Tales of the Three Kingdoms... {The Beginning, part 1.}

[MidKnight]

The sounds of footsteps marching can be heard for miles as massive force advanced in the dreaded heated desert. A army of Humans, Elves, Dwarfs, and Dragoons. Well equipped with the finest armor, and deadly weapons. Their leaders, banned together to end a war created by Ogres, a large Rebellion who defied again'st their masters.

The army have met their foe in the isolated desert, Ogres ready to kill with savage attacks. The unified army assembled quickly, Elven archers remained behind the bulk of the horde, with a Elven word, the Archers were position and prepared for a volley. A order was shouted among the army, the sounds of a thousand arrows flying in the air rain upon a charging Ogre force. Bodies fell on the ground, covered in arrows. The Ogres continued to charge, despite losing a large amount of warriors. At the front of the unified army, Dragoons and Dwarves aimed their long spears at the Ogre force, standing at the ready to thrust their targets with one blow.

The Ogre force collided with their enemy, sounds of armor bashing, swords striking, and shouts and screams of pain filled the field. The humans were used as Reserves, objecting the idea of being used as such a thing. The Emperor insisted to send in the remaining force, though the other leaders say it would be too overwhelming and too much bodies.

The Emperor was furious of this decision and remained calmed, in order to create peace, he kept his forces remained in position.

"Is this all the Ogre forces?...it seems small." The Dwarven Empress, Yuggobena Stormaxe, observed the field as her body guards remained on constant watch. Her body covered in armor, and a heavy axe as her weapon, the Dwarven Empress looked to the others. "I had thought the Ogre had more then this?"

The Dragoon King, Vorlianth The Eternal, spread his wings to stretch with a yawn, he looked to the Dwarven Empress and back to the field. "My scouts had reported there are more beyond this hill...this is just to keep us from advancing, they are trying to buy time."

"Time for what exactly?" The Elven Queen, Teryani stepped forward, wearing a gown of a white silk with gold trimming, her golden hair covered her shoulders, Elven Rangers were her body guards, an Elite Soldier of the Elven Army.

The Human Emperor, Garryson Godwin spoke loud among the group, "To prepare for a heavy attack or fortify their position. If your scouts are correct, then we would be marching towards a fortress that is heavily guarded, it would take days to storm that place. Even out here, my men are having trouble with the trebuchets to get here. With all this sand, you think the Ogres would have picked a more delicate location? Nothing survives out here unless they found a water source."

"Then the Ogres have found water, they can survive months without food, and they had been raiding our caravans for months, they would be well stocked for food. Water is their primary however. But how long can it last them?" Vorlianth added as well for the information the Emperor had given.

"Let's lay waste of this force shall we?" Yuggobena raised her axe up high, and her Commander on the field sees the signal. He orders the Dwarven forces to push harder and finish the fight. "I would prefer that this Rebellion would end soon, my miners are having trouble with requisition orders that my Kingdom demands. And I need those resources."

"Empress Stormaxe, you have my full support with those resources. Yes we should end this, but we should not be so hasty about it." Vorlianth looked down on the female, towering over her like a building, Vorlianth grunts. "We still don't the true strength of this Force, we must have patience. When my scouts return with the rest of the information of what our foe is doing, then we can destroy them."

"I agree, but still, I also agree with Lady Stormaxe, we should finish this soon, or this will spur more Ogres to join the cause." Godwin folded his arms as he watched the field. "Lady Teryani, your quiet this evening, something on your mind or are you just focusing on the field?" He asked, seeing and hearing the Elven Queen quiet as a mouse for a time.

"I'm just thinking..." She says softly. "Emperor Godwin, send your forces to east flank, I fear there is something forming and advancing towards the battle. My archers cannot hit what they cannot see."

The Emperor raised an eyebrow and looked at his Commander, "Very well, Commander, order our men to advance to the east flank and prepare for what is...well whatever is coming. Heavy shields at the front, pike men in the second."

"Yes my Lord!" The Commander quickly races to the field to find the other Officers.

The human military advanced with the same rhythm, moving to the location as ordered. The sound of marching can be heard over the sounds of battle cries. They were not to engage with the main battle forces, but when they had arrived. A enemy force arrived over hill and charged towards the human soldiers.

"How did you..." The Emperor looked to Teryani before his words were cut off by her sharp eyes.

"My senses told me." She quickly replied.

"Ah yes, I forget your people are magically gifted." The Emperor pointed out of her obvious race.

"Well, yes and no. Not all Elves are magically gifted, we are just naturally like that." The Queen smiled. She slightly turned her head without moving an inch of her body. "Order our units to assist with the Human forces, have our archers withdraw from the front lines and prepare for a volley...and fire when the enemy retreats." The guard bows slightly, "As you wish."

"I thought Elves are sentiment about killing enemies behind their back?" Yuggobena smirked at the Queen with a delighted expression.

The Queen didn't move, or looked at the Dwarven Empress, "they attacked my people and even killed them as they fled...it's only natural we return the favor."

[MidKnight]

The Dwarven Empress, Yuggobena Stormaxe. Born as a Royal and raised within her Kingdom. Valerum. She was the only child birthed by her parents. Her father had passed, but her mother remained. Her mother was not suited to decide the choices for the Kingdom and stepped down. Yuggobena took up her fathers name and decided to become the next Ruler, and as an only child, it was a no choice gift.

The Valerum Kingdom, surrounded by mountains as they share it with the Dragoons. Though the Dragoons have preferred to remain on top of the mountains, so they could fly the skies and enjoy the winter cold. The dwarven Empire however, was different.

They had vast settlements at the base of each mountain, and every settlement has a mining facility. Gold, Gems, Diamonds, Emeralds. Digging deep into the mountains, their wealth continued to plunder, and transported safely to Valerum. It was their only main source for trade and to survive.

Empress Yuggobena was in the Capital city. Dhilyuhr. The soul city of every Dwarven merchant. She was sitting on her throne chair, her home in the middle of the city. She heard every case pleaded before her by other Dwarves who seek answers and favors. Some were denied, some were agreed. Though most of the time she would judge a prisoner. She can execute them if they deny their judgement, or accept the consequences and spend time in the prison hold keep. When it was done, she would leave the room and tend to her own matters while others set out her decree.

Her faithful bodyguard, Jastud. A warrior of fought off raiders. He was well known in the military for his accomplishments, and with great renown, came great respect. "The Empress is unrested today, is something wrong milady?" His voice was clear, and low. His dark brown hair, braided in a ponytail. No doubt it was done by the hair stylist in the Silver Market. And his dark brown beard groomed, his mustache braided. He wore a grey dress shirt, black dress pants, black boots and a grey jacket.

Yuggobena sighs as she tapped on her chest plate. "I wonder if I really have to wear this armor just to represent of who I am." Looking at her own and her armored gloves, she tapped on the metal. "I mean, it's fine to wear and it fits me perfectly, but is it really necessary for me to keep wearing it while addressing the people?" She looked at Jastud with an odd expression.

Jastud cleared his throat as he examined her in the armor. Normally that would be an offensive case, but the Empress point it out and in a way, demand an answer for her question. "Milady, the armor is always a requirement when either addressing the people, the council, or walking in the streets of this city. And yes, to represent you and your title of what you are. So the people can recognize you and bask in your presence and admire your beauty."

Yuggobena smiles slightly. "What bold words to say." She says softly. "And do you admire my beauty?" She asked while posing with a hand on her hip and tilting her head.

Jastud cleared his throat again and looked around the hall to see of anyone was either being sneaky or eavesdropping. "Milady..." He slowly steps forward, "You should know the answer to that already." He smiled politely in return, "And if anyone denies that, I will gladly cut them down for you."

Yuggobena smiled widely and places her arms in a fold, "Please don't cut anyone down, maybe beat them, but don't kill." She chuckled at his words. "So...tonight, I think I'll need a room inspection before I would resign for the day and um...would you be willing to look?" She asked with a curious look.

"Milady, I am always here to protect you no matter what." Jastud was interrupted by a sudden voice and quickly retreated his steps away from the Empress. There was a messenger running in the hall, calling her Empress loudly. A couple of armored soldiers were behind the messenger as he arrived. When he stopped, he bowed slightly and leans forward a little to catch his breath. "Your Majesty." His voice was heavy from being fatigued.

"Catch your breath." The Empress says, "And tell me what is you need?"

After a moment he was able to breath again. "Your Majesty, one of our caravans from one of the settlements was attacked, there are a couple of survivors to confirm it was Ogres who destroyed and confiscated the merchandise."

The Empress had a shocking look on her face, "But...the soldiers?"

"Dead! Your Majesty, the warriors who were signed to guard the caravans were killed and overwhelmed by superior numbers. The Ogres stolen everything!"

She looked at the messenger, "Ogres...but why would they attack? I had thought the slave treaty was signed by the Emperor of Aduryn?"

Jastud stepped forward, "Actually it was to meet with the Ogres chieftains, and discuss the treaty. They must not liked the terms set by them."

Yuggobena growled for a moment, it looked as if her red eyes burned with fire. "Double our patrols and have our caravans escorted by heavy units, I don't want another transport lost to them. Jastud, fetch the writers, have them send out warnings to our other settlements to be cautious and aware of the situation, but keep it confident, i don't want a panic uproar started."

Jastud bowed, "Yes Milady."

The Empress looked to the messenger and the warriors, "Send a group of strongest warriors to find the bodies of those who were ambushed, if they were left behind I want them back in the city and given a proper burial." The messenger bowed and left with the soldiers.

Yuggobena touches her forehead and sighs. "Spirits, I don't want to start a war with the Ogres." She looked to her bodyguard, "I need to get this resolved as soon as possible." Jastud looked at her highness with concern eyes. "Milady, I'll set out with the group to find our dead, and if the Ogres are still there. I'll kill them all."

Yuggobena smiled and chuckled softly. "I said no killing!" She grabbed the man by his shirt collar and pulled him in close for a kiss. "But stay safe."

"Have I always been?" He smiled as he returned the kiss.

[MidKnight]

Vorlianth The Eternal. King of the Dragoon Clan of the High Mountains. His kingdom was built inside of the top mountains that surrounded the Dwarven Empire. Though the feud between Dragoon and Dwarven species was erratic, and was on the brink of war. The idea of trade came to mind, since both Rulers love the idea of mining rich minerals and store plenty of resources. The mountains had different areas of certain resources, the top contained more riches, and bottom was less valuable.

For centuries, the two Kingdoms had lived in peace. Now the time for cooperation was beginning.

King Vorlianth The Eternal was at his family's dinner table, watching as his two young ones were eating and devouring their food like animals, though they made several jokes on the occasion situation. He would laughed gently as was humbled by the view, his wife, the Queen did the same and was eating her own plate politely while the King was sipping his wine.

"Dear, do you think the children are young enough to join the military?" His wife asked, being curious of what his next step would be for his children to grow. He hummed for a moment and gave it a thought. "I was thinking the same thing exactly, if they join now, even at this age, they could learn so much as I have." He looked at his wife, slouching in the chair. "They could become the next heirs for the throne, or maybe become Generals."

His wife chuckled softly as she leans over to his side and pulled his arm closer to her. "Then if they are going to become Kings or Generals, then maybe you should teach them how to sit in a chair properly." The two laughed as the King places his cup on the table. "I know dear, and do not worry about the young ones. I have consider to have a tutor train the two." He looked at his two sons who fought over a piece of a meat. "Children, boys! Enough." He spoke clearly, the two stop and looked at their father, dropping the meat on the floor. A servant quickly rushes between the two and picked up the meat, tossing it to a couple of Drakes sitting nearby.

The Drakes are like dogs, except these were young Drakes, it would take a thousands of years for one to become an adult, and grow like a house size building. For now the family had kept several as pets, or for future use.

"Rekain, Lekain." The King said his sons names like it was a proud thing to say. For him it was. "What would you two like to use for weapons?" He asked with a hum, "Sword? Spear? Bow? Dagger?" The two children looked at each other and smiled, Rekain, the oldest raised his hand first and bounced up and down on his chair. "Yes?" His father said. Rekain looked happy when his father asked what would like as for his first weapon. "I always wanted to train with a broadsword."

The father chuckled in enjoyment, "A broadsword?" He asked, "Broadswords takes years to master, especially how heavy they are and the cost to create the metal." Rekain looks down as though his dreams were crushed and his happiness turned to disappointment. "But, as King of the High Mountains, I will make this happen. A sword will be created for my son, a sword of rare metal and rare design." Rekain smiled and his head raised up to his father.

"Lekain, what say you?" He asked his second son. Lekain was shy to ask his father or even give him an answer, he mumbled several words out as if it was fear facing him when it comes to speaking with his father. "Lekain, please speak up boy, you are a Prince! You can ask me anything." His father spoke again. Lekain cleared his throat and looked at his father with a shy expression. "I was hoping I could train with a double bladed spear?" The father looked at him with curiosity, "An interesting choice son." He smiled and nodded his head, "Very well, a double blade spear made from the masters of all smiths for my second son." The boys laughed and were over joyed to hear their father spoke of promises. While the family dinner continued on, but was quickly interrupted by another Dragoon. A high ranking officer, a General.

He bowed before the family, placing a hand across his chest and pounded his fist on his plate of armor. "Forgive me my King for this sudden interruption." The General apologized for his sudden appearance, the King chuckled as he raised his cup towards the General. "Ah my friend, do not apologize, we were just about to finish dinner."

"Sir, I bring urgent news from the Empress of Valerum had sent a message." He revealed a parchment wrapped with a red tie around it, and a seal of the Empress insignia ring. The King slouches in his chair once more and looked at the letter. "Very well, family, please excuse me." He stood up and left his cup of wine and family at the table to tend to his duties. "Take care dear." His wife whispered to him before taking his leave.

After leaving the dinner room and walking in the grand halls of his home, the King unwrapped the tie and broke the seal and read the message. "Ogres?" He said softly while reading the letter. "And they are attacking caravans." The King looks at his General before tearing his gaze away from the letter. "Then we will need to send some assistance, don't we?"

[MidKnight]

The Elven Queen Teryani, was walking among her garden with a small steps. She admired the beauty of her flowers as they bloomed, and the smell of filled her nose. Surprisingly, and amazed, the queen had no idea her pretty garden would grow so quick. Her gardeners tended to the flowers, watering the base, and pulling weeds out and checking for insects. She didn't mind the insects, except for spiders.

She stopped as her golden hair flow forward with the air, breezing behind her back. She smiled as she observed the field and a small, but almost silent sigh escaped from her mouth. But then she felt something urging for her to return to her throne room. She never ignored this, for it was her gift when she was born. Her senses had helped her through her child hood and most of her young days as well. She may look young, but her age was beyond any normal human being. Nearly reaching her 300th birthday, and still young for a queen.

Teryani ruled mostly the entire forest. The trees represent the border line. A vast, large forest that continued on for many miles. And her Kingdom was the center, though the path to her home was hidden from the eyes of outsiders. For they fear the destruction they would bring. Humans once became a problem between her people and the old king, however a treaty had been signed to create a peaceful realm from the two.

The Queen arrived to her throne room, where guards and other higher officials had bow to her appearance. She returned the gesture as she finally seated herself and looked among her council and brave generals. Placing her hands on her lap and smiled among the group, "My people, today is a glorious and beautiful day, but I sense there is a little dark matter to discuss." She looked past the group and noticed a messenger in the back, next to the door. She stood up from her royal chair and pointed towards the young boy. "You." She said clearly, "Come forth and deliver the news you bring to us." She sat back down as the young boy slowly moved past the elves and was standing only 10 feet away from her highness.

"M-milady." He bowed. "I bring news from the meeting between the Ogres, and humans." He opened his satchel, but the guards reached for their swords. He stopped, looking at the soldiers whom were ready to strike. Teryani raises a hand, gesturing the soldiers to remain calm. Once the swords were back in place, the young boy reached inside and pulled a scroll. "A message from the King milady." He position himself on one knee and bowed his head and raises the scroll up high with both hands.

The steward walked down and picked the message from the boys hands. He walked back up to the queen and gives her the scroll. Teryani opens the scroll and read the message carefully. Her face was shocked to read the information and sighs heavily. "This is ill news." She says, and looked with a drift expression. "How could have this happened?" Her fingers felt numb as the scroll slipped through her fingers. The steward quickly kneel down to pick up the scroll and held it, reading the message. "Humans and Ogres are at war?" He read aloud. Soon the room was filled with whispers.

The whispers stopped when they seen her highness standing up from her seat. Clearing her throat with her hand touching her lips. She looked at the council and generals while holding both hands. "The humans will need assistance, they are out numbered. As far we know the Ogres had numerous tribes and could gather to rebel again'st the threat of what the humans had ordered." Her eyes quickly glanced at the generals and officers. "How soon can the army be ready to march?" She asked. One elven general stepped forward. "In five hours time, but we can get them ready in three." He declared. "Make it four, I don't want our archers and warriors be defenseless again'st the Ogres." She replied.

A council member quickly moved up towards the steps. "Milady, would it be wise to aid the humans?" He asked, "If this message is accurate, we would be out numbered as well, even if we aid the humans in their campaign." Teryani raised her hand, "The whole nation will be declaring war soon, all four nations will be gathered together and unite again'st the terror of these Ogres."

"Unite?" Another council member asked.

"Yes, have our messengers sent out to the three nations, tell them we must gather at the old temple, our sacred ground. Our meeting will take place at that location." She stepped down the stairs and raised her hand once more. "And no, I will not hear no protest one this, do what must be done and have our army ready." She started walking at a fast pace, her servants had a hard time keeping up with her as she moved to the armory. "Milady, weapons and armor are not meant for a woman of your stature."

"Fine, I will not carry a weapon...I will not carry something that have the means to defend myself again'st beasts and monsters that will attack me." She tried the guilt game. "And of course should any of my guards would fall in battle, or slaughtered like animals. Would you still have me unarmed?" She asked the servants who kept their heads low. "W-w-well...maybe a sword that would not be too revealing?" One servant asked. "That is why you are the best." She said as she walked in the armory.