A.N. Thanks for reading everyone! Please enjoy!
A Rose among the Ashes
Chapter: 11
The hours of the day passed quickly and now the solemn hours of the night had fallen upon the rebels. They marched in silence under the silvery orb of a moon hung in the sky. They had just entered the Bafskian marshlands, and soon they would come upon the city.
"Ah, there it is," Minwu commented as they trudged further into the swamplands. Small, warm glimmers of light sparkled in the distance. It was the glowing lights of Bafsk, and high above basking in the soft glow of the moon was the tall, barren mountain peaks.
"Bafsk…we finally made it," Maria spoke breathlessly pausing for a moment to catch her breath in the midst of the knee-high marshes. They had been walking since morning, and had traveled clear across the northern territories all the way from Salamand. It had been a testing and restless journey, and each of them were strangely relieved to see the industrial city in the distance, even though they had little to no idea of what they might encounter there.
"Shall we?" the white mage questioned over his shoulder, as they continued through the bog. The sound of frogs croaking echoed up from beneath the submerged reeds creating the occasional burst of bubbles on the water's surface. The lands of Bafsk seemed peaceful enough, but Maria could sense something dark beyond the mountains. The Empire was here. She was sure of it, and perhaps someone else, as well. A vague image of her brother's face appeared in front of her mind's eye causing a stab of happiness and sorrow to pain her heart.
"Leon…," Maria thought thinking back to her dream and how happy she had felt reuniting with him within that mysterious, misty garden.
"If only that part of the dream were true…"
"Smoke," Guy suddenly commented pointing up to the tops of the moonlit peaks surrounding the steadily approaching city. The group gazed up while not breaking stride. They had no time to waste. If Maria's dream and Guy's information were true, they could not afford any delays.
"What do you suppose that could be?" Firion questioned as Guy grimaced gazing up at the black smoke drifting across the pale surface of the moon.
"Guy don't like this…Guy sense something bad," the large rebel commented staring at the wispy streaks rising slowly above the mountains. Swarms of birds had begun to soar across the night sky filling the silent air with their caws and chirps. Something was causing them to abandon the area. The aerial creatures were heading north and in large quantities.
"It's starting to smell strange, too," Firion added as Maria looked at him questionably. As they neared the city, the scent on the air began to change.
"Could it be the bog?" she inquired as Firion shook his head.
"No…it smells like a machine. You know, remember when we traveled through Poft, before we got to Salamand, and saw the Sky Ferry?" Firion questioned as Maria's dark eyes widened thinking back to the small airship that had been invented by an eccentric man who went by Cid. Maria and the rest of the party, maybe in exception to Minwu, had never seen a machine in their lives, and were surprised by the strange smell something not of nature emitted.
"You're right…it's the same scent," the archer responded as Minwu began to walk faster. His white cape almost seemed to glow under the large, full moon that hovered in the sky above the mountains.
"Minwu, is something wrong?" Firion questioned almost jogging to keep up with the mage. The Mysidian gazed up wearily at the smoke.
"Something is wrong, but best not to jump to any conclusions," the mage thought before glancing over his shoulder at the following youths.
"I don't know. Let's just hurry," Minwu ordered as the three nodded and continued to travel swiftly towards Bafsk.
…
Leon gazed anxiously at the star spangled sky high above the mountains. Thin wisps of dark vapor rose drifting onto the cratered face of the moon. The young commander slowly paced the balcony outside of his chambers restlessly. He had attempted to sleep, but as he lay there awake against the sheets, it would not come to him. The orders he received from the Emperor had unexpectedly begun to trouble him.
"I thought I was passed all these feelings. Can I really lead this assault on my homeland, or will I fall short at a crucial moment and fail my master?" Leon thought bracing himself against the banister while allowing his head to fall forward to gaze down at mansion's grounds beneath the balcony.
"I have to do this…I no longer belong to the Kingdom of Fynn. My family is dead, so what is left to hold me back? I lost everything already, so what more do I have to lose? My humanity?" Leon thought before smiling. A silent chuckle formed in his throat, as he gazed up at the moon floating like a giant, silver orb in the midnight sky.
"Heh! What is humanity to me, now, after everything I have done here?" Leon voiced aloud pushing himself up from the balcony railing before retreating back to his chambers. He fell back onto his bed and gazed up at the dark ceiling, as his mind whirled with anxious thoughts.
He hadn't seen Althalos since that morning, and had begun to wonder where his only friend had gone during such a critical time. Things had been tense between them, since the dark orb was shattered. The young commander couldn't understand why that were so. The once nameless demon would argue his methods of controlling both the slaves and the soldiers, and he was strongly opposed to any ill treatment of the villagers. His meddling had even begun to annoy the other soldiers, as he attempted to protect any human from being victimized. It was strange to see a demon show such strong compassion for life, and in a lot of ways Althalos didn't seem very much like a creature from the fiery pits of the underworld at all. He had the skills and appearance, but not the heart.
Leon had recently learned from his friend that each demon was a specific creation fashioned by the Emperor's own hand. Althalos had told the young commander that the Emperor had received the power to make and control armies of demons from the god of the underworld by promising the deity his soul in return.
Each imperial soldier created was nameless, soulless, and had only one purpose: to serve the Emperor until their usefulness died or their bodies. Whichever came first. It was a sad existence, but it didn't seem to bother Althalos as much as it would've Leon had he been in the same situation. Leon may be nothing more than a mortal servant to the Emperor, but at least he had an identity. At least, he had a name.
"I wish you were here, Althalos. I could use your advice…," Leon thought remorsefully while trying to push away his conflicting emotions.
"I don't think I want to do this…but what choice do I have?"
…
Dawn had finally begun to break bathing the land in the first warm rays of sunlight. The rebels had traveled all throughout the night and had finally reached the city. The cobblestone streets were still fairly vacant. The only people in sight were the occasional woman or child running an early morning errand.
The entrance to the imperial occupied city had been guarded by soldiers, but thanks to Maria's newly learned sleep spell they were able to slip inside undetected. Minwu had suddenly come to a halt under the shadow of a large mansion.
"What's wrong?" Firion whispered as the white mage brought his hand up to silence him. The Mysidian stood still for a moment while strangely studying his surroundings.
"Can't you sense it, Maria?" he questioned as Maria nodded. Firion and Guy stared at the pair confused.
"It's the remnants of a dark spell," the archer replied placing a hand against her abdomen. She had begun to feel dizzy and nauseous. It felt like the same energy she had experienced in her dream.
"I am surprised she is so in tuned. As a white mage, it is only natural to detect the workings of opposing energies, but to this degree?" Minwu thought glancing back at her over his shoulder. She appeared very uncomfortable and almost faint.
"I don't sense anything," Firion commented glancing around them in search of whatever they were referring to.
"Guy doesn't either," the large rebel added before noticing Maria's uneasiness. He walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Maria okay?" Guy questioned watching the female rebel gaze up at him while smiling wearily.
"I-I'm fine…just a little tired from the journey," she responded while taking a deep breath to try and stomach some of the unease.
"Let's move. If they are building a giant warship here, it should be fairly easy to spot, but so far I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary," Minwu stated with a suspicious expression gracing his face.
"Haven't you noticed all the men are missing? What if it's just like it was in Salamand, and they took them all somewhere else to build this warship?" the rebel questioned as Minwu raised a brow at his analogy, before the sound of something collapsing into the dirt behind them drew their attention.
"Maria!" Firion exclaimed rushing swiftly to her side. The violet-haired archer had fallen onto the street. She lay on her side with half-lidded eyes and breathing so heavily she began to wheeze.
"I-I can't breathe…," the female rebel thought watching the forms of her comrades come to her aid through blurry vision. They appeared as shadows with fading voices to female rebel. Her eyes slowly closed and she fell unconscious. Firion's hand shook her shoulder rapidly unable to get a response. Minwu knelt down beside him and placed a cool palm upon her forehead.
"What's wrong with her, Minwu?" Firion questioned in a panicked tone, as the white mage shook his head.
"I'm not sure. She does have a slight fever, though. Let's try to find her some shelter. It would be unwise to stay at the inn. It would make it too easy for the imperials to learn of our presence," the white mage spoke before heavy footsteps crunched against the dry ground behind them. The rebels spun around swiftly standing protectively in front of Maria. They placed their hands threateningly upon their weapons as the tall, dark form of an imperial soldier stood before them staring at them in silence.
"What do you want, imperial?" Minwu questioned lowly, as the demon cocked his head slightly before looking down at the female rebel lying unconscious in the dirt.
"Is she wounded?" the imperial inquired in a low voice. The question took the rebels off guard.
"Is this some sort of trick?" Firion thought before swiftly drawing his sword, as the imperial began to slowly approach.
"Get back, demon!" the rebel barked readying himself for a fight, as Minwu and Guy did the same drawing their battle axe and mage's staff.
"Do not waste your energy, I am not here to harm you or the girl," the demon spoke again puzzling the three rebels standing protectively in front of their fallen companion. The imperial soldier stepped forward and placed his large, clawed hand atop of Firion's sword and using his weight, he lowered the weapon.
"What are you-," Firion began to demand as the large demon withdrew his hand from the lowered blade and placed it against the rebel's shoulder moving him aside. The imperial kneeled in front Maria who was shivering unconsciously, and cold perspiration had begun to dot her forehead. The demon suddenly lifted her frail body into his arms alarming her comrades.
"Put her down this instant!" Minwu hissed preparing to utter an incantation to subdue the demon. Firion barked similar angry statements, and Guy brandished his axe preparing for battle. What could this demon soldier want from them?
"Haven't I already made it clear I have no intention to harm any of you? If you want to help this girl, follow me," the imperial stated turning his back to the trio of gawking rebels.
"Could this be a trap?" Minwu muttered staring intently at the back of the demon imperial departing with Maria.
"Does it matter? We have to get Maria back!" Firion exclaimed hurrying after the rebel as Minwu and Guy followed him.
"We cannot make a scene, or we will have every imperial here down on us," Minwu commented trying to remind the pale-headed rebel that he needed to remain calm. They would get their comrade back one way or another, but this demon was indeed different. The white mage remained suspicious of the imperial soldier's words but was unable to detect any malicious intent.
They followed the imperial to a stone building on the southern edge of the city. It was still the early hours of the day, so the streets remained fairly vacant.
"Here, take her," the demon said suddenly as they approached the door to the building. The imperial placed Maria's limp form into Firion's arms, and turned back towards the door. Strange metallic vines encased it barring it shut.
"It has been sealed with a spell. What is this place?" Minwu questioned narrowing his eyes at the entrance. It resonated the heavy, arcane energy of dark magic.
"I will tell you once we are inside," the imperial responded before pressing his palm against the surface of the door. He uttered an incantation, and the silvery vines began to recede into the door frame. He swiftly opened the door, and looked to the rebels.
"Hurry, get inside before someone notices us," the demon growled grabbing Firion by his shirt and shoving him into the building followed by Minwu and Guy. The insides of the small building were sparse and dimly lit with lanterns.
"Ugh! What is this smell?" Firion questioned while gently laying Maria down upon the stone floor. The rebel removed his cloak and folded it, before gently slipping it beneath the sleeping female's head.
Guy also crinkled his nose at the pungent odor filling the building. The demon soldier cautiously examined the surroundings outside for anyone who might have followed them, before closing the door behind him into the chamber. For a brief moment, he thought he had felt the presence of someone watching them. He shook off the feeling and made his way to the rebels.
"This building connects to the sewer system. That is the stink you smell," the imperial clarified stepping into the dim room before kneeling down next to Maria.
"She has been bewitched by the remnants of a dark spell," the imperial revealed as Minwu kneeled at Maria's feet and looked at the demon inquiringly.
"Remnants? You mean someone didn't knowingly bewitch her?" the white mage questioned as the demon soldier gave a curt nod.
"Please explain," Minwu requested as the imperial remained silent for a moment before deciding to speak.
"Months ago after Bafsk was freshly conquered, the Emperor cast a spell in the form of a dark orb and sent it here with our commander. Our commander wanted to prove himself by attempting to control things with his own power and thus decided to destroy the sphere and the spell along with it," the imperial said while gazing down at the unconscious human girl. Her breathing was heavy and she continued to shiver.
"But the Emperor's magic is very powerful. The spell's aura has yet to completely fade, and someone highly sensitized to the dark powers would become affected by it and presumably fall ill," the demon added as Firion looked at him sharply.
"Can you help her?" the rebel questioned as the imperial nodded again.
"Yes…I can draw the dark energy out of her body and into mine," the demon explained before removing the armored glove from his right hand. His skin was pale and ashen, and long, black claws extended from his fingertips. He placed his hand over Maria's chest. Dark energy like blackish purple flames began to channel from the archer's body and into the demon's palm. When the imperial was finished, he fisted his hand quickly while releasing a pained growl.
"Are you alright?" Firion questioned before a feeling of disbelief flooded his body. An imperial had just aided them, but for what purpose? He had healed his female companion and given them shelter from the other imperial guards.
"…yes, don't worry about me. This energy cannot harm me, for I am made from it," the imperial replied still kneeling by Maria's side, as she slowly opened her eyes.
"…you saved me…thank you," Maria breathed while reaching her hand out to place it gently on his knee. The demon turned his head from her awkwardly before standing. He slowly made his way to the opposite wall and sat down against it.
"Who are you?" Firion questioned while helping Maria to sit up. Strength had come back into her body, and the discomfort she had initially felt upon entering the city had abandoned her.
"No one," the demon responded as Firion frowned with a baffled look in his grey eyes.
"You don't have a name?" the rebel questioned.
"My commander gave me name some months ago. It's Althalos," the imperial replied as both Firion and Maria's faces went blank.
"B-But that's-," Maria began while gripping Firion's arm as he finished for her.
"-our father's name," the rebel revealed, as Althalos remained silent at their response. Leon had told him it was his father's name, too, and the female among the rebel group shadowed her brother's appearance, especially around the eyes. Though the other, hotheaded male bore no resemblance to either of them whatsoever.
"You four are rebels, aren't you? Why have you come to this city?" Althalos questioned changing the subject.
"We have heard of a warship being constructed here. Is this true?" Minwu questioned trying to be careful not to reveal too much of their plan in case the demon was being false with them.
"Aye, have you come to destroy it?" the demon questioned as the mage fell silent. Althalos wearily sighed before raising his bare hand up to his helmet. The rebels gawked in surprise, as he swiftly removed it allowing it to fall to the stone floor with a hollow clank.
"I-I don't understand…," Firion began staring in shock at the demon's face. He looked almost human like some of the other demons they had slain in Semitt Falls. His hair and lips were a black darker than the night sky, his skin was pale and ashen like his hand, his ears were pointed at the tips, and his eyes were a deep sanguine.
"I don't blame you. I am very unlike my other brethren of whom you faced in the beginning. I was the first of my kind. Stronger, smarter, and forced to keep my existence a secret until now," Althalos explained with a look of sadness on his face.
"What do you mean?" Minwu questioned though in his heart the mage already knew. He had known since Semitt, but had not voiced his suspicions. He had planned to wait until he returned to Altair, so he could inform Princess Hilda first.
"I am not entirely a demon. Part of me…is human, like you," Althalos revealed as Firion's eyes widened.
"That is why the corpses were not fading away in the mines," Firion muttered as Maria's expression turned into one of confusion.
"What is the significance of this?" she questioned as Althalos gazed into her dark eyes intensely.
"Demons by nature are very frightening creatures. You can liken them to monsters or wild beasts more than you can to a being of higher intellect. When a demon is born in the dark depths of the underworld, he comes out of the womb of the earth as he is and always will be. He will not age, change, or develop in any fashion. Our lord saw this as a problem. He wanted an army that could expand and grow in ability and strength, and so he conducted an experiment. A human bred with a demon, and the product was me. My existence was a resounding success to my master. For many years, I remained the only one of my kind, and since my full-blooded brothers detested humans, the easiest way to protect my existence was to pretend that I was one of them. I hid my growing abilities and disguised my appearance," Althalos explained as the group listened on incredulously.
"And now he is producing soldiers like you by the shipload," Minwu interjected as Althalos nodded.
"We are born from our mortal mothers as infants, but we grow exponentially fast," the now half-demon added, as a look of disgust took Firion's face. The empire was shamelessly abhorrent and repulsive.
"Their evil ways must be stopped, before the entire world is engulfed in their darkness," Firion thought.
"An unending army of demons and half-breeds," Maria muttered worriedly. Palamecia's military might would outclass any of the nations, if this was true. It made their plight seem all the more hopeless.
"But my master was displeased by one thing. Half-breeds retain individuality and emotions because of their mortal blood. They can feel pain, sadness, regret, anger, happiness…that is why I am a failure as well as a success," Althalos stated as Maria looked at him with pity in her eyes. She could hear the light touch of sorrow in his voice. She stood from Firion's protective embrace, and slowly walked to Althalos. She kneeled in front of him and gently touched his face. A light blush inflamed across his sharp nose, and he turned from her soft gaze. No one, human or demon, had ever treated him with kindness. There was only one he could think of that he saw as a friend and comrade.
"Commander Leon…," he thought comparing the similarities between this woman and his commander. The appearance was disarming and both their fathers' names were Althalos.
"Could they be connected in some way," the imperial thought before hearing Maria's kind and gentle voice.
"You don't want to fight, do you?" the archer questioned as the demon snapped his head back to her with widened sanguine eyes. He quickly looked away and shook his head slowly.
"I never did…but I have to. It's my only purpose…but please, I have one favor to ask of you," Althalos said lowly gazing up to the rebels once more.
"Soon, the Dreadnought will take flight…you must stop them before then," the imperial pleaded as Firion stood. Conviction had taken possession of his expression, and he looked to Minwu, Maria, and Guy before gazing down at the demon once more.
"Leave it to us, friend," Firion stated extending his hand to the demon, as Althalos gazed up in shock with his inky lips slightly agape. He quickly regained his composure before hesitantly accepting the rebel's offered hand and standing as well.
"The hatch in the pack leads to the secret passageways inside the sewers. Follow the red lanterns in the tunnels and they will lead you under the mountains. There you will find a large clearing as well as the Dreadnought. If you hurry, you may still make it in time," Althalos explained leading them into the back of the building. The demon pulled back an old, woven rug and revealed a stone hatch inside the floor.
"Why are you helping us?" Minwu questioned as Althalos gazed at him wearily.
"I am tired of the bloodlust, the killings, the hunt for power…I want it all to end, so I can be at peace," the half-demon replied with a tired, distant look in his red eyes.
"Let us go," the mage said after a moment as the party began to descend down into the hatch where the pungent odor rose from.
"Why don't you come with us?" Maria questioned as Althalos gazed at her blankly.
"I cannot. Even if I could be free of my master, I am still not of this world. Nothing can absolve me of my sins. My only wish is to fade from this existence in peace. Only then will the world be as it should," the imperial replied allowing a small twitch of a smile to form on his lips as a way to reassure the kind female that everything would work out as it should.
"Take care, Althalos," Maria said softly before disappearing into the dark tunnels along with her comrades. Althalos stared into the dim passageway for a moment longer, until he could no longer sense their presence. Secretly, he wished to follow them and help them defeat the Empire and save the world. The half-demon valued the life of the world and the lives of the humans above his own. He would gladly return to the earth if it meant the souls of the innocent would be spared from the greed and bloodlust of his creator.
…
The rebel party waded in darkness through the foul sludge and water of the sewers. They remembered Althalos' words and followed the guidance of the dim, red glow of the lanterns. It would appear the small, seemingly insignificant lights were meant as discreet markers to the secret location of the Dreadnought. No one but maybe the very constructor of the sewers would have been able to find the hidden tunnel that led under the mountains.
The rebels knew time was not on their side. They had to hurry and find the exit. The smelly darkness of the tunnels began to wane. The warm light of day began to shine at the end of the passage, and the rebels felt relief. They would make it to the end and sabotage the giant warship before anyone detected their presence. They could not allow such a monster of a machine to soar the skies and bombard the earth with its destructive powers.
"We're almost there," Firion gasped as the group began to run. The only noise was the splashing echo of their footsteps, as they dashed toward the light. A shadow suddenly appeared in front of the light slightly obscuring it, as the warriors of Fynn slowed their approach.
"Who is that?" Maria questioned feeling an odd sensation bubble up from her stomach.
"Do I know this apparition?" she thought as they cautiously approached the silent silhouette. They couldn't turn back, now. If they had to they would fight this shadow, so they could still reach the airship in time.
…
Leon felt as if his heart was having the life squeezed out of it in sadness and shock, as the faces of the intruders came into the light. Maria, Firion, and Guy came to a halt in front of the imperial soldier. They were alive!
"S-Sister…," Leon thought trying to steady his breathing as he gazed at the group. He knew if he spoke now, his voice would come out in trembling stutters. There was one face he didn't recognize. Perhaps a mage in the employ of the Fynnian princess.
"Let us through, imperial, and we will spare you," Minwu ordered sternly attempting to pull the young commander from his thoughts.
"My sister…is alive? What have I been fighting for all this time?" Leon thought while closing his eyes in sorrow beneath the shadow of his helmet. His sister and adopted brother glared at him with hateful eyes. They did not know who it was they were looking at. Leon forced himself to push through his unsure feelings, as he narrowed his eyes at the opposing rebels.
"Even if they are my family, I cannot falter here. Not after everything I've been through. Be they blood or not, I must stop them here. I belong to the Empire, now. I have no family," the young commander thought before drawing his weapons. A Mythril sword in one hand and a battle axe in the other.
"Hear me rebels. On this day, the streets of your free cities shall run red. Submit to the Empire and spare yourselves future grievances," Leon offered disguising the tone of his voice from the ears of his sister and brother.
"No way! We will never bow down to your emperor!" Firion shouted unsheathing his own sword while staring down the imperial with fire in his normally serene eyes.
"This is murder! Please, don't you realize what it is you and your Empire are doing to innocent families?" Maria questioned pleadingly as Leon felt a sting of pain cut through his hardened heart.
"I am loyal to my master. Once the filth that started this rebellion surrenders, the war will be over. Don't you see, the Fynnian rebels have brought this upon themselves," Leon stated as Maria felt tears stream down her cheeks at the memory of the night the Empire invaded Fynn. What chance did innocent, unarmed civilians have?
"How did you know we would be here?" Minwu questioned.
"Did you really think no one noticed you and your little informant enter the sewers? Did you honestly believe it would be this easy to destroy the Dreadnought, a Mythril armored warship that has been under construction here for months? You rebels were defeated before you even set out from that disgusting rat hole you call a hideout," Leon spat as dark energy began to flow into his weapons. A red gleam appeared in his eyes, as he glared hatefully at the people he once called his family. He would have given everything for them once, including his very life.
"Know this, rebels, your days are short. The Emperor will find where you are hiding your princess, and he will destroy her along with the rest of the resistance. It is only a matter of time, so struggle while you can!" the young commander exclaimed before slamming his axe and broadsword down upon the floor sending a rush of burning, dark magic toward the rebels. They were overcome and sent flying back into the murky water of the sewers.
Leon sheathed his weapons while staring icily into the dark greenish water. Wisps of crimson began to float to the surface where the rebels had sunk in.
"This farce is over…goodbye, sister…," Leon muttered with a numbing sadness wrenching his heart, as he turned and walked away through the exit shining with the brilliant light of day. It was strange that such a bloody catastrophe would take place on such a fine day. The young commander had originally envisioned the Dreadnought unleashing hell upon the world during the midst of a dark and stormy night. It had seemed only fitting, like when someone close to you dies, isn't it suppose to rain as if the sky is impersonating your woes?
…
"Commander! A message has come from the regiment stationed at Salamand and Semitt," an imperial soldier exclaimed rushing up to Leon as he exited the tunnels. The young commander glared at the soldier. He was in no mood for this.
"Give it to General Borghen. Salamand and Semitt are not my responsibility," Leon growled shouldering passed the soldier, who picked up on his intensely foul mood.
"B-But Commander Leon, the General cannot be found. No one has seen him in days," the imperial pleaded, as Leon curiously glanced over his shoulder.
"Is that so?" Leon questioned before frowning.
"Probably shunned his duties, so he could sneak off to a brothel somewhere…," the young commander thought before turning back to the timid messenger.
"Very well then. Speak," Leon commanded watching the imperial fidget anxiously.
"Rebel forces from the southern territories have taken both the village and the mines. Known casualties are eighty-one foot soldiers, seven captains, and the imperial slave master," the soldier informed as Leon's dark eyes widened.
"Were they involved in this?" he thought thinking of his sister, Firion, and Guy, who had miraculously survived after the attack on Fynn. He had gone this whole time thinking they were dead. What if the Emperor somehow figured out he was connected to the offending rebels?
"Salamand and Semitt have fallen? Where was the General during all of this?!" Leon questioned harshly making the imperial soldier swallow hard.
"We don't know, sire. That is why we came to you," the soldier responded, as Leon sighed angrily.
"Damn you, Borghen, you have cost us both a village and a Mythril vein. The Emperor will not be happy about this," Leon thought while narrowing his eyes at the soldier.
"It seems the General has fled to escape execution. I will take over his responsibilities from here on," the young commander informed, as the demon quickly saluted.
"Y-Yes sire!" he replied, as Leon turned back towards the Dreadnought. His black eyes gazed up at the massive, dark structure. It was completed, armed to the teeth, and ready to take to the skies.
"It is time…," the imperial commander thought before making to board the giant airship.
…
The interior was a cold, blackish steel crafted from Mythril and other ores. Pipes lined the floors, walls, and ceilings transferring the energy needed to other parts of the ship. The Dreadnought was constructed with many different rooms, including prison cells.
Leon made his way to the helm and was saluted by all the imperials stationed within the ship.
"Is she ready?" Leon questioned entering the helm, as the pilot saluted him.
"Yes sire! Skystone levels and air supply are at normal levels. Side cannons and the main gun are loaded," the demon at the controls responded.
"Then let us commence the mission. Prepare for take-off," Leon ordered watching the demon soldiers rush to and fro attending to their various positions to make sure the airship ran smoothly. The Dreadnought's large propellers began to spin, and the roar of the engine began to reverberate throughout the entire ship. Soon the massive vessel lifted into the sky.
"Incredible…so this is the power of science and invention," Leon thought walking toward the massive, thick-plated window that engulfed the face of the helm. He watched in awe as the world spread open before them, while the airship rose above the tall Bafskian Mountains. He could see all of the lands from his view inside of the Dreadnought. The marshlands of Bafsk, the snowcapped mountains of Salamand, the thundering falls of Semitt, the seaports of Poft and Paloom, and then the forested lake countries of Altair, Gatrea and his native Fynn beyond that. Leon lowered his eyes as his gaze met the distant expanse of his birth land.
"Forgive me, Maria. I pray I have done you a mercy, so you will not have to see the red days to come," Leon thought blinking away the salty fluid in his eyes, as he gazed at the rising sun that hovered over all the lands. The seaside town of Poft was slowly coming into view, and soon this day of reckoning would commence.
"Ready the cannons!" Leon commanded clenching his hands into fists, as the giant warship sailed them closer through the incredibly blue skies. The demon soldiers behind him echoed his commands to the other imperials, as the large Mythril cannons aimed their mouths of death toward Poft.
"Under the orders of Emperor Mateus, lord and solitary monarch of the Palamecian Empire, I condemn the free cities of Poft, Paloom, Gatrea, and Altair to death. May the gods have mercy upon you," Leon stated staring down expressionlessly at the defenseless, offending territories.
"In the Emperor's name, begin the first volley," Leon commanded once again hearing his commands repeated to the other officers, before the first deafening shots were fired. The dying screams filled his ears, and the smell of death and fire drifted into his nose.
"Forgive me…sister."
To be continued…