Mercs

by kakkn

In a realm where peace is more common than war, those who profit from war are unwanted. Still there are always those who will pay to dirty someone else's hands instead of their own. When a infamous band of young mercenaries takes on what they think is a cut and dry job they get faced with a choice, become the heroes they've never been or watch their world be plunged into darkness.

1. Prelude

A/N: This is a new short fic that I've decided to write. It takes place over four days so I believe there will only be four chapters not counting this one. I hope everyone enjoys!

Thirteen years ago...

"Once there were four kingdoms representing the four cardinal points of the compass. The North, lands filled with mountains and valleys, watched over by wolves who devoured those they thought unwelcome or unworthy. The South, lands of sharp sea cliffs and salt flats filled with un-tillable soil, home to spiders and birds never satisfied with their lot in life. The West, lands of forests and fields, cared for by dogs and craved by cats. The East, lands of gentle seas and rolling hills of forest greens, dwelled upon by humans but watched over by powers unseen.

"For many centuries the kingdoms lived in relative peace. But like all good things peace never lasts. War broke out in the West and the North. Dogs fought against cats, wolves were against wolves. In the end both territories were divided. The North split into the Mountain Kingdom and the Kingdom of the Valley. The West was harder to divide but a compromise was made. Land nearest the middle of the realm was given to the defeated Cats to create what is called the Middle Kingdom. The East, however, lived on in peace for many generations. Some of the humans from there often moved to the other kingdoms during times of war to fight for what they thought right or in times of peace so they could enjoy the other kingdoms.

"But the South, was very different. The birds and spiders did not war against each other. No, they fought against the other kingdoms, wanting to rule all of the realm as their own. Power hungry, they perfomed sinful deeds that civilized society would never accept. It became clear to them that what they needed were those who would do the deeds but remain in the shadows. Men with no power and nothing too lose. The first mercenaries were born out of dark times during the Great Wars. Those with skills for killing, kidnapping, and many horrible things in between, those with a thirst for war. It was these men who were used to secure weapons for victory no matter what the weapons might have been.

"Finally the other kingdoms had no choice but to stand together against the one and it's mercenaries. Eventually the South was defeated by the joined forces of the realm. Tekkei, queen of the birds was given rule over the southern lands. After nearly a hundred years of ruling the queen recently fell ill leaving the Southern kingdom to be ruled by the young Princess Abi. Only time will tell if she can keep the peace the same as her mother." The queen smiled brightly as she brushed her daughter's soft dark hair from the child's face.

"Mother, what of the mercenaries?" The child asked, the small bit of fear in her voice was out weighed by her curiosity.

"They were banished. Sent out of the realm to the desert. And though new mercenaries spring up from all the kingdoms now a days they are equally banished when the truth is discovered." The queen explained with a stern look in her brown eyes. "Though our lands boarder their's you must never go there, Sweety Heart."

"Why?" The young girl asked with all the innocence of a child.

"You are of the forest and these lands need you, never stray." Pulling the covers more tightly around the child, the queen bent forward and lightly kissed her daughter forehead. "Sleep now, dream of fairies and spirits that dance in our forest when the moon is high."

Giggling at her mother the young girl snuggled down deeper into her bed to do just that. Silently Daphne slipped from her daughter's chamber, flittering magic through the room dimming candles enough to leave the room in a golden glow and moon lit shadow.

"She is always curious about dangerous things." Daphne said softly to her husband who stood outside their princess' door.

"Just like her mother." The king chuckled gentle as he wrapped his arms around his wife pulling her tight to his chest. "As I recall you couldn't leave one lost, human, male alone when he was in your forest.

Daphne hugged her husband in return, laying her head on his chest with a smile. "Come dear, the festival will begin soon."

A/N: OK there's the prelude! So I'm a bit stuck on where this story is going but I have a bit done and though "why not just go ahead and put it out there."

Please read! Review if you like. The actual chapter one will be up tomorrow or the next day! Thanks!