Seven wagons accumulate in the square. Some carry the chosen students to Ceveh, and the others send the discarded students to be assigned to one of the many legions. Nutarth who are selected for the Midnight Legion says their goodbyes to friends they were close to for six years. I stand in the square away from them eagerly waiting to be gone from this place, I won’t be seeing them anytime in forever probably. I receive some looks of surprise, disgust, and sadness sprinkled in from them. Averting my gaze seems to fix that issue.
The farewells are finally over and we are ordered to line up in the square again, as a single unit this time. Teachers of each school stand side by side in front of us, awaiting the arrival of the demon in black robes who floats toward us.
“You have all been chosen to fill roles others would kill to possess,” he says abruptly. “Grand Duke Nortamo has granted you his trust, now earn his respect.” The old demon stands beside the teachers now awaiting the arrival of someone. My heart sinks as I realize who it is. I look at Plaara, who doesn’t even look my way. It's as if I do not exist.
The man who haunts Plaara’s dreams enters the square and marches toward us flanked by four Soldiers of his personal Legion. They are a sight to behold. Clad in midnight blue heavy armor that covers their bodies entirely. Black capes flow behind them as they cover the distance between us with thunderous strides. Their faces are concealed behind helmets with red glyphs embroidered into their helmet. Special openings are made into their helmets to accommodate their horns. The stealer of the show is none other than Grand Duke Nortamo of course. He is a very tall demon with pale gray skin and a sharp face with blood-red eyes. His head is vacant of a horn, and long silver hair flows and stops at his lower back, with enough hair left over to leave strands hanging down to his stomach. A long blade strapped to his waist gives off a red glow closest to the hilt due to the sheathing. His silver robe is well-made. It makes him look like one of those elves from that famous movie about a ring. The man leaks authority and strength.
I cannot believe that Plaara wants to overthrow this guy. I almost hold my face. Plaara steals a glance at me and I look at Nortamo then at her before raising a brow. She in turn furrows hers in anger.
Grand Duke Nortamo stops in front of us and rests his hand on the hilt of his blade. His soldiers fall in line beside him. He is silent as he overlooks us with an eerily expressionless face. He does not look impressed, he doesn’t look disgusted. We’re here, and he is there. Then he speaks. Some students jump at his voice breaking the silence, but I stand unmoving and silent, my heart speaks volumes. Nortamo’s voice is elegant but still has the tone of authority to match it.
“Duty is a powerful and essential force that guides our actions and decisions,” he says. “Shaping not only our lives but also the fabric of this society,” he stares at each of us as he speaks.
“Young Praecantors, I am honored to address you, the new vanguard of our proud force, ready to dedicate your lives to protecting our home. As you stand on the threshold of your journey, you must know three core values that will shepherd you: Fierceness, loyalty, and strength. To be fierce is to embrace the spirit of the warrior. It means facing adversity with unyielding courage and determination. In the face of danger to our sacred plateau by the Cacodemon threat. You must be relentless, and never back down from a challenge.”
We all shuffle at his words, looking at each other.
“Fierceness is the fire that drives you to achieve excellence for the Emperor, to fight for what is right, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
I Look at Plaara, she is angry, I can tell, but she knows how to hide it well.
“ As Praecantors of the Midnight Legion, your fierceness will be your sword and your unwavering resolve in the heat of battle.” Grand Duke Nortamo says, pausing.
I can’t help but smile as I am reminded of my time in my old world. This is like a speech after graduating from high school.
Grand Duke Nortamo speaks again, arriving at his second point, “LOYALTY!” He shouts. “Is the bedrock of our strength and Unity.”
I bow my head at that word. Knowing what plans Plaara has for me makes me not even want to look this guy in the face. I raise my head to see Plaara staring at me Wide-eyed. I quickly snap back to attention.
“Loyalty is the commitment to stand by your comrades, your mission, and your duty to the hierarchy with unwavering fidelity. Your loyalty to your fellow Praecantors creates an unbreakable bond, a brother and sisterhood that will see you through the toughest strife. It means trusting each other implicitly, knowing that you are never alone and can rely on one another. Above all, loyalty to your home, and your leadership. It ensures that we move forward as a formidable force. This loyalty is the compass that will guide you, the glue that will bind you, and the light that will lead you through the darkest times.”
The end of this point was met by some students shouting their approval. I don’t know why but I was beginning to feel invigorated. This man might be the “embodiment of evil,” according to Plaara, but he knows how to get the crowd going…I can think of another person who was evil and could get a crowd going.
Nortamo begins his third point.
“Strength is more than physical power, it is resilience of spirit the fortitude of mind, and the unwavering will to endure. Your strength will be tested both on the battlefield and within your hearts. You must be strong enough to face fear, to overcome doubt, and to rise after every fall. Your strength will inspire those around you, fortify your resolve, and ensure that you remain steadfast in your mission.”
I smirk, I sure will.
“As you embark on this noble journey, remember that these values are not mere words. They are the essence of who you are and who you will become. They will guide you, shape you, and define you. Your dedication to these principles will be the cornerstone of your service. In the coming days, weeks, and years, you will be called upon to make sacrifices, to face challenges, and to uphold the highest standards of Honor and duty. As you go forth, know that you are not just Praecantors, you are the heart and soul of our force, the protectors of our way of life, and the embodiment of our highest ideals. Together, with these values guiding you, there is nothing you cannot achieve, no challenge you cannot overcome, and no mission you cannot complete. FEROUX! FEDUS! FORTIS!! That is the motto of this legion, and you will follow these words with every essence of your being.”
“SEMPER IN AETERNUM!” We all shout in unison. I could not help but say it. It is unbelievable that Plaara wants me to betray him, I feel like running headfirst into a salvo for this man. I sigh. The square erupts into applause for Grand Duke Nortamo. The only thing I want to see now is Plaara’s face, and she does not disappoint. She does not even hide her disdain, but she still applauds Nortamo’s speech alongside the other teachers.
<<
Five days have passed since Nortamo’s speech at the institute. During these five days, I saw cities I could never visit in Nausis at the academy. We passed the City of Nale, famous for its floating Castle. We passed Qrasas, where Inrissa said she was from. Its most distinguishing feature is the multitude of trees with blood-red leaves. The fortress City of Trego was the final city we saw before the final few miles to the Capital. I’ve never seen that many cannons of that size on a wall before, but it is fitting, they are one of the closest cities to the lands inhabited by Cacodemons, Maledicta Terra. I pity whoever decides to attack that castle.
Our convoy of five trudges along what they call the Dukes Route. I sit in the military wagon directly behind Nortamo’s. His wagon is massive compared to ours; a moving castle with statues of Dragons on each corner of the wagon. It has eight wheels and is pulled by four bicorns. I stare out into the distance at the many trees of purple and red. Further in the distance are the huge mountains that separate Nausis from Ceveh that stretch for many miles. I can stare at this scene for hours and not get tired.
Cassiun breaks my serenity by kicking me as he adjusts himself in the wagon. “Can’t believe we have to be squeezed up in this piece of shit again,” he complains. “Our Grand Duke could’ve surely fit some of us in that freakshow of a wagon.”
“Do not speak ill of the duke,” Ozemon warns. Cassiun scowls at him, “Whatever,” he says, focusing on me. “Zageth, are you alright? You haven’t said a word since we left the institute.”
“What is there to say?” I ask genuinely. He shrugs, “We can talk about a lot of stuff. The Midnight Legion and what we will do there for example.”
I sigh and look at Inrissa who sleeps, propped on my shoulder before looking away, “Didn’t the Duke already tell you everything you needed to know?”
Cassiun scoffs, “Forgive me if I sound treasonous, but what he tells us is not everything we need to know. It's what he wants us to hear.”
Truer words have never been said. I could get Cassiun in on my treason. I chuckle. Plaara would kill me if I ever did something so foolish, he would probably rat me out in a second. During this entire ride to the capital, I was in my head. I kept thinking about scenarios on how we would accomplish this grand mission that Plaara has set out for me, and most importantly, how long it would take. Will Nortamo figure out that he has traitors in his legion? It doesn’t seem far-fetched, he’s a smart guy it seems.
The “Light of the world” dimmed and returned signifying the passing of another day, and I am awakened from my slumber by one of my comrades from Sersia who shouts, “The capital, we’re here!” I sit up to see it in all its glory. Ceveh lives up to its name as the capital of Urea. Massive white walls surround the capital. As an added layer of defense, the road leading to the gate of the main capital is covered by parallel walls spaced big enough to allow residents and businesses to establish themselves freely beneath the shadow of its protection. Dominating the view is Nortamo’s fortress, “Stronghold Nix.” This Fortress is so massive that it dwarfs the transportation gate that sits to the left of it. It is white as snow, with thick walls. I don’t think anything the enemy could throw at this fortress would penetrate it. In the walls of the capital, another, but more smaller castle sits to the right of the fortress Nix. That is the castle in which the Midnight Legion resides, and it is to be our new home.
Traffic in and out of Ceveh stretches far. These people waiting to enter the city will probably be here till half-light to conduct business or get home. Unfortunately for them, Nortamo takes the security of the capital very seriously. Luckily, we are rolling with the Grand Duke of this plateau. Trumpets sound from Nortamo’s wagon and upon hearing it, the stagnant line begins to move like a wave allowing free passage into the city. Our convoy enters the fortified road leading to the gates of the outer wall. Houses are packed tightly together.
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The convoy enters the gates of the Capital without issue and we do not stop as we continue up the bustling streets. We pass vibrantly colored market stalls and head toward the city center where a statue of the Archdemon Ercassiel stands beautifully. Vendor booths circle the foot of the statue perfectly. The packed street parts like the Red Sea as we storm through in our military wagons.
We sit in our spots but peak at everything that catches our interest. Casthus and some other boys hang out at the back of the wagon whistling at women they find attractive. I kneel beside the driver, watching, before I feel someone grab my arm. It is Inrissa with a smile on her face.
“I’m so excited Zageth,” she says squeezing my arm. She sighs, “I hope by the will of the Emperor that we remain in the same unit. I don’t know if I could make new friends in this place.
I raise a brow as she looks over my shoulder staring into my face with her red doe-eyes.
“I find that hard to believe. You’re one of the most talkative demons I know.”
Inrissa angles herself to face me with her full body while still holding my arm tightly. “Is that so?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Then I guess I have nothing to worry about.”
I angle myself to release my arm from her grip while facing her with my full body. “Why should you? I doubt we’ll be as distant as you imagine if you happen to be put in another unit.”
Inrissa raises her eyebrows in surprise before flicking my forehead.
“Do not hex us.”
I place my hand on my forehead before fighting to sit next to Skarius after the wagon hits a bump on the cobbled road. Inrissa follows suit squeezing in between me and Skarius before apologizing to Skarius. She giggles holding onto my right arm again. I don’t know what she finds so funny. Her flick to my forehead left an annoying stinging pain, a minor pang, but annoying still. I pull her hand off my right arm.
“Don’t ever do that again,” I say, trying to hide the malice in my voice.
“I’m sorry, she says pushing her chest against my arm. I did not know you were such a baby,” she says making a pouty face. She giggles again, and for some reason, I feel angry. So I flash her a smile and join her in laughing, trying to dissipate this violent urge that is forming within me.
Our convoy slows to a crawl as we reach the fortified gate of Stronghold Nix. Cassiun and a Sersia girl who calls herself Zailista peek out the front of the wagon, and angle their heads to see the top of the one-hundred and forty-foot wall. Up close, I can see that the castle is tiered. The top of the castle I saw on our approach to the capital is atop a hill.
“What’s the point of having walls this big?” Zailista asks, “It seems impractical.”
Cassiun looks at the girl with a look of surprise and disgust. “It's to keep things out you imbecile.” Zailista leans back and scoffs before returning to her seat. Cassiun and I meet eyes and laugh, but I’m not laughing with this idiot. He complains about being alone, but if he keeps this up, he'll end up alone forever.
The fortress gate rises and groans, like a beast that has awakened after being asleep for a thousand years. I take another peep at the top of the walls to see Soldiers who peak over the parapet. The interior of Stronghold Nix is a bustling metropolis. Two similar statues of Grand Duke Nortamo cover the road with an arch made of blades in the outstretched arm of his statues. Past these statues, are what makes the interior of this stronghold different from the outside. The houses are more beautiful, well-made, and well-kept. The streets where high-class demons reside are spotless. I guess this is their Beverly Hills.
Suddenly the wagons containing the newly recruited Midnight Legionnaires take a left diverting from the road that leads to the Subterranean opening in the hill. Cassiun rises and taps the driver of the wagon.
“Why aren’t we following Nortamo?” He asks.
“I’ve been commanded to bring you to the fortress of the Midnight Legion, have no fear.”
<<
We reach the gates of Midnight Legion’s headquarters. It resembles a bigger version of the Buckingham Palace. It has a round golden and blue dome on the door to the entrance and a glass dome to the right of the headquarters. The roof of the Hq is blue with a fortress-like part towering directly over the entrance.
The driver tells us to exit and head for the gate. We pour out of the wagons and head for the gate which opens for us automatically. As we pass the gates and enter the courtyard it closes behind us to reveal the two soldiers of the midnight legion who allowed us in. One of them walks across the pebbled courtyard and says, “Stand in two ranks, our Lieutenant General will be with you shortly. The rocks crunch beneath our feet as we form into ranks. Inrissa rushes to stand next to me pushing Niasao aside. She flashes me a smile before leaning close to whisper something.
“My father spoke to the Lieutenant General once. Scary fellow.” I raise my brow and look at her in surprise. If Inrissa’s father talked with the Lieutenant General before, he must have had deep pockets or been in a position of power.
I lean close to Inrissa, “Who’s your father?” She looks ahead tipping on her toes in anticipation of the arrival of the Lieutenant General. She comes back on her heels to lean close to me again, “No one special, just owns a mine in the mountains close to Qrasas.” Holy shit. They must at least be millionaires, why is a girl like her doing in a place like this?
“If I’m not mistaken, your parents must be rich right?” She looks me in the eyes and raises a brow. “And?”
“Well, you don’t have to do this? You’re set for life.”
“It's not like I had a choice. The Hierarchy is required to pay a noble family a hefty sum to induct one of their family members into the Legions, and my parents were paid a hefty sum. In addition to that, I wanted to go. I found their way of life too…tedious.”
This is an unexpected revelation. I’m surprised she did not tell me about this sooner.
“So you joined because you were bored?”
“That too, but mostly because I hope to become one of the demon knights.”
“Ha! It doesn’t suit you Inrissa, you seem too delicate to hold such a title.”
She slightly nudges my shoulder annoyed at my dismissal of her goal. “I know I can reach the competency to wield such a title, so do not hex me with your negativity,” she says with a hint of vexation.
I kiss her cheek, “Don’t be mad, I’m just trying to give you advice that would be best for you.”
She doesn’t know how to react, she just exhales.
“Can’t you two love birds quit for a second?” A boy from Sersia asks behind me. Inrissa ignores him, but I can’t help but turn around. He looks me up and down with a disgusted face, but I just stare at him with pure disdain to show him how worthless he and his opinion is. He wavers under the assault of my gaze. I turn around before smiling. Cassiun who stands beside Niasao begins to snicker at my previous display. My smile widens and I give him a wink.
The doors to the hq open and we all snap to attention. A burly man in a midnight blue uniform crosses the pebbled courtyard with his hands behind his back. He stands in front of us before saluting, in turn, we salute, and he immediately begins to speak, “I am Rollech Zarmir, Lieutenant General of our Grand Duke's Midnight Legion. I am certain Grand Duke Nortamo has spoken to you already, so I shall save my breath. Follow me.” He turns and we set into motion behind him.
We enter our new home and are met with a domed roof with the painting of the battle of Ceveh against the cacodemons painted onto it. The floor is a gold and black marble, and the walls are painted blue with gold sigils painted onto it. Rollech carries us further into this building and reveals to us the location of the food hall, the barracks, and the weapons and armor room.
Something seemed off to me. “Sir, how many of us are there?”
“They are thirty thousand Midnight Legionnaires, milite.”
“Forgive me if I seem too forward sir, it just seems like this building is too small to fit thirty thousand of us.”
“It's quite alright. Most of us are in the Stronghold Nix. I hope that eases your curiosity.”
“Quite sir,” I nod. He returns the nod and continues. We enter a training ground surrounded by the entire building. He raises his fist signalling for us to hold while he enters the ground illuminated by the light of the world.
“Allow me to clear up any misconceptions you may have had on your way here. Being chosen doesn’t mean your training is over. Forthrightly speaking, your training has just begun, you have merely breached the surface, and now it's time to swim to shore.” He pauses, hands akimbo and staring at each of us. It's like everyone is holding their breath. He chuckles, “Have no fear today milites, today you get a rest well deserved.”
Everyone looks at each other with smiles thankful they can rest. “Well, I’ve shown you all your new home, I’m sure you can find your way back to your beds. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve work to complete.”
Cassiun comes to Zageth with a bright smile, “Have anything fun in mind?” I remove his hands while the others from Nutarth hang around, waiting. “Well, if you have anything strong to drink I think we make our fun.” Casthus scratches his head. “That’s going to be a difficult undertaking, trying to find alcohol I mean.”
I sighed and rubbed my neck. I would kill for a cigarette, some weed even. I didn’t like weed that much back in my old world, but it gave you a nice feeling when you used it. Is there an equivalent in this world?
My attention is returned to the remaining Nutarth in front of me. “Let’s check the food hall.”
<<
“LISTEN HERE YOU MILITES! YOU CAN’T DRINK MORE THAN TWELVE MUGS OF BEER, IT'S THE RULES!” The cook shouts to us. Soldiers of the Midnight Legion sit at a separate table watching as all of our recruits, from Nutarth, Sersia, and Yaeserra drink together and laugh. I must say this drinking party I have created has gone out of hand.
Cassiun stands on one of the tables with a mug of beer beckoning the others to catch him when he jumps off the table. Before they can even organize themselves carefully he jumps and crashes onto a table knocking the beers off. The room erupts into laughter, and Cassiun joins in being hoisted up by Casthus and Andreus who can barely stand straight. I must say they get drunk very easily. I just sit beside a drunk Inrissa sipping my thirteenth.
“You sure know how to get a crowd going Zageth,” Inrissa slurs red-faced. She pauses swaying side to side in her seat and staring at me with a hungry expression. Suddenly and ravishingly, she latches onto my mouth hungrily kissing me, and saying, “Why are you so handsome Zageth?” I would take her here and right now, but that opportunity is removed as the cook begins to whip us and shout for us to leave his hall.
We hurriedly scramble out of the food hall into the jaws of Lieutenant General Rollech who holds a scroll in his hand. “What madness is this?!” The hallway turns eerily quiet. The cook runs a laughing Cassiun out of the food hall and he falls as he exits. The cook now realizing who is in front of him snaps to attention. “Lieutenant General, Please deal with this rabble sir. They’ve destroyed my hall.”
Rollech rolls his scroll angrily. The soldiers of Midnight Legion who laughed at us left the hall and snapped at attention at the sight of Rollech. He points to one of them, “Maldos! Carry them for a run, don’t let them stop till they regain control of their bodies.”
“Yes, melior.”
Actions have consequences I guess. It was fun while it lasted.
.