Sir Aidan watched as his beloved city burned, the dead surrounding him as the sounds of battle raged, the screams of his creatures echoed the evening air. The badger clenched his sword in rage, facing the wolf before him. With a loud roar he charged, the wolf parried swiftly locking their blades. Aidan pushed against the wolf with all his might, his desire for vengeance filling every bone, every muscle. The wolf let his blade go weak guiding the force of Aidan's blade to the ground, bringing his pommel up and striking Aiden. The badger staggered back and felt the wolf's blade bite into his chest and then pierce his gut as the wolf swiftly closed the distance. The wolf knocked Aiden to the ground and he felt his strength leave him, "I will not die today, Wolf," Aiden painfully snarled.
"Yes, you will, badger. You will die watching the Kingdom you so valiantly defended burn around you and hear the agony of the creatures you tried to protect. You caused me a lot of trouble, Captain of the Guard, but in the end my Empire was victorious, and your kingdom has fallen," Authran said, stepping closer and stabbing his blade between Aidan's chest and shoulder, puncturing his body as much as he could. Aidan felt more and more of his blood pool around him, "Your punishment will be to die a slow and agonizing death," Authran quickly withdrew his blade, Aidan roared out in pain as he lost consciousness, watching the wolf walk away from him.
"Your majesty!" Aidan heard a distant voice.
"Your majesty!" Aidan woke with start, feeling the comfort and warmth of his bed, remembering he was in the royal bedchambers of his castle, "Forgive me your majesty, but the Waterlily has docked in the harbor and Sir Kieran has come to the castle with news."
Aidan turned his eyes towards the squirrel messenger that had come to his door, "Thank you I will see him promptly," the squirrel bowed to him and left the room, closing the door behind. Aidan rose to his footpaws and began to dress. He paused a moment in front of his mirror, tracing the scars he earned so long ago. The memory he so constantly dreamed, no, the nightmare, his failure to defend the last King of Tanaria, the failure to defend his creatures.
As Aidan wandered the halls of the castle, he couldn't help but ponder the same questions he had for these few seasons. Why after his failure did the creatures of Tanaria choose him to rule? Why put their faith in one who failed his king, and the creatures of the Kingdom? Perhaps they did see him as a failure, or perhaps there was nobeast better to rule. Either way he never quite felt worthy of the role, but he would do his best for his creatures nonetheless.
Aidan soon entered the Great Hall where the courtiers quickly bowed to him. His eyes searched the hall for Sir Kieran and quickly spotted him. He raised his paw, "Please my friends, there is truly no need for such formalities," he said, the courtiers soon straightened themselves and returned to their various conversations, "Sir Kieran, walk with me," Kieran nodded to his king's command and the two soon wandered the castle halls, "Now what is your report?"
"Our scout ships were correct in their belief the fleet was from the Empire. your majesty, I would not forget the Imperial banner so soon. We engaged the fleet, but I believe it was a folly effort. I returned with the Waterlily and Captain Starwort can confirm the battle, I returned to warn you and Tanaria to prepare for another war."
"I see… This does not bode well, we are unprepared for another war so soon. What of Sir Marcus?"
Kieran lowered his eyes, "I don't believe he made, your majesty. I fear he was slain in battle by Lord Redclaw, who I saw him engage with."
Aidan heaved a deep and sorrowful sigh, "Seems now I am down to one captain for my armies…Marcus was a good beast, and now we at least know the first to face us is the Scourge himself, which means the Emperor won't be too far behind."
"Your majesty, I must advise caution, Redclaw had at least two thousand strong and I'm not sure we can even raise an army large enough to match the Empire."
"Did the fleet survive?"
"I have not heard word, your majesty I can only assume no."
"That puts our current forces around five hundred standing, with maybe a thousand we could levy…"
"Perhaps we should flee, abandon what we built…"
"We will not abandon everything we have worked to achieve here!" Aidan growled at Kieran swiftly cutting off his words, "I will not abandon Noonvale either, we promised to protect them. I will not be a defeatist!"
"The Noonvalers should abandon the village as well, homes can be rebuilt, lives cannot!" Kieran paused briefly, "I speak with all do respect your majesty of course…"
Aidan once again interrupted Kieran, "We will hold the line, we will ask the Noonvalers for what aid they can provide but we will defend this land as best we can, and only flee if needed. There must be allies we can find, and we will levy what forces we can, even the old and young if they are able to wield a blade or draw a bow. I will personally lead our forces in battle as well."
Once again Kieran protested, "Your majesty if you were to fall in battle what would become of our kingdom? You should not put yourself in harms way!"
"I will not sit behind a wall while my creatures bleed for their king! See to the levies, Sir Kieran, raise what forces you can."
Kieran relented, "Very well your majesty…I will also see to the request for aid from Noonvale."
"I will see to that, if you have completed the levies by the time I depart, you may join me."
Kieran sighed frustratedly, "Very well…" At last he turned and proceeded down the hall.
Aidan stood in the hallway briefly, hoping he was doing the right thing, but deep down he prayed, prayed for the chance at vengeance. To end the Emperor once and for all.