NationStates Jolt Archive

OCC: Link to OOC page (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=498802&page=3)

IC:

Evening fell upon the deserts of Mosel .

A small child, no older than 6, ran past a large wagon toward an open campfire where several of his friends were as well. An old hunched figure with puffy white hair and a long flowing beard was following him, ableit at a slower pace.

"Grandpwa! Hurry up!" he shouted, his greeting slurred due to his enthusiasm.

Laughing heartily, the old man replied, "Alright, alright."

Finally catching up to his grandson, the old man groaned softly as he sat down with his grandson following suit.

"Story time!" screamed the little child gleefully,"Tell me the one with those big ma-ma- things and stuff!"

Chuckling, the man answered, "You mean the you want me to tell you about the War of Seasons?"

"Yesh!" shouted the children in unison.

"Alright then," he said, "Let's begin. Long ag-"

"Grandpwa," shouted the grandson, "You didn't say the can-can- cacticle!"

"Oh right," exclaimed the grandfather, "I forgot to say the Canticle. Well, I'll say it now."

With that, the old man took a deep breath and began unravelling the tale of Aztiluth's past.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Hear me, oh people of Aztiluth.
Oh children of these noble lands, the time of turmoil has come!

Oh brave heros of the past, where art thee now?
Oh mighty champions of ages gone, where hath thee gone?

Can you not hear the cries of the dying,
Their cries echoing across the open plains of Durna and Palmira,
Resounding among the mighty mountains of Airyglyph,
As winged birds feast upon their fallen bodies?

Can you not see the burned, charred husks of towns and villages,
Of the ravaged bodies strewn across their ruins?

Can you not smell the stench of Death, the nauseating scent of burning corpses and blood stained earth?

Can you not fell the burning air and cooling bodies of the dead, the excitement of the aether, or the surging of your crimson lifewater?

Can you not taste the blood of innocents that lie spilt across the plains of Irsa all the way to the borders of Kaddan's blessed lands?

For whether or not you hear them,
whether or not you see them,
whether or not you smell it,
whether or not you feel it,
whether or not you taste it,
The sounds, the sights, the smell, the feeling, the taste of Death is now here.

The roar of the mighty air dragons echoes in the high fortress of Airyglyph.

The crackling of runological might fills the air of Aquios.

The sound of steel and power rises into the infinite sky of Greeton.

Oh people of the lands of Greeton and Gaitt, the heros and champions of the past are no longer here.

So draw your blades and stand forth.

For the Season of Change has come.

OOC: Participants may now begin posting! Good luck.

Somewhere South of Mosel, Samnite Republic

"Iosea, do see where the beast went?" A Man said. The man was about 6 foot tall with quite a bit of muscle on him. He also had a long brown hair. He was looking intently at the Half-Elf in front of him, who had his face near the ground. The Half-Elf gingerly plucked up some sand and sniffed it. Once he was finished he let the sand slide out of his hand whilst he thought. His mind raced through many different scenarios of what this information he had found. He took another handful of sand and looked closely at it's grains. Within these grains he spotted a small red spot. 'Blood' He thought. That would mean it's wounded, and judging by the amount it's was probably by an arrow of some kind.

"The Beast is moving south very slowly, it appears to be wounded. Probably by an Arrow of some sort." Iosea said. With that said, he began to move steadily southsward, the rest of the company falling in soon after. 'It shouldn't get far, it's been wounded' He thought. Within his mind he was predicting that they wound find the animal within the day. He smiled to himself. He was usually correct on these things.

OOC: This good?

Outside of Lesonia, Greeton


Coravel ambled easily down the worn path to the river, his gear for today in hand. Arriving at the riverbank, he set up his position in the early morning fog. His preperations complete, he drank some coffee that was still slightly steaming. Standing on the bank, coffee in one hand, he reared back and catapulted his other arm forward. There was a splash in the water, and he trudged a short distance back from the bank before sitting down with his back to a tree. He sat there with his eyes closed, musing while he focused on feeling every twitch and bob of his pole. He was sure there were a million responsibilities waiting for him when he returned, but he enjoyed these rare moments just after dawn. He could relax and just fish, nothing to weigh him down. He idly wondered if he would be able to enjoy the full morning, or if someone would be sent to find him. A sharp tug on his line, and he jerked the rod. Standing, he proceeded to land the trout.

Some where along the northeastern border, Samnite Republic

Earlier that day in a place far away where Iosea and rest of his unit near the border between Airyglyph and the Samnite Republic, trouble was brewing.

"Ah!"

The shrill cries of a short child-like figure , a menodix, filled the air as an arrow slammed into his legs. Before the short humanoid could even attempt to turn and face his attacker, a volley of arrows embedded themselves into his body. Halting in midturn, the figure fell into the soft sand of the desert.

Behind him, there were was a small group seven black armored figures, each holding a short crossbow in their hands.

"Captain Silas!"

The shout drew the attention of these armored warriors, and the one that was the leader turned toward the speaker.

A lean figure dressed in a tattered black cloak was riding on a horse-like creature toward the group.

"What's the matter, Aros?" asked the captain.

"Sir, I have a message from Captain Opins. One of the menodix nomads managed to mount a lum (ooc: a horse-like creature) and rode away, but we managed to wound both with poisoned bolts before they escaped."

"Damn!" hissed Silas, "The poison should kill them in a day or so, but we need to pull out immediately. Tell Opins to meet me at Alizan Oasis. We'll refill our waterskins there and head back to Kirsla. Lord Inael will want a report of raids."

"Yes sir," answered Aros.

Saluting the captain, he rode off toward Opins's location. Watching the horseman ride off, Silas and his men then turned and began trudging toward the oasis.


Later somewhere south of Mosel

Han gasped for breath as he glanced up at the darkening sky. Evening was falling up the desert. Sparing a glance at his lum, he grimaced as he found it dead, laying still upon the sand, the bolt wound still bleeding red. He'd have to walk now.

Gingerly, he undid the bandages that he had used to wrapped his wounded arm. The wound was still bleeding and the flesh around it had turned a dark green.

"Damn!" swore the menodix, "They must have mixed in some sort of poison that keeps my blood from clotting."

Frowning, he rinsed it with some water from his skins and dressed his wound. Taking a swig, he lay against the belly of his now dead mount. Shifting in the sand, he placed his only weapon, a medium sized axe, near his right hand before wrapping himself with his own bushy, furry tail. Shivering slightly as the cooling desert wind blew around him, the menodix slowly closed his eyes as sleep overtook him, praying silently that he might find someone soon and tell them about Airyglyph's incursion into Samnite land before he succumbed to the poison.

Airyglyph Castle, Military Superpower of Airyglyph

The roar of an air dragon echoed loudly off the sides of the high mountains surrounding Airyglyph's capital as its rider and it hurtled toward the city. Flapping its mighty wings, it began to descend as it came closer. Several minutes later, the dragon landed heavily on the grounds near the Dragon Brigade's barracks. Leaping off the dragon, the knight handed the reigns to a waiting squire before mounting a lum and rode toward the large castle that sat on a cliff high above the city.

About twenty minutes later, a messenger burst through the doors of the Dragon Brigade's headquarters.

"Where's Lord Vox and Colonel Kross?" demanded the messenger, the glittering insignia on his cloak indicating that he was a messanger of the king.

"Huh?" responded the knight behind the front desk who had been paging through a book of "questionable" material, "What for?"

"The king has ordered for the Lord Vox, Colonel Kross, and the other heads of the Dragon Brigade to meet with him in council in an hour," answered the messenger.

"I see," muttered the knight, "Tell the king that they'll be on their way as soon as I inform them."

"Good."

With that, the messenger dashed back into the freezing air and soon disappeared from view as snow began to fall again. Grumbling softly, the knight rose from his seat and dashed off to find Colonel Kross or Mina. Lord Vox, he knew, would be in his study so he could come and tell him once he had informed the others.

Capital City of Lesonia, Technological Superpower of Greeton

A slim, frail figure wearing the forest green uniform of Mechanized Corps nimbly threaded his way through the crowded streets of Lesonia. From a distance, he looked like any other citzen of the Greeton. But upclose, one could easily tell from his delicate frame that he was a Crafter. A while later, he stood before a pair of large, steel doors. Pushing them with unexpected ease, his slim figure slipped through the doors before they shut with a soft hum.

Inside the Greeton Tactical Headquarters (GTH), the large, cavernous halls were lit not with torches or oil burning lamps, but with bright orbs that gave off a soft, but bright yellow light. Powered by electricity, the denizens of this place had no need to worry about the rich tapestries adorning the walls to catch fire.

The uniformed figure soon made his way up three long flights of stairs and navigated his way through a maze of hallways before he stood before a door with a silver plaque that read "Commander Assiel, Greeton Mechanized Corps." Knocking softly, the figure then opened the door.

"Commander," said a soft, smooth voice.

"Yes, Lysander?" answered the commander.

"Our spies in Airyglyph have reported movements of their armies as did our spies in Aquaria about Aquaria's forces," said Lysander.

"I see...," muttered the commander.

Turning away from the pile of papers and files that were stacked on his desk, the man pushed himself out of his and stretched. Walking over to large windows that let in the bright sunlight, he pushed aside the gossamer curtains and staired out at the people walking along the streets.

"Get me Captain Lydre," he ordered.

"As you wish," replied Lysander.

With that, Lysander's frail form slipped out the door. Within seconds, he was already making his way toward the marine barracks.

Somewhere on the Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

Thanking the horseman once more, Marcus shifted the weight of his bow once again as he made his way back to where he and his fellow archers were camping. Once there, he asked one of the archers who was resting near the campfire where Beleg was.

"Dunno," replied the archer.

"Blasts," grumbled Marcus, "Where is he when you need him. I've got a message for him from the capital."

"The capital?" inquired an archer who had just stepped out from one of the nearby tents, "I think I saw him last with Duras. Duras wanted to show him one of the new arrows that he developed."

"Right. Thanks," called out Marcus as he dashed off to find the two errant archers.

"Colonel?" said the knight nervously, stepping into Kross's quarters with care... Everyone knew Old Abe was a lunatic, and a smart one at that... you had to be careful when speaking to him.

"Yes laddy?" growled the Colonel, who was sitting on his bed polishing his sword, "What d'you want?"

"The king has requested your pres-"

"Make eye contact when you talk to me, lad, or I'll cut your knees out from under you. Clear?" Kross said casually, as though stating a simple fact. His iceburg colored eyes glared peircingly at the private.

"Ye-yessir. Uh.." the soldier mumbled.

"Stop mumbling, you're not a two year old. You were about to tell me that His Majesty has requested my presence, no?"

"Yessir."

"Has Lord Vox been invited?"

"Y-yessir."

"Stop stuttering, or I'll gut you like the fish you are. Go tell Lord Vox immediately. I will leave at once."

Without waiting for a response the Colonel slid his sword into it's scabbard, straightened his uniform and walked out of his room with suprising grace.

Once outside the barracks he hopped on his lum and galloped off in the direction of the palace.

It was nearing dark when they spotted the Corpse of the Lum about 4 miles out. It was nearly pitch-black when they reached the corpse itself. Iosea was smiling to himself, he had been correct yet again. His smile was quickly lost once they arrived and inspected the Corpse. Iosea quickly noticed the Menodix. He had also been wounded along with the Lum, who was now well deceased.

"Captain, theres a Wounded Menodix here" Iosea yelled to his commanding officer. The man rushed over and looked the little Creature over. He brow furrowed with thought. Whilst he was doing this, Iosea picked up a nearby bolt covered in blood. He studied it quickly, noting the odd smell. 'Poison' he thought. Carefully he dabbed some on his thumb and tasted it. 'Bitter, very bitter' he thought.

"Captain, he was hit by this" Iose said. He showed him the bolt. The man furrowed his brow again, this time in slight anger. Bolts were only used by Militaries not rebels or nomads. This was bad, very bad.

"The bolt was also poisoned by a simple yet potent poison from a local plant." Iosea said "Although the name of the plant is not known to me, the nomads call Rootwalla and it is quite well grown in the northeastern part of the desert as well as here". Iosea then quickly began to administer the antidote to the unconscious Menodix. He also cleaned the wound and rewrapped the arm in bandages.

"Will he make it?" The Captain asked. Iosea thought for a moment.

"I've done all I can, but I think he'll make it" Iosea said with some confidence.

Jitar pulled his sword out, swinging it high in the air and causing the blood from the poor mercenary to spurt out from both the wound and the apex of his sword.
He had turned around before the dying fellow had even touched the ground, ready to meet his last opponent. Five men were already lying on the ground around him, one of them being the rich bastard who the rest of them had been hired to protect from people like Jitar. The one still standing, big man with a big axe and thick armour, was trying to decide whether he should try his luck (and die, or get all the cash and equipment that there would be no one else left to claim) or run (and to possibly get an arrow or a dagger to his back). He made his desicion.

It was a mistake.

Three seconds later he found a dagger from his throat and a longsword from his stomach.

He died.

Jitar sighed, spit, and started to clean his sword. These guys had really disappointed him. None of them proved out to be called nothing but walking dead from the moment they draw their weapons. Not even good for practice. Good luck anyways that he had noticed their small campsite few hundred metres from the road he had travelled - he was running out of money and getting tired of sleeping outdoors.
Jitar turned at the rich dude, who sat there few metres from him. It looked like this well-dressed nobleman was just catching his breath, trying to decide what to do next... Except that his head was missing. Smiling sadly at this rather macabre sight, Jitar made his way to the headless man, took his neat black cloack and four fat wallets, silver dagger decorated with jewels and a couple of rings - one of them clearly had some magic in it - and then proceeded to check the bodies of the bodyguards, but found nothing worth taking.

Jitar walked few dozens metres from the bodies and whissled loudly. His horse galloped to him from the small group of trees he had left it to, and greeted him with a happy whinnying. Jitar smiled, patted its neck and jumped on its back. Horses of those killed had ran at all directions when their riders started to die, but Jit's horse was trained well enough to not care about that.
Jitar rode away from the scene, and after fwe minutes decided to ride up to the top of a small hill, to see if there was anything going on around him.
What he saw was something rather surprising.

Right in front of him, on the opposite hill, a small group of Samnitian Desert Fox's men were treating what seemed to be a wounded Menodix. Jitar thought about this for a second, and thought that it would be propably best for him to just leave. However, he hadn't really spoken to anyone since he left his group of Forest Brothers a month ago, and his curiosity made him to proceed towards the group. There was nothing that would mark him as a bandit, and he liked to talk with soldiers.

From some 20 metres he greeted them;

"Good day, brave soldiers of Samnitia! What, if I may inquire, are you doing? And where exactly are we?"

Wind swept Beleg's long hair back as his eyes gazed out over Palmira's fertile plains. Tall grass swayed back and forth like a great ocean tossed about by the gentle breeze sweeping down from nearby mountain ranges. The sun was beginning to set just off in the horizon painting the sky a beautiful array of violets and oranges. Clouds drifted about lazily just as the moon began to come out. A quarter moon sat in the darkening sky. Just enough time for one last quick scout along the borders before the light went out. Then he would have to tread more carefully as not everyone's eyes were as good as his in the dark. Frankly, getting shot by your own countrymen is not exactly a dignified way to die.

Beleg checked his quiver. Still full. His sword was strapped nicely to his waist and rested easily within quick reach should he need it. The bow that he had grown accustomed to using was currently unstrung but he had grown proficient in its use as well as grown stronger so that it could be restrung in one motion. It was a remarkable gift in finely carved wood with veins of iron streaking through it adding to the draw weight. Now a simple walking stick, but perhaps it was time to ready his bow as things tended to get hairy this time of night. He looked down into his leather pouch and saw a finely woven silver strand of thread. It felt silky smooth to his touch but far more durable than anyone could imagine. Biceps flexing, the great wooden bow bent as both ends were tied together.

Off once again to find any unwanted excursions into Republic territory.

Iosea had been sitting by the fire for a while now. Thinking about things. The Menodix, the bolt, and of course the poison. They all seemed to point to something extremely bad. The Captain had an idea but didn't feel like sharing it. Iosea was fine with that. He liked to form his own ideas, and his captain's ideas weren't always correct. But man, did his Captain have enough tenacity and tacticaly precision for 20 men. Thats why he was the captain. And thats why Iosea also respects him, even though he is a human.

Suddenly a Voice was heard over his thoughts. "Good day, brave soldiers of Samnitia! What, if I may inquire, are you doing? And where exactly are we?" The Voice enquired. Iosea quickly ascertained the location of the voice. There standing not 20 metres away was a human, a human warrior from the looks of it. Iosea quickly looked him over. 'High Quality Equipment' He thought.'And a very nice blade' He thought.

"We are currently making camp and helping this Menodix who was injured by a Poisoned Bolt" The Captain said to the man. The Captain was a little wary of the man, but he didn't seem to be inclined to pull a blade on the man.

"And we are about 30 Kilometers south-southeast of Mosel" Iosea added with a slight furrow of his brow. After he said this Iosea stood up and began to walk towards the man, hand on the Hunting Knife he had with him. He stopped around 5 Metres from the man.

"Now for our questions. Who are you and why are you here?" Iosea asked with a questioning look in his eyes. His hand traced the simple wooden handle of the knife.

Airyglyph Castle, Military Superpower of Airyglyph

After finding the colonel, the young knight ran up the staircase leading to Vox's study. Knocking softly on the oak door, he waited for a few seconds before hearing Vox call out "Come in." Turning the knob, he entered into the well furnished room and stood before Lord Vox. Bowing low to him, the knight delivered his message.

"Sir, the king has requested that all heads of the Dragon Brigade meet him immediately in the Grand Council Chamber."

Looking up from his desk, Vox replied, "Is that so? Well then, I'll go at once. Have you informed the others yet?"

"Yes milord, but I'm still searching for Miss Aiko."

"I see," continued Vox, "Go and find here then. Perhaps she is in the training yard."

"Of course milord."

Bowing low once more, the knight exited the room, making his way toward the training yard.

Airyglyph Castle was an interesting place. The capital of Airyglyph consisted of two parts. First was the actual castle from which the capital derived its name. It seemed more like a fortress than a place where royalty dwelled. In addition, the massive complex was nestled into the spine of the mountain from which the castle was carved. Yes, carved. The second part of the capital was the sprawling city that lay beneath the castle. Despite the constant snow and the coming evening, the streets were bustling with the city's citizens.

At this moment, military heads of the kingdom's three military branches were streaming toward the castle at the moment.

As Colonel Kross passed through gates, one of the guards came up and greeted him.

"Good evening sir, the king is expecting you in the Grand Council Chamber. I'll take your lum to the stables if you wish."

Somewhere south of Mosel, Samnite Republic

The menodix was barely concious when Iosea and his fellow soldiers came upon him. He remained motionless as his wounds were dressed. Closing his eyes once more, he slept.

Several minutes later, he woke up and glanced around, noticing the soldiers. Sitting up, he quickly shouted, "Hey guys! One of you needs to get this warning to Mosel quick."

Reaching into his pockets, he waved a small piece of paper.

"A small force from Airyglyph ambushed my group while we were patrolling the borders. My captain gave this note to me before he and the rest were shot."

Noticing Iosea, he jumped up and hurried over to him as quickly as his short legs allowed him to.

"We have to hurry!"

Palmira Plains, Palimira Republic

Marcus grimaced when he found Duras fletching an arrow alone. Speaking with for a few minutes, he learned that Beleg had gone out for one more patrol. Hurrying out to find him, Marcus had already wasted ten minutes searching.

"Where the hell is that guy?" he muttered.

Glancing around, a moving figure caught Marcus's eyes.

"Hey Beleg! Get over here. I have a message from the capital for you."

Pulling out the paper, he made his way toward Beleg.

Lesonia, Technological Superpower of Greeton

Lysander frowned. He had made his way to the marine barracks only to discover that Coravel had gone out fishing.

Fishing.....

Swearing softly, he had left the barracks and had just walked past the open gates of the city. Taking several minutes to make his way to the river, he spotted the marine reeling in a trout. Walking up to him, the Crafter tapped him softly on the shoulder before speaking.

"Afternoon Coravel. Commander Assiel wishes to speak with you immediately. I believe you have a new assignment."

Nodding absently, Coravel put his latest catch into a wicker basket holding several other fish. He took a small drink of coffee before grimacing. "Blegh. It's gone cold." he said before pouring what was left into the river. As he gathered up his things, he continued "So, what's on the commander's plate right now?" Wicker basket in one hand and rod held over his shoulder with the other, he moved to follow the crafter. "And what do you think this new assignment is? I'll be grateful to get of Lesonia and go someplace where the fishing's better."

A small curve of a smile appeared on Lysanders face briefly before it vanished a moment later.

"The usual," replied Lysander, "Paperwork, paperwork, and of course more paperwork. I think he was originally going have you help him go through some of them, but fortunately for you, there's been a change of plans."

Reaching into his clothing, he pulled out a slim vanilla colored folder and handed it to Coravel. Turning away, he began walking back toward the capital.

"In there is a briefing on the current situation in Gaitt. If I connected the lines properly, I believe you'll be heading there."

Stopping for a second, Lysander glanced over his shoulder and said, "Oh by the way, my sister wanted to know if you'd like to come over for dinner tonight."

Jitar raised his eyebrow, not much but just enough to make it noticed, before answering:

"I'm a free man, travelling to see what I haven't seen yet." Clancing at the soldier's hand, he added with a rather friendly smile "...and knives sure are something I have seen enough! I don't fancy seeing that of yours, comrade."

It looked like he was going to say a bit more, when the little Menodix jumped up and started to shout, stealing everyone's attention.

"I'm a free man, travelling to see what I haven't seen yet." Clancing at the soldier's hand, he added with a rather friendly smile "...and knives sure are something I have seen enough! I don't fancy seeing that of yours, comrade." The Man said. Iosea smiled at the comment about his knife. But then something stole his attention.

Iosea heard a smallish voice call from behind him. The Menodix, it would seem, had awakened. It was proceeding to yell something at a very high-rate of speed. Iosea couldn't make heads nor tails of it. The Menodix seemed to notice him and raced over to him and didn't stop yelling along the way much to Iosea's chargrin.

"Hey, settle down!" Iosea yelled. Grabbing the Menodix a little roughly Iosea made sure it was firmly secured before talking to it again. "Ok, now that we're settled down you want to repeat to me what it is you were saying a few moments ago?" Iosea waited for answer, he didn't have long to wait.

"I said, a force from Airglyph attacked me and my band near the border!" The Menodix said. Iosea thought it was hysterical, but then again he sorta beleived it. It all made sense to him. He looked to his Captain's face and it told it all. This was the Captain's theory. Captain: 1 Iosea: 0.

"Ok, if what you are telling me is true, we need to get to Mosel as fast as possible." Iosea said. "But not at night, the deserts are dangerous at night." With that said he let it go. It looked up at him with a little sadness in it's eyes.

"We'll leave first thing in the morning" The Captain said. Iosea agreed. He then remembered the Man he was talking to. He quickly turned back to face him.

Jitar had listened with great interrest, and was still trying to get this new information in order in his head with everything else he had heard recently (with his 16 years experience, he had quite a good nose when it came to wars, including those that hadn't started yet) about the rising tensions between Airglyphia and it's neighbours. when the Captain suddenly turned to him again. Jitar took a second-long break for some serious desicion making, before answeringto the soldier in front of him;

"I have the same road with you. Hope you don't mind if I join your unit for a while? Like said, desert ain't all that safe place for lonely traveller, especially at night..."

'...because of people like me, mainly.' he added, but in his mind only.

"I have the same road with you. Hope you don't mind if I join your unit for a while? Like said, desert ain't all that safe place for lonely traveller, especially at night..." The man said. Iosea looked at him for a moment. Didn't look anything but a travelller. A well Armed Traveller. But other then that there was nothing striking about him that made Iosea wary.

"Our fire is your fire, please join us." Iosea with a sweep of his hand to point towards the large fire on the hill. There were a few animals cooking on it as well as a soup of some kind. 'Better then Rations' Iosea thought with a slight laugh to himself.

Iosea began to walk back towards the fire. His mind was turning, processing the information that had just been given unto him and his comrades. War. It was on all there minds. War with Airglyph. 'This is very bad' He thought.

Once he reached the fire he sat down near it and basked in its warm glow. He quickly snatched a cooking lizard from the fire and began to chew into it. 'Definately better then Rations' He thought to himself.

Marcus grimaced when he found Duras fletching an arrow alone. Speaking with for a few minutes, he learned that Beleg had gone out for one more patrol. Hurrying out to find him, Marcus had already wasted ten minutes searching.

"Where the hell is that guy?" he muttered.

Glancing around, a moving figure caught Marcus's eyes.

"Hey Beleg! Get over here. I have a message from the capital for you."

Pulling out the paper, he made his way toward Beleg.

Beleg was returning on a circular path to his last encampment when his ears picked up on the calling of his name. His lips pulled back in a smirk. Silent as the night, he moved like the wind hardly bending a blade of grass while running. A gift of being an elf.

He finally approached on the fringes of the small campfire with his bow slung over his shoulder. "Hello Marcus. So what's this urgent message about anyways? I'm not due back for a couple weeks now."

A small curve of a smile appeared on Lysanders face briefly before it vanished a moment later.

"The usual," replied Lysander, "Paperwork, paperwork, and of course more paperwork. I think he was originally going have you help him go through some of them, but fortunately for you, there's been a change of plans."

Reaching into his clothing, he pulled out a slim vanilla colored folder and handed it to Coravel. Turning away, he began walking back toward the capital.

"In there is a briefing on the current situation in Gaitt. If I connected the lines properly, I believe you'll be heading there."

Stopping for a second, Lysander glanced over his shoulder and said, "Oh by the way, my sister wanted to know if you'd like to come over for dinner tonight."


Coravel gulped. "T-tell her I-I'm flattered by the offer, but I will most likely be preoccuppied by my new assignment." Manuevering the wicker basket so it hung by it's handle from his arm, he attempted to study the file with one hand as he followed Lysander. I'm not familiar with this...Gaitt? Where is it?" He scanned through the file attempting to discern its geographical location and population level. He was also looking for a force breakdown for the area, local power groups, political and social climate as well as specific information on the terrain. "Do you know if I'll have a team or going solo on this one? Or if there's a contact to meet once I'm there?" He studied the file a little more, a frown crossing his face. "Wait a minute, I've got no objectives! Just what am I supposed to be doing there?"

Airyglyph Castle, Military Superpower of Airyglyph

After finding the colonel, the young knight ran up the staircase leading to Vox's study. Knocking softly on the oak door, he waited for a few seconds before hearing Vox call out "Come in." Turning the knob, he entered into the well furnished room and stood before Lord Vox. Bowing low to him, the knight delivered his message.

"Sir, the king has requested that all heads of the Dragon Brigade meet him immediately in the Grand Council Chamber."

Looking up from his desk, Vox replied, "Is that so? Well then, I'll go at once. Have you informed the others yet?"

"Yes milord, but I'm still searching for Miss Aiko."

"I see," continued Vox, "Go and find here then. Perhaps she is in the training yard."

"Of course milord."

Bowing low once more, the knight exited the room, making his way toward the training yard.

Airyglyph Castle was an interesting place. The capital of Airyglyph consisted of two parts. First was the actual castle from which the capital derived its name. It seemed more like a fortress than a place where royalty dwelled. In addition, the massive complex was nestled into the spine of the mountain from which the castle was carved. Yes, carved. The second part of the capital was the sprawling city that lay beneath the castle. Despite the constant snow and the coming evening, the streets were bustling with the city's citizens.

At this moment, military heads of the kingdom's three military branches were streaming toward the castle at the moment.

As Colonel Kross passed through gates, one of the guards came up and greeted him.

"Good evening sir, the king is expecting you in the Grand Council Chamber. I'll take your lum to the stables if you wish."



"Aye lad," the Colonel grunted, dismounting. He flipped a gold coin at the valet carelessly and strode toward the castle. Upon reaching the Council Chamber, Kross straightened his uniform, drew his sword and entered.

"Hail, your majesty..." called the soldier in a voice that was clear, respectful, and the opposite of his usual cold growl, "Long have I awaited this Council, your Highness, and this opportunity to bring glory to Airyglyph."

He laid his sword at the King's feet and bowed, a smile brightening his harsh face.

"When do we begin?"

South of Mosel, Samnite Republic

The menodix had quieted down after being reassured by the captain. Thanking them softly, he had gone back to the fire and had slowly drifted into the merciful realm of sleep.

Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

He finally approached on the fringes of the small campfire with his bow slung over his shoulder. "Hello Marcus. So what's this urgent message about anyways? I'm not due back for a couple weeks now."

Marcus let a brief smile grace his face as he greeted the elf, but soon a serious demeanor replaced it.

"Beleg, you and your unit along with every other unit are to report back to Expedis immediately. One of border patrols found Fort Dutantes completely razed several days earlier. I know you're going to say that it could have been a simple fire, but that wouldn't explain the death of every soldier stationed there along with evidence that fire wasn't any ordinary fire, but dragon flame. While it could have been either Airyglyph or Barr, the higher ups have a sneaking suspicion that it was an Airyglyph attempt at probing our defenses."

Gazing out into the endless darkness of light, he continued, "I and the others believe that war is coming, Beleg. You and I both know that we are not match for the full might of Airyglyph, but we must do what we can to stall them while our people flee to the southern nations. If we're lucky, Aquaria might intervene on our behalf as well."

Turning back toward the camp, he began walking for a few seconds before glancing back.

"Be ready in a hour. We're leaving after that."

Grand Council Chamber, Airyglyph Castle, Military Superpower of Airyglyph

"Hail, your majesty..." called the soldier in a voice that was clear, respectful, and the opposite of his usual cold growl, "Long have I awaited this Council, your Highness, and this opportunity to bring glory to Airyglyph."

He laid his sword at the King's feet and bowed, a smile brightening his harsh face.

"When do we begin?"

Airyglyph XIII smiled as the colonel entered the room and greeted him.

"Stand up Abraham," he chuckled, "Here take a seat by me. The meeting should be starting in a few minutes.

Glancing around, the king then leaned closer to Colonel Kross.

"As you're one of our more senior officers here, I feel that it will be alright for me to inform you fully of what is going on. The others can wait."

Taking one more look around, he said, "As I'm sure you're aware, the recent mine collapse and drop in ore mining has hurt Airyglyph greatly. Also, recent flooding has completely swamped many of our fertile farming lands and we already have little of those. To be frank, we need more land. We need to find new mines and gain new farmlands. If not, Airyglyph as you and I know it will cease to exist in a few years. To prevent this, lords Nox, Vox, and Inael have come up with invasion plans. According to Lord Nox, his scouting parties from the Black Brigade has found our neighboring nations' defenses rather weak and their forces unprepared. Exploiting this weakness, unfortunately will take some time. Our forces have yet to fully muster and by the time they are ready, I fear that those nations would have gotten wind of our plans."

Pausing for a moment to clear his throat, he continued, "I want you and Aiko to lead three flights of the Dragon Brigade to support Lord Tronkheim and Lady Selinas's forces in the assualt on the Samnite and Palmira Republics. I know this will be difficult, but you have never failed me or Airyglyph before and so I put our fate in your hands."

Noticing that all had assembled and taken a seat, Airyglyph XIII rose from his seat and spoke in a strong voice.

"Greetings loyal servants of Airyglyph. Today, you have assembled here to...."

So the meeting began and the plans for invasions were revealed. Everything that Kross had learned was repeated to the others.

And so it was that seasons began to change.

Outside of Lesonia, Technological Superpower of Greeton

Coravel gulped. "T-tell her I-I'm flattered by the offer, but I will most likely be preoccuppied by my new assignment." Manuevering the wicker basket so it hung by it's handle from his arm, he attempted to study the file with one hand as he followed Lysander. I'm not familiar with this...Gaitt? Where is it?" He scanned through the file attempting to discern its geographical location and population level. He was also looking for a force breakdown for the area, local power groups, political and social climate as well as specific information on the terrain. "Do you know if I'll have a team or going solo on this one? Or if there's a contact to meet once I'm there?" He studied the file a little more, a frown crossing his face. "Wait a minute, I've got no objectives! Just what am I supposed to be doing there?"

Lysander smirked at Coravel's reaction.

"That is most unfortunate," he said, "My sister will be absolutely devasted."

Stifling a cough, he continued, "You of all people should know why there is no mission objective listed there. If I had be intercepted and this document taken, only heaven knows what will happen then. But since you asked, I'll tell you this. You're being assigned on a scouting mission of sorts. As for your other questions, I will be your partner for this mission and we will be meeting up with a contact of mine in Mosel. If you don't know where that is, go to the Great Hall of Knowledge later and look it up. That's all I can tell you for now, you'll learn the rest later when we meet Commander Assiel.

"Right, right." said Coravel as he shut the file and finagled things so he could carry both the file and basket in the same hand. Moving alongside Lysander they came onto the road he continued, "You know, your sister is far too precocious for her age, Lysander. She's still just a kid!" Bouncing the pole off his shoulder, keeping a marching beat he went on, "Besides, I don't see what she sees in me. At times I'm almost convinced all she sees is the rank, because she obviously doesn't see the real me. If not the rank, just a tower of muscles and a dual-colored gaze, also not the real me."

Coravel sighed. "I'm only a few years her senior, but I feel so much older, Lysander. They call me the Wolf, supposedly for my abilities but I'm put more in mind of their mournful howls. I've seen combat, not as much as most have, but still more than enough. People see my facial scars and think I've seen so much battle, but one of them isn't even from a tavern brawl. Do you remember that arson at the armory last year? I was part of the bucket brigade. There were five of us on the other side of the exterior wall of the powder magazine when the fire spread to there. Three lost limbs and fourth guy was killed outright."

He shook his head as they entered the town. "I don't have amazing abilities, Lysander, just luck. And it only applies to my safety. I highly doubt I'll ever be promoted again, because I disagree with many of the ways the military does things or even how it's run. I was lucky to earn a battlefield commission, because I would have gotten kicked out of the academy." As they moved deeper into the city he continued to ramble, "If I were you, I'd keep an eye on her once she graduates; see if you can secure a couple of easy postings for her to start with. New officers without combat experience are a liability, both to command and their men."

He paused, "Anyways, While I was fishing I was thinking about limitations on the musket and had an idea. How effective do you think one would be if you lopped off a section of the barrel? Cutting it down to maybe two and half, three feet. It'll shorten the maximum range, and definately cut down on accuracy at range, but it'll be lighter and easier to carry than a four or five foot longarm. Besides, muskets have always been inaccurate, relying on mass volleys, and always will unless you want to listen to that one lunatic and his theory of drawing lines inside the barrel or whatever it was. I'm tentatively calling the idea a shortbore."

As they approached the headquarters building, Coravel was still talking. "You know, you never did tell me what your sister was attending the academy for. Is she going to be an engineer or a chirugeon?" nodding to himself as if he had just made a major decision he continued, "Actually, I think I will take your sister up on her offer. Someone needs to make sure she has some common sense instead of just swallowing that nonsense the academy calls knowledge." As they walked in and down the hallways, Coravel was receiving odd or dispareging looks for his fishing regalia though there were a few amused grins. As they approached commander Assiel's door, Coravel asked, "Do you think she'll like fish?"

Iosea had slept uneasily through the night. His dreams were invaded by visions of burning and dieing. Buildings destroyed and others aflame. People dead and dieing by the hundreds. All littering a desert, backdropped in flames. Definately not the way you'd want to dream, nor would you wish it upon your worst enemy. 'I'd better get going' Iosea thought to himself, still suffering from the effects of sleep.

He stood up and stretched near the fire, letting it's warmth awaken him further. It was barely dawn and the yet it was all ready getting hotter by the minute. Iosea looked around at his comrades. Most were awake and were getting ready. On the other hand, the Menodix and the man they picked up in the night were still sound asleep. 'Pitiful' He thought.

Iosea proceeded to walk over to the Man looked at him. Iosea felt no disdain for the man and his sleeping habits, in fact Iosea wished he could be like him in that sense. Iosea then quietly leaned down and poked the man in the shoulder hoping it would wake him up. Luckily for him it did. The man looked up at him with a slight look of anger.

"We're leaving soon, get ready" was all Iosea said to him. He then walked over the Menodix and softly shook him awake. It awoke slowly and quietly.

"We're leaving for Mosel soon" He said even though the Menodix wasn't fully awake. The little Creature worked himself awake and then got ready quite fast. 'Whoa, little speed demon' Iosea thought to himself.

Once everyone was ready they began their trek towards Mosel, the Capitol of The Samnite Republic. It would take them most of the day if they didn't stop, 2 Days with stops.

Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

"Be ready in a hour. We're leaving after that."


The dire news should have shocked the elf and struck dread deep into the very core of his being, yet he had an eerie calm about him. Silence engulfed them all for a brief moment while the world seem to shrink in all around. He had just passed through the fort with his men not so long ago to fill up on provisions. How many men had they seen? How many did they share a drink with or a laugh and a slap on the back. Elves weren't known for their comradery with men but Beleg was different when it came to his fellow countrymen.

Only twenty men were in his company now. It seemed they would need every last soul to defend the Republic now. Flames from a nearby fire danced in his eyes personifying what was in his heart and mind. There was nothing left but grim determination and to make Airyglyph pay bloodly for every inch of Palmira soil they may gain. "We'll be ready to depart within the hour. You should take some food if you have time for it."

Beleg looked over at Duras with some humor returning to his voice but also a grim realty. "You have anything that can take down a dragon besides a ballista?"

Greeton Tactical Headquarters, Lesonia, Technological Superpower of Greeton

Listening to Coravel's comments, Lysander let out a sad chuckle.

"Yes, I suppose she is. But after our parents died a few years back, I've been the only one to care for her and even then, I was gone for long periods of time. I do believe you are right of course. I'm sure it's just a phase.... I hope."

"Anyways, While I was fishing I was thinking about limitations on the musket and had an idea. How effective do you think one would be if you lopped off a section of the barrel? Cutting it down to maybe two and half, three feet. It'll shorten the maximum range, and definately cut down on accuracy at range, but it'll be lighter and easier to carry than a four or five foot longarm. Besides, muskets have always been inaccurate, relying on mass volleys, and always will unless you want to listen to that one lunatic and his theory of drawing lines inside the barrel or whatever it was. I'm tentatively calling the idea a shortbore."

"Hmmm...interesting idea," muttered Lysander, "I'll bring it up at the next R&D meeting. I do suppose we have been focusing to heavily on accuracy rather than ease of use."

"If I were you, I'd keep an eye on her once she graduates; see if you can secure a couple of easy postings for her to start with. New officers without combat experience are a liability, both to command and their men."


Lysander glanced at Coravel for a moment as he pondered the suggestion.

"I would if I could, but you and I both know how the military is. I will try of course, but I fear that will be of little use."

"You know, you never did tell me what your sister was attending the academy for. Is she going to be an engineer or a chirugeon?"

Upon hearing his inquiry as to what his sister was studying, Lysander replied, "Well, I had tried to convice her to study the arts of a mechateer, but as usual, she didn't listen. She joined up with the Marine Corps.."

Sighing softly, he rubbed his temples gingerly before replying, "She chose to forgo the innate powers granted to all Crafters at birth. The powerful runological energy that flows through both her and my blood. The power of being a Mechateer. She said that she was hoping to join up with your unit once she graduated. Such a troublesome child...."

"Actually, I think I will take your sister up on her offer. Someone needs to make sure she has some common sense instead of just swallowing that nonsense the academy calls knowledge. Do you think she'll like fish?"

Lysander had nearly tripped and slammed into the door at Coravel's change of mind.

"Well that was unexpected," muttered Lysander after regaining his balance, "I guess I will be able to live for another day."

Straightening out his clothing, he continued, "I'm sure she'll be more than happy with the fish. I swear that she has a shrine to you or something along those lines."

"Well, in we go."

Turning the knob, he gestured for Coravel to enter. Following Coravel, Lysander shut the door behind after he entered.

"Ah, I see you found Captain Lydre, Lysander," greeted Commander Assiel, "Excellent, take a seat both of you."

"Yes sir," answered the Mechateer, easing himself into a chair in front of the commander.

"Good, good," said the commander, "Here's the details for you mission."

Reaching into his desk, he pulled out to slim folders, each stamped with the the Grand Seal of Greeton. Passing them to the two, he continued, "As Lysander told you, he and you will undertake a scouting mission together. You will be deployed to capital of the Samnite Republic, Mosel. There, you will meet up with a contact and from there you will proceed to gauge the strength of each of Gaitt's nations. Also, find out what you can about the situation there. We had a spy stationed near the Samnite-Airyglyph border who managed to inform us of some sort of conflict brewing before we lost contact with him."

Rising from his chair, he calmly strode over to a window and stared out onto the bustling streets.

"Determine which of the combatants poses the least danger to Greeton. After you have decided upon the nation, send a message back to us and then proceed to assist them in anyway you can. We of course will be sending in reinforcements shortly after receiving your communique."

Taking deep breath, Assiel took a sip from a cup of coffee that had been sitting on a nearby table.

"Bleh, should've added more sugar," muttered Assiel, "Anyways, that will be all for now. Be sure to drop by the R&D Department. I do believe that they had something for you two. Something about new armor and something they call a grenade launcher."

After they had exited the room, Lysander turned toward Coravel and said, "Hey, I'm going to head back to my house now. I'll check out the equipment tomorrow. If you wish to go to the R&D Department now, just remember that my house is the third house on the left of Tispel's Tinkering Shop. It's the light green one."

Fort Zetiel, Samnite-Airyglyph Border

Fort Zetiel was an impressive structure. A massive structure measuring about about a half mile or so in diameter with two twenty feet thick slopingwalls protecting an inner keep. THe fortress was sunken deep into the sands of the desert. For over a century, this fortress had been one of the first and last line of defence of the nation. While Mosel was nearly as well fortified as Zetiel, it was here so many centuries ago that a last desperate alliance that few believed would ever be possible again stood against the technological might of Greeton. It was here at this last bastion hope that the combined might of Airyglyph, Aquaria, and the Samnite Republic along with the rest of the other nations of Gaitt had held back the near unending tides of mechanized soldiers until the forces of Kaddan arrived and drove them back. Truly, Zetiel has quite an illustrious past.

Indeed it did.

The commander of the fortress gazed toward the high mountains of Airyglyphian territory. He and the others in the fortress had been sensing a great disturbance. They did not know what caused such an intense feeling of dread to plague them.

Looking to the east, the commander watched as the sun rose, its golden rays-

"What?!" shouted the commander.

Looking toward the direction that the commander had been staring at, the rest of the garrison gasped in horror. The dawn sky and whispy clouds floating in it were dyed the color of crimson blood.

Whether they knew it or not, the garrison would soon be in the middle of a conflict that would change the world as they knew it.

Once more, Zetiel would rise to the task of defending a nation. Whether or not it would succeed though was the question.

South of Mosel, Samnite Republic

The menodix, Dennis was his name, was barely awake when Iosea had woke him. Nonetheless, he quickly prepared himself and began marching with the others toward Mosel.

'We gotta hurry,' thought the menodix, 'Oh holy Light, please don't let my comrades' deaths be in vain.'

They had travelled for an hour or so when Dennis began to get restless with the silence. Shuffling up next to Iosea, he tried to start up a conversation.

"Hi, I didn't get to introduce myself properly yesterday. So I'll do it now. My name is Dennis J. Lezard. So what's your name?"


Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

Marcus smiled slightly before continuing on his way.

"You have anything that can take down a dragon besides a ballista?"

"Hmmm?" grunted Duras, "Dragons you say?"

Rubbing his uneven stubble thoughtfully, he replied, "I hear that shot in their eye will take them down in a snap, though we all know that you're the only one who could pull that off without being burned to a crisp."

Duras was about to head back to camp as well, when he suddenly stopped.

"Oh wait! I just remembered. Several years back when my father died, I was sorting through his belongings when I found something most unusual. Care to guess what it was? No? Well, it was long slender bow forged from a metal of some sort that gleamed like the purest silver, but was harder than any armor that I've come across. On the bow, the words "For the Glory of the Light, bow of Kaddan let thy blessed arrows be hindered by none." engraved in Kaddanian. I had tried for an hour to fire an arrow from it, but I couldn't even draw the string back an inch. I think this thing must have been one of those ancient weapons that was forged in Kaddan when they still had their borders open. If the inscriptions are anything to go by, arrows fired from it might actually do some damage to a dragon....I think."

Glancing at the evening sky once more, he continued, "Well, I think it best to go pack now. Once we reach Expedis, I'll bring you to my house and show you it. Perhaps you'll know what to do with it."

Somewhere Above South Airyglyph...

"Onward you dogs! Faster!" bellowed the Colonel, who was ginning like a shark. The wind howled fiercely around him as he urged his two-headed dragon foward with lashes from his whip. Behind him three units of Airyglyph's feared Dragon Brigade sped towards the Palmira/Samnite borders... towards war.

Kross flew at a lunatic speed, occasionally allowing his dragon to nose dive in order to pick up velocity. Not even Airyglyph's finest dragon riders would dare such tricks, but Colonel Kross was always the exception to a rule.

Below him the rocky peaks and low valleys of Airyglyph sped by, unnoticed... Kross was looking for one specific pl-

"Ah," he said quietly, then raised his voice to a shout, "Prepare to land, men!"

Far underneath him in a massive valley lay Lady Selina's encampment... war was closer...

A bow from Kaddan? Something of this nature forged far off must have some special traits. Not to mention incredibly difficult to draw as Duras had already discovered. He could only imagine what such a fine bow looked like from the discription, but there was work to do and he let it drop for the time being. There were men to round up for a long march back.

Within the hour, all men under Beleg's command had been assembled and were ready to move out. They were a mix of both elves and men all dressed in cloaks and clothing that would blend in with their natural surroundings. Not a single color stood out as each one of them appeared dark and menacing in dim moonlight. Such was the need while on these patrols and all had been trained in stealth as well as only being seen when they desired it. They were all very good at their jobs and they performed it with pride.

Beleg circled them all up and had them take a knee around him. "As you all are aware of, we are not due back at the capitol for at least another week and this order to return home must have some of you wondering what is going on. It's with my reluctance to inform you that Fort Dutantes has been completely destroyed."

There were murmurs throughout the small circle.

"Furthermore, evidence shows that the fire their was caused by dragon's fire." This bit of news brought even louder murmurs from his men.

"With that being said, I am giving you all time to see your families when we get back." The chances were fairly good that his group would be heading behind enemy lines to discourage them from invading so it was best to give them a chance to say goodbye if that was to be the case.

It would be a long silent march back to the capitol while Beleg moved along with Duras and Marcus.

Coravel wandered into the R&D department to collect his gear. He listened to what the personnel there told him of the gear, filing it away in his mind to reflect on later. Then, he returned to his room at the barracks. Coravel was unique among officers in that he didn't take advantage of the better quarters assigned to nonenlisted, preferring instead to stay with the men where he felt more at ease and familiar. Shucking his gear, he went to the mess to clean his catch. That done, he cleaned the guts and blood of his hands and, sighing, went to Lysander's house. He hoped to get there before Lysander's sister-what the devil was her name, again?-arrived home. He inteded to have the meal either done or nearly done by the time she got there. "Hey, Lysander! You there?" he called out while pounding on the door. "Come on, man. Open up before I change my mind!"

Lysander's House, Lesonia, Technological Superpower of Greeton

The door suddenly opened and Lysander stuck his head out.

"Quiet!" he hissed, "Sarah just left a few moments ago to turn in her overdue reports at the Academy. The way you're shouting, I wouldn't be surprised if she heard you and came running back."

Taking a quick glance to the left and right of Coravel, he continued, "Alright, come on in. You can take your fish to the kitchen. Just walk past the staircase and turn left. You can start cooking. I'll be back in a few minutes. There's some ingredients that I need to pick up."

Once Coravel had entered, Lysander had pulled a thin cloak around himself and made to leave.

"Oh by the way. Please don't set anything on fire."

Somewhere above Southern Airyglyph

"Onward you dogs! Faster!" bellowed the Colonel, who was ginning like a shark. The wind howled fiercely around him as he urged his two-headed dragon foward with lashes from his whip. Behind him three units of Airyglyph's feared Dragon Brigade sped towards the Palmira/Samnite borders... towards war.

Kross flew at a lunatic speed, occasionally allowing his dragon to nose dive in order to pick up velocity. Not even Airyglyph's finest dragon riders would dare such tricks, but Colonel Kross was always the exception to a rule.

Below him the rocky peaks and low valleys of Airyglyph sped by, unnoticed... Kross was looking for one specific pl-

"Ah," he said quietly, then raised his voice to a shout, "Prepare to land, men!"

Far underneath him in a massive valley lay Lady Selina's encampment... war was closer...

"Aye sir!" shouted the knights as their dragons tried to keep up with the colonel. Old he may be, but he was still undeniably one of the best riders around.

Upon hearing Kross's orders to land, the knights began to slow their mounts, guiding them toward the encampment.

Letting out earth-shaking roars, the air dragons began to descend, landing safetly on the ground within in a minute or two. Even before they had begun their descent, there was movement along the ground. A small group of Black Brigade knights (http://souldesigns.cottages.polycount.com//portfolio2/dark_knight/dark_knight_03.jpg) were waiting at the landing site.

Once the dragons had landed, a small army of pages had rushed over to help the knights with their dragons. Dismounting from their dragons, the knights handed over their reins before forming into perfect rows, waiting for Colonel Kross to dimiss them.

The group of Black Brigade soldiers walked toward the dragon knights. From out of the dark group of warriors, a blond haired figure stepped forward and bowed politely, his well crafted armor glinting like mythril in the sun.

"Greetings Colonel Kross. I am Captain Taris of the Storm Brigade, currently as serving as Lord Tronkheim's proxy as he has yet to arrive. Lady Selinas is waiting for you. If you would follow me, sir."

Bowing once more, Taris turned toward the encampment and began walking toward a large beige colored tent which had the Airyglyphian flags fluttering all around it.

Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

For a few hours now, the group had made their way toward Expedis. As they were marching toward the capital as quickly as they could, Marcus was brooding silently.

"Airyglyph...." he muttered.

Glancing up at the sky, he sighed softly. Why was Airyglyph planning to attack the Republic? Would Aquaria help? Heck, would anyone help? All these questions and more were running through Marcus's mind.

"Marcus," a voice whispered.

"Huh?"

"It's Duras"

"Oh, what is it Duras?" inquired the archer.

"Something's been following us for the last minute," whispered Duras, "Should I take it out?"

"Hmm....I'm not sure," answered Marcus, "Inform Beleg. He is afterall the leader of this group."

"Right," replied Duras.

Slowly moving toward Beleg, Duras whispered, "Beleg, something or someone has been following us for a while. I'm sure you know already, so what do we do?"

A thought and a feeling had been troubling him for an hour now and Duras's worries only confirmed his suspicions. "Slowing slip back in between two of the other members in the group. Make sure you have them covering both your sides, front, and back. Also, keep Duras with you. We don't need any messengers getting shot in the dark. I'll pass the word along to the rest of the troops and all of you keep moving as if nothing is amiss. I'll join you when I can."

The word was passed throughout the line like wildfire. Subtle gestures or a hand signal was all that was needed to alert everyone that someone may be following them. Men readied themselves in secret with some taking an arrow from their quiver and keeping it in a free hand for a quick shot. Others slung their bows over their shoulders and rested their hands on the hilts of their swords. Meanwhile, Beleg took his quiver and synched the top to keep his arrows from moving around so much and to keep them silent while he ran. Darkness would cover him as he pulled the hood of his cloak low in order to cover his light hair. He simply unstrung his bow which would now double as a staff should he need it. With one hand on the hilt of his sword to keep it still, he dashed off to the side of the marching column. Running all the while without bending a blade of grass and circling back behind who ever maybe stalking them.

Coravel set to work. As he began to prepare and cook the meal, he mused over what Lysander had said his sister's choice was. Coravel shook his head in disapproval, as radical and progressive thinking as he was, he still had a few conservative-almost draconic-opinions. One of these was that women don't belong in combat. While he was sure there was a woman who was his equal, perhaps his better on the field of war, he had yet to meet her. And thus it was that he formulated arguments to change her mind. If he couldn't change her mind about becoming a marine, he had one ace up his sleeve. Well, a couple of aces, but only one he wanted to use. He hoped Lysander got back before Sarah did so he could tell him of his plan. That settled in his mind, he thought back over what the R&D people had said while he continued to cook.

Earlier at the R&D Department, Lesonia, Greeton

The Research and Development department was a massive organization dedicated to furthering the technological might and glory of Greeton. Already, their research had led to advancements far beyond what the other nations had discovered thus far. It was only several years ago when the researchers with the aid of some mechateers managed to harness the power of lightning and use it to power devices. Slowly but surely, the use of electricity began to spread throughout the continent nation. The researchers were housed in the GT Headquarters and the space alloted to them accounted for almost forty-five percent of the complex.

When Coravel had stepped into one of the many briefing rooms, two scientists dressed in dark green robes rose up from their seat and bowed to the marine.

"Good afternoon, captain," they greeted in unison.

"I believe you are here to pick up your equipment," began one scientist.

Walking over to the long conference table, he pulled away a black cloth that had been covering some things. What lay beneath were a small paper charm with some sort of grandiose seal of magic painted onto it, a small black cylinder with ten small metal orbs laying near it, and a large pistol forged completely from steel, its ornately engraved surface gleaming in the light. Beside the gun lay four silver cartridges each engraved with a symbol: one with the symbol for fire, another for water, earth, and air. Reaching for the charm, the scientist handed it over to Coravel.

"This charm has been infused with the essense of steel. I'm not quite sure how it works, but in theory, when activated, it causes what ever you're wearing to gain the strength of steel, but still remain the same weight. It has been tested a few times and seems quite resistant to sword cuts. Piercing weapons on the other hand.....are much more effective than the swords unfortunately. So keep away from those point things!"

While the first scientist had been informing Coravel about the charm, the other one grasped a metal orb and the black cylinder.

Facing Coravel, he said, "Captain, if you'd look here. This cylinder can be attached to any existing Greeton weapon. All you need to do is to drop one of these metal spheres into it and it will launch toward your enemy. The sphere should explode on contact with a hard surface so be careful with handling them. Also, we aren't sure how far this thing can actually fire so please do record some data for us while you're out."

Meanwhile, the first scientist had retrieved the gun and the four cartridges.

"This gun is the latest experimental model. We've tested it in controlled conditions, but we aren't sure how it'll fare in the field."

"We had heard that you were going to Gaitt," chimed in the other researcher, "So we thought it best if you had a weapon that could punch through an air dragon's hide. The gun fires bullets infused with runological energy. The cartridges are labelled so you should get confused."

Straightening their robes once, they bowed to the marine before excusing themselves.

Presently

The door to the house opened with a creak as person stepped in.

"Brother? Are you home?" inquired a soft female voice.

Several Days Earlier, The Sacrosanct City of Arkives, The Sacred Lands of Kaddan

"I what?!" screeched a female voice.

"Silence!" demanded a harsh voice, "Fiona Seliswind, the High Council of the Four Orders has felt the whispers of war echoing across this continent. It has been decided that a member of the Four Orders must be sent to learn as much as possible of the situation before reporting back to us. Also, Lord Himmelgott has requested that one our errant members be retrieved as well. Jitar was his name; I believe. You, Swordswomen of the Sacred Order, have been chose."

"Bu-" began the girl.

"Our word is final," interrupted another voice, "You are dismissed."


Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

"Slowing slip back in between two of the other members in the group. Make sure you have them covering both your sides, front, and back. Also, keep Duras with you. We don't need any messengers getting shot in the dark. I'll pass the word along to the rest of the troops and all of you keep moving as if nothing is amiss. I'll join you when I can."

"Right," answered Marcus, "Take care."

Slipping into the mass of archers, the messenger and Duras prepared themselves for what might come.

A distance behind them, Fiona Seliswind (http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c30/Goddess-of-the-Light/knightgirl.jpg) was struggling to follow as quietly as possible, grumbling all the meanwhile about the cruelties of the Order.

"Stupid old farts," she muttered, cursing silently as she paused for a moment to readjust her skirt.

"Why did I wear this stupid skirt again?" she asked herself.

Suddenly, she stopped, her years of training warning her of something wrong. Silently, she drew her sword, its beautifully decorated blade reflecting the night sky as if it were a mirror. Glancing around, she cursed.

"Too dark to see anything," she muttered.

Channeling her spiritual energy, she muttered in Kaddan's tongue, "Oh blessed light, reveal the path that I seek."

A small symbol glowed softly on her gauntlet before the light vanished. Looking around once more, she grinned. The spell had granted her the ability to see as if it were noon and not night. Spotting a figure speeding toward her from behind, she began chanting softly once more.

"Oh sacred Light, oh blessed Sun, unleash thy fury upon my foe "

With that, a deep crimson circle of magic surround her right hand as her energy focused itself, forming slowly into a blood red ball of what seemed to be liquid fire. After a few seconds, she hurled the ball of energy at the ground before the figure, causing the orb to detonate and release a massive pillar of flame, the crimson light piercing the darkened night and rising toward the black sky. Bracing herself, Fiona shielded her face as the waves of hot air washed over her and the surrounding area.

Falling to her knees, she panted as she tried to regain her breath.

"Damn," she muttered, "The Michael's Fury took too much out of me."

Shakingly, she rose to her feet and began moving toward where the orb had exploded. She knew that the spell hadn't hit the figure as that wasn't her intention, but she hoped that the blast or waves of hot air had knocked the person out or at least weakened them.

Beleg had finally closed in close enough to judge what was exactly following them. It was a woman in a skirt. Silently critiquing her choice of clothing to follow them in, a skirt was not exactly the wisest choice to be running through the plains in.

His surprise was even more complete when she turned around and looked at him as if she could see. There was no way she could see unless she was an elf herself or something else. What that could be, he had no idea. A slight twinkling from the moonlight gave away something metallic in her hands, most likely a sword.

Red energy began forming in her hand and there seemed to be no other target around but him. "Oh hell, what now?" Beleg started running again, this time at an angle instead of head-on. The blast detonated near his side sending much of the shockwave into his shoulder and knocking him down. His bow had been flung from his grasp and rested just above his head. Pain shot through his left arm like a hot dagger as he tried to reach for it.

"Blast." He didn't have the strength to hold his bow let alone restring it. Possibly his shoulder had been knocked out of its socket or worse, it was broken. There was nothing to do except one last trick. Reaching down to his sheath with his right hand, he took out his sword and laid it just within his reach. Play dead and let the attacker come to him. When she on top of him, then he could act. His chest rose and fell with a heavy sigh while his head lay on the grassy floor. Eyes closed, he turned his hearing to listen for footfalls from his attacker. The feeling of the leather wrapped hilt was his only comfort at the moment.

Coravel mentally swore to himself, he had hoped Lysander would be back first. Now it looked like he was going to have to wing it and hope Lysander could live with the results. He had breaded the fish filet and was frying it as well as baking biscuits and cooking potatoes. "Lysander went out to take care of something," Coravel called from the kitchen, "He should be back soon. In the meantime, he said not to set the house on fire."

Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

Nearing Beleg's still body, Fiona paused for a moment to survey the scene.

"An elf?" she muttered.

Slowly edging closer, she brought her sword up just on the off chance that the elf was still a threat. Standing a few meters away, Fiona gave a soft sigh of relief as Beleg had yet to move an inch.

Just as she had lowered her blade, she felt the cold steel tip of an arrow pricking the back of her neck.

"Don't move," a male voice said, "Drop your sword and slowly turn around."

As she was doing this, a man rushed by her over to Beleg's side.

"Beleg, this is Marcus. You okay?" asked the man.

Checking Beleg for any broken bones, Marcus sighed in relief as he had found none.

"Duras! Beleg seems to be alright overall, but I think he dislocated his arm."

Lysander's House, Lesonia, Greeton

Sarah gave yelped softly in surprise at Coravel's voice.

"S-sir L-Lydre?" she squeaked.

While listening to Coravel, she slowly made her way to the kitchen, bowing politely and blushing slightly when she caught sight of the marine.

"R-right," she stuttered, chuckling weakly, "U-um I guess I-I'll just go clean up then. If you n-need me, I'll be upstairs."

With that, she made a mad run for the staircase and had hid herself in her room in under thirteen seconds.

"I'm not a 'sir'..." Coravel began but trailed off as she bolted upstairs. "Huh, that didn't go quite how I had it planned." he said to the sizzling fish. Shrugging, Coravel whistled a nameless tune to himself as he continued to cook. Considering how he usually did with people off the clock, as it were, that had actually gone quite well.

Beleg's head rolled from one side to the next as he groaned. "Bloody hell Duras. If you would have just listened to what I had said and given me an extra minute, I would have handled the situation myself." He sat up brushing himself off. His clothing was a bit singed and his face still felt warm from the blast. Other than the throbbing pain in his shoulder though, he felt fine.

The sound of metal entering its sheath once again was the only sound he made as he stood up. His eyes scanned the floor until he spotted his bow and retrieved it. Now to the matter at hand, his blue eyes finally settled on the woman. "Well miss, you certainly have some explaining to do. Why were you following us?"

Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

Standing up, Marcus said, "Come on Beleg. You should have known better."

"Heh," chuckled Duras, "Marcus is right. You know us humans. We ain't got the patience to wait."

Tying Fiona's hands behind her, Duras continued, "Anyways, the others would've flayed me if I didn't go and find you after that explosion."

While the Palmira soldiers were conversing, Fiona had contented herself with silently cursing the Council for having sent her.

"Well miss, you certainly have some explaining to do. Why were you following us?"

Glancing up, she let out a sheepish chuckle, "Umm...well....you see....I sort of got....lost. A-and I'm really sorry about shooting a spell at you, but I thought you were some sort of brigand or something like that."

Lysander's House, Lesonia, Greeton

Sarah paced around her room, bubbling with joy that her crush had come over for dinner.

"I wonder if I should tell Brother and him the good news," she mused.

Down on the ground floor, Lysander entered the house several minutes after Sarah had returned home. Balancing two bags of herbs and vegetables, Lysander carefully hung his cloak on a nearby rack.

"Hey Coravel, I'm back," he called out.

Gingerly making his way to the kitchen, he set the bags down on the table top before grabbing a nearby light green apron with a small cat on it and putting it on.

"Before you say anything Coravel, the apron was a Christmas gift from my sister last year. Laugh and I'll sic my mechs on you," he warned.

"Oh by the way," he said as he began grinding some herbs, "Did my sister come back yet?"

"Yes you humans are so eccentric. That's why I'm always bailing you two out."

Beleg nudged their captive in the direction back to where the rest of the men were waiting.

"Umm...well....you see....I sort of got....lost. A-and I'm really sorry about shooting a spell at you, but I thought you were some sort of brigand or something like that."


He was still suspicious of her but didn't allow it to show. "I see. Well I am no brigand as you can now see but who are you?"

Airyglyph...

"Lady Selinas, always a pleasure," grunted Kross rather curtly as he strode into the command tent... he secretly hated the woman, "I trust you have my orders?"

The Colonel's iceburg blue eyes scanned the command center, noting the officers huddled around a massive map, pushing pieces around importantly.


(Sorry for short post, will be more detailed next time)

Lysander's House, Lesonia, Greeton

“Yeah, she bolted upstairs after she found out I was here. I haven’t heard a peep from her since.” Coravel glanced in the direction of the stairs and lowered his voice. “Anyway, I was thinking of trying to convince her to be something other than a marine. I don’t know if I can and that’s why I wanted to talk to you. I have one ace up my sleeve I can use without regretting it, I think. If she’s dead set on being a marine, I’d ask her to stay in the academy and train to be a field medic and I‘ll use what influence I have to get her assigned to my unit. It has the virtues of keeping her here and out of possible combat for awhile, and once she gets deployed I think I can keep her off the front lines and out of trouble.” He flipped a filet in the pan. “It all depends on what you want for your sister. I need a go/no-go signal from you.”

Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

He was still suspicious of her but didn't allow it to show. "I see. Well I am no brigand as you can now see but who are you?"

Fiona fought to keep the growing sense of panic suppressed.

Calm down, Fi she told herself.

She supposed that she could tell these people who she was. After all, the Council hadn't forbidden her to communicate with others.

"Um...well," she began, "My name is Sister Fiona Seliswind. I'm a swordswoman of Kaddan's Sacred Order. I-I know that you'll want to know why I'm here. All I can say at the moment is that Kaddan is getting concerned with the growing unrest of the rest of the world."

Airyglyph

Lady Selinas (http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/kamara666/Anime/Goth%20girls/Black.jpg) let her eyes dance across the massive map that sat unrolled on top of an equally large table. Around her stood several Black Brigade and Storm Brigade officers who were quietly whispering to one another, occassionaly pushing an elegantly carved marble piece around.

"If we attack throught her-," whispered one officer.


"Lady Selinas, always a pleasure," grunted Kross rather curtly as he strode into the command tent... he secretly hated the woman, "I trust you have my orders?"


Several officers lifted their eyes from the map toward the colonel as he strode into the tent.

"Nice to meet you Colonel," she greeted, "If you would wait for a moment, I'll give you the written orders."

While she had been smiling as she greeted him, Selinas was slightly irritated by his sudden intrusion. Nonetheless, she allowed herself to wear a smiling mask. After all, it wouldn't do to have internal struggles between officers during a war.

Glancing at a young officer who stood near the colonel, she said, "Karne, why don't you inform Colonel Kross of our plans thus far."

Turning away, Selinas walked toward a nearby desk that had several piles of parchment on it and began sifting through the papers.

"Colonel," began Karne, "Recently, our scouts have detected an increased military presence around the ancient fortress Zetiel. As such, Lady Selinas and Lord Tronkheim have decided that your force combined with elements from the First and Third Black Brigade battlion should attack the Palmira Republic first. After quickly burning through their cities and defenses, we should turn upon the Samnite Republic's, invading from east and thus bypassing Zetiel. We will attack from the north and also bypass Zetiel. Once both nations as a whole have fallen mostly, we will join up and assault Zetiel last."

Glancing cautiously at Lady Selinas, he continued in a low whisper, "Personally though, I dislike the plan. After all, why should the might of Airyglyph take such a cowardly route to conquest all because of an ancient fortress. If we do this, I fear that the forces of both nations will gather there and in the end, we will fight a battle to the death there. I think it best that we just storm the fortress now and then proceed with the rest of the invasion."

At this moment, a Dragon Brigade officer pulled a flap of the tent aside and entered in. Walking over to Colonel Kross, he leaned closed and whispered something to him.

"Sir, we just received a message from Lord Vox. It seems that word has gotten to him about Lady Selinas and Lord Tronkheim's plan to bypass Zetiel. He feels that this course of action a disgrace to Airyglyph's honor. As such, he has told me to inform you that you are to be his proxy and thus have been given the right to overrule the other two."

Reaching into a pouch, he pulled out a peice of parchment with the seals of the Dragon Brigade and the Crown stamped onto it.

"Here is the actual message that he sent, sir."

Lysander's House, Lesonia, Greeton

“Yeah, she bolted upstairs after she found out I was here. I haven’t heard a peep from her since.” Coravel glanced in the direction of the stairs and lowered his voice. “Anyway, I was thinking of trying to convince her to be something other than a marine. I don’t know if I can and that’s why I wanted to talk to you. I have one ace up my sleeve I can use without regretting it, I think. If she’s dead set on being a marine, I’d ask her to stay in the academy and train to be a field medic and I‘ll use what influence I have to get her assigned to my unit. It has the virtues of keeping her here and out of possible combat for awhile, and once she gets deployed I think I can keep her off the front lines and out of trouble.” He flipped a filet in the pan. “It all depends on what you want for your sister. I need a go/no-go signal from you.”

"Hmm," Lysander muttered, "That does sound like a good idea. You have my permission to do so, Coravel. Also, thanks in advance. I owe you one."

Walking over to the sink he filled a pot with some water and placed it on the hot stove before adding some of the herbs and some other vegetable that he had cut up.

"Alright then, let's get the cooking done. I'm famished," he said with a grin.

About half an hour later, Lysander wiped the sweat off his face with part of the apron. Glancing at the plates of steaming food and a pot of soup, he turned toward Coravel.

"Why don't you get my sister? I'll set up the table so when you two get down, we can get started."

If Fiona had hoped to answer all questions with her statements, she most likely only made the matters worse. It seemed that Beleg's group had stumbled upon a most unusual and important "traveller".Kaddan? Why did they choose Palmira?

They had finally caught up with the rest of the squad and they continued on marching through the night. It might not have been his wisest decision during his years of service to Palmira but it just seemed right. Beleg walked over to Fiona and drew a dagger. A slight flick of the wrist and he had her hands freed. "You might need those if you will be travelling with us."

He turned around to head of the column. "Try and keep up. If you can't because of your skirt, then you might have to change and I can't guarantee the pants we provide will fit you adequatly."

Iosea walked along, mostly alone towards Mosel. It had been a trying couple of days and he needed time to think. He spent most of that time thinking about why would Airyglyph attack Samnite. It was a most ponderous question that even his Half-Elven Mind couldn't decipher. He just finally understood that Kings did what they pleased. He didn't like the idea of a Monarchy, Oligarchy, Autocracy, or any other form of a very high Authority. He liked the Republic and it's many represenatives and it's 4 Consuls who all heald power equally.

"Hi, I didn't get to introduce myself properly yesterday. So I'll do it now. My name is Dennis J. Lezard. So what's your name?" Iosea heard. The noise knocked him out of his dream. He had heard all of it though. The little Menodix wanted to make conversation with the only elven member of the group. 'Interesting' Iosea thought.

"My name is Iosea. Some call me the "Fencer" Iosea said pointing to his Rapier on his back. It was a well polished weapon made of Fine Carbon-Steel with silver inlayed on the basket-hilt. It was Iosea's pride and joy, his one love in life. Well that and proving his Captain wrong, who couldn't love that?

"Now... Dennis was it? I am not going to tell you my life's story as I never do, even to people I consider friends. It's just not my way of doing things. Telling someone too much can lead to them having a knife at your throat later in life." He said with a very calm look on him. Iosea smiled at the Menodix's face at the idea of slitting someone's throat. 'Even after surviving from Poison and being shot with a Crossbow bolt, the little Guy is still afraid of a sliced throat.' He thought.

"Now we must prepare, we will be at Mosel within the hour if my markings are correct" He said before the Menodix could answer him. 'I'd rather not talk to anyone right now' he thought.

Airyglyph

"My Lady, I'm afraid Lord Vox and His Majesty do not agree with your strategy. I will be leading the Dragon Brigade in the assault on fort Zetiel, and I expect backup from the Black Brigade..." Kross said, handing Vox's assualt plan to Selina, "We strike at dawn..."

Tayr smiled. Dragons were wondrous creatures, and were often wondrously amusing as well. Sorud was smart, and he had some...interesing theories on mankind. He still haled true to the belief that if humans focused less on thinking, and more on doing, they would be able to fly quite at easily as he.

Right now they were flying on the border, the place he knew best. Barr's only border was with Airyglyph, and while Tayr would have preferred a less militaristic nation on his border, especially one that did not have dragons, Sorud saw it as a chance to fight, especially osme of his own kind, which would be more fun. It was fun to scare the walkers, but that got boring after a while.

Sorud did a couple tricks, and they continued on late into the afternoon. Tayr spotted a cave, very near the border. He yawned, and told Sorud that it was time to rest for the night. The dark sky and clouds made for an eerie backdrop as the dragon and his rider went down, circled the mountain once, and landed, disappearing into the cave.

Barr-Airyglyph Border

While Tayr was preparing to rest for the night, not more than a few miles away were groups from the Dragon Brigade.

"Sir!" shouted a voice over the shrieking winds of the coming night.

"What is it?" answered another voice.

"We're reaching the landing site. Shall we prepare to land?" asked the first voice.

"Of course," responded the second, "Men, prepare to land!"

"Aye, sir!" answered a chorus of voices.

The mountains echoed with the roar of dragons as three dragon flights began their descent down toward the encampment that lay less than a mile away from where Tayr was located.

Whether he knew it or not, the seasons were changing. Waning now was the season of peace and waxing was the season of war.

Palmira Plains, Palmira Republic

Fiona glanced at Beleg with a puzzled look.

"Why-?" she began before he continued.

"You might need those if you will be travelling with us."

He turned around to head of the column. "Try and keep up. If you can't because of your skirt, then you might have to change and I can't guarantee the pants we provide will fit you adequatly."

"Uh..thanks," she said, "If you could give me a second, I can change into the field uniform that my Order issued me. Just a minute or so. Thanks."

With that, she stepped a distance away and changed behind a nearby bush. When she stepped out, she had replaced the the dress with the dark field uniform (http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs10/300W/i/2006/120/a/b/Priest____no_hat_included_by_mooferz.jpg) of the Sacred Order with her chest protected by the steel breastplate. Tying her pale blond hair with a ribbon, she walked up to Beleg.

"Alright then, let's go," she said.

Even as they were speaking, the sands of time began to run out for peace.

Outskirts of Mosel, Samnite Republic

While it is true that the Republic never was big on cities, what few cities it did have, though, were marvels of engineering and size. From out of the desert landscape rose the Samnite Republic's capitol, Mosel. If one were to look at it from a bird's perspective, the city was a massive pentagonal structure with two sets of fifteen feet thick walls that encased the city in its protective embrace. While Zetiel was sunken into the ground, Mosel rose high above the surrounding area, visible from many miles away.

Back with Iosea, Dennis was listening attentively to what the soldier had to say.

"Wow!" he exclaimed upon seeing the weapon, "It's so...beautiful!"

The menodix had winced visibly when Iosea spoke about slitting another's throat.

"Now we must prepare, we will be at Mosel within the hour if my markings are correct"

"Ah right," the little humanoid piped.

Noticing that the half-elf seemed rather disinclined to continue the conversation, Dennis thought it wise to withdraw. Thanking him, he made his way toward Jitar.

"Hey there!" he greeted cheerfully as he neared the human, "Iosea says that we're almost there. Isn't it great?"

As the group neared the capitol, a guard from a high tower challenged them.

"Halt! State your name and the purpose for your presence here."

Airyglyph

"My Lady, I'm afraid Lord Vox and His Majesty do not agree with your strategy. I will be leading the Dragon Brigade in the assault on fort Zetiel, and I expect backup from the Black Brigade..." Kross said, handing Vox's assualt plan to Selinas, "We strike at dawn..."

Lady Selinas (http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/kamara666/Anime/Goth%20girls/Black.jpg) was an interesting person. While it was true that there were a number of races serving in the Airglyphian militaries, her's was one of note. Unlike most of the others, she was child of what the Church called Darkness and Light. Her father was a high elf serving in the royal court and her mother was a vampire. Through some twist of fate, Lady Selinas was a byproduct of this union.

"What?!" the noblewoman hissed, her eyes taking on a crimson hue, a trait inherited from her mother "What is this foolishness?"

Grasping the note from Colonel Kross, she quickly read its contents.

"Foolishness!" she shouted.

Some of the officers backed away slowly from their commander. She looked ready to grab one of them and drain him dry. Fortunately for them though, she regained a degree of self control.

"Fine," she spat, "We will do as is required."

Meanwhile, Captain Taris gazed at the scene impassively. He had known her for a while and this outburst didn't surprise him in the least. Sighing softly, he shook his head.

Turning toward the colonel, he said, "Sir, if you'd follow me, I'll show you to the mess tent. After all, I'm sure you and your riders must be famished."

Next Day at Dawn, Fortress Zetiel, Samnite-Airyglyph Border

As the sun rose from the mountains, its once golden light shined through the clouds. The light was once golden, but no longer. Both the heavens and the earth were painted scarlet for both knew what was to come.

War had come at last.

"3rd Battalion march!"

"41rst Storm battalion charge!"

The shouts of the officers rosed into the high vaulted skies that were about to bear witness to the death of thousands.

"Sir!" shouted a Samnite soldier, "Look up there!"

Glancing into the sky at what the soldier had pointed, the officer gasped, "Dear God."

Above them were the forms of several flights of air dragons. Too far up to be hurt or to cause hurt to those below, but their mere presence was disheartening. Above them, the knights of the Order of the Dragon sat waiting for their leader's command, waiting as Death waits for an old man to gasp his last.

Miles away at Mosel, some said that they could hear the distant cry of dying men and the earth shaking roar of dragons.

Already the woman seemed to be in better spirits. Perhaps it was the change of clothes. Who knows anyways? Beleg adjusted his bow so that it would rest easily across his chest while he walked.

The going was silent for the most part so as to not attract attention. Every so often one would break from the group and disappear into the deepening night only to return awhile later. Beleg looked up at the stars to check his relative position to their destination and to steer the rest of the company. It wouldn't be much longer before they were in sight of the city even with the slight pause in the march.

The twin heads of Kross' dragon bellowed, a bloodthristy roar that sounded like the cry of a thousand ravens.

The Colonel grinned, his blue eyes shining fiercely in the morning sun... he looked like the beast on which he rode; he looked crazy. A thousand leagues below him sat the fortress of Zeitel, the first obstacle to Airglyph's dominion... soon it would burn.


"FOWARD!!!" Kross screamed, pointing his sword down at the massive fortress. His command was greeted by the battlecries of his men and deafening dragon roars.

"TO GLORY MEN, TO DEATH!"

The dragon riders around him, each with the precision that only Airyglyphian training could have given them, immediately dive bombed the castle... their reptilian steed pouring fire with every breath.

"Halt! State your name and the purpose for your presence here." Iosea heard a guard call out. 'Again with the booming voice, eh Tibor?' Iosea thought ruefully. He and Tibor didn't really know each other very well but they always had these little charades between each other. Tibor and his loud voice acting all tough and Iosea's Effeminate Stance and Walking Style. Iosea smiled at the thought of men asking him out once or twice when he did that, even though it had been quite embarrasing.

"Tibor, enough with the loud voice, we could of heard ya in Airyglyph!" The Captain bellowed at the guard. Tibor looked scared for a moment and then settled down quickly enough. A small chuckle came from his lips. The bastard had planned it from the start. 'Tibor:1, Iosea: 0, Captain: 2' Iosea thought. He was losing in the new tally. He'd have to fix that.

"In with ye then!" Tibor yelled but not in the loud booming voice. Iosea smiled at his voice it was with a slightl lisp. It added Character according to Tibor's wife Lumia. Iosea just thought it was funny little flaw.

Once they were in Iosea stood around and watched a few people go by. They paid him no heed. Which is exactly how he wanted it. His captain was talking with a passing Patrol. They would escort us back to the Barracks to debrief. There was just the small matter of the Menodix and the Human that came along. They really didn't need the Menodix for the statement and the human would need to be taken care of. It would seem that the captain had a cruel idea for Iosea.

"Iosea, take our tag-alongs from the trip to the Auxiallary Barracks and bed them there" the Captain said. Iosea blinked a few times. It took a while for recognition took over his face. They were unloading the 'Passengers' on him and going to the barracks for a hot meal. While he was gonna have to take them to the Auxilallary Barracks. The Aux Barracks is a much larger barracks, designed more for housing then for Training. It was very tall, almost the tallest. The Republican Palace holds that honor. One of the few things Iosea liked about the Aux barracks was it's flat roof-top. He could just sit there and watch the clouds or stars.

"Well... come on you two" Iosea said to his two charges. The Aux barracks wasn't far. But the regular barracks was closer. He would make sure these two were good and fine before heading back to his squad.

Fortess Zetiel, Samnite Republic

The twin heads of Kross' dragon bellowed, a bloodthristy roar that sounded like the cry of a thousand ravens.

The Colonel grinned, his blue eyes shining fiercely in the morning sun... he looked like the beast on which he rode; he looked crazy. A thousand leagues below him sat the fortress of Zeitel, the first obstacle to Airglyph's dominion... soon it would burn.

"FOWARD!!!" Kross screamed, pointing his sword down at the massive fortress. His command was greeted by the battlecries of his men and deafening dragon roars.

"TO GLORY MEN, TO DEATH!"

The dragon riders around him, each with the precision that only Airyglyphian training could have given them, immediately dive bombed the castle... their reptilian steed pouring fire with every breath.

Upon his command, the knights and their trusty mounts turned their fury upon the fortress below them, plummeting at speeds unfathomable.

Far beneath the knights, the Samnite soldiers could only watch in shock and awe as the might beasts hurtled toward them, their roars resounding in the soldiers' ears.

While the Dragon Brigade drew the soldiers' attention away from the rest of the Airyglyphian army, the field commanders took full advantage of their distraction, quickly crossing what would have been a deadly kill zone from the fire of the fortresses many catapults and ballistas. It was only when Lady Selinas scaled their walls, eyes gleaming crimson with vampiric bloodlust that many regained their senses.

Yet it was too late. Far too late.

"Ah!" screamed one soldier as he was cut down by a Black Brigade soldier.

Another barely had time to register Selinas's presence before she sunk her fangs deeply into his throat, leaving a bloody gaping wound as she tossed him over the battlements. Within minutes, the main gates were thrown open and the Storm Brigade rode in, riding down any foolish mortal who stood before their path.

It only took another half hour before the entire first wall was lost and the second wall breached. Samnite soldiers scurried toward the relative safety of the massive keep as dragons breathed their deadly liquid flame upon them, occassionally catching an unlucky soldier and literally melting his very flesh until both his flesh and blood ran like water upon the stones. Noticing that the soldiers had secured themselves in the massive stronghold, Captain Taris called to one of the dragon knights.

"Quick, get your comrades to focus their dragons' breaths on the keep. If we're lucky, it'll melt like all the other stone fortresses we've faced before."

Nodding, the knight signalled to his fellow riders to follow his lead. The flight of air dragons swerved past Colonel Kross hurtling toward the keep, firey breaths lancing through the hot air toward the stones.

Several Minutes Later

After several minutes of the combined fire breaths of the Dragon Brigade, the entire keep, astonishingly had been reduced mostly to melted stone. Many Sanmite soldiers had fought honorably to their deaths with most meeting a grisly death from Selinas's feasting. In the end, the Airyglyphian forces fought their way down to the very bottom of the legendary fortress where the Samnite general and his remaining soldiers finally surrendered. Grasping them roughly, the soldiers had dragged the Samnite survivors up to meet their commanders.

Waiting patiently above, Captain Taris sat passively on his lum mount, occassionally glancing around to survey the destruction. Lady Selinas, meanwhile, was licking her fingers clean of the crimson life water that stained them, resting comfortably on Taris's mount, unaffected by the hot sunlight because of she had yet to die and fully become a vampire.

"Commanders," said one of the soldiers, addressing Kross and the other two, "We've captured the remaining survivors. What shall we do with them?"

Beside him, the bedraggled figures of the Samnite soldiers glared scathingly at them.

"Why did you do this?" croaked their commander, "Damn you and your king!"

Upon saying this, he spat on the ground with the greatest disdain.

"You may have taken this fortress, but you will not defeat the nation!"

Mosel, Samnite Republic

Two days before the deadly assault on Zetiel, a messenger had been dispatched to warn the capital of the assault. Now two days later, he dragged his body to the gates of Mosel.

Yawning, Tibor glanced down at the figure.

"What the hell's going on these days?" he muttered, "First Iosea and now this."

"H-help!" shouted the man, "A-Airyglyph. Surprise a-attack!"

"What!?!?"

Several Hours Later

Inside the Senate, there was a massive debate going on. Senators were speaking loudly to one another.

"Airyglyph attacked?"

"Terrible. Just terrible."

"Quiet gentlemen. Quiet," ordered a strong voice, "So we have an agreement then Lord Cornelius."

"Indeed we do," answered a purpled robed figure (http://ic3.deviantart.com/fs6/i/2005/078/7/e/Dark_Mage_by_ferus.jpg), "My queen has informed me that Aquaria will not stand by and watch as Airyglyph is committing these unprovoked acts of war. At the moment, we must gather our forces, but we will allow refugees from your lands to find haven in ours. Even so, we must be swift.

"Of course," responded the senator, "Tibor, go and inform your friend, Iosea, and his captain that they and another company will begin escorting the refugees to Aquaria before the day is out."

"Understood," answered the guard.

Bowing low, he exited the room.

Expedis, Palmira Republic

Even before Beleg's group had reached the outskirts of the city, the feeling of tension was heavy in the air. Around the city, the complete massed forces of Palmira had gathered, both the standing and volunteer armies.

Glancing worriedly around, Duras said to Beleg, "We best hurry. I'm sure you'll want to see the bow before anything else happens."

As they neared the city, a rider was heading toward them quickly shouting.

"The Samnite Republic has been attacked! Fortress Zetiel has been completely destroyed!"

Beleg had expected some troops ordered back for arming and preparations to march out towards the borders. Most likely the elites and regulars but nothing more was what he figured. But this? He hadn't expected everyone summoned in for service, even the volunteers. What was going on here? Beleg made a mental note to find out what was exactly going on around here and why so many soldiers had been summoned.

He nodded at Duras. "Go ahead and hurry along. I need to speak with some of the commanders and see what news has come in from the borders."

Beleg looked around at the rest of his company. "Alright everyone, listen up. You've got just enough time to grab a bite to eat and maybe get some rest. If you have family in the area, I recommend paying a visit. I don't think we'll be staying here long. Meet back by the front gate in a few hours." His company nodded their ascent and started dispersing to their own ways when the rider came up. The news caused many of them to pause in their tracks to digest the news before going off.

Beleg grabbed Fiona's arm and pulled her close while looking down at her with piercing blue eyes. "You are no more than three inches from my hip at all times. Understand?"

"Well... come on you two" Iosea said to his two charges. The Aux barracks wasn't far. But the regular barracks was closer. He would make sure these two were good and fine before heading back to his squad.

"No, I won't. I'll get into a motel of some sort, rather than any barracks... I've seen enough of them, so no thank you..." Jitar answered, smiling.

"But I must thank you for this pleasant travel and company you and your men provided. No I'll head to some more comfortable place to rent a room from, then to a tavern, then to a brothel... A good plan, no?" he continued, offering his scarred hand for a shake.

"I hope we'll meet again, comrade."

Expedis, Palmira Republic

Beleg had expected some troops ordered back for arming and preparations to march out towards the borders. Most likely the elites and regulars but nothing more was what he figured. But this? He hadn't expected everyone summoned in for service, even the volunteers. What was going on here? Beleg made a mental note to find out what was exactly going on around here and why so many soldiers had been summoned.

He nodded at Duras. "Go ahead and hurry along. I need to speak with some of the commanders and see what news has come in from the borders."

Beleg looked around at the rest of his company. "Alright everyone, listen up. You've got just enough time to grab a bite to eat and maybe get some rest. If you have family in the area, I recommend paying a visit. I don't think we'll be staying here long. Meet back by the front gate in a few hours." His company nodded their ascent and started dispersing to their own ways when the rider came up. The news caused many of them to pause in their tracks to digest the news before going off.


Duras grunted, "Right, I'll go pick up that bow of mine. Meet me back at the gates here in an hour or so. I'll be waiting there for you."

Jogging down the streets, Duras's figure was soon lost in the mass of bodies.

Fiona had been silent all throughout the journey mentally taking note of the situation that was unfolding.

"So many soldiers," she whispered.

Beleg grabbed Fiona's arm and pulled her close while looking down at her with piercing blue eyes. "You are no more than three inches from my hip at all times. Understand?"

Glaring at Beleg, Fiona's deep green eyes stared back with equal intensity.

"Fine," agreed the swordswomen, "Well, at least I can find out what's going on here."

Grand Temple of Sacred Order, Arkives, Kaddan

"Glory. Glory. Glory unto the Lord. May His Word take root in all who hear It. Glory. Glory. Glory.

The chants of the priests could be heard throughout the massive complex, echoing eerily in the halls. Inside the main cathedral, a white robed figure was kneeling as if in prayer, the figure's lips letting silent words fall from them. The golden silence of the cathedral was broken as the sound of the large doors were heard opening.

"Your Eminence, Sir Abel wishes to speak with you," a voice called out.

Rising from the kneeling position, the figure was soon revealed to be a young man. Turning toward the origin of the voice, he noticed that the intruder was a young novice.

"Of course," said the man, "I'll be there right away."

"Many thanks, Lord Himmelgott," thanked the novice before running out of the cathedral.

Glancing at the golden crucifix once more, the knight whispered, "Blessed Light, may thy mercy shield the innocent."

With that, the knight turned to leave. To leave for a meeting that could possibly mean the deployment of Kaddan's forces. Something that has not happened for many an age.

"I intend to find out what's going on as well."

Fiona and Beleg moved off through the crowd as Beleg starts looking for a commander to grab ahold of and find out what's going on. With all the soldiers around, it's not so easy picking out one man over the throngs of others. Instead, he opts to grab a soldier. "Where is your commanding officer stationed?"

Expedis, Palmira Republic

"Huh?" said the soldier when Beleg grabbed him.

Pausing for a moment as if remembering something, he answered, "The captains are currently assembled at the main barracks for mission briefings. You'll most likely find the officers there.

Arkives, Kaddan

Lord Himmelgott gazed impassively at the children playing in the temple's main fountain. Beside him sat another knight, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"The children are something, Lancar," said the knight.

Chuckling softly, Himmelgott replied, "Hehe. Yes, I just wonder how long this will last."

"About the intervention plan," began the knight.

"Abel," interrrupted the sacred kight, "The Council has decided. There's nothing we can do until Fiona gets back with her report."

Sighing softly, Abel patted his robes as he stood up.

"Yes, I suppose so. Care for a cup of tea?"

"Sure, just make sure you don't put thirteen cubes of sugar in mine this time."

It had been two days since since they had arrived at Mosel. Iosea had seen to it that the Menodix was well fed and bedded at the Auxiallry Barracks whilst the human had high-tailed it off to some gods-forsaken brothel or saloon. 'Humans, there are almost always alike' Iosea thought. He looked up at the stary sky. There was a full moon tonight and the stars were out. It painted a very pretty picture. Iosea just layed there for about 10 minutes before he heard a man running up the stairs to get him. Judging by the running Iosea could tell it was bad news. By the time the Soldier, Tibor, Iosea noted quickly, Iosea had already put on his gear that he had taken with him to the roof.

"Fort... Zetiel.... was attacked.... by Airyglyph...."Tibor was stammering out due to his exhaustion. Iosea guessed the rest. Tibor informed him of his duties and he was to get the Captain and was to link up with Second Company in the Desert Fox Battalion. They then were to escort the civies to Aquaria.

"Tibor, I beleive we have work to do, you and I" Iosea said. Tibor looked at him with a odd look. Without a word Iosea ran to the edge of the building and jumped out into space. Tibor was shocked, but was later relieved when he noticed the nearby building. Iosea landed with his feet running on the lower building. He jumped 3 more times before he was on the ground.

When Iosea arrived at the Regular Barracks he had just barely broken a sweat. He informed his captain of their orders and where to meet up with Second Company. The Captain had a grim look to his face. He barked out some orders and the Company got moving quickly. The entire company was ready to move out in a matter of 10 minutes. Goodbyes and good lucks were shared with loved ones and then they set off.

"How far till we reach the Rendevous Point" a soldier asked. Iosea thought quickly. Simple answer.

"Not far, in fact it will be quite familiar to us" Iosea said and they set off to the South-West.

He let the soldier go and said his thanks. Beleg snatched Fiona by the hand so they wouldn't get seperated as they started walking thru the throngs of soldiers and headed for the main barracks.

Samnite Republic

Cornelius Irda was a kind person in general. Despite his high position as a head runologist in the Aquarian government, he maintained a close relationship with the common people of Aquaria, gaining the trust and love of many in the kingdom. He was the type of person who would go out on a hot day and hand out candy to the children and mingle with the commonfolk. Thus, it was not surprising to see him deeply troubled with the out break of war.

"Where are those soldiers," he mutterd, glancing worriedly at his pocket watch.

Noticing a small child pulling on his robes, he bent down and asked in a kind voice what the child wanted.

"Sir," began the little one, "I'm bored."

Chuckling softly, Cornelius whispered a few silent words, causing several balls of pale light appearing out of the air and dance around the child's head. Watching the child chace the balls of light, Cornelius felt a group approaching. Straining his eyes, he caught sight of the Samnite soldiers.

Hurrying forward, he greeted them, "Greetings. I am Cornelius Irda, runologist of Aquaria. The other group has already arrived and the civillians are ready to get moving. We best hurry."

Expedis, Palmira Republic

As the pair neared the city's main barracks, a lean figure stepped out of the building. Spotting Beleg, the figure dashed toward them, waving his arms like a mad man.

"Beleg," a male voice cried out, "You better get in there now. The commanders are issuing the orders now. If I'm not mistaken I think we're going to be going to assist Mosel. Seems that Airyglyph has attacked them first."

Airyglyph was not an enemy that he would relish fighting. They were known for using their dragon riders as brutally and effectively as possible. It was a sad day indeed if they were marching to war against such a formitable foe. He had to see what their plans were for engaging the enemy.

Along with Fiona, he hurried into the barracks just as orders were being given out.