Empire of Blood, page 31
part #2 of Armageddon Series
“Will you be all right, your ladyship?”
“I will be fine. Don’t worry about me. Just get to Nuvak and all of you need to stay with Chaliss. That is an order.”
Aryl pawed at the window to open it. She winced when she heard voices from the other side of her barricade. There was a command from Vidar to break in.
“They’re coming!” Loki cried.
She didn’t have time to act. The Empress closed her eyes and concentrated. Just as the Council blasted through her barrier, she opened her eyes and the world froze around her.
Knowing her spell would not last long, she and Loki quickly made haste and jumped out the window. Although they were not frozen along with everyone else within their proximity, their movements were slowed drastically.
When their paws touched the ground, Aryl’s spell wore off. The two quickly ran away and disappeared outside the city gates.
The Council men blasted their way through to get into the bed chamber but were disappointed to find that the room was empty. Vidar quickly made his way through with his sword ready in one hand and a ball of fire in the other. His eyes quickly darted to the open window, and swore under his breath.
“Shall we give pursuit, Vidar?” one of the men asked.
Vidar hook his head. “We don't have time. The Dark Master has already given us the order to let his troops into the city when they arrive. We will soon see the Nidhoggr carrying vessels with at least a thousand men each. Today, Alfheim will fall.”
“What about the soldiers?” another asked.
Vidar turned around and gave his men a creepy smile. He left the room with everyone else following closely behind. “As soon as the attack begins, I want you to carry out plan X.”
“Of course, sir. We’ve already started preparations as we speak.”
“Good. When everything is ready, you’ll know what to do.”
“What about General Araneus and Captain Altessa, sir? What do we do with them?” Vidar turned to his Council members and scowled. “Err… yes, of course, sir.” Vidar’s companions bowed and left him. Vidar, on the other hand, made his way back to his main quarters.
It was eerily quiet.
Just as Vidar reached his office, a large fireball flew through the air and hit the dragon grounds. More came and it soon rained fire over Alfheim.
The war bell rang on top of the Pyre.
The city was in chaos. Citizens ran from the sight of the heavily armed, red dragons. They flew above with large vessels held by their talons. They landed and the ships’ doors flung open. Pouring through the streets were savage-looking, undead soldiers wearing thick black and red battle armor. They swarmed in, killing everyone in sight.
*****
Near the docks, Araneus quickly had his armored men gathered together and ordered them to get to their dragons. He quickly mounted Aracania and together, they took to the skies as their other fellow riders followed behind.
He held up his sword and shield and ordered his dragon to fly towards one of the enemies to try and take it down.
“Get me closer!”
Aracania dove right down to their target and bit down hard on its neck to keep it from going any further. Araneus jumped off his saddle and, with the thrust of his sword, dug it right in the back of the dragon's neck while the two beasts thrashed wildly in the air. The enemy dragon dropped the vessel and it crashed down below. Unfortunately, most of the soldiers inside survived and rushed out to join with their brethren in the slaughter.
Aracania quickly grabbed her handler after killing their foe. The mutation's corpse dropped like a stone. Araneus looked around and saw his other men trying to do the same, but the city was still being torn down.
Go down below and unleash your fury!
Aracania dove to the ground. She opened her mouth and exhaled a foul breath upon the onslaught. At first, Araneus believed that their attack worked, but after the green mist disappeared, he was shocked to see that they were not in the least affected.
“General!” Araneus turned around to find one of his officers flying towards him. “Our attacks are bouncing off like they're immune! We're spread too thin to go down and fight them on land. There are way too many of them! We’re estimating over a hundred thousand!”
General Araneus swore under his breath. “How could this have happened? The Council should have known better than to do this, and right before this attack, too! Where are her ladyship and Vidar?”
“I don't know, but what I don't understand is that we are always warned. The Council always knew when to expect an attack because of the Oracles. How could they not have foreseen this?”
Araneus did not have an answer. His thoughts were disrupted by a loud screech. He looked past the gates and out into the horizon. Flying towards the city were more of those foul creatures that attacked Alfheim before: the masked dragon mutations. They were death.
“Evacuate the city. Try and save as many of the civilians as you can and get out of here. With both the Lich’s army and his abominations here, we might be lucky to escape. May the Divines watch us all.”
“Sir, yes, sir!” his officer exclaimed with a salute before ordering his dragon to follow through with Araneus' command.
He watched as some of his soldiers faced the might of the creatures while the other riders followed through with his command. Many of the civilians were rounded up by a few of the larger dragons and were quickly flown away. The General’s fighter dragons clashed with the creatures; the monsters tore the soldiers to shreds before devouring their flesh.
Araneus and Aracania joined the front lines to give his men more time. Aracania aimed her venomous acid shots directly for their masks. After her attack, parts of the mask corroded away, leaving the abomination squealing in agony. The other dragons and their handlers re-grouped to join their General.
However, Aracania abruptly stopped when they saw an apparition appear above their base. It was of one of the members of the Council. It gave off a blinding light that scared off the enemy dragons. They abandoned their onslaught and flew away from the city as quickly as they came. The General gave a breath of relief.
“Citizens of Alfheim!” the phantasm spoke. The member’s voice echoed across the land. “Please get yourself to safety. I cannot hold this spell for very long. Soldiers, please make your way back to the base. Here, we will regroup and launch a counter attack for when those monstrosities return. We will defend this city! Long live the Empire!”
The apparition disappeared and the masked dragons turned around to fly back to Alfheim once more.
We need to report to the base! I bet you Vidar and the Empress are there!
Aracania, however, was not as enthusiastic to return.
Something doesn’t seem right… I’m getting a bad feeling if we go.
I still need to see what’s going on. I need to talk to Vidar.
What good will come of it? I will take you, but I want to observe first before we just walk in. I feel like this is a set up.
I don’t care. Take me back! Aracania reluctantly flew the General back with the other soldiers. However, instead of meeting in the courtyard as instructed, she took a detour and hid behind the trees near the docks. What are you doing?
I want to see before we just fly in there blindly. I am not going to lose you.
This is ridiculous! Why would the Council do anything to trick us?
Aracania had made up her mind and insisted on watching from a distance. Frustrated, Araneus decided to watch as his men gathered together.
Three of the Council members stood on top of the northwest tower by the barracks. The courtyard filled with what little of the soldiers were left, while the docks filled with their dragons. As the last of the riders arrived, the member who created the apparition earlier re-created his illusion to address the military.
“Soldiers of the Imperial Air Force, today marks a transition to a new beginning,” he began, “all of you are the Council’s crowning achievement! But we were betrayed. We never thought that the threat we sought out to destroy would be right here in the city.”
What do you think he means? Aracania didn’t answer; instead she let out a low rumble from her throat.
“Tonight, there was an attempt on Vidar’s life by the traitorous Empress Aryl Aurora. We found evidence that she has been working with the Lich. That’s why he attacked Alfheim! That’s why we’re now seeing these black dragon mutations! She has fed you all lies! She will be hunted down and destroyed for treason.
“We will rise from this darkness and end this war once and for all! Together, we will form a new Empire!”
The soldiers and dragons began cheering to the speech. Araneus and Aracania, however, were not moved.
Let’s get in there and find Vidar. I don’t believe any of this!
Aracania nodded and stepped forward. However, an invisible wall blocked her path.
What is this?
She lifted up her talons to try again, but to no avail. Instead, both her and the General saw a light appear from her touch. It traveled up and webbed outward to outline a magical barrier that encased both the base and the docks.
What… no! They’re trapped inside!
Aracania roared and tried to break through, but the barrier held its place.
The apparition disappeared and so did the Council members. The soldiers and their dragons were about to take their leave, but soon discovered the trap as well. A few moments later, it grew misty inside the magical dome. Panic and screams followed.
What’s happening in there?
Those trapped inside attempted to use magic to save themselves, but the barrier made their efforts inert. Aracania roared in agony as she tried to find a way to bust through. General Araneus jumped off and joined her. He swung his swords, shot at it with his guns; the barrier held strong.
We need to save them!
Aracania sprayed venom and slashed at it repeatedly. Her attempts grew more desperate as those trapped within were banging on their invisible prison. She tried to dig underneath, but the magic seeped deep within the earth.
The two grew exhausted; they watched in horror as their fellow comrades began to drop like flies as they took their final breath. Then…
An eerie silence.
Where are they? I’m going to tear those in the Council limb from limb! Aracania let out a lamenting roar.
Araneus was overcome with grief. His men, his friends…
He clutched his gun and swore, and screamed.
You were right… I’m going to kill him! Where is Vidar? I will kill him myself! Aracania bared her teeth and grabbed him before he could object. What are you doing?
My duty is now to protect you! We cannot face Vidar and the rest of the Council alone! I need to get you out of here!
Araneus did not argue with his dragon. He wanted to protect her too. He became overwhelmed with grief when he thought of all that was lost.
Aracania quickly took flight after Araneus got on the saddle. She zipped through the trees with her wings tucked to her side.
Where are we going?
I… I don’t know. Just away from here. I can’t stand it! We have to go where the Council can’t find us!
The dragon creatures came back to what was left of the city. The Pyre began to chime the seventh hour of the day. One of the beasts opened its mouth and spewed out bolts of lightning that struck the clock. Its rings died as the tower crumbled and exploded.
Alfheim's requiem was heard from the heavens.
Both Aracania and Araneus made their way to Moonridge to try to figure out what to do next. Although the small settlement was not far from Alfheim, Araneus still felt that they would be safe for the time being.
I will stay here until you give the order.
If you do, then I will make sure to have your meals ready. I want you to be well rested and fed before we go anywhere else.
Thank you.
As soon as Araneus stepped inside the inn, he was immediately greeted by Captain Altessa.
“I never thought I’d find you here!” Silver ecstatically exclaimed.
The General was at a loss for words. He was thrilled to see one of his Captains again.
“But… how? I thought you were at the base with everyone else when...” Araneus couldn’t bring himself to say it.
“No, I left after I learned the Council was attempting to assassinate the Empress!” Silver exclaimed. “She ordered me to meet her here!”
“Her ladyship is still alive? That’s a relief!”
“Yes, she is alive and well. What happened at the base?” Silver asked. After they ordered a round of drinks, General Araneus explained what happened in Alfheim. Silver, on the other hand, held an expression of horror. “No… all of them?” he finally asked.
“Aye. Aracania and I couldn’t do a damn thing to save them,” Araneus said as he slammed his tankard against the table. “We watched them die. Out of all my years of fighting and killing, I’ve never seen anything like it. I will never forgive myself for allowing this to happen.”
“How could you have possibly known?”
“If I had acted faster and exposed the Council sooner, then I could have saved my men. My duty was to protect them, to lead them. I failed!” Araneus took a few heavy gulps before he broke down into tears.
They were interrupted when D walked in and joined them. He took off his mask as he sat down.
“Finally, I was wondering when you would arrive!” Silver exclaimed.
Araneus, however, was confused. “Who are you? I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
“Hey, watch who you’re speaking to!” Silver cried. “This here is the true Emperor of Armageddon!”
Araneus spat out his mead. “What? Emperor?”
“Genesis, I’ve asked you before to keep your damn mouth shut.” D warned, “I’ll put that curse back on you if you can’t.”
“I’ve never heard of us having an Emperor, not within the last two hundred years!” Araneus exclaimed in shock.
“Thanks to your Captain’s big mouth, that’s because I’ve been in hiding for the last two hundred years,” D answered. “I’m not here to talk. Genesis, you better have a good reason for asking me to meet you here, now with what’s happening to Alfheim-”
“Ah! Then follow me! You will appreciate this! General, I shall return momentarily!” Silver interrupted happily and beckoned D to come over to the first room upstairs.
The corridor leading to the inn’s rooms were small and quaint. Silver stood by the first door grinning ear to ear.
“What is this about?” D asked.
“Before I open this door for you, I need you to turn around,” Silver stated. D did not seem enthusiastic by Silver’s proposition.
“Why should I?”
“You will thank me for this later. I promise you!” Silver placed his right hand over his heart and raised his left. “Now please, turn around. When I open this door, everything will be explained.” D reluctantly did as Silver asked. When he was sure that D could not see the door, Silver opened it. “All right, now turn around!”
When D did, he almost fell over. Standing in the room was Aryl Aurora, the Empress. His wife…
“Hello, Vulduin.”
D was paralyzed in his spot. Unsure of what to do or say, he quickly reached up and patted his hair down with one hand and held up his mask to his chest with the other.
Aryl’s eyes filled with tears. Before she could say a word, D ran over and tightly embraced her.
“You’re still just as beautiful as the day you were taken away from me,” he whispered.
“It's been a long time, Vulduin.”D trembled in his spot and quickly brought her into a long, passionate kiss. When they finally broke apart, he kept his arms wrapped around her.
“Yes it has,” Vulduin whispered. “Over two hundred years. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard you utter my name. The years have been nothing but torment in not being able to see you again. I will never leave your side again.”
Chapter 29
The sky quickly turned charcoal and the ran hammered down.
Silver stood outside of the Moonridge Inn and looked out into the horizon. He kept his concentration and gaze fixed in the direction of Snowhaven. Aracania paid no attention, as she was relaxing after a delicious meal.
General Araneus soon joined him with another glass of mead. “I don’t think we should stay here any longer, but I don’t know where else to go. I know you’re watching out for Liongod. If the Council has been planning their betrayal, then I don’t think there’s any hope for her and the others. I can’t believe that damn bastard kept sending me false reports on their mission! Vidar gave me letters that he claimed were sent by Liongod, stating that they were safely waiting in Snowhaven for reinforcements! Only the Divines can tell what’s really going on in the Water Kingdom!”
“I don’t believe that!” Silver stated. “She’ll be fine. I’ll go after her if I have to.”
“Then let Aracania and I join you,” Araneus pleaded. “I think Selena and Azrael may be the only riders left, aside myself.”
Silver shook his head. “I’m sorry, General. Your duty is to protect the Emperor and Empress,” he said. “I need to protect my future wife.”
Araneus held up his hand. “No, not after what happened. I let all of my men down. I let the Council kill them. I don’t deserve to be a General anymore.”
“How could you have known?”
“I was getting close to exposing Vidar and the others right before the attack. I needed to bring them to justice. I wanted to show her ladyship all the evidence I found.”
Silver hung his head low. “Even if you did, I don’t think it would have made a difference. What would the Empress have done? The Lich already took over the Empire once the Council pledged their loyalty to him. I’m so sorry.”
“It doesn’t matter. I still failed my duty. If we do somehow manage to survive all this and miraculously take the Empire back, I don’t think I can take back my position. Not after all that.”
“You only fail if you give up. We still have a war to win. Please, pardon me.” Silver bowed and turned sharply on his heels to head back inside.
“I will be fine. Don’t worry about me. Just get to Nuvak and all of you need to stay with Chaliss. That is an order.”
Aryl pawed at the window to open it. She winced when she heard voices from the other side of her barricade. There was a command from Vidar to break in.
“They’re coming!” Loki cried.
She didn’t have time to act. The Empress closed her eyes and concentrated. Just as the Council blasted through her barrier, she opened her eyes and the world froze around her.
Knowing her spell would not last long, she and Loki quickly made haste and jumped out the window. Although they were not frozen along with everyone else within their proximity, their movements were slowed drastically.
When their paws touched the ground, Aryl’s spell wore off. The two quickly ran away and disappeared outside the city gates.
The Council men blasted their way through to get into the bed chamber but were disappointed to find that the room was empty. Vidar quickly made his way through with his sword ready in one hand and a ball of fire in the other. His eyes quickly darted to the open window, and swore under his breath.
“Shall we give pursuit, Vidar?” one of the men asked.
Vidar hook his head. “We don't have time. The Dark Master has already given us the order to let his troops into the city when they arrive. We will soon see the Nidhoggr carrying vessels with at least a thousand men each. Today, Alfheim will fall.”
“What about the soldiers?” another asked.
Vidar turned around and gave his men a creepy smile. He left the room with everyone else following closely behind. “As soon as the attack begins, I want you to carry out plan X.”
“Of course, sir. We’ve already started preparations as we speak.”
“Good. When everything is ready, you’ll know what to do.”
“What about General Araneus and Captain Altessa, sir? What do we do with them?” Vidar turned to his Council members and scowled. “Err… yes, of course, sir.” Vidar’s companions bowed and left him. Vidar, on the other hand, made his way back to his main quarters.
It was eerily quiet.
Just as Vidar reached his office, a large fireball flew through the air and hit the dragon grounds. More came and it soon rained fire over Alfheim.
The war bell rang on top of the Pyre.
The city was in chaos. Citizens ran from the sight of the heavily armed, red dragons. They flew above with large vessels held by their talons. They landed and the ships’ doors flung open. Pouring through the streets were savage-looking, undead soldiers wearing thick black and red battle armor. They swarmed in, killing everyone in sight.
*****
Near the docks, Araneus quickly had his armored men gathered together and ordered them to get to their dragons. He quickly mounted Aracania and together, they took to the skies as their other fellow riders followed behind.
He held up his sword and shield and ordered his dragon to fly towards one of the enemies to try and take it down.
“Get me closer!”
Aracania dove right down to their target and bit down hard on its neck to keep it from going any further. Araneus jumped off his saddle and, with the thrust of his sword, dug it right in the back of the dragon's neck while the two beasts thrashed wildly in the air. The enemy dragon dropped the vessel and it crashed down below. Unfortunately, most of the soldiers inside survived and rushed out to join with their brethren in the slaughter.
Aracania quickly grabbed her handler after killing their foe. The mutation's corpse dropped like a stone. Araneus looked around and saw his other men trying to do the same, but the city was still being torn down.
Go down below and unleash your fury!
Aracania dove to the ground. She opened her mouth and exhaled a foul breath upon the onslaught. At first, Araneus believed that their attack worked, but after the green mist disappeared, he was shocked to see that they were not in the least affected.
“General!” Araneus turned around to find one of his officers flying towards him. “Our attacks are bouncing off like they're immune! We're spread too thin to go down and fight them on land. There are way too many of them! We’re estimating over a hundred thousand!”
General Araneus swore under his breath. “How could this have happened? The Council should have known better than to do this, and right before this attack, too! Where are her ladyship and Vidar?”
“I don't know, but what I don't understand is that we are always warned. The Council always knew when to expect an attack because of the Oracles. How could they not have foreseen this?”
Araneus did not have an answer. His thoughts were disrupted by a loud screech. He looked past the gates and out into the horizon. Flying towards the city were more of those foul creatures that attacked Alfheim before: the masked dragon mutations. They were death.
“Evacuate the city. Try and save as many of the civilians as you can and get out of here. With both the Lich’s army and his abominations here, we might be lucky to escape. May the Divines watch us all.”
“Sir, yes, sir!” his officer exclaimed with a salute before ordering his dragon to follow through with Araneus' command.
He watched as some of his soldiers faced the might of the creatures while the other riders followed through with his command. Many of the civilians were rounded up by a few of the larger dragons and were quickly flown away. The General’s fighter dragons clashed with the creatures; the monsters tore the soldiers to shreds before devouring their flesh.
Araneus and Aracania joined the front lines to give his men more time. Aracania aimed her venomous acid shots directly for their masks. After her attack, parts of the mask corroded away, leaving the abomination squealing in agony. The other dragons and their handlers re-grouped to join their General.
However, Aracania abruptly stopped when they saw an apparition appear above their base. It was of one of the members of the Council. It gave off a blinding light that scared off the enemy dragons. They abandoned their onslaught and flew away from the city as quickly as they came. The General gave a breath of relief.
“Citizens of Alfheim!” the phantasm spoke. The member’s voice echoed across the land. “Please get yourself to safety. I cannot hold this spell for very long. Soldiers, please make your way back to the base. Here, we will regroup and launch a counter attack for when those monstrosities return. We will defend this city! Long live the Empire!”
The apparition disappeared and the masked dragons turned around to fly back to Alfheim once more.
We need to report to the base! I bet you Vidar and the Empress are there!
Aracania, however, was not as enthusiastic to return.
Something doesn’t seem right… I’m getting a bad feeling if we go.
I still need to see what’s going on. I need to talk to Vidar.
What good will come of it? I will take you, but I want to observe first before we just walk in. I feel like this is a set up.
I don’t care. Take me back! Aracania reluctantly flew the General back with the other soldiers. However, instead of meeting in the courtyard as instructed, she took a detour and hid behind the trees near the docks. What are you doing?
I want to see before we just fly in there blindly. I am not going to lose you.
This is ridiculous! Why would the Council do anything to trick us?
Aracania had made up her mind and insisted on watching from a distance. Frustrated, Araneus decided to watch as his men gathered together.
Three of the Council members stood on top of the northwest tower by the barracks. The courtyard filled with what little of the soldiers were left, while the docks filled with their dragons. As the last of the riders arrived, the member who created the apparition earlier re-created his illusion to address the military.
“Soldiers of the Imperial Air Force, today marks a transition to a new beginning,” he began, “all of you are the Council’s crowning achievement! But we were betrayed. We never thought that the threat we sought out to destroy would be right here in the city.”
What do you think he means? Aracania didn’t answer; instead she let out a low rumble from her throat.
“Tonight, there was an attempt on Vidar’s life by the traitorous Empress Aryl Aurora. We found evidence that she has been working with the Lich. That’s why he attacked Alfheim! That’s why we’re now seeing these black dragon mutations! She has fed you all lies! She will be hunted down and destroyed for treason.
“We will rise from this darkness and end this war once and for all! Together, we will form a new Empire!”
The soldiers and dragons began cheering to the speech. Araneus and Aracania, however, were not moved.
Let’s get in there and find Vidar. I don’t believe any of this!
Aracania nodded and stepped forward. However, an invisible wall blocked her path.
What is this?
She lifted up her talons to try again, but to no avail. Instead, both her and the General saw a light appear from her touch. It traveled up and webbed outward to outline a magical barrier that encased both the base and the docks.
What… no! They’re trapped inside!
Aracania roared and tried to break through, but the barrier held its place.
The apparition disappeared and so did the Council members. The soldiers and their dragons were about to take their leave, but soon discovered the trap as well. A few moments later, it grew misty inside the magical dome. Panic and screams followed.
What’s happening in there?
Those trapped inside attempted to use magic to save themselves, but the barrier made their efforts inert. Aracania roared in agony as she tried to find a way to bust through. General Araneus jumped off and joined her. He swung his swords, shot at it with his guns; the barrier held strong.
We need to save them!
Aracania sprayed venom and slashed at it repeatedly. Her attempts grew more desperate as those trapped within were banging on their invisible prison. She tried to dig underneath, but the magic seeped deep within the earth.
The two grew exhausted; they watched in horror as their fellow comrades began to drop like flies as they took their final breath. Then…
An eerie silence.
Where are they? I’m going to tear those in the Council limb from limb! Aracania let out a lamenting roar.
Araneus was overcome with grief. His men, his friends…
He clutched his gun and swore, and screamed.
You were right… I’m going to kill him! Where is Vidar? I will kill him myself! Aracania bared her teeth and grabbed him before he could object. What are you doing?
My duty is now to protect you! We cannot face Vidar and the rest of the Council alone! I need to get you out of here!
Araneus did not argue with his dragon. He wanted to protect her too. He became overwhelmed with grief when he thought of all that was lost.
Aracania quickly took flight after Araneus got on the saddle. She zipped through the trees with her wings tucked to her side.
Where are we going?
I… I don’t know. Just away from here. I can’t stand it! We have to go where the Council can’t find us!
The dragon creatures came back to what was left of the city. The Pyre began to chime the seventh hour of the day. One of the beasts opened its mouth and spewed out bolts of lightning that struck the clock. Its rings died as the tower crumbled and exploded.
Alfheim's requiem was heard from the heavens.
Both Aracania and Araneus made their way to Moonridge to try to figure out what to do next. Although the small settlement was not far from Alfheim, Araneus still felt that they would be safe for the time being.
I will stay here until you give the order.
If you do, then I will make sure to have your meals ready. I want you to be well rested and fed before we go anywhere else.
Thank you.
As soon as Araneus stepped inside the inn, he was immediately greeted by Captain Altessa.
“I never thought I’d find you here!” Silver ecstatically exclaimed.
The General was at a loss for words. He was thrilled to see one of his Captains again.
“But… how? I thought you were at the base with everyone else when...” Araneus couldn’t bring himself to say it.
“No, I left after I learned the Council was attempting to assassinate the Empress!” Silver exclaimed. “She ordered me to meet her here!”
“Her ladyship is still alive? That’s a relief!”
“Yes, she is alive and well. What happened at the base?” Silver asked. After they ordered a round of drinks, General Araneus explained what happened in Alfheim. Silver, on the other hand, held an expression of horror. “No… all of them?” he finally asked.
“Aye. Aracania and I couldn’t do a damn thing to save them,” Araneus said as he slammed his tankard against the table. “We watched them die. Out of all my years of fighting and killing, I’ve never seen anything like it. I will never forgive myself for allowing this to happen.”
“How could you have possibly known?”
“If I had acted faster and exposed the Council sooner, then I could have saved my men. My duty was to protect them, to lead them. I failed!” Araneus took a few heavy gulps before he broke down into tears.
They were interrupted when D walked in and joined them. He took off his mask as he sat down.
“Finally, I was wondering when you would arrive!” Silver exclaimed.
Araneus, however, was confused. “Who are you? I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
“Hey, watch who you’re speaking to!” Silver cried. “This here is the true Emperor of Armageddon!”
Araneus spat out his mead. “What? Emperor?”
“Genesis, I’ve asked you before to keep your damn mouth shut.” D warned, “I’ll put that curse back on you if you can’t.”
“I’ve never heard of us having an Emperor, not within the last two hundred years!” Araneus exclaimed in shock.
“Thanks to your Captain’s big mouth, that’s because I’ve been in hiding for the last two hundred years,” D answered. “I’m not here to talk. Genesis, you better have a good reason for asking me to meet you here, now with what’s happening to Alfheim-”
“Ah! Then follow me! You will appreciate this! General, I shall return momentarily!” Silver interrupted happily and beckoned D to come over to the first room upstairs.
The corridor leading to the inn’s rooms were small and quaint. Silver stood by the first door grinning ear to ear.
“What is this about?” D asked.
“Before I open this door for you, I need you to turn around,” Silver stated. D did not seem enthusiastic by Silver’s proposition.
“Why should I?”
“You will thank me for this later. I promise you!” Silver placed his right hand over his heart and raised his left. “Now please, turn around. When I open this door, everything will be explained.” D reluctantly did as Silver asked. When he was sure that D could not see the door, Silver opened it. “All right, now turn around!”
When D did, he almost fell over. Standing in the room was Aryl Aurora, the Empress. His wife…
“Hello, Vulduin.”
D was paralyzed in his spot. Unsure of what to do or say, he quickly reached up and patted his hair down with one hand and held up his mask to his chest with the other.
Aryl’s eyes filled with tears. Before she could say a word, D ran over and tightly embraced her.
“You’re still just as beautiful as the day you were taken away from me,” he whispered.
“It's been a long time, Vulduin.”D trembled in his spot and quickly brought her into a long, passionate kiss. When they finally broke apart, he kept his arms wrapped around her.
“Yes it has,” Vulduin whispered. “Over two hundred years. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard you utter my name. The years have been nothing but torment in not being able to see you again. I will never leave your side again.”
Chapter 29
The sky quickly turned charcoal and the ran hammered down.
Silver stood outside of the Moonridge Inn and looked out into the horizon. He kept his concentration and gaze fixed in the direction of Snowhaven. Aracania paid no attention, as she was relaxing after a delicious meal.
General Araneus soon joined him with another glass of mead. “I don’t think we should stay here any longer, but I don’t know where else to go. I know you’re watching out for Liongod. If the Council has been planning their betrayal, then I don’t think there’s any hope for her and the others. I can’t believe that damn bastard kept sending me false reports on their mission! Vidar gave me letters that he claimed were sent by Liongod, stating that they were safely waiting in Snowhaven for reinforcements! Only the Divines can tell what’s really going on in the Water Kingdom!”
“I don’t believe that!” Silver stated. “She’ll be fine. I’ll go after her if I have to.”
“Then let Aracania and I join you,” Araneus pleaded. “I think Selena and Azrael may be the only riders left, aside myself.”
Silver shook his head. “I’m sorry, General. Your duty is to protect the Emperor and Empress,” he said. “I need to protect my future wife.”
Araneus held up his hand. “No, not after what happened. I let all of my men down. I let the Council kill them. I don’t deserve to be a General anymore.”
“How could you have known?”
“I was getting close to exposing Vidar and the others right before the attack. I needed to bring them to justice. I wanted to show her ladyship all the evidence I found.”
Silver hung his head low. “Even if you did, I don’t think it would have made a difference. What would the Empress have done? The Lich already took over the Empire once the Council pledged their loyalty to him. I’m so sorry.”
“It doesn’t matter. I still failed my duty. If we do somehow manage to survive all this and miraculously take the Empire back, I don’t think I can take back my position. Not after all that.”
“You only fail if you give up. We still have a war to win. Please, pardon me.” Silver bowed and turned sharply on his heels to head back inside.
