《Wardom: Land of Legends》


 Prologue

    A sun dawned on a snowy expanse, illuminating the slaver fleeing from his slaves.


    This was no ordinary sun, but the sun of Wardom, the Warrior¡¯s Afterlife. Underneath the sun¡¯s warm gaze, across the infinite plains, uncountable warriors from worlds beyond numbers waged endless wars. Empires rose and fell, seasons came and went, warriors died and moved on, and above it all, Lord Osias and Lady Ophira, the Gods of Death, watched.


    The slaver raced across the snowy plain, his breathing ragged. The man¡¯s name was Mallesk, though at the moment he wished he could be anyone else. He had been on the run for what felt like ages, ever since the city of Snawkon had fallen a week ago. Mallesk had left his mansion the moment he had heard, heading south. He didn¡¯t have a particular destination in mind, just anywhere where he was not a hunted man.


    Mallesk entered a forest, still running. His pursuers were close on his heels. He couldn¡¯t stop, not yet. He wondered if any of his fellow nobles still lived. He doubted it. Mallesk had been lucky to survive this long, and he feared he wouldn¡¯t last much longer.


    Mallesk silently cursed the one who had done this to him as he ran through the trees. She had ruined the life he had worked so hard to cultivate in the Afterlife. He had only been forced to fight for the first couple of years, and then he gained subordinates to fight for him. His second life had been great, but he had always suspected he would pay the price that came with his power.


    He leaned against a tree, taking a deep breath. He hoped he had put enough distance between himself and his pursuers to allow for a quick break. His once strong body had grown weak due to the abundance of his wealth. He was used to splendid feasts, not desperate flights like this. He had only taken a small supply of food when he ran, and that had run out the day before.


    Mallesk flinched as an arrow thudded into the trunk of a tree near him. His pursuers were closer than he had thought. He took off running again, wishing for a longer break, craving the smallest morsel of food. A wolf howled close by, and Mallesk¡¯s chest tightened.


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    Like many men, Mallesk feared death. True, he had died before, but at least then he had the option of Wardom. Now, he would have no choice. He knew he had not been a good man, and his actions led to only one destination: Tortdom. He would be tortured for all eternity, and that was a fate no one could face unafraid.


    Some would say death was worse in this life, for there would be no more chances. At least here there was a sort of life, even if it was stranger than the normal worlds. No one really knew what the next afterlifes were like, only rumours and mythology. That scared Mallesk. And of course there was the chance that there was nothing after this, that everything he had heard was false, that Wardom was the end. Normally that would send shivers down Mallesk¡¯s spine, and that had inspired him to live a luxurious life while he could. He had bigger worries at the moment.


    Mallesk slipped in the snow, landing flat on his face. He struggled to regain his feet but he was too slow. An arrow landed on the ground beside him. A tall slim elf with flowing blond hair down to his shoulders appeared out of the trees, a loaded bow in his hands. Another elf came to his side, her spear at the ready.


    Mallesk looked from one elf to the other, knowing he couldn¡¯t run. Wolves as white as snow paced in large circles around him, going in and out of the trees. He gulped.


    ¡°Please, you don¡¯t have to kill me,¡± Mallesk said pleadingly. ¡°Isn¡¯t there anything I can offer you?¡±


    ¡°You have nothing we want,¡± the male elf said. ¡°We own it all now.¡±


    ¡°Your days of looking down upon us are over, human,¡± the female elf said.


    A third elf appeared, this one atop a horse. More elves were barely visible behind him. The mounted elf was clad in fine armour, and a cloak of pure white hung from his shoulders. His face was scarred, his long white hair pulled back to show off all his hideousness. A large spear was in his hands.


    ¡°Please, let me live,¡± Mallesk wailed.


    ¡°Glory to the Queen,¡± the elf said. He hurled his spear. Mallesk screamed as the spear flew through his chest and he crashed into the snow. The wolves leapt forward to feast.


    The revolution was complete. Mallesk, Last of the Great Slavers of Ralpor, was dead. The reign of Skadi had begun.

 Chapter 1: Richard

    ¡°Another round, barkeep,¡± Richard said, placing his mug back on the counter. As he waited for the drink to be served, he turned to Grace. She was his oldest friend, though that might not have been clear to any who overheard them arguing. Richard had been travelling with her for years, the entirety of the time he had been in the Afterlife of Wardom.


    They had just finished another job, one of the boring ones that had become the usual for them. It had been menial and simple, but the pay wasn¡¯t bad. It was enough to last them the few weeks it could be before they found another employer. Things were slow in Camelot for mercenaries like them at the moment, and jobs were few and far between. And the work was mundane compared to what they had been doing a few years ago.


    Richard had been in Wardom for eight years now, same as Grace. He was still younger than he had been when he died, that being in his mid-thirties. Like everyone else, his age had been reset to a twenty year old version of himself when he had arrived. It took a while to get used to it, but he managed fine.


    Richard pushed his dirty blond hair back from his face. He was average height, and slim. His muscles were trained for wielding a sword, not brute force. Grace was taller, and his elder by a dozen weeks, her head crowned with flaming orange hair like the sunset.


    Grace continued their current argument as the refilled mugs were placed on the table before them. ¡°It would be of great benefit for Caedan to capture Camelot,¡± she said.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Richard said. Everyone knew how much Caedan wanted to expand his Lorric Empire. ¡°But he can¡¯t risk it. King Arthur can keep ships from landing on these shores for a long time, long enough to force any army the Lorrics put into the water to retreat.¡±


    ¡°I disagree. He just needs to get one boat to land, one dock under his control, and the land would be filled with Lorric soldiers.¡±


    ¡°That is a big risk to take, knowing the fight Arthur will put up to keep the land.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a big risk, but I would not be surprised if he takes it. Holding Camelot leaves him free to attack in any other direction knowing his north is protected.¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t think Caedan is one to take that risk.¡±


    ¡°What about the Kroanians, then? They are crazy enough to try it, knowing the fact that they would then be on two sides of Lorr.¡±


    Richard took a deep drink from his mug. ¡°It is useless to try and guess what Ulrik will do. Sometimes, I think even he doesn¡¯t know what he will do until he has to give the orders.¡±


    Grace nodded. ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    The door to the tavern swung open behind them. Richard paid it little attention, instead reaching for his mug. The ale was awful here, but it did the job.


    ¡°There they are!¡± a voice boomed from the doorway. Richard swung around on his stool. He cursed silently. Half a dozen brutes had entered the tavern, and they all stared at him and Grace. They held twisted weapons in their hands.


    ¡°Remember me, mercenary?¡± the leader barked as he walked towards the counter, a large club in one hand. Richard couldn¡¯t place the man, but he doubted he was here for a friendly visit. ¡°We were part of the group you stole that job from out in Woodlaine, when you came in with your fancy swords and kingly talk. I¡¯m here for my money, boy.¡±


    Richard remembered Woodlaine. They had taken a job there a few weeks back, a simple guarding a transport gig. Their employer had saved some money by hiring them instead of a group of brutes, and the transport hadn¡¯t needed much protection in the end anyway.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you feel slighted, but the money¡¯s ours,¡± Richard said. ¡°We worked for it. If you have a problem, take it up with the man who employed us.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m stupid?¡± The leader stopped just in front of them, his gang behind him. Grace still ignored him, sipping her ale with her back to the brutes. ¡°The trouble we¡¯d be in for messing up a rich man would make the money useless. Nah, we¡¯ll get our money from you instead.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take this outside?¡± the barkeeper said.


    The leader grinned. ¡°Sounds like a good idea. Let¡¯s go outside.¡±


    Richard looked at the group, and he didn¡¯t like what he saw. He and Grace had swords compared to their crude weapons, but their blades would do little good inside in such a tight space. And outside would be no better, being as outnumbered. Also, though neither Richard nor Grace were small, they were nothing compared to the leader. He was a mountain of a man with tree trunks for arms and a barrel for a chest.


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    Richard stood up. He took a long swig from the mug in his hand, keeping his eyes on the brutes. Grace still hadn¡¯t moved. The leader laid a hand on her shoulder, prepared to force her to get up. In the blink of an eye, Grace had slipped a knife out of her sleeve and turned. Her hand darted upwards, and the knife went straight into the leader¡¯s eye.


    The leader fell to his knees, his club dropping to the floor, his hands going to stop the stream of blood flowing out of his empty socket. Richard reacted instantly. He smashed the mug into the head of the nearest brute. He reached back and picked up the bar stool. He swung with both hands, shattering the stool against the next man. He was left just holding one of the stool¡¯s legs, which he smacked into another attacker before dropping it.


    Richard dodged a brute¡¯s wild swing, twisting around to smash his fist into the man¡¯s face as he went past. Richard felt arms close around him and he couldn¡¯t stop them.


    He was thrown across the room. He smashed through a window and tumbled out into the street. He jumped back to his feet as Grace was thrown onto the street after him. He pulled her back up. Brutes surrounded them from all sides. It seemed the leader had even more friends waiting outside. Some of the group were jumping out of the window after Grace and Richard.


    Richard drew his sword and Grace did the same. They went back to back and looked around. It didn¡¯t seem good. They couldn¡¯t handle that number of people, and even if they did there would be some very angry people if they killed anyone.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Grace asked behind him.


    Richard grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s not wait for them to act,¡± he said.


    ¡°Stop that!¡± a voice shouted suddenly from down the street.


    Richard hesitated. He looked down the street to see a group of people running towards them. They wore old battered armour, but they all held swords in their hands. Richard knew them instantly to be the city guard, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel relieved.


    ¡°Throw down your weapons, everyone!¡± the lead soldier ordered.


    The brutes that surrounded Richard and Grace obliged grudgingly, glaring at Richard. Richard waited until all the brutes had dropped their weapons before he placed his sword on the ground in front of him. The soldiers pushed their way through the brutes, forcing them to the side of the street. Richard and Grace were pushed to the other side.


    Richard sighed. They may have managed to avoid a full fight, but their troubles weren¡¯t over yet. The scene inside the tavern wouldn¡¯t be a good show of innocence on Richard¡¯s part. He was forced to sit down against the wall.


    As Richard waited, a man rode towards them. He wore shining armour, and a cloak of deep blue hung from his shoulders. Black hair framed his head, coming down to a thick beard beneath his chin. He was a few years older than Richard, a little taller too. His helmet was on the back of his horse. Richard recognised him as Sir Lancelot du Lac, one of the seven High Knights of the Round Table. He was subject to only King Arthur himself.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡± Sir Lancelot asked as he approached.


    ¡°Just a tavern brawl, my lord,¡± the lead soldier said. ¡°Nothing for you to be concerned about.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Are you in charge here?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir. Captain Mason, my lord.¡±


    ¡°Come over here, Captain.¡± Lancelot dismounted his horse and strode off to the side of the road. Mason followed him. Richard strained his ears to make out what they were saying. ¡°I need soldiers, Captain,¡± he heard Lancelot say. ¡°How many can you spare?¡±


    ¡°Not many, my lord,¡± Mason replied. ¡°We are undermanned as it is. If you give me a day, I could get you maybe a dozen.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a day, Captain. I need them now. I am wasting too much time as it is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my lord, but I don¡¯t think we have any to give. Normally, we might have some, but Captain Jarin had to travel to Galekorn and he took quite a few soldiers with him. He needed protection, you see. You know what the roads are-¡±


    ¡°Soldier, this is a matter of utmost importance to the King.¡±


    ¡°Well, I can maybe give you three or four,¡± Mason said, thinking hard. ¡°But they would have to return soon, my lord.¡±


    ¡°My lord,¡± Richard said, standing up. Two soldiers instantly moved in front of him, but he ignored them. ¡°My lord, I couldn¡¯t help but overhear your plight,¡± Richard said to Lancelot. ¡°I think I can be of some assistance.¡±


    Lancelot looked at him. ¡°Really?¡± Lancelot asked, waving the soldiers aside. Richard approached.


    ¡°Yes, my lord. My companion and I are skilled with the blade, and we can help you in whatever your task is.¡±


    ¡°But you are criminals!¡± Captain Mason exclaimed.


    ¡°We are not, my lord,¡± Richard said, focusing his comments on the knight. ¡°We were attacked by these brutes, and we did what we had to do to defend ourselves.¡± It was at that moment that the injured brutes from inside the tavern were brought out, the leader still having a hand clamped over his empty socket. Richard didn¡¯t know if they helped or hindered his case with Lancelot.


    Lancelot glanced at the injured brutes before turning his gaze back to Richard. ¡°What¡¯s your name, mercenary?¡± he asked after a moment.


    ¡°I am Richard Snowthorne, my lord, and this is Grace Redhelm.¡±


    Lancelot nodded. ¡°You will both come with me.¡±


    ¡°But, my lord, they have broken the law,¡± Mason said. ¡°You cannot take them!¡±


    ¡°Either you round up a dozen troops in the next few minutes, or I take them,¡± Lancelot said.


    Mason looked around, squirming a little. ¡°Of course, my lord, you can take them if you must,¡± he said quietly after a moment.


    ¡°I thought as much. Get four of your soldiers ready to come with me. And you two,¡± Lancelot said, turning back to Richard and Grace. ¡°Your crimes have not been forgotten yet. Only if you perform well in my task will you be free. Understood?¡±


    Richard looked at Grace, who grinned at him. He turned back to Lancelot. ¡°Understood.¡±

 Chapter 2: Felix

    ¡°Execute him,¡± Emperor Caedan ordered.


    Felix watched the murderer be dragged out of the room, kicking and screaming. He knew the man would be at the gallows the next morning, facing his fate as decreed by the Emperor. He was just one of many that Felix had seen come before Caedan that morning.


    General Xavier approached the throne, his boots clicking on the marble floor. He bowed before Caedan.


    ¡°Am I done for today, Xavier?¡± Caedan asked. The Emperor was approaching overweight, having little reason to exercise anymore. His skin was smooth and as dark as night, in stark contrast to the grey beard that was perfectly maintained on his chin. His clothes were rich, as was expected of the ruler of the Lorric Empire. ¡°I am tired and wish to retire for dinner.¡±


    ¡°That is all of the prisoners that demand your verdict, but I am afraid there are a few more things to see to before dinner, sire,¡± General Xavier said. He was thinner than Caedan, stronger too, his skin just as dark. His head was shaved clean, not a hair to be found anywhere aside from the brows of his blue eyes.


    ¡°Well, get on with it.¡±


    ¡°Firstly, sire, there is a delegation from the Isles of Hardune.¡±


    ¡°Oh, not those barbarians again,¡± Caedan complained.


    ¡°They are here to pay their respects to you, sire.¡±


    ¡°Send them in. Let¡¯s get this over with. Guards, be ready.¡±


    Felix loosely gripped the sword at his waist. He disliked the Hardunians and their visits as much as the Emperor did. Though they were small in numbers, they were some of the most vicious fighters Felix had ever seen. It was the only reason they had remained independent during Caedan¡¯s expansion. They always seemed to cause problems when they arrived. Nothing serious, but still a nuisance.


    Xavier led the delegation along the long hall. They wore little armour, all visible skin covered in tattoos. They had left their weapons behind, but that mattered little; they were known for using their fists as much as anything else. One carried an orange banner, depicting the symbol of two crescent moons closing around a sword.


    They stopped before the throne and bowed deeply. One stepped forward, an ornate box in his hands.


    ¡°His Grace, Count Doglan of the Isles of Hardune,¡± Xavier announced.


    ¡°Count Doglan, it has been a long time,¡± Caedan said. Despite his disdain for the people, the Emperor was able to appear calm and collected.


    ¡°Your Imperial Majesty, it is an honour to meet you again,¡± Doglan said, bowing again. Muscles bulged across the Count¡¯s torso, the skin bronzed. On one half of his chest, a tattoo of a giant sea serpent was depicted, on the other, a warrior with a tall warhammer. ¡°His Supreme Excellency, King Rarthak of the Isles of Hardune, wisest of all people, sends his warmest regards.¡±


    ¡°He is too kind,¡± Caedan said dryly.


    ¡°Yes, he is,¡± Doglan said, unwilling or perhaps unable to pick up on the Emperor¡¯s sarcasm. ¡°We have brought a gift for you, to show His Supreme Excellency¡¯s continued interest in our friendship.¡± Doglan came closer to the throne, the box held before him.


    Felix moved swiftly to come between the Count and the throne, as did the guards around the room. Doglan stopped walking, looking back and forth from the soldiers to Caedan.


    ¡°I thank you most kindly for your gift, Count Doglan,¡± Caedan said. ¡°Please, give it to the Paladin to bring to me. There are many who would benefit from my death, and who would take severe action so that it comes about. I am certain that nothing like that would happen from any of your people, but I cannot make exceptions to the rules. I hope you understand.¡±


    Doglan hesitated for a moment, clearly unhappy. But in the end, he had to abide by the Emperor¡¯s rules. He handed the box to Felix. ¡°Of course I understand, Your Imperial Majesty. I am saddened that such precautions are necessary, but there are many monsters in your land.¡± Felix heard the accusation in his voice, but the Emperor ignored it.


    Felix climbed the steps of the dais up to the throne. The guards returned to their place beside the throne. Felix noted the greedy look in Caedan¡¯s eyes as he held out the box to the Emperor.


    Felix lifted the lid off the box to show Caedan, a smile spreading across the Emperor¡¯s face. He pulled the gift out, holding it up to his eyes to examine it. It was a magnificent necklace, a chain of gold supporting a string of shiny emeralds. Caedan looked at it greedily, his finger touching each of the green stones. Felix had heard the vaults underneath the palace were full with similar trinkets and valuables, as well as rooms filled entirely with gold. Felix had never been inside, but he had witnessed many nobles giving gifts to the Emperor.


    ¡°It is very elegant,¡± Caedan said, not taking his eyes off of the necklace.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Doglan said. ¡°His Supreme Excellency chose it himself. In his neverending wisdom, he wishes to continue the friendship between our lands.¡±


    ¡°I am honoured, Count.¡± Caedan placed the necklace back into the box, waving Felix down off the dais. ¡°I shall treasure this, as I treasure our friendship. What will you do while here?¡±


    ¡°In his superior judgement, His Supreme Excellency has instructed me to see to our interests with those we deal with here in this land.¡±


    ¡°You are welcome to go where you wish. As always, it is a pleasure to have your people in our land. Carry my regards back to King Rarthak.¡±


    ¡°His Supreme Excellency shall hear them.¡± Count Doglan bowed a final time. He turned and left the room, his group trailing along behind him.


    A servant came up to Felix, and he handed the ornate box off to him. General Xavier approached the throne again, having seen the Hardunians out of the hall.


    ¡°What¡¯s next, Xavier?¡± Caedan asked, sighing.


    ¡°A man arrived this morning from Challter,¡± Xavier said. ¡°He claimed he needed to speak to you urgently, and has refused to tell anything to anyone else. I do not like the look of him, but he carries the sigil of Sheriff Lorhorn of Nailhaim.¡±


    ¡°Bring him in, then. But make it a quick meeting.¡±


    The man was led in from the far side of the room. He walked with a limp, his right leg struggling to keep up. His skin was chalky white, and he looked almost sickly. Felix could see the exhausted look on the man¡¯s face, and the desperation with which he looked at the throne. Felix tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, wary.


    ¡°A representative of His Grace, Sheriff Lorhorn of Nailhaim,¡± Xavier announced.


    ¡°Your Imperial Majesty, my name is Gilbert Whitehall of Nailhaim. I was a captain in Sheriff Lorhorn¡¯s personal guard. I have travelled many days with no rest nor breaks to reach you.¡±


    ¡°Gilbert, I welcome you to Lorr,¡± Caedan said. ¡°The people of Challter are always welcome in my land.¡±


    ¡°Sire, I have come to beg for your help. There is a rebellion in Challter.¡±


    ¡°I had heard there was some unrest in your land.¡±


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    ¡°This is not just some unrest, sire. Bandits and thugs are slaughtering the good soldiers in my home.¡± Gilbert was almost growling with anger. ¡°They have tricked the people into thinking the Sheriff is evil.¡±


    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Lorhorn stamp them out?¡±


    ¡°He tried. They were wider spread than we had expected, and they caught us by surprise. Nailhaim has already fallen. The other five city states will not last much longer, and soon all of Challter could be in the rebels¡¯ hands.¡±


    ¡°What is Lorhorn doing about this?¡±


    ¡°Lorhorn is dead.¡±


    Gilbert pulled something out of his pocket and threw it to the floor. It bounced against the marbles and came to a halt in front of the throne. Every head in the room craned to look at it. It was a flat wooden coin, a snarling crocodile stamped onto it. The sigil of Lorhorn. Blood was splattered across it.


    ¡°Lorhorn pressed that into my hands after he had been stabbed,¡± Gilbert continued. ¡°He ordered me here, his last order before he died. I barely escaped with my life. My leg was badly injured from their archers.¡± Gilbert went to his knees and bowed his head. ¡°Your Imperial Majesty, I beg you to send your army to Challter and restore order.¡±


    ¡°Why should I commit my forces to a land that isn¡¯t mine, dealing with a problem that isn¡¯t mine?¡± Caedan asked.


    ¡°The Sheriffs would compensate you for your help,¡± Gilbert said, not moving.


    ¡°I don''t know how much the Sheriffs will have left after this.¡±


    ¡°Sire, Challter has always been friendly with you. These bandits will not be. If they come to control the land, you will have an enemy to your north.¡±


    ¡°What good is a friend if all my soldiers are dead?¡± Caedan thought for a moment. ¡°I cannot send my army. At least not yet.¡±


    ¡°Sire, your troops are needed now!¡± Gilbert rose to his feet, staring at Caedan. ¡°If you wait, the Sheriffs could all be killed.¡±


    ¡°I cannot commit my soldiers until I know what I am getting into. I will send someone I trust to investigate before I make my decision. You are welcome to wait here until I make my decision.¡±


    ¡°You will be too late,¡± Gilbert muttered underneath his breath, Felix barely hearing it.


    Felix saw the hand slip underneath the cloak. His sword was already drawn as Gilbert leapt towards the throne. Felix came in front of him, sword swinging. Hand and knife flew away from Gilbert. He fell to his knee, clutching at the stump at the end of his arm, blood pumping out.


    The whole thing had taken less than a second, and Gilbert was still many steps away from the bottom of the dais. The people in the hall stared in shock. Caedan¡¯s guards were slow reacting, barely moving as the hand hit the ground.


    Gilbert stared at his arm, his head bowed. He made no sound, the pain too much to comprehend. Felix hovered his blade over the man¡¯s neck, and looked up at Caedan. Caedan stared at the kneeling figure, thinking. He nodded at Felix and looked away. Felix swung his blade and decapitated Gilbert Whitehall.


    Soldiers came forward and dragged the body and head away as Felix returned to his place beside the throne. He cleaned his blade off his sleeve and sheathed it. Caedan turned to Xavier, being careful to not look at the blood.


    ¡°I am done for today, Xavier,¡± Caedan said. He rose from his throne and descended the dais.


    ¡°Sire, what shall we do about Challter?¡± Xavier asked.


    Caedan halted at the door and turned back. ¡°Where is General Ingmar?¡±


    ¡°He should be returning tomorrow, sire.¡±


    ¡°Send him to Challter to investigate what is going on.¡± Caedan turned and left the room, Felix and the guards flanking him.


    Caedan entered his personal quarters, Felix staying outside. After only a few moments, two new guards approached the room, a Paladin leading them.


    ¡°You¡¯re relieved,¡± the Paladin said, taking Felix¡¯s place beside the door. ¡°Felix, Braydan was looking for you.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s back?¡± Felix asked.


    ¡°Yes. I last saw him by the training arena.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Rolan.¡±


    Felix set off through the palace, striding down the opulent corridors. Lines of gold traced along the walls, past elegant paintings commissioned by Caedan. The palace was a sprawling structure, full of the loot of Caedan¡¯s victories. It had only been an insignificant manor surrounded by a small town when Caedan had found it and made it his home. From there, he had taken the land, the Four Generals crushing all who opposed him. Their names were known throughout the realm; Xavier the Loyal, Ingmar the Fierce, Erion the Shrewd and Cyclops the Vicious. They answered to Caedan alone, and he was answerable to no one.


    Felix was tall and lean, his body hard from decades of training for war. A black beard was closely trimmed to his jawline, his tanned skin unscarred apart from an old wound along the back of one hand. He walked purposefully, his strides long and unbroken. He was almost fifty years old, having been in Wardom for nearly three decades, the last two serving Caedan and the Lorric Empire.


    Felix emerged into the training arena. Soldiers sparred against each other, keeping their skills in practice. Caedan had become a paranoid man, and the palace guards had to be strong in the face of all opponents.


    Interspersed among the palace guard, a couple of the Paladins trained. They were an elite fighting force, less than two dozen of them in total. Their existence stretched back into the history of Wardom, the founders having died the second death long before. They were some of the best fighters in all of the Afterlife, currently in the service of Caedan. Felix was proud to be one of them.


    Felix found Braydan Morrki, Head of the Paladins, on a balcony overlooking the arena. He leaned against the rails, watching some other Paladins duelling. His black hair was tousled and unkempt, framing his pale face. He was half a dozen years older than Felix, and though some would consider them both old now, they were still some of the best fighters around. He looked up as Felix approached.


    ¡°Felix, I hear there was some trouble during an audience with the Emperor this afternoon,¡± Braydan said.


    ¡°Nothing major, Braydan,¡± Felix said. ¡°I dealt with it swiftly, before there was ever any real threat to the Emperor.¡±


    ¡°Good. What was the problem with the man?¡±


    ¡°Needed Lorr¡¯s help. Seems there is some trouble in Challter.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. A rebellion.¡± Felix sighed. ¡°I fear war will be coming shortly. There is a feeling of it everywhere.¡± Felix shook his head. ¡°How was your trip?¡±


    ¡°Eh. Nothing unusual. I met with Vita and Gorran. They are going to take positions along the eastern part of the Prollan border. And I think your feeling of war is right. I have heard that the Four Generals are planning something. Something to do with Prolla, though currently it is all very secret. And Cyclops is still away, on another secret task.¡±


    Felix sighed again. He leant against the wall and looked at the soldiers. ¡°Well, it is not for us to speculate. They will tell us eventually.¡±


    ¡°Caedan should have told me already.¡±


    Felix felt the conversation taking a dark turn, and tried to turn it around. ¡°You needed me for something?¡±


    ¡°Ah yes. I have a task for you.¡±


    Braydan pointed towards a fighting trio, two of them palace guards. The third wore neither the armour of the palace guards nor the common soldiers, instead dressed in plain clothes. She was holding her own easily against the two warriors, in fact she was beating them. She was young by Felix¡¯s eye, and yet her fighting had both skill and power.


    ¡°Do you see the young one?¡± Braydan asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Felix replied. ¡°I don¡¯t recognise her.¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t. I found her on my way back. She is a new arrival, and joined the army. The commander noted her particular skill, and passed her along to me.¡± The woman disarmed one of her opponents and spun to face the other. ¡°That is the third duo she has faced in a row, and she is still going strong.¡±


    ¡°She has talent, I will give you that. But why did you bring her here? It is not your job to recruit for the palace guard.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring her for the palace guard.¡± Braydan turned to face Felix. ¡°I think it is time you take an apprentice.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious?¡±


    ¡°I am serious. All Paladins take an apprentice at some stage. Otherwise we would have died out long ago. And I think she has what it takes to become a Paladin.¡±


    ¡°But why me?¡± Felix moaned. ¡°Why not Horfail or Rolan or one of the others?¡±


    ¡°Horfail has trained plenty of Paladins in his time. And Rolan is barely passed being an apprentice himself. And because I chose you. Felix, it is time. It is past time, really. You have been with the Order for almost two decades, and in Wardom for another decade before that. Yet you have never taken an apprentice, and I have never tried to force one on you.¡±


    ¡°Until now.¡±


    ¡°You are one of the best, Felix. Your sword skills are unmatched, even by the few members of our Order who are your senior. It is time. Relax, there isn¡¯t much to it. She already has skill with a blade.¡±


    ¡°There is more to being a Paladin than being a good fighter.¡±


    ¡°I know that better than most. And you can teach her those things. War is coming soon, we both know it. And it will be the largest war since Caedan came to power. Our Order must be strong when war comes.¡±


    Felix turned to look back at the woman. She was forcing the palace guard backwards with each swing. ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Kaesyn. Just keep her by your side for a while. Show her how things are run, and teach her what she needs to learn. Hopefully it won¡¯t take that long. Who knows? Maybe you will even enjoy yourself.¡±


    ¡°I very much doubt that.¡±


    ¡°You will take her?¡± Braydan asked. Kaesyn disarmed her opponent with a swift blow to the hand. The wooden sword fell to the floor.


    ¡°I¡¯ll meet her at dawn. We shall see if she is as good as you say.¡±

 Chapter 3: Sophia

    Sophia gazed at the approaching group from the top of the gate. They were riding slowly, the mountain path difficult to navigate. Sophia estimated nearly two dozen soldiers, all wearing the shining armour of the Prollan Kingdom. A commander unknown to Sophia rode at the head of the column, and at their side was General Zander.


    Seeing the General almost made her smile. She had waited so long for him to come, to bring her back to Prolla City, but if only he had come a week earlier. She could not in good conscience leave her fortress now. Not after what had happened. She sighed. She would have to discuss it with Zander.


    Sophia turned as the gate opened below her. She strode along the top of the wall, past her soldiers. Their armour gleamed, frantically scrubbed clean in the previous days. She had received word that Zander was coming days ago, and since then the fortress had been in a frenzy. Zander was one of the most important men in the Kingdom, one of two generals and answerable to King Leon alone. Everyone wanted to make a good impression.


    Sophia descended the steps to the courtyard. She too had taken action to make herself more presentable. The sun glinted off her armour, her red cape flowing perfectly from her shoulders. Her dark brown hair was pulled back and tied up neatly, revealing her pale face. A thin scar traced along the bottom of the chin, a reminder of a battle years past. She was still young, not even forty yet. She had been in Wardom for over seventeen years, and had spent the last decade exiled to these mountains. But that was at an end now, finally.


    Zander and his group reached the courtyard. Sophia approached the General as he began to dismount. ¡°General Zander, I am honoured that you would come here,¡± Sophia said, bowing slightly.


    Zander turned to her. He was only slightly older than her, a rugged beard growing across his chin. He wore no armour, instead electing for simple clothes. He was skilled enough to get by with just those.


    ¡°Commander Sophia, it has been too long,¡± Zander said, smiling at her. ¡°Allow me to introduce Andromeda Fabraeth, a new commander in our ranks.¡±


    ¡°It is a pleasure to meet you, Commander Sophia,¡± the woman beside Zander said, stretching out a hand. ¡°I have long heard tales of your exploits.¡± Andromeda was a young woman, a good decade younger than Sophia. She wore her armour comfortably, like a born warrior. One hand rested near the hilt of her sword, ready to fight at a moment¡¯s notice. Sophia hadn¡¯t heard of her, but that didn¡¯t surprise her. Once she would have known the name of everyone important in Prolla, but her long years of exile had left her out of touch.


    ¡°The pleasure is mine, Commander,¡± Sophia said, shaking the outstretched hand. She turned back to Zander. ¡°I trust your journey was pleasant?¡±


    ¡°Yes, as pleasant as expected,¡± the General said. ¡°We inspected some of the other fortresses in the mountains, and they all seem to be in good shape.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that. Come, we have prepared a feast for your arrival. My soldiers will see to your horses.¡±


    ¡°That sounds good.¡±


    Sophia led Zander and Andromeda away from the courtyard and into the stone keep. In the great hall, a feast had been laid across long tables. Sophia knew a feast was too generous a word for it. In the mountains, their food supply was scarce, relying almost solely on what the capital sent. There was little they could do in the way of hunting, and even that would be gone soon. Winter would be upon them in a few weeks, and the mountains would be covered in snow. Sophia hoped to be gone from here by then.


    Zander took the top seat at the high table, Sophia sitting on one side and Andromeda on the other. A few other soldiers sat there with them, the highest ranking of Sophia¡¯s subordinates and two of the soldiers who had come with Zander. The rest sat along the other tables in the room, quickly filling up. Soon, the hall was filled with chatter of the soldiers as they dug into their meals.


    Zander cut into a large piece of meat. ¡°You run a good fortress here, Sophia,¡± he said after a moment.


    Sophia nodded, taking a small bite from her plate. She didn¡¯t feel that hungry. ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you already know why I am here. It is time you return to us.¡±


    Sophia felt her heart skip a beat. She had guessed it, but it was still relieving to hear him say it. But she couldn¡¯t let her feelings get ahead of her just yet. ¡°What has General Morlan to say about this?¡±


    Zander shrugged. ¡°He is unhappy, as you¡¯d expect, but it is not in his control. King Leon has decided it¡¯s time, and that¡¯s that.¡±


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    Sophia did not say anything. She showed no outward emotions, but inside she was delighted. Finally, she could leave the mountains, after all these years. She had been beginning to wonder if the day would ever come, if she would ever be forgiven for a decade old mistake. She only wished Zander could have come earlier, just by a week.


    ¡°Sophia, I had expected you to be happier about this,¡± Zander said after he noticed her silence.


    ¡°I am happy, Zander. Believe me, I have waited a long time for this, and I can¡¯t wait to return to Prolla.¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    Sophia sighed. ¡°But something has come up.¡± She leaned in closer to him. ¡°Three days ago, two Lorrics appeared outside the fortress. They came from the north.¡±


    Zander¡¯s face darkened. ¡°What did they want?¡±


    ¡°They were badly injured, and wanted help. It seemed like someone was chasing them.¡±


    ¡°Where are they now?¡±


    ¡°They died of their wounds soon after arriving. I barely had time to talk to them. All I was able to get from them was a name: Erion.¡±


    ¡°General Erion? You are certain?¡±


    Sophia nodded. ¡°That¡¯s what they said, sir.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Zander was quiet for a moment. ¡°Where do you think they came from?¡±


    ¡°I have been trying to work that out myself, sir. There is nothing in these mountains for a great distance, until you reach the Lorric fortresses on the far side and then the city of Lorr itself.¡±


    ¡°Could they have come from those fortresses?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. They were too injured to get that far on foot. It¡¯s a possibility of course, but I think there is something else going on.¡±


    ¡°You think the Lorrics are establishing a new base, closer to here.¡± It was not a question.


    ¡°I fear so, sir. And Erion is running it. General, I think I need to investigate. Despite how much I want to return to Prolla, this cannot be ignored. My duty must come first.¡±


    Zander smiled at her. ¡°I have missed you, Sophia. Your sense of duty is inspiring to us all. It is no wonder you were one of our best commanders. All right, I agree. This needs to be investigated. We will set off tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°We?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I am going too. As will Andromeda. Us three and two dozen soldiers. We will set off north, towards Lorr, until we find something. If, however, after five days we still have found no sign, we will turn back.¡±


    ***


    Three days out from the fortress, they came across a body. A Lorric soldier was lying on the path, his back against a tree. One hand clutched at his stomach, blood dried into it. A festering wound lay beneath, flies swarming around it. His unseeing eyes gazed past them, looking up at the sky.


    ¡°At least we are on the right path,¡± Zander remarked as they moved past. Sophia only nodded.


    They soon set up camp as night descended on the mountains. Sophia was tired by then. The paths they followed were rough and irregular, and often they had to dismount and lead their horses along when the path disappeared entirely. Sophia was beginning to wonder if this whole ordeal was futile. She didn¡¯t want to turn back, couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something more was happening, but she knew if they found nothing in the next few days she would have to give up.


    Sophia was assigned to first watch, along with another soldier. They set up camp a small ways off the path they were following through the mountains, in a clearing surrounded by tall rocks. Sophia took a seat on one of the rocks, pulling her spear off the back of her horse so it would be ready if needed.


    She got lost in her thoughts as the night passed, her mind drifting away, when suddenly she was drawn back by voices. She sat up straight, glancing at the other watcher. He had heard them too, his eyes wide.


    Sophia listened closer. The voices were still there, talking quietly to each other. They were coming closer, she thought. The only source she could think of was Lorrics. It sounded like they were coming from the path.


    Sophia rose to her feet silently, grabbing her spear. She creeped back towards the path, the soldier following close behind her, his sword drawn. She got closer to the path, and soon she saw the flickering of light from a torch. She began to make out words from the voices.


    ¡°...that damn wind,¡± a man was saying. ¡°It¡¯s so cold in these mountains.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been to worse places,¡± a woman replied.


    ¡°We should just head back. There¡¯s no one out here.¡±


    ¡°We have to complete the route. You know that.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no point,¡± the man whined. ¡°We should hide out somewhere warmer until sunrise, then head back to base. No one will know the difference.¡±


    ¡°What if Erion finds out? He¡¯s already killed half a dozen of us in the last fortnight. Two more will be nothing to him.¡±


    ¡°Afraid he¡¯ll feed you to the dragon?¡± The man laughed. ¡°Relax. Erion¡¯s returning to Lorr tomorrow. So let¡¯s find a nice place to hide out.¡±


    ¡°You can if you want. I¡¯ll complete the route. I¡¯m not putting my life on the line for the sake of a little warmth.¡±


    The voices slowly faded away, taking the light with them. Sophia was left alone with the Prollan soldier again, only the moon to guide them. Sophia released a pent up breath. Dragon? she thought. Did they actually say that? Erion, at a base, with a dragon. It didn¡¯t make much sense.


    She had to go tell Zander.

 Chapter 4: Luther

    Luther woke to the sound of a cheering crowd. He was in a darkened room, thin window slits along the wall letting in the only light. Rope cut into his wrists where his hands were bound. In the dim light, he could make out the dozen or so other prisoners he had shared the cell with for the last week, practically all of the survivors from their journey north.


    ¡°Finally, you¡¯re awake,¡± Wolfgang said beside him.


    Luther grinned at his friend as he sat up. ¡°Did I miss anything?¡±


    ¡°Grom is dead.¡± Wolfgang indicated a dark corner of the room, where a figure was lying still.


    Luther nodded sadly. ¡°No surprise there.¡± Grom had been dying since they were captured, his wounds horrible. ¡°What is happening outside?¡± The sound of the crowd was growing louder.


    ¡°We think the day has come. People have been gathering in the square since dawn.¡±


    ¡°You should¡¯ve woken me.¡±


    Wolfgang laughed. ¡°And what would you have done? Stormed out of here and strangled them all?¡±


    Luther chuckled. ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    ¡°The executions will be soon,¡± Barstag said from his other side. ¡°There is nothing we can do to stop them from here.¡±


    ¡°You think we have a chance once they drag us out?¡± Luther asked, turning to look at Barstag.


    Barstag shrugged. ¡°Not really. But I won¡¯t die without a fight, and I know it''s the same for you. We are soldiers of the Kroanian Empire, and we won¡¯t be slaughtered like animals.¡±


    ¡°Any chance of rescue, Barstag?¡± Luther asked.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need to be rescued,¡± Wolfgang said. ¡°We shall fight our way out, and see how tough these northerners act then.¡± Luther ignored him, waiting for Barstag¡¯s answer.


    ¡°People are coming, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Barstag said after thinking for a moment. ¡°But whether they reach us in time is a different question. I think we¡¯re on our own.¡±


    Luther sat back and waited in silence. The prisoners around the cell prepared themselves for their second death. The crowd outside grew louder, more and more people gathering for the day¡¯s entertainment.


    Luther knew it would come to a fight, and he was ready for it. His body was conditioned for war, his arms like tree trunks. He had been in Wardom for over a decade, and had spent all of it fighting. First for Lord Helgon, and then for the Kroanian Empire when Helgon knelt to the young Ulrik. Luther wasn¡¯t as strong as Wolfgang, or as tall as Barstag, but when it came to it he was just as good a fighter.


    The door to the cell swung open. Luther covered his eyes as light spilled into the room. Soldiers entered the cell, pulling the prisoners to their feet. They barely paused when they saw Grom¡¯s corpse. Luther was yanked to his feet and pushed towards the door. He stumbled out into the square, soldiers all around him.


    The cell door was closed behind the last prisoner. Luther took in his surroundings. He had only seen the city briefly when he was first captured, but then he was too tired and hurt to really see the city. He hadn¡¯t been outside since; the door only opened to give them food and water once a day.


    A massive crowd was gathered in the square, their eyes on the prisoners. A platform had been constructed at one end of the square, next to the Mayor¡¯s Manor. A man clad all in black stood on the platform beside a concrete block. He was idly sharpening a huge axe, watching the prisoners. On a balcony above the platform, the Mayor himself stood. He was dressed in his finest clothes, jewelled chains dangling from his body. Two soldiers stood behind him.


    Luther was pushed forward, forced to follow the other prisoners across the square. The crowd¡¯s eyes followed them, the people falling silent. The prisoners were led up the steps of the platform. The soldiers drove them to their knees along the middle of the platform. Guards took up positions behind them, not blocking the crowd¡¯s view of the prisoners.


    ¡°Good citizens of Qorayn,¡± the Mayor¡¯s voice came from above. ¡°Today, we gather to execute the animals who have invaded our land and killed our people. These Kroanians think they can go where they please and do what they like. They think they are superior to us, when really they are nothing more than savage barbarians!¡± The crowd cheered.


    ¡°Those you see before you were part of a small group that came into our land to gather information on us, so that they could slaughter us,¡± the Mayor continued. ¡°But they underestimated how powerful we are. King Torbain, wise and gracious ruler of all Vittor, does not stand for such things. He shows today his commitment to defending his land. These prisoners will learn the true power of Vittor, and their deaths shall serve to demonstrate our lack of fear. Their heads shall be sent back to the coward Ulrik and he will tremble!¡±


    Luther glanced over at Wolfgang and Barstag. They nodded at him, and he understood immediately. He flexed his arms and pulled lightly against the rope around his wrists.


    ¡°The Kroanians will fear to ever come near us again! And if they do, we would simply kill them again and again until they learn their lesson. There is no end to our strength and our resolve. Kroanian blood shall flow wherever we go!¡±


    Before Luther could act, his eye was drawn to the far end of the square. A trio of men rode into the square, fleeing something. The people nearest to them stopped cheering, turning to see what was chasing them. Arrows soon flew out of the road, striking the retreating men. Riders streamed into the square, swords, axes, spears, bows and all other sorts of weapons drawn. The joyous cheers of the crowd turned to terrified screams as the people were cut down on all sides. Luther grinned. The Kroanians had arrived.


    Beside him, Wolfgang jumped to his feet. He was swinging around before his guard could act, both his fists crashing together into the soldier¡¯s face. Luther scrambled to his feet. The soldier behind him had drawn his sword, preparing to strike down Wolfgang. Luther looped the rope that bound his hands across the soldier¡¯s neck, pulling tightly. The sword slipped from the soldier¡¯s hands as he thrashed against Luther¡¯s hold. Luther kept pulling, the soldier¡¯s thrashing barely slowing him down; even after a week in a cell, Luther was still stronger than most warriors.


    The soldier grew weaker and eventually slumped back. Luther let the body fall to the floor. Wolfgang had cut his ropes off a fallen sword, and had already taken down another soldier. All along the platform, the Kroanian prisoners fought back, some dying, some getting free. Barstag was facing two soldiers, his ropes already cut. Kroanian riders were racing across the square, killing people in the crowd on all sides. Soldiers flowed out of all the streets, trying to fight back against the Kroanians as well as take back the platform.


    Wolfgang turned back to Luther and cut the ropes at his wrists. Luther grabbed a sword off a fallen soldier, turning to join the fight. He parried a blow from a soldier, swinging his sword around and slashing a deep cut across his opponent''s chest.


    Luther saw the executioner before him. One of the prisoners lay dead at his feet, most of his head chopped off from a swing of the long axe. His black clothes had droplets of blood staining them. The executioner moved towards Luther. Luther ducked underneath the swinging axe. He thrust his sword up and into the executioner¡¯s neck, letting go as blood spouted out down the blade.


    Luther caught the axe before it hit the floor. He examined it. It was of a finer quality than he expected to find in these lands, considering that most of the soldiers wore mismatched armour if any at all. The axe had a long dark oak handle, worn from use yet still sturdy. The metallic head of the axe still shone, blood dripping off of it. The front was sharpened to a deadly curve, the back blunt enough to be used as a hammer. The axe was as tall as him, and he was not a small man. It was perfectly balanced in his hand. Luther grinned; this was his kind of weapon.


    A soldier charged towards Luther, drawing him back to the fight at hand. Luther¡¯s axe sliced across his chest before the sword was even in reach. Luther blocked a blow from another soldier with the shaft of his axe. He kicked the soldier backwards, sending him flying off the platform to be trampled below. Luther dodged a soldier¡¯s swing, bringing the axe back around. His first blow brought the soldier to their knees, the second cleaved the head clean off their shoulders.


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    Luther looked about at the carnage. Dozens of bodies lay about the platform, only three or four of them belonging to prisoners. Wolfgang killed off the last soldier, blood dripping from both his swords as he turned away. Barstag held a sword loosely in one hand, a light trickle of blood flowing out of a small scar in his arm.


    Luther spun as something crashed to the platform behind him. The Mayor lay there, his body twisted. An arrow protruded from his chest. Blood spread across his clothes, touching the jewels that dangled from his corpse. For all of his words earlier on, the Kroanians had been faced with little in the way of resistance.


    The fighting was finished in the square. Kroanian riders gathered up the survivors into groups and led them away. Luther knew they would be offered the chance to join the Kroanian army and swear loyalty to King Ulrik and the Empire. If they refused, they would be killed or taken as slaves, depending on what lord had led the attack. It was by such methods that the Kroanians had grown to be the biggest and strongest army in all of this part of Wardom in only five short years.


    A group of riders rode slowly into the square, and Luther turned to look at them. At the head of the procession rode Lord Ardaric. He was one of Ulrik¡¯s closest advisors and one of the most powerful men in all of the Kroanian Empire, alongside Lord Valamir. His reputation for being a strong warrior and a wise strategist was known throughout the land. Luther had only seen him a few times before. Ardaric wore elegant armour, jewels decorating it. A greatsword was strapped onto the back of his horse. No slaves, then. Ardaric was known for killing instead of enslaving.


    ¡°Am I a fool, or is that Lord Ardaric that has just arrived?¡± Wolfgang asked, coming up beside Luther.


    ¡°That is Lord Ardaric,¡± Barstag said. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean you are not a fool.¡±


    Luther laughed. ¡°What is he doing here?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Saving us, of course. And obviously looking for Lord Helgon.¡± Helgon had been the leader of their expedition into Vittor. Not as powerful as Ardaric or Valamir, he still had some influence in parts of the Kroanian Empire.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to him, shall we?¡± Wolfgang said.


    ¡°Let me do the talking, Wolf,¡± Barstag said. ¡°We all know I am more¡­. diplomatic than both of you, to put it nicely.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, Barstag.¡±


    They descended the platform and approached the riders. The rest of the prisoners stayed where they were, seeing to their injuries. Barstag, Wolfgang and Luther were almost certainly the most senior out of the survivors, and beyond a doubt the best warriors.


    ¡°M¡¯lord, I am Barstag Currock, and I am at your service,¡± Barstag said, bowing before Ardaric. Luther and Wolfgang followed his lead and bowed.


    Ardaric looked down at them from atop his horse. ¡°You were with Lord Helgon?¡± he asked. Ardaric was tall and slender, and young. His youth still surprised Luther. Luther knew he had only been in Wardom for five years, like King Ulrik and Valamir. That alone showed how young their empire was.


    ¡°Yes, m¡¯lord.¡±


    ¡°Where is he? Is he alive?¡±


    ¡°He survived the ambush, sir, and was with us in the cell. That was until three days ago, when soldiers came and brought him out.¡±


    ¡°Where did they take him?¡±


    ¡°I cannot say for certain, m¡¯lord. But we heard the soldiers talking of Zarkone.¡±


    ¡°To the capital, eh?¡±


    ¡°Yes, m¡¯lord. It is directly to the north of here, only a day''s ride.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Ardaric turned to the soldier behind him. ¡°Get these men horses.¡± The soldier moved away as Ardaric looked back at Barstag. ¡°Prepare yourselves and any of the other survivors who are able to fight.¡±


    ¡°M¡¯lord?¡± Barstag asked.


    ¡°My army is waiting outside. We ride today, for Zarkone. We shall see if Helgon still lives, and we shall dispense punishment to his captors.¡±


    ***


    The Kroanian host rode north through Vittor, towards the city of Zarkone. There were hundreds of them, riding in unordered units. Luther did not know how Ardaric had gathered an army so quickly. But even the troops they had were only a miniscule fraction of soldiers spread through the Kroanian Empire.


    They encountered little resistance on their ride, but that was expected. Word would have flown before them of their army, and King Torbain would have gathered all available forces at Zarkone. But Luther doubted it would be enough.


    ¡°Lord Ardaric wishes to speak to you,¡± a voice said, drawing Luther out of his thoughts. They were riding slowly across an open plain, nothing to be seen in any direction. A soldier was sitting on his horse near where Luther, Wolfgang and Barstag rode towards the front of the Kroanian host.


    ¡°We would be honoured to speak with him,¡± Barstag said.


    They followed the soldier to the very tip of the army. Ardaric was leading it himself, some commanders around him. Ardaric waved his commanders away as Barstag, Luther and Wolfgang approached. The commanders pulled back, leaving Ardaric to speak with them alone.


    ¡°You asked for us, m¡¯lord?¡± Barstag said. Helgon¡¯s greatsword was strapped onto the back of Barstag¡¯s horse. He had found it inside the Mayor¡¯s Manor, and had taken it to give it back to Helgon once they rescued him.


    ¡°Give me a report of your mission,¡± Ardaric said, barely glancing at him.


    ¡°M¡¯lord?¡± Barstag asked.


    ¡°Lord Helgon was sent here to investigate the recent changes in Vittor, was he not? Tell me what you learned.¡±


    ¡°I think Lord Helgon would be much more suited to give this information to you than me, m¡¯lord.¡±


    ¡°Helgon is not here, is he?¡± Ardaric said, turning to look at Barstag. ¡°Now, tell me what you found.¡±


    Barstag hesitated for only a moment longer. ¡°Well, m¡¯lord, under Helgon¡¯s instructions we spread out through the towns nearest the border. We discreetly talked with the inhabitants and found out as much information as we could. We then regrouped with Lord Helgon. We learned that in recent times there have been gatherings of soldiers across Vittor. More and more people are being recruited into their army, and training camps have sprung up everywhere.


    ¡°After that, Helgon then put the plan in place to capture someone with more information than the commoners. We were successful, and we captured a minor lord. After much interrogation, he told us all he knew. Sadly, that was not a lot. The king is keeping his reasons for these changes very private. We suspect even most of the mayors do not know. We did learn of a name: Queen Skadi. Apparently she has come to power in the far north, beyond Vittor. What her relation is to the changes and the king, we do not know. It was soon after then that we were ambushed and held prisoner.¡±


    They rode on in silence for a while, Ardaric mulling through the information. Luther glanced at Wolfgang, wondering if they were meant to leave the lord. By his expression, Wolfgang was equally without answers.


    Finally, Ardaric looked at Barstag again. ¡°Is that all you know?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, m¡¯lord,¡± Barstag said. ¡°I don¡¯t know if Helgon had any more information.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. What do you think is going on here?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not my place to speculate, m¡¯lord.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. But I am asking you to.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, sir, I do not know.¡±


    ¡°And you?¡± Ardaric asked, looking over at Luther.


    Luther thought for a moment. It was the same thing he had been asking himself since they were captured. ¡°I think the Vittorians fear war from this Skadi, sir,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°I think they are gathering soldiers to defend themselves, or else to start the war first.¡±


    ¡°Do you agree?¡± Ardaric asked Wolfgang.


    ¡°Yes, my lord,¡± Wolfgang said. ¡°I think Luther is right.¡±


    ¡°Interesting. It is a possibility. But I don¡¯t think that is what is happening.¡±


    ¡°Do you mind me asking, sir, what do you think is happening?¡± Luther asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I think your theory is wrong for one main reason. Our relationship with Vittor and King Torbain has always been tenuous at best. They have raided our north-eastern territories frequently, and we have dished out justice when necessary. Torbain always denies the involvement of his small army, placing the blame instead on bandits. Recently, we even began to trade with him. Vittor has some useful resources, and Ulrik is holding off invasion in favour of keeping his army for more important purposes.


    ¡°A dozen weeks back, the trade stopped without a word. We heard rumours that an even greater army was being trained up to replace his current miniscule forces. Ulrik sent an envoy, and he never returned. Now, Torbain has captured one of our lords. If they were expecting a war from the north, why would they cut off us, their only hope for help? That is why you were sent. So far, it seems there is little new information, and I am no closer to a conclusion.¡±


    Ardaric sent them away, but Luther couldn¡¯t escape Ardaric¡¯s words. He mulled it over and over again in his mind, trying to see what he was missing. Trying to make sense of the Vittorians¡¯ actions. But he couldn¡¯t.


    The city of Zarkone appeared in the distance as the sun dipped towards the horizon. It wasn¡¯t that big of a city, nothing compared to many back in the Kroanian Empire. Luther could see the lights burning inside the buildings and along the surrounding wall. No one was outside the city, but Luther knew there would be hundreds of soldiers waiting for them along the wall.


    Far out from the city, a lone spear was stuck into the ground. A head was mounted atop it. The Kroanian army rode slowly past it, only glancing at it. They set up their camp beyond the head. Luther stopped at the head and stared. The face was chopped up, and an eye had been poked out. It was contorted into an expression of agony.


    Barstag and Wolfgang came up beside Luther, looking at the head. They stared at it in silence for a few moments.


    ¡°Well, I guess you get to keep the sword then.¡± Wolfgang said as they stared at Helgon¡¯s head.

 Chapter 5: Richard

    Richard and Grace joined the rest of Lancelot¡¯s group outside the city. They were a motley crew, no more than two dozen in total. There were a dozen common soldiers, the four soldiers from the city watch, and two lesser knights, Sir Victor and Sir Harris. Richard had met dozens of lesser knights over the years, but neither of these two. Lesser knights were fairly good fighters, but Richard had yet to encounter one he couldn¡¯t handle in a fight.


    As soon as they arrived the group set off. Horses had been obtained for the two of them. Lancelot led them at a fast pace along the road west. A cold wind blew past them as they rode. Richard knew snow would be upon the island of Camelot in a matter of weeks.


    Lancelot rode them hard with little stops. They passed few travellers on the road and no large settlements. Lancelot slowed down each time they saw people on the road ahead. Richard guessed that the knight was hoping to find more soldiers to take with him, but he had no luck.


    As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, Lancelot called the group to a halt. A mountain loomed on their left, and on their right an expansive forest grew. Richard presumed it had come time to rest for the night, but as he approached Lancelot from the rear of the group he saw he was mistaken.


    Immense boulders lay across the road ahead. They must have tumbled down from the mountain slopes. The blockage was over three men high at the lowest part, and Richard did not know how far it stretched back. The road was impassable.


    ¡°What¡¯s your plan, sir?¡± Sir Harris asked Lancelot.


    Lancelot did not answer him. Instead, he dismounted his horse and walked over to the landslide. The group waited anxiously as Lancelot stalked from place to place, crouching down and examining the ground and boulders constantly. After a few moments, he returned to his horse.


    ¡°Well, sir? What do you think caused it?¡± Sir Victor asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m unsure,¡± Lancelot said. ¡°But I have a feeling it is not a natural occurrence.¡±


    ¡°Sabotage, sir?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. But it cannot be proven.¡±


    ¡°Why would anyone want to block this road?¡± Richard asked, trying to understand what the others were discussing. ¡°You haven¡¯t actually told us our purpose out here yet.¡±


    Lancelot looked at him. ¡°We are chasing someone. That is all you need to know for now.¡± Lancelot turned back to Victor and Harris. ¡°Regardless of the reason, our path is blocked. We will have to think of something else.¡±


    ¡°We await your orders, sir,¡± Harris said.


    ¡°Hmm. I know there is a road if you travel back a bit, that would take us around the mountain and eventually rejoin this path. But I fear that could be blocked as well.¡± Lancelot thought for a moment. ¡°All right. I have a plan. Harris, you will take the soldiers and find that road. Circle around the mountain and back onto this path. Continue west. Find the assassin.¡±


    ¡°What will you do, sir?¡±


    ¡°Victor, the city watch, the mercenaries and myself shall continue on foot. We will go through the forest and return to this path. If we are lucky, we will find horses on the other side. I wish we could take our own with us, but I fear they would only slow us down in the forest. Once through the forest, we shall continue the mission. Good luck, Harris. Don¡¯t wait for us on the other side.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir. I will find the assassin.¡±


    Harris turned his horse and rode back the way they came. The soldiers followed him. Soon, Richard could no longer see them around the corner. The eight of them were left alone.


    They grabbed what they needed off the horses and Lancelot led the way into the forest. They followed a thin trail through the trees, barely wide enough to be seen. The undergrowth was thick on either side of the path, and many long roots stretched across. Richard was careful while walking, trying not to trip. The sun set as they walked, and there was little light from the moon through the canopy of branches overhead.


    Lancelot walked ahead of Richard. He moved at ease past the low branches and outcropping roots, seemingly undisturbed by the obstacles. His head swivelled back and forth as he walked, scanning the trees for anything that could be a threat. Richard noticed one hand hovered close to his sword¡¯s hilt, ready to act whenever the need might arise.


    ¡°Sir Lancelot?¡± Richard called out as they walked, more to pass the time than anything else. ¡°Who are we searching for? You called him an assassin when talking to Sir Harris.¡±


    ¡°Indeed I did,¡± Lancelot replied without glancing back. ¡°Because that is all I know him as. Do you know Scriosana Castle?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± He and Grace had taken a job from Lord Sebastian of Scriosana Castle a few years back. Richard had rather liked the lord, if he remembered correctly. And the job itself had been simple enough.


    ¡°Well, I was visiting Scriosana Castle. I went there with little escort, just Sir Harris and Sir Victor. I went to discuss with Lord Sebastian the problems which faced us; mainly, how undermanned we were. I wake up to a commotion in the middle of the night. Sebastian was dead. Murdered, by two assassins.


    ¡°It was only pure luck that a soldier happened to pass nearby and spot them as they finished the job. We caught one, the other fled. After a little¡­.prompting from me, we learned that the remaining assassin would flee west, where he would meet reinforcements. The prisoner died before he could tell us who sent him.


    ¡°I set out immediately with my knights and a dozen soldiers. That was last night, and we have been chasing him since. The landslide back there may have been an inconvenience, but I think it is a sign that we are on the right track.¡±


    Richard ducked under a tree that had fallen across the path. ¡°Why did they assassinate him?¡±


    ¡°I do not know. I hope we can catch the other assassin and force it out of him. But we may already be too late. He could have hidden anywhere, or just switched direction. I have already ordered Sir Lawrence to gather troops and send out search parties. He is the knight who will take control of Scriosana now that Sebastian is dead. But I fear he can''t do much.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    Lancelot laughed grimly. ¡°You are a mercenary, are you not? Surely you know the state of affairs of the kingdom. We do not have the soldiers we need. I am sure you have noticed. In our army, in the city watch, we are spread thin. The coffers of the king are nearly empty. We cannot afford more people. That is why I am stuck relying on you two, because there is no one else I can reach.¡±


    Richard had noticed. Things in Camelot had been deteriorating for the last few years. After Arthur¡¯s war, when he first came to rule the full island, the kingdom had flourished. The people were happy, money flowing throughout the land. But gradually, things deteriorated. Now, all the money seemed to be in the hands of big merchants and traders.


    ¡°Does the king have any plans to fix things?¡± Richard asked.


    ¡°I wish,¡± Lancelot said. ¡°Arthur¡¯s not the same as he once was. He only notices these problems when they affect our army, and he doesn¡¯t know how to solve them. Neither do I, for that matter. It seems the only way to increase our riches is by war, but we cannot go to war without money. We are stuck in a vicious cycle.¡±


    ¡°You mean, if Lorr invaded, Camelot would be lost?¡±


    Lancelot considered this for a moment. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so. Because if Lorr invaded, the people would rally, and would forget about money, for a little while at least. They would know that if we won our riches would only increase. But if the war lasted too long, support would wane. We would lose, eventually.¡±


    Lancelot turned to the side, twisting back to connect with the road. Within a few minutes, they were out of the forest. The moon shone brightly above Richard¡¯s head, illuminating the empty road.


    Lancelot led the way along the road, moving quicker now that they were out of the forest. Shortly, they came to a farmhouse, a few horses grazing out the back. Lancelot hammered on the door of the house, rousing the occupants. A man came out fearfully, gazing in awe at the knight¡¯s armour. After some convincing, Lancelot persuaded the man to lend him four horses.


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    ¡°All right, Victor, mercenaries, mount up,¡± Lancelot ordered, swinging himself into the saddle of a horse. He turned to the four soldiers of the city watch. ¡°We will go on ahead. You four will have to continue on foot. Get horses if you can. Don¡¯t try to follow us. Turn north and search for any sign of the assassin. If you do not meet me or the assassin by midday tomorrow, return to your town.¡±


    With that, Lancelot spun his horse about and galloped down the road. Richard, Grace and Sir Victor followed him, leaving the city watch behind to continue their walk and the farmer to return to his bed.


    They continued to ride west at great speed, Lancelot not giving them a chance to rest. Many times, there were forks in the road. Each time, Lancelot would dismount and study the surrounding area for a few moments, before eventually deciding on the path they would take.


    At one turn, Lancelot found something on the side of the road. Richard could not make out what it was, but it seemed to give Lancelot some clear direction on where he was heading. After that, Lancelot no longer stopped at the turns.


    Finally, Richard saw the ocean ahead of them. It stretched to the horizon, the Borgone Isles¡¯ dark outlines far in the distance. Lancelot brought his horse to a stop atop a grassy cliff. He dismounted quickly and strode to the edge of the cliff. He stared out.


    Richard dismounted and joined Lancelot. He scanned the horizon, searching for anything. After a few moments, he saw the sail of a ship reflecting the moonlight. It was sailing away from Camelot, heading towards the Borgone Isles.


    ¡°As I expected,¡± Lancelot said, his eyes locked on the ship.


    ¡°My lord, you don¡¯t think that the assassin is on the ship, do you?¡± Sir Victor asked, coming up beside him.


    Lancelot did not look at him. ¡°I do indeed, Victor.¡±


    ¡°But sir, how do you know?¡±


    Lancelot handed the item from the side of the road to Victor. ¡°How many other reasons can you think of for that? It was along the trail taken by the assassin and any accomplices he might have.¡±


    Victor handed the item over to Richard wordlessly. It was a small token, the design on it of a shattered arrow. Richard recognised it immediately. He had seen it a couple of times before. It was the sigil of Aggravain the Traitor, Lord of the Borgone Isles. He had once been a High Knight of the Round Table, but longed for more power. After a failed insurrection, Aggravain retreated to the Borgone Isles, which he then claimed as his own. Few travelled between the Borgone Isles and Camelot, and only the soldiers openly wore Aggravain¡¯s sigil.


    ¡°Will we wait for the others here, sir?¡± Victor asked as Richard handed the token over to Grace.


    ¡°No. We follow them now,¡± Lancelot said, turning away from the cliff. ¡°This token may be a trick, planted to throw us off course. But for now, we shall assume it is real, and Aggravain is behind the assassination. For what purpose, I do not know, but we will find out. Come, let¡¯s find a boat.¡±


    ¡°But sir, wouldn¡¯t it be wise to wait until we have a bigger force?¡±


    ¡°We do not know how long they will be. The other road could have been blocked. We cannot waste any time.¡±


    ***


    The boat cut through the choppy water, the waves lapping against the hull. It was small and old, battered from many journeys. The four of them barely fit into it, but it would do for their needs.


    Richard pulled hard at the oars. He could feel himself growing weary. He had not had a break since the tavern, and that felt like it was long in the past. His muscles were beginning to ache. A cold breeze blew across the surface of the ocean, only increasing Richard¡¯s weariness. Richard could not see how far they had left to travel, only the island of Camelot fading away as they moved.


    ¡°Hold up,¡± Lancelot ordered.


    Richard stopped pulling at the oars. He could barely make out Camelot now, only a dark shape on a darker night. He turned around carefully. Their momentum was still pushing them slowly across the ocean. The closest island in the Borgone Isles was very close now.


    ¡°Where did they go?¡± Richard asked, unable to see the sail of the ship.


    ¡°Into that cove.¡± Lancelot pointed at an indent along the coastline. ¡°We will follow them, slowly. Stop at the entrance to the cove. We don¡¯t want to be noticed. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Richard picked up the oars again, and under Lancelot¡¯s direction they turned the boat and began moving towards the cove. The only sound was the swish of the oars entering and exiting the water. A cliff face loomed on Richard¡¯s right as he approached the entrance to the cove.


    ¡°Stop the boat,¡± Lancelot said softly.


    Richard heard Grace gasp as he brought the boat to a stop. He spun around to take in the cove. The moon had mostly disappeared behind a cloud, but he did not need it. Almost half a dozen ships were tied up in the cove, torches lighting each of the decks. On the beach beyond the ships, a camp had been set up. The armour of soldiers was reflected in the torchlight both on the shore and on the ships. There had to be hundreds of people there.


    ¡°What is that traitor planning?¡± Lancelot mumbled to himself. He gazed through his spyglass, gazing up and down the coast. There was movement aboard one of the ships, and Lancelot turned to look at it. Richard could not make out what was happening, but he saw Lancelot grow still. He handed the spyglass wordlessly to Victor.


    Victor turned towards the ships. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t,¡± the knight breathed after a moment. Richard tried to make out what they were looking at, but he couldn¡¯t see clearly from that distance. ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± Victor said, lowering the spyglass slowly.


    ¡°Can I see?¡± Richard asked. Victor handed it over, his eyes still glued to the ships.


    Richard took the spyglass and trained it on one of the ships. It took a moment for Richard to grow accustomed to it. On the deck of the ship, there were many soldiers, all clad in armour. In the centre, three people were gathered. One was dressed all in black, down to black gloves and a black mask in her hand. Richard was almost certain that he was the assassin they were looking for.


    The other two wore elegant armour. Richard could only make out the head of one, the other hidden behind the first. The one he could see wore a cloak of blue, similar to Lancelot¡¯s. His mailed hands rested on the ornate hilt of a sword at his hip. Richard knew the man to be Lord Aggravain, recognising him from the few times he had seen him before.


    As Richard was about to hand the spyglass back, the final man moved out to be seen clearly. Richard froze, the spyglass locked on him. A scar ran the length of the man¡¯s pale face, passing through an empty eye socket. A cloak of deep purple hung from his shoulders. A pair of golden lightning bolts was emblazoned onto the front of his chestplate, representing the speed at which the man attacked. Richard knew the man by reputation alone, but the sight of him was enough to send shivers down his spine.


    General Cyclops of the Lorric Empire clasped the assassin¡¯s shoulder, a grin splitting his scarred face. Cyclops was as vicious and cruel as they come, and thrived off of slaughtering his enemies, leaving nothing behind in his wake. He was the only one of Caedan¡¯s Four Generals not from Caedan¡¯s last life, and the oldest by far. Richard wasn¡¯t sure how long he had been in Wardom, but it had to have been at least fifty years.


    Being over seventy years old, Cyclops was one of the oldest men in Wardom. The years did not seem to weigh so heavily on people here, but few lived long enough to learn that. War, plagues, famines, anything and everything caused early deaths for the people of Wardom. And no one lived past one hundred. It was stunning Cyclops had lasted as long as he had, and it almost certainly came down to his ruthlessness. The years seemed to only make him crueller.


    ¡°That is Cyclops, is it not?¡± Lancelot asked. Richard nodded silently and handed the spyglass off to Grace. He did not know what to say. He had never faced Cyclops in battle, but there were few in this part of Wardom that had not heard tales of his victories.


    ¡°What is he doing here?¡± Richard asked eventually.


    ¡°It seems Aggravain has decided to make a move against Arthur, and thinks the Lorrics can help him,¡± Lancelot sighed. ¡°He is not wrong. With Cyclops on his side, our chances are diminished even further. We must return at once and warn Arthur. It may not yet be too late to prepare.¡±


    Richard reclaimed his position at the oars and began with Victor to spin the little boat around. But as he did, he spotted something approaching the bay from the sea. Another ship was coming in.


    Lancelot cursed. ¡°Faster!¡± he whispered urgently. But it was too late. The ship had spotted them, and was already turning to come closer. Richard pulled hard on the oars, focusing all his attention on getting away and ignoring the ship.


    They had little room to manoeuvre, boxed in between the ship and the cliffside. Soon they were right alongside the massive vessel.  An arrow crashed into the water narrowly missing him. Richard tried to row faster, adrenaline providing strength to his already weak body.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Richard saw a soldier leap over the rails of the ship. He landed in the water just beside the small boat, a hand reaching out to grasp onto Richard. Within an instant, Richard was pulled into the water after the soldier.


    The freezing water enveloped him. He instantly felt the cold through his clothes. The soldier that had caught him kicked up to the surface past him. Richard felt the soldier¡¯s hands on his head, trying to force him down. Richard fought against it, thrashing out of the man¡¯s grip. Eventually, his head broke above the surface of the water, quickly gulping down air.


    Richard twisted around as he felt the soldier try to latch onto him again. He managed to grab the man first, pushing him backwards and smashing his head off the boards of the huge ship that was still moving towards the bay. Before the soldier could recover from the blow, Richard forced him under. The soldier thrashed violently  but Richard used all of his remaining strength to keep him down. After what felt like hours, the thrashing subsided, and the soldier went still.


    Richard let go of the limp corpse and began swimming all out for the boat. It had gone beyond the enemy ship, and the distance between them was still growing. He swam hard, feeling himself going weak. Arrows landed around him, the dark night Richard¡¯s ally in hindering their aim. Soon the momentum of the ship carried the archers out of range.


    Hands grabbed onto him as he reached the boat. Grace pulled him up. He coughed up all the water in his lungs, trying to take in air. Lancelot was at the oars, still rowing to put them further from the bay. After a few moments, Richard leaned back exhausted. Grace took up the other set of oars.


    Richard looked around and spotted Victor. He was sitting back against the edge of the boat, his eyes gazing into the distance. In the dark, Richard didn¡¯t recognise the blood immediately. Victor¡¯s hands were clasped around the shaft of an arrow protruding from his stomach. Richard sighed deeply. He leaned forward and closed the corpse¡¯s unseeing eyes.

 Chapter 6: Felix

    Felix waited in the training arena. The arena was deserted, as were the halls of the palace. The sky overhead was a dull grey, not night but not yet day either. He wore simple clothes, as was preferred by all Paladins, and a silver lion formed the clasp of his plain black cloak. He waited.


    Kaesyn strode out of the barracks and into the arena. Felix did not move as she approached. She stopped just before him, and Felix studied her. She wasn¡¯t as tall as him, and of course almost thirty years younger, obviously new to Wardom. Still, she had the right build for wielding a sword, and Felix was sure she had been a skilled warrior in the last life. It would take her a while to get back to that level of skill, and to become as smart as she undoubtedly once was, but she would get there.


    ¡°Kaesyn,¡± Felix said. ¡°You know why you are here?¡±


    ¡°I was told I would be training,¡± Kaesyn said.


    ¡°Have you heard of the Order of the Paladins?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°Only in passing.¡±


    ¡°You will learn much more. I am Master Felix Perther, and I shall train you. But first, let us test your ability.¡±


    Felix walked over to a weapons stand. He picked up a simple sword and tossed it to Kaesyn. She caught it, fumbling slightly out of surprise. Felix unhooked his own scabbard from his waist and leaned it against the rack. He picked up an identical sword to Kaesyn¡¯s. He turned to face her.


    ¡°Strike me,¡± Felix commanded, his sword held loosely in his hand.


    Kaesyn looked at him in surprise, then down at her weapon. ¡°These are real blades,¡± she exclaimed.


    ¡°Well observed. Strike me.¡±


    ¡°You train with real swords in your group?¡±


    ¡°I know you can fight. I saw you handle two palace guards at once yesterday. But true enemies will come at you with steel, not sticks. You must get used to it. Now, strike me.¡±


    Kaesyn hesitated for another moment. Then she swung at Felix. Felix blocked it easily, just moving his arm. He knew she was not yet trying. Kaesyn swung again, Felix once again catching the blade. She feinted to one side before spinning around to the other. Felix blocked her again, unfooled by her trick. Kaesyn grinned, before launching into three rapid attacks. Felix deflected all of them, not retreating under her blows. Kaesyn lunged forwards. Felix stepped to the side, his trailing foot tripping up Kaesyn.


    Kaesyn fell to the ground, her sword slipping out of her hand. Felix waited as she scrambled back to her feet. She turned back to face him. Felix hooked her sword with his foot and flicked it up for her. She caught it.


    ¡°Again,¡± he ordered.


    Kaesyn went on the attack again, trying harder now. Felix retreated slightly, still only defending. Kaesyn moved faster and her blows were stronger, but Felix still blocked them all. Eventually, Kaesyn lunged too hastily and once again fell to the dust.


    ¡°Again,¡± Felix ordered as she got to her feet.


    Kaesyn grabbed up her sword and turned to face Felix again. She came at him swiftly, giving him no time to rest in between strikes. Felix blocked each blow, but slowly he was forced backwards across the arena under the ferocity of her attacks. Each attack had power behind it, and Felix couldn¡¯t help but smile. That only seemed to annoy Kaesyn, and she fought even harder.


    Felix felt his foot touch the edge of the arena. The next strike came from above. Felix caught the sword with his blade above his head, and the swords locked together, Kaesyn forcing hers downwards. Felix was beginning to believe that she might actually make a good apprentice.


    Felix grinned at her. ¡°My turn,¡± he said.


    Felix pushed her blade to the side. Kaesyn stumbled backwards, righting herself as Felix began his assault. His attacks were strong and accurate, Kaesyn struggling to deflect each attack. Felix held back enough force so that none of his blows actually landed, knowing Braydan would not be happy if he injured his pupil on the first day.


    Kaesyn retreated across the arena, unable to launch her own attacks. Felix kept pressing her, forcing her to defend. Felix feinted to the right, watching as she fell for it. He swung his blade around and crashed the hilt of his sword into her hand. Her weapon fell to the floor. Kaesyn tried to back up but tripped over her own feet. She landed in the dust. Felix¡¯s sword stopped just before her throat.


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    Kaesyn stared up at him, waiting. Felix kept his sword there for a moment. They were both panting, out of breath. Felix threw his sword into his other hand and reached down and pulled her to her feet.


    ¡°You fought well,¡± Felix said, meaning it. ¡°Your attack is strong, though rash at times. You dive in too easily, and your lunges leave you off balance. Your defence needs some work. You leave yourself open, and don¡¯t protect your side.  But we will get to all that.¡± Felix picked up her sword and walked back towards the weapons rack.


    ¡°Are we done?¡± Kaesyn asked in surprise.


    ¡°No. A Paladin must be able to fight with whatever they have available, not just a sword.¡± Felix picked up a pair of axes, tossing one up and down in his hand. ¡°We are only just beginning.¡±


    ***


    Felix strolled through the crowded streets of Lorr. The citizens moved about their daily lives, enjoying the peace while it lasted. These people had given up their warrior ways long ago, when they had arrived in Wardom, instead opting for peaceful lives. Sometimes Felix envied them that, but he knew he would never stop being a warrior. It was what he had always been, what he always would be.


    Kaesyn followed behind him as they moved through the streets. He had spent the rest of the morning testing her, from axes to spears to tridents to bows. Both were weary by the end of it, and Felix had realised she was even better than he initially thought. That was good, but as he had said to Braydan, fighting wasn¡¯t everything when it came to being a Paladin. Now, it was time to see her knowledge, and begin teaching her all the things she would need to know if she would ever become a Paladin.


    Felix turned to Kaesyn as they walked through Lorr. ¡°You did well this morning, Kaesyn. That¡¯s good, but there are plenty of other things we need to go through. Let us start with the basics. How long have you been in Wardom?¡±


    Kaesyn shrugged. ¡°A few weeks.¡±


    ¡°I thought as much. Had you heard of Wardom before?¡±


    ¡°Before death? No.¡±


    ¡°There is not much to it, really. Well, that¡¯s not true, but we don¡¯t need to go into details.  Simply put, Wardom is the warriors¡¯ afterlife. All people who live by the blade have the choice to go here. Once here, we have the chance to live a second life. You can do with that life what you will. Some, like me, stick with their warrior ways. Others,¡± he indicated to the people they were walking past, ¡°take new lifes, embrace peace, become farmers, blacksmiths, merchants.¡±


    ¡°What about those who don¡¯t go to Wardom?¡± Kaesyn asked.


    ¡°They go to the other afterlifes. Blissdom for the good, Tortdom for the bad. At least, that is what people say. Once we die in this life, we too shall move on to them. But I don¡¯t know how much of that to believe. And that doesn¡¯t affect us now.¡±


    They entered a large square. Felix led Kaseyn to a stone bench on the side of the road. He took a seat, indicating for Kaesyn to do the same. People moved slowly through the streets, paying no heed to each other. A few glanced at Felix as they walked past, recognising him as a Paladin. Felix watched a cart laden with food trundle across the square.


    ¡°You don¡¯t remember much of your last life, do you?¡± Felix asked her.


    Kaesyn shook her head. ¡°Just flashes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right. Most of your memories will come back eventually. Even your death.¡± Felix fell silent for a moment. He had relived that moment more than a few times, mostly during dark nights. He shook his head to clear it. ¡°You still have your skills, that much was clear this morning, though it may take a while to fully return to your previous level. We¡¯ll get you there, though.¡±


    Felix looked to the other side of the square. A huge temple was opposite him, gleaming in the sunlight. Twelve tall marble pillars held up the eave of the building, images carved into the stone. And above the pillars, on top of the arching roof, were twelve statues. Six men on the right and six women on the left.


    ¡°See that temple?¡± Felix asked, pointing at it. Kaesyn nodded. ¡°That is a temple for the Faith of the Twelve, or the Gentry Religion as some call it. The followers believe there are twelve gods, six lords and six ladies. Most people here accept it as the true religion. It describes an afterlife just like this, which many see as irrefutable proof. There are still some who practise other religions, who claim this afterlife is nothing more than a test.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°The Faith of the Twelve was popular in my last life as well. I didn¡¯t believe in it much then, but I am willing to admit there are some elements of truth to it. There are still parts I doubt, though. The priests would tell you that Wardom is infinite, stretching on and on forever in every direction. I don¡¯t know how true that is. All I know is that the sun rises and sets, the seasons come and go, and empires rise and fall.¡±


    Felix watched a trail of priests leave the temple opposite. Their robes were elegant and rich, full of colours. They all walked with long, ornate staffs, even the young ones. A few people bowed to the priests as they passed. Felix just watched. He had met few priests in his life he had liked.


    He turned back to Kaesyn as the priests set off into the city. ¡°Speaking of empires, there is one last thing I would like to discuss today: the conquerors. That is what we call a certain group of people that arrive in Wardom. They were leaders in their past lives. When they come here, they arrive better off than the rest of us. They arrive with a few hundred loyal soldiers, as well as some advisors from their past life. No one is exactly certain why, though the priests could give you a long winded answer. Some say they don¡¯t come here directly after death, instead spending maybe hundreds of years waiting, though they don¡¯t know it. A few arrive every year. Most die off, or are sucked into bigger empires. The most successful go on to form empires of their own, such as Caedan, Arthur and Leon. In the end, they all fall, one way or another¡­¡±


    Felix spent the next few hours talking with Kaesyn, as the city moved about them. He brought her back to the palace as the fading sun glinted off of the high spires.

 Chapter 7: Sophia

    Sophia waited nervously, her fingers tapping on the shaft of the spear. Behind her, her soldiers were gathered, relaxing while they had the chance. They were talking quietly, but still too loud for her comfort. One patrol had passed by their camp, another would surely come. Hopefully not before nightfall.


    Zander should have been back by now. Sophia wondered what had delayed him. He had left at sunrise that morning, taking Andromeda and half a dozen soldiers with him. Now, it was almost midday and he still wasn¡¯t back. They had gone to scout for the Lorric camp. They all reasoned that if there were soldiers patrolling, the camp must be close. They were late.


    Sophia thought back to the night before, as she already had so often. Her mind kept focusing on one line: ¡®Afraid he¡¯ll feed you to the dragon?¡¯ one of the soldiers had asked. A dragon, out here? It was possible, Sophia knew. Ever since she had arrived, she had heard rumours of a dragon in these mountains. But she had always dismissed them as rumours, something to be laughed at around a fire on a cold night. She supposed in Wardom anything was possible.


    Sophia glanced up sharply as she heard someone coming. She jumped up, spinning her spear around. The soldiers noticed her and fell silent, each preparing. A moment later, Zander appeared, Andromeda and the rest of the troops behind him.


    Zander smiled when he saw Sophia¡¯s spear pointed towards him. ¡°Relax, Sophia, all is well.¡±


    Sophia dropped her spear to her side. ¡°You¡¯re late, General.¡±


    ¡°We lost our way for a while, and the camp was better hidden than we expected, but we found it in the end.¡± Zander took a seat on one of the boulders, indicating for Sophia and Andromeda to do the same. The soldiers mingled together, returning to states of ease.


    ¡°So, General, what did you learn?¡± Sophia asked as she sat down.


    ¡°Well, they have a camp here all right. It¡¯s new, definitely. I saw no sign of Erion, but he may have already left. I estimate fifty soldiers in the camp.¡±


    ¡°What of the dragon?¡± That was what Sophia was most eager to learn about.


    ¡°Hard to know. We saw no dragon, but the rear of the camp connected to a cave, huge by the look of it. Certainly big enough to house a beast of that size. If there is a dragon in the camp, that is where it will be.¡±


    ¡°General, I think we have to attack the camp, and soon,¡± Sophia said. She had spent a long time thinking about it, and had come to the conclusion that they needed to take out the camp. Dragon or no dragon, this base was all too close for her liking.


    ¡°I agree, Sophia. We have no other option.¡±


    ¡°But there are fifty soldiers there, compared to our two dozen,¡± Andromeda said. ¡°We are vastly outnumbered.¡±


    ¡°We have surprise on our side,¡± Sophia said. ¡°They don¡¯t expect an attack. We move quickly, and half their numbers will be gone before they even know what is happening. We can do it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, Sophia,¡± Zander said, grinning. ¡°This brings me back to the old days.¡±


    Sophia smiled back at him. ¡°Let¡¯s hope this time things end better.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they will. Now, let¡¯s get to preparing our plans.¡±


    ***


    The sun dipped behind the mountains. Nearby, Sophia knew the Lorrics would be lighting their torches. They would be settling down for the night, confident in their hiding spot. War was closer than they thought.


    Sophia turned to face Zander and Andromeda. The soldiers were gathered behind them, preparing their weapons. Their conversations were quiet, and many waited in silence.


    ¡°We are clear on the plan?¡± Sophia asked.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Zander said. ¡°We have gone over it enough times.¡±


    ¡°You are sure we are not rushing this?¡± Andromeda asked.


    ¡°We do not have any more time,¡± Sophia replied. ¡°Even now, reinforcements could be coming from Lorr to strengthen their position. We have to act now, while we can.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Zander said. He glanced up at the darkening sky. ¡°It is time to get into position.¡±


    ¡°Remember, General, do not act until night has fully set in.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, Sophia,¡± Zander said, smiling. ¡°See you on the other side.¡±


    Zander turned away and began to climb up a steep ridge. On the other side was the Lorric encampment. Their soldiers split, half going with Zander, half staying with Sophia and Andromeda.


    Sopha looked away from Zander and set off along the path. She slipped her spear off her back and into her hands. The trail looped around the ridge. She moved swiftly, yet carefully, checking each corner before she took it.


    Eventually, she looked around a bend to see the entrance to the Lorric camp. A wooden gate was open, the Lorrics having little fear of attackers. A group of soldiers lounged outside it, unalert to their surroundings. Sophia moved around so she could see into the camp. Rocks and boulders provided sufficient cover for her soldiers. Now, she waited.


    The night continued to grow darker; soon the only light was from the Lorric¡¯s torches. Finally, the moon broke through the clouds and shone pale light down onto the mountains. It was in that moment that Zander began the attack.


    Without a sound, a line of lights appeared along the ridge beside the Lorric camp. Before the Lorrics could take them in, the lights flew across the sky. The burning arrows crashed into the tents, setting them ablaze. More arrows followed, Zander spreading his dozen troops to seem like a hundred.


    Sophia left her cover and strode towards the entrance. The soldiers had turned to face the fire, trying to find the source of the attack. One turned back just as Sophia approached. Sophia¡¯s spear drove through their chest before they could make a sound.


    The others turned as their body hit the ground. Sophia cut her spear across one, spinning around to stab another. Andromeda appeared at her side, sword and shield in hand. Andromeda caught a blow on her shield, swinging back to chop off the Lorric¡¯s head.


    Some Lorrics fled towards the entrance as half of the camp was now burning. They met Sophia¡¯s group, who cut down their surprised foe. Zander¡¯s arrows of fire had stopped, his archers now carefully picking off the surviving Lorrics. Some few charged the ridge, but Zander had already descended. He cut his way through his enemies, his sword reflecting the light of the fire.


    Sophia continued to make her way through the burning camp, killing any Lorrics she found. A small few managed to organise themselves into a structured unit, but by then they had lost any advantage they may have held. Sophia and Andromeda led the charge against them, slaughtering them quickly.


    Sophia met up with Zander at the edge of the camp. Her soldiers were sweeping through it, searching for any survivors. Any they found would be dispatched with quickly.


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    ¡°Well done, Sophia,¡± Zander said as he approached her. ¡°It seems your plan worked perfectly.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Sophia said. ¡°Any sign of Erion?¡±


    Zander shook his head. ¡°No. He must have already left for Lorr, if he was ever here.¡±


    Sophia nodded. ¡°My only worry is their patrols. We know that they will have some out there, who might carry word back to Lorr.¡±


    ¡°The patrols have little resources. If they tried, they couldn¡¯t make it back to Lorr. And they will not try. They will see the smoke and return here, where we can deal with them.¡±


    ¡°I hope you are right. Your archers can watch the perimeter. Now, it is time to see what we have fought for.¡±


    Sophia turned towards the cave at the back of the camp, and Zander followed her gaze. They walked towards it. Andromeda already waited for them outside, having searched the camp.


    ¡°Camp¡¯s clear,¡± Andromeda said as they approached.


    ¡°Good,¡± Zander said. ¡°Then we are ready to enter the cave.¡±


    All three looked at the cave as their soldiers gathered behind them. Torches illuminated the inside of the cave, until it twisted around a corner. The entrance was huge, and the cavern only grew bigger on the inside.


    Zander led the way into the cave, Sophia and Andromeda on either side. Some soldiers followed them, others taking positions along the edge of the camp. The camp still burned, most of the tents reduced to ashes.


    As Zander turned a corner, an arrow thudded into his arm. He stumbled backwards. Sophia dragged him back around the curve as more arrows flew at them, crashing into the stone wall.


    ¡°It seems some Lorrics still live,¡± Andromeda said. Sophia knelt beside Zander but he waved her away. He yanked the arrow of his arm, stopping the blood flow with a piece of his cloak.


    ¡°Are you okay, General?¡± Sophia asked.


    ¡°I am fine, Sophia,¡± Zander said as he stood up. ¡°You know me well enough to know a simple arrow won¡¯t stop me.¡±


    ¡°All right then.¡± Sophia was amazed by Zander¡¯s resilience, but now was not the time to think on that. ¡°We must figure out a way to kill these last ones.¡± The arrow fire had stopped, the Lorrics saving their resources until they saw a target.


    ¡°How many do you think there are?¡± Andromeda asked.


    ¡°Let me check.¡± Sophia crept to the edge of her cover. She ducked her head out and yanked it back as the arrows began flying.


    ¡°Well?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°No more than half a dozen, by my reckoning. Hand me your bow,¡± Sophia said to one of the soldiers. He gave it to her, along with his arrows. ¡°Andromeda, give me cover.¡±


    Andromeda moved out of cover, her shield held before her. She stayed low. Sophia ducked out after her. The arrows came immediately, some hitting the shield, some missing entirely. Sophia shot back, her arrows carefully aimed to pick off targets. Zander took advantage of the Lorrics ducking for cover. He ran out, shield held in front of him, his sword drawn. He charged the nearest soldier, an arrow crashing into his shield. Zander smashed his shield off the Lorric, cutting the soldier down as he stumbled backwards. Sophia picked off another two, Zander moving across to kill the last archer.


    Sophia walked out from behind Andromeda¡¯s shield. She tossed the bow back to the Prollan soldier. She checked the fallen, making sure they were dead. They didn¡¯t want any surprises later.


    ¡°I smell blood, and smoke fills my cave, and yet I haven¡¯t done anything,¡± a voice said, appearing in Sophia¡¯s mind. She looked around, startled. The other Prollans were looking equally confused.


    Only Zander seemed undisturbed. He strode over to the back of the cave. A cover was draped over something huge. Sophia had noticed it but had cast it out of her mind when dealing with the Lorrics. Zander pulled the cover off to reveal a cage. It took Sophia a moment to comprehend the shape inside. Red leathery wings were folded back onto ruby scales, chains tied across the body. A head looked out into the cave, large eyes of swirling crimson staring at the Prollans. Horns and spikes crowned the head and ran down the neck. Giant talons lay underneath the body, chained down.


    Sophia took a step back unconsciously. She had never seen a dragon before, but she had heard more tales than she could remember in this life and the last. Nothing could have prepared her for the sight of the beast in the cage.


    ¡°I see my guard has changed,¡± the voice said in her head again. The dragon did not move, his mouth chained shut, but Sophia had no doubt that it was him that had spoken in her mind.


    ¡°So the dragon is real,¡± Zander said, staring at the beast.


    ¡°Oh, I am real all right. As is my anger. So set me free now, puny human, or I shall squash you like the insect you are.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I will set you free. Not yet, anyway.¡±


    ¡°I doubted you would. But I thought I would be kind and give you a chance to save yourself. For I am Lasraul the Annihilator, and all who face me die!¡±


    ¡°The Annihilator, eh? Did you come up with that yourself, or is that what your dragon friends call you?¡±


    ¡°You mock, puny human. But unleash me, and then we will see how strong you really are.¡± Sophia shivered just thinking of the dragon freed.


    ¡°Maybe later. But for now, tell me how powerful you are.¡±


    ¡°I am more powerful than your tiny brain could ever comprehend. I have razed cities to the ground, slaughtered armies consisting of thousands of warriors, burned forests, squashed mountains. There is nothing that could stand before me.¡±


    ¡°And yet you were captured. Wrapped in chains, bound in a cage.¡±


    ¡°A moment of weakness, nothing more. It will never happen again, you will see.¡± The voice spoke with anger in Sophia¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Zander paced up and down in front of the cage. ¡°So, Lasraul, you would have no difficulty in destroying a massive city?¡±


    ¡°None. They could do nothing to stop me, once I¡¯m free.¡±


    ¡°Do you want revenge from the people who put you in here?¡±


    ¡°Their blood will flow. Those who ordered this heinous act shall suffer.¡±


    ¡°So, if I let you out, would you hunt them?¡±


    ¡°We both know there would be little need for hunting. They are not hiding.¡±


    ¡°So you would go to Lorr?¡± Zander asked. Sophia tore her eyes off the dragon to look at Zander. Sophia didn¡¯t like where this was going.


    ¡°Of course. But, human, what makes you think I would not kill you first? Do you think I am so kind as to let you live?¡±


    ¡°I am no fool, Lasraul. I have no doubt that once the chains are off, you will show no kindness. But I plan to be in Lorr when you are freed.¡±


    ¡°You are a clever human, aren¡¯t you? You want me to have no choice but to go to Lorr. But why shouldn¡¯t I go to your home first? I hear Prollans are equally as tasty as Lorrics, and once I am freed there will be nothing to stop me from going anywhere. I can visit both Lorr and Prolla.¡± Sophia knew Prolla had nothing that could stop this beast before it killed hundreds if not thousands of them.


    ¡°You could do that, of course. But why would you? Lorr is a bigger, stronger city, and the rewards are so much greater. You are not the first dragon I have seen. I know gold is what you crave. And the coffers of Lorr are overflowing. After you are finished there, you may never want to return to your mountains again.¡±


    ¡°Set me free, then. We shall see if you are right, clever human.¡±


    ¡°I must go now, Lasraul. I will return in many days. When I do, then we shall discuss your freedom fully.¡±


    Zander turned on his heels and left the cave. Sophia looked at the dragon a final time before hurrying after him. Andromeda came after her. Zander turned to face them once they were outside. The camp was nothing more than smouldering ashes by that time.


    ¡°Zander, you cannot have been serious with that plan?¡± Sophia asked incredulously.


    ¡°I¡¯m dead serious,¡± Zander said.


    ¡°But did you not see him? If we set him free, he will kill us all!¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Sophia. You have let him get to you. Have you ever heard the tales about the minds of dragons? It is said that dragons have the ability to influence our thoughts. This one seems weak, but the ability is there no doubt. He wants you to fear him. Do not be fooled by it.¡±


    ¡°Do you think if he comes for Prolla we stand a chance?¡± Andromeda asked as Sophia fell silent.


    ¡°Of course we do. Because we are aware that he might come. He may be strong, but he is still killable. We will prepare our city.¡±


    ¡°How can you be certain?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t be certain, Andromeda. Most plans do not come with any certainty. But we must go with them anyway if we want to stand a chance in this war.¡±


    ¡°But this is a dragon, General! We have no idea what he will do!¡±


    ¡°We know what he will do. He will go to Lorr. He cannot help it. It is in his very nature, to crave gold. And we will be in Lorr too, to ensure that no matter what happens Caedan dies. The dragon is the perfect cover.¡±


    Andromeda turned to Sophia. ¡°You cannot think he is right, Sophia?¡±


    ¡°I hate to admit it, but Zander has a point,¡± Sophia said slowly. ¡°This is an opportunity. If we do it right, we take out the heart of the Lorric Empire.¡±


    Andromeda shook her head. ¡°Sir, I still think it is too risky.¡±


    Zander shrugged. ¡°Maybe. But that is not for us to decide. Prepare the soldiers to guard the camp in our absence. We ride for King Leon at dawn.¡±

 Chapter 8: Luther

    The city of Zarkone loomed before Luther. Archers waited along the walls, staring out at the Kroanian army. The large oak gates were closed, barred from the inside. The Kroanian soldiers were busy around Luther, preparing for the battle. Catapults were strategically placed throughout the army, loaded and ready. All that they waited for was Ardaric¡¯s order to begin.


    Luther turned as Barstag approached. Ardaric had requested for Barstag to join him and his commanders in planning the assault. Wolfgang at Luther¡¯s side stopped sharpening one of his swords.


    ¡°What¡¯s the news, Barstag?¡± Luther asked.


    ¡°The attack is about to begin,¡± Barstag said. He looked at the city. ¡°I hope you are ready.¡±


    ¡°We are always ready for battle,¡± Wolfgang said. ¡°Tell us, what¡¯s our role in this attack?¡±


    ¡°We are to be in the first wave of riders to storm the city after the gates fall. Along with the others, our aim is to take the palace and capture the king. Alive, if we can.¡±


    ¡°Alive is no fun,¡± Wolfgang commented.


    ¡°Are you saying you are not up to the challenge, Wolf?¡±


    Wolfgang laughed. ¡°I will have the king in chains before you are even inside the palace.¡±


    ¡°Something is bothering me,¡± Luther said to the others.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Barstag asked.


    ¡°The size of their army. It seems too small.¡±


    ¡°Are you complaining?¡± Wolfgang asked.


    ¡°No. But we know they have been training up more soldiers for a while, and the soldiers have gathered here. And yet, the soldiers seem to be spread thin.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they have a trap planned inside,¡± Wolfgang said. ¡°But they will still not stand a chance against us.¡± Luther let the issue go, but it still bothered him.


    A horn sounded from the Kroanian camp. Almost immediately, the catapults fired. The rocks rained down onto the city and the walls. A battering ram advanced slowly towards the main gate. Kroanian riders went with it, their arrows aimed at the archers on the walls. All around the city, Kroanians moved in to begin the assault on all entryways .


    Luther swung himself onto the horse at his side. Wolfgang and Barstag did the same. Luther pulled his long axe off his back, gripping it loosely in one hand. The battering ram had reached the front gate. The defenders dropped rocks from the wall, but they did little to damage the ram. Kroanians picked off any defenders who poked their head over the wall. The first blow crashed into the gate, the wood creaking. The gate cracked slightly as the ram crashed into it a second time.


    ¡°See you in the palace,¡± Barstag said, his greatsword drawn in his hand. Luther grinned.


    The battering ram landed a third time, damaging the gate. After a fourth and final time, one side of the gate crashed inwards. Soldiers charged out from inside the city, cutting down the first few people who had manned the ram. Kroanians stormed them, outnumbering them easily.


    Luther rode forward, the rest of the riders with him. His axe bit into a defender¡¯s shoulder as he rushed through the ruins of the gate. Kroanian foot soldiers already streamed into the city, turning to climb the wall, cutting down the soldiers who defended the stairs. Luther rode past them, his axe striking any defender who came close.


    He moved swiftly through the streets of the city, the other riders alongside him. Half-made barricades were scattered through the streets, but Luther rode past them without a problem. The doors into the buildings on either side were blocked, heads peeking out of windows at the invading army.


    The main square appeared ahead of him. The palace was beyond it. Across the road, a small wooden barricade had been built. Archers waited behind it, firing at the Kroanians as soon as they came near. Luther pushed his horse to go forward, the wind streaming by him. An arrow sunk into a rider at his side, the Kroanian falling off their horse.


    Luther neared the barricade, arrows flying past him. His horse leapt into the air, flying over the barricade. As it landed on the other side, Luther swung himself onto the ground. He caught a blade on the shaft of his axe, cutting down the nearest warrior with one blow. He ducked past another attack, his axe coming around to behead the soldier. More riders were jumping past the barricade, joining Luther in his battle. Soon, the defenders of the barricade were all dead.


    ¡°Push this out of the way,¡± Luther ordered as he turned to face the palace. Some soldiers fought outside, but the Kroanians soon killed them. The large doors to the palace were ahead. Wooden crates and other bits of furniture were stacked in front of the door, allowing no one to enter or leave.


    A Kroanian strode towards the barricade built across the door. An arrow flew out of the palace from high above, striking the soldier in the chest. The archer ducked behind the cover before anyone could get a clear sight on him.


    ¡°Surround the building!¡± Luther commanded the Kroanians nearby. ¡°No one leaves. Any movement inside, you shoot.¡± Kroanians spread out from him, going around the side of the building. More constantly steamed into the square. ¡°Clear the door!¡± Luther ordered.


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    Barstag and Wolfgang rode into the square behind Luther side by side. They dismounted as they approached Luther.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you could join me,¡± Luther said, grinning.


    ¡°We ran into a little trouble,¡± Barstag said, using a piece of cloth to cover a wound on one arm. He glanced around the square. ¡°You seem to have managed fine without us.¡± Archers had taken up positions all around the front of the palace, bows scanning the windows. As Luther watched, a soldier appeared in one of the windows. Before he could shoot, half a dozen arrows thudded into him. His body crashed down onto the square far below.


    ¡°Once the door is clear, we¡¯ll be able to get inside and meet the king,¡± Luther said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s clear it, then, before the commanders arrive and steal our victory,¡± Wolfgang responded.


    Kroanians had already started on moving the barricade out of the way. Luther joined them, tossing crates off to the side. The archers behind provided cover, taking out anyone who threatened them. More soldiers arrived by the moment, all of the gates to the city overrun by Kroanians. Luther could hear the fighting in the streets and on the walls of the city, and the screams of the injured. He concentrated on moving the barricade.


    Finally, Luther stepped back. Only a few crates remained. He picked up his axe and waited. A Kroanian pushed the last crate to the side. Almost instantly, the doors flew open, pushed from the inside. Soldiers streamed out, their battle cry filling the air.


    The soldiers cut down the nearest few Kroanians quickly. Luther charged them, his axe swinging. He sliced down defender after defender, forcing his way into the palace. The rest of the attackers were with him, overpowering the soldiers of Zarkone. Luther entered a large hall, spotting an ornate door across the room with guards in front.


    Luther charged for the door, Wolfgang at his side roaring. The guards came to meet them, but they never stood a chance. Luther sliced down one after another, pushing them backwards. A sword scraped across Luther¡¯s arm, drawing blood. Luther barely felt it, wheeling around to kill the man. Wolfgang chopped off the hands of the final guard, kicking him backwards, sending the door flying open.


    Luther strode into the chamber. A large throne was just ahead of him, empty. The handless guard was sprawled across the floor, struggling to move until Wolfgang thrust his sword through his back. Beside the throne, a man cowered. He wore elegant clothes, and had no weapon. He looked up in fear as Luther approached.


    ¡°Where is the king?¡± Luther demanded, grabbing onto the man with one hand. ¡°Where is King Torbain?¡±


    ¡°Please, please don¡¯t hurt me,¡± the man wailed. ¡°Please, I¡¯m just a steward, let me live.¡±


    ¡°Tell me where King Torbain is, now!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s gone. Please, don¡¯t kill me, please.¡±


    ¡°Gone? Gone where?¡±


    ¡°Ralpor, to the north. Please, don¡¯t hurt me. All I know is that he took most of our soldiers and ships and sailed north a few days ago, after the Kroanian lord was killed. He left me to defend the city. I tried, I really did. Please, that¡¯s all I know.¡±


    ¡°He went north? To Skadi?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. He said he had important business with Skadi.¡±


    ¡°So, he¡¯s gone to war.¡±


    ¡°No, it was in peace. At least, that is what I was told. He wants to ally with her. Please, let me live.¡±


    ¡°Tie him up,¡± Luther ordered the Kroanians who had entered the throne room after him. He released the man. ¡°Lord Ardaric will want to talk with him.¡±


    ***


    Luther placed his plate onto the table and leaned back in his chair. He closed his eyes and folded his hands behind his head. The fighting had finished hours ago, the soldiers giving up after the palace fell. The steward from the throne room had been taken to Lord Ardaric, who got all the information he wanted from the man before killing him. Around the city, the army relaxed. The surviving defenders were rounded up and imprisoned. The Kroanians took what they wanted from the city, leaving most of the noncombatants in peace. Luther, Wolfgang and Barstag had taken an empty chamber in the palace as their own to gather and relax.


    ¡°What does Ardaric plan to do now?¡± Wolfgang asked Barstag.


    ¡°He¡¯ll return to King Ulrik in a few days,¡± Barstag said. He had been present when Ardaric had questioned the steward.


    ¡°Is he sending soldiers north?¡± Luther asked, opening his eyes, taking his feet off the table.


    ¡°Nay. I suggested it, but he isn¡¯t concerned with that.¡±


    ¡°Why should he be?¡± Wolfgang drawled. ¡°It¡¯s not like the man who executed one of our lords has gone that way to meet with an unknown power for an unknown reason.¡±


    ¡°I tried telling that to him, but he would not listen. He thinks this is justice enough for Lord Helgon.¡±


    ¡°He cares not at all about this Skadi?¡± Luther asked.


    ¡°He just wants to return to Ulrik and report a successful journey,¡± Barstag said. ¡°He doesn¡¯t think Skadi will be a problem.¡±


    ¡°No one thought Torbain would be a problem until he killed Helgon. And we knew something about Torbain. Is he willing to let Skadi go unnoticed until she becomes a real threat?¡± Wolfgang asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why you are telling me this, Wolf. I agree with you. But what can we do? Lord Ardaric isn¡¯t sending soldiers.¡±


    ¡°We could go ourselves,¡± Luther said quietly.


    ¡°What?¡± Wolfgang asked.


    ¡°We could go ourselves,¡± Luther said, sitting forward. ¡°Think about it. Are you not curious to find out what is going on in the north?¡±


    ¡°Ardaric won¡¯t send us,¡± Barstag said.


    ¡°Why would he stop us? Practically our whole group was wiped out. We are some of the only survivors. Us three will make little difference to Ardaric, whether we live or die. And although he doesn¡¯t want to send a large amount of soldiers, he won¡¯t stop us from going ourselves.¡±


    ¡°We would have to go alone. He won¡¯t send anyone with us.¡±


    ¡°Does that scare you, Barstag?¡± Luther asked, grinning. ¡°The three of us should manage just fine. Come on, don¡¯t you think we owe it to Helgon? He was our lord for the last ten years, and he always treated us well. He willingly accepted the consequences of our capture and died so the rest of us would be spared for a little longer. If he hadn¡¯t we might all be dead along with him. Don¡¯t you think we should find out why he died?¡±


    Barstag looked at Wolfgang. ¡°I¡¯m in if you are, Wolf,¡± he said.


    Wolfgang grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    Barstag nodded and turned back to Luther. ¡°It¡¯s settled then. We will talk to Ardaric about our decision and we head north. For Helgon.¡±


    ¡°For Helgon,¡± they echoed.

 Chapter 9: Richard

    ''Not long ago, Aggravain the Traitor was a High Knight of the Round Table of Camelot. He was one of the most trusted advisors and friends of King Arthur. He fought in and led numerous battles, slaughtering the foes of the Round Table to forge the kingdom.


    ''However, Aggravain grew greedy. He longed for more. So, he put a plan in place. With two loyal lesser knights and a few hundred soldiers, he planned to take the throne from Arthur. He moved to assassinate the King.


    ''His plan was foiled, however, by his once friend Sir Kay the Courageous. Aggravain slew Kay, and fled once he realised his plan had failed. With the kingdom hunting for him, he took the one option left to him. He retreated to the Borgone Isles, his two knights covering his retreat.


    ''By the time his traitorous allies had been dealt with, Aggravain had solidified his hold on the Isles. He claimed the title of lord and a home at Cragfall. The kingdom of Camelot returned to normal. Dame Rayda and Sir Edmund took the empty seats at the Round Table. Aggravain faded away, becoming just another part of the long history of Wardom¡­''


    - The Betrayal of Aggravain the Arrogant by Denkel Foliar, the Scholar of Camelot, written in the fourth year of the reign of Arthur Pendragon.


    ***


    Richard rode into the city of Camelot behind Sir Lancelot. He was weary, and was ready for a rest. Richard and Grace had wanted to part ways with Lancelot, feeling they had earned their freedom, but the High Knight had insisted that they had to return to Camelot with him. The body of Victor had been left behind.


    It took them a week to reach Camelot City. They travelled the entire breadth of the country, from one coast to the other. They returned the farm horses to their owner, and gained new mounts at a castle a few days after. Lancelot had ridden them hard since then.


    The streets of Camelot bustled with people. Although the island itself was suffering hard times, here in the capital things were still good. Ships filled the sprawling port in the east of the city, many of them army ships waiting for war. In the centre of the city, Arthur¡¯s palace towered. It was a beautiful structure, sprawling and elegant. A dozen high towers commanded a view over the entire city.


    The gate to the palace grounds opened as Lancelot approached, the soldiers saluting the knight. In the courtyard, stablehands took the reins of their horses and led them away. Lancelot spoke with the stablemaster, asking for him to organise the return of the horses to their castle far away.


    As Lancelot turned away, a lesser knight hurried into the courtyard, coming from the palace. He strode up to Lancelot. ¡°Sir Lancelot, we¡¯re glad you''re back. Sir Harris returned with the other soldiers a few days ago. King Arthur requests your presence at the Round Table.¡±


    ¡°Requests, or demands?¡± Lancelot said. ¡°Thank you, Rufus. I¡¯ll go right there. Can you take these two to the library?¡± Lancelot turned to Richard and Grace. ¡°Wait there for me. I will talk with you once I am finished with the meeting.¡±


    Lancelot turned on his heels and marched away without waiting for a response. Sir Rufus led the way into the palace. Richard stared about as he walked. The corridors of the palace were magnificent. Elegant murals were painted onto the walls, depicting knights doing many deeds of great valour. There were statues scattered about the place, each in exquisite detail. The corridors of the palace were not particularly busy, only a few people striding purposefully through them.


    Richard turned back to the knight they were following. Rufus was a short man, walking quickly to stay ahead of them. He had a weasel-like face, and he was constantly glancing back to make sure Richard and Grace were still following. His armour was slightly rusted, like he hadn¡¯t cared for it in a long time.


    Rufus eventually entered a huge chamber. Shelves of books and scrolls lined the room from one end to the other, tables scattered amongst the shelves. A giant stained glass window was at one end of the room, depicting a collection of smaller images of knights. Other lesser knights were spread throughout the room, poring over different texts. A few scholars were interspersed amongst them.


    ¡°Wait here for Sir Lancelot,¡± Rufus said. Richard slumped into a chair at a nearby table, glad to finally rest. Grace strolled over to one of the shelves, and began browsing through different parchments she found there. Sir Rufus disappeared deeper into the library, leaving them alone. Richard leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes. He felt himself drift away, approaching sleep.


    ¡°Remember this?¡± Grace said. Richard opened his eyes, unsure of how much time had passed. Grace had placed a piece of parchment on the table, a detailed picture painted onto it. Richard reached forwards and picked it up.


    ¡°How could I forget?¡± he said.


    Richard studied the picture as Grace turned back to the shelves. There was a castle in the distance, the moon shining behind it. The castle lay in ruins, the gate torn off, the walls crumbling. At the forefront of the picture, a battlefield lay. Hundreds of corpses were scattered throughout the image, and yet fighting still continued. Richard was mesmerised by the detail in the painting, the way the moon and torch light reflected off of the fighting armies.


    Richard knew without having to look at the writing at the top what the picture was of: the Battle of Formir. It was the last major battle in Arthur¡¯s campaign to become king. The surviving lords not under Arthur¡¯s control had gathered at Formir Castle, ready to stand against the king and the knights to keep their land. Arthur laid siege to the castle, a siege that lasted for days. Eventually, the walls were broken. Arthur¡¯s soldiers had stormed inside, but the defenders were waiting. They forced the invaders out, taking the fight to the fields before the castle. The ensuing battle raged for a day and most of the night, until King Arthur himself slew the last lord. After that, Camelot was his.


    Richard remembered that day, even though it was almost seven years ago. He and Grace were paid well to join Arthur¡¯s army, and they fought hard for their money. That was the last real battle Richard had been in, peace reigning in Camelot since then. Richard had seen the Ruins of Formir a few years ago. The castle and the field around it were desolate, no one building anything near it.


    He looked up from the painting as Lancelot entered the library. Richard passed the parchment back to Grace to return to the shelf. Lancelot strode over to their table, a frown etched onto his face. He paced up and down beside the table, a hand stroking his beard. He didn¡¯t say a word to either of them.


    ¡°Sir Lancelot?¡± Grace asked. ¡°You wanted us here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, indeed I did,¡± Lancelot said. He continued pacing for a moment before stopping to face them. ¡°You both were of great service to me, and I want to thank you for that. You are free to go now, if you wish. But before you do, I wanted to talk to you. I feel you two, as mercenaries, may have seen more or know more than our own soldiers.¡±


    ¡°What did you want to discuss?¡± Grace asked.


    ¡°Since we learned of Cyclops¡¯s involvement, I have been trying to figure out why Lord Sebastian and Scriosana Castle were targeted. I wanted to see if you two know anything I don¡¯t. But it seems he was not alone. Four other lords of different castles were assassinated: Gorkin Castle, Larhal Castle, Ionart Castle, and Hesren Castle.¡±


    ¡°Were all the assassinations launched by Cyclops?¡± Richard asked, astonished by the extent of the attacks.


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    ¡°So I believe. All four occurred on the same night as Sebastian¡¯s death, and I think that is too much to be called coincidence. King Arthur has sent word to Sir Bedivere, who was in the west already. He will gather troops and prepare against an invasion.¡± Lancelot walked over to one of the shelves, scanning it before selecting a long piece of parchment. ¡°Now, the question is, why these five castles? What is so special about them that Cyclops would assassinate the lord of each?¡±


    Lancelot unfurled the parchment, spreading it out on the table. Richard stood up and moved closer to get a better look. It was a large map of the full island of Camelot, the dozens of castles and major cities marked across it. Lancelot fished in his pocket and produced five small coins. He placed them onto the map, on top of each of the five castles.


    ¡°There has to be something that connects each of these castles together and to Cyclops and Aggravain,¡± Lancelot said, staring down at the map. ¡°Cyclops is a brutal man, but he always has his reasons. Have you heard the story of how Cyclops lost his eye?¡± Richard shook his head. ¡°Well, the rumours are that he tore out his own eye, a couple of years after he arrived here. He knew that such a disfigurement to his face would scare all of his enemies immediately. And he was right. The scar combined with his methods have made him the most feared man in all of our part of Wardom.¡±


    Richard shook his head, horrified by the story. He knew Cyclops was brutal, but he had not thought that he would go so far as to tear out his own eye. Richard put the story out of his mind and turned his attention to the map. He examined the coins carefully, looking for any patterns or important points.


    ¡°Their positions don¡¯t seem to relate to each other,¡± Richard said, speaking his thoughts out loud. ¡°They mostly seem to be in the south and west, but these are not even the most prominent castles in those areas. It¡¯s not like they are in important positions relating to Camelot City itself. I don¡¯t see how these ones in particular would be important in an invasion.¡± Richard looked away from the map and up to Lancelot. ¡°What does the death of the lords mean for their castles?¡±


    ¡°Not much,¡± Lancelot said, not looking up from the map. ¡°There will be a new lord for each castle, the most prominent lesser knight becoming that lord. I already mentioned to you about Sir Lawrence taking over Scriosana Castle. Other than that, things will go on much as before.¡±


    ¡°What good does that do for Cyclops and Aggravain?¡±


    Lancelot shrugged. ¡°Causes some confusion and chaos, that¡¯s all. Throws things out of place, maybe they just want to strike fear.¡±


    Richard glanced towards the door of the library. He thought of trying to just leave, but he knew Lancelot would stop him before he could. He wouldn¡¯t be able to leave until after they solved this. ¡°Were the attempts made on any other castles?¡±


    ¡°Not that we are aware of, no. Everywhere else seems to be quiet.¡±


    Richard turned away from the table, and began pacing up and down. There had to be some reason. He knew there was something he was missing. But what was it? Why couldn¡¯t he figure it out?


    ¡°What if we are looking at this the wrong way?¡± Grace asked. She had stayed quiet up until then, looking at the map carefully.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lancelot asked.


    ¡°You already said Sir Lawrence has Scriosana Castle. Who are the other new lords?¡±


    ¡°Let me think. There is Sir Oslan, Sir Hubert, Dame Frederika and ¡­. Sir Conil, I think. Yes, I think those are right. They are the new lords.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Grace walked back to the shelf she had been standing at, carefully pulling out a scroll she had already looked at. She read through it carefully. ¡°Yes, as I thought.¡± She laid the scroll out on the table, her finger tapping one paragraph. ¡°Read that.¡±


    Richard leaned over the scroll as did Lancelot. ¡®The Siege of Larhal, by Denkel Foliar,¡¯ the title read. Richard had heard tales of that battle. He had not been there himself, but Aggravain had put the castle under siege for months, until finally the defenders surrendered. It had been a great victory for Arthur, and had allowed him to move on and attack Formir, ending the war.


    Richard¡¯s eyes moved to the paragraph Grace pointed at. ¡®....Aggravain went with Dame Columba, Sir Lawrence and Sir Conil to the meeting,¡¯ Richard read. ¡®Lord Srain offered his surrender and the surrender of his castle with the one condition that his soldiers were treated fairly. Aggravain readily agreed, though once his soldiers had occupied the castle he executed Srain, demonstrating once again the brutal methods he is so well known for¡­¡¯


    Richard looked up from the parchment. He had heard of all that before. He knew Dame Columba had been one of the two traitorous lesser knights who had joined Aggravain in his attempt to assassinate Arthur, but other than that the other two knights were some of the new lords, he didn¡¯t see how this related to what they were discussing.


    ¡°So?¡± he asked Grace.


    It was Lancelot who answered him. ¡°Your friend is trying to say that our new lords are traitors,¡± he said, his voice low.


    Richard looked at Grace. ¡°That¡¯s absurd!¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡± she asked. ¡°Columba was a traitor.¡±


    ¡°Columba died years ago,¡± Lancelot said, looking at Grace coldly. ¡°I killed her myself, when she tried to prevent us from chasing Aggravain. Lawrence and Conil have been good soldiers.¡±


    ¡°Aggravain was a good soldier right up until he tried to kill King Arthur. I know any High Knight can create a lesser knight. So isn¡¯t it possible that Aggravain knighted all five of these knights and has spent years planning to get them into positions so that they would all become lords?¡±


    ¡°This is all just speculation! I¡¯m not even sure who knighted them!¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we find out? We have no other ideas. Are there not some records that would help us learn more?¡±


    Lancelot looked down at the scroll again. ¡°Follow me,¡± he said.


    The High Knight turned and led them from the library. Richard saw Sir Rufus leave after them, heading swiftly in the opposite direction. Richard walked through the halls once again, heading deeper into the maze that was the palace. He paid little attention to his surroundings, instead considering what Grace had suggested. He wasn¡¯t happy that five castles could be in the hands of Aggravain, but he couldn¡¯t help but consider the opportunities it could bring. If it was true, it would certainly lead to war, and war always led to work and rewards for people like him.


    Lancelot strode up a winding staircase, Richard and Grace on his heels. The tower went up and up, high above the rest of the palace. Richard knew it was just one of the many tall towers he had seen as they had approached the palace. At the top, they reached a small oak door. Lancelot rapped sharply on the door with his knuckles.


    The door was opened by a wizened old man. A long grey beard stretched down to his waist. A pair of half moon spectacles rested on his nose, and his eyes peered up through them at Lancelot.


    ¡°Lancelot, my boy, do come in,¡± the old man said, turning and entering the room without waiting for a response. The room was full of different tables, scrolls and half-made machines covering every surface. Paintings hung on the back wall, one of a warrior, another of a fortress, the next of a snake with a head on each end. Richard¡¯s eyes were drawn to an old painting across the room. It depicted a small battalion of soldiers in gleaming armour, a phoenix on the banner they carried. The colours had faded, and only the letters ¡®tals¡¯ were still legible at the end of the inscription scrawled across the bottom. Two small windows looked out on opposite sides of the circular room, the city of Camelot through one and another palace tower seen through the other. The old man hobbled over to the only chair without anything on it.


    ¡°Now, Lancelot, how may I be of service?¡± the old man asked once seated.


    ¡°I have a question for you, Foliar,¡± Lancelot said. Only as Lancelot said the name did it click with Richard that this was Denkel Foliar, the famed Scholar of Camelot. He had been with Arthur for many years, his past before that obscure. Richard had heard that he knew more about Wardom and its workings than anyone else, and seemed to be able to remember everything. It was said he had been invaluable to Arthur in the early years of Arthur¡¯s war, but had since faded into the background. Richard had not heard mention of him in many years.


    ¡°Ask away, my boy,¡± Foliar said, taking a sip from a small cup at his side. ¡°But I don''t know how much help I can be. I don¡¯t get out of my tower much anymore. These old legs aren¡¯t what they once were, and my warrior days are long past.¡±


    ¡°You still know more details about our knights than anyone else. Now, I want to know who knighted Sir Lawrence, Sir Oslan, Sir Hubert, Dame Frederika and Sir Conil?¡±


    ¡°Hmm. If I recall correctly, they were all knighted by Sir Aggravain.¡±


    Lancelot cast a glance back at Grace. ¡°You are sure, Foliar?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I am almost certain. You see, in the few years Aggravain was with us, he only knighted nine people. They were all handpicked by him, and all thought rather highly of him, until he turned traitor. Let¡¯s see, there were those five, there were the two who died fighting for him, but you of course know that, Lancelot, since you were there. Then, of course, there was Sir Trayl, who died out hunting a few years back. Hmm. Ah, and the last is Sir Rufus.¡±


    Richard watched Lancelot¡¯s face pale, and the same realisation dawned on him. ¡°You mean, the Sir Rufus who led us through the castle?¡± Richard asked.


    ¡°Yes, he is a personal guard to King Arthur,¡± Foliar said. ¡°I never liked him much. A rather unpleasant man, as I recall. No respect for scholars like myself.¡± But Lancelot was already reaching for the door, yanking it open and running down the stairs.

 Chapter 10: Felix

    ¡°Again,¡± Felix said.


    He backed up from Kaesyn, spinning his sword around his hand. Kaesyn grinned at him, the sweat dripping down her face. She twirled the spear around as she moved away, preparing to attack. Suddenly, she launched forwards, Felix raising his blade to catch the flying spear.


    Everyday for the past week, Felix had spent the morning training with Kaesyn. He soon realised, however, that she needed little training. She was already a powerful warrior with immense potential. Felix had just seen to it that she utilised her full strength and skill with fighting using any weapon.


    They had spent the afternoons strolling through the city together. Felix spoke of all he knew about Wardom, and of all the people in it. He taught her about the city-states of Challter, the barbarians of the Isles of Hardunes, the ruthless Kroanians who sprawled across the land to their east, the cunning Prollans who reigned in the south. Kaesyn took in all the information, and she seemed to remember everything she was told..


    Felix had grown to rather like his apprentice over the past week. She was smart and interesting, and he enjoyed the discussions they had together. She was quick at learning and in arguments presented points Felix had never thought of before. He knew someday she would make a fine Paladin.


    Felix ended their practice when some palace guards began to come out for their training. He wiped the sweat from his face, tired from the session. He scooped up two flasks of water from the dust, tossing one to Kaesyn. He poured half the bottle onto his head, gulping down the rest.


    Felix wandered over to Kaesyn and sat down beside her. He stretched out his legs, feeling the ache in his muscles. It felt as if he had done more work in the past week of training Kaesyn than in a long time before that, but that was probably a good thing. In front of them, the palace guards were beginning to spar slowly.


    ¡°You did well today, Kaesyn,¡± Felix said. ¡°You are very good.¡±


    Kaesyn grinned. ¡°Thank you, Master.¡± The title of master still felt weird for Felix, but that was what he had become when he had taken Kaesyn to become his apprentice.


    ¡°Soon, you shall become a full Paladin. You are good enough to become one in only a couple of years, when it takes most others much longer.¡±


    ¡°What do I have to do?¡±


    ¡°You will continue your training here for a while, then you shall come with me and we shall travel the land for a bit, testing how you are in the real world. Finally, Master Braydan will give you some task to do, and you will have to do it yourself. If you complete this test, you will become a Paladin. After a few years, if you continue to do well, you shall become a Master Paladin and be able to take an apprentice of your own.


    Kaesyn was silent. Felix relaxed happily, casually watching the training soldiers. They were not properly duelling, instead only performing simple drills. Felix had every bit of confidence that Kaesyn could take any group of guards in a fight.


    ¡°Master,¡± Kaesyn said, drawing Felix¡¯s attention. ¡°You have spent the last week training me, talking about how I will join the Paladins. But you have yet to explain to me what the Paladins actually are, or what they do.¡±


    Felix smiled. ¡°Come with me.¡±


    He stood up, reaching a hand down to pull Kaesyn to her feet. Together, they entered the palace. Felix led her through the long twisting tunnels, past beautiful artefacts and intricate paintings. They entered the small wing of the palace that belonged to the Paladins. Here, they had everything they needed. They had their own rooms, armoury, and mess. The only thing they shared was the training arena.


    He led her past their rooms, into a part of the wing she had not been before. He pushed open a heavy oak door. A huge chamber lay on the other side. Tall shelves stretched up to reach the roof high above. Scroll after scroll lined the shelves, some gathered by the Paladins recently, others taken from before they were allied with Lorr. A few old tables were scattered throughout the library. A thin layer of dust was everywhere, footprints clear from when other Paladins had been there recently.


    ¡°Welcome to the Order¡¯s library,¡± Felix said. ¡°Where we keep all our scrolls, both old and new.¡±


    Felix walked Kaesyn to the far end of the chamber. There, stretching across the back wall, was a beautiful painting. A tall man stood in the centre. He wore little armour, an elegant black cloak hanging from his shoulders, an intricate silver lion forming the clasp around his neck. One leg rested atop a fallen foe, a giant of a man cut down. All around him, dozens of other enemies lay. And in the man¡¯s raised hand, he held a sword. The sword had a blade of purest black, a black darker than the deepest night. An aura of darkness seemed to shroud it. Felix stared at the painting in wonder. Despite having seen it so many times before, it still amazed him. He had often wondered if the sword had been that black in person, but he would never know.


    Felix pointed to the painting. ¡°Magnificent, isn¡¯t it? That painting has been with the Order for a long time, kept with us even as we moved from base to base.¡±


    ¡°Who is that?¡± Kaesyn asked in amazement.


    ¡°Honestly, we don¡¯t know. A former Head of our Order, his name lost in the depths of history. But the sword, the sword we do know. That is the Grim Reaper, the Black Blade. It is an ancient weapon of the Paladins. For a long time, it was passed from one leader to another. Each holder was more powerful than any single warrior could ever hope to be. In all our tales, it is mentioned. I have never heard of its like.¡±


    ¡°Where is it now?¡±


    ¡°It was lost, years ago. Its last wielder went out on a mission, and never returned. Now, we are not even sure if it is anything more than a legend. You wanted to know more about us? The scrolls in this room tell our story. They have been collected by our members over the years. Our ancient history is lost, our founders forgotten. All I know is we came from the south, from beyond Prolla, landing in this land centuries ago. Since then, we operate as we do today. We are a family, all of our members siblings to one another. We make decisions as one. We ally ourselves with one leader, one we believe is worthy of our assistance. Before I came, Master Zoran, the previous Head of our Order, allied us with Caedan. We have been loyal to him ever since, and will continue to be loyal to him until the time when we as a group decide it is time to move on.¡±


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    ¡°How did you come to join the Order, Master?¡±


    Felix took a seat at a table. ¡°Ah, that is a long story. For I was not always friends with the Paladins. Once, I was their enemy¡­.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Block the doors!¡± Felix bellowed. Soldiers rushed to obey his command, though he did not know how much good it would do. Caedan¡¯s army was at his door, and there were rumours that the king was already dead. Felix refused to believe it. The captain of the personal guard had been killed already, and it had fallen to Felix to take command.


    Felix silently cursed the damned Paladins. He knew they were to blame for this assault on the city. It was only with their aid that Caedan had gained so much support, and now they were close to defeating the king.


    The door to the hall flew inwards, shattering before Felix¡¯s comrades could barricade it. A group of soldiers rushed into the room, slaughtering Felix¡¯s men close to the doorway. Felix drew his sword and retreated with his two remaining soldiers.


    The enemy spread out before him, five soldiers against three. The leader of the five wore elegant clothes and light armour, a cloak of deep black draped from his shoulders. A silver lion clasped the cloak around his neck. Felix growled. He recognised the Paladin symbols.


    ¡°Stand down,¡± the Paladin said.


    ¡°Never!¡± Felix shouted.


    ¡°Your king is dead, soldier. Your city is in our hands. Surrender.¡±


    ¡°I will die before surrendering!¡±


    ¡°There doesn¡¯t need to be any more fighting.¡±


    Felix swung his sword around his hand, preparing. ¡°I will not surrender to you, Paladin!¡±


    ¡°You recognise me for what I am? Do you think you can withstand all five of us?¡±


    ¡°Your four comrades are simple soldiers. You are the only Paladin here. This is not an impossible challenge.¡±


    The Paladin sighed. ¡°We already have victory.¡±


    Felix laughed. ¡°But you have yet to learn the cost of that victory!¡±


    ¡°One last chance. Surrender.¡±


    ¡°You first!¡±


    The Paladin¡¯s four soldiers leapt forward. Felix and his men moved to meet them. Felix caught a blade on his sword, swinging around to slice the warrior¡¯s stomach. The first of Felix¡¯s allies died as the second killed an invader. Felix moved quickly to cut down another. He turned in time to see his last soldier die. Felix¡¯s sword flashed forward to bite deep into the enemy¡¯s chest.


    Then it was just Felix and the Paladin. They circled each other for a moment, before Felix leapt forward to make the first attack. The Paladin parried the blow, not launching an attack of his own. Felix swung again, and again he was blocked. He launched into a flurry of quick attacks, the Paladin blocking each of them as he retreated across the room.


    Felix grew tired. He was already weary, the battle having started early that morning. He had not had a rest all day. It was then the Paladin launched his attack. His blows were swift and strong, and Felix was forced to retreat backwards. The Paladin was a better warrior than Felix had ever faced, and Felix was unable to combat him, especially after such a day.


    Eventually, the Paladin knocked the sword out of Felix¡¯s hand, the blade crashing to the floor. Felix knew he was beaten. He fell to his knees and looked up at the Paladin¡¯s blade held over his head. He refused to beg for mercy.


    ¡°Kill me already,¡± Felix snarled, waiting for his second life to end.


    Instead of striking him, the Paladin stepped back. He returned his sword to a scabbard at his side. ¡°I will not kill you, soldier. My quarrel was not with you, but with your master, and he is already dead.¡± The Paladin strode over to Felix¡¯s fallen sword and scooped it up. ¡°You don¡¯t need to die now. It would serve no purpose, and it would be a shame to waste a skill such as yours. You are an amazing warrior, and my Order needs one like you.¡±


    Felix could barely understand what he was hearing. ¡°I am loyal to my king,¡± he managed to say.


    ¡°Loyalty is a great thing, but it must have an end. You should not be loyal to a dead man. Join me. I am Zoran, head of the Order of Paladins, and I can show you how to use your skills for the good of all.¡±


    ¡°Your Order is made up of monsters.¡±


    ¡°My Order is the fear of all monsters.¡± Zoran held out Felix¡¯s sword hilt first. ¡°So the question is: do you want to kill monsters?¡±


    ***


    ¡°¡­. I trained under Zoran for over six years before I was made a full Paladin. A few years after that, and I became a Master Paladin.¡± Felix fell silent, still thinking of all those events. It had been almost two decades since the fight with Master Zoran, and yet he remembered it so clearly.


    Felix was brought out of his thoughts by a knocking at the door. ¡°Enter,¡± he called out, standing up.


    A palace guard entered the room. ¡°Excuse me, Master Felix, but Master Braydan said you would want to know when General Erion has returned.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s back?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir. Just arrived in the courtyard.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Felix moved for the door. He turned back to face Kaesyn. ¡°Try reading some of these scrolls. You never know what you will find.¡± Kaesyn nodded.


    Felix left the room and made his way through the corridors of the palace. He slipped in a guards¡¯ door into Caedan¡¯s throne room. Caedan was waiting silently on his throne, not looking up as Felix entered. Felix took a place off to the side. He could see Caedan¡¯s guards around the throne, as well as Rolan, who was currently on duty for the Paladins. Braydan was beside Caedan¡¯s throne, nodding at Felix as they waited. Like Felix, Braydan was interested in learning what Erion had been working on in the mountains to the south of Lorr.


    The door to the throne room swung open. Xavier and Erion walked in side by side, striding towards the throne. Erion looked tired, but pleased. He nodded a greeting to Felix as he strode past. Felix returned the nod. Of all the Four Generals, Felix thought Erion had always liked the Paladins most, compared to Cyclops, who despised them for reasons he kept to himself.


    Erion bowed before the throne. Caedan leaned forward. ¡°You took longer than expected, Erion,¡± Caedan said.


    ¡°Yes, sire, but I am here now, and with good news,¡± Erion said, straightening up. He was a tall man, and well built. His skin was as dark as Caedan¡¯s and Xavier¡¯s, but he didn¡¯t look quite as old, despite them all being the same age.


    Caedan smiled. ¡°Things went well?¡±


    ¡°Even better than could have been hoped.¡±


    ¡°That is good, Erion. And you are not alone in having success. Cyclops too is doing well.¡± Felix had heard Cyclops was up by Camelot, but he wasn¡¯t sure why.


    Erion frowned. ¡°Are you sure it is wise to have both these plans going at once, sire?¡±


    ¡°You need not question my judgement, Erion. All will go exactly as planned. Come, let us discuss this more in private.¡± Caedan rose from his throne and turned to leave the room. Erion, Xavier and Braydan went to follow him. Caedan halted at the door, turning back. ¡°You are dismissed, Braydan. We shall manage fine without you.¡± He exited the room, leaving Braydan staring after them.

 Chapter 11: Sophia

    At long last, the city of Prolla spread before Sophia. It was so different as to when Sophia had last seen it so many years ago. The city was bigger, the walls higher, and a magnificent palace grew up from the centre. That had only been under construction when Sophia had received her banishment from King Leon. Finally, she was home.


    Zander had forced Sophia and Andromeda to ride quickly the whole way here, hoping to reach Leon as soon as possible. Their soldiers had been left behind to fortify the cave of the dragon. They had stopped at Sophia¡¯s old fortress to send messenger birds ahead to Prolla, as well as to send more troops for the cave. They hadn¡¯t even spent the night there, instead grabbing provisions and leaving again quickly.


    The city of Prolla was surrounded by plains in all directions, and was the first major city to fall into Leon¡¯s control when he had risen. It was that victory that led Leon to make it his capital. Sophia had been with him when the city was captured, as had Zander and his equal General Morlan.


    ¡°Welcome home, Commander,¡± Zander said to her as they approached the city¡¯s entrance. Sophia grinned at him.


    The guards at the gate bowed to the General as he passed, and he nodded back politely. The streets of the city were busy, but people moved out of the way as the General approached.


    The palace was a beautiful building, almost a work of art instead of a defensive structure. As Sophia entered the palace courtyard, she took in the statues that dotted the outside of the building, showing Prollan warriors holding huge weapons. Intricate columns supported the walls, as much for decoration as for structural necessity it seemed.


    They dismounted their horses in the courtyard, a stablehand coming to take them. Zander led them up wide steps, and the huge doors were opened before him. A statue of Leon gazed down at them in the hall. More statues lined the wall, smaller than Leon¡¯s, three on his left, two on his right. Sophia gazed at them for a moment. She recognised them all. On either side of Leon were Morlan and Zander, his two generals. The other two on the left were Ircan and Tognor, and with Zander on the right was Daunal.


    They were the leaders of the Prollan army during Leon¡¯s conquest. They had all won him his kingdom. Ircan had died during the war, and Sophia did not know what had happened to the others since. She was never close with Tognor, and though Daunal was her friend, she had fallen out of contact with him when she had gone into exile.


    Seeing their faces there both saddened and angered Sophia. She knew she should be up there with them. She had been as valuable as any of the others in winning Leon his throne. If only she hadn¡¯t been forced into exile, she would have a statue up there, remembered as a hero of Prolla.


    Zander strode past them, a set of doors opening for him. They entered the throne room.


    King Leon sat on a huge stone throne, his hand running through his long black beard. His face and bare arms bore the scars of many battles. He wore robes of golden silk instead of armour, but his sword was still at his side. It was a simple enough weapon, forged specifically for him years ago. The only ornament on it was where the crossguard joined the hilt and blade; a golden helmet was carved into the metal.


    General Morlan stood close to the throne, turning around as Zander entered. His armour was of shining gold, symbols etched all over it. His sword was at his side, his shield on his back. He wore no helmet, just like he had always done as Sophia remembered. Unlike Leon, Morlan was unscarred and clean-shaven.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I have returned,¡± Zander said, bowing before the throne. Sophia and Andromeda did the same.


    Leon leaned forwards. ¡°So I see. I hear you had an unexpected detour.¡± Leon turned his gaze to Sophia. ¡°Commander, it has been a long time.¡±


    Sophia bowed again. ¡°Indeed it has, Your Majesty.¡±


    Leon smiled. ¡°It is good to see you again, Sophia.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to be back, sire.¡± Sophia turned to Morlan. She knew she shouldn¡¯t say anything, but she couldn¡¯t help herself. She nodded at him. ¡°General, I hope you have been well.¡±


    Morlan practically growled at her. She had known he wouldn¡¯t be pleased to see her. She stopped herself from smiling, knowing it would only infuriate Morlan further.


    Leon watched them for a moment, before turning away. ¡°You must be Commander Andromeda. Have we met before?¡±


    Andromeda bowed. ¡°Once, Your Majesty. Five years ago, after the Battle of Lorpian.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, I remember that battle well.¡± With the pleasantries done, Leon could move on to the matter at hand. ¡°Zander, your messages said you found a dragon. Is that correct?¡±


    Zander nodded. ¡°Yes, sire.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°In the mountains, between our border and Lorr¡¯s. We found a Lorric camp, and we took it over. The dragon was chained inside a cave at the edge of the camp.¡±


    ¡°You are sure it is the Lorrics?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sire. Their symbols were everywhere, and we heard Erion himself was there.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Leon stroked his beard. ¡°That is interesting. I have long heard rumours of a dragon in those mountains, but that¡¯s all I thought they were: rumours. And you think we should do what with this dragon?¡±


    ¡°Release it, sire. I am certain it will fly straight to Lorr, where it will destroy the Lorrics for us.¡±


    ¡°And what if it doesn¡¯t go for Lorr? What if it goes for us instead?¡±


    ¡°Sire, I plan to already be in Lorr. I will see to the death of Caedan myself, to ensure that if the dragon is killed Caedan will already be dead. If the dragon decides to come for me, it will have to go for Lorr anyway.¡±


    ¡°That is a bold plan, Zander. You think you can pull it off?¡±


    ¡°I am certain of it, sire.¡±


    ¡°This is ridiculous, sire!¡± Morlan burst out. ¡°You can¡¯t seriously be considering this.¡±


    ¡°What are your objections, Morlan?¡± Leon said calmly.


    ¡°Where to begin? A dragon? That is not how you fight wars. You fight them with skill and strength, not dragons. It is against the gods!¡±


    ¡°Against what gods, Morlan?¡± Zander asked. ¡°The gods we used to worship, the gods we know to be false? Or against the gods who control this Afterlife?¡±


    ¡°This plan is horrible!¡± Morlan walked towards Zander, his hand falling to his sword. ¡°You are okay with sending a dragon to kill thousands, if not hundreds of thousands?¡±


    ¡°They were going to do the same to us, and they would not hesitate. We must strike first, for the good of all Prolla!¡±


    ¡°Enough, the both of you,¡± Leon said, rising from his throne. ¡°Come with me. If we are going to do this, we will do it properly. Launching this attack will begin a war that will not end until either us or them are dead. So we must begin planning.¡± Leon looked at Sophia and Andromeda. ¡°Commanders, you are excused.¡±


    Leon left the throne room, Zander and Morlan following. Sophia and Andromeda were left alone in the huge room. The room felt empty to Sophia without the King in his throne, and it seemed improper to be there.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get a drink,¡± Sophia said, knowing they could be waiting a while. Andromeda nodded.


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    They left the throne room. Outside, they spoke to a guard, and he pointed them in the direction of the officers¡¯ mess. They strode through the corridors, Sophia taking it all in as she walked. It truly was a magnificent building. She wished she could have been here the past few years, instead of spending them away in the mountains.


    The officers¡¯ mess was a plain room, for it was not the Prollan way to set oneself too high above others. The tables and chairs were basic, little better than you would find with the common soldiers. The only thing that set the room apart was the people, for the armour of the officers was better than anything that could be found elsewhere.


    Sophia and Andromeda grabbed small flagons of beer, and took them over to a table. They sat far away from any of the others in the room, unnoticed and ignored. Sophia took a long swig of her ale, glad to finally rest.


    ¡°So, Morlan seemed glad to see you,¡± Andromeda said, placing her flagon onto the table.


    Sophia laughed. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that man will always hate me.¡±


    Andromeda tilted her head. ¡°Are you going to tell me what you did to be so disliked?¡±


    ¡°I suppose I might as well. We need to do something to pass the time.¡± Sophia took a drink, gathering her thoughts. She hadn¡¯t told anyone this story before, not in all the years of her banishment. She had never been close enough to anyone to tell them. ¡°It all goes back to the closing days of Leon¡¯s war. Morlan and Zander were his generals, myself one of the high ranking commanders, ten thousand soldiers under my command in the Third Legion. Morlan was sent to take the city of Legaros, and I accompanied him¡­.¡±


    ***


    Sophia wiped the blood off her blade, letting it drip onto the floor. The battle was over, but that brought her little joy. So many soldiers had died. Too many. Legaros was theirs, but the cost had been too high. Needlessly high. If Morlan had only listened to her from the beginning, their victory would be all the greater now


    Speaking of the General, the doors to the hall were thrown open. Morlan strode in, his sword sheathed at his side. His armour was covered in blood, and rage filled his eyes. Sophia sighed. She had known he would be coming.


    ¡°Sophia!¡± Morlan roared as he strode towards her. ¡°What did you do?¡± The sword slipped from Sophia¡¯s hand as Morlan pushed her against the wall. ¡°What did you do?¡±


    ¡°I did what I had to,¡± Sophia said. She pushed Morlan back. ¡°I did what I told you we should have done.¡±


    ¡°You are a fool Sophia!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the fool? Morlan, if you had listened to me in the beginning we could have saved so many lives!¡±


    ¡°Captain Paston is dead because of you! His whole battalion was wiped out because you weren¡¯t there to guard their flank. Their deaths are on you.¡±


    Sophia had feared something like that would happen. But it wasn¡¯t her fault they had died. ¡°No, Morlan, their deaths are on you. If you had just gone with my plan they and many others would still be alive.¡±


    ¡°You disobeyed an order.¡±


    ¡°It was an idiotic order.¡±


    ¡°Leon put me in charge here, not you!¡±


    ¡°That was his first mistake.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you for this,¡± Morlan snarled as he drew his sword.


    Sophia dodged past his swing, scooping up her own sword. She spun to face him, catching his blade. Morlan¡¯s strikes were fast and strong, fueled by anger. Sophia retreated across the hall, parrying each of his blows. Morlan might have been a better warrior than her, but that didn¡¯t mean she couldn¡¯t beat him.


    Sophia tumbled past one of his strikes, swiping with her foot as she did. Morlan was caught off balance, and stumbled to the ground, his sword slipping from his fingers. Sophia stood over him, raising her sword for the final blow.


    Sophia felt a hand grab her arm, and turned to see Commander Daunal at her side. She did not know when he had arrived. He was shaking his head sadly at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it, Sophia. You don¡¯t want to do this,¡± he said, not releasing his grip on her arm.


    ¡°Oh, I do,¡± Sophia snapped.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t. It¡¯s not worth it, Sophia. Don¡¯t do it.¡± Sophia slowly lowered her arm, and Daunal released his grip on her.


    Morlan staggered back to his feet. ¡°You will pay for this, Sophia. Just wait until Leon hears of your insubordination. Oh, you will pay.¡±


    ***


    ¡°....Morlan brought me before Leon, and the King decided that I would spend some time in exile. I got to keep my title, but was sent to the remote fortress in the mountains where you found me.¡±


    ¡°That was rather cruel, was it not?¡± Andromeda asked. ¡°Why did you stay in the army?¡±


    Sophia thought for a moment. ¡°Because, truthfully, I understand why Leon had to send me away. I may have won the battle, but I had undermined both his and Morlan¡¯s authority. His empire was still young, and he needed to make an example of me. And I would not know what to do if I wasn¡¯t in the army. I have always been a soldier, in this life and the last. And I hoped one day they would bring me back.¡±


    ¡°It took them a long time.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. But I am back now.¡±


    ¡°Not for long, it seems. What do you think of Zander¡¯s plan?¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Sophia thought for a moment. ¡°I don¡¯t like it much. But it makes sense. We have the dragon now, we might as well use it to our advantage.¡±


    ¡°I disagree. We would be sending the dragon to kill thousands of people.¡±


    ¡°Caedan would not have hesitated to do the same to us.¡±


    ¡°But what about us going to Lorr? That seems like we are putting ourselves in unnecessary danger.¡±


    Sophia nodded. ¡°I agree with that. There is no need to go. I think the dragon will attack Lorr no matter what.¡±


    ¡°A dragon is too unpredictable to be spoken about with any certainty.¡±


    They sat in silence for a while, before Sopha got up to get another round of drinks. She noticed the room was filling up, as night came closer. A man had taken a seat at the table behind them, eating quietly by himself. Sophia paid him little attention as she reclaimed her seat.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± Andromeda said as Sophia began on her second drink. ¡°Do you think this is the dragon¡¯s second life?¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± The idea intrigued Sophia, but she was unsure. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s certainly possible that he has lived once before and died.¡±


    ¡°Right? I mean, he is as intelligent as we are, if not more.¡± Sophia nodded. The mind of the dragon had been powerful. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t this be his afterlife?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to intrude, commanders, but this would be any dragon¡¯s first life,¡± a voice said. Sophia looked around. The man behind her had finished eating and was facing them now. He smiled at her. ¡°You are Commander Sophia Raegis aren¡¯t you?¡± Sophia nodded. ¡°I have heard all about your battles. It is an honour to meet you in person.¡±


    ¡°And you are?¡± Sophia asked, annoyed that someone had been listening to them.


    ¡°I am Commander Flemon. Well, more of a scholar than a commander, but the title is mine. I am an advisor to King Leon.¡±


    ¡°And why were you listening to us?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry if I bothered you, but I couldn¡¯t help but overhear your conversation. About a dragon.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think that this is the dragon¡¯s first life?¡± Andromeda asked.


    ¡°Oh, I am certain it is his first life. As I said, I am a scholar, and I have spent a lot of time learning all I can about Wardom. You see, a dragon is like a horse, or an ant. They only live the one life.¡±


    Andromeda snorted. ¡°A dragon is a lot smarter than an ant.¡±


    Flemon leaned forward. ¡°Ah, but it¡¯s not about intelligence. An ant would be smarter than some of the humans you meet in this afterlife. No, in the end, as far as I can see, it comes down to the gods.¡±


    Sophia barked a harsh laugh. ¡°You are going to give me some theological explanation for this?¡±


    ¡°Why not? You are in the Afterlife, Commander. Nothing here obeys anything other than theology. Wardom is infinitely big, yet the sun rises, and seasons come and go. There are some lands in the north frozen in eternal winter, and yet if you keep going north you will meet lands where the snow never falls. What answer do you have for that other than gods?¡±


    Sophia knew when she was beaten. ¡°Fair enough. So, why do the gods view us as more important than a dragon?¡±


    ¡°The good thing about having died is there are very few who doubt in what gods are real. We are almost certain that the religion is the Faith of the Twelve, and the real deities the twelve Lords and Ladies. Now, these twelve are divided into six pairs, and each pair has a race. There are humans, elves, dwarves, dryads, merfolk, and wizards. These are called the High Races.¡±


    ¡°And this is all proven?¡±


    ¡°No, it can still be doubted. But it is the closest thing we have to the truth. Anyway, my point is that only the High Races go to this Afterlife. The other animals are born and live here, put here by the gods to give this life similarities to the last. So, therefore, any dragon you encounter is from here and here alone.¡±


    ¡°What happens to animals when they die, then?¡± Andromeda asked.


    Flemon sighed. ¡°Oh, what I wouldn¡¯t give to learn that. But, for now, that information is far beyond my reach.¡±


    Sophia looked up as Zander entered the mess. He strode towards them, the people he passed saluting as he went. He stopped beside their table, glancing over them to look at Flemon.


    ¡°Commander Flemon, please leave us,¡± Zander said.


    Flemon saluted. ¡°Yes, General.¡± He nodded at Sophia and Andromeda. ¡°Commanders, it was a pleasure speaking to you.¡± He turned and left.


    Zander pulled over a chair and sat down beside them. ¡°We leave for Lorr tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°King Leon approved your plan?¡± Sophia asked. She couldn¡¯t say if she was happy or sad that the plan had gone through.


    Zander grinned at her. ¡°Did you hope he would do otherwise? Morlan is being sent east, ready to push into Lorric territory the moment Lorr has fallen. Are you both up to coming with me?¡± Sophia glanced over at Andromeda. They both nodded. ¡°Good. Relax tonight. We have a long ride ahead of us.¡±

 Chapter 12: Luther

    The walls of a city loomed over Luther. The gates were wide open, and few soldiers patrolled along the perimeter. Snow covered every available surface, as it seemed to do everywhere in the far north. The city was busy, and people flowed freely through the gates.


    Luther, Wolfgang and Barstag had been travelling for almost two weeks since they had left Ardaric and the Kroanians. They rode north, passing mountains in the east and a vast ocean in the west. Eventually, the mountains and the ocean were left behind, and the land opened out to massive plains and forests.


    They had met very few people, their only provisions what they had taken and what they found. They avoided the villages on the path, wanting their passage to be unnoticed until they were deep inside the land. Ralpor, Luther remembered it was called. So the steward of King Torbain had said. Its name and the fact it was ruled by Skadi were all Luther knew of where they now found themselves.


    They rode their horses through the gates of the city, the inhabitants barely sparing them a glance. Luther tried to see as much as he could. The first thing that stood out for him were the people themselves. Many of them looked the same as all other people Luther had ever seen, varying in height, fitness, skin colour, but nothing unusual about them.


    It was the others that Luther couldn¡¯t help but stare at. They were tall and slim, all of them having long hair. The ears of each were long and pointed, sticking out from underneath the hair. Luther did not know what they were, but he knew they were not human.


    Luther leaned closer to Wolfgang on his left. ¡°The people? What are they?¡± Luther whispered. Wolfgang shook his head, equally as perplexed as Luther.


    ¡°They¡¯re elves,¡± Barstag said from Luther¡¯s other side. ¡°I have met many of their kind before, from my last life. They are mostly a peaceful people, but you do not want to be against them when they are roused to war. I would not stare, if I were you.¡±


    Luther felt self-conscious of his long axe strapped onto the back of his horse, but no one seemed to notice. In fact, many of the citizens wore weapons of their own. The streets were full of people going in all directions, the din of conversations constantly there. The garb of the inhabitants seemed strange to Luther; for the humans, it mostly consisted of long furs and cloaks. The elves wore lighter clothes, seemingly unbothered by the biting cold.


    Barstag led them along the road, heading deeper into the city. Eventually, the road opened out into a huge square. Stalls filled the square, paths leading everywhere between them. Merchants had set up their wares at every available place, and both humans and elves moved through the market making their purchases.


    Barstag dismounted his horse at the edge of the square, Luther and Wolfgang following suit. They walked into the market, leading their horses by the reins. Many of the goods for sale were familiar to Luther, the same as you would find down south. There were some items that he had not seen since his last life. And there were quite a few he had never seen before, different inventions and contraptions unique to this land.


    ¡°Ho there, tired travellers!¡± a voice called. Luther turned to see a merchant beside them waving for their attention. He was a small portly man, wearing colourful clothes. ¡°Welcome to the liberated city of Deisa! Come, buy some of the best goods in this land!¡±


    Barstag approached the merchant cautiously. ¡°How do you know we are travellers?¡±


    The merchant laughed. ¡°Come now, isn¡¯t it obvious? Look at yourselves, attired in foreign clothes. I have a good eye for this sort of thing. So, what shall you buy? I¡¯ll give you a good price, a special price, to welcome you to Deisa!¡±


    Barstag didn¡¯t look at the wares. ¡°You called it a liberated city, didn¡¯t you?¡± Luther glanced down at what the merchant was selling. They were strange machines, and he could not tell what use they had.


    ¡°Yes, I did. This is the liberated city of Deisa! Thanks to Queen Skadi the Saviour, may she live forever!¡±


    ¡°Queen Skadi? So, she is the ruler of this city?¡± Barstag asked. Luther already knew she was more than that, but he saw what Barstag was trying to do. Get the merchant talking, and they might find out all they needed to.


    ¡°Oh, not just this city, my friend,¡± the merchant said. ¡°She rules all of Ralpor, as she deserves. Her rule stretches from the land of the raiders in the east to the great ocean in the far west, from the sea and the land of Vittor in the south to the high mountains in the north. She rules it all, because she liberated it all.¡±


    ¡°Did she?¡±


    ¡°Indeed! She started the revolution against the Great Slavers, and in doing so she set us all free. We are all eternally grateful to her for saving us.¡± The merchant seemed to realise that they were not going to make any purchases. ¡°Well, if you are not buying anything, I will have to ask you to move on. Business can¡¯t stop, I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Barstag said. He fished a gold coin out of a pouch he had taken from the raid of the city of Zarkone. ¡°You don¡¯t know where there is a good inn for travellers like ourselves?¡± He held out the coin.


    The merchant accepted the coin eagerly. ¡°Oh, there is a nice inn just outside the town, to the northeast. It has a sign of mammoth tusks above the door. You can¡¯t miss it.¡± The merchant examined their coin for a second. ¡°A Vittorian coin, eh? You are from there?¡±


    Barstag smiled. ¡°We are from all over. I thank you for your time.¡± They turned and led their horses deeper into the marketplace, leaving the portly merchant behind.


    They wandered through the market for a long while just taking in the sights and goods. At one stall, Luther bought an exotic piece of fruit he had never seen before. When he bit into it, it felt like an explosion of juice in his mouth. He couldn¡¯t help but go back and buy another after he finished eating the first.


    Eventually, they decided to leave the market and get some rest. They made their way out of the stalls and through the streets, and out the same gate they had used to enter. They mounted their horses once outside the city, and Barstag led them around to the northeast.


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    Only a short distance out from the city, Luther saw a large inn. Above the door, the head of a mammoth had been painted, with real tusks coming out from it. Luther had never seen a mammoth. He had lived his first life on islands, nowhere near any of the creatures. A small stable was built along the side of it. Noise streamed out of the open door.


    Wolfgang waited outside with the horses while Barstag and Luther went in. The main room of the inn was filled with other travellers eating and drinking, resting from whatever journey they had been on. A tall elf stood at a counter just inside the door. His long blond hair was pulled back to show off his elegant face, the features perfect. Luther forced himself not to look at the pointed ears, afraid he would stare and enrage the elf.


    ¡°Can I help you?¡± the elf asked. His voice was light and soothing.


    ¡°Lodging for three people, and stables for three horses,¡± Barstag said, placing a couple of coins on the counter.


    The elf picked up the coins and examined them briefly, before tossing them into a pouch at his side. ¡°For how long?¡±


    ¡°Just the one night, for now.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± The elf snapped his fingers and a small man appeared at his side. ¡°Hillar, see these men to their room and then see to their horses.¡±


    ¡°Yes boss,¡± the man said.


    Luther, Barstag and Wolfgang grabbed their gear off the horses then followed their guide into the inn. He led them past the main room and up a creaking staircase. He stopped on the third floor and opened a door for them.


    Inside, there was a cramped room, just four beds and a window looking out towards the city of Deisa. There were a couple of small tables and chairs, all making up a mismatched set. There was already a bag on the first bed in the room.


    ¡°The three empty beds are yours for the night,¡± Hillar said to them. ¡°Make yourselves at home. There¡¯s food to be found in the main room, and you can eat it here or there, whatever you wish. I will go see to your horses.¡±


    Luther wandered over to one of the beds. He tossed his small bag of provisions onto it. The bed itself was a ragged thing, but it was still a bed. He placed his axe underneath it, out of sight. ¡°What do we do now?¡± he asked.


    ¡°We go down to the main room,¡± Barstag said. ¡°Split up. Try to find out anything you can, but don¡¯t stand out too much. Drink, eat, do whatever, just don¡¯t make it too obvious that we¡¯re only here for information. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Perfectly,¡± Wolfgang said, grinning. ¡°We are to get drunk and talk to people.¡±


    Barstag rolled his eyes. ¡°Behave, Wolf. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Before he left, Luther took a long dagger out of his bag. He could not bring his axe, but that didn¡¯t mean he had to go unarmed. He placed the dagger inside his clothes, completely concealed, and followed Barstag out of the room.


    Luther entered the main room of the inn. He paid for a tankard of ale and took it over to a fairly quiet corner. Two men were sitting on the other side of the table, talking to each other. One was tall and well-built, muscles bulging underneath his shirt. The other was small and skinny, with a long hooked nose. Luther sat and drank his ale in silence for a while.


    The big man on the other side of the table looked over at him. ¡°You are not from here, are you?¡±


    ¡°Nay, I am from far away,¡± Luther said simply.


    ¡°Just arrived?¡±


    Luther nodded. ¡°Earlier on. I had heard rumours of this land, and I wanted to see it for myself.¡±


    ¡°Indeed? We are just passing through this city, continuing on to Snawkon tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Snawkon?¡± Luther asked, trying to seem casually polite.


    ¡°It is the capital of this land now,¡± the little man said. ¡°The seat of Queen Skadi¡¯s power.¡±


    Luther nodded. ¡°I have heard of her.¡±


    ¡°Of course you have. She is very famous across Ralpor.¡± He leaned in closer to Luther, as if he was going to say a great secret, though he did not lower his voice. ¡°I heard storms of ice follow her wherever she goes, and that is how she won the revolution.¡±


    ¡°You heard wrong,¡± another voice said. A woman sat down beside Luther, a small cup in her hand. ¡°No storm of ice follows her.¡±


    ¡°Is that right?¡± the little man asked, cocking his head to the side.


    The woman nodded. ¡°No ice, but wolves like snow are with her, and they are fearsome.¡±


    An elf laughed, coming over to join them at the table. ¡°Wolves? That is ridiculous!¡±


    The woman reddened. ¡°So, what do you think it is then?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she needs anything. It is her mind. It is strong and powerful, and can crack the will of anyone.¡±


    ¡°Now who is being ridiculous?¡± the woman asked.


    Luther looked back and forth between them. He needed to keep them talking. ¡°What does Skadi look like?¡± he asked.


    ¡°She is beautiful,¡± the big man said. ¡°Her hair is as white as snow, her skin as pale as ice, her face more elegant than any sculpture. Or at least, that¡¯s what they say. Not many people see her.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Luther asked.


    The small man shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s true. She hasn¡¯t been seen often in public since the revolution. Only the Princes see her regularly.¡±


    The elf nodded. ¡°All her orders are passed down through the Princes. She has done little publicly since she executed the few Great Slavers they caught.¡±


    Luther was getting more and more confused. ¡°Great Slavers?¡±


    ¡°The Great Slavers were the ones who controlled this land before the revolution,¡± the woman said. ¡°There were dozens of them; Waltar, Horpoit, Karwit, Mallesk, Puttix, Yornal, to name a few. When the revolution came, we killed them all. Some were captured and brought before Queen Skadi to be executed, others escaped and we hunted them down and killed them.¡±


    The little man nodded. ¡°It was Mallesk who used to control this area. He managed to escape, but they found him eventually and slew him. His mansion is now in ruins, you can see it if you go east a bit. But that¡¯s what he deserved. All of them got what they deserved, for the pain they caused while in power.¡±


    Luther took in all the information, storing it away. He hoped he would be able to make sense of it later. He turned back to the two men. ¡°Why are you going to Snawkon?¡±


    ¡°To join the army, of course!¡± the big man said. ¡°It is only right, after all Queen Skadi has done for us, to join her army. She is looking for as many people as possible.¡±


    ¡°Did ye hear about all the soldiers coming up from the south?¡± the little man asked. ¡°From Vittor, or some such place?¡±


    The elf nodded. ¡°I heard their king has sworn loyalty to Skadi already, and pledged all his troops to her cause.¡±


    ¡°At least he knows what¡¯s good for him,¡± the woman said. ¡°I also heard that the raiders in the east have stopped attacking as much. It seems they realise that there is a new leader.¡±


    Luther quietly excused himself from the table, standing up. They paid him no attention. He glanced about the room. Barstag and Wolfgang were still talking with people, and the place was only filling up. In a dark corner of the room, he thought he saw someone watching him. The figure¡¯s face bore twin scars across their cheeks, and they were clad all in black. A necklace hung from their neck, a silver token of a snake, a head on either end of its body, hanging from it. Their eyes stayed on Luther for a moment before flicking away. The person seemed strange to Luther, but everything was strange in this land. He should just ignore it.


    Luther returned his empty tankard to the counter. He released a deep yawn, feeling the weariness to his bones. He was ready to rest. But he knew it would be a while before he got to sleep, the things the others had said floating around in his head, like a mystery to be solved. Something strange was going on here, he knew that much. Something very strange.

 Chapter 13: Richard

    Richard raced down the stairway, seeing Lancelot disappear around a corner ahead of him. Richard reached the bottom of the stairs and ran through the corridors of the palace. People turned to stare at him as he passed, but he ignored them. He could hear Grace running after him, but he did not slow down.


    He caught up with Lancelot as the knight reached an ornate door. Two guards stood outside, staring wide eyed at the High Knight. Lancelot already held his sword in his hands, and he burst through the door without speaking to the guards. Richard, Grace, and the two guards followed him into the room.


    King Arthur Pendragon sat alone at a long table, a meal set before him. Muscles bulged beneath lavish robes, his blonde beard trimmed close to his face. His eyes of pure blue gazed in surprise at Sir Lancelot.


    Richard glanced about the room. There was only one other entrance, and Richard could make out a bed on the other side of the open door there. Rich fabrics and eloquent carpets covered every surface. In the corner of the main room, a magnificent suit of armour rested. Above the armour, the famous sword Excalibur hung from the wall. Richard couldn¡¯t help but take a look at it. It was said the sword had travelled over with Arthur from the last life, the only weapon ever reported to do so.


    Lancelot approached Arthur, his sword still drawn in his hand. ¡°My liege, where is Sir Rufus?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Arthur said. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him since I sent him to fetch you for the meeting earlier. What¡¯s going on, Lancelot?¡±


    Lancelot did not answer the King, turning to face the guards that had followed them into the room. More people were gathering at the doorway, to see what the commotion was about. ¡°You, gather some soldiers and search the palace for Sir Rufus. Leave no stone unturned.¡± The guard left the room swiftly.


    ¡°Lancelot, what is going on?¡± Arthur asked again.


    ¡°You, get down to the stables and find out if Sir Rufus has left already.¡± Another soldier left.


    ¡°Lancelot, talk to me. What is happening?¡±


    ¡°You, close the gates. No one is to leave the castle-¡±


    ¡°Damn it Lancelot, answer me!¡± Arthur roared, banging his fist onto the table. ¡°Now, what is going on?¡±


    Lancelot turned back to face the King. ¡°Sire, I think Sir Rufus is a traitor, in league with Aggravain to remove you from the throne.¡±


    ¡°And why do you think that? You better have a good reason to be causing all of this.¡±


    ¡°Sire, in Aggravain¡¯s years as a High Knight, he only created nine lesser knights. Two of which joined in his initial treachery against you, another has died since then. Sir Rufus was one of them.¡±


    ¡°You are not accusing Rufus of also being in league with Aggravain based solely on that, are you? Lancelot, please tell me there is something else.¡±


    ¡°Sire, the other five are the exact five who have just been made lords after the assassinations.¡±


    Arthur¡¯s face paled. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Find Rufus. Now.¡±


    Lancelot turned back to the soldiers gathered in the door, sending more of them out to search for Sir Rufus. Sir Gawain pushed his way into the room a few moments later. He was a tall yet slim man, who Richard knew to be both a feared soldier and intelligent tactician. The blue cloak of the High Knights hung from his shoulders. Lancelot quickly explained his theory to him.


    Gawain laughed. ¡°You cannot believe this, my liege? It is crazy!¡±


    Arthur paced up and down the room. ¡°It cannot hurt to find the man and talk to him. We must be cautious in these times.¡±


    ¡°Sire, Sir Rufus has been faithful to you for years. Will you turn against him so quickly?¡±


    ¡°Gawain, I just need to speak to him.¡±


    A soldier ran into the room. The man glanced between the two knights for a moment before turning his attention to the King. ¡°Your Majesty, the stablemaster said Sir Rufus took a horse a short while ago and left.¡±


    ¡°See?¡± Lancelot said to Gawain. ¡°Would an innocent man run?¡±


    ¡°This proves nothing,¡± Gawain said. ¡°How would Rufus even know that we were searching for him in time to escape?¡±


    The image popped into Richard¡¯s mind of Sir Rufus leaving the library after them. He stepped forwards. ¡°My lords-¡±


    Gawain spun around to face him. ¡°Who is this?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°He is with me,¡± Lancelot said. ¡°Richard, carry on.¡±


    Richard continued nervously. ¡°My lords, Sir Rufus was in the library when we were. He could have overheard us talking.¡±


    ¡°Lancelot, bring me the master of messages,¡± King Arthur said. ¡°Tell him to prepare five birds for Scriosana Castle, Gorkin Castle, Hesren Castle, Ionart Castle, Larhal Castle.¡±


    ¡°Sire, are you now going to accuse the five of them of treason without any real evidence?¡± Gawain demanded as Lancelot left the room.


    ¡°The evidence is pretty damn good, Gawain. Now, we could have six traitors in our ranks, and you think I should ignore that? I need to be prepared.¡±


    ¡°So what are you going to do, sire? Are you going to tell them that they are traitors and hope they hand themselves in?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, Gawain! I am going to tell them to come here, under the guise of hosting a feast to celebrate their new lordships. Once here, we shall discover if they really are traitors.¡±


    Gawain sat down, unsatisfied with the King¡¯s response. They waited in silence for Lancelot to come back, most of the soldiers already retreating to their posts. Arthur returned to his meal, chewing through it quietly.


    Lancelot arrived shortly, the master of messages in tow. He was a short man, and he looked unperturbed to be surrounded by so many nobles. After them came another two of the High Knights, Sir Percival and Dame Rayda. Four of the seven High Knights were now gathered around Arthur. Of the other three Richard only knew that Sir Bedivere was in the west preparing to deal with an invasion from Borgone.


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    ¡°Sire, you will want to hear what this man has to say,¡± Lancelot said. He turned to the master of messages. ¡°Tell him what you told me when I asked you to prepare the birds.¡±


    ¡°Well, Your Majesty, when this knight came and asked me to prepare these birds for those castles, I said ¡®Them again?¡¯ Because, you see, I was just told to send messages to those castles by you. And I thought to meself ¡®Ain¡¯t that strange? Those castles again.¡¯ Of course your knight here didn¡¯t seem to know what I was talkin¡¯ about, no offence meant to him.¡±


    ¡°Who gave you messages to send?¡± Artur demanded.


    The master of messages scratched his balding head. ¡°Um, dunno his name. One of those low knight people. Ruven¡­. Roful¡­. Lofur¡­. Ravush. I dunno, somethin¡¯ like that.¡±


    ¡°Sir Rufus?¡±


    The master of messages nodded. ¡°Could be. Yeah, that sounds right.¡±


    ¡°And he sent messages to those exact five castles I wanted?¡±


    ¡°He did indeed. And one other message as well. To the Borgone Isles.¡±


    Arthur stepped closer to the man. ¡°The Borgone Isles? Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Damn sure. I remember thinkin¡¯ to meself ¡®Borgone Isles? I dunno if I have a bird that can go there.¡¯ But luckily, I found one. The message was sent away. I did think it was strange. But, like I always say, it ain¡¯t my place to question these lordly matters.¡±


    ¡°Please leave us,¡± Arthur said. The master of messages nodded and walked out of the room without saying anything else. Arthur looked at Lancelot. ¡°Where did we get that fool?¡±


    Lancelot shrugged. ¡°There aren¡¯t many people who wish to spend their afterlife with birds.¡±


    ¡°There has to be someone better than that.¡± Arthur sighed and turned to Gawain. ¡°Convinced now?¡±


    Gawain nodded slowly. ¡°It seems like there is no other explanation than treason.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. And now Cyclops and Aggravain know we know about the traitors. They will start the war at once. What¡¯s our next move?¡±


    ¡°We can hope Sir Bedivere gets to the west in time to hold off an invasion,¡± Sir Percival said.


    ¡°Are we able to get a message to Bedivere?¡± Dame Rayda asked. ¡°We must warn him of the traitors.¡±


    ¡°Rayda is right, sire,¡± Lancelot said. ¡°Bedivere could be walking into a trap.¡±


    The King rubbed his face tiredly. ¡°Organise it, Lancelot. And send word to each of our castles. We are now at war.¡±


    ***


    After the declaration of war by King Arthur, the palace went into a frenzy. Dozens of messages were sent out, both by bird and by riders. All soldiers in the palace and in the city made ready to leave, knowing most would be called upon to head west soon. Supplies were organised for the army, and the gold was scraped together by Arthur¡¯s officials.


    Richard and Grace were sent away, the High Knights gathering at the Round Table with Arthur. Night had descended upon Camelot, but no one slept. Richard led the way to the courtyard of the palace. Already soldiers were leaving through the gate.


    He turned to Grace. ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°I think we should join Lancelot,¡± Grace said.


    ¡°He said we are free.¡±


    ¡°I know. But Camelot is now at war, like it hasn¡¯t been for many years. We do not know for how long. We should join them.¡±


    ¡°You heard Lancelot. They have no money.¡±


    ¡°I know. But we don¡¯t have to do everything for the money.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Richard thought for a long moment. ¡°They say Aggravain is rich.¡±


    Grace looked at him in horror. ¡°You are not suggesting we should join Aggravain?¡±


    ¡°No, no, of course not. We all know what he¡¯s like. But if Camelot wins, the gold will go to them. We can do this and still get paid.¡±


    Grace nodded. ¡°So it is settled. We will find Lancelot and join him.¡±


    In the end, there was very little searching needed to find Lancelot. He strode out of the palace and into the courtyard only a few minutes after their conversation. He saw them and turned away from the stables.


    ¡°I said you are free to go,¡± Lancelot said as he approached.


    Richard glanced back at Grace. ¡°Sir, we would like to join you,¡± Richard said.


    ¡°I am sorry Richard, but we do not have the gold. Arthur is already borrowing from some of the traders and merchants to fund our troops.¡±


    ¡°We hear that the coffers of Aggravain are full. We only ask for our share of the loot after we win.¡±


    Lancelot laughed. ¡°The mind of the mercenary always knows where the money is. All right, prepare to leave. I have been dispatched along with Dame Rayda to go west at once. We are going to see to these traitors.¡±


    A small contingent of soldiers joined them and Rayda as they left Camelot. Richard had not met the Dame before, but she was famed across the island for being a cunning soldier. Her skin was a deep brown, her eyes a piercing blue, her black hair flowing freely down to her shoulders. Her armour gleamed, and she wore a cloak of deep blue identical to Lancelot¡¯s.


    Sir Harris rode with them again, having returned to Camelot before them. They arrived at Eldton Castle a few days after leaving Camelot City. Quite a few lords had gathered there with their soldiers. More lords and lesser knights came with Lancelot and Rayda, all the soldiers setting up camp outside the castle.


    Koda, Lady of Eldton Castle, met Lancelot in the courtyard of the castle. To Richard, she looked more like a bear than a person. She was easily seven feet tall, and all muscle. Her clothes were light and her arms bare despite the cold wind that blew through the courtyard. She was older than the High Knights and the King, and had been one of the first nobles to join Arthur¡¯s cause.


    ¡°Sir Lancelot, Dame Rayda, it is an honour to welcome you to my home,¡± Koda said as they dismounted.


    ¡°Lady Koda, it is good to see you again, despite the circumstances,¡± Lancelot said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lancelot. We will teach these traitors a lesson. If you would follow me, you can join the war council.¡±


    Koda led the way into the castle. Richard and Grace went with them, no one seeming to notice them. In what would have been the dining hall of the castle, the war council was gathered. There were over a dozen nobles seated at the table, some lesser knights and other soldiers around the outside of the room. Richard recognised quite a few of the people there from encounters over the years.


    Lady Koda took her seat at the head of the table, Lancelot and Rayda sitting on either side. Richard and Grace claimed places along the wall, out of the way. The conversations in the room stopped as the High Knights took their seats.


    ¡°You all know why we are here,¡± Lancelot said. ¡°King Arthur wants this war over with as soon as possible, and the traitors dead or captured. Koda, tell us what you know.¡±


    ¡°Well, firstly, Sir Bedivere is dead.¡± Some muttering began throughout the room. Richard understood their anxiousness; a High Knight dead and the war only days old. The muttering stopped with a glance from Koda. ¡°Bedivere was ambushed by the traitors before we could warn him. Much of his force was wiped out, but some survived to bring us word. They also say that Conil, one of those new traitor lords, was killed.¡±


    ¡°Have the common soldiers of the five castles resisted joining Aggravain?¡± Rayda asked.


    ¡°Nay, my lady. At least not enough to be noticed. It seems the traitors have been planning this for a while, and made sure to have loyal soldiers with them.¡±


    ¡°Where are they gathered now?¡± Lancelot asked.


    ¡°Our scouts report that many have gathered their forces at Ionart Castle. Anything west of that is now in their control, or almost. We have heard that Castles Roint and Ordale are under siege, and Castles Dargam, Welorth and Afgul have already fallen into the enemies¡¯ hands. The traitors Lawrence and Oslan are in Ionart.¡±


    ¡°Why Ionart?¡±


    ¡°Ionart is the closest one of their castles to Camelot. It provides the best option for a strike against the city. We cannot move our forces without leaving Camelot unguarded.¡±


    ¡°Koda, tell me, what are our options?¡±


    ¡°As far as I see it, sir, our only option is to take Ionart. And soon. Already some Lorrics from Borgone have arrived to reinforce the soldiers, and their number will only grow. Once we take Ionart, we can move on to taking back our ports and stopping the influx of Lorrics into our land. Also, if we want to get help to our besieged comrades, we must get rid of Ionart.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Lancelot stood up. ¡°King Arthur is set to arrive here with more troops in five days. I want a full plan for the assault of Ionart ready to go when he arrives. Let¡¯s get to work.¡±

 Chapter 14: Luther

    Luther awoke to the sound of voices. It took him a moment to remember where he was, in the inn in Ralpor. He didn¡¯t know how long he had been asleep, but there was light pouring in the small window at the far end of the room.


    He rolled out of his bed, yawning as he did so. Wolfgang and Barstag looked over at him, breaking off their conversation. He had been asleep when they had returned the night before, so they hadn¡¯t had a chance to discuss what they had learned. The fourth bed was empty, the belongings gone.


    ¡°Look who is finally awake,¡± Wolfgang said, grinning.


    Luther smiled tiredly at them. He sat at the edge of his bed and took a long drink of water. ¡°So, what did you learn? Or did you just get drunk, Wolf?¡±


    Wolfgang laughed. ¡°I can manage to do both¡±


    ¡°We were just discussing what we heard last night,¡± Barstag said. ¡°It seems we heard pretty similar things. It looks like Skadi is gathering an army in Snawkon, which I gather is further west of here along the coast. The army includes our friends from Vittor.¡± Luther nodded. ¡°No one said why she has gathered this army. I heard she took the land from slavers. They say all the elves were once slaves, and Skadi led a revolution against their oppressors. The humans who weren¡¯t slavers quickly joined her.¡±


    Luther pulled on his boots. ¡°I heard similar stories. I was also told that Skadi is a mysterious figure. It seems no one but her inner council ever sees her. And they say she has some powers, but no one can agree what they are.¡±


    ¡°Intriguing. I had not heard that.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s our plan now?¡± Wolfgang asked.


    Luther had thought about that a lot before he had drifted off to sleep, but he was still unsure. ¡°I think we need to learn more about this army. Once we do, we can return to Ardaric and tell him what we have learned. That only leaves the question of how we find out more.¡±


    Barstag nodded. ¡°I was thinking the same. And I believe the only way we will learn more about this army is by capturing someone who knows more.¡±


    Luther laughed, but stopped when he realised that Barstag wasn¡¯t joking. ¡°Barstag, you can¡¯t be serious? You realise there are only three of us?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but we are three good warriors. Each one of us is worth four ordinary soldiers. And they are not expecting an attack. They think they are safe here, the land subdued. It will be a quick operation; we find someone high up, catch them while they are vulnerable, and force information out of them. Like we did in Vittor.¡±


    ¡°You do remember that we almost died in Vittor?¡±


    ¡°Almost, but we didn¡¯t. This¡¯ll go better.¡±


    ¡°And how do you plan on finding this person?¡±


    ¡°You are a smart man Luther. I¡¯m sure you will think of something.¡±


    Luther sighed. ¡°We¡¯re actually doing this?¡±


    Barstag nodded. ¡°Unless you can think of something better, this is our plan.¡±


    ¡°All right. But we should do it soon. I don¡¯t want to be here longer than necessary.¡±


    ¡°Agreed. I will go into the city, see if there are any ships that are leaving to go south. If not, we will have to ride back, but a ship would be best. You two find someone. We meet back here tonight, and then we shall discuss our plan to capture the person you find.¡± Barstag picked up his greatsword and placed it on his back. He grabbed his sack and grinned at them. ¡°Good luck, and don¡¯t die.¡±


    Luther looked at Wolfgang as Barstag left the room. He sighed deeply and rubbed the tiredness from his face. He stretched his arm and stood up. It was going to be a long day, he knew already.


    They descended the steps into the main room of the inn, Luther chewing on an apple. Wolfgang had already eaten with Barstag before he rose. They found Hillar, the man who had shown them to their room, lounging at one of the tables, a piece of meat in his hands. He didn¡¯t notice them until they were almost on top of him.


    The small man jumped to his feet. ¡°How can I help you?¡±


    Luther thought for a moment before he spoke. ¡°Where do you know near here that we could join the army?¡±


    Hillar looked nervously between them. Luther knew they were intimidating, himself with his axe and Wolfgang with his double swords. Hillar looked down at his feet and thought about the question. ¡°Hmm. There is an army camp near here. You might try there, but I don¡¯t think they are accepting recruits. You¡¯ll probably have to go to Snawkon.¡±


    ¡°Where can we find the camp?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s to the northwest of the city. Follow the road and you¡¯ll find it. But as I said, I don¡¯t know how much luck you will have at joining the army there.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. We¡¯ll be back later.¡± Hillar watched them leave.


    They brought their horses out of the stables, tying their sacks onto the animals. They mounted up and left the inn behind. Luther led them back towards the city of Deisa, passing a few other travellers. It was still early in the morning, and snow lay thick on the road and on the plains at their sides.


    Luther rode his horse around the edge of the city, glancing up at the walls. They were almost empty, only a handful soldiers patrolling. Barstag was right; they were not prepared for an attack. But Luther was afraid that mightn¡¯t matter. He couldn¡¯t help but look at the elven soldiers that made up part of the patrols. The ones he passed in the streets seemed strange; the ones in armour seemed terrifying. As good as four regular soldiers, Barstag had said. But how many elves?


    Soon, they saw a camp. It was obviously a temporary thing, only a wooden fence running around the outside. Tents filled the inside, snow on their roofs. Banners flew from the walls, a black banner with a white dragon roaring in the centre. Throughout the camp, squares had been cleared of snow, and soldiers trained inside them. The soldiers consisted of both humans and elves, preparing for war.


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    Luther and Wolfgang found a cluster of trees on a hill looking down onto the camp. They tied up their horses and watched the people below. They spent the rest of the day watching the camp, searching for anyone who seemed important. There was a couple who stood out to Luther, elves and men whose armour and weapons were better than those of the common soldier. Luther studied each of them as they moved about the camp, trying to find the best place to capture any of them.


    As the sun moved towards the horizon, Luther noticed a small gang, including some of the officers, leaving the camp, heading for the lights of Deisa in the distance. He waited with Wolfgang, long after they were supposed to return to Barstag. Eventually, the gang returned from the city, their torches the only sign of them in the now dark night. Luther smiled, and mounted his horse to return to the inn.


    Barstag waited for them at the inn. He told them of a ship that was leaving for Challter, just to the north of the Kroanian Empire, a few days hence. He had already paid for their passage, and for the inn room for a few more nights. Luther told Barstag of the camp, and of his plan.


    They all returned to watch the camp the next day. That night, the same thing happened with some soldiers leaving for Deisa, less than ten in total Luther estimated. A few hours later, they returned to the camp, and Luther led the way back to the inn.


    The following day, they were ready. Everything had been discussed, and the plan was finalised. They reclaimed their position among the trees, and waited for nightfall. Again, a gang of soldiers left for Deisa. After they had gone, Barstag led them down from the hill. At the side of the road, they took up positions, out of sight of the camp and the city.


    ¡°Are we all clear on the plan?¡± Luther asked.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Barstag said, his greatsword drawn in his hand. Luther could just make him out in the moonlight. ¡°And remember, the ship leaves just after dawn. It will not wait. Once we have the information, split up and meet at the docks.¡±


    There was a long scrape as Wolfgang ran a whetstone across one of his swords. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±


    They waited in silence. Luther hefted his axe in his hand, anxious. He hated waiting. The sooner this was done, the better. He didn¡¯t want to stay in this land for much longer.


    Finally, he saw lights approaching. Soon he could make out the riders, three wearing the finer clothes of officers. He breathed deeply. This would be their only chance. It could not go wrong.


    Luther stepped out from behind a boulder as the first horse trotted past. His axe was swinging immediately, crashing into the soldier¡¯s chest and sending her flying off the horse. Luther moved on quickly, not wishing to give them time to react. He caught a hastily drawn blade with the shaft of his axe, swiftly killing the rider who wielded it.


    Wolfgang and Barstag also moved in, striking for the nearest soldiers. Barstag smashed an officer in the face with the side of his blade, knocking them off their horse. Luther ducked underneath an elven officer¡¯s swing, using the shaft of his axe to drag the elf off the horse. He kicked the soldier to the ground and wheeled around.


    The fight was over quickly. One of the officers was dead, the other two injured and on the ground. All the soldiers were dead, aside from one Luther could see fleeing away on foot. He cursed silently. They had to act quickly, before others came to get them.


    Barstag was already advancing on the first officer. Luther stomped out one of the only torches that was still lighting. Might as well force the reinforcements to search before finding them. He approached Barstag.


    ¡°Tell me, what is your army planning to do?¡± Barstag said, pressing his sword to the human¡¯s chest. ¡°Tell me, and I might let you live.¡±


    They spit at Barstag, their mouth full of blood. ¡°I will say nothing to you!¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Final chance?¡±


    ¡°Go kill yourself!¡±


    Barstag nodded. With a quick swipe, he beheaded the soldier. He moved over to the other officer, the elf. ¡°How about you? Do you want to say anything?¡±


    The elf laughed. ¡°You don¡¯t understand how much pain you will be in!¡±


    ¡°Pain we will be in? I think you misunderstand the situation.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead! Kill me! It will do you no good. Already our army prepares to sail south, where we will wipe you out! You can run, but we will find you. You will learn the true power of the elven race! Kroanians, Lorrics, Prollans, all of you! The era of elves has begun!¡±


    ¡°Barstag, we have to go,¡± Luther said.


    Barstag nodded. ¡°We have what we want. They are planning to go south.¡± Barstag looked down at the elf. ¡°Thank you for your cooperation.¡± He drove his sword through the elf¡¯s chest. He turned to Wolfgang and Luther. ¡°Run.¡±


    Luther placed his axe onto his back and began running. He knew the plan. He found his horse tied onto the tree he had left it and mounted. He took a long route back to Deisa, far away from the others. He feared his horse would leave prints in the snow, but there was little he could do about that.


    He reached Deisa as the sky was beginning to lighten. He abandoned his horse at the city gate, hoping to blend in more on foot. The streets were almost empty, the sun just coming over the horizon. Luther felt self-conscious about his axe, as if it was a massive target on his back. He felt like everyone he passed on the street was watching.


    Luther arrived at the docks. There were dozens of ships along the pier, ranging from small two person boats to the huge ships of the army. Some were battered and broken, others shiny new, and all were different. The docks were busy compared to the rest of the city.


    Barstag was waiting for Luther when he arrived. Luther grinned, glad to see that at least he was not alone. ¡°Where¡¯s Wolfgang?¡± Luther asked.


    Barstag shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s not here yet. But he has time. No need to worry.¡±


    Luther nodded, worrying anyway. ¡°Which one¡¯s ours?¡±


    ¡°That one,¡± Barstag said. He pointed at a large merchant ship. Crates were being loaded onto it, their contents unknown. ¡°It cost us most of our remaining gold.¡±


    ¡°As long as it takes us close to home.¡±


    The longer they waited, the more nervous Luther got. He feared any of the things that could have befallen Wolfgang. There was too much unknown. Anything could have happened to him.


    A man came from the merchant ship, warning them that it would be leaving soon. Luther still held out hope that Wolfgang would arrive. Then, word spread through the docks like fire, word of the attack on soldiers outside. And word that a southern barbarian had been captured.


    Luther turned to Barstag, the colour draining from his face. ¡°They¡¯ve got Wolfgang.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know that it is Wolfgang,¡± Barstag said.


    ¡°It¡¯s Wolfgang. We have to save him.¡± Luther began turning away.


    Barstag grabbed his arm. ¡°We cannot go, Luther. Be sensible. If we leave, we will miss the ship. There may not be another one for weeks, and it will be too late by then.¡±


    Luther wrenched his arm free, anger flowing through his veins. He couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. ¡°You want us to abandon him?¡±


    ¡°Luther, listen to me. Ulrik must be warned. Skadi is preparing for an invasion, and she is powerful. Yes, we beat that group of soldiers. But now they are ready, and freeing Wolfgang will not be as easy.¡±


    ¡°He is our friend, Barstag! I will not leave him.¡±


    A voice called down from the ship, telling them it was time to leave. ¡°Luther, this is more important than friendship. This is war, and we must warn them. Wolfgang is good, he can survive long enough for us to convince Ulrik to raise an army and strike back.¡±


    ¡°I will go save him myself if you will not help!¡± Luther turned away.


    ¡°Is that what Wolfgang would want?¡± Barstag asked. Luther turned back. ¡°For you to throw your life away in a battle you cannot win? Do not make me lose two brothers today, Luther!¡± Luther walked back towards the ship, his heart heavy, knowing despite what Barstag said he would never see Wolfgang again.

 Chapter 15: Felix

    Felix strode out into the training arena. Many palace guards were drilling across the square, and Felix saw Rolan and Foer, both Paladins, sparring on the far side.


    Braydan was once again on the balcony overlooking the arena, where Felix noticed he seemed to be spending much of his time these days. Felix climbed the steps up to the balcony and leaned against the railing beside Braydan. Braydan did not look up at him, keeping his eyes on the arena below. ¡°I was told you wanted to speak to me?¡± Felix asked.


    ¡°I do,¡± Braydan replied. He turned towards Felix after a few moments. ¡°How are things with your apprentice?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going well, Braydan. She is very talented, and I am enjoying training more than I thought I would.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. We need good Paladins, now more than ever.¡± Braydan turned back towards the arena. ¡°Did you hear Ingmar has returned?¡±


    ¡°No, I hadn¡¯t. He was in Challter, wasn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It seems there is a full revolution going on. Nailhaim was only the first of the city states to fall. Porgim, Jorgow and Brather are also in the hands of rebels, and the final two won¡¯t last much longer.¡±


    ¡°What is Caedan going to do?¡±


    Braydan spat on the floor. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    The aggression in Braydan¡¯s voice worried Felix. He had never known Braydan to get so riled up by Caedan¡¯s decisions. He decided to bring the conversation away from Challter. ¡°Braydan, why did you want to speak to me? Have you a task for Kaesyn and I?¡±


    ¡°There will be plenty of tasks soon enough, for all of us. War is coming Felix, and all of us will be put to the test.¡±


    ¡°Then why am I here?¡±


    Braydan looked at him. ¡°We need to talk. Just you and I.¡±


    ¡°Is that not what we are doing now?¡±


    ¡°It needs to be far away, away from any prying ears. Meet me in the ruins of the temple in the mountain tonight, before sunset.¡±


    ¡°You think that is necessary?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± Braydan turned back to the arena. ¡°Now leave me.¡± Felix descended the steps of the balcony. He had known Braydan for a long time, and yet he had no idea what he was thinking. The whole conversation had been strange, but Felix hoped it would make sense later.


    ***


    Felix leaned against the ruins of a pillar, looking down over the city. The torches of Lorr shone brightly, the sun almost at the horizon. Lorr was a sprawling city, the biggest Felix had ever seen. The palace loomed in the centre, the building so extravagant that none could doubt the power of Caedan.


    Felix turned away from the city. He sat down on a fallen marble column and waited. The old temple lay in ruins around him. It had been that way for decades, maybe even centuries, long before Lorr or Prolla or Camelot were known in the Afterlife. Felix did not know who the temple was built in honour of, the details lost like the builders of it.


    Few came to the ruins, the paths overrun with plants. Felix had not been there himself in years. Master Zoran used to take him and Braydan up there, and it was in these ruins that Zoran had taught them many lessons. Felix thought he ought to bring Kaesyn up there soon. It commanded a view for leagues in all directions, and it was from up there that one could fully appreciate where Lorr was situated. The mountains defended the city¡¯s south, the sea guarding the west and northwest. In the northeast, beyond the horizon, Sentinel Fortress lay, ready to block any army that came for Lorr. The city was unreachable.


    Felix looked up as Braydan approached. The moonlight shone down on him, illuminating his outfit that was identical to Felix¡¯s. He wore a long black cloak, the silver lion clasped around his throat. His clothes were simple and plain. His sword hung from his hip.


    Felix did not rise from the fallen column. Braydan stopped at the edge of the ruins, looking at Felix without talking. ¡°I am here, Braydan. What is it you wish to discuss?¡± Felix asked.


    Braydan looked Felix up and down. ¡°Times are changing, Felix. War is coming here once more. I am sure I don¡¯t need to tell you that.¡±


    ¡°I am not frightened of war, Braydan. It is what I am bred for.¡±


    ¡°I know, Felix. It is why you have been so useful to the Order. But this is about more than the war. This is about Caedan.¡±


    Felix looked at Braydan carefully. ¡°What about Caedan?¡±


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    Braydan began pacing through the ruins. ¡°Caedan has grown weak. He fails to see to the needs of his people. Fails to do what needs to be done. He is so focused on his wars, he doesn¡¯t even see what is happening. Challter is just another example. They were our allies, and now they fall while Caedan watches.¡±


    ¡°Braydan, what are you planning?¡±


    ¡°I am planning nothing. I cannot say the same for Xavier. He strikes for Caedan tonight.¡±


    Felix rose from the pillar, horrified. ¡°We must stop him,¡± he said, beginning to walk towards the edge of the ruins.


    Braydan grabbed his arm as he walked past, pushing Felix back. ¡°No. We will not stop him.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Felix demanded, stepping back. ¡°We have sworn allegiance to Caedan. He is our leader.¡±


    ¡°By dawn, Xavier will be our leader.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing, Braydan? We need to act!¡±


    ¡°I am acting, Felix. I have spoken to Xavier. Once Caedan is found dead, I will ensure Xavier is recognised as the new Emperor.¡±


    ¡°Braydan, you cannot be serious! Why?¡±


    ¡°Stop being naive, Felix! Learn to see what is before your eyes. Caedan will bring our land to ruins, and drag the Order with him. He is already phasing us out. Already, he excludes us from discussions and decisions. Xavier says he is planning on removing us, and killing us!¡±


    ¡°You are blind, Braydan. Xavier is playing you! He only wants the throne!¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter, Felix. He will bring the land to prosperity, and undo what Caedan has done. And he will have our full support.¡±


    ¡°This is not how our Order works!¡±


    ¡°Do not talk to me about the workings of the Order, Felix!¡± Braydan turned his back to Felix, striding across the ruins angrily. ¡°We must adapt, and survive. That is what we have always done. I cannot let the Order fall.¡±


    Felix drew his sword. ¡°I will stop you.¡±


    Braydan sighed, his back still to Felix. ¡°Don¡¯t make me do this, Felix. I don¡¯t want to. I feared you would react like this, and I will do what I must, but don¡¯t make me kill you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t have to kill me.¡±


    Felix leapt forward. Braydan spun around, drawing his blade as he did so. Their swords crashed together. Felix pushed Braydan¡¯s blade backwards, closing in quickly. Braydan slipped to the side, past a crumbling wall. He dodged Felix¡¯s attack, not launching into one of his own.


    Felix forced Braydan to retreat across the ruins, his blows flying forward. Braydan made no move to strike back, only blocking Felix¡¯s swings. Felix knew he had to act quickly, if he wanted to reach Lorr in time to save Caedan.


    Braydan smashed Felix¡¯s blade to the side, kicking him square in the chest. Felix stumbled, tripping over a thick tree root. He rolled across the floor.


    ¡°Ugh, Felix, you are so stubborn!¡± Braydan said as he circled Felix. ¡°Don¡¯t you see that this must be done? Caedan has to go, for the good of Lorr and the good of the Order.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you,¡± Felix muttered, struggling back to his feet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me do this, Felix. Go away, leave Lorr, leave the Order if you have to. Just don¡¯t make me kill you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Felix roared.


    Braydan sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to do this.¡±


    They both leapt forward at the same time, their blades crashing together. Braydan pushed Felix backwards, and finally moved in to kill. Felix retreated deeper into the ruins, blocking blow after blow of Braydan¡¯s. The moon overhead was their only light as they fought.


    Braydan pushed Felix¡¯s sword to the side, smashing the hilt of his weapon into Felix¡¯s face. Felix stumbled backwards. He recovered just in time to dodge Braydan¡¯s attack, swinging quickly to nick Braydan¡¯s shoulder.


    Braydan continued his assault, forcing Felix deeper and deeper into the ruins. They came to a part where Felix had never been before, where it looked like no one had gone in decades. What remained of stone walls were overrun with roots of trees, the branches arching overhead dimming the moonlight.


    Felix swung wildly. Braydan dodged the blow, letting the sword sink into the trunk of a tree. Felix wrenched his blade free, bringing it up sharply. He caught Braydan¡¯s sword with his blade over his head. Their blades locked together for a moment, and as they did, Felix stared into his oldest friend¡¯s face. But the warmth from Braydan¡¯s eyes was gone, replaced with a hardness, and underneath it sorrow. Felix saw the fierce face of a warrior, saw what so many had seen before they died. Felix knew he had to survive. He couldn¡¯t die here, no matter what. For his Order.


    He pushed Braydan backwards and hopped over a wall, giving himself a moment to breathe. But it was only a moment, as Braydan charged after him. Felix retreated under the flurry of blows, trying to come up with a way to beat his friend, his brother. He had duelled Braydan many times before, but none like this. None where death was on the line.


    Braydan kicked Felix in the stomach, forcing him to stumble backwards. Suddenly, Felix felt something other than stone beneath his feet. He looked down to see a floor of rotting wood creaking beneath. It felt like it could break at any moment.


    Felix looked up again as Braydan charged forwards. As Braydan swung, Felix dived past his friend. He tumbled to his feet, turning and kicking to force Braydan onto the rotten wood. As Braydan tried to recover, Felix drove his sword into the wood.


    Braydan screamed, both with rage and fear, as the wood cracked. He disappeared down the hole, his scream eventually cutting out far below. Felix leaned over the edge and looked in. He could not see the bottom or Braydan, the moonlight not strong enough to penetrate that ancient darkness.


    What have I done? Felix though, stumbling backwards. He had killed Braydan. Braydan was dead. How could he have done that? His brother was dead.


    Felix straightened up as he began to make his way out of the ruins. He had to go back to Lorr. He had to save Caedan, and stop Xavier. He had killed Braydan, but it had been necessary. For our Order. Braydan had made a mistake, and it was sad he had to pay for it with his life, but Felix had done the right thing. He was certain he had done the right thing. For our Order.


    Felix reached the edge of the ruins, looking out over the lights of Lorr. He had to move quickly. He had to save Caedan. That was what the ideals of his Order demanded of him.


    A shadow passed overhead. Felix stared upwards as a massive beast flew forward, giant wings beating and its body blocking out the stars.


    The dragon opened its jaws and roared as it flew for Lorr.

 Chapter 16: Sophia

    ''Dragons, or drakkaks as they are more formally called, are magnificent creatures. Truly, there are few animals quite like them. And they are beautiful.


    ''I was lucky enough to see a dragon once and survive. It was a fire drakkak, as I recall. The scales were as red as blood, perfectly overlapping with each other to protect the flesh beneath. The eyes were a swirling crimson, holding vast amounts of wisdom. The wings were huge, and powerful. I was left in awe as the dragon flew away. I have never had an experience like it.


    ''Despite the beauty of the creatures, dragons are incredibly dangerous. The tales of their prowess in battle are not exaggerated; in fact, they rarely do the creatures justice. Their talons can rip buildings to the ground, tear through armour and stone alike. The flames of a fire drakkak can melt the oldest glacier, and the ice of an ice drakkak can freeze the hottest volcano. A single dragon can wipe out whole cities, and when more than one come together to form a Storm, nothing will stand in their way.


    ''The minds of dragons are something else entirely. I had heard of it before I met one, but when I came into contact with him¡­ there are no words to describe the feeling. There is nothing to compare it to. A fully trained adult can force their thoughts onto a human, for a little while at least, and even younger ones can influence the minds of weak-willed humans. The thought of that is enough to make any man tremble in his soul.


    ''Once, nigh on fifty years ago, there were dragons in this part of Wardom. Two fire drakkaks, living in the mountains between what is now Prolla and Lorr. This was during the reign of Threkrig the Great, who ruled most of this land at the time. His soldiers hunted down the two adult dragons, and slaughtered them for trophies. Hundreds of soldiers were lost in the process, slain by the ferocious beasts. Thousands more had died before, as the dragons laid waste to whole towns.


    ''Despite the beauty of dragons, even I hope they do not return to this land, for the toll would be immeasurable¡­''


    - On Dragons, by Denkel Foliar, the Scholar of Camelot, written in the third year of the reign of Arthur Pendragon.


    ***


    Sophia gazed about her as she entered Lorr. The city was bigger and busier than Prolla, and also seemed more chaotic. Hundreds of people moved through the streets, the light of the setting sun glinting off the tall buildings on either side.


    The journey down from the mountains had been long and tiring, for both the riders and their mounts. Sophia had come alone with Zander and Andromeda, knowing any larger group would only draw attention. Sophia knew they could not rest yet; the dragon could already have been released, and they needed to be in position for when it appeared.


    She wore light armour, hidden beneath her other clothes and a cloak. Her only weapon was a short sword and some knives, things that would not be noticed by any who happened to see her. The other two were the same.


    The time the journey from the mountain would take had been carefully calculated, as was the time it would take Lasraul the dragon to fly that far. Zander didn¡¯t want to be in Lorr for longer than necessary, in case he was recognised by old enemies. So far they were on time, but Sophia couldn¡¯t help but feel worried. There were too many things that could go wrong, and she still did not trust this plan. For one thing, there was still the chance that Lasraul would not come for Lorr. Sophia didn¡¯t dare consider what they would do if that happened.


    They soon arrived at the palace of Caedan. It towered over them, a long high wall running around it. Almost a dozen soldiers guarded the front entrance to the grounds. They could never get in that way, but that was to be expected.


    Zander led the way along the edge of the palace wall. They led their horses as they walked, indistinguishable from the rest of the crowd. The sun had gone down, the moon just visible past the roofs of the surrounding buildings. Sophia looked at the wall as she walked. The plan was to find a place far enough away from the main gate and the crowds of the city to use as an entrance. Nothing special was needed, other than a nearby rooftop they could use.


    The crowd thinned out the further they got from the main streets. Soldiers patrolling the walls barely glanced at them; when the time came, they would be no trouble, their attention being elsewhere.


    Zander finally decided they had found a good place. The wall was slightly lower here, and the building beside it was perfect for their needs. Zander nodded his approval and turned away. Now they just needed to find a place to stay nearby, where they would wait until their distraction arrived.


    As they made their way further from the wall, a roar split the night air. It was heard even above the noise of the people in the streets. Zander looked back at them, grinning. It seemed there would be little waiting involved.


    They turned around and were already moving back towards the palace when Lasraul passed overhead. The torchlight glinted off the red scales along his stomach, his leathery wings beating slowly to carry him across the sky. Sophia almost stopped to look at him. He was even more magnificent and terrifying when free. Flames leapt out of his jaw, setting the buildings ablaze. Screams began to emanate from the streets.


    They reached the wall of the palace again. There were no soldiers in sight, all rallying elsewhere to stop the dragon. Like they had a chance. The streets were emptying, everyone fleeing for safety. Sophia almost pitied them. She knew nowhere would be safe from the dragon.


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    Zander climbed onto his horse, standing up. He jumped up, grabbing onto the roof of the building beside. He pulled himself up and Sophia threw a rope to him. Andromeda climbed up first, Sophia following after. They released their horses to roam free, and they left the rope behind. If all went to plan, they wouldn¡¯t need it.


    They leapt across the gap and onto the wall, Sophia just making the distance. The wall was utterly deserted in both directions. They dropped down, landing in what Sophia thought was a training arena. Equipment was scattered across the floor, abandoned once the dragon arrived.


    Zander led them across the arena and into the palace. They drew their weapons as they moved. Sophia feared they would get lost in the long halls of the palace, but Zander had assured her the Emperor¡¯s chambers would not be hard to find. The palace reminded her of its Prollan counterpart, as they had the same majestic architecture and beautiful murals adorning the walls.


    They spent what seemed like an hour moving through the palace, but Sophia knew it could have been no more than ten minutes. The roars of the dragon could be heard outside, as could the screams of the people. Sophia hoped the dragon would not attack the palace until they were out.


    Zander slowed down as they approached large ornate doors. They were on the second floor of the palace, and they had yet to see anyone. Zander spotted something on the floor outside the doors. As Sophia approached, she saw what it was; drops of blood, on either side of the doorway.


    ¡°Something strange is going on here,¡± Zander said. He looked up to the doors, as did Sophia. She could see that they were slightly ajar, one not quite clicking into place with the other. She did not know what they would find on the other side.


    Zander kicked the doors inwards, his hands gripping his sword tightly. Sophia followed him in, scanning the room. A man sat in an opulent chair directly in front of them. His head was tilted back, unseeing eyes gazing at the ceiling. There were numerous holes in his chest from knives, blood still gushing out of them, spilling across his dark skin and expensive clothes. A crown lay on the ground close by. Caedan was dead, but not by their hands.


    ¡°Who could have done this?¡± Sophia asked, not expecting an answer.


    ¡°Someone who is using the dragon as an excuse to claim the throne,¡± Zander said. He laid a hand on the body. ¡°He is still warm. They may still be nearby. Let¡¯s go. Our job is done.¡±


    As they turned towards the doorway, a man appeared there. He wore lavish clothes and a cloak of purple hung from his shoulder. Two soldiers were with him. Both groups stared at each other for a moment, surprised.


    Zander reacted first, leaping forward and plunging his sword into the chest of the lead man. The two soldiers turned to run. Andromeda was on the first one swiftly, striking him down. The other was quicker, already almost at the end of the corridor. Sophia slipped a knife into her hand and threw it. It crashed into the soldier¡¯s shoulder. He staggered but kept his balance, and managed to get around the corner. Sophia cursed silently.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope everyone is too distracted with the dragon to bother with us,¡± Zander said. He looked down at the dead man. ¡°General Ingmar, I had hoped we would meet again.¡± He stabbed the corpse another time for good measure, before turning to Sophia. ¡°It seems one of the Four Generals wanted to rise in the Afterlife.¡±


    He began to run down the corridor. Sophia kept her sword drawn in one hand and a knife in the other. She did not want to be caught off guard again. Zander did not lead them back the way they came, instead aiming for the front entrance of the palace.


    They emerged from the building into a courtyard. Half a dozen soldiers waited for them there, one of them the man who had caught the knife in the shoulder. They were led by a tall man, a cloak of simple black clasped by a silver lion around his throat. A Paladin, Sophia thought.


    Zander charged the soldiers immediately, Sophia and Andromeda with him. Sophia threw her knife as she approached, hitting one soldier in the throat. She faced down the Paladin, parrying his first blow. He was a good warrior, forcing her to retreat across the courtyard. She knocked his sword out of the way and smashed the side of her blade into his face. He reeled backwards, to where Zander was finishing up an opponent of his own. Zander thrusted his sword through the Paladin¡¯s back before he could recover from Sophia¡¯s blow.


    They strode out into the streets. Half the city was alight by this stage, and still the dragon flew back and forth breathing his deadly flames. He disappeared into and out of clouds of smoke, swooping down to slaughter any group of soldiers he saw.


    Zander led them at a sprint through the streets. They weaved between different roads, many of the ways blocked by fallen buildings and fire. Sophia flinched as the dragon swooped past overhead. She turned around to watch him set the palace on fire. Sophia spun and continued running.


    ¡°I¡¯ve found you, Zander,¡± a voice said in her mind, the voice of Lasraul. The dragon landed with a crash onto the road ahead of them. Sophia skidded to a stop, turning swiftly to duck down a side street, Andromeda following her. She soon stopped, realising Zander was not with them.


    She made her way back to the corner, poking her head out. Lasraul stood in the middle of the road, his four long legs bent slightly to bring himself closer to the ground. His wings were folded at his side. The sight of him alone was enough to send shivers down Sophia¡¯s spine. Zander stared at him, his sword drawn in his hand. He looked tiny compared to the massive beast in front of him.


    ¡°You were a fool, Prollan, to think I wouldn¡¯t kill you,¡± Lasraul said. ¡°You thought you were so clever, coming to Lorr to ensure I would follow. Well, I followed, and now you shall be my feast.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared of you!¡± Zander shouted, striding towards the dragon. Sophia wanted to run out there and pull him away, but she knew it wouldn¡¯t help.


    Lasraul laughed in her mind. ¡°But you should be! I am Lasraul the Annihilator, destroyer of Lorr! What are you compared to that, human? Nothing! You think you are so wise, but really you have been under my control all along! And it took so little to convince you to set me free, for the idea was already there.¡±


    Sophia felt a gasp escape her mouth. Zander had stopped too, the realisation also dawning on him. Sophia remembered Zander telling her about how the dragon could influence thoughts, and how Lasraul was making himself appear stronger in her mind. But he had been wrong; it was him Lasraul was influencing, not letting him see that his idea had been foolish all along.


    ¡°I shall kill you for this, worm!¡± Zander screamed.


    ¡°You cannot kill me, Zander. You should have realised that by now.¡±


    With a cry of battle, Zander charged the dragon. Lasraul opened his jaws and flames sprouted out, engulfing the General. When the fire stopped, nothing was left of Zander. Sophia turned and fled the burning city with Andromeda.

 Chapter 17: Felix

    Flames leapt towards the starry sky. Plumes of smoke billowed upwards from the burning Lorr. Felix raced down the mountains, taking in the destruction that lay before him. Right across the city, buildings burned. And above it all, the dragon flew.


    Felix reached the edge of the city. A crowd of people were flowing out of the gate, all pushing and screaming to try and get away. They were the lucky ones, the ones who had been able to avoid the fires. Some soldiers were scattered amongst them, abandoning their posts and their duties. The walls of the city were empty of the troops who were supposed to be patrolling them.


    Felix pushed his way through the crowd, going against the flow. His sword was sheathed at his side, his cloak pulled close around him. A part of his mind cried out to think about Braydan, about what had happened, but he forced it away. He couldn¡¯t focus on that now, not when his city was under attack, not when Xavier still posed a threat to Caedan.


    The crowd thinned out once inside the gates. Felix looked forward, seeing the palace far ahead of him. It was still relatively undamaged. Hope bloomed in Felix¡¯s chest. Maybe Caedan was still alive, maybe Felix still had enough time to save him.


    Felix ducked under the eave of a standing building as the dragon flew overhead. He needn¡¯t have; no flames leapt from the beast¡¯s mouth at the moment. Felix took in the dragon as it flew. It was magnificent, and terrifying. He watched it swoop towards something on the ground, fire flowing out of its mouth as it moved.


    Felix turned back to the palace, running faster. He needed to reach it soon. If Caedan was still alive, Felix needed to make sure he got out of the city. Hopefully the dragon would be too intent on destroying buildings and defeating soldiers to notice them fleeing.


    He was halfway to the palace when he saw the dragon approach it out of the corner of his eye. The beast leapt out from among buildings, its giant wings carrying it in a direct line towards the palace.


    ¡°No!¡± Felix screamed in frustration, trying to sprint faster, pushing someone to the side. The dragon slowed to a hover beside the palace, opening its great jaws. Fire poured out in a steady stream, and Felix watched as the building went up in flames.


    Felix stopped, raising a hand to his face. How could he have let this happen? How could he have failed so badly? He was so tired, and Braydan¡¯s death hammered at his mind as much as he tried to keep it out. The fire continued to eat into the palace, burning it all. Was everyone dead? Caedan, the Generals, the Paladins? Was Kaesyn dead? He didn¡¯t see how anyone could survive such a beast.


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    Felix dropped his hand to his side, his resolve strengthening. Some of his Order, his family, could still be alive, could still be trapped in the city. There was only one way he could help them now. He needed to kill the dragon.


    As his hand moved to the hilt of his sword, he heard a voice calling out. ¡°Master Felix! Felix!¡± He turned on his heels, to see Kaesyn racing towards him, waving her arms to get his attention. Felix felt his heart skip a beat, and he ran to meet her.


    ¡°Kaesyn, what happened?¡± he demanded as he reached her.


    ¡°Prollans, Master, they attacked the palace,¡± she said. She was out of breath, and parts of her arms showed burns. Other than that, she seemed uninjured, much to Felix¡¯s relief. ¡°They released the dragon on the city. They killed Krillan, Master.¡±


    Felix felt a hammer hit his heart. Two brothers lost on the same night. ¡°What about the others? The rest of the Paladins?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I didn¡¯t see any of the others. I just found General Erion and he ordered me to escort him.¡± She pointed over her shoulder.


    Only then did Felix look behind her. Erion was there, with a couple of dozen soldiers around him. He was uninjured, not a scar on him. Felix walked towards him, watching as half his soldiers split off and ran back towards the centre of the city.


    ¡°General, it is good to see you alive,¡± Felix said.


    Erion turned to him. ¡°Master Felix, I¡¯m glad to see you. Your apprentice was worried. Where is Braydan?¡±


    Felix hesitated for a moment, wondering how much to say. ¡°He is dead, General,¡± he said.


    Erion arched an eyebrow, looking closely at Felix. Finally, he nodded. ¡°Okay. Xavier has killed the Emperor.¡±


    Felix kept his face still. He couldn¡¯t let Erion know that Braydan had told him of the plan. If Erion learned the truth about the Paladins¡¯ involvement, he would never trust Felix. ¡°What of Ingmar?¡±


    ¡°Also dead. Killed by the Prollans. I was lucky to escape the palace before it turned into that.¡± They both looked to the centre of the city. The palace still burned, parts of it beginning to crumble inwards. The dragon was nowhere to be seen. ¡°Come, Felix, we must get out of the city.¡±


    ¡°But what about the dragon? We need to kill it.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Erion said as he began to walk away from the palace. His soldiers fell in behind. ¡°We won¡¯t be able to. I have sent some of my men to round up troops and attack the beast, in order to buy us time to make our escape.¡±


    ¡°What of the common people?¡±


    ¡°They will have to fend for themselves for the moment. If they move swiftly, most of them will be able to make it out of the city, and if we are lucky the dragon won¡¯t leave here.¡±


    ¡°Where will we go?¡±


    ¡°East, to Certus. There are still some people out in that part of the Empire who will be loyal to me. We must move swiftly. Trust no one. Xavier will do whatever it takes to kill us now.¡±

 Chapter 18: Skadi

    Skadi spun an orb of pure ice on the arm of her throne. It was one of the easiest things she was able to make with her powers, but it was beautiful. She ignored the others gathered in her throne room; they would wait until she was ready.


    Skadi saw Ishfur yawn beside her throne. He was a huge wolf, his fur pure white with lines of icy blue running through it. He had been very useful to Skadi on the battlefield, and she knew he yearned to fight again. Soon, my beauty, soon, Skadi thought, sending relaxing thoughts to the wolf. Yet another one of her abilities.


    King Torbain, formerly of Vittor, cleared his throat loudly, drawing Skadi¡¯s attention to him. Torbain had little respect for her, and he didn¡¯t seem to understand how things worked. He will soon learn, Skadi thought.


    Skadi picked up her orb of ice, examining it. ¡°There are some who say that life is a circle,¡± Skadi said as she held up the orb, more talking to herself than anyone in particular. The others listened anyway. ¡°That it repeats itself constantly. People come, people go, kingdoms rise and fall, and life goes on. It is like a wheel, going round and round, going along the same path. But eventually, something comes along and changes everything. Someone who is strong enough to knock the wheel of life onto a new course. A better course.¡±


    Skadi closed her fist, and the orb of ice disappeared, like it never existed. She looked at Torbain. He flinched backwards. ¡°I am that someone, Torbain. You should have realised that before now. Are your soldiers loyal to me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my lady.¡±


    ¡°They will do what I order?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my lady.¡±


    ¡°What if you give a contradicting order? Will they obey yours, or mine?¡± Torbain just looked at her, not sure what to say. Skadi smiled. ¡°You see, Torbain, we will soon be at war. I cannot have confusion in my army. There must be one leader, one clear voice, that all will listen to.¡±


    ¡°My lady?¡±


    Skadi rose from her throne, holding out her hand. A thick icicle as long as an arm crystallised in her hand, harder to make than an orb but still easy. ¡°I am that voice.¡±


    Torbain''s eyes widened, realising what was happening. ¡°Please, my lady-¡±


    Skadi flicked the icicle. Torbain skidded across the room, the icicle stuck straight through his chest. The eyes of the others in the throne room glanced at him before turning back to the throne. Skadi could sense the fear in some of them, and it brought a smile to her face. She waved a hand and the icicle disappeared, letting the corpse slump to the floor.


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    Skadi took in her council, their eyes locked on her. The Five Princes, the common folk called them, and Skadi thought it was a fitting title. They had helped her win her throne. Without them, Skadi had no doubt she would not be here today, and she would need them if she wanted to continue her conquests. They had helped rally the people to her cause, and would be crucial in winning the war to come.


    In the centre stood Daelsor, his long double-bladed sword strapped to his back. He was the most loyal of her followers, his commitment matched only by Ishfur. As an elven Blademaster, his skill with a sword was undeniable, as well as being a scholar of war. She had yet to see him face a foe he couldn¡¯t beat.


    Gorvan stood at his left. His face was scarred, half of it unrecognisable, his white hair pulled back to show it off in all its ugliness. His old masters had not been kind to him, and Gorvan seemed set on continuing on that method with his subordinates. Skadi did not like him much, but he had his uses.


    The furthest left of the Princes was the only woman of the group. Tarryl stood tall and proud, a slender bow on her back. She was a fierce warrior, and her arrows never failed to hit their target. Skadi had seen her hit a fly from across a room with perfect precision.


    On the right were the more peaceful of her Princes, though both competent warriors. Lafain and Saelon trusted in their words to solve many problems, and Skadi was glad to have them with her. They brought a certain level of integrity to her group, and were well loved by the people.


    Skadi smiled at her Princes, letting them take her in. She knew she was beautiful. Her skin was a pale blue, like ice, her hair and dress a snowy white. A perfect crown of crystals rested upon her brow, crafted by herself. Her eyes were a deep blue, like those of an ice dragon. The throne room and the throne itself were as white as her dress, and even without windows it was flooded in light. No one but her council ever saw her, and she knew that only made her seem more powerful to the outside.


    Skadi sat down again on her throne. She looked at Daelsor. ¡°What have you done with the barbarian?¡± she asked.


    ¡°He has been killed, my lady,¡± Daelsor said. ¡°As he deserved.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Did he tell you anything first?¡±


    ¡°No, my lady. We think he is from the south, the Kroanians probably. If he had any associates, they have either gone into hiding or fled south again. Deisa is on high alert and prepared in the case of another attack.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    Lafain stepped forwards. ¡°My lady, what does this mean for your plans? I think you should reconsider. Word could already be on its way south, warning them of us. That could ruin everything.¡±


    ¡°Nothing has changed, Lafain. This will do nothing to stop us. They have their own problems down south to deal with, and by the time they realise what is coming it will already be too late. We will proceed as planned. With the soldiers of Vittor added to our own forces, we will be unstoppable. You already have your orders, all of you. Those of you leaving, remember; stir up as much trouble as possible. By the time I arrive with our main army, I want the land in chaos. Then, we will sweep across with little resistance.¡±


    Skadi rose from her throne again, smiling. ¡°Go forth, my Princes. Humans have ruled the worlds for too long. It is my time now. The era of elves has begun.¡±

 Chapter 19: Richard

    Ionart Castle loomed before Richard, the army of Camelot spread behind him. It was an old structure, the signs of recent additions to the defences showing. Thousands of soldiers were gathered inside the castle and along the walls, preparing to fight Camelot¡¯s forces. Both the shattered arrow of Aggravain and the golden bird of Caedan could be seen on banners across the castle.


    The army of Camelot outnumbered the soldiers gathered at Ionart, but Richard knew it would still be a tough fight. And it would not be the last in this war. This was only a portion of the soldiers Cyclops and Aggravain had landed on the island. But it would be a promising start in the war. With Ionart back in their hands, Camelot City would be protected, for a while at least.


    For three days, the castle had been under siege. More and more soldiers were arriving to join Arthur¡¯s army, and the time had come for the battle to begin. Scouts were reporting that more Lorrics were approaching, and the King wanted the castle in his hands before they arrived.


    Richard turned to where the leaders of the army prepared for the battle. King Arthur himself was there, his armour gleaming and shining. The fabled Excalibur hung from his hip, the jewels on the hilt glittering. With him were four of the remaining six High Knights, after Sir Bedivere''s quick death before the war had truly begun. There was Dame Rayda, the most powerful woman in the land, Sir Gawain, a man whose temper was almost as famed as his skill with a sword, Sir Bors, his loyalty beyond the likes of any other knight and there was Sir Lancelot, the right hand of Arthur. Sir Percival and Sir Edmund were not there, out gathering more soldiers for the rest of the battles.


    Around the leaders were a dozen lesser knights, more spread throughout the army. Lady Koda had stayed behind at Eldton Castle, ready in case Arthur¡¯s army fell. Richard and Grace stood off to the side, waiting for orders from Lancelot. Richard sighed. It would be a while yet before they would be ready for battle. He hated the waiting. His hands were restless at his side, itching for the fight. One drummed lightly on the hilt of his sheathed sword.


    Eventually, Lancelot approached them. ¡°Are you two ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± they replied.


    Lancelot nodded. ¡°Good. You will stay with me. We shall lead the assault on the front gate, along with Dame Rayda. Once inside, we must find any of the lead traitors quickly, while Rayda secures the walls.¡± Lancelot fell silent as people began muttering around them.


    Sir Bors appeared beside them. ¡°Lancelot! Look at the walls!¡±


    Lancelot turned to look at the castle, Richard doing the same. It took Richard a moment to discern what he was seeing. There seemed to be fighting along the walls of Ionart, the defenders turning on each other. Richard could make out a gang of Lorrics charging along the wall, another gang standing against them. The castle was soon in utter chaos, as the army of Camelot watched the battle unfold without them taking part.


    The gates of the castle were opened from the inside, and Richard watched on as a group of Lorric soldiers rode out, turning and heading west. Arrows flew at them from the walls, but most of the archers were too preoccupied with the fight inside to worry about the fleeing soldiers.


    ¡°Rayda!¡± King Arthur called from behind Richard. ¡°Take the castle. Bring me someone who knows what is going on. We will wait here for your return.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my liege,¡± Rayda said.


    Rayda mounted up. A portion of the army charged with her towards Ionart. Richard made to go with them, but Lancelot laid a hand on his shoulder. ¡°We will wait,¡± the knight said.


    The gates were still open, and Rayda passed through them practically unchallenged. The defenders soon realised that she was the bigger threat, and tried to repel her. But they rallied too late. Rayda¡¯s soldiers were already swarming through the castle, and they easily outnumbered the surviving defenders.


    Rayda soon returned, some of her soldiers dragging a group of prisoners behind her. The rest of her troops were still securing the castle, dealing with any of the defenders who still fought. Most had already surrendered.


    The prisoners were brought before King Arthur. The High Knights and some of the lesser knights stood around them, all eager to learn what had happened in the castle. Richard was among them. The prisoners were a mixture of Lorrics and Camelot traitors. Richard recognised one to be Lawrence, the traitor knight who had been made Lord of Scriosana Castle.


    ¡°Ionart is ours, my liege,¡± Rayda said, dismounting.


    ¡°Good work, Rayda,¡± Arthur said. He looked at the prisoners, his eyes stopping on Lawrence. ¡°Well, Lawrence, it seems you chose the wrong side in this war.¡±


    Lawrence looked around fearfully at the soldiers all around him. ¡°Please, sire, spare me. I did not want to betray you, Aggravain forced me to. Please-¡±


    ¡°Silence!¡± Arthur turned to Rayda. ¡°I was told Oslan was in the castle as well. Where is he?¡±


    ¡°He is dead, my liege. He was killed before we could reach him.¡±


    ¡°Good. He deserved death, as all traitors do.¡± Arthur¡¯s eyes were on Lawrence as he said the last line. Lawrence gulped. ¡°Tell me what I want to know, Lawrence, and I might spare your life. Now, why did you turn on each other?¡±


    ¡°It was not us, Your Majesty. It was the Lorrics. Messages arrived from Borgone for the Lorric commanders, but they weren¡¯t from Cyclops. All of a sudden, the Lorrics were turning on each other. We tried to intervene, and then the Lorrics turned on us as well. That¡¯s all I know, I swear.¡±


    Arthur moved away from Lawrence, approaching a Lorric commander. ¡°Why did you fight other Lorrics?¡±


    The Lorric spat blood onto the floor. ¡°I will tell you nothing. Nothing!¡±


    Arthur had given the signal to kill the prisoner before he was even done talking. Arthur moved on to the next Lorric as the body slumped to the floor. ¡°Why did you fight other Lorrics?¡±


    The Lorric¡¯s eyes darted to his comrade¡¯s corpse, then to the soldiers behind. He looked back at Arthur. ¡°If I tell you what I know, will you let me live?¡±


    Arthur smiled. ¡°Yes.¡±


    The Lorric nodded. ¡°I received a message. From Commander Pullo, on Borgone. He said Lorr has fallen.¡±


    ¡°Fallen? How?¡±


    ¡°The message wasn¡¯t clear. It seems the city was destroyed in some attack. Caedan is dead, as is Ingmar.¡±


    There was muttering in the soldiers around Richard. Richard himself was too shocked for words. Without Lorr, everything changed. Arthur silenced the muttering with a raised hand. ¡°Go on,¡± he said.


    ¡°Pollo ordered us to leave Ionart, return to Borgone, and board ships that would take us back to the Empire. There, we would join Erion, the new Emperor. However, other commanders had received different orders. From Commander Xian. They would join Xavier, who they claimed was the rightful ruler of Lorr.¡±


    Arthur laughed. ¡°And so you fought. How excellent.¡± He stepped away from the prisoners. ¡°Kill them.¡±


    The soldiers cut down the prisoners before they could realise what was happening. Only Lawrence was left alive, his fearful eyes on the corpses beside him. All of the rest were dead, even the Lorric who Arthur had agreed to let live.


    Arthur drew Excalibur, the blade gleaming under the sun. He approached Lawrence. ¡°Lawrence, you are a traitor. A traitor to Camelot, a traitor to your fellow knights, and a traitor to me. You must be punished.¡±


    Lawrence¡¯s eyes were locked onto the blade. ¡°Please, sire, spare my life. I swear, I will be loyal to you forevermore.¡±


    ¡°Your oaths mean nothing to me. You have already broken them once.¡± With a swift swing, Arthur beheaded Lawrence. The traitor¡¯s head rolled across the ground, until it eventually came to a stop. Arthur wiped the blood off Excalibur. He looked at one of the lesser knights. ¡°Take that head to Camelot. Display it for all to see. Let the land see what happens to traitors. Find Oslan¡¯s, and do the same with it.¡±


    The knight bowed and left, taking the head with him. Ionart was fully under their control by now, and the army was setting up camp around it. Many of the soldiers that had been with the prisoners had left, carrying word of the fall of Lorr with them. The High Knights gathered around Arthur.


    ¡°What are your orders, my liege?¡± Sir Bors asked.


    ¡°I will stay here tonight,¡± Arthur said. ¡°In the morning, I will take most of our army and head south. We sail to Lorr. They are weak now, and obviously in confusion. This is the perfect chance to defeat them. Bors, Gawain, you will stay with me tonight and come with me to Lorr. Lancelot, Rayda, you will each take some of our soldiers. Rayda, I want you to deal with any soldiers of Aggravain or Cyclops still in our land. Take the heads of any traitorous knights. Lancelot, you will go straight for Borgone. While Aggravain is weak, you shall strike. Kill him, and Cyclops. Stop the Lorrics from returning south. That will make my assault on what remains of the Empire easier. Both of you go tonight. We cannot give them time to recover. Once you are done, head south and join me. Edmund and Percival shall send the soldiers they gather south and see to this land while we are gone. No mistakes, from anyone. If we do this right, we will be richer and more powerful than ever before.¡±


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    ***


    The ships cut through the water, the Borgone Isles ahead of them. Richard stood beside Lancelot at the bow of the lead ship, his armour shining, his sword sharp. Finally, the battle would begin. It had only taken a few days to arrive at the coast, and they had boarded ships there, ships left behind by the Lorrics fleeing Camelot back to the Borgone Isles.


    Lancelot had split his force, ships going to land at a number of different places along Borgone itself. From their landing sites, all the soldiers would go to Cragfall, the main fortress of Borgone. Richard had never seen it himself, but he had heard of it from many tales. It was centuries old, resting atop a huge cliff on the northern coast of the island. The high, unclimbable cliff served as one wall of the fortress, and no attack could get through that way. Lancelot had assured Richard that there was where Cyclops and Aggravain would be, with the small number of troops they had left. Lancelot planned to throw all his force at Cragfall, as once it was theirs the rest of the islands would fall in line.


    Their ship entered a long bay, where they planned to land. In the distance, Richard could make out the outline of Cragfall, high above him. Two dozen other warships followed them into the bay, flying across the water towards the beach. Barricades had been built by the defenders, the Lorric banner flying above them.


    Archers across the ships loaded their bows as they approached the shore. Catapults along the beach launched rocks, crashing down into the water around the ships. Out of the corner of his eye, Richard saw a ship go down.


    A cloud of arrows was released from the ships, forcing the defenders to go for cover. Richard felt the planks beneath his feet shudder as they reached the shore, the hull scraping along the ground.


    Soldiers all along the ship jumped out, charging up the beach towards the Lorric defenders. Other ships touched down all around them, the soldiers joining in the attack. Richard waited by Lancelot. He knew his task for this battle. While Grace was out helping lead one of the other landing parties, Richard was to stay with Lancelot. Richard didn''t mind; Lancelot wanted to be at the centre of the battle, so staying with him would be interesting at least.


    The beach was soon under their control, the defenders no match in numbers for them. Lancelot swung himself over the side of the ship. Richard followed, landing in the water. They strode onto the shore, meeting with the lesser knights who would help lead the attack.


    ¡°All right, this is a good start,¡± Lancelot said. ¡°But the hardest part is still to come. We must get up to Cragfall, and soon. They¡¯ve already had a few days to prepare, so let¡¯s not give them any more time. Send some soldiers to check if the other landing parties made it. Let¡¯s go. I want Cragfall in our hands by tomorrow.¡±


    The knights moved off, shouting orders to the soldiers. The troops made ready to leave, taking all of the supplies they would need off of the ships. The corpses of the Lorrics were left where they had fallen, already crows coming down to pick at them.


    Lancelot turned to Richard. ¡°Remember, stay with me. While the others secure the fortress, our number one task is to kill Aggravain and Cyclops. If all else fails, we must at least achieve that.¡± Richard nodded solemnly. He knew the mission.


    The army marched up to the fortress. Along the way, they joined with another landing party, their forces doubling in size as the two groups merged together. Soon, they arrived at Cragfall. The fortress sprawled across the land, a massive structure. Three gates were positioned equal distances apart on it. A third landing party had already reached the castle. They were already working on catapults and a battering ram, out of range of the fortress'' ballistae. Lancelot¡¯s soldiers set to work immediately. Richard sighed. It would be a while.


    Richard noticed something odd as he took in the long fortress; only the dual lightning bolts of Cyclops were displayed on the banners along the wall. Soldiers of Borgone were intermingled with the Lorrics, but neither the shattered arrow of Aggravain nor the eagle of Lorr was shown. That struck Richard as particularly peculiar.


    More soldiers arrived as the day progressed. The battering rams were set to work on each of the three gates, and the catapults began an attack. Archers provided cover from the ground, and along the walls the defenders fought back. Ladders were thrust up against the walls, soldiers streaming up to attack the defenders. Richard watched as they made a little progress, not enough to open the gates from the inside. Richard stood by Lancelot as the battle developed, waiting.


    Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon in the west, the gate before Richard fell inwards. Lorrics streamed out, but Lancelot¡¯s forces moved to meet them. Lancelot drew his sword. ¡°Come, Richard. It is time.¡± Richard grinned as he unsheathed his blade. Finally, his battle would begin.


    Lancelot strode towards the fallen gate, a small honour guard of soldiers going with them. Already, the invaders had pushed inside the gate of the castle, beating back the Lorric defenders. Richard and Lancelot entered behind them, on guard.


    The grounds of the castle were filled with fighting, Lancelot¡¯s army trying to push deeper into the castle. ¡°Follow me,¡± Lancelot said. ¡°I have taken this castle before. I know where Aggravain will be.¡±


    In the distance, Richard heard a second gate collapse. The battle was turning in their favour, but he knew it was not over yet. There were still many soldiers within the castle to deal with, as well as Aggravain and Cyclops themselves.


    Richard parried a blade, slicing down the warrior who had attacked him. He continued to move deeper into the castle, Lancelot and the soldiers with him. Eventually, after passing through much of the castle grounds, leaving behind many other buildings and walkways, they arrived at a large courtyard. A huge hall was directly ahead of them, its tall oak doors closed. Many Lorrics were guarding it, soldiers of Camelot already engaging them.


    Richard charged forward. He thrust his sword through a Lorric¡¯s chest, withdrawing it and spinning around to deflect a blade. He cut down the Lorric, jumping backwards to avoid a swinging axe. His sword went through the throat of the axe-wielding Lorric, Richard stepping past the man before the body had hit the floor. Lancelot was beside him the whole time, and together they pushed for the doors.


    They reached the oak doors, and Richard pushed them open. He stumbled into the hall, Lancelot coming after him. The hall was long and wide, large pillars of marble stretching up to reach the roof. A throne was at the far end of the hall, a small door leading outside behind the throne. General Cyclops the Vicious sat upon the throne, his one pale blue eye watching the intruders. His other eye socket was an empty hole in his face, not even a patch covering it. His grey hair was pulled back to show off all his scars. A banner hung on either side of his throne, yet instead of the eagle of Lorr there were the dual lightning bolts of Cyclops.


    The doors slammed shut behind Richard and Lancelot. Richard swung around as a soldier dropped a bar into place, locking them in. Four soldiers moved to stand in front of it. Richard glanced at Lancelot, and they leapt forward together. The soldiers tried to fight them off, but they couldn¡¯t match their skill.


    Richard turned back to Cyclops and the throne, wiping the blood off his blade. Lancelot walked towards the throne, his sword still bared in his hand. Cyclops did not move.


    ¡°Sir Lancelot,¡± Cyclops said, his one eye on the knight. ¡°I had wondered who they would send after me.¡± His eye moved to Richard. ¡°I do not know you, boy. You do not wear the garb of a knight. How strange.¡±


    ¡°Where is Aggravain, Cyclops?¡± Lancelot asked as he moved closer. ¡°I had expected to find him here.¡±


    ¡°And here he is,¡± Cyclops declared, pointing off to the side. Richard turned to look. There, half hidden behind pillars, was Aggravain. Or more accurately, his corpse. Blood had soaked his clothes, and his body was hung up by ropes from his hands. A number of other bodies were beside him, Lorric commanders and soldiers of Borgone.


    ¡°Who killed them?¡± Lancelot asked, horror creeping into his voice.


    ¡°I did, of course. I killed all of them. Once word of Lorr¡¯s fall reached them, they turned on me. And on each other. So I had to kill them, before they could kill me. There had to be unity. Aggravain opposed me, so I had to kill him too. Sadly, some of them got out messages before I could reach them. But no matter, I shall go on.¡±


    ¡°You have already lost, Cyclops. Can¡¯t you see that?¡±


    ¡°I have not lost yet, knight.¡± Cyclops rubbed a hand along the side of the throne. ¡°You know, I have never been a ruler, instead just a simple soldier following orders. But I think it is time that changed. All shall fear me, and my kingdom will last forever.¡± Cyclops smiled at them. ¡°After I kill you, of course.¡±


    Cyclops jumped down from his throne swiftly, drawing his sword as he did. He launched himself at Lancelot. Lancelot parried his blows. Richard moved in to attack Cyclops while he was unguarded, but the General was too quick. He dodged Richard¡¯s attack, spinning around to kick him backwards. Richard recovered, darting forwards again as Cyclops crashed the hilt of his sword into Lancelot¡¯s face. Cyclops deflected Richard¡¯s blow, smashing his elbow across Richard¡¯s head.


    Richard stumbled backwards, regaining his balance by leaning against a pillar. He looked back at Cyclops. The General knocked Lancelot¡¯s sword to the side, twisting his blade around swiftly to hack off the knight¡¯s hand. Lancelot¡¯s sword clattered to the floor, his hand still clenched around it. Lancelot dropped to his knees, clutching at the bleeding stump of his arm.


    Cyclops turned away from the injured man to face Richard. Richard charged forward, his sword clashing with Cyclops¡¯s. He forced the General backwards, away from the injured Lancelot. The knight had slumped to the ground, passed out from the pain, and Richard knew he had to stop Cyclops from finishing the job.


    Richard ducked under an attack from Cyclops, twisting around to strike at the General¡¯s unguarded back. Cyclops was too quick, however, blocking the blow before it could hit him.


    Richard retreated under a flurry of swift attacks by Cyclops. He passed the throne, and in a moment the door was behind him. He darted out of it, putting some distance between himself and Cyclops. The moon shone above him. The cliff was only a few steps away, a low wall no higher than his waist along it. The ocean could be seen beyond it, glittering under the stars. In the distance, Richard could hear the sounds of battle, as his soldiers still fought to subdue the castle. He and Cyclops were alone.


    Cyclops walked out the door slowly, grinning at Richard. He spun his sword around his hand. ¡°What¡¯s your name, boy?¡±


    ¡°I am Richard Snowthorne,¡± Richard said, waiting for the attack to come.


    ¡°Well, Snowthorne, you have fought well. But it is time to end this.¡±


    Cyclops leapt forward, his sword already swinging. Richard parried the blow, but he had no time to strike before Cyclops was attacking again. Richard continued to retreat, struggling to match the experienced General. Cyclops¡¯s attacks were strong and swift, and they left no time for Richard to fight back. Richard did not know how a man that old could still be so strong and fast. It seemed almost magical.


    Richard felt the wall pressing against his leg. He glanced backwards, seeing the steep drop of the cliff behind him. He had to do something soon, or else Cyclops would kill him. He blocked the General¡¯s next blow, and pushed him backwards. He leapt forwards, Cyclops ducking past him to avoid his attack.


    Richard matched Cyclops blow for blow, neither advancing or retreating. Richard could feel the tiredness to his bones, adrenaline the only thing keeping him going. Cyclops¡¯s sword snuck past his defence, scratching a slight cut along Richard¡¯s arm. Richard felt the blood trickling down his body, but he did not let himself feel the pain. He fought harder, finally forcing Cyclops backwards. He parried a blow, twisting his arm around to smash the hilt of his sword into the general¡¯s face. Cyclops stumbled backwards, reaching the wall along the cliff. Richard advanced, moving before Cyclops could recover. He kicked Cyclops perfectly in the chest.


    With a scream of rage, General Cyclops of the Lorric Empire tumbled over the cliff and towards the ocean far below.

 Chapter 20: Felix

    Soldiers patrolled the walls of Certus, and many more camped outside the city. They were preparing for war, as the Prollans had already begun the attack on their southern border. Certus was in the east of what was the Lorric Empire, in the centre of the land that was now in the control of Erion. Fighting was breaking out in places throughout the Empire. Xavier controlled the west, living in Sentinel Fortress outside the ruins of Lorr, and Erion held the east, arriving at Certus with Felix.


    The soldiers on the gate bowed to Erion as he passed. Felix rode close beside him, alert. He did not put it past Xavier to try and assassinate Erion, especially after what had happened with Caedan. Kaesyn rode with him. She had suffered slight burns when fleeing the city, but Felix was glad that those were her only injuries. Felix had not told her about his duel with Braydan, only simply saying he had died. For now, that was all she needed to know, and Felix didn¡¯t want her to think less of him. Surprisingly, he cared very much about Kaesyn¡¯s opinion of him.


    On the steps of the city hall at the centre of Certus, a small group awaited Erion. A low wall ringed the city hall and the courtyard where Erion and Felix dismounted. Felix turned to the group that waited as his horse was led away. He kept his face still, but inside, he groaned.


    Commander Kedric Tarone stood at the head of the group, his eyes fixed on Felix, a scowl on his face. Felix had known Tarone would be there, as commander of this city, but it didn¡¯t make it any easier to see him. Tarone had despised Felix for a long time, ever since Felix had denied him entry into the Paladins. Felix stood by his decision, but Tarone would never forgive him for that slight.


    Tarone turned away from Felix, approaching Erion. ¡°Lord Erion, it is an honour to have you here.¡± The title of lord was Erion¡¯s by right now, no longer a general but not yet emperor.


    ¡°Kedric, it has been a long time. You know Felix.¡±


    Tarone glanced at Felix. ¡°Master Perther,¡± he said, his voice cold and formal.


    ¡°Commander Tarone,¡± Felix replied simply.


    Tarone turned back to Erion. ¡°We were shocked to learn what Xavier did to Caedan, my lord. I want to assure you, all my soldiers are loyal to you now.¡±


    Erion nodded. ¡°That is good to hear. Do you have news of the dragon?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not much, my lord. It doesn¡¯t seem to have left the ruins of Lorr, if it is in fact still alive. Come, let us go inside, my lord. There is much to discuss concerning the war with Prolla.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Lead the way, Kedric.¡±


    They entered the city hall. Tarone led them through to a large, grandiose chamber. A long table took up the centre of the room, chairs all around it. Different Lorric commanders were waiting there, and Erion greeted each of them.


    ¡°Hello brother,¡± a voice said behind Felix. He spun around. Vita leaned against the wall, grinning at Felix. Her armour gleamed, and the silver lion of the Paladins kept her black cloak in place. The sight of her brought a smile to Felix.


    ¡°Sister, it has been too long,¡± Felix said as he embraced her. Felix had always liked Vita. ¡°What has it been, two, three years?¡±


    ¡°Something like that. It is good to see you again. I feared for you when I heard of the fire.¡±


    ¡°I was outside the city at the time.¡± Felix stepped back from Vita and looked around. ¡°I heard Gorran was with you. Where is he?¡±


    Viat shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Felix. He didn¡¯t make it.¡±


    Felix felt his heart sink. Too many of them were dying. ¡°He was a good man.¡±


    ¡°Yes. And he died bravely. Tell me, what happened in Lorr?¡±


    ¡°Later.¡± Felix knew there would be no time to go through it all yet.


    Vita looked at him closely for a moment, knowing he was hiding something. She turned to look at Kaesyn after a moment. ¡°We have not been introduced.¡±


    ¡°This is my apprentice, Kaesyn Mallus. Kaesyn, this is Madam Vita Delgon.¡±


    Vita stretched out her hand. ¡°Nice to meet you, Kaesyn.¡±


    Kaesyn shook the outstretched hand. ¡°And you, Madam.¡±


    They took their seats around the table, Erion at the head. For the next few hours, they discussed the war the Prollans had started along their southern border as soon as Lorr was burning. Reports said that the Prollans had already taken some land quickly, but were slowing down as Erion¡¯s soldiers organised. Initial losses were heavy. And Xavier had a lock on all the troops in the west, and was sending none to combat the Prollans. The mountains protected his southern border, and he was saving his soldiers for an assault against Erion.


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    ¡°What is the word with our soldiers in Camelot?¡± Erion asked.


    ¡°We have heard nothing, my lord,¡± Tarone said. ¡°Cyclops will not like what is happening, and I cannot say who he will join.¡±


    ¡°Cyclops will join neither of us,¡± Vita said. ¡°In fact, he might even be so bold as to try and take the Empire for himself.¡±


    ¡°I am not worried about Cyclops,¡± Erion said. ¡°I have already given orders for him to be killed.¡±


    The commanders around the table glanced at each other. Felix felt their confusion; it was the first he was hearing of this as well. ¡°My lord?¡± one of the commanders asked.


    ¡°After I learned of Caedan¡¯s death, and before Lorr was gone, I sent messages to Commander Pullo and some others, ordering them to kill Cyclops, withdraw from Camelot and come here. They were to kill any who refused.¡±


    ¡°My lord, we have yet to hear anything about them,¡± Tarone said. ¡°They may already be on their way, and their messages just haven¡¯t reached us yet.¡±


    ¡°Or they may have gone to Xavier,¡± Erion said darkly.


    They continued talking, planning ways of defeating the Prollans and then taking back the whole Empire. Eventually, Erion dismissed them for the night, organising to meet again the next day to continue planning.


    Vita stopped Felix as he made to leave the room. ¡°We need to talk.¡± She glanced at Kaesyn. ¡°Alone.¡± Felix nodded. He bade for Kaesyn to leave them. Vita led him up deeper into the city hall. She stopped at a long room. Small tables were interspersed throughout the room, but all were empty.


    Felix took a seat at one of the tables. Vita walked over to a wide counter. She pulled out two small mugs, filling them up. She brought them to the table, placing one in front of Felix.


    Vita was one of the oldest of their Order, and a better warrior than most. She was more than fifteen years Felix¡¯s senior, and had been with the Paladins for almost the entirety of her time in Wardom. Her black hair was pulled back out of the way, showing off her slender face. Her skin was a deep brown, darker than Felix¡¯s but not quite so dark as Erion¡¯s. She held herself with confidence, and Felix had met few people wiser in either of his lives.


    ¡°I am sure you are thirsty after your journey,¡± she said. Felix nodded as he scooped up his drink. Vita took a long swig. ¡°It is good to see you again, Felix.¡±


    ¡°It has been far too long. Wish it was under better circumstances.¡±


    Vita smiled. ¡°This is Wardom. Better circumstances are hard to come by.¡± They sat in silence for a while. ¡°How are you finding having an apprentice?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good. Strange, but good. She is excellent. You will like her.¡±


    ¡°It is weird to think of you having an apprentice. How fast time passes. I remember not long ago when you were only an apprentice yourself under Zoran.¡±


    Felix laughed. ¡°It has been fifteen years since I was an apprentice, Vita.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Fifteen years isn¡¯t so long now as it once would have seemed.¡±


    ¡°Zoran was your master too, wasn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Indeed. I was his first apprentice. Braydan was his second. And you were his third and final apprentice.¡± Vita looked at Felix closely. ¡°Felix, what happened with Braydan?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± How did she know anything had happened?


    ¡°I¡¯m no fool, Felix. You know that. I have received no word from Braydan since Lorr burned, and that is very unusual. And then you arrive here, without any other Paladins, and you don¡¯t mention Braydan. Something happened. What was it?¡±


    Felix sighed. He had known he would have to tell her eventually. ¡°I killed him, Vita.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±.


    ¡°I had to! He betrayed us, and betrayed the Empire. I tried to reason with him, but he would not listen! He left me no choice.¡±


    Vita put her head in her hands. ¡°Oh, Felix, what have you done? I should have known your righteousness would be the death of me.¡±


    ¡°You think what I did was wrong?¡±


    Vita looked up and sighed. ¡°No. Knowing you, you had very good reasons for killing him. But it makes things very complicated. What exactly did Braydan do?¡±


    ¡°He was helping Xavier murder Caedan. He spoke to me first, but I couldn¡¯t agree to help him.¡±


    ¡°Do the other Paladins know?¡±


    Felix shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°That is some good news, at least. We will have to call a meeting to choose a new leader.¡±


    ¡°It cannot be in Xavier¡¯s territory. We cannot trust him.¡±


    ¡°I agree. We will ask them to come here. But we may have problems. Any Paladins that were in Lorr and survived will be with Xavier, and he may already be twisting them to be loyal to him.¡±


    ¡°Do you think they will listen to us?¡±


    Vita sighed. ¡°We can hope. Now, let us see who there is to contact. Who was in Lorr before the fire?¡±


    Felix thought for a moment. ¡°There was Horfail, Foer, Qloarn, Larra, Sorran, Titus, Rolan and Tari. Krillan died fighting the Prollans.¡±


    Vita shook her head. ¡°Too many dead. All right, so there are those eight. You know Talon Stronghold?¡±


    Felix nodded. The stronghold had only been captured a very select few times in the centuries since it had been built. Felix knew it was directly to the north of Certus, only a few days away. The commander had already pledged the stronghold to Erion.


    ¡°Yes, well, Aldan is currently stationed there,¡± Vita continued. ¡°His apprentice, Jerim, is with him. They will come when we call. Then there is Paltir, Naltor and Orlam, all in the north west. They have been far enough for Xavier that they will listen to us. It is the eight that were in Lorr that worry me. As of now, they are probably with Xavier, and they are the ones who will fall under his influence first.¡±


    ¡°We have to convince them, Vita. We can¡¯t let the Order go to ruins!¡±


    Vita reached across the table and patted Felix¡¯s hand. ¡°I know, Felix. They are my family as well as yours. I will do all I can to make sure we stay together.¡±


    Felix took a deep breath. He was glad to have Vita there. He knew he could trust her. She had always been a good friend. Doubt had begun to creep into his mind over the past days, but he felt reassured to be with Vita again. She would help him convince the rest that he had done the right thing. Felix turned his head as Kaesyn entered the room. She glanced about the empty room before stopping at their table.


    ¡°Master, Madam, word has reached Lord Erion from our southern border. The Prollan army is retreating.¡±

 Chapter 21: Luther

    ¡®Ulrik is young, barely a man, yet that has been proven to make him no less deadly. He arrived here five years ago, with Ardaric and Valamir at his side. Since then, they have created a vast Empire.


    ¡®Within a dozen weeks of his arrival to this land, Kroan City was his. I still don¡¯t know how he managed it. Kroan is like a fortress, easily defendable, yet it fell into Ulrik¡¯s hands without a fight.


    ¡®The land was still scarred from the fall of Threkrig¡¯s Empire, even though it has been forty years since he died. The land in the east has been divided since his death, ruled by dozens if not hundreds of minor lords. Caedan rose in the west twenty years ago, and Leon to the south of him fifteen years ago, yet neither of them could ever make much progress into the east.


    ¡®Once Kroan was Ulrik¡¯s, he continued to expand. By the end of his first year, half a dozen different cities were sworn to him, his army ever growing. Another year, that number had tripled. And now, five years on since he arrived, over fifty cities are under his command, dozens of lords doing whatever he wishes. His army has no match in our part of Wardom.


    ¡®There is no doubt that his expansions are not over. Vittor lies in his north-east, an unguarded kingdom with a weak king. If he wanted, Ulrik could take it easily. In his north-west, there are the city states of Challter. They too are weak, though they are old. Older than Caedan¡¯s Empire, even.


    ¡®But the real prizes for Ulrik would be Lorr and Prolla. They would be a challenge, but Ulrik has shown he revels challenges. Caedan and Leon know they are targets, and I guess they hope to expand their own territory now, so as to draw in a greater army. And if they fall, we in Camelot could be in danger very soon. I have a feeling that everything will change in the near future, because of Ulrik.


    ¡®The only question is, who will the young King attack first¡­


    - Ulrik, by Denkel Foliar, the Scholar of Camelot, written in the seventh year of the reign of Arthur Pendragon.


    ***


    The journey across the sea was long and harrowing, a biting wind lashing at the ship the whole way south. Luther was unfazed by the conditions, having grown up on boats like these in the last life, his father a captain of a great warship. Barstag, however, was unwell the entirety of the journey, spending almost all of it below decks, out of the way.


    Luther was glad for the excuse to be alone. He needed time to think. The further they went from Ralpor, the surer he was that they had made the wrong decision in leaving Wolfgang behind. Despite what Barstag said, Luther knew in his soul that Wolfgang was dead, and he would never see him again. There was nothing he could do but come to terms with that, but that was easier said than done. Wolfgang had been Luther¡¯s friend and brother for a decade, and he would not easily be forgotten.


    Once they reached Challter, Luther spent the last few coins he had on horses. Challter was a mess, the land in revolution. As they rode through it, the signs were everywhere. Burnt out ruins, fields strewn with corpses of soldiers, bandits seizing upon the opportunity to make some money. Almost all of the land in the six states were in the hands of rebels by the time Luther and Barstag arrived, a rebel leader called Robert Fallhooth crowned as king of all Challter. The symbol of a black hood was everywhere, painted onto the side of buildings as well as on all the banners.


    Once they were through Challter they were into the Kroanian Empire, and they rode quicker. They rode for Kroan City, Ulrik¡¯s capital. Luther did not know if Ulrik would listen, or if they would even get close to him, but they had to try. He could not let Wolfgang¡¯s death be for nothing.


    Kroan was as much a fortress as a city, the centre of Ulrik¡¯s power. The high walls were impenetrable, the defences unbeatable. There were constantly people working on it, captured slaves from Ulrik¡¯s conquests. They made it bigger, stronger, more fearsome, working until they dropped dead. When Ulrik had first arrived in Wardom, the city was much like any other, scarred from the fall of Threkrig¡¯s Empire, an empire that had been even larger than the Kroanians¡¯ was now. But from this city, Ulrik had beaten back the other conquerors and warlords, and built his Empire.


    Luther and Barstag rode into Kroan together. In and around the city, soldiers were gathering. Hundreds of them were preparing themselves for something. Luther did not know what, but he knew it had to be big. Hope began to bloom in him; maybe Ulrik had already heard of Skadi¡¯s impending attack and was preparing to rebut it.


    An inner wall surrounded the centre of the city, Ulrik¡¯s keep within it. Heavily armoured soldiers stood outside the open gate, stopping all who tried to enter it.


    ¡°What is your business here?¡± one of the soldiers asked as Barstag and Luther approached.


    Barstag swung himself down from his horse. ¡°I am Barstag Currock, and this is Luther Idason. We bring important news for King Ulrik. It is vital that he hears it immediately.¡±


    ¡°Tell us, and we shall pass it on to His Majesty.¡±


    ¡°No. We must deliver this news personally to His Majesty.¡±


    ¡°On whose orders?¡±


    ¡°These orders are from Lord Ardaric himself.¡±


    The soldiers glanced at each other. Orders from Ardaric were not to be trifled with. ¡°Lord Ardaric is inside,¡± one of them said. ¡°Wait here, while I go speak with him.¡±


    Barstag nodded. ¡°Very well.¡±


    Luther waited nervously. If Ardaric didn¡¯t remember them, they would have a serious problem. Inside the wall, soldiers were preparing to leave, same as everywhere else in the city. And it did not look like they were going for a quick trip.


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    After a while, Ardaric strode towards the gate, the soldier in tow. Barstag stepped forward as Ardaric approached. ¡°M¡¯lord, I am Barstag Currock. We met a few weeks ago-¡±


    Ardaric raised his hand, silencing him. ¡°I remember you. You are Helgon¡¯s men, who went north to investigate rumours. There were three of you, weren¡¯t there?¡±


    ¡°Our friend was captured, m¡¯lord, and we had to leave him to reach you.¡±


    Ardaric nodded. ¡°I hear you have news. What do you know?¡±


    Barstag glanced back at Luther, before turning back to Ardaric. ¡°There are soldiers gathering in the north. They are preparing to march on this land.¡±


    Ardaric arched his eyebrow. Finally, he turned away. ¡°Leave your weapons and come with me.¡±


    They followed Ardaric into the keep, the soldiers standing aside to let them pass. Luther left his axe at the gate, Barstag placing his greatsword with it. Ardaric led them to an ornate chamber, a large throne resting at the end. King Ulrik sat atop it. Luther had seen the King a few times in the past, and as always he was surprised by Ulrik¡¯s appearance. Ulrik was shorter than the average man, and as young as Ardaric, no older than twenty-six. He struck Luther as unintimidating, especially for a man who was so feared. In the almost half a dozen years he had been in Wardom, he had managed to create a huge Empire, with further plans for expansion. He was feared across it as well as in the bordering nations, yet he did not look the part.


    A few lords were with Ulrik, bringing him news and receiving orders from him. They were all less important than Ardaric. Luther saw no sign of Lord Valamir, equal to Ardaric and second only to Ulrik. He must have business elsewhere.


    Behind the throne, half hidden in shadows, was Lord Falrash Golthson. For all that Ulrik lacked in ferocious appearance, Falrash made up for it. Tall and strong, a long curved scimitar hung from his waist. He was a lethal warrior and Luther had never heard of him losing a fight. He never left Ulrik¡¯s side, protecting him always. He was old, though Luther did not know how old. Probably one of the oldest in Wardom. His hair was grey and short, his almost black eyes roving the room constantly. He never said a word; in fact, Luther was not even sure that he could speak.


    Ulrik dismissed the lords around him as Ardaric approached. All but Falrash left them. Ulrik gazed at Luther and Barstag as they approached. They bowed before the throne.


    ¡°Your Majesty, these men have returned from the far north, from beyond Vittor, and they bring important news,¡± Ardaric said.


    ¡°Very well. Speak quickly, for I have pressing matters to attend to.¡±


    Barstag stepped forward. ¡°Your Majesty, three of us travelled north of Vittor. We found a land where winter reigned. After Vittor, the land opened out and stretched far into the east and west. We learned that recently an uprising occurred in that land. The race of elves rose to power, one in particular claiming the throne. Skadi, she is called. She is rumoured to be very powerful, and she is mysterious.


    ¡°Skadi is gathering an army. Across her land, people are preparing for war. That is where the king of Vittor and his soldiers went, to join her army. They plan to come here, to expand their reign and overthrow us. One of our number was captured by them. He may still be alive. Your Majesty, I beseech you to send your soldiers north, to stomp out this army before it is ready.¡±


    Ulrik leaned forwards on his throne. ¡°This is the news you bring me? Of elven armies and rulers? And you expect me to believe it?¡±


    ¡°But Your Majesty, it is true. We saw evidence of it ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. You have to do something. If you do nothing, we won¡¯t stand a chance!¡±


    ¡°Is that how you speak to your king?¡±


    Barstag bowed low. ¡°No, Your Majesty, I am sorry. But what I tell you is the truth.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. I have more pressing matters to deal with than vague threats from a strange army. Lorr has burned. The Prollans have struck at Lorr, and in their haste have left themselves unguarded. I am going to capture Prolla, now, while they are weak.¡± Ulrik looked to Ardaric. ¡°Get them out of here.¡±


    Ardaric led them out of the throne room. Outside in a long hallway, he stopped and turned to them. Luther was still thinking on what had just happened. He couldn¡¯t believe they had failed, and that Ulrik wasn''t going to fight Skadi.. Rage and despair welled up within him.


    ¡°Is King Ulrik truly going to do nothing?¡± Luther demanded.


    Ardaric looked at him coldly. Barstag laid his hand on Luther¡¯s shoulder and stepped past him. ¡°What Luther means to say, m¡¯lord, is that we think the threat from Skadi is very real and something should be done.¡±


    ¡°I will speak with the King,¡± Ardaric said. ¡°But do not get your hopes up. He rarely changes his mind once he has made a decision.¡± Ardaric looked from one to the other. ¡°You both did very well to survive and bring us this information. It won¡¯t be forgotten. Come with me to Prolla. I need soldiers of your skill and commitment. You heard what his majesty said. We are going to war, and it will be tough. You two will answer directly to me. Rest now. We leave early tomorrow.¡±


    Ardaric returned to the throne room, leaving Barstag and Luther alone in the hall. Barstag sighed. ¡°Come on,¡± he said as he began walking away.


    ¡°How can we let this happen?¡± Luther demanded as he walked after Barstag.


    Barstag didn¡¯t look at him. ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice, Luther. Ulrik has made his decision. We did all we could.¡±


    They strode out of the keep into a courtyard. Luther grabbed onto Barstag¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You are willing to let this happen? You are willing for Wolfgang¡¯s death to be for nothing?¡±


    Barstag spun on him. Luther took a step from the anger in his eyes. ¡°No, Wolfgang did not die for nothing. Wolfgang didn¡¯t die for Ulrik, or Ardaric, or the Empire, or any of this,¡± Barstag said, swinging his arm around to indicate everything. ¡°He died for us. He sacrificed his life so we could keep ours. Don¡¯t forget that. And don¡¯t waste your life. We will go to Prolla with Ardaric. And if Skadi comes, we will fight her with everything we have. For Wolfgang.¡±


    ***


    The army left Kroan City the following day. King Ulrik rode at the head of the army, surrounded by many lords. No one wanted to miss the chance to prove how strong they were to Ulrik, so very few lords stayed behind. Luther and Barstag stayed with Ardaric, joining his guards. The city was left empty behind them.


    They marched ever southwest, towards the Prollan border. Other groups of soldiers continually joined them, more lords leading them. Practically every soldier in the Kroanian Empire was going for Prolla, the largest host assembled in a long time. Their going was slow, as was to be expected of a group that size. Ulrik did as much as he could to keep news of their army from reaching the Prollans, but it would be impossible to keep it secret altogether.


    A few days into the march, the young Lord Valamir joined them. He brought many bits of news from across the Empire and beyond their borders. He spoke of the split in Lorr between Erion and Xavier, the fall of Lorr¡¯s army in Camelot, and of the death of Cyclops. News of Cyclops¡¯s death was the only time Luther ever saw Lord Falrash smile, and it sent a chill down his spine.


    Valamir confirmed what Ulrik had said, that the Prollans were pushing into Lorric territory. It didn¡¯t seem that they had heard of the Kroanian army yet, but everyone knew that once they did they would be forced to retreat back if they wanted to defend their land. Ulrik hoped to make at least some advances into the Prollan Kingdom before he would have to deal with them, and he pushed the army to go faster.


    Four days after leaving Kroan, they crossed the border into Prollan territory. They arrived at the city of Legaros. It was heavily fortified, and soldiers watched from the walls. They seemed to expect the Kroanians, at least some word of the army having reached them. But they still had no chance.


    At midday, Ulrik unleashed his hordes upon the city, with orders to kill any who resisted. By nightfall, Legaros was theirs.