Undeath and the Dewester Set: Kingdom of Zarias, #1

By Frank Hyden

The Summers family siblings are scattered across the Kingdom of Zarias after the death of their parents at the hands of the despotic madman Galren. Each must find their way in the world whether it be through war, magic, or battling their inner demons.

 

Dustin, the oldest, fights to stop a civil war from erupting in the north. But at what cost?

Zachary, the outcast, learns magic as a means to protect the world. But what lengths is he willing to go to?

Serena, the only daughter, struggles to contain the Berserker Rage passed down to her by her father. But can she control her growing anger?

Daniel, the young prodigy, fights to protect those he loves. But can his teenage shoulders handle the burden he places on himself?

 

Galren seeks to rule the world and he's joined by the vile necromancer Novah and their apprentice Rosalie.

 

As this is happening many adventurers are racing across the world trying to find the pieces of the Dewester Set, Mythic Items that grant the wearer extraordinary powers that can be further boosted by combining multiple pieces of the set.

 

There are many more characters in this epic tale that spans several viewpoints at once. Kingdom of Zarias is a world of magic, swords, fantasy, epic fights, and terrible monsters who lurk in the shadows.

 

This is the first book in the Kingdom of Zarias series. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Frank Hyden
• Release date: Jan 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201148430

Frank Hyden

Frank Hyden has spent his entire life reading and watching every book, movie, and TV show he can in his relentless pursuit of knowledge. He considers open-mindedness and empathy to be among the most important traits one should strive for. A lifelong sports fan, Frank enjoys following the ups and downs of a game and season.

Book preview

Chapter 1- It Begins

August 15th  Summers Family

After a long career fighting for King Horace and his father before him as one of the fabled Berserkers, Brett Summers has retired with his wife and children to the small city of Balania on the southern coast of Valano. He's highly regarded in the city and lives in a palatial estate in the center of town. His wife Ruth has given birth to 5 children-

Dustin, 25. The second-in-command of Legion Two. His family believes him to be dead, lost fighting in the mountains of Argen as the kingdom attempts to quell an uprising from the Zatine people. He's a strong warrior despite not possessing the Berserker Rage his father had and was able to harness.

Zachary, 21. A brilliant sorcerer but too willing to cross the line, especially in his pursuit of knowledge. His family fears he's been dabbling in necromancy and demonology, both of which are strictly forbidden in the kingdom.

Serena, 18. Has recently started training to fight after her father learned that she inherited the Berserker Rage from him. She first needs to learn how to harness the rage before she can call it forth.

Daniel, 15. Has shown a tremendous aptitude for battle despite showing no signs of having the Berserker Rage. He's already fought in a war, the Pelofahine War, where he killed 3 Draugrs. He joined Legion One nearly a year ago, the premier legion in all the land.

Horace, 11. Named in honor of the king, Horace hasn't shown much ability or desire towards fighting. He prefers to read and write stories.

Brett is outside chopping wood as Serena watches and Horace writes on a scroll. Brett was once a powerful and strong man standing 6'2 but age has changed much of his muscle into flab or just removed it completely. His hair and beard are now gray, showing the result of a lifetime of battle. Serena has recently married a man named Matt Townsend and they live in a nice house across the street from her parents. Serena stands 5'6 and has the fit body of a young person. Her hair is as red as fire and stretches to the middle of her back. Matt is a member of the City Guard and is just returning from patrol with other guards. He stands 5'10" with short brown hair and is powerfully built. Horace is a little short for his age but his beautiful blonde hair ensures that's one of the secondary things people think of when they see him.

Hail, Lord Summers. Matt rides up to the wooden fence that surrounds the house on his black Friesian horse. You know, you really should have one of your servants do that kind of work for you.

Matt. Brett nods before sending his axe down into the wood, splitting it in two. The day I need help chopping wood I'll ask for it, but not a day sooner.

Wife. Matt puts his hand out as he calls for Serena. She walks over to the fence and extends her own hand. Matt takes it and kisses it. How'd I get so lucky? Suddenly, loud bells begin ringing and a man comes running down the street from the south.

Attack! We're being attacked! The man shouts as he races down the street to try to alert everyone. Matt immediately starts riding toward the direction the man was running from, as do several other members of the City Guard. The faint sound of thundering hooves to the south fills the air.

The horsemen of the City Guard charge into battle on the edge of the village against an approaching horde of Leiperts who seek to destroy everything in their path. Leiperts are a race of bipedal lizard-like people from the country Drziong who are covered in scales and have a protruding mouth full of sharp teeth. There are many types of Leiperts but the ones attacking today are the most common type. They're approximately five and a half feet tall and 150lbs. with their scale color varying from light gray to dark green, though some can have dark brown scales. Their strength level is nearly that of a grown man and they have the advantage of possessing sharp claws on the tips of their fingers.

The sound of metal striking metal and metal striking scale ring out as the battle cries of both the guardsmen and the Leiperts fill the air. Most of the guardsmen got off their horses to better fight the Leiperts. Matt stays on his horse long enough to pull out his crossbow and shoot an arrow right into the neck of a Leipert who was charging an unarmed citizen. He then gets off his horse and grabs his halberd before charging a group of three Leiperts who are slaughtering an old man.

Ruth, get my sword then hide in the cellar! Brett yells as he rushes inside his house. Serena, grab your sword but stay behind me! Horace, run to the church and send word to the king! Brett grabs his sword from his wife and begins concentrating. He retired from the Berserkers three years ago but he remembers well the lessons he learned over a 35+ year career in the king's army. His rage has diminished with age but there's still enough there to fight today. The thought of his family and village in danger also fuels him and gives him enough anger to trigger that spark to light the warrior within.

Many are born with the potential to be Berserkers but it takes training and dedication to succeed. It's just like alchemy, fighting, magic, martial arts, or any other skill you learn over time. It takes time to learn how to properly harness your anger and use it as a weapon. It's not enough to just be angry or filled with rage, you have to focus that energy toward a goal. There's a danger when a person is first learning to be a Berserker that they can lose control of themselves and allow their emotions to overwhelm them. A person can tap into the power of the Berserker without being able to control it and that's extremely dangerous to those around that person. However, when you do learn to harness your anger and focus it, it becomes a sight to behold.

Serena runs across the street and grabs her sword as Brett takes a few deep breaths and concentrates, lighting the fire within. His chest heaves up and down as he gasps for breath. His eyes immediately turn all white, an outward reminder of the tenuous grasp on self-control that all Berserkers struggle with. Everything is a potential target. There are no friends or allies to a Berserker, though they won't attack each other. It's an almost supernatural exception without explanation. It's as if the Berserkers can sense each other and that makes them refrain from attacking one like them. Brett holds his sword in the air and unleashes a primal scream before charging down the road at the horde of Leiperts, Serena following him.

Horace starts running in the opposite direction, towards the church. Once there, he intends to send a bird to the king. These aren't normal birds, they're not living birds. Instead, these are beings made of pure magical energy that have been created to fulfill this role and do it much faster. Horace has no experience with these birds but the fledgling wizard there, Ernesto, does and he'll be able to send word to the king. The Leiperts have proven to be as dangerous and deadly as their reputation. A few have even pushed their way this far into town and are butchering citizens. Their anguished cries for help ring in Horace's ears as he nears the church.

Every person capable of even holding a sword is trying to fight back as the horde advances. Brett charges into the middle, roaring as he slashes and carves his way through enemy after enemy. It's a sight to behold and one that simultaneously fills Serena with the hope that she could someday have such power and also fear in that she doesn't know if she'd be able to control such strength. Matt and some of the other guardsmen are having a hard time with their fearsome enemy. Matt kills another Leipert but gets slashed across the chest with two of its claws and whipped with the tail of another one. That blow knocks him off his feet and a third Leipert jumps on him and starts clawing with animalistic ferocity.

Matt! Serena screams as she sees this happen. She tries fighting her way over to him but there's a lot of bodies in the way. Two other guardsmen join her and together they clear out the Leiperts surrounding Matt.

I'm...I'm all right. Matt says between gasps. He's hurt worse than he's letting on but he's got enough strength to continue. The group tries to link up with Brett while giving him plenty of space. Suddenly, one of the other guardsmen gets impaled with a Magic Arrow spell that bores a three-inch hole through the man's chest. The dead man collapses to the ground.

Teddy! The other guardsman yells as a Leipert swipes at him and claws him in the shoulder. Serena's heart pounds wildly in her chest but she tries to remember the lessons her father was trying to teach her. It's not enough to just control your anger, you have to control your fear as well. Serena looks and sees the Warmage that sent the Magic Arrow spell and is preparing another.

No! Serena yells as she charges. However, two Leipert are in her way and one swings a mighty battleaxe that she barely dodges. The other guardsman is shot and killed with a Magic Arrow spell, this one nearly cutting his head off. Brett continues cutting through swarms of enemies. One of his swings cuts the right arm off of a Leipert then the head off another and nearly cuts another in two. Blood and chunks of flesh are flying everywhere. Leipert blood is the same shade of red that human blood is so it's hard to tell how badly hurt Brett is. He's covered in blood but shows no signs of slowing down, despite an arrow sticking in his stomach and two more sticking out of his back. Most of the other guardsmen have been killed by now, along with dozens of the citizens. There's at least a hundred Leiperts left, though scores have been killed already.

On the north end of town, Zachary Summers has emerged from his house upon hearing the sounds of battle. He's been trying to learn as much dark magic as he can but the village doesn't have any of those books in the library so Zach has been traveling to other cities as often as he can to try to procure as much knowledge as possible. Zach is a long and gangly 6'5" but with little muscle mass. His long hair falls to his shoulder blades and is also blonde. All the Summers boys have blonde hair, though Zach wishes that wasn't so in his case. Zach made himself some robes earlier this year and is always wearing them. They flow around his body almost like water.

A Leipert has just killed one of his neighbors and is running his way. Zach has just enough time to quickly scrawl a symbol in the dirt as he pulls out a few of his hairs and snaps his fingers, lighting the chemicals on his fingertips on fire just enough to set those hairs on fire. Zach drops the burning hairs onto the symbol and steps back. As the Leipert passes over the symbol a red light flashes and the symbol travels up into the air and slices the Leipert into pieces. That's fine for one at a time and Zach would also have to know where the Leiperts are coming from, but that's not going to work for a horde of this size.

Horace enters the empty church followed closely by two Leiperts. One is wielding a sword while the other fights with his claws and fists. Horace pulls a chair behind him as he rushes to the stairs leading to Ernesto's room. The unarmed Leipert grabs his leg and claws his ankle and foot, drawing blood, but Horace is able to get to Ernesto's room. The door is immediately slammed and barred by Ernesto, who heard the commotion.

Why have you come here? You should be hiding with the others! Ernesto shouts as the Leiperts begin beating on the heavy wooden door.

We have to warn the king! Horace yells.

Yes, I'm preparing a bird right now! Ernesto replies. Horace throws himself against the door, trying to prevent it from being busted open as Ernesto gestures with his hands and manifests a bird-like being comprised entirely of brilliant electric blue energy. One of the Leiperts has smashed through the upper half of the door and has begun clawing at Horace. Get away from the door! Horace runs over to Ernesto.

What do we do? Horace asks as the door is smashed into wooden chunks and the Leiperts advance into the room.

Get behind me! Ernesto instructs as he finishes gesturing and sends the bird off through the open window to its destination. He turns to face the Leiperts. You may kill me but you're going to regret this!

Shut up! The Leipert with the sword yells in a garbled voice that sounds like he's been chewing glass as he charges Ernesto and sends them both flying out the window and into the street below. On the way down the Leipert plunges his sword deep into Ernesto's chest. That coupled with the Leipert landing directly on Ernesto as they hit the ground kills him.

St-stay back! Horace shouts as the unarmed Leipert walks slowly towards him with a smirk on his face. The Leipert slashes his five claws from his right hand across the chest of Horace, gashing him deeply with each claw and sending blood pouring out of him. At the same time, the Leipert drives the claws on his left hand deep into Horace's neck, nearly decapitating the young boy. The Leipert then grabs Horace by his blonde hair and finishes the job, pulling his head clean off his shoulders. Blood pours everywhere as the Leipert casually tosses Horace's severed head out the window and down the street.

Brett gets shot with a few more arrows as more Leiperts rush to his position. His Berserker state prevents him from showing the effects of the arrows but his strength is being sapped from the loss of blood. There's been collateral damage as friendly Leiperts have been struck with arrows as well but they all know they have to take out the most dangerous foe on the battlefield, which is Brett. Matt and Serena are engaged with the two Leiperts between them and the deadly Warmage, who's taking aim at Brett.

No! Serena screams as she slashes her Leipert across the shoulder with her sword. Matt has disarmed his opponent of his battleaxe and finishes him off with a mighty swing of his halberd that chops off his right arm just below the elbow and digs the blade deep into his torso. Matt comes over to help Serena with her enemy and together they finish him off just as the Warmage launches a Magic Arrow spell that cuts Brett's left arm off at the shoulder. No! Father! Serena screams again. Brett staggers and roars as he leaps at the Warmage, gutting him with a massive sword slash across the stomach. The Warmage's innards spill out onto the ground as his body crumples and he falls. Things begin to move in slow motion for Serena. All she can hear is the sound of her pulse thundering in her ears. She can see the strength leaving her father as he turns towards her, the all-white color leaving his eyes as they return to their normal brown. He might be able to survive having his arm cut off, the Magic Arrow spell cauterized the wound so he's not bleeding from there. However, he has many other cuts and slashes that are bleeding so it would be close.

I love you. Brett says to Serena, though she can't hear him.

I love yo- Serena begins to say but a massive blade decapitates Brett and sends his head flying. An enormous man riding an enormous horse rides past, killing a few more guardsmen and citizens on the way. That's the biggest man she's ever seen. Serena's brain doesn't even register what's happened for a few moments as Brett's headless body stands for a few seconds before toppling over. Serena falls to her hands and knees, still struggling to comprehend what's happened. Matt is also stunned and he doesn't notice a Leipert coming up behind him. Serena screams but it's too late and he drives an axe deep into his back. Matt cries out in pain and spins around, slicing the Leipert across the throat and killing him. Matt is mortally wounded, though, and he falls to the ground near Serena. Seeing her father and the man she loves killed back to back has pushed Serena too far. She struggles desperately to stop her anger from overwhelming her.

No... Matt crawls over to Serena, trying to pull her back. Berserkers, especially young ones, can lose themselves in their Rage. There's a danger of forever altering their mind to the point that they're never the same again. They can go insane or become heartless killers. It takes a long time to learn to get some control of the Rage but only an instant to lose it completely. Matt's never seen Serena like this, her eyes are wide and changing from their usual green to all-white and back again. Her teeth are bared in a vicious snarl and her chest is heaving up and down as she gasps for breath. No...please...don't... Matt barely has the strength to put his hand to her cheek. He doesn't realize that Serena's outward tumult is but a fraction of what's happening inside her. Serena's fighting for control like never before, trying to tamp her anger down. She knows she can't stop it but she needs to slow it down.

Zachary watches as his magic trap has torn apart the Leipert that was trying to kill him. His mind immediately thinks about how much more he has to learn and the power he could possess. Something catches his eye as it falls into the street up ahead. He runs up that way and sees that it's a Leipert that's just killed Ernesto. Suddenly, something else falls from the sky and lands next to him. He bends over and picks it up and sees that it's the head of Horace, his younger brother. Zach regards the head for a moment, not believing what he’s seeing. He looks up and sees an enormous man riding an enormous horse on the other side of town and at least a dozen Leiperts rushing through the city killing everyone they see.

I'm sorry, brother. Zach says with tears in his eyes as he lays the head down on a chair by the back door. There's only one thing to do. Zach steps back and starts waving his arms and making hand gestures, conjuring a gray-colored portal in front of him that he steps through and vanishes.

My love...don't...lose yourself... Matt presses his hand to Serena's cheek with the last of his strength. I love you. Matt whispers before slipping away. Serena knows the city is lost. All the guardsmen are dead. Most, if not all, of the citizens, are dead. Her father is dead, her husband is dead. Her mother and brothers are likely dead. Why not give in to all the pain and anger? Serena sees a Leipert by himself, just down the road. It's hard to tell exactly how far away he is, her perception is off because the Berserker Rage is almost overtaking her. The last thing she remembers thinking is that it's time to make someone else feel her pain.

Serena growls as she leaps to her feet and grabs her sword. She charges the lone Leipert, who takes one look at the crazed white-eyed savage rushing at him and starts running in the opposite direction. Serena chases the Leipert out of the village and into the forest. She chases him for over a mile before the Leipert finally stops and decides to fight her. Her skill is unpolished and rough but the sheer ferocity of her strikes still makes her a dangerous opponent. He's able to cut and bloody her but she doesn't stop and eventually, the Leipert makes a mistake that she can capitalize on. He puts his guard down for a second as he blocks one of her attacks with his sword and is thrown off-balance. Serena seizes the opportunity and she cuts his left arm off at the elbow with a mighty strike. Blood gushes out of his stump as he puts his other hand up.

No, don- The Leipert starts to say in a very gravelly voice right before Serena shoves her sword down his throat and kills him. The Leipert falls to the ground but Serena continues stabbing him over and over with her sword, screaming as she does so.

The enormous man rides to the far edge of town on his horse before circling back and heading towards the church. He gets off his huge armored horse and stands on the road behind the church. The man is nearly 7'0" and weighs probably 350lbs. He's bare-chested, wearing only pants and boots and with muscle on top of muscle. A strange rune of sorts adorns his back from top to bottom. He also has different runes on his arms and a cold and expressionless face. His black hair is short but neatly combed. An electric blue-colored portal appears next to him and two figures step out of it. One is a blonde-haired woman and the other is a bone-white Leipert. Both are wearing flowing black robes. The tall man closes his eyes.

Everyone is dead. Burn it all. The tall man orders the woman and the Leipert before taking notice of something by the back entrance to the church. Walking over to it, he sees that it's the head of a human boy. He grabs it and places Horace's head on a spike and hands it to the Leipert, who waves his hand and gestures and puts the head in a white portal that opens up. The woman casts fire from her hand as she touches the back wall of the church, instantly lighting it ablaze. They walk down the street as the flames spread. Most of the 200 Leiperts who led the attack are dead but the 90 who live join the trio on the back road. An electric blue portal opens and the Leipert enter it two at a time until they're all gone. Flames have engulfed most of the village by now as the man looks around before entering the portal himself, followed by the woman and the bone-white Leipert.

Chapter 2: Enter Daniel

August 15th  Daniel

It's been an hour since Serena chased a lone Leipert into the woods outside of Balania and killed it. She rampaged around for a while but, finding no other enemies to fight, she started calming down as she sat under a tree. The sky is blue with barely any clouds in sight. A slight wind blows from the north, brushing across her face and lifting strands of her hair. It's relaxing and peaceful, while just a mile to the west is the burning village of Balania. She sits down under a tree and leans back against the trunk.

Serena can't smell the destruction left behind by the Leiperts and whoever was with them. She can't feel the many cuts and scrapes on her arms and legs, she can't feel anything. Serena is numb to everything. Some of that is due to coming down from the Berserker Rage and some of it is because of what happened. Watching her husband and father be killed in front of her is an extremely traumatic experience that has left her feeling dead inside. Though she didn't see it she also knows that her mother and brothers are dead as well. They have to be, considering the ferocity of the assault on the village. Serena's faded in and out of consciousness for the last hour, the Rage has drained her of nearly all of her energy. She sees a couple of figures coming up to her as her eyelids get heavier by the second. Both figures are Velen, a race of long-lived and graceful people who value nature and knowledge and are looked at as being the original inhabitants of the world. There's tremendous debate about that but there's no question that they're among the most intelligent people in the world. Velen are about five and a half feet tall and weigh 120lbs. The males can be a little bigger and the female a little smaller and Velen skin color can range from white to pale red to dark blue, with some even having brown skin. They all have slightly pointed ears, though the degree varies from person to person.

Hey, she's coming around! The male says as Serena awakens. The female crouches down next to her.

She doesn't look too hurt. The female mutters as she looks Serena over.

Hi, I'm Niall! The male cheerfully says as he leans down. He's of average height and has yellowish skin and black eyes with light brown hair that extends nearly to his waist. He's wearing padded leather armor that's just a shade darker than his hair.

Her problems must be mental. The female remarks as she stands. She's also of average height and has tan skin with pinkish hues and red eyes. Her hair is dark brown and extends to her waist, though she keeps it pulled back and braided. She's wearing some simple leather armor that matches her hair.

Be nice, Livia! Niall says to the female Velen. She's clearly in distress. Niall crouches next to Serena. Would you like me to help you up? Serena slowly nods so Niall helps her to her feet. She's still tired but that's more because of the numbness she feels inside than actual physical tiredness. What's your name? Serena stares blankly at the ground, unable to speak.

She must have been hit in the head. Livia proclaims. It seems clear that she was fleeing whatever caused the trouble in Balania.

Shall we take her with us? Niall asks. We're going to Balania ourselves.

Yes, to scavenge and take anything of value. I don't know if she would want to do that. Livia states.

Oh, come on, Livia! Niall protests. It'll be fun! Besides, she might know some good spots to look!

Fine. Livia sighs. But you're helping her, not me. Niall shrugs and puts Serena's arm around his shoulder.

Just lean on me. Niall says as the group begins walking towards Balania. They slowly make their way to the destroyed village. There's nothing left, just the smoldering wreckage of every building that's been burned down and the smell of burnt flesh.

I'll check over here. Livia walks to the western half of the village and starts sifting through the wreckage. Niall goes to the east side of the village with Serena and begins looking around. At certain points, he leaves her to move some rubble and look through the wreckage. She stares blankly around until they come across the palatial estate her parents lived in. Serena whimpers and tears form in the corners of her eyes.

What's wrong? Niall asks as Serena limply brings her hand up to point at the wreckage. Is this where you lived?

P...pare...parents. Serena softly says.

Oh, your parents lived here? Niall whispers. I'm sorry. And just to let you know, we only take stuff because the kingdom doesn't need it. That's just more stuff to fill the king's coffers, which are overflowing. Niall points at himself. But if we take it, it gets used by people who actually need it.

M-mom... Serena points at the wreckage.

Would you like me to look through there for your mother? Niall asks and Serena nods. And anything I find I can keep, right? Niall walks through the wreckage and picks up some jewelry and various other things that might be of value. As he walks around the back of the house he finds the cellar and looks in. He sees the slightly charred body of Ruth, who died from smoke inhalation. Niall finishes rummaging around and goes back to Serena. Yes, I...I saw...

Mo-moth... Serena kind of asks.

Yes, I saw...your mother. Niall answers and Serena starts crying at the confirmation of her fears. The good news is that I didn't see anyone else. It's possible your father lived. Serena starts shaking her head as she continues to cry. What's wrong?

She won't tell you, I think she might be mute. Livia says as she walks up to them. Did you find anything good?

Just the usual. Niall answers. And she's not mute, she was talking to me some.

Oh, she was? That's interesting. Livia walks up to Serena. Maybe she's not too far gone?

She's just in a lot of pain. Niall tells her.

Let's take her back to our camp. Livia says. We can all rest and eat and decide what to do from there. The group starts heading back to where they had made camp earlier that day.

On the quiet plains just outside the town of Blackrock in the Province of Duxsin are 300 platoons training for battles they hope never come. The platoons are made of 50 soldiers each and they comprise Legion One as they practice various battle tactics. Daniel Summers recently became a full member of the Dirty Devils squad, one of the most respected squads in the legion. A squad is 10 soldiers each and this is where the most in-depth tactics are employed. Even though he's only 15 years old Daniel still has three years of fighting experience, having taken part in the Pelofahine War just five months after turning 12. Now, just a few months shy of turning 16, Daniel has turned into quite the talented and respected soldier. He's obviously nowhere near as good as the best soldiers in Legion One but he's far better than others his age. Daniel is already a strapping 6'0" tall and 170lbs. and looks older than his actual age. His shoulder-length blonde hair is usually pinned back, especially when he's training.

As the group is practicing their formations a magic bird appears and flies straight to Janice, a wizard who accompanied the legion on their march out here to ensure that communications remain intact. She stands 5'1 with shoulder-length curly black hair that's kept in a ponytail and is only a few shades lighter than her dark brown skin. The soldiers notice Janice rush over to the Legion Legate, a man named Aurelius. He's a regal man in his late 50's whose short and graying hair is beginning to recede. He's 5'8 and nearly always dressed in his armor. She shows him a message, that he then shows to Jerome, the second in command. Jerome is a stocky man in his mid-30's. He's 5'7" with brown hair and a salt and pepper beard. They all have concerned looks on their faces.

What do you think's going on? A Nefiel with light brown fur named Tagon asks. Nefiels are a race of cat-like people who originally come from a land far to the west. Their bodies are covered head to toe in fur that can be nearly any color, though most fall in the white and gray to the orange and brown color spectrum. Red, blue, and green fur has never been seen outside of their ancestral homeland Kolftac, and even that is shrouded in mystery and may not even be true.

It doesn't look good. 19-year-old Cornelius replies. He was among the first to befriend Daniel and has black hair and eyes. Other than those differences he looks very similar to Daniel in height and weight and body type. The soldiers stop what they're doing as Aurelius and Jerome call a halt to the training.

We've received word from the King. There's been an attack. Aurelius states as he looks out at the troops. The attack was in Valano Province, in the village of Balania. Several of the soldiers turn to look at Daniel, specifically those in the squad he's training with in the Dirty Devils. They know he's from Balania. Daniel tries as hard as he can to not show any emotion but inside he's full of the many questions you'd expect from someone who's just been told his home has been attacked.

We're the closest force to Balania, so we're going in. Jerome adds.

Gear up, we march to Blackrock then portal the rest of the way. Aurelius shouts. Janice could create portals to transport some of the troops to Balania but there's no way she'd be able to create enough portals to send all 6,000 troops in Legion One there. The other five Legion wizards stayed behind in Blackrock for reasons that weren’t told to the troops so they need to return to the city to travel to Balania. The limitations of portal spells means that the troops won't land directly in the city. Even the most powerful wizards in the King's Army are limited to 100 miles as the farthest they can teleport someone. Also, it's best if the person is very familiar with the location the portal is leading to. You can technically teleport anywhere you want but you run the risk of the portal opening up inside a wall or other solid object or even above a body of water. That's why all the major cities in the kingdom have established Portal Grounds, large flat areas just outside of the cities designed to be used only by those teleporting into the city. For safety reasons, no one else is allowed on the portal grounds for any purpose.

The troops begin marching the two miles to Blackrock. As they approach the city they notice a disturbance at one of the open-air markets. An older woman rants about the Lord of Madness and what his plan for the world is. Most of the citizens pay her no heed but a few have engaged her in what could be described as a spirited debate. Lots of cursing and swearing that can be heard a dozen stalls away follows. City guards are on standby just in case something unexpected happens but the woman's deranged smile has most people uneasy so more and more of them are moving away from her. The troops arrive at the base and divide up by their battalions, as 1,000 people is about the maximum that a wizard can teleport at a time. They begin filing through the portals, most arriving safely on the Balania Portal Ground. Immediately it's obvious that the city is a total loss and will need to be rebuilt.

Oh no... Cornelius whispers as he comes through the portal. Daniel tries to maintain a stoic demeanor but it's painfully obvious the agony that's washing over him as he sees his home village lying in ruins. Tagon silently puts his hand on Daniel's shoulder. The troops get to work sorting through the rubble and pulling out the dead bodies. As expected, it's a total loss. 483 bodies are discovered and buried, not counting the Leiperts. Among the dead are Ruth and Brett Summers, as well as Matt Townsend. Serena, Zachary, and Horace aren't among the dead so there's still some hope. Daniel takes it upon himself to bury his mother and father. Jerome comes over to help personally.

You know, I...I knew your father. Jerome says as he grabs a shovel. We weren't good friends or anything but he definitely taught me a thing or two. Or twenty.

Yeah, he was...he was a good warrior. Daniel nods in between digging. He was a great father.

Indeed, I could tell from the way he would talk about his family. Jerome starts digging. Again, I was coming in while he was getting ready to go out but...I could tell. He would talk about you guys like...like you were the most important things in the world.

Who did this? Daniel asks.

I don't know. Jerome shakes his head. But we'll find out. And we'll make them pay.

I think it's best if you stay with us for now, son. Aurelius says as he walks up to them.

I agree. Jerome nods.

I'll stay. Daniel stops digging and looks around at the friends and allies he's made in his squad and the Dirty Devils as a whole. These guys might be the only family I have left.

Chapter 3: Ground Portals

August 16th  Serena and Daniel

Niall and Livia have brought Serena back to their camp and they've all had some food and drink. Niall was able to get Serena to eat some food before she drifted off to sleep. The next morning she wakes up to Niall and Livia arguing about her.

-she would want to stay with us. Niall says.

Why, she doesn't know us. Livia counters.

That's exactly why she should come with us. Niall shrugs.

I don't know about bringing a human along... Livia raises her left eyebrow as she looks at Serena. She's awake.

Oh good! Would you like something to eat? Niall asks as he crouches next to her.

No, thank you. Serena replies quietly.

Oh, you can talk? That's great! Niall says excitedly. I mean, I knew you could talk but I didn't know you could use full sentences. Serena sits up as Niall hands her a cup of water. And you should eat, too.

What do you want to do with your life, human? Livia asks.

Serena. My, my name is...Serena. Serena stands up and turns to tell Livia.

What do you want to do with your life, Serena? Livia asks.

I, I...I want to find the people who kil...killed my family. Serena's eyes fill with tears.

Yes, I...I imagine you do. Niall says as he walks up to Serena and puts his hand