Lords of War

Chapter 1 Dark Beginnings

Blossoms fell from the high tree tops like swarms of bees. Spring was here and the city of Fenkeep never looked more beautiful. Children played out in the streets with their mothers watching them with peaceful eyes. The men harvested the fresh cabbages, corn, and other various vegetables. For once the guards patrolling atop the great walls were smiling and peace filled their souls.

But all was not peaceful. All was not fine, not fine at all. For under the watchful eye of the guards that night a shadow flew through the dark, a nemesis in the shadows. The next day a scream was heard throughout the palace halls and all awoke. The king ran to the cry with several guardsmen by his side. As they entered the room where the sound was heard, they saw the head maid, on a chair with a note in hand. But that was not the worst part, for this was the room of the princess. And the princess... was missing.

The king read the letter with eyes full of dread. With each passing word, with each passing phrase, his eyes grew dim and filled with horror. The princess was gone, that was for sure. Her captors left a note:

"If you ever wish to see your darling princess ever again,

surrender your armies, people, and throne. Neglecting this

message will mean her life!"

-the Drakethorn Empire

The world of Senbena was split into four known realms. Each realm held within it, an empire. But the strongest of these empires were Drakethorn and Fenkeep. All the empires were very restless with each other, one not trusting the other. Of these empires Drakethorn and Fenkeep despised each other the most. It is amazing that the two nations had not been at war for over 1000 years. But this dispute between the realms was soon settled by a great sorcerer. Using all the magic he could muster, the sorcerer summoned a grand wall between the four realms, thus isolating each other. And at the entrance to each realm there awaited a guardian whose sole purpose is to crush all that may enter its lair. So no man or beast from any realm has been able to cross any of the walls for many years.

The doors of the palace flung open as a knight walked in. His armor was as black as volcanic ash and his sword was nearly as large as himself. The sign upon his back appeared like that of a dragon with wings outspread, the mark of the Dark Paladin, the black knights of Drakethorn. With slow steps he strolled through the halls until he made it to the grand throne room. There awaited King Afguard, king of Fenkeep and father of Princess Sensia. Ten paces from the king the knight stopped.

"Darithal of Drakethorn, come forward!" commanded the king.

The black knight stepped up to the king until he was within sword length. There he kneeled before King Afguard with great reverence.

"Stand tall, Darithal. You not need kneel before me," ordered King Afguard.

Darithal, the black knight, stood up and stared into the eyes of King Afguard.

"Darithal, are you aware of what reasons you have been summoned to my court?" questioned King Afguard.

"I do not," said Darithal, "I do know this is not the most comfortable of situations."

"Indeed," agreed the king, "You were a servant of Drakethorn, and normally you are not at all welcome in my presence, or even in my realm for that matter. Which brings me to my first question..."

King Afguard sat upon his throne and continued.

"How are you here?" he asked.

"I was drowned at sea for my crimes against Drakethorn and was discovered here," responded Darithal.

"And those crimes were...?" asked the king.

"That is of my business," responded Darithal.

"Sire..." spoke a voice from the shadows beside the king's throne.

"Oh, sorry. Almost forgot you were there," said King Afguard, "Darithal, this is my loyal advisor, Ajuk."

Ajuk walked out of the darkness and stared at Darithal.

"Sire, if I may," spoke Ajuk.

"Oh, yes, of coarse," said the king.

"At sunrise this morning our beloved princess was discovered missing from her sleeping quarters," began Ajuk, "The head maid found her bed in a wreck with a note upon its sheets. This note clearly stated an immediate surrender of Fenkeep in the name and crest of Drakethorn. Seeing our situation we have devised a plan to counter-act this, requiring you help us, that is."

"It all depends," said Darithal.

"Very well," spoke Ajuk, "We have decided to use our latest 'guest' to sneak into the Drakethorn capitol city and reclaim the princess. But we also need to claim their most prized possession. You are aware of what it is, are you not?"

"I do. It be the Chaos Gem of Drakethorn," said Darithal, "But why steal from them like they have stolen from you? Is that not sinking to their level?"

"We plan to use the gem as a weapon," responded Ajuk, "This gem contains mystical powers that no mortal man can imagine! It was used 1000 years ago and its powers were used to bring the 50 Year War to a halt. Thus we will use it against them for their terrible crime, provided that you help us in our endeavor."

"That also depends," spoke Darithal, "What is in it for me?"

"Wealth, power, and citizenship will be your reward for saving my precious daughter," spoke out King Afguard.

"Then your will be done," said Darithal as he bowed to the king, "I will save your princess, and steal the Chaos Gem."

Darithal turned around and began walking out into the corridor when Ajuk stopped him.

"There is still the matter of the guardians," said Ajuk, "You must defeat them all to reach Drakethorn."

"No problem," said Darithal proudly, "I am a Dark Paladin of Drakethorn. They ought to thing twice before fighting me!"

And so Darithal walked outside of the city, seeing the distant horizon, the gate to the next realm awaiting.

To be continued...