Another chapter. Hope you are liking the story. Now I am sure some of you are wondering where the werewolf is, well like some famous writer once said 'he is coming' or 'they are coming' or 'something… is coming' I am really tired.

Anyway, this chapter is mainly to fill in some more gaps with the lore and history and provide some good details about the characters. Specifically Claudia and Celestine. Context is important, enjoy it, because without it we know nothing.


The Hand of Suffering

Chapter 02: The Hunt

The Western Road

The fresh air was quite invigorating, one did not realise how rejuvenating it was to take a stroll through the woods or a casual walk through a garden. Nature had a way of giving one new life, Celestine Lucross has said those exact words to her. Claudia remembered them vividly but did not deny they held truth, for the last five days she had marched alongside her army back towards Ken.

Two weeks had passed since the Hudjanan Fief had been secured by the combined forces of the Dawn Templar, Black Dogs and Rose Company. In that time their forces, now bolstered by that of the Knights of Iris, had scoured most of the Feoh countryside to cleanse the last remnants of orcs in the region.

From there they had returned to the capital, Feoh, and recuperating after many weeks of hard fighting. Some celebrations were already underway but the time they had arrived, and while she did attend for the sake of public image, she was keen to return to Ken. As much as the battle in Feoh had been a resounding success there was still problems back in Ansur and Ken that needed to be dealt with.

Their efforts to stabilise Feoh had been only carried out after the threat had been mostly defeated, but in Ken and near the borders of the Badlands it was not so stable. Lingering orc force still remained through the region, small they may be but they were a legitimate threat that must be dealt with. But it was the massive army of orcs that had slipped past their notice that they needed to get on top of before anything else.

They would need to report to Celestine immediately and inform her of the situation, and from there it would be planning their next move.

The march to the Capital city of Ken had only taken a short six days, passing by her home fortress of Ur and the seat of power for the Levantine family. Stopping only briefly for the night to meet with the detachment of Dawn Templar, and her father in law, to be appraised of the situation around the countryside.

From there it was a short journey to Ken, their greatest holdfast that sat as the heart of this nation – geographically and figuratively. She could see it in the distance and no matter how many times she did it always amazed her.

Ken was situated between two mountain ranges, blue stone with white caps, and from the base of those mountains stretched two rivers that met and flowed around the towering walls of Ken. Said walls dwarfed all other defences in Eostia, even the fortress city of Geoff did not possess walls as imposing as those of Ken.

While flanking the massive fortress one could see large villages that stretched out all the way to the mountains slopes. Protected by the rivers that flowed down from either mountain range, and when coming together created a mighty moat around the walls of Ken. Truly this fortress was impenetrable, nothing could hope to breach those mighty walls or bypass that moat – so wide and deep a galleon could sale through it easily.

They came to the gate, a massive metal and hardwood slab that when opened could allow twenty men of broad shoulders to step though side by side comfortably. It opened with a loud groan, giving herself and the three thousand strong company easy and quick access to the city.

They marched down the Main Street, being met with the cheers of the people. Her eyes remained forward and she straightened her posture, at her side she noticed Alicia do the same. Although in the back she glanced to see Maia and Vault wave and accept the admiration with smiles and deference. Some of the more energetic soldiers seemed to soak up the admiration, she suppose she could allow them to swell after the efforts of the last month. They did their job, as was expected of them.

Ahead she could see the royal palace, massive and majestic, both the home of the Goddess and the Church that offered patronage to her. It was a towering structure, made of gold stone and silver tiled roofing, truly a magnificent sight to any and all who saw it.

Their march came to a halt at the very steps of the Palace, a line of Dawn Templar came to greet them, along with several nobleman and noblewoman. But those that stood out was the Commander of Ken's military and the Church itself, General Rollo Tryggvason and Archbishop Grissom. They stood beside the Goddess herself, who had come to great them all personally.

Claudia dismounted, being followed by her protégé and the two mercenary Commanders. Moving up the steps she and her fellows bowed to the Goddess, only rising as she beckoned them to do so.

Celestine smiled as she always did, lightly, but no less dazzling, able to bring joy to the hearts of any who saw it. Her green eyes were alight with life and her beauty was so radiant that it could clear even the most sullen of souls. The Goddess Reborn, that is who she was, their saviour and the founder of this great nation that had turned Eostia into a haven for the pure and righteous.

"My Lady, we have returned victorious, the lands of Feoh have been secured from the forces of Garan and the beasts that have transgressed there are no more." Claudia said, rising to her full height and speaking loud and clear.

"Thank you Claudia, you have done well, you all have, together all of you are capable of achieving anything. This attack could have been the end of Eostia, but united you faced the darkness and prevailed." Celestine spoke, her words calm and infectiously cheerful. "Alicia, it is good to see you well, I worried for you and your home, to be so far from our aid in such a dire time."

Claudia watched as her protégé seemed to redden under the attention, it could happen. Celestine never was one for formalities. Often speaking as if to a friend, a privilege that Claudia was given regularly, and despite such forwardness it was a little daunting to be praised and given such care from the Goddess. She was a kind and gentle soul, and one that inspired hundreds of thousands to follow her.

"Y-you are too kind your Highness." Alicia said, slipping slightly as she gave her reply, and forcing herself too hard in trying to remain composed.

It earned a titter from Celestine. That only seemed to make the young knight redden further.

But the Goddess was also merciful, ushering them inside the palace and through the massive structure. While many of the nobles would wish to attend the court and know the details of this campaign they would have to wait. For their desire to gossip upon the developments of this centuries long conflict were not their top priority.

Celestine would chat with Alicia and Maia, the latter being more vocal and casual as they discussed matters. Celestine was oddly very talkative with Maia, it seems she enjoyed her conversations with the Mercenary Queen and her humour. She supposed that the woman's infinite patience was the reason, Maia could talk your ear off it you let her and the only one who could do it better was the Half-ling Luu-Luu.

Only Vault remained behind, following at a polite distance away. It always boggled Claudia how such a man could be so aggravating and grandiose on the battlefield could behave so civil and proper when in the presence of the goddess. Perhaps it was Celestine's work as well, her own purity actually making the rugged brute learn to behave like a proper man.

Soon they came to the Shield Knight's conference room, here the Seven Shields would discuss important matters that impacted the course of Eostia's history. Seven seats sat around a large ornate table, all were similar and plain, that was purposefully done. For all Seven Shields that sit at this table were one, they were equal to one another and none stood above or below another.

Only the symbols carved in the head of the chairs showed whom each belonged to, each shaped after the personal symbol of the Seven Fortresses of Eostia. While more than seven existed these seven fortresses were the bulwark that defended the great majority of Eostia from the hostility of the northern Kingdom of Garan. And the seven seats here represented to singular power for each of those fortresses.

Few other than the Seven Shields could enter this chamber, save only for those that held authority within the Alliance such as General Tryggvason, her father in law Grave Levantine, and Archbishop Grissom. Vault was allowed in because of the sheer might of his host and the important role it had played in protecting the borders of their nation.

Said man had taken up a position near the door, leaning beside it and crossing his arms.

"Please, sit." Celestine said, taking her own seat.

Claudia took her seat to her right, with Alicia sitting to the Goddesses left. Maia took her place near the very edge of the table and put her feet up, only Celestine seemed to not mind the action.

"Your victory over the armies of Garan have been successful, however, the reports sent to me are concerning." Celestine said, her brow furrowing in worry. "We may have halted the orcs attack on Ur, Markward and Feoh, but reports say that we have a complication."

That was the problem that had been stewing in their minds for the last few weeks, when the orcs had attacked they had assaulted the border fortress of Markolf. The fortress has been lost to the orcs, but not after destroying one third of the enemy army. Sadly that still left twenty thousand orcs to rampage across their lands. Their only saving grace was that the army had split apart, had it remained unified and marched to Ken this very fortress may be under siege.

But by the mercy of the gods they had slit apart, forming three armies that had spread out. The only reason for this was due to reports that the orc chieftain leading the assault on Markolf had been killed, causing disunity in the orc army. It was a minor blessing, but still the armies numbered in the thousands and caused untold havoc across the northern reaches of Eostia. The lands of Feoh had lost over half the villages and townships before the orcs had been dealt with.

Of the three armies that had been reported one armies remained near the borders of the Badlands, moving west to try and take the city of Markward. This army had been the largest, before it had split apart again, sending half southwards to attack Feoh and the rest continuing on to Markolf. The two others had moved to assault major fortresses, directly south of Markolf was Ur and to the east was Diohart.

"Correct, the orcs had split into smaller armies and moved off to assault different fortresses." Claudia stated. "It was a devastating campaign, one that would have cost us dearly had reinforcements from Ansur not come when they did."

Ur, Markward and Feoh did not have the sizeable forces needed to hold back the orcs for a prolonged siege. At best they could delay them until reinforcements came, specifically from Ansur and Diohart. Only Maia's Company and the Black Dogs had the numbers to make a dent in the orc armies, not all at once. But the plan had been that Maia and her company would move to provide aid to Ur and Vault and the Black Dogs were to assault the orc army that was moving towards his city and then go across Eostia to reinforce Markward.

But things had changed, Maia was meant to reinforce Ur and provide the needed troops to beat back the orcs. Following that victory there they would move west to support Feoh that would likely be under siege, and hopefully be aided by the Black Dogs who would have secured Markward and been able to redirect troops south.

But the plans had changed, unexpectedly.

"Vaults forces did not encounter any resistance on their march towards Ivo Tower, and his second in command Hick reported no enemy forces on his way to Markward. We have solid evidence that the orc army did not return to the Badlands, they are still in Eostia. But we have no idea where they may be, they have disappeared." Claudia stated.

Vault had explained that the orc army had been moving directly east, heading straight for his fortress. He intended to meet them head on and wipe them out, a bold move and one that carried great risk. But Claudia did not care for that at the moment, it was what he had told them when he had arrived unexpectedly in Ur.

Maia and her Company had arrived to provide support to the city, and but a few hours later so to did Vault. Their combined forces had routed and destroyed the orcs in one fell swoop, freeing them up days in advance. But the good tidings had ended there, he had reported to them of the disappearance of the enemy. Vault had thought they had swung south at the last moment and where heading towards Cailan. The sentries at Ivo Tower had not responded to their request for information and had been unhelpful in locating where the orcs had possibly gone.

They were left with nothing but conjecture, unable to figure out where the massive army had disappeared to. It was suspected they would assault the valley fortress Cailan, but when Vault arrived he had dismissed it saying he would have seen them there. It was as if they had disappeared off the face of the earth.

Vault had at that moment split his forces and sent half to reinforce Markward, an action that had saved the city from being overrun. This disturbing development had some unexpected benefits in the end however, it saved the city, they had not expected Markward to survive for it was meant to be the last fortification they would try to reach.

"With the Black Dogs and Rose Company we were able to swiftly defeat the orcs and move West to aid Lady Arcturus." Claudia said. "From there we coordinated with Markward and were able to scour the entire region."

"But the issue still stands, an army of close to four thousand orcs are missing, where the hell did they go?" Alicia said.

That was a valid question, where did the orcs go.

"We suspected that the army that had attacked Ur had been part of a larger force sent in advance of the main host, it was out hope that there was no fourth army. The reports from Ivo Tower had said that the orcs had moved mostly southwards and westwards, and to the east before diverting south. It is possible that they mistook this for another army instead of a part of the southern force that attacked Ur." Claudia said.

"We can't really take their word for anything here, they don't really have a good view of the south." Maia said. "The Tower is meant to watch over the Badlands to see armies coming, lot of flatland there, but the south? That is a lot harder to see through trees and over hills."

True, there were many forests and hilly terrain around that region, the orcs may have gone in one direction but they could have easily changed it when out of sight. They could be anywhere on the eastern fringes of the northern frontier. It was likely they were somewhere in the Ansur region, it was the only place that they had not been able to investigate.

However they had not received any reports of the matter. Besides they would have had to get past Vault's army, and if they managed that they would need to escape the notice of Diohart, and even more unlikely scenario. There was technically only a small area where they could be, and they were not there.

Some had wondered if there was even a fourth army. But given the numbers they had collected on the orcs strength it had been determined that over four thousand orcs were unaccounted for. Along with the fact that what information they had stated that there were three orc armies spreading out after the destruction of Markolf confirmed that it existed.

Yet while they had detailed reports on where two of the armies were going the third was light on the details.

"Is there any way to narrow down where they could have gone?" Alicia asked.

"My guess is that it is somewhere around the Fen Foothills and the Untouched Valley, lots of open ground there and nary a fortification around. It is mostly empty space, if the orcs haven't been spotted yet that is likely where they are." Vault said.

He had mentioned the possibility before, some suggestions she dismissed, but the Untouched Valley was still a likely possibility. The region was not easily traversed due to the many hills and lakes that required one to literally move from one mountain range to the other just to move a few kilometres north. Although the valley has not had any orc problems for the last seven years as far as she could remember, and even then it was very minor. The region was mostly used for farming, most of its resources providing the bulk of Ansur's food stores.

"The Fen Foothills are close to Tower Road, besides those hills are dominated by a massive lake, it is unlikely they are there." Claudia said. "The Untouched Valley is the only option that remains, but how could hey have entered the region unseen?"

"No idea, but I should check in with the people meant to protect the region. I can go there on my way back to Diohart." Vault said.

"You should call in to Zelindo, the nobles there are meant to protect the region, if something is going on they would know." Maia said.

"I'll go investigate then." Vault stated

"Not alone. If this orc army is somewhere within the Untouched Valley I want to make sure you have all the forces needed to protect it. Maia, Alicia. Step forward." Celestine said, turning to the two Princess Knights as she spoke. "I ask you both to accompany Vault and locate this missing orc band, remove it and protect the people. That valley has been untouched for many years, and I would not wish for the peace the people enjoy there to be disturbed by the horrors of this war. They do not deserve such things."

Claudia frowned, she had said three. It was obvious whom she was referring to, the Goddess had looked at each of them as she made the declaration. Alicia, Maia and Vault would go and search for this orc band, while she would remain behind.

"And what of myself, you Highness? What is it you would ask of me?" Claudia inquired.

"To secure Ur. It is important that the defences are prepared for an assault. If the possibility that the force that attacked Ur some weeks ago was just part of a larger force and the rest are waiting in the shadows I want my best commander present to repel them." Celestine said.

Claudia nodded, it was a wise decision, best to see to the protection of the Capital and also the people. If her originally suspicions were true than there could be an orc army just waiting to attack when they least expect it. Best not risk it and send out all their forces.

"I will do as instructed." Claudia spoke, rising from her seat. "This meeting is concluded, we have our orders, best prepare and use what little time we have here to recover before we begin again."

Their stay in Ken will be short, but they had to move quickly, an army of nearly four thousand orcs was out there. In a place that was grossly undefended and unprepared for an attack, best to move with speed. Claudia had left Maia and Vault to their own devices, they had their own forces to handle and she trusted them to keep their soldiers in line. At least mostly, those mercenaries got very rowdy when staying in Feoh.

Alicia had to actually perform policing action to keep them in line, several fights nearly broke out. But her protégé had been quick to stop any further conflicts from arising, she herself would have gone to Vault to reprimand him for his troops actions. But the Maia had done it, they had history it seemed, and was able to at least deliver her message.

They would be leaving in a day or two. At the most, in that time she could work on rotating her Dawn Templar out from combat duties. That would come later, for her Holiness had summoned her.


Celestine laid out everything perfectly, the tea set she had of course, laying them out as they should and admiring her work.

It always intrigued her how humans often became to fussy over proper placement and etiquette, especially with such mundane objects. In her time as Queen of Eostia, and longer as a emissary and advisor to this nation, she had never truly understood the reason humans liked to keep their abodes, items and even appearances so symmetrical.

At first she never really cared for such things, it was bothersome and quite time consuming. Even the thousand year old elf felt like she was wasting much of her long life having to make sure everything was in its proper place. Two hundred and eighty years in this country and it was always a source of confusion for her.

Sometimes she missed the days where she lived in peace in the grove of Yurellu, with her kin and close friends. She had not seen them since coming here, squashing the memories of her former home she set to completing the task set before her. It was rare that she could have a simple one on one conversation with a friend, with running this country and also having to fight this war.

Claudia would be here soon, and she was not going to waste this rare opportunity to socialise with a close friend.

Just as she finished setting down the teapot a knock came from her door.

"Enter." Celestine said, smiling as Claudia walked inside and bowed.

"Lady Lucross, you summoned me." Her Knight-Captain kept her head down.

"Claudia, how many times must I tell you, there is no need to be so formal when in private." Celestine chided lightly.

Claudia was never one to actually let her guard down or relax, not even in public or in private little get together like this. She had to remain professional, and in some ways that often led to getting to know the woman very difficult. She rarely associated with anyone outside her Order and family, even she was not privy to the more intimate and personnel matters when she was involved.

It was sad that she never truly opened up to her.

In fact when she first invited her to one of these little get together it had nearly ended in disaster, and formed a rift between them. The event had caused them to rarely speak unless on business, and it was only after some time that she tried to approach her again.

Luckily the second time had ended on a much lighter note, with them actually slowly building a friendship. Hard to see, but it was there.

"Also, please remember, call me Celestine."

"Yes… of course. Apologies, it is still a force of habit." Claudia replied, her posture becoming less rigid as she stepped forward and took her seat.

Celestine poured her a cup of tea, something she had once balked at to be served tea by her Queen. Now she only took up the cup with little to no apprehension, blowing on it before taking a light sip. She relaxed further, and a comfortable silence followed.

"How does it feel to be back in the city? It has been some time since you have left these walls to fight a long campaign." Celestine asked.

"It has been eventful, but it was good to be out of the city for a while to face our enemies." Claudia replied, a small upturn of her lips noticeable.

"But to be back must bring you some joy, and remind you of what is important. After all, you have been away a whole month and not seen your husband the entire time." Celestine said, her smile becoming a little mischievous. "I do suspect that when you returned your husband was at your side immediately."

Celestine watched with some amusement as her Knight-Captain seemed to become flustered. For all her stoicism she had one weak spot, her husband Klaus Levantine. It was near impossible to make her falter a step, in a fight or in an argument, but when it came to family it was very different.

"I… I have not seen him yet." Claudia replied.

Celestine looked a little surprised at that, it was not exactly normal.

"Have you been in the palace the entire time? Have you not gone back to your estate to see him? Or the institute?" Celestine asked.

"Yes… with recent events I thought it more important to put our affairs in order before I allow myself the luxury of seeing my husband." Claudia replied, her tone clipped and to the point, her guard was up again.

"I think maybe tonight you could surprise him." Celestine said, and just as Claudia was about to protest she was halted. "You should do this for your sake, I ask this not as your Queen or leader, but as your friend. Take some time for yourself, you have earned yourself a good long rest after successfully beating back the orcs and saving the northern frontier. Do not waste the time you have, not when it is with someone important."

Claudia seemed to accept her word, after a moment of consideration that was, her posture was more relaxed. In a way she was almost jealous of Claudia, having a loving family and a husband who cared for her as much as she him. For the last two hundred years she had not seen or heard from her people, her family or friends were but a distant memory.

But if she could spare Claudia the isolation that came from being in her position she would, the woman was too high strung to be worrying about saving the entire nation. Some time with her husband would do her some good, it was the only time she wasn't working herself half to death.

"I will take you up on that offer." Claudia replied.

There was a short silence between them, one only broken by the slight clinking of their cups and plates.

"Have you been well since my departure?" Claudia asked, a little awkward with her wording, not one for small talk sadly.

"I have been well, although without you by my side it seems that the nobles had made their moves to gain my favour. Along with my virtue." Celestine replied, smiling as she took another sip of her tea.

Claudia did not seem to share her mirth however, the Dawn Templar were the militant arm of the Church and were devout warriors. Each one held complete devotion to the church, and were utterly loyal to her by extension. They were her swords, everyone of them were uncompromising in their willingness to see to her protection.

Anything that threatened her, slandered her image, or that of the Church, was often met with the cold wrath of the Dawn Templar. They were respected and feared, for none would wish to do harm ontowards the Goddess Reborn knowing that the most elite Knights in Eostia were there to defend her honour. As well as her chastity.

"They should be focusing on the war and not attempting to curry favour from you, and neither should they attempt such vile things unto you. Their Queen and their Goddess." Claudia replied.

"Do not worry Claudia, I weathered their advances easily." Celestine replied, another little habit of Claudia's was to be overly protective. So much younger than herself and yet her Knight worried as if she was her own child.

"That is good to know, I would hate to have to round up some of the nobility to remind them not to get ahead of themselves." Claudia replied, but seemed to hesitate to take another sip of her tea. "But… have you been well? I do not ask in matters of the courts or within the city. I ask about you personally."

Personal was not what Claudia did, not even with her charge. Celestine had been trying to break open that shell for a long while now, even if they could have conversations like this every once and a while. But this question… it made her feel ill, to speak on that subject was not something she would do willingly.

"I had the dream again, two weeks ago." Celestine replied quietly.

"The same dream?" Claudia asked.

"Similar, but different. Just like the others." The Goddess replied, sagging in her seat as she recalled the horrid vision.

It had been one of many that had robbed her of peaceful sleep, sometimes even during the day. Seeing a field of corpses, many dead, all orcs and other foul creatures that harmed the innocent people of Eostia. Sometimes it was humans, their faces and mutilated bodies shifting into view over the dead demons. They would litter the ground, dead by disease, by swords and by frost, all had died in a variety of ways and painfully.

She could hear the screaming that came from the beasts, as if listening to their final moments. While she would have little love for them, it was especially harrowing to listen to it. The fear in their words, their cries drenched with terror, as they met their horrible ends. It was even worse when she saw and heard it from those humans, it was so similar, almost indistinguishable, but knowing where the screams where coming from made it all the more horrific.

But over these bodies she could see wisps of light, their very life force and essence floating away and coalescing to a broken mansion.

It was always the same in the end, the same house that continued to grow more dilapidated and broken with each passing vision. Within she could see the energy come together, flowing above a single figure in black.

She would never see anything more than a shadow in the darkness, but she did not need to see whatever it was that lurked in the dark. It was the eyes that she saw, the glowing blue orbs that were filled with a cold callous disregard for all life. Watching and waiting, as if it was looking right into her soul, as if it knew she was seeing him and he was seeing her.

The first time she had such a vision was over five years ago, it had been the most terrifying experience in her life. Not even the battlefields she fought upon were as terrifying as what she had bore witness too in her minds eye.

Claudia had come rushing in that night, waking her and saying she had been screaming in her sleep. Celestine did not know if it were true, but she had felt weak and afraid then, she had clung to her Knight for dear life for a long while that night. Afraid to go back to sleep, to see that vision again.

"Me and my Knights have been doing what we can to help discern the nature of this vision, and where this creature could be. Even my husband has been working to aid in this endeavour." Claudia replied.

Celestine was thankful for all her efforts, especially in regards to her visions, in a way it was her attempts to ease her torment that had actually been the cause for their closeness. It may have been a torment that struck her at random times, but it was one that had an unexpected benefit. One she was happy to have in her life regardless.

"I thank you for your diligence, your company is more than enough however." Celestine replied, smiling reassuringly at Claudia and making the Knight shift in her seat slightly.

She was still so nervous.

"I just hope soon we can discern the nature of these visions, they would not come unless important." Celestine wondered as to the nature of these visions.

They spoke of death and suffering and yet the only ones to suffer it were the orcs and beasts of Garan. So why was it that that when she saw the perpetrator that it was an unknown man, one that held dark power and seemed to radiate shadow and death? What did this message mean? For good? For ill? She was not certain.

Even the nature of those wisps of energy did little to make her understand what was happening. Were they the souls of those creatures? Even she recognised what few accepted, that the demons of Olga Discordia's army had souls. But for what purpose were they floating aimlessly like that? She did not know, and that scared her.

"Perhaps it speaks of the war continuing, maybe something else is coming." Claudia replied.

"This war continuing is the last thing I want, it has pushed on for longer than it should. We need to end it, here and now." Celestine said, some steel working its way into her words. "If only we could cross the badlands."

"Impossible, the diseases and dark magics that permeate the area make it impossible to cross without succumbing." Claudia replied. "The Battle of Blighted Lorein saw our entire army wiped out within a week."

"Yes, over forty years ago that was." Celestine remembered it well.

It was one of the most tragic days in their nations history, the loss of many great heroes and also many noble men. Two Kings had died in that battle, the last ruling King of Ur and the former King of Feoh. King Gregor Levantine and King Apollo Arcturus, the brothers of Grave Levantine and Eos Arcturus – Claudia's father-in-law and Alicias father – respectfully in both cases.

The loss of the entire Eostian army had nearly crippled the defences of their nation, that had led to a period of instability and civil unrest. For not only had their army been destroyed, but also the entire Dark Elven army of Garan, which had been their saving grace. Had the elves survived the siege and the formation of the Badlands then Eostia would certainly have been doomed.

The moment the city of Lorain had fallen to the hands of the Eostian army the entire region had been swallowed by a curse. Half of Eostia had been lost to them, becoming the Badlands which was swarming with demons and other malicious creatures. The Badlands had stripped the life out of the region within hours, sapping the life force of all things. Had they realised sooner than maybe they could have fled, saving thousands of lives, but they had no idea what was in store for them.

Tired from the month long siege and unaware of the danger they were completely caught unaware of the dangers of the Badlands as it formed. When they had realised what was happening and tried to flee it was already too late for most of them. Only a handful survived the trip back to Eostia, barely, of the nearly eighty thousand strong army they had assembled only one hundred and nine returned.

The Path of the Dead, a long road between the Ivo Tower and Lorain exist, the bones and armor of those that had died on the way back to Eostia litter those grounds. It was said that Lorien had become a corpse city, filled with the bones of a hundred thousand dead. None of the bodies could be recovered, not without risking more lives. It was a dark time in their history and much turmoil erupted from it, turmoil that she had to right and lead the people back to the light. In the two hundred and fifty years since she joined the Eostian people in fighting Olga Discordia she had been only leading them for forty years.

"There must be a way, something that can aid us. My own magics do not work to counteract the magics used by Olga Discordia. But there must exist a means to bypass the curse upon the land, to lead an army through the Badlands and to the Black Fortress." Celestine said.

The last forty years have been dedicated to looking for a way, but no such means seemed to exist. Many strategies had been considered, but almost all had faults that prevented them from actually being able to utilise them.

It was a two week journey from the Ivo tower to Garan, by foot no less. That wasn't even considering fighting through the demons along the way, the only creatures hardy enough to actually survive in the Badlands for prolonged periods of time. Sending an army up north was impossible, their resources were thin as it was, in the last four decades they had made little to no attempt to marshalling the forces needed to face off the orcs.

There were few survivors from Lorain to train the next generation, most of them had retired after the formation of the Dawn Templar. It had set them back some years with the loss of so many experienced Knights choosing to live out the rest of their twilight years rather than dedicating them to training another generation of warriors. Only a handful of them still remain in this world, including Claudia's father in law and Knight-superior. Grave Levantine.

"Even if we did make an assault, with a means to reach Garan we have nowhere near as many soldiers as we did when the last assault was launched. We do not have the numbers." Claudia said.

There was one group that could do it, if they marshalled their entire force they could make the assault. But to do so would leave their entire nation vulnerable, no other force in Eostia could match up to the military might of the Black Dogs. The Dawn Templar, Knights of Iris, Samurai of Rad and Rose Company, could only hope to marshal half the numbers of the Black Dogs. Even with the Iron Legions of Thorn down south, boasting a massive army, the Black Dogs were their premier fighting force that stood above all others.

They were the only option to send towards Garan, but it was suicidal to do so. Risking them was to put this entire nation at risk, without the Black Dogs to defend their borders they had no way of holding back the demons of Garan.

Taking a final sip of her tea she placed it down.

This war had gone on for over two and a half centuries, she wanted it to stop and for the bloodshed to end. The world had changed from what it was all those centuries ago, it was not the same as the one that had been the reason this war started. She could see that, how come Olga couldn't? How far has she fallen to darkness that she cared only for the complete annihilation of this country.

It didn't matter she supposed, they had not seen each other in over a century. Then they had been fighting one another, leaving behind nothing but scorched earth and the remains of their once treasured friendship. Their next meeting would be when this war was over, and she did not look forward to it.

Whether she won, or Olga did. It would break her heart to see that moment.


The company had been assembled, a sizeable force of over a thousand men. Paltry to the force that had been marshalled over a month ago, but it was a substantial force that would see to securing the Untouched Valley.

Celestine stood with Claudia, watching as the three warriors at the head of the legion march from the city. At their head, Alicia led the way, taking command over the entire force that would be marching for Zelindo. From there they would work to locating this lost Orc warband and then destroying it.

"They will be gone for some time, perhaps in that time we may be able to find a way to reach Garan." Celestine said, turning and walking back into the Palace.

Claudia was at her side, along with General Rollo Tryggvason and Archbishop Grissom. The talk from three days ago with her personnel Knight had weighed on her, to try and discern a way to reach the Black Fortress so that this war could end. Talks and discussions had near stagnated.

But she could not be dissuaded, there was change on the air and she wished to be ahead of it. To end this war before anything were to happen, before anymore chaos and misery struck them. They had lost much in the orc attack, Markolf had been destroyed and in the process of being rebuilt. Markward was heavily damaged as well, and needed a greater contingent of guards to protect it.

Thousands of innocents had died, the country was in mourning.

"We have no way of reaching Garan, the lower Badlands are patrolled by orcs that regularly raid the northern provinces. More than that, there is a numbers problem." General Tryggvason stated, his hair was grey, now slowly turning white. Age had been kind to him, still strong and nimble as he was in his youth. He was a Knight in King Apollo Arcturus' court forty years ago, and one of the few survivors of the Battle of Lorain.

They took their conversation out of earshot of all others, having arrived in the empty throne room to discuss. Not a soul but those four were there.

"The Black Dogs account for two thirds of our standing army. If they were all to depart we would be undermanned. Not just to defend the borders but also maintain Ansur, that region is heavily lawless and elements there are problematic at best." General Tryggvason continued, crossing his arms and frowning.

"Perhaps then we should see to rallying the people, we put a lot of money towards Ansur but often it is not making any difference there." Claudia stated.

"A diversion of money would be good, although I doubt that the common people would be useful as soldiers. The Black Dogs are the only reliable group out there, and have the authority and backing of the crown and church, any other group may as well be common thugs and glory seekers." Grissom stated.

"We have to start somewhere, getting a standing army up and ready could be useful. Especially if we are going ahead with this plan." Tryggvason stated. "I can draw in recruits from Feoh and the farmlands down south."

An army was not what they needed, they needed a way to end this war once and for all. Throwing more bodies at the problem would only create more, they had lost thousands in this attack by the orcs, losing thousands more would do no good. Celestine began to wonder if there was anyway they could do the impossible, if they could defeat Olga and bring this war to an end.


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