Fractured Alliance: The Reign of Peace

By Jenna Powers

Over a century after the fall of the Horde, a fragile peace crumbles.

 

The Tudorian Empire, led by the ruthless Emperor Cree, seeks to dominate the continent, clashing with the Alliance, a union of human kingdoms, and the Elven Kingdom of Aurelias.

 

Gunther, the Empire's brutal commander, leads the charge eastward, encountering resistance from the Alliance. Meanwhile, Prince Loren negotiates with a power-hungry prince in the west, forging a potentially devastating alliance.

 

Within Aurelias, tensions rise. Aewyn, the High Priestess, desires isolation, while her sister Leila, the commander, advocates for cooperation with the Alliance. Their conflicting visions threaten to divide the elves.

 

Lara, sister to an aspiring Commander, haunted by the remnants of the Call of the Krakenos, succumbs to its dark desires, jeopardizing herself and those around her.

 

As the web of deceit and ambition tightens, the once peaceful lands spiral towards war. Can trust be rebuilt, or will the continent be consumed by the flames of conflict once more?

 

This trilogy combines three exciting books of The Reign of Peace series and contains:

1. False Peace
2. Broken Bonds of Trust
3. The Emperor's Game

• Language: English
• Publisher: PEAR Stories
• Release date: Mar 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224491995

Jenna Powers

Jenna Powers is a sultry executive assistant by day who lets her fantasies come true through erotica writing by night.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

AEWYN

The sun slowly set over the lush green hills, a purple hue surrounding it as it descended.  The black of night was still far behind but the brightest of stars still penetrated through the skies.  Aewyn crossed her arms as she watched in silence.  A cool breeze passed by her long, flowing blonde hair.

A century had passed since the Horde had emerged from their various hideouts, led by the powerful Lich King that she and her sister had accidentally released.  She was an Elf High Priestess then, teaching magic to new practitioners.  Her sister was a member of the military, an archer with an unparalleled skill set.  They had both aged since then, though most would not have known.

Unlike other races, Elves maintained their youthful appearance.  Their longevity in life was well known and many thought there was a secret well or spring that was used.  Aewyn smirked as she recalled a conversation held long ago with a dear friend, Rick, who had fought alongside her and her sister.  He had asked if he could get a vial of whatever allowed the Elves to live so long.  Mainly so that he could give it to his mate and have her appear younger.  A joke, which his mate, Kara, did not take well.

My Lady, a voice called out, breaking her from her thoughts.

Aewyn turned and looked over at another Elf.  He was younger than her, with long black hair that passed by his shoulders.  Half of it was tied in a ponytail, while the remainder continued freely.  Aewyn nodded to him and smiled.

Leolis, what brings you here?  She asked.

The Commander was asking for your presence, Leolis responded.

Aewyn raised an eyebrow.  Asking for my presence?  Should it not be the other way around?  She asked, with a small smirk.

Leolis looked downward, folding his hands together.  My apologies.  I did not mean that it was an order.  It was a request, to see if it would be possible, he quickly replied.

He was a soldier, and a very good one at that, from what Aewyn had heard.  His lithe, compact figure made many assume that he was weak.  It was quite the opposite.  In battle, he was quick, relentless and dangerous with both sword and arrow.

It is okay Leolis, it was a joke, Aewyn replied as she glided past him, placing a hand on his shoulder as she did.

A joke?  He inquired, looking at her, a bit of confusion on his face.

Come, let us go see the Commander, Aewyn replied.

Leolis quietly followed along with Aewyn, staring at the sunset.  He was emotionless, his face completely blank.  Aewyn continued to glide as she looked towards the entrance to a large castle in the distance.

I heard that you were instrumental in defeating a tribe of Orcs in the Forest of Sorrows, Aewyn said.

I only did what was asked of me, Leolis responded.

We would have suffered many casualties if you had not been able to slay their Chieftain and his guards, Aewyn replied.

Leolis tilted his head and then nodded.  Anyone of the others would have done the same, given the chance.  It is our duty to serve and protect.

A warrior with a fierce heart and a humble mind, the most dangerous of foes, and yet, the most powerful of allies.

My Lady, your words are far too kind, Leolis replied, bowing slightly as he walked.

You are welcome to address me as Aewyn; you do not have to use any formalities.

Leolis shook his head.  I would not dare be so rude, he responded.

Aewyn smirked as they neared the side entrance to the castle.  She recalled her first meeting with Leolis.  He was young, lost, and orphaned.  The Horde had destroyed his home and he had escaped, barely.  Aewyn, along with her sister, had nursed him back to life, and brought him into the fold of their new found kingdom.  From there, he grew into the soldier that he was now.

Soldiers lined the halls of the entrance, and each bowed as Aewyn glided by.  Leolis eyed them and stopped in front of one of them.  He tapped the soldier’s armor and glared.

You did not strap your chest plate on correctly, Leolis scolded.

Aewyn turned to see the other soldier look down and adjust his armor.  He glanced over at Aewyn and his white face immediately turned pink with embarrassment.  Leolis crossed his arms and tapped one foot as he waited for the other soldier to correctly wrap the strap around his shoulder.

My apologies, the soldier said as he finished.

You must always be prepared for battle.  Any member of the Horde could have easily torn that chest plate off of you, Leolis responded before he made his way back to Aewyn’s side.

The two continued through the halls until they reached a large room, soldiers running and practicing their fighting.  Aewyn turned and headed up a flight of stairs.  Leolis, you should not be so hard on your fellow soldiers, she suggested.

My Lady, while the Horde has gone back to hiding, they could always strike at any time.  Being prepared is something that is preferred over being among the dead, Leolis responded coolly.

Is that something the Commander taught you?

Leolis looked away for a moment before shaking his head.  No, but I believe it should be.

Compassion to others is just as important, empathize, Aewyn said.

Before Leolis could respond, a figure emerged from the top of the stairs.  It was a feminine figure, clad in heavy armor that clanked loudly as she stepped forward.  She looked down towards Aewyn and Leolis, giving both a nod.

Aewyn, she greeted.

Leila, Aewyn responded with a huge smile.  She glided in close and gave her sister a hug, squeezing her tightly in her arms.

Thank you for bringing my sister Leolis.  You may continue what you were doing before, Leila responded.

Commander, Leolis said as he bowed his head and turned around.

What brings you here?  I thought you were on an expedition to the West?  Aewyn inquired.

Yes, we were, until we ran into a group of Trolls.  More than usual, Leila answered.

That’s...  Interesting.  I thought they were receding from the lands.

As did I.  We will have to take note before we regroup.  We suffered more casualties than I expected, Leila informed.

Most unfortunate, Aewyn responded as she placed a hand on her chin.

Come, we have much to discuss sister.  We found some rather peculiar items on them, Leila said as she turned and led Aewyn down the hall of the second floor.

CHAPTER 2

GUNTHER

Dust swirled upward as a fierce wind blew past a group of soldiers.  Their leader, Gunther Smithstone covered his eyes with his right forearm and raised his sword.  His smooth, bald head glistened in the sunlight.

Come on you bastards!  He yelled as the soldiers followed along with him.

He had a thick, heavy, black beard with specs of gray.  A long diagonal scar ran down his right eye, an injury from long ago.  His black, soot covered armor contrasted greatly against the other soldiers who wore shiny, silver versions.

Across from them were a group of Trolls, readying their axes.  They were ready to fight the Human invaders to their lands.  We kill!  One of them yelled angrily.

Let’s go!  Gunther cried out as he ran towards the Trolls.

The soldiers behind him hesitated for a moment before rushing forward with him.  Axes flew through the air, slamming into some of the soldiers as they rushed in.  Gunther expertly dodged them and swung his powerful broadsword, smacking some of the axes out of his way.  The Trolls with larger axes ran towards the Humans, swinging at them.

Behind the fallen soldiers was a Cleric, Lucius Lightbringer, who chanted and placed his hands on their wounds, healing them.  He bore a giant insignia on his back, a beam of light that forked in different directions.

The Gods restore you, he whispered.

Our land!  One of the Trolls growled as he swung as Gunther.

Gunther dodged, shook his head and swung back, hitting the Troll in the rubs with the edge of his blade.  He smirked as he saw the Troll’s eyes bulge out from pain.  Once the blade cut into the Troll, he pulled it back, spun and swung higher, slicing right through the Troll’s thin neck.

The Tudorian Empire rules all lands from one coast the other!  Gunther shot back as he flicked his blade, trying to remove the Troll’s blood from it.

We had agreement, a blue skinned Troll hissed.

Agreement?  Not with our Empire.  Maybe the pitiful Alliance, but they too shall fall within our command, Gunther responded as he pointed his sword at the Troll.

The Troll growled and ran towards the Human, wielding his small axes.  He twirled them expertly, managing to hit Gunther on the side.  Gunther grunted as he felt the sharp steel hit his armor, denting it, but not causing any further damage.  He smirked and jammed the pointed end of his sword into the Troll’s stomach.  His enemy immediately dropped his weapons and fell to his knees in pain.

Gunther placed his boot on the Troll’s chest and pushed him back onto his back.  He stared quietly into the eyes of the Troll, watching as the Troll’s life flickered away.  With a small sense of satisfaction he looked up, sizing up his next opponent.

Are you hurt?  Lucius asked.

Hurt?  Ha!  Barely a scratch.  Another scar on my armor for the ages, Gunther grunted.

We may have trouble brewing from the East.

Hm?  Why?  Gunther questioned, his voice low and scruffy.

Soldiers around them continued to fight the Trolls.  Gunther cautiously eyed his enemies, making sure none were aiming for the Cleric.

Here, Lucius said as he opened a book and chanted.

Gunther was always amazed by Lucius’ magic.  He considered them tricks using light, but after several different experiences, he began to believe that the Cleric was indeed special.  An oval slowly formed above the book and an image appeared.  Gunther squinted as he watched the image sharpen, and soon he could see armored men riding horses.

What is this?  Gunther asked.

A vision from one of my spells.  It seems the Alliance is on their way here, Lucius informed.

The Alliance?  May the Gods damn them...  How did they know we were here?  Gunther growled.

One of them must have alerted the Alliance, Lucius responded, pointing at the Trolls.

Idiots.  We must clear these Trolls before they arrive, Gunther grunted as he readied his sword.

Is that wise?  We will not be able to fight the Alliance and these Trolls, Lucius warned.

If the Trolls here are all dead, then we won’t have to fight the Alliance.  We’ll tell them that the Trolls attacked us first, Gunther responded as he rushed a nearby Troll, stabbing the creature in the back as it tried to fight a soldier.

Quite ambitious of a plan, Lucius replied.

Shut up and do your job.  I’ll do mine, Gunther growled back.

He launched himself toward a group of Trolls, enjoying the heat of battle.  His sword sang with the blood of his enemies, slicing through them easily.  He had been sharpening his blade for nights in preparation for this assault.

CHAPTER 3

VARIAN

Atrail of dark green blood led the Alliance troops towards a group of dirty, bandaged soldiers.  Varian gritted his teeth as he rode in on his horse, surveying the damage.  His golden armor shined brightly in the sun, as did the golden mount on his horse.  He glared straight towards the man in the center of the bandaged soldiers.  Unlike the others, the man wore near black armor, covered in soot and with obvious signs of damage and repair.  His bald head, thick black beard, and a scar running down his eye made him look more like a mercenary than a soldier.

You there!  Varian yelled angrily.

The bald man smirked and nodded back.  Varian sighed and rode his horse closer to the other soldiers.  He immediately recognized their sigil, the shining light.

Tudorian Empire?  Varian questioned.

You got us, the bald man responded as he spit on the ground.

Varian rolled his eyes and dismounted his horse.  He closed in on the bald man and the other soldiers surrounding him immediately stood.  Varian’s own soldiers circled around him, ready to take any fight.

The bald man raised a fist and shook his head before standing up.  He reached into a nearby bag and pulled out an apple.  While biting a large chunk, he walked toward Varian, with a small swagger to his step.

Ah, the Alliance of Humans, Kingdoms so afraid to fight on their own that they banded together, the bald man laughed, bits of apple flying out from his lips.  He walked close towards Varian, taking another large bite.  As he got close, Varian pulled out a small cloth from his side and covered his nose and mouth.  He felt nauseous from the bald man’s stench.

Which Kingdom are you from?  Frier?  The bald man questioned.

Varian sighed and breathed through his mouth.  The mixture of alcohol and sweat was sickening to him.  Obviously.  As if you couldn’t tell by our golden armor, Varian responded.

Huh?  The bald man cupped his right ear and turned his head to the side.  I can’t hear you with that thing over your mouth, he continued.

Step back and I can remove this cloth.  Your stench is unbearable!  Varian barked.

The bald man raised his eyebrows and turned towards his troops, spreading his arms out for show.  My stench?  Ha!  This is the smell of a real warrior, one who has killed hundreds and hundreds of monsters, he said as he walked away.

Varian pulled the cloth away from his face.  Who are you and why are you in these lands?

The bald man paused.  A warm breeze passed by and he tossed the remainder of his apple to the side.  He turned and pulled out his broadsword, pointing it towards Varian.

Gunther Stonesmith, Lord Commander of the Tudorian Empire.

Varian took one step back, surprised.  He had heard of the man’s escapades from others.  What brings you here?

Gunther twirled his sword and planted the pointed edge into the dirt next to him.  Bit rude of you to not introduce yourself, he responded.

I am Commander Varian Hawke, leader of the army of the Kingdom of Frier.

An odd silence filled the air for a moment before Gunther laughed.  His soldiers laughed along with him.  Varian gritted his teeth as he glanced over at his own troops.

The army of Frier?  As if such a thing exists.  A little group of volunteer children, paid to wear men’s armor, Gunther laughed.

Enough!  Varian barked as he pulled his longsword out from its sheath.  Tell us what you are doing in lands that are not owned by you!

Gunther smirked and nodded his head.  He grabbed his own sword and pulled it out from the dirt.  Up for a little sparring, eh?  He laughed as he walked towards Varian.

Varian gripped his sword tightly and readied himself.  Gunther ran towards him and swung from left to right.  Varian easily dodged the attack and raised one hand to stop his soldiers, who readied to help.

Stand fast troops.  I’ll deal with this wretched creature, Varian said confidently.

Another wild swing and Varian parried.  He then spun and swung his sword diagonally, trying to catch the bald soldier off guard.  His sword was long and slim, easier to maneuver with while his opponent’s was larger.

Varian was surprised by Gunther’s quickness, the bald man leaning back to avoid his blade.  His opponent quickly swung his broadsword upward, trying to hit the inside of Varian’s thigh.  It was close but Varian was able to spin again, this time launching a backhanded fist with his left hand.  His knuckles landed squarely on the bald man’s cheek, stunning his opponent.

Not bad, Gunther responded, spitting a bit of blood on the ground.

Varian’s armored glove had managed to cut the bald man’s lip.  He swung his sword and pointed it at Gunther, as if warning him to stop.  Gunther ignored him, running right at him aggressively again, spinning his broadsword as he neared.

As he closed in, Varian quickly sidestepped him and slammed the blunt edge of his blade into Gunther’s side, denting his armor.  The Tudorian soldiers immediately stood up and shouted in anger.  Varian’s troops quickly responded, readying to pull to their swords.

Gunther groaned and turned, looking to his side to see the dent.  He smirked again and looked at his soldiers.  Nothing to worry about, he laughed.

You know very well I could have ended it with the other side of my blade, Varian responded.

Quite a pity you didn’t sharpen both edges, Gunther replied as he sheathed his sword.  You’re a much better fighter than I thought.

You have yet to answer why you are on these lands, Varian growled as he cautiously sheathed his own weapon.

Emperor Cree has commanded that the Tudorian Empire will achieve the goals of his ancestors during his reign.  It is a mandate from the Gods, Gunther responded.

And what is this goal?

Why, it’s to conquer the lands from coast to coast.  It is all what was given by the Gods.

Varian raised an eyebrow and shook his head.  These lands are not yours and never were.  Tell your dear Emperor that the Alliance will not allow such madness.

The Alliance?  The Alliance doesn’t own this land!  Gunther barked.

And neither does the Tudorian Empire, Varian shot back.

So what?  You’d rather allow these creatures own this land?  Gunther questioned as he kicked one of the dead Troll’s bodies.

We had an agreement with them, Varian responded.

An agreement?  An agreement?!  Can you not hear your own words?!  An agreement with members of the Horde?  Why?  Why would you cave to the demands of these things?  Gunther growled as he continued to kick the corpse.

Enough!  Varian yelled angrily.  Leave these lands or face the consequences.

You don’t know, do you?  Why you have an agreement.  You’re so low down in the ranks that they don’t tell you anything, Gunther laughed as he turned to look at Varian.

It is the will of the Kingdom of Frier.  As the leaders of the Alliance, we decided to show sympathy and empathy, Varian responded.

Gunther rolled his eyes and looked over at his soldiers.  Come on boys, let’s get back home.

His soldiers stood and followed him as he strode right up to Varian.  He leaned in, rubbed his beard and placed his pointer finger on Varian’s chest.  Next time we meet, I’ll be sure to teach you why you never want to keep any part of your blade dull.

If we meet again, I will suggest you do something about your stench.  Otherwise they won’t be able to tell whether you’re a corpse or not after I am done with you, Varian responded.

Gunther snorted and spit on the ground, right next to Varian’s boot.  He looked back at his troops and raised one hand.  Oh right, bring out the wench, he ordered.

Varian tilted his head as he watched a group of soldiers walk into a small hut.  They walked right back out carrying a nude female.  Varian’s jaw dropped as he walked towards them, his troops rushing along with him.

Lara?

You know her?  Gunther questioned.

What did you do to her?  Varian growled as his soldiers took the nude female.  He pulled off his cape and wrapped it around her body.  What did you cowards do?!

We’re not savages, Gunther responded coolly.  You should ask the Trolls what they did.  We found her like this.

I swear, if you hurt her, your Empire will burn to ashes, Varian growled as he gripped the handle of his sword.

Come and try, Gunther laughed.  He headed off to mount his horse.  His soldiers followed and rode off, leaving Varian and his troops.

Is she okay?  Varian asked.

One of the soldiers holding her nodded.  She seems to be okay.  We will have to take her back to confirm, the soldier responded.

CHAPTER 4

LARA

The night before.. .

Lara crept out of her room, looking down the hallways carefully to ensure that no one was around.  The dark of the night hid her as she quietly made her way through the halls and out of the castle.  She gently pushed on one of the doors to the outside of the castle, being careful as it creaked slightly.

The cool wind from outside rushed by her thin cotton top.  She shivered momentarily before stepping out.  There was enough light from the moon, allowing her to make her way towards the stables.  She had to be careful as she entered the stables, making sure the horses did not get excited.  Her heart raced as she made her way to her own horse, being as quiet as possible.

Hey there, she whispered as she ran her hand along the head of her horse, waking him from his slumber.

She pulled him out of the stabled and mounted him.  Her horse neighed but she rubbed her hand on his neck, calming him.  She rode out of the stables and into the night.  It wasn’t her first time sneaking out, and her horse seemed to know what to do, quietly trotting until Lara tapped on his back, letting him know he could gallop forward.

Lara’s soft brown hair flowed back as her horse galloped through the plains and onto dirt.  She was crossing over into land that had not yet been restored, still desolate and deserted by Humans.  The horse slowed and cautiously neighed as it sniffed the air.

It’s okay, she cooed.  We’ve done this before.

The horse seemed to understand, trotting forward loudly.  A figure emerged from behind a large boulder, grinning ear to ear.  Lara licked her lips as she saw the tall muscular creature before she dismounted her horse.  She tapped her horse on the neck and gently rubbed her face against his.

Just wait here, she cooed.

You back?  The figure cackled as he walked into the moonlight, his sharp toothy grin fully visible.

Lara’s heart skipped a beat as she stared at the Troll.  His light blue skin seemed to sparkle slightly in the light.  He was easily a foot taller than her, and he only wore a straw skirt, showing off his chiseled body.

Z’Ulkin, Lara greeted with a smile.

Her body warmed as she walked towards him.  She could hardly contain her excitement as the Troll continued to grin, his eyes roaming up and down her body.  The folds of her sex grew wet, her loins aching for his touch.  It wasn’t the first time she had been with him.

You couldn’t get enough?  Z’Ulkin laughed as he pulled off his straw skirt, revealing his long, hard manhood.

Lara gasped as she stared at his thick member, her hands trembling as she slowly got on her knees.  She stared at his member, stroking it to life.  It hardened within her grasp, turning hotter with each rub.  She had a craving that could not be satiated by other Humans.  It wasn’t until she had met members of the Horde that she realized what would quench her lust.

Her fingers gently massaged the monstrous throbbing shaft of the Troll.  A bit of his seed leaked out from the tip as he excitedly tilted his head back and groaned.  She leaned in, sticking out her tongue to taste it, flicking it up and down on the tip of his member.

Very good!  The Troll groaned.

Her tongue expertly journeyed up and down the shaft, making it nice and slick for her hand to glide along.  She twisted her palms gently while she stroked his member, changing her focus back to the tip with her tongue.  The Troll groaned in approval as her tongue flicked against the tip of his member.

Lara enjoyed the taste of the Troll and the musky scent from him made her body grown hot.  Her crotch ached as she opened her lips wide, readying to take the Troll’s manhood into her mouth.  She struggled to take in the bulbous tip, gagging as she