Arise!

Chapter 1

Imagine this. Celestial bodies acting as vanguards to do battle on a planet that is similar to Earth. That planet is called Cray. Unlike Earth, it is filled with many diverse species, such as dragons, dryads, elves, beasts and even humans with the addition of much more. These species are divided into great nations and divided more into multiple clans. Like Earth, Cray is victim to many battles, mostly between two great nations. The United Sanctuary and the Dragon Empire. Once one grand nation, the two are split off and are at each other's throat constantly. Today was no different.

"Your majesty," a voice said huffing. Alfred, King of the United Sanctuary, glanced up from his throne and eyed a messenger. He seems like he used all his energy just to get here.

"What is it?" Alfred said without a hint of emotion, "What has happened?"

The messenger paused to catch his breath. Finally he answered.

"It's on... the border. Our scouts have spotted a Dragon Empire patrol coming directly at us."

Alfred eyes narrowed and he frowned. "Could be just a message or some type of package?"

"No sire, they were armed."

"..."

The messenger looked up to meet the king's eyes. "What should we do?"

Alfred stayed silent, analyzing the situation at hand. "Prepare the Royal Paladins at the border. We will try to talk peace to the patrol. If things get out of hand, we will at least have some type of protection."

"The Royal Paladins, your majesty? Isn't that getting a little overboard?"

"This is the Dragon Empire, you can never be overboard with them."

The messenger looked down and looked back up. "Ok, I'll go tell them right away."

"Before you go," Alfred said as the messenger was leaving, "Has my friend returned from his mission?"

The messenger knew right away who he was talking about. "I'm sorry sire, but there was no message yet of his return. Why do you ask?"

"I fear that this is no ordinary patrol."

...

At the border, in the midst of the Royal Paladin army, a small figure was seen going up the ranks of the army. At first glance, he may seem like nothing, but Marron is part of the mighty clan. His skills brought him here. He finally reached where he wanted to go, the top of the observation tower, the one where the patrol was spotted.

"Hey, you," Marron said to the scout with the eye glass, "Let me see."

"Of course Paladin." The scout handed it to him and Marron looked out. They were right with the patrol. It was composed of lizard men and a few humans. They were armed, but they were only seven of them, nothing to fear. However, Alfred made the call to have their clan march out here so all were anxious of the upcoming moments.

Marron out away the glass and handed it to the scout. "See if you spot anything else. I don't want anything else coming at us."

"For a youngling, you sure talk big," said a other scout.

Marron almost blushed at the compliment, but quickly found out that it was more of a tease. "Uhh, well, being a Mage has its perks!" The little mage quickly left the tower avoiding any more conversations.

After minutes that felt like hours, the Dragon Empire patrol finally reached the Royal Paladin army. Marron was in the front with another recognizable paladin, Gallatine. Being nicknamed The Knight of Silence, his actions and bravery has got him in the Royal Paladins.

"Do you think it's an attack?" Marron asked Gallatine.

Without turning, the knight said, "If it is some sort of attack, we'll be ready."

Marron gulped and looked at the patrol. He had experienced combat, but never had he fought anyone from the rival nation. He heard many stories of ruthless and barbaric warriors that slew their foes almost instantly. Looking at said "ruthless warriors" they were just soldiers with different armor. And some of them were lizards.

One lizard walked forward and in a whispery voice he said, "Sooooo, this is Alfred's response to us? Quite a paranoid king you have there."

Marron gritted his teeth, not taking the insult well. Gallatine replied calmly, "Just state your name and business here. What our king has in mind has nothing to do with the situation now."

The lizard eyed Gallatine coldly. "I go by the name, Conroe, human. My business here is to deliver a message. Our emperor is sick of having his empire... incomplete. I was here to ask you to give up your nation."

Marron quickly barged in. "You think you can simply walk here and take United Sanctuary like that?"

Conroe smiled, showing his sharp teeth and long tongue. "If that were to happen, it wouldn't be fun. No..., we prefer this approach."

"Up in the sky!" A voice cried. Marron quickly looked up and his eyes nearly shrank. A whole armada of dragon warriors were in the sky. Just barely, a symbol can be seen on their armor. They were Kagero, Dragon Empire's anti-ground unit.

"But if Kagero is here, then that must mean..."

Conroe then laughed menacingly. "So you know who must be leading this attack. Do you humans?!"

Gallatine silently said one word. "Overlord..."

Marron heart sank from hearing that. The one dragon who is said to have flames hot like the flames of hell. To have strength beyond compare. One of, if not, the strongest dragon in the nation.

And he's here.

Conroe took out his dagger and roared, the Kagero swooping in to attack the Royal Paladin.

...

Elsewhere, a figure can be seen running towards the border. Alongside it was a smaller figure, running on four legs. His armor was unmistakable, proving that he is indeed from United Sanctuary. He stopped on the side of a cliff, over viewing the upcoming battle.

"We're too late!" the small figure cried.

"No," the larger figure said. The knight took out his sword and held it into the air. The sword shined along with his blue and white armor. "We came just in time."