun that was barely its zenith, with only his crimson pupils on black sclera shining like rubies in an eerie light from underneath his hood.


    "Who are you?" Nimeton was the first to speak up, taking a defensive stance against the much taller man. He rather wanted to ask what he was, but did not wish to antagonize him needlessly. There were stories of pitch black demons told among humans, especially as ways to make children who refused to listen to their parents more obedient. Cynicism, born from experiencing the harshness of the real world, had rendered these stories obsolete for the former slave boy, but were brought back into his memory from this bizarre encounter.


    "You saw your parents get killed by humans in front of your eyes, were sold as a slave to a disgusting human, and escape only to find that your land has been defiled by those hateful humans. What is it that you feel, your majesty?" The man of darkness spoke, his voice a sweet poison that seeped into the very being of those who listened unwittingly. "Is it powerlessness? Sadness? Hatred? Anger?"


    Nimeton understood that this man was dangerous, but his body did not seem to listen to his mind while he was reflected within those crimson eyes. Nerous looked up to the man with suspicion, but his anguished expression soon changed into one of unbridled rage.


    "All of it. I felt powerless when they killed my parents. I was sad when my sister and I were separated. I hated every minute with that disgusting Prokopios... and I am angry at the humans who did all that to me, to my family, to my people!" At these words, Nimeton looked at his companion in surprise. He had only ever known Nerous as a sensible and quiet person, a kind soul who endured stoically and majestically, befitting of his alleged high birth. Never before had he seen his friend so enraged.


    "Then do you know what comes after anger?" A rift in the darkness opened, revealing pearl white teeth in a malicious grin.


    "I do not... enlighten me."


    "Revenge." The word passed his lips like a curse, taking grasp of the soul of whoever would hear it. "And do you know what comes after revenge?"


    "Satisfaction," Nerous whispered. The man''s grin widened at that word as his freezing cold eyes looked at the young half-Alf like a predator looking at wounded and effortless prey. It was at that moment that Nimeton jumped between them and broke their eye contact, a short knife in his hand, pointed at the darkness before him. "Begone, demon! You will not poison Nerous'' heart with those words imbued with black magic!"


    "Oh, you are a brave one, youngster." With the focus of the crimson stars shifted onto him, Nimeton felt a cold shiver run down his spine. Then, the man suddenly began to laugh. "Your majesty, treasure this friend of yours. In these times, somebody like this is worth more than anything else." His laughter ended as abruptly as it had begun. Pointing in the direction of the charred world tree, or towards the mountains beyond, he spoke. "Go forth, your majesty! Your destiny does not end here."


    Nerous and Nimeton looked where he pointed, a gust accompanying their sight, as if to guide them. When they turned back to the man, he was gone, not a hint of his presence remaining, as if he had been a mirage. Even the grass on the ground where he stood was unbent, swaying in the light breeze that had settled in. The encounter had been so ephemeral that the two boys wondered whether it had been real or just a dream. However, the last words remained vivid in their memories, and with nowhere else to go, the two wayfarers decided to follow the destiny pointed out by the man of the night. Their sights were settled on the elevations in the distance behind the remains of Alfheimr, the beginnings of the massive mountain range called Jotunfjeldene.


    The ruins of Alfheimr were testament to the horrors the frenzied human invaders brought upon the peace-loving people that lived there. The entire city, among the oldest in Yggdra, and described by many as the most beautiful, had been razed, not a hint of its original layout remaining. The forest that had been the heart of the Ljosalfar territory, had been logged off and had most likely been turned into furniture, tools of war or simply burned away as firewood. A field of stumps remained in its place, like a graveyard for all the innocent lives lost in these lands.


    Walking through this landscape, Nimeton could only feel anger and shame; anger at those who would defile a magical place he had heard of in many breathtaking fairytales, shame for the fact that he shared a race with those who would commit such atrocities. He could not begin to imagine the maelstrom of emotions within his companion, who had grown up here. Unable to look at Nerous, who walked silently beside him, the young man only set one foot before the next, his eyes taking in the sorrowful sights. Deep in his heart, he felt that a tragedy like this should never be allowed to be repeated again.


    Wordlessly, the two youths soon came to a halt before the charred world tree, he center of the former Alfheimr. If the surrounding tree stumps were gravestones, this was a monolithic mausoleum for the royal family of the Ljosalfar. If legends could be trusted, Nerous'' mother was among the oldest beings alive, a timeless existence that would have seen the end of eternity, if she had not been killed by the transient humans. According to mythology, the Alfar were a product of the love between the Aesir and the Vanir, a bond forbidden in their laws. As direct descendants of those transcendent beings, it would only be natural that their lifespan was equally unaffected by the passage of time.


    Nimeton looked up at the tree, awed by its sheer size, even if they were only dead remains. When he closed his eyes, it seemed as if he could glimpse a hint of its majestic appearance in life, when the silver-white bark reflected the stray moonlights passing through its dense green canopy. He had heard his half-Alf companion explain it in such vivid details that the vision entered his mind unconsciously. The muted lights coming from the terrace-like structures growing directly from the trunk would illuminate the city, but not be overbearing enough to blot out the star-studded sky. The warm lights from the crystalline flowers would give a glow to the entire city that enchanted all who laid their eyes upon it for the first time.


    When the boy opened his eyes again, the moment was over and only the black charcoal stood before him, silent and dead, a monument to lament the crimes of humankind. Shaking his mind free of feeling guilty by proxy, he turned to see Nerous''s face. The last living male member of the Ljosalfar royal family wore an expression of determination. If Nimeton had not been convinced before, he was now given proof of his companion''s majesty once again. Nerous had the countenance of a person who was willing to stake his future on retaking what was rightfully his.


    With resolute steps, the half-Alf began to follow the path that circled around the remains of the world tree, leaving behind his fallen kingdom as he looked ahead on his path towards the mountains. There was not a hint of hesitation in his gait, never looking back at the place he had longed to return to for so many years. His future was the only thing he could see. That day, Nerous swore that he would rise up in the world and bring down the hammer of justice on those that had destroyed his home. Only then would he return to this land, rebuild his kingdom and bring back his people.


    A two day''s journey northwest from the ruined city, during which they only came upon one small human frontier settlement where they rested for a night, the two wanderers entered the mountain range that had been towering in the far distance as seen from Alfheimr. Even though it was called Jotunfjeldene, the territory before them had been under human control ever since the war on non-humans. They would have to travel for a few more days before they would be able to enter the Jotnar and Dvergr territories in the mountains.


    They had stocked up on food in the last village by selling herbs Nimeton had collected on their way. The boy proved proficient at surviving in the wild, despite the fact that he was a year younger and had become a slave at roughly the same age as Nerous had. It was another hint at the fact that he was of low birth and had been taught the ways of the world by his parents before he was taken from them. Between the two boys ranks were meaningless; they had escaped many hardships together and would remain friends no matter what happened. Nerous recalled the words of the man of darkness, telling him to treasure his companion for he was an irreplaceable existence in these troubled times. Glancing at Nimeton from the side, as they climbed an incline that would lead them to a pass into the next valley, the half-Alf let a smile show on his lips. Indeed, the boy beside him was somebody he would hold dear for the rest of his life.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Look, there''s a house!" Nimeton suddenly turned around to him and pointed forward, causing Nerous to quickly avert his gaze in embarrassment. "Hm, what''s wrong?" Apparently the boy had not noticed him looking. "Let''s see if we can maybe have a rest there."


    Their appearance had changed after their last stop, when they had been able to take a bath and dress up in clothes that did not comprise primarily of discarded rags. Nerous still had to dye his hair, but at least he did not have to hide his complexion anymore; his ears were still a problem and remained hidden under the leather cap, until they safely left the territories held by humans. With their more presentable outfits they could dare to knock on some doors and ask for the goodwill of people not as beggars, but as normal wayfarers.


    The house looked like it belonged to a scholar, the type that secluded itself from civilization to study arcane knowledge or old scriptures in peace. It was half a day away from the closest settlement and potentially the very frontier of human encroachment on the Jotnar dominion. Even if these lands had been taken almost six years ago, the empire''s colonization program had not progressed far enough for the entire area to be converted for human use. Those who came here were either desperate, especially hardy, or free spirited people who felt that they would be able to reason with the Jotnar and Dvergr, if they attempted to reclaim their lost territory.


    Nimeton knocked on the front gate and waited for a response, which soon came; an elderly man opened the wooden door. He was dressed in plain clothes that suggested he was a servant of the household. A friendly smile appeared on his face when he saw the two boys.


    "What can I do for you, lads?" He said, his warm voice soothing to the ears of Nerous and Nimeton; they had not been favorably received anywhere since they ran away.


    "We would like to seek shelter for the night. It does not matter if we have to sleep in the barn," Nimeton did the talking, since Nerous did not want to stand out.


    "Please, come on in," The man invited them inside without even a hint of hesitation. Surprised at the immediate response, the two boys did not react immediately. "The master welcomes any and all travelers," He added and opened the gate wide. "He only asks to hear some stories of the world over supper in recompense for his hospitality. You see, the master is a writer, and always seeks new inspirations." Silently exchanging a look with each other, the two wayfarers nodded and accepted the proposal.


    "Bring us to your master quickly so we can thank him for his generosity," Nimeton urged, and followed the elderly servant inside. The estate consisted of three single-story buildings, with the largest reserved for the family of the master, while the second largest housed the servants, and the smallest was used for storage. The two boys were led through the front garden and to the main building, into a reception room, where they were told to wait, for the master would come out and greet them momentarily.


    Looking around, Nerous became aware of the fact that the interior was tidy but not very luxurious. However, the lack of decorations was compensated by the fact that the walls were covered with shelves, stacked with books and paper scrolls. They numbered in the thousands, suggesting that the master of the house was well-read and most likely very wise. Nimeton and Nerous approached the shelves and looked over the many books with great interest, when a voice came from behind them, startling them."If you like, you can read them."


    The boys spun around to find a man in his late thirties, sporting long brown hair and a goatee, wearing black and white robes typical for scholars. His sharp but gentle dark green eyes were looking over his guests with a welcoming gaze, and a smile played on his lips. "My name is Theoron," He introduced himself with a slight bow, his tone filled with the confidence gained from intellect and wisdom. "I welcome you to my abode. Please, make yourselves comfortable."


    Nerous and Nimeton quickly returned the gesture with a deeper bow. "My name is Kaneis and this is my friend Filon. We will only bother you for one night, Sir Theoron," The latter responded. "We are grateful for your hospitality and wish to repay your kindness with all our capacity." The silent half-Alf nodded in affirmation, wondering about his friend''s eloquence once again.


    "Do not worry, young man. It can get lonely in these parts, so I appreciate the little company that comes along from time to time," Theoron said with a smile. "Gennad, go prepare supper, and call Sophia to meet our guests." The elderly servant bowed and immediately went to take out the orders given to him. "Since my sons left to study in Boura, it has been only my daughter and I." The master of the house gestured for the two boys to sit down at the table in the middle of the room, as he rounded it to place himself in the seat of the host.


    "If you do not mind me asking, why did you choose to move here, Sir Theoron?" Nimeton asked, as he sat down. Nerous remained silent, waiting to judge the character of their host before risking to reveal his identity by bringing unwanted attention to himself. "Is it not dangerous here, so close to the Jotnar territories?"


    "You will learn that the greatest dangers in these lands are not the Jotnar or Dvergr, but humans. Bandits have killed more people in the frontier territories since their acquisition, than any of the free races. I have long studied history and learned that the free races are much nobler than us," Theoron replied, voicing his high opinion of the races that existed in Yggdra before the arrival of humans.


    "Sir, praising the free races is still punishable by law! The war is officially still not over," Nimeton quickly warned, trying to gauge the man''s reaction. To his surprise, he was met with hearty laughter, as he waved off the notion that there were any consequences to his words. "As long as you do not report me, I have nothing to fear. The servants that did not share my sentiment have left my services when I decided to move here. The settlement you passed on your way here are filled with people who came here for the same reason as I. To be closer to the free races, now that they have been pushed back from their lands. Most of us had contact with one or another and lost that when the war broke out, but we seek to reestablish our friendships."


    Taken aback by that revelation, Nimeton and Nerous shared a glance between the two of them, before the latter finally spoke, for the first time. "Sir Theoron, you..." However, he was interrupted when a young girl, judging from her looks not even ten years of age, entered the room. She had long light blonde hair that reached her waist, and her emerald green eyes were half-closed from what appeared to be drowsiness. Due to this trait her otherwise expressionless face gave her a constantly bored appearance.


    "Ah, Sophia. Come, introduce yourself to our guests," Theoron beckoned his daughter over. Coming to a stop before the two boys, she gave a curtsy and stated her full name. "Sophia Claris, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Her voice was bell-like and clear, befitting of her apparent age. She looked from Nimeton to Nerous, as they introduced themselves in response. Her gaze remained on the half-Alf and an eyebrow shifted upwards slightly, but it went by unnoticed. Turning around wordlessly, she rounded the table and sat down beside her father. "Mister Nerous, you were about to speak," Theoron turned around, remembering that the boy had begun to say something when Sophia''s arrival interrupted him.


    "Yes, Sir Theoron, I just wanted to hear what kind of connections you had with the free races," Nerous said, slightly nervous from the eyes on him. He was still wearing his leather cap, bad manners to do indoors and more so at the dining table; by shifting everyone''s attention to him, he was making them aware of that fact.


    "My wife was a Ljosalf," The host responded unhesitatingly, turning to look at his daughter with affection. Nimeton and Nerous were shocked by this revelation and watched Theoron pet Sophia''s hair. "She was in Alfheimr when the imperial army attacked. Sophia was with me at the time, which saved her life." Sadness crept into his features as silence fell on the room like a heavy blanket. The one to break it was the young daughter.


    "You are just like me," She said, looking at Nerous, her drowsy eyes belying the glint of attentiveness within them. "You are a half-Alf, are you not?" At these words, Theoron turned in surprise, as Nimeton held his breath in astonishment. Only the one who had been called out appeared composed at his identity being seen through so easily by this little girl. "You may hide your ears and hair color, but your eyes give you away. They are like mother''s." When pointed out, it became obvious that the emerald of her irises were much brighter than her father''s and contained the light of the stars, too, a trait unique to Ljosalfar. The same was true for Nerous'' sapphire blue ones, which seemed to have captured a part of the night sky. The only reason he had not been discovered based on that was because the common people were not aware of that fact, and those who were had not paid enough attention to him to notice it.


    "It is as you say, Miss Sophia," Nerous confirmed and took off his leather cap, for his ears to become visible. They were pointy and twice the length of a human''s, almost the same size as those of a pure Alf''s. The mixing of human and Ljosalfar blood could produce a wide range in physical appearances; Sophia fixed her open hair behind an ear to reveal that hers were only slightly pointed and not particularly longer than a human''s. "I am Nerous Eventyr, son of Ihana Eventyr, queen of the Ljosalfar, and Isidore Ohm Zenter, from the imperial family of Zenter." For the first time since the day he saw his parents die in front of him did he announce his own name and lineage so openly.


    "I had no idea, your majesty," Theoron stood up and motioned to pay his respects, but was quickly stopped by Nerous.


    "No, Sir Theoron, there is no need for you to prostrate before a member of a fallen dynasty. In fact, we are in your debt for giving us shelter and food." With these words, Nerous stood up and showed his gratefulness with a deep bow. Nimeton quickly followed and did the same. Taken aback, Theoron was speechless and could only look on, while the hint of a smile appeared on Sophia''s lips. He was saved from responding to the gesture when Gennad and two other servants entered to serve the food.


    Over dinner, Nerous told Theoron of his past and the events that led up to him coming to stand before him. He also told him about his plan to seek refuge with the Jotnar for the time being, revealing that he intended to retake the lands of the free races and rebuild Alfheimr for the surviving Ljosalfar in the future. Sophia remained silent throughout, listening intently, as her father discussed the matter with their guests.


    "The areas around Alfheimr have been all but abandoned by humans, and none wish to settle there, fearing that the Alfar have cursed the land in their dying breaths. With the death of the Mad Emperor and General Kleitos of Iasus, the war against the free races has unofficially ended, even if prejudice and animosity linger." Theoron explained the developments of the past years to the guests, as he learned that they had been practically imprisoned and cut off from the outside world since the fall of the Ljosalfar. "The humans are currently busy fighting amongst themselves, with the tyrant Hesper of Naxos controlling the court. The empire has practically given up on this land after taking it, and settlement projects are stalled, if not outright cancelled, so they will not pay much attention to the free races. In the times to come, all eyes will be on the central plains, so your majesty could try and gather your strength among the Jotnar, Dvergr and human sympathizers."


    "You say there would be humans willing to fight for our cause?" Nerous asked, hesitant to rely on the race that betrayed friendship and repaid peace with war on the orders of a madman.


    "Indeed, there were those who rose up against the Mad Emperor and defended the free races. In the south Rhamnus under Galeno Solaris, resisted the imperial decree and fought alongside the Fire Jotnar, then rose up in rebellion and marched on the capital. North of here, Alexis Mala of Aegae defended the northern borders of the Jotunfjeldene from the incursions of Kios and Dorylaion forces. If not for her help, the Jotnar and Dvergr would have had to fight enemies all around their borders," Theoron elaborated on his statement. "They could become great allies in the future, but what your majesty needs the most right now is a basis."


    "I understand. I have neither a home nor followers, safe for my trusted friend Nimeton." At these words, Nerous turned to look at his companion with a smile of conviction. Returning the gaze with one of affirmation, Nimeton showed that he would remain with him. "Would sir be willing to lend me his strength and join me on my path to restore my people?" The half-Alf finally asked their host, impressed by his knowledge and insight.


    "I am very sorry, your majesty, I am but a humble scholar. A person such as I has no role in these troubled times," Theoron responded after a moment of contemplation. It appeared that his decision was based on the fact that he had a young daughter he needed to look after.


    "Can I not persuade you in any way?" Nerous probed again, understanding that the look Theoron gave Sophia was a definite indication that he would not change his mind. Affirming his decision with a face filled with regret and a slow shake of his head, the host showed that under different circumstances, he would have gladly accepted. "I wish your majesty the best of luck."


    This concluded their dinner, which had continued into late at night. Sophia was dozing off in her seat, showing that despite her quick wit and insightful personality, she was still just a child. Standing up from his seat, Theoron signaled that it was time to go to their own rooms and rest for the day. Nerous and Nimeton followed Gennad, who was ordered to show them their room. With lingering disappointment, each retired for the night.


    The next morning, the two wayfarers prepared to be on their way again, even as Theoron told them that they could stay as long as they wanted and rest from all the hardships they encountered on their journey. When they declined repeatedly, thanking the host for his selfless hospitality and advice for their future, he could only let them leave. Still, he presented them with provisions to last them for many days and robes that would more adequately shield them from the coldness of the mountains they would soon traverse.


    "My two sons in Boura are of greater potential than I could ever be. In two to three years, they will conclude their studies and be on the lookout to serve outstanding people. I will send them a letter and tell them about your aspirations. They will surely become a great help to your majesty," Theoron said before their parting. "Please do not lose heart, I believe that the Heavens will look over your majesty''s path."


    "Thank you so much, Sir Theoron. I will never forget your kindness, and I will be sure to repay it manifold!" Nerous announced, before turning away and leaving, looking back several times to wave goodbye. Nimeton did the same, thinking what great luck it had been to come upon a person of such inspirational intellect. He made sure to remember Sophia as well, convinced of the fact that she would doubtlessly develop an incredible mind and grow up to become an individual of note. Their goal was an undertaking that would take decades to realize, so in ten years time, they could return and try to recruit her for their cause.


    For now, they remained two homeless wanderers, aspiring to deeds that turn into the fabric legends are woven from.

 Chapter Two: Era of Heroes - Galenos Downfall

    aleno¡¯s return to his southern fiefdom of Rhamnus took him on a route along the border between Herolus and Myrmekion. Myrrine Nouus of Stagirus had taken her troops back to Edessa, where her fleet awaited. She would sail around the continent on sea, rather than travel by land, and arrive back in her fiefdom about a months later, but without risking any enemy encounters. There were no sea-faring fiefdoms along the way, except for Zenter, which was now in the hands of northerners who easily became seasick and would not dare to face her. Nobody would challenge her on the return trip.


    Iason of Herolus had clearly shown that he was not very fond of Galeno, and Hieronymos Vindino, the governor of Myrmekion, had repeatedly clashed with the governor of Rhamnus on border disputes in the past. Galeno¡¯s march on the capital a year prior had taken him through Myrmekion, and only an illness had prevented Hieronymos from calling up his armies to stand against him.


    This time, Galeno knew that Iason was still in Zenter, so he ordered his troops to move along Herolus¡¯ side of the border, making sure not to give the garrisons stationed there any cause to attack them. It took his army about two weeks to complete the first stage of their journey home. A messenger had gone ahead and called for a transport fleet from Rhamnus to pick up the army and bring them back to their capital. It would take them nearly a month from there, as they had to sail and row upstream the Pamisos river, the second longest river on the continent.


    For Galeno, however, it was still a dangerous path, as the river marked the border between Herolus and Myrmekion, as well as between Rhamnus and Myrmekion, and a grand army sailing on it could be seen as an act of war. Galeno¡¯s troops were weakened after the campaign and tired from the long journey, while Hieronymos¡¯ had not taken part in the Anti-Hesper Alliance. His soldiers were well-rested and could come down the river and attack them at any time.


    However, Galeno¡¯s army reached Rhamnus¡¯ waters on the 20th of the fifth month in 354, without meeting any enemies. It was this complacency and feeling of security that Heron of Cumae had been waiting for. On the 21st, two days from where Galeno had aimed to disembark and finish the journey on land, Heron¡¯s ironclad legion sailed around a river bend and rammed into the front of the Rhamnus fleet. The famous armored ships were slow and easy targets for ranged fire attacks, but possessed unparalleled power in close quarters; once they were railing to railing, fire could no longer be used in fear of it jumping over to the user. The entire width of the river was blocked off by the ironclads and Galeno¡¯s advance had been stopped dead in its tracks - it was an ambush.


    "How dare he challenge the our mighty fleet to a battle on our home waters!" Galeno¡¯s angry voice thundered across the command bridge. Historically, Rhamnus had always possessed the strongest navy in all of Zenter; the majority of its borders was defined by deep and wide rivers, thus warranting a well-trained fleet rather than a land-based army. Cumae and Myrmekion were the only direct contenders, as both shared a river-bound border with Rhamnus. Herolus¡¯ fleet had deteriorated over the past few generations, especially under Iason, who saw no use in having a fleet and preferred to pursue his personal interest of having a grand cavalry, despite the fact that his holdings were not as suitable for horse-breeding as the fiefdoms to the north.


    "My lord, our fleet is being locked down by the ironclads. If they have troops on land and shoot at us from the riverbanks, we will be sitting ducks!" Basilo Precaris of Messene reported, as he returned from the front lines. The two armies were fighting a ranged battle, as the ironclads had not yet opened their gates and used their arrowslits to keep the Rhamnus soldiers at bay. They were clearly buying time.


    "The ships in the back are useless in this situation. Let the troops disembark and secure the riverbanks," Galeno said and turned his attention to Elpeo Ralega of Gangra, a young general who had proven herself especially capable at commanding troops on land - a talent not many in Rhamnus possessed. "Take three thousand troops and get to it." Elpeo bowed wordlessly and left to fulfill her orders. "Nikandros, go to the front and see what you can do to break through." The general with the large build bowed at the command and departed swiftly.


    "Father, let me fight!" Drakon voiced his wish to join the fray. Seeing his son¡¯s eagerness to prove his prowess, especially after the battle against Hesper¡¯s forces had yielded no achievements for him, Galeno could not help but smile. "Patience, my son. You will get your chance. For now, we will observe the situation and take all precautions." Turning to Basilo, he proceeded. "Take twenty ships and sail downstream to the mouth of the Kumas. Make sure Myrmekion does not make a move in this situation."


    "Understood, my lord!" With this, Basilo left.


    Galeno sighed and looked over his fleet. Since inheriting Rhamnus from his father, he had tirelessly trained the navy to solidify his family¡¯s hold on the fiefdom. With the waning influence of the imperial court, especially in the fiefdoms far from the capital, governors had become warlords even before the Mad Emperor¡¯s ascension, and Cumae had been among the first to openly show expansionist tendencies. Heron Berneris of Cumae held the third largest territory in the empire, and his lands were just as fertile as Rhamnus¡¯ and Myrmekion¡¯s. With large plains suitable for horse-breeding, as well as wide rivers and the largest lake in the empire supporting the training of a navy, Heron long held the ambition to expand his territory at the cost of his neighbors. Galeno¡¯s return from the campaign to the east was the perfect opportunity to deliver a decisive first strike.


    "My lord, enemies have been sighted on Rhamnus¡¯ side of the riverbanks! They fly the flag of Demosthes of Juktas!" A soldier came to report. "General Elpeo is engaging them." Demosthes Tallia of Juktas was Heron¡¯s star general, versed in both land and naval warfare. He had been delegated to protect the territories he had helped take from the Fire Jotnar during the Extermination War, but was apparently called to the east for this ambush.


    "Heron is going all out on this, it seems. He clearly wants to put an end to our disputes once and for all." Right then, another soldier rushed in for an emergency report.


    "Small assault boats are slipping through the openings between the ironclads and are sailing into our midst. The ironclads have opened their gates and are beginning to board our frontline ships."


    "Nikandros will deal with the ironclads. Let the assault boats taste our arrows. Make sure not to let them into our ranks too deeply. This may yet be an enemy plot," Galeno responded and sent the messenger away. Just then, the sound of a distant explosion boomed across the river. It clearly came from within his own fleet, compelling him to run to the bow of his vessel and look for the source. Somewhere halfway between his position and the place where the ironclads were locking down the front of his army, one of his ships had caught fire and was in the process of sinking.


    "The assault boats are filled with explosives!" He exclaimed and quickly called a messenger to bring his orders to the front lines. "Do not let the small boats come close to our ships. Use stakes to push them away, don¡¯t shoot them with arrows, or you may accidentally cause them to explode." Hurrying to relay the commands, the messenger left again.


    "We need to make some distance between our ships, or fires may spread. Lysiphos, take a contingent of small boats and break through the blockade. I want to know how deep it is." The general he had addressed was Lysiphos Abbaneio of Lamia, a former river pirate hailing from the lake city in Cumae. In Galeno''s youth, the two had clashed repeatedly, until the he had finally been able to capture Lysiphos. Thinking that executing such an outstanding captain would be a waste, the governor had persuaded him to join his ranks.


    "You like to send me into the most dangerous places. Are you maybe thinking that not executing me back then was a mistake after all?" The former pirate grinned and left to follow his orders. If Nikandros or Basilo had been present, they would have protested against Lysiphos'' disrespectful manner of speech towards the lord. For Galeno, their relationship was something special, and he understood that this was what the former pirate¡¯s considered to be friendly banter.


    Galeno looked towards the front, to determine how the battle was going. From his vantage point, there was little he could see, although the din of battle was an ever-grating noise filling the background, mixing with the splashing of the water against the anchored ships and transforming into the sounds the governor of Rhamnus had grown to love and hate at the same time.


    Nikandros'' arrival at the frontlines was met with a collective cheer, as the Rhamnus army regained their vigor and fought back the boarding parties from the ironclads. Yet, the stream of soldiers from Cumae did not seem to stop, as more and more enemies poured from inside the armored ships. The frontline of these troops were walking fortresses themselves, chosen solely for their stout builds and physical strength, to carry heavy armor and shields with the single purpose of creating and holding a bridgehead. The only weapons they carried were one-handed maces, but they usually wielded their shields with both hands, interlocking them with their neighbors'' to create an advancing wall of steel.


    The interiors of the ironclads were three-tiered, with the uppermost reserved entirely for transporting troops, ready for combat. The second tier carried the oarsmen, as the vessels lacked sails, to prevent them from being targeted by fire. The lowermost was used to store weapons and battle rations. This meant that a fleet of ironclad was usually accompanied by a fleet of transport ships used to house troops when not in battle, as well as to carry provisions for long journeys. These armored behemoths were already twice as large as normal galleys, so a deck filled to the brim with soldiers meant that the war potential they carried was immense.


    ¡°Aim at the closed arrowslits, shoot when they open. Spread oil on their boarding ramparts!¡± Nikandros bellowed orders as he walked along the railing, where a melee had broken out. Wielding a heavy, oar-shaped metal-studded club, he would sometimes join the fray and push back an enemy¡¯s attempt to expand the front line. ¡°Don¡¯t let their heavy infantry dig in on our ships!¡±


    The enemy had slipped small explosive boats through the cracks already, most likely to try and spread apart their fleet and isolate the ones locked in a melee with the ironclads. It seemed to be an effective strategy, as Nikandros saw no way to break through the blockade with raw power. Gnashing his teeth, the weathered veteran could only continue to hold the front, while waiting for a change in the battle situation to arise elsewhere.


    Over the railing, he spotted several small rowing boats quietly moving along the spaces between the ships, towards the ironclads, and recognized the man standing at the helm of the one at the very front. It was Lysiphos, whom he butted heads with whenever they met in a formal occasion. The former pirate noticed Nikandros¡¯ gaze and looked up with a grin, then raised a finger to his lips to signal that he should keep quiet about this. Then he disappeared between the ironclads, before the veteran general could react.


    ¡°That runt, what is he up to now?¡± He muttered, but had to return his attention to the enemy putting up a new rampart to try and board his ship.


    Elpeo had encountered enemies in the forest covering the banks on Rhamnus side of the river and engaged them. Without knowing how many soldiers from Cumae there were, she took a cautious stance and opted to secure a base on land to fall back on, in case the enemy decided to use a fire attack on the entire fleet. She sent out scouts to determine the enemy positions, before ordering her troops to construct a camp by chopping down trees. Despite calling it fighting with the enemies, there was not much going on at the frontlines, as Demosthes had drawn back upon being discovered.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not going to follow you, idiot,¡± Elpeo muttered, causing her aide to turn to look at her. ¡°Nothing, just talking to myself.¡± She added and walked to inspect the work on the camps.


    Small skirmishes were happening all along the riverbank, but neither side had committed to a full-blown battle. Demosthes was clearly trying to lure her deeper into the forest and away from the ships, which the Rhamnus forces could use as mobile fortresses to retreat to, in case the situation became unfavorable for them. Elpeo would not fall for such cheap tactics and kept her forces in check, even as eager commanders under her wished to pursue the enemies who would quickly feign retreat whenever pressured slightly.


    This careful maneuvering continued until Elpeo noticed a pattern in the enemy movement. It became apparent that they were leaving an opening perpendicular to the river, which seemed like an opportunity to attempt a breakthrough. However, having extensively studied Demosthes¡¯ methods, the young general understood that this was a trap. Instead, she opted to use that knowledge against her opponent and break apart the ambush with a counter-ambush.


    ¡°Diogeno!¡± Elpeo turned to the man at her side. He was Diogeno Ralega, her younger brother, and a skilled commander in his own right. Having accompanied his sister on many campaigns, he had learned from her in many ways, although some badmouthed him for seemingly being unable to think for himself and being content with remaining in Elpeo¡¯s shadow. ¡°Take five hundred riders and push through the enemy¡¯s opening.¡±


    ¡°I am sure sisters is aware that this is a trap,¡± Diogeno responded, his expression not betraying his thoughts about his sister sending him on what seemed like a suicide mission.


    ¡°Yes, I am aware, and you should know what to do in that situation,¡± Elpeo spoke impatiently. She knew that the rumors were spot on and that this little brother always required confirmation from his sister to make a move. However, she also understood his genius, and the fact that he only needed a push at the right time to step out of her shadow and spread his name throughout the empire. ¡°Crush Demosthes¡¯ trap, little brother!¡±


    Diogeno bowed in response to his sister¡¯s firm voice and quickly went to gather the troops under him and begin his mission. When he left, Elpeo turned to her aide and ordered him to gather eight hundred men; she would stealthily follow behind her brother and set up a double-layered counter-attack. The situation on land was entering a decisive showdown.


    Basilo had turned twenty ships around and sailed downstream for two liges, to the mouth of the Kumas, where it flowed into the Pamisos. It was hidden behind a river bend, which could hide a fleet due to the dense vegetation on the banks. On a hunch, the general stopped the advance and had a small boat row ahead to scout the area. If the enemy had placed an ambush around the corner, running into it blindly while moving downstream and on a tailwind would spell certain doom.


    His sixth sense had been right, as the ferryman on the boat hastily steered his boat around and gestured wildly while shouting something that was drowned out by the wind and the sound of the river. In the next moment, a hail of arrows struck him and his lifeless body fell into the water, disappearing into its depths.


    ¡°Enemy ambush! To your stations!¡± Basilo boomed across his vessel, his order echoed by his first mate, picked up by the neighboring ships and transmitted throughout his fleet. Anxiety at the unseen enemy spread, as the sailors and soldiers braced themselves for their appearance.


    Around the river bend came a galley unlike any they had seen before, its size more than thrice that of the Rhamnus flagship under Galeno¡¯s personal command. The black lacquered deck towered far above the water line, easily looking down onto Basilo¡¯s fleet. The crest of Myrmekion was painted on the ocher sail, clearly denoting its affiliation with Rhamnus¡¯ greatest contender in naval warfare. It appeared to be the flagship of the enemy, as several smaller galleys came into sight, following it while avoiding its massive wake.


    ¡°They¡¯re downstream and we have tailwind. It¡¯s just a big target. Light it up!¡± Basilo snapped out of the initial astonishment at the giant galley¡¯s sight and gave his orders. Fires were prepared to light the arrowheads that would soon be raining down on the enemy ship. Just when Basilo was sure that the leviathan¡¯s size would spell its downfall, the galley next to his was shattered by an impact. ¡°What...?¡±


    Looking at the enemy, Basilo was able to spot the throwing arm of a trebuchet on the deck of the massive ship, as it was being drawn back down again. However, it did not end there, as suddenly two more arms snapped upwards and released their deadly payloads of massive rocks. ¡°Brace yourselves!¡± He shouted as he watched the projectiles reach the zenith of their arcs and begin their gravity-aided descent towards his fleet. If the enemy¡¯s aim was as true as the first shot, it would cost him another two ships and almost three hundred men in one fell swoop.


    Lysiphos was stealthily moving at the head of a small force of a hundred men, steering boats through the blockade to try and find a point of weakness. He had been given the task to gauge the enemy¡¯s concentration, but he intended to do more. If he spotted the commander¡¯s vessel, he would order his handpicked elites, who were all former pirate comrades without exceptions, to board it and cut off the enemy¡¯s head.


    It did not take his contingent long to pass by the ironclads unnoticed, but Lysiphos signaled the oarsmen to stop and hide in the shadows of the large ships. A distance away, after a stretch of open space beyond the blockade, awaited a fleet of traditional galleys, with the largest flying the banner of Heron Berneris of Cumae himself. Grinding his teeth in impotence, the former pirate could only stare at the flagship with a hateful expression. They were too far away and there was no cover for at least fifty paces between their position and the enemies¡¯. If it was solid ground, a group of cavalry or even swift-footed men could charge in before the victims could react in time. However, they were on a flowing river, and had to move against the current.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back, there¡¯s nothing we can do here.¡± Only reluctantly did Lysiphos order a retreat, back through the blockade. Once again, they remained undetected and quickly returned to the Rhamnus flagship.


    ¡°My lord, the enemy has another fleet waiting behind the ironclad legion. We won¡¯t be getting through there, no matter how hard Nikandros tries. We are at a numerical disadvantage, and our position here is not very secure,¡± The former pirate reported back to Galeno, who listened with a serious expression.


    ¡°Basilo sent a messenger. The Myrmekion fleet has appeared at our rear, with a new invention - a massive ship with three trebuchets on board. He is engaging the enemy in close range but is taking heavy casualties. Elpeo has informed me that she set up a fortified camp at the southern riverbank and is attempting to break apart Demosthes¡¯ ambush.¡± It was an update to let Lysiphos know about their grave circumstances. ¡°Take ten ships and reinforce our rear, I will personally begin the landing of our main forces at the secured riverbank once Elpeo informs me of her success.¡± That she would succeed was a matter of fact for Galeno, who put his complete trust in the young general.


    ¡°I can make do with one. I¡¯ll be taking Rhamnus¡¯ Fist,¡± Lysiphos declared with an aloof grin. Rhamnus¡¯ Fist was a cousin ship of the one Galeno commanded, a smaller and compacter version of the flagship, using the same design save for two decisive differences; it was smaller but used the same number of oars to achieve superior speed, and it was equipped with a hidden pointed ram, located right below the waterline, to puncture and sink enemy vessels.


    ¡°Very well. But keep an eye out for the signal to retreat and regroup on the riverbank,¡± Galeno agreed to the former pirate¡¯s demand. ¡°Show Myrmekion the might of Rhamnus, and make them never forget it.¡±


    Diogeno had charged right into the opening left by Demosthes, knowing that it was a trap, with the intention to shatter it. He was ordering his troops to ride with all their might, as if he was trying to make a break for safety, acting like he was abandoning the battle. It was meant to throw the enemy into confusion and cause them to wonder whether to let him through or to engage him. Ultimately, the enemy chose the latter, albeit very obviously in a hasty manner, as the war cries rising up from around them were anything but united.


    ¡°Do not waver, the enemy is in disarray. We will break through their center and turn around to hit their rear!¡± Diogeno commanded his troops and quickened the pace. The enemy was closing in on them from both sides, but the path was still not blocked. Due to the ambushers¡¯ initial hesitation, they were too slow to close the gap in time, allowing for the young general to break through completely unchecked.


    ¡°Vanguard, spread out two paces! My squadron, spread out one pace! Rear guard, pass through and spread out three paces! After another one hundred paces, turn on your heels and follow my lead!¡± This resulted in his five hundred horsemen forming a wedge with him at the very tip. Diogeno only dared a cavalry charge because the majority of the horses Galeno had on this campaign were purchases from the north. Southern horses were much weaker and ill suited for direct confrontations, and generally only used for skirmishing tactics. All three hundred under his command were riding these northern mounts, rumored to be scions of the legendary sleipnirs, six-legged horses possessing monstrous strength and endurance, encountered by the first settlers in Yggdra.


    His troops turned around and began to ride towards the enemies, who faltered at the sudden counter-attack, unsure of what to do in face of an unfamiliar cavalry charge. Just then, a war cry resounded from behind the enemy lines and from atop his mount, Diogeno could see the flags of Elpeo, approaching from the other side to pincer Demosthes¡¯ troops. He grinned to himself, as he had known that his sister would follow up on his attack. The enemy ambush had been completely turned around and Cumae¡¯s entire battle formation crumbled as their morale broke at the unexpected maneuver.


    Almost instantly, over a thousand enemy soldiers lay slain across the battlefield, and the rest were routed, running for the woods after having lost all will to fight. Diogeno and Elpeo met in the middle, both unharmed and counting very few losses.


    ¡°Follow me, we will ride on the momentum and charge into their left flank. After this, it will be isolated from their main forces,¡± Elpeo said to her brother and turned to her troops while waving her sword. ¡°Let us finish them off!¡± A cheer rose to the skies and the Rhamnus soldiers¡¯ morale was at an all-time high. Sending off a messenger to inform Galeno of the situation and the next step of her plan, Elpeo and Diogeno continued on the high of their success.


    ¡°As expected of Elpeo!¡± Galeno exclaimed in joy and gave the orders for the landing. He informed Nikandros of the plan to retreat onto land, where the ironclads would be entirely useless, and sent the signal for Basilo and Lysiphos to retreat. Drakon was to lead a contingent of one thousand to reinforce the right flank, where half of Elpeo¡¯s troops were holding off the numerically superior Cumae forces.


    At the same time, Lysiphos charged Rhamnus¡¯ Fist into the enemy¡¯s trebuchet ship, breaching its hull. His pirate troops used the opportunity to enter it, using their swift hit-and-run skills to keep the enemy from hurling any more rocks at the fleet under Basilo. Their aim was to sabotage the fine machinery of the trebuchets, so that they would be out of commission for long enough for the Rhamnus ships to disengage from close quarters. Lysiphos was fighting entirely with the aim to secure their retreat, knowing that the signal from his lord for moving onto land would come soon.


    The former pirate had success in disabling the siege machines by cutting many of its rope systems. For good measure, they spread oil across the deck and lit it on fire, before retreating back onto their own ship. At the same time, a fast messenger boat arrived and shot a signal arrow into the sky - the sign for their retreat. The enemy was thrown into confusion when their flagship was so suddenly attacked by what they perceived to be river pirates rather than Rhamnus troops. They were slow to pursue, as they had to put out the fires and try to repair the trebuchets, all the while dealing with the hole in their side.


    Basilo ordered a general retreat and his battered fleet separated from the enemy¡¯s, which they had hugged in order to deter the flagship from shooting and risking to hit their own vessels. Pulling up the sails and rowing as quickly as they could, the Rhamnus galleys quickly moved upstream, while continuing to exchange hails of flaming arrows with their pursuers.


    Nikandros heard the order for the retreat and understood that by moving onto land, they were effectively abandoning their entire fleet. However, survival was more important, and in a situation where they were surrounded, saving expendable war machines was not the top priority. Thus, he commanded his troops in an orderly retreat from the frontline ships, while preparing their scuttling using kindling. If this fleet was to go down, it would only do so by taking the enemy down with it.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore now, so set the ramparts on fire! Let them burn!¡± The general ordered and had his troops abandon the front line and retreat to the second layer of ships. They soon left behind more than ten of their vessels, but set them on fire before separating from them. Moving downstream and rejoining the main fleet that was in the process of landing on shore, Nikandros had successfully retreated.


    The main fleet was soon rejoined by Basilo and Lysiphos, while Drakon successfully repelled the enemies on the right flank on land. Galeno led the main force of four thousand through the opening created by the Ralega siblings, aiming for a quick march to the fortress city of Alaia, which was about twenty liges south from their position. Elpeo and Diogeno secured the left flank, where the majority of the enemy forces had been routed in their heroic charge following the counter-attack against Demosthes¡¯ trap. Basilo and Nikandros joined Drakon on the right flank, where heavy enemy movement was still being reported. Lysiphos was to oversee the scuttling of the Rhamnus fleet, before following as the rearguard and placing ambushes along the way.


    Demosthes¡¯ flags had not been spotted for a while and only nameless generals were leading the forces on the right flank. He may have retreated after his initial loss or was setting up his next course of actions. In either case, it was an opportunity too good to pass up for Rhamnus to break through and escape the enemy encirclement. The sun was disappearing behind the horizon and momentum alone could sustain a tired army only for that long. They had to make decisive progress towards survival before the morale dropped and turned the situation into something worse than it was already.


    Personally leading the main army, Galeno moved in the most direct line towards Alaia, which they would be able to reach by dawn if they kept their pace up. The soldiers were hungry and exhausted, but watching their commander tirelessly riding at their front raised their spirits and let them endure the march.


    Around midnight, Elpeo and Diogeno at the left flank reported pursuers from Myrmekion following them on land, in the dark estimating the troops at around eight thousand. On the right flank, Drakon, Nikandros and Basilo reported that the enemy was showing uncharacteristically conservative movements, only following and not engaging. However, their numbers had increased from the initial three thousand to nearly ten thousand. Lysiphos had successfully scuttled the Rhamnus fleet and created a burning blockade along the riverbank to stall the enemy naval forces from landing their troops. Yet, even he counted over three thousand pursuers to their rear. All in all, the enemy forces were estimated to be over twenty thousand strong, more than twice the amount of the remaining Rhamnus troops.


    Yet, there was hope in such dire circumstances, as Galeno encountered no enemies at the head of the main army. The periodic reports from scouts sent ahead to watch signs of ambushes turned up negative, compelling the governor to delegate reinforcements to the other positions. Knowing Lysiphos, he could make do with the one thousand already under his command, but the enemy numbers on the right flank were alarming. If they decided to strike, the three thousand under his eldest son''s command would not be able to hold out for long. He trusted that the Ralega siblings were more than capable of keeping the Myrmekion pursuit force at bay with the two thousand under their command. He sent about three thousand of his troops to reinforce the right flank, his second son Agathon taking command for the transition between his and Drakon¡¯s.


    Therefore, Galeno had effectively turned his contingent into the vanguard of the Rhamnus army and was riding at the head of only one thousand troops, when Demosthes suddenly returned to the battlefield. He commanded over two thousand fresh troops, who appeared on top of the hills and inside the woods on both sides. Before the governor could react, the first wave of arrows had claimed many victims even among his personal guards, and had fatally struck his horse. Falling off his mount and tumbling across the ground, Galeno was completely taken by surprise. His mind was filled with questions; the scouts had reported no enemy movement, so how could Demosthes have hidden such a large force? How could he have so suddenly appeared without making a sound right up to the attack?


    An arrow struck Galeno''s shoulder and it was at that moment that he knew his end had come. His one thousand soldiers had already been routed, only few of his guards were standing, trying to shield him from harm with their very bodies, and the enemy had them surrounded. The flanks and rear of the Rhamnus army would not make it in time to save him now. In fact, he hoped from the depth of his heart that his sons and generals would be prudent enough to not charge in blindly to avenge his death. Then, the next wave of arrows came down on his troops and many struck Galeno Solaris of Rhamnus, claiming his life. He was only forty-four years of age.


    Drakon was keeping the right flank busy when he heard a report of the death of his father. "Are you certain?" He asked the soldier impatiently, his countenance one of anger and worry.


    "I was at the rear of the lord''s troops and saw him get struck by many arrows!" The soldier hastily explained. He had an arrow stuck in his right shoulder and was bleeding profusely from the wound, his arm hanging down uselessly while still firmly grasping his sword.


    "Young lord, we have to avenge Lord Galeno''s death!" Nikandros boomed, wrath distorting his firm features. "We cannot let Demosthes get away with this!" Basilo was in agreement, despite his more prudent nature. Their personal feelings were clouding their judgment, but Drakon was not known for his patience, either. Just as he was about to give his order, Agathon spoke up.


    "We must not!" The younger brother served as the voice of reason. "Our father would have wanted us to regroup and continue with our escape to Alaia. We cannot throw our lives away for revenge right now. If we die, Rhamnus will soon fall to Cumae and Myrmekion!" His expression was filled with strength, but everyone present could see that he was suppressing his sadness and anger. None could argue against him upon noticing that he was close to tears, and soon calmed down from the fury at these disastrous news.


    "I understand, brother. Send a messenger to the left flank and our rear guard. Have them rejoin us and push through to Alaia without rest!" Drakon ordered. All power rested in his young hands now, as the eldest son of Galeno''s, and he immediately felt the weight of the responsibility. This was the moment where he had to prove his mettle and bring the remaining eight thousand Rhamnus troops to safety.


    Elpeo and Diogeno doubled their efforts of pushing back the pursuit forces from Myrmekion upon hearing about the death of their lord. With all their rage, they turned around and charged straight into the enemies, taking them by complete surprise. Routing their vanguard and thus creating some breathing space, the Ralega siblings beat a hasty retreat to rejoin the main forces.


    Lysiphos had just ambushed the Cumae troops that had attempted to sneakily circle around from the right flank to attack their rear, when the inauspicious news reached his ears. Pulling away from the enemy in a manner that caused them to wonder if it was a trick, he effectively fooled them into a more cautious pursuit, which would allow him to widen his distance from them. He too, regrouped with the main army soon after.


    The right flank, led by Nikandros and Basilo turned their troops away from the main forces of the Cumae pursuers, feigning a mindless retreat in a gambit to coax them into committing to an attack. The news of Galeno''s death should have made their way to Heron by now, so it was unsurprising that the enemy interpreted the maneuver as confusion assaulting the now headless Rhamnus army. Charging in despite having no capable commander to lead them, they were taken by surprise upon Nikandros'' fervent counterattack, whose anger at his lord''s death boiled over. His roars echoed across the battlefield and instilled fear in all enemies that could hear it. The strategy paid off and the Cumae army was like a burned kitten, fearing to approach the flame again.


    Finally, the Rhamnus forces left the half-encirclement behind as they passed by the site where Galeno had reportedly fallen in battle. His corpse was nowhere to be found, but the signs were clear; his personal guards lay around a small open space, doubtlessly where the governor of Rhamnus had died. The enemy had taken his body as proof of his death and as a trophy for their victory. There was no sign of Demosthes, who had prudently left after completing his objective.


    By the time the Rhamnus army arrived at the city of Alaia, its numbers had dwindled to fewer than three thousand, owing to a continued pursuit by the Cumae and Myrmekion forces, who had joined together and were led by the reappeared Demosthes. The devastating consequences of Galeno''s death were finally taking effect, and many who had been keeping on their feet by his virtues alone were falling behind and became easy pickings for the enemy.


    Even though they had broken through the enemy ambush, their immense losses had far-reaching implications for the future of Rhamnus. The forces of the fiefdom had already been spread thin in the wake of the rebellion against the throne and the defeat at Hesper''s hands the previous year, and the ten thousand Galeno had brought along to the Anti-Hesper Alliance had been the core of his army, with Myrrine commanding the auxiliary. Cumae and Myrmekion had successfully rid themselves of the largest thorn in their side and would not hesitate to extend their hands and attempt to claim all of Rhamnus'' territories now.


    Filled with anger and regret, Drakon led his troops back to Messene, knowing that this was only the beginning of the hardships that his house would face. He swore bitter revenge against those responsible for his father''s death, as he bid his time and moved to consolidate Rhamnus'' defenses against the impending full-blown invasion.

 Chapter Two: Era of Heroes - The Dvergr Kingdom

    he mountain range in the center of Yggdra was called Jotunfjeldene despite the fact that the territory was shared with the dvergr. The reason was that the jotnar claimed the entire surface of the region as their own, while the dvergr lived underground and had built their kingdom into the very foundations of the mountains. Thus, there were never any territorial disputes between the two completely contrasting races, and they were actually in a trade agreement for their unique products. The jotnar would sell things that could only be procured on the surface, in exchange for the construction services of the dvergr or their exceptional metal works, which the large jotnar hands could not reproduce.


    Since human maps were unable to mark the territories of above ground and underground on paper, the dvergr kingdom was located in the south of the mountain range, based on known trade routes, while the jotnar territory was in the north. However, the former¡¯s area of expanse was represented as bigger than that of the jotnar. It was for the simple reason that humans viewed dvergr more favorably than jotnar, as they had maintained trade relations with them up until the Mad Emperor''s ascension to the throne. Nevertheless, the surface of the entire mountain range was held by the jotnar, who defended them with fierce territoriality. In contrast, the dvergr lived in a fine network of tunnels and underground cities, right below those mountains.


    The extermination war had not touched the dvergr at all, although they had terminated the trade agreement with Zenter over it. Humans saw them as their kin, as they lacked the divine beauty and atmosphere the ljosalfar possessed, and rather resembled human midgets who had especially heavy beard growth. Fire jotnar and mountain jotnar were very obviously inhuman, as the former possessed skin that looked like hardening lava, which could burst out in flames when enraged, and the latter were usually around five times the height of humans, despite otherwise looking human. The formido were another issue altogether, as they were the result of a union between humans and ice jotnar over the past two millennia. Their heights usually settled around eight measures, but their extremely light skin tones, with the hues of glaciers in some, and the hardened crystalline growths covering parts of their bodies, such as shoulders, elbows and knees, were telltale. However, their aggressive nature and tendencies to raid the northern borders had put them on the side of those to be exterminated, regardless of their ancestry.


    Even if Zenter had targeted the dvergr, its armies would most likely not even have been able to breach the gates leading into their underground kingdom. The entrances were all hidden with optical illusions, special mechanisms or actual earth magic - something very few dvergr were capable of nowadays. Even if they were found, the solid metal or stone they were made of could repel any siege technologies the humans possessed; after all, the majority of those had been developed for them by the dvergr, who knew better than to make them strong enough so that they may be used against their creators.


    It was one of these entrances that Nerous and Nimeton had been trying to find for the past two weeks, as they wandered through the Jotunfjeldene aimlessly. Unlike his sister, Nerous had never been to the dvergr kingdom to visit the royal family, with whom his mother had maintained a friendly relation. Therefore, all he could do was walk around with his silver hair and long ears openly visible, so that an observant dvergr scout may take notice of him. Because he did not know where exactly in the Jotunfjeldene the dvergr kingdom was located, aside from somewhere in the south, he could only hope that they were above their realm and would be spotted by guards - in the same vein hoping that guards were placed above ground in the first place.


    Nimeton had been captivated by Nerous'' beauty since they first met, and seeing his half-alf features so openly on display after they had been hidden on their travels for so long reminded him of that fact. Alfar were naturally androgynous, and many would agree that Nerous was fairer than many human maidens who were considered beauties. For a second, the boy understood the desire their master had felt when seeing the half-alf lying defenselessly on his sheets.


    "Let''s rest here," Nerous turned around to Nimeton and declared. Shaken from his inappropriate thoughts, the latter flinched and tripped over a rock. "Whoa, careful." The half-alf grabbed Nimeton''s hand and prevented a painful fall onto the sharp stones that littered their unmarked path.


    "Th-thanks," The boy stuttered and rectified himself.


    "This is getting us nowhere. We''ve been going around in circles for the past few days, and no sign of anyone. Maybe we need to go deeper into the mountains?" Nerous said and sat down on an old toppled tree. Their rations were all but gone and while nature¡¯s boon was bountiful, there was little shelter from the weather. Although it was summer, the continental climate meant that nights were chilly and could cause one to catch a cold when not cautious.


    Nimeton did not want to sit right next to his friend after his imagination had run wild only moments ago, and stood by, watching the clouds with vigorous interest. Not sensing the turmoil in the human boy¡¯s mind, Nerous looked about, again trying to find the slightest hint of a dvergr gate. To him, everything that remotely resembled dvergr-made structures could have been what he was searching for, but time and time again, he was disappointed to find that they were only rocks that nature had shaped into what the prejudiced eye of a wishful observer interpreted to be chiseled by skilled hands.


    ¡°We¡¯re lucky that we haven¡¯t stumbled upon any jotnar,¡± Nimeton commented as he scanned the surroundings. He was a human, and obviously feared the man-eating giants he had been told about as a child. After the recent war, he was sure that the jotnar were not going to be on very friendly terms with humans, either way. A defenseless boy like him would be easy prey for them.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to fear. Jotnar are generally peace-loving people and I¡¯m with you.¡± Nerous¡¯ reassurance did lessen Nimeton¡¯s anxiety somewhat, but he still feared that in the heat of the moment, something could happen. Humans were powerless against giants unless they had far superior numbers. It was one of the reasons the attack on the Jotunfjeldene had yielded some success; with a massive offensive, the armies of Zenter had been able to overwhelm the numerically inferior jotnar using projectile weapons and had then proceeded to build forts into mountainsides, which the latter could not enter with their giant bodies. The only reason the empire was able to hold any territories after claiming them from the jotnar was because the latter had taken a defensive stance after the initial loss and had not attempted any recapture campaigns. ¡°Our bigger problem is that we are wasting time,¡± The half-alf added. ¡°Let¡¯s go deeper. I can¡¯t believe that dvergr are able to hide this well.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you better believe it, boy,¡± A rough voice suddenly echoed through the area. The two companions spun their heads to search for its source, noticing a man standing on the cliff above them. He had dark brown hair and an extremely long beard, tied into three thick braids. A dark gray barbute covered his head and his brigandine had a rock-like pattern meant to blend in with the background. The man¡¯s hand rested on the head of a two-sided battle axe, as if it was a mere walking stick, and looked down on them with a pair of attentive brown eyes. He was a dvergr.


    ¡°Good morning, master dvergr. I meant no disrespect and was only expressing surprise,¡± Nerous hastily greeted the man standing above them. ¡°My name is Nerous, as you can see, I am an alf.¡± Once again, he was thankful for his mother¡¯s powerful genes that made him look almost completely like an alf.


    ¡°Yes, I can see that. Who is that beside you?¡± The dvergr asked and pointed at Nimeton. ¡°He looks human.¡±


    ¡°He is Nimeton, my travel companion and a trusted friend. We come in peace and wish to seek shelter with your people,¡± The half-alf prince explained, his tone and manners completely different from when he talked to his friend only moments earlier. ¡°May I ask for your name, master dvergr?¡±


    ¡°You may, but I may or may not tell you,¡± The addressee responded with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Taken aback by the answer, Nerous was speechless. A moment later, the dvergr broke out in laughter and walked along the cliff until he came to a slope, from which he descended. Watching, dumbfounded, neither of the two companions said a word, until the dvergr approached them. Only then did they notice that he was about three-and-a-half measures tall, a measure and a half smaller than Nerous. ¡°My name is Eysteinn, they call me Rockbiter.¡± Dvergr had no last names, but used titles they were given by their parents sometime during their childhood, based on a prominent character trait they displayed. Not questioning how he got the epithet of ¡°Rockbiter¡±, the two boys paid their respects in bows of varying degrees, with Nerous¡¯ being little more than a nod. After all, he was still royalty.


    ¡°We don¡¯t accept humans into our halls. You should know best, after all the things they did to your people,¡± Eysteinn said and looked at Nimeton disapprovingly. There was no hint of hostility in his eyes, as he did not see the slender boy as a threat; wielding a battle axe that looked like it could split a grown human wearing full plate armor in half meant that he was confident in his skills to handle a situation involving two unarmed boys.


    ¡°I owe my life to Nimeton. Without him, I would not have made it all the way here. Not all humans are bad, master Eysteinn,¡± Nerous argued for the sake of his friend. ¡°He suffered the same fate as I, and we escaped from the human who held us prisoner together.¡± He did not want to mention that they had been kept as sex slaves by a man who had a preference for little boys.


    ¡°Please, master Eysteinn, take Nerous in. If I am to become an obstacle to him being allowed into your halls, then I shall stay behind,¡± Nimeton stated, to the astonishment of the half-alf. ¡°Nerous, do not worry about me. You are meant for greatness, while I am just another stone to serve as the foundation for your future. You should discard me when I become a hindrance.¡± The dvergr listened to his words with interest.


    ¡°What shall it be?¡± He asked, urging the half-alf to make a decision.


    ¡°No, I will not leave you behind, Nimeton. I will take you along on my path to kinghood, and you will be by my side to witness my ascension!¡± Nerous announced firmly, his expression befitting of a king¡¯s countenance. Softer, he added, ¡°Never speak such sad words again, my friend.¡±


    ¡°Who are you, boy?¡± Eysteinn asked, when he witnessed his kingly appearance. Turning to him, Nerous responded with dignity. ¡°I am Nerous Eventyr, son of Queen Ihana Eventyr of the ljosalfar and Isidore Ohm Zenter, of the imperial family of Zenter.¡± The dvergr¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, as he was able to see the clarity of the half-alf¡¯s eyes and tell that he was not lying.


    ¡°If the dvergr will not allow my friend to accompany me, I shall go and seek the help of less narrow-minded people,¡± Nerous continued and motioned to leave, but was held back by Eysteinn¡¯s voice. ¡°Please wait. Excuse my rudeness earlier, but I have my orders in regards of humans. If you vouch for him, I can allow you both to enter, though.¡± He looked apologetic.


    ¡°I promise on my life that Nimeton will not cause you any trouble,¡± The half-alf stated unhesitatingly. Upon these words, tears welled up in the human boy¡¯s eyes, and he turned away in embarrassment. The two had shared many hardships, but Nerous¡¯ words were an affirmation of their strong bonds that would not be shattered by something so simple. In that moment, Eysteinn was impressed with the half-alf¡¯s fortitude despite his young age and the experiences he must have endured since the fall of Alfheimr.


    ¡°I salute your spirit, Nerous Eventyr. I shall personally lead you to the Great Halls of Myrkheimr and request an audience with my king for you,¡± The dvergr paid his respects and presented his weapon in a salute. His heart had been moved by Nerous, who showed the potential of a great king in his bearings and decisions despite not even being of age. Looking at the human who had earned so much trust from this king in the making, Eysteinn wondered just what their past together had been. However, it was not his place to ask anything more and he began to lead the way to the dvergr kingdom¡¯s entrance.


    Following their dvergr guide¡¯s lead, Nerous and Nimeton finally felt like their journey had returned back on its tracks. Eysteinn led them through the mountains for almost half a day, all the while speaking about their surroundings and the state of the world at large. The two boys opted to listen instead of responding, as both lacked insight into the topics the dvergr addressed. Through him, they learned many things from the perspective of those who lived isolated and seemingly apart from the times, watching the world of man sink into chaos.


    They soon approached an inconspicuous wall in a ravine, without the hint of a pathway leading up to it. When Eysteinn put his hand on it and spoke a few words in the dvergr tongue, blue glowing runes played across its surface. A gate slid open slowly, revealing an opening wide enough to let three dvergr pass through side by side, but only tall enough for the two boys to enter without having to lower their heads. Most humans would find the ceiling too low to walk in upright, but the small folk did not adjust their gates to fit the size of the large folks.


    Yet, first impressions proved to be misleading, as the passage only continued on for a few paces in, where another wall blocked their path. This one, however, was clearly worked and had a well-ornamented surface. Unlike the previous gate, this one had to be pushed open by manpower. Yet, it looked surprisingly easy, despite its thickness, when Eysteinn put both hands against it and swung open the two wings of the gate. A grand entrance hall lay before them; the two travellers were struck speechless by the unexpected sight and the size that seemed fitting for a human palace.


    Within the hall were several dvergr guards, and unlike Eysteinn, they were all wearing full plate armor and wielding halberds, watching over the guests with observant eyes. Although the base of their gear was uniform, they each had individually styled parts such as attached talismans, etching and engravings, or additional plating in certain areas to suit their personal tastes and needs. This showed that the dvergr valued personality within their armies as much as they did discipline - despite their unique looks, their stances were all the same and displayed perfect vigilance.


    One guard with golden pauldrons, instead of the silver ones worn by all the others, approached them and blocked their path forward. His beard was white and tied into one large braid that almost reached his knees, showing that he was of advanced age. Emerald eyes glanced over Nerous and Nimeton, before coming to a rest on Eysteinn¡¯s, their harsh glint posing the question before their owner gave voice to them a moment later. ¡°Who are they, Eysteinn?¡±


    ¡°This is Nerous Eventyr, of the ljosalfar royal family,¡± The addressed dvergr responded with a gesture. ¡°Speak to him and you will understand that he is the real deal, Captain Stigr.¡±


    ¡°I can see that he is an alf, at least. We have been ordered to give shelter to their people after the extermination war, so he may enter. But this one is human,¡± The dvergr named Stigr responded coldly, ignoring the mention of royalty. Nerous was about to protest, but their guide stepped up in his stead.


    ¡°Prince Nerous vouched for this young lad with his life, and I have put my trust in him. If anything should happen, it will be my responsibility,¡± Eysteinn stated resolutely and held a fist to his chest. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s unsightly to be wary of an unarmed boy who looks half starved.¡± At these words, the captain shot the two boys another frigid glance before making way for them. His eyes suggested that they would be closely watched for the duration of their stay, or until there was no more reason for suspicion, at least. Indeed, he ordered two of the heavy guards to accompany them on their path deeper into the mountain.


    At the end of the hall was a flight of stairs, leading up to a large archway. Climbing the steps towards it, Nerous and Nimeton looked around and stared at the reliefs carved into the walls surrounding them, showing dvergr miners holding real diamonds the size of their fists, soldiers in heavily ornamented armor creating a shield wall against an onslaught of dark creatures of lore, and builders constructing the great halls under the supervision of a dvergr wearing a magnificent crown of a silvery metal.


    ¡°That¡¯s real mithril,¡± Eysteinn commented when he noticed the gaze of the two boys. ¡°This is a relief of the founding father of the dvergr kingdom, King Arndorr Hammerfist.¡± Noticing their wondering expressions, he began to explain about King Arndorr. ¡°It was in an age when the yrch still existed and ruled the natural cave systems under the mountains in the Jotunfjeldene. The jotnar were still a feral race and occupied the more shallow caves at higher altitudes. When the first dvergr arrived in these parts and wished to dig for hidden riches, they were attacked by the yrch. King Arndorr led many expeditions against them and after many winters, was able to drive them from the cave system in which you¡¯re now standing. This was the first step towards creating the dvergr kingdom. By the end of his life, the yrch had all but disappeared from the Jotunfjeldene, and the dvergr had flourished and expanded greatly.¡±


    While explaining, they had passed through the archway and entered a long corridor that seemed to disappear in the distance. Intricately carved pillars lined the path and granted more glimpses into the history of the dvergr kingdom¡¯s birth. All the while, Eysteinn¡¯s baritone voice brought the imagery to life through a tone as steady as a narrator¡¯s trained in lore. Nerous felt as if he was travelling back in time, witnessing the heroic battles of the dvergr against the yrch, feeling the elation at the discovery of crystal veins and mithril deposits deep underground, and sharing in the pride of completing work on architecture that easily put any other race¡¯s to shame.


    Thus, the two travellers were given a tour through the history of the rise of the dvergr kingdom, as they neared the end of the corridor. From beyond the archway ahead came the warm lights of fires and the river-like murmuring of a lively town, but nothing could have prepared them for the sight that greeted them. The tunnel opened up to reveal a massive cavern that would have looked like it had no ceiling, if it had not been for the fact that it should still have been bright outside. However, a starry sky greeted them, and it became clear that the celestial bodies were in fact myriads of large luminescent gemstones. Titanic towers, which were actually pillars that held up the sky above, had windows revealing dvergr going about their daily activities inside them. A wide stairway led downwards into the sprawling city constructed all around these pillars, which was brightly illuminated by lanterns that actually utilized crystals rather than fire. The streets were bustling with activity, peddlers selling a variety of goods including craftwork and foodstuffs, people carrying tools and hurrying to and fro, well-dressed dvergr who looked like they were heading to dine with friends. It was a prosperous and peaceful city, more so than any human city was in these troubled times.


    It was a sight to behold, incomparable to anything either of the two travellers had seen before. Even though Nerous had memories of how Alfheimr looked before its destruction, and although the architecture of the alfar had a different sort of aesthetic that could not be dismissed, it paled in comparison to what lay before him. While from a human¡¯s perspective both possessed an equal amount of mysticism, in pure splendor and effort that went into its construction, the city of the dvergr was on a different level altogether.


    ¡°Welcome to the capital of the dvergr kingdom,¡± Eysteinn announced with his chest puffed out in pride upon seeing the two boys stare in blank amazement. ¡°Welcome to Myrkheimr.¡±


    The Halls of Myrkheimr would have been considered the ninth of the Eight Wonders of Yggdra, if their compilers - humans of Zenter - could have witnessed their magnificence. Incidentally, the World Tree of Alfheimr had been ranked second, before its destruction, while the city of Zenter had been third, before it was burned down. However, taking the halls as a whole would not do it enough justice; the Starlight Canopy, as the ceiling with the inlaid gems was called, with the massive support pillars a hundred paces tall, could be considered a wonder on its own. Located at the center of the extensive underground city housing nearly a hundred thousand dvergr, which was about a third of their entire population in the Jotunfjeldene, was an even bigger wonder - the royal palace.


    Unlike the extensive Imperial Palace in Zenter, which was a city within a city, the dvergr seat of centralized power resembled a castle with its tall, fortified walls. As could be seen in the entrance hall and tunnel that led to the Halls of Myrkheimr, dvergr construction always kept practical defenses in mind. Even then, their inherent artistic values and skilled engineering allowed them to weave beauty into functionality. The palace walls were a single large, partially three-dimensional relief, depicting a layered army wielding arms and banners, their armaments and armors made of real steel and kept in perfect order at all times. Thus, rather than just blank walls, it was as if a large force was guarding the king of the dvergr at all times. The craftsmanship and work that went into this part alone easily matched in magnificence the records of the Mausoleum of Alkaios Ohm Zenter, another one of the Eight Wonders, which held an army of nearly a hundred thousand individually carved marble statues to serve as the deceased first emperor¡¯s final watch.


    The glistening armors and weapons on the wall could be seen from afar, as the two boys were led through the city of Myrkheimr, guided by Eysteinn and now followed by four guards. They had increased upon entering the halls, where a hidden guardhouse had noticed their approach and sent more personnel to escort them. Nerous and Nimeton did not even pay notice to that fact, as their eyes were glued on the buildings, peddled produce and the people walking the streets. Among those of the typically small stature of the dvergr, the half-alf spotted some of the tall folks and noticed that they all featured light-colored hair in silver or blonde. They were alfar refugees, the first of his people he had seen since the destruction of Alfheimr.


    The alfar living among the dvergr all looked well kempt and despite having lost their home, they did not look downtrodden. Without exception, they moved about with purpose, some carrying bags or tools, while others were deep in conversation with the dvergr they walked alongside. For a moment, overwhelming relief and happiness washed over Nerous that he had to stop. After finally witnessing the state of his home, he had expected the worst, thinking that the few surviving alfar scattered were all either slaves to humans or refugees treated with contempt by the other non-human races. Seeing that his brethren were doing well in such an unlikely place caused him to choke up with emotion.


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    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eysteinn noticed that Nerous had stopped and turned back around. Nimeton understood very well and responded in his companion¡¯s stead. ¡°There are many alfar who have found peace with you here.¡±


    In surprise, their dvergr guide followed the half-alf¡¯s gaze, seeing the alfar that looked like they integrated into their new environment. ¡°It¡¯s only natural, our people had great relations before the war. In fact, I was here when your mother visited our current king, Eileifr Steelbender, with your older sister.¡± He was speaking to Nerous, who spun his head around at these words.


    ¡°You knew my mother and sister?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to say I knew them, I only saw them when their procession entered the city and walked through the streets to the royal palace. When I saw her, I knew that she was the queen of the alfar, and the little girl by her side must have been her daughter. It has been more than fifteen winters since, but I will remember that day as one of the greatest in my life. I witnessed your mother¡¯s goddess-like beauty, which put even the greatest gem ever cut by dvergr hands to shame.¡± Eysteinn looked like he was reminiscing of better times, as a melancholic expression had appeared on his weathered features, but he quickly pulled himself out of it. ¡°Sorry for prattling on. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Hearing of his mother and sister, Nerous was reminded of the fact that the latter was most likely still alive. The one saving grace of alfar sold into slavery was that they were generally expensive - as long as the seller knew his craft - and that they were treated fairly well by the buyers. After all, he had never been beaten or had to starve, unlike lesser slaves he had seen on his journey since his escape. He knew that Lahya was a strong girl and would find a way out; most likely she had already escaped long before he had, and was on the run as well. Despite the size of Yggdra, he was confident that they would meet again, as their natural lifespans would allow them to survive many human eras to come.


    Even though there was a strong urge to stop and speak with the alfar refugees, Nerous withstood it and continued along the main road that led them to the gates of the royal palace. There was a deep moat surrounding the citadel, seemingly disappearing into infinite darkness below, which had not been visible from afar. Standing so close to the ornamented walls, the fully equipped army of statues could be seen in its glistening glory. If one were to approach even closer, it would become evident that every single dvergr¡¯s face was individually cast and crafted, making them even more lifelike.


    ¡°The faces you see here belong to the men and women who lost their life in the service of the kingdom, or performed great heroic deeds for which they deserve to be remembered,¡± Eysteinn explained. ¡°Since we have enjoyed peace for a long time, only a handful have been added over the past few decades.¡± Nimeton wondered what they would do once the wall was completely full, but he did not voice it, as an important-looking dvergr in full armor approached them.


    ¡°Who do you bring before the king, Eysteinn?¡± The guard with platinum pauldrons asked, flanked by two others wearing gilded armor. It was clear that they were royal guards, their gear neat and uniform, unlike the border patrols¡¯. The one standing before them was a captain, although he looked higher in rank than Stigr.


    Before their dvergr guide could answer, Nerous stepped forward resolutely, wearing a regal expression that was not beneath a powerful king¡¯s - despite the fact that he held no power, political or military, and did not even possess any land. For the third time of the day, the half-alf¡¯s name and titles were stated, and thinly veiled surprise played over the faces of the dvergr. However, it was not as easy to convince the royal guard, tasked with protecting the king, of his identity, as it had been those before them.


    ¡°What proof do you have of your claim, Nerous Eventyr?¡± The captain asked, looking over the two boys with a gauging gaze. Their appearance did not suggest that the half-alf in question could produce any heirloom or recognizable possession that proved his bloodline. In fact, Nerous had expected to sooner or later meet someone who would not so easily trust him, even if there was not a hint of falsehood to be found in his words.


    ¡°I have no proof other than my own memories and can only rely on the trust of those who choose to believe me. I do not claim, I am,¡± He responded, calmly and in a tone as if he was making a simple statement about the weather. ¡°At the fall of Alfheimr I was too young to be recognized by the alfar you have under your protection now, so they cannot attest to my identity. Those who would know have all died, killed before my very eyes. However, if you were to choose to doubt me, not even another attesting to my person would sway your opinion.¡± Truly, Nerous had no means to prove that he was alfar royalty, other than through persuasion. His bearings were completely different from one of low birth, but a person could not be judged through that alone. ¡°I only wish for an audience with your king to thank him for his kindness in taking in alfar refugees and giving them a chance at life. You may bring me before him in chains, if you fear that I may pose a threat.¡±


    At these words, the royal guard captain looked taken aback, his eyes fixed on Nerous¡¯ absolutely serious ones. Then, he seemed to realize something and tilted his head slightly. ¡°I feel like I have seen you before... a long time ago. By the side of Queen Ihana Eventyr, a small child.¡±


    ¡°No, that was my sister, Lahya Eventyr,¡± Nerous responded truthfully, not attempting to abuse the hazy memory of the captain to gain an advantage. ¡°I was not yet born at that time, more than fifteen winters ago.¡± For a moment, the dvergr went silent and gazed at the half-alf, before finally closing his eyes.


    ¡°I cannot know whether you are truly Prince Nerous Eventyr or not, but I can say with conviction that you are not a bad person. I shall speak to the king and ask for an audience. Please follow me,¡± He continued as he opened his eyes again. ¡°And we will not put you in chains, do not worry.¡± Adding with a slight smile, he turned around and signaled for Nerous and Nimeton to come along. The guards that had accompanied them so far turned away and proceeded back to their positions, with only Eysteinn remaining by their side.


    The interior of the palace was not decorated in luxurious but meaningless items, as human ones were, but featured rich engravings and reliefs adorning every pillar and wall. The main hall saw two rows of statues in different attires lining the red carpet. Some were in armor, others in scholarly drapes, while there were even ones looking like craftsmen, such as a blacksmith wielding a hammer and a stonemason carrying a brick and a spatula. However, one feature they all shared were the crowns sitting on their heads, each unique to the person; they were the monarchs of the past. The two boys expected that Eysteinn would begin to introduce them, but he remained silent, wearing an expression of solemn pride at the sight of the statues.


    Soon, the royal guard captain led the visitors into a room with an almost rustic looking sofa and a stone tablet tea table. Dvergr handiwork was made to last for ages, so their furniture was no different. Nonetheless, the clean cushions were soft, more so for the two boys who had been sleeping under the open sky for the past few weeks, ever since leaving Theoron¡¯s abode. Sitting down, they heaved a comfortable sigh and leaned back, causing Eysteinn to look at them in amusement. The captain left to see the king and request an audience for the two, taking the solemnity he exuded with him. It was not long before the three began to chat again.


    ¡°Yes, we dvergr are not a hereditary monarchy. A high council consisting of the greatest people in every field elects the king when the former one dies or steps down. It was a rule King Arndorr set, when he felt that his children were incompetent,¡± Eysteinn responded to the question regarding the statues and the differing occupations they seemed to depict. He then returned to the topic regarding the fact that very little luxury could be seen all around the city, despite dvergr being known for unearthing immense riches from the bowels of the mountains. ¡°Humans call us greedy, because we seem to have an inexhaustible supply of precious metals and gems. But it¡¯s them who take those trinkets for payment most willingly. To us, those aren¡¯t worth much, since we have plenty. We only dig for more and craft for personal enrichment. There is enough silver, gold or platinum for many generations to come to play around with. The rough gems in storage are piled into mountains, waiting for artists to cut them into the unique shapes they envision.¡±


    Nerous was deeply impressed with the ideology of the dvergr kingdom; the plenty brought on by the trade with other races - up until recent years including the humans of Zenter and the alfar - meant that there were none who had to starve. Enrichment of one¡¯s mind was more important than of one¡¯s pockets, as artistry, not luxury, was viewed as the highest form of self-expression. Every dvergr was an artist at heart, including those who spent most of their lives digging deeper into the mountains to find more riches. There were those who expressed themselves in the tunnels they dug, the pillars they carved, the tools they shaped with their hands and the walls they laid. It was similar to but also different from how the alfar had lived in Alfheimr; in a society where housing could be created from the nature that surrounded them and food grew in abundance, none were homeless or had to starve either. But while dvergr valued personal enrichment in craftsmanship and handiwork, alfar weaved songs and stories, and grew art through nature.


    Before visiting Myrkheimr, the half-alf prince had had the same impression of dvergr as humans had; that they were isolationists who carved out the bowels of the earth for the last specks of riches just to hoard them greedily. His view of the small folk improved on every turn, the more he learned about them. Eysteinn told them that in the various phases of the kingdom¡¯s history, different kings were valued. Such as when a great cave-in happened and the previous king passed away, a digger had been elected as the successor. Under his guidance, the caverns of the entire kingdom were reinforced, and there had not been any incidents since. On another occasion, a blacksmith¡¯s unique crafting technique netted him an election, whose genius revolutionized tool making among the dvergr as a whole.


    Unlike the alfar, whose monarchs changed very rarely and of whom little governing was required, the dvergr ones brought fluidity into the entire society. Nerous¡¯ mother had been the queen since times immemorial, and little had changed within the alfar, even after the arrival of the humans on the continent over two thousand winters ago. Maybe it was because of Alfheimr¡¯s location and the powerful magic wielded by its people in the past that they never developed a keen sense of defensive functionality in their architecture. The dark races that had been stalking the continent had not even been worth mentioning in alfar history, as they had never posed enough of a threat that turned into a war meriting songs of heroism.


    ¡°The king has agreed to grant you an audience,¡± The guard captain returned and announced, interrupting the three in their sharing of stories and information. Following his guidance, they walked through the halls of the palace and came before a large door, flanked by two heavy guards. Pushing them open, the captain led them inside.


    The throne room held a modest beauty just like the rest of the palace. The tall ceiling supported by pillars fitted with numerous nameplates carved on various materials, was illuminated by three massive chandeliers utilizing the same glowing gems used in the lamps in the streets of the city. The names on the pillars belonged to the people who died in the service of the kingdom, their presence in the throne room a constant reminder to the monarch that the fate of many lives rested on his shoulders.


    Flanked by Eysteinn and Nimeton, who in turn were flanked by two royal guards, Nerous was guided by the captain. He maintained an air of dignity, while trying not to appear haughty, approaching the end of the hall where a lone dvergr sat on the richly ornamented throne. He was without a doubt King Eileifr Steelbender, and as with all of his folk, his age was hard to judge. His long moustache was tied into braids using golden rings, while his beard was left open, hanging down all the way to his silver belt. His attire was one that belonged to a militaristic king, as opposed to those of the craftsmen or menial workers displayed in the statues in the entrance hall. His mysterious hazel eyes watched over the approach of his guests, not betraying any premature judgment upon their outwards appearance.


    It seemed that there was no custom of kneeling before their king for the dvergr, unlike with human leaders, who reveled in the submissiveness they demanded of their subjects. Then again, asking of warriors in full plate armor to kneel at every turn was not very efficient, and would result in many bad knees over the course of a long career. Thus, neither the guard captain nor Eysteinn kneeled, and instead bowed to pay their respects. Following their example, Nimeton¡¯s bow was lower, owing to his status as a guest who was only reluctantly allowed in. Stepping forward, Nerous put his right palm to his chest, his left hand on his back, and lowered his head with his eyes closed, performing the customary greeting of the alfar.


    ¡°Step forward, young alf,¡± Eileifr said, his voice soft despite the almost harsh-sounding demand lacking all honorifics. Not minding it, knowing that the dvergr king did not yet believe his identity, Nerous did as requested. When he was at the bottom of the three steps leading up to the throne, Eileifr stood up and looked into the half-alf¡¯s eyes from almost the same height, staring for a long time. ¡°You got your mother¡¯s eyes...¡± With an almost melancholic whisper, he finally spoke. For a moment, Nerous did not understand what he meant and an expression of surprise played over his features. Coming down the steps, Eileifr continued, as he had to look up. ¡°Have you grown, my boy. Must be your father¡¯s blood in you.¡±


    ¡°Have we met before?¡± Nerous grasped the meanings behind the dvergr king¡¯s words and asked in confusion. Alfar had an exceptional memory, and half-alfar generally inherited that trait; thus, he could say with certainty that he had never been to Myrkheimr in his childhood. Furthermore, before the age from which his memory began, he would not have been taken on a journey into the Jotunfjeldene.


    ¡°I came to Alfheimr to celebrate your birth, so of course, you wouldn¡¯t remember. That was the last time I saw your parents, too,¡± Eileifr explained, looking up at the half-alf warmly. The sadness in the depths of his eyes deeply affected Nerous, who was once again reminded of the fate of his people, the death of his parents before his eyes and his separation from his sister, at the time his last bastion of hope in the world of man. Tears appeared in the corners of his eyes and he involuntarily wiped them away, noticing that he had begun crying.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I must have reminded you of many bad things,¡± The dvergr king quickly said when he saw the half-alf¡¯s tears. ¡°Come, let us sit down and talk of brighter things over a meal.¡±


    On a long wooden table that looked like it had been carved from a single large tree trunk, Nerous and Nimeton found the luxurious abundance of food they had come to know from meals their former master had pleased himself with almost every day. However, unlike the case of that particular human, there were more people attending the feast; a female dvergr with silvery hair, and a child with dark blonde hair, had joined them, and Eysteinn remained with them in the background - until the woman suddenly addressed him.


    ¡°How¡¯ve you been doing, Eysteinn? How¡¯s the border watch?¡± She asked, a hint of mischief in her tone and demeanor. ¡°Still as boring as ever?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s always been boring, but more so since you left to become the queen. But at least it¡¯s become quieter,¡± The dvergr border guard turned guide to the two boys responded, in no way sounding like he was speaking to the wife of his king. However, what would have been considered disrespectful by humans only earned him laughter from the woman.


    ¡°Come and greet your uncle, Yngvildr,¡± The queen turned to the child behind her, who complied, waddled over and hugged Eysteinn. It would appear that he was the brother of the queen. Wide-eyed, both Nerous and Nimeton stared at him, who returned the gaze with a delighted smile while petting his niece¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind it. Just because I¡¯m a member of the family of the woman who happened to marry into royalty, who happened to be elected because of his suitability rather than his lineage... you get the picture. I¡¯m but Eysteinn Rockbiter, a gravel-crunching border guard,¡± He waved off the entire issue. It had become very clear that the dvergr did not have a rigid social structure, and unlike with the emperor of Zenter, the king was not revered like a god.


    ¡°My name is Ragnhildr, they call me Mithrilhair,¡± The queen introduced herself. ¡°Even though it was only because as a child I hung around a dig site, played where I shouldn¡¯t have and caused a small cave-in, in which a mithril nugget caught in my hair. There is the saying that names make the people, and I think everyone calling me Mithrilhair made my hair go gray, even though I¡¯m not that old.¡± Her explanation elicited a knowing grin from Eysteinn, while Eileifr watched the introduction with amusement.


    In turn, Nerous and Nimeton stated their own names, finishing up the round of introductions. Familiarized with each other, they began to eat the prepared feast, which featured traditional dvergr food such as various types of cheese, smoked hams and freshly baked bread. There was grilled lamb, mashed potatoes, boiled vegetables and other dishes that were similar to human cuisine. Maybe because of the similarity in their lifestyles, the dvergr and humans had been in good relations up until the Mad Emperor¡¯s emergence.


    It was the first warm meal in weeks and the two wanderers could barely hold themselves back from digging in with reckless abandon. Nerous, especially, had to maintain a dignified air - or so he thought - until he witnessed the table manners of the dvergr royal family. Judging from their architecture and attitude towards superiors, it should not have been surprising to find that they did not live like human high society and observed strict etiquettes during meals. In short, they used their hands when it was more convenient, and chomped down with little regard to how people viewed them. Speechlessly, the half-alf and human boy watched the display that one would normally expect to see at a tavern. However, there was a sense of familiarity in it, and they both preferred it to the stiffness of an official banquet. Soon, they followed the example and helped themselves to the meal.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re here to seek shelter, right?¡± Eileifr asked, when he reached for a drink.


    ¡°For now,¡± Nerous responded and turned to look at the dvergr king.


    ¡°What do you plan on doing?¡±


    ¡°I want to rebuild Alfheimr. With the death of those who tried to continue the Mad Emperor¡¯s work, man has no reason to persecute our kind any further. But with the turmoil among them, no official stance has been chosen and the status quo is just being maintained,¡± The half-alf explained, showing that he put much thought into how to realize his ambitions. ¡°This civil war may continue for many winters, maybe even tens of winters. I will gather influence among the free folks in that time.¡±


    ¡°So you plan an alliance between those the humans wronged in the war?¡± Ragnhildr asked. ¡°I believe you will be able to gather many talented people to follow you in that endeavor. Especially the jotnar will look for revenge. After the alfar, they were hit the hardest.¡±


    ¡°But I want to create an alliance not just between the free folks, but also with those humans who stood by our side and refused to follow the mad orders. Alexis of Aegae and Galeno of Rhamnus are powerful lords who opposed the Mad Emperor and defended the jotnar,¡± Nerous proceeded to elaborate his future plans. ¡°I believe they can become our allies.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, Countess Alexis is a good friend of ours and Aegae is the only fiefdom of Zenter we are still in a trade agreement with,¡± Eileifr interjected, confirming that the human in question also possessed connections to the dvergr. ¡°She may be of great help to you when you want to gather influence among man.¡±


    ¡°By your grace, I would like to remain here for a while, and study the affairs of the world first. Since the fall of Alfheimr, I have not had much opportunity for self-improvement.¡± The request and slightly bashful admission netted a friendly laugh from the dvergr king.


    ¡°Of course, you may stay here for as long as you wish, my boy. That also applies to your friend.¡± Being so suddenly mentioned, Nimeton flinched in the middle of biting into a piece of lamb meat. He had been listening intently while eating, not expecting to become the topic of the conversation, when they were speaking of the future of the non-human world. ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty!¡± He expressed his gratitude after hastily swallowing the food in his mouth. Amused, Eileifr nodded his head in a benevolent gesture.


    Nerous watched the exchange with a feeling of content; he had stepped onto the road to redemption with this. For now he could breathe easy, but he knew that the timing for his return as the king of the alfar would be very important. As long as the humans were at war with their own kind, he could work to solidify his claim, but once there was peace, he had to make his move as quickly as possible. If the new leader of the humans proved to be another Mad Emperor, Nerous wanted to be ready with all the free folk behind him; if it were somebody who sought peace on the continent, he could then bargain as an equal and demand an inviolable agreement for the future.


    But for now, he could grant himself some respite.

 Chapter Two: Era of Heroes - Invasions

    ate 354, almost exactly four months after the partial success of the Anti-Hesper Alliance in deposing the eponymous despot, and its failure in securing the emperor, Straton Raimis of Abila had consolidated a force of thirty thousand soldiers. With over fifty generals of martial and strategic prowess under his command, he set out to attack the fiefdom of Naxos, to try and force Loukios and Miltiades to rush to their home fief¡¯s aid.


    Riding alongside him was Lahya Eventyr, who had been given command of a contingent of one thousand on the right flank. She herself had requested to start out on the same level as she had been during the alliance, due to the fact that she was still only an outsider and had not formally become a subordinate of Straton¡¯s. Therefore, she took her orders from General of the Right, Hagnos Stigan of Abila, who was one of the three most trusted commanders under Straton. Incidentally, Thais Sacra of Abila was another one, although she was given free reign on the battlefield despite the fact that she was two years younger than Lahya herself, leading a contingent of five hundred top elites.


    The alliance had successfully removed the most proficient military leaders from Naxos. With Hesper and Hypatios dead, Baltsar marked as a traitor and in hiding, and Loukios and Miltiades in the new capital of Hierapolis, there were none remaining in the northernmost fiefdom of the empire, who could hope to oppose an invasion.


    Thus, several border cities fell to Abila in the first two months of their campaign, little to no resistance mounting from the gravely weakened Naxos army. However, halfway to the capital of Naxos, the enemy had finally decided to make a stand. The opposing general, a young man called Pantas Museo of Naxos, was a name nobody among the Abila army had ever heard of before. While many laughed at the sure to be doomed attempt at resistance, Straton remained quiet.


    ¡°Let us not become overconfident. It is during these times that nameless people rise to become heroes that can change the times. Hypatios of Naxos fell to one such unknown and the whole war was affected in the favor of the alliance,¡± He warned his generals when they prepared to prematurely celebrate an easy victory, mentioning the star general under Lahya. Thais watched her reaction, wanting to see how she would take that offhand praise. However, she had been contemplated the strangeness of the enemy movements silently and then conferred with Leontis, not taking note of Straton¡¯s words.


    ¡°My lord, there is no need to be afraid. Sir Leontis swayed the war with a duel. All credit where credit is due, but this enemy is hiding in his formations and leading an army. In this situation, it is not an individual¡¯s strength that decides the battle, but experience in war,¡± Hagnos stood up from his seat and spoke. Lahya had judged him to be sensible and honorable, but this display wiped that impression away in an instant. The fact that he completely disregarded the possibility that the enemy could be very capable regardless of experience meant he was nothing but a fool who prided himself in his long years of service. Straton was a man of prudence and the half-alf turned to look at him, to find to her astonishment that he was seriously considering the general¡¯s words.


    ¡°I see, that is certainly true. The enemy only numbers around twenty thousand, so we have the advantage. With the additional ten thousand, we have more maneuvers at our disposal. I will personally lead the center to drive a wedge into the enemy¡¯s left flank. Hagnos, you will circle around from the side, isolate them and crush them,¡± The warlord agreed to the prejudiced general¡¯s words all too readily. Lahya almost forgot herself and opened her mouth to protest, but remembered that she was still only a nobody, while General Hagnos was one of Straton¡¯s most trusted subordinates.


    With this flimsy strategy, the army set out to meet the enemy, who had placed the bulk of their forces on a stretch of plains flanked by forests. Lahya had left the tent among the first and waited for Thais to come out. Taking her by her hand, the half-alf pulled her aside to speak to her in private.


    ¡°Thais, protect the lord. I have a bad feeling about this battle,¡± She said, looking into her opposite¡¯s eyes intently. ¡°Some unforeseen things may happen.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Lady Lahya. I will not let him fall here. Please take care of yourself on the right flank,¡± Thais responded in a serious tone, nodding to the request. In the past few months she had learned that the half-alf was an upstanding person who would never say or do anything without a good reason. Since she had not been given any explicit orders, she could lead her troops alongside her lord¡¯s in the wedge formation.


    The battlefield was a valley, which was mostly bare, although there were forests along its fringes that provided cover for stealthy maneuvers. Hagnos was to move his troops, numbering seven thousand, through the forest towards the enemy¡¯s left and remain hidden, until the wedge had been driven in deeply enough, before charging out and striking their flank. Lahya''s one thousand soldiers was part of one of the three prongs, as she was stationed on the rightmost with another thousand-man commander. With her position she did not have enough responsibility, but enough ability to make a difference in battle.


    "We will wait for the signal of our lookouts and begin to move when our lord strikes their frontline. From my experience with our lord''s charges, we should reach the enemy flank about the same time he separates their forces. Be ready to charge at any time!" Hagnos repeated the order to all his troops once more, to confirm that everybody understood. In war, the common rank and file could only watch what the men in their immediate vicinity were doing and followed the larger movement of the tides. It took some talent and exceptional training to become able to individually decide based on the overall situation of battle.


    One such talent was Leontis Genea of Dion, who rode alongside Lahya. Versed in both the martial and the strategic aspects of war, he continually watched the tides of combat. Another was Alexander Telari of Thoryvodis, who had mastered horseback combat in the few months since the battle against Baltsar. His martial prowess was not below Leontis'' now and his innate talent may even surpass the latter''s, with his actual skills sure to catch up in due time. They were both given direct command of two hundred men, although they preferred to follow Lahya closely and keep her safe. Ultimately, they were fighting in this war to help her gain fame, reclaim her birthright and bring peace to Yggdra. If she fell in battle it would defeat that purpose.


    Lahya knew well not to risk her life for a little fame, but her ambitions prevented her from staying on the sidelines. She had personally requested to be put on the flanks rather than close to Straton in the center, where he had initially wanted to place her, so that she could contribute to battles and show off her two companions'' might. Even though she had a bad feeling about the enemy, she was confident that as long as Leontis and Alexander were by her side, she would be victorious.


    War drums announced the commencement of the battle and the war cry from Abila''s side meant that Straton''s charge had begun. It would not be long before the lookouts informed them that the main forces engaged with each other, and their time to move had come. They had just begun to set off, when their scouts reported that an enemy contingent was moving on their position. Either they had been found out, or the enemy had the idea of flanking the weak looking right wing of their own army.


    "They can''t know that we are here, yet. We will engage the enemy and take them by surprise!" Hagnos ordered and led his troops onward, but Lahya knew that it was the wrong decision. Before she could protest, his army had begun to move and was ascending the hill before them, beyond which they had freedom to maneuver. Thus, she could only follow along and make the best of the situation, which had turned into an unfavorable one for them.


    "Leontis, Alexander, be careful. Something is wrong." Lahya''s concern was met with solemn nods, as they, too, had sensed that the enemy''s movement was strange.


    Just when they were about to arrive on top of the hills a shower of arrows came down upon them from the other side. The suddenness of the attack completely crippled their momentum, even though it did not claim many lives. However, the enemy appeared before them, taking the hill, and thus, the high ground. Hagnos was left speechless in face of the speed the enemy had moved up from the other side, but even more shocking was the fact that their strategy had been seen through so perfectly, and shut down before it could take fruition.


    "D-Do not falter, men! We will reclaim the hill and proceed with our initial goal!" His voice, unlike his words, was already faltering, and even the less keen could sense his insecurity. Lahya understood that at this moment, it would have been better to retreat and regroup with the main army, instead of forcefully pressing on and sustaining heavy losses in the process.


    "Let us move further up the right side, where the hill is less steep. We will attack their flank and help Hagnos in his endeavor," She spoke to Leontis and Alexander, who immediately followed the orders and guided their troops away from the center. Due to the fact that their army held a numerical advantage of three to two, the enemy could not have sent a substantial force to engage them.


    Thus, while Hagnos attacked from the front, taking heavy fire from the enemy arrows, Lahya''s one thousand spread out to the side, keeping a low profile while preparing to disrupt the enemy lines from their flank. It would have been a great maneuver, if it had not been for the fact that against all predictions, a much larger force had been delegated to protect the enemy from Abila''s attack. When Lahya reached the top of the hill, she had an overview of the entire battlefield, and found that Naxos'' main army had not split in two as expected, but instead had been able to divert Straton''s charge. Unlike intended, they were now embroiled in a melee on the enemy''s right flank, while the left wing that Hagnos had been tasked to attack once isolated, had extended up the hill as a countermeasure against his maneuver.


    Pantas had outwitted Abila completely and turned the battle in Naxos'' favor. Hagnos troops, a considerably large part of the Abila forces, were now the ones isolated, while Straton''s charge had ended in a slowdown in which the enemy lines were holding out well so that his larger numbers did not make a difference. In fact, Straton''s center and the entire left wing of his army was being kept in check, while Hagnos was literally fighting an uphill battle against an almost equal force, beyond which the main army of the enemy lay in wait.


    "Alexander, follow me in a charge on their flank. Do as much damage as you can, but retreat on my command. Leontis, go down further and scatter them. I will give you half of the troops, so make a lot of noise and let them think you have more soldiers than you actually do. When I give the signal, retreat as well." Lahya was desperately thinking of a solution to this dangerous situation. "Hermeitos, go and quickly report to General Hagnos about the state of the battlefield. The plan has failed and the entire right wing is in danger of getting isolated and wiped out if we continue to press on." The man she addressed was Hermeitos Lacu of Abila, a scholar from Abila Lysaniou who had heard of the half-alf''s exploits during the Anti-Hesper Alliance and enlisted in her services. He had been the first talented man to join her without her personally seeking him out for recruitment, but as she was a warlord without any land, she could only offer him a promise for the future.


    "Understood!" Hermeitos responded and rode away to fulfill his mission.


    "Everyone, follow my lead!" Lahya yelled, her usually delicate voice slightly amplified by magic. "Chaaaarge!"


    The enemy, taken by surprise at the sudden appearance of five hundred men on their vulnerable side, was unable to muster their defenses in time and fell into chaos. Further down, on the other side of the slope, Leontis hit the troops that were still ascending the hill.


    "I am Leontis of Dion, slayer of Hypatios! Whoever stands in my way will be cut down without mercy!" Announcing his name and his exploits against the renown general from Naxos served to break the enemy''s morale. They had heard about the appearance of the man who had killed Hypatios Diua of Naxos in a single strike, and furthermore knew that he had fought Baltsar to a standstill. Suddenly facing that man spread fear among the Naxos troops like wildfire.


    As if not wanting to fall behind, Alexander rode at the front of the charge, even further ahead than Lahya, who had led it, and swung his battle hammer through the enemy lines as if he was demolishing the walls in a derelict house. His fierceness inspired his men and scattered the enemy, who had thought they held the advantage against Abila.


    Lahya''s rapiers danced, stabbing through openings in the enemy soldiers'' armor while passing, leaving most of them too wounded to fight, but only few dead. It was not that she had an aversion to killing, but felt that showing mercy to the enemy would spread her name as a benevolent warlord, rather than a cruel one. Based on that, the type of people that would come to join her was the one she preferred over ruthless warriors who only sought fame and fortune.


    Soon, just before their momentum ran dry, Lahya ordered a quick retreat. The enemy was still in disarray, especially at the display of Leontis and Alexander''s strength, so none thought of pursuing them despite their numerical advantage. The half-alf was glad to see that Hagnos had heeded her suggestion and sounded a retreat just a little before her troops had. When the right wing regrouped with the rear guard, they counted about two thousand losses, instead of a complete rout, which would have been the case had it not been for Lahya''s quick-witted gambit.


    Straton had not been so lucky; when his charge had been diverted into the enemy''s right wing, a contingent had broken off and struck their flank, isolating him from his main troops. Without his guidance, his main force had been in disarray and was hit hard by the unexpected cavalry charge from Naxos, which cut through the middle of Abila''s forces. Due to the enemy''s lower numbers, the cavalry quickly retreated after inflicting heavy damage, leaving shield-bearers to hold the line while the right wing whittled down Straton''s isolated contingent.


    If Thais had not charged in with her five hundred elite riders and broken him out of the encirclement, Count Straton would have been captured or even lost his life then and there. Reportedly more than thirty enemies fell to her spear, and she even claimed the head of an enemy commander, as if in passing, while protecting her lord on the way out. Her gallant and inspiring figure returned morale to the Abila troops, as they beat an organized retreat while surrounding and protecting their lord.


    However, out of the thirty thousand soldiers that joined this battle, only twenty-three thousand made it back to their camp alive that day. The scouts reported that the enemy incurred far fewer losses, their troops still numbering eighteen thousand. The first clash between the established warlord Straton of Abila and the up-and-coming commander Pantas of Naxos resulted in a crushing defeat for the former.


    The war entered a stalemate, during which both sides set up camps on opposing hills and stared each other down for months to come. Abila''s forces had weakened enough that their numerical advantage was not one that could substantially change the tides of battle. Without the means for a decisive victory neither side made any rash moves, and all that was fought were small skirmishes on the fringes of the larger battlefield, between contingents of a few hundred soldiers each time. Scouts continued to map the surrounding terrain to find a way to break the deadlock, but seeing as Naxos did not move despite having the home advantage meant that there were no such convenient pathways or locations for ambushes.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Thus, both sides prepared for a drawn out war that would last through the year, as reinforcements and additional supplies slowly trickled in to bolster the numbers of the two participants steadily, as they let the freezing Naxos winter pass.


    In early 355, while neither Abila nor Naxos gained any ground in their struggle, Heron Beneris of Cumae invaded Rhamnus'' northern borders, taking many cities along the Pamisos River within the first month of the campaign. Due to Galeno''s death and the loss of a substantial part of the Rhamnus fleet, little resistance could be offered against the invasion. Myrrine Nouus of Stagirus was holding her parts against the land-based incursion, while her seaborne fleet raided the Cumae shores to divert their attention. However, she did not have enough troops at her disposal to halt the enemy''s advance completely, and was only able to stall for time while Drakon consolidated his army.


    By the time the young leader of Rhamnus was able to muster an army of twenty thousand, reinforcements from the heartlands of Cumae arrived, bolstering the enemy''s numbers by another forty thousand. The difference was an insurmountable obstacle for the weakened Solaris family, and they had no choice but to seek help from their neighbor, Iason Aquila of Herolus. Not forgotten was the anger his father Galeno had felt for Iason due to his failure to protect the alliance supplies, which had resulted in the Rhamnus forces, which had been at the forefront of the siege, being endangered in what should have been an easy push into Zenter. However, at this point, it was their only option, as the other two adjacent fiefdoms were those directly responsible for Galeno¡¯s death.


    Thus, lowering himself to offer his vassalage to a lesser man came with great humiliation, but to ensure the survival of his family, it was a necessary step. Drakon personally travelled to Chios, the capital of Herolus, bringing as many gifts as he could afford. Furthermore, he brought along all the remaining horses his father had bought in the north, knowing Iason¡¯s love for them.


    ¡°My lord, Drakon, the son of Galeno of Rhamnus has arrived and seeks an audience,¡± A guard announced to Iason, while he was sitting on a cushion at the side of an arena, watching his cavalry exercise in formation.


    ¡°What does he want?¡± The count was impatient at the interruption of his favorite pastime. He boasted to possess the strongest cavalry south of Naxos, although many knew that it could not even hope to compare to Thronion¡¯s or Kamarina¡¯s, which both also fit that description. Watching that cavalry train was how he spent most of his day, after morning assembly to discuss state matters with his advisors. ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡±


    ¡°He brought many gifts and northern horses to present to you, my lord,¡± The guard explained, instantly earning Iason¡¯s attention. The advisers who stood by perked up their ears at that fact, as many had heard of Marquis Galeno¡¯s expensive purchase during his stay in Edessa.


    ¡°I will meet him right away. Bring him to the audience chamber!¡±


    ¡°Please wait, my lord. I know why he has personally come here, and you need to take that into consideration before meeting him,¡± An adviser suddenly cut in as he stood up from his spectator¡¯s seat. He was Estorgios Fossa of Chios, the oldest and arguably wisest member of Iason¡¯s entourage. ¡°You are aware that Marquis Galeno has perished in an ambush at the hands of forces from Cumae and Myrmekion last year, and that Cumae has since been on a campaign to claim all of Rhamnus. Drakon¡¯s visit is for the sole purpose of asking for help.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know that. So what do you suggest I do?¡± Iason spoke as if he knew the background of this visit, but his demeanor suggested otherwise.


    ¡°Receive him warmly, but do not promise him any help. Our fiefdom of Herolus has been on good terms with both Cumae and Myrmekion for many winters. If you stand on Rhamnus¡¯ side now, it may cause a break in our relations with those two,¡± Estorgios warned. ¡°Rhamnus has nothing to offer you that these two could not provide, either.¡±


    ¡°But he brought northern horses. They are expensive and difficult to bring to the south. Especially now that the empire is unstable, journeying north again will be exceedingly difficult...¡±


    ¡°Please, my lord. Do not risk our friendly relations over some leftovers that survived the ambush in which Galeno fell.¡± In his heart, Estorgios already knew that Iason would accept almost any terms just to get his hands on purebred northern horses. The ones his cavalry was training were bred in Zenter¡¯s heartlands and could not compare to the much stronger breed from fiefdoms such as Naxos, Abila or Pandosia. There were historical records that cavalry units from these fiefdoms massively outperformed armies of larger sizes from the south, solely based on their powerful charges which were almost unstoppable on even ground or downhill slopes.


    ¡°I heard that Galeno bought five thousand horses. Even leftovers should be a considerable number. Well, let us first hear what he has to say,¡± Iason argued, no longer listening to advice. Sighing, Estorgios bowed his head and stepped back, knowing that whatever he said now would only fall on deaf ears.


    Drakon was brought to the audience chamber, an oblong room in which the various generals stood in two rows, separated into martial and strategic factions. Iason sat on a throne - one as lavish as he could get away with without being accused of harboring the intent to usurp the emperor¡¯s title - and seemed eager to see the young man who only recently inherited the title of Marquis of Rhamnus.


    ¡°Welcome, young lord Drakon of Rhamnus. What brings you here today?¡± He greeted the guest, trying his best to keep an amicable expression. However, he already knew the reason for the visit and was unable to contain his feeling of superiority, especially now that he could look down on the Solaris family from his high horse. Galeno had openly condemned Iason for his failure in the siege of Zenteroest and Zentervest, causing the latter great humiliation. Now, that man¡¯s son was crawling before him like a beaten dog, hoping for his goodwill.


    ¡°I have brought you tribute, Count Iason Aquila of Herolus,¡± Drakon responded, his visage a mask beyong which little could be read. Estorgios, especially adept at probing a person¡¯s emotions, could feel the unwillingness and boiling anger underneath the surface of the young man¡¯s outward appearance. It was clear that coming before a lesser lord like Iason, if even only in name, had been a hard decision.


    ¡°Tribute? We are neighbors, so why do you bring me tribute?¡± Iason either feigned ignorance or was actually ignorant of Drakon¡¯s implication in using that expression.


    ¡°I have come to ask you to accept me, and in extension all of Rhamnus, into your vassalage. Therefore, I bring you the tribute we normally give to the emperor, to ask for your kindness.¡± The young lord was clenching his teeth at the end of his words, but Iason was too far to see it. It had taken him great willpower to speak what no other lord would have, but the survival of his house and his people was more important than his dignity.


    ¡°Your late father and I rode in the war against the usurper Hesper as equals. How could I ever accept his son lowering himself to become a mere vassal under me?¡± The lord of Herolus was still keeping up the facade, despite interest clearly glowing in his eyes.


    ¡°I bring you one hundred thousand zentera in gold coins, one talot of pure gold, one talot of fine silk, two talots of cotton cloth and one hundred imperial barrels of the best wine from Rhamnus¡¯ south,¡± Drakon listed the presents he brought. The yearly tribute to the imperial court only consisted of the one hundred thousand zentera. In gold coins, that equaled one thousand in number - still weighting less than the one talot of pure gold mentioned afterwards. Rhamnus was not known for any gold veins, so that amount must include crafted trinkets and luxury items.


    However, Iason did not look very interested, even though the amount brought before him would be considered eye-opening to anyone, except maybe to the dukes of the realm or to members of the imperial family. Even then, he could count much more than that in his own coffers; he was clearly waiting for what could not be obtained so easily.


    ¡°And three thousand warhorses from the north.¡± As if leaving the best for last, the young lord finally announced.


    ¡°Three thousand!¡± Iason repeated the number with delight. His entourage silently sighed at the speed at which his facade was crumbling, but none dared to mention it. ¡°We should not be speaking of vassalage, but friendship, Lord Drakon. We will immediately send an envoy to Cumae and ask that they cease their attack on your lands. Duke Heron and I have maintained friendly relations through trade, so I am sure that once he learns of our new circumstances, he will stop the meaningless attacks.¡±


    Estorgios almost forgot himself, but luckily he had remained far in the background, and could slip out of the audience room unnoticed. Indignation and anger was building inside him, but resignation soon followed when he remembered that Count Iason was still the lord he had sworn his loyalty to.


    ¡°Drakon did not even mention anything about Cumae and Duke Heron¡¯s invasion, but the lord goes well beyond just accepting Rhamnus¡¯ vassalage by agreeing to call for a ceasefire. Such witless folly!¡± He waited until he was sure that nobody could hear him, before exclaiming loudly and sighing. ¡°My lord¡¯s greed will be his downfall one day.¡±


    ¡°Well spoken, Sir Estorgios!¡± Suddenly, someone praised his insults directed at Iason, and his hairs stood on end for a second. But he recognized whom the voice belonged to and turned around to greet Nasos Angulos of Eretria, another advisor in the service of the count. The elder advisor knew that this one would not tell Iason of his words.


    ¡°Sir Nasos, do not scare me so.¡± Estorgios was of an advanced age, so anything that made his heart beat faster than it normally did felt like it would shave away his remaining time in this world. ¡°Tell me, what do you think of our lord¡¯s foolishness?¡±


    ¡°It is what I had expected, when I entered his services. Knowing that he is from the prestigious Aquila family, which is serving in high positions all over Zenter, it was obvious that he would turn out to be a man who understood luxurious tastes, but not much else.¡± If any loyalist had heard Nasos speak such slander, he would have been locked up and most likely executed the next day. Iason was as proud as he was petty, and he did not forgive those who would sully his reputation, unaware of the fact that his actions did enough of that on their own. Even then, his voice was only of a mocking tone, as he did little to keep it low so it would not reach ears it was not intended for.


    ¡°What good are we advisors, if he does not listen to our advice?¡± Many times Estorgios had wanted to leave the services of the count, and he was clearly old enough to retire. His grandchildren were already of age and ready to found their own families, so there was no financial pressure, but habit and a lack of anything better to do prevented him from taking that step. As a scholar, not being able to move the muscles of his brain meant that they would grow decrepit, and he did not want to become a case that required servants to take constant care of. ¡°I envy you, Sir Nasos. You are still young and could find employ under another, better suited lord.¡±


    ¡°I have no intention of leaving the count¡¯s services anytime soon. It is easy money, as we have little to do,¡± Nasos stated with a snide attitude. ¡°Still, if he goes down, I would prefer not to be by his side at the time. And with the empire in such a state, it is only a matter of time before powerful warlords emerge who wish to build their own dynasties. In fact, I can see our lord becoming one of them, announcing his intention of becoming emperor despite having no real power to realize it.¡±


    ¡°Do not speak of such treachery. We swore our loyalty to Count Iason, so we have an obligation to him. However, it is only by the will of the emperor that I serve here, so if I get the order to go elsewhere, I will follow it.¡± Estorgios was indignant at the fact that Nasos hypothesized about Iason¡¯s downfall in the same breath as a change in dynasties, even though an emperor was still on the throne of Zenter - even if only in name. He had known the young advisor¡¯s character since meeting him the first time, but he did not like it when he openly showed it.


    ¡°Dear Sir Estorgios, the times are changing. Duke Hesper and the alliance against him have transformed the empire forever. Many lords are building up their military and preparing supplies for next summer. Lord Kyron of Thronion, in his father¡¯s name, is amassing an army, Count Straton of Abila is campaigning against Naxos, officially to attempt and lure Loukios and Miltiades back from the capital, but if he can claim the fiefdom for himself, he would certainly not hesitate to do so. Paramonos of Olynthus, our lord¡¯s older brother, is gathering resources to fuel his already strong forces.¡± Despite saying that he had little to do, Nasos was very interested in gathering intelligence about the other fiefdoms of the empire. He was the first at the court who had learned of Galeno¡¯s death, and also brought the information about Straton¡¯s battle to the count. ¡°The north is clearly taking steps towards consolidating their power. And here in the south, you have Duke Heron, who has already openly violated the emperor¡¯s will by trying to expand his fiefdom. Duke Hieronymos, who joined hands with Duke Heron in killing Galeno of Rhamnus also has designs of conquest, although his failing health has prevented him from taking too much action for the past year.¡±


    ¡°What are you implying?¡± Raising an eyebrow, the old advisor looked at Nasos with a deprecating expression. ¡°For now it may be self-government, but I believe that the emperor will return to power. By that time, those who have acted against his will are going to be punished.¡±


    ¡°Very well, remain stubborn and look back at the glorious past. If that helps you and your family for the times to come, good for you.¡± Nasos showed slight irritation as he concluded the conversation without further ado. Estorgios decided that he would watch the young man closely, in case he harbored any intent of treason, once their lord faced hard times.


    On that day Rhamnus inofficially vanished from the maps, becoming a part of Herolus. However, it only served to slow the advance of Cumae, as the raids committed under Myrrine¡¯s orders would be used as a casus belli to begin the invasion anew in the very near future.

 Chapter Two: Era of Heroes - Break in the North

    id 355, while the stalemate between Abila and Naxos seemed to have no end in sight, the lord of Olynthus, Paramonos Aquila, set his eyes on the fiefdom of Dorylaion. His casus belli was that during the Anti-Hesper Alliance, Count Phytos Ancaris of Dorylaion not only did not join their forces to punish the traitor, but also sat idly by while reinforcements from Naxos passed through their territories and attacked the alliance at Edessa. In reality, Phytos had only recently ascended to the seat of count and was exceedingly incompetent. For the same reason that Hypatios had crossed through Dorylaion without fearing any retribution, Paramonos attacked with only a fraction of his grand army.


    However, he still personally led the army, as he needed to spread his name throughout the lands as the most powerful warlord. He commanded two hundred generals of martial and strategic prowess, and had a standing army of over a hundred thousand, at this point the largest on the entire continent. The Aquila and Raimis family had been on good terms for several generations, so the borders between Olynthus and Abila did were not even staffed with garrisons. Paramonos had no need to inform Straton of his intentions to travel through the latter¡¯s lands to reach the target of his campaign. Using the well-kept roads, he quickly made his way through the neighbor¡¯s territories, aiming for a swift victory in Dorylaion.


    On the eighth day of the army¡¯s march, and the second day into the territories of Abila, Olynthus¡¯ forces camped outside the city of Chalcis, which had a population of twenty thousand. The mayor invited Paramonos and his close followers in for a feast, while the soldiers were granted time off, so they could rest, gamble or amuse themselves in the city¡¯s red light district. Security was lax and many outsiders entered the camps, peddling goods or just curious to see another fiefdom¡¯s equipment and military discipline - of which little could be seen that night.


    Under the cover of the darkness, a certain individual, clad in even deeper blackness than the night itself, slipped into the inner circle of the camps, where some of the high-ranking officials, whom Paramonos had not taken along for the feast, were staying. Even if security was not up to its usual standards, his presence in that strictly off-limits area should have warranted an alarm, but the night was not his only cover. An unearthly magic veiled his approach, as he walked by guards in close proximity without them noticing.


    It was a man like a walking patch of space devoid of light, a dokkalf known by the name Brynjarr the Shadow. His aim was General Melanthis Lucia of Rhegion, who had opted to drink alone in his tent, to drown out the fact that he had been left behind by his lord. Drifting through the entrance, past the inattentive guards, he entered without a sound like a cool breeze in a sweltering summer night.


    ¡°Bring me more wine!¡± The general shouted as he downed the contents of his cup. An attendant quickly did as commanded and motioned to pour him more. However, the general yanked the pitcher out of the squire¡¯s hand and sent him away. Without even noticing the presence of Brynjarr, the boy quickly left the tent. ¡°Why did the lord not take me along? This is so irritating!¡± Melanthis emptied another cup and threw it on the floor. Taking the pitcher directly to his lips, he proceeded to gulp down even more, at a faster pace.


    This was the perfect situation for the dokkalf, as his sweet voice whispered words of wickedness. ¡°Is that how a lord treats his important men?¡± It was a rhetorical question, meant to plant the seed of treason in the general¡¯s mind. In his drunken stupor, he did not notice that it came from a demon¡¯s mouth rather than his own thoughts. ¡°You deserve better. Go and take it for yourself. You have the power - the right - to do so.¡± A curved smile shaped like the sickle moon cracked across Brynjarr¡¯s black face. It was done; the poison had been applied - now it only needed to brew. With a breath to the general¡¯s ear, he fell asleep on the spot, to anyone who found him looking like the alcohol had taken his consciousness.


    The shadow slipped out of the tent again, unnoticed by anyone, disappearing into the night.


    Morning arrived and the army prepared to move out again. When Paramonos had learned of the dismal conditions of the army¡¯s discipline, he summoned the one directly responsible for it - which happened to be Melanthis. In fact, when the general appeared before the duke, the intoxication of the previous night was still lingering in his features. Enraged, Paramonos punished him by making him stay behind and break camp with his contingent, while the army set out. Normally, Melanthis would have been among the vanguard, and it was practically a demotion. Clenching his fist at this humiliation, the poison from the shadow¡¯s influence grew in intensity.


    It spread like a contagion to the troops under the general¡¯s command, who had been damned to cleanup duty instead of having the opportunity to gain fame and glory by being the first to engage the enemy. Thus, treachery took hold of their minds during their mindless job of taking down the camp¡¯s palisades and clearing the trash left behind. The lieutenant under Melanthis brought some of the complaints before him, harboring the same thoughts but not daring to show them openly.


    ¡°So everyone thinks the same? He goes to party in the city and leaves us behind, then punishes us for trying to enjoy ourselves just like he did. The hypocrisy is not befitting of a lord!¡± The general¡¯s voice was loud enough for people outside his tent to hear, but he did not care. In fact, he wanted his men to hear, so that he could inspire them to follow him in what his now deranged mind conjured up as a solution. ¡°Let us pillage this city and take what we deserve!¡±


    Brynjarr¡¯s influence had taken hold of Melanthis completely, and empowered by the general¡¯s words, his men were infected one after another. Previously sane men turned into beasts, as they dropped their work and took up arms. The unprepared population of Chalcis could not hope to offer any resistance to the two thousand elite soldiers that stormed through their open gates and began to steal, kill and rape all that came into their hands. Twenty thousand inhabitants were, within a few hours, reduced to only a few hundred survivors who were barely able to escape, and the city was pillaged and razed as if it belonged to a hated enemy. In the heat of the madness that drove those men to such mindless cruelty a dark cloud appeared above the burning city, seemingly taking in the fear, sorrow and insanity emanating from it. A sinister laughter was carried by the wind, like a whisper, its tone belonging to none other than the mastermind behind this atrocity.


    By the time Melanthis and his men came to their senses, the deed had already been done, and nothing would ever justify their actions. The dark cloud had taken away the poison from the men, so all that remained was disbelief and immense regret at their actions. Only the general¡¯s treason was rooted deeply in his consciousness, and he commanded his troops to follow him; they would throw away their banners and become an army of brigands, disappearing into the mountainous regions between Abila and Olynthus.


    When Paramonos learned of his general¡¯s actions, his army had already marched for the better half of the day. Ordering a complete retreat, he cancelled his campaign and prepared to send his best diplomats to ride for Straton¡¯s camps in Naxos. He wanted to bring the news of the situation to his friend before any distorted rumors turned into official reports. However, he called for a meeting with his staff, to discuss how to explain the ill tidings.


    ¡°How could I be so shortsighted to trust a man like Melanthis?¡± Paramonos lamented and paced back and forth within the command tent, while the attending generals looked on with complicated expressions. ¡°What should I do? I cannot see how this can be explained at all...¡± He was at his wit¡¯s end, knowing that the straight-laced Straton would not look upon this violation of his people with anything but enraged eyes. Losing an ally his family had fostered for generations would hurt greatly.


    ¡°Do not worry, my lord. Count Straton would not dare to take military actions against you. You will, however, have to pay reparations and it would be in our best interest to catch Melanthis alive and deliver him to Count Straton as a show of our goodwill.¡± The man who spoke up was Linos Warin of Rhegion, one of Paramonos¡¯ most trusted advisors. Hearing his words, the duke¡¯s face lit up with hope as he turned around to face him.


    ¡°So you say that Straton would forgive me?¡± He was eager to hear the answer, his inner thoughts clearly visible on his face. At that sight Linos was slightly taken aback; in no way had he said that the count would forgive him so easily, but he could not simply dash his lord¡¯s hopes.


    ¡°I believe that my lord will be able to keep his friendly relations with Count Straton intact, as long as he follows my advice. I will draft up the numbers for the reparation costs, and I believe it would be wise to to also offer to rebuild the city of Chalcis on our costs.¡± Linos did not deny his lord¡¯s words, but neither did he commit to them fully. Yet, this was enough assurance for Paramonos, who was exceedingly simpleminded at times of great distress and overly relied on his advisors.


    ¡°Do so right away, Linos. I leave it to you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, my lord.¡± With a bow, the advisor stepped out of the tent to begin his work. The assembly was disbanded and Paramonos already filed the matter as solved inside his mind.


    ¡°What?!¡± Straton Raimis of Abila¡¯s voice thundered through the command tent. Before him kneeled an express messenger who had brought the news of Chalcis¡¯ razing at the hands of a general under Paramonos. Due to the fact that the duke had only learned of the fact several hours after the city had fallen, and Linos had taken several more hours to draft up the intent to pay reparations, survivors from Chalcis had escaped to nearby cities and had spread the information among the people of Abila already. A scout had confirmed the situation from afar, and the mayor of a neighboring city immediately sent out the messenger to report to Straton in Naxos. ¡°How dare Paramonos stab me in the back like this!¡± He was enraged, as expected. ¡°We shall retreat from Naxos and return to Abila immediately, to bring down justice on that cur for this transgression!¡±


    ¡°Please wait, my lord! If Duke Paramonos had really intended to take Abila in your absence, he would not have chosen to first attack Chalcis, which is only a small city in the south. It has low walls, no garrison to speak of and holds no strategic value. Instead, with his armies, he could have directly attacked our capital, Abila Lysaniou, and claimed it before we could return.¡± The advisor who spoke up to keep Straton from committing to a hasty judgment was Xenokras Jodocis of Abila. ¡°We should send a messenger to Duke Paramonos and ask for the reason behind this unreasonable act, before we declare war on him.¡±


    Lahya Eventyr, sitting among the generals under Straton, exchanged a look with Leontis beside her. Over the past few months it had become apparent that the campaign in Naxos was not progressing at all, and only served to weaken and eventually bleed out the Abila resources. Naxos, on the other hand, was more bountiful in the north, which could only be conquered once the capital was taken. Therefore, Abila¡¯s army was still using the provisions that had to make the arduous journey from its home fief. This was the perfect excuse for Straton to end this fruitless campaign without having to admit that he had been bested by what he and his senior staff described as a snot-nosed brat who had no experience and solely relied on luck - speaking of the commander on the enemy¡¯s side, Pantas Museo of Naxos.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°I see... let us pull back to Mylasa, where we can return to Abila at a moment¡¯s notice. Send an express messenger.¡± Straton was adamant about abandoning the campaign, and pulling all the way back to Mylasa, which was a city close to the border between Naxos and Abila, meant that he was effectively returning all the land he had conquered without resistance. In reality, he did not have the means to hold the territories taken from Naxos, if Paramonos was really aiming to attack his rear. The only reason he had attempted a campaign in the north was because he had thought that Olynthus was an ally he could trust.


    ¡°Understood.¡± The assembly dispersed, beginning to prepare for the upcoming march.


    A few days later Linos arrived at Mylasa as an ambassador of goodwill, carrying with him a carefully written declaration of intent under Paramonos¡¯ name, explaining the circumstances surrounding the razing of Chalcis.


    ¡°My lord, Duke Paramonos Aquila of Olynthus, marched at the head of a punitive force against Count Phytos Ancaris of Dorylaion, who sat idly by as an army of the tyrant Hesper Polus of Naxos threatened our alliance¡¯s back in Edessa. My lord¡¯s army travelled through the lands of your lordship¡¯s, knowing that your families¡¯ friendly relations had kept the borders open between our two fiefdoms for generations. We camped at the city of Chalcis to rest for the night, so my lord was invited into the city to attend a banquet. During his absence, discipline in our camp was unacceptable, so the then-commander-in-charge, the traitorous Melanthis Lucia of Rhegion, was punished for his crime the next morning. When my lord marched on, he ordered Melanthis to stay behind and clean up the remains of the camp, so that the outside of the city would return to the pristine state it had been before our army¡¯s approach. However, Melanthis ordered his men to pillage and raze the city of Chalcis, most likely to spite my lord, before fleeing into the mountains like a petty band of brigands.¡± Linos read the declaration out loud, so that all in the audience hall could hear. ¡°My lord has ordered his entire army to search for Melanthis now, and once he is found, he will be captured alive and delivered before your lordship, so that you may bring down the hammer of justice yourself. Furthermore, he is willing to rebuild the city from his own coffers and pay you the sum of two hundred thousand zentera, ten zentera per citizen of Chalcis, as reparation. My lord hopes that our two fiefdoms may uphold their friendly relations after this unfortunate incident with this payment.


    ¡°Paramonos is unable to keep his general in check as he parties and indulges in alcohol himself, his general attacks my city, kills its entire population and burns it to the ground... and then he has the gall to crunch numbers with me? Does he think the population of Abila is just a number in a book?¡± Straton was enraged, surprising his staff, including Lahya and Thais, but most of all, the ambassador from Olynthus, Linos. Ten zentera amounted to the average yearly income of city dwellers in Zenter, although this figure did not include the aristocracy and officials appointed by the court. It was double the amount a marquis had to send to the imperial court as yearly tribute, so the amount was already considerable. Still, Lahya could understand Straton¡¯s outrage at the fact that the offer seemed more calculated to cover losses rather than a sign of goodwill. If the Emperor of Zenter had told her that he would pay a certain amount per alf killed in the extermination war, she would most likely have reacted the same way. This was assigning a cost to people¡¯s lives, ignoring their individual and emotional value in the eyes of those left behind. Then again, maybe it was the perfect reflection of the times they lived in.


    ¡°I am sorry if I have offended you, your lordship. However, my lord believes that this is an adequate reparation for a small city like Chalcis,¡± Linos explained and Lahya could practically see him digging deeper into his own grave. ¡°The traitor responsible for it will be delivered to your lordship as soon as he is caught, so please do not hold a grudge against my lord.¡±


    ¡°Your lord... Paramonos believes that this is adequate... for a small city like Chalcis?!¡± As expected, Straton was not happy. ¡°Guards, take this man out and have him executed!¡± Blank surprise played over Linos¡¯ face at this order, and none of the count¡¯s staff seemed to realize what had happened to move and stop this hasty decision. Then, Lahya noticed that none wanted to; many looked at the ambassador from Olynthus with anger and contempt, while others shook their heads, not daring to oppose their lord¡¯s verdict.


    ¡°Your lordship, spare me! I am but the messenger!¡± Just when two soldiers grabbed him did Linos finally understand that it had not been an empty threat and pleaded for his life. ¡°I only brought you the words of my lord, do not punish me for it!¡±


    ¡°You came before me with an attitude of superiority, arbitrarily judged the worth of my people and took me for a fool that would accept such a half-hearted apology!¡± Straton thundered. ¡°You spoke those words as if they were your own, without a shred of doubt in them. I will send your head to Paramonos to show him what he has done!¡± With these words, he waved at the guards to take Linos away.


    Under any other circumstances, Lahya would have spoken up for the messenger to be spared, but she had clearly witnessed his attitude when delivering the message. In fact, she believed that the numbers and wording were entirely drafted by Linos himself, which explained the complacency in his demeanor and tone. She almost felt sorry for Paramonos for having sent someone who presented his case in such a bad light, but she knew that if one party wanted an excuse for war, there was nothing one person could do to stop it.


    Duke Paramonos had been eagerly awaiting the good news from Linos, and when the city watch spotted the latter¡¯s carriage, he could not help but feel excited. However, when the news of the advisor¡¯s death reached his ears, only minutes before his severed preserved head did, his mood reached an all-time low. The message attached to the gruesome display of Straton¡¯s anger and rejection of the apology stated what was already visible in the dead eyes of the murdered Linos: Abila and Olynthus were now at war.


    ¡°How could Straton do this after all the years of our friendship? The loss of a small border city to a rogue general under my army breaks apart the relationship our forefathers built over generations... what has this world come to?¡± Paramonos was sad rather than enraged at the death of his trusted advisor and the declaration of war.


    ¡°My lord, this just shows how cheap friendship has become in these times. However, that this would happen was an eventuality. If my lord truly wishes to gain hegemony in the north, Count Straton was sure to stand in your way someday. This only means that it happened sooner rather than later.¡± The man who spoke up was Telesoron Harela of Rhegion, a childhood friend of Paramonos¡¯. He enjoyed by far the most trust among the duke¡¯s advisors and his policies were almost always favored above those of others. Telesoron had anticipated that Linos¡¯ overeager attitude would result in failure, and although his words could have avoided it, he secretly wished for it to happen. As an ardent advocate of the expansionist faction within the duke¡¯s ranks, nothing better could have happened than Straton being the one to open hostilities by executing a member of Paramonos¡¯ staff, especially one with a mission of peace talks.


    ¡°So you are telling me to throw away my friendship with Straton?¡± Paramonos did prefer Telesoron¡¯s counsel, but he did not take everything his old friend told him without question. After all, in their childhood, Telesoron¡¯s pranks had gotten the duke into more trouble than they had been worth the fun.


    ¡°It was not you who threw away that friendship, my lord. Count Straton executed your advisor, ignoring the unwritten law of never harming a messenger travelling to parlay for peace. It was Count Straton who declared war on you, despite your best efforts to rectify the wrongs committed by a former general turned traitor.¡± With this, all guilt over going to war against Straton had been argued away; now, Telesoron only needed to push his lord into the direction of fully committing to the war. Aided by his knowledge about the states of the surrounding fiefdoms, he could quickly formulate the pros of opening the battle as quickly as possible. ¡°The only other fiefdom we share a border with has a weak army and no talented generals to speak of. Marquis Philon Oratio of Pandosia¡¯s advanced age and frequent illnesses prevent him from taking action, so there is nothing to fear from the south. Count Straton just returned from a fruitless war of attrition, so now is the perfect time to strike with our entire might, and take Abila in one push. With Abila in your hands, Dorylaion and Naxos are within your immediate grasp.¡±


    Listening intently, Paramonos and many of his chief staff seemed to lean in on Telesoron, as he proceeded to make proposals for the immediate future Olynthus should be striving for. The war against Abila should be concluded within a year, Naxos taken within two and Dorylaion be forced to surrender right after. Pandosia and Aegae were to be taken within the next five years, and Lord Kyron¡¯s mobilization of an army in Thronion was mentioned off-hand as a potential threat in about the same time, if left unchecked. Paramonos, Kyron and Telesoron had been known as the ¡°Troublesome Trio¡± in their childhood, and even though their past together ran deep, ambitions ran deeper.


    Several hours of deliberation passed, as Telesoron responded to questions, doubts and opposition, always ready with an answer that would satisfy his opposite. Paramonos did not join the conversation as he listened to every point that was brought up by his ministers and generals, mostly to get a feeling for where people stood in their support for his expansion in the north and eventual grab for power on the whole continent. The fact that Straton had declared war on him had simply been added to a list of many battles to come in the plan for Paramonos¡¯ hegemony.


    Ultimately, the question of whether to try and find a diplomatic solution or to prepare for war had been completely swept aside in favor of the former choice, without so much as a debate. Paramonos had clearly decided to follow through with Telesoron¡¯s advice - the question that remained was how far he would take it.


    ¡°Therefore, it would be in my lord¡¯s best interest to finish this war as quickly as possible, before Naxos can regain its strength and one of the lords in the south consolidates his hegemony. I am most specifically speaking of Duke Heron Berneris of Cumae, who has openly displayed his expansionist tendencies.¡± The advisor brought forth his conclusion. Paramonos had been sad to hear about Marquis Galeno¡¯s death, since they had shared a common goal and, despite everything involving his younger brother Iason, had parted on a positive note. However, more pressing was the fact that somebody had already taken the first step on the road of conquest, only months after the fall of the capital of Zenter. The authority of the central government had practically disappeared overnight after Hesper¡¯s death, and the resulting power vacuum had emboldened lords everywhere to begin self-government. Those who did not do so and still clung to the emperor¡¯s authority were bound to fall behind in the upcoming scramble for supremacy.


    ¡°I understand, my dear Telesoron. We shall accommodate Straton¡¯s declaration of war and begin a complete mobilization!¡± Standing up from his seat, now more than ever resembling a throne, Paramonos announced his decision. ¡°Hear me, Zotikos! You will lead the vanguard of twenty thousand troops and begin your march to Abila at noon of the third day.¡± The one who had been named was Zotikos Lecha of Sineias, a tall man of few words and deep loyalty, who had been in Paramonos service since the beginning of the latter¡¯s tenure. He stepped forward, bowed in acknowledgement of his orders and quickly departed to fulfill them.


    ¡°Phylares, Roxana, come forth!¡± The duke continued, calling General Phylares Marchia of Akroinon, who had already seen service under the former¡¯s father, and Roxana Forgia of Oenos, a young and promising general. ¡°You will lead the right and left flanks of ten thousand each. Set forth at dawn on the fourth day.¡± The two each bowed and acknowledged with their individual response, before stepping out to prepare their troops.


    ¡°Aischylos, Kallias!¡± Paramonos called out two more names, this time to announce whom the duty of the rearguard would fall to. They were Aischylos Limesia of Rhegion and Kallias Folia of Ambrosio. ¡°I name you general and vice general of the rear. You will ride at noon on the fourth day, and follow the footsteps of the main army of thirty thousand, which I will lead personally. Evaristos and Alcibia will ride with me.¡±


    Evaristos Demacer of Rhegion and his wife, Alcibia Monachis of the same, were at the pinnacle of Paramonos¡¯ army. Previously, Evaristos had been known as someone who could have doubtlessly matched Hypatios in single combat, but his absence from the alliance due to remaining in Olynthus to protect its borders had pushed him into obscurity after the emergence of talents such as Leontis and Alexander under Lahya Eventyr. During the past year, he had found himself a worthy wife in Alcibia, who had shown that she was a match to her husband¡¯s might in battle. With these two by his side, Paramonos felt that claiming all of the north would be a simple task.


    The coveted position of chief military advisor was given to Telesoron, who had been the one to propose the Five-Year Plan, as it would later be called, to conquer the north. With an army numbering eighty thousand, more than half of the reserves in Olynthus, the first major conflict since the Anti-Hesper Alliance was about to begin. Heron¡¯s ambush of Galeno in the south and Melanthis¡¯ betrayal in the north were the two rocks that set off the rockslide that was the turbulent times, later known as an era in which many heroes emerged - the Era of Heroes.

 Chapter Two: Era of Heroes - Battle at Loudias

    ar was dirty and brought only suffering for the common people. Lahya Eventyr had witnessed the cruelties committed by humans during times of war first hand, its effects still lingering in her very being to this day. She hated killing, even to the point where she would not end the life of the slaver who had sold her and her brother separately, despite knowing of their familial relationship. Even then, she still participated in war, and called two men who compared the numbers of enemy commander¡¯s heads taken after each battle, her closest friends. This was because to fulfill her ambition in a world that knew only violence, she had to rely on those that could sow the most of it. Even then, she had made it clear to the two that she would not stand for needless slaughter among the enemy soldiers and most of all, never allow pillaging. She had been glad to learn that her two companions abhorred the idea of stealing from and killing the common folk as much as she did.


    The same was true for Count Straton, and being on the receiving end of such pillaging, he had declared war on the perpetrator without a moment¡¯s hesitation. In a sense, he was upholding his principles in this way, although the situation seemed hopeless in the face of the overwhelming army headed by Duke Paramonos. With the garrisons from all across Abila pulled together, its army barely surpassed fifty thousand. On the other side, only the larger part of Olynthus standing army had marched out to meet them; eighty thousand men, nearly a hundred thousand when counting the auxiliary and supply convoys, trampled the grassy plains of Abila into a wasteland, as they crossed the borders.


    Despite his rash decision to fight, Straton was well aware of the fact that his army was at a numerical disadvantage. However, at the same time, there were not many natural defenses between Olynthus and Abila, and to halt the advance of Paramonos¡¯ overwhelming numbers, he needed to commit to an initial clash at the border. Such a battle against a larger enemy force meant that the individual capabilities of the various generals in the field were indispensible for the survival of the troops. Straton, as a mere count, did not hold the same force of attraction a duke did; all generals under his command were from Abila, which limited their quality. Paramonos counted many outstanding individuals from different fiefdoms of the empire among his subordinates.


    The twenty thousand strong enemy vanguard under Zotikos Lecha of Sineia numbered already more than a third of Straton¡¯s entire forces. Seeking to gain a quick first victory, Abila advanced with its entire army and forced the encounter before Olynthus¡¯ main army could arrive. The resulting clash was a direct confrontation located in a shallow valley, with neither ambushes nor specific strategies on both sides.


    It quickly became clear that Olynthus¡¯ troops were of a caliber different from Abila¡¯s. While Paramonos had been able to maintain an army of full-time soldiers due to the size of his fiefdom, Straton had to use levies and militia drafted from the common people. On the one hand, the difference in numbers meant little in face of the superior training the soldiers of Olynthus had enjoyed; on the other hand, the citizens of Abila were defending their own land from invaders - ones who had proven to kill innocent civilians and pillage their cities in a gruesome precedent - and thus, fought with righteous fervor.


    Due to the fact that Paramonos¡¯ main forces were only half a day away and would most likely speed up their march if word of a clash reached them, Abila was fighting a battle against time. Unfortunately, being unable to surround or push Zotikos back, Straton had to order a full retreat after three hours, fearing that if his army lingered too long, it would be beset upon by the full power of Olynthus.


    The body count on both sides numbered less than five thousand each, which meant that the gamble had been a failure. On the other hand, Olynthus¡¯ advance had been temporarily halted, as they began to move more carefully within Abila¡¯s borders. Pulling back around fifty liges from the clash, Straton created a three-tiered set of camps, twenty liges outside the city of Eubea, at the dried bed of the Loudias river, and readied himself for a siege battle against the much larger enemy force.


    ¡°Straton declares war on our mighty Olynthus, but when we come all the way to Abila to meet his expectations, he holes himself up in his camp! How can you all follow such a cowardly leader?¡± The taunts from Paramonos¡¯ soldiers, who came every day early in the morning and stayed until late in the evening, resulted from the passive stance Straton had taken for the past month. The enemy supply lines were long and having experienced such a battle before, the count seemed to employ the tactics that had wasted him nearly a whole year in Naxos.


    ¡°Let us ride out and meet them in battle! I cannot take these insults any longer!¡± Kyrillos Podio of Eubea was enraged at the incessant taunts coming from barely outside the range of Abila¡¯s arrows. He stood atop the wooden gatehouse of the outermost tier of camps, watching the enemy drinking and feasting all day, throwing insults at him and his men at regular intervals.


    ¡°You must not! Can you not see that our lord is deliberately ignoring them to prepare for his stratagem?¡± Xenokras Jodocis of Abila, one of Straton¡¯s closest advisors stepped in and chastised the impatient general. Kyrillos was a rotund man with an eternally red face, which was even redder now that he was puffed up with anger. The other generals shared his sentiment and Epaphras Nequam of Himera voiced his support for Kyrillos, when the words from the Olynthus army became bolder, as they began to insult Straton¡¯s name and family. ¡°At least let us attack that small group of loudmouths out there. They are few in number and have taken off their armor against the heat. They won¡¯t have the time to get ready, if we ride out now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, let us do that!¡± Kyrillos agreed and prepared to step past Xenokras, who barred his way with his arms outstretched.


    ¡°If you do that, you go against the direct orders of our lord, and jeopardize his efforts over the past month!¡± Although the general was rotund, he was still half a head taller than and twice as wide as the scholarly advisor. Ignoring his efforts, Kyrillos pushed the latter aside and made his way down the ramparts. ¡°When I bring back the head of the commander of that small contingent, our lord will be pleased.¡± He sounded confident. ¡°Epaphras, take three hundred men and ride with me.¡± Kyrillos was second in command of Abila¡¯s left wing, as such he commanded an army of three thousand. However, seeing as how the enemy only numbered around a hundred, he was confident that with a combined force of six hundred, he could ride them all down without losing a single one of his men.


    By the time Xenokras had arrived at the command tent in the innermost tier of camps, Kyrillos and Epaphras had already set out. Lahya, having requested to be stationed in the outermost layer alongside General Hagnos, heard the commotion, called for Leontis and Alexander, and quickly ascended the ramparts with them at her side to witness how the impulsive attack would turn out.


    Upon seeing the Abila riders come out of their camp, the taunting division of the enemy began to gather their belongings as quickly as possible and beat a hasty retreat, some losing parts of their armor or even their weapons in their flight. Emboldened by that sight, Kyrillos spurred his horse to ride even faster, closing the gap between them at an incredible pace. Just when the Olynthus soldiers were halfway up the opposite hill, a large force easily numbering in the thousands appeared on its ridge, displaying the flag of Hippolytos Ortiako of Abydos, the second in command of the enemy¡¯s vanguard.


    Lahya watched with a grim expression as the enemy general rode at the front of his forces and stampeded down the hill, while Kyrillos realized his mistake too late and barely had time to turn his small contingent around. Then, he was beheaded by Hippolytos in a single swing of his halberd, unable to even lift his weapon in response. Epaphras had been quicker in his reaction and his forces rode as fast as they could, to return to the Abila camp, with the enemy hot on their heels.


    ¡°We need to do something, or else they will be annihilated,¡± Lahya stated, gauging the numbers under Hippolytos. They were two thousand at least, riding down the stragglers from Kyrillos headless troops, while Epaphras desperately scrambled for safety. Leontis turned to one of the watching soldiers who wielded a longbow and took it off of him. In the towering man¡¯s hands it looked like a short bow, as he nocked an arrow, took aim and drew back to the bow¡¯s breaking point. The enemies were still well beyond firing range, but without a hint of doubt, he let the projectile loose. Flying with a deadly whirring, cutting through the air in an arc like a curved blade, it found its way into the head of the horse at the front of the pursuers - which happened to be the one Hippolytos rode.


    The dead horse fell and its rider with it, very nearly getting trampled by the troops that followed behind. Quickly realizing that they had come within range of Abila¡¯s archers, Hippolytos beat a hasty retreat. Even then, from the six hundred under Kyrillos and Epaphras, fewer than half returned. Those who witnessed Leontis¡¯ incredible feat cared little about the state of their comrades who just entered the camp, as word of the fact that he halted an enemy army of two thousand with a single arrow from a seemingly impossible distance quickly made its rounds among the Abila forces. Alexander¡¯s loud voice was one of the main carriers of the new legend that would be spun around this incident.


    ¡°I was aiming for the enemy general... I am sure Baltsar would have hit him,¡± Leontis seemed to be dissatisfied with the result. Ever since the duel with the legendary general from Naxos, Lahya had found him comparing himself to the younger man. It showed just how much of a monster they had been able to fight to a standstill at the gates of Lato Triada. Even though the shot had been an incredible achievement, it could only be considered a failure when compared to Baltsar¡¯s mastery of all forms of armed combat.


    ¡°You did well, Leontis. Now Hippolytos and his men will wonder if you did it on purpose. You will grow much bigger in their imagination, more than you would have, had you killed him,¡± Lahya understood the psychology behind warfare, and knew that the enemy would fear Leontis for being capable of shooting and killing whomever he desired from a distance they had thought safe before.


    The gate closed behind the last straggler, one of the few survivors of Kyrillos¡¯ contingent, and they were back in safety. Lahya and Leontis came down the ramparts and Epaphras noticed the bow in the man with the golden mane''s hand.


    ¡°I thank you for saving my life, Sir Leontis,¡± Epaphras dismounted his horse and bowed. The latter was looking behind the returned general and a neutral expression masked the grimness of his following words. ¡°Your life is all but saved, General Epaphras.¡±


    ¡°Guards, take this man into custody!¡± Staton¡¯s voice boomed across the camp. He had arrived alongside his entourage, to witness the situation for himself; seeing the state the returning soldiers were in, there was no need for further explanations. ¡°He will answer for his crime of disobeying my direct orders with his life.¡± At these words Epaphras¡¯ face lost all its colors, as two soldiers grabbed his arms and pulled him away.


    ¡°For all those who do not understand, I will repeat it here: Nobody is to leave these camps to engage the enemy before I personally give the order. Those who do not abide by this are to share Epaphras¡¯ fate.¡± Leaving this heavy statement lingering in the air, Straton returned to his command tent in the depths of the camp clusters.


    But sure enough, on the very next day, Olynthus sent a new contingent to taunt Abila¡¯s forces. Having learned from the mistakes of the two generals who rode out in disregard of their orders, all Abila¡¯s generals could do was clench their teeth in impotence. Pelted by the insults, thrown at them by more and more voices every passing day, as the shouters swelled in numbers, Abila¡¯s army was at a mental breaking point. This continued for several more weeks, during which Straton remained firmly locked inside his camp.


    ¡°Does our lord even have a plan or are we really just a turtle in our shell?¡±


    ¡°Maybe the count intends to wait until winter comes and Olynthus leaves on their own?¡±


    ¡°Our lord is actually too scared to take action.¡±


    Discontented voices grew in the camps that were within earshot of the taunts, and dangerous rumors began to spread, stating that Straton really had no stratagem and was mindlessly copying the strategy he had been at the receiving end of against Pantas Museo of Naxos in his northern campaign the previous year.


    During Thais visits of Lahya in the outermost layer of the camps, she noted that with every passing day, the voices became more and more audible. Emboldened by the fact that no punishment awaited them, the soldiers spoke with less and less restraint.


    ¡°This is becoming disconcerting, Lady Lahya,¡± Thais said, as she entered the half-alf¡¯s tent. The latter was sitting on her bed, reading a wooden codex. Beside her were two neat piles of more codices, one much larger than the other. She had borrowed them from Straton¡¯s personal collection and finished most of them over the two months in which they had remained inside the camps. Leontis and Alexander were diligently training the troops, while she trained her mind.


    ¡°I understand, but there is nothing we can do for now. Or do you also wish the army would ride out and meet the enemy in battle?¡± Lahya patted the space beside her on the bed, signaling for Thais to be seated. She did as asked and sighed. ¡°Please do not tease me, Lady Lahya. I am concerned about the soldiers¡¯ morale. If this continues for much longer, I do not know if they will be able to fight properly, when the time finally comes.¡±


    ¡°This will not continue for much longer. I am sure Count Straton¡¯s stratagem is bearing fruit as we speak.¡± With conviction, the half-alf responded and smiled to Thais. The two had grown as close to each other as the former had with Leontis and Alexander, and at this point she counted the female human warrior among her close friends. Sometimes Lahya found herself envying Straton for having discovered Thais before she had.


    ¡°What do you mean? Do you know what the lord is planning?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do think I know, but you can never be sure who is listening. There may very well be enemy spies within the camps, so I cannot tell you. One thing I can say, however, is that I believe it to be a very efficient strategy, although I do not agree with the method in itself.¡±


    ¡°Now you have me really interested. Please do not make such statements without telling me the details,¡± Thais spoke with a pout. Lahya had to remind herself that the girl before her, underneath all the shining silver armor and gallantry on the battlefield, was only eighteen years of age.


    ¡°Alright, I will tell you, but you have to keep it a secret. Anyone who asks you about it may very well be a spy, so be careful.¡± The half-alf was effectively saying that she trusted Thais without a hint of a doubt. Leaning in on her, she whispered what she believed to be Straton¡¯s strategy into the human warrior¡¯s ear.


    ¡°... to think the lord planned this...¡± Mixed feelings were displayed on her face upon hearing the truth. There was wonder and disapproval, but also resignation. ¡°I do not agree with it either, Lady Lahya, but it is indeed very efficient, and will help us in this war, in which the odds are stacked against us.¡±


    ¡°Truthfully, Paramonos is at fault for sending such an incompetent negotiator. The right person with the right attitude could have prevented this whole war. Now, more lives are being lost because of a single person¡¯s mistakes.¡± Lahya rubbed the bridge of her nose. ¡°If this stratagem succeeds, it may end the whole war in one stroke. That is far better than Olynthus¡¯ forces pushing further into Abila and potentially pillaging and razing cities along the way.¡±


    ¡°I agree with you on that point, Lady Lahya. As long as the war ends here, I can accept my lord¡¯s solution.¡± Thais was a like-minded spirit in regards of war and its effects on the common people. Although she did not hesitate to take lives in battle, it was out of necessity rather than to seek glory. ¡°Do you know when the stratagem will commence?¡±


    ¡°For that, you would have to ask the weather,¡± Lahya responded with a shrug, earning a chuckle from Thais. They shared an almost childlike moment of joy at the thought that they had a secret between the two of them.


    And sure enough, it began to rain just a few days later, transforming the dry riverbed that was the no man¡¯s land into a muddy field, causing the men from Olynthus to be even more enthusiastic about ridiculing Straton¡¯s inactivity than they had been under the glaring midsummer sun. Due to the rain, they had to come closer to the camps to be heard, but for the same reason, Abila¡¯s arrows still could not reach them.


    The heavy rainfalls continued for almost two weeks, during which Lahya had Leontis and Alexander secretly prepare their troops for battle, until one afternoon the rain slowly drizzled out and came to a stop. At that time, Straton suddenly gave the command for full mobilization, and the war drums resounded throughout the camps. Within less than half an hour, the gates opened to reveal an army pouring out like a flood, riding down the hill with their standards held high. The taunting division immediately gathered up and retreated, to report this unusual behavior to their superiors. There were no pursuers chasing after them.


    ¡°Finally we get to see some action!¡± Alexander beat his chest and grinned. He had replaced his unwieldy sledgehammer with a two handed bladed mace that looked deceptively lighter than it really was. In the past few months he had gone through several different types of weapons, as his skills in combat progressed at a terrific rate. Leontis had pointed out to Lahya that the boisterous man would surpass him in due time.


    ¡°Remember what the lady told us. Keep an eye out for her signal,¡± Leontis reminded his companion with a steady voice. The half-alf had repeatedly stressed that this battle was not going to be what it looked like on the surface, although she had not told them the details.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°I am riding with you today, Lady Lahya,¡± Thais approached them on her white horse, her spotless silver chest plate shining in the rays of the sun which finally broke through the heavy clouds that had loomed overhead for so long. ¡°Count Straton has ordered me to stay with the left wing and oversee the plan¡¯s fruition.¡±


    ¡°It is great to have you with us. So, was my guess right?¡± Lahya greeted Thais and asked with a mischievous smile. ¡°Down to every single detail. You are incredible, my lady,¡± The latter responded with a bow. ¡°But since we are the closest to it, we need to get the timing right, and become the lead for the entire center and left wing.¡± Even now, it was important to keep the exact details under wrap, in case an enemy spy was able to hear it and give a warning signal.


    More than forty thousand soldiers from Abila lined up in ranks on the slope before their camp, standing ready to face the more than twice as numerous army from Olynthus, which began to form up on the other side of the wide gulch. Although the numbers were far less impressive than those in the clash between the alliance army against Hesper¡¯s forces had been, the sight was nonetheless one to behold. The resulting bloodbath was sure to be a gruesome one.


    ¡°What is the occasion for this mobilization, Count Straton?¡± A familiar voice boomed across the gulch and reached the ranks of Abila. It was Paramonos himself, sitting atop a mighty northern horse in full armor, a hand on the handle of the broadsword sheathed in the saddle, another in a greeting gesture. ¡°Have you finally grown back the balls you lost after the clash against my mighty vanguard?¡±


    ¡°You are brave to come out of your camps now, even though your supplies have been insufficient over the past week and your soldiers are hungry and weak, Duke Paramonos!¡± Straton shouted back. Indeed, his spies had reported that the supply lines had encountered problems during the heavy rainfall, and that food had to be rationed over the past few days.


    ¡°Starving soldiers from Olynthus still make greater warriors than a rabble of farmers from Abila!¡± Paramonos taunted back. In reality, he had secretly arranged for a surplus of supplies within every man¡¯s tent at all times, so that whenever there should come a time of need, he could create the illusion that his troops were suffering a shortage. It appeared that Straton had fallen for that trick and was willing to bet on an all-out battle against a supposedly weakened foe.


    ¡°Do not underestimate a farmer fighting for the very land that feeds his family, my friend!¡± Straton deliberately stressed the word ¡°friend¡±, the sarcasm in his voice impossible to miss. ¡°We shall see whether the hungry elite or the desperate but well-fed peasant will win today.¡± With this, the count gave the signal. The cavalry began to trot forward, accelerating with time until they were in a full gallop.


    On the other side, the enemy cavalry had done the same in response, charging down the hill in far greater numbers. Only a hundred paces from each other, the sound of the drums coming from Abila¡¯s side changed. Due to the fact that they had started earlier, Abila¡¯s cavalry had already entered a stretch of flat land and its momentum from going downhill was running out. Just then, they made a sharp turn to their left, turned around and rode back uphill.


    ¡°Archers, ready!¡± Straton shouted, as he watched the cavalry from Olynthus continuing on and entering the muddy riverbed, in pursuit of his own slowed troops. Unable to easily maneuver due to their greater numbers and the momentum still in their step, the rain of arrows that would have otherwise hit allies, now came down as a deadly shower onto the helpless enemy. Still, the difference in numbers and discipline became apparent, as Olynthus¡¯ cavalry did not slow down or stop, and hit the rear of the retreating Abila troops. The lives that had been claimed by the arrows were repaid in kind.


    ¡°Advance!¡± Straton¡¯s voice boomed across the front line of his army, and the war drums picked up in pace. A wave of motion ran through the soldiers and the sound of armor pieces rubbing against each other, magnified by more than thirty thousand, could be heard throughout the gulch. The same motion ran through Olynthus¡¯ main forces, albeit accompanied by a much louder noise, when tens of thousands of feet began to march nearly in unison.


    ¡°So it begins...¡± Lahya commented under her breath. This marked the true beginning of a clash between two former members of the Anti-Hesper Alliance, a sign of the times to come. She raised her right arm, rapier in hand, signaling for her troops to follow her lead. With Alexander, Leontis and Thais by her side, she felt that nothing could stop them.


    Olynthus¡¯ cavalry separated from Abila¡¯s and rejoined the ranks of their advancing army, while Straton personally led the center and soon clashed with Zotikos. To the right of the enemy¡¯s center were the familiar flags of Hippolytos, and due to its sheer size, its approximate position corresponded to that of Lahya¡¯s forces within Abila¡¯s left flank.


    ¡°Leontis, that is Hippolytos. You know what to do!¡± She announced with a confident expression. The towering man responded with a smile and nodded wordlessly, leading his troops towards the man he had seemingly spared with that impossible arrow not too long ago. ¡°Alexander, protect his flank. The enemy is far more numerous than us, so don¡¯t let them circle around.¡±


    ¡°Understood, milady!¡± The boastful man responded and led his troops after Leontis, a grin filled with anticipation on his face. It seemed that he felt that he could finally make a name for himself on this day, and step out of Leontis¡¯ overbearing shadow. ¡°Do not overdo it, and remember to look out for my signal.¡± Lahya was more worried that he would do too well and lose sight of her during the battle. Raising his weapon, he confirmed that he had heard her and understood her concerns.


    Thais remained close to Lahya, although she was effectively the leader of the left flank. Due to the difference in the size of the two armies, the flanks of Abila had to put in additional effort. Ultimately, sheer numbers could only be used in a set number of ways: To grind through the side with the smaller numbers or to surround it. After all, the line where both armies clashed could only be manned by the same amount of people. The important thing was how many rows followed up to close gaps created by the fallen, how far the front line extended to either side, and whether that line could circle around to hit the back lines of the enemy.


    Olynthus clearly had the numbers to extend both flanks in an attempt to surround Abila¡¯s forces and grind them down. However, Abila¡¯s placement was more favorable, as they were fighting a downhill battle. Lahya understood that the most important thing was to inflict enough damage on the enemy army to make it want to pay it back. After all, even if every single soldier from Abila killed one from Olynthus before falling, there would still be more of the latter left than there had been of the former in the first place. When thinking like that, Paramonos was sure to pursue, once the inevitable retreat was sounded by Straton.


    Lahya watched with satisfaction as Leontis cut through Hippolytos¡¯ troops and approached the general with every passing second. Alexander followed him into the gap and prevented it from closing, effectively driving a wedge into Olynthus¡¯ center and its right flank. Under Thais command, the enemy was unable to collapse on them and was prevented from surrounding the left flank. The half-alf kept a close eye on Straton¡¯s position, as he was just about to engage Zotikos in direct combat.


    After only a few bouts, during which the count looked like he was barely able to defend himself from the enemy general¡¯s attacks, the former began to retreat. It was the signal she had been waiting for, and she quickly rode up to Thais to tell her about it. ¡°Indeed, I can hear it coming,¡± The female general commented when she was informed of her lord¡¯s retreat. Lahya was unable to hear anything other than the clashing of weapons and the screams of the dying, but maybe that was why Thais had been selected to lead the left wing.


    Leontis finished an exchange of blows with Hippolytos, before he heeded the secret signal for the retreat - a slight change in the pace of the war drums - and feigned flight. Emboldened by seeing the man, around whom legends had begun to form, flee from a duel against him, the enemy general ordered a full pursuit.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame we¡¯re fighting with a plan this time. You could have easily claimed his head there,¡± Alexander commented when Leontis rode alongside him in their retreat. ¡°It is more important that the army succeeds than that we gain more fame,¡± Was all the latter said in response, as he spurred his horse. With the pursuing general hot on their heels, his forces felt that this was the perfect opportunity to rout Abila¡¯s left wing.


    In a left echelon formation, Straton sounded a general retreat, while Paramonos felt that he had to capitalize on the fact that the enemy lines seemed to be stretched thin against his own. With all but the rear guard advancing, he ordered his entire army to descend into the gulch and press the chase, even though it was going uphill all the way to Abila¡¯s camps. Olynthus'' victory was in sight.


    Then, a deep rumbling noise began to swell in the distance and steadily began to drown out the din of battle. Stopping in his tracks, Paramonos looked in the direction it came from - to his right - but a forest blocked his view. There had been cases of stampedes of wild horses before although they should not have the numbers to create enough noise to become louder than a battlefield involving over a hundred thousand men. Just then, he finally noticed that trees in the distance shook and some seemed to topple over. Olynthus¡¯ soldiers had already slowed down and were looking around in confusion, but it appeared that Abila was aware of the situation, as their army¡¯s retreat did not cease. ¡°I have a bad feeling about this...¡± Paramonos muttered.


    Just then, at the edge of the battlefield, the line of trees broke apart to reveal a rolling mass of muddy water. It was a flash flood.


    ¡°Retreat!¡± The duke shouted, although he did not need to order his men to do so, as they already began to run for their lives. In fact, nobody had been able to hear his voice over the sound of the water that was bearing down on them. Some were too far on the other side of the gulch to be able to make it back, and had to run towards Abila''s army, while others were right in the middle and stood no chance of escape. Nonetheless, everyone scrambled in the direction their instincts told them would have the greatest chance for survival. Paramonos¡¯ disciplined army crumbled within moments after the river appeared to reclaim its bed. ¡°Damn you, Straton!¡± He cursed in impotence, as he watched many of his men disappearing into the watery grave.


    When the waves washed over the battlefield and reformed the river that would normally only flow knee deep during the summertime, men and horses in its path had completely vanished. A raging stream was now in its place, creating a natural barrier that could not yet be crossed by boats.


    Olynthus¡¯ army had been separated in the middle, with part of its vanguard and more than half of its right wing now on Abila¡¯s side. More than ten thousand men had been washed away - most of them presumably dead - and another fifteen thousand were stranded, exhausted and confused, facing the larger and well rested army headed by Straton, which had taken up formation again once the river had come crashing down. In the ensuing battle, thousands of Olynthus soldiers fell by the spears and arrows from Abila in the confusion.


    ¡°Surrender your arms and you shall live!¡± He announced, directed at Olynthus¡¯ army. The enemy general, highest in the chain of command now that he had been cut off from the rest of the army, was Zotikos. He understood the situation of his army and the fact that they were at an extreme disadvantage. Facing an army three times their size and on high ground, while an impassable river blocked their way of retreat, was not something discipline and training could easily overcome. Especially since morale was at rock-bottom after having witnessed the demise of a large number of their comrades, Zotikos could not expect his troops to fight at even half capacity.


    However, there was one commander who refused to give up even in such a hopeless situation. He had pursued Leontis, thinking that the tall warrior was unable to defeat him in a duel, and saw that as their path to survival. Surely, if the man rumored to be on par with Baltsar fell under his blade, Abila¡¯s morale would drop significantly.


    ¡°Leontis, prepare yourself!¡± Hippolytos yelled. His eyes were crazed, confusion and overeager fervor creating a dangerous mix that could only be described as madness. Rallying his men, he charged up the hill, with the sole intention of killing Leontis and turning the tide of this hopeless situation single-handedly.


    With a single swing, Hippolytos was cut down from his horse and his lifeless body dropped into the muddy ground unceremoniously. In an instant, all the momentum he had built up in his forces was gone. Dropping their weapons and falling to their knees, they surrendered to the unwavering man who had slain him. Leontis, on his powerful northern warhorse, towered over them like a monument of might.


    Zotikos had witnessed his vice commander¡¯s demise and the subsequent surrender of the troops under the latter¡¯s direct command. The battle was lost and fighting to the death would accomplish nothing. No reinforcements were coming for them, and there was no escape; every single one of them would die, if they chose to resist. All it would serve was to discourage their comrades on the other side of the river, and deal a great blow to Olynthus and Paramonos¡¯ ambitions for the future. ¡°I understand. We surrender,¡± He announced with a stoic expression.


    Ultimately, the battle ended in the loss of eight thousand soldiers on Abila''s side and nearly twenty five thousand on Olynthus''. It was a heavy blow for both sides, but in actuality, Straton¡¯s war potential had been hit harder in the grand scheme of things. He had lost nearly half of his troops, many of which were drafted farmers, while Paramonos still had a considerable army remaining.


    ¡°Count Straton, please allow me to speak,¡± Lahya said during the strategic meeting after the battle. They had taken eight thousand soldiers and several generals prisoner, including Zotikos and Phylares, commanders of Olynthus¡¯ vanguard and right wing. ¡°It would be best to call Duke Paramonos to the bargaining table now, and opt for a ceasefire.¡±


    ¡°Lady Lahya, how can you say that after what he did in Chalcis?¡± Straton protested on the surface, but he looked tired. In reality, Olynthus still had the numerical advantage, and it had not even tapped into the civilian population to man its army. If Paramonos committed to a total war, Abila would be hard-pressed to offer any significant resistance for long, as it stood now. However, just like in Naxos, he needed an excuse to call for a ceasefire, as he did not want to admit to his own faults. Lahya¡¯s opinion of him continually dropped, with no end in sight.


    ¡°Chalcis was done by a rogue general who fled into the mountains after the act. Duke Paramonos sent an ambassador of goodwill to try and explain the situation. I believe that this incompetent ambassador is the cause for this war, and surely, neither the duke nor you truly wished for this to happen.¡± She was appealing to his humanity. He had just lost thousands of men and ordered the painful drowning of thousands more. If her initial impression of him could be trusted to a certain degree, he was still a man of righteousness and chivalry.


    ¡°I agree... I think it would be best to end this war. There has been enough bloodshed already,¡± Straton stated and sighed. He looked almost ten years older than he had been before the beginning of the war. His entourage nodded in silent agreement and muttered among themselves in regards of the steps to take afterwards.


    ¡°Then allow me to act as the ambassador and speak to Paramonos,¡± Lahya offered with a definite expression; it was not a suggestion but a statement - one that was not up for debate. It was granted, as if in passing, while Straton rubbed the bridge of his nose. Without any more words, the half-alf exited the command tent, leaving behind the speechless entourage of Straton.


    The morning after the flash flood, the river had returned to its natural state. Riders were able to cross on horseback without their feet touching the water''s surface, and thus Lahya set out with a neutral flag, announcing that she came in peace. She was flanked by Thais, Leontis and Alexander, their impressive figures inspiring awe and attention. Approaching Olynthus'' camps, the latter of the three acted as their herald and let his powerful voice carry the message over the closed gates.


    Soon, the gate opened and Paramonos personally emerged with his entourage, to welcome them. He did not look as exhausted as Straton did, but there were signs of tiredness in his features, too. After all, he had lost a great number of troops and capable commanders, which only served to stunt his ambitions for the future. However, he alone was to blame for that, as Telesoron had warned him not to take any rash actions during the latter''s absence due to an illness. Despite these warnings, he had fallen into the enemy''s trap due to overconfidence.


    "What brings you here, Lady Lahya?" He was reluctant to address her as majesty, since her origins were not completely clear. His entourage clearly understood the meaning of his choice of words, and their body language suggested the level of respect they would be paying her based on that. The half-alf was used to such treatment, even among Straton''s followers, and cared little for it.


    "I would like to initiate peace talks in Count Straton''s name. I believe both he and you have had enough of this war," Lahya stated, clear annoyance on her face. It was not the expression one would wear while speaking to somebody who commanded an army that could very well still complete the objective it set out for. However, nobody dared to point that out, for they were captivated by her beautiful anger. "But before we begin the procedures, I would like to suggest that you choose your messengers more wisely from now on, Duke Paramonos."


    The duke in question could only swallow his words at the face Lahya made during these words. She thought that the precursor to this war was not the actions of the rogue general in Chalcis, but rather the incompetence of a leader to select an even more incompetent negotiator. Had it been someone with as much persuasiveness as she had, the two fiefdoms would have grown stronger together over the incident and sought to punish the perpetrator as a unified force.


    "We will have a tent ready on the other side of the shallow river, where you will be able to speak with Count Straton about the terms of this armistice. Please be ready to meet him at noon." Without waiting for a reply, Lahya turned her horse around and rode off. Paramonos and his followers could only watch her back in amazement. There was no doubt that she had the bearing of royalty, and some who questioned her origins were beginning to feel convinced that she was really a member of the alfar royal family.


    ¡°I expected more from you two, my lords.¡± Lahya¡¯s chastising voice resounded throughout the tent. She stood at the end of the table, the seat she had been granted, and glared at them in displeasure. Everyone went deadly silent at it and the two men in question looked up at her with blank expressions. They were Paramonos and Straton, who had been bickering ever since their talks had begun. "Is this how two pillars of the empire should act?" Her choice of words was both a direct question and a thinly veiled statement; if they still considered themselves officials of the empire, they should put their differences aside and work together for the betterment of the people. In this case, it would be to find and capture Melanthis, the perpetrator of the Chalcis incident. "Instead, you wage war, bringing more suffering to the people. What sets your actions apart from the man who is the cause of all this?"


    Ashamed, the two commanders were unable to speak and only looked at each other in embarrassment. Xenokras looked up at Lahya, impressed by her dominance even as her position was nothing more than that of a guest''s. Anybody else would not dare to speak to a count and a duke in such a disrespectful manner, but the fact that this thought did not even cross their minds showed her charisma as a member of royalty - no matter how little real power she possessed. Sostrate Granetas of Oenos, a female advisor under Paramonos and the temporary replacement for Telesoron during his illness, found herself admiring the half-alf for her outspoken nature despite her low standing within this meeting. She was acting on the principles of good advisors, in which followers, no matter their rank, should speak the truth freely in spite of potential punishment. The principles of good leadership were meant to follow up by treasuring such followers rather than scorn them.


    "I propose that you continue from before Linos of Rhegion''s poor choice of words created a break in your friendship, and begin by addressing the problem of Melanthis of Rhegion''s continued freedom. The rebuilding of Chalcis and costs of reparations should be personally discussed between you lords, rather than through a messenger," Lahya continued as the mediator of the talks, ignoring the fact that there were higher ranked advisors who were more entitled to that position. "But most of all, the many lost lives in this war should warrant an apology to your citizens... but that may be asking too much." She added under her breath, only audible to Thais and Sostrate, who were right next to her; both looked at the half-alf with astonishment, at the audacity of the words she seemed very tempted to speak. No aristocratic leader had ever spared a moment of thought for the people whose loved ones they had used up in warfare like wood in an extravagant fireplace. Alkaios Ohm of Zenter, the first emperor, was historically acclaimed for his benevolence towards his citizens, going so far as to apologize publicly during his speeches. But such behavior had faded away in the peace the generations that followed him had experienced, now forgotten to all but those who studied history.


    With her stinging words, Lahya had forcefully mended the broken relationship between Straton and Paramonos. Not a single man dared to speak out about the fact that the half-alf had ignored all conventions and done away with formality, when even their own leaders were uncharacteristically submissive to her. Thus, the war between Abila and Olynthus ended on a ceasefire, with nearly fifty thousand lives lost. This would leave a wound on the relationship between the two lords in the north which time could never hope to heal.

 Chapter Two: Era of Heroes - Southern Fall, Northern Rise

    yrrine Nouus of Stagirus was a woman of integrity and possessed a strong sense of righteousness. However, she was also known as a hard-headed commander who would be unrelenting in pursuit and unwavering in defense. Even as Rhamnus became a vassal to Herolus, she refused to cease the raids on the shores of Cumae, arguing that Heron Berneris of Cumae should return the lands taken from her late lord, Marquis Galeno. Despite her efforts, she did not have the backing of the rest of Rhamnus, and fought a losing battle against the much larger forces of Cumae. It was only due to her strategic genius that Stagirus, the hilly regions in the southwest of Rhamnus, did not fall.


    In late 355, Heron took a less aggressive stance and proceeded to fortify the cities he had taken from Rhamnus. It was a statement that he had no intention of giving up any of the conquered lands, and served to aggravate Myrrine even more. Her constant raids and attempted attacks were met with staunch defense, her insults with indifferent silence. Months passed in which her forces were whittled down, until eventually, her health was, too. She was already of advanced age, and anger only served to weaken her mind and body. After an uncharacteristically cold day in Spring 356, when it should have been warm enough in the south to lose a layer of clothing, she fell ill with a high fever.


    It proved to be the last summer the steadfast pillar of Rhamnus would live to see. With great regret Drakon learned that Myrrine had passed away, and that Cumae had taken the opportunity to invade Stagirus. There was little he could do, since he already understood that Iason Aquila of Herolus had signed a treaty with Heron for splitting the vassal state between the two in order to maintain good relations. Stagirus had been a region promised to the latter, and Myrrine was labeled a dissident and rebel, acting out of self-interest rather than in the Solaris family''s name. In his heart, Drakon swore that he would give her the proper honors once he reclaimed his birthright and brought down the murderer of his father.


    "I am so sorry for how incapable I am as a leader. I have failed my father, I have failed my people and most of all, I have failed my loyal followers. Please forgive me..." Drakon knelt before an unmarked tombstone and spoke to nobody in particular. He had erected several such tombstones in the back garden of the residence Iason had granted him in Chios. One was for his father, whose body had not been retrieved, another was for Myrrine, who had been cremated in her home town before the invasion from Cumae. Behind him was his entourage, the unwaveringly loyal generals who had already served under Galeno, kneeling as well, and sharing in the moment of anguish. They, too, felt that they had failed the lord they had served, and were now unable to help the young lord, Drakon, alleviate his sadness and feelings of inadequacy.


    "Before you all, I swear that I will reclaim Rhamnus and bring justice to the cowards who plotted the murder of my father," Drakon stood up, turned around and announced to the gathered men and women. Even as his position was nothing more than that of a lowly minister at the court of Iason, his demeanor was befitting that of a marquis'' when in the presence of his own people. His father had taught him that no matter how desperate the situation, he was to never forget his birthright and his position in the world. "The time will come when Rhamnus will rise again!"


    For now, all he and his followers could do was to hone their skills and bide their time. If news of the north could be trusted, they were clearly entering an age of strife, during which relations between neighbors could sour on a moment''s notice. When that time came, Drakon would not hesitate to take the opportunity and return to the forefront of the stage of history. After all, he was still in possession of the imperial seal, which his father had given to Agathon for safekeeping during the ambush. Fate willed it that it remained in the hands of the Solaris family, and he would make good use it.


    In the north, the war between Abila and Olynthus the previous year had left the former severely weakened. Pantas Museo of Naxos saw that weakness and proceeded to reinforce the defenses along Naxos'' south-western border, and initiate mass recruitment and training of soldiers, in order to be able to better respond to a future invasion. Paramonos learned with regret that his mistake against Straton had resulted in the Five-Year Plan proposed by Telesoron to be pushed back by at least two years. Since they were in a non-aggression pact with Abila, taking the fiefdom was no longer something that could be achieved within the year. Instead, he would have to turn his attention back to Dorylaion, which had been his initial aim before Melanthis'' betrayal had resulted in the break in relations with his neighbor.


    Straton was also ceaselessly training troops, not for one moment believing that Paramonos would keep the non-aggression pact if he perceived weakness in Abila. Furthermore, Naxos'' strengthening was worrying, especially since rumors had that the Formido of the tundra were embroiled in a civil war. With the pressure from their northern borders taken away, Pantas could withdraw some of the garrisons and bolster the southern army with veterans who fought in and survived many Formido raids.


    Lahya Eventyr and her two companions remained in Abila Lysaniou even after her image of Straton had been thoroughly shattered during the previous two campaigns. Due to the fact that Abila was in a precarious position, she felt that it was not right to abandon it in its time of need. Still, she had her people search for clues on her brother''s whereabouts, as well as information on alfar who were put up for sale. With the monthly stipend she was given, she saved up money to buy their freedom whenever she could - and asked Leontis and Alexander to persuade the slavers to sell them at a discount, whenever she could not.


    Additionally, she had taken an exceptional liking to Thais Sacra of Abila, and did not want to leave her company anytime soon. During the strained peacetime that followed the end of the war against Olynthus, there was little the female general had to do. Alexander and Leontis were delegated to training the soldiers in her stead - as per Lahya''s request - leaving her with ample time to spend idly with the half-alf.


    "It appears that you possess great tactical understanding, Lady Lahya," Thais commented, looking across the wooden board before her intently. They were playing a game using figures carved from ivory, called Tesseris, which featured various pieces representing all the different classes of soldiers and officers found on the battlefield. The aim of the game was to either take the enemy general or remove enough pieces from the opponent''s side to render them unable to continue fighting. "But I will not give up." With this, she moved her cavalry back from the failed attempt at a flanking maneuver.


    "I appreciate that fighting spirit of yours the most in you, Thais," The half-alf responded with a warm smile, in complete contrast to the cold-blooded move she performed right after, of cutting through the human general''s infantry line with the cavalry she had held in reserve throughout the game. It ended up a step short of taking her opponent''s general, but was in a position that was impossible to be opposed by the pieces Thais had available. "But this is my victory." No matter what the next step was, come her turn, the charge would be completed and the general would fall.


    "If I was the general, I would not be defeated by this weak contingent..." She responded with a pout. Indeed, due to charging through an infantry line, Lahya''s cavalry had its strength deducted by a set amount. In the game, it was still enough to claim the general''s head, but in reality, it may have played out in a completely different manner.


    "You are so cute when you are angry." Over the past year, they had spent many days and nights together, playing Tesseris or reading books by the fireplace. "I do not believe for a moment that you would fall to something so simple in a real battle."


    "Of course not!" For all her gallant and almost distant seeming demeanor at court or on the battlefield, Thais was nothing more than a simple girl before Lahya. She came from a humble background, the daughter of a now retired drill instructor in Straton''s army, and had learned to maintain a low profile with her opinions throughout her quick rise through the ranks. There were many who envied her for holding such a high position at her age, but her performance on the battlefield and neutrality at court cemented her standing within Straton''s inner circle. "I will win next time... so, one more!" Lahya was leading in victories by a large margin, but it was evident that Thais'' natural talent would allow her to catch up eventually.


    "It is late now, let us go to sleep," The half-alf suggested and suppressed a yawn. The drowsiness was invading her features and no amount of itching for another victory seemed to be able to stem the tide. Suddenly, Thais let herself go and yawned openly, earning a surprised look from Lahya, followed by a chuckle. "It would appear that you are sleepy, too." Blushing, the younger girl could only agree, and they put away the game board to turn in for the night.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    While the southern fiefdoms were embroiled in unrest and the north rested from theirs of the previous year, Kyron Sparda of Thronion gained diplomatic influence in Histria, becoming the de facto lord of the neighboring fiefdom due to the fact that the actual one was bedridden for most of the year. Drawing from the expanded pool of talents, he recruited many capable commanders and began to draft soldiers for his aim to attack Hierapolis on his own the year after. He would complete what the Anti-Hesper Alliance had failed to do, punish the traitors and usurpers, and return the emperor to his throne.


    Although his father was the count of Thronion, he exerted barely any influence on the political scene of the empire, and possessed little attraction for talents. During his reign, the army of Thronion had atrophied to the minimum amount of garrisons for its otherwise prosperous cities. Its relatively isolated geographical location, similar to Histria''s, meant there were not many opportunities for an army to see action, which was also the reason why it had only been able to muster a force of seven thousand during the alliance. Kyron possessed outstanding charisma and held an almost magical attraction for talented people. While his inner circle consisted of his near family, such as the Vesci twins, there were those who joined him based on the letter he wrote against Hesper during his short captivity, and his actions while fighting in the alliance.


    Methodios Heres of Mylasa proved to be an outstanding minister, who spearheaded various reforms in the economic and judicial system of Thronion. The former judge, once employed by Hesper himself, found his calling as Kyron''s right-hand man, and enjoyed the latter''s deep trust. He was one of the few who could pride himself in being capable of discerning the differences in the lord''s words and his actual intentions. Kyron would oftentimes hide his true thoughts and feelings in actions and gestures that were hard to notice.


    On the other end of the spectrum was Androkles Jauna of Orestias, who was simple-minded in many regards, but very direct in his demeanor. It was the main reason Kyron kept him close as a bodyguard, as the bald man''s unwavering loyalty and frankness was a source of peace of mind and entertainment. During a meeting, he had once spoken up against an advisor, solely based on the fact that he did not like the man''s brown-nosing tone. The court had gone quiet in confusion, and the lord laughed heartily, causing Methodios to join in unabashedly. Kyron took the opportunity to chastise the advisor''s behavior, and warned everyone present that instead of saying what they thought he wanted to hear, they should speak their minds about what they thought he should hear.


    The Vesci twins, Euripides and Euphemia, were Kyron''s cousins, and never had the need to talk to him in an honorable manner. They would openly state their opinions - or at least Euripides would, as Euphemia was of the silent type - and never had to fear retribution for disrespect. Whenever they were not training the troops or scouting talents, they would take their time to visit the lord''s estate to partake in his meals, snacks and alcohol, or read from his personal library. He enjoyed their free-spirited lifestyle and appreciated their company whenever he had the free time to do so; it was a reminder of his younger days, before he discovered his ambition to rise in ranks at the imperial court.


    During the summer of 356, shortly after news of Heron''s success in conquering the region of Stagirus reached Thronion, Kyron inspected the progress of his army''s training and the state of his cavalry in a specially created wooden arena, watching them from a stand along with his entourage. The infantry held mock battles under the instructions of junior strategists, archers showed off their short- and long-range shooting skills, and the cavalry rode in formation and performed various high-speed maneuvers. Praising their quality, the lord was overjoyed to see that his army was improving at an incredible pace.


    At the end, the various soldier classes lined up to receive a speech from Kyron, who openly voiced his ambition to set out and free the emperor from the clutches of Loukios and Miltiades the following year. Receiving a thunderous applause, the lord of Thronion was satisfied with the progress he had achieved since the end of the alliance. Then, among the infantry, he spotted a man easily towering at six measures, standing out from the soldiers around him. However, that was not his most distinguishing feature; he had a round, almost plump face, and his body had a similar shape, with a waist circumference of almost four measures. He occupied the space of two men, which was the reason he felt even more out of place than he already did due to his height. Furthermore, his skin was as smooth as a newborn''s, with short, fuzzy blond hair to match. His narrow eyes and lips seemed to be curled into a perpetual vacuous smile.


    "Who is that giant man?" Kyron asked the drill instructor, who stood in front of the infantry.


    "That is Pankratios Largo, my lord. He is a volunteer from Pella."


    "How was his performance during training?" It was clear that the lord of Thronion was interested in the man due to his physique.


    "Unlike his appearance would suggest, his endurance during long marches is exceptional. He can lift a grown man with a single hand and carry more than three times the weight an average man can. However, he is not very bright and oftentimes fails to understand very simple instructions." The drill instructor understood the interest, but he did not want to oversell Pankratios, knowing that despite his strengths, he did not possess the qualities that would allow him to rise to a position as an officer.


    "Androkles, what do you think?" Kyron turned to his bodyguard, his intention unmistakable.


    "I would love to test my strength against him," Androkles responded with a confident expression.


    Thus, an unarmed sparring match was arranged between the two men on the spot, with the soldiers forming a ring around them. Kyron and his entourage overlooked it from atop the stand, all interested to see the prowess of the lord''s personal bodyguard. When Pankratios rolled up his sleeves, as he was told to by the instructor, it became clear that he was not fat. Just like Androkles, his arms were packed with muscles, but they had the width of the former''s thighs. There was no doubt in his strength, but technique was oftentimes a more important factor in combat.


    The gong rang and Androkles immediately lunged forward, intent on knocking the other man off his feet with quick surprise attack. However, it was as if he had run into a brick wall, as Pankratios did not waver in the least and stood fast. The larger man looked like he would be twice as heavy as his opposite, but it was clear that most of it consisted of muscles; when Androkles pushed against his rotund stomach, it did not give way as fat would, but only barely deformed under the pressure. Dvergr, albeit much smaller than humans, had a stout and powerful physique that allowed them to match grown men in strength. Pankratios'' body shape and structure was a lot like a dvergr''s, only enlarged to nearly the size of a Formido''s.


    However, Androkles was not a simple-minded bull who only knew to push; he took hold of the larger man''s right arm, pushed with his hip and suddenly pulled. Using his lower back and hip as a pivot, he tripped Pankratios over his right leg and threw him to the ground. A roaring cheer ran through the soldiers'' ranks at the display of technique and strength; any one of them would have put their money on the larger man, but they were shown the reason why Androkles was their lord''s personal bodyguard and no other.


    "Oh, that was fun!" Pankratios stated with a surprised expression, the first time many had heard him speak. His voice was high-pitched and almost childlike, in line with his facial features, but in stark contrast with the size of his body. "Let''s do that again. Now I won''t lose." A glint of determination appeared in his eyes and the smile on his lips curled up even higher. He was excited.


    Everyone looked to their lord, who responded with a nod. Then, the two combatants returned to their starting positions and the gong rang again. Again, Androkles charged forward, but was surprised to see that Pankratios did the same. Unlike the first time, the rotund man attacked as well, his entire weight slamming into the bodyguard like a charging bear. And just like a bear, he hugged the latter with his crushing strength. Any lesser man would have had all the air pressed out of their lungs and most likely had some of their bones broken. In fact, Kyron imagined that under such pressure even armor would be deformed. However, Androkles withstood it and pushed outwards with his arms, slowly expanding the hold. His entire face was red from the physical exertion, veins popped out on his bald head and he gnashed his teeth, but he gained ground. Pankratios'' expression was one of wonder, as he slowly lost his grasp on the smaller man, although his face showed not a hint of exhaustion. Suddenly, Androkles slipped out from the hold and put some space between them. His breathing was rugged, but a smile parted his beard; he was enjoying himself. Responding in kind, the large man''s mouth split into a grin, showing that he was missing some of his front teeth.


    Their spar continued on for nearly an hour, and in the end, none could be counted the winner. While Androkles was able to throw Pankratios to the ground several more times, it was clear that the larger man was not using all of his strength whenever he had his opponent in his grasp. If he had done so with the intention to kill, even a man of Androkles'' physique would not have survived the pressure of those arms. On the other side, both men looked tired in the end, even though Pankratios'' endurance seemed to give him the edge there, too. Ultimately, Kyron had to admit in his heart that this new recruit was physically stronger than his trusted bodyguard.


    "Pankratios Largo of Pella, from today onward, you will join Androkles on guard detail," The lord announced when the two combatants stood before him. It came as little surprise to Methodios, who smiled to himself, but the man in question was speechless and looked between Kyron, Androkles and the other soldiers, before falling to his knees and breaking out into tears of joy. Recruits from Pella swarmed around Pankratios and patted him on the back in congratulations. They were proud that a man from their own neighborhood had been recognized by the lord of their domain, and would surely break out the alcohol and meat they had hidden in their barracks tonight.


    "Thank you so much, my lord! I will not disappoint you, my lord!" Pankratios blubbered, overwhelmed with emotions. He was only nineteen years of age at the time.