Gazef Stronoff was accustomed to war, to fight on the field of battle was his way of life. Although privately he did resent this way of life, he hoped one day he could settle down and maybe start a family. He always wanted to try his hand at baking but alas fate has steered him towards the way of the sword.
Now he stood watching as the column of red dressed soldiers arrived through an arcane vortex of power. He had been told they were simple citizens of his nation that had volunteered but he found that hard to believe. Their marching was impeccable and their war gear immaculate. He watched as the division of fresh troops organised themselves while he was observing he noticed his friend and compatriot arrive.
"Yo Gazef." Brain greeted as he approached his nose scrunched up from the stench of the dead
"Hello Brain, still not used to the smell?" Gazef greeted in return with a wry smile.
"Does one ever get used to the smell of rot?" Brain grumbled
"Perhaps not." Gazef replied with a sigh as he was once again reminded of where he was.
Gazef looked up once again at the line, his troops stood at alert facing what has come to be known as the beast lands. Scouts that are sent out have a horrible survival rate of 30%, it was so bad that the system was now if the scout failed to report back it would just be assumed that an attack was coming. The previous scout was late and now presumed dead which was why the troops were now on alert.
Then Gazef heard the loud sound of grinding metal and he turned to see Iron Golems trudge out of the portal followed by an escort of red robed personnel. The golems were all master crafted creations he could see the metal fold on top of moving pieces as they interlocked and turned with otherworldly precision. Gazef had never ventured beyond the human kingdoms but he knew this, if any of the nations could create such a thing they would rule the continent.
Gazef stood along with Brain and watched as their fellow countrymen formed up neatly in their divisions. Gazef marvelled at how Eden's training regimen could turn peasants into professional soldiers in a matter of months. Gazef looked as an odd pair approached one wore the scarlet garb of an Ordo Malleus officer, the other shook the ground with every step as it's metal limbs trudged across the earth.
"Greetings my lords, I am Major Orion Commanding Officer of the 4th Militia Panzer Grenadiers division." the officer greeted as he rendered a crisp salute.
Gazef looked to the soldier, he looked to be getting along in the years just as he was, looks wise he looked like your average man. The kind you would not remember in the crowd, he had dark brown hair with dark brown eyes. His complexion was neither too pale nor too tan, for all intents and purposes he was your everyman in the crowd.
"Greetings my lord, apologies this form is ill-suited for salutations. I am Venerable Dreadnought Fenix." the golem greeted.
Up close it's metal form towered above him, in his mind Gazef pictured this metal behemoth smashing through the lines of beastmen grinding their bodies into mush before it's mighty frame. This one was clearly one of significant rank as it bore many gilded ornaments upon it's frame.
"No need for apologies, I am Gazef Stronoff commander of these brave soldiers of the kingdom." Gazef replied
"I am Brian Unglaus Vice Commander of these men." Brain said as he returned their salute.
Gazef looked to massive golem, golems were usually dull things mere puppets of the summoners whims. Yet here before him was one with a mind of its own and not only that a mind that held a high rank among the armies of Eden.
"Lord Fenix forgive me for my ignorance but I hope you will allow this one to pose a question." Gazef said
"Ask away Commander Stronoff." Fenix replied as he gestured with his metal arm.
"Were you created as you are now?" Gazef asked
To that question Fenix gave out a booming hearty laugh, Gazef looked on as the metal giant recovered from his mirth. Though he had no face to show it Gazef could sense a smile underneath that metal armor.
"No Commander Stronoff I was once as you are, flesh and blood. You must be wondering how I became as I am today? Well the answer to that is simple, I fell on the field of battle. I was struck down by the enemies of my lords but my comrades recovered my broken and shattered body. By the 41's will I rose again now with a form of iron and steel, the 41 gave me life once again and by their light I shall strike down their enemies." Fenix said
"You were human?" Brain asked astonished
"I was, frail and mortal. By the grace of Lord Amanomahitotsu I am as I stand here today." Fenix replied
"What's it like being… metal." Brain asked curiously
"It has its moments I assure you, few things are as satisfying as smashing through a line of heretical scum." Fenix replied with a laugh
"I do not tire and I no longer feel pain. I feel I can fight endlessly in the name of the supreme ones." Fenix replied
"If only you remember you aren't as invincible as you think. My tech priests dread the sight of you entering combat." a voice said as short figure walked around the massive frome of Fenix
"Ah Magos Ferus, as I always say I appreciate you and your compatriots efforts in maintaining this form." Fenix replied
Gazef looked to the short figure in the red robe, it was a dwarf with a long grey beard. He could see the wrinkles on his weathered face. Dwarves usually live quite a bit longer than humans, this one must be quite ancient.
"The Dreadnought's effectiveness as shock troops cannot be denied, I am glad to have them support." Major Orion said calmly
"Where will Fenix and his compatriots be stationed." Gazef asked
"In the rear." Major Orion replied
"The rear? Shouldn't they be at the front?" Brain asked his brows furrowed.
"No we do not have enough men to hold the length of this line, under Field Marshal's general staff's direction we have decided to adopt a mobile warfare doctrine." Major Orion replied
"Mobile warfare doctrine?" Gazef asked
"We will counter attack at where the attacks are weakest and encircle the areas where the attacks are fiercest. This should allow us to inflict maximum casualties against the enemy." Major Orion said
"I'm afraid I don't follow." Gazef replied
In Gazef's mind war was fought in lines and formations, to encircle an enemy in the middle of line combat was totally unheard of.
"Just brief your men to open up a hole in their lines when my troops appear, we'll handle the rest." Major Orion said
Gazef wordlessly nodded as he looked at the major and out of the corner of his eye he watched as a group of strange armored chariots line up behind the gathered Ordo Malleus troops.
Nazarick 6th Floor
At the wooded area where Aura and Mare called home a structure had appeared near the teleportation gate. It was a modestly sized wooden log cabin, to a normal outsider it would like a simple home for a family.
Field Marshall Elwing Rommel stepped off the teleport platform and took a look around at the surroundings. She looked up at the starry sky with it's beautiful twinkling stars, she could feel the gentle breeze on her skin and smelt the fresh fragrance of the forest.
"A sky underground, the 41 don't deal in half measures." Elwing muttered to herself
With a shake of her head she walked towards the simple wooden house, when she stepped in she found the building to be a lot bigger than it appeared. It wasn't just a saying, from the outside it looked like a log cabin. Inside however the floors were made of marble and the main atrium showed three floors above.
Once she entered everyone in the atrium stopped and rendered her a salute. She looked around and saw the red of the Ordo Malleus on all of the individuals.
"As you were." Elwing said calmly
Immediately several of her aides approached and began leading her towards the main command room.
"Good to see you Field Marshall how goes the situation of Raigon 6?" one of her officers asked
"The situation is contained at least for now, bar any extreme amounts of bad luck Raigon 6 should see the new year." Elwing said as her mouth turned into a grimace.
"I see, good to hear Field Marshall. The intelligence and command structure has been mostly set up. We have operatives setting up our sensors along the various borders." the officer said
"Very good, I want no half measures. The pride of the 41 is at stake and I will not have the Ordo Malleus bear the smear of disgrace." Elwing replied her tone as hard as steel.
"Of course Field Marshall, the war room is just up ahead." the officer said
Elwing nodded as she strided towards the indicated set of double doors, two of the officers walked ahead and held the doors open. Elwing strode purposefully through the door and was met with a room filled with intelligence officers all at their stations. They were facing her standing at attention, back as straight as a sword and right hand up in a salute.
"At ease." Elwing calmly as she watched the officers put down their hands but remained at attention.
"Has the preparations in the Draconic theatre been completed?" Elwing asked
"Yes Field Marshall, we are just waiting for the go ahead to send the remains of the Fallschirmjagers from Eden." an officer at her side said
"Good, now I have new orders all the way from the top." Elwing said as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a pure white envelope. Its surface was unblemished and uncrumpled with the colour of snow.
The rest of the room looked silently at the envelope as curiosity grew within their minds what orders lay within that envelope. Elwing paused and looked at the gathered group before flipping the envelope revealing black seal with silver skull in the centre.
The gathered officers eyes widened, that was the personal seal of Momonga.
"Rejoice Brothers and Sisters we have been given an opportunity for great glory. Revel in it." Elwing said as a predatory smile bloomed on her face.
The gathered officer all matched her smile as the thought sinked in.
"It's been a long time since I last personally led a war, I will show this world why I am the Field Marshall of the Ordo Malleus." Elwing declared.
As those gathered looked into the Field Marshall's eyes they remembered why she held the highest rank among them. The Ordo Malleus were the shield that guards the realms and they would not know defeat.
7th Floor Demiurge's Residence
Albedo walked towards the black gothic castle across a bridge that went over a sea of lava. As she walked through the hellscape she was once again reminded of the minds of the supreme ones who created this place.
This floor was a fortress, the long bridge was the only way to the fortress that led to the upper floors. The bridge had no cover and was very narrow allowing at most six people to walk side by side.. Any attacker would have to run quite the gauntlet to even reach the gate. Then there was the killing field after the gate, then the trenches and finally the fortress walls.
Albedo could feel the heat around her, she had resistance to it so it was no issue. Below she could sense the area guardian of the lava lake swimming idly by, good luck crossing the lake by boat with that swimming around.
Personally she loathed having to approach Demiurge for his advice, she has not fully forgiven him for Jaldabaoth's betrayal. How negligent do you have to be for something like that to happen right under your nose?
Finally she reached the gate and watched as its prismatic ore portcullis raised to let her through. Without a word of acknowledgement she walked through and headed towards Demiurge's lab. She knew he would be there, it's where he spent most of his time after the betrayal trying to fix what's already been broken.
Albedo knew trust was a fragile thing, once broken it can never be fully mended. The current situation was a perfect example, finally they have arrived on this accursed realm and what do they do? They sit on their hands while the other servants, the untainted servants go out and fix their mistakes.
Maeve the child of Momonga, a creation of great favor and power. The many soldiers of the various Ordos all out on the surface doing the lord's will. Even that new one, the girl Arche was out on the surface destroying her lord's enemies. Albedo ground her teeth in frustration as she approached the door of the lab. She threw the door open unceremoniously and strode in as if she owned the place.
"You could have knocked." Demiurge replied with his back to her as he sat at his desk scrutinising a scroll.
"Hmph I have no time for pleasantries. Have you heard of the order from Lord Momonga?" Albedo stated
"Yes, this scroll is the key." Demiurge said without turning back.
Albedo walked over to the table and as she expected she saw the gift from Lord Ulbert laid out on the table.
"What are you doing? It's a scroll you don't need to learn how to cast it." Albedo asked testily
"I am aware but I must know how to utilise it perfectly." Demiurge replied
"So what is it?" Albedo asked
"A mana code reconstruction spell, coded exactly for Jaldabaoth. I can see the influences of Tabula, Blue Planet and Ulbert sama." Demiurge replied
"If you are trying to understand their work I'm afraid it's beyond you Demiurge." Albedo said
"I know but I must obtain even a sliver of understanding for me to utilise this spell to its utmost potential. All I know so far is that it will cripple Jaldabaoth irreversibly by rewriting his very being. I don't know what the intended result will be, will he still be capable of fighting? Of casting spells? Can he still stage an escape? All these questions I must have answers…" Demiurge said
"Do you truly think the supreme ones would give us such a flawed spell that it would still leave Jaldabaoth combat effective?" Albedo replied, eyebrows raised.
"No not intentionally, I believe this to be a test." Demiurge replied calmly
"Think on it Albedo, you were given a Grimoire filled with various spells. You were never told which would be useful, Tabula sama left the decision to you. There is no chance you would be able to learn all the spells." Demiurge said as for the first time in this meeting he took his eyes off the scroll and turned to face Albedo.
"That's why you are here isn't it?" Demiurge asked as he gazed at Albedo
"Yes." Albedo affirmed her gaze wavering.
"It's nothing to be ashamed about Albedo, we are but pale reflections of our lords all we can do is to try to emulate them." Demiurge said
"Besides, Pandora's Actor is at the Draconic front if it comes to matters of the mind I'm all that's left." Demiurge added with a self deprecating chuckle.
"Yes indeed, Pandora's actor is the only one in the tomb who bears no responsibility for the betrayal." Albedo said with a sigh as she grabbed a nearby chair and sat down.
"If anyone is to be blamed for the betrayal, it would be the two of us. He was your subordinate… and my brother." Demiurge said with a sigh
"Then we must succeed in this next task, nothing less than perfection is acceptable." Albedo replied softly
"I know…" Demiurge said
Draconic Kingdom Beast Lands
High above the beast lands flew a group Fallschirmjager observers, they flew high above the clouds using specialised equipment and observed the wasteland below them. Taking pictures and video footage of the troop movements and making records of the beastmen strongholds.
One of the scouts now hovered above a large encampment and observed the mass of beastmen below.
"Echo 3 to command I have a visual of a large hostile base." Echo 3 said into his communication device.
"Command copy, maintain observation. Other teams report large movements of infantry moving towards your position." Command replied
"Sending observation data now." Echo 3 replied
"Data received, stand by." Command replied
Echo 3 looked down and saw sights that would make his heart churn. The optical spell he was using allowed him to zoom in and see with great clarity. He could see places where human prisoners were being kept like cattle. Nearby there was a butcher table where humans were clearly being butchered.
Echo 3 tightened his grip on his rifle and had the urge to dive in rescue as many as he could but he knew if he did that it would tip the enemy to what he and his comrades were doing. If that happened they would lose the information on troop movements. Even more will die if he dived in right now, he was a soldier not a hero.
Then he noticed a few prisoners dressed in leather armor being dragged through the camp, they were probably the missing scouts. One of the scouts was dragged in front a particularly large beastman, the beastman proceeded to rip the poor man limb from limb.
"Command to Echo 3, please respond." Command said
"Echo 3, I read you loud and clear." Echo 3 replied
"Analysis has suggested that the hostile forces are preparing a general assault on the Re-Estise Line. The hostile units previously posted at the Baharuth Line are being recalled to your current position." command said.
"It seems our allies on the ground are doing a good job." Echo 3 replied
"Indeed, arrangements are being made at this very moment. Orders are for all units to maintain on mission. Be advised Echo 4 and 5 are approaching your position, they are currently observing the troops en route to your location." Command replied
"Echo 3 copy." Echo 3 replied as he gazed once again at the cesspit below him.
Draudillon's Throne Room
Draudillon sat on her throne and listened to the nobles bicker and argue below her. She placed her arm on the armrest and leaned her head on the palm and looked at the farce of a court below her. She felt her anger and frustration bubble and boil in her belly, even with half the kingdom burned to the ground they still argue about pointless things.
Then Draudillon heard a voice in her head.
"Queen Draudillon there has been a development at the front, please empty your throne room of all you do not trust we will arrive in 5 minutes." the voice of Maeve said
Draudillon did not reply as she could not after all cast [Message]. She looked over at her gathered court, at the human shaped personifications of pettiness. Initially she was happy after returning from Eden but after the reports of what's happening beyond the lines of combat started trickling in her despair returned with a vengeance. It seems ignorance is truly bliss…
Who she did not trust? That line stung like wine on an open wound, the more accurate question would be who she could trust. As she looked at the pompous arrogant faces of the nobles she felt a the boiling rage return.
"Everyone except Amica and Gunther out." Draudillon seethed
"Your grace?" one of the nobles asked
"Did I stutter? All of you OUT!" Draudillon commanded
The nobles looked at each other perplexed at this sudden change.
"Guards please escort my court to their lodgings, it is late and these are uncertain times." Draudillon said coldly
The nobles flinched as the heavy foot falls of the royal guard approached and the lot of them cowered and hurriedly left the throne room.
"Guards out as well." Draudillon said in exasperation as she sat back into her throne.
When the room was at last empty save for Amica and General Gunther, the pair gave each other a glance and looked to the queen.
"Just wait for it." Draudillon said as she raised her hand to stop any questions.
The trio did not have to wait long as soon a vortex appeared and out stepped the familiar face with golden hair and mismatched eyes. Following behind her however was someone Draudillon did not expect to see on her home world. She saw the beautiful elven features of Elwing Rommel the Field Marshall of the Ordo Malleus. Behind her followed Queen Renner and Emperor Jircniv both of whom wore grave expressions on their faces.
"Hello your grace, I'm afraid we bring troubling news." Maeve said
"Although I feel it presents an interesting opportunity." Elwing said the faintest smile gracing her lip.
"What news?" Draudillon asked
"The beastmen are combining all their forces for a general assault on the Re-Estise Line. It appears they are attempting a breakthrough." Jircniv said
At those words Draudillon felt a cold knot in her stomach as the news hit her. She desperately wanted to reach for a drink but held off when she remembered what Elwing had said.
"You mentioned an opportunity?" Draudillon asked
"We have a plan to counter this and if it succeeds we just might break the beastmen right there on that wall." Elwing said
"What's the plan?" Draudillon asked
"Need to know basis I'm afraid, for this to work I need surprise to be total. When I'm done with them the corpses of beastmen will turn the fields red." Elwing said with a predatory smile.
"So what do you need?" Draudillon asked
"We need men to fill the gaps in the Bahartuh Line." Elwing replied
"I will be pulling almost all of my cavalry and Elite Shock infantry to the Re-Estise Line. I need reinforcements in my sector to ensure the line can hold off an attack." Jircniv said
"I can pull five thousand men from the garrisons at most, they are poorly trained but that is all I can offer at this time." General Gunther replied his mouth twisted in a mixture of shame and displeasure.
"What about your nobles? Don't noble houses have house troops?" Renner asked
"You told me to empty the throne room of people I don't trust." Draudillon said as she gestured to the empty throne room which not a single noble stood.
"The moment the brave soldiers of your nations stabilised the front line my court devolved into petty squabbles. They act as if the war is already won and they scheme on who would take the reconquered territories." Draudillon said with a sigh
"You see that flag?" Draudillon said as she pointed over her shoulder at the crest of the Draconic Kingdom.
"The blue stands for a reliable nobility that supports the crown." Draudillon said cynically
The gathered the group looked up at the crest with its colors of red white and gold and could not find a speck of blue on the crest. Renner and Jircniv glanced at each other before Jircniv fixed Draudillon with a look.
"Whether a sovereign of a nation should tell another sovereign how they should rule a nation is neither here nor there… but in times of crisis one must do what is required. I believe your nobility might be overdue for a culling." Jircniv said his voice tranquil as if he was not suggesting the slaughter of entire noble houses.
"I've already considered that my good emperor but there is a problem. If I do not have a secret service to handle such a culling. Not only that if I were to start amassing such a force the nobles may see this as a threat a pull support from the war. This war is expensive I cannot support it alone, as I am sure you are aware as we have been buying food from the Empire just to stay alive." Draudillon said wearily.
"Field Marshall?" Renner asked
"Hmm?" Elwing asked as she turned and faced the golden queen.
"Would it be possible to send someone like Judge Balthasar to the Draconic Kingdom?" Renner asked
"Hmmm, yes I was thinking along similar lines, I have no use for a dysfunctional mess of a kingdom. A combat ineffective territory is just extra mouths to feed." Elwing said her voice cold and clinical.
Draudillon visibly flinched at those words, although true it still stung.
"Maeve could you perhaps put in a word for me to Carstein?" Elwing asked
"Why me?" Maeve asked eyebrows raised.
"He will act faster if you do it." Elwing said simply
"We are equals you know." Maeve said
"Yes but you are the child of the first Primordial, one does not deny the herald easily." Elwing said simply.
"Point taken, I'll drop a word to Carstein when I get back." Maeve replied with a nod.
"Very good, but that's for the future for now we still need men to man the holes in my line." Jircniv replied
"We could [Gate] some troops over from the west to plug the holes." Elwing said
"Then it'll have to be Empire troops, the Re-Estise Kingdom has its hands full manning the border with the Theocracy." Maeve said as she placed her hand under her chin in contemplation.
"Yes I have received troubling reports from my front line commanders that the posturing of Theocracy troops at the border is growing more aggressive by the day." Renner replied
"Well what is to be done, I don't see any other recourse than to commit more of my citizens to this war." Jircniv said with a sigh as he scratched the back of his head in frustration.
"I'm sorry…" Draudillon said weakly as the ever mounting shame of her nations weakness grew in her mind.
Renner took a look at the Dragon Queen and felt a pang of pity, this must be absurdly humiliating for her.
"There is no need to be sorry your grace, in times like this we must do what we can." Renner said gently as she took Draudillon's hand.
"Yes indeed, I apologise if my previous words have wounded you Queen Draudillon. In uncertain times like these the crowns must stand as one or all fall together." Jircniv replied
"I will repay this debt one day, this I swear on my name and my nation." Draudillon said.
"I look forward to it." Jircniv said with a wry smile.
The gathered group continued to discuss the finer details, until a suitable solution was ironed out.
"Ok so I suppose that settles the finer points, Queen Draudillon any extra men you can pull from your court will be appreciated at the front." Elwing said calmly.
As the group adjourned and they bade the Dragon Queen farewell they walked through the portal once again to find themselves in headquarters on Nazarick's 6th floor.
"Well that was disappointing." Elwing said.
"The Draconic Kingdom was decimated by the invasion before we arrived, it's not that surprising their fighting strength is so greatly depleted." Maeve replied.
"I'm not talking about that, the blue stands for reliable nobles. What a bloody joke." Elwing said with a snort.
"She should have purged the nobles sooner." Jircniv agreed coldly.
"A sovereign does not ask or begs, it commands and it is obeyed." Jircniv said crossing his arms.
"Well in a way I suppose the one good thing about my brother is that his little stunt with the demons did the purging for me." Renner said with a sigh.
"Yes how I wish all the rats in my empire were all congregated together, it's quite the hassle to find each hole they hide in." Jircniv said with a sigh.
"Minus the demons of course." Renner replied dryly.
"If only they would just group together and commit mass suicide." Jircniv said with a shrug.
"Yes if that happens the walls would be made of gingerbread and the moats filled with blackberry wine." Renner replied sarcastically.
"I take no issue with the queen herself, the only sin she is guilty of is weakness. That I can beat out of anyone but disloyalty? No, there is no cure for disloyalty, treasonous elements must be ripped up root and stem." Elwing said with a snarl.
"Don't worry about that Elwing, I will tell Carstein what needs to be done. Although I doubt I need to, the Carstein family does not take kindly to disloyalty." Maeve said with a grin.
"Oh of that I am most assuredly aware." Elwing replied with a smile of her own.
Draudillon watched the group exit through the portal and felt her eyes start to burn. The humiliation was unbearable, how weak has her nation become? She couldn't even pull up a few thousand soldiers to plug a few holes in a defensive line.
"Gunther could you get me some wine please, something strong will do." Draudillon said softly as she stood in the middle of her throne room.
"Of course my queen." Gunther said as he hurriedly left to get his queen a drink.
"My queen…" Amica said softly
"You know I have ruled this nation for centuries yet in all my life I have never been so humiliated." Draudillon replied staring straight ahead not even looking at Amica as she spoke.
Though her voice was child-like in this form it held the weight of woman late in her years worn down by the weight of her crown. Draudillon turned and looked back at the massive flag that hung behind her throne and looked at the colours that she used to look on with such pride. It was the flag of the Draconic Kingdom, it was her flag, her nation. Her nation that has become so weak it couldn't even muster the soldiers for guard duty.
"Tell me Amica, am I a bad queen?" Draudillon asked
"No my queen, the odds have always been stacked against our nation. For as long as I can remember the beastmen have always been at our throats. We did the best we could my queen." Amica replied softly.
"Was it good enough I wonder…" Draudillon muttered to herself. She heard the sound of Gunther approaching with a servant in tow.
Draudillon turned to Gunther and took a crystal glass off the silver tray and gently held the wine in her hand.
"Gunther how many men do you have left?" Draudillon asked
"50 000 my queen but most are barely trained, I lost most of the main army over the course of the war. Most of the remains of the trained men have been sent to help command the levies." Gunther replied
"So how many do you feel can effectively hold a line against the beastmen." Draudillon asked
"Not many my queen, I'm afraid effectively we have about 10 000 men worth of fighting strength if we have to fight an open battle." Gunther replied grimly
"And the nobles house troops?" Draudillon asked
"My queen…" Gunther replied gently
"I asked you a question General Gunther." Draudillon said
"My staff and I expect their current fighting strength to be about 20 000 if we combine all the noble houses into one army." Gunther replied softly.
At those words Draudillon let out a light laugh, her hand holding the glass started to shake. Whether it was from despair or rage, her two advisors knew not.
"So now the nobles hold double the fighting ability of the main army?" Draudillon asked
"Yes, in the past the reason why they did not have the ability to take the remaining cities is that the nobles were committing their troops as a deterrent. The beastmen could not attempt to lay siege to the cities without the danger of an attack from the rear. In addition their supply lines were stretched thin limiting their ability to invade further into our territory. We also burned everything we could not retreat into the cities, we decided to leave nothing in our land for those curs to use. If they want to turn our country into a wasteland then they can jolly well learn to fight in one." Gunther said with seething fury.
Draudillon didn't reply she merely put the glass of wine to her mouth, hoping the sweet taste of drink would soothe her troubled heart. When the taste reached her palette she felt the wine turn to ashes in her mouth, she gagged and spat the wine out.
"My queen!" Amica and Gunther both cried out in alarm.
Draudillon coughed as she tried to catch her breath and she looked down to see her hand which wore a white glove was now had red spots on it from the wine.
"My queen, we will save this nation, we will do whatever it takes." Amica said pleadingly, his heart ached for his queen. The queen who tried endlessly to protect her people but failed in the end. The queen who had to bow her head to other stronger nations to save her own citizens. The stronger nations who send their own citizens to die in her war.
Draudillon looked down at the stained glove and saw the red. Whatever it takes? That phrase rang in her head like an accursed bell. How much more will she have to sacrifice to bring peace and prosperity to her people? Each time the bell tolled it rang for another loss, another soul taken too soon for some wayward demi god's vanity.
Whatever it takes… again the bell tolled. Yet… bells toll for victories as well… for a marriage, a victorious army. Yes, whatever it takes…
Draudillon took her glass and poured half of the remainder on her hand before repeating the same with the other hand. She examined her now red hands and felt a smile grace her lips.
"That looks better." Draudillon said as she threw the now empty crystal glass onto the ground shattering it.
"Yes, we shall do whatever it takes." Draudillon said as she steeled her resolve.
"Someone clean this up and get the court back in, I need to compile a list of names." Draudillon said as she ascended the steps to the throne.
Holy Kingdom Ice Gate Valley, Fortuna Moral Debt Internment Colony
Neia Baraja dragged the pickaxe behind her as she walked towards the lump of rocks that was her task for today. Her steps sank deep into the perpetual snow of the Ice Gate Valley. This part of the Holy Kingdom which sat near the border with the Re-Estise Kingdom spent most of the year in the grips of winter. The snow from the mountains to east often settled in this valley causing perpetual rain or snow. It served as a natural barrier against the kingdom of Re-Estise and the prisoners of the Ice Gate Valley were useful as fodder and labourers if required.
Neia picked up her pick axe and swung it down on the boulder and saw the pick axe sink deep into the boulder and and wide crack radiated from where her pick axe had landed. She raised her pick again and it smashed the boulder in two. Neia turned and saw the group of three next to her were taking turns swinging at a smaller boulder, they weren't making such progress. Their swings were weak which wasn't that unsurprising considering they all looked severely malnourished.
"Still don't get how you stay so strong." a voice said from her right.
Neia turned to see her friend Nate, he was teenager about a year younger than she was. He had a head of long dirty black hair. His physique like many of the other prisoners was that of want. Food was rarely enough in this place, after all if the prisoners were underfed it is unlikely they would be able stage an escape.
"I have no idea either." Neia replied as she averted her gaze.
"Well I heard there's some important visitors coming today." Nate said as he hefted his pick axe and swung it down at the half that Neia had broken off.
"Where did you hear that?" Neia asked as she swung her pick into another piece of limestone.
"The guards, they seem extra edgy today." Nate replied as his third swing finally cracked the limestone.
"Must be someone important then…" Neia replied softly
"Any chance it's your folks?" Nate asked trying to sound casual but failing miserably as his voice went up a pitch.
"I don't know." Neia replied again her lips turning into a grimace.
"Well it looks like a big thing anyway, the guards are really twitchy." Nate said with a shrug as he raised his pick and swung it down again.
The pair continued to work until quite quickly the pair reached their daily quota and they pushed the broken blocks of limestone into a wooden sled. Neia caught the few envious stares in her direction as she grabbed the sled and started to pull it through the snow towards the main building. The sled probably weighed as much as five men but Neia dragged the sled through the snow regardless.
In her heart she was both hoping and dreading the fact that the visitors may be her parents. She found her speed increasing and the mist of her breath grew bigger as she walked through the freezing courtyard.
"You seem hopeful." Her brother said.
"I am." Neia replied.
"Father will probably be happy." her brother added.
"Yes I think so too." Neia said.
"Mother probably won't be." her brother said.
"You don't know that." Neia snapped.
"I'm not blind sister, she despises us." her brother growled.
"You know why she acts as she does." Neia replied.
"We are still her children even if their gods brand us as abominations." her brother said
"Our gods, Noah." Neia chidded
"They are no gods of mine." Noah replied
"Brother…" Neia said
"We are here." Noah said cutting her off.
"You ok?" Nate asked
"Yeah, I just had some things on my mind." Neia said as she gave him a weak smile.
"Sure whatever you say…" Nate replied uncomfortably.
"Go get some rest, I'll handle the rest." Neia said
"Sure, whatever you say. If… if you need to talk with anyone, my door is always open." Nate said kindly.
"Thanks Nate." Neia replied with a genuine smile this time.
Neia turned and dragged the sled through the wide open doors, as she approached the delivery area she looked up to see the same official slouched in his chair.
"So fast?" the official asked lazily
"Yeah… this is today's quota." Neia said
"Alright, Prisoner Neia Baraja. By the way you have visitors, step this way." the official said as a pair of guards approached.
Neia held out her hands and a pair of mithril manacles were secured around her wrists and she felt a mailed hand grab her shoulder and drag her through a doorway. Soon Neia found herself in a cell with thick mithril walls, one side of the wall was made of mithril bars with a sturdy gate on the left. In the middle sat a chair, Neia was led over to the chair and was chained to it's armrests.
Neia looked to the guard on her left, his armor gleaming and his halberd held up straight up to his left. She noticed the guard catch her eye, the guard immediately stiffened and looked straight ahead. Neia let out an internal sigh as she was once again reminded of her eyes, her father's eyes and her brother's eyes.
Soon she saw a door on the other side of the bars open and out stepped her father Pavel Baraja, he had her eyes, the famous glare of the Mad Eyed Archer. Her father was the proud commander of Pavel's Rangers, the best archers the Holy Kingdom had. His skill with the bow was unmatched earning him the station as one of the nine colours of the Holy Kingdom.
When Neia saw him a smile formed on her face, her father saw her smile and returned with a weak one before walking off to the side. Then came her mother a paladin of the Holy Kingdom, her mother took one look at her before coldly moving on. Then came three she didn't expect it was the Custodo sisters and Queen Calca herself. The Custodo sisters were colours themselves, for three of the colors to visit her along with the queen was shocking to say the least.
It was then the door behind her burst open and the previously lazy official ran into the room.
"My queen, we did not get word of your arrival." the official said as he knelt.
"How? We sent word days ago." Remedios said curtly.
"I…" the official stammered his face going pale.
"Forget it… just go, do whatever it is you were doing." Remedios said with a sigh.
"Yes commander." the official stammered before hurriedly leaving the room.
After that silence reigned in the room after that embarrassing display.
"Erm… Hi mom, hi dad." Neia said weakly.
"Good to see you Neia." Pavel replied. He turned to look at Neia's mother expectantly waiting for her to say something. Instead she just looked coldly at Neia not saying a word.
"Yara, perhaps you should say something? It's been months since we last saw Neia." Pavel suggested weakly.
Neia looked expectantly at her mother, her heart bleeding at the fact that her own mother wouldn't even give her a word of greeting.
"You look well, I'm guessing they feed you well here?" Yara said
"Well I get the same as everyone else, kind of always hungry." Neia replied shakily with a weak smile as she tried her best to crack a joke.
"Curious, you shouldn't be, you've been here for what? Six months?" Yara said as she narrowed her eyes glaring at Neia.
"It's nine months dear." Pavel added gingerly.
Neia bit her lip as she felt her eyes grow hot, her own mother didn't even remember how long she was in here.
"Well… I'm sure you're busy, I don't really remember how long I've been here too." Neia choked out as rivulets of tears ran down her cheeks.
"Neia…" Pavel said as he took a step closer to the bars only for Yara to grab his shoulder stopping him.
"It's ok dad, I'm just really happy to see you that's all." Neia said as she tried her best to smile.
"Neia…" Pavel said again he felt the grip on his shoulder tighten, he turned to see Yara's stone cold glare. Pavel felt a snarl form on his face as he ripped himself free of the grip and walked up to the bars.
"Neia listen to me, your mother and I we love you very much, it's just this whole situation is hard. One day when we get all of this sorted out, we can be a family again." Pavel said as he grabbed the bars.
"Ok…" Neia sniffled in reply as she gave him a broken smile.
"You are brave Neia, oh so brave, we will get through this." Pavel said
"Liar." Noah said
"Ok baby girl?" Pavel soothed.
"Yeah… I love you dad." Neia sniffled.
"Listen Neia we need to speak with Noah, is that possible?" Pavel asked
"Oh…" Neia choked out as she looked away again as tears ran anew.
"You're here to talk to Noah, not me…" Neia choked.
"No no, Neia. Listen, this will help, it's a step closer to getting you out. So please ask him?" Pavel pleaded.
"LIAR!" Noah roared.
"I'll ask him…" Neia muttered
"Tell them they can talk to me when they learn to treat someone with a shred of decency." Noah replied
"He… doesn't want to talk." Neia replied weakly.
"Neia Baraja." Calca said as she stepped forward. Pavel looked to the Queen before taking a respectful step back from the bars letting Calca step closer.
"Yes my Queen?" Neia replied weakly.
"There's a war coming, we need to know if Noah knows anything." Calca said
"Of course, they show up when they need something." Noah said scathingly
"Brother, please don't." Neia replied
"It may help save lives, innocent lives Neia. The lives of the people you swore to protect when you offered me your sword." Calca said
"Oh that's perfect this fucking hypocrite, I'll tell you where she can stick her sword..." Noah growled.
"Brother please don't…" Neia whimpered out loud.
"Wait what did he say Neia?" Calca said her voice gaining urgency.
"It's… it's nothing your grace." Neia replied
"Answer your Queen Baraja." Remedios commanded
"It's nothing… really." Neia said shakily
"Answer or else." Remedios commanded
"Come and try it you dull creature." Noah said.
Neia could feel the magic well up inside of her as Noah started to prepare for a fight.
"PLEASE! HE DOESN'T"T WANT TO TALK!" Neia shouted
"Guards, key." Remedios growled. A nearby guard unlocked the gate and Remedios walked through.
"Remedios, don't." Pavel said as he tried to take another step forward but this time Yara grabbed his arm.
"Last chance." Remedios sneered as he looked down at the shaking tear streaked Neia.
"Commander please… he doesn't…" Neia began
Remedios grabbed her throat and squeezed.
"REMEDIOS!" Calca shouted.
"You can't reason with demons my queen. The only way to make them to talk is put them in their place." Remedios said forcefully.
"Please… he's getting angry…" Neia begged.
"Good, come out and face me you coward." Remedios bellowed.
Pavel tried to tear his hand from his wife's grip but he found he couldn't even budge. He looked to see the glow of martial arts around his wife.
"YARA!" Pavel shouted as he once again tried to tear his hand free.
"This is necessary Pavel." Yara said her eyes cold.
"Noah… don't hurt them…" Neia begged as she felt her head start to get light from the lack of air.
"REMEDIOS LET GO OF HER!" Pavel roared as he started to channel his own martial arts.
"You are soft Pavel, your weakness is why we are in this situation." Remedios retorted
"Remedios enough!" Calca commanded
"Get your hands off Neia." a voice said.
The group stilled and looked to see Neia who previously had her head pushed back in the backrest into the chair now had raised her head and was now glaring at Remedios.
Pavel looked to see where Neia's blue eyes were now a pair of glowing red pupils surrounded by black. Black veins radiated from her eyes and on her face she wore an expression that was never found on Neia. It was one of hate and rage, he had seen that look before. On the faces of his enemies as they came charging with murderous intent.
"Finally, now you will answer our questions or else." Remedios threatened
"Hands. Off." Noah replied his voice low in a bestial growl.
"Or what? You are chained demon, these are Mithril chains." Remedios sneered.
"Last chance." Noah said as he bared his teeth.
"Impudent demon." Remedios said as she raised her fist intent on smashing her fist into Neia's face.
Remedios got halfway through the swing when the sound of chains of snapping echoed out in the cell. Faster than she could react Remedios felt a hand grab her throat and she was dragged forward slamming her head into the Mithril armrest shattering her nose.
Pavel looked on horrified as Neia grabbed Remedios and slammed her into the bars with enough force to bend the bars.
The two guards lept into action but hesitated when they saw the famed Commander of the Paladins pinned against the mithril bars.
"Sister is not an object for you to handle, you dull creature." Noah growled at the groaning Remedios.
"Everyone stop." Calca commanded just in time as Kelart had already channeled a spell and Yara had drawn her sword.
"We just want to talk." Calca said calmly.
"Really? Because you are a good person? A just queen? Or is it because you can't afford to lose this little bitch on the eve of a war." Noah snapped.
"We have resurrection magic." Kelart countered.
"Ha, it'll reduce her power and make her unusable. That's as good as her dying, don't try and be coy with me you self righteous pig." Noah retorted as he grabbed Remedios and pulled her back before slamming her back into the bars bending them further.
"You said you wanted to put me in my place? Well congratulations you have done just as you said you dumb bitch." Noah said as he slammed Remedios once again into the bars causing her to cough up a mouthful of blood.
"Sister!" Kelart cried as she pointed her glowing hand at Noah.
"Stop!" Claca commanded again.
"You are right, we can't afford to lose Remedios. That includes Neia as well, if Remedios dies then the Holy Kingdom may fall. Is that what Neia would want?" Calca said
"Don't pretend to understand her, you're way past that you fucking hypocrite." Noah retorted his tone dripping with venom.
"If you cooperate, we could perhaps let both of you go. You can prove yourself to be a friend of the Holy Kingdom." Calca said.
"Freedom? After I beat your commander black and blue? That's funny, I don't trust a word out of any of your lying mouths, I wouldn't even trust you to get me a glass of water." Noah spat.
"So what then? You kill Remedios? Then what? The paladins will hunt you down, they will hunt Neia down." Calca said
"Kill her? Oh no, I'm not stupid like this one." Noah said as he glanced at Remedios.
"I know you can't kill me, a demon born from the famed Baraja family. Trained by the great Remedios Custodo, granted the title of paladin by her majesty herself Queen Calca Basseraz. If word gets out the lot of you are ruined. The nobles will drag the lot of you through the streets provided the Theocracy doesn't get to you first." At the mention of the Theocracy there was a subtle shift in the air.
"Ahhh, they don't know. You are keeping this a secret." Noah said as a smile formed on Neia's face.
"What do you want?" Calca asked coldly.
"I came out here to deliver a message to the lot of you, especially this idiot here." Noah said he kneed Remedios in the ribs breaking several with a crack.
"Lay a hand on my sister… and… yOu LoSe tHE hANd." Noah growled as the last of his words warped into something far more sinister.
It was then that Kelart cast her spell [Moderate Cure Wounds]. A green glow emanated around Remedios as she suddenly grabbed Neia's hand. Noah growled and kneed Remedios again knocking the wind out of her. He grabbed Remedios's hand and crushed it gauntlet and all with a squelch. He then grabbed one of the bars of the cell and ripped it free before stabbing the end into Remedios's belly.
"Sister!" Kelart cried as she saw the mithril bar jut out from Remedios's back.
"You lot seem to be slow learners." Noah growled as he slowly pushed the bar deeper as Remedios let out a cry of pain.
"You want to talk? You want to know what I said? This is what I said, come back when you learn how to treat someone with a shred of decency." Noah spat as he grabbed Remedios by the front of her armor and smashed her through the bars and she landed into the middle of the group.
"What are you? Demon's don't behave as you do." Calca asked as Kelart rushed over to Remedios's side.
"A son to a weak father, to a cruel mother and a subject to a hypocrite." Noah said coldly. At those words Pavel flinched as if slapped, Calca narrowed her eyes at the insult but Yara didn't even blink at the comment.
"We're done here, go fight your war. Whether this country triumphs or burns it matters not to me." Noah said dismissively as he sat back onto the chair.
"How can you say that? This is your country, you were born here!" Calca shouted.
"Which makes where I am all the more tragic. I'm no fool, if you win sister remains trapped here, if you lose sister may die or she may be set free. Personally I would prefer if you all just surrender but we both know that won't happen." Noah said
Remedios with Kelart's healing magic got back on her feet and was about to jump back into a fight but Calca put her hand out stopping her.
"Let's go." Calca said curtly.
"But!" Remedios retorted
"Enough Remedios, I will not risk you over something so foolish on the eve of war. You are needed, the people need you." Calca said
"Yes, my queen." Remedios said through gritted teeth.
"What will you do?" Calca asked Noah.
"Sister desires to play your little game in the hopes that you lot will come to your senses. She hopes life will return to what it once was." Noah replied
"And as for you?" Calca asked
"I'll play along but I'm no fool, I know we are one political mishap away from the noose. Just know this, I will not go quietly when that day comes. I will not let harm befall Neia, I will burn this nation to the ground before I let that happen." Noah said his face twisted into a snarl.
"It seems you are not a demon after all." Calca said
"No, but I am not human either. If memory serves my very existence is a crime according to your gods." Noah replied.
"The gods must be obeyed." Yara said coldly.
"We are your children mother, like it or not." Noah replied although this time he lowered his head and let out a weary sigh.
"You are no son of mine." Yara replied her tone clipped and her eyes narrowed.
"No, I am your son, I have and always will be... your son." Noah replied with a grimace.
"Goodbye Noah." Calca said as she turned.
The rest taking the que that this meeting was over started to follow her out. The last to move was Pavel, he opened his mouth as if to say something but the words got caught in his throat. He looked back down at the floor before turning and exiting the room along with the rest. At the doorway he paused and took one last look at his children before leaving the room.
"Bye dad…" Noah said softly as he closed his eyes.
When Neia returned to her sense she the first thing she saw was the wrecked mithril bars then she looked down horrified to see a pool of blood drying on the stone floor.
As Pavel walked down the corridor she heard the cries of his daughter.
"NO WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" Pavel heard Neia cries echo down the corridor.
He stopped as he listened to her sobs of horror and anguish, he tried to take another step forward but found his legs refused to move. He grit his teeth and tried again but once again he found his body unwilling. As his daughter's cries echoed out into the corridor Pavle could stand it no more.
He wheeled around and stormed back towards the room, he could hear Yara calling his name from behind him but frankly he didn't care. He threw the door open and walked back into the room to find Neia on her knees weeping.
Neia raised her head when she head the door open and saw her father closing in on her. To her surprise she found herself pulled into his embrace. As he smelt her father's familiar scent and the warmth of his embrace the tears flowed again.
"I'm sorry…" Neia whimpered as she cried into Pavel's chest.
"Shhh, it's ok baby girl, you didn't do anything wrong." Pavel soothed as he pulled Neia closer.
"I've been so afraid…" Neia sobbed
"I know, you've been so brave baby girl." Pavel said as he stroked her hair as he felt his own eyes grow hot.
"Everything's going to be ok…" Pavel said
"Pavel." Yara said from behind him.
At those words the two separated and looked behind them and saw the icy glare of Yara.
"Just a moment Yara." Pavel replied
Pavel turned and cupped Neia's head with his hands and looked her in the eyes.
"You are so brave and strong baby girl, you have always been brave and strong. When we win this war I will come back for you. Wait for me." Pavel said as he pressed his forehead against hers. He grabbed Neia's right hand and held it tight and he felt her grip his back in turn.
"Your promise?" Neia asked weakly.
"Pinky promise." Pavel said as he looped his pinky finger around Neia's.
"Pavel." Yara said half shouting.
Pavel stiffened and closed his eyes before looking back at his daughter.
"It's ok dad, I'll be here waiting." Neia said as she gave him a weak smile.
Pavel returned the smile and kissed Neia on the forehead. At last he stood up, and gave one last smile at Neia. Yara seeing Pavel was finally moving turned and exited the room shaking her head. As Pavel was about to walk he felt a strong grip grab his arm, surprised he turned to see glowing red eyes looking at him.
"I hope you meant what you just said, I'm not sure if Neia can handle much more heartbreak." Noah said his voice even and expression stern. A vast contrast to the tear stricken Neia moments ago.
"I promise Noah, I will come for you. Both of you, everything is going to be ok." Pavel said with a smile.
Noah let go and Pavel turned to walk out, at the door he gave Noah one last look before leaving. Noah still kneeling on the stone floor took a look around at the wrecked room and pool of blood where he had thrown Remedios. He let out a sigh as he closed his eyes.
Liar…
Author's Notes: Hey it's been awhile, I took a break previously. Was having some writer's burnout and I decided to reassess how I wanted the story to go from this point on. No this work isn't abandoned but updates will be slower, I want to take more time with each chapter I find it makes the end result better.
I've also started an original work on WattpadDOTcom (slash) user (slash) cyphertails. You guys can have a look if you're interested.
Anyway tell me what you guys think and see you guys in the next chapter.
