The Elven Theocracy Border
Edrahil was your average elf soldier serving in his majesty's army against the Theocracy. He had a head of blonde hair and long elf ears. It was said that blonde hair was good luck, it was an homage to their high elf ancestry. His ears were about as long as a finger which was typical of their current bloodline, it was said that the high elves have ears as long as their hand, cerulean blue eyes and a head of lush blonde hair that twinkled in the sun.
Now here he was a young elf barely considered a man clutching his bow shakily as he watched the horde of humans charge towards the tree line. Their armor gleamed as they advanced in a line, shields locked and raised to help deflect the hail of elven arrows that was sure to descend upon them. Edrahil shakily drew his bow and waited for the signal, this was his first battle since he was drafted into the military. The conscription age was going down to meet the ongoing needs of the war, twice their dear princess has had to take the field to save them. To put the members of royalty into harm's way was a great shame. Even so their princess charged into the fray scythe in hand and hewed her way through the Theocracy lines like they were stalks of wheat.
Then he heard the sound of the great horn blowing and he loosed his arrow, he watched as his arrow sailed down and bounced off the metal shield of a Theocracy soldier. He immediately drew another arrow and shot it against the approaching Theocracy lines. This time he saw his arrow sail in between the gaps of the shields and he watched one of the shields falter as his arrow strike home. He felt a sense of elation as he drew blood from his first foe but his happiness was short lived as the Theocracy got ever closer.
"1st platoon descend!" Edrahil heard one of the officers shout and he felt his heart sink.
The standard tactic now was to send down a squad of troops to delay the Theocracy forces while the archers above poured fire down on the Theocracy troops. This was an extremely effective strategy if you didn't mind sacrificing the troops sent down into the melee. He felt his body tremble as he grasped one of the vine ladders and prepared to descend into the hellscape below.
As he landed below he drew his curved sword and readied to meet the Theocracy troops. It was clear they were out matched down here, the Theocracy had more soldiers who were better armed and armored. He shook as he thought back to the state of his brothers corpse when it was returned to them. His poor brother had his lower jaw cleaved off and was stabbed twice in the chest. He could only pray that his end was quick.
"Steady brothers and sisters! STEADY." He heard one of the officers yell. This one at least had the decency to stand down here with the rest of the meat shields.
Edrahil looked on fearfully as the wall of steel approached, when he could see the whites in their eyes the signal to charge came. Edrahil screamed and ran at the advancing wall of steel as he saw arrows descend down upon the Theocracy lines. It was blur once he entered the melee, he parried a sword strike just to dodge another. He opened the throat of one of the soldiers but felt a searing pain at his back as he took a slash. The strike staggered him and his vision began to swim as he felt the searing burn on his back. It was then did he hear it…
"Begone Insects!" a childlike voice cried
Edrahil watched stunned as shower of golden arrows descended like rain upon the Theocracy soldiers. There was no screams just the sound of whistling arrows and of bodies crashing into the ground. Edrahil panted as he looked around stunned at the corpses of the Theocracy soldiers. Usually they would attack and retreat now there was just a sea of corpses before him. A few elves stood among the corpses seemingly unharmed and they too looked around stunned at the sudden end to the battle.
Edrahil heard a gasp and turned to see a fellow elf looking up slack jawed. The elf fell to its knees in reverence and prostrated himself. Edrahil looked up and he too was struck by a sense of awe as he looked up and saw a messenger from the gods. It was clear to anyone looking they were looking at a high elf, it was a high elf girl she had all the qualities to show that her bloodline was one of the ancients. She wore equipment beyond anything he had ever seen, she wore a white vestment with gilded ornaments. The white shirt and pants had ornate embroidery and a cape fell over her right arm. Behind her was a gold disc that floated behind her, it crackled with arcane energies as the disc trembled in it's position. In her hand she clutched a beautiful ivory bow, its construction was complex with numerous mechanism built into it. The arms of the bow were made of an odd white wood that seemed to glow with an ethereal light. The string of the bow was made of a strange semi translucent material. This was clearly a divine messenger who bore a regalia only granted to the gods most holy of servants.
"Your hurt." Edrahil heard another voice say
He turned and saw another high elf while the first was radiant like the sun this one was demure like the moon. Ever shy but holding vast power, like furtive pygmy this elf stood before Edrahil. Both feet planted on the earth like a humble mortal unlike his radiant twin sister. His vestments were white but with a silver ornaments behind him floated a crescent made of the finest silver. A small cloak wreathed his body and in his hand he clutched a staff made of ivory and silver. The tip of the staff was not encrusted with a precious gem it was instead tipped with that same strange glowing wood.
[Widen Maximise Magic: Earth Mother's Succor] the elf intoned as arcane circle sprang up around him
Edrahil immediately felt the aches and pains in his body dissipate, he touched his back a found his leather armor soaked with blood but felt no pain. He tested his body and found himself completely healed.
"My Lord and Lady, you have saved many a life this day." one of the officers said
"And taken quite a few as well it seems." the girl said
"May I know how to address your august selves." the officer asked
"I am Solanna this my brother Quacey. We wish to see your king." the girl said
Zesshi's bedroom
Zesshi Dryearaheal was the second child born to Malon Dryearaheal the king of the Crescent Lake. She was born of the house Dryearaheal, their house words were the same as the meaning of their name, the champions of the gods. Although she was the second born she was still placed first in line for succession, although she was only a half elf still she was placed to take the crown. The reason for this is simple, Zesshi was still a child, by elven standards she wasn't even a teenager. However, despite her age she was easily the most powerful individual in the Crescent Lake. Her blood line although impure was extremely potent, her father was the strongest Elf Warrior since the age of the high elves and her mother was the 3rd seat of the Black Scripture.
Zesshi sat on her bed as she fiddled with the multi coloured cube in her hand, it was a relic held dear to the hearts of the Elven people. It was said that the one to solve the Rubix Cube was the one fated to lead the Elven race to greatness. This was also why only the royal family was permitted to touch the cube for fear of a usurper. Again and again Zesshi turned to cube, green into red and red into blue. The kaleidoscopic colours ever changing in sublime entropy, there were some of the more poetic inclined elves who say the cube was unsolvable save for random chance. They say the cube was a metaphor for fate that it is ever changing and beyond your control. If one day it did do as you bid is merely due to random chance and nothing you did could have changed the result. Zesshi personally felt that was such a defeatist attitude, she would solve that cube one day 41 willing.
"My Lady? Are you there?" a voice said from beyond the door
"Yes come in." Zesshi replied not taking her eyes off the cube
"Princess your father desires your presence in the throne room." the maid said
"The throne room? We have guests?" Zesshi asked
"Yes my lady but I have not been told who was coming." the maid replied
"Very well tell my father I will be there shortly." Zesshi said
Zesshi donned her ceremonial attire, usually princesses wore dresses but she was no normal princess. She was the warrior princess to her subjects, or to the soldiers of the theocracy she was known as the Reaper of the Crescent Lake.
Her armor was light comprised mostly of leather with a few bits of plate armor covering her chest and joints. This armor was designed to allow for maximum mobility, for in her style of combat, evasion was her only defence. She picked up her mother's scythe and was about to leave the room when she looked at the Rubix Cube on her bed. In flight of fancy she picked it up and stuffed it into her pocket.
At the throne room she stood by her aging mother and looked to her father on the throne. It pains her to see her mother wither away but such is the fate of humans. Humans were a short lived and barbaric race, they bred like rabbits and have a penchant for war and slaughter. She could see that her mother probably had less than a decade left on this world, all she could do was to have her enjoy the twilight of her life.
"Father why have we been summoned?" Zesshi asked
"We have received troubling reports, it appears a pair of high elves have appeared." her father said
"High elves?" Zesshi asked wide eyed
"Yes, they culled an attack from the Theocracy, judging by the reports I can see why our ancient ancestors gave the dragons a fight worthy of legends." her father said
Zesshi waited with the rest of the court as they mulled over what this means. Her father and the house Dryearaheal was only the royal family because they had the claim for the purest high elf blood line, this pedigree ensured they were the strongest warriors which made their rule indisputable. The elves have chosen their leaders based on strength since time immemorial, only the strong may rule that is the philosophy that has governed the crescent lake.
Zesshi looked on curiously as the doors slowly opened and revealed to her something most divine. Ears almost twice as long as your average elf, skin pale as porcelain, their forms although small crackled with arcane power. Their equipment crafted in the forges of the divine and their will tempered in the fires of fate. Zesshi could see it in their eyes an uncompromising will to shatter the sky and sunder the earth. Their forms were also the picture perfect definition of elven beauty, the ranger in the front she was a sight of radiant purity. Behind her was her twin brother, she could tell their sexes by their equipment although their faces were almost identical. Her brother was demure like the waxing moon but in his eyes she could sense the crackling power of the arcane. That high elf boy was… beautiful…
"Welcome honoured guests, it has been centuries since a high elf has walked these halls." her father said putting on his best pretense of courtesy
The pair of elves were silent the young boy merely took out a scroll and cast a spell. Zesshi tensed as she watched the arcane circles surrounding the room. This was a spell of higher power, she has never seen such a potent flow of mana energy. She gripped her scythe and moved to stand in front of her mother.
"We now have some privacy." the girl said
"Privacy?" her father said stoically although Zesshi could sense his displeasure
"The master wishes to speak with you in private." the girl said cryptically
"And who is your master?" her father asked
"You will have to see for yourself." the girl said as a portal opened behind her
"I think not, we will not be seeing your master. You must truly take us for fools if you think we will enter that vortex with no explanation whatsoever." her father growled
"Hmm?" the girl said suddenly as she pressed her finger to her ear
It was then did a figure enter through the portal, immediately Zesshi brandished her scythe as she gazed at the monstrosity before her. It was an undead, a cursed being of the highest order and these two elves have brought such a thing into her home.
"Greetings elves I am Kel'Thuzad, I come with a proposition." the lich said
Zesshi did not reply she raised her scythe and charged the lich intent on snuffing out it's foul unlife. Midair however she found herself suddenly bound as chains appeared and wrapped themselves around her. The chains pulled taut and she found herself hanging off the ground like a marionette suspended by her limbs.
"Zesshi!" her mother screamed
"Now now no need to be hasty, no reason we can't be civilised." Kel'Thuzad said
"What do you want Lich." her father growled
"Before I answer that, may I know what is the state of your war?" Kel'Thuzad asked
"You sound like you already know, do not play games with me Lich I am no youngling welp." her father said
"Oh but you are little elf, I have outlived civilizations, to me your age is but a single grain of sand in an hourglass. Now answer the question." Kel'Thuzad said
"Hmph it is doing fine, there is no immediate threat to us." her father said lying through his teeth
"Hmmm such bravado, so you are content to hide in your forest as the Theocracy plows into your territory. Truly you are a mighty king." Kel'Thuzad mocked with a chuckle
"What do you want." her father said not taking the bait
"Hahaha more level headed than I thought, very well. It is simple, the god Lord Momonga has summoned you. You will come willingly or you will come in chains it matters not to me." Kel'Thuzad said
"You expect us to believe one fo the 41 has descended? You are deceived Lich the gods will not return to this shattered world, you serve a charlatan." her father replied
"Careful elf, I do not take kindly to blaspheming" Kel'Thuzad said coldly his voice changing.
"Are you coming or not?" the girl said impatiently
"Now now Solanna, they are merely uncertain, the master was clear it is best if they come willingly." Kel'Thuzad said
Zesshi felt herself float off the side until she was next to the high elf boy. She watched as Lich continued to converse with her father. Then she felt a hand in her pocket she looked down and saw the boy take out the Rubix Cube. She panicked and squirmed in her chains as the boy held the most holy of godly relics.
"GIVE THAT BACK!" Zesshi cried
The hall went quiet as all those speaking turned to her as she shouted. It was then all eyes fell on the boy who was holding the cube.
"Is that? Why would that training toy be here?" Kel'Thuzad muttered
"You know what that is?" her father asked his tone changing. The cube was a relic of the 41, if the Lich was familiar with it then it might stand to say there might be a kernel of truth here.
"Yes it is a training implement for those who wish to master the Horadric Cube." Kel'Thuzad replied
As they spoke Zesshi looked on wide eyed as the boy seemingly bored with what was going on started to turn the cube. She watched amazed as the colour begin to match until finally the cube was solved in a few seconds.
"Ah you solved it." Kel'Thuzad said
"I'm slow now I used to be a lot of faster." the boy grumbled
"How…" her father muttered
"If you wish to master the art of Transmutation and Thaumaturgy, you will need to know to concepts behind that cube to be able to master the Horadric Cube. That cube is training tool, nothing more." Kel'Thuzad said calmly
"What is a Horadric Cube." Zesshi asked
"Hmm you sound calmer." Kel"Thuzad said as the chains loosened and Zesshi fell back to the floor.
Zesshi now stood next to the boy looking at him with great interest. If the legend is to be followed, technically he was to be crowned the ruler of the Crescent Lake now. Zesshi turned and looked back to her father who now going very pale at the sight of the solved puzzle cube.
"The Horadric Cube is common implement of Transmutation and Thaumaturgy, Quacey here is a highly adept at Thaumaturgy. He can do many interesting things with a Horadric Cube." Solanna said
At those words Quacey took out from a hole in reality a large ornate cube with numerous arcane inscriptions on it. The cube was large, half a meter long on each side, the cube thrummed with mana as the runes glowed with power.
"I can do something for you if you would come with us." Quacey said timidly
"What would that be?" Zesshi asked
"That's your mother right? You share the same face." Quacey said
"Yes, why are you asking?" Zesshi replied as she furrowed her brows
"I can make her young again, I just need a life to be sacrificed and some of her blood." Quacey said
"What?" her father asked
"Yes the Elixir of Youth, one of the hallmarks of Thaumaturgy, I am sure you have Theocracy prisoners or condemned criminals?" Kel'Thuzad asked
"You can mother young again?" Zesshi asked softly
"Up to a point, there is a limit to how much I can do. Only the masters can grant true age reversal. I can at best reverse 15 years with the appropriate sacrifice." Quacey said
"Why can't you make her younger?" her father asked now very interested in the strange trio
"Your body won't be able to withstand any further reduction in your age without the proper reagents to repair your body." Quacey said
"Very well, how many do you need?" her father asked
"Erm… usually it just needs one but… bring me two just in case." Quacey said nervously
1 hour later
Zesshi stood next to her mother holding her hand, before them knelt a pair of Theocracy soldiers. They were bound and gagged, one of them has wet himself the moment he saw the Lich. In front of them was the Horadric Cube floating in the air before Quacey as his hands waved and the cubes mechanisms turned and clicked. She watched as Quacey seemed to wave his hands and the cube's many intricate pieces started to rotate and form patterns just like the Rubix Cube. Quacey's eyes glowed as the arcane power poured from his small from into the cube.
"From life we delay the final judgement." Quacey uttered as a pair of magical spears emerged from the cube and speared the two soldiers in the neck.
Zesshi watched as the blood seemed to be sucked from their bodies as they turned into desiccated husks.
"Blood is the key, for in life blood lives the essence of life." Quacey intoned as the blood flowed into cube and the runes glowed red bathing the room in an ominous red glow.
Quacey then took the vial of her mother's blood that they had collected and the blood flowed of its own accord out of the vial and floated in a ball before him.
"Blood of the willing made a new from the blood of the sacrificed." Quacey intoned as the blood flowed into the cube.
"From death we embrace life and await the final judgement." Quacey intoned as the cube shook with arcane power before calming.
Zesshi watched as Quacey brought the vial that once held her mother's blood under the cube and pale red liquid flowed from the cube into the vial. He held the glass into the light examining it, he nodded once in approval and brought the cube back to him before stowing it away in his pocket dimension. He calmly walked past the pair of corpses before them and handed her mother the vial.
"15 years…" he said timidly
Her mother shakily took the vial and gazed at the pale red liquid, it wasn't blood it was a lighter shade of red and it was completely transparent. It seemed to glow faintly with a magical light and the liquid seemed strangely thick.
"Go on, 15 years of life in your hands." the lich said
Her mother swallowed in apprehension and drank the elixir. Immediately Zesshi saw the change she looked on slack jawed as her mother's skin lost wrinkles before her eyes, her back straightened and her now white hair turned grey.
"Amazing." her mother gasped
"Now will you meet the master?" Solanna asked
Nazarick Throne Room
Zesshi knelt stunned at the base of the massive golden throne, her father and brother were both on their knees in reverence. She turned to her mother who was standing with conflicted expression on her face. Zesshi knew she was black scripture, members of that organisation were all conditioned to despise all things 41. Now here before her was the god of death himself, the dreaded master of oblivion Momonga.
In elvish culture Momonga was hailed as the final arbiter, the last god you see before oblivion. He is the herald of the end of all things, to see him is an ill omen. There is a star in the sky that appears for three days a year, it has a purple light unlike the others in the night sky. To the elven people it is known as the dark star, it is an omen of foul portents. The worst part about it is that it doesn't appear in a fixed pattern, it has a habit of merely appearing in the night sky suddenly and vanishing after three days. Those born under the dark star are said to be touched by death and are generally unlucky. This can lead to some discrimination among their peers as they view them as cursed.
"You stand human, curious." Momonga said
"My lord?" her father asked on his knees shakily as he feared for their lives
"I sense guilt and the stench of death." Momonga said
At those words Zesshi felt her mother visibly flinch, she knew her mother still regrets her actions as a member of the black scripture. Over the decades she has tried her best to make amends, so strong was her virtue even the elves started to forgive her even if she did not forgive herself.
"Yes I have felled many an innocent soul." her mother said softly
"I know, blessed are you not to see the malice around you." Momonga said as he waved his hand
The air turned cold and Zesshi looked to see chains spring up around her mother's body all connect to random parts of her form. The chains were held by ethereal ghosts, some small some large, their forms were shrouded in mist being unable to be clearly seen. There were so many easily hundreds of them, she watched as her mother looked around in rising panic. She started to scream and cover her eyes as the ghost started to speak.
Murderer
Butcher
Demon
The ghosts hissed as they grasped their chains and screamed their hatred. Zesshi sprang to her feet and held her mother as she fell to her knees whimpering a thousand apologies to the mob of hateful shades.
"STOP IT!" Zesshi screamed at the dark god
"Why? Should one not pay for their mistakes? I am the final arbiter, all will be judged." Momonga replied
"That woman served Jaldabaoth." a demon wearing an orange suit said
"Yes, very astute Demiurge. Yes she served the betrayer, slaughtering countless innocents in the process. Your sins will drag you down all the way to the bottom of the Profaned Valley." Momonga said
Zesshi felt her blood run cold at those words, it was said the Profaned Valley was a place reserved for the worst of sinners. It was a place of endless dark where the very light of hope has died, there in the valley there is only misery and despair.
"Please my lord she… she has done her best to atone." her father begged on his knees
"Mother has tried to right the wrongs, she regrets all that she has done. It isn't just to punish for what she has put behind her." Zesshi pleaded
"Perhaps you still do not see, let me show you." Momonga said as he snapped his fingers
Zesshi looked around and saw the mist around the ghosts vanished and it revealed their horrifying tortured forms. She looked to one of the smaller ghosts, it was elf boy he had his skull cleaved open. Another elf woman was holding her decapitated head by clutching her head's hair. The worse thing was not the horror of the wounds or the rage of the ghosts, it was the fact that Zesshi could tell these wounds were inflicted by her mother's scythe.
"Shroud your eyes as much as you want but the debt is there and I will come to collect eventually." Momonga said as he materialised in cloud of darkness in front of her mother
The surrounding ghosts all knelt in unison before the dark god as he stood before the quivering aging member of the black scripture. Up close Zesshi looked to the towering skeletal god, when you are this close to divinity it looked to be as tall as a mountain. The red flames danced in it's eye sockets licking at their very souls, the lord of oblivion has come to collect his due.
Laura Zetsumei, do you fear death?
Do you fear that dark infinite abyss?
All your deeds laid bare?
All your sins punished?
"Please… mercy..." Laura whimpered as the overlord of death approached
Zesshi could only tremble as she felt all the light in the world fade away, leaving just her and her mother to face the god of death in all his terrible glory. The floor fell away and the room vanished, before her now was a titan's skull with twin raging inferno's burning in their eye sockets.
I offer you a reprieve
Forestall the final judgement
A chance to pay what is due
"What do you mean?" Laura asked in a whisper
40 years I will unwind from your life
You will live again in your prime
Use this time to right the wrongs
Fail to do so…
And the debt will be paid with interest
Do you accept?
Laura Zetsumei
It was then that Zesshi realised that they had never told the dark god her name. It was like he knew everything there was to know about her. Well then again what did you expect from the final judge of your life.
"I accept." Laura whispered
Then the deal is made
Zesshi looked on amazed as her mother's grey hair turned black. Her skin lost its wrinkles and returned to the radiance of youth. Her mother once again looked like the woman she knew so long ago.
"Give me your hand." Momonga commanded now appearing just as before and reality returning back to what it once was.
Laura held out her hand and Momonga grasped it, darkness clouded the clasped hands and Laura let out a cry of pain as cold grinding pain pierced her hand. It lasted for just a moment before the god released her hand. Laura looked back down at her hand and saw a black mark appear on the back of her hand, it was a black skull with a gaping wide maw that cried tears of black ichor.
"A sign of the bargain." Momonga said as he clasped his fist and an ethereal chain appeared in his hand connected to the back of her palm.
"What must I do?" Laura asked
"The faith of the six muxt be destroyed, for now work with my servants to dismantle the Theocracy. As for you king of the elves." Momonga said as he turned to the elf king
"Yes my lord?" the elf king said shakily.
Zesshi noticed her father was now shaking like a leaf in the wind, her brother was not that much better off.
"I trust you will assist us in this endeavour, it is not wise to deny a god after all." Momonga said calmly
"Of course my lord, the elves of the Crescent Lake are ever at your disposal." her father said
"And as for you Zesshi, I sense great virtue within you. You will have a role to play in the war to come." Momonga said as he peered down at Zesshi with his flaming red eyes
Zesshi didn't reply she merely looked up tongue tied at the ancient being. Strangely she didn't fear him as the others do, she could sense their fear, perhaps it's because she has nothing on her conscience. Perhaps she does not fear death, or perhaps she was just a fool…
Demiurge watched as the elves left through the portal, the girl gave them one last backwards glance before leaving. She was an interesting one that young elf, she had strong will behind those mismatched eyes. Not many could stand before the Lord of Death himself, most were reduced to blubbering heaps from his presence alone. He was still irked that the elf girl had the audacity to speak in such a way to his lord. However, he did sense that his lord was more amused than insulted.
"Brave little one isn't she." Momonga chuckled
"Yes Momonga sama, few would dare to even stand in your presence let alone shout at you." Demiurge replied unhappily
"You are displeased." Momonga stated, it wasn't a question it was a statement made with the most absolute of surety
.
"I am Momonga sama, the sight of that little welp raising her voice at you makes my blood boil." Demiurge replied
"Yea I don't like how they were speaking to you Momonga sama." Aura grumbled
"Her attitude was unbecoming." Cocytus said as his mandibles clacked in displeasure
"Hahaha I appreciate your loyalty but I would ask you all to look to the reasons behind the actions not the actions themselves." Momonga said as he conjured an ethereal projection of Zesshi in the palm of his hand.
"The girl Zesshi loves her mother as only a daughter can, that is what made her strong enough to stand before me. That fact alone makes the situation all the better." Momonga said as he let out a chuckle.
"I see… truly your considerations are infinite, but how did you know?" Demiurge asked
"Wait wait, I don't follow." Aura asked
"I didn't know, I saw the opportunity and I took it. Now the girl will fight with all her soul and power." Momonga said as the miniature figure of Zesshi drew her scythe and brandished it within his palm.
"I don't understand…" Mare said quietly
"To put it simply, she now knows her mother is damned, her soul forfeit unless she atones. She will fit into our designs if she wants to save her mother's soul." Momonga said
"Indeed she possesses considerable natural power, perhaps she might learn how to use tap into it." Kel'thuzad said
"Hmm I was wondering why you decided to go there personally, so you noticed as well." Momonga said as he cupped his chin
"Naturally my lord, after all you have granted me the power to see the very essence of life." Kel'thuzad said
"So you gave her mother a second chance to ensure she would be loyal?" Aura asked
"Indeed, this war will not be won by numbers, one champion is worth an army. Due to Jaldabaoth's influence the average being here is much weaker than I anticipated. No doubt it would serve him best to keep the sheep weak lest a wolf arises from within the herd." Momonga said
"So we need quality not quantity for the natives on this world." Demiurge said as he pushed his glasses up
"Indeed the girl Zesshi will cull many of Jaldabaoth's minions in my name." Momonga said as he held out his hand and the ethereal figure of Zesshi swung her scythe and cut down half a dozen ethereal foes with a single swipe.
Crescent Lake
Zesshi stood in front of her mother now renewed and young but also cursed. Zesshi bit her lip as she looked at the black mark on her hand.
"I almost forgot what you looked like in your youth, I just wish you didn't have to be cursed to be young again." Zesshi said softly
"My dear girl, this is no curse… this is retribution for what I have done." Laura said sadly
"Yes, I have always feared that at the end of your mother's long road the lord of death would come to damn my beloved." her father said as he took Laura's hand
"I never really believed in the 41 you know, deep down I always felt the gods were dead the six and the 41. There were no gods here, after all what gods would watch in silence as their creations ripped each other to pieces." Laura said
"Perhaps it's no the gods, perhaps it's us. We mortals who wallow in our sins and indulgences, we who hold onto our petty grievances and defile their creation.." her brother said
"Never took you for a philosopher Aalon." Zesshi said
"You tend to self-reflect when you meet the gods." Aalon replied softly
"And another thing, we didn't start this war. The Theocracy considers our very existence a crime, you know what they do to elf slaves big brother? They cut off their ears and brand them." Zesshi replied hotly
"Now now dear, I am sure your big brother did not mean that we are petty." Laura chided
"Hmph he buries his nose in his books all day, never takes a step onto the front lines and he has the cheek to imply that this war is partially our fault." Zesshi replied hotly
"Well I'm sorry the gods have seen fit not to grant me prowess in combat, my elven bloodline favours the power of the arcane over brutish melee." Aalon retorted
"What are you implying?" Zesshi hissed as her brother rubbed in the fact that she was half elf and hopeless at magic.
"Careful boy you tread on treacherous ground." her father growled
"Why because I speak the truth? She is not even an elf, she is only half, her other half is of our sworn enemy." Aalon spat
"Not all humans are evil! Just look at mother!" Zesshi shouted
"She is not my mother." Aalon spat back
At that moment the king grabbed Aalon by the scruff of his neck and lifted him off the ground.
"She may not have birthed you boy but she is still your queen. You will honour her." her father said his tone as cold as ice.
"Why is she the crown princess, she is not even fully elven. She bears the blood of our enemies." Aalon retorted
"This proves that you are not fit to be king, your heart is filled with hatred. Your little sister stood before a god and shielded her mother can you say the same? Even I could do more than tremble before the god of death, you lack courage and kindness in your heart to rule boy. Your actions today have all but confirmed it." the king said as he released Aalon and he fell back onto the floor.
"I am disappointed in you Aalon, for all the books you have read for all the knowledge you have sought you have neglected the truth that has been spoken by the 41. Hatred and war is not the elven way, we are peacekeepers, protectors of the world." her father said
At those words Aalon looked down as he sat on the floor whether if was in shame or spite Zesshi knew not.
"Then what about her? She was black scripture, we don't even know what she did is there no accountability? You never told us about what happened before, how do we honour something we know nothing about." Aalon retorted
At those words Zesshi saw her father's face go purple with rage but before he could erupt in fury she saw her mother place her hand on her father's shoulder. Her father looked to her questioningly but her mother merely nodded. Her father's eyes widened slightly in surprise and gave her a questioning look which her mother replied with another nod.
"Zesshi, Aalon listen close and listen well." her mother said her voice firm
"I was born into a family of priests in Kami Yamaiko, I was black scripture for many years. At the time I believed my cause just and true so I did not question the nature of my orders. I killed many who were deserving and many... many more who were not." Laura said as she sighed and crossed her arms as if to ward off some unknown cold
"I believed I could hide away from my sins, I believed token recompense and remorse was atonement enough. It appears I was wrong…" Laura said
"So what will you do now my love." her father asked
"I will join the battle, I will spend whatever time I have left to this world to right the wrongs of my past. To put to rest the shades around me." Laura said
"Then you will need this back mother." Zesshi said as he took her scythe and held it out to her
"No, I must never touch that thing again, I will make do with whatever weapons I can find. May this implement of slaughter be used for something better... by someone better." Laura said as she pushed Zesshi's hand back
"The 41 has returned to this world, we must be better." her father said
"Yes the cycle must end here. The path of hatred and vengeance leaves only ashes in its wake." Laura said
2 Months Later
Corporal Genji Aico now marched in formation as they stood in the parade square. They all wore the red of the Ordo Malleus, in his hand he held the Hephaestus Pattern breech loaded spell rifle with enchanted bayonet. He was 2nd in command for squad 4 platoon 3 of the Matadors battalion. The past two months have been absolutely gruelling but it was worth it. Now he stood among his brothers and sisters in formation as they awaited their first trip home in two months.
The dismissal couldn't come sooner as he walked through the portal and reappeared back in Carne. He looked around at the familiar surroundings, the buildings were newer and there were more guards now.
"Hey move it old man your're blocking the portal, don't go senile right as we finish training." Genji turned to see the youthful face of his friend and comrade Varian
"I believe I out shot you on the range, with age comes wisdom." Genji replied with a smirk
"Hah I missed because of the wind, you got lucky. Just you wait when we get to the Draconic Kingdom I'll have more kills than you." Varian said confidently
"Don't be so eager to go to war boy, over confidence has killed more soldiers than blades and spells ever will." a gruff voice said from behind them
Genji turned to see the short stocky form of Grimrom, standing before them with a smile behind his bushy beard.
"Grimrom it's been to long." Genji replied happily
"Aye it has, you two are looking good." Grimrom said with a chuckle
"Wasn't easy earning this set of clothes." Genji replied
"Aye I expected as much, so when you headed east?" Grimrom asked
"The day after tomorrow, we head out." Varian said
"Ah well good fortune to you two then, join me for a drink tomorrow evening before ya head out. Drinks are on me." Grimrom offered
"Happy to Grimrom." Genji replied with a smile
Genji bade the pair goodbye and headed home. As he walked he felt a mix of emotions in his heart as each step brought him closer to his family. This might be the last time he ever saw them again, he had heard stories of beastmen. There were your normal beastmen known in their own tongue as the Gor's with their beastial heads and cloven hooves, some say the beast men were only one step away from demons. After all the patron god of beast men was the same god of demons, the dread lord of destruction and calamity, the keeper of catastrophe and world disasters, Ulbert Alain Odle.
There were also other beastmen, like the Centigors who were half man half horse. Faster than any steed the forces of man could obtain, with the strength of a proud stallion their kicks could cave in plate mail and their blows cleaved armoured men in twain.
There were much worse of course like the Minotaurs, massive 4 metre tall giants with the head of a bull and the body of a man. They would charge into the lines of men and scatter them like chaff before the wind. Almost impossible to defeat in melee and able to shrug off ballista arrows and spells.
Still there were even more formidable foes within their ranks, these were rare but most of the stories revolve around these two. So rare and powerful were they that some even doubted their existence, not Genji he had been briefed in detail of the information gained through blood from the Draconic Kingdom. They would be sent to fight these beasts of legend as mortal men, there was the giant 8 metre tall monstrosity known as the Cygor. It had the same body type as a minotaur but it had one single eye in the middle of its head. It oftens wields an ancient totem of the old gods casting dark magics to reap ruin upon his foes in a sacrifice to the lord of calamity.
Last but not least there was the Manticore a flying beast with enough claws,spines and fangs to rip an entire company of soldiers to pieces. It's body was that of a lion but it had a spined tail and large leathery wings. It was quick and agile like a cat but extremely durable thanks to its thick leathery skin and tough fur. Projectiles, blades and spells bounced off it's body as it tore its way through human flesh and bone.
Lost in thought he as he mulled over his foes to be he found himself at his doorstep. He let out a sigh and slapped his face lightly and put on a happy expression as he opened the door.
The next day
Genji sat at a table with Grimrom and Varian, they raised their cups and cheered to their good fortune.
"Thanks for bringing us here Grimrom are you sure this is fine? This place is quite expensive." Genji asked
"Bah it's fine lad, it's not that bad, you should be able to afford this now." Grimrom replied dismissively
"Well true… I guess old habits die hard." Genji said with a laugh
"Well poverty is more than the coins in your pocket isn't it? It's a mindset and a lifestyle." Grimrom said
"Can't argue with that, I still keep looking for the cheapest thing available on instinct." Genji said as he looked at the beautiful ruby red liquid in his cup.
It was wine from an eastern province of the Baharuth Empire said to possess beautiful vineyards. It was stronger than he was used to, Grimrom called it fortified wine. Apparently it was twice as strong as usual wine, that would explain the price. It tasted good though with a fruity and nutty taste much better than the watery wine he drank in the past.
He made it a point in his mind to buy a bottle of fine wine to share with Lucy when he got back next time, if he got back…
"Why the sour face lad?" Grimrom asked
"Oh, it's just that I'm not sure if I'll come home again." Genji replied
"Ah well first battle jitters is pretty normal." Grimrom said as he took a swig from his tankard
"Come on old man we are Ordo Malleus, what are a bunch of beastmen gonna do to us." Varian said confidently
"I'd be careful if I were you lad, Manticore's are not things to be taken lightly." Grimrom warned
"Come on the reports only had three sightings in five years of the war." Varian retorted as he waved his hand dismissing the danger
"You need people to come back alive to give reports you know…" a female voice said from behind him.
Genji looked up and saw the crimson greatcoat given only to high ranking Ordo Malleus Officers. Instinctively he shot to his feet along with Varian and snapped a salute.
"At ease, you two are'nt on duty no need to salute us." the officer replied
Genji looked at the trio of women one of them he could mistake for no other, she was short with golden blonde hair and eyes red as blood. She was 1st Lieutenant Keeno an intelligence officer and full fledged templar. Genji was considered a neophyte militia trooper far from being a templar let alone being a commissioned officer.
Genji recognised the other woman, she was Major Siox the mage who had saved him and his family during the theocracy attack. She had the same dead look in her eyes which was contrasted by the other women who had bright a cheery expression on her face. Her greatcoat was much more ornate with a flowing cape going over her shoulders. Numerous ornaments adorned her beautiful red garb, on her arm Genji could see the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
"Sit down you two." Major Siox said exasperated as she looked at the pair's gobsmacked faces
"Grimrom, you're having a party but you didn't invite me." the Lieutenant Colonel pouted
"Yet here you are Viktoriya." Grimrom replied with a laugh
"Mind if we join you, alcohol always tastes better with friends." the Lieutenant Colonel said as she took a chair and sat down without waiting for a reply.
"Head strong as always aren't cha Viktoriya." Grimrom said
"Hehe I'm Viktoriya Ivanova Serebryakov, commander of the Ordo Malleus Elysian Fallschirmjägers" Serebryakov said as she extended a hand.
Genji took it hesitantly as he shook hands with someone in his mind was leagues above him in station. He had seen some of the Fallschirmjägers on the base their equipment were much better and they were all mages. While they held the line down below the Fallschirmjägers were above sowing chaos among the enemy ranks as they rained their spells down upon them.
"Mia Siox." the other girl said she was the same girl that saved him during the attack. Once again Genji was struck at how young she was. Give it a few years and his daughters would look just like her.
"Keeno." the famed member of the Roses said as she took her seat.
"So what brings you ladies here?" Grimrom asked
"Girl's night out." Mia said in her usual clipped tone
"Stiff as always aren't you Mia." Grimrom teased
"Quiet short stack." Mia retorted her voice going up a pitch
"You're not that much taller than me you know." Grimrom replied with a laugh
"Grimrom stop teasing her, all you two ever do is argue." Serebryakov said with a giggle
"He started it." Mia grumbled
"I always do." Grimrom said as he took another drink from his tankard
"So… what were you saying about the report's Ma'am?" Genji asked timidly still not completely at ease with this situation.
"Ah well junior here was saying there weren't that many reports of Manticores right?" Mia said
"You look younger than him if I'm to be honest." Grimrom said with a grin
At those words Serebryakov let out a snort into her drink as she held back a laugh. While this was happening Mia gave Grimrom a death glare while the old dwarf nonchalantly drank from his tankard while never breaking eye contact.
"Well if there are not many reports doesn't that mean there aren't that many Manticores?" Varian asked
"Well here's the thing reports need people to report them so if the majority of encounters with Manticores end with everyone dying who's gonna give the report. Dead men tell no tales after all." Keeno replied
"Oh…" Varian replied softly now starting to look worried
"Oh don't worry, Mia here has slayed dragons, what's a Manticore gonna do?" Grimrom said
"To be fair almost everyone in Scarlet Wing has right?" Mia asked looking at Serebryakov.
"Hmm? Erm… I'm not sure if Joren has killed one now that I think about it…" Serebryakov said as she cupped her chin
"See lad you got a team of dragon slayers on your side no need to be nervous." Grimrom said as he slapped Varian's back
"Trust in your training and your fellows, even if you fall it shall be in service to the greater good." Keeno said
"Tell me why did you sign up." Keeno asked blood red eyes gazing critically at the pair of fresh soldiers.
"Relax Keeno you're scaring them." Serebryakov said
"I… signed up for my family, Carne got attacked. I'm not sure if you knew, angel dragged it's flaming sword right across my roof. Grimrom and Major Siox here saved me and my family, that night I learned if I wanted a place in this world I needed to help make it. There ain't no point in hiding and waiting for someone to save me." Genji replied
"Good, then you'll do well when you head out." Keeno said as she reclined back into her chair.
"That what about you kid?" Keeno asked Varian
Varian by now knew about Keeno of the Roses, she was a templar from the original Ordo. She has outlived noble houses and nations, she lived alone in a hostile world hiding in plain sight. In the face of such a being Varian found himself struggling to speak.
"I… wanted to do more than sit on my hands and let chance decide whether I have a place in the world." Varian replied softly his bravado gone
"Well often the simplest answers are the most honest and I won't deny life as a follower of the 41 hasn't been easy these past… centuries." Keeno replied
"You feel the rest of your friends in the force have similar views?" Serebyakov asked
"Most of them are people who have fallen out with the church of the six, there are a few things that have started to happen…" Genji said
Capital of Re-Estise
Renner stood in front of a grand temple to the 41, newly constructed and the first of its kind in the kingdom. It's spires were tall and made of marble and gold in the style of the city of Eden. Constructed by the architects and engineers from that great city, with the finest materials mined and prepared on the great forgeworld of Mars. Such a large structure would usually take years but with the use of magic techniques the whole thing was built in a month. It was so surreal to see another huge section of the structure built everytime Renner looked out her window in the morning. Initially there were protests but they were quickly silenced by Renner reminding them of the incident with the water temple. After all she was the queen that personally hung a priest.
Now the construction complete she had decided to visit the temple, she was surprised to see that the temple was packed. It was customary for a temple of the 41 to serve the people, healing was granted for free and education was free as well. The temple was in reality more of a complex rather than a single building. Eden had bought out a large section of the city and tore down everything and built the temple, it was a testament to the wealth of Eden that they could purchase such a large piece of land right in the middle of the capital. The highlords of Eden gave her a sizeable chest filled with platinum bars as thanks for allowing this project to go through. The deal was so good Emperor Jircniv was asking when Eden would build one in his capital.
So the now very wealthy golden queen now stood outside the doors of the temple surrounded by her people who were happily welcoming her. She had thought after the demonic incursion that she would be hated but surprisingly she had found the people were more grateful than spiteful. Later Custodian Barca had said that the fact that those she wronged were now demon food also helped with public opinion. After all the dead don't complain, which made her life infinitely easier.
As she made to enter the temple her guards moved ahead and made to part the crowd. The people offered no resistance and quickly made a pathway for their monarch so she could enter the temple. As she entered she was approached by a white dressed priest, his robes were woven with the finest silk. The quality of his fabric rivaled even the dress she now wore, another testament to the power of Eden.
"Good afternoon your grace, what brings you to our humble temple." the priest said
"I have come to see the fruits of your labor and I seek to understand the state of your temple at this time." Renner replied
"Very well your grace please follow me." the priest said as he beckoned Renner to follow.
Renner followed the priest into an open circular open room with 41 pillars arrayed around her. She knew this place was modeled after the hall of pillars in that divine realm. Still she was curious why pillars?
"Good priest forgive my ignorance but why are the 41 represented by pillars." Renner asked as she looked around the room.
"The 41 are always represented by pillars for they are the pillars that hold creation. Without them our world and all of creation comes crumbling down upon us." the priest replied
"Then how goes your temple? I hope there has been no trouble." Renner said
"There were some displeased with our presence initially but soon most have come to see the truth. We do not demand blind obedience, we do what we must and faith follows. Only unworthy gods demand worship, true gods inspire it." the priest said
"I agree fully good priest, I myself have abandoned the six." Renner replied
"I have heard, so what IS the purpose of this visit your grace?" the priest asked
"The purpose is to ask how many converts do you have?" Renner asked her tone changing and a slight smirk gracing her lips
"Well the answer is that your open conversion to the faith of the 41 and the conversion of the nations faith should be doable in a few months time your grace." the priest replied
"I like Eden priests much better, so much sharper that the dullards form the six." Renner replied with a chuckle
"Our gods demand we question, blind obedience is frowned upon, this makes our minds sharp." the priest replied
"All the more reason to abandon the six it seems." Renner said
"Indeed your grace, indeed." the priest replied
Draconic Kingdom "The Crimson Line"
Ser Braton Captain of 1st Cohort of his Majesty of the Baharuth Empire's 2nd Legion. He was a stern man, his father had served in the Empire's legion before him and fate willing he will continue his family tradition. He stood up from his wooden stool and clambered out of the trench he was sitting in. The empire's engineers have set up resting trenches for the officers so that the chain of command could be more protected.
As he climbed out he headed to the line of fortification now known as the Crimson Line to the troops here. First thing that hit him as usual was the smell, the line of fortification was made of wood forming a long wall that stretched on for miles. The wall wasn't high just high enough that it couldn't be jumped over. The front of the wall was covered in wooden stakes to break a charge from the beastmen. Problem is that when beastmen impaled themselves on the stakes it was almost impossible to properly maintain the general cleanliness of the lines. The result was the stakes were covered in rotting beast men flesh and offal that has been left to bake in the sun for weeks. It was so bad that the troops were only allowed to man the walls ful
ly when an attack was incoming before that happened the troops were held a good 30 metres back lest they catch diseases from the putrid line of stakes.
Disease would have been a major problem if not for the special healers dispatched by their allies from Eden. Their druids were extremely capable healers, which was a relief considering that the beastmen liked to coat their weapons in rotting blood and feces. This meant a simple cut could lead to infections that would kill a man, luckily for them the druids could counteract this easily thus negating this insidious threat.
Finally he reached the front of the wall and he looked at the wood now caked in so much gore that the once brown surface was now a dark red. He walked along the wall until he got to one of the watchtowers. He climbed up the rickety ladder and ascended at the top, at the top he expected to see a pair of his men instead he found his men standing uncertainly next to a pair of blonde haired girls. They were both young and both wearing black, the younger one had a single blue eye and one that glowed like the sun the other was older but both her eyes were blue.
"Good evening captain." the one with the glowing eye said
"Who are you?" Braton asked.
The girl took out a scroll and held it out to Braton, he took it and unfurled it. His eyes widened as he gazed at his emperor's seal upon the parchment. It said to treat this pair with the highest respect and to aid them to best of his ability.
"My apologies Ma'am but how may I help you?" Braton immediately said
"Nothing much actually, my friend here actually is feeling a bit hungry and I have good information that a large force of beastmen is headed here." the younger girl said
"There's going to be an attack?" Braton asked urgently
At those words he saw a scout rider appear on the horizon galloping as if the devil himself was on his heels. The rider raised a torch and waved it frantically as he sped towards the line. Immediately he watched as the nearby watchtowers all lit their fires and he heard the sound of men shouting from behind him as the soldiers prepared to approach the line to meet the beastmen.
"What do you mean she is hungry?" Braton asked
"Life… I need life…" the other girl said softly, her voice hoarse.
"Soon, your meal is coming." the younger girl said
"She will feed on the beastmen?" Braton asked
"That's the idea captain, don't worry she can tell friend from foe." the younger girl replied
Braton looked to the strange pair and felt greatly unsettled by the pair. Something felt extremely off, a strange coldness surrounded the older girl.
"CAPTAIN!" Braton heard a voice shout from down below
"Go on then captain, we just wanted to tell you what is going to happen. Don't worry the beastmen won't be a problem this time." the younger girl said
"Are you leaving?" the older girl asked
"No, no I will be right here watching, fear not the dark Arche… let the feast begin." the girl said
At those words Braton watched as darkness seemed to cover the older girl cloaking her in a veil of shadows. A mask formed on her face, it looked to be made of bone with butterfly wings protruding from the side covering her ears. The wings looked beautiful in lurid colours of red, black and white. A red light glowed from behind that mask making her eyes seem like ominous fires burning ever so gently.
The shadows surrounding her dissipated revealing a loose fitting cloak that covered her body, it was made of black fabric woven with intricate patterns. He noticed that the patterns were made to look like patterns found on butterfly wings. The sleeves hung loosely from her arms with the fabric seemingly draping around her like a cape.
It was at that moment did Braton spot the mass of figures appear on the horizon, even from here he could hear their braying and roars as the horde of beastmen approached. At the head of the horde he could see Centigor's charging towards his lines. The knights of the Empire all took their positions along the wooden walls.
"Phalanx! Lock Shields!" he heard his officers down below order.
The knights locked their shields and hefted their spears and trained it on the advancing horde. Behind them the archers took positions behind the reserve troops.
"Archers nock!" his officers commanded as all the archers drew an arrow and placed at their bows.
Braton took one last look at the pair and descended the tower to join his men. As he descended one of his sergeants ran up to him and gave him a crisp salute.
"All units in position captain." his sergeant said
"Good steady the men." Braton replied as he took up his arms and stood behind the front lines.
"For the Empire!" Braton shouted
"For his Majesty the Emperor!" His men echoed down along the line
"Archers! Draw!" his officers shouted
"Hold!" Braton said as he raised his hand, he looked to the mass of blood thirsty beastmen approaching and waited for the right moment. At last he saw it the Centigors would reach the prefire zone soon.
"LOOSE!" Braton shouted as he brought his hand down. All around him he heard the whistling of arrows as a wave of arrows flew out above him.
Braton watched as the arrows landed right on top of the Centigors. Over this past month he has learned the beastmen did not wear armor they viewed it as cowardly. This naturally applied to shields as well, the standard weapons were two handed or dual wield. This made them especially susceptible to arrow fire, which is also why the Draconic Kingdom held out for as long as they did.
The Centigors fell in droves as the arrows struck home, Braton had requisitioned broad tipped arrows from the empire. These arrows were used to hunt boar in the forests up north of the Empire, it turns out these were also really good at felling beastmen. The usual bud shaped arrows were not as effective because they were designed to pierce armor so a broad tip meant less penetration but a larger wound.
"LOOSE!" his officers commanded again as another wave of arrows descended on the beastmen, again he watched as they fell in droves. Their charge however lost no momentum, they just kept going heedless of the danger or their losses.
"Steady!" his officers commanded as the Centigor's drew within 50 metres
Then two sides met, the Centigors jumped right over the stakes and slammed right into the shield wall. Most died instantly as they were essentially charging straight not a wall of spears. However the force of their charge killed many of his men as their bodies barreled through their lines.
A few got through the holes in the lines but they were quickly shot dead by a few proactive archers. Best thing about Centigor's they were taller than the average man making them an easy target.
"Reform!" his officers commanded as his men hurried to fill in the gaps. Broken spears were replaced and the wounded were removed from the line. Arrows continued to pour down on the mass of wrathful braying flesh descending down upon them.
Then contact was made the mass of beastmen plowed onto the wall many were pushed by those behind and ended up impaled on the spikes. His men held firm holding the edge of the wall with their shield wall. The beastmen roared and pushed against the shields but spears stabbed over shields finding throats and eyes. It looked like it would be a repeat of the last attack, eventually the beastmen would realise that they couldn't push pass their shield wall and they would retreat.
However, Braton heard the loudest braying roar he had ever heard. He saw a section of the shield wall just disintegrate as his men were knocked flying. From the gap in the lines beast men poured forth like a tide of death. A large beastmen who wore fine furs and had a set of massive ram horns on his head emerged from the chaos. He held a crude cleaver in one hand and a serrated whip in the other. The cleaver was clearly enchanted as it glowed with a faint green light, he watched as the beastman hacked right through one of his men's shield and cut him down.
"I Khazrak One Eye and I come for your lives man filth." the beast men roared
Then Braton heard another group of shouts and screams as another section of the line collapsed and from the gap emerged a massive creature. It had the head and legs of a bull and the body of a man. It towered 4 metres tall and held a massive battle axe in its hand. It let out a braying roar and swung it's weapon knocking aside a dozen men in a single cleave.
"MINOTAUR!" he hear done of his officers shout.
A group of soldiers charged forward armed with long broad tipped javelins and began hurling them at the Minotaur. The javelins struck home and the Minotaur roared and ripped them out, this was exactly what they wanted. The javelins had hooked blades and when the minotaur ripped them out it tore out a good portion of it's flesh as well.
The situation was quickly devolving into an all out melle as the beastmen poured through the gaps of the lines. The reserve troops rushed to help plug the gaps but it soon became clear that the line was not going to hold. Braton himself cut down a beastmen who had charged him, luckily for him and his men these beastmen relied on ferocity instead of skill.
"For the ruinous god Ulbert Alain Odle." Braton heard Khazrak bellow
The surrounding beastmen fought with a greater fury at those words. Their braying and snorts grew more frantic as they hacked at the knights with reckless abandon. Braton looked to beastmen champion that was Khazrack One Eye and saw a glowing six pointed star appear on his chest. It glowed red hot and seemed to be seared into it's skin.
Braton looked on stunned at the star on its chest, that symbol was the symbol of the six gods. What was going on? Why was the symbol of the six empowering a beastman champion?
"At last worthy prey." a female voice said. The fighting paused or just a moment as that strange almost whisper like voice spread over the battlefield.
"MANTICORE!" he heard one of the men on the tower shout
Braton looked up and saw the dreaded flying form of the beast fly straight at the tower. What happened next Braton would remember for the rest of his days, a black blade emerged from the tower. The blade was made of some black metal and it was massive easily 5 metres long and it was connected to a strange black tentacle. The blade flashed and cut the manticore in half mid air, from the tower there was a black blur and the girl from before emerged before him facing the beastman champion.
The beastmen surrounding him all took a step back from the girl and for the first time Braton found himself empathising with the beastman. The girl had the large blade connected to her back and the very air around her seemed to grow cold. He looked down and saw the grass die where her feet met the ground, in her hand she now clutch an ornate staff.
Another minotaur appeared now imposing himself between Khazrak and the girl. He supposed even among beastmen, rank had its perks. The girl approached as if she was walking through a simple grass plain. Beastmen tried to charge her and stop her but bladed tentacles appeared and hacked them to pieces. Throughout this the girl never broke her stride, she walked through the carnage as the tentacles flashed and protected their dark mistress.
The minotaur roared and rushed the girl hooves pounding the ground, nostril flaring and snorting. Greataxe raised the minotaur intended to smash the girl into a smear on the earth. The girl however had other plans, a blade emerged out of the ground and impaled the minotaur form below hoisting it up into the air. Then form the minotaur's body erupted dozens of smaller blades that flourished out and ripped it's body to pieces. It's body fell apart before his eyes and landed in red chunks staining the green grass below.
The tentacles moved and swept aside everything granting a clear path to the beastman champion. Soon only a scant few metres separated the pair. More beastmen interposed themselves between the girl and the beastman champion.
"Stop." Khazrak said as he beckoned his soldiers to clear a path.
"You I challenge you to Mak'Gora." Khazrak said as he pointed his blade at the girl
"What is… Mak'Gora?" the girl asked quietly, though her voice was soft the sound still reached everyone's ears in the middle of a warzone. It sounded like an ethereal whisper in your ear when she spoke.
"Duel, we fight one warrioir to another." Khazrak growled
The girl didn't reply she merely nodded ever so slightly and stood where she was. Khazrak let out a mighty braying bellow and charged cleaver raised. The girl raised her staff as he approached. [Lifehunt] she uttered as black scythe erupted from the end of the scythe. She swung the scythe blade at Khazrak, he tried to use his blade to block the scythe. That was the last mistake he would ever make, the blakc scythe cut through his blade like it was made of paper and carved Khazrak in two.
Black tentacles immediately grasped both halves of the beastmen and his body was consumed by an inky black liquid. The body gradually vanished under that black liquid until there was nothing left. Seeing their champion felled the previous suicidal courage of the beastmen left them. The panic soon spread and turned into an all out rout, the knights didn't give chase they were all too exhausted after the fighting.
Braton looked around to the weary and stunned faces around him, fighting in a shield wall was on thing being thrown into a chaotic melee was another thing completely. In a shield wall you only had to focus on the foe in front of you, you could trust your comrades to have your sides and back. In brawl like that you had to fight in all directions in was draining for any soldier.
The girl with the butterfly robe took one last look around before vanishing in a cloud of darkness and just like that the hero that won the day vanished as quickly as she appeared.
Author's Notes:
Hey guys hope you liked this chapter, been a busy 2 weeks the next chapter will probably for path of ash before returning to this. For those wondering what happened to Arche you can read the side story.
Leave a review if you liked it any criticism is welcome. I really appreciate the encouragement you guys give and it motivates me to write more. As for the criticism well all I can say is that I feel my writing has gotten much better over the course of this story thanks to the criticisms provided.
See you guys in the next chapter!