The War is About to Begin

Near Two Weeks Later

Ten riders rode in the cover of darkness. The outline of Hall of Justice came into sight. Lois held up her hand and the group halted. Sir Joseph tied a small red cloth to the end of an arrow, notched it, and fired into the air. They waited. Soon, a torch was seen being waved in the air and then it was quickly extinguished. Lois put her knee into her mare and the group took off.

The gates were opened and immediately closed once they were through. Personal guards and knights from the realms were standing guard on the battlements and in the courtyard wearing black cloaks over their armor. The Kryptonians dismounted. The Red Shard knights traveling with them took care of the horses while Lois entered the hall with Kara Kal-El, Sirs Christopher, Conner, and Joseph Kent.

The entrance hall was covered in dust, dirt, and cob webs. No one had been here for quite some time. The statues of the sovereigns were dirty but you could still make out their features. And the Hall showed signs of looting. They walked through the entrance hall and into the meeting hall.

The meeting hall's windows were covered with black drapes to hide the light from the torches. Lois and Kara drew their swords and put them down onto the table. Lois took Kal-El's old seat with Kara sitting at her right. The Kents stood behind them. "You are late." Bruce said.

"Good to see you as well, Bruce." Lois said and she looked around the room. "It is good to see you all."

Prince Connor and Princess Olivia Queen of Star City were sitting in their parents' seats with Mia Dearden and Sir Roy Harper standing behind them. They wore black haubergeons and green leather cuirasses.

King Carter Hall of Egypt was sitting in his chair with Prince Hector sitting at his left. They wore bronze cuirasses and vambraces with brown trousers and cloaks.

Lady Chloe Sullivan sat in King Peter Ross of Genesis's old seat with Sir Victor Stone and Sir Wallace West standing behind her. They wore silver hauberks, blue brigandines, black trousers, and blue cloaks.

King Orin of Atlantis sat in his seat with Prince Arthur sitting at his right. They wore orange enameled scale armor with green enameled steel pauldrons, vambraces and gorgets; green trousers and green cloaks.

King Bruce Wayne of Gotham sat in his seat with Prince Bruce sitting at his right and Princess Helena at his left; Damian Wayne and Sir Timothy Drake stood behind them. They wore gray hauberks, gray leather cuirasses, gray enameled steel gorgets, spaulders, and vambraces; black trousers and gray cloaks.

Queen Diana of the Amazons sat in her seat with her daughter, Princess Hippolyta, sitting at her right; Cassandra Sandsmark was standing behind them. They wore white chitons, gold enameled cuirasses, and chlamys cloaks.

Everyone nodded once to acknowledge Lois. "We all know why we are here and what must be done. Werner Vertigo is dead. Ra's al Ghul is dead and his followers are either dead or captured. Xebel will fall in only a matter of time. And now Davis Zod, the Bringer of Doom is dead. Zod has no allies left and he does not know how weak he is. Now may be the time to strike." Bruce said.

"And why should we come together now? Atlantis has been victorious without the League." King Orin said.

"We are here to correct a mistake we made ten years ago. We should have never let Kal-El fight Zod alone. We could have ended this world war before it began. But we did not and Kal is gone. Many believed the League would die with him. But it did not. The League endured. We then made the mistake of dividing when we should have crushed Zod as one; he was the root. But by dividing, we let the root grow. This Hall was once magnificent but look at it now. Look at what has become of the world we all had worked so hard to build… Kal-El would be disappointed in us." Bruce said.

Orin slammed his fist down onto the table. "You go too far, Bruce!" He snapped.

"Orin, Bruce is right. We need to correct our grave mistake. The League of Armies must come together again to defeat Zod once and for all." Diana said.

"Of course, you would agree with him, Diana. You share his bed every night." Orin said. Bruce shot up and put his hand around his falchion's grip. Orin stood and grabbed the shaft of his trident.

Lois shot up. "Enough! Sit, both of you!" Lois demanded and they did, glaring at each other. "Orin, I know the great pains that have been done to you. We all know them. You are not the only one to have lost loved ones in this war. Do not push us away but let us in. Let us help each other heal all our hurts. Let us avenge those we have lost and the hurts done to our peoples. And let us avenge the friends and loves we have lost as well."

Orin looked down at the harpoon on his left stump and then the wedding bands he wore on a chain around his neck. He sighed. "What is the plan?" He asked softly.

"We cannot attack Kryptonopolis. Zod had made strong preparations for a siege. I say we bring Zod to us." Lois said.

"And just how do you plan to do that?" King Carter asked.

"By putting his heart's desire and his greatest enemy in the same place," said Lois. She then looked at Bruce.

"I sent for it the day your knights left." Bruce said. He placed the Crystal of Knowledge down onto the table and slid it over to Lois.

"Sir Joseph." Lois said. He stepped forward and she handed it to him.

"Why trust him with that? We all have seen what it can do." Diana said and everyone agreed, except Chloe and the Kryptonians.

"All things come, Diana." Lois said. Sir Joseph bowed his head and stepped back. "Spring shall be over soon. And it is hard to fight a war in armor during the summer. We must move swiftly."

"I commanded my army to assemble and sail for Genesis the day Bruce escaped. They will not be long." Carter said.

"My army is ready." Bruce said.

"And mine." Everyone said, one right after the other.

"How strong is Zod's army?" Bruce asked.

"No more than 10, 000 when his troops from Urrika arrive. And how strong will ours be?" Lois asked.

"The same, perhaps more. But his war machines are superior to ours." Bruce said. "But this may be the last chance we have of defeating him."

"So we must not fail." Lois said. "And we can expect troops from Alexander Luthor."

"What?!" Almost everyone said in unison.

"This is a trick." Bruce said.

"Luthor is dying. He is giving command of his army to his son, Alexander." Lois said.

"Prince Alexander is dead. General Lane's knights killed him the day the League took Metropolis… They did kill him, did they not?" Connor Queen asked.

"No, they did not." Conner Kent stepped forward. "I am he."

Everyone exchanged glances, except Lois and Bruce. "You knew this, Bruce?" Diana asked.

"I was the one who smuggled him out of the city. Queen Helen asked that I give him to Clark and I did. She could think of no one better to guide him and to protect him. And we all know how fine a man he has grown to be." Bruce said. Conner and Cassandra exchanged glances.

"Conner has chosen to go to Thanagar. Luthor has had all his nobles and knights on a pension from Zod secretly executed. And he has imprisoned Non, the general of Zod's army. The army will follow Conner if Luthor commands it." Lois said.

"But…" Cassandra said worried.

"I shall not go alone if this is some sort of trick." Conner said.

"And if it is?" Connor Queen asked.

"Then that shall be between me and my father." Conner said tapping his fingers on his sword hilt.

"Well? What say all of you?" Lois stood. "Are we to war with Zod?" Lois asked. Bruce stood. Then Diana, Carter, Chloe, Orin, and Connor Queen stood.

"Then the League rides to war once more." Bruce said.

"What do you know about this Sir Joseph?" Carter asked Bruce. They were in Bruce's chambers at the Hall.

"Born in Kansas, where he was a farmer; lost his wife and children in the war; another cousin to the Duke of Kansas...so he claims." Bruce said. "You do not trust him?"

"He is hiding something. I can feel it in my bones." Carter crossed his arms. He looked out the window to see Sir Joseph training with the children and wards of the League's sovereigns. "Our children admire and respect him but that is youth for you." Bruce stood and stood next to Carter. "I know you have your suspicions so please speak plainly."

"He has this look in his eyes that I have only seen in Zoners." Bruce said.

"You think he used to be in Zod's army and changed sides?" Carter asked.

"It would explain why the new name and the lies. I have seen him in battle. I believe he could have been in Zod's personal guard." Bruce said.

"Then he would have powers but I have not seen him use them. And it would explain Lois's interest in him. But I sense there is something more between them." Carter said.

"As do I. I shall speak with her." Bruce said.

"Yes. She will listen to you and if you can, find out the truth about Sir Joseph. It will put my mind at ease." Carter said and Bruce nodded once.

In the Justice League's training courtyard, Sir Joseph and them were training to fight multiple opponents. "Block, block, and pommel… Hector, you try." Sir Joseph said. Prince Hector blocked Chris's and then Connor Queen's blow, and pretended to hit Chris in the face with his sword pommel and then pretended to heel kick Connor in the gut. "Good! Now you, Helena." Helena did the same. "Good!"

"Sir Joseph…" Lois appeared in the training courtyard. They all bowed. Lois wore a black doublet, trousers, and high boots. "May I speak with you in private? It is an urgent matter."

"Certainly, my lady. Sir Christopher, finish this lesson." Sir Joseph said. Chris nodded.

"Give me a moment." Hector said and ran after someone. They continued on training. He had thought he had lost her until he was pulled into a dark corner and their lips met. "I take it you missed me."

"Perhaps. Or I have just missed the pleasure a woman seeks from a man." She said.

"Or that of her husband." Hector said. Princess Hippolyta smiled up at him. "I have missed you." He caressed her face.

"And I you." Hippolyta said.

"How is our son?" Hector asked.

"Well. My mother spoils him. I believed she was more saddened to leave him than I." Hippolyta said and Hector looked down. She caressed his face. "Do not worry, my love. We shall see him again and we will be together as a family once more."

"And your mother? I doubt she will let you give up your throne. You are next in line. And Daniel is illegitimate by Amazonian law." Hector said.

"Shh… Not here. Not now." Hippolyta said and their lips met.

Sir Joseph walked into the Hall with Queen Lois. They walked through the corridors expressionless. They entered her chambers and she barred the door. She threw her arms around him and they kissed passionately. "I thought this was an urgent matter." He said.

"It is. We have not made love in some time and I desire you desperately." Lois said. She pulled his shirt over his head not even caring about his sweaty body. They kissed heatedly. They were undoing the laces to each other's trousers, when someone knocked on the door. Lois put a finger to her lips.

"Lois, it is Bruce. I know you are in there. Open the door." Bruce said outside.

"Hide." Lois whispered. She re-tied her laces and composed herself. She unbarred the door and opened it. "Yes?"

"We need to talk." Bruce said and entered her chamber without permission.

"About what?" Lois asked and closed the door. She did not see any sign of Clark and she knew the windows did not open.

"Sir Joseph Kent… There is no Joseph Kent is there?" Bruce asked plainly.

Lois crossed her arms and slowly approached Bruce. "And why have you come to believe this folly?" Lois asked subtly scanning the chamber for where Clark may have hidden.

"Do not lie to me, Lois. I can tell when you are." Bruce said. "Who is he truly?"

"I cannot tell you. Not yet. You just have to trust me." Lois said.

"But I do not trust him. He is a most skilled warrior but he fights like no man I know." Bruce said.

"He has been fighting Zod for years." Lois said.

"Fighting against or for Zod?" Bruce asked.

"Wait… You think he was…?" Lois said.

"I know he was in the Zone. You and I know Zoners better than anyone. We could always spot one even when he was skilled in spy craft. Is that why you protect him so?" Bruce asked.

"I protect him for a great deal of reasons." Lois said.

"Because he is your protector or your lover?" Bruce asked bluntly.

"What?" Lois said in barely a whisper. Bruce picked up Sir Joseph's sword belt off the chair and held it up. "Bruce, it is not what you think."

"I do not care who you lie with, Lois, but did it have to be him? He is a Zoner!" Bruce exclaimed.

"He was imprisoned in the Zone but he is not one of them!" Lois said.

"Every Zoner is one of them! Remember they killed Clark!" Bruce snapped.

"No, they did not." Bruce turned around to see Sir Joseph standing behind him shirtless but that was not all he saw. On his chest was the diagonal shallow slash mark he had seen on only one man. Bruce froze. and dropped the sword belt. He was lost for words. He walked up to him and put his hands on Kal-El's shoulders as if to see if he were real and not an illusion. "Bruce, I can…" Suddenly, Bruce tightly embraced Kal-El. Kal-El was surprised but he returned the embrace.

Bruce pulled away. "Just know if you were wearing your ring, I would hit you, you son of a…" Bruce said, smirking.

"I know. I would do the same, my friend." Kal-El said, grinning.

"You have barely aged a year. How…? The Zone. I was right, was I not? You were in the Zone?" Bruce asked.

"I believed to be imprisoned there for ten months, only to return to find out ten years had passed. Bruce, no one can know who I am. Not yet." Kal-El said and Bruce nodded.

"I just cannot believe it is you." Bruce said softly.

"Yes. The beards are not fitting for us, old friend." Kal-El said and Bruce actually chuckled. Lois tossed Kal-El his shirt and he put it back on.

Elsewhere, Conner and Cassandra were in a corner of the hall holding hands. "I do not want you to go." Cassandra said.

"I must. I did promise you that when this war was over, I would make you my wife." Conner said.

"Do you wish to make me a queen now?" Cassandra asked in a joking manner and he chuckled.

"Just not of Thanagar. I am giving it back to King Carter once the war is over... Lady Chloe did ask if I wanted the throne of Genesis. The House of Luthor were cousins to the House of Ross after all. I told her I would think on it." Conner said.

Cassandra caressed his face. "Whatever you decide, I shall be right beside you."

"That pleases me greatly. I love you." Conner said softly.

"And I love you." Cassandra said. They kissed tenderly.

"Sir Conner." Sir Joseph said and motioned for Conner to follow him. Conner pecked Cassandra's lips once more and then followed him. They entered the meeting hall. Christopher was waiting for them.

"If this is some sort of trick, I want you two to be prepared." He pulled back one of the curtains and sun rays hit the Crystal of Knowledge. It began to glow and he made Conner and Chris touch it. The black curtains made sure the bright flash was not seen outside. Conner and Christopher could feel the power inside them. "Use them wisely, my sons. We lack time. Go." They were gone in a blur. He put the crystal back onto a fastening on a chain around his neck. It looked like the crystal was some large pendant. He looked down at the crystal and had an idea.

In King Bruce's Chambers Later that Night

"I know how to bring Zod to us and he will be mortal." Kal-El said. That got Bruce's attention. "Lois, I need the sapphire pendant I gave you long ago." Lois pulled it out from under her doublet and removed it from around her neck. She gave it to him. "With this."

Kal-El gave the pendant to Bruce, who examined. He held the pendant up to a candle. "Remarkable. You can barely tell the difference. Whoever crafted this was quite skilled." Bruce said.

"The best. Can you fashion it into a weapon?" Kal-El asked. The sapphire was not a sapphire but the same blue crystal that makes the powers of the crystal inert.

"Give me three days." Bruce said.

Kal-El tilted his head to the side. "Lois, someone is going to your chamber." She left. "Bruce, I need your help with something."

Bruce put the pendant down onto the table. "What is it?" Bruce asked.

"I cannot be at the battle. There is something I must get from my father's fortress. A crystal that can change everything." Kal-El said.

"How?" Bruce asked.

"My father had a hidden message in one of his journals. I found it by mistake when I was at the Fortress. It spoke of a crystal that could change time and was to only be used if the House of El lost the war." Kal-El said.

"Could such a thing exist?" Bruce asked.

"If my father says it exists, then it exists. There is a secret chamber deep below the Fortress. I found it but I did not open it. I must go back." Kal-El said.

"Then why tell me?" Bruce asked.

Kal-El took a seat across from him. "I need to know exactly what I need to change to stop all this from happening." Kal-El said and Bruce nodded.

"Your death began this for Krypton. But for the rest of us, it began with the death of my wife and Queen Hippolyta." Bruce said.

Thanagar

Conner and Christopher Kent were brought before Alexander Luthor in his chambers. Lex was having one of his coughing fits. He saw them and he stood. He slowly approached them. "My son." Lex said weakly and embraced Conner. Conner slowly and awkwardly returned the embrace. They broke apart. "Now come. There is much to be done." They followed Lex through the halls. He moved slowly now but they kept a respectful pace. "My son, let me lean on you." Conner hesitated at first but he gave him his arm. "There is not much time to waste. I made sure the army would be assembled and ready to sail when you arrived. You will find no lack of cannon, catapults, and weapons. I just need to give you command now."

"Why are you doing this?" Conner asked. They stopped walking. Conner gave Chris a look and Chris stepped off to the side. "I do not know you. I only know what is said of you. And the only father I have ever known was King Kal-El of Krypton. Why now?"

"Clark has no doubt told you I am dying." Conner nodded. "As I told him. Life is a long road and mine is paved with my sins. I hope I can finish this road with setting right past wrongs. And die with fewer regrets. And know that all this has been left in the right hands. I am your father and you are my son. You were born destined to be my redemption. So please redeem me." Lex said. Conner simply nodded. "Now, come."

Three Days Later

An assortment of swords and daggers lay on the table. Kal-El picked up a dagger and examined it closely: A steel blade but with a blue crystal tip. "Just break the tip off into his body and he will be powerless. Zod will have no choice but to come for the crystal." Bruce said.

"Well done, Bruce." Kal-El said and put it in the empty dagger scabbard on his right side of his sword belt.

"Are you certain you do not want me to tell the others you are alive?" Bruce asked.

"The choice is yours and I know you will choose well." Kal-El said and put a hand on Bruce's shoulder. Bruce nodded once. They gripped forearms and embraced. Then he left Bruce's chambers.

Kal-El looked around and listened. There was no one. He knocked on the door to Lois's chambers. She opened the door and he entered. "He did it." He showed her the dagger with the blue crystal tip. "Careful. The tip is made to break off." Kal-El said.

"When shall we use it?" Lois asked.

"When the League of Armies arrives in Kansas. Then I shall go to Kryptonopolis. I will have words with Zod and perhaps a little vengeance." He said. Lois put her hand on his cheek. "Do not worry about me. I worry more for you than for my own life."

"And you should know that I can protect myself." They quietly chuckled. Kal-El caressed her face. I want to tell her about the crystal. How I can get all our lost time together back. But… "What are you thinking of?" Lois asked.

"Nothing." He lied and grinned slightly. "Only of how this will all be over soon."

"Yes. And we can finally make up for lost time. But there is a matter we must take care of first." Lois said.

Some Weeks Later

Cam-Zel, Wren-Za, and a shackled Durkin entered Lois's chambers and bowed. Ben Hubbard was shaving Sir Joseph's beard off. "Has something happened, my queen?" Wren-Za asked.

"Yes. Alexander Luthor wishes to proclaim Zod his enemy and ally himself with the League of Nations." Lois said.

"This could be another trick just like Commander Gor's visit." Cam-Zel said.

"I did think that at first. But Luthor is dying and wishes for nothing more than peace and redemption. He pledges his sword and that of his army to our king." Lois said.

"But our king is a prisoner of Zod." Wren-Za said.

"My God!" Ben Hubbard swore and knelt down t one knee at once.

"What is the matter with...?" Wren-Za froze when Sir Joseph rose and turned around to face them.

Kal-El wiped the last of the soap from his chin and tossed the cloth aside. Wren-Za and Cam-Zel saw the scar upon his chest and knelt. Durkin fell down to knees and bowed. Kal-El put on a white laced shirt. "Thank you, Ben. You may go." Kal-El said. Ben arose, bowed, and left the chamber. Kal-El stroked his bare chin. Lois handed him a red doublet that bore his House crest on his breast. He put it on and tied up the laces. "Rise." He commanded and Wren-Za and Cam-Zel rose but not Durkin. Durkin remained on the floor shaking in fear. Kal-El rolled his eyes. Cam-Zel grabbed Durkin but the back of his shirt and raised him up so he was now on his knees. Kal-El grabbed his sword belt and put it on. Kal-El crossed his arms.

"I know what you have done, Durkin. When I returned some months ago, I would have slain you where you stood for your crimes. Your wife has begged the queen to have mercy. But should I have mercy? The knowledge you have given our enemy has caused the deaths of many, and not just soldiers and knights but the people who live in this domain under our protection! And it allowed Zod to take my son captive. I sooner cut off my own arm than show you mercy, you coward." Durkin's trembling became worse. "You do not deserve the great love your wife has for you." Durkin then began weeping and Kal-El took a deep breath. "In time, I will make way for the work camp at Kandor and liberate it. And when Zod is dead or back in the Zone, then I shall decide your fate. Get him out of my sight." Kal-El commanded coldly.

"Guards!" Cam-Zel called. Two knights entered the chamber and knelt at once when they saw the crest on Kal-El's doublet. "Take the prisoner back to his cell." Kal-El turned his back to them. They grabbed hold of both of Durkin's arms and took him away.

"How is this possible? I saw you die with Tam-Or and his knights." Cam-Zel said.

"We were banished to the Phantom Zone. Only I escaped." Kal-El said.

"You must be disappointed with our failure to keep your kingdom, Sire." Wren-Za said.

"No. I am only saddened by all the friends and families that have been lost. But I am glad you have done all you can to protect the people. And the kingdom is not lost…not yet." Kal-El said and stroked his bare chin. "The war is about to begin."

Thanagar

Alexander Luthor lay in his bed, his breathing labored and coughing. Priests prayed in the background as his physician tending to him. The physician then approached Conner. "The king does not have long, my prince. Shall I tell the priests to begin giving him last rites?" He asked.

"No! Leave us." Luthor commanded and coughed. Conner nodded. The physician and priests bowed and left the bedchamber. Conner nodded to Christopher, who followed them out. "Come closer." Conner approached and knelt at his bedside. He wore a blue velvet doublet, trousers, and his sword belt. He did not wish for the flamboyant garments but Luthor insisted. "You know what this means, do you not?" He coughed. Conner intertwined his fingers and rested his hands on the bed. Lex grinned at him. "I see your mother in you." Conner saw her hand-held portrait in his father's hand. "She was the only woman I ever truly loved. But my lust for power robbed me of her and all the riches of this kingdom could not fill the void she left behind." A single tear rolled down Luthor's cheek.

"In my youth, I worshiped my father. I thought him to be a just and wise king and I hoped I too would be when I ascended the throne. I knew that he ruled with an iron fist but I was blind to his tyranny; just as I was blind to mine. I die knowing that my final act as a king cannot right all my wrongs but perhaps right my greatest one. This is more than just you and me. The world as we know hangs in the balance on whether if we should triumph or fail. I may not be just but at least some may now think me wise after I am dead."

Lex coughed and took labored breaths. Lex reached over and placed his hand atop Conner's folded hands. "Be wary, my son. The dangers of the battlefield are no different than those of the council chamber. As kings we rule but we do not rule alone. These nobles and university men counsel us but many have their own ambitions. They envy us and they think they can influence us. And there will be many who will not want to lose power once they find out you wish to return Thanagar to Carter Hall. Amanda Waller is the only one I trust in this court. She will not lead you astray but offer you plain counsel. She shall rule while you ride out to war. And she will do what must be done in your absence… Have you nothing to say?" Lex asked.

"I do not know you but I wish we had more time together." Conner said.

"As do I. There are many challenges ahead of you, Alexander. But Clark taught you well. And I know I shall not be disappointed." Lex said.

"Then I shall not try to disappoint you…father." Conner said and Lex grinned.

"I have always loved you, Alexander…Conner. Now go and send in Amanda Waller." Conner nodded. Lex pulled Conner down closer to him and kissed his forehead. Lex grinned at him one last time and put his hand on Conner's cheek. "My son." He said softly.

Conner stood and walked out of the chamber. "He wishes to see you, my lady." Conner said to Amanda Waller. She was a heavy, dark skinned woman. She was feared as much as she was respected; and her enemies either had short lives or short careers. She wore a blue satin dress and a leather belt with a scabbard for a dagger. Waller walked past Conner and closed the door behind her as she entered the bedchamber.

Waller crushed some herbs and poured them into a goblet of wine. "You watch over my son, Amanda. I will not have the crown corrupt him as it did me and my father before me." Lex said weakly.

Waller approached his bedside. "I promise, my friend. Prince Alexander is now under my protection. No harm shall come to him as long as I draw breath." She said.

"Good. And now it is time to fulfill your final promise to me." Lex said. Waller raised his head and brought the goblet to his lips. Luthor sipped the poisoned wine until there was not a drop left. He licked his lips as she put the goblet aside. "Will it be swift?"

Waller took his hand. "Like falling asleep, my lord." She answered. Amanda Waller stayed with King Alexander Luthor I until he fell into a slumber, in which he would never awaken from.

The next morning, the bells would toll for the dead king. His only son, Alexander, would be crowned two days later. And by the week's end, he and the army sailed for Kansas to end the war once and for all.

Argo City Some Weeks Later

The city had been abandoned when Zod recalled all his troops. Its inhabitants happily opened the gates when the banners of the House of El were seen. Over one hundred Kryptonian knights had ridden in the city on horseback followed by near 1,000 infantry soldiers. The Gotham, Star City, and Amazonian armies arrived not long after them.

"Xebel has fallen. Queen Hila and her husband, Orm, are dead. The Atlantean fleet sails for Krypton. The wind is with them. They shall be here in a fortnight with the Thanagarian and Egyptian armies as well." Sir Christopher said. The Thanagarian and Egyptian armies had set sail near a week before the Atlanteans.

"Good." Lois said and looked over her shoulder to see Kal-El standing in front of the hearth. His back was to them and she could tell that his arms were crossed.

"And the men wished to know once and for all if Sir Joseph has abandoned us. What shall I tell them?" Commander Cam-Zel asked. Sir Joseph had not been seen in weeks. Rumors had spread that he had been captured, killed, or he had abandoned the queen.

"Part truth… Sir Joseph has left to fulfill my last task for him. We could not pass up this opportunity with Zod so vulnerable." Lois said.

"The prince." Cam-Zel said.

"Yes. And tell them in victory or defeat, our king shall return. Leave us." Lois said. Cam-Zel and Christopher bowed and left the chamber. Kal-El looked into the fire and then he felt her hand on his shoulder. "You know what you have to do." He placed his hand on top of hers and caressed the skin of her hand.

Kryptonopolis

Zod removed his cape and tossed it over a chair. He wore a black velvet tunic with gold hems, black satin trousers and a sword belt. He took off his crown and tossed it down onto the table as he read a letter from Davis. He was raising his forces and getting supplies for battle but it would be weeks before they could march. Zod growled, crumpled up the letter, and threw it into the fire. Zod ran his hand down his face and sighed. He walked over to the table and began pouring him a goblet of wine. He felt a soft breeze on the back of his neck and then someone grabbed him by the back of his tunic; pinned him up against the hearth, and held a dagger to his throat. "We meet again, Zod." Kal-El said.

"Kal-El…? I do not know how you escaped the Zone but you were safer where you were." Zod said.

"You stole ten years of my life. No, you were safer where you were." Kal-El said and pressed the dagger closed to his jugular.

"You fool, Kryptonian steel cannot harm me. Lilo-El's blood runs through my veins." Zod said.

"Where is my son? He is not in the castle. Where is he?!" Kal-El demanded.

"I see you have spoken to your wife. Did you know that she has more than one lover or do you like to watch them ravish her again and again?" Zod smirked. Kal-El then stabbed Zod in the left shoulder with the dagger. Zod screamed in pain and surprise was written all over his face. Kal-El then broke the tip off into his body and tossed the dagger aside while taking a few steps back. Zod fell to his knees with his right hand over his wound. He then saw the blood on his hand. "How…?"

"You have a week, perhaps longer before that tip reaches your heart. You can try and dig it out but that would be pointless. I believe you will need this if you want to survive." Kal-El removed the Crystal of Knowledge from beneath his black doublet. Zod reached for it and Kal-El smirked. "And your son is mine." And then he saw over the mantle of the hearth was Tahrao. "And so is this." Kal-El took the sword from off its stand.

"Are you alright, Sire?" Someone asked outside the door.

"GUARDS!" Zod screamed but Kal-El was already long gone.