Fox Xalian
07-28-2010, 08:37 AM
A New Dawn
The sun rose over the fortress city of Tanila; the guards patrolled the walls and streets as the Atlanian Army waited patiently for the attack in anticipation. For three years the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Atlana, or just simply the Rebels, fought against the Atlanian Empire in a seemingly misguided attempt to form the Atlanian Republic. After three months the garrison at Tanila, under the command of General Sabre waited for the rest of the army to arrive so they could return home. Sabre stood above the gates, his falcon was sitting on his shoulder; beside him was his familiar named Crusader, a smokey gray tiger with black stripes and golden eyes that glowed in the darkness that retreated before the sunrise. His lieutenant Chaos also stood beside Sabre. Every person on Atlana had different abilities and powers, though most feared their use, all the people in the Atlanian Army where trained to use their powers to the best of their ability. Sabre could create swords of pure light to fly toward his enemies and impale them. He could also manipulate the wind and air around him to pick up swords and throw them at his enemies with the same effect. Chaos was a demonologist; he could summon a portal and unleash a legion of demons upon his foes.
Sabre sent his falcon forth to scout the area. Upon the falcon’s return some time later, he reported that the rebel army was marching their way, and that their reinforcements would arrive in about five hours. With this news, Sabre and Chaos roused the army. The walls where covered in crossbow and rifle wielding solders while spearmen and swordsmen were behind the gate. At the stables in the center of town, the cavalry was ready to ride out, while at the inn and town hall the citizens where waiting in fear of what might happen should the garrison fail. With the steel and stone gates locked and the stonewalls covered in solders the rebel’s task of taking this city looked impossible. The rebels anticipated stiff resistance so in addition to the battering ram they brought to get through the gates they also had siege towers and siege ladders so the could get onto the wall. The rebels had 10,000 solders to take the city while the Empire had 11,000 to defend the city.
Sabre was an experienced commander, and leader of the mercenary organization known as the Talin Hul, so he would not give up easily. Chaos on the other hand had seen only a little bit of war, as he was the leader of the Imperial Guard, so he was in charge of the Emperor’s safety. However, these two commanders had a friendly rivalry that saw them trying to out do each other. Sabre drew his huge claymore, the legendary Claymore of the Gods, a sword that would make who ever wielded it stronger, faster and generally more powerful; he waited for the honour from this battle so his renown amongst his people would increase, so he could return to his home in the eastern kingdoms. Chaos drew his huge, and demonic, claymore, the legendary Claymore of The Shadowhand, a sword that was the counter-part to Sabre’s Claymore of the Gods, and prepared his portal spell that would see his demonic legions surge forth and attack the rebels.
The rebel army gathered outside the wall. Sabre raised his claymore into the air, the crossbowmen and riflemen readied their weapons. Chaos held in his hand a small red orb that would summon the portal. The rebels started to move the ram towards the gate. “Open fire!” Sabre ordered and the air was filled with smoke from the rifles, the sound of arrows whistling through the air, and hitting their targets. The ram reached the gate despite the efforts of the solders, but just as the gate was about to break Sabre used his power to finish off the solders on the ram. Next, the siege towers and siege ladders where brought toward the wall. Only one tower made it and when it opened, the walls where over-run with rebels. One rebel soldier made it into the gatehouse and opened the gates to let the rest of the army in. The swordsmen and spearmen moved aside and let the cavalry ride over the charging rebels. On the wall Sabre was valiantly fighting against the onslaught of rebels, Crusader was in the gatehouse stopping anyone from using the stairs. Chaos was too late to summon his portal in front of the gate as planned, so instead he summoned it in the city in case the rebels got in.
After four hours of battling Crusader let out a warning roar and was seen in the city being chased by the rebels. At the gates the defenders where retreating under the pressure the rebels where putting on them. Sabre and Chaos then abandoned the walls and ordered a retreat into the town square. They ran past the demon portal with the rebels right behind them. Chaos’s demonic legion fought hard to hold the rebels off. Just as it looked like the rebels might win, the rest of the Atlanian Army arrived and helped defeat the rebels. The leader, General Angel, gave his report to Sabre and Chaos. “This attack was just a diversion the rebels attacked Eracor and killed the Emperor. His wife and daughter managed to escape into the Eastern Kingdoms”. Sabre and Chaos looked concerned by the report. “We must go to the Eastern Kingdoms then” Sabre said. “I agree” Chaos said. Sabre, Angel and Chaos then spent the next day preparing the people of Tanila to move across the plains, through the forest, across the mountains and desert until they reach the tropical region of the Eastern Kingdoms, and the home of the Talin Hul.
After getting the carriages and carts loaded, the Atlanian Army mounted their horses and waited at the gates for Sabre, Angel and Chaos. Sabre put Crusaders armour on him and stroked the fur on his back, “Ten years we have been away from home and now we are about to return and prepare the retaliation against the Atlanian Republic” Sabre said quietly to Crusader who purred in agreement. Angel and Chaos prepared their mounts; Chaos placed the armour on his dread steed, the flames around the top of its hooves and mane glowed an eerie green colour, its eyes glowed the same green colour, its hooves where white, there were two horns on its head, its black hair shone in the early morning light. Angel also placed armour on his death steed, it had blue flames coming off its hooves and mane its hair was black and it also shone in the light, its eyes glowed the same blue as the flames. “This will be a long hard day for all of us we must be careful because the Republic will be out to get us now” Chaos said, “I agree” Angel said.
Sabre, Chaos and Angel rode their mounts to the head of the convoy. “Move out” Sabre said. They started across the plains that surrounded Tanila, in the distance they could see the mountains, they knew between them where a few small villages they could try and help and a forest that was rumoured to be home to the dryads and their druid friends. They traveled from village to village over the next three weeks; they picked up another 200 villagers, bringing the total to 2000 not counting the 15,000 soldiers that where protecting them. Once they reached the forest, they stopped to rest for the night. That night while everyone slept the dryads came to investigate. The dryads wanted to see if it was safe to talk to the people in the morning so they left fruits and berries near the center of the camp. The next morning Sabre found the food and looked at the trees, remembering what Chaos and Angel had said about the dryads. Chaos and Angel then came out of the main tent and stood beside Sabre. “The dryads have been here,” Angel said. Chaos then walked into the forest and drew a symbol into the dirt, then a dryad that was watching them jumped out of the tree and smiled. The dryad had the body of a young woman, about 17 or 18, she had brown hair and green eyes, and she wore a dress made of leaves. “Welcome to our forest, I am Rain; I was sent to watch you when the sun rose and our gift to you was found” the dryad name Rain said to Chaos. Sabre and Angel came out of the camp and introduced themselves to Rain. “I am Sabre, leader of the Eastern Kingdoms, this is Chaos and Angel, and they are both part of the Atlanian Army, until one month ago when we lost the war,” Sabre said. “It is good to meet you, now please follow me to our city where you and all your people can eat drink and be safe from the creatures of the forest,” Rain said. After three hours of waiting till the refugees where ready to leave and the camp was packed up, they moved to the Rain’s village. Once they arrived, they saw it was the city that was shared by the dryads and druids, the villagers where put up in the inn for their stay, the solders where helping the guards in their job, while Sabre, Chaos and Angel met with the leaders of the city. The palace in the center of the city was built from the trunk of a tree that would be almost as big as the Imperial Palace; in the throne room sat the king, a regal looking druid who wore a robe of leaves adorned with flowers of red, blue and yellow. Next to him was the queen, a noble looking dryad who also wore a robe identical to the kings. Rain bowed before them and said, “I have brought them before you just as you requested father”. “Good work Rain, please sit beside your mother,” the king said, Rain sat in the empty seat beside the queen. “Let me introduce my family, I am the king, my name is Lachlan, this is my wife, Sara, she’s the queen, and you have already met my daughter Rain, she is heir to the throne” King Lachlan said. “Nice to meet you, Your Highness, I am General Sabre of the Talin Hul mercenary organization, to my left is General Chaos leader of the Imperial Guard, and to my right is General Angel, the only death knight in service to the emperor, until one month ago when the Rebels killed the emperor and his wife and daughter had to go into hiding in the Eastern Kingdoms” Sabre said. “I see your problem has gone from bad to worse in a matter of days, so you and the refugees are just passing through so you can regroup with the Empress and her daughter, and take back what rightfully belongs to them” Lachlan said. “That is correct” Sabre replied. “I shall have a counsel meeting to discuss these unfortunate turn of events and the impact it will have on everyone, but that wont be for another two weeks and the counsel can take up to six months to discuss and decide the course of action to take, you and the refugees are free to stay here until we make a decision” Lachlan said. “Thank you, Your Highness” Sabre said, and without further ado Sabre, Angel and Chaos bowed before them and left the palace. “That was very productive, I didn’t think mercenaries where diplomatic,” Chaos said. “Oh we have to be other wise we would not be able to negotiate our pay or a ceasefire where necessary,” Sabre explained.
Three days later the Republic Army came to the borders of the forest, they where lead by one of the best Generals in the Republic Army, her name was Bronwyn, though she was called Bronny by her loyal commanders. “They must be in the forest, find them, burn the trees if you must but I want Sabre, Angel and Chaos alive” she orders her troops. “Yes, Ma’am” they all say in unison. Therefore, the Great Burning begins with the forest. The creatures of the forest send word, via Sabre’s falcon, to the dryads and the call to arms is sent out across the city. The captain of the guard looks at Sabre, Angel and Chaos, “Time to show us what you are made of against the Republic Army, they have started burning the forest” he advises them. “They want to play rough? Ok then lets play!” Sabre says. Sabre leads the armies into battle at the edge of the forest, Chaos takes his battalion to the left flank, Angel leads his battalion to the right, and Sabre goes straight down the center, head on into the Republic forces. After many days of fighting a new threat appears, from the Republics rear flank the Order of the New Dawn, a group of religious fanatics lead by Deacon Inioch, appeared and started a siege against Bronny’s forces. Already out numbered by Sabre’s forces Bronny decided to form an alliance with Sabre. So later that night a Republic messenger comes to Sabre’s camp and is escorted by the guards to Sabre’s war room, where he is meeting with Angel, Chaos and the druid commanders. “General Bronwyn would like to form an alliance with your forces so we can defeat the Order” the messenger reads. “We will form an alliance if Bronny’s forces burn their Republic flags and banners and abandon anything that identifies them as part of the Republic Army,” Sabre says. The messenger takes this reply to Bronny. “He drives a hard bargain, I didn’t think this would be easy,” Bronny says. After a small bit of consideration, and an intense conversation with her commanders, Bronny accepts the terms and sends her reply personally. “We have decided to disband and join you on your endeavour to reform the Atlanian Empire” Bronny says, she then kneels in front of Sabre and his comrades. “We are at your service,” she says. “Fair enough, you are the first conscripts of the Talin Hul Mercenary Organization and the Atlanian Empire” Sabre says. “Rise General Bronny” Chaos says. Bronny rises to her feet and looks directly into Sabre’s eyes. “I will serve you loyally, sir,” she says with a smile.
With Bronny’s elite forces under the Imperial and Talin Hul banners the attack on the Order’s army begins. At dawn, Deacon Inioch leads his troops in a charge against Sabre’s army. Near the end of the battle, Sabre is in an intense sword fight with Inioch. Angel, Chaos, Bronny, and their armies stop to watch, so dose Inioch’s forces. Sabre knocks Inioch to the ground and stands over him. “You have lost Deacon, but I think I will let you run back to your boss, although I doubt you will get far, so you should start running now,” Sabre says. Deacon Inioch stands up and orders a full force retreat. “Bronny you will take a cavalry battalion to run down Inioch’s remaining forces, but I want Inioch alive,” Sabre says. “As you wish, Sir” Bronny replies. Bronny leads the cavalry across the plains, past villages that where now smoldering ruins, to the ruins of Tanila. As they enter the ruins, a shower of arrows falls onto their heads “Get to cover!” Bronny orders her troops. They all scatter and hide in the buildings that would give them protection against the arrows.
“That should keep them busy,” Deacon Inioch says as wave after wave of arrows come down on Bronny’s forces. “They should be dead by now, lets go” Inioch says after waiting for 5 hours. As they approach the gate Bronny ambushes them and she kills Inioch’s entire army single-handed. “I surrender” Inioch says, Bronny knocks him out, ties him up and puts him on the back of her horse.
After a three-day ride Bronny brings Inioch back to Sabre’s base. “I like what you have done with the place” she says after looking around at the rock walls covered in vines and flowers. “Thank you Bronny” Angel says after taking Inioch’s limp body from the back of the horse. Inioch wakes up and finds he is chained to the wall of a pit with Sabre, Angel, Chaos, Bronny and Lachlan’s commanders around the outside of the pit he is in. “We have found you guilty of treason, crimes against humanity and war crimes” Angel says. “Your punishment is death,” Bronny says. “I will be your executioner for the day,” Chaos says. The ground opens up under Iniochs feet and demonic creatures grab him and rip him in half. After the ground closes, Chaos slices Inioch’s head off and sends it with a message attached to the Order’s leader.
“We thank you for your support, we promise to keep the base you built here,” Lachlan says to Sabre and his comrades in a meeting with his counsel. “Thank you, Sir,” Sabre says. “We have already replenished you supplies, and my daughter Rain has decided to accompany you along with some of my royal guard,” Lachlan adds. “Thank you very much, Sir,” Angel says, with a smile. “Bronny, while you where the one who ordered the burning of our forest you did prove yourself against The Order, you are forgiven, this time,” Lachlan’s military adviser says. “Thank you, my lord,” Bronny says. Then they turn and leave to meet Rain and her escorts at the inn. “Time to get moving again we must make it to the mountains now” Chaos says. “And to the ruined city of Niltana” Sabre adds, with a strange, wary look at Chaos. Once the survivors were ready to leave they started they three-week trek to the mountains. Once they reach the base of the mountains, they rest before the hike towards the Sanilka Plateau where the Niltana Ruins stood. In the main tent, Sabre is talking to Chaos, Bronny, Rain and Angel. “Niltana was the sight of a group of Demonologists that planed to over throw the Empire about 9 years ago; I came to the service of the Emperor 10 years ago, Chaos was the only Demonologist to side with us and help against his former friends,” Sabre says. “Near the end, Sabre and I were the only people of the Imperial Expeditionary Forces left who could fight, marched on the citadel, but in order to win I had to obliterate the whole of Niltana, the spell I used though cause giant creatures of rock to rise and lay waste to everyone and everything in the area, we barley made it out alive,” Chaos adds. “Now rumour has it that a small band of adventurers where exploring the ruins for treasure and artifacts and had awakened the creatures, and made the area too dangerous for anyone to go to, but it is also our only safe area where we can find shelter,” Sabre finishes. At dawn, they packed up camp and began the treacherous climb to Sanilka Plateau.
“I say we try and see if we can find supplies, or a way to the forest,” a young adventurer says. “What a stupid idea Snow, the creatures are immune our spells,” the oldest of the group says. “Well if no one else has any better ideas then we should at least try,” says the third. Their names are Snow Lee, a witch who is strongest in the element of water, her sister Flair Lee, a fire witch, and their brother Storm Lee, a mage who was strongest in air, water and fire. They decide to stay in the ruins of the citadel. Then that night they here sounds of battle outside. Flair runs outside and starts yelling, but the creatures attack her and she is over whelmed, even when Storm and Snow come out to help. Bronny, being skilled in taking out demonic creatures, reaches them first. After Sabre, Chaos, Angel, Rain and their army arrive; they sit down in a secluded part of the citadel with the survivors, and talk. “So you three are adventurers looking for fortune and glory?” Chaos asks. “That’s right, our family needed the money and we thought if we could find anything of value we could sell it for lots of gold,” Flair explains. “We found a lot of stuff, including an amulet that seemed to awaken those creatures,” Storm says, he takes the amulet out of his pocket, it is a small black gem surrounded by eight rubies and gold fashioned into a cross. “That’s the amulet of the demonologist leader who ran this citadel, I couldn’t find it after the battle so I couldn’t destroy it,” Chaos says. “If you destroy it will these creatures go?” Snow asks, with a bit of fear in her voice. “Yes, they will,” Chaos reply. Storm hands the amulet to Chaos. “Thank you, we need to wait until the full moon in order for the ritual to work,” Chaos explains. “We will help you if you need help,” Flair says. “We will need your help as we need eight people,” Sabre says. After three days of waiting, the eve of the full moon arrives. Sabre and Chaos where preparing the ritual area at the top of the tallest tower, where Niltana’s leader was when he died. “I have sent Flair and Bronny to find parts of the creatures that we can use for the ritual, Rain and Snow are attending to the injuries of the survivors and Angel and Storm are guarding the camp,” Sabre tells Chaos. “Very good, we will be ready by tomorrow night,” Chaos says. That night Sabre and Flair are sitting in the east guard tower. “I’m glad you came and found us,” Flair says. “We couldn’t leave you, and we have to stay here any way,” Sabre says. Flair kisses Sabre, the she looks into his eyes, “I love you,” she says. “I love you too,” Sabre says before walking to the window to check on everyone. Chaos is standing in the door of the guard tower, sees Flair kissing Sabre and he walks up to Sabre, and looks out the window too. “So are you and Flair together?” he asks, with a smile on his face. “I guess we are,” Sabre replies, with a look on his face that says, “If you tell anyone I will destroy you”. Sabre and Flair are relieved of guard duty by Storm and Rain. “I think Storm and Rain are together, like us,” Sabre says to Flair as they walk back to his tent. “Yeah I think so too,” Flair says with a smile.
The next day they all get ready, Sabre and Flair go hunting for the creatures, Storm and Rain are looking after the sick and injured, Chaos and Snow are helping Angel and Bronny guard the camp. That night, after a big meal, Sabre, Flair, Chaos, Snow, Storm, Rain, Angel and Bronny all walk up to the ritual circle. Chaos places the amulet in the middle of the circle; Sabre and Flair place the stone hearts of the creatures around the amulet, Storm, Rain, Angel and Bronny start reciting the incantation. “We have earth, has anyone brought the fire?” Chaos says. “I have the fire,” Flair replies, she lights a piece of wood with a small fireball. “Do we have water?” Chaos asks. “I have water” Snow replies, placing a bowl of water in the circle. “Air is all around us, so we don’t need it,” Chaos says. Sabre begins the spell “By the four elements, Earth, Fire, Air and Water, and the Celestial Forces, we abolish the demonic creatures that infest this area”. “We command you to be gone, foul abominations,” Flair finishes. Angel grabs his War hammer of Life and Death and smashes the amulet. The air swirls around them, lifting the fire, water and dirt up in a small tornado, Sabre puts his arms around Flair, Storm puts his arms around Rain, Angel puts his arms around Bronny and Chaos puts his arms around Snow. The tornado dissipates; Sabre looks out the window and sees the creatures have been banished. “Its done we have succeeded,” Flair says. “We can rebuild this place now, it will be back to what it once was,” Chaos says. “Well minus the evil demonologists,” Sabre adds.
Flair, Snow and Storm agree to join refugees in their quest to the Eastern Kingdoms. After three weeks of staying in Niltana, the refugees are attacked by The Order. Sabre and Flair lead the cavalry charge, Crusader roars and everyone prepares to fight, Flairs mount, a wolf that is red like fire, its eyes glowed red, howls in reply to Crusader. “Ember agrees, its time to fight,” Flair says, drawing her two blades. Sabre draws his sword, “CHARGE!” he yells. As the cavalry charge the rangers fire, and one catapult they have fires flaming rocks. After three days of fighting Sabre and Flair, retake Sanilka Plateau. The remaining Order troops are killed by the creatures of the forest. “Time to pack up, we leave momentarily,” Sabre says in a meeting with the survivors. They all pack up the camp and start the trek across the mountain paths, they loose three carriages of supplies, and a few people fall to their deaths. Once they reach the edge of the desert they rest and count their loses. “We don’t have enough supplies to make it all the way across the desert,” Chaos says. Sabre looks at the map that helped him across the desert ten years ago, “There were three small towns that gave me supplies, one is about three days ride from here,” he explains. “We have enough supplies to make it that far, we should at least try,” Flair says. After a small rest, they start the three-day trek across the desert.
By the end of the third day, they reach the city of Volarous, the guards recognise Sabre and let them in. “It is good to see you again, Ma’am,” Sabre says when he meets Volarous’s leader, the Supreme Regent Maya. “I am glad you have returned Sabre, as you can see our city has grown since you found the under ground river for our supplies,” Maya says with a smile. After the meeting Sabre and Flair sit down beside the temple and look out over the city. “It’s so lovely here, but it’s to hot for my liking, I wouldn’t mind rebuilding Niltana and living there,” Flair says. “Yeah that would be great, we could be the leaders of the Sanilka Mountains,” Sabre says. After staying for three weeks, they leave with their supplies replenished. On the third month of their desert trek the Order and Republic attack at the same time. Flair kills the Order commander, and Bronny assassinates the Republic general. The Order and Republic armies scatter into the desert. “They won’t last long out there, if the heat doesn’t get them the animals will,” Sabre says. They keep going on through the desert, stopping at the next two towns for supplies. Once they reach the Eastern Kingdoms, they turn north and head across bandit territory to the Talin Hul Citadel. Once they arrive, they see that Sabre’s guards are still holding out against the bandit attacks. “Sabre, Sir you have returned, this is a great day, we will win for sure,” the guard on duty says. The refugees are settled and the army gets ready to fight the bandits. “The pirates have allied with us, we own the seas, we have blockaded their harbour and we are ready for the final attack,” Sabre’s second in command says. “Let’s finish this then,” Sabre says. Chaos, Snow, Angel and Bronny get ready to lead the army on a head on attack against the bandit fortress. Sabre, Flair, Storm and Rain get ready to attack from the sea with a small mercenary strike team. Sabre’s ship leaves the harbour at dusk for a nighttime attack. Chaos leads his group down the road for the diversionary attack. At midnight, Sabre and Flair lead their forces through the city to the bandit castle. Storm and Rain lead an attack on the gate from inside the walls; Storm gets into the gatehouse, opens the gate and lets Chaos and his army in to help win the battle. Sabre and Flair attack the bandit leader at the top of the castle. Sabre is knocked out and Flair blows the bandit leader off the roof with a fireball. Flair kneels beside Sabre and tries to wake him. “Don’t be dead, please don’t be dead,” she says, tears start running down her cheeks.
After three weeks of being in the hospital, Sabre walks out to the dining hall where Flair and Snow are talking. Flair sees Sabre, runs up to him, and kisses him. “I thought I had lost you,” she says. “You didn’t, I won’t leave you, I promise,” he says, kissing Flair. Flair tells him all the information he will need, about the Empress and her daughter, Angel and Bronny, Storm and Rain, and Chaos. “I guessed Angel and Bronny would be together, and Storm and Rain have been together since we left Volarous, and Chaos likes the emperor’s daughter, Rhiannon, that’s a surprise,” Sabre says. Therefore, the rumours of Chaos sneaking off to the harbour to meet Rhiannon started going around. Sabre and Flair get married one year after the bandits defeat, Angel and Bronny also get married, so do Storm and Rain. The rumours about Chaos and Rhiannon are confirmed when Sabre sees them kissing in the dining hall.
After three years of living in the Eastern Kingdoms, Sabre starts organizing their return to Eracor, and the defeat of the Republic. “With the help of the Talin Hul we will blockade the port and retake the palace,” Sabre says. “So Chaos, you will lead one group around the Eastern walls, Bronny you will go around the Western walls, Snow you will lead a group from the south, Angel you will be with me and Flair on the boats, Storm you and Rain will take the siege equipment and obliterate the walls and gate so Chaos, Snow and Bronny can get in” he explains. “We have a big problem in the Order, they could already have won, I heard they attacked Eracor last year, and the siege is still going,” Flair says. “That could complicate matters,” Chaos says.
At Eracor, Deacon Inioch’s replacement, Deacon Falconion, leads the Order troops through the gates and toward the palace. “Leave none alive, they have forsaken their right to live,” he says to his troops. The Palace Guard manage to hold off the Order troops, while the Republic leader, Jed Rebec, plans his escape. “Hold them off for as long as possible,” he tells his Palace Guard.
Sabre decides to launch the attack momentarily. Everyone gets into the ships and prepares for their part of the war. Chaos, Bronny and Snow are on one ship with their battalions. Sabre, Flair and Angel are on the main ship with their battalion. Storm and Rain are in a third ship with the siege equipment. The remaining 2000 ships get ready to blockade the port. After a three-week sea voyage, they reach the port, Chaos, Bronny, Snow, Storm and Rain had already landed and got into position, while Sabre, Angel and Flair land at the harbour. Chaos, Bronny and Snow approach the walls and see that the Order is camped around the gates. “This could be, problematic,” Chaos says. “Ok lets just do what we where told, Rain and Storm should be ready by now,” Bronny says. Chaos, Bronny and Snow move into position and prepare to attack.
Sabre, Flair and Angel move towards the palace, a small army moves with them. “Angel, you make sure no one escapes out the doors, Flair you will secure the courtyard, I will take the rest of the troops and attack the palace,” Sabre says. Angel and Flair do as Sabre says, Flair gives Sabre her amulet, “I’ll be back for this,” she says to him.
Rain and Storm order the cannons to fire on the gate. “Keep it up, we need to do our part, Chaos, Bronny and Snow must enter the city,” Storm orders. Then a messenger arrives and gives Storm a message from Chaos. “The Order has all the gates secured, we can’t enter the city, we need you to fire on the walls so we can get in that way,” the messenger says.
In side the palace, Sabre and his troops fight through Order Templars and the Palace Guard. Once they reach the throne room, they see that Deacon Falconion and Jed Rebec are already fighting. Sabre runs up to them and joins in the sword fight. “Sabre, it is good to see you, I never thought I’d say that,” Jed Rebec says. “Neither of you will leave here, I will send the deacons head back to the Cardinal,” Sabre says. “He wasn’t happy with what you did to Inioch, but he will be happy to receive both your heads,” Falconion says, swinging his sword towards Sabre, who quickly blocks it.
At the walls Chaos, Bronny and Snow lead their troops through the hole in the wall that Storm makes for them. They make their way towards the palace and they see Flair fighting the Order’s Templars by herself. Chaos unleashes a wave of demons on the Templars and they walk up to Flair. “Thank you Chaos, you saved me from having to kill them all myself,” Flair says, with a smile. “Let’s finish this now,” Bronny says. Flair runs into the palace leaving Chaos, Bronny and Snow to hold the courtyard.
Sabre kills Jed Rebec with his sword then he turns to Falconion. Just as they are about to start fighting again Flair enters the room and charges at Falconion. He knocks her flying; she hits her head and blood stains her strawberry blonde hair. Sabre attacks Falconion with unwavering ferocity. He pins Falconion to the ground and slices his head off. Sabre drops his sword, runs over to Flair, and holds her in his arms. Chaos and Angel enter the throne room and find Falconion’s dead body, Sabre’s sword, Jed Rebec’s body and Sabre holding Flair in his arms, her hair blood red.
After three months of waiting, Sabre sees Flair limping toward him in the dinning hall. Sabre hands her amulet back. “Falconion is dead, he paid the price for everything he did,” Sabre tells her. “Good, I hope he burns in hell,” Flair says. That night the new Empress, Rhiannon, announces her engagement to Chaos, and that Niltana will be rebuilt, with Flair as Matriarch, and Sabre as Patriarch of Sanilka Province, the region Niltana once ruled.
One year later, Niltana is completely rebuilt, with Matriarch Flair, Patriarch Sabre, and their twin children, Ruby and her brother Wolf, ruling over Sanilka Province as promised. “Ruby shows great control over the element of fire, I think we should send her to the Tower of Fire,” Flair says at dinner on night. Ruby throws a fireball into the fireplace and smiles as the wood bursts into fire and the room is filled with light and heat. “Wolf shows great promise in Celestial Magic, I will take him to the Tower of the Moon when he is old enough,” Sabre says.
Seven years later Wolf is in his first year at the Tower of the Moon, he is 13. Ruby is also in her first year at the Tower of Fire, along side Chaos and Rhiannon’s daughter, Keelah. Chaos is teaching Rhiannon and their son, Lewen, at the Tower of Demons, in the grounds of the palace. Angel and Snow live in Tanila and work in the Imperial Academy, training soldiers and guards for Chaos and Rhiannon. Rain and Storm are ruling over Sanilka Forest, the only independent state in the empire. Over in the newly formed Volarian Republic, Kiara, Maya’s daughter, looks out over the land she now rules, it has been many years since her mothers death, and just as long since Sabre and his friends where last in Volarous.
Then, three years later, when Ruby, Keelah, Lewen and Wolf are about to graduate, the Order returns and attacks Volarous, after taking the Volarian Republic by force, they turn their sights on the Atlanian Empire, their first target is Niltana. However, eight years will pass before their first attack is made.
The sun rose over the fortress city of Tanila; the guards patrolled the walls and streets as the Atlanian Army waited patiently for the attack in anticipation. For three years the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Atlana, or just simply the Rebels, fought against the Atlanian Empire in a seemingly misguided attempt to form the Atlanian Republic. After three months the garrison at Tanila, under the command of General Sabre waited for the rest of the army to arrive so they could return home. Sabre stood above the gates, his falcon was sitting on his shoulder; beside him was his familiar named Crusader, a smokey gray tiger with black stripes and golden eyes that glowed in the darkness that retreated before the sunrise. His lieutenant Chaos also stood beside Sabre. Every person on Atlana had different abilities and powers, though most feared their use, all the people in the Atlanian Army where trained to use their powers to the best of their ability. Sabre could create swords of pure light to fly toward his enemies and impale them. He could also manipulate the wind and air around him to pick up swords and throw them at his enemies with the same effect. Chaos was a demonologist; he could summon a portal and unleash a legion of demons upon his foes.
Sabre sent his falcon forth to scout the area. Upon the falcon’s return some time later, he reported that the rebel army was marching their way, and that their reinforcements would arrive in about five hours. With this news, Sabre and Chaos roused the army. The walls where covered in crossbow and rifle wielding solders while spearmen and swordsmen were behind the gate. At the stables in the center of town, the cavalry was ready to ride out, while at the inn and town hall the citizens where waiting in fear of what might happen should the garrison fail. With the steel and stone gates locked and the stonewalls covered in solders the rebel’s task of taking this city looked impossible. The rebels anticipated stiff resistance so in addition to the battering ram they brought to get through the gates they also had siege towers and siege ladders so the could get onto the wall. The rebels had 10,000 solders to take the city while the Empire had 11,000 to defend the city.
Sabre was an experienced commander, and leader of the mercenary organization known as the Talin Hul, so he would not give up easily. Chaos on the other hand had seen only a little bit of war, as he was the leader of the Imperial Guard, so he was in charge of the Emperor’s safety. However, these two commanders had a friendly rivalry that saw them trying to out do each other. Sabre drew his huge claymore, the legendary Claymore of the Gods, a sword that would make who ever wielded it stronger, faster and generally more powerful; he waited for the honour from this battle so his renown amongst his people would increase, so he could return to his home in the eastern kingdoms. Chaos drew his huge, and demonic, claymore, the legendary Claymore of The Shadowhand, a sword that was the counter-part to Sabre’s Claymore of the Gods, and prepared his portal spell that would see his demonic legions surge forth and attack the rebels.
The rebel army gathered outside the wall. Sabre raised his claymore into the air, the crossbowmen and riflemen readied their weapons. Chaos held in his hand a small red orb that would summon the portal. The rebels started to move the ram towards the gate. “Open fire!” Sabre ordered and the air was filled with smoke from the rifles, the sound of arrows whistling through the air, and hitting their targets. The ram reached the gate despite the efforts of the solders, but just as the gate was about to break Sabre used his power to finish off the solders on the ram. Next, the siege towers and siege ladders where brought toward the wall. Only one tower made it and when it opened, the walls where over-run with rebels. One rebel soldier made it into the gatehouse and opened the gates to let the rest of the army in. The swordsmen and spearmen moved aside and let the cavalry ride over the charging rebels. On the wall Sabre was valiantly fighting against the onslaught of rebels, Crusader was in the gatehouse stopping anyone from using the stairs. Chaos was too late to summon his portal in front of the gate as planned, so instead he summoned it in the city in case the rebels got in.
After four hours of battling Crusader let out a warning roar and was seen in the city being chased by the rebels. At the gates the defenders where retreating under the pressure the rebels where putting on them. Sabre and Chaos then abandoned the walls and ordered a retreat into the town square. They ran past the demon portal with the rebels right behind them. Chaos’s demonic legion fought hard to hold the rebels off. Just as it looked like the rebels might win, the rest of the Atlanian Army arrived and helped defeat the rebels. The leader, General Angel, gave his report to Sabre and Chaos. “This attack was just a diversion the rebels attacked Eracor and killed the Emperor. His wife and daughter managed to escape into the Eastern Kingdoms”. Sabre and Chaos looked concerned by the report. “We must go to the Eastern Kingdoms then” Sabre said. “I agree” Chaos said. Sabre, Angel and Chaos then spent the next day preparing the people of Tanila to move across the plains, through the forest, across the mountains and desert until they reach the tropical region of the Eastern Kingdoms, and the home of the Talin Hul.
After getting the carriages and carts loaded, the Atlanian Army mounted their horses and waited at the gates for Sabre, Angel and Chaos. Sabre put Crusaders armour on him and stroked the fur on his back, “Ten years we have been away from home and now we are about to return and prepare the retaliation against the Atlanian Republic” Sabre said quietly to Crusader who purred in agreement. Angel and Chaos prepared their mounts; Chaos placed the armour on his dread steed, the flames around the top of its hooves and mane glowed an eerie green colour, its eyes glowed the same green colour, its hooves where white, there were two horns on its head, its black hair shone in the early morning light. Angel also placed armour on his death steed, it had blue flames coming off its hooves and mane its hair was black and it also shone in the light, its eyes glowed the same blue as the flames. “This will be a long hard day for all of us we must be careful because the Republic will be out to get us now” Chaos said, “I agree” Angel said.
Sabre, Chaos and Angel rode their mounts to the head of the convoy. “Move out” Sabre said. They started across the plains that surrounded Tanila, in the distance they could see the mountains, they knew between them where a few small villages they could try and help and a forest that was rumoured to be home to the dryads and their druid friends. They traveled from village to village over the next three weeks; they picked up another 200 villagers, bringing the total to 2000 not counting the 15,000 soldiers that where protecting them. Once they reached the forest, they stopped to rest for the night. That night while everyone slept the dryads came to investigate. The dryads wanted to see if it was safe to talk to the people in the morning so they left fruits and berries near the center of the camp. The next morning Sabre found the food and looked at the trees, remembering what Chaos and Angel had said about the dryads. Chaos and Angel then came out of the main tent and stood beside Sabre. “The dryads have been here,” Angel said. Chaos then walked into the forest and drew a symbol into the dirt, then a dryad that was watching them jumped out of the tree and smiled. The dryad had the body of a young woman, about 17 or 18, she had brown hair and green eyes, and she wore a dress made of leaves. “Welcome to our forest, I am Rain; I was sent to watch you when the sun rose and our gift to you was found” the dryad name Rain said to Chaos. Sabre and Angel came out of the camp and introduced themselves to Rain. “I am Sabre, leader of the Eastern Kingdoms, this is Chaos and Angel, and they are both part of the Atlanian Army, until one month ago when we lost the war,” Sabre said. “It is good to meet you, now please follow me to our city where you and all your people can eat drink and be safe from the creatures of the forest,” Rain said. After three hours of waiting till the refugees where ready to leave and the camp was packed up, they moved to the Rain’s village. Once they arrived, they saw it was the city that was shared by the dryads and druids, the villagers where put up in the inn for their stay, the solders where helping the guards in their job, while Sabre, Chaos and Angel met with the leaders of the city. The palace in the center of the city was built from the trunk of a tree that would be almost as big as the Imperial Palace; in the throne room sat the king, a regal looking druid who wore a robe of leaves adorned with flowers of red, blue and yellow. Next to him was the queen, a noble looking dryad who also wore a robe identical to the kings. Rain bowed before them and said, “I have brought them before you just as you requested father”. “Good work Rain, please sit beside your mother,” the king said, Rain sat in the empty seat beside the queen. “Let me introduce my family, I am the king, my name is Lachlan, this is my wife, Sara, she’s the queen, and you have already met my daughter Rain, she is heir to the throne” King Lachlan said. “Nice to meet you, Your Highness, I am General Sabre of the Talin Hul mercenary organization, to my left is General Chaos leader of the Imperial Guard, and to my right is General Angel, the only death knight in service to the emperor, until one month ago when the Rebels killed the emperor and his wife and daughter had to go into hiding in the Eastern Kingdoms” Sabre said. “I see your problem has gone from bad to worse in a matter of days, so you and the refugees are just passing through so you can regroup with the Empress and her daughter, and take back what rightfully belongs to them” Lachlan said. “That is correct” Sabre replied. “I shall have a counsel meeting to discuss these unfortunate turn of events and the impact it will have on everyone, but that wont be for another two weeks and the counsel can take up to six months to discuss and decide the course of action to take, you and the refugees are free to stay here until we make a decision” Lachlan said. “Thank you, Your Highness” Sabre said, and without further ado Sabre, Angel and Chaos bowed before them and left the palace. “That was very productive, I didn’t think mercenaries where diplomatic,” Chaos said. “Oh we have to be other wise we would not be able to negotiate our pay or a ceasefire where necessary,” Sabre explained.
Three days later the Republic Army came to the borders of the forest, they where lead by one of the best Generals in the Republic Army, her name was Bronwyn, though she was called Bronny by her loyal commanders. “They must be in the forest, find them, burn the trees if you must but I want Sabre, Angel and Chaos alive” she orders her troops. “Yes, Ma’am” they all say in unison. Therefore, the Great Burning begins with the forest. The creatures of the forest send word, via Sabre’s falcon, to the dryads and the call to arms is sent out across the city. The captain of the guard looks at Sabre, Angel and Chaos, “Time to show us what you are made of against the Republic Army, they have started burning the forest” he advises them. “They want to play rough? Ok then lets play!” Sabre says. Sabre leads the armies into battle at the edge of the forest, Chaos takes his battalion to the left flank, Angel leads his battalion to the right, and Sabre goes straight down the center, head on into the Republic forces. After many days of fighting a new threat appears, from the Republics rear flank the Order of the New Dawn, a group of religious fanatics lead by Deacon Inioch, appeared and started a siege against Bronny’s forces. Already out numbered by Sabre’s forces Bronny decided to form an alliance with Sabre. So later that night a Republic messenger comes to Sabre’s camp and is escorted by the guards to Sabre’s war room, where he is meeting with Angel, Chaos and the druid commanders. “General Bronwyn would like to form an alliance with your forces so we can defeat the Order” the messenger reads. “We will form an alliance if Bronny’s forces burn their Republic flags and banners and abandon anything that identifies them as part of the Republic Army,” Sabre says. The messenger takes this reply to Bronny. “He drives a hard bargain, I didn’t think this would be easy,” Bronny says. After a small bit of consideration, and an intense conversation with her commanders, Bronny accepts the terms and sends her reply personally. “We have decided to disband and join you on your endeavour to reform the Atlanian Empire” Bronny says, she then kneels in front of Sabre and his comrades. “We are at your service,” she says. “Fair enough, you are the first conscripts of the Talin Hul Mercenary Organization and the Atlanian Empire” Sabre says. “Rise General Bronny” Chaos says. Bronny rises to her feet and looks directly into Sabre’s eyes. “I will serve you loyally, sir,” she says with a smile.
With Bronny’s elite forces under the Imperial and Talin Hul banners the attack on the Order’s army begins. At dawn, Deacon Inioch leads his troops in a charge against Sabre’s army. Near the end of the battle, Sabre is in an intense sword fight with Inioch. Angel, Chaos, Bronny, and their armies stop to watch, so dose Inioch’s forces. Sabre knocks Inioch to the ground and stands over him. “You have lost Deacon, but I think I will let you run back to your boss, although I doubt you will get far, so you should start running now,” Sabre says. Deacon Inioch stands up and orders a full force retreat. “Bronny you will take a cavalry battalion to run down Inioch’s remaining forces, but I want Inioch alive,” Sabre says. “As you wish, Sir” Bronny replies. Bronny leads the cavalry across the plains, past villages that where now smoldering ruins, to the ruins of Tanila. As they enter the ruins, a shower of arrows falls onto their heads “Get to cover!” Bronny orders her troops. They all scatter and hide in the buildings that would give them protection against the arrows.
“That should keep them busy,” Deacon Inioch says as wave after wave of arrows come down on Bronny’s forces. “They should be dead by now, lets go” Inioch says after waiting for 5 hours. As they approach the gate Bronny ambushes them and she kills Inioch’s entire army single-handed. “I surrender” Inioch says, Bronny knocks him out, ties him up and puts him on the back of her horse.
After a three-day ride Bronny brings Inioch back to Sabre’s base. “I like what you have done with the place” she says after looking around at the rock walls covered in vines and flowers. “Thank you Bronny” Angel says after taking Inioch’s limp body from the back of the horse. Inioch wakes up and finds he is chained to the wall of a pit with Sabre, Angel, Chaos, Bronny and Lachlan’s commanders around the outside of the pit he is in. “We have found you guilty of treason, crimes against humanity and war crimes” Angel says. “Your punishment is death,” Bronny says. “I will be your executioner for the day,” Chaos says. The ground opens up under Iniochs feet and demonic creatures grab him and rip him in half. After the ground closes, Chaos slices Inioch’s head off and sends it with a message attached to the Order’s leader.
“We thank you for your support, we promise to keep the base you built here,” Lachlan says to Sabre and his comrades in a meeting with his counsel. “Thank you, Sir,” Sabre says. “We have already replenished you supplies, and my daughter Rain has decided to accompany you along with some of my royal guard,” Lachlan adds. “Thank you very much, Sir,” Angel says, with a smile. “Bronny, while you where the one who ordered the burning of our forest you did prove yourself against The Order, you are forgiven, this time,” Lachlan’s military adviser says. “Thank you, my lord,” Bronny says. Then they turn and leave to meet Rain and her escorts at the inn. “Time to get moving again we must make it to the mountains now” Chaos says. “And to the ruined city of Niltana” Sabre adds, with a strange, wary look at Chaos. Once the survivors were ready to leave they started they three-week trek to the mountains. Once they reach the base of the mountains, they rest before the hike towards the Sanilka Plateau where the Niltana Ruins stood. In the main tent, Sabre is talking to Chaos, Bronny, Rain and Angel. “Niltana was the sight of a group of Demonologists that planed to over throw the Empire about 9 years ago; I came to the service of the Emperor 10 years ago, Chaos was the only Demonologist to side with us and help against his former friends,” Sabre says. “Near the end, Sabre and I were the only people of the Imperial Expeditionary Forces left who could fight, marched on the citadel, but in order to win I had to obliterate the whole of Niltana, the spell I used though cause giant creatures of rock to rise and lay waste to everyone and everything in the area, we barley made it out alive,” Chaos adds. “Now rumour has it that a small band of adventurers where exploring the ruins for treasure and artifacts and had awakened the creatures, and made the area too dangerous for anyone to go to, but it is also our only safe area where we can find shelter,” Sabre finishes. At dawn, they packed up camp and began the treacherous climb to Sanilka Plateau.
“I say we try and see if we can find supplies, or a way to the forest,” a young adventurer says. “What a stupid idea Snow, the creatures are immune our spells,” the oldest of the group says. “Well if no one else has any better ideas then we should at least try,” says the third. Their names are Snow Lee, a witch who is strongest in the element of water, her sister Flair Lee, a fire witch, and their brother Storm Lee, a mage who was strongest in air, water and fire. They decide to stay in the ruins of the citadel. Then that night they here sounds of battle outside. Flair runs outside and starts yelling, but the creatures attack her and she is over whelmed, even when Storm and Snow come out to help. Bronny, being skilled in taking out demonic creatures, reaches them first. After Sabre, Chaos, Angel, Rain and their army arrive; they sit down in a secluded part of the citadel with the survivors, and talk. “So you three are adventurers looking for fortune and glory?” Chaos asks. “That’s right, our family needed the money and we thought if we could find anything of value we could sell it for lots of gold,” Flair explains. “We found a lot of stuff, including an amulet that seemed to awaken those creatures,” Storm says, he takes the amulet out of his pocket, it is a small black gem surrounded by eight rubies and gold fashioned into a cross. “That’s the amulet of the demonologist leader who ran this citadel, I couldn’t find it after the battle so I couldn’t destroy it,” Chaos says. “If you destroy it will these creatures go?” Snow asks, with a bit of fear in her voice. “Yes, they will,” Chaos reply. Storm hands the amulet to Chaos. “Thank you, we need to wait until the full moon in order for the ritual to work,” Chaos explains. “We will help you if you need help,” Flair says. “We will need your help as we need eight people,” Sabre says. After three days of waiting, the eve of the full moon arrives. Sabre and Chaos where preparing the ritual area at the top of the tallest tower, where Niltana’s leader was when he died. “I have sent Flair and Bronny to find parts of the creatures that we can use for the ritual, Rain and Snow are attending to the injuries of the survivors and Angel and Storm are guarding the camp,” Sabre tells Chaos. “Very good, we will be ready by tomorrow night,” Chaos says. That night Sabre and Flair are sitting in the east guard tower. “I’m glad you came and found us,” Flair says. “We couldn’t leave you, and we have to stay here any way,” Sabre says. Flair kisses Sabre, the she looks into his eyes, “I love you,” she says. “I love you too,” Sabre says before walking to the window to check on everyone. Chaos is standing in the door of the guard tower, sees Flair kissing Sabre and he walks up to Sabre, and looks out the window too. “So are you and Flair together?” he asks, with a smile on his face. “I guess we are,” Sabre replies, with a look on his face that says, “If you tell anyone I will destroy you”. Sabre and Flair are relieved of guard duty by Storm and Rain. “I think Storm and Rain are together, like us,” Sabre says to Flair as they walk back to his tent. “Yeah I think so too,” Flair says with a smile.
The next day they all get ready, Sabre and Flair go hunting for the creatures, Storm and Rain are looking after the sick and injured, Chaos and Snow are helping Angel and Bronny guard the camp. That night, after a big meal, Sabre, Flair, Chaos, Snow, Storm, Rain, Angel and Bronny all walk up to the ritual circle. Chaos places the amulet in the middle of the circle; Sabre and Flair place the stone hearts of the creatures around the amulet, Storm, Rain, Angel and Bronny start reciting the incantation. “We have earth, has anyone brought the fire?” Chaos says. “I have the fire,” Flair replies, she lights a piece of wood with a small fireball. “Do we have water?” Chaos asks. “I have water” Snow replies, placing a bowl of water in the circle. “Air is all around us, so we don’t need it,” Chaos says. Sabre begins the spell “By the four elements, Earth, Fire, Air and Water, and the Celestial Forces, we abolish the demonic creatures that infest this area”. “We command you to be gone, foul abominations,” Flair finishes. Angel grabs his War hammer of Life and Death and smashes the amulet. The air swirls around them, lifting the fire, water and dirt up in a small tornado, Sabre puts his arms around Flair, Storm puts his arms around Rain, Angel puts his arms around Bronny and Chaos puts his arms around Snow. The tornado dissipates; Sabre looks out the window and sees the creatures have been banished. “Its done we have succeeded,” Flair says. “We can rebuild this place now, it will be back to what it once was,” Chaos says. “Well minus the evil demonologists,” Sabre adds.
Flair, Snow and Storm agree to join refugees in their quest to the Eastern Kingdoms. After three weeks of staying in Niltana, the refugees are attacked by The Order. Sabre and Flair lead the cavalry charge, Crusader roars and everyone prepares to fight, Flairs mount, a wolf that is red like fire, its eyes glowed red, howls in reply to Crusader. “Ember agrees, its time to fight,” Flair says, drawing her two blades. Sabre draws his sword, “CHARGE!” he yells. As the cavalry charge the rangers fire, and one catapult they have fires flaming rocks. After three days of fighting Sabre and Flair, retake Sanilka Plateau. The remaining Order troops are killed by the creatures of the forest. “Time to pack up, we leave momentarily,” Sabre says in a meeting with the survivors. They all pack up the camp and start the trek across the mountain paths, they loose three carriages of supplies, and a few people fall to their deaths. Once they reach the edge of the desert they rest and count their loses. “We don’t have enough supplies to make it all the way across the desert,” Chaos says. Sabre looks at the map that helped him across the desert ten years ago, “There were three small towns that gave me supplies, one is about three days ride from here,” he explains. “We have enough supplies to make it that far, we should at least try,” Flair says. After a small rest, they start the three-day trek across the desert.
By the end of the third day, they reach the city of Volarous, the guards recognise Sabre and let them in. “It is good to see you again, Ma’am,” Sabre says when he meets Volarous’s leader, the Supreme Regent Maya. “I am glad you have returned Sabre, as you can see our city has grown since you found the under ground river for our supplies,” Maya says with a smile. After the meeting Sabre and Flair sit down beside the temple and look out over the city. “It’s so lovely here, but it’s to hot for my liking, I wouldn’t mind rebuilding Niltana and living there,” Flair says. “Yeah that would be great, we could be the leaders of the Sanilka Mountains,” Sabre says. After staying for three weeks, they leave with their supplies replenished. On the third month of their desert trek the Order and Republic attack at the same time. Flair kills the Order commander, and Bronny assassinates the Republic general. The Order and Republic armies scatter into the desert. “They won’t last long out there, if the heat doesn’t get them the animals will,” Sabre says. They keep going on through the desert, stopping at the next two towns for supplies. Once they reach the Eastern Kingdoms, they turn north and head across bandit territory to the Talin Hul Citadel. Once they arrive, they see that Sabre’s guards are still holding out against the bandit attacks. “Sabre, Sir you have returned, this is a great day, we will win for sure,” the guard on duty says. The refugees are settled and the army gets ready to fight the bandits. “The pirates have allied with us, we own the seas, we have blockaded their harbour and we are ready for the final attack,” Sabre’s second in command says. “Let’s finish this then,” Sabre says. Chaos, Snow, Angel and Bronny get ready to lead the army on a head on attack against the bandit fortress. Sabre, Flair, Storm and Rain get ready to attack from the sea with a small mercenary strike team. Sabre’s ship leaves the harbour at dusk for a nighttime attack. Chaos leads his group down the road for the diversionary attack. At midnight, Sabre and Flair lead their forces through the city to the bandit castle. Storm and Rain lead an attack on the gate from inside the walls; Storm gets into the gatehouse, opens the gate and lets Chaos and his army in to help win the battle. Sabre and Flair attack the bandit leader at the top of the castle. Sabre is knocked out and Flair blows the bandit leader off the roof with a fireball. Flair kneels beside Sabre and tries to wake him. “Don’t be dead, please don’t be dead,” she says, tears start running down her cheeks.
After three weeks of being in the hospital, Sabre walks out to the dining hall where Flair and Snow are talking. Flair sees Sabre, runs up to him, and kisses him. “I thought I had lost you,” she says. “You didn’t, I won’t leave you, I promise,” he says, kissing Flair. Flair tells him all the information he will need, about the Empress and her daughter, Angel and Bronny, Storm and Rain, and Chaos. “I guessed Angel and Bronny would be together, and Storm and Rain have been together since we left Volarous, and Chaos likes the emperor’s daughter, Rhiannon, that’s a surprise,” Sabre says. Therefore, the rumours of Chaos sneaking off to the harbour to meet Rhiannon started going around. Sabre and Flair get married one year after the bandits defeat, Angel and Bronny also get married, so do Storm and Rain. The rumours about Chaos and Rhiannon are confirmed when Sabre sees them kissing in the dining hall.
After three years of living in the Eastern Kingdoms, Sabre starts organizing their return to Eracor, and the defeat of the Republic. “With the help of the Talin Hul we will blockade the port and retake the palace,” Sabre says. “So Chaos, you will lead one group around the Eastern walls, Bronny you will go around the Western walls, Snow you will lead a group from the south, Angel you will be with me and Flair on the boats, Storm you and Rain will take the siege equipment and obliterate the walls and gate so Chaos, Snow and Bronny can get in” he explains. “We have a big problem in the Order, they could already have won, I heard they attacked Eracor last year, and the siege is still going,” Flair says. “That could complicate matters,” Chaos says.
At Eracor, Deacon Inioch’s replacement, Deacon Falconion, leads the Order troops through the gates and toward the palace. “Leave none alive, they have forsaken their right to live,” he says to his troops. The Palace Guard manage to hold off the Order troops, while the Republic leader, Jed Rebec, plans his escape. “Hold them off for as long as possible,” he tells his Palace Guard.
Sabre decides to launch the attack momentarily. Everyone gets into the ships and prepares for their part of the war. Chaos, Bronny and Snow are on one ship with their battalions. Sabre, Flair and Angel are on the main ship with their battalion. Storm and Rain are in a third ship with the siege equipment. The remaining 2000 ships get ready to blockade the port. After a three-week sea voyage, they reach the port, Chaos, Bronny, Snow, Storm and Rain had already landed and got into position, while Sabre, Angel and Flair land at the harbour. Chaos, Bronny and Snow approach the walls and see that the Order is camped around the gates. “This could be, problematic,” Chaos says. “Ok lets just do what we where told, Rain and Storm should be ready by now,” Bronny says. Chaos, Bronny and Snow move into position and prepare to attack.
Sabre, Flair and Angel move towards the palace, a small army moves with them. “Angel, you make sure no one escapes out the doors, Flair you will secure the courtyard, I will take the rest of the troops and attack the palace,” Sabre says. Angel and Flair do as Sabre says, Flair gives Sabre her amulet, “I’ll be back for this,” she says to him.
Rain and Storm order the cannons to fire on the gate. “Keep it up, we need to do our part, Chaos, Bronny and Snow must enter the city,” Storm orders. Then a messenger arrives and gives Storm a message from Chaos. “The Order has all the gates secured, we can’t enter the city, we need you to fire on the walls so we can get in that way,” the messenger says.
In side the palace, Sabre and his troops fight through Order Templars and the Palace Guard. Once they reach the throne room, they see that Deacon Falconion and Jed Rebec are already fighting. Sabre runs up to them and joins in the sword fight. “Sabre, it is good to see you, I never thought I’d say that,” Jed Rebec says. “Neither of you will leave here, I will send the deacons head back to the Cardinal,” Sabre says. “He wasn’t happy with what you did to Inioch, but he will be happy to receive both your heads,” Falconion says, swinging his sword towards Sabre, who quickly blocks it.
At the walls Chaos, Bronny and Snow lead their troops through the hole in the wall that Storm makes for them. They make their way towards the palace and they see Flair fighting the Order’s Templars by herself. Chaos unleashes a wave of demons on the Templars and they walk up to Flair. “Thank you Chaos, you saved me from having to kill them all myself,” Flair says, with a smile. “Let’s finish this now,” Bronny says. Flair runs into the palace leaving Chaos, Bronny and Snow to hold the courtyard.
Sabre kills Jed Rebec with his sword then he turns to Falconion. Just as they are about to start fighting again Flair enters the room and charges at Falconion. He knocks her flying; she hits her head and blood stains her strawberry blonde hair. Sabre attacks Falconion with unwavering ferocity. He pins Falconion to the ground and slices his head off. Sabre drops his sword, runs over to Flair, and holds her in his arms. Chaos and Angel enter the throne room and find Falconion’s dead body, Sabre’s sword, Jed Rebec’s body and Sabre holding Flair in his arms, her hair blood red.
After three months of waiting, Sabre sees Flair limping toward him in the dinning hall. Sabre hands her amulet back. “Falconion is dead, he paid the price for everything he did,” Sabre tells her. “Good, I hope he burns in hell,” Flair says. That night the new Empress, Rhiannon, announces her engagement to Chaos, and that Niltana will be rebuilt, with Flair as Matriarch, and Sabre as Patriarch of Sanilka Province, the region Niltana once ruled.
One year later, Niltana is completely rebuilt, with Matriarch Flair, Patriarch Sabre, and their twin children, Ruby and her brother Wolf, ruling over Sanilka Province as promised. “Ruby shows great control over the element of fire, I think we should send her to the Tower of Fire,” Flair says at dinner on night. Ruby throws a fireball into the fireplace and smiles as the wood bursts into fire and the room is filled with light and heat. “Wolf shows great promise in Celestial Magic, I will take him to the Tower of the Moon when he is old enough,” Sabre says.
Seven years later Wolf is in his first year at the Tower of the Moon, he is 13. Ruby is also in her first year at the Tower of Fire, along side Chaos and Rhiannon’s daughter, Keelah. Chaos is teaching Rhiannon and their son, Lewen, at the Tower of Demons, in the grounds of the palace. Angel and Snow live in Tanila and work in the Imperial Academy, training soldiers and guards for Chaos and Rhiannon. Rain and Storm are ruling over Sanilka Forest, the only independent state in the empire. Over in the newly formed Volarian Republic, Kiara, Maya’s daughter, looks out over the land she now rules, it has been many years since her mothers death, and just as long since Sabre and his friends where last in Volarous.
Then, three years later, when Ruby, Keelah, Lewen and Wolf are about to graduate, the Order returns and attacks Volarous, after taking the Volarian Republic by force, they turn their sights on the Atlanian Empire, their first target is Niltana. However, eight years will pass before their first attack is made.