The Accursed Chronicles: Episode 1

A Power World fanfiction by Ceres 82.1

Author's Note

Hello to you all! I hope that my writing will improve in this chapter. Thanks Nashiil for the advice!

There's a minor edit in Chapter 2. Nothing much, but if you're wondering, it's the number of troops assigned for each of the heroes. It's now 5000 footmen and 500 cavalry.

I have mapped out the storyline, so watch out for quicker updates soon!

Disclaimer: I do not own Power World, nor most of its characters. The characters I own so far only are Apocalis, Kira, and Torresa. The characters created here (Eiteran, Ezinale, Minas, Demi) are mine as well. But that's it.

As usual, reviews, advice, and comments are appreciated. Flames are not appreciated much, but will be accepted if there is a good and sensible reason for those flames to exist.


Chapter 3: Retreat to Dagger Pass

The defenses of the Kingdom of Rothlen have been completed, and the troops have steeled themselves for the very powerful assault from a very large undead army. The Kingdom of Rothlen sent one of its major generals, General Tethas, a burly man brandishing a large battleaxe, and a veritable army to aid the Advance Guard. In the Advance Guard's defense lines, Drabiticium and Cloud saw a cloud of dust coming from the distance, a sign that an army is coming.

Cloud, in his steed, rode off with his personal guard of 75 footmen and 5 cavalry, and met two forces, headed by a man and a woman. His blue eyes showed little expression as the three converging armies came to a halt. Cloud's guards stood at the ready, swords unsheathed and lances gripped.

Cloud was the first to talk. "Who are you, and what is your business?"

The woman was the one to reply, "We have come from the neighboring kingdom of Runthera, and we have come to reinforce you. I am Seira, and this gentleman here is Dresdian." Dresdian nodded his head to acknowledge Cloud.

Cloud then commanded his guards to be at rest. The troops then sheathed their swords and lances were then put to their sides, although they still gripped their weapons' scabbards and handles lest the two arrivals decide to attack their leader. Cloud then said, "We will be facing heavy odds, even with your reinforces. Are you and your troops prepared for such a situation?"

The man then nodded. "We've been fighting in very dangerous battles, and we shall make use of strategy to defeat the powerful foe." The woman smiled, and said, "I have always liked challenges; it makes life more rewarding."

gThen we shall go. We will be meeting for troop placement in a short while." Cloud then rode off, with the two armies close behind.

Back at the camp, Drabiticium was informed of an army coming from the Middle Guard. She saw Ezinale riding hard to them, escorted with 50 cavalry and a hundred footmen who were trailing behind. Drabiticium asked her on why she was out here once she jumped down from her steed and recovered.

"There has been a change of plan. It's urgent." Ezinale panted. "All generals were to report back to the Middle Guard and pull out all troops."

"Why is that?" Drabiticium asked. "We can't pull out our forces; Nura might arrive at any moment and we will be caught off guard."

"Well, we will have to make it fast. Apocalis has abandoned the borders, he says it's too hard to defend and huge loss of life may ensue if we try and hold it."

"If that is so, then we will pull out. I will inform the rest of the Guard. But we might need some reinforcements, so be at the rear to ask for reinforcements if needed." The two then rode off to the main camp. By that time, the armies of Dresdian, Seira, and Cloud have arrived as well. Soon, all of them were in a tent, planning on how to make the retreat.

Cloud outlined their retreat. "This is the plan: Tethas, Dresdian, and I will be guarding the front lines, while Seira and Drabiticium will be there to reinforce, and Ezinale will be at the rear, to send for help if the need arises.

"The plan will be to traverse through Dagger Pass, which is a small part of Rothlen Pass. This is the quickest way for us to reach the Middle Guard, and the safest one as well, seeing as these creatures can easily overtake us if we try to go around the mountains. Is this clear?" Everyone in the tent nodded their assent, and soon, the troops are marching towards Dagger Pass as planned.

It was a long journey to Dagger Pass. They passed leagues and leagues of grassland, but, as they went nearer to the region of Dagger Pass, one of two passes that cut off the inner reaches of Rothlen from outside, the ground became more dusty and barren. Soon, a mountainous region was right before them as the red sun was shining the last vestiges of its light.

"Dagger Pass," Tethas announces. "We will push no farther, and we will camp here for the night." Soon, camps were built and a makeshift barricade made, with a changing guard.

Night then fell, and an eerie silence fell around the camp. Nothing could be heard except for the wind and the crackling of fires. The sentinels were sitting in clusters, trying to endure the chilly air. Some of them were attempting to monitor their surroundings, even with the darkness around them. Then, a sentinel heard a faint, dull, constant rumble.

"Sir, I report a probable disturbance!" The sentinel reported to the lieutenant on duty.

"What is it?" The lieutenant replied.

"Sir, there has been a faint rumbling. It might symbolize an army rushing to us!"

"It might be..! SILENCE!" The lieutenant shouted, and all became silent. Soon, everyone heard a rumbling noise, and some felt a miniscule quaking of the ground. "It is an army all right, and a large one! Rouse the officers and troops and sound the alarm!" The lieutenant ordered.

Immediately, the sentinels rushed into action. Large bells were rang and the sentinels woke the officers and troops. Drabiticium, the acting commander of the defense forces, was the first to be roused.

"My lady, you must get ready!" One of her personal guards said to her urgently.

"Why.." Drabiticium replied groggily.

"My lady, our camp will be attacked by enemy troops! We have to be ready for combat!" Right after he said those words, Drabiticium sprang to action. She donned her light armor and wielded her Sonic Blade, a blade as light as air. She rushed out of her tent, her personal guards keeping up with her.

The other officers were also roused from sleep, and soon, the troops formed up in divisions both outside and inside the barricade. Cloud, Dresdian, and Tethas commanded the division outside the barricade, while Seira and Drabiticium were to be ready to give aid behind the barricade. Ezinale was sent back posthaste to the Rear Guard for reinforcements.

The first encounter with the terrifyingly strong undead army is coming, and it is coming fast. Drabiticium thought, fear coursing through her body. But I need to be strong..!

Oh, I have suffered, I have suffered!

This malevolence inflicts pain in my body and soul.

It controls me, takes hold of me, hurts me..!

I wish for it to end, to end! Please, anybody, hear my plea!

Please, anybody, let me out of my suffering-

A terrible scream of excruciating pain was heard. And Lilith, a Mage of Rothlen, knew no more.

A/N:

Hello there! I'm very sorry for making you wait for this, and I hope you can enjoy this chapter.

The next one will be coming soon! I'll try to finish it as fast as I can. As usual, advice and reviews will be appreciated!