《Ice Queen By Wi1dBi11》


 Chapter 1

    When i heard the knock on the front door I ran down stairs leaving the beginners guide to Royal road lying on my bed. Where I had been flipping through the book thoughtlessly and without actually reading it. Taking the stairs two at a time I sprinted down the steps and ripped open the front door. There Standing to my delight the technicians from Unicorn Corporations who had finally arrived to install the game capsule.I was Literally Hopping in place waiting for them to finish setting up the capsule and its components. After they finished I rushed them out the door. After Running back up the stairs I slide into the capsule closing it over me and put on the linking helmet. Soon everything went white then a steam of colors and ringing sound followed by a message in front of me.


    A Scan on your retina has confirmed that you are a unregistered user would you like to register ?


    "yes"


    Would you like to connect to royal road ?


    yes/no


    "Yes!!"


    Select your avatar''s gender from male female or neutral.


    "female"


    Choose your race their are twenty nine primary races


    Human, Elf, Orc, Dwarf, Pixie, Gnome ...


    "are there any races that have unique ice characteristics ?"


    yes.


    "could I use one of those ?"


    Maybe as the first player to register.


    one moment wall I contact the game administrators.


    they have allowed you to select one of the races with an ice affinity


    as a bonus for being the first player to make an account.


    The races are


    Aisu Undine


    Ice Dragon


    Ice Elemental


    Frost Elf


    "uummM"


    "I like the Aisu Undine it sounds Awesome"


    Select a name for your Avatar


    uuM "Khione"


    "K-h-i-o-n-e"


    Would you like to alter your appearance ?


    "yes"


    my avatar was presented to me it was a  beautiful women with a shining body. she was 5''6" tall with Snow white glowing hair. light blue eyes that looked as if they where made of pure arctic ice. her ears where slightly tilted back and pointed her body was neither sharp


    nor was it all curves.


    it was perfect


    "This is fine as is"


    warning with this race you will be considered an NPC and your starting location will be in the north.


    :)


    "that is quite acceptable."


    After saying this i found my self standing in a frozen tundra during a blizzard


    but found my self completely unhindered and instead having an massive increase to my sight and hearing as well as the fact that i could sense every snow flake and bit of ice.


    "open Status window"


    Status Window


    Name	Khione	Title	N/A


    Race	Aisu Undine 	Aligment	Neutral


    Main Class	N/A


    Subclass	N/A


    Hidden Class	N/A


    Level	1	Fame	0


    Health	5500	Mana	101000


    Health Regeneration/Sec	5.0/Sec	Mana Regeneration/Sec	50.0/Sec


    Strength	500	Agility	500


    Wisdom	5000 	Intelligence	5000


    Stamina	500	Vitality	500


    Luck	500	Willpower 5000


    Unused SP	0


    Magic Resistance


    Fire	-50%	Water	100%


    Wind	0%	Earth	0%


    Lightning	-50%	Neutral	0%


    Holy	0%	Dark	0%


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon."Show Abilities"


    last of a Dying Race (passive) (Grandmaster)


    death is permanent


    When in a Critical condition the power of an entire race is bestowed upon you their power increasing health and mana regeneration x20, critical chance increased to 100%


    all stats are doubled.


    Might of the Frijord (passive) (Grandmaster)


    stats and ability bonuses x10


    when in a frozen environment


    health and mana are not effected


    Ice Born (passive) (Grandmaster)


    immunity to cold and ice related attacks


    2x faster leveling of ice related abilities


    One with the Frijord (passive) (Grandmaster)


    sense frozen water such as ice, frost or snow around yourself and can feel other lifeforms


    in it and through it as if it is a part of yourself


    After closing out all the windows i started walking north towards a rather large mountain in the regain. After awhile i began to sense something else out there and it didn''t want me here. I could feel hostility directed at me through my connection with the snow and ice. soon the number of disturbances began to grow at an alarming rate and at the same time the blizzard was clearing up leaving me with a clear view of thousands of frost trolls surrounding me.


    they stood at eight foot tall and had four massive arms in which they held stones or chunks of ice some even had clubs nothing even close to being crafted mostly frozen logs or a massive icicle, they had six eyes three on ether side of their faces and a broad nose and a huge mouth that had a lot of pointed teeth


    made for ripping flesh from bones and among these they had six canines two on ether side of their faces and one that slide between for an unbreakable bit.


    Their bodies covered in a think hide of white fur.


    Closing my eyes i looked within myself searching for that connection that i had felt during the blizzard. My awareness spread throughout my body and down through my feet into the surrounding ice field upon which i had been walking. Through it i could see for miles in all directions and i knew instantly that their could be no escaping the trolls.I watched through the ice as a lone troll braver or just more stupid than the others approached my body that was standing above me. Using just my willpower alone i commanded the ice to rise up and protect me and it answered me it rose up around me forming a multilayer-ed sphere of ice around me. was i watched these from below mine own feet i watched as the stones and chunks of ice thrown by the trolls smashed into an unyielding sphere of ice. knowing that i was well protected i decided to launch my own attack in retaliation. I imagined an ice nova exploding from the frozen waste around me. i could feel my heart beating faster and the ripples forming within the ice as they pushed forth bending to my command exploding across the waste as a wave of death killing hundreds of the trolls before they could even begin to comprehend what was happening. Shards of ice piercing their shredded bodies the icy waste dyed an eternal blood red in waves around a broken sphere of ice.  The rest ran following them was a Frozen death.

 Chapter 2

    I woke up staring into a clear blue sky sadly its beauty was marred by the feeling of extreme hunger which was accompanied by a thirst for water.


    Dragging myself to my knees


    ¡°open inventory¡±


    I pulled out the canteen and a loaf of bread. After taking a drink of water which strangely wasn''t frozen


    I tried the bread... Needless to say the desire to acquire the cooking skill as soon as possible


    manifested its self in me.


    I did however manage to finish the brick  style bread and returned my satiety to full.


    I noticed a bunch of system messages stacked up but I ignored them for now


    as I had finally noticed the icy waste that I was kneeling on was a deep blood red color and in it japtems where littered in a full circle. I also noticed that I was kneeling in the broken remains of what seemed to be an egg of ice.


    I stood up and walked to the edge of it placing my hands on the edge strangely it was nether slick or sharp


    nor was it cold to the touch in fact I felt great indestructible almost. I climbed over the rim and jumped down to the ice


    and started towards the ring of blood and japtem. I still couldn''t quite get my mind around the fact that I had done this. Not of course that I felt bad about it. No I was shocked by the amount of power that I had even at  level one. Slowly a smile crept onto my face... I had read up on RR before playing (just not the  beginners guide to Royal road) mostly from the forums from the beta testers... and with these information I knew that trolls are at least level  seventy or higher and that rabbits themselves at level five are still difficult to kill for beginners.


    With these harmless thoughts the smile turned into a full on grin as my eyes wondered searching for anything foolish enough to stay around (ignoring the fact that she would be dead as she had went unconscious after her First attack) as i was looking around seeing nothing with my eyes or even with my connection with the ice.


    I remember that I had a goal right now... that was simple find out what kind of drops a level one gets from level


    seventy¡¯s (or higher) jogging towards the japtem once again I find the closest pile and was quickly disappointed


    as I found only a crude wooden club and some rather bloody fur that seemed like it wouldn''t be worth much


    with the blood stains and the holes punched through it everywhere.


    Leaving that behind as I considered it to be worthless ( Weed would die from happiness seeing this the free japtems!!) slowing walking from pile to pile finding some intact and less bloody furs I collected these and began to move faster barely noticing most drops looking for more intact japtem. As I finished about half of the circle I spotted a spec of blood much closer to my Egg then the others leaving the rest of the blood circle behind. I ran towards it and upon arriving I noticed that the only thing lying on the ground was a amulet.


    Its cord was made of the sinew of some creature. The main feature of these was the shrunken skull pendant.


    I picking it up and  tapped its surface.


    Unidentified Tribal necklace


    Gifted to the son of the chieftain


    of the norther troll tribes considered the next inline to be Chief


    I put it into my inventory; I was quite pleased with my find. Just the information of the unidentified amulet


    made me think that it was a unique  one of a kind drop. Differently want to get this identified I thought to myself


    as I walked back towards the blood circle and then away from it continuing towards my first destination.


    Walking towards the mountain with a couple sorta good furs and my new necklace. My thoughts started to wonder and but a clear one surfaced to the front what level am I now?


    Quickly looking at the system message I had received I deleted the useless one that popped up at the front telling me that I was unconscious.


    Skipping through them till I found the one I was looking for.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    You Have leveled up x57


    I simply stood their gaping at the the number for a couple seconds.


    I looked through the other  two messages


    You have learned a new ability


    You have gained a new ability


    would you like to view them?


    Yes!!


    Ice Construction (beginner 3) 6% ( active)


    ability to construct forms made of ice using ones mind


    though a mental connection with ice.


    mana used it dependent upon size and detail of construct


    Awarness (beginner 8) 87% (passive)


    you can see the functions and flow of life and mana


    within your body and can slightly interact with it


    can increase the power of physical attacks and receives a bonus when meditating


    After looking at the new abilities closely I realized that just my doing things I could pick up specific skills for that action, I was really happy with my new ability Ice Construction because of the fact that what ever I created would be shaped however I envisioned it; as long as I had the mana of course...


    I decided to spend my my new points and I wanted more mana so wisdom was a given I walked slowly towards


    the mountain in the horizon but I should also increase my physical traits as well. One of my fathers favorite sayings is that ¡°A Strong mind with a weak body cant accomplish anything so you must train both¡±


    and although my belief in this was no where near as strong I still followed it because its good advice.


    So I should put half of my points into wisdom and the other half will be divided among strength and agility


    which should be fine. Stamina shouldn''t be a problem I could just raise that by walking anyway.


    With this decided.


    ¡°Status Window¡±


    Status Window


    Name Khione Title N/A


    Race Aisu Undine Aligment Neutral


    Main Class N/A


    Subclass N/A


    Hidden Class N/A


    Level 58 Fame 0


    Health 6070 Mana 115320


    Health Regeneration/Sec 5.0/Sec Mana Regeneration/Sec 64.25/Sec


    Strength 1212 Agility 1212


    Wisdom 6425 Intelligence 5000


    Stamina 500 Vitality 500


    Luck 500 Willpower


    5000


    Unused SP 1


    Magic Resistance


    Fire -50% Water 100%


    Wind 0% Earth 0%


    Lightning -50% Neutral 0%


    Holy 0% Dark 0%


    Smiling at the fact that I could just tell the system to add half my stats to wisdom and evenly divide what was left into strength and agility. After the added points I noticed that my mana went up by five for every point I spent into wisdom. With the newly added points I felt so much lighter but that was manly because of the


    buff in stats I received from my abilities.


    Closing out the status window I jogged off towards the mountain. With the knowledge that I was completely safe as the only living life around for miles. As jogged I tested out my Ice Construction Ability


    Creating small  Shapes and objects in the ice as I ran. At one point during this I stopped for a bit and conjured up an image of the frost Troll that had made the first move Forming an almost flawless image of him (assumed)


    Smiling at my newest creation I reached out and touched its surface closed my eyes and named him Frozen Terror I had kinda made him just a little bigger than he should have been. ( added four feet to his height) so that it towered above me with his mouth forming a Grin as if he was looking at breakfast. Pulling my hand away I


    made the instant decision that I would make a sculpture for every unique enemy that I defeated...


    However I also noticed that I would have to have a lot of free time because it went from afternoon to dusk


    wall I was creating him. The beautiful  northern lights shined through his body showing a colorful variety of blue, green, orange, and red as they danced though him I smiled. Happy and tried so I walked away from him and laid down on the ice closed my eyes and formed a new Sphere of ice around my self. (just in case)


    and logged off for the night.

 Chapter 3

    Khione POV.


    waking up in my RL bed I looked up at my ceiling. Pulling my quilt up to my neck I laid there for a couple minutes. Blinking a couple of times I sat up and stretched, slide out of my bed and in to my slippers. Standing for a few seconds to fully wake up I then headed out my door and down stairs for the kitchen. Upon arriving I walked to the counter and picked up the box of Cookie Crisps


    grabbed a bowl and spoon from the drainer and acquired the milk I sat down for a quick bite.


    After finishing my cereal I put the milk back in the refrigerator and the dishes in the sink.


    Then I walked back up stairs and back towards my room.


    Spirit POV.


    Flying freely through the twilight sky I began to sense a soulless form just waiting for me to possess it.


    It will be mine I could feel the connections between the after life and the mortal realm coming closer together. Waiting for my chance... as time went by I saw it the connection between the afterlife and my new body rushing forward and into it I spread myself though out it. It would take some time to gain control and of course some life from some source or other. As I gained dominance of the body I found myself looking down upon an unlikely creature and it stood there staring back at me for the longest time. Just smiling it felt kind of weird as if it thought it owned me. Well I would see how it felt after draining its life. Some time later it walked a little distance an away and laid down drawing the ice over its self. Muhaahahahahh as if that small layer of ice could stop me. I began to draw the necessary life away from it. Slowly at first then as much as I could. As it flowed into me I could feel my mystical control dropping away wall my motor control increased knowing my memories would begone after I gained complete control of the body I smiled slightly. The gods knew that if we spirits retained our memories for every new body we possessed. That we would carry out all of our vengeful plans.


    Sadly the way it is one can only hope to run into the past aggressor and to end them. Then after death you can feel the satisfaction of it.


    FT POV.


    I blinked a couple of times but it seems that my eyelids are  completely useless for blocking out light.


    It was rather bright right now not a cloud in the sky. It was high-noon and as I looked around finding myself completely alone. Except for a small bubble frail ice domed over a sleeping body. It was rather beautiful


    pale white skin glowing in the afternoon sun. Its pure white hair forming a brilliant halo around its head.


    I wanted a closer look and after some struggle I broke free of the thin layer of ice that in-cased my body.


    Crawling closer on my hands and knees I looked in upon it. Then jerked back with shock at the amount of blood on its face and soaked into the ice around its mouth. An anger emerged from within me knowing that if I ever found what had hurt it then I would end that miserable creatures life permanently to harm such beauty was deserving of a long and painful death. Siting down next to it I crossed my legs beneath me (Indian style) and placed my elbows onto my knees and rested my head on my hands as I gazed at it waiting for it to wake up...


    Khione POV.


    Walking back up into my room I crossed to my computer desk sat down and started it up. Surfing the internet a couple seconds later I looked up the avg. beginner stats and abilities. As I gazed at them for they confirmed that my character was really powerful. Especially with the stats of the humans being around ten points in the starter Stats and around one hundred health and mana. With zero starting abilities this was awesome as long as I worked on my ice control and stayed away from fire I would be fine as without even the ability might of the Frijord I have 5x the normal stats in the physical area and 50x that for the mental type stats. I then checked to see what the highest know level was at and was pleased to see it at thirty seven. The player even mentioned he had to complete quite a few quests and a serious amount of grinding to achieve it. Happy with this new information I made a quick estimate that the next top level would be about ten to fifteen above the one who posted. Not that it mattered much to me because of my enhanced stats. Anyway time I logged back on and continued towards the mountain. I liked mountains they are an icon of unyielding strength and solitude. And they usually come with the awesome bonus of being extremely cold. Anyway I crawled into my capsule and logged back into RR.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Opening my eyes I quickly rolled over so that I was facing the ground (ice) looking start at the sun had


    blinded me slightly. Blinking a couple of times to clear the tears from my eyes I looked around myself and at the strange red ice then my eyes moved to a couple system messages.


    Warning life is being drained


    Warning you are now in a critical condition


    Last of a dying race is now active


    last of a dying race is now inactive


    one ability has been updated


    You have gained a new ability


    ¡°open status window¡±


    Status Window


    Name Khione Title N/A


    Race Aisu Undine Aligment Neutral


    Main Class N/A


    Subclass N/A


    Hidden Class N/A


    Level 58 Fame 0


    Health 6070 Mana 115320


    Health Regeneration/Sec 5.0/Sec Mana Regeneration/Sec 64.25/Sec


    Strength 1212 Agility 1212


    Wisdom 6425 Intelligence 5000


    Stamina 500 Vitality 500


    Luck 500 Willpower


    5000


    Unused SP 1


    Magic Resistance


    Fire -50% Water 100%


    Wind 0% Earth 0%


    Lightning -50% Neutral 0%


    Holy 0% Dark 0%


    ¡°close status window¡±


    ¡°Show Abilities¡±


    last of a Dying Race (passive) (Grandmaster)


    death is permanent


    When in a Critical condition the power of an entire race is bestowed upon you their power increasing health and mana regeneration x20, critical chance increased to 100%


    all stats are doubled.


    Might of the Frijord (passive) (Grandmaster)


    stats and ability bonuses x10


    when in a frozen environment


    health and mana are not affected


    Ice Born (passive) (Grandmaster)


    immunity to cold and ice related attacks


    2x faster leveling of ice related abilities


    One with the Frijord (passive) (Grandmaster)


    sense frozen water such as ice, frost or snow around yourself and can feel other lifeforms


    in it and through it as if it is a part of yourself


    Ice Construction (beginner 7) 56% ( active)


    ability to construct forms made of ice using ones mind


    though a mental connection with ice.


    mana used it dependent upon size and detail of construct


    when used together with ice conjuration construct gains a Soul and unique personality and traits based on name and form.


    construct most be connected to a base of ice


    Awarness (intermediate 1) 3% (passive)


    you can see the functions and flow of life and mana


    within your body and can interact with it


    can increase the power of physical attacks and receives a bonus when meditating


    Ice Conjuration (beginner 1) 57% (active)


    ability to conjure beings of ice with a rise in power corresponding to ability level


    through Thought... incorporeal ice beings


    most be able to see the norther lights clearly


    cost 1500 heath per level and 250 health per level of ice construction


    can use sacrificial offerings


    can occur without activation from user


    when used together with Ice Construction Soul gains a body and unique personality and traits based on name and form.


    After I closed the ability window


    I just sat staring at the ice right in front of me as anger rose within me i had almost died and lost everything before i even had a chance to play the game i would have had to start over with nothing...this thought kept running through my mind over and over.


    I have to get a lot more powerful real fast and the easiest way to do that would be to find that troll camp.


    It would have to be close for them to have been there at that large of a number right ? Anyway for that ability to be gained doesn''t that mean I would have to have ¡­. ooh my god!!! I looked start into the icy eyes of my first creation it was about two feet from my face and I got a very good look at how well detailed I had made


    him. I just kinda sat there paralyzed in fear. One move of his hand would squash me like an insect. So we just sat there awkwardly staring at each other. It could almost have been romantic if it didn''t look like he was looking for breakfast and I was on the menu.

 explaining some of her abilities and changes

    Explaining  a couple of my reasons for the new abilities and their requirements to work together


    first for the Ice construction requirement I added the need for an ice base. So that a supportive


    layer would hold the construct in place very thin layer as a sort of protection for the construct


    As for the northern lights I always liked the lore that went with them.weather its the battles of ancient hero¡¯s, or the souls of vengeful spirits, or just spirits anyway here is a link on the   Aurora Borealis/ norther lights http://www.luminarium.org/mythology/revontulet.htm</a>


    and for the cost of HP instead of mana I wanted it to cost life to create life instead just some mana


    with the cost in mana  still there for the construct. Also with the massive cost increase per level it will force her to find another source as she already almost died at the beginner one.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    also after rereading the abilities I had created for her I decided I needed to place some sort of limiter


    on her "last of a dying race ability"


    as this ability is affected by her might of the Frijord which is x10 to stats and ability bonus when in a frozen environment it became way to powerful with a 500x hP regeneration and mana


    as well had the 20x stats she would get from that as well so I used the added


    ability Ice Conjuration as a form of dark magic combined with ice magic


    to kind of limit this.


    Her race traditionally doesn''t use light or dark magic as they are elemental beings so the use of it is frowned upon but they left a little power because she is well the last of their race and their last chance at redemption...


    would love to hear your thoughts


    feel free to ask about anything.

 chapter 4 terror

    FT/ Frozen Terror POV


    Staring into its eyes I saw an amount of anger to march my own when I had saw the damage done to it.


    I was shocked and yet even though it was looking at me I felt that the anger wasn''t in fact directed towards me but as if she was angry at something incorporeal. Suddenly she froze and her eyes widened


    as she slowly looked up my body and into my eyes. I grinned finally only took her a day and a half to wake up. Not sure when I began to think of it as a her but I am fairly certain looking directly upon her that it is indeed a female. Her eyes where wide as she started at my smile. She sat as if she was frozen in place. It was rather comical finally she calmed done some and relaxed as if resigned to some horrid fate. I couldn''t help it as I collapsed onto my back laughing. After hugging my my self and rolled around trying not to die of laughter. I might have even kicked my legs a little. I rolled onto my stomach


    and propped my head up again the look had gone from fear to an equal amount of anger... I blinked slowly and smiled. She suddenly started to laugh. It was high and clear like crystal chimes. She reached


    out a hand to me palm down and I rolled to my feet and helped her up. She told me her name was Khione and I nodded showing I understood. As I didn¡¯t quite trust myself  to talk. After this half introduction she turned towards a far off mountain waved at me to follow and started walking without even glancing back to check if I was there. I felt slightly offended at this but followed her none the less.


    I caught up pretty quickly using my longer legs to my advantage but I slowed down to fall in step beside her.


    She didn¡¯t slow down much if at all except for when she stopped sat down and pulled out a loaf of bread. She even kindly offered me one which I took. The look in her eyes when she dropped it into my hand was kind of strange with an odd glint in it. Ignoring this I opened my mouth and dropped the whole loaf in and tried to chew. This didn''t work out so well when I felt one of my teeth fracture in my


    mouth. I frowned as I looked down at her as she had burst out laughing at me when I had tried to eat it.


    She took another bite of hers and I found that by eating that horror and death educing bread I had much more respect for her than before. After she was finished (spite that crap out as fast as I could)


    we stood back up and continued our travels. We had long past interred a series of canyons most of it was uneventful in-till about half way through when I saw some hideous creatures they had four arms and six canines with an equal number of eyes.  There was a party of six of them and I noticed that  Khione


    had stopped a little ways back and was studying them then she looked at me as if in challenge.


    I blinked slowly at her she couldn''t mean. Could she ? She crossed her arms in front of her and began to tap her left foot. Whatever I sighed inwardly and trotted towards the Creatures they blinked slowly at me as if confused that is in-till I picked one of them up and ripped it in half. The other five rushed me from all sides. However I wasn''t scared at all as I towered over them. Grabbing two by the throat with my lower  arms I flung them into two others knocking them down. I lunged forward  grabbing the only one not incapacitated my the head and shoulder snapping its head to the side I whipped my head forward with my mouth wide open allowing my canines to ripe through its throat spraying  hot tangy blood onto my my face and into my mouth. Throwing the mangled creature away for later. I turned to my left towards two other who had recovered from the collision, but where paralyzed in fear gripping the first by its shoulders I tightened the fingers on my lower right and into a curved point and thrust it up through its belly and ripped its still beating heart out. And with my left and I dragged the right leg of the other out from under it. Throwing the heart into my mouth I pounced on the downed creature and used the sharp edges of my upper hands thumbs to push into its skull and crush its brain.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!Right afterwords I was thrown forward as the two to the right had recovered and grabbed their clubs which I hadn''t noticed leaning against the canyon wall. By their fire.


    With these they had hit me both in the back and on my head sending my body tumbling forward.


    These two seemed to be seasoned in combat as they took a guarded stance using a four handed grip on their clubs. Which looked rather clumsy at first in-till  I took a step forward and they spun both right and left sweeping their clubs down behind my knees throwing me onto my back using the momentum of their first attacks they swung their clubs low. I rolled right as fast as possible dodging one club narrowly  but the other shattered my upper left arm. I did manage to drag down the one I had rolled towards. I quickly rolled forwards over its body and in passing hooked my forward right fingers into its


    jaw ripping it off its face before I collided with the canyon wall. I dived to my right using the momentum of my rebound. Everything was slightly distorted but I could make out the last one stepping towards me. Crouching down my lower left hand touched a rock which I quickly coiled into my hand


    spinning in my half crouch I used the force of this to lose the rock at its knees  I missed the right but it did crash into the inner side of the left spinning the creature to its knees. I lunged forward right after the throw only to feel its club crash into my stomach. Knocking me to the ground. Sweeping its club down slightly over its head forcing me to duck it used the force for a second swing this one straight down. Using my legs and lower hands I dived up and into his attack allowing its hands and pummel of the club to hit me on  my already shattered left side using my lower left and upper right to rise it slightly off the ground I punched my lower right hand trough its stomach grabbing its spin and ripping it side ways. With this I throw it to the ground and crushed its last bit of life with my right heel.


    Standing up I started to shake badly and fell to my knees the pain of my shattered arm finally making its way into my brain crippling me with the agony. As I looked around I saw Khione calmly sitting on a rock a little ways away eating an other piece of that horrid bread and she just wave at my slightly.


    With a rather smug look on her face. I crumpled to the ground feeling the world go black.


    Khione POV


    watching Terror fight was the most amazing thing I had ever seen in my life and I was very pleased with my new skills. Completely wiping any past misgivings about losing my lifeline.


    As I watched him crush the skull in of the last one he sank to his knees and slowly looked around when he spotted me I waved at at him. Pleased with his skills that is in till it just collapsed on the ground like a puppet with its strings cut. Sliding off my seat I felt somewhat guilty at making him fight them all.


    Walking over to him I  used my ice connection to from a sphere of ice over him nine layers thick sitting down beside his egg I asked the ice to heal him placing both hands on his sphere and closed my eyes looking through my ice connection at all the damage done to him both external and internal. The outer shell of his being was flowing back together as if it had never broken and his shattered arm was slowly regenerating absorbing up ice into him body to repair the damage. It was extremely slow  and if I even moved my hand slightly away it stopped altogether. Resting my head on my hands I went to sleep


    hoping I didn''t have to be awake to manage his healing. I would check when I woke up to make sure....


    Hope you enjoy...

 Chapter Five

    Khione POV


    Waking up my head still resting on the dome I looked into it and at Terror. Saddened by what I saw as alto his body had completely healed even a broken tooth in the back of his mouth his upper left arm was gone the sharp shards of his shoulder had molded back into his body leaving the area smooth and flawless.


    Although I had no doubt in my mind anywhere about his fighting ability. The loss of his arm was


    really bad. I hadn''t been to worried about it during the fight sense I thought I could just have the ice replace it, but that had back fired pretty bad. I mean what the hell was I  thinking sending him out alone.


    I wont let something like this happen to him again ever with this clear thought continuously running through my mind I removed the layers of ice covering him. When the last of it was gone he opened his eyes and looked at me then at his left shoulder. He no longer had a pained expression. Just kind of lost. His eyes looked into mine


    pleading with me. I shrunk in upon myself allowing a few tears to leak out from my eyes as I repeated a low


    mantra ¡°I¡¯m sorry I''m so sorry¡± over and over. I felt his hand under my chin as her raised my head so that I was looking into his eyes with one of his other hands he carefully wiped my tears away. Then smiled at me as he said ¡° well at least I know my own strength¡± a few more tears broke free again, but before I could say anything more he placed a finger over my lips. As he continued to look at me he spoke saying ¡° all this means is that I must get stronger¡± I nodded at this and wiped my face dry with my sleeve. Then stood and froze mid step. Placing my foot down I turned and looked back at him with an accusing glare in my eyes ¡°you could talk the entire time couldn''t you ?¡±


    He had the audacity to look slightly embarrassed. As he just nodded slowly.


    ¡°so you left me to talk to myself the entire trip when you could easily have just said something ?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Umm didn''t really have much to say then¡± Terror said.


    Slightly mad about this I turned and started to storm away then turned around and glared at him.


    ¡°Come on! I want to kill something right now so hurry up!¡±


    he shrugged and jogged up beside me as we continued into the canyon I began to think of ways to use the ice that would cost less mana.


    Something on a much smaller scale than the ice nova which had put me unconscious because of the mana cost.


    The current idea I had was to use single ice spikes or an grip of ice maybe I could turn it to water then refreeze it that could be fun. Smiling I new I would have to practice that last one latter. The ice spikes should work fine for now I think.


    Walking deeper into the elaborate canyon system I quickly became lost. But we could see shadows dancing on the walls of the canyon ahead signifying that we where no longer alone.


    I looked over at Terror to see him already looking at me an evil grin plastered on his face.


    Looking at me he said ¡° forgot to eat last time¡±


    cringing inwardly at the thought of him munching on a troll carcass. I shook my head clearing the thought.


    We advanced straight at them confident in our power.


    When we walked to the edge of their camp I waved at them ¡° hello¡±


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.stumbling back out of their seats to reach for their weapons.


    I took this time to count.


    Seven just another camp then.


    Smiling happily at them as they made a rough half circle facing us clubs tight in their strange four handed grip.


    Stepping back slightly I closed my eyes and spread my conscious down into the ice not completely this time as I still wanted to move my body a little. It felt slightly weird yet calming. When I opened my eyes I felt all the attention on myself. Looking around at the trolls who hand their clubs hanging down slightly obviously not in a fighting stance of any kind. Looking over at Terror who was openly staring at me ¡°what?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Your eyes are glowing¡± he responded.


    ¡°Oh¡±  well that kinda cool most have to due with being connected to the ice I thought.


    Looking back at the trolls I flicked out my left hand at the farthest one on the left. With this motion I compelled the ice to rise and follow the motion of my hand sending a shard of ice nine inches long hurtling towards the troll at an extremely high velocity. It pierced the throat of the creature  to shatter on the canyon wall.


    The troll fell to its knees dropping its club as its four hands clasped at its ruined throat. It drowned in its own blood. Which had colored the ice around it a deep red which was spreading quickly.


    After flinging the first ice shard I spun down into a crouch and flicked both hands at the next troll in line as it rushed towards me  hitting it both times in the chest it staggered to a stop before starting to take another step.


    Repeating the motion twice more I flicked four more shards into its body before finally taking it down.


    Stepping back quickly I looked around and seeing that terror had already taken one on the right down and was finishing another by crushing its skull together with two of his hands wall the other held it up alto it struggled nothing it could do could break his over powering grip as he crushed its skull together.


    The first body was so mangled and torn that I had no idea what he had done to it.


    Turning my attention to the remaining one who was trying its hardest to sneak away. I took a double step forward spinning into a crouch and pushing the ice forward willing a lance of ice forth. As it ripped its self from the canyon floor and gathered speed towards the back of the now sprinting troll it quickly over took it punching an eighteen inch whole through its upper back flipping it forwards onto the ice. Where its blood was being drained out. Turning back I walked towards terror a rising smile on my face. He looked pretty evil as his own ice was stained a deep red with the trolls blood. It seem as if his body was made of frozen blood. Smiling I pulled my conscious back from the ice and walked up to him.


    ¡°Well that was fun wasn''t it?¡± I asked


    ¡°ehh not really wasn''t even challenging¡± he responded with a dejected and bored look on his face.


    ¡°Well then we will have to find a bigger party next time¡± I told him, he just shrugged.


    I pointed in the direction the runner had tried to go and motioned for him to follow me.


    As I walked off hopefully towards a slightly more difficult fight.

 Chapter six

    Khione POV


    As we walked past its body leaning on the lance of ice that was propping it up I leaned down and gently pushed it over onto its side. Then ignoring the strange look from terror continued on into the canyon.


    Walking farther in more and more branches and passageways opened up around us. Not knowing the correct way I just followed the one directly front of me and soon after I began to see bright lights ahead but these where nothing like the miserable little camp fires that we had visited before.


    The lights reached far into the sky bright and uncaring who or what saw them. And as I came around the last bend blocking my view I understood why. Before me in this desolate canyon maze was an enormous city with sixty foot walls of carved stone and ice. The stone was engraved with glowing runes making the walls both interact and stalwart a defense around the city. On these wall where magnificent cylindrical stone towers with the  same runes and glyphs etched into their surfaces.


    Staring agape at the beautiful wonder spread out before me for a good five minutes before I noticed the frantic tapping on my shoulder. Turning slowly I looked up at terror who just pointed at the gates of the city which where now wide open and frost trolls where streaming from it by the hundreds.


    I looked up at terror now as I lost all of my joy looking at the horde of Frost trolls marching towards us. They could have easily looked like a formal human (or other civilized nations) army. Instead of carrying what I had become to think of as the standard weapon of the trolls ( wooden club) these had both iron weapons and studded leather armor. The armor was braces on their four wrists and a wide belt with a large iron circle on the front protecting their stomachs. They had leather shin guards whit a think iron strip on the front. Their new weapons where composed of massive bows reinforced with bronze as they glinted in the morning light (it was a little before dawn when she arrived) the other carried great iron claymores and great swords a few had massive two-handed war-hammers which had a grounded edge on one side and a sharp tapered point on the other. I turned to run but found my only exit completely blocked by some badly shredded frost trolls some still had ice sticking out of them. I made the quick assumption that not only where the trolls no where near as stupid as I had first thought, but I was also completely screwed. Even if I wiped out one side and terror fight like a demon possessed  I would be completely out of mana (unconscious from after affects) and Terror no matter how strong he had gotten would not be able to both protect and fight the remain trolls off.


    However be that as it may I would cause them so much damage that they would never forget as I prepared to unleash the ice a troll stepped out from the army approaching from the city. I stopped but not completely lowering half of my mind into the ice. Seeing far into the never ending armies  knowing that they stretched far back into both the city and the canyon behind me.


    The Troll slightly more glamorous than the other. With a breastplate of iron and a matching helm that covered his head but allowed his six eyes the to still see all. All of his armor was lined with brightly polished bronze. Taking its great-sword in a two-handed grip he spun it so it was facing down and plunged it into the ice.


    Raising its four hands above its head it walked towards us.


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    Terror stepped forward and to my right so I could see but he could also interfere with it if its intentions proved violent. The trolls leader stopped about thirty feet in front of us. With my connection in the ice I knew the troll behind us had stopped advancing. Turning my attention back to their leader I heard him say some sort of greeting to Terror. Looking at Terror I saw the confused look on his face.


    Terrors POV


    After arriving at the city I wasn''t anywhere near as drawn to it as Khione  but I still thought it looked rather grand in till the gates started opening at which point I began to tap on Khione''s shoulder slowly at first but rising in speed as the gates swung open and the horde of trolls pushed through. These where armed and armored. Right as I was about to shake her she turned and looked at me  then to where I pointed. Her smiling face turned a thin grim line.


    Now we are surrounded and blocked in with the leader of the trolls moving towards us. He stopped about eight meters from us.


    Then looking at me he called out ¡°welcome home my son¡±


    I quickly became rather confused turning to look at Khione  I saw her looking at me already with an expectant look on her face.


    So I told her what he had said.


    Her face lit up like the norther lights


    as she reached into her pouch handing at her side she took out an amulet and held it out to me.


    I stared at her hand not really wanting it that much when she whispered to me.


    ¡°Put the damn thing on already¡±


    she was still smiling as I reached out and took it from her placing it on my neck.


    Laughing slightly she said to me ¡°just go with what I¡¯m saying OK¡±


    Nodding at her getting more confused by the moment I heard her talking to the leader.


    ¡°I presume that you already know who I am or at least have an idea¡±


    ¡° I have recreated your son''s body into a much more powerful form¡±


    ¡°when we fought I decided he was worthy of my gift¡±


    what is this bullshit she is saying. We fought when was this ?


    Looking at her in shock the Troll leader responded rather questioningly.


    ¡°I can see that my son is of the frijord and yet he was reported to me as slain¡±


    ¡° and by you no less¡±


    and she countered this by saying.


    ¡° is he not standing before you now?¡±


    ¡°is he not stronger?¡±


    ¡°one thing I should mention is that he did lose his memories¡±


    ¡° yet he was reborn wearing the Amulet that you see now¡±


    looking a bit more convinced than before the troll King responded


    by waving off his armies and walking towards them.


    Upon reaching them he looked at Khione and said simply


    ¡°Because he has lost his memories he will have to earn back his place at my side through a series of trials that I will give to him¡±


    ¡°If he cant complete even one of them I will hunt you both to the ends of this world!¡±


    After saying this he walked back towards the now open city gates.


    Looking down at Khione I asked


    ¡°What the hell just happened?¡±


    Her smile Brightened as she responded to my question.


    ¡°You have just been given the chance to rule a  tribe of frost trolls¡±


    She walked off towards the city gates following after the distant Troll King. Leaving me to catch up with her


    again...

 chapter seven (finished)

    Khione POV


    After I had finished talking to the Frost Troll King I had received a system message. I got another when I walked through the city gates and as there was a long road from here to the actual city ( Farms covered the area between the walls and the urban area) I pulled them up to see what they where.


    Opening the one I had received first...


    Quest Added


    King of Trolls


    After the recoded death of the Prince a suspiciously identical  Troll made of ice has assumed the mantle of Prince. In order for the Prince to return to the side of his father ( next inline to be king) he most complete several tests of his abilities to see if he is yet worthy.


    Help the Prince Complete his Trials.


    Requirements- Befriend the Frost troll prince. (completed) Troll Prince most live. (pending)  Gain admittance to The City of Ice (completed)


    Rewards- maxed relations with Frost Trolls. Terror is Crowned king.


    If quest is failed then relations with Frost Trolls will drop to the minimum and they will commit their entire race


    to seek you out and destroy you. The City of Ice will be forever closed to you.


    Smiling to my self I opened the second.


    You have entered the City of your Ancestors.


    When in this city all requirements and restrictions on racial abilities are removed.


    Dark and Light magics are disabled in this City by a Magical boundary.


    As the last of your Race you now have full control of the Frozen Palace and are in name the Queen of this city State.


    Owned lands- 4813 Square miles


    Subjects- 0


    inhabitants- 56,753


    income- 0


    Territory under your control- Frozen Palace.


    Closing these out I  stopped and waited for Terror when he arrived I mentioned the the quest and my ownership of the city.


    ¡°Terror I received a vision from my Ancestors when I stepped through the gates of this city¡±


    ¡°They have given me this land but I don''t have control of it not completely in-till the frost trolls are my loyal subjects¡±


    ¡°but to achieve this goal I need to help you gain control of the trolls¡±


    looking at me he just nodded as if this is what he expected.


    I had to ask


    ¡°your ok with me taking control of this entire race and city?¡±


    he just nodded again.


    ¡°Why¡±


    and he responded by saying.


    ¡°don''t really wont to have to lead them or take care of them... protecting just you is hard enough¡±


    glaring at him I turned and marched of towards the city. I heard a sigh behind me as he jogged to catch up and walk beside me.


    About an three hours later we reached the out skirts of the city which was pretty much just a giant farmers market. Walking through this we entered the crafting district which consisted of your artists and well crafting


    classes such as blacksmiths, carpenters, silver smiths, sculptors, (yes there are Troll Sculptors) the city was loud


    with trolls clamoring and haggling for better prices on ether side. Looking around I spotted a likely looking general store and walked in.


    ¡°Greetings what may I ¡­..¡±


    Trailing off  the clerk just stood gaping at us as I unloaded my japtems (Frost troll hides and weapons) looking down at the pile in front of it the troll gulped loudly then pointed at it.


    ¡°what is this¡±


    replying


    ¡°just some japtems I acquired and would like to sell¡±


    ¡°hhmm I can by this rather familer looking fur... where have I??¡±


    ¡°as for the clubs they are rather worthless¡±


    ¡°ill give you 7 gold and 56 silver pieces for the furs¡±


    Quickly accepting the offered amount and vacating the store we hurried towards the center of the city. Here slopping upwards was a massive fortress made in the same design as the city wall. It was raised on a great stone


    base with a single winding path up to its only gate which had a draw bridge lowered over a one hundred foot gap the feel another three hundred start down to a trench of ice spikes surrounding its base.


    Walking up to the massive dark metal gate of the fortress I  stepped forward and lightly pushed the gate and yet with this little effort it swung open easily. Smiling as I walked into my new home I looked around and found that the palace grounds where both beautiful and yet simple. The walls had house and buildings connected to it and between each of  of the buildings instead of the typical alleyway it had ramps up to the walls at the center of this fortress was the keep which was a massive completely flawless tower as if it was made from a single sheet of metal (really think sheet) it also had one gate but before this it had its own portcullis. As I walked closer I saw that it wasn''t as flawless as I had thought before standing directly under I could see that it had many arrow-slits in it but they started at the second story of  the tower giving its occupants complete access to the palace grounds. After admiring my new Keep I took a closer look at the buildings linked to the walls finding in front of each a trap door on the ground that upon entering revealed a massive storage of materials for each place.


    In the blacksmiths storage I found iron, bronze, and even Mithril both bars and ore and even piles of augmenting materials such as coal needed in the making of steel. Each place was very similar to this with the only change being in the materials its related profession. Besides a blacksmith there was a carpenters shop, bakery, Fletcher shop, a weaver, and even a butchers shop (had nothing in storage for the butchers). Then among these where simple houses and a few stables and barracks with  guard houses on both sides of the gate. Even these had the tools necessary to their professions filled with weapons and even some armor of all types and quality.


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    Now the area between the walkway and the keep was completely different as soon as the stone walk stopped the area beyond it was composed of flowers in every size and color blended together as if to remake to Aurora Borealis through the color and placing of flowers. Mixed in with the flowers where small little streams and mini-waterfalls that still seemed to cascade down a massive distance when in reality it was only a few feet. The water came from the springs that formed lily ponds and the water from the steams flowed in and endlessly beautiful cycle. Humming birds flew around and bees sipped from the many flowers. Fruit trees and berry bushes mixed in with this intricate system of life. In a wide variety of blackberry¡¯s, raspberry¡¯s,  blueberry¡¯s, and here and there on the ground you could see rich lushes strawberry¡¯s. The trees where apple trees (both green and red) ,cherry trees, pear trees even a few walnut and acorn trees. These last two had a diverse population of squirrels and chipmunks inhabiting them.


    Walking carefully through this I enjoyed the surreal beauty surrounding me every once in a while I would pick some of the fruits the apples where both sweet and sour with a varying in the rich juice. The raspberry¡¯s where sweet and subtle. The blackberry¡¯s had a bitter sweet flavor to them. Although I¡¯m sure the blueberry¡¯s would be great to however they lack a lot of the natural sugar of the others. Which reminded me that my mother had always used them in jams and jellies but hadn''t actually given them to me fresh before.


    After walking through it a couple of times I went to the door of the Keep. Placing both hands on the door I took a deep breath opened the door and stepped into the darkness.


    After a few steps down what I assumed was the main hall the entire Keep lit up looking around I watched as Ice Crystals all around me gathered in brilliance as if they where miniature frozen suns clustered on the walls and ceiling. Looking down I I noticed the luscious purple carpet beneath my boots. Looking straight ahead I saw a throne of Ice placed on a icy dais in the shape of a magnificent snow flake. On both sides where stairs leading to a small platform that then had stairs leading up from the platform into the center of the ceiling.


    Going up these stairs into the second story of the Keep she found it to be a massive library with a massive circular book case extending all the way around the wall. Then there where massive rows filling the space between with about four feet between the rows. However at the very center their was a strange lift and upon walking over to it she saw that it would rise far up into the keep and at each new floor their was a sort of platform. It looked like a giant X except at the center of this X was a circle with a hole cut through it allowing the lift she was currently on to rise into and dock or lock into each level. Walking to a glowing ice crystal set in a pedestal in the center of the lift and placing my hand over it. Closing my eyes I connected with it then jumped back startled at the voice which had entered my mind. I walked slowly back  connected to it for the second time


    allowing the voice to ask which floor I would like to visit.


    ¡°Um random floor¡±


    when I said this  lift rose into the air speeding up the floors blurred together in till it slowed to a stop.


    The floor it had stopped at was completely empty except for seven glowing books on ice pedestals arranged in a half circle


    On this floor there was no light but that which came from the books. Careful not to fall I walked across of the four pathways and then over to stand in front of the middle pedestal. Looking around again I took extra notice of the way that the books where arranged. Their where four gold books. two on ether side after these where two Deep Blue books and at the center of it all was a book the color of fresh blood. Reaching my hand out I touched the book covering the glowing light with my hand. As soon as the last of its light was gone a message appeared before me.


    The Undine where a peaceful people.


    They loved nature in all of its beauty and bounty.


    They cared for their world with loving care.


    They kept the balance within the world.


    All of this changed when their blood filled the streets.


    Their children drowning in their own blood.


    Betrayal forged a new Race.


    A Race of Ice and Death.


    the Aisu Undine where born.


    Their power in ice and blood


    The Avengers of a lost race


    You can change your class To the Secrete Profession of the Immortal Avenger


    Would you like to make this change it is permanent and only available once.


    You will be able to learn skills of this profession to Grandmaster.


    Without even a second to consider I made my decision.


    ¡°yes!!!¡±

 Chapter 8 Class

    Ice Queen chapter eight


    I was engulfed in a purple light that left me in the glowing lights of the other books after i accepted the class.


    ¡°Show Status¡±


    Status Window


    Name Khione Title N/A


    Race Aisu Undine Aligment Neutral


    Main Class Immortal Avenger


    Subclass N/A


    Hidden Class N/A


    Level 58 Fame 0


    Health 11070 Mana 125320


    Health Regeneration/Sec 10.0/Sec Mana Regeneration/Sec 69.25/Sec


    Strength 1712 Agility 1712


    Wisdom 6925 Intelligence 5500


    Stamina 1000 Vitality 1000


    Luck 1000 Willpower 5500


    Fighting Spirit 500 Grace 500


    Unused SP 1


    Magic Resistance


    Fire -50% Water 100%


    Wind 0% Earth 0%


    Lightning -50% Neutral 0%


    Holy 0% Dark 0%


    Class Bonus all stats + 50


    all blood related skills level 1.5x faster


    when grounded lightning resistance is 75%


    immunity to blood related curses and debuff''s


    Character no longer ages (was treated as a normal NPC)


    adds stats Fighting spirit and Grace


    ¡°Close Status¡±


    Show Stat information on Fighting Spirit and Grace


    Fighting Spirit


    Decreases the pressure that NPCs and other players can give off due to having a higher level than oneself


    Possible to cower creatures of a lower level than oneself with a glare


    Temporally call on superhuman strength


    Raised by fighting creatures of a higher level than oneself Raised by continuously fighting creatures


    You may not distribute bonus stat points to Fighting Spirit


    Grace


    You move more gracefully causing your movements to be more fluid and cost less stamina


    You may not distribute bonus stat points to Grace


    This stat is raised by user actions


    ¡°Close Stats windows¡±


    I noticed that I had gotten a system message telling me I had another skill. Ignoring this I turned to the other books wanting to see what they had to offer. Where the red book had rested was a small pile of glowing ash. Turning away from it I moved to the left picking of the glowing Crystal book and opened it.


    Imagines burned into my mind describing yet another ability and when they stopped the book dissolved into ash wall still in my hands. Putting the ash on the now empty stand I walked to the first gold book and repeated this with.


    After doing this with all of the book that where left (six)


    ¡°Show Abilities¡±


    last of a Dying Race (passive) (Grandmaster) (Race)


    death is permanent


    When in a Critical condition the power of an entire race is bestowed upon you their power increasing health and mana regeneration x20, critical chance increased to 100%


    all stats are doubled.


    Might of the Frijord (passive) (Grandmaster) (Race)


    stats and ability bonuses x10


    when in a frozen environment


    health and mana are not affected


    Ice Born (passive) (Grandmaster) (Race)


    immunity to cold and ice related attacks


    2x faster leveling of ice related abilities


    One with the Frijord (passive) (Grandmaster) (Race)


    sense frozen water such as ice, frost or snow around yourself and can feel other lifeforms


    in it and through it as if it is a part of yourself


    Ice Construction (Beginner 7) 56% ( active)


    ability to construct forms made of ice using ones mind


    though a mental connection with ice.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.mana used it dependent upon size and detail of construct


    when used together with ice conjuration construct gains a Soul and unique personality and traits based on name and form.


    construct most be connected to a base of ice


    Awareness (Intermediate 1) 3% (passive)


    you can see the functions and flow of life and mana


    within your body and can interact with it


    can increase the power of physical attacks and receives a bonus when meditating


    Ice Conjuration (Beginner 1) 57% (active)


    ability to conjure beings of ice with a rise in power corresponding to ability level


    through Thought... incorporeal ice beings


    most be able to see the norther lights clearly


    cost 1500 heath per level and 250 health per level of ice construction


    can use sacrificial offerings


    can occur without activation from user


    when used together with Ice Construction Soul gains a body and unique personality and traits based on name and form.


    Blood Aura (passive) (Beginner 1) 0% (Class)


    you leech life from bleeding opponents.


    Bleeding affects are amplified by 2x when in this aura


    can cause fear


    Water Mastery (passive) (Beginner 1) 0% (Class)


    10% increase in damage for water related abilities


    easier to control


    can stack with Ice and Blood Mastery''s


    Ice Mastery (passive) (Beginner 1) 0% (Class)


    10% increase is damage for ice Related abilities


    Easier to control


    can stack with Blood and Water Mastery''s


    Blood Mastery (passive) (Beginner 1) 0% (Class)


    10% increase in bleeding damage


    5% increase in Duration of bleeding


    can add Additional debuffs based on bleeding area


    can stack with Ice and Water Mastery''s


    Blade Mastery (passive) (Beginner 1) 0% (Class)


    5% increase in damage for bladed weapons


    Water Control (Active) (Beginner 1) 0% (Class)


    Control water with your mind and will


    Control of water in its many forms (liquid solid and Gas)


    Cost depends on form, distance, and amount


    Frozen Blade (Active) (Beginner 1) 0% (Class)


    Form a bladed weapon from the water element


    damage is dependent on intelligence, blades form and quality


    Durability is dependent on Willpower, blades form and quality


    has additional ice damage dependent on Intelligence.


    Cost is dependent on size, shape and how compact.


    ¡°Close abilities¡±


    sitting down between the pedestals I reviewed my abilities a couple of times most of my abilities gained where passive however I did gain two active abilities but they had many options to them even if the Frozen blade was well limited to blades it was really awesome as it was both physical and had additional elemental damage based on my intelligence stat the others seemed to all stack on top of each other for more power meaning I could apply the blood water and ice mastery''s into one attack giving it at least a 30% increase in power. As for the blade abilities I would have to find a teacher or master in this world to teach me or that would end very badly.


    Some time later I carefully crawled around in-till reaching one of the branches for the lift inched my way forwards in-till I was in the center of the lift. Having the lift to take me down to the library I walked around till I found a likely bench and sat down to sleep after eating another loaf of bread and taking a drink of water.

 Chapter Nine Rising

    Terror POV


    After Khione went off into the garden surrounding the keep I wondered off back into the city. I don''t think she even noticed. Not that it matters though, but this was still the first time I wasn''t guarding her and I don''t really know what to do with the free time I have right now. So I just sort of wondered around in-till I heard  the sounds of combat or should I say the ringing of swords. Walking towards the sound I cam upon a domed structure where many trolls where fighting each other.


    The structure was more of a stone pavilion with an outer layer of stone columns supporting the domed roof allowing all the space in the center to be completely open. Which allowing the combatants to roam freely in their sparing. Walking forwards into the area a massive hand descended from the sky and landed on my chest stopping me. I followed the hand up to look into the face of the biggest troll I have ever seen it stood at least two more feet above me. ( and I was four feet taller than most frost trolls) standing their looking him I asked him what this place was.


    ¡°Why young-en this place is to train warriors¡±


    ¡°I train the strongest Troll warriors in all of the North¡±


    he told me.


    Looking around I spotted a weapons rack and then looked back at the Trainer... and asked if I could spar with a couple of his students. He just shrugged and pointed at the weapons rack. Walking over to it and picking up one of the swords I noticed a couple of things. One they weren''t sharp two they where iron bladed and three all of the swords where the Four handed type that was used by the city''s military. Picking the heaviest one I could find I looked around for someone to spar with. Spotting a rather stocky looking troll leaning  back on one of the columns his sword propped against his leg. I walked over to him and asked if he wanted  spar. He shrugged (normal troll response it seems) grabbed his sword and  walked to a clear area following him I stopped about fifteen feet away and watched him take his stance... he placed his feet wide and gripped his sword hilt lightly with all four hands.  Looking over his left shoulder to face me bending his knees slightly. Copying his stance I watched him carefully waiting for his move. After sizing me up for some time he lowered his sword so it was aligned at an angle with his head as he rushed at me. I strengthened my grip and braced my legs. When he was with in striking range he spun on his left foot rising his right into the air as if he were jumping raising his sword over his right shoulder he swept it down with brutal strength blocking it with my sword I was almost knocked to the ground under the force of the blow. Staggering back I lost my sword to his second attack which sent it spinning away from my grasp. Laughing at me he offered my a hand to help me to my feet. Accepting the help I stood over then went to retrieve my sword walking back over to him I bowed and asked him to teach me. Still laughing he showed me how to properly grip and hold the sword in the four handed style. He told me that attacks don''t come from just my arms but from my entire body. After a quick check on my stance and grip he gave me some basic attacks and forms to practice then went back to slouching against the wall every now and then telling me to fix my form.....


    Khione POV


    waking up on a hard stone bench I rolled off onto the floor and stretched and crawled to my feet. Walking back to the lift I placed my hand on it and it asked where I would like to go. I then asked for the lift to list the possible destinations.


    Library


    Kitchen


    Dinning room


    Dressing room


    Master bedroom


    Guest bedroom  x10


    Storage


    Larder


    Armory


    Lab (alchemy)


    Treasury


    Hearing the list and receiving a system message with it I choose the treasury and a few minutes later was standing before a great metal vault. Reaching out and touching the door in wonder I jumped back as its wheel spun and opened. What it reveled took my breath away mountainous amounts of gold, gems, and jewels rising to meet the vault ceiling. Reaching down I scooped up a hand full of gold and let it trickle through my fingers.


    Laughing I dived in to the gold and in the center rolling through the gold after some time I looked at the system message saying that I was linked to this vault and I could magically draw money from it at any time. Checking my new amount of money as a little indicator now showed the vaults amount. It stood at six hundred million gold with six hundred diamonds, fifteen hundred sapphires, eight hundred emeralds, one thousand pieces of topaz,  with a final of eight hundred Rubies.


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


    I was beyond wealthy I had more money than I could even spend in a hundred years, But I new how to start.


    Closing the vault door on my way out I skipped back into town like a little school girl. After asking around some I arrived at the door of the most skilled blacksmith in the city. Knocking loudly I stood back and waited as the door opened and a tall broad shouldered Frost troll stood in the doorway his name was Yorick. Beckoning me to come in I stepped past him and sat at a small table in his front room. After some slight hesitation he sat opposite of me. I presented him with an offer to work for me and live within the keep with complete access to the ores and metals stored there. As well as an annul pay of twenty five gold a month. He demanded that I have this written down and I agreed so I had him send one of his many apprentices to fetch a  scribe and about twenty minutes later he had arrived and drafted up the document necessary for the agreement. One fine details in this agreement was that the black smith completely renounced any loyalty to his former leader and swore fealty to me. He also couldn''t sell or make anything for anyone who wasn''t loyal to me. But he was fine with all of this


    mainly because of the rare materials he would be able to use.


    Walking out of his shop I looked back to see him already packing. He had also had his apprentices and family sign on (without any pay) so that they could come with him.


    Now my new destination was a tailor but I had questioned the town on the locations of their best....


    Some time later I had the Trolls that I needed for my shops. Who brought their apprentices and families.


    Yorick ¨C Blacksmith (Male)


    Malak ¨C baker (Male)


    Rakash ¨C Carpenter (Male)


    Juljin - weaver (tailor) (Female)


    Vuzashi ¨C Butcher (Male)


    Alwan  - Scribe (Male)


    Esha  - librarian (Female)


    altogether I had just gotten twenty two new trolls who are now bound into my service. And they would be moved in before the day was out. Now all I had to do was find some solders to fill my guard house and the other


    housing placed on the wall.


    The best thing to do I decided was to hire some old veterans to train up some new recruits who had not already fought for this city and whose loyalty I could gain through other means than money. (not that I wasn¡¯t going to pay them) with this in mind I asked around after with this in mind and soon found myself looking at a massive domed pavilion which was the training area operated by the best trainer in the city. Walking into it I was shocked to see Terror hard at work practicing sword forms (guess) looking around I spotted a behemoth of a Frost troll watching over the hundreds of trainees walking over to him. I began with simple  bribery of a different form. For his services I would pay him thirty five gold a month as well as let him have access to my armories (guard houses) and a full ride on any equipment he or my recruits/ solders would ever need from my shops at my expense as long as the work they needed it for was a mission or job assigned by me.


    Which I told him would be quite regular as I needed strong elite troops as fast as possible. I also hinted at how he was the supposedly the best trainer alive and that I would make him the commanding officer.


    Reminiscing about the Goodall days  he took him only a few minutes to agree and then he started signing on disciples at an average pay of three gold pieces a month wall they where training with a bonus five signing gold after they passed training their pay would jump to eight gold a month.


    All in all I gained 169 recruits and master trainer Rhazin for my solders. Pleased with my days efforts I went back to my keep after allowing access for my new subjects  and assigning them to their new homes.


    Walking back to my lift I went up to the master bedroom and dived into the queen sized bed waiting for me there. Falling to sleep before my head hit the pillow.

 Basic Alchemy Ingredients

    Abecean Longfin


    Weakness to Frost


    Fortify Sneak


    Weakness to Poison


    Fortify healing


    Found in Lakes, rivers, streams, fish barrels


    Ancestor Moth Wing*


    Damage Stamina


    Fortify intelligence


    Damage mana Regen


    Fortify wisdom


    Found in Ancestor Glade


    Ash Creep Cluster


    Damage Stamina


    Invisibility


    Resist Fire


    Fortify intelligence


    found under rocks or in dark places


    Ash Hopper Jelly


    Restore Health


    Fortify dexterity


    Resist Lightning


    Weakness to Frost


    Found in Ash Hopper Corpses


    Ashen Grass Pod


    Resist Fire


    Weakness to Lightning


    Fortify dexterity


    Fortify Sneak


    Harvested from ashen grass


    Bear Claws


    Restore Stamina


    Fortify Health and strength


    Damage mana Regen


    found on Bears


    Bee


    Restore Stamina


    Ravage Stamina


    Regenerate Stamina


    Weakness to Lightning


    Found in Beehives


    Beehive Husk


    Resist Poison


    Fortify dexterity


    Fortify Sneak


    Fortify intelligence


    Beehive


    Bleeding Crown


    Weakness to Fire


    Fortify dexterity


    Fortify Reflexes


    Weakness to Poison


    Resist Magic


    Found in Mushroom clusters


    Blisterwort


    Damage Stamina


    causes mindless rampage


    Restore Health


    Fortify Strength


    Fortify Dexterity


    Found in Caves and dark areas


    Blue Butterfly Wing


    Damage Stamina


    Fortify willpower


    Damage mana Regen


    Fortify wisdom


    Found on Blue Butterfly


    Blue Dartwing


    Resist Lightning


    Fortify dexterity


    Restore Health


    can induce fear


    Found Hovering above water


    Blue Mountain Flower


    Restore Health


    Fortify willpower


    Fortify Health


    Damage mana Regen


    found in Mountain flower clumps


    Boar Tusk


    Fortify Stamina


    Fortify Health


    Fortify reflexes


    causes mindless rampage


    found on Tusked Bristlebacks


    Bone Meal


    Damage Stamina


    Resist Fire


    Fortify willpower


    Ravage Stamina


    found on undead and skeletons


    Burnt Spriggan Wood


    Weakness to Fire


    Fortify intelligence


    Damage mana Regen


    Slow


    found in Burnt Spriggans


    Butterfly Wing


    Restore Health


    Fortify charisma


    Lingering Damage Stamina


    Damage mana


    found on Monarch Butterfly


    Canis Root


    Damage Stamina


    Fortify strength


    Fortify dexterity


    can cause Paralysis


    found Near rocky areas


    Charred rats Hide


    Restore Stamina


    Cures some Diseases


    Resist Poison


    Restore Health


    cook raw rats hide


    Chaurus Eggs


    Weakness to Poison


    Fortify Stamina


    Damage mana


    can induce Invisibility


    Chaurus inhabited caves


    Chaurus Hunter Antennae*


    Damage Stamina


    Fortify intelligence


    Damage mana Regen


    Fortify wisdom


    found on


    Chaurus Hunter Chaurus Hunter Fledgling


    Chicken''s Egg


    Resist Magic


    Damage mana Regen


    can enable user to Waterbreath for a duration


    Lingering Damage Stamina


    found in Chicken''s nests


    Creep Cluster


    Restore mana


    Damage Stamina Regen


    Fortify strength


    Weakness to Magic


    found in Hydro-thermal areas


    Cyrodilic Spadetail


    Damage Stamina


    Fortify intelligence


    can induce fear


    Ravage Health


    found in Lakes, rivers, streams, fish barrels


    Demon Heart


    Restore Health


    Damage Stamina Regen


    Damage mana


    can induce Fear


    found in Demons


    Deathbell


    Damage Health


    Ravage Stamina


    Slows reflexes


    Weakness to Poison


    found in swamps


    Dragon''s Tongue


    Resist Fire


    Fortify charisma


    Fortify intelligence


    Fortify strength


    found in Hydro-thermal areas


    Ectoplasm


    Restore mana


    Fortify intelligence


    Fortify mana


    Damage Health


    found in most Ghostlike creatures


    Elves Ear


    Restore mana


    Fortify dexterity


    Weakness to Frost


    Resist Fire


    found in Plant, hanging herbs


    Emperors Hanging Moss


    Damage Health


    Fortify mana


    Regenerate Health


    Fortify strength


    Rare Hanging moss


    Eye of Sabre Cat


    Restore Stamina


    Ravage Health


    Damage mana


    Restore Health


    found in Sabre Cats,Snowy Sabre Cats


    Goblin Ear


    Damage Health


    causes mindless rampage


    Resist Poison


    Fortify dexterity


    found on goblins


    Fire Salts


    Weakness to Frost


    Resist Fire


    Restore mana


    Regenerate mana


    found on fire elementals


    Fly Amanita


    Resist Fire


    Fortify strenght


    causes mindless rampage


    Regenerate Stamina


    found in Mushroom clusters in and around caves


    Frost Mirriam


    Resist Frost


    Fortify dexterity


    Ravage mana


    Damage Stamina Regen


    found in cold areas


    Frost Salts


    Weakness to Fire


    Resist Frost


    Restore mana


    Fortify Conjuration


    found on Ice elementals


    Garlic


    Resist Poison


    Fortify Stamina


    Regenerate mana


    Regenerate Health


    found around the base of trees


    Giant Lichen


    Weakness to Lightning


    Ravage Health


    Weakness to Poison


    Restore mana


    found in Swamps


    Giant''s Toe


    Damage Stamina


    Fortify Health


    Fortify strenght


    Damage Stamina Regen


    found on Giants


    Moonblossom


    Resist Magic


    can induce Fear


    Regenerate Health


    Paralysis


    found in moonlight caves


    Glowing Mushroom


    Resist Lightning


    Fortify intelligence


    Fortify strength


    Fortify Health


    found in caves


    Grass Pod


    Resist Poison


    Ravage mana


    Fortify intelligence


    Restore mana


    found in the Tundras


    Hanging Moss


    Damage mana


    Fortify Health


    Damage mana Regen


    Fortify strength


    found in vegetated areas, hanging in caves, from buildings


    Hawk Beak


    Restore Stamina


    Resist Frost


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.Fortify strength


    Resist Lightning


    found on Hawks


    Hawk Feathers


    Cures some diseases


    Fortify dexterity


    Fortify strength


    Fortify Sneak


    found on Hawks


    Hawk''s Egg


    Resist Magic


    Damage mana Regen


    can breath under water for a short duration


    Lingering Damage Stamina


    found in Hawk''s nests


    Histcarp


    Restore Stamina


    Fortify mana


    Damage Stamina Regen


    can breath under water for a short duration


    found in lakes, rivers, streams and fish barrels


    Honeycomb


    Restore Stamina


    Fortify reflexes


    Fortify dexterity


    Ravage Stamina


    found in Beehives


    Human Flesh


    Damage Health


    causes Paralysis


    Restore mana


    Fortify Sneak


    found on human bodies


    Human Heart


    Damage Health


    Damage mana


    Damage mana Regen


    Causes mindless rampage


    usually found under humans right rib cage


    Imp Stool


    Damage Health


    Lingering Damage Health


    Causes Paralysis


    Restore Health


    found in Mushroom clusters near caves or dungeons


    Deaths Grace


    Damage Health


    Damage mana


    Damage Stamina


    Damage mana Regen


    Found growing near battlefields,


    Jazbay Grapes


    Weakness to Magic


    Fortify mana


    Regenerate mana


    Ravage Health


    found in Hydro-thermal regions


    Juniper Berries


    Weakness to Fire


    Fortify dexterity


    Regenerate Health


    Damage Stamina Regen


    found in Juniper Trees


    Large Antlers


    Restore Stamina


    Fortify Stamina


    Slow


    Damage Stamina Regen


    found on Deer or Elk


    Lavender


    Resist Magic


    Fortify Stamina


    Ravage mana


    Fortify willpower


    found Outdoors in clumps


    Luna Moth Wing


    Damage mana


    Fortify dexterity


    Regenerate Health


    can induce Invisibility


    found on Luna Moth


    Mora Tapinella


    Restore mana


    Lingering Damage Health


    Regenerate Stamina


    Fortify intelligence


    found on dead trees


    Nightshade


    Damage Health


    Damage mana Regen


    Lingering Damage Stamina


    Fortify intelligence


    found in Graveyards, undead areas


    Barnacle


    Damage mana


    Can breath under water for a short duration


    Regenerate Health


    Fortify dexterity


    found Underwater or on tide line


    Orange Dartwing


    Restore Stamina


    Ravage mana


    Fortify dexterity


    Lingering Damage Health


    found Hovering above water


    Pearl


    Restore Stamina


    Fortify reflexes


    Restore mana


    Resist Lightning


    found in Oysters


    Pine Thrush Egg


    Restore Stamina


    Fortify dexterity


    Weakness to Poison


    Resist Lightning


    found in nests in forests


    Poison Bloom


    Damage Health


    Slow


    Fortify Strength


    can induce Fear


    found in Dark Caves


    Purple Mountain Flower


    Restore Stamina


    Fortify Sneak


    Lingering Damage mana


    Resist Frost


    found Mountain flower clumps


    Red Mountain Flower


    Restore mana


    Ravage mana


    Fortify mana


    Damage Health


    found in Mountain flower clumps


    River Betty


    Damage Health


    Fortify intelligence


    Slow


    Fortify Strength


    found in Lakes, rivers, streams and fish barrels


    Rock Warbler Egg


    Restore Health


    Fortify Strength


    Damage Stamina


    Weakness to Magic


    found in Rock Warbler nests


    Sabre Cat Tooth


    Restore Stamina


    Fortify strenght


    Fortify dexterity


    Weakness to Poison


    found on Sabre Cats,Frost Sabre Cats


    Salmon Roe


    Restore Stamina


    Can breath under water for a short duration


    Fortify mana


    Regenerate mana


    found in Salmon jumping up falls


    Salt Pile


    Weakness to Magic


    Fortify wisdom


    Slow


    Regenerate mana


    found in salt water


    Scaly Pholiota


    Weakness to Magic


    Fortify Intelligence


    Regenerate Stamina


    Fortify Strength


    found in Dead birch trees


    Silverside Perch


    Restore Stamina


    Damage Stamina Regen


    Ravage Health


    Resist Frost


    found in Lakes, rivers, streams and fish barrels


    Rats Tail


    Damage Stamina Regen


    Ravage Health


    Damage Health


    Fortify dexterity


    back end of rats


    Small Pearl


    Restore Stamina


    Fortify Strength


    Fortify intelligence


    Resist Frost


    found in Oyster


    Spider Egg


    Damage Stamina


    Damage mana Regen


    Fortify dexterity


    found in Spider lairs


    Spriggan Sap


    Damage mana Regen


    Fortify intelligence


    Fortify dexterity


    Fortify wisdom


    found in Spriggans


    Fungal Pod


    Resist Lightning


    Lingering Damage mana


    Paralysis


    Restore Health


    found in Swamps


    Taproot


    Weakness to Magic


    Fortify Intellegence


    Regenerate mana


    Restore mana


    found in Spriggans


    Thistle Branch


    Resist Frost


    Ravage Stamina


    Resist Poison


    Fortify strength


    found on Thistle Plants


    Troll Fat


    Resist Poison


    Fortify strength


    causes mindless rampage


    Damage Health


    found in Trolls


    Troll Blood


    Restore Health


    unknown Effect


    unknown Effect


    unknown Effect


    found in trolls...


    Tundra Cotton


    Resist Magic


    Fortify mana


    Fortify Dexterity


    Fortify charisma


    found in High mountains below snow line, tundra


    Void Salts


    Weakness to Lightning


    Resist Magic


    Damage Health


    Fortify mana


    found in Lightning elementals


    Wheat


    Restore Health


    Fortify Health


    Damage Stamina Regen


    Lingering Damage mana


    ¡­..farmers crops


    White Cap


    Weakness to Frost


    Fortify strength


    Restore mana


    Ravage mana


    found in Mushroom clusters near caves or dungeons


    Yellow Mountain Flower*


    Resist Poison


    Fortify intelligence


    Fortify Health


    Damage Stamina Regen

 Chapter ten part 1

    Khione POV


    Waking up from my slumber I crawled out of bed and went to the wardrobe in the bed room. Opening its twin doors I found my self staring at exquisite silk dresses,skirts, blouses, and finely worked shoes made of leather with gold trim. There where even varieties in the gold: white, black, blue... then there where purple and red flowing gowns with white mink fur lining. I reached my hands out and stroked the soft beautiful clothes before I selected a pure white silk dress and a minks fur scarf. I then selected an ideal pair of boots made of white leather and finished with a pair of fur lined evening gloves.


    When I had finished dressing I walked to the lift and went down to the library floor then took the stairs down to the throne room. Then proceeded down the long hall and out the doors.


    Walking down the path I spotted my recruits hard at training paired off and practicing new techniques on each other with their blunted swords. Strangely enough I saw Terror training along with them. I walked passed them and towards master Rhazin  who was stood a little ways away and correcting their forms.


    Walking up to him.


    ¡°master Rhazin excuse me for a moment¡±


    Rhazin


    ¡°yes my lady what my I help you with ?¡±


    me


    ¡°i need you to hasten their training and make it much more difficult¡±


    ¡°i will need them very shortly so they most complete their basic training within a couple of days¡±


    Rhazin


    ¡°my lady I will see it done, however I¡¯m not sure how you want me to go about this ?¡±


    me


    ¡°shorten their sleeping time, give them five minutes to eat three times a day, no free time, no breaks,


    constant physical training, also keep them well hydrated...¡±


    ¡°they will get six hours of sleep, however this isn''t to be consecutive¡±


    ¡°you will have both night training and day¡±


    ¡°anyone who doesn''t cooperate with this new training you will beat into submission and add an extra amount of training onto their squad.¡±


    ¡°for the squads it is lucky I ended with 169 recruits so we can just divide them into thirteen groups of thirteen.¡±


    ¡°the one who excels the most in each squad will lead it¡±


    Rhazin


    ¡°yes my lady¡±


    watching him walk away I nodded to my self. And walked to the smithy and entered it spotting a very relaxed scene of lazing around apprentices and a snoring black smith. I clapped my hands together loudly waking them up. Speaking to the half asleep black smith.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Me


    ¡°i wont 169 full suits of plate armor in less than a week see that its done with any flexing parts of the bodies are to be made with chain-mail. The inside of the armor most have a cotton and leather padding.


    (cotton is know to stop arrows and crossbow bolts completely)


    Yorick


    ¡°ye-yes  ma''am ill see that its done¡±


    leaving the shop with a  grin on my face at the now scurrying blacksmith and apprentices I walked into the tailors to get him working on the leather and cotton padding. Strangely they weren''t lazing about so it took much less time.


    Once finished with my business at the keep I walked back into the city. I still needed to find an alchemist. Who would be vital to my survival. The poisons and restorative potions where necessary for what I had in mind.


    I also wanted an enchanter and my own identifier. But I wasn''t about to settle for one who came from trolls. Anyway after a couple of hours wondering the city and asking around I found that the trolls lacked alchemists. It would seem that I would have to hurry up my plans even more.


    Returning to the keep I watched some recruits now full out sprinting laps around the top of the walls.


    Others where in the yard fighting much harder than before. Those who where hit by the blunted weapons now usually had bad bruising.


    Walking back into my keep I went up into the library and asked Esha to find me all the books that I had on alchemy. Sitting down on a nearby bench I laid down and took a nap.


    I woke up to Esha''s hand on my shoulder. She had placed a couple books on the small table in front of the bench. Thanking her I reached for the one on top and read the title ¡°An introduction to basic alchemy Royal addition¡±


    Taking this book I leaned back onto the bench and opened the book. It listed a lot of ingredients and their affects and where to get them. It also gave me an explanation on how to use a mortar and pestle to mix the ingredients.


    Posted a different page for the Ingredients....

 Chapter ten part two

    Khione POV


    After reading through the book a couple of times I took the lift to the lab in the keep and gathered up a couple of the basic plant type ingredients: Blisterwort, Blue Dartwing , Blue Mountain Flower.


    After I had read through it a couple times I had the idea that you had to isolate the affect or affects that you wanted in your potion. To test this out I planed to test out the combined affects of Blisterwort, Blue Dartwings, and Blue mountain flowers. They all had the restore health property and dartwings, and blisterwart had the fortify dexterity.


    Taking out the mortar and pestle I found on the counter I placed a dartwing and a blisterwart into the mortar and used the pestle to grind it into a jell. The mortar and pestle were both made of thick glass to prevent stone fragments from contaminating a mixture. After they were had been ground till there were no solid particles I poured the contents into a cauldron and let it bubble for a couple hours as I continued my studies on  alchemy.


    After I felt that it had bubble for a reasonable amount of time I grabbed a  vial, funnel and stainer then poured the contents of the cauldron into the Vial and stopped it up with a cork. (rather small cauldron not the massive cook a kid type)


    Repeating this with the blisterwart and blue mountain flower; then again with the blue mountain flower and blue dartwing I received a system message that told me I had learned a new skill and asked if I wanted to see it.


    Saying yes


    You have learned  a new skill


    Alchemy (Beginner 1) 0% (passive)


    you can mix more potions and poisons


    potions and poisons are 10% stronger.


    After I obtained the ability I lost track of time going into a frenzy of potion making I concentrated completely on health pots. The only fragments of my memory that I do remember is the periodic reports from my scribe.


    Altogether I spent three weeks down in the lab with out even logging off to sleep or eat... when I finally did leave I had reached intermediate Alchemy and been informed that my troops had completed their basic training and moved into the more advanced from using their new armor and weapons weeks ago.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    I wasn''t to unhappy about the lost time however it seemed that the Troll king had asked for an audience a couple of times already. Which I am told that I carelessly waved off. He was returning today so I would have to meet him.


    Leaving my keep I reviewed all of my workers and troops. Finding them satisfactory and well made I quickly told my Scribe to arrange a banquet in the main hall of the keep and to invite the King as the Guest of honor.


    Now the blacksmith had taken my orders but as I had not specified the material he had opted for a pure mithril chain and plate armor resulting in a very resistant durable and light type of heavy armor. I did look that the cotton and leather as well but had no clue what material they were. (the leather) pleased with my new unites I ordered the carpenter and blacksmith to work together and make heavy armor piercing crossbows. The Weaver had to make the quivers ( hang from belt) for quick access. The crossbows where to have attachable hand-cranks to speed up reloading time. As a heavy metal crossbow with a wire strand would be slow to load. They would have a weeks time to make these as well. I then ordered my troops to polish up their armor and weapons and make them selves presentable for the banquet.


    When the Troll King arrived he had brought with him five hundred Frost Troll soldiers. I had Terror and one hundred and sixty nine highly equipped and trained soldiers versus his leather and bronze clad troops with their iron weapons. I had the banquet tables arranged so that the Kings men would all be crowed in the center with my troops ringed around them packing them inclose with each other wall my men had freedom to move around and quick access to their weapons. I had also given them all of the potions that I had made during my isolated time. We were as prepared as we could manage at the moment.


    Walking to the dais I sat down on the throne and looked out I waved the the soldiers forward and they marched the king and his men in. they went to their allotted seats and the king was brought to a chair by my right side and sat at the table arranged before me. Once seated and Terror had arrived and joined us I allowed the banquet to begin.

 Chapter eleven

    Terror POV


    After Khione went into hibernation I followed her recruits into training as I had grown quite fond of the  four handed Great sword. Although I was still missing my upper left arm it did not interfere with my ability to wield the weapon as I am much much stronger than the average frost troll. Rhazin even had the blacksmith and weaver produce an extra set of armor just for me (custom fit for his size) with a matching Blade of mithril to go with it (not used in training) I picked up the way of the sword fairly quickly and was soon besting my first teacher with ease.


    However Rhazin also decided that if he was going to go all out for me I would do the same for him and because of my size if added half again as much training onto my schedule and expected me to still finish before the others. It was hard brutal work and for the first time I could remember I actually felt the need to rest and collapsed into my bunk when ever I got the chance, which was still about the same as the others since I didn''t need to eat like the others. I didn''t bother Rhazin  with this fact....


    The training was difficult but worth it I didn''t make any friends among the trainees as most didn''t like that I was doing everything I could to advance my skills regardless of their safety despite my attitude I did not injure many of them to often and in the beginning it was mainly me that was being dominated. When I did start to pull it together and start winning my matches I was elated and pushed even more to be the best.  Rhazin was the only person that I actually spoke with during my training except when completely necessary. Even then it was usually him telling me to  practice my forms or run another twenty laps around the keeps outer walls.


    Then we had our ¡°graduation¡± which was an elaborate banquet arranged by Khione the very hour after she came out of her lab. She even invited the Troll King, however I knew Khione was up to something I even saw her talking in whispers to the cooks of and waitresses of the banquet. ( families of the trainees) then  a few hours before the king arrived she ordered the Graduates into battle armor with their new weapons and armor. When the kings army arrived I realized that Khione was showing off. Literally she had us polished and lined up on both sides of the walk into the keep. The kings trolls wore pathetic leather straps and had crude iron blades where we stood tall with our mithril weapons and armor. The sun light reflecting around us making it seem as if we were angels descended into the realm of mortals.


    The Graduates gazes were fixed on the kings men and the thoughts that ran through their minds were those of mixed feelings feeling both disgust at what their goals had been and what they had so easily accepted as the best of an great empires soldiers. Now as they gazed at them they felt renewed strength and a rising pride in themselves for surviving the harsh training to reach this point. (not that they had a choice after signing their lives over to Khione)


    After the kings men where seated I joined Khione and my father (???) on the dais upon which Khione started the feast. It was amazing mainly the fact that she could have had something this elaborate planed and set up in less than a few hours.


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    After we had eaten  and were relaxing slightly the king placed a parchment in front of me with a list of five things


    One- leave all possessions and survive in the tundra for four months.


    Two- beat contending Nobles


    Three- Gain support of three of five shaman


    Four- obtain a marriage from a border tribe


    Five- Defeat Current King in a death match.


    After reading through it a couple of times I handed it to Khione who took a half second look at the page.


    ¡°to long¡±


    ¡°I have counter proposal for you¡±


    ¡°I take his place and we skip down to number five¡±


    The king stood so that he towered over her, However she just calmly sat in her chair and didn''t even bother to look at him. Roaring with rage the king slammed his upper right hand into the table.


    ¡°what is the meaning of this you agreed to my trials so I that I could approve of his worth to lead (points at me) not have you an outsider of a completely different race take my throne¡±


    replying with an even voice Khione responded by saying


    ¡° I actually agreed to nothing if you would remember that I said nothing after you mad your demands also to address  me being an outsider my ancestors built this city and I own every bit of it.¡±


    Rising to her feet she looked down at him or at least it seemed like it  even though he stood at least three feet higher than her.


    ¡° We will settle this now I listened to your proposition out of curiosity and have found that I like none of them except the last¡±


    So saying she turned to the room and raised her hands towards the ceiling. The Ice crystals in the room turned a brilliant blood red and its light turned the mithril clad troops into things from ones nightmares. The kings trolls just grazed in drunken awe at the lights glaring down on them. Then the slaughter began. Even though the kings troops out numbered Khione''s almost three to one hers had only been drinking water and not an highly intoxicating brew. Making it seem as if the kings men where trying to fight in slow motion allowing them to easily be cut down bodies toppled to the floor and heads rolled about with blood tainting everything that it touched everything was drenched in it in mere moments.


    The king recovered quickly and drew his weapon however it was a pointless gesture as Khione just raised her right and and made a gripping and trowing motion which tossed the king off the dais like a rag doll. The blood flowing across the floor froze around him as he landed clutching him in an unrelenting death grip. Stepping down from her high position she raised a hand out over the blood and some of it flowed up to her hand forming into a razor sharp single edged blade with a hilt formed perfectly for Khione''s hands turning to the king she spun the blade into a under handed grip and using both hand thrust it into his heart. After a few second I could see his blood freezing in his veins. He had died in less than a thirty seconds without a chance to even defend himself. Standing over him victorious


    Khione smiled as her new troops finished off the last of those loyal to the departed king.

 Chapter twelve

    Khione Pov.


    After the death of the king and his men I summoned my scribe, who came running from the library. I ordered him check all of the heads and confirm that we had just killed the military''s top commanders.


    It took him about an hour to finish checking but the information I had received was correct the king seeking to gain support and give a show of strength had indeed invited all of the top commanding officers of the army to the christening of my new Troops. Happy with my new troops I gave them their name at last. Covered in blood they where titled the Blood Knights of the Frozen City. ( basicly what the cities knights will be called) I then ordered their families to clean up as there was no way I was leaving this mess in my hall. I then ordered my scribe to draft five documents. The first was a list of the lords and other ruling class individuals in the city. The second was a complete list of all the members of the city council. The third was a official proclamation of my ¡°duel¡± with the king, which of course ended with me being the Queen of the city. The fourth was a document which was to be sent through out the city ordering the citizens and civilians to swear an oath of loyalty to me and submit a list of their yearly income and goods which would be taxed. The fifth was a document to be sent to the military with a list of their dead commanders (including the king) a demand for their support and oath of allegiance. The fist document was given to the Blood Knights who where ordered to divide into their thirteen groups and list their group number next to their targets (1-13 beside each name) then they would head out this night and assassinate them. The second was handed to Terror I looked at him directly in the eye and told him that if he was going to protect me and help me then he would start by following my orders completely. To this he nodded kneeling in front of me I named him supreme commander of the Blood Knights in front of my Knights. Then I told him to get me the oaths of allegiance and complete support of the city council in anyway necessary, life with money or a painful extermination of their family name. They would if agreeing to side with me (obvious choice) instantly draft a document of the cities loyalty to me and support of my Coronation. With this done I ordered the king and his men to be cleaned and dressed for burial in troll customs for an official burial. (to gain support) then a gift of gold at my coronation would be given to they city for the poor and jobless. Smiling to myself I told them to report upon completion to my scribe who would document it and report to me with the details. Then I retired to my bedchamber to sleep, however that was not to be, to excited by the nights events I had the librarian bring a couple books on the creatures of the north to me.


    If I was to have knights then they had to have mounts something unique, powerful and yet not extremely difficult to train or get. After a few hours of reading I fell asleep pondering the many creatures and events of the day. I woke the next day to a light knocking on my door. ¡°come in¡±


    and in steeped my scribe with a stack of documents. ¡°my lady your wishes are full filled¡± covered by my  blankets I reached out a pale arm and received the documents; which after I had read them left me with a grin on my face ¡° so have the Council already released their papers ?¡±


    ¡°yes my lady¡±


    ¡°good and the nobles ?¡±


    ¡°as if they had never existed my lady¡±


    ¡° the papers from the businesses ?¡±


    ¡°flowing in extremely fast my lady it will take some time to make sense of them.¡±


    ¡° good then today we will have the burial and after wards my coronation... you may go¡±


    ¡°thank you my lady¡±


    turning his heel he left the room and I stood in dressed in red silk with gold and purple with these colors I presented myself the red for me the gold for wealth and purple the ageless color of royalty. Leaving the room I went down to the throne room to receive my people.


    As the knights and their families moved into the hall and ringed the dais kneeling and bowing their heads. I rose


    from my throne and announced ¡° we have won a great victory this day and it seems that we are greatly lacking in nobles. It seems that I must correct this therefor my loyal servants I will grant lordship to thirteen families this day and I will christen 156 new thanes who will be given land and the right to have a small force of troops.


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    The new nobles will be given the lands and titles of the certain families that no long exist in this glorious world.¡±


    following this was much excited cheers and happy glances. Raising my hand the room fell silent. ¡°This day we shall bury the past and greet the future.¡±


    so saying I steeped down from the dais extending my hand to terror whom I linked arms with and walked down the hall with the families and knights walking in behind us. Walking down from the keep we walked calmly and


    gracefully in order of the new ranks me leading with Terror the nobles behind us with the thanes behind them.


    The town was empty in most of it except for the center town square which contained the population of the city within its massive diamond. The crowd parted before us and we moved to a special dais raised for my coronation in the center of the plaza upon which a group of three troll shaman stood the one on the right carried a purple pillow upon which a brilliant platinum jewel incrusted tiara sat. the one on the left had a blood red pillow with a gold ruby incrusted scepter. Walking up the steps I stood in front of the center shaman and bowed just my head slight before turning to face the crowd of people who where to become my subjects. Mixed in the crowd of civilians was the military however this time the only had their armor I assumed this was to be seen as not against my coronation. Keeping a straight face I walked to a prepared throne and sat. the lead shaman steeped forward after this and addressed the crown ¡° people of the Frozen city a new ruler comes before you to take upon herself the mantle of leadership according with the customs she was free with in this city and defeated the previous ruler in a trial by combat. Therefore she has meet all of the traditional requirements of our  customs.¡± so saying he turned and took the scepter from the left shaman and laid it in the crook of my left arm.


    ¡° I present to you the scepter of kings may you rule justly¡± turning again he took the tiara and placed it gently onto my head ¡°I crown you queen of the Frozen City and ruler of the northern trolls¡± saying this the shamans knelt down and bowed before me the people followed suit with shouts of ¡° long live the Queen may she live for ever¡±


    rising from my throne I noticed several new system messages, ignoring them stood before my people ¡° on this day that I am crowned before the gods and their people I swear to unit the Troll tribes of the north and take back the cities of the north for the empire!¡± the crowd continued to cheer and I walked to the steps leading down taking the hand offered by tower who was kneeling by the steps. leading my procession back to the keep. Flowing around us the troll people cheered me on.


    When I reached the keep I went directly to the throne and sat then order that the swearing of allegiance begin. This would be done by the head of each family and not individually... even still after taking oaths for one month for twelve hours a day I was done. However now I had taxes and an official army with nobles completely loyal to me.


    Now that all was in order I had my scribe draft a new document directed at the craftsmen of the city to build crown funded weapons and armor made from the best steel and cotton with leather fir the army. I could not stand the pathetic equipment of the soldiers. But their was also no way I  was going to fully outfit them in Mithril. I didn¡¯t think I could even supple that from the keep. However in addition to the new equipment  which included the crossbow I added a hefted shovel I also sent a draft for five hundred engineers to join the military and start making ballista, catapults, and troop wagons from quick deployment. Then I sent orders to purchase all horses and a good number of oxes which would be used to pull this equipment. Knowing that they might have trouble with these complex devices I had blueprints copied from my library and sent to them. Black smiths and carpenters as well as quarry workers where told to produce the needed parts and ammunition. I would subjugate the northern tribes as quickly as possible. However I would not make them citizens they would be slaves, soldiers and the rest would pay a yearly tribute.


    With this orders I sent my Queendom on a path with no return. We were going to war against the north.

 chapter 13

    I find reading relaxing and quite enjoyable its one of my favorite past times. So I find my self curled up in a soft couch in my library continuing my study of northern creatures. I had my scribe hire a number of more workers to help with the empire. Accountants, scribes, maids, cooks, and another three hundred trainees who upon seeing the Blood Knights decided their goal in life was to join the order.


    They would receive the same degree of training although I did run out of the few easy ways to test loyalty. However a stranded test was what I had in mind anyway. Besides watching them train it felt very different watching the maids and scribes hard at work with in and with out they keep. They lived on the grounds or at least the maids did the new scribes and cooks lived in the Keep closer to their offices and easy to get a hold of.


    Terror was now almost always at the military camp overseeing the production of my siege weapons and the retraining of my military. According with the reworking of their equipment I had made another couple changes which removed their heavy four handed swords for a more effective weapon. The Morning Star or at least a rather enlarged version for them I also added a heavy metal shield a Scutum to be precise the roman shield wall was made to be impenetrable. Although theirs where metal and wood not pure metal. The morning star had always been one of my favorite weapons. It was famous for being able to shred steel plate Armour like a hot knife through butter. Its massive amount of blunt force accompanied by the razor tipped spikes covering it was designed to make sure it only ever took one hit to kill a human. And with it bigger more of a constant two handed weapon instead of a bastard type mace. The ones I had made are solid metal hand to ball and spikes solid and unrelenting the handle had a soft and well ripping leather grafted onto it with studding hammered in small round bits to keep it from slipping in case the grafting wasn''t enough. The knights would keep their standard weapons.


    I was expecting my military to be completed within the week as they where only being drilled in tactics and the most of the weapons would be done before then. All was well I however had a expedition planed to start tomorrow. So I was reading to make the day go faster. The reason why it was tomorrow is  because the army had three ballistae and one catapult made with five hundred troops already done with training all that was left was completion of the final troop wagons. These would carry supplies, ammunition, and the siege weapons with their crews. The basic infantry would still walk. But that was good make them stronger.


    After picking three unites of the original Blood knights ( 39 ) for my honor guard I was leisurely strolling through my garden one of the few quite places in the keep now. I was pleased that the magic of the keep kept the garden in order. Not that paying gardeners was not something I wouldn''t do but the lack of people in the gardens was pleasing. Quiet ¡­ well not really it was filled with song birds and other cute creatures song birds being the loudest. I ate some of the fruit as I walked through it before sitting at one of the waterfalls where I took my shoes and stockings off to let my feet play in the water; which was cool and pleasant with small rainbow colored fish, gold fish, red, green, and blue fish. The water sparkled and glowed orange in the dusk light.


    Laying back on the bank curling my feet up behind me I fell asleep. Waking to a dull light I opened my eyes and found my self looking up at Terror who was carrying me toward the Keep. I fell back asleep and woke up in my bed still in my clothes and warm under my plush quilts. Rising from my bed I undressed bathed and redressed my self in fresh clothes. These where more practical made from a soft white fur in a set of boots ( knee high) leggings, riding skirt, and a jacket. I wore silk underclothes.


    Walking from my room and taking the lift down to the library I descended the stairs to the throne room.


    There I found one my scribes waiting and standing facing the throne where the expedition forces. As I looked over them I noticed the system messages again. I moved to my throne and and sat down then opened them.


    abilities leveled up x14


    Owned lands- 4813 Square miles


    Subjects- 55,436


    inhabitants- 55,436


    income- 277,180 gold


    Territory under your control- Frozen Palace (Keep) , City of Ice, ( from surrounding the keep to outer walls)


    Quest Completed


    King of trolls


    Having maneuvered to the top you are now Queen of the Frost Trolls and absolute ruler of the City of Ice.


    reward


    Fame increased five thousand


    stat added leadership x 200


    You have leveled up x 41


    ¡°open status window¡±


    Status Window


    Name Khione Title N/A


    Race Aisu Undine Alinement Neutral


    Main Class Immortal Avenger


    Subclass N/A


    Hidden Class N/A


    Level 99 Fame 5000


    Health 11480 Mana 125730


    Health Regeneration/Sec 10.0/Sec Mana Regeneration/Sec 69.25/Sec


    Strength 1712 Agility 1712


    Wisdom 6925 Intelligence 5500


    Stamina 1000 Vitality 1000


    Luck 1000 Willpower 5500


    Fighting Spirit 500 Grace 500


    leadership 2000


    Unused SP 206


    Magic Resistance


    Fire -50% Water 100%


    Wind 0% Earth 0%


    Lightning -50% Neutral 0%


    Holy 0% Dark 0%


    Class Bonus all stats + 50


    all blood related skills level 1.5x faster


    when grounded lightning resistance is 75%


    immunity to blood related curses and debuff''s


    Character no longer ages (was treated as a normal NPC)


    adds stats Fighting spirit and Grace


    ¡°Close Status¡±


    ¡°Show Abilities¡±


    last of a Dying Race (passive) (Grandmaster) (Race)


    death is permanent


    When in a Critical condition the power of an entire race is bestowed upon you their power increasing health and mana regeneration x20, critical chance increased to 100%


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    Might of the Frijord (passive) (Grandmaster) (Race)


    stats and ability bonuses x10


    when in a frozen environment


    health and mana are not affected


    Ice Born (passive) (Grandmaster) (Race)


    immunity to cold and ice related attacks


    2x faster leveling of ice related abilities


    One with the Frijord (passive) (Grandmaster) (Race)


    sense frozen water such as ice, frost or snow around yourself and can feel other lifeforms


    in it and through it as if it is a part of yourself


    Ice Construction (Beginner 7) 56% ( active)


    ability to construct forms made of ice using ones mind


    though a mental connection with ice.


    mana used it dependent upon size and detail of construct


    when used together with ice conjuration construct gains a Soul and unique personality and traits based on name and form.


    construct most be connected to a base of ice


    Awareness (Intermediate 1) 15% (passive)


    you can see the functions and flow of life and mana


    within your body and can interact with it


    can increase the power of physical attacks and receives a bonus when meditating


    Alchemy (Intermediate 1) 4% (passive)


    you can mix more potions and poisons


    potions and poisons are 100% stronger.


    Potions you make can now have additional affects based on skill level and ingredients


    Ice Conjuration (Beginner 1) 57% (active)


    ability to conjure beings of ice with a rise in power corresponding to ability level


    through Thought... incorporeal ice beings


    most be able to see the norther lights clearly


    cost 1500 heath per level and 250 health per level of ice construction


    can use sacrificial offerings


    can occur without activation from user


    when used together with Ice Construction Soul gains a body and unique personality and traits based on name and form.


    Blood Aura (passive) (Beginner 3) 13% (Class)


    you leech life from bleeding opponents


    Bleeding affects are amplified by 4x when in this aura


    can cause fear


    Water Mastery (passive) (Beginner 2) 67% (Class)


    20% increase in damage for water related abilities


    easier to control


    can stack with Ice and Blood Mastery''s


    Ice Mastery (passive) (Beginner 3) 4% (Class)


    30% increase is damage for ice Related abilities


    Easier to control


    can stack with Blood and Water Mastery''s


    Blood Mastery (passive) (Beginner 6) 4% (Class)


    60% increase in bleeding damage


    30% increase in Duration of bleeding


    can add Additional debuff''s based on bleeding area


    can stack with Ice and Water Mastery''s


    Blade Mastery (passive) (Beginner 2) 57% (Class)


    10% increase in damage for bladed weapons


    Water Control (Active) (Beginner 3) 9% (Class)


    Control water with your mind and will


    Control of water in its many forms (liquid solid and Gas)


    Cost depends on form, distance, and amount


    Frozen Blade (Active) (Beginner 2) 69% (Class)


    Form a bladed weapon from the water element


    damage is dependent on intelligence, blades form and quality


    Durability is dependent on Willpower, blades form and quality


    has additional ice damage dependent on Intelligence.


    Cost is dependent on size, shape and how compact.


    ¡°Close abilities¡±


    I spent fifty two points into strength, agility, and wisdom. Then placed the remaining fifty points into intelligence


    open stat leadership


    Leadership Influences the party size. It also determines whether or not NPCs


    will listen to or follow the party leader''s orders.


    Leadership can only be increased by being the party leader, giving orders, and having the orders carried out successfully.


    Leadership does not benefit from stat point increases.


    ¡°Close stat window¡±


    Quest added


    Troll Wars


    you have sworn at your coronation to bring the City of Ice back to its former glory as the capital of the north and to conquer the nomadic Frost trolls of the north.


    Quest cant be refused


    if failed the Nomadic frost trolls will lay siege to the City of ice, will lose three thousand fame


    people of the City of Ice will rebel.


    Requirements: Queen (or king) of the Frost Trolls, militant force.


    Rewards: lands owned my the migrating Frost Trolls, all wealth and good they possess. Increased fame and or infamy depending on actions. Absolute rule of the Frost trolls.


    New Beginner Race


    The Race of Frost Trolls is now available to beginners. The City of Ice will be their starting point.


    Closing the windows out I sat in shock of both the levels and fame I had gained for becoming Queen (includes the killing of the King and the five hundred military commanders)


    I was rather concerned about the beginning players arriving in my city and what level of control I might have on them, however with my military I was confident I could crush anything that became a problem before it could escalate. Besides with beginners coming in I could start supplying and adding them into my military. I mean what better way to level up and get good items than a richly payed war in fully supplied army. They could be the front line of my military an immortal force. Laughing evilly for a few minutes I pulled my self back together shock my head and walked to the edge of the dais


    The throne room was crowded with troops who where now kneeling to me as I approached them. Terror at their front out fitted in a glowing set of Mithril armor with a giant Mithril great Sword on his back and a horned helmet in the crook of his left arms.


    ¡°We are the Vanguard of the Imperial Army it is our duty to clear the surrounding area for the war¡±

 Chapter 14

    Khione POV


    Glancing back on the City I watched the Train of wagons and Soldiers marching out of the gates of the City the sunlight reflecting off their armor and weapons. It was as if the sun had descended to the earth and imbued them wit hits light. Turning back around I looked out at the icy canyon walls expanding out before me.


    I heard Terror from behind me...


    ¡°my lady I have brought you a horse¡±


    turning to face him as he spoke I looked at a magnificent white horse with glossy white hair and it stood at sixteen hands. (Terrors hands Khione''s are rather small)


    ¡°thank you¡±


    walking over to them he told me that her name was Frost. He then lifted me onto the smooth black leather sidesaddle a two pommel design. In which I hook my right leg over a top pommel and my left in a reversed one under the one that my right is hung over. My left foot is also in a single stirrup, and thus I am riding side saddle now fairly close to the front of the Vanguard obit surrounded by my Blood Knights (the 39 chosen) and Terror all of whom where riding great war horses this where in a verity of color however their size was massive as they had special coats of mail made of Mithril I spared no expense on my knights. Then they had  to be able to charge ( sprint ) quickly and often and still be able to maneuver as well as carry their armored riders. They where a glorious sight to behold and a statement of power. ( she hasn''t yet seen the Knights of Kallamore )


    It would take a few hours to reach the end of the canyons and I had a vendetta against a tribe of trolls already. Call it what you will but they had stalked, surrounded and attempted to kill me. I had learned that they had been teaching the young troll prince how to survive outside of the city as a traditional Frost Troll when they had spotted me. Now I would have my revenge and it would be very fitting...


    A While latter we emerged from the catacombs of the canyons and out into the frozen Frijord of the north


    we rode out onto a very familiar icy plain; however this time I didn''t have a veg idea of where I was going. No I had a very clear idea as the position of the Frost trolls I was looking for was only a few miles from the canyon entrance. Reaching over to the right side of my horse I pulled one of those amazing magical canteens that keep water liquid, and I proceeded to drip a small stream down to the ice freezing it and griping it with my left hand I connected with the Frijord and found the exact position of their camp as well as the fact that none of their guards where facing the City of ices canyon entrance.


    I had the ice sweep up a nice blizzard around their camp obstructing their view. After this I ordered two  hundred troops to equip and load crossbows and from into two line compromised of a hundred each. They would be the frontal army that the tribe would engage first. They would also have the siege weapons backing them with a crew of ten for each ballista and a crew of fifteen for the one catapult.


    The ballista fired long razor sharp spears with wide blades. And the catapult fired a pot filled with oil which would be lit on fire and then catapulted into the enemy army. And then explode like a massive Molotov. I also had big canisters filled with small fist sized balls of iron which could be dumped into the catapult''s bucket for a closer deadlier effect. The first two hundred had a simple tactic they would line up in their rows one crouched in front the other standing behind to fire over their heads. Now this left three hundred Soldiers. ( and her honor guard) I split these into two groups of one hundred and fifty


    each. They where to move out instantly and flank on the right and left sides of the enemy camp.


    They would not be using the massive double row instead they would split again into a three pronged defense line and form two lines within each fifty. Twenty five per line this would be their set up and as they would lack the heavy fire power of the ballista they would be putting the shovels to use and entrench in the necessary areas which would make them almost unseen in till they started shooting one row at a time for a continuous volley of bolts. I would stay with the main force and direct their push the


    sides where our funnel in which to crush them. The Knights would go around behind the enemy and capture as many of the runners as possible forcing then to surrender the rest would die. With this planed out with each group I had them initiate their movements.


    Terror helped me to dismount and then stayed by my side. As I linked with the ice once more to make sure that my troops went unnoticed by the enemy I could also form the ice in ways to give them directions and orders making communication simple and easy. Getting every thing into place as close as possible ( except the knights ) I waited a few hours for the Flanks to become entrenched. Then once this was complete I ordered the Siege engines to commence the bombardment of the camp and ordered the blizzard to make us visible to the enemy. ( front line of  two hundred only flanks still clouded and snowy ) I watched the burning ball of fire (fire round for catapult) smash into their camp spraying liquid fire every where inciting panic and chaos. It spread quickly from the tents to the places of storage more than a few people (trolls) where ignited as well and ran screaming in pain (oil fires cant be put out by water) with a continuous barrage of fire pots the entire camp was quickly up in flames and those with weapons where advancing towards us with blacked arms and sot stained faces. Their pathetic clubs meaningless to my heavy armed and armored troops; and yet I felt no remorse or mercy


    their actions had brought this on them. As they stormed toward us with about three thousand trolls the ballistae began to fire taking them down with a single shot some times catch two or three with a single bolt. The catapult had switched to Canisters and was raining death in great swaths of area killing around twenty to twenty five with each cast. The ice was quickly being stained red with the ruined bodies of the trolls impaled by ballistae bolts and others crushed  smashed to shreds by the iron from the catapult. Then the crossbows fired and eighty for more trolls staggered back and dropped to the ground. Waves of bolts reoccurred every thirty seconds with the same devastating effect. However it didn''t take long for it to become a melee, only about four waves of bolts where fired. After this I ordered my troops in to four rows fifty in each and into a great shield wall with the outer row crouched shields linked with the row standing over them then the third row braced the second with their shield and the fourth had their crossbows still out and fired trough slits in the second rows line. Terror and I had remounted our horses and the siege engines had be quickly reattached to their wagons and backed out to a safe distance.


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    The troll horde smashed into the Testudo pushing it back with their initial force how ever it quickly gained its grounds and with the crossbow men shooting off the trolls clambering onto it it became  virtually an impregnable fortress of death. During this Terror and I had not been idle no I had formed a long sword of ice for my self and Terror had unsheathed  his Mithril great sword. I knew from experience that blood Blade was much stronger however I didn''t have a close source that wasn''t already mixed, But this would work very well and so we commenced our own assault on the enemy horde I had dismounted for an obvious reason my house was completely unarmored. I had forgot this at first but realized it before I killed the horse. Terror however had already charged in and I watched his sword drop down cleaving a troll in half spraying its blood every were he stood in his stirrups sweeping his blade down right and left cutting through the clumsy blocks made by the frost trolls with their clubs. Not to be out done I strode into the fray killing the first troll that I meet by spinning under his swing and cutting through his knee and using the momentum to switch into a under handed grip which I plunged into his falling back into his heart. Diving forward and flicking the blade back into a overhand grip I slashed the throat of the next and slide between his legs as he fell. Rising to my feet I stabbed the blade into the ice and then walked forward flinging death from my finger tips ( ice bolts) the shards hit them in the neck and chest quickly spreading ice through their bodies worse than any poison. Death basked  in my shadow blood flowed out as I walked. At one point I reached my hands out and forced the blood to reverse its flow in the bodies of a couple trolls forcing them into bloody convulsions and death soon after. With the ice linked with me I walked with my eyes closed the ice and blood of my opponents  told me more than my eyes ever could every move the enemy made even the tightening of their muscles as they began their attacks. So simple to dodge weaving through them picking out the strongest and fastest. I found I could form crescent blades of ice and cast them like razors through the enemy cutting with precision. However they where slightly flawed which I noticed when a troll simply smacked it out of the air shattering it into a million pieces. Feeling rather pissed that he hadn''t died I strode towards him flinging ice shards as quickly as possible. But he simply blocked these with his club.


    After this I tried to change the ice to water under him and yet he sensed this somehow and jumped out of it and into me. The shock throw me to the ground. He picked me up and flung me into the ice like a rag-doll, however sadly for him this doesn''t work well on me the frozen ground acted like a soft pillow which allowed me to spring back to my feet. Reaching out I placed my hands on a passing troll and dropped him to the ground frozen solid. Placing my hand on its neck I drew out its blood and formed it into a razor edged blade this one however was two handed and slightly longer than the one used in the keep. The troll steeped back slightly its face was covered in blood I realized and looked around ( with both ice and her eyes ) I was standing in what used to be part  the Testudo the mangled bodies of my troops where littered around almost sixty dead of my troops. The troll standing before me had grabbed two morning stars one in each set of hands its club had been shredded by my ice assault. Stepping toward him I blocked the first attack and was ripped from my feet by the other which shaved off seven thousand in a hit. Shock covered my face as I crawled to my feet. To find him towering over me.


    System message now in a critical condition


    ability last of a dying race is now active.


    Flipping to my feet I stepped quickly out of his reach. I transformed the blood into a band around my wrist and willed the ice to cover me in a protective layer which took a few seconds.


    System message new ability learned


    ignoring this I stepped forward and willed the ice to be thicker like trauma gel. ( gel used to absorb force)


    reforming my sword I stepped forward and we began to circle one another waiting for an opening. I didn''t place much trust in the ice although I new it would help but I was scared I was recovering health quickly from the wounded around us and my passive but if he simply hit me twice I was dead; and yet I didn''t want to simply take the easy way out...

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 Chapter 15

    Khione POV


    we circled each other slowly I did this because I was extremely low on Hp and he did it because I was


    as we moved slowly around I used the time to survey the surrounding area. It was brutally trashed


    brittle with steel cross bow bolts and the bodies of the fallen everywhere the icy plain had a new lay several inches think as far as the eye could see. It was a blood red battlefield the smell of death the cold


    dry wind the screams of the dying filling the air with their cries for mercy and aid. I could spot my soldiers slowly gaining the upper hand in the fighting. The prongs and knights had swept In behind the enemy and caught them unaware. If I survived it would be an overwhelming victory for me. These thoughts brought me back to my present condition. It was well past time to end this; turning the blood blade back into a band (rather indecisive) I began an unrelenting assault with ice shards from my hands as fast as I could cast them. When he became rather distracted trying to keep the onslaught from hitting his vitals. I  kicked out in a crescent swipe which resulted with a larger blade of ice hurtling towards him. I was unable to continue the barrage of ice when I was kicking. I watched the blade flash across accelerating quickly towards him. He swung the maces in a reversed motion  hitting the ice on both sides; this time however the broken shards speed forward slashing and cutting deeply into him. Blood gushed freely from a hundred wounds. Thinking that this wouldn''t be enough to finish him I reformed my blade and sprinted forward pivoting as I got into range for maximum power I swept the blade diagonally through his body my blade glided through his body easily, however the blade shattered after hitting the bones in  his hip. Although I had no worries their was no way he had survived that steeping away from his already freezing pool of blood.


    Looking over the desolation I had caused with my troops my hopes soared. With my army like this I could subjugate all of the northern tribes. After I had them I could build more cities start a cycle of trade through them and I would be able to organize a larger military. So far as I knew I was the only player who had started in the north. I had to use this opportunity to seize it then maintain and improve upon it.


    ¡°my lady¡±


    ¡°my lady¡±


    shaking my head I cleared away the thoughts and focused in on the commanders of the different units.


    They reported complete success and that they had taken six hundred captives of which three hundred of these where the mothers of the camp as they where not allowed to fight. The rest where the small children and old ones. The young adult males had all died fighting; I decided they would be gathered and buried in the traditional fashion. They had fought and died with honor they deserved the burial that came with it. The other reports where that we had lost a fifth of my troops and one of the ballista from a more intelligent


    unit of the enemy they had rejoined the fight afterward however.  The enemy numbered two thousand and eight dead. Pyres where erected separately for each of the families and the prisoners where allowed to take care of their dead. They where innocents and would not suffer for the actions of the others. I had them promise to spread the word of what happened here. This was an example to those who might oppose me. This had been the largest tribe of frost trolls in the north most only numbered in around a thousand. They the squabbled constantly with one another their was a very small chance of alliances against me that could matter. I would send envoys to them requiring them to send half of their fighting force to join mine and to pay a yearly tribute so that they can remain sovereign. After the orders where sent out the families departed and some of the Vanguard sent back to the city for reinforcements. The rest that remained were to build a fort made of ice it was to be a practical thing to hold the entrance to the city.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.From which walls would be made so that you had to enter from the fort or climb the six hundred or more feet canyon walls. I also had plans for towers on top of the canyon to prevent that... with the construction of the fort under way I left for the city leaving Terror in charge. I would need the organize the envoys necessary. They would have to be a show of force as well as reasonable. Also like all creatures the trolls are greedy so a few presents to the chiefs and it would be done. The amount of money lost would be meaning less to me anyway and the would gain most of it back in a few months of taxes. Also I would have to address the incoming players. This would be rather simple as long as I acted like an NPC. Give them a few simple missions and draft them into the military. The pay would be about that of a trainee which they would leap at if they read up on the game at all.  Mounting Frost  I had my Knights accompany me back to the city. With out having to keep a slow pace for soldiers we made good time and arrives a hour and a half later. Upon riding through the gates we where greeted with a shower of flowers with crowds lining the road.


    Shouts of long live the queen rang out everywhere; Apparently the news was well received.


    Smiling brightly I waved to the throng of people crowing the edge of the road. Sometime later we arrived at the keep and I received the updates on the training of troops. As well as the information a few new players that where spawning into the town square of these about eighty percent where trolls and the other twenty percent where the original races. These drew my attention as I had thought that only trolls would be starting here. However they system message had only said that trolls had to start here it didn''t say that others could not. I was quite pleased when I heard the news it would bring in many different types of players and classes to get this rising city state even more power and wealth.


    At home in my keep I walked the gardens with a few of my scribes as I took their reports. Then I had them commission a few large scale sculptures and works of art to begin in the city and spread through out. Flower gardening to follow the roads. I also had a many guild buildings constructed. The buildings


    are: a Mages Guild, Assassins Guild, Warriors Guild,  Painters Guild, Sculptors Guild, Archers Guild, Merchants Guild, Architecture, Engineering, Blacksmiths Guild, Carpenters, and Alchemists. This would all be well funded and strive for better training and technology. As they where ran by me I appointed the best this city had to offer to each post. Sadly the Alchemists guild and Mages Guild could not be staffed from the city. The alchemists guild however I offered increase funding and resources to the players who opted to work there as well as copies of all of the books that dealt with it from the palace( Keeps) library. The Mages guild was staffed by shaman who could teach abilities in a wide variety even if they could not teach specific classes. Again I offered them increased funding as the Frost Trolls lacked magical power and it would be necessary to defend the north.


    After I  had this ordered I had notices sent trough out the city with the news. I also added in that any new shops would receive loans for the first month that it was open with a low interest rate to get them started. The merchants guild was to set up trading posts in the locations of the troll tribes. These would generate settlements and income for the city and after the routes become official they could be paved and made with stone. This would allow for better trading speed and safety. It would also allow for quick troop deployment.


    With my Envoys sent out I expected good results and at least half of the tribes to submit quickly. The others would be quickly crushed and the survivors be integrated into other tribes the locations of which would be built into villages and later cities.

 Chapter 16 part 1

    Eric POV


    The fight in my opinion had been close but the sneaky little elf simply had to use the ice. Then after that she had to almost cut me in half. Then I gain consciousness to find that I was on pyre and had flames racing up to eat me... I had to roll off of a twenty foot tall pyre covered in flames to face palm the ground... As to how I survived and didn¡¯t die (twice) is because of my class and mostly because of my race. I joined the game as the one hundredth player to make my character was given a small bonus


    or should I say I was offered an Imp race. The Transcendent Imp this race was really unique had from what the AI said had only a few hundred survives anyway I selected my race and found that the imp was about eight inches tall it had raven black scales that covered its body with runic shaped dark green scales that went swirling through it. For teeth I had a mouth full of even razor sharp canines its eyes where brilliant yellow snake eyes its ears where pointed. Its head had two rows of three curved horns


    the curve went to the back of the head. Behind and slightly above its ears it also had horns ( one behind each ear ) its tale was barbed at the end and was covered in the same scale pattern. Strangely it didn¡¯t have wings either way. So I started in picked my city and checked my stats and abilities.


    Didn''t care to much for the stats but I did have a single ability...


    True Body Construction (Active) (Race) (beginner 1 ) 0%


    The ability to replicate any living, undead or automated being and to construct the body of the being around one self.


    Will reside in the head of construct.


    Will Shrink or grow to match brain space.


    Can learn all abilities and languages of construct at 15x normal rate.


    Each Construct learned or used will generate an ability for it to increase its use.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.Abilities learned in a Construct will stay with that specific construct.


    Base stats of construct with the avg level of the actual begins will be granted during use this includes mana of construct after dissolving specified construct the levels and stats stay with the construct.


    Locks all of users mana and drains all of it at the end of construct use.


    The destruction of a constructed body not including the head results in the construct from not being usable for nine days (game time)


    Duration- until destruction or deactivation


    Unless head is destroyed user suffers no penalty


    If head is Destroyed user loses three levels and three times Ability Proficiency


    Mana Cost depends on Construct type and body


    User can not learn a class.


    Constructs can learn classes


    User can not learn none racial abilities ( does not affect constructs)


    Users experience gain is 1/10 normal speed.


    Can not be Deleted.


    Can Teach basic body Construction upon reaching Grand master level.


    Basic body Construction is one of the three main categories living, undead, or automation.


    Individual students can only have one of the three forms.


    After I read all the information on the skill I was rather excited and began trying it out as fast as possible. That is how I spent my time in the city. I learned the forms for human, frog, a large variety of insects and birds, rabbit, Fox and Wolf. The kingdom I had started in was Harpan which I left and flew north ( because I wanted to make my ability better also there are no players up their...) anyway when I got their it wasn''t long before I had the Frost troll form and was living in a rather large tribe as a renowned warrior.


    That is in till I meet her now I am lying face first in the snow with a raging inferno above me...

 chapter 16 part 2

    Khione Pov.


    The in flux of players starting in my city was rather slow at first only about 20-30 a day, but as the word got out about the guilds and massive funding for playing as a troll the players began to pour in like the drops in a waterfall. The guilds expanding most were of course the warrior and other combat class professions, such as Archer, monk, etc...  however the most exciting was the response to my military positions and training offered to new players. As the lowest possible rank the starting bonus for signing was one gold and then 5 silver a month after the completion of basic training ( same as other training halls around like the one weed completed ) one month of training, however with a fundamental deference they got payed. Five silver a month (game time) and after completion of basic a bonus 1 gold.


    This was much lower than the amount payed to basic AI soldiers mainly because of the simple fact that they are level 300-400 troops. The reason that most players avoided the training hall was the lack of EXP and money it offered, I eliminated the money issue and presented an simple enticement  to new players. Get stronger and get payed, after signing up its explained that your pay corresponds directly to your level, class, rank ( Military) and ability  ( personal skill not passives and actives )


    I have a steadily growing military, now with hundreds of players starting troll every day I gain 15-35 new troops daily. It seemed like a lot at first, but I then I remembered they weren¡¯t even near the stranded troll in power, level or skill,  also they had to get used to four arms and the size a troll. It would be months ( real time) before I could even use them to patrol the lower level districts ( areas that created themselves in response to the new starter city coming up ( other wise the level 0 starters would be fighting level 300 creatures and it would never work) it showed the level of sophistication of the Versailles AI management. The creatures were the northern variations with slightly higher levels compared to their central Continent relatives.


    This didn''t bug me much as I still had a powerful troll army and although players did start at level one it takes them much less time to grow in strength than the AI.


    Next and to me the most important was the growth of my merchant and Alchemist guilds. Players who picked these classes weather it was so they could start a small shop in town or travel, experiment, discover or what ever their reasons for joining them found the funding to be astronomical. Even at low levels they were provided military escorts wherever they wanted to go, ( if wanted) ( not in city ) for Alchemists this meant that all those rare resources that they couldn¡¯t get their hands on because of the dangers now had a guard to take them safely to whatever it is they desired. (gathering resources or whatever else investigation studies etc) for merchants the guards provided a escort and a goods guarantee under their protection to be refunded if lost. This of course allowed them to travel as they pleased and trade with all the newly budding towns and villages established by my military. I had pl;aced the task of uniting the tribes and bringing them under my arm to Terror. Who had then established the villages and crushed whatever resistance came up. This was however no where  near the end of the wars. No we had taken maybe eighteen villages only five of which had to be taken by force.


    The taking of the villages augmented the strength of my army substantially as half of their fighting forces joined it. They received half pay (for one year in till loyalty is proven) and no starter bonus. Other than that they received standard equipment and training that my basic Non-player soldiers received.


    There are also another seven known Troll cities governed by their respective kings. Even the smallest of these was three times the size of mine in number of villages and military might. (number of troops)


    The other crafting guilds did get the a similar guard when needed to help them gather resources, like ore, timber ext...


    I now spend a lot of my time reading and hearing reports from my Queendom. I also had to establish patrols in the wilds to keep rebel, and bandit forces in check and provide safety on the royal roads, which by the way is the first project given to the crafting guilds ( mainly architecture, engineering) which were payed by the time it took to complete the road to the different villages. ( less time used = more money, more time = less money) however I didn''t want a slapstick road, so the majority of the money they would make would be based on quality of their work and the time was just a bonus they could get. This job was easily a great benefit to all of the crafting guilds as they received protected experience. ( safe work with a low chance of dying due to the guards provided to keep them safe) They would also increase the travel speed between areas for all purposes such as trade or military.


    At first I really thought running my empire was about as fun as watching paint dry,  it picked up quickly as I began hitting more and more problems. Lack of common resources ( not keep stores these are for the Knights and her personal use)  such as timber and iron requiring the opening and clearing of mines. Metal works however were not the key issue. Wood and food are, with a quickly growing population resources are needed for fuel use and food to eat so that people don''t starve. The most important thing for any nation is food. If you have a under feed population weak from lack of good food you are open to diseases, and enemy attacks and more. Now in a normal area this wouldn''t be to hard to remedy. Just pay farmers and clear land for them so they can bring in more food, But this is the North the coldest darkest area, nature at its strongest. The only food sources are found in caves and hunted food. As nothing grows in a frozen waste. Trees are few and far between and the only land I have capable of being farmed is already maxed out supplying the base population of my villages and capital. This would have been fine however the influx of players raised this problem quickly as of now hundreds of players start here each day now. They take missions and gather the meat and fur of the rabbits and later foxes and wolves out in the canyon. ( spawned after the Frost Trolls became a playable race) to make matters worse apparently goblins had surfaced as well and have tribes every where, they  started raiding my villages, at first I was like ha let them try it, they are at max level eighty as they are northern Goblins. They don''t stand a chance against my level three hundred plus troll army. They didn''t need to... they stole food and raided workers and villagers. It doesn¡¯t matter if each troll is level three hundred and can kill fifty or sixty a piece. If there are eighty plus goblins for each troll soldier and raising, they seem to breed faster than rats. I started going on the offensive after I realized they would just  use their hordes to crush my villages weaker defenses.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.My troop count has increased by five hundred give or take a few from each village so my military was now at thirteen thousand soldiers (not counting player troops as they cant fight on this scale yet)


    my basic country stats are as follows


    Owned lands- 12,978 Square miles


    Subjects- 72,559


    insurgents- 150,000 Goblin, unknown


    income- 427,153 gold


    Territory under your control- Frozen Palace (Keep) , City of Ice, ( from surrounding the keep to outer walls)  territory up-to and surrounding villages Eflin,Guggenheim, Fridonton, Bone shelter, Hearth, Dovika, Travanstan, Dark Mist, Hallow Shell Village, Stone Cast, Mavid, Dokiva, Rakstrid, Eldwist, Cantorwist, Shadowfell, Nights End,  and Drafilwedic.


    Military -13,231


    Pl Troops-1,312 (players)


    Knights-170 (counts Terror)


    Nobles-13


    Thanes-156


    budgeting


    Crafting Guild funding-75,000G


    Alchemists Guild funding-100,000G


    Military funding-30,000G


    Merchants guild-50,000G


    Magic Guild-45,000G


    Troop pay-3,307.75G


    Knights pay-3,400G


    Pl troop pay-65.6G


    total cost-256,773.35G


    total gain-121,379.65G


    Empire Treasury- 121,979.65G


    (The Guilds control the different aspects of the city such as industry, agriculture and so on


    AI guild masters take care of this)


    My empire is like a giant web with the Frozen City at its center. Its filthy rich in the metal works department and currently able to provide a survivable amount of food.


    The constant raids and ceaseless fighting with the goblins has greatly stressed my already stretched thin military. Currently there are thirty goblin Tribes that avg. five thousand fighters in each.


    The Goblins don''t settle a land they leech from it then move on, so its had to just catch and butcher them. They have slowed gathering rates massively due to the increase in need for guards while gathering and the safety of the road workers and village defense.


    It seems that I will have to start drafting troops and increase my Pl troop count and level much faster


    but, by drooping the worker count to gain troops I lose resource gain and the amount of food gathered decreases as well as public unrest and other such problems.


    My work is established as a slowly growing nation with hordes of enemy units causing havoc and surrounded by much larger Kingdoms. I will have to crush the Goblins quickly or Risk drawing the other troll nations to attack the rich and extremely vulnerable Queendom that I now protect.


    I practice my magic daily each morning as a form of exercise in which I am only interrupted by the most urgent of news. After this I also train my Blade with Rhazin who is a very dedicated teacher. I have gotten better but he keeps telling me that I lack technique, so I am practicing forms more than anything else when I am with him. After that I eat lunch, take reports and manage the nation. Then in the evening I tour the city and out lying lands to keep an eye on my nation personally.


    Authors note


    Sorry for the delay but I didn''t like the way it was going, so I had a to fix my notes and other things to my liking, hope you liked the chapter, my attempt to explain her governing style and introduce some other key problems. And provide some other basic information

 Chapter 16 Final part

    Terror''s POV


    Life was a fragile thing I realized as I held the slippery green slug by the throat ( Goblin ) it was disgusting: mucus, blood, and saliva smeared over its face, its grubby hands clutching and clawing at my fingers. Its legs fluttering in the air as it dangled from my grip.


    Dragging my gaze form it I looked around the killing ground, my soldiers moving slowly through the fallen enemy finishing them off with quick and efficient blows to the head from their morning stars or shields. Leaving the heads of the goblins in a ruined messes. Later we would burn the bodies, not because of the smell or anything of the like, but because we found out early on that goblins will eat anything, so if we leave the bodies they will just become food for more goblins; and our problems will only circle the solution. Which I figured was to starve the bastards out, why because they can''t seem to stop breeding which for them creates more mouths to feed, and even more of a food shortage for them.


    They are starving at the moment with no hope of continuing to exist in this frozen waste.


    Before and Up-to


    Terror''s POV


    with my patrol of one hundred trolls and three hundred of the PL troops ( experience gained from battles is group shared so if they are placed with AI troops they will literally be power leveled if they survive) now my unit would normally be a tenth this size, however I received some disturbing reports of a large group of Goblins heading towards the Imperial Highway. Their goal I assumed would be to stall the workers as much as possible, because once the road is finished carted goods can be shipped and they will have no chance of catching them. As of right now the ice is to dangerous to risk wheeled travel, so everything brought to and from villages that haven''t been connected by roads are backpacked there by foot. Troops are also brought on wheeled transport on roads to increase deployment speed so the raiding of villages with roads is almost impossible for them.


    The empire is like a web, at the heart you have the City of Ice which has four roads that branch out from it. To the north east you have Guggenheim that has a fork of paths that branch up leading to the villages Dovika (left fork) and Travanstan (right fork). On the left fork Dovika leads up to Dokiva, on the right branching from Travanstan is Rakstrid.


    To the north west you have Eflin which branches twice leading to the villages Bone Shelter (left) and Hearth (right). Bone Shelter leads to Stone Cast, and Hearth leads to Mavid


    To the west is Drafilwedic, which is the military training and construction area. It is also the closest to the City of Ice.


    To the South of the City of Ice is Fridonton which branches into Hallow Shell Village (left,west) and Dark Mist (right, east). Hallow Shell Village then forks into Nights End (left) and Shadow Fell (right).


    Dark Mist forks into Cantorwist ( left) and Eldwist (right).


    My Unit (patrol) took carts up the Imperial road to the construction site between Eflin and Hearth


    From Eflin. Where we confirmed the reports with the Guard unit stationed there. After which I sent in requests for more troops and I got Pls... (player soldiers usually around level 30-50 if sent on missions) three hundred of them. I did however get ninety real soldiers ( referring to AI units level 300+) the Pls were equipped in studded leather and iron (morning star, crossbow)


    so I marched them out and soon my forward scouts came back to report that there was a raiding party of six hundred goblins ahead which with my additional troops wouldn''t be a problem. I ordered the scouts out to check their travel route and speed. Once this was confirmed I set up ambush covered my men in snow and laid down to wait. In an hour or so we heard them running towards us, when they were about fifty meters out I gave the command, as I arose from my hiding spot.


    Terror''-


    FIRE!


    And as one my men moved to a crouch and launched a devastating volley of bolts into the goblins. The bolts at such a close range sometimes punched right through one and pierced another. It was as if a shock wave passed through as the power behind the bolts knocked them down.


    My own shot I took one through the throat flinging it back to choke to death own its own blood, if that is if it wasn''t trampled first. Drawing my Mithril blade I lend my troops in a charge against the frightened goblins who had yet to regain their scenes from the ambush shock.


    Steeping into them i cleaved the first one i saw, from right shoulder to left hip. Fallowing the momentum around I took the head off one to my right and its blood burst out spraying over the faces of the dead and dying. Always moving forward I picked one up by the head with my left hand caving it in and throwing it into a group of them. At the same time my sword in my right hands I swept down taking the legs out from under another. Spinning my blade into an underhanded grip I drove the blade through his chest finishing it off.


    Pls lieutenant POV ( abbreviated is LT) (commands seventy two troops) (PlsLT)


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The Pls are trained to flank and volley into the enemy formation. So that is what I had my men do, we sprinted to the left of the enemy as the one hundred regulars broke into their charge. The reason we do this is simple. We are weak and would hinder the regulars in a melee so we move around the battle formations to cause as much damage to the enemy as possible. Now as Frost trolls we are stronger and heather even at our low levels than your avg. goblin so could potentially one vs one with a goblin, However it would be a hard and extremely risky fight. Also the regulars can kill as many as they can get them selves surrounded by.


    Once I reached the left flank I ordered the attack firing into the enemy farthermost from the front lines.


    After our third volley they sent a unit of fifty after us. As they ran at us I ordered my men into a shield wall. A shield wall is when men line up into two or more rows over lap their shields with the man on their lefts, to attack from a shield wall is done in unison as one you push forward and unbalance the enemy then those that have been pushed down are killed by the row of men behind you. A second form if the first which is preferred cant be preformed. Is to attack under your shield with short bladed weapons ( must be short because long weapons and non-bladed cant stab and or get caught up because you cant draw it out or swing it) or over the shield wall by the men behind you.


    The men in the back rows job is first to protect the head of the man in front of them ( because the men in front have their shields linked and have them at waist-chest height) and second to brace the man in-front of them ( if a shield wall is broken it can cause the collapse of the entire unit in it) third to kill any thing knocked down by the man in front of them, and finally to take the place of the man in front of them in that man should die or go down ( in anyway get taken out of the shield wall)


    My wall consisted of thirty six columns and two rows, right as the enemy reached us I ordered the push


    knocking fifteen of the enemy down and steeping forward over them so the back row could do their work then, double timing it back. Forcing the enemy to climb over their dead. As they came over them we pushed again knocking back so that they tripped on their own dead we killed another six in that push. The others turned and ran trying to get away. I ordered the first row to kneel and the second to fire over. The volley downed another 13 of the cowards (downed means dead or wounded/ out of the fight)


    I then ordered twenty four men to stand guard and the rest to continue to add fire support for the regulars.


    Terror POV


    Drawing my blade from its chest I flicked the tip up catching another in the throat dropping it to its knees as it drowned in its own blood hands clutching its ruined throat to try and contain its life as it ran out through its fingers. Kicking it in the chest I moved on back handing one to the ground as I cut through the spear haft (shaft) deep into its skull. Then kicked its body as I wrenched my blade free. In just a few short minutes we had killed four hundred some of the enemy and the rest ran routed like dogs with their tails betwixt their legs.


    Present


    Terror POV


    tossing it to the ground I prodded it with my boot a couple of times before it scrambled up and tried to run. Which gave me an excuse to kick it down onto its stomach. I walked over to it and placed my foot into the small of its back and knelt down.


    Terror-


    I think you should tell me were you tribe is camped at right now.


    Goblin-


    ill never betray my own! So burn frost troll scum!


    Terror- laughing maliciously


    I think that unless you want to enjoy the fire that your friends well be, you should talk because other wise I will feed you to the flames feet first so that they have to crawl up your body!


    Goblin- whimpering


    wai-wait I, that is they will be camping north west of Dokiva please I told you what I know. Ju-just let me go!


    Terror-


    no I don''t like traitors. Burn him, alive, just trough him into one of the still burning fire pits and add some oil to him to make sure.


    Then we are moving out we have a tribe to catch, Send a report back and a request for more troops.


    Authors Note


    Hope you guys enjoy, hope the layout of the empire helps a bit, also added some tactic descriptions


    the shield wall originated with the Greeks from whom the Romans modeled their tactics and later the Norse empires and English used this in about the 800s. The Romans were the only ones who used the shield wall with the pavise style shield ( curved Tower shield ) the Greeks used Round shields and the Norse and English used the boss lime wood Great shields. ( these had metal rims wooden planks carved to fit tight in a circle and centered with a metal Boss to hold it together the boss was sometimes spiked so it could be used as a fatal bashing tool)

 chapter 17

    Terror POV


    I marched my troops at double time (A marching pace of 180 three-foot steps per minute) (start left-left -left-right / right foot is pivot foot in general you never turn unless its on the right foot) I marched my men through both Hearth and Mavid resupplying and checking equipment in both places. In Mavid I had all my troops go through a quick basic health check ( broken bones/ visible issues/ sick) those that were too messed up were left at Mavid to help guard as they recovered. In skirmish I had with the goblins recently I lost seventeen of the Pls and a couple of my regulars were wounded. I marched out of Mavid with ninety eight regulars and two hundred and eighty three Pls.


    Now in general the settlements of the empire are in the valleys and other areas that offer better agriculture and hunting. Some villages like Stone Cast are however there for the material resources: iron, stone, ect... so if supply is cut off as low as Eflin, large portions of such villages will die off before they can get resupplied.


    But such a weakness in an empire is to be expected when 80% of produced food comes from the capital . Stock piling food however is never an issue, for obvious reasons.


    I left Mavid in the evening and used a close marching pattern, didn''t want to lose troops in this waste. About four or five hours after leaving Mavid I could see the glow of their fires. Their camp was huge it had to be a cluster of tribes. I based this on fire count, however even though I doubt goblins are smart enough to build multiple fires per group to mislead their numbers. (The reason why you should be able to gauge an army/ camp size by the number of fires is because a fire only has as many people as can sleep around it with in its heat so about six humans to eight or nine goblins. In the waste flammable material is hard to come by so fires would be down to the minimum)


    There was at least two thousand fires so about sixteen to eighteen thousand goblins, no way was I even going to try to fight them. I sent reports back and ordered a tight entrenchment on the little hill I was looking at their camp from. I couldn''t engage, but I couldn''t just let them run off either. The good thing however is that ice is easy to build with and yet a study structure. We spent the night (myself included)


    digging a half circle trench around the hill. The front was to steep to be scaled so they would have to come around and then come up. The ice and snow we got was used to build a low wall directly behind the trench. The trench was dug four feet down and four feet wide, so our wall was six feet tall with a two foot standing area behind it. On our standing area I placed a very thin layer of hides over top of it all the way around. ( prevents slipping on the ice) my men I had pitch their tents in a circle around the rest of the hill then pile the sides with snow all the way up creating some very deformed igloos. In these we started our fires. ( ice is a strangely very strong insulation for heat ) we had a short breakfast as dawn broke. The sounds of the enemy camp braking to prepare to move out were loud and striking In the frigid morning. Looking around I could see the tired, but determined looks on the faces of my men. I knew that if we did not get the reinforcements we would all die. Yet I had a strong faith in Khione, she would send aid and we could together crash a large part of the problems that plague our country. Ordering the Pls the the wall and the regulars to the hill I ordered the attack, or should I say the beginning of a long day of pesky harassment. ( regulars have stronger crossbows so they can fire at a better distance)


    The crack of the bolts as they took flight, the glint of the sunlight as it reflected off of the bolts, then the screams as they fell into the camp like a rain death, well drizzle, The bolts hit about thirty percent of the time, which is quite fine by me as I just wanted to cause damage and really piss them all off.


    Another way to long at goblins is like a really ugly dog with a bone, once they get a whiff of it they can''t stop till they get it.


    The horde broke apart quickly coming out with weapons of all sorts, including bows. Which I will admit scared me a little even though only about one out of every ten had one that is still about one thousand six hundred archers. But my fears shorted out when their tremendous volley of arrows fell far


    below our perch to thud into the side of our mound. Our return fire however down another twenty-twenty five of them. Their screeches of rage were becoming quite loud. After another couple of attempts with the bows they swarmed. No other word for it, they had no formation, just a mob of uglies


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.in a few short minutes thy reached our wall and began piling into the trench. The Pls fired down into them as quickly as possible not even bothering to aim, but as the bodies stacked up the dead began to slowly fill the trench. It would not be long until they came over the wall. Leaving those at the top of the hill to shot down into the horde I went back and join the Pls they were holding well enough. The bodies were still an issue, running back I grabbed a couple of regulars and had to go to the tents and fetch the cooking oil we had. It came in jars and had a tight canvas cover, canvas I knew is very flammable, taking them back to the wall I spread them around and told the men to liberally torch the horde. Picking a couple up I used my upper right hand to light one which I tossed out into the mass and watched it shatter and ignite catching seven or eight of them alight, the screams increased tenfold as the burning began to rampage and some way to lay down in the snow, but they were so tightly packed together that they couldn''t, not that it would have helped as it was an oil fire. After my initial throw my men began as well and a sea of flames awoke before us, the flames spreading across the horde with a vengeance, the smell of burning flesh repugnant and sickeningly sweet filled the air, a thick black smoke rose from those who burned, the screams now a deafening cry. Yet still they pressed forward at us,


    the fires had reached the trench and with the bodies there as fuel it melted our walls down to about four feet in height, but soon the fires burned out, a good fourth of their forces burned, and yet we still had no


    chance at victory, the bodies filled the trench again and slowly forged a ramp to our wall as it got close they began to try and climb over switching to morning stars the melee began, but as they gained perches on the wall my men began to die.


    Terror-


    FALL BACK TO THE REGULARS!!


    BACK!!


    those who could broke away those who could not were already dead swarmed over and ripped apart. The goblins consuming the flesh of the dead wounded and dying. My eyes swam from the smoke and my ears rang from the shouts of victory and the cries of the dying.


    We were now backed onto the hill


    Terror-


    SHIELD WALL!!


    THREE ROWS!!


    SIXTY COLUMNS!!


    the regulars formed the first and part of the second row and it was barely linked when they slammed into us. We slide back a good six feet from the shear weight behind the push, quite a few of those who had been in the front of the goblin horde died smashed into our shield by their own. We began to push back and so hold our ground, but even that didn''t last for long they climbed onto each other and dived on top of us at first they just slid off the shields of the back rows, they increased the in numbers and soon they stated to fall through, those were killed quickly, but not fast enough the gaps widened and they poured in. some of my men began jumping from the cliff to die down below rather than risk being eaten alive, myself and the regulars didn''t have that luxury we were surrounded. Braking from the back row I killed a couple behind me, turned, ran and jumped my men sweeping my blade as I landed, knowing we would not last long, I attacked, my troops broke and fallowed me howling like demons we fell on the goblins without regard, we are dead-men we have nothing left to lose, but their was no way we were dying alone, no by the gods we would take as many of the bastards with us as possible.


    Wading into them I quickly lost sight of my men, yet oddly I didn''t seem to care anymore. I was reaping souls, may they quake in the cold of Niflheim. My blade cut out legs, slashed throats, bit into backs, ripped entrails, and cleaved through chests, everything a blur, I felt myself breaking apart,


    as I doggedly moved forward cutting the legs underhand finish, twist duck and cut; half step short jump


    striking down, my vision was a blur of blood and smoke, feeling yet another stab from behind I turned


    and took a blow to the back of my head staggering I fell to my knees swayed a bit, and slowly looked up.


    The lost thing I saw was a heavy studded club smashing into my face. everything was black, yet


    I could hear them, I could hear the deep walking drums. Deep in the south they boomed

 Chapter 18

    Khione''s POV


    The players that joined daily vary rarely didn''t join one or more of my funded projects, as such they were counted as citizens of my country with all of the current benefits that it comes with, but more importantly they were taxed, now under normal circumstances players would do their best to get out of taxes. The taxes here however pay for their benefits and security to do as they please with in the law of course. Another key feature I added in my country was the lawful additions of all magic being unbanned. This was hinted at in a few of my previous edicts, but I now have had it fully addressed.


    Of course with some magics their have to be rules... such as blood, necromancy, conjuration and other extreme magics... ect. First of these rules the subject/ victim can not be a citizen of my country or of an allies, if in necromancy you wish to summon or revive ( in a undead way ) the dead''s family or guardian must concede permission,third all such summonings must happen in safe zones ( areas under extreme military supervision) and fourth it is the right of the ruler/ me to conscript any necro/ summoner into the military. Now the benefits of this is one you have a guild sized funding for your magic research, two you can actually legally reside and practice In the country and town of your choice. Third any killed enemy units are yours to play with, Loot not included. ( unless they are specifically killed by you/ your units)


    Now magic has been addressed, the roads as my first project for the construction guilds was coming along nicely and I received many good reports about the progress of it. So far we are moving past the first set of villages and working towards the next set.


    My basic country status had improved in certain areas as well.


    Owned lands- 12,978 Square miles


    Subjects- 94,237


    insurgents- 175,000 Goblin, unknown


    income- 447,156 gold


    Territory under your control- Frozen Palace (Keep) , City of Ice, ( from surrounding the keep to outer walls)  territory up-to and surrounding villages Eflin,Guggenheim, Fridonton, Bone shelter, Hearth, Dovika, Travanstan, Dark Mist, Hallow Shell Village, Stone Cast, Mavid, Dokiva, Rakstrid, Eldwist, Cantorwist, Shadowfell, Nights End,  and Drafilwedic.


    Military -15,142


    Pl Troops-6,336 (players)


    Knights-170 (counts Terror)


    Nobles-13


    Thanes-156


    budgeting


    Crafting Guild funding-75,000G


    Alchemists Guild funding-100,000G


    Military funding-30,000G


    Merchants guild-50,000G


    Magic Guild-45,000G


    Troop pay-3,785.5G


    Knights pay-3,400G


    Pl troop pay-316.8G


    total cost-307,502.3G


    total gain-139,653.7G


    Empire Treasury- 261,633.35G


    My Empire was making less money, but my military was growing tremendously.


    Life in general was great, as the guilds began to take control/ govern their aspects of the city it started freeing more time up, at first I was happy about this, free time do stuff, then I started brooding surrounded by bigger nations infested with a slippery foe and looking like breakfast for the next power hungry King. So I focused on how to solve the issue of being a weak empire, and the answer was simple immortal troops, the players are a solution that requires a light guiding hand to direct and aid them.


    The training of my the Pls was my main focus now, the Regulars (AI troops) had their training set. The Pls however are harder to get to do what you want, but I can never beg, begging would imply that I need them more than they need me, which I do,but I pay them and support them as well as give them quests, so money, land, loot and quest EXP, which they get for completing missions I give them. That is what insures their loyalty to me, besides all that of course is the benefits of my nation and the power and chance of having your own military command. ( she doesn¡¯t set the difficulty or EXP reward amounts that is governed by Versailles AI)


    Of my six thousand Pls troops only about one thousand are around level one hundred, three thousand are levels 70-50 and the rest are under level 30, of course there are the in-between players.


    They are all given raid missions according to level, and the highest levels are partied with my regulars for their fights with the goblin raiding parties.


    It was late in the night when the messenger knocked on my door, slipping my nightgown on and sliding into my slippers I padded over to the door and opened it. Seeing me the troll bowed and raised the message up so that I could take it.


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    Looking at it I noticed Terrors signet of a Glacier surrounded in flames, braking the seal I read quickly.


    ¡°Goblin raiding party has been eliminated and I have received information to a tribes whereabouts, they are camped west of Dokiva, a number of my troops were wounded and I need reinforcements, camp size based on raiding party would be about four to five thousand strong.¡±


    Khione-


    Rouse the keep


    we have work to do, and send out summons for the Nobles and Thanes to gather here with their Huskarls, after that is taken care of, you are to rest.


    Messenger-


    Yes my Queen it will be done.


    With a fist to heart he bowed once more, and ran to carry out my orders.


    Closing the door I dressed in my Battle Regalia and descended to the throne room to meet with my people.


    It took nigh onto two hours before all had gathered,


    Each noble has on avg. one hundred troops (on their payroll not Khione''s) and each thane has twenty to thirty. At the end of it all four thousand five hundred and eighty nine Huskarls and knights gathered at the Frozen Keep.


    Now the difference between a Huskarl and a regular is this, Huskarls are higher leveled and trained by their Thane or Noble daily they are equipped by the keep and are the personal guards of my Knights and their family their loyalty is second to none, but the knights themselves. They are out fitted in White Iron armor and weapons, (white iron is a material added by me, to fill that gap left between steel and Mithril, I consider it an alloy that uses steel to weaken Mithril to allow its use by lower levels by mixing the pure ores to suitable ratios) the next feature of these troops is that they are mounted and they are the only mounted units in the empire. ( mounts are rare) now their mounts are also dressed out in White iron chain and leather armor. Making these troops the heaviest, fastest, and deadliest in the North, and finally instead of the standard morning star that the Regulars use they have two-hour handed Swords. (troll version of a bastard sword)


    during preparations for the expedition I received a second message from Terror.


    ¡°I am grievously mistaken about the size of the Goblin camp, Khione, I think not of myself, for I am but ice, no I fear for the men whom will die at my command for there are more than fifteen thousand of the enemy, I will stay and harass the enemy but without reinforcements we will all surly parish, but I will not let them roam freely they must be contained so that the roads can be finished.


    Khione-


    Send for the Pls I want four thousand of the best, bring in five thousand of the Regulars ( 500 reside in each village and take care of patrols their, not their own people they are stationed in different villages to avoid issues, the rest live in the capital) they are to bring a weeks supply of food each, and will be self sufficient. ( about two days travel from capital to Dokiva by foot ) We will cart the Infantry to Guggenheim from their we will march through Dovika to Dokiva and from there we travel west.


    We will march at double time and will employ the walking drums to keep Cadence.


    Four hours later we left the main gates of the City of Ice 13,587 in number, 4,586 heavy cavalry and 9,000 infantry. We rode hard to Guggenheim making in their in under six hours from their it took us twelve hours to reach Dokiva their we rested for an hour, not for the men but the animals.


    We commenced our march west after the rest, it was not more than an hour before I saw the smoke and


    began hearing the cries of battle. Thirty minutes later and we were but three fourths of a mile from the battle.


    Khione-


    BATTLE FORMATON


    CAVALRY TO THE FRONT FOUR ROWS


    INFANTRY SHIELD WALLS FIVE HUNDRED COLUMNS THREE ROWS


    DRUMS BEAT DOUBLE TIME


    MOVE


    in just a couple minutes the orders were carried out, the sun glinted off the radiant armor of my troops, the drums beat a steady rhythm, the Cav. Ready and six walls had been formed, I positioned the walls into rows and columns two rows three columns then I rode to the front of the Cav. With my knights fanned out behind me. Dismounting I knelt in the ice, willing it to form around me forming a suit of armor complete with a helmet, and finished by forming a blade of ice I remounted. Raising my blade I gave the command.


    Khione-


    CAVALRY


    CHARGE!

 Chapter 19

    I am that which all men fear


    I am the Shadow in the Night


    The Reaper of Souls


    I am a Pale Rider


    And my name is Death


    Khione POV


    The metallic wave smashed into a mountain of flesh bursting it apart blades rising and falling with deadly precision. The once shinning wave of majestic cavalry darken in blood. Filled with rage we move with a purpose. Urging my horse to move forward I thrust my blade into the throat of a goblin running to my right. Hysterical screams of fear filled the air, we waded forward in a sea of blood and gore, we spared none, no quarter, no mercy. Looping the head from the shoulders of another I rode down a couple in front of me, trampling them with the deadly beat of my horses hooves. My blade sweeping down into the back of another. They were all trying to run to flee, but we rode them down, and as they spread trying to escape we moved faster and easier. In the space of five minutes we had slaughtered more than six thousand, the rest terrorized by our might had been ridden down, rounded up and were now surrounded by my infantry. They had join the slaughter a bit later burning all the dead and dying of the enemy as well as the their equipment. The three thousand that remained huddled together shacking incessantly. The stench of waste from their fear wafted through the air. Yet for them as my anger and sorrow burned cold I knew that death was too simple for the loss I felt.


    Bit later...


    Watching over them I stood atop a small mound with the shredded and mauled bodies two hundred deaths (Pls revive) I ordered troops to gather their remains, those that could be recognized were frozen and transported back to their families. Those who weren''t were burned in troll fashion on tall pyres, the significance of being burned on a pyre is simple wood is extremely rare in frozen waste. Their honor courage and dedication deserved no less than the best. For the second time I felt hot streaks on my cheeks, then my voice broke and I wept.


    My army howled with rage and I felt hands touching my back as I knelt in the snow watching them burn. Standing I turned to my troops.


    Khione- I swear to you on my life and my country, I swear you will never be forgotten. The blood you shed for this country is shall be burned into the annuals of history, the world will know your might, your bravery and courage.


    I moved through and they parted before I walked till I was standing before a weeping mass of goblins.


    Turning to one of my men.


    Khione- quite them


    He steeped forward Roaring SILENCE!!!


    then steeped back into position


    and I moved forward a few whimpers still escaped them.


    Khione- your lives our mine, you are criminals and invaders into my land, you have attacked my people, and at every hand tried to weaken my nation.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    My voice was cold, low, and easily heard.


    Khione- your lives will be spent were I wish however I wish, you are enslaved to the Frozen city, your children and their children will know suffering in till the end of time, and you will know that your actions have brought this upon them, you will toil your lives away in service.


    I Sent messages to the capital and a flow craftsmen responded arriving like a flood, I showed them the mound and my wishes for a memorial to rise atop it commemorating the six hundred who had died.


    Terrors body I had found lying on the ground surrounded by the bodies of those he had killed. I carefully repaired his body, but knew it would not bring back his soul, his weapons and armor we placed back on his body and I brought him back to the capital laying him to rest In the Chieftains crypt.


    The Goblins began their lives of servitude by building a thing of their nightmares, a Colosseum. Placed


    in a empty area of the frozen city many old houses were cleared and their materials used in its construction, but even then we had to mine stone from quarries, although the goblins did the dangerous manual labor it was all overseen by the guilds. I had it modeled after the roman Colosseum, and it would serve the same purpose. The goblins however were separated into clans and housed underneath it, sheltered fed and warm their numbers increased quickly... they became the source of amusement and training for the people and soldiers in the city. Some the weaker and less capable shipped to mines, farms and construction of the Imperial highway.


    Kevin POV


    A Scan on your retina has confirmed that you are a unregistered user would you like to register ?


    "yes"


    Would you like to connect to royal road ?


    yes/no


    "Yes!!"


    Select your avatar''s gender from male female or neutral.


    "Male"


    Choose your race their are twenty nine primary races


    Human, Elf, Orc, Dwarf, Pixie, Gnome, Dark elf, Frost Troll, Goblin


    Goblin....hm I thought frost troll was the last race unlocked... well what ever.


    Goblin


    Select a name for your Avatar


    ¡°Night Stalker¡±


    Would you like to alter your appearance ?


    "yes"


    looking at my self I appeared as a five foot tall green humanoid with a bulbous nose, black beady eyes, jagged teeth, and a tangle of ratty grease layered black hair.


    Night Stalker- change skin color to black, change iris color to red and pupal color to purple. Done.


    Your starting position is locked in the frozen city, do you wish to continue ?


    ¡°yes¡±


    Authors note


    sorry its been so long, just graduated, so ill be writing for a bit before i ship


    hope you enjoy

 Chapter twenty

    Kevin (Night Stalker) POV


    A brilliant stream of colors assaulted my vision, then darkness. At first I thought something was wrong, but then my eyes adjusted to the dim light I could make out the faint outlines of couples in intimate relations in the far reaches of the room, the smell of unwashed bodies assailed my nose. The patter of little feet weaving through the people as they played somehow ignoring their surroundings, the ragged breathing of the couples.


    Looking around I found the source of the light in the room, weaving my why through everything I found that those who surrounded the small fire, that was the source of the light, where all elders, who whispered quietly leaning in to hear each other over the sounds around them. Moving over to them I sat close by and listened in.


    Elder Elrox- this misfortune is a great set back, however we must not give up to despair, nor can we let the youngsters forget their heritage.


    Elder Drovich- Elrox you speak as if we have a choice in the matter, we do not! The Wise Ones are lost all wiped out and with them our history!


    Elder Elrox- it is truly regrettable that you think this way, without hope there is no chance for a future, but unlike you I believe in us I believe we can prove ourselves to be more to this woman, this Queen of Ice.


    Elder Drovich- ¡°cough!!¡± - something more, we already have; we are toys for her amusement. Do you even know how she came to be queen of this city ?


    Elder Elrox- well no, but it doesn''t matter how, she came to be, just that she is, and all we must do is gain favor in her eyes, we could be something here, or at the least we could be free, we must just please her.


    Elder Drovich- Fool! ¡°cough¡± - she killed everyone! All those who could be a threat to her rule in anyway gone, dead. In their place she put her own lords and thanes. The old kings own son was consumed by her power and served her like a dog. Is that what you wish upon our people!


    Elder Tovrex- Enough! You two bicker like an old married couple, by the gods I am done with it. Neither one of you holds sway over the future. You control nothing, why look what our control brought us, we are slaves. We see the light only to bleed on the cold sands of the Colosseum with the jeering of our enemies rising over our last breaths.


    Looking back the Elder Drovich noticed me..


    Elder Drovich- you boy what do you have to say on this sense you seem to like sneaking about so...


    Night Stalker - um I think that you should never stop trying no matter what...


    Elder Tovrex- so then you will fight for your future no matter what ?


    Night Stalker- of course!


    Elder Tovrex- ha good then we have our last volunteer for the games tomorrow!


    Eric POV


    Life of a shape shifter is rather easy as long as you can blend in with those around you. Act normal so to speak. A few months ago after the subjugation of the tribe I was with and my incident with the fire. I had managed to make my way to the small but booming town of Guggenheim. It has come a long way in the past few months and life was good for a bit, but all good things come to an end. The end I speak of is goblins the little bastards steal and kill everything they can get their hands on. children, livestock, tools even animal fed. The kind couple who took me in are simple tundra chicken merchants, they sold paltry and eggs in abundance for almost too cheap prices, why because if you are selling lower than everyone else you are going to get the most business. Its simple the greatest guide for any economy is competition. I managed to get a job as a guard for them and they payed well. So life was good, right in till the raiding started and the roads where swamped with goblins, they cut off trade for almost two weeks before the imperial army cut their way through. The once cheap and tasty luxury good became the soul source of food in a town that far exceeded its supportable population, for the first few days people went about business with a slight boast in their step, a few more days and they grew restless, then the riots started everyone scrambling to stockpile food for the unforeseeable future, their goods were stolen and they lost everything, and I lost my job. I might have fought the imperials before, but now my hatred was pointed at something I could fight. So I joined up.


    I was there on the day when the Queen dispensed her justice on those who killed one of her own. I saw the horrific beauty of the knights brutal charge. My goal changed in that moment, I knew in that instant that I had to ride with them. We surged after them slaughtering all who resisted regardless of age and gender.


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    Now I patrol the one of the most active stretches of the imperial road under my command is thirteen Pls and one regular who serves as the sergeant of my platoon. Today I trudge through the snow and ice its almost up-to my knees and the wind blows violently across the waste with no terrain to slow it down. Seeing in this shit is almost impossible, hearing each other is also almost impossible at more than fifteen meters away.


    I struggled up the line, our duty out here is simple everyday we march across twenty miles of waste and light lanterns that mark the edges of the road, we kill any goblins we run into and report to two different camps. The camps don¡¯t really have a higher officer they are manly relay posts with horses to take messages up and down to the towns about situations and also where we receive our new orders once a week as well as pay.


    We are about nine miles out from out post nine between Dovika and Dokiva heading towards outpost ten. When I saw the light, I passed the word down the line. We stand ten feet apart from each other. Safer that way. Less likely for multiple casualties in an ambush and still close enough to form up. I scrunched lower to the snow and waded towards the light, I had no doubt in my mind that is wasn''t friendly.


    Khione POV


    pacing back and forth I look at the report in my hands again, I am back in the keep, and after I slaughtered the goblins, the other tribes seemed to back off a bit, its only been a few weeks... however besides light skirmishes nothing major seems to be happening, no sightings of the tribes, no large scale raids. Laughing a bit to bit back the tears, I realize the thing I have wanted for so long is finally here, and yet now I don¡¯t want it, I want them to come, to show themselves... Terror died because of that filth and I would make every single one pay.


    The report was simple just a few lines...


    -light skirmishes along north east and north western villages


    -no casualties


    -roads progressing at unexpected rates


    -fourteen runaway laborers sent to mines


    -goblin laborers working hard


    crumpling the report in my hand I toss it to the scribe standing at the door.


    Khione- I am going out for a bout with Master Rhazin


    Scribe- yes my lady would like for me to put any messages on your table in the library ?


    Khione- that would be fine thank you, if you find anything that seems urgent bring it directly too me.


    Scribe- yes my lady


    bowing out he departed, and I walked outside I seemed to spend most of my time with Master Rhazin now, he still seems to find my swordsmanship to be appalling, although he doesn''t quite say it like that.


    I find him with more recruits.


    Khione- Master Rhazin might I have a moment ?


    Master Rhazin- of course my lady how might I be of service, he said with a mock bow. He knew exactly what I wanted, we trained four or five times a day now, and every time I thought I was progressing he would throw in some new form.


    Taking to blunt weapons from a rack he handed me a smaller one, made specially for me, I was not about to try and use a troll veirhander. Taking the stance he had last shown me for my two handed grip


    I looked up the stances and it was very similar to the french Garde du faucon or Gaurd of the falcon its a high guard where you hold the sword handle a bit above your forhead and out an inche or so, you use your full body to power your attacks and use sweaps to deflect your opponets attacks instead of using force to stop the blow you mearly redirect the force to the outside of your body thuss tiring out your opponet with minimal effort on your part, its a stance that takes the phrase the best offence is a better defense into account, deflect and use momentum to counter attack. While your opponet is open.


    We sparred for a bit going back and forth for about and hour before i let him get back to the recruits. I walked to my room and put on my riding clothes.briskly walked down to the stables, and to the horrer of the stable hands sadled my own horse.


    As i was preparing to leave i found an escort of twenty knights waiting for me at the gates,


    sighing i rode out into my city ringed by my guards.

 chapter 21

    Khione POV


    I rode down the streets people parting before us, some bowed as they moved about their daily business. The people flowing from one place to another shopping and mingling, laughter filled the air as children played about, running around the streets with a leather ball kicking it about. We trotted through, my destination was the old district. The almost uninhabited portion of the city, part of it had been cleared and used in the building of the first Colosseum. It would be some time before it was completed, however the underground foundation was finished and the first two rows of seating.


    The building rate in here is astoundingly faster than compared to the world I am used too, given a few months it will be able to seat about fifty thousand people, half that in trolls. The structure or foundation is the most complex part. Based completely off the original in my world, it has a stone base of six acres, with aqueducts connected to allow flooding for water battles and a rotating and separating base so that it can have terrain. The way the separation works for example to create a hill, raise one section up ten feet and slant four more up to create the slopes. Sand is used to dump over everything to both protect and cover it up. Lower than all of this is the housing portion for the fighters.


    Even before the goblins, this had been planed out as well as a series of other forms of entertainment,


    besides the Colosseum I have plans to build a amphitheater, also fashioned after Romes structure. In it the first chariot races took place, and about two thousand years later NASCAR came about, However the the only rules in chariot racing is to complete the laps and win, if you happen to flip others into walls or ride them down all the better.


    Now violent sports have their place, but the one thing more popular than both through out history has been two things, music and theater. These I would let take their own course, with a bit of funding to get started and a few buildings for performances, soon I had no doubt that they too would have their own guilds. The most important thing about these two things however is that they show what the public op pinion is about everything government or otherwise.


    The crowd grew thinner as we got closer to the more unpopulated area, only teams of workers and shipments of materials paced through here. The manual labor supplemented with the strength of goblins. This area was also very well guarded with almost two hundred regulars patrolling about, they bowed as I rode past before continuing on. We rode on I circled through the area looking at all the abandoned buildings.


    Turning to one of my knights


    me- Lucius how many families of goblins do you think would be able to live in a single house?


    Lucius- hmm a house in the city can house two troll families comfortably, so it should house four to five goblin families based on their size. Might I ask why ?


    me- I have an idea, you see slaves don''t work for anything more than survival, they earn nothing and become nothing; They have little to no opportunity. Have you ever heard the phrase fight fire with fire?


    Lucius- no we don¡¯t really have that many fires around here...


    I blush slightly, embarrassed; duh frozen waste, fire doesn''t really rampage out here...


    me- right well its meaning is simple, to put out a fire there is a few normal methods, dump water or sand on it too put it out or controllable fires, which are called ''back-fires'', to remove any flammable material in advance of a larger fire and so deprive it of fuel. That is the literal ''fighting fire with fire'' way. However the fire I speak of is goblins. They reproduce faster than any other race and consume everything including each other. I want to start a slave brigade, I think that if given an opportunity to escape the harsh manual labor on the roads and building projects, as well as a chance to do something to improve their lot in life and a chance to rise above, to be something, they will seize upon it.


    Lucius- I see what you are saying my lady, but in my opinion I think that they are were they belong right now.


    me- they are paying what is owed yes, however if I want to secure the rest of my land, I must first deal with the rest of them. But that problem can be ended if I train arm and dedicate a steadily growing fighting force, with some training and iron weapons a goblin of mine will be on fighting grounds as three to four of theirs.


    Lucius- even if they do all take your terms, start their lives in this city, you only have three thousand goblins.


    I smile at him


    me- no I have about four thousand two hundred, I told you goblins reproduce quickly and whats more they reach adult hood in a matter of a few months, I will take only the strongest top two thousand, the best of each family will be fighting tomorrow in a series of duels, each family that wins will be offered the choice, the losers will remain as laborers. That way both our military and work force will grow, then once every four months we can hold a ceremony to pass individuals into the brigade.


    Another thing I didn''t mention is I want the old city rebuilt, to restore its old glory, and over seen by the guilds the goblins that made it there would do so, at a much more comfortable rate, their own houses, and as population grows more will be rebuilt.


    He just stared at me few a bit before nodding.


    Laughing, I rode through the district for another hour or so before returning home...


    Eric POV


    we moved forward slowly, not really because we wanted to move slowly but it is almost impossible to go at any reasonable speed through this mess. Struggling forward the light was slowly getting closer, it didn''t seem to be moving.


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    I continued to break the path as we moved forward, at least in-till I was tapped on the back and I switched out with the guy behind me.


    Breaking the path as well call it, is the job of the first guy as you go it makes the way easier for those behind you, you cant really pick you leg up high enough to take steps so you just wade through.


    Honestly I don¡¯t see how the goblins even survive out here, the snow is not hard enough to take their weight and at their height its up their waist, they have no good clothing or natural fur to keep the cold at bay, a lot don''t survive we find the bodies from time to time. Well we run into them; they sink down into it and we stumble over them.


    Looking up I realized we were almost there only another forty meters at most, motioning the others up and into line horizontally we prepared ourselves, training dictates that we use crossbows to thin them out first, but we cant see far enough for that to work, so we just readied our maces. Looking about and checking we were ready I motioned for the forward advance.


    Twenty meters, and I could make out shadowy shapes cast about by the light.


    Fifteen meters I smelled it, the smell of burnt flesh, sweet and repugnant. Yet with my shield and mace I couldn''t spare a hand to block out the smell.


    We came upon them like ghosts, they had stared into the fire far too long, eyes dilated from the light in this darkness. Five goblins but one was on the spit cooking over the fire, and the fifth was tied and laid against a snow back they made. We swept in killing one before they could even focus,


    as the realization hit the other two scrambled towards the darkness and safety, switching to crossbows we fired the preloaded shots at them hitting one twice and the other three times, the other half flew past into the blizzard. Even if the shots hadn''t killed them the blood loss would so we went back to the fire and the captive...


    upon closer inspection it was a female, and pregnant, the one on the fire was rather small only a third of the size of the three males, A child it had to be nothing else could be that small...


    goblins mature at around three months old or at least that¡¯s when their reproductive organs are functioning, they live for about thirty years, if they make it that long, the male elders anyway. The females we learned are usually dead before their seventh birthday, this mainly because of the constant births, which cause a depletion of nutrients and continuing damage to the urethra, which makes stopping the bleeding from giving birth very difficult. A goblin is usually pregnant for three to four weeks in which the unborn child consumes massive amounts of nutrients in order to prepare in such a short amount of time, if they aren¡¯t directly available they take it from the mothers body fat then muscle tissue, this is the reason goblins require a constant supple of food, even more so than your standard races, such as humans (nine months), elves (few years due to immortality also explains why having a child with elves is so rare and special this fallows up with pretty much all myths except England which likens elves to small fairies only slightly larger than pixies). As their food consumption rates are much higher.


    Now the reason I know this is because we are required to learn it in officer training before I could take this post, why because say you lay siege to a goblin hold of ten thousand and about three thousand two hundred are its defenders, what would happen if as a normal siege takes months, you don¡¯t know that its fighting force can double even triple in that time. That is just a basic example...


    I had hated the class mainly because they were about as exciting as watching paint dry, but I needed them and they did prepare me for my post, as I look back I know that its was very prudent move from the Queen.


    Focusing back on task I look at the girl, I have to decide weather to kill her or take her with us and send her to the capital, if I leave her she will just add to the problem we are facing... in the end I felt that even if slavery was bad, but it had to be better than death, and what those three had been using her for.


    Untying her I asked her name in broken black speech ( kinda stole this from the lord of the rings language of Mordor, seems fitting ) (he is a shape shifter so acquiring languages of different races is easier for him)


    Drevita- mi name es Drevita


    kneeling down to her height


    Eric- I have decided to let you live, but I cant let you leave. So I will take you with me to a post and have you sent to the capital where they will decide what to do with you... ill write a note explaining that will be sent with your escort.


    She nodded and I helped her too her feet. It would take a long time to get back. Getting the men into a vertical line again I placed her in the center of it and we started back to our post line where we would continue to post ten...


    authors note


    form now on a few more mature themes will be starting to show in the story i will not detail anything explicitly, but it


    will be mentioned and hinted at.


    also as most of you will have noticed this story is very loosely based on RR and i will be deviating more in the future, the game said it had a 90% realism i take that in the literal sense and leave the other 10% as digital, fantasy and sci fi.


    hope you all enjoy :) and thanks for the support so far

 Back

sorry not a new chapter. just finished BCT and am now in AIT, i will be working on some chapters for y''all

 Chapter 22

    Night Stalker (Kevin) POV


    Its been only a few hours since I talked to the elders, things progressed quickly and I find myself stumbling down a tunnel with a group of thirty one other goblins. The light at the end was much too rapidly approaching, bringing with it a certain end to my life that had only just so recently begun. Looking down at my right hand I clinched the gladius tightly. As a group we would be fighting seven other units of thirty two in a brutal death match for the sport and humor of this Ice queen and her barbaric people. Yet as the horror of this settles on me I cant help but smile for I known that in my world something like this couldn''t ever happen and yet in my boyish mind I acknowledged that at some point being a gladiator in ancient Rome had held a deep fascination for a much more violent darkness resting beneath the surface of my mind.


    With a new perspective I looked around as we moved out onto the sand forming the last cluster of combatants in what will soon be an all out war for survival. My group had a mismatch of weapons: spears, swords, javelins, axes, and shields. A bit less than half had chosen the axes and shields, four of use including myself have swords (gladius) ten have spears and only six have javelins which leaves us at twelve shield bearers. Objectively speaking as a gamer these creatures around me were most likely superior in single combat than myself, however speaking from what I have witnessed thus far and from my experience with the goblins in many fictional references I have a sinking feeling that their ability to work as a single cohesive formation is nonexistent, they have about the same chance to win as the Gauls did fighting Caesar. Yet I have to try because if I don''t I know that I will regret it.


    Pulling myself together I realized that the roaring of the crowd had gone to dead silence and the most beautiful women I had ever seen was standing in the podium two heavily armed and armored trolls flanking her sides a step back behind her.


    Khione ¨C but a short time ago a unit of our bravest fought a through a crucible the likes of which has never been witnessed in this great city. With their very lives they stood before a force vastly superior in


    numbers like a inexorable horde the goblins rushed their lines again and again and yet they held. They held not for themselves no they knew the moment that they stayed that fateful day that their fates had been sealed. They stayed for the people, they fought so that you will not have to, they gave their lives for you, with their sacrifice they brought the enemy force to a standstill allowing for our forces to descend upon them and dispense a righteous justice. Today I have gathered the survivors of captured after the battle and today their blood will drench these sands in commemoration of those who gave their lives for our great nation.


    So saying she stepped back and sank into her seat as the crowd surged roaring from their seats, their voices demanded blood.


    shouting so that my group could hear me


    Night Stalker ¨C stay close and move back to the wall, shield bearers to the front spearmen move one step behind and to the right of the shield bears javelins move to the left of the spearmen, swords men move to the center.


    Whether it was the confidence in my voice or just that they wanted to be told to move I don''t know but they fallowed my orders forming a loose half moon with the points close to the Colosseum wall.


    The arena turned chaotic as the drums began to beat and the battle started around us. The clash of weapons and wailing cries of the dying washed out the sounds of the mob above. Two complete groups


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.who saw our formation turned on us they where the ones closest to us about fifty meters away on both the right and left for a an assault of sixty four people, my chances were getting slimmer by the moment.


    Raising my voice so that my group could hear


    Night Stalker ¨C swordsmen your duty is not to fight the enemy it is to keep the others fighting from their assigned positions, if they deviate from it we will all die, and if we are going to die then it is only proper to first kill those who made it impossible to survive. Shield bearers your duty is to block the enemy you need not even strike with your weapon just block the enemy, spearmen stab over the shield bearers into the enemy, javelins throw only when the enemy exposes themselves as a target you are guaranteed to hit.


    I barely finished when the fastest among our opponents throw themselves at us. My plan worked fine for all of fifteen seconds. In the first five seconds they hit the shields and were repulsed several receiving vicious stab wounds to their throats and faces, sending a short lived jolt of elation through me. We had taken about eleven from the fight almost instantly. In the next five seconds the next wave hit forcing the front line back and we lost three shield bearers but left another eight of the enemy, in the last five the main bodies of the enemy forces hit us from both sides like a hammer striking hot iron on an anvil, and accordingly my formation warped and disintegrated rapidly as everyone tried to find someway out, myself included.


    Zigzagging through the remain of my force I stumbled out into the open and turned just in time to receive a shield bash to the face with enough force to knock me on my back the goblin standing over me hacked down with his ax, barely avoiding by rolling to his right. Lurching to a crouch I gathered a handful of sand in my left hand as we eyed each other. Blood ran freely from my smashed nose and lips.


    spitting out the blood filling my mouth I stood up fully. My opponent didn''t have his shield raised and his ax was gripped close to the head. Flexing my grip on my weapon I started circling him after three steps with him half turning to face me but trying to keep an eye on what was happening behind him


    ( my group appears to be annihilated and the other two are now having a free for all) taking my chance with him distracted I dashed forward fling my sand towards his face while at the same time throwing myself into a baseball slide right past him swinging my sword over my left slashing into his tendon, rolling with it I spun to my right and used my left hand to push myself backup, my opponent turned rapidly to face me or at least tried to, his attempt caused his left leg to spasm ending his maneuvers with him stumbling over his now useless leg and into the ground. Walking carefully over to him I placed my blade at the base of his spine and pushed it through severing his connection to his legs, his blood welled out of the wound as I pulled my blade free, which required a bit of wiggling as his muscles had closed around it tightly. The pungent smell of urine filled my nostrils as he lost control of his bowls. He dropped his weapons trying to move himself away from me with his hands digging into the sand and dragging his useless legs. Walking in front of him he turned and looked up at me blood spilling from his grimy mouth, I drew my sword back and unceremoniously plunged the point through his mouth and out the back of his neck, pulling my blade free I received a spray of warm blood as his heart kept beating as if it were unwilling to accept its own pitiful end.

 chapter 23

    Drevita POV


    Eric left me at what he said was post ten, he had talked to the troll in charge their and given him a letter about me. I now clutched this letter in my hands as I bounced around the back of wagon. We traveled quickly it was much faster than all but our wolf riders and the rest of the wagon was filled with wounded trolloc soldiers minor wounds from what I could see as they where traveling back to the Frozen city their home.


    It took a few days from post ten to get to the capital, as we approached I couldn''t help but gawk at the immense walls towering overhead inlaid will beautiful runes glowing with a icy pulse as if they were alive. Then we were through the gates and I was surrounded by green fields of food, so many types, I did not even know a half of them, trees, bushes, vines, stalks and all of it covered in unpicked fruit. The city itself was rapidly approaching and rising above it all was a giant tower.


    One of the wounded saw were I was gazing. Leaning back against the side of the wagon he told me in black speech.


    Troll soldier ¨C that is where the queen lives, her and her blood knights.


    He slumped back down and closed his eyes. I turned back head spinning like a top to catch as much of this city as possible as we went through the streets before swinging down a side street through a iron gate and down a paved path in front of me was a large three story building built of a gleaming white stone, the path circled around a fountain in front of it and we swung around this before stopping so that the wagon team was facing back the way we had came in. in the yard of this place trolls trained with their weapons going through stances and strikes one after another.


    A few rushed over and helped the wounded down. One even helped me down and pointed me through the great double doors of the building once I had shown him the letter.


    I walked up the steps and through the doors, inside trolls was a rather clear area and a large desk in the center two trolls seated behind it. Walking over I handed the one on the left the letter who read it then handed it to the one on the right, speaking in their own language.


    After a few minutes the one on the right sighed and motioned for me to follow it.


    He at least I think it was a he, lead me through a series of winding passageways, I lost track of the twists and turns a few moments after we started, luckily it only lasted a few minutes before I was brought in front of a large door inlaid with scroll work on the frame. The troll knocked a few loud raps waited a moment in til someone spoke within. He opened the door and ushered me in, handed my letter to the troll and then left the room closing the door gently behind him.


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    After a few minutes in which I guess he read the what was written he stood hands clasped behind him as he strode to stand by a fireplace I hadn''t noticed in the corner of the room to my left. Without looking at me he spoke in fluent black speech.


    Calraidian ¨C I am commander Calraidian and I control the garrisons of Guggenheim, Dovika, Travanstan, Dokiva, and Rakstrid. I have four thousand troops that I manage for the empire and provide safety and security for this part of the empire. Now I have received a letter from one of my officers describing your previous situation and an allotment of a larger portion of his pay to be given to you each week.


    However, I still have the authority to send you to the old city to live with the rest of your kind and refuse his request, but I will not. It seems simple and as much as I do not like your kind I will honor his choices if nothing more than to keep him content in his job. Another reason is I wonder if you might have information that you might be more willing to discuss with me if you are given the freedom and luxury he has offered you. From his letter it seems that the situation he found you in left him with a profound disgust for the men of your race.


    What I will want from you is simple I need you to discuss openly with my other officers the conditions in which the females of your race live in and what can be done to draw them to risk sneaking away to come to the capital and serve here. Under what I will guarantee is much better conditions than what you have experienced at the hands of your own race.


    Before we start however I think that you should have a chance to experience this city for yourself, then you can make a decision based on your life here. Now as I said before that I would send you to the old city as a kind of threat, however most trolls have yet to learn your language and I feel it would be for the best if you took up residence there. The difference will be that you have a substantial income, and will be able to live quite well there with a private home.


    He stopped talking and turned to look at me, and since I was a bit overwhelmed at the moment I could only manage a weak nod.


    Grunting, he yelled something in trolloc and a much smaller troll scampered into the room.


    Calraidian ¨C this is my youngest son Cadrion and he can speak black speech quite well, so he will get you settled in the old city.


    Turning he spoke briefly with the boy and then motioned us out of the room.


    Walking out of the building Cadrion had open carriage brought around with a driver then helped me into the back.