A/N: Well I think that I've kept you guys waiting long enough huh? Well in my opinion, this chapter actually took a bit longer than I had hoped because of the unexpected event that took place while I was writing it up.
My computer completely and utterly froze, leaving me to punch it nearly five times, which caused it to reboot, which caused me to lose nearly 3/4s of the the entire chapter cause I wasn't able to freakin save it. So that pissed me off and stopped me from completing the chapter cause I was too pissed to even look at my computer, much less touch it. Sorry bout that and on with the story.
If there was one thing that could describe Albion castle that day, it was magnificence incarnate. It's white peak shone in the sun with such radience that many of its people stopped what they were doing to stare at it in pride. Then, they would return to what they were doing with renewed vigor. Albion was quickly becoming a centerfold of nationalism though no one cared.
Abel kept his calm gaze towards the castle. He had to as the palace guards stood in intimidating formations, thus blocking his entrance with more than just bodies.
Ion gave Abel a questioning glance. "Abel, why are we here?" he furrowed his brows in confusion, "Wasn't it your idea to mreak off from everyone you knew? Why are we standing before Castle Albion of all places?"
When Abel replied, it was with a voice filled with sadness and anger. "Vatican City is doomed. No amount of aid will help its survival. You don't know Cain as I do Ion. He will destroy Vatican City and with it, the mass' religious morale. Once it is low enough, he will turn his attention to Albion and finally, The Empire."
"But why? What's the point in waging war with all three nations?"
Albel barked out a unusually harsh laugh. He turned his gaze towards the young Methuselah.
"Goal? Nothing but the complete genocide of both the Terrans and Methuselahs will satisfy him. He has always wanted destruction of the human race. Once the war is over, he will turn on his own minions and eradicate them. After the last one dies, he will live is longevity in isolations, exactly how he wants it."
Ion was not expecting that. How could someone become so twisted as to live his life in complete isolation devoid of human life? Was this person sane?
'Then again... if he was sane, he wouldn't have launched this destructive campaign against everyone.'
Abel felt satisfied as Ion looked deep in thought. At least he wasn't going into denial like many would. He turned his gaze towards the caslte one more time before he spun and beckoned to Ion. If they were to defend this city, they would need lodging.
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"...So he left..." Esther's saddened eyes gazed out the window where the father had stood. She had wanted to rush out the castle and embrace him so badly that it ached and sent a very sharp pain towards her chest when he walked away. However she wasn't able to do anything due to a council meeting that she was currently attending. It was only by chance, when she looked out the window in slight boredom, that she was even able to see the silver-haired man outside with the young duke by his side.
When he walked away, Esther nearly bolted from her throne and race towards his retreating figure. However, she knew it would be a very bad image towards her people and she couldn't bear to bring more unsettlement towards them. So, with great pain and reluctance, she stayed and attempted to finish the meeting as fast as possible.
"...And lastly, the most pressing of concerns lies here your Majesty." Esther turned her full attention towards the elder councilman. Seeing that he had her attention, he continued with his briefing.
"We have reports of increased activity from the heretical order. They have laid seige to much of Northern Italy. Much of the region's towns and cities have succumbed to its power. The only garrison that stands between it and Vatican City is a small outpost just north of the ancient capital."
That was shocking news indeed. To think that the White Demon's army has destroyed so much alarmed everyone greatly. Most of the councilmen quickly began bickering over what was the best course of action to take.
"Reinforce our borders! If they come at us, we will destroy them with our weapons and ballistics!"
"Are you mad!? We cannot hope to take on that army without aid! Send messengers to Byantium and Vatican City! Ask for their aids in men and provisions!"
"And will they answer the call? Look at them, The Methuselahs are content to stay in that clouded capital, the people of the Vatican are far more concerned with protecting their pope! Our kingdom is doomed! The only way to insure its survival is to surrender to Cain's rule!"
That last statement caused Esther to stand up. Walking over towards the snivelling councilman, she slapped him with much of her strength. As the stunned council watched, Esther turned her attention towards them.
"We of Albion shall not fall. When the army comes, we shall meet it head on but we will ask for aid among our allies. Keep in mind, I love my kingdom and its people. I will not give it up to Cain."
Her eyes blazed with a firey determination that roused the council. They all bowed towards her in acknowledgement and respect before departing, some more pleased than others. As she watched them leave, Esther gestured for a courier. When she arrived, the queen gave her the orders.
"Summon my military advisors and have my naval officers brought to my war chamber. It is time we prepare for war."
A/N: Well this chapter is short as well but I hope to have a longer one next update cause I'm going to have more war scenes. In case you haven't noticed already, I love war movies like Lord of the Rings and Saving Private Ryan so yah, expect some war scenes.
Till next time