From the Crypts of Stonehelm two figures emerged from the crumbling ruined area a male figure that is around his early 20s wearing a suit of armor while wielding a sword made of fire. Next to him was a Raven haired girl who is around age of 19 her lips were ruby red as her body was slender her eyes showed mischief and darkness for she was a succubus who was guarding her master.
The succubi looked at Sareth her face betrayed emotion hiding within her. Sareth stopping to look at her noticed that something was on her mind
"What is it Xana?" Sareth said with intrigue.
"This is far from over. You are father will find a way to return and his vengeance will be great." Xana said with fear hinting in her tone.
Sareth: I know, but this at least buys us some time to prepare. There is much to be done and no time to lose. Our greatest concern at the moment should be to hold the city. Everything that comes after can be dealt with in time." With a pang of guilt he added, "We should first try to make Lea..."
At that moment Duncan was running up to them. "Sareth! We have taken back the city but Leanna is dead we think one necromancer got her. My lord what shall we do? It was then he caught eye of Xana. Who is she my lord?"
In a voice that was like sugar to the ears. Xana said, "My name is Xana noble knight a friend of Lord Sareth."
Charmed by her voice and beauty Duncan nodded and looked to Sareth "My Lord…"
Sareth quickly voiced, "There is no time for introductions. Gather the commanding officers. We need to plan our next move. Quickly Duncan, time is of great importance."
Duncan asks, "By your Command." Once he received a nod from Sareth. Duncan bowed and left.
"With Leanna dead there is no one left to claim the throne of Stonehelm leaving you to grab it my messiah." whispered Xana with a sly smile on her face.
Come to my Quarters later we need to talk, with that he walked away leaving her confused.
Five hours later Sareth entered the War room it was a small room with a large table and a map of Ashan on it. "Gentlemen! This is Lord Sareth the Hero who helped with our expedition and overthrew the Necromancer's Assault!" Announced Duncan. A round of applause came from the officer to which Sareth raised a hand gesturing them to stop.
In a voice that can inspire hope towards anyone that could hear. Sareth shouted, "Officers of Stonehelm! Despite our great victory against the army of Arantir we have lost Lord Menelag and Leanna the Throne has no heir to claim it for which I will step up to take the Throne anyone. Who will join me!"
A round of cheers soon followed.
We need to secure Stonehelm and Reinforce its People as the battle weakened our defenses and our people we must prepare for anyone trying to overthrow this city as it shall not fall!
The hours slowed down as Xana waited nervously in the chamber where Sareth would now sleep in the room. She knew her love would not kill her but she did not know why he called in private maybe some private matter or was he even was upset with her. Her wondering ended when Sareth entered. M…my Sareth? Her voice stuttered with unease. The tension in the room was extremely high. At one side of the chamber Xana waited uneasily for she could tell that Sareth thought deeply. He stood by the door, looking uncomfortable.
After a long silence Sareth spoke, hesitantly at first but then growning in confidence. "Xana...I..I'm beginning to find your loyalty questionable.
Shocked Xana replies, "My loyalty to you my Sareth has always been unbending. Nothing can change that my love."Sareth looked into her eyes and said with little emotion. You gave me dreams of killing a friend you used me to gain power for yourself you seek this land and you are using me to get it
Looking back unflinching Xaxa states, "I may have given those dreams to you my love but out of jealousy not to gain power. I would not, could not betray you like that. Besides if the only this I sought was power I would have used someone of lesser will.
Prove it then prove that you are Loyalty and Love are to me then. Sareth said with a voice filled with anger.
Her anger rising with his Xana, voice hard a steel says, "How Sareth? What can I do that I have not already done? I have given myself to you and this I need proof Xana I need proof that you will not turn on me first chance you get.
Xana cried out, "If I wanted you dead I could have done it long ago back in the Crypt. When you were distracted. Think of what we have done together to get here! If all I hungered was power. I could have taken it from you easily, but I didn't because I loved you! Do not turn on your back on someone who cares for you."
Sareth said with some distrust, "You were so easy to betray your sovereign. How do I know you betray me?"
Xana purred out, "Dearest Sareth...Do you know nothing of my feelings for you? To betray you would go against my very heart How my love? I know not what to give to prove it. What would you have me do?
Sareth said coldly, "Then come up with something to show loyalty so i can rest knowing you would not drive a dagger into my heart."
Xana said with utter shock, "You leave this to me! When it is you that doubts me? What must I do, lob off my hand, a foot, or would you prefer my tail? Really Sareth, what else could I possibly do?"
With no emotion in voice Sareth then said, "Your tail then Xana"
Dumbfounded Xana stares at Sareth without speaking. After a long pause Xana asked, "My tail...my dearest you would ask me to do that?"
"Yes with that her pulls out what appears to be a small sword and tosses it to her feet."
She stares at the sword at her feet unmoving and silent. "Is there nothing else you will accept my love? For this thing you request. I may not be able to do."
Xana voice trembled, "For if this proved my loyalty could you love me, even if I am not whole?"
"Yes I can" Sareth said soothingly
Staring hard at her love Xana bends down and picks up the sword. She stares at the blade in her hand for moment and then with a final look to Sareth grabs her tail and severs it from her body. As the pain hits she crumbles to her knees. Before she blacked out she sees Sareth come forth to aid her.