Der Langrisser: Side Imperial

by Spiritblade

And so, with one word, a choice is made and destiny takes a path not taken.

4. Chapter 4

Der Langrisser - Side Imperial

Chapter 4: The Old Soldier

Written by Spiritblade

Disclaimer: Der Langrisser belongs to Masna. Special thanks to the people who have spent over five years translating it; had it not been for you guys and girls, I would never have understood the storyline and would have not been inspired to write these stories. This story comprises of multiple one-shots, each from the eyes of the characters from the game, and is set on the Imperial path.

Now, the only thing I have done is take some very small liberties with the story. Names of cities and commanders not seen in the game are mine. I may seriously consider putting some scenes that will not take place in the game – but that is a bridge I will cross when I get to it.

Be forewarned, this story is increased to 'M' for…intimate scenes. My more…playful side wants to be let out. The flavour of the story may have changed a bit, now. Things will be harder, harsher, in order to capture the essence of the Holy Sword War – and war, as everyone knows, is hell.

(O)

Azure Vale Keep, several hours after the battle…

Erwin studied the map before him before looking up at the messenger who stood at attention before him. A trio of riders mounted on griffons had flown all the way from Castle Reyguard bearing a message from the Imperial Court's archmage and leader of the Black Dragon Army, Eggbert, himself. The archmage had informed Erwin that Langrisser, from what he and his subordinates had managed to piece together regarding the legendary Holy Sword, was located at the ruins of Castle Baldea. The fortress had once been the seat of power of the Baldean Empire, which had ruled over a vast swathe of the continent for over a century. It had been a golden age of peace and prosperity, one that came to an end when ambitious warlords within the country sought the power that its rulers had confined within the impenetrable walls of the Sacred Vault.

The siege of Castle Baldea had lasted for ten days and nights, its defenders outnumbered by the besiegers almost twenty to one. The soldiers of the Baldean Royal Family had made their enemies pay in blood for every yard of ground, but even their determination and skill could not turn back the horde that was arrayed against them. When the warlords and their champions finally breached the inner citadel of Castle Baldea, the last King of the Baldean Empire, Ledin II, had his Court Mages unleash a wide-area effect enchantment that levelled not only the castle but turned the surrounding countryside into hell on earth. When the rain of flame ended, a deluge buried Castle Baldea and the city it stood sentinel over beneath the waves of what would eventually become Lake Amseran.

Doren had often told Erwin about Baldea. The older man was clearly in love not only with the city, but with its people. He would tell the boy who sat on his knees about the gilded, ornate gateway that led into the domicile of the Baldean Royal Family and the mighty warriors that stood watch over the heart of a dream made real. He would sing folk songs that Erwin would one day sing as he walked the length and breadth of two continents. He would speak of the tall, gleaming towers and massive libraries that were the homes of mages and priests who helped the Royal Family oversee the vast lands they ruled. And, when Erwin grew older, Doren would tell him about the beautiful women that would walk its streets as the sun surrendered its dominion of the skies to its lunar twin and those that lived in lands outside but under the shadow of Baldea.

He would tell Erwin of distant countries on a far-off land that he was sent to explore and make allies of; lands that Erwin would later travel to as mercenary, pirate and adventurer. It was in those lands he would drink deep from the chalice of life and freedom before returning to El Sallia. There were times when Erwin wished he had never left the continent of Valusia (1). It had been a land of savage beauty, where the strength of a man's sword-arm and his wits could win him a kingdom – or the embrace of the seductive beauties who called that continent home. Erwin had lain with many of them during his travels, from warrior maid to lustful courtesan; the memory of their warm flesh and fierce passion was seared into his blood.

The sight of them, Erwin knew would have driven Hein out of his mind with lust. The mage was an out-and-out pervert, but he was far better than Morgan Yardow, whom Erwin had met during the Empire's siege of the temple he and Riana had taken refuge at after the Imperials attacked the town Erwin and his band had chosen to settle down in for the winter. He frowned. Leon had said that, one day, Morgan would go one step too far and Vargas would have no choice but to deal with him.

"Is something wrong, my lord…?" the Royal Guard sergeant asked, seeing a look of stony fury on the red-haired general's face.

"Nothing, sergeant," Erwin replied quickly, "I was just remembering my adventuring days. I miss the days when I only had to worry about my own arse – and those of fifty others. Life seemed so much simpler, then. Now, I am saddled with the headache of leading a force more than ten times their number."

"Our Emperor thinks highly of you, General Erwin, and believes you to be the right man for the job. Otherwise, he wouldn't have put General Leon, Vargas and Lady Imelda under your command. And honestly, sir, after your victory at Caer MacDonald, I would do the same had I been in our Emperor's shoes."

"Flattery is not going to improve your chances of a promotion, sergeant," Erwin grinned briefly, "But tell me, is the occupation of Caer MacDonald complete?"

"Yes, my lord. The defences of the city have been restored and strengthened. Five Legions are stationed there now, and General Lucien is hiring mercenaries to augment our forces who are fighting to take the Kingdom of Durenim to the South. But, there are rumours that the King of Durenim, Ashford II, is making a compact with several barbarian tribes. If he manages to gain their allegiance, it will delay the Empire's conquest of Durenim by half a year."

Erwin looked back at the maps on the table, "Do you know which tribes King Ashford is attempting to win to his banner?"

"I'm sorry, sir. I do not know. It is best that you ask…" the sergeant's reply was cut off by a knock on the door, and a female voice requesting the red-haired general's permission to enter.

"Come in, Erika. The door's not locked," Erwin called out as he rolled up the maps. In strode two servant girls, bearing food and drink on silver trays. Both girls were clad in low-cut green robes with gold scrollwork on the rims and ornate silver and ruby-inlaid belts around their slender waists. The first girl had blonde hair, while the second had ebony hair. The sergeant chuckled inwardly as he watched the two girls set their trays on the nearby table. Lord Belenous, the late ruler of Azure Vale, had excellent taste. The sergeant could tell from the sway of their hips and the lustful light in their eyes that the girls were more than just scullery maids.

"Will there be anything else, General?" the golden-haired servant asked, her voice husky.

"No, Erika. You and Miriel may go," Erwin said, "And thank you for the food."

"Yes, general," the girl could not hide the disappointment in her voice as she and her companion left the room. The Royal Guard sergeant raised an eyebrow. It was clear in the tone of her voice that the golden-haired servant girl, had ideas of warming the red-haired general's bed. Erwin saw the look on his face, and chuckled, "I know what you're thinking, sergeant. I wouldn't mind some company, but now is not the time to be distracted. We have a war to win. Now, what was it you were saying…?"

X X X

Imperial Camp, Azure Vale outskirts

Rohga was resting his back against his enormous sword, which laid stuck a foot deep into the earth like a massive crucifix and was enjoying a jug of the best wine he had tasted in many years. By the Goddess, this was the stuff that made life worth living! It went down like fire, and warmed the stomach and the blood. And best of all, it would not give the imbiber a hangover the following morning (though he or she had better be prepared to watch the world spin for the better part of the night!). His comrades were talking about their past exploits with the Imperial troops over ale and food. Rohga's second-in-command, Chris Winterblade, was regaling to a group of about two dozen soldiers about how he barely managed to avoid getting his bones blasted out of his body by an angry sorcerer.

Rohga grinned inwardly; what he did not tell the rest was that he had bedded said sorcerer's daughter, and the man had not been happy. Throw in the fact that the mage was a stereotypical Kalxathian noble with a set of beliefs dating back a thousand years ago, and you had a recipe for trouble. And to make matters worse, the girl had given birth to Chris's son, thus causing the mage no end of embarrassment and evening a dozen scores amongst his peers who had been offended by their compatriot's high-and-mighty attitude. To add insult to injury, the mage's own daughter left him, determined to make her own way in the world and not rely on her father any longer. The knowledge that he had a son did not stop Chris from bedding other girls and siring more. Goddess, Rohga would pay for the day Chris runs into a girl that would sink her claws deep and never let him go. The big mercenary turned his gaze to the distant keep of Azure Vale, where four Imperial generals – including one newly-elevated to the position in the wake of the conquest of Caer MacDonald – had taken up residence. He would bet a month's pay that Erwin was thinking about Riana; that girl was gentle, beautiful as the angels the Princess of Kalxath had led, and strong in a way that few female warriors were.

"Captain, what are you thinking about?" a voice broke Rohga out of his thoughts.

Rohga turned to face one of his soldiers, who was handing him a steaming plate of food. The big mercenary set his jug down and took the plate, "Just wondering how our captain is holding up. Today's fight was pretty ugly. How are our wounded, Drake?"

"General Imelda's healers are almost done. We will be back to full strength by next morning."

"And our supplies…?"

"We're…" and Rohga's reply was cut off when the guards at the pickets raised the alarm, causing Imperial soldiers to leap to their feet, weapons drawn. The big mercenary threw the plate of food to the ground and ripped his great-sword out of the ground, his voice raised to a thunderous bellow, "Draw steel, boys! We've got company!"

Rohga grabbed a nearby Imperial soldier and ordered him to raise the alarm in Azure Vale. If the Army of Light had planned a second assault on the town, they were not going to catch the finest soldiers in the Empire with their pants down!

X X X

"I am glad that you have chosen to swear your allegiance to our Empire, Lady Ashen," the robed Imperial delegate spoke as he watched the elite soldiers of three of the Four Heavenly Dragons form up, clad in armour and weapons drawn, "But our agreement was that you would march your clan to the south to fight the warriors of the Kingdom of Durenim…"

The scantily-clad woman who held an ornate, steel helm in the shape of a bird under her arms watched impassively as the heavily-armoured Imperial troops lowered their halberds in a perfect line, daring the barbarians to charge them. The warriors of the Phoenix tribe readied their weapons, awaiting the command of their chieftain. She turned to face the Imperial representative, "I know I promised you that. But for now, I will heed the advice of my tribe's shamans. There will be time enough for us to face our age-old enemies in the south, Master Kierst. But, to do so, my mate will need the Holy Sword of legend."

"Your mate, Lady Ashen…?" Kierst Brightblade asked, confused. There had been many generals and captains in the Imperial Army who would be more than glad to be the mate of the Phoenix tribe's princess. Ashen Fireheart's beauty was primal and undeniable, melding the sensuality of a prostitute and the ferocity of a Blue Dragon Knight into an alluring whole.

She smirked, her ruby lips curving in a smile, "Why, General Erwin Blazecrown, of course – the man who conquered Caer MacDonald and freed us from the oppression from the dogs of Dun Caras. The last of a bloodline of Kings who, because of the greed and ambition of lesser men, is now nothing more than a wandering mercenary looking for a home…"

"What are you talking about, Lady Ashen?"

"The barbarian tribes that call El-Sallia home, Master Kierst, each have a prophecy that forms the core of their beliefs. Each prophecy is handed down by a representative of the Goddess or by those of the Great Enemy to the Thousand Tribes. Many of those tribes have perished in the centuries since the end of the Age of Myth when the Prince of Light and the Prince of Chaos fought a bitter war for dominion of these lands, exterminated either by those who were supposed to be their allies or by their ancient enemies in Velzeria. There are similarities in the Prophecies that were handed down to those who knelt to the Great Enemy and the Tribes that swore fealty to the Goddess…." and the barbarian princess smiled as she saw armed and armoured horsemen thunder towards them, led by a general with crimson hair. The stories she had heard from those who had managed to escape the Imperial siege of Caer MacDonald had described the Lion of the Empire were not a lie. He was a young man on the cusp of greatness, and her tribe's shamans and lore-keepers had promised her that the sons and daughters born of their blood would fight alongside their father to resurrect a dream ruined by the ambitions of lesser men. He would have many lovers, all of them siring numerous children, and the new Dynasty would be the pillars of the new era that was to come.

'The long war between the Goddess and the Great Enemy is about to come to an end, Princess Ashen. But the outcome has yet to be decided. When the Great Emperor's star rises in the skies of our land, its crimson light lighting his road to victory or defeat, the battle-cry of the Four Dragons will thunder across the land, their might and the swords of their armies laying waste to those who would not kneel before the banner of the Great Emperor.

'And should the stars shift in their alignment, one among the Four Dragons will lead the Lion and his brethren to the Great Emperor's banner. When the mighty fortress of the central plains named after a benevolent hero we honour even in our ballads fall, then you must go, Princess, to the Vale where the Ocean kisses the shore. And there, swear fealty to the Lion.'

"Master Kierst, I believe it is time you calm the ire of our Emperor's servants. They do not look pleased with our sudden arrival…"

"I still wish you had done as I asked…" the man grumbled as he spurred his horse forward to meet them, raising his staff of office to identify himself as one of the Empire's emissaries.

X X X

An hour later, back at Azure Vale Keep…

Leon looked at the sheepish Imperial emissary, unable to decide whether to be angry or amused. While he could understand that trying to gainsay the chieftain-princess of the Phoenix Tribe would be a diplomatic faux pas and cause the tribe's warriors to dismember him, Leon wished that the emissary had put in more effort trying to convince her that her strength would be better used in the Durenim campaign. His Majesty, Emperor Bernhardt, had made it clear to his emissaries to the barbarian tribes that they were not to offend them in any way; an offended tribe would mean giving their enemies another ally. And if Master Kierst's words were to be believed, the chieftain-princess of the Phoenix Tribe had made it clear that she will swear fealty to the Imperial Throne on the condition that she join Erwin on his mission to claim Langrisser.

The blonde general of the Blue Dragon Knights rubbed his temples. This could prove to be problematic. The Emperor had dictated that any barbarian tribes swayed to the Imperial Throne were to be sent to the south to topple Ashford II from his throne or to help the Legions secure regions that had recently been conquered. In return, their ancestral lands would be guaranteed – and their people protected – by Imperial writ and law. How would His Majesty view this?

He turned to look at the golden-haired chieftain-princess as she stood beside Erwin, pointing out a path that would allow them to get to the sunken ruins of Castle Baldea before the Army of Light did. Leon watched the bronzed flesh of the princess gleam in the firelight, and felt his face redden. Like many of the female barbarians Leon had met over the years, Ashen Fireheart was almost naked, her skin covered in white war-paint and armour that served to only enhance her femininity. How was Erwin able to keep his composure like that? His respect of Erwin went up several notches. Leon doubted he would have been able to speak coherently in the presence of a woman like Ashen. The Blue Dragon Knight general coughed to cover up his rising embarrassment, something that had not gone unnoticed by his companions.

Imelda looked at him from the nearby couch, her lips curved in amusement as she drank from her wine-filled goblet. Vargas was listening attentively to the discussion Erwin and Ashen were having, even as he studied the enormous map of Northern El-Sallia on the wall. Hein could not help but stare at Ashen, the redness of his face threatening to turn his teal hair the same shade of crimson, while Rohga only nodded in admiration and approval. Determined to take his mind off matters of the flesh, he asked Imelda about how they were going to report to their Emperor regarding the Phoenix Tribe's disobedience.

"There's no need to worry, Leon," the sultry Water Dragon general replied, "I doubt His Majesty will even raise an eyebrow over a trivial matter such as this. And besides, we are in sore need of reinforcements – and the nearest city we can request aid from is five days' away. While I do not doubt our ability to tear a larger army to pieces, the thought of not having my ass covered is…insulting. If nothing else, the Phoenix Tribe will serve well as our rearguard and as our scouts."

"Imelda has a point, Leon." Vargas spoke finally, "I have no desire to blunder into an Anti-Imperial League trap and waste the lives of the men and women under our command when we could have avoided it. I sent a request back to Reyguard earlier requesting a Night Elf detachment be permanently attached to our army. They will reach Azure Vale in three days…"

"You will have to amend their deployment orders, Vargas," Leon said, "Have them meet us at the ruins of Castle Baldea. I will send our orders to Laird to meet up with them and do the same."

"But isn't Laird…?" and Imelda froze in mid-sentence as she realized what Leon had done. The Blue Dragon Knight-General grinned; his Water Dragon counterpart was not the only one who knew how to circumvent the rules. Vargas shook his head, chuckling. Their conversation was interrupted when they saw Erwin walking towards them.

"Ashen has showed me a path that would get us to Castle Baldea ahead of Cherie and her army. There is only one problem – it's guarded."

"And you're worried about that, Erwin?" Imelda waved her hand nonchalantly as she took a full swallow of her drink.

"I would be, Imelda. The place we're going to is Dragon Bridge. And that place is guarded by Kalxath's Iron Guard."

Imelda spat out her drink, and shot Erwin a disbelieving look before cursing, "You don't intend to…!"

Erwin's grin would have made an arch-demon proud, "I intend to."

"You're insane," the golden-haired Water Dragon General scowled.

"I know. And that is why this will work. Vargas, Leon – how long does it take to prepare an army to be teleported?"

"Two to three days at least," Leon replied, "Why?"

"Can you get a message to Reyguard to mobilize three battalions of each of your Legions before tomorrow morning?"

"Yes. What do you have in mind?"

"You know that Kalxath's Iron Guard mans a Keep near Dragon Bridge. We're going to take it and secure the Empire's flanks along the way. Here is what I propose…"

X X X

Erwin leaned back in his chair, his azure eyes on the pure white orb that hung high in the night sky. No longer in armour and wearing only a tunic and trousers, he allowed himself the luxury of solitude. Being an Imperial General was hard work, Erwin knew. Where most generals would delegate all their responsibilities to their subordinates, those of the Empire took a lion's share of it and delegated the rest. The running of a Legion is the responsibility of its commanding officer, and woe betide the man (or woman, for the Emperor cared little of the gender of his subordinates) who fell short of his exacting standards. The room Erwin rested in belonged to Lord Belenous, and its well-furnished interiors bespoke of the Lord's love of luxury – something the red-haired general was not used to.

But if there was one he would not complain of having at any one given time, it was herbal tea. A hot mug rested on the table next to Erwin, the steam rising from it dancing sinuously in the sea breeze that blew into the room. But before he could reach for the mug, he heard the door in the adjacent room open, and a voice call out his name. Erwin raised an eyebrow. What was the chieftain-princess of the Phoenix Tribe doing here? Was there something she wanted?

"I'm in here, Lady Ashen. Come in. The door is not locked," Erwin called out as he stood up. Ashen entered the room seconds later. The leader of the Phoenix Tribe was wearing a fur-lined mantle over her shoulders and a cloak which, he had learnt earlier, belonged to her father. He could make out the hilt of the Moon Blade, the hereditary sword which the rulers of the Phoenix Tribe had wielded since the days of the Age of Myth and presented to them by the Prince of Light himself. Ashen had not come alone. Standing on either side of her were two handmaidens who were as scantily-clad as their princess. They wore ornate, winged half-helms, shoulder guards, bracers and cloaks. They were armed, Erwin saw, reaching instinctively for his sword.

"Is there something you want to speak to me about, Princess…?" Erwin asked, hoping that he was not acting in a way the princess deemed hostile or discourteous.

"Call me Ashen, Erwin. We are allies now – and equals. There is no need for formalities between us. As to why I'm here, I wanted to have a private conversation with you. May I sit?"

Erwin nodded and indicated the table nearby, "I was hoping to get what little rest I could before daybreak tomorrow, Ashen. But I doubt I will be able to sleep, anyway. A drink…?" and he raised his cup of herbal tea, "It's better than ale. And trust me, the last thing you want before a fight is a hangover."

Ashen's lips curved in an amused smirk, "I thank you for your concern, Erwin, but I am not like most women. I am more than able to drink any of my clansmen under the table, as your friend – Rohga, was it? – found out. Oh, and can you please tell your other friend – the mage, what was his name again?"

"Hein Schtauffen. Why are you…?" Erwin froze, "Wait. Please do not tell me he…"

"That he did, Lord Erwin," one of Ashen's handmaidens said, "Had it not been for your big friend, Rohga, Lord Hein would have lost more than his hands. He would have lost the right to have been called a man for the rest of his life."

Erwin fought to maintain his composure, "You are…?"

"Her name is Kriyesha," Ashen replied, indicating the dark-haired woman who had spoken earlier before indicating her crimson-haired counterpart, "And this one is Bael. They're my half-sisters…and the leaders of my bodyguard."

"An honour, I'm sure," Erwin raised his cup in salute, grinning, "And please, feel free to hit Hein should he step over the line. Just try not to kill him. Please? He owes me a debt, and he will crawl back out of the Chaos Hells if only to pay it. That is providing he has not ridden every demoness and female rebel angel there ragged first."

It took five minutes for the three women to regain their composure.

"Now, you wanted to speak to me about something, Ashen?"

Ashen's lips pulled into a smile he had seen on many a courtesan as she stood up and nodded towards her half-sisters. Erwin felt his heart race as Bawl and Kriyesha moved towards the still-lit candles and extinguished them, casting the room in darkness that was illuminated only by the light of the moon and the stars. Ashen circled around the table, allowing her cloak to slide off her smooth shoulders, revealing her body in all its glory. Her honey-gold hair tumbled over her shoulders, luminescent in the darkness, cradling her nude body like she would her yet-unborn child.

Erwin heard the sound of a glass bottle hitting the ground, instants before she leaned over and kissed him, sharing the sweet draught that he had tasted once before. His eyes widened. Erestar…?! His phallus, already erect at the sight of the Phoenix Tribe's chieftain-princess and her escorts, swelled with lustful desire. He felt Ashen's hand run down his tunic, parting it and revealing his bare chest before reaching for his belt.

"Ashen…what are you doing?" Erwin staggered to his feet, only to find that he was unable to stand. He felt Kriyesha and Bael move to catch him and move him towards the bed. They helped Ashen remove the last of his clothing, leaving his body exposed to the cool air, before stripping themselves. He felt the three women run their eyes over him, the approval in their gaze making the blood in his veins turn to steam. Ashen climbed the bed, straddling him.

"Hein and Rohga asked me for a favour – one I do not mind granting. You have fought long and hard, Erwin, and the path you walk is both bloody and painful. But know that you are not alone. You have comrades by your side who share your dream for an era when the wars that have long wracked their land come to an end. My tribe's shaman has told me of your love for the girl who is now your enemy. And though parted, she still loves you and longs for the moment you will see the error of your ways…" Ashen replied as she took Erwin's hands and put them on her breasts, allowing her soon-to-be lover to feel the firmness and fullness of them, "But I tell you that you are not wrong. And I shall not be the only one.

"The stars have spoken, Erwin, and they whisper of a destiny that will soon be made real. One day, you will be king – and your blood will flow rich and strong through your children, sired by your many lovers who will march by your side till the day you draw your last breath."

X X X

Dragon Bridge, the next day…

Leon looked at the Kalxathian battalions that stood ready to repel the Imperial advance. As Erwin had predicated, the battalions that garrisoned Dragon Keep were none other than Kalxath's famed Iron Guard. What more, they were reinforced by elements of Kalxath's 3rd Army. The scouts of the Phoenix Tribe had reported that the warriors of Dragon Keep had fortified the opposite embankment and had siege weapons such as ballistae and catapults ready to bombard any unit that tried to traverse the Dragon Bridge.

And the river…the river was deep enough for aquatic units to hide in. But the only way to draw any ambushing units out of hiding was to take the bait – and to negate the effectiveness of the siege weapons was to quickly get into combat. But the plan had its risks: the units that led the charge across the bridge would have to take the full brunt of the Kalxathian attack. Of all the army, only the battalions under Erwin's, Vargas's and his command had the equipment necessary to implement the plan. Those under Hein, Rohga, Imelda and Ashen would be torn to pieces within moments.

And Hein and Imelda were the only two who were capable of casting Charms that had the range and power to destroy the siege weapons. It was an impasse that needed to be broken – and soon. Vargas pulled up his armoured destrier next to Leon's, "We have no choice but to charge into the teeth of their spears, it will seem, Leon. And those siege weapons...many of our men will die today."

"Not if Erwin's plan works, Vargas. Has Eggbert received our message?"

"Yes," Vargas grinned, "Let's just say that our subordinates were not happy at being roused from their beds after more than twelve hours of training…"

Leon chuckled, "They're not going to have time to complain."

"True. Not with the Iron Guard's general giving them a better reason not to," Vargas replied before turning to his troops, his voice rising to a thunderous roar that could be heard by their enemies across the river, "All right, boys! Let us show these curs what real wolves are like! You take one backward step and I swear you will be cleaning latrines for the rest of the war! You hear me?!"

The answering roar from the assembled soldiers of the Empire was thunderous, a gauntlet thrown to their enemies, daring them to meet them in battle. Leon smiled, and drew his sword.

"Vargas…?"

"Yes?"

"I will lead the charge. Have Hein prepare to get us out of harm's way the moment should my gut feeling prove correct."

X X X

Dragon Bridge, Kalxath defence line

Aaron Bartfeld, one of Kalxath's Ten Generals and commander of the Iron Guard, studied the approaching Imperial Army warily. He could see the banners of the Fire Dragon army, the Blue Dragon Knights and the Water Dragon host fluttering in the wind. Three of the Four Heavenly Dragons – now this was a situation that could make even a hardened general nervous. Throw in the fact that the lion banner belonging to the Empire's newest, rising star and conqueror of the Kingdom of Dun Caras was among those of the Heavenly Dragon generals, and you had a recipe for trouble.

The old general found it hard to not be impressed. The Lion of the Empire was young, easily half Aaron's age, but he had travelled farther than Aaron had in his younger days and had learnt fighting skills in lands far from El-Sallia. He also knew what it took to lead men – something some of the nobles in Aaron's homeland thought they had by dint of their blood and upbringing. Aaron had heard of the way his countrymen had treated Erwin when he first arrived in Kalxath. It had astounded him that the red-haired general had not broken a few jaws, considering that the remarks had caused Aaron to break his favourite wooden mug. When he defected to the Empire, the remarks just became more acerbic – and caused Princess Cherie to storm from the Council Room in a rage. Not even Keith been able to approach his former student and ruler without risking a chair being thrown at him.

There were those who were determined to avenge the slight done to the Princess, and these had gated to Dragon Keep from Kalxath just hours before. Three battalions of Kalxathian Grenadiers led by the Stormwind brothers stood behind Aaron, ready to deliver vengeance upon the one who was slowly delivering the continent under the boot-heel of a tyrant. Aaron sniffed. Sure, he had problems with the way Kaiser Bernhardt did things, but he was a damn sight better than some of the Kings and provincial lords – some of whom had joined the Anti-Imperial League – who had delusions that the continent would be better off under their rule. The Kaiser of Reyguard was ambitious, true, but he had no illusions that the unification of the continent would be a bloody one – or that everyone could be made to see reason. For every lord or baroness the Emperor of Reyguard brought under his banner, there would be five others who would choose to raise their swords against him.

Aaron had met the future Kaiser of the Reyguard Empire when the latter had been nothing more than a general of a mercenary army. He had shivered under the charisma of the man and was awed by the pride and courage he displayed. The men and women of the Dragon army adored him and were willing to follow him into Velzeria if he but gave the command and led the way. Aaron remembered the words Bernhardt had once said after they parted ways: 'One day, I will resurrect the dream that the Kings of Baldea fought so hard to preserve. These wars will end, Aaron, when the lands are ruled by one king.'

"General? What is your command?"

Aaron turned to look up at Dantarg Stormwind, a giant of a man who stood taller than Aaron by a good foot and outweighed him by over thirty pounds. Dantarg was clad from head to toe in silver and gold-inlaid battle-armour, and was armed with two great-swords. May the gods have mercy on the man who would have to fight Dantarg; they would most likely be killed in the first few seconds of the clash. His younger brother, Ansel, who stood at the head of his battalion, was just as enormous – and just as strong. Aaron could not help but pity Erwin: the two brothers were invincible when they worked together. The conqueror of Dun Caras was going back to Kalxath in chains, whether he liked it or not.

"Take up positions at the mouth of the bridge, Dantarg. Do not let any Imperial division get past you. And don't let your emotions get the better of you, you hear me? The Lion of the Empire is no fool. Strong as you and your brother are, the moment he has you in his clutches, it will be you who will end up in chains – or dead."

"Do you think he can defeat me and my brother that easily, General Aaron?"

Aaron turned to look back at the Imperial army, who were spreading out and positioning themselves in preparation of an attack. His eyes narrowed when he realized that the Blue Dragon Knights were preparing to lead the charge. He cursed, before turning to one of his soldiers, "Get Lieutenant Frostcrown and his company to join Captain Dantarg at the bridge. Now…!"

"Sir!" the soldier ran off.

"Aaron…?"

The old general raised his hand. What were the Imperials planning? And where was the Lion? Wait, there! Standing on the hill, surrounded by his Dragoons and flanked by the barbarians of the Phoenix Tribe and a company of infantry, he watched the deployment of the army before turning to look in Aaron's direction. The old man grinned, feeling the familiar thrill of exhilaration fire his veins. He drew his sword, swung it about several times to loosen his muscles, and pointed it at the Lion of the Empire. The red-haired general raised his lance in reply.

"It's been a long time since I felt this excited, Dantarg," Aaron replied, his irritation fading away, "Three of the Heavenly Dragons and the Lion of the Empire – now THIS is what I call a challenge. And to answer your question earlier, you have a fair chance of winning. I say fair, because General Erwin's subordinates will keep your brother and your soldiers from interfering – and because he will have it no other way. "

X X X

It did not take long for Aaron to realize that his plan to surround and flank the advancing Imperial army was not going to work. He had been tricked. The moment the lead elements of the Blue Dragon Knights slammed like a thunderbolt into Dantarg's Grenadiers and threatened to break the Phalanx companies, the naval battalions that had been lying in wait beneath the river surface emerged and charged towards the Imperial battalions trying to cross the Dragon Bridge and those on the opposite bank. That was when Aaron knew he had no choice but to commit to a full assault. The Imperials had forced his hand to the point that he either do so or watch as his assault forces get butchered.

And to make matters worse, one of the sorcerers in the Imperial Army soon cast a teleport Charm on the Blue Dragon Knights and their commander, bringing him back to the safety of the Imperial battle-line where he reformed the line and charged the advancing mermen and their Serpent Knight leaders. Aaron's eyebrows shot to his hairline when the Lion of the Empire unveiled one of the trump cards he had hidden up his sleeve: barbarian chariots. The moment the mermen battalions had advanced far enough from the coast, Erwin unleashed them. The shrieking battle-cries of the barbarian charioteers were soon deafened by the sounds made by the lightly-armoured mermen and the furious yells of their Serpent Knight leaders.

Aaron watched in horror as their bloody and torn bodies were sent flying or crushed under the hooves of the Blue Dragon Knights' warhorses. In less than ten minutes, what had once been a force of five hundred was reduced to less than a tenth of that number. The Serpent Knights, realizing that their companies were close to annihilation, started pulling back towards the waterline, hoping to regain the advantage. By then, salvation came in the form of Dantarg and his troops as they crashed into the Imperial battle-line, forcing them back far enough for Aaron's cavalry battalions to make their way towards Erwin's position.

That's it, then. This battle was as good as over. Was that all he had? Aaron felt disappointed. He had expected more from the man who had conquered Dun Caras. Aaron turned to walk away, only to freeze when he heard a thunderous crash from the battlefront. He whipped around to see a sight he would never forget for the rest of his life. There, hovering high over the mouth of the bridge, was a mandala, the sigils and insignias he knew belonged to the Night Elves. Fiery stars rained down from the mandala onto the battalions that held the bridge, throwing their bodies many metres into the air and scouring the land with whips of flame. He could see the few survivors throw themselves into the river if only to escape the devastation, uncaring if their armour would cause them to drown. Aaron turned to one of his sergeants, "Give the order for the battalions on and across the bridge to retreat. Now, damn it…!"

Aaron whipped out his sword and ordered his soldiers into formation. When that rain of fire ended, the Imperial would charge down the bridge and try to tear their beating hearts from what remained of the Dragon Keep's soldiers.

X X X

Erwin let out a long breath, unable to hide the relief that his gambit had worked. Had it not, there was no doubt that they would have had to pull back and re-organize. He tried to shut off his ears to the screams of his enemies as the Night Elf Moon Priestess who had arrived in the wee hours of the morning with her retinue unleashed the Star Fall Charm on her Emperor's enemies. It had taken Erwin and Leon some time to alter the plan, but it had worked magnificently. As the blinding glare of the Charm faded and the smoke settled, Erwin saw the utter devastation caused by his stratagem.

There were bodies everywhere, their blood spilling out from the horrific tears in their armour, and their broken voices calling out for aid causing even Erwin to flinch. He closed his eyes. This is what war was, the plague that afflicted the continent and which must end swiftly lest more be sent to the underworld. Erwin kicked his heels into Ruin's side and charged across the charred ground, "Across the bridge! Now! Take down the siege weapons and rout the rest of the Kalxathian army! Now – while they're in the midst of recovering!"

X X X

Army of Light camp, some 300 leagues from Castle Baldea, a day later…

Cherie could not believe it. Dragon Keep had been taken. Taken! Now the Empire practically had its western flanks secured from any assault the Anti-Imperial League could mount – and intercept any force that attempted to make its way into the Empire's heartland via the Salrath Road. The silver-haired princess looked down at the map spread out on the table before her. Blue flags on the map denoted where Anti-Imperial League forces were fighting against the Empire's Legions, which were denoted in red. Erwin's force, denoted in purple, and an Imperial relief force (denoted in red) stood on an area once under the dominion of Kalxath.

The princess of Kalxath turned her gaze to the kneeling forms of Aaron, Dantarg and Ansel, "With your defeat, Aaron, there is no army within a hundred leagues of Erwin's force capable of stopping him. There is no doubt in my mind that, at this very moment, he is marching towards Castle Baldea. Your defeat has cost us dearly, Aaron."

"Forgive me, princess," the old general replied, "But I never expected the Lion of the Empire to be so…tricky."

"He did not conquer Dun Caras's capital by not being cunning, Aaron. And get up. I have a job for the three of you. We have a chance to salvage this. Keith…" Cherie turned towards her mentor, "I want you to lead two thousand men to Castle Baldea while I take the rest and attempt to cut Erwin off."

"What are you planning, Cherie?" Keith asked.

"If we fail to stop Erwin or Leon from getting their hands on Langrisser, we will have one chance to stop him before he reaches the Imperial Capital…"

To be continued…

Author's annotations

Valusia is the name (which I gave) of the enormous continent from Conan the Barbarian. I'm bringing it in because it meshes well with the Der Langrisser world, albeit it is one more backward and just as dangerous.