[ Show content ] This storyline focuses on the Realm of Almedda and its growing interests in Aleris, in particular the continent Eiler. Click for a map of Almedda.

It's worth noting that time flows differently in Almedda. A day in Aleris will be a week in Almedda.

It begins about three days after the "Darkness Descends" war ends.

Feel free to join in the storyline. All players are welcome. We need something to do while waiting for the next Global SL! [ Hide content ]



Summary:

Almedda, a ruined realm of ambition, has set it's sights on Aleris. Using a magical portal known as the Ripping Gate, they have bridged a doorway into Aleris. Following a tense meeting with King Elias, their commander Jasker Ellins dispersed a thousand Almeddan troops to different parts of Eiler on the pretense of peacekeeping and rebuilding. However, they brought with them a dark history of civil wars and angry gods. The Almeddan Empire has a past of chaining and killing their gods to fuel their sorcery, and the Aleris gods seem perfect fuel for their arcane fire, but they're not the only one with such frightening goals.

A renegade faction within Almedda, known as the House of Corporis, has brought their bloody war to Aleris, led by powerful and seductive shifter known as the Spider Birvuo. On their side is the ancient and deadly race of insects, known as the C'udisk, seething with revenge for the extermination of their peoples. With Tempesturo's Champion (Blend) held prisoner, they have set their sights on the Goddess Elysia, eager to use Almedda's strategies against them. Will the Corpirians, aided by the morbid Spider named Meristali, stop at destroying their foes with the blood of Elysia? Or will their deadly greed consume Aleris?

As events spiral out of control, a freshly healed Madrin Kir is working with the King Elias to formulate a strategy, while Soul of Black Chaos and his new-found young friend Zafiro are busy stirring things up. Soul is not alone, the frightening entity known as Syvern following him eager for bloodshed. As Chaos descends, one can only wonder if these people are enough to prevent Almedda's civil war from consuming Aleris?






--





Almedda was awakening. The quest for glory was finally paying off. Two wars in two different realms were being fought, and today the victors rode through crowds of cheering faces underneath the proud banners of House Evinco. The emblem's hungry wolf head howled fiercely over a field of green.

Aleris and Aterim. The similarity in names was not lost on the Almeddan Empire. Yet the two realms couldn't be more different. Aterim, suffering from dark opression and a fear of the arcane, provided little challenge when it came to conquest and dominance. In fact, many villagers fared better under Almeddan rule than the primitive governments that fought blindly against eachother in crude wars.

Aleris, on the other hand, was already gaining notoriety as a world inhabited by dangerous entities. Stories from the Evincan commander that returned from Aleris included tales of children wielding sorcery capable of slaughtering entire squads of trained warriors. Those stories also warned of incredible warfare, where swordplay was nullified by the amount of sheer energy that poured from that realm like a festering wound. It was a wonder that any Almeddans returned from the war at all.

The fact that they brought news of Silenti's demise was enough to send the city of Veyja into a spirited uproar as citizens poured down to the Ripping Gates to witness the anticipated march of the men returning from Aleris with glorious deeds.

Jasker Ellins led the others, mounted on a white warhorse with violent eyes. His brutish frame bulged beneath plates of glistening armor. Dented as it was, the Evincan had clearly taken pains to polish it before this prestigious moment. After all, this was what any man could dream of, was it not? Coming home, to the praise of his entire city - no, his entire realm.

They were Slayers of Death. Killers of Silenti.

Behind Jasker was two men, Kisser and Tarc, the latter sweating profusely as his blue eyes darted left and right. He seemed to be struggling with his horse, knuckles white as he clenched the reigns of the stubborn beast. Beside the blue robed Venefican, Kisser seemed unperturbed, though any stranger couldn't tell with the grotesque way the man's face was deformed by scars and burns. The Evincan warrior had a crooked grin as he watched his comrade struggle with his mount.

Behind them were two Accersans robed in crimson, and behind them rode two more Evincans, both of them holding the Evincan war banners which danced in the air above the crowd.

It was a small procession, considering the forty men which marched into Aleris so recently.

Mai'ka wished they had all died. The C'udiskan God stared hungrily at the crowd from a balcony. A deep clicking issued from his alien throat, a sound of disapproval among his nearly extinct race. Despite his status, the god appeared identical to any other C'udiskan, coated in a thick chitinous shell that shimmered like oil. Crudely resembling a beetle, Mai'ka stood on four stable legs, with ten smaller arms wrapped defensively around his alien form. Among the C'udisk, there were five castes, a heirarchy born of biology, and Mai'ka was a warrior. As such, his arms ended in bladed talons, and his exoskeleton was adorned in thousands of sharp protrusions.

Almedda and C'udisk have been in a war for nearly seven thousand years. What had begun as an experiment gone awry had evolved into the C'udisk Rift, a gaping wound where two worlds became one, a hole which spread across both realms. Consuming them. Joining them. The bitter truth remained they were overthrown the instant that Almeddans began chaining their pantheon, within two thousand years of the unwelcome convergence of the warring worlds. From then on, the C'udiskan demise was inevitable.

The Panthos Wars were fresh in Mai'ka's mind, though it was so long ago. Vibrant red fans folded from the sides of his jowls as he stared down at the crowd, brooding on the ancient defeats that haunted him through the generations. How these short-lived humans managed to conquer his entire people, Mai'ka struggled to comprehend.

The irony was, they never asked for these bloody wars. It was an Almeddan that accidentally opened the C'udisk Rift without knowing how to reverse the dangerous process. The surprised C'udiskan responded to what they viewed as a deliberate attack of sorcery with their own arcane magics, beginning their long and painful march to extinction at the hands of Almedda.

That the Almeddans chained their gods, and abused the incredible powers of the ancient C'udisk deities.. even Mai'ka did not see that coming.

I should have..

Clicking disapproval, Mai'ka watched as the Almeddans worshiped their new heroes, showering them with praise and glory as they returned from their conquest. Mai'ka knew that soon they would return to Aleris in force, to begin their campaigns anew. Another world to be consumed, more gods to drain and slay, more blood to harness in their endless thirst for power. These Almeddans had a hunger insatiable.

I'm hungry, too, the god thought as he stared out over the crowd. Hungry.. For revenge. For rebirth.

--

Two weeks later in Almedda, two days later in Aleris.




Mai'ka, the C'udiskan God of Shadows, watched angrily as the Almeddans gathered at the Ripping Gate. One thousand arrayed soldiers, prominently Evincans, gathered in preparation to enter Aleris and begin what Mai'ka was certain would be another bloodied campaign. Glittering black eyes filled with cold loathing peered out from the dark ripples of shadow which cloaked the god as he observed the growing forces.

They were finally on the move. Jasker Ellins, the glorified Evinco captain who had led the Almeddans into Aleris on the first trip, now gave a speech to the soldiers no doubt laying out the course of their attack. Mai'ka moved closer to the army so he could listen, keeping to the darkness buried at the sides of buildings.

"Almeddans! A new world awaits us!" Jasker whirled about on a white destrier with bloodshot eyes. The massive commander had a proud grin on his face as he studied the assembled warriors. "Aleris! A land of gods and glory! As you all know by now, Aleris is laden with energy. It makes Almedda seems a flickering candle compared to the vigorous burning of that realm. I have met with the High Lords of Evinco and we are in agreement that outright battle is the quickest way to get ourselves obliterated. Instead, we will enter Aleris on the premise of peace and trade!

"Aleris has suffered several devastating wars in rapid succession. It's a well known fact that Eiler, the heart of the realm, is currently demolished. So we will assist the Alerians with reconstruction, and establishment of peace. In fact, we will do it better than the established governments! The Aleris government is clearly not situated to handle the potent threats that plague the realm. The locals will have to be made to understand that Almedda has the capabilities and desire to protect the citizens, that we are a better alternative to their crude leadership. Thus, conquest without ever raising a sword!!!

"This is how we will obtain our wealth, and without risking our honor in the process. Now, Almeddans, let's ride!"

Jasker cheered, drawing his sword and pointing it towards the gate. The Almeddan Legions responded with a resounded cry that made Mai'ka cringe. Then the C'udiskan watched as they poured into the Ripping Gate, into Aleris. Wrapping himself in thick shadows, Mai'ka scurried into the mass of soldiers, following the Almeddans as he clicked his disapproval. Honor and glory, he thought. Just a different way of saying murder.

--

Eiler's population was growing!!! One thousand Almeddan soldiers and healers, accompanied by a stealthy insect god, poured out of a stone gate south-west of the Hyperborean Mountains. The howling wolf of House Evinco fluttered on green banners above the army, above the lesser banners of the other three Houses. There was House Curatio, a gold-and-white banner with the emblem of an eagle. A banner for House Veneficus, blue and purple with a roaring bear portrayed on the sigil, fluttered nearby. The rarest color, red and crimson, was saved for the House of Accerso, their stoic tiger peering down on the army below.

Outriders and messengers instantly flooded away from the army, heading for all major cities. They all carried the same query: Almedda is here to help rebuild, where are they needed most?

Mai'ka would have clicked disapproval at that.

In the morning about two days after the war, King Elias Alexander Lowell of Aleris gave a brief, but worrisome speech in front of the few hundreds of residents of Grand City that had survived the recent war. There were no platforms to hold the king higher than his subjects, so Elias, appearing as a 15 year old teenager, addressed most of his people with eye level in the castle's ruined courtyard among the many tents where the citizens resided currently. The heavy rains had ceased, but there was a light mist in the air and the skies remained gray, the threat of additional storms still lingering.

Elias first told them of his history and his birth right to the Alerian throne. The topic was confusing; they could not comprehend the thought of ancient magic that would allow a man to age so slowly. If he had to be honest with himself, Elias did not completely understand why what happened to him so many years ago had actually happened. In any case, however accepting or rejecting the Grand City townsfolk were of Aleris' real history, the truth had been given and Elias was here to stay as king whether some one wanted to bow down to a "boy" or not.

The first bit of news did not cause much reaction besides puzzled faces. The second news Elias delivered caused worried whispers to spread throughout the crowd. For some reason, having Madrin Kir, Lord Commander of Eiler, by his side made Elias feel a little bit taller. The people trusted this man, whereas Elias' face despite its calm appearance was a relatively new one. Deanna DiCorvino had escaped. Originally, there was going to be an execution; instead Elias was letting his people know that at the current time there would be no such thing. The thought of a murder - a dark sorceress and self-proclaimed goddess - running rampant throughout the lands didn't make anyone feel at ease. It didn't matter if Elysia had publicly stated Deanna was harmless prior to this news. The people had risen with the sun expecting justice and revenge, but none would be had.

"Rest assured," Elias said making his voice as loud as possible over the hum of fretting voices in the crowd, "the Lord Commander has already assigned three of his best men to the task of tracking down and apprehending Deanna DiCorvino. Unfortunately, I cannot give you a time frame of when this will happen. Right now, the most important thing is for me to make sure the people are safe. But to do that we must rebuild and concern ourselves with moving on instead. In the next few days, expect many changes in Aleris. Expect your homes to be renewed. Expect that Grand City and the rest of Aleris will be rebuilt and become stronger than ever. I can promise you this."

To many, the promise of the city being resurrected after two wars in such rapid succession was but a dream. Elias had sworn that Aleris would be rebuilt - that it would be better than ever - and to this his words would hold true. Should some one try to stop him, to detain the growth of the realm he watched over, it would be a sad day for any so-called imposing forces indeed. King Elias Lowell may appear to his foes as an innocent, blonde haired youth, but when the need arose he was not to be threatened or trifled with, especially when it came to protecting his people.

Briefly, Elias' emerald colored eyes scanned the gathering. Somewhere he imagined Layla Victoire in the crowd cursing up a storm under her breath over hearing that Deanna DiCorvino had fled. Part of Elias (that very tiny childish part) wished he could see the look of disappointment upon her face, but he could not make out the Lady of Elved anywhere. Elias took this a good sign. Maybe she had been so angered that she had stalked back off to Elved. That was his hope anyway.

Eventually the crowd of people dispersed since Elias dismissed everyone and as it did, he could see some one in Grand City uniform pushing through the people to reach the King. Elias narrowed his eyes and noticed that it was one of the remaining captains, a man called Cyrus Rose. Once he got to Elias, Cyrus sucked in a much needed breath and then straightened himself, offering the King a quick but proper bow and salute.

"Be at ease, Captain Rose," Elias said. "What news do you bring me?"

"King Elias, one of our riders has just returned after a scouting expedition. He has reported that not far from the Hyperborean Mountains a troop of about 1,000 soldiers foreign to our lands were gathering. The scout said he saw them split off into different directions, possibly headed to each of Eiler's major cities."

"Okay, follow me," Elias said and he moved away from where he had given his speech weaving through the Grand City people towards one of the castle's remaining walls. Cyrus was close by his side, but Elias was unsure of if Madrin had followed. Reaching the wall, Elias climbed the stairs and dug in the pockets of his coat pulling out a hand-held telescope. It was a small tool, but the lens was powerful and could see quite a distance away. Cyrus looked at Elias skeptically for a moment, but the King of Aleris turned a few small knobs on his telescope and lifted it to his eye, peering off in the direction towards the mountains.

"Those banners they're carrying with them, they look familiar," Elias said. He handed Captain Rose the telescope who took it, instantly surprised at the viewing range it had. "That green one above all the others, the one with the howling wolf's head, that looks familiar doesn't it? Isn't that the Almeddan army that came into the city with Tempesturo's Champion?"

"I do believe so, My Lord," Cyrus said as he passed the telescope back to his King.

Elias took one last look and then pocketed the telescope. "I wonder why they have returned. I am not ungrateful for their help in the war, but I think at the very least we should go out to meet them before they can get through the city gates, which offer little protection anyway. With an army so big, my suspicion is they have either returned to help or that knowing what was transpired here, they have returned for conquest."

"You're going out there?" Cyrus said blinking confusedly.

"Yes, that's right," Elias said nodding to the man. "I am not going to hide. Please, meet me about twenty paces from the city gates, but first report to Lord Commander Kir and let him know to ready our soldiers and have them on alert, just in case the worst happens."

"Yes, My Lord," Captain Rose said.

After the man offered Elias a quick bow, he ran off to go find Madrin. Elias, flanked by a few of the royal guards after Cyrus departed, found his way to the castle's stables. The King of Aleris gathered his horse and the royal guards took their own. After all were saddled up and ready to go, the small troop made its way out of the castle courtyard and through the city to the main gates. With one of the royal guards Grand City's own banner fluttered high above, white with the emblems of Aleris' deities - a red sun, an orange oak leaf, a green tree and a blue snowflake. Elias hoped they would see this as a symbol of peace, but considering the realm's luck as of late, he was not so confident.

Madrin met with his tribesman a few hours after leaving Elias' chamber. Finding his chosen trackers was not quick since the guards were scattered all over Grand city. The two women and one man met him in a tent on the outskirts of the capital of Eiler. They all kept alert for any intruders as they conversed. Madrin's orders were given in great detail leaving little room for them to speak until he was done. The lead tracker Sasha Blackwolf addressed him in a serious tone. "Brother why would you go so far to protect Deanna."

The sadness in his voice was apparent as he answered Sasha's question. "Think sister, you heard the announcement from Elysia, to execute someone who isn't guilty of the crimes she is blamed for is not justice. I would think my clan should understand Deanna's situation better than most."

"Your right Madrin, I'm sorry I didn't realize it sooner. We will begin the search immediately." The three gave respectful bows and excused themselves. Madrin has always followed his own rules when it comes to right and wrong. Sometimes he admitted, following the laws without question must be a peaceful ignorance.

Elias explaining the reason for his youthful appearance had less impact than Madrin expected. They sought murder and received a history lesson, their hostility was understandable. However, he didn't like how ignorant the masses kept themselves. When Cyrus Rose came with news of a foreign army approaching, he cursed the abyss that kept bringing trouble to his realm. He knew part of life was overcoming any trials that come your way but, it was often stressful.

As Elias went off to check on the disturbing message Madrin saw to the assembly of what remained of their army in Grand city. Captain Gregory saw to the final stages of preparing the army, and Madrin rode out to join Elias and the royal guard that attended the king. He was not fond of riding horses, Madrin preferred to use his own legs. However, it would seem odd for the Lord Commander of Eiler to jog beside the king in any situation Elias was mounted. "Greetings Your majesty, be wary the Almeddan soldiers are a dangerous lot. They have no small amount of skill in battle and their command structure is strong. Your forces are awaiting orders if this goes bad." Madrin's serious tone made the royal guards straighten as ingrained discipline exerted itself. The forces from another realm would find no flaws in the soldiers of Grand city's discipline.

The Almeddan Army had taken up a defensive but sprawled position around the Ripping Gate, their lifeline to their home. Tents and pavilions littered the landscape, arrayed carefully to be defended from any ambushes, with space enough between each tent for a troop of Almeddan cavalry to navigate through the camp unimpeded. Scouts and outriders constantly circled the army, searching for any threats or allies that may approach.

Jasker was within the largest tent, aptly named the Command Tent, when an Evincan scout entered to alert him about King Elias. The commander wasn't alone, accompanied by ranking officers of all four Houses.

"The King? Well, I can't say I'm too surprised. He is probably here to make certain we're not launching an assault on Aleris. This can be useful.." Jasker looked down to the papers and notes that scattered the circular desk which dominated the room. Among the litter was information about Elias, Alerion, and the mythos of Aleris. "The commoners here clearly distrust this 'boy king'. According to some, he's Alerion reincarnated somehow. But most seem to believe he's a different person entirely. The only thing that's kept him in power is Elysia. But if the Goddess of Death gives the king her blessing, that can be manipulated.. The only proof, after all, that he's the rightful King is the tattoos on his arms and the words of a death dealer. Weak proof, if you'd ask me."

"Aye," an Accersan commander named Isktor chided in, leaning over the table to brush aside some papers, revealing the Alerian map. He pointed to the continent of Elved. "Furthermore, there is talk about civil unrest in Elved and Arthuran. Layla Victoire has recently had a love affair with the former Protector Regeant Verial, who now goes north to lead in Arthuran. Perhaps driven by jealous rage, the Lady Victoire has returned to Bariston. It's very likely she plans to invade Arthuran. The confusion spawned by King Elias taking leadership is only helping to further destabilize the region. I would not be surprised if Elved attempts to declare itself sovereign under Victoire's leadership."

"It would seem even without our efforts, the realm is going down a bloody path. We shall make use of this momentum to propel Almedda into a position of security here. King Elias obviously needs peacekeepers to prevent the impending civil war." Jasker turned his gaze to the scout. "Thank you for alerting us, soldier. How much longer until he is here?"

"Ten minutes, at most."

"So soon? Hrmph.. Send a message to my squire Deruge, have him ready my horse. I'll need an armed escort, in case this King decides to attempt anything."

"He's not riding with an army, sir. Just the King and a small troop of guards."

"I've seen what these Alerians can do. I won't take any chances. Now, off with you, we haven't got all day."

"Yes sir!"

"In the meantime, here's how we will handle this King.." Jasker then proceeded to explain his plans with the Almeddan warleaders.

Five minutes later, ten Almeddans rode out from the army to meet with King Elias. The banners of all four Houses fluttered above the small party, the predatory animals staring with hungry eyes at the banner of Aleris as the two groups converged.

Jasker lifted a hand to his guards to tell them to stop, then he dismounted and walked forwards to approach Elias.

"It's a great pleasure and honor to meet the noble King of Aleris at last," Jasker said, bowing his head as he approached Elias. For a child, Elias held himself with the air of a practiced leader, lending weight to the possibility he was truly Alerion. Towering over the frail King was Madrin Kir, the cool eyes of the soldier staring at Jasker with open distrust. Jasker made a mental note to avoid infuriating this warrior. His eyes returned to Elias and he smiled again. "My name is Jasker Ellins, Commander and acting representative for the House of Evinco. Perhaps you have already met with one of our scouts and you know why we're here. If not, then you will be pleased to hear that Almeddan leaders are eager to establish trade and ties to your prosperous realm. Our home has been devastated, you see, by the greed of our ancestors, but we have much to trade aside from foodstuffs. Arcane knowledge, maps of different realms, and most importantly the protection of our soldiers.

"Since returning here, I have heard some frightening rumors. It appears the realm is unstable, and this peace you've earned won't last much longer.. not without help. In exchange for our help in rebuilding and peacekeeping, Almedda is eager to begin trade and we hope you'll agree that such an agreement will benefit both worlds."

After this long winded introduction, Jasker fell into silence, waiting for Elias to respond. His green eyes returned briefly to Madrin and he wondered if the stoic soldier could understand the real reasons for Almeddan occupation of Aleris. Hopefully, he was as dense as he seemed. If not, things could get complicated.

As Madrin rode up besides Elias, the King of Aleris could not help but turn his head and smile just a bit. In those few minutes that Elias watched Madrin, he noticed that the seasoned warrior was not very used to horses and that the horse he had ridden up on was not used to its rider either. The horse Madrin took stamped its feet, shuffling nervously in place wondering if it should buck off its passenger or not which would have been a sight for the approaching Almeddans. Thankfully, Madrin was able to calm his horse and turn the situation once more serious noting to Elias that he should be careful for the Almeddans were a fearless and dangerous sort.

Consequently, without knowing it, the Almeddans thought the same about the Alerians. At least Elias and Madrin would be meeting these foreigners from another realm on a sort of common ground - that being mistrust and caution. Having just wrapped up yet another war, Aleris was still at a weakened and vulnerable state. They had a lot more to possibly lose and Elias was sure the Almeddans were aware of this. After all, an army does not just show up with intentions to protect an unfamiliar realm without getting something in return. Elias would have liked to be able to put his faith into the Almeddans right away, but unfortunately he did not have that luxury with everything that had happened.

It was not long before the Almeddans had ridden across the stretch of field that was outside Grand City to meet Elias and his soldiers. Despite the light mist of rain, the Almeddan banners as well as the Alerian banners fluttered in the breeze, flicking back and forth in the wind like a whip. Over this noise, the sound of Almedda's Commander Jasker Ellins could be heard dismounting his horse and walking up to meet Elias once he was in close enough proximity. Elias did the same, bowing in unison to the Almeddan Commander.

"Thank you, Commander Ellins," Elias said. "Much of Aleris is unfamiliar with the Almeddans save for the fact that a group of your own showed up on the eve of our war and helped to assist in what could have been our capital city's fall. So, I personally would like to thank you and your soldiers for the unsuspected assistance back then."

Jasker's request seemed simple enough - to open trade with Aleris. Nevertheless, Elias was sure there was an ulterior motive behind the Commander's words besides just trading. Nevertheless, Elias did not have the resources to flat out refuse Jasker's request. Any complications might result in another conflict - another battle to be precise - and to face the facts, Grand City was weakened and needed more soldiers to protect it. What could he do but comply and keep a close eye on the Almeddans?

"The rumors you've heard are not far from the truth, Commander. We are working diligently to rebuild our realm, but one war after another has left many shaken in their faith and resolve. Of course, we welcome the help from Almedda while we reconstruct many of our cities. Our trade will be opened to your people in exchange, but please be aware many of our cities, even on the other continents, do not have much to trade at the moment. Many of our merchants and sailors are counting their losses and seeing what they have left to trade or even give away to those who need supplies. Unfortunately, for some time our trade may not be up to par in comparison to the extra protection Almedda can offer. But if you are as patient with our beloved realm as I am, you will find it has much to offer even throughout its stages of reconstruction."

Elias' words held much truth and promise. Jasker undoubtedly knew this and so did Elias. There was more to Aleris than just simple trade between two nations. Elias would have to be a fool to believe the Almeddans didn't come seeking anything else in the process. But for now, the best Elias could do was to agree to trade and put his faith in Eiler's Lord Commander to keep his own men strong and on their toes. This was something Elias knew Madrin was capable of.

After settling where the Almeddans would set up in Grand city Madrin made rounds inquiring after their culture he was directed to an older man of house Curatio. The lord commander claimed it was to smooth the integration of the trade routes soon to be established. Truthfully, he was gathering information, to ease his way for a fact finding mission. His mother had taught him the arts of stealth as part of his training. Madrin didn't use them often but, when the need arose he could vanish from sight. In this way he was capable of completing missions solo, that would normally take a much larger force.

The old man named Samson talked long into the evening finally stopping two hours before midnight. "Thank you Healer Samson you have been most helpful." Madrin gave the man in his late eighties a bow of respect and set out for the castle. Once in the barracks while the few soldiers there slept lightly Madrin removed his white uniform, and put on his regular clothes for the first time in weeks. He had missed them more than he realized, white was not his preference. He wrapped his midnight black cloak around himself concealing everything but, his athletic build. Madrin dropped to the cobblestones of the castle courtyard, after silently free climbing down from the barracks window with the skill of a mountain upbringing.

He sought Mira Blackwolf as she patrolled near the Grand city gates. Madrin snuck up on her and whispered in her ear while simultaneously stopping her weapon arm. "Mira." His familiar voice prevented her from raising an alarm. "I need a favor."

Her tone was quiet and calm. "By the Abyss Madrin, I have told you many times not to sneak up on me you damned shade walker. What do you want?"

Madrin unslung his two handed sword's shoulder harness, and handed her his four concealed silvered throwing knives, as well as a note sealed with green wax with his initials carved in it. "Take them to the king in the morning at the earliest time possible."

The note reads as follows:


Elias,
I have gone to the realm of Almedda alone, to gather information and verify Jasker's claim one way or the other. I leave it to you to explain my absence the dimensions time moves a week for every day in Aleris so I may return sooner than expected. Mira Blackwolf who bears this message is my oldest childhood friend, I trust her completely. On my honor I will not fail.

Madrin Kir


Mira surprised him by suddenly hugging him, and planting a deep skilled kiss on his lips. "That is so you remember who you're leaving behind while risking that precious life of yours."

"Aye Mira , Please look after my daughter if she comes looking for me." The sad look on his face was brief but, obvious.

"On your way Madrin, before the night is lost to you." He waved to her before disappearing around a corner. The woman's sapphire eyes shed several tears after he was gone. Then she spoke In a whisper. "Madrin, you honorable idiot."

He managed to steal a green uniform that fit him, a long sword, a military backpack, and dagger from the surplus equipment tent in the Almeddan camp without once being spotted by the guards. When he entered the ripping gate to another realm he was dressed and equipped as an Evincan soldier. Madrin couldn't ask the healer what was on the other side, or else suspicion might have been raised. So he was going in blind, an hour after midnight in Aleris. No one noticed him as far as he knew, so he stealthly entered the portal.

From the branches of an oak tree, Mai'ka watched with growing anger as the Almeddans peacefully invaded this new realm. After Jasker Ellins and King Elias had concluded their palaver, the commander had clearly given the order for the Almeddans to spread out and begin occupying towns. Small armies of one hundred, each split into squadrons of twenty, headed at leisurely marches towards their respective towns. The main force of the army, three hundred heads strong, took the route north towards the Grand City.

What fools, these Alerians. Didn't they realize they were being invaded? Didn't they understand the tactical advantages the Almeddans were obtaining, as their forces spread out to key stronghold points across the map?

Of course, there would be no fighting, Mai'ka saw that now. The Almeddans intended to integrate themselves into the leadership of this society, to take it over by politics as opposed to bloody warfare. Already they were succeeding, displacing leaders as the Almeddan forces took unofficial control of the cities they occupied.

Crimson fans unfolded from Mai'ka's face, then snapped shut repeatedly in agitation. It was only a matter of time before the Almeddans got their hands on a god, and then true conquest was inevitable.

All humans are fools, Mai'ka thought bitterly. Alerians, Almeddans, it makes no difference.

He had to make this a victory for the C'udisk. Insects were destined to rule the world, of this Mai'ka was certain. They didn't suffer from violent ambitions or conflicting emotions of mammals, their minds were sharpened into blades by thousands of generations of evolution. Even their bodies were superior, gifted with flight and coated in armor.

The only problem was finding out how to stop these Almeddans from sinking their teeth into the realm before they were embedded for good. Clicking angrily, the large insect spread his wings and took to the air.

--

"Hey, if it isn't Silenti's Slayer himself! Blend, welcome back! Where have you been hiding?"

Tempesturo's Champion had appeared suddenly in the midst of the army. The armored skeleton turned his sightless eye-sockets towards Tarc and the metallic mask of his helmet warped into a grin.

"I went to Chaos to talk with my.. um.. friend."

"And what about Sharay?"

Blend patted a pouch at his hip. "She's right here."

Tarc blanched, taking a step back. "You.. she's.. but.. that's.. ohh gods, Blend. You should destroy her. We're not safe with her around."

Blend shrugged. "Actually, Valorius gave me a hand.. an electric, green hand. He changed her, removed pretty much everything but her essence."

Tarc's eyes narrowed. "You have the essence of a goddess, and you're not using it?"

"Use it? What do you mean? She's doing fine."

"That's so much energy, Blend.. More than enough. We could use it to ensure Almedda's victory here. Hurry, come with me, we have to tell Jasker. He'll be so pleased. Hah! A god just walked into our midst, packaged up and ready to bleed! Talk about easy!"

"Bleed? Wait, you're not talking about killing her, are you?"

"Never mind that. Hurry, this way."

Following the overweight mage through the maze of tents, Blend stared with wonder at the massive encampment. "You guys sure are moving in."

"Yeah. I love it here. Plenty of sunlight. They'll have to drag me kicking and screaming back to Almedda. I'm never going back."

Madrin felt his connection to Aurora disappear like a portion of his soul was ripped out. The goddess likely noticed the severing since he had heard her voice before, despite being in Arthuran. The pain made his acting more believable as he dropped to his knees and feigned cowardice. He needed to remember the fact that it was afternoon, when he left Aleris after midnight. Madrin was a skilled fighter but, the fifty guards in sight would have led to far too much commotion.

A sergeant approached him as he knelt. "What's your business here footman?" The sneer on his face seemed practiced.

"Please sir, I'd rather chose the wasteland than deal with those horrible monsters, I'm human not beast." Madrin whimpered and shook with apparent fear to keep his charade going. A messenger would have been simpler but, then someone might check the validity of his claim. However, a deserter would be executed and forgotten. "I have contracted Lycanthropy from a werewolf in those terrible lands. I want to die a man." Madrin stroked the claw mark on the left side of his face, that Donovan's Galuwrath pack leader gave him, to support his claim. The look on several of the faces surrounding him indicated his ruse was working.

The sergeant turned pale as well and then spoke again. "Oh fuck! Tie up this wretch I will escort him to the prison alone." Five men jumped and complied with the orders binding Madrin's hands behind his back, wrapping it around his waist and giving the lead rope to the officer.

The man led Madrin to a wine seller of all things. "Sir, why aren't we going to the prison."

The fist directed at Madrin would have been easy to avoid if he wasn't acting weak. It struck him in the gut knocking the wind from him. "Shut your mouth fool I've money to earn." The sergeant knocked on the back door in an alley, after checking that the pair was alone. "The spider waits." The door opened revealing a thin middle aged woman dressed in black. She ushered them inside quickly.

The building was a macabre display of wine bottles and blood stains. An operating table with metal bindings was in the center of the room, with clear signs that it was used regularly. "Ah Sergeant Timothy Sarus, always a pleasure is the usual payment alright." The desire in her eyes was apparent as she examined her latest gift.

"No witch, this one is special he has the Lycanthrope virus in him. I want double your usual reward, for your test subjects." The man gave the woman a smile as he negotiated for Madrin's life.

The older lady laughed loudly and gave a grin of her own. "Your greed is always a joy for me. If only I could find more like you. House Corporis thanks you as always." The woman handed Timothy a fat purse of gold after counting it out in front of him.

When the man tossed her the rope and turned to leave Madrin acted. He unleashed his rage and broke the ropes tying him up. Next, he hit the sergeant in the back of the head so hard that Madrin felt his skull cave in. In a rapid motion he drew the bastards long sword and buried it to the hilt in the female necromancers stomach. "What are you?" The woman managed to get out a few words in response to his attack.

"Just a warrior." Madrin Lifted the blade thru her heart and withdrew it. To make sure she was dead he removed her head in a few swings of the weapon, where her body had hit the floor. He checked the wine racks on a hunch and found a massive secret chamber with over a hundred zombies behind a fortified door of metal bars. "By the gods!" Madrin opened the door and threw the two conspirators bodies to their ill gotten slaves. "Eat up, I have another gift for you." While the creatures were occupied eating the fresh meat already stripped of their possessions. Madrin lit two torches and tossed them in as well. The barred door was closed to keep them in one place as they burned. He knew the whole building would catch fire in time. He probably should warn someone but, he wanted the whole place to be ash so that the foulness was cleansed.

Madrin gathered up the sergeants weapons and regular purse leaving the necromancers known blood money to melt. He left his bloody clothes to burn as well and put on his normal ones which were in his back pack. He would need another uniform before returning to Aleris but, for now he needed to find out what he could about Almedda's plans. This was only the first day he hoped he would survive the next ones.