“To the people of Verliance Aristocracy, this is your Lord speaking. As you have heard, our aristocracy has been invaded by hostile humans from other worlds. Not any humans but Altaerrie, descendants from Hispana.
Before I continue, I must apologize to my people. As head of the House of Verliance, I have dedicated my life to the longevity and prosperity of the Aristocracy. All actions, popular and unpopular, have been directed toward this achievement. This includes the current war surrounding our borders, the Unity, and the Coalition. Six years ago, I was able to negotiate a peace agreement with our former enemies, which had spared millions of fathers and sons from domination. While other empires fall around us, we stand today.
However, I have failed to keep my promise. Hispana summoned humans from Altaerrie, a distant world from ours. Within a short period of time, these Altaerrie sided with rebels against our greatness. They brought war and destruction and broke a carefully crafted peace within the Aristocracy and the annexed regions. They threatened our people and all the gains and suffering we had achieved.
As your ruler, I promise not to allow this transgression to be answered. Nevali belongs to the Verliance Aristocracy, as it always had been. Humans will not take what rightly belongs to us. By this creed, I swear that the Altaerrie will never reach the heart of our country.
With great regard, I call upon the Principality for tribute resources and recruits for war. I will not stand by as foreigners invade our lands and claim what was stolen all those centuries ago. As I failed to keep the Aristocracy out of war, I promised that the House of Verliance would triumph in these dark times.
Let the Katra guide us to the righteous path.” – Kallem Verliance
March, 20th, 2068 (military calendar)
The Palace, Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore
*****
Standing on the palace balcony, Mathew Ryder gazed into the sky as he held his celebration cigar. He watched the lunar twins dancing as they orbited their mother world, Tekali. Orgatrash, the God of War and Passion, unleashed its mighty volcanos into the sky.
To Ryder's shock, he saw the ash clouds covering the moon Orgatrash, implying that there was an atmosphere—a weak one but powerful enough to catch the dust and cover part of its surface. The lava sprouts high up, past the red moon orbit, came into contact with the freezing nothingness of space, creating dozens of these impressive, rugged balls that emitted a range of different colors as the intense heat collided with the chilly temperature—ranging from bright orange to red or even yellowish glow.
The other moon, Kallinth, the Goddess of Water and Plenty, also had an eruption. Water was injected from its under-ice oceans, blasting into space. The volume of water created giant icebergs that float in orbit.
"It is a good view, isn't it?"
Ryder turned toward his second-in-command and longtime friend, Warrant Officer-1 Rommel King. "Yes, it is," he said.
"I think I understand why they say those two moons fight each other," King said, pointing toward the sky. "The iceberg and lava ball are being pulled together by both moon's gravity."
"I wonder how long until they will collide?" Ryder asked. "I think Fraeya called this event the Fiery Veil."
"Even though they are close, it should take a few hours or days for those…." King stopped as he struggled to form the terms he wanted to use. "Space burgs? Spheres? I don't know what to call them. Either way, they will collide in a few days. It is space, after all."
"You are probably right."
"I am your XO. I am always right. I am just smart enough not to correct a Duke."
Ryder stared at his friend, and the two laughed before smoking their cigars. "What gets me is how those two moons can orbit Tekali while being so close to each other. Wouldn't they crash into each other?"
"Apparently not," King replied. "We say close; they're probably a few ten thousand kilometers between them. If I had to guess, they are tidal-locked."
"I think you are correct again," Ryder said. "It is funny. How much money did NASA spend for their exploration mission to the Javion Moons? Here we are, staring at an alien planetary system for next to nothing."
As the two observed the two moons fighting each other, Ryder felt his jacket tugged from behind. He turned and saw his daughter to his, his best friend also noticed her presence.
"What's up, kid?" King asked.
Assiaya stared at the Warrant Office in confusion before looking straight up. Then she looked at the man and said, "A ceiling?"
"Ha," King said.
"Ignore him," Ryder said. "What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering what you two were doing," Assiaya said. "You have been standing there talking about the heavens for an hour, yet you have not thanked Mother once."
The last sentence took Ryder back for a moment. He understood the profound religious and sentimental value but didn't fully understand the daily rituals. Now that he thought about it, the Captain couldn't recall what praying rituals these people followed. He only remembered when they first came to Alagore, when Fraeya thanked Teklai for her blessings. At the time, he assumed it was a general moment, but maybe there was more to it than he realized.
"Do you mind showing us?" Ryder asked.
Brightness filled the Princess's eyes. She pushed past the two men until she stood on the balcony in front. She held her arms out and chanted, "Thank you, Mother, for another day, as your children are blessed to be here today. Please have your son, Orgatrash give the Altaerrie strength to protect us and ride the horrors of the Unity darkness. Please have your daughter, Kallinth, ride of the troubles the people of Salva are going through."
"That is very good, Assiaya," Ryder said. He then turned to his XO and nudged his shoulder.
"Hmm? Oh," King said. "For a preacher, not bad. Focusing on people over yourself, I like that. You are going to be a good Princess."
Assiaya turned toward the Warrant Officer, seeing that he was only smoking his cigar, staring into space. "Thank you. I am very scared that I will fail. I have been asking Tekali for help every day. Do you not have anything to say, Sir King?"
"Sir King…, I like that." Rommel King turned toward her, taking his cigar out of his mouth, and said, "Sorry, Princess. I respect the concept and its good intentions, but it is not my thing."
"I…, do not understand," Assiaya said. She then turned toward her father. "What does that mean? Natilte said your kind believed in a Cosmic God?"
"He does," King said. "But I don't. My ritual is an ale in my right hand and watching the Lions nearly win another game."
Seeing his friend's sarcastic tone and his daughter's confused reaction, he gave the Warrant Officer a "WTF" stare about the alcohol. Luckily, his friend understood.
"Sorry," King said. "What I mean is that I do not believe there is a higher power. It is just us."
"How can you say that?" Assiaya demanded. "That is worse than the Unity!"
"Assiaya," Ryder said calmly but authoritatively. "Remember what we talked about at Vagahm. Show respect to other people's beliefs."
"But…," Assiaya mumbled with confusion.
"Being a Princess means respecting other people's beliefs," Ryder said. "Even if you disagree with them. Religious or non-religious beliefs are a core value our people have."
"But only those who respect you first," King added. "That is where you draw the line. Don't ever let anyone let anyone walk over you."
"Or hold a gun to your head," Ryder said. "That is what will separate us from them. Our faith is strong enough to stand on the principles and lessons of what it is built upon, while the Unity religion requires belief at gunpoint. Do you understand the differences?"
To the Captain's surprise, he saw his daughter glance down with a strange stare. Her eyes did not look as if they were empty or confused but as if she was processing something. Her mouth moved slightly as if she was mumbling, but nothing was coming out. A few movements of her head as if she were acknowledging a point. It was as if she was having a mental conversation with herself.
This was not the first time he had seen these mannerisms from her. At first, he dismissed them as a quirk she had from her time as a slave, but now, he was not sure.
“Okay,” Assiaya said. She then adjusted her clothing and adequately bowed. "I apologize for my outburst."
Rommel King chuckled. "Assiaya, you don't have to be this formal with me. I am basically your uncle now. When your old man isn't looking, I will teach you how C4 works."
"The bombs?" Assiaya giggled when she realized what King meant. "Okay, but she wanted me to ask…."
"Who?" Ryder asked.
Assiaya's eyes widened momentarily, and she smiled at her father. "I meant me..., silly."
Mathew Ryder stared at his daughter, noticing she looked nervous. He then chuckled to ease the tension. "Silly indeed."
“Okay,” Assiaya said. "Rommel. I wanted to ask, what do you believe in if you do not believe in a Goddess?"
"It is simple," King said. He then formed a fist and lightly pounded it onto his chest. "I believe that you control your destiny, no one else. Many people rely on external factors and validation to rest on their morals when your true strength is here." He then pointed to her chest, where her heart was.
"I think I understand," Assiaya said.
"All right," Ryder said. "I think that is enough lecturing for one night. Sweety, can you bring us some drinks?"
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
The Princess nodded brightly and started walking away. However, she stopped in front of King, defiantly staring at him. "Mother is not a ball of gas," she said before storming off.
Watching his daughter walk away, the two men stared at each other and chuckled.
The Captain then stared at the evening sky, admiring this world's beautiful visuals. After their lengthy conversation, he couldn't help but grab his cross necklace. The only thing he could think about was his lost wife and wondering if she was looking down, either proud or disappointed by his actions that he could redeem the mistake of being a horrible husband for not protecting her by being a better father.
March, 20th, 2068 (military calendar)
Korlitta, Hastsano Gap, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore
*****
Placing a coin onto the wood table. The bartender analyzed the coin before putting it in a drawer. Being a male Yalate, the man poured two pints before the two travelers.
The Lat grabbed the pint handle and took a quick drink, consuming a decent fourth of the beer. Flavius-Elpidius Antius's comrade, a Luperca, finished his in one gulp.
"You could have gotten a bigger one?"
The Luperca chuckled and said, "Then how could I embarrass you, Lat, with your small stomach?"
"Derion," Antius said before taking another drink.
The Yalate reached for a bottle from the back wall and handed it to the dark gray with black and brown strips Luperca called Derion-Luciferus from the clan Warclaw. The wolf was about one and a half men tall and had a large muscle frame with thick brown fur encompassing the body. The only exception was the silver patch running down his back and hands. Large pointy ears except for the right, which was missing a section, and the long mouth. He looked at the alcoholic bottle with his sharp black and yellow razor-like hunting eyes before taking a drink.
"That is some cheap brisk," Derion said.
"You get what you pay for," Antius said before taking a drink. He then stared at his half-empty glass, the brown with a blue tint of color within it. "Still, not bad for mountain folk."
Hearing some commotion coming from his left, Antius turned. He saw the Yalates serving them, being lectured by a female with orange fur and duty-white strips. While he missed most of the conversation, it sounded like Kitsune was the tavern owner. She stated how upset she was that the boy didn't properly secure the business safe after each deposit. The sight made the traveler chuckle, as it was familiar.
The Lat traveler knew much about the Kitsunes, cutthroat merchants who operate or own small establishments such as this tavern. They are highly disciplined, value the craft, and desire to collect coins for their household. They are natural business folk.
Flavius Antius found it humorous watching the bird-like humanoid act slightly cowardly in fear of angering the Kitsune. Witnessing a fox humanoid act in such a manner was typical, but they are Yalate, which is another story. The bird-like feathered humanoids usually run major institutions, guilds, workshops, or collegiums. They value high status within society above all else. Even wealth is only a tool to display their high station toward the plebe.
Once the lecture ended, the orange Kitsune walked away to monitor the female dancers at the other side of the tavern. From what the Lat traveler could tell, the main event began with a Neko and Noble Elf conducting a dual dance.
The Yalate turned to the Traveler and said, "I apologize that you had to see that. She believes one of us is stealing money, but it's all in her head."
"I understand the tactic," Antius said. "Keep everyone uneasy and fearful. They are good at that, but it does not create loyalty."
The Yalate let out a chirping chuckle and poured another drink. "I know. I cannot wait to leave this place once my motuia contract expires."
"And do what?"
"What else? I will buy my own tavern and I will steal the Agoranomos title from that wretched woman. Then, I will gain the respect I deserve."
Antius found the young lad's ambition humorous, not because the Traveler thought low of the boy but because it was typical—wishing to achieve the highest economic title within a city that regulates and represents the marketplace. Based on what the Yalate said, the boy probably indentured himself to learn the secrets of kitsune so that he could one day compete.
And there was the other side of the coin. If a Yalate didn't have their status, they would act like a commoner, pretending to be just like everyone else. However, Antius knew all too well that it was a facade. Given the opportunity to climb to a higher station, Yalates will take it without hesitation. Even if it required sacrificing everything around them.
However, what the Yalate said had always confused the Traveler. Most of those feathered humanoids want institutional power for respect and superiority within one's society. While there were examples, like this young boy serving them, the Lat had never seen them wanting outside that path. Military, spiritual, or political. They only wish for the economic side of society as they believe it provides the most significant number of statuses within society without having to endure the burden of political leadership or the physical sacrifice of war.
Strangely, Antius believed this made them the most loyal within whatever society they latched onto. With their primal desire to seek institutional power, they will slip through if the opportunity is given. However, they know that the society they are a part of needs to remain stable to maintain their power. This requires the Yalates to place value in a warrior class, workers, and ones in politics. Even if it's self-serving, it does make them significantly level in the general sense.
He had been told they invest heavily in instability because they need others to fight and lead.
The Luperca chuckled and said, "You are an ambitious one."
"You think the world will survive long enough for your dynasty to come forth?" Antius asked.
"The Unity will need people like me once you, Lats, accept that the war is lost," the Yalate said.
"Surrendering to the sword is no peace," Antius said. "The problem with the people of these lands has always been your lack of vision past your nose."
"You sound like a Legionary."
Hearing a deep voice to his left, the Antius saw a Nagal sit down.
The robust and stockier human cousin, with sloping foreheads. For some reason, this man had a cut on his longer and broader noise. The clothes he wore were a filthy black apron. The Nagal had slightly darker skin, but it was hard for the Traveler to tell because of all the dirt and ashes on his body. It was clear that he had not washed his hair in days from the grease oozing off as hygiene was not a consideration.
Antius slid to the right slightly to gain some distance from the Nagal. While they were fellow humans, the Lat always had mixed feelings about his cousin's race. While their general relations were far superior to those of the J'avais, he always found them strange in their social environment. He valued family clans greatly over general social events, and it was odd seeing one alone without the rest of his clan around.
"Being a Traveler brings its hardships," Antius said. "More importantly, you see all Mother has to offer."
"Mother?" the Yalate said. "You realize the Katra outlawed any service or mention of Tekali?"
"Yes." Antius took a drink. "Does anyone care?"
The Yalate let out a species-chuckled laugh before saying, "Not at all. Let me ask, though, why are Lats traveling into enemy territory?"
"Better than being in Hispana right now. We figured it would be safer than being around that onslaught."
"That was until we learned from a passing merchant," Derion said. "They informed us that the Aristocracy was mobilizing to invade the Republic."
The Nagal laughed. "You are greatly misinformed. The Aristocracy is going to war, yes, but not with you, Lats, but with Nevali."
"Toriffa caravan came here four days ago and raided us for an upcoming war," the Yalate said.
"Those J'avais horses’ asses," the Nagal bluntly said as he spilled some of his alcoholic drink. "Those wide-eye freaks came into my shop and stole all my weaponry. Because of them, I was expelled from my clan because I can no longer contribute. All because of all my goods being stolen."
As the two debated the new war waging in Nevali, Flavius-Elpidius Antius was somewhat baffled that they would attack a trading town. He turned to his comrade Derion and saw the same reaction: confusion.
Six years ago, there was a short war within Nevali. The Verliance Aristocracy quickly swept and annexed these lands, toppling the House of Balan on the first night. Being a puppet state of the Hispana Republic and Thali'ean Fiefdom, they were required by the treaty to come to their aid. However, with the swiftness of the strike and the war against Unity, it became impossible—another defeat after a long line of defeats.
Kallem's Aristocracy took his opportunity, and the Lats couldn't do anything about it. While the land of the Vampires had been a long rivalry between Hispana and Thali'ean, Antius was forced to admit it. The blood-sucking man knew how to play the game until the board benefited him. It was probably why he switched sides before it was too late.
Everyone on Aldrida knew that peace was no longer an option for the Coalition. Victory or death were the only choices at this stage of the war.
However, outside rebellion suppression, peace has existed within the rough land. Being a geologically poor region compared to most areas and already allied with the Unity from annexation, there had been no significant combat from Flavius-Elpidius Antius' recollection.
That is why he was confused by these two casual conversations about the war in Nevali. It was as if something had happened, and the outside world did not know it yet.
"What happened?" Antius asked. "I thought the war avoided these lands."
"That was until these Other Worlders arrived," the Nagal said.
"I think one of those J'avais called them Altaerrie," the Yalate said. "But others called them Lats, so I do not know what to believe. All I know is that a rebellion was crushed around Salva, but then it was not. Whatever is going on, they believe something was discovered around Salva.”
"The Altaerrie?" Antius recalled hearing the name before but couldn't remember where it originated. It was most likely just a militia revolt with a fancy name.
"I do not believe so," a Wood Elf said, sitting at a round wooden table. "I came from that area. You do not mobilize an entire nation to suppress a revolt. Thousands of Aristocracy soldiers are coming. Besides, Salva was already suppressed, and these Lats or Altaerrie showed up. Now, the two are fighting around Salva, and whoever these humans are, they are not folding."
"I do recall those J'avais saying," the Yalate said. "That there was a doorway to the Human homeworld. That was why we called them Altaerrie. But they did not seem happy, so I do not know how true that was.”
"A doorway?" Antius turned to his Luperca comrade, who had the same laughable look. He turned back to the bartender and said, "A doorway? Please. The next thing you are going to tell me that Valkyries are going to dance on Tekali children.”
"He is not lying," the Nagal said. "The Temple of Indolass has been rumored of an Orilla device hidden within its chambers for centuries. And there is the Lat-Orc legend."
"I have seen thousands of folks coming to that orilla temple," the wood elf said, sitting at a wooden table. "All these centuries, they never found anything. Fools, chasing a ghost. But they were right. There is a device in the mountain and it is scaring Lord Kallem enough to declare war. "
Antius finishes his drink and nudges his wolf comrade, saying it is time to leave. "Thank you, gentlemen, for the stories."
The Traveler pulled out his purse, glancing at his banknotes and coins, debating which to pay with. Being a border town, paper money would be valid; however, with the poor they had become after the Toriffa raid, he decided it was better with coins. So, to raise only a little attention.
As he paid, he noticed some people at the tavern were watching them with distrust, but he was convinced that it was because they were strangers and nothing more.
Once outside, the Traveler got onto his Ossinlundo. A large two-legged bird-like raptor with a sharp beak and colorful feathers around its body, being as vibrant as some Yalates. While carnivores in nature have been bred over the generations to be tamed around people, making them quick and agile animals for riding.
The Luperca grabbed the cart full of supplies and pulled toward the town gate.
"Do you think what they said was true?" Derion asked.
"Yes," Antius replied. "I did not want them to be any more suspicious, but they all seemed confident of what they were saying. Plus, I did not notice any major diversions within their stories. They all spoke the same path."
"Hmm…," Derion said. "If true, this could change things within the war. I wonder what these Altaerrie are?"
"Anything that scares the Aristocracy must be good for us."
"That assumes they are on our side. Still, I have no idea who these Altaerrie are, but they are no Militia."
"That brings the question. What was the Palatini of Orias mission? It clearly was a success, assuming there was a connection."
"Then why we have not heard from them in four months?"
As the two left the city, they headed toward the tree line. Antius couldn't help but reflect on their mission and what had happened to their fellow Palatini. Being elite warriors of Hispana, they wouldn't have vanished in such a manner unless they were all killed.
Their mission was to investigate what happened to their sister unit. However, his superiors still need to provide them with additional information. Hispana surrendered these lands nearly a decade ago, so they were deep behind enemy lines. Intelligence within these lands was limited. If anyone discovered who they were, they would be dead.
Passing outside traders and booths along the brick road took some time. The two also noticed clutter left behind by Toriffa, being a messy folk. There were destroyed wagons, trash littered everywhere, waste, and much more. When they reached the forest edge, Antius saw a man wearing a cloak, concealing the elite armor underneath.
The Legionary placed his fist on his upper left chest, and the Hispana half salute was used on the frontline to avoid attention. The fist on the chest symbolizes Internally Strong.
Three other Legionaries appeared from the forest cover. They headed toward the cart, took it to it, and hooked it to their crawler mule.
A pale green skin with light pale-white cheeks Noble Elf female named Ælia Valhana. Her dark green eyes focused on the Lat. Unlike the bulky enchanted metal armor that the Legionary wore, she maintained the customs of her people wearing thick dragon-hide armor, which was lightweight and durable.
Ælia approached Antius as he dismounted from his Ossinlundo and said, "Did you learn anything of value?"
"I believe so," Antius said. "Newcomers from a faraway land called the Altaerrie."
"Never heard of them," Ælia said.
"None of us did," Antius said. "But that is where we are going. Apparently, whatever the Orias were tasked to do here started a war. A group of Lats opposes the Aristocracy and Unity. And the rumors are that they are holding their own."
"Your kind is a stubborn folk," Ælia said. "If there is a war, it will be hard to navigate without getting spotted."
Flavius-Elpidius Antius looked toward the valley below, seeing the ridged beauty of this land. "If what the people at the tavern was true, we are the least of their concerns."