The Light and the Darkness: Alliance

By R.W. Dekar

Darien and his companions—Kalos, a knight of the Brigade of Iron; Allura, his childhood friend; Vincent, the Corsair; and Exterra, an elf—made their way to the treacherous Ice Fields of Albakor. They then made their way through the Cave of Ruins to find the Holy Sword that they were seeking, the Lucent Sword.

However, finding the sword and ridding Darien of the evil that plagued him from his using the Shadow Sword—one of the Demonic Swords—was only part of the battle. The Empire of Lumin’Valeria still loomed over head.

The Empire was not only their problem, but everyone who lived on Gaianterra. And as such, King Alphonse Ashton of the Kingdom of Ballentine had already begun to create an alliance with the other nations around the world. But will his emissaries of war be successful? Will they even be able to complete their missions before Lumin’Valeria could strike? Only time would tell.

Meanwhile, Sampson Rockfell is on the trail of a traitor. Will he find whom he sought? Or will this hunt be the end for the Hunter?

Jack Destin is still on the trail of the vampires whom he blamed for the murder of his family. Will he find the answers that he seeks, or is he delusional? Has he been chasing an imaginary enemy all this time? Or is he about to unleash a horror upon the world that no one has seen in over a thousand years?

Finally, there are the elves. What impact will their actions have on the world of man? Will they help save the world from destruction at the hands of the Lumin’Valerian Empire? Or will they only succeed in starting a war between elves and men?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662456954

Book preview

Chapter 1

An ocean liner painted yellow and white, bearing the well-known ensign of the Faith of the Dawning Light—two hands with palms facing upward and outward, holding a globe that was a radiant sun up into the air to shed light on all—pulled into a harbor. The harbor was busy with workers and citizens, as it was the middle of the day.

There was a large number of guards all over the port, men and women armed with swords or axes or maces or with many other different weapons and armored in a similar fashion from leather to scale mail. They watched, searched, and questioned people entering or leaving the harbor and also the people boarding or disembarking ships. These armed men and women watched and guarded the ships that were moored there. They walked the streets and entered the warehouses, taverns, shops, and restaurants, seeking out anything or anyone who was suspicious.

The buildings in the city were made of stone, metal, and glass. Many were tall buildings that could be seen from far away, past the harbor area, and probably for miles and miles. The unusual stone streets were made with just one long, continuous sheet of rock instead of flag or cobblestones.

Person after person stepped off the yellow-and-white ocean liner. A man cloaked in brown robes walked out onto the angled landing, followed by a man with white-and-yellow robes covered by a white chasuble with the crest of the Dawning Light upon its front and other runic symbols along the cuffs, bottom, and on the back. The man in the chasuble clapped the other on the back of his shoulder as he caught up and moved to walk beside him. Welcome to the Empire of Lumin’Valeria, he said to the man in brown. So what do you think?

It’s glorious, Fred, a former member of the corsairs, replied, looking around at all the foreign wonders. What is this grand city called? Is it the capital, Torren’Nova?

This rinky-dink port the capital? Welrix bellowed. "I hardly think so. This grand city, as you put it, is nothing but a hovel compared to the Imperial Capital. This is merely the port city of Es’Cava."

Is the capital really that much larger?

You’ve got a lot to learn, he replied. And you will learn, he thought.

Since you’re showing me around and all, let’s check out the local cuisine. Fred grinned.

All right, your first lesson will be in food, but first, we should get out of the harbor. The good restaurants are never in the harbor.

Right, good restaurants not in the harbor, got it.

Archon Welrix grinned. You’re a fast learner.

As they approached the soldiers guarding the gates leading into the city, Fred looked back behind him, across the ocean, back to Rozphallia, to Kafall, to his old life—a place he could never return to. His heart sank to the pit of his stomach, where the acids of bitter deeds ate away at it little by little. Then he looked in the only direction he could, ahead, toward his new life, a life in the Empire.

He couldn’t help think that life was so strange! He tried to piece the puzzle that was his shattered life together so he could see a picture—a picture that would explain how he had found himself in such a drastic change in culture. The memories fought back, struggling to remain forgotten. But they slowly became less blurry, less obscure, until they were nearly picture-perfect in his mind’s eye. He reeled back from what he saw, the bad memories seeping back, bogging down his emotions with despair and regret. He saw the images from that dread-filled night—the night that ripped apart a whole family with shock waves and flames—and heard the explosion caused by the bombs he helped plant, that he helped detonate.

Fred flung those thoughts back into the recesses of his mind, back into obfuscation. Now he moved forward with a fierce determination that the recollection of those bitter memories afforded him. Welcome to the Empire, he thought.

(Dear Reader, we also welcome you to the Empire!)

*****

Cyrus Koffman, on his mighty steed, approached the port city of Southport. As he rode nearer to the guarded city gates, he dismounted to show that he had no hostile intent. After all, he did not don the armor of the nation’s soldiers nor the brigandine of its officers nor the plate armor of Ballentine knights. He was a general, yet he did not wear the mirror polished silver armor of a Ballentine general. He was the lord general of the Reaper’s Own, a mercenary company, and wore his custom-created armor—a dark-blue hauberk with jagged spiked shoulder guards, cuisse, greaves, gauntlets—and his weapon, a huge greataxe across his back.

As he was processed through the gates and the stables, he thought about the others in his company and in the Ballentine Army who departed on similar missions. They all should now be at the port cities that they would be leaving from. In fact, Memphis should be riding into Zal’Thora, the Royal Kingdom, any day now, he mused.

He was brought out of his pondering when some kids from the other side of the cobbled street ran up to him. One boy said excitedly, almost yelling, Are you Sampson Rockfell, the famous Hunter First Class?

Cyrus frowned.

"No, stupid, another boy chided the other, that’s not Sampson."

"But look, he has red hair and dark armor with a huge greataxe across his back. It is Sampson," the first boy insisted.

"Sampson has dark hair and red armor. You got it backward, argued the second. Besides, he has a greatsword across his back, not a greataxe. I’m telling you, he’s not Sampson. He’s just some guy."

Just some guy? Cyrus repeated quizzically.

You are Sampson, aren’t you? the first boy asked the big warrior.

"Leave him out of it. He’s got nothing to do with this. He’s clearly not Sampson."

Of course, he is. He looked up at Cyrus.

No—he shook his head—Sampson is a lowlife Hunter. I am Cyrus Koffman.

Who?

See, told you he was a nobody. The children ran off, teasing their misguided friend, laughing all the way back to the side of the street where they had come from.

Sampson Rockfell, Cyrus mused. Where was that Hunter going to anyway? Leaving the kingdom right after the Invasion Force from Lumin’Valeria was defeated is a little suspicious if you ask me. I bet he’s causing trouble for somebody, somewhere out there. Heck, he’s probably in the Empire now, that scum. Would be just like a Hunter Mercenary to work for the Empire, anything for money. You better hope I don’t ever find you, Sampson!

With that vow, he hurried on to the harbor. He wanted to catch the first boat going to Korrados, anywhere in Korrados—he didn’t care where. The only thing that slowed him down was a poster board outside of the Mercenary Hunter’s Guild that had caught his eyes as he passed by. It was the Missing Persons wall. As he glared at the hundreds, maybe even thousands of names, he could only think one thing. What in the hell is going on here? Yet it was the same everywhere he had been, so he shortly continued on his path. This time, however, the path ahead of him did not lead into destruction. It led somewhere far worse; it led to diplomacy…

Cyrus found that the next ship going to the continent of Korrados was heading to the People’s Republic of Arnoh. That’s as good a place to start as any, Cyrus mused as he purchased a ticket to board the ship.

*****

Somewhere in a dark, dry, stone room, two people conversed, illuminated by an inadequate, dim candlelight.

I know they’re out there. I can sense them, came the voice of a female in a dark-blue cloak-like robe.

Yes, of course, replied the other in a deep, austere male voice. He was in even deeper shadows as he was farther from the poor excuse of a light source.

Go see to them, she ordered.

Just then a third figure walked in. I’ll handle them, came another grave male voice. Both men wore similar dark cloak-like robes.

But, Seneschal—

The third interrupted. I said I will go. That is final.

They smell like trouble, like blood. They must be spies. They will be dangerous.

Yes, but who would know to spy on us?

Good question, said the woman. "Maybe you can find out that information before you kill them."

"Maybe," the Seneschal agreed sternly. He spun on his heels and marched out of the chamber.

Once he left, the other male said, Maybe we should wake—

The female cut him off, For such a simple matter? I think not. The Seneschal is more than enough to handle a couple of spies.

Yes, you’re right, he conceded.

Of course, I’m right. She laughed sensuously.

*****

A large ship with six masts sailed across the northern icy waters of the Hamuric Ocean. It yawed out of the way of a small iceberg. Then straightened to continue its southerly course.

That was a close one, Kalos commented.

Yeah, there doesn’t seem to be as much ice as previously, Vincent said. Sometimes the crow’s-nest lookout becomes too lax. Then the chief admiral looked up at the crow’s nest and shouted. You better pay more attention than that. We’re not out of the ice floe yet!

Aye-aye, Admiral came the reply.

Well, that’s settled. Kalos grinned.

Yeah, Sebastion agreed. But there are more important issues at hand.

Like?

How are we going to get into the Empire?

What do you mean?

Surely you don’t think we can go to one of the Imperial Ports in this, the Corsairs’ well-known flagship, do you?

He’s right, Vincent agreed. They’ll recognize this ship before we can even get close enough for them to see the entire vessel. He looked away, grinning. I kind of made this ship notorious.

Yeah, this ship is definitely too recognizable. Darien was in his normal traveling clothes, white work shirt, brown work pants, but instead of his black cloak, he wore a red cold-weather parka, the one he had used on Albakor, instead of his white armor. The Lucent Sword was fastened to his left hip by use of his black weapons belt.

Yeah, Kalos agreed, "Darien’s right. Most people would recognize the pirate ship, Dreadnought and her captain, the pirate king, Vincent."

We’re not pirates. We’re Corsairs, Vincent said sheepishly.

"Right, and Sebastion really is a treasure hunter," Allura mocked.

Hey, what’s that supposed to mean? Sebastion queried.

So then, how are we going to get into the Empire? Exterra said it to get them back on track.

We could beach the ship, Darien suggested.

"What? Are you nuts? Vincent demanded to know. I’m not doing that to my ship. Besides, we can use lifeboats to get in close, then swim the rest of the way. That way, we leave no evidence behind that we were here. I’ll just have some of my crew row us out, and then they can row back to the Dreadnought."

But won’t that leave us stranded in the Empire? How will we get back out? Allura quickly asked the questions in succession.

The same way we got out last time, Exterra stated.

It will be harder this time.

So?

Allura made a sound of exasperation as she threw her hands up in frustration. Are all elves like you?

Like what?

So reckless.

It’s not recklessness when you know you can do it.

"You’re right, that’s just overconfidence."

Excuse me? Exterra raised an eyebrow in challenge.

With hearing like yours, I’m sure you heard me loud and clear.

A deaf person could hear your big mouth.

Ladies, Darien said starkly, that’s enough. We need to think of how to get into the Empire, and arguing won’t help us.

Actually, the real question is, what are we going to do once we get in? Vincent interjected.

We’re going to destroy it. We’re going to kill Emperor Gershwin, Kalos said simply.

"And just how will we do that. There’s only six of us, Vincent said. We can’t just walk up to Emperor Gershwin and slay him. He will be surrounded by guards, Imperial Sentinels no less. Maybe even Lord Dragos, himself."

Good point, Darien conceded. So what do we do? Does anyone have an idea?

With a small group like this, can’t we just sneak into the Imperial Castle at night and kill him in his sleep? Kalos suggested.

It won’t be that easy, I’m afraid, Sebastion said. Even trying to infiltrate the castle wearing disguises will be a feat in itself.

I’ve infiltrated the castle before, Exterra informed them.

What? But how? Sebastion asked. And why?

It was easy. And why is my own business.

"Okay, let’s pretend that we believe you, Allura said. You’re an elf, and clearly you can do things that the rest of us can’t. So then, how do the rest of us get in?"

True, the elf admitted. There’s no way you could ever be quiet enough to sneak into a smithy, much less the Imperial Castle.

Not this again. What’s going on here anyway? Darien asked.

Nothing, both ladies replied simultaneously.

"Right, he said skeptically. Anyway, I doubt we could just sneak right in. Any other ideas?"

"Well, there is a certain prince whom I know of that may be able to get some more men to help with an invasion," Sebastion said as he glared at Vincent.

Vincent kept his silence.

What? Who told him about my royal ancestry? Darien wondered. How could he possibly know?

What? Allura screeched. But how—No! Absolutely not, it’s just too dangerous.

Huh? Vincent wondered. Then he thought back to the events in the frozen tundra in the Ice Fields of Albakor, back to Darien’s fight with the Blade Master known as Guy. He remembered that Guy had called him Darien Jaden. But wait, he can’t be. Darien Jaden died over ten years ago. And why is that thief looking at me. He couldn’t know that I’m a prince. The leader of the Corsairs decided to keep his mouth shut for now.

Well, what else is there to do? Darien questioned. It might very well be the only way.

We would need more than one nation’s army to stand a chance of defeating the Empire, Allura stated. It’s senseless to even try it with an underwhelming force of arms.

You may not be alone, Exterra said mysteriously. My people might be able to join the fight.

Huh? Your people? Kalos queried. You mean, the elves?

Exterra giggled. Of course. I’m not the only elf, you know.

Of course, but how many of you are there? There can’t be that many elves if you’ve managed to remain a secret for all these years.

I can’t tell you how we stayed in hiding, and I won’t tell you how many of us there are.

Well, great! An alliance with elves sure sounds promising, Allura mocked.

Your race can’t be trusted, not yet. Besides, it’s not up to me. It’s up to the council. And Termenus’s ability to convince them, she left unsaid.

Well, maybe it won’t be enough, but it’s a start. Darien now committed himself to returning home to the Royal Kingdom of Zal’Thora. Maybe we can get allies to help us after we unite the Royal Army.

Royal Army, Vincent mused.

Sebastion coughed. Actually, I was thinking of another someone’s army, he said, nodding toward Vincent.

Yeah, Kalos said. Vincent, you can get your army to help too.

My army? Vincent began to worry a little. They can’t possibly know who I really am…

The Corsairs! Kalos expounded.

"Oh right, of course! But only if I can clear my name. My whole kingdom thinks I’m a traitor, remember?"

Damn! So how can you prove you’re not?

Find the real traitor, Exterra suggested.

But who’s the real traitor? We’re not even in Rozphallia to find out, Vincent said. Besides, we found most of them. I killed one of them. Captain Tagerd is one, but he’s too stupid and ugly to be the leader.

Too ugly? How does beauty equate to being a leader or not? Exterra asked.

It doesn’t. But it makes me feel better to say it. Vincent grinned.

Anyway, who could be behind the traitors and saboteurs in Rozphallia? Someone in the Empire? Allura asked.

Probably.

But there’s always a main person from within the nation, Sebastion informed them. The man from the Empire eventually leaves, so they need an inside man to keep the information flow and acts of sabotage and assassinations going.

Assassinations? There hasn’t been any assassinations.

There will be. Besides, the way I see it, at least one important man escaped his mortal fate. Again he quickly glanced over at Vincent, seemingly unnoticed by the other. Interesting thing about the assassinations the Empire carries out, they usually don’t look or seem like they’re assassinations at all.

What? Maybe this guy does know who I am, Vincent thought. But how? I managed to fool everyone in my own kingdom. Who exactly is this guy?

Zal’Thora it is then? Sebastion said, directing the conversation the way he wanted it to go.

Yeah, Darien confirmed. Vincent, take us to the Royal Kingdom.

"What? So then you are a Jaden? The Jaden, Darien Jaden?"

Yeah.

But aren’t you dead?

"What kind of question is that?" Kalos queried.

But how did you survive? Vincent ignored Kalos.

I escaped Tandor and went into hiding, thanks to Kalos here.

Then those ridiculous rumors are true!

And suddenly not so ridiculous, Sebastion commented.

But how did you know? Darien asked the thief.

"Oh, I know all those types of things," he said simply, once again glaring at Vincent.

Well, no more need for discussion then, Vincent said offhandedly. To Zal’Thora we shall go.

So just like that, we’re going? Allura said angrily. No one even acknowledged how dangerous it will be for Darien. No one even cares!

Dangerous to me? How so?

You’ll be targeted by the Empire.

I already am targeted by the Empire.

But it will be even worse.

Don’t worry. I’ll be here to protect him, Exterra proclaimed.

Allura’s face scrunched up at the comment by the elf.

Besides, it’s not like we have many options, Vincent stated.

Yeah, I can only think of maybe one other option. Sebastion smirked at Vincent.

Well, I like this one, the Corsair said quickly.

I bet you do.

Good, then it’s settled, Darien said. It’s about time I went back home again. It’s been too long.

Next stop, the Royal Kingdom! Come about! Vincent shouted. Navigator, change course! We’ll head east and then south to go around Austeria before heading west. It will be safer than sailing around the northern half of the Empire. The last part was an explanation to the others.

*****

Somewhere off an unknown coast, something moved in the dark waters underneath the light of the stars and the ever-watchful nighttime eye that sees all, even in its own darkness. The waves rolled on to the rocky shoreline, receding back from which they came in a slow, rapidly building pace. The thing out in the sea came ever closer to the land. Its approach was slow and deliberate. Only that silvery eye in the sky could discern its movement in the near pitch-dark. Slowly the creature crept and crawled its way over the rocks and sand to find shelter in the weedy part of the coast.

Then another creature made its way to the shore as well. It followed the others proverbial wake. It settled near the first in the weedy shelter.

The first peered out at its surroundings, making sure that nothing was around to detect its presence before it made its next move. The area was void of all other life besides the two creatures; it was safe to move about. The first creature rose to its full upright posture, standing in the cool sea breeze, soaking wet in the air of the night, yet it did not shiver. It began a purposeful stride on two legs with an even gait, away from the ocean. Come on, boy. It spoke in hushed tones. This is it—the Empire of Lumin’Valeria.

The other beast growled in confirmation as it, too, rose to its full standing height, resting on four legs.

It was the Hunter Mercenary Sampson Rockfell in his bloodred-banded mail and black cloak. He pulled out his black bandanna, sopping wet, to tie around his head and hair, also wet. And with him was his faithful giant wolf companion, Vecter, who now stared at his master with intelligent gold eyes as he bristled his jet-black fur to dry off, covering Sampson with more water.

"Look, Vecter, I know you hate water, but it was the only way. I had to push you in."

Vecter issued a low growl and bristled again in a futile attempt at retaliation.

Oh, quit it! You needed the bath. You were starting to stink.

Sampson figured they are on the far side of Lumin’Valeria. The Sandrino Mountains should be over to the east, he mused. Damn! He seethed in anger as he looked east, and the mountains were not there. If they weren’t there, then—no, don’t tell me. There they are, to the west! But that means I’m in the Dominion. Damn!

This is your fault, you stupid mutt. If it didn’t take so long to get you overboard— Sampson stopped as Vecter stared him down. No chance of getting you back in the water, is there?

Vecter growled in a way that was clearly understood as a no.

Didn’t think so. We’ll have to go over the mountains, I suppose. Hope you’re prepared to climb, boy.

Vecter sat down on his haunches.

Sampson looked pointedly at the giant wolf. That’s a no. I take it. Vecter howled that it was so. Fine then. We’ll find a pass.

At that, the golden-eyed mass of black fur shot up and moved to Sampson’s side as they both headed south along the mountain range.

Stubborn, mangy mutt, Sampson thought.

Vecter gave a low, threatening growl.

Damn thing can read my mind, Sampson mused. Nah! He can’t possibly do that, can he? I have the feeling this is going to be a long walk.

The two of them headed closer to the mountains, seeking at least some concealment in the rockier terrain, behind boulders, ridges, and the deeper shadows of the cliffs. Hunter Mercenary or not, they were now in enemy territory. Besides, if Sampson had to fight off any patrols, he wouldn’t even get paid to do it. So avoiding a fight was to his benefit.

Once the Empire knows I’m here, it’ll be that much harder to find the information I need, he thought.

*****

Xen’Lau folded his arms as he looked at the harbor of the port city Xhi Nen. He was a large, muscular, bald man wearing a light-blue cyclas with white diamonds making a sash pattern across his chest and more half diamonds on the bottom trim—which looked like an animal’s fangs—a pair of haidate and gaiters to match as well as a light-blue bandanna upon his head, more white diamonds creating a crown in its center, and light-blue kote with a white diamond in the center of the fist guards.

With him was a female with a long black braid of hair. She was wearing similar garb except the main color was cream and the diamonds were light-green.

Five other warrior monks, all male, wore identical outfits to their leaders, but their main color was orange while the diamonds were dark-brown.

The last member of their party was a beautiful young woman with long red hair and green eyes. She wore a golden gown with a split on one side that went up past her lower thigh. In her right hand, she carried a scepter of blue and green, and at the top was a huge paragon with a large spherical chunk of gold in its center, which radiated light as if it were the sun, as the name of the scepter implied, the Sun Scepter. She walked up to the big monk in light-blue and asked, So what now?

Xen’Lau turned to look at Enara, seemingly so small at his side. Now we hope to find a ship captain that is brave enough to risk going into Imperial Waters. Hopefully one that is smart-brave and not stupid-brave.

But who would be brave or even dumb enough to do that? All of them thought it, none of them voiced it, however.

Time to hit the taverns again? Song said, already knowing the answer was yes.

Xen’Lau nodded gravely.

"I thought you said we wanted someone smart, Tso commented. Unless you’re settling on trying to find someone who’s drunk enough to do it."

If you are scared, Tso, you know you do not have to come with the rest of us, Xen’Lau said. We could always use more babysitters back in Wan Shu Zouh.

Yeah, Chang added, you change your own diapers often enough that I’m sure you can change an infant’s just fine.

Look out behind you—Tso pointed past Chang—a vampire!

"Ahhh. Where?" Chang jumped and turned wildly.

Tso laughed. Here, let me put my diaper-changing skills to the test.

Real funny, Fei said. "You two belong in a tavern."

Will you all act like monks for once? Mao chided.

They’re right. You should act like monks, and we should head toward the taverns, Enara chimed in. So let’s get going already.

"Hmm, being around drunken and stupid sailors with a pretty girl in a ripped little dress doesn’t really mix too well," Tso stated.

It’s a gown, and it isn’t ripped, she argued.

Looks ripped.

Enara rolled her eyes.

I don’t see it! Chang exclaimed.

See what? Fei asked.

The vampire!

Oh, dear God! Xen’Lau held his forehead as Tso laughed so hard he almost fell to the ground.

The party eventually made it to a tavern. Xen’Lau stepped to the forefront and loudly proclaimed his question for all to hear, We are looking for a brave captain. One willing to take us to the Empire of Lumin’Valeria. Is there such a man among you?

The room broke into a low murmur of laughter. Then one man shouted, First, someone wanted to go to the Ice Fields of Albakor and now the Empire, itself! It made the tavern shake with laughter all the more.

Not working too well, Song advised.

No, it certainly did not work there nor anywhere else they tried. They were forced to face the facts until a young captain approached them. He was totally unremarkable with short brown hair and brown eyes. "The name’s Captain Malroy, John Malroy. No one would be willing or foolish enough to take you to the Empire. However, I’m heading to Zal’Thora to the largest seaport, the city of Senamere.

From there, you can travel to Imperial-Occupied Territory Zal’Thora and take an Imperial Ship from Whuler. The Empire dug down into the rock cliffs and created a small port for their supply ships there. Now they won’t actually let you on board. You’ll have to sneak in. But I don’t think you would mind that. Anyone trying to go to the Empire probably doesn’t have good intentions. Something tells me you were going to have to sneak in anyway.

To Zal’Thora? Enara questioned. That sounds good, doesn’t it?

Xen’Lau contemplated for a short time. It seems to be our only option. We will head to the Royal Kingdom. That will bring us one step closer to Lumin’Valeria.

It’s just as well, Tso said. "The little princess hasn’t figured out how to gain more of her powers yet. And we still haven’t figured out how exactly the eight of us will go about destroying the mighty and powerful Empire."

What are you babbling about? Fei asked.

We were supposed to get the other warrior monks to help us. But the monks of Wan Shu Zouh and Shendau were forced into hiding, many of our brothers slain, so now we’re on our own again.

Yes, but the Hieroguru told us what to do, Xen’Lau said firmly. We go where Enara directs us to go. She will gain her powers along the way through her experiences. I already expected to be diverted on detours along the way to the Empire. In doing this, we may also be able to find help during this journey of ours. I was, however, not expecting it to be Zal’Thora. Yet it is interesting. This could be the very path we need to take.

Why, what’s in Zal’Thora? Enara asked.

The Luminous Mystics.

Wizards?

The big monk nodded.

"Now that is interesting," Fei stated.

Yes, it sounds promising, Song agreed.

Captain Malroy just stood by, gaping at the monks as they conversed, not sure of the things they spoke of. So you will go then?

Yes, Xen’Lau answered for them all.

Hey, do you think the Luminous Mystics will know about vampires? Chang asked.

"Vampires?" Malroy repeated absurdly.

Yes, Chang, they will know all about them. This time it was Xen’Lau who mockingly assured Chang.

How much will it cost us? Song asked the captain.

Oh, we’ll talk about money later, Malroy said. With the looks of your fancy clothes, you have plenty of money.

Good thing we restocked all of our supplies before we left Wan Shu Zouh, especially the gold, Xen’Lau thought.

Enara and the monks followed the young ship captain to his vessel. The next stop would be the Royal Kingdom.

*****

At the port city of In’Tega, in the Empire of Lumin’Valeria, there waited thousands of warriors geared for war. All of whom waited for the command from one man.

The harbor was closed to all except the Imperial Forces. Commander General Treize Wrenwold himself stood in front of a brigade of Central Forces soldiers and knights, nearly fourteen thousand troops. They were fifty deep, backs to the sea.

Next to them was the newest general of the Empire—the replacement for the late Durandal Lockhard—General Archibald Slentin, ex-Central Forces commander and now head of the Eastern Fronts. He was a big, fierce, muscular man with gray eyes and short dark hair. He was a great tactician who didn’t care about anything but his men and his religion. Both generals wore their full battle gear—silver plate armor bearing the Imperial Crest on their corselets, gold plumes sprouting from their helms, and a black cape down their back, billowing forward, wrapping around them in the sea breeze. With Slentin was a full brigade of the Empire’s Eastern Forces.

Both the Imperial Navy admirals were there with their sailors. Fleet Admiral Tristan Blackburn was in charge of the warships. He was a tall older man, but he was still fit and muscular with short gray hair and blue eyes. All the transport ships were present as they would carry the ground troops to the battlefield. Only a few nominal warships were there as most would be launching off from Don’Haro and Es’Cava. They wore their ceremonial battle armor, similar to the generals’ but with red plumes and white capes.

Warlord Barsba Stalzer stood alone, as his horde of barbaric warriors were already tied up and packed into the transport ships. This was to prevent the destruction of the ship and the deaths of themselves. He had a look of exasperation on his stern face.

A group of armored men moved toward the formations of warriors. It was Emperor Alexander Gershwin in his dark-gray heavy plate armor with his own crest upon the corselet and black accents throughout its entirety. Adorning each of his large shoulder guards were three five-inch-long spikes that were one and a half inches in diameter at the base. His long black cape was billowing behind him violently. With him was his entourage of six Imperial Sentinels in their dark-gray heavy plate armor, carrying their kite shields with the Imperial Crest in the center and their huge broadswords. They came to a halt in the center of the Imperial Forces.

Today, we will launch our campaign to annihilate the Island Kingdom of Rozphallia from the face of Gaianterra! Emperor Gershwin bellowed for all to hear. We will defeat the island nation, sweep through it like a wave across the sea. Glory will be ours, and with it, we will be one step ever closer to our goals. We will ride this wave of victory until it swells. We’ll take its path of destruction to Ballentine where we will obliterate our enemies. There, our momentum will become a tidal wave, unstoppable by human forces, unbearable by natural barriers. We will come crashing down on those who stand in our way of total occupation in the Royal Kingdom of Zal’Thora. But our ambition won’t stop there. Our triumphs shall not be quelled nor shall they be quenched. Onward to total victory! We shall be swept in a current stronger than the heavens themselves. And when the tides calm and the war is over, the waters will recede to reveal the land, and the sun’s rays shall shine upon a new world—the world of Lumin’Valeria! Mwahhahahaha.

The soldiers and knights cheered wildly and loudly at the inspiring declarations of war. They cheered so long that the emperor had to pause, waiting for them to settle down.

Generals, admirals—Gershwin continued—do what must be done. Move out the troops. I await your victorious return.

The generals and admirals took charge of their men. They directed them aboard the ships and from there to launch, casting off to sea. The multitude of ships, in an organized fashion, sailed off over the horizon, the sun shining on them as they slowly faded into obscurity. Once they had moved beyond sight, the emperor turned to leave, to head back to his seat of power in the Imperial Capital, Torren’Nova.

*****

Lady the Lamia Methuselah, the leader of an order of witches, wearing her black robes with dark-gray runic symbols, came into Darius Halkinzer’s quarters in the Imperial Capital without so much as knocking.

Halkinzer, the grand wizard of the Dark Druids, grunted with surprise. I… I don’t know what…what you’re talking about, Elsa stammered quickly as he spun around to face the intruder. "You," he accused.

"Yes, me, Methuselah agreed. They’re back. Time to send them on their way with Dragos’s new orders."

Who is back? asked the man in a black robe with red runes embroidered all over it.

Maximus and Lars, of course.

"Right, they need to start the search for the Shadow Sword immediately. The captain of the Vintage, the ones who sunk the vessel that Darien was on, already gave us a rough area of where they engaged and sunk it."

"Yes, Captain Scino was thorough. He even told us the name of the ship that we’re searching for, the Exocell. Remember? But the two Blades are supposed to be tasked with finding those damnable monks of Shendau and destroy them. We will have to send others to find the Shadow Sword."

"No, the sword is more important. A handful of my Dark Druids can easily kill those monks."

You heard what Dragos said. The Blades are to track down the monks.

Halkinzer waved off the Lamia dismissively. "To hell with what Dragos wants. I want that Demonic Sword out of the damn ocean. Besides, we already know where the monks will be heading. They’ll be in Zal’Thora shortly, and my druids will be waiting for them in a Skyship when they reach our territory there."

But the Princess of the Stars is with them. She is the one that poses the largest threat.

"Some damn little girl won’t be a match for my druids," he stated harshly.

"Look, wizard, I don’t care what you do, but it’s your head Dragos will take if your plan fails. I will not be held accountable. So do what you will."

"You will address me as grand wizard, witch!"

Likewise, you will address me as Lamia!

The two glared daggers at each other for a long moment before carrying on.

They left the chamber and headed to the Skyship hangar that was used by the Diamond and the Sapphire, the ships that catered to Maximus and Lars respectively. The two Blades were still there when they arrived. And the three witches and four druids that were to help with the search were already there as well.

Sir Maximus, Sir Lars, Halkinzer hailed them, it’s good that we caught you before you left. The Blades stared at the grand wizard. We have new orders for you from Lord Dragos himself, he lied easily. "You are to search for the Shadow Sword. It was aboard a vessel called the Exocell when it was sunk by the Vintage between the eastern end of Forchuna and the Ice Fields of Albakor."

That’s a lot of ocean to cover, Maximus stated.

Yes, but you will have help from four of my Dark Druids. They can detect evil and magical items from a relatively close proximity, of course.

And you will have three of my witches to help you where his wizards will fail, Methuselah said. They have much keener sense.

Halkinzer frowned. They’re looking for a magic sword, not drunken sailors. My wizards are more apt. Besides, we have more exact coordinates to give you. And this mission is of the utmost importance and will be your number 1 priority, by direction of Lord Dragos.

He really wants that sword back, Lars observed.

No rest for us nor our ships’ crew, Maximus commented. We’d better hurry up and cancel their leave.

But first, let me introduce you to my team of wizards. Darius motioned to them to come over. The four saw his signal and obeyed his command. This is a wizard of earth—Jacob.

The wizard in a gray robe stepped forward and bowed.

Darius continued, saying, This is a wizard of wind—Ward.

Another wizard stepped forth as the other stepped back, this one in a robe of green and brown. He bowed and stepped back as a third wizard stepped forward to bow as he was introduced by Halkinzer.

Brad—a wizard of fire. He wore a robe of bloodred and orange. And he stepped back as the last stepped forward, a female in a sea-green robe.

And lastly, the lovely Ellie—a wizard of water, Darius concluded as she bowed in greeting.

Now it’s time to meet my witches, the Lamia stated. She waved her hand, and three witches appeared instantly—known as a trinity, for witches commonly worked in groups of three or in dyads. This is the trinity that will be assisting you—Senna, Saria, and Senal.

Two were female in short black skirts, skimpy tight black shirts with no sleeves that didn’t cover the stomach, black leather knee-high high-heeled boots, snug-fitting black cloth gloves, and a pointy black hat with a silver buckle in the center of a blue band encircling the hat just above the wide brim. The last—Senal—was a male witch, commonly known as a warlock. He wore black slacks, long-sleeved shirt, leather boots, leather gloves, a thick cloth cape, and a top hat, also with a silver buckle on a blue band.

They all just nodded in greeting.

They will help you with your search. Methuselah grinned.

Now you may go begin your task, Halkinzer ordered.

Let’s go play in the water. Lars said to Maximus sardonically as they walked off.

*****

Supreme General Peter Memphis arrived at the closest city in Zal’Thora from Ballentine, the city of Maska. He would check around the city to find out any information about the Royal Family, the Royal Army, and the Royal Kingdom itself. He would also gather information about the situation in Zal’Thora regarding the war and the occupation as well any other problems in the area. Finally, he wanted to know how the citizens felt about and what they thought about the war, how their military was or wasn’t handling it, as well as what they would think about a possible alliance with other nations—an alliance that would allow them to fight back, to strike the Empire, to defeat their common foe, and to end the Imperial War in victory. However, he would not go about it dressed in his general’s armor. That’s why the first thing he did was head to an inn so he could change into civilian attire. He put on a white shirt, brown pants, and black shoes. Now he was ready to do his reconnaissance.

When he was all set, he left his second-floor room and made his way to the lobby. There, he saw that two couples had just finished checking in at the front desk. As he walked by the counter on his way to the door, the receptionist, Breea, called over to him, Sir Peter, are you off to tour the city? Tell me if you find the Royal Kingdom to your liking. Enjoy.

Yes, I will. Memphis nodded. Thank you.

Ah, so you’re not from Zal’Thora then? One of the men from the couples said. He had dark hair.

No, I’m just visiting. A vacation of sorts.

Oh yeah, where are you from? asked the man’s wife, a bright-eyed woman.

More importantly, why would you visit here? the other man who had a long beard asked. Zal’Thora is going under. The sun has set on its former beauty. Soon, the Empire will attack again, and many more will perish.

I’m from Ballentine. Some of my kingdom is also under Imperial Occupation. But it is under control. The situation is not so dire. Is it really as bad as all of that here in Zal’Thora?

Oh, brother from Ballentine, our military fights like it has lost its heart and organizes like it has lost its head, said the bearded man.

Really?

It is true, said the other woman with short hair, the bearded fellow’s wife, Memphis presumed.

How so? How have you come to this terrible conclusion?

In the beginning, there was hope, said the bearded one. "Our army fought and fought. It was indeed victorious in the early battles, although, the Empire would never concede to that truth. The men fought well. The troops were organized and were led to battlefields before they were battlefields. The anticipation of combat that would ensue gave our forces a decisive advantage over the Imperial Army. We fended them off for the better part of five years.

"Then there was a rapid decline in our military’s performance. The Royal Army began to go under. They began to lose battles and eventually lost cities and forts and territories.

"Sure we had lost the Grand Duchy of Tandor and the town of Valmont early. But that was due to a cheap sneak attack during a celebration. After that, we were ready for them. Our leaders were correctly guessing their next move. But they lost that focus and now half the Royal Kingdom is now known as the Imperial Kingdom.

It’s now only a matter of time before the Empire’s assaults resume, and they will be relentless. The entire kingdom will be besieged. I implore you to cut your vacation short and leave now.

Is the danger really that imminent? Memphis asked skeptically.

Don’t mind him, the dark haired man said. My older brother has always been that way. He tends to exaggerate the urgency of every situation. Although, his analysis is quite accurate.

What is life like for the people here? Memphis inquired.

The people are scared. They live in fear of attack. The Empire could come and wage its vile, atrocious war at any moment. At every thunderstorm, the citizens take shelter and embrace one another in their last goodbyes, for they fear the return of Skyships, the bearded man concluded.

Why live here then? Why not move?

It’s not all that bad, the dark-haired man interjected.

You would have us leave our ancestral homes? the bearded one queried. "You would have us retreat and leave the Royal Kingdom defenseless? Perhaps Zal’Thora should be gift wrapped? You would have us leave the lands of our forefathers? For what? To start our lives over in a strange land? To wait for our demise among strangers? For not one will be safe from the Empire anywhere so long as it exists. It will continue its conquest indubitably. The Empire will not stop. It will not falter on its quest of domination, not unless we force it to!

No, we will not leave. If we must die, then we would rather die on our own soil. I assume the citizenry of Ballentine would agree with that?

Memphis nodded. "Yes, they would agree with that sentiment. That is, if they had to die. But what if I say that dying is out of the equation? What if I say that living in fear is out of the question?"

"What is it that you are saying?" the bearded fellow asked quickly, excitedly, almost hopefully.

What I’m saying is, what if we took the fight to the Empire? What if we gave them their own fear back? What if the nations of the world cooperated in fighting back?

An alliance… he whispered wistfully. No, no. It would never work. It’s been tried and retried. But the politicians are too greedy, and they only look out for the welfare of their own nation. No agreements can be made. No alliance can be created.

"What if I say to hell with politicians?"

"Now that is something we could all agree on," the short-haired woman said, laughing softly.

Yes! I do say that is a marvelous notion, her husband said. But how would you go about doing that?

Warriors wage wars, Memphis said. Warriors die in wars. Warriors end wars. So why can’t warriors negotiate in wars, so the wars can be ended with less warriors dying in the wars?

That’s brilliant! But whether it would work, who knows? I, for one, am skeptical. Besides, who would you get to do such a thing? Surely, not many warriors are diplomats.

That’s the beauty of it. A diplomat is exactly what we want to avoid. As for who could do it, I was thinking about the supreme general of the Ballentine Army.

The supreme general—that would be a good choice. Well, you have me convinced. Now you just have to convince the supreme general to do it. He laughed.

"I think you just helped me convince the supreme general that he can do it," Memphis said and then bid farewell to the two couples as he walked out the front door of the inn.

Memphis walked down the streets, getting closer to the center of town, closer to where the more upscale taverns would be—a place where some of the kingdom’s knights and soldiers and perhaps even officers would drink. But as he did so, he saw the city’s Mercenary Hunters’ Guild. Outside of it,