A god is a star, a star is called a Spark, and Erta’s Spark had blinked. During that blink, a boy is born in the middle of a summer. He doesn’t scream as he’s being brought into the world, his eyes, while not able to open, try to see the world around them.
‘Five of the First Six,’ Amel was thinking in the dark, the armies resting for the rest of the day, so they can march west by tomorrow. ‘With the power of Mou too, they were able to hold Umshaow in place in Opeldes. Saving the city and probably disrupting the total annihilation which Umshaow had wanted upon the world,’ his constructs were stationed in the forests ahead. If another army of monsters was to come, they would be the first to intercept them and deal with them before reaching the fields. His constructs were best in dynamic environments, where they could learn and employ unorthodox tactics. ‘If I had Alpha, I might’ve been able to at least resist them, but with Omega alone, I can’t expect to achieve much,’ his other construct, laying dormant below the lake next to Tainas.
He returned back inside of his mind. There, the system which he developed for the Primas, was reaching its completion, with the added information of those monsters which can steal light. ‘Another day, and it should be done,’ his mind finally resting after constantly enhancing it for so long and so much. He stretched his limbs, straightened his back, and went outside his tent. Some distance away, the soldiers were dancing and drinking. It might be one of the last times they live and have fun, so they were allowed to party all night if they wanted to. Femel was entertaining a good few hundred of them, challenging people to drink with and dance in a circle. Amel found himself amused, as his eyelids grew heavy on his eyes. The stress built on the last few days, was reaching back to him. He wanted to at least look at the warmth of the campfires, the smiles of people and their faces. He wanted to engrain this image in his mind, to further fuel his rage for when they were going to be inevitably murdered. But his mind had enough, even hearing and seeing hurt. It wanted to shut off any piece of information flowing through, and let itself be emptied.
He started to fall down, one of his Primas not allowing for it to happen. Gently, the Prima took him and placed him inside the tent, on his many furs layered to prevent the cold from below and outside. The Prima then sat itself inside the tent, its looming height and many limbs, giving Amel a comfort only he could get from them. The images of Om flashed before his eyes for a moment, then he fell asleep. The Prima left the tent after, something inside of it, and all of the other constructs, not allowing them to be with him alone or around him when he wasn’t using them for stealing, war or such things. They were tools which he used, allowing them to intrude in his life like Om did, creating a sense of attachment, which he should never feel again.
The morning arrived late for Amel, his mind couldn’t be shaken up even by his brother, who came by to see him. Femel grew worried of his condition, as Amel was unresponsive to any kind of stimuli. Sound, feel, pain, nothing worked. Eve came by to look at him, saw that his light was flowing normally, but his mind was simply closed, shutting itself from the outside. Only time would allow for Amel to wake up, and he did. It was late in the noon, and he was being carried by a Mover, the army moving.
“How long have I been asleep for?” Amel saw Femel at the side of the Mover, walking at a fast pace.
“Not long enough from the looks of it,” Femel smiled at his brother. Amel could see the forest on the horizon, and then looking at the sun he could tell. “You should rest some more, it wouldn’t be good if we were attacked and you fainted.”.
“No, I had enough rest,” Amel sat himself properly on the Mover. “More importantly, I must know of the constructs,” he enhanced his mind, a sharp pain coming with it. Femel noticed it, but didn’t want to bother Amel with pointless worries. He had never seen his brother so stressed before, but he was sure it would be fine in the end, it always was. Amel massaged his temple, then opened his eyes, the glow grew stronger. “No signs of enemies, and those on the mountains are still unsuspected. Some activity inside Mouner, monsters moving around, but no sight of Kalagon.”.
Femel took his words and left to tell the other First Six. Amel started to work on his Prima system, but the pain reintroduced itself. ‘I suppose it will have to wait another time,’ he thought, letting go of the light. The constructs, receiving less and less orders during the time Amel was recovering, started to act a bit more of their own will, as they couldn't rely on Amel to give them instructions. Some were seeking to look around, while others were breaking formation. Amel was notified of it by other soldiers, who were finding constructs staring at them and making it into their ranks. Amel had to enhance his mind and keep them in place from time to time, which didn’t serve well for his recovery. Femel took notice of the disorder that was ensuing due to Amel struggling with his power. Having such control over a vast army of complexly built machines, had its needs, and due to the increasing complexity and need of his mind to work, this had to be paid some way or another.
Amel found in himself a frustration he didn’t feel in some time. The inability to be his reliable self, was making him suffer a deep anxiety. The thoughts of his army starting to run amok and ruin his plans, were getting a grip on his mind that lacked the light. These were feelings which the light would keep away. Having to confront them, Amel was starting to panic. He didn’t want to show it, as it would be a great sign of weakness which, what he thought of as, his enemies, the First Six, couldn’t see. While Hran and Uel were on his side, Kinak and Mou remained people he had to watch out for.
‘I have to regain control,’ he tried to force the light inside his mind, in order to put the armies back into their place and take hold of himself once more. But when he tried to, his mind wouldn’t allow for the light to intrude. It was a defense mechanism which was put in place by none other than Kilon, their creator. The Lightborn once suffered and even died from too much exposure to the light, so in order to prevent the same from happening to humans, Kilon made their minds with the design in mind to allow the light to infuse the mind to a certain limit. That limit, Amel, had broken time and time again, but this time, he went so far beyond, that the mechanism enforced itself stronger than before. ‘Damned be this mind of mine!’ he cursed at that which he couldn’t control. Part of a future system which he was designing, was to allow his brain to use light instead of electrical particles. Given how this wasn’t available to him, he had no choice but to endure the wait.
Femel saw Amel struggle, and approached him. He placed a hand on his shoulder and said “It’s fine brother,” his eyes a gentle look. Amel turned his eyes to Femel, reminding him why he’s doing this and what lays ahead. “We can handle some of it, you have to get rest. Don’t force yourself more than you did, or we won’t have you to help us during the time of need,” his words calmed Amel down a bit.
“I know,” he brushed Femel’s hand aside, and put his hand in his palm. “But if I can’t manage this much, how are we supposed to defeat Umshaow?”. Femel frowned and bit his lip. If Amel was concerned with his power, then what could he say? He didn’t have even half his brother’s powers, and the fights ahead would need both of them to be at least on equal terms, if he is to stay next to him. ‘Once the war is over, I’ll have to seek greater heights. Even if it means leaving my brother alone,’ Femel thought. Amel was a hindrance for his growth in a way. If ther was a deadly danger, or a problem which didn’t seem to have an answer, Amel would be there to provide both the strength to push through the danger and the solution for the problem. Femel didn’t have either, as he could barely take care of his own troops, while his brother took care of thousands and him on top of it. “Are you fine yourself, brother?” he asked Femel who was in deep thought, his frown not going away.
“Yeah, I’m just thinking of what’s ahead,” Femel responded. Amel looked forwards, the forests which they would have to pass through, approaching.
“There’s trees for now. Think of what will be in front of you once we’re in Mouner, envision the target and you staying atop him. That’s how our victory will look,” Amel promised, his head clearing a bit. While his constructs continued to be a nuisance, Amel’s system proved the better and the constructs got back in order once they deemed the new information they were getting as useless. “But who knows, maybe we’ll find a new path along the way,” his words made Femel glance at him with awe. His brother was changing. His thinking was no longer as straightforward and cold as it usually was. Even when he didn’t have his mind enhanced by the light, he would only think of one way of getting on, moving ahead. He was thinking of alternatives, those which didn’t need others to die, and with a sense of larger responsibility in mind.
By the time was setting, fifty six thousand troops were approaching Elef. A small village west of Cipenfeles. While it couldn’t accomodate the full army, the generals, Amel, Femel and the First Six, could find their place. While more could’ve fit, in order to not create disdain in the army by seeming as if picking favorites, all the soldiers and constructs stood outside of it. Only three Primas of Amel’s were allowed, since he wanted protection at all times. The chief of the village had already talked with Elde, who passed through Elef before joining Eve. Even though he expected them, the chief couldn’t contain himself. Five of the First Six, army generals and special guests, of which one possessed the same ability as Mou, were all inside his humble village.
Once they were settled in, the First Six talked a bit about the battle plans, with Kalagon in mind, while Amel went to sleep, in order to recover his mind by tomorrow. Femel joined his unit outside the village, choosing to sleep with them after attending the strategy meeting. The soldiers outside his unit too, welcomed him with open arms and ale. For someone who has been allowed to sleep in the same village as the First Six, yet to refuse and join his men instead, was seen as a high gesture from someone like him. Femel found himself happy for choosing to do so, even though he left Amel alone. For some time, in his mind, he thought that maybe the strength he needed could be found in others. There were other talented and gifted people, so it was fair of him to think as much. But after hearing them talk of how they couldn’t wait to return home and be done with this, their dreams of the future and so on, Femel gave up on the thoughts. The issue of Umshaow was something only him and his brother wanted to solve. But not even that, as he only wanted to confront Umshaow because his brother had it as a target. Femel never lost anything, as far he was concerned, and his brother carried him through the heavy of it all, allowing him to see little of the pain and suffering he had to endure. His sense of loyalty was all that drove him forward to confront the force of nature, which seemed outside the scope of anyone on that planet.
Amel started to fall asleep, but he was scared. His dreams would always be nightmares, filled with the massacre of his parents. The light would keep his mind in a half awake state, not allowing him to dream nor to think. A limbo state that he grew used to. He had to do it though, if he didn’t sleep, his brain would recover far slower, and he needed his mind enhanced as soon as possible. While the constructs generally weren’t causing too much issues, some were getting pricked and pushed around by people. That would change the patterns inside of them, which in change could become a chain reaction which then would result in a construct attacking people around for seemingly no reason. He didn’t know how long it would take before his constructs would start acting in such a manner, but given the complexity of the system and the safe fail mechanisms inside, he estimated around two days. More than a day had already passed, so his time was getting short.
The night passed by, Femel sleeping with his unit, while the First Six spent it talking with each other. The Foolish King had powerful allies and strange forces around him. It wasn’t outside of the realm of possibilities for him to be able to kill one of them. They didn’t like to think that way, but had to accept it nonetheless. So, they spent the night sharing all about their kingdoms, things which they didn’t talk about, things which they did and reminisced about. Once morning arrived, they each went back to their armies. Hran had spoken with Elde. They weren’t on good terms since she was the one who assigned the Foolish King in his position. Hran understood that there were forces at work which they didn’t understand, but still couldn’t bring himself to forgive her. He wasn’t sure if it was her fault or not, but she was the closest person he could pass judgement upon until they met with the Foolish King in combat. Elde thought of him as cruel, rightfully so, but also felt like she deserved it, even though she did nothing she could think of that would make the Foolish King turn his blade against humankind, and upset Umshaow.
Their talk concluded with both of them apologising. They wanted to leave it all behind once the war was over, so it was better if they came to terms with it before heading into battle, so no regrets would be left behind in case any of them died. Hran then headed for Amel, he wanted the two of them to lead the front of the armies, as they understood the battlefield the bests. Hran couldn’t find him in his tent, a construct waiting for him to direct him.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
He travelled for a bit inside the forest, there was time which they couldn’t waste, and Amel was doing so with his. While he didn’t like it, he thought there should be a good reason for it. Then, the construct ran away. Hran after it, but was then blocked in his path by a Prima. The Prima attacked him, he dodged every blow aimed at him. He didn’t know what Amel was thinking, but throwing just one Prima at him wouldn’t do much, “So it’s a test,” he thought to himself. Amel wanted more battle information for his constructs, and since Hran refused to provide canons to him, he took what he wanted from Hran himself. He couldn’t help but smile at his ingeniosity. He pulled out his sword, slashed at the construct, none would hit. He started to swing faster and stronger, but the construct would dodge them all, its limbs folding to the sides and stretch in the blink of an eye, in order to avoid his blows.
Finally getting frustrated with the slippery thing, he infused his body with some light, and his swing went in a flash, and then upon the construct. The might of the blow made the ground shake. But to his amazement, the construct was still holding, and it redirected his blow with its blades to the ground. The construct wasted not a moment, and slashed at him, he managed to just barely dodge, the construct only cutting at his skin, which healed immediately. Amel then stepped out behind some trees, the Prima retreating behind him with its upper limbs folded to the side, showing no intention to attack anymore.
“Done playing? We got to go,” Hran commanded, sheathing his sword. He didn’t want to show his disbelief that a single one of his constructs gave him a bit of a hard time. Of course, if he had to, he would’ve pulled the gauntlets and be done with it in a flash, but he wanted to preserve his strength, and he didn’t expect the construct to put up such a sophisticated fight against him.
“Pretty impressive, isn’t it?” Amel ignored his word and praised his creation. “They are twice as strong as before, and given Uel’s and your fight with them, they will soon reach new heights of strength,” his eyes were glowing, as he could once more enhance his mind. The flow of information let him know everything was fine, while he stole the light of the constructs back to him, reinfused them with the proper system and old memories, and let his army regain itself once more. Amel passed by Hran, then turned at him “Let us begin then, the march forward our converging paths and fates.”. They both smiled at each other, and then returned to the camp.
With a raise of his sword, and call for the armies, Hran raised the morale, moving the tens of thousand of humans towards the uncertain path forward. Amel stood by his side, the other First Six leading their respective armies. Their march continued in the forests. It was a rough, hard terrain to go through. While it would’ve slowed their walk by some, the motivation they got from earlier, made every soldier push harder. Amel was spending his time inside the mind, working on Omega. Both Omega and him learned from their battle against Kalagon, so he was implementing defensive measures in case Kalagon was going to attempt the same attacks as before, making use of the current issues Omega was suffering from, to make it stronger through them. One of those was to let small constructs enter the cracks and have them fueled with more light than before. Amel was inspired by the canons and Kalagon’s ability to rupture flames from all round his body. He wasn’t sure yet how he did it, but had a vague idea. While he couldn’t transmute his light into fire like the dragons could, he wanted to use his light as a compact little bomb.
While they travelled the forests, they were expecting to pass by the Citadel of Creation. One of the world’s wonders, the city was deep inside the forests, and there, geniuses and brilliant minds from around the world were converging to understand the world better. There were mostly humans, but some others could be found, even a Sunborn from time to time, even though it was highly dangerous for one to be present inside the forests. Amel wanted to send some of his constructs in advance, procure some books for him, but he wasn’t sure how the people in there would see his constructs. He wanted some books with old knowledge, in order to maybe find knowledge related to light manipulation. Their knowledge related to the subject was shallow at best, since the Lightborn kept their libraries away from all other beings, including their fellow Ascended brethren. This was in order to protect the information from reaching dangerous ears and eyes. It proved to be the wiser with the rise of the Foolish King and Kalagon.
Femel was looking forward to seeing the place himself. Maybe knowledge of a place where he could learn how to become stronger, while not possessing light, was available. His hopes weren't high, but there anyway. The armies arrived at the river Erter by the time it was noon. The plan was to ride ships up the river, and strike the Foolish King from the south gates, so Amel’s constructs could climb down from the mountains north, and together flank the whole city from both sides. The ships were provided by Lefin, a town at the side of the river, built a long time ago. The town was tasked with the building of the vessels around five years prior. They were to be supplied to the Citadel of Creation, from where the armies would’ve moved up the river, providing a sudden strike to the city. While the plans have changed, in essence, it was the same.
By the time night arrived, they have made it to Lefin, where the village chief waited for them patiently, hundreds of ships prepared, Amel’s constructs travelling by feet in a constant run to be able to catch up with them from that night forward. While he could’ve had them start running from earlier, he still didn’t want to risk an ambush from an enemy army, and not have his own at the side. After another night spent, the morning would come early, and the armies took their leave on the waters. They had to paddle pretty hard against the current, but it still proved faster than walking.
During the travel, Femel noticed figures between the trees opposite of their side. He knew spies must’ve been around, but they seemed more than just a few spies. The soldiers would start to notice as well, and soon, the whole army was alarmed, as the figures between the trees were seemingly multiplying. As Amel had feared, an ambush laid in wait for them. The ships started to make it for the shore, while monsters were making their way through, forming a line against the incoming forces, while planting spikes and throwing spears and flaming arrows at the bows. These monsters were organised, which either meant that the Foolish King was in their near vicinity, or some other entity was leading the group of monsters.
Soon, from within the trees, a giant monster, about twelve metres tall, fangs coming out of its mouth upwards and bending at the tip into its upper lip, made itself apparent. Amel had his nine Primas with him, but didn’t want to use them this time, in order to see how the First Six were going to deal with them. First, Hran jumped out of his ship and rushed straight for the monster. Then, Uel organised the troops on the ships, raising shields and defences so their ships wouldn’t be burned and sank. Kinak went further ahead with a force of soldiers, Elde and Eve following. They were going to circle the forces of monsters with around five hundred soldiers, and kill them before they had a chance to inflict too many casualties.
Hran killed their supposed leader without much issue, while the others proceeded around the monsters, and swiftly dealt with them. Uel managed so save most of the ships, three of them inevitably sinking. Pleased by their capabilities, Amel smiled and continued with his ship ahead, to meet Kinak, Eve and Elde. Once they could regroup, the boarded the ships, and went forward once more. Another two ambushes laid in wait for them, becoming increasingly difficult to move on the water without losing too many ships and soldiers. The day didn’t go for long, as the ships moved across the waters with speed, and they were not too far from the Citadel of Creation. Given the continuous ambushes and short time they were on, since they wouldn’t have any place to resupply after crossing the river, the First Six decided to push forward without stopping at the prestigious place. Amel wasn’t very pleased with the decision, but it was of more urgency to push forward, than to gain knowledge and sight see.
Marching through the forests, constant ambushes were on top of them. But, due to Amel’s constructs, those would all be intercepted and dealt efficiently with. Amel didn’t want to help the First Six too much, just enough to gain favour of them and have their armies fulfil their purpose. Night came by, and their road would lead for two days more, before finally reaching the Mouner city.
During the night, more attempts at ambushes were set by the monsters, but again, Amel’s constructs were swiftly dealing with them. The soldier camps only saw a couple of them, because Amel wanted to keep some of them on their toes, not rely too much on his constructs. Hran noticed his actions, and scolded him, but with some Primas between him and Hran, his words fell on deaf ears.
The morning came early again, and the march continued. Soon, they were in front of the last branch of the Ertver River that separated them from the lands of the Mouner city and their accursed leader. To no surprise, a small army of monsters was waiting for them. Amel didn’t want to waste his constructs on these ones, so he asked the First Six to deal with them. He was partly forced to it, but agreed to do half the work. Their soldiers were “getting sleepy on their feet” he told the First Six. While his remarks weren’t appreciated, they weren’t baseless. The armies grew a bit too lenient in their behaviour, even chatting as Amel’s constructs were fighting, and the grand battle not too far away. Amel wanted them to be more wary of their surroundings, and ready to fight. Hran himself was concerned with the state of the army, but nothing could be done about it until they were face to face with the actual danger.
The battle took a bit longer than expected, but by night, the city was within sight. Amel had seen no sign of Kalagon so far, which concerned him. The beast was large, and a trail should’ve been left behind, but somehow, there were no tracks after going a bit deep inside the forest. It would suggest that Kalagon somehow was able to fly after his wing was injured, and given the long time it took dragons to heal their wounds, Kalagon should’ve been crawling on the ground for a few days at least before even attempting to fly again. Even so, Amel soon didn’t have to worry, as Omega was on its way, by afternoon tomorrow, the giant construct should be with them, as the war would be ongoing.
The night, surprisingly, no ambushes or assualts have been upon them. Sign that the Foolish King was preparing for what was to come. The discussion between the First Six, Amel and Hran II became of whether or not the Foolish King was inside the city to begin with. By the large numbers of monsters, weaponry placed upon the walls, and few special monsters that were placed in places, it would suggest so. But, Kalagon has seemingly vanished, and no one has seen the Foolish King all this campaign. It wasn’t outside the realm of possibility that the Foolish King could’ve taken off to somewhere far away in order to avoid justice, but it wasn’t like him. For the twelve years that have passed, more and more monsters have been spotted around the city. The Foolish King has been preparing for this day as much as they did. If it was all just in order to weaken the six kingdoms, and come later with some other army and destroy what remains of them, then that would prove catastrophic. But Amel thought it couldn’t be the case, since he would keep Kalagon hidden until that point. Why bring your, perhaps, largest asset early in the war, if you’re going to run away and strike later. Even if he didn’t expect for Kalagon to be injured, it didn't’ change the fact that he risked too much, too early.
The day of tomorrow would have its answers, as the night grew late, and they had to rest. Amel went to his tent, and let go of the light. He wanted to sleep normally, even if the nightmares were going to come and chase him. Femel couldn’t sleep nor drink that night, his hands shaking from the thought of what was going to happen. Whether he will be able to perform good enough to be excused of his crimes or not, it didn’t matter any longer to him. There was nothing he was afraid of, aside from the fact that he wouldn’t be able to stand next to his brother, as an equal.
And so, the dawn of a new day, perhaps the last day, came about. The generals woke up first, followed by the First Six, then Amel. Femel didn’t sleep, he had no need for sleep when fueled by his motivation to push forward. The war meeting was short. The plans were already set, merely talked over again to ensure everyone was onto it.
Eve’s army stood at the very back, Hran’s at the very front, while Kinak’s, Elde’s and Uel’s at the middle. Amel had his constructs at the sides, those on the mountains ready for the signal. Omega was on its way, Amel decided to let it run, even thought it will upset the landscape in great measure, he had the feeling that Kalagon was going to show up, and he still didn’t know what the Foolish King had in mind. He was thinking of calling upon Alpha, the construct would have crossed the mountain range in a blitz, arriving even before Omega. It was a wild card he didn’t want to play, but if need came to be, and things became hopeless, he wouldn’t hesitate.
Hran stood at the front, on his feet, he was taller than all present, on horseback or not. He looked at all the soldiers. Some were farmers, some were carpenters and builders, while most were fathers and someone’s child, his children’s children amongst them as well. He looked at them with saddened eyes for a moment, then a fierce look took over him. The armies grew uneasy at the task, their easy way here made them less concerned of the danger. But as the monsters started to load giant machineries, ready to release dangerous loads of materials and fluids, and the sky started to darken with the colours of black, red and green beasts, ready to descend upon them and toss them to their deaths, the soldiers felt a huge fear building inside of them.
He couldn’t let them fear, not when they came there, not after everything they had to get through and the mountain of resources, time and corpses that built their way there. “Soldiers of Domaire!” he shouted. His voice, a boom that resonated across the fields. Those at the front felt their ears shake with the sound of his voice, which was heard loud and clear all the way back to Eve. “For what are you afraid?!” his question brought confused looks. The answer was at his back, but they couldn’t see the deeper meaning behind his words. “Is it the hordes of monsters? Or do you fear death?!” with the word death, his face frowned deeply. “What of your lands, your children, your women? If you fear death,” he started to move from one side to the other. “Then fear for those which you have left behind, and remember that they will be taken from you, if you don’t conquer those fears!”. The soldiers all were growing infuriated. The thought of their families and lands being taken from them, burned and destroyed, maddened them. The monsters before them, seemed like mere inconveniences that had to be dealt with.
With a sharp sound, he unsheathed his sword, and held it high above his head. “Men of Domaire! Don’t fear death! Embrace it, love it, and even when it swallows you whole, fight!” the soldiers pulled out their swords, holding their spears in the other hand. “Fight! Fight! Fight!” the word resonated, soon all of them were repeating. Femel, who was with the middle armies, felt a fire burning in his chest. He wanted to be at the front, and almost let himself be drawn into it, but Kinak had stopped him. Hran turned towards the looming walls, the black skies and the machineries that were soon to be unleashed. He stepped forward, ready to run with all he had, however, a thunder struck. They all looked high above, expecting to see lightning, but the thunder was not of the skies, it was of the black winged cloud, moving above all else. The sky turned a bright red for a few moments, and from within the clouds, the large head and long neck made its way through. The body seemed to almost fall on the ground, stopping a mere dozen metres or so with a flap of its wings. Kalagon stepped into battle, between the men who were roaring to fight, and the monstrous army holding the city, ready to unleash their forces upon them.
“We meet again, king of humans,” Kalagon’s voice crashed across the fields.