Barbarossa gazed longingly over his lands from atop his floating garden. Looking down, he could make out the rebels in the city of Gregminster, marching like ants to their nest.

The war had been long and the taste of defeat left a sour taste in his mouth. His first defeat. But he had allowed it really. Life had not been the same without Claudia. In Windy, he had foolishly thought she could replicate Claudia. Instead, he found green eyes full of hate and sadness which he thought he could change. He looked at his right hand where she had given him the "Conqueror Rune". The small black mark etched into his skin had no effect thanks to the Sovereign Rune embedded in his family sword. Windy had no idea, but he let her believe he was under her influence. He loved her. How did he let it get this far?

The sun was descending far to the west behind the mountains, leaving a streak of scarlet across the sky. Fitting, he thought. It would be the last time seeing the sun set on his empire. He turned away from the balcony and looked over his garden. Built by his own hand. His memory showed him Claudia potting her favourite flowers, tulips, in one of the nearby planters.

'So young and beautiful. Why were you taken so soon?' He asked aloud as he walked to projection his mind had created. He sat at the edge, smiling as he held a yellow tulip in his hand. It faded, as did Claudia and the rest of the flowers in the planter. It had been years since he tended to the place and it showed. Dead flowers were all that remained.

'Your highness, the castle has fallen.' Barbarossa never turned to look at his Royal Guard, Anders.

'I am sorry, Anders.' He stood and turned towards the young man. He towered over him. 'Surrender to them. You have your whole life ahead of you don't throw it away.'

'I will not, your highness.' His forwardness surprised Barbarossa, but he smiled at the youth in admiration.

'Stubborn as I was as a young man.' Anders nodded. 'But as your Emperor I command you to stand down.'

'I swore an oath, your highness. To protect you until my dying breath.'

'An oath to my Empire. The Empire is no more, son. You are released from your duty. Now don't make me say it again.' Barborssa said, peppered with more authority in his voice.

Anders hesitated. Barbarossa nodded and the youth darted off towards the stairs. If he was as stubborn as himself, he would ignore the command and die fighting down below. He hoped not though. Too many young lives had been extinguished, on both sides.

Barbarossa stood and drew his family sword. Kanak Rugner had been handed the sword from the Harmonian leader Hikusaak himself. Blessed with one of the 27 True Runes. It was said that since that day the sword would only bless a Rugner and grant them tremendous power in the face of imminent death. That would soon be tested. If the McDohl boy could defeat the Sovereign Rune with his own True Rune, then he had the right to lead the nation.

But he would not be ruling with the sword of Kanak Rugner.

Sounds of clashing steel pulled his attention to the staircase, the only exit from the gardens.

It was time.