Chapter 17: The United States Part 2

July 9th, 2053

Southeast Duremar Plains

The 4th Deep Recon Team managed to rescue three more captured civilians yesterday. Aside from a few individual slave owners, no one else from the villages made any attempt to resist. Ethan was recovering from the mana burn pretty well. Once Elmot removed the residual mana from the wound, it was much less severe. Having a mage around was pretty useful.

After packing up camp this morning, they were driving towards their next village. They were going east, with some hills on their left rising out of the flat green plains. It was still cloudy, but the rain from yesterday had mostly stopped.

Suddenly, Major William’s voice came through on the radio. “Lieutenant Ramirez, come in.”

“Ramirez here, sir. Go ahead,” Daniel replied.

“One of our teams just got a tip about a town close to your position. We think there may be as many as ten of our people there. I’m diverting your team to investigate.”

“Understood, sir. If our people are there, we’ll find them,” Daniel replied.

“Good. I’m sending you the intel. Good luck, Ramirez. Williams out.”

Liv pulled up the information on her display. “I’ve got it. Give me a sec…”

Benny brought the Rhino to a stop while Liv figured out which direction to go.

“Which way are we going, Liv?” Benny asked.

Liv finished looking over the information packet sent by the major. “It's about… 40 minutes south of us,” she said, as she pulled up an aerial map on one of the display screens and highlighted the location. She relayed the new orders to the rest of the convoy while Benny turned sharply to the right and brought the Rhino back up to speed.

It was large for a village, but small for a city. Based on its size relative to the other villages they’ve encountered so far, the AI estimated it had a population of about 3,000. From the map, they could see that it had a partially built wood and dirt wall. The town was surrounded by a large area of farmland.

The intel retrieved by the other rescue team said that a landowning farmer sold a cart of slaves he had bought from Rontak’s Reach to the town. The reason they suspected the slaves might have been American citizens was because the landowner sold them on account of them being weak and worthless in the fields. They were ‘utterly incompetent at even simple farm work’ and he was trying to recoup the cost of buying them.

“Sir,” Liv began, “What are we going to do if there are more than just Americans enslaved there?”

Daniel hadn’t thought of that until now. They hadn’t encountered Americans being held with other slaves yet. They couldn’t just turn a blind eye, but did they have the manpower or authority to do anything about it?

“I guess that depends,” he replied.

“On what?” Liv asked.

“On a lot of things,” Daniel replied. “For example, how many slaves there are, or how many of the townspeople would have a problem with us freeing their slaves.”

“We’ll do something though, right?” Liv asked. “We can’t be complicit to slavery.”

“I agree completely. But short of gunning down civilians who don’t share that sentiment, there's not much we can do about it.”

“And that's not an option either…” Liv said.

“No, it's not,” Daniel agreed. “Our first priority is the safe extraction of US citizens. After that… Well, we’ll do what we can. Ultimately, this decision is a bit above our pay grade.”

They continued discussing ideas on what to do regarding non-American slaves until they neared the town. When they started to see farmland up ahead, Daniel said, “You know the drill, Liv, get the drones in the air.”

July 9th, 2053

United States, New York City, The Plaza Hotel

The chamber Maribelle and Ralva were given for the night was unfathomable; their luxurious accommodations were unparalleled in all of Kraffnia. She had been sent as an emissary to a few foreign kingdoms and enjoyed their lavish treatment, as she was entitled to as Princess of the Rontak Empire, but none of them even compared to the extravagance of ‘The Plaza Hotel’.

Everything about it was incredible: the soft carpets, the intricate furniture, the fantastic washrooms... The Americans seemed to place a great emphasis on cleanliness that was rarely seen outside of the Rontak Empire core territories. Their evening meal last night was equally as impressive as everything else. This city was… beyond words in its magnificence.

She and Ralva were eating their morning meal. They opted for a rather simple meal brought by the hotel’s servants consisting primarily of eggs from an avian animal called a ‘chicken’. They weren’t quite up to par with remble eggs, no other eggs were, but that didn’t mean they were anything less than delectable.

“This world has some rather exotic food,” Ralva said.

“Their food is what has caught your attention, Ralva?” Maribelle asked.

“Part of it, yes. But I’m more intrigued by their amazing devices,” Ralva replied as she pulled out the flat rectangular picture box the ambassador gave her yesterday. “I asked it to show me the animal this food came from and moments later there it was! A picture as life-like as if it were right in front of me!”

They ate their breakfast while discussing the plethora of new American contraptions they were seeing for the first time: cell phones, cars, TVs, droids, etc. And the magic (but not actual magic) that fueled their entire civilization: electricity. It was all quite overwhelming.

Shortly after they finished their meal, someone knocked on the door. Ralva, accompanied by the translator droid, opened the door and was greeted by Ambassador Smith.

“Good morning Miss Ralva, Princess Maribelle,” said the Ambassador, surprisingly in their language, not the Eng-lish spoken by the Americans. Then she said something in her own language and the droid translated. “I’ve been doing my best to learn your language, but that's all I’ve managed so far. Are you ready to go to the airport?”

Not wanting to keep their host waiting and genuinely having nothing else to do other than gawk at the city from the windows, Ralva and Maribelle followed Ambassador Smith down the hall. The three of them rode the ‘elevator’ machine that took them down to the ground floor without the need for stairs.

Several men in pristine black American suits escorted them to the limo. They all wore the same black devices over their eyes. Maribelle wondered how they could see through them. It was probably similar to the windows of the limo; on the outside they were dark and difficult to see through, but on the inside they were like any other glass. She swore she saw faint sparkles of light on their eyepieces but dismissed it and moved on.

The ride was longer than she expected. She knew the city was huge from the tour yesterday, but cars moved through the street so quickly. Individually, they moved through the city quite fast, but there were so many of them, all getting in each other’s way, slowing everyone down.

When they finally arrived at the airport, Maribelle got her first glimpse of the flying machine. It was much bigger than she anticipated. Most of it was bright white, but the other colors from the American flag were painted on as well. The wings were attached to the bottom of its body and didn’t look like they could flap at all. On top of that, it was made entirely of metal. How on earth was this thing supposed to fly?

Inside the plane were several comfortable looking chairs paired with tables. The three of them took their seats and waited for the plane to take off. Rather than climbing into the air at a steep angle like a wyvern, the plane shot forward with incredible speed. Maribelle was pressed to the back of her seat by the sudden acceleration. Then, it tilted upward, and she felt like she was sinking even more into her seat.

She looked out the window and saw the ground getting further and further away. Finally, the plane leveled out. She could see the ground far below going by at incredible speed. And yet it was smoother and more comfortable than any dragon or wyvern.

Ambassador Smith told them they’d arrive at Washington, DC, in about an hour and a half. Then, she left to give her and Ralva privacy to discuss things before they met with the President.

“Everything I’ve seen of the Americans has only confirmed by deepest fears,” Ralva said. “The United States has a power like no other.”

“What must we sacrifice to achieve peace with these people?” Maribelle asked her friend. “Anything we could offer them they could simply take from us by force. We’re completely at their mercy.”

“Perhaps they can be placated by land,” Ralva suggested. “They seem quite interested in Duremar, what with all the infrastructure they’re building around the portal.”

It was an interesting idea. Overall, the land in Duremar was arable, but mostly empty. It did have some strategic value, though. Crystal Coast and the mithril mines at Miretan to name a couple. Not to mention the trade from the western sea that travels up the Induran River. It would be a sacrifice, but not an unrecoverable one.

The problem was that the United States had zero magical aptitude. Mana crystals would be completely worthless to them without any way to use them. On the other hand, they’ve already shown a considerable interest in mithril. She made a mental note to revisit the idea later. They continued talking about different ideas to appease the Americans for the rest of the flight.

July 9th, 2053

Southeast Duremar Plains

They were driving on a relatively decent dirt road that cut through fields of crops. Off to the side, Daniel saw a person whip a minotaur hauling bushels of wheat. So there were indigenous people kept here as slaves as well. That was unfortunate. This situation just became much more complex.

The two combat Rhinos were in the front, followed by the medevac Rhino and logistic truck. They ground to a halt near the makeshift wall, which was basically just dirt with wooden reinforcements. Behind the wall were dozens of wooden buildings that looked better constructed than the buildings in the smaller villages.

There wasn’t a gate, just an open passage into the town, but there was a contingent of about 50 people blocking the way. They were armed with swords, spears and various other medieval looking weapons he couldn’t identify. A few of them wore a combination of uniform and armor while others looked to be wearing their everyday clothes. They weren’t making any overtly threatening gestures, but that could change at any moment.

“Marcus,” Daniel began, “Be ready with the ADS in case they try something. Benny, keep the engine hot. We might need a quick extraction if things go south.”

“Yes sir!”

“Yes sir!”

“Liv, you’re with me. Let's go introduce ourselves.”

Leaving a few behind to man the vehicles, along with the civilian specialists, Daniel and the rest of the marines disembarked and walked to the front of the convoy. The droids deployed and joined them too.

“I am Lieutenant Ramirez of the United States Marine Corps. We have reason to believe you are holding our citizens against their will. Step aside peacefully and allow us to recover our people and I assure you, none of you will be harmed.”

Someone from the rear of the group made his way to the front. He was wearing heavier armor than most of the people around him. He said to the Americans, “We have had no dealings with anyone from your kingdom until now. You must be mistaken.”

“Our sources say you recently bought a cart of slaves who may have been American citizens,” Daniel replied. “We are not leaving until we either recover our people or confirm they aren’t here.”

“If we bought’em, they’re our property!” Someone from the group shouted. “You can’t have’em!”

“Quiet!” The man snapped. “This is a matter for the Baron to deal with, send for him immediately.”

One of the group ran off into the town. It didn’t take long for him to return with the Baron, but the tense situation made it seem like forever. The people looked like they were ready for a fight, but the marines knew better. It wouldn’t be a fight, it would be a massacre. None of them wanted that.

“Let me through, let me through! Out of my way!” The formation made a disorganized attempt to part for the man who was presumably the Baron. These guys weren’t professional soldiers.

A short, pudgy man in regal, but not impractical, robes pushed himself to the front. “I am Baron Rentho of Girshan,” he declared. “I take it you lot are the ones making war against the Rontak Empire?”

The United States hadn’t technically declared war yet, but Daniel ignored that little technicality and said, “That would be us.”

“Lower your weapons, all of you!” Baron Rentho said. “We will not win a fight with these people so we shall not start one. Anyone who lays a finger upon the Americans will answer to me!”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

The formation blocking the road into town became less rigid as they relaxed their spears. The marines likewise relaxed, thankful that the people seemed less likely to try something stupid.

“You say some of our slaves might be your citizens?” Baron Rentho said to the Americans. “I will take you to the slave barracks and auction house so you can see for yourselves.”

The group parted and allowed the Americans into the town, now known to be called Girshan. Daniel led the marines and droids after Baron Rentho and the man from before, who introduced himself as Captain Glernth of the town watch. The Rhinos stayed where they were, but were ready to charge in if things went hot.

The dirt roads had inns and taverns along them mixed in with smaller buildings here and there. The marines did their best to avoid stepping in the occasional pile of horse feces left in the middle of the road.

“So, what kind of slaves are you looking for?” Baron Rentho asked.

“What kind?” Liv asked, appalled by the notion.

“You know, are you looking for humans, minotaurs, or centaurs? You never said what species you’re after.” Baron Rentho clarified.

“Just humans,” Daniel answered.

“How many people do you keep as slaves?” Liv asked.

“A few hundred,” Baron Rentho replied. “Mostly minotaurs right now. The army rounded up most of the centaurs. You probably met them on the field of battle.”

Liv gave Daniel a worried glance. The centaurs who attacked them in that first battle had been forcibly conscripted too. They hadn’t been as fortunate as the minotaurs. They were gunned down early on; any initial survivors would have been right in the line of fire for subsequent waves of enemy soldiers. By the time medical crews could reach them, there was nothing they could do.

They continued exchanging formalities and tense small talk until they reached the slave barracks. Captain Glernth opened the door and the marines stepped inside. It was difficult to make out the grime covered faces of the slaves in the dim candle light. Luckily, a few of the slaves immediately recognized the marines.

“It's the army!”

“They’re here to rescue us!”

They found the American citizens! The marines helped them outside and began administering first aid. They had a few cuts and bruises, but that was mostly it. There were six of them in total.

“Liv, take a team to the auction house and see if there are any more of our people down there,” Daniel said.

“Yes sir,” she replied.

“Emily, take the droids and search the rest of the town. I hope we can count on your full cooperation, Baron,” Daniel said.

“Of course,” Baron Rentho said. “Captain Glernth, send the town watch with them and assist them however you can.”

“Are you sure that's wise, sire?” Captain Glernth asked. “Giving them free reign over the town–”

“In case you are somehow not aware, they already defeated the Portal Conquest Army and captured Rontak’s Reach. For all intents and purposes they already have free reign over our town. And the rest of Duremar, for that matter.”

Captain Glernth begrudgingly accepted that and went off with the marines, followed by his watchmen.

Turning back to Daniel, Baron Rentho said, “I hope you can forgive us for enslaving your people. I promise you, when we bought them, we had no idea who they were.”

This guy seemed smart enough to sense the changing balance of power in this region. Maybe he could use that. Maybe there was a way he could help the other slaves after all.

“Who they are shouldn’t matter,” Daniel told him. “If you really want to get on our good side you can abolish slavery within your town.”

“You can’t be serious!” Baron Renth exclaimed, flabbergasted at the idea. “Without slaves, we won’t be able to harvest our crops before winter. We’d all starve, including the slaves.”

“The United States doesn't tolerate slavery. We can send aid to help you survive the winter. And we can provide equipment that can harvest crops far quicker than by hand. But you’ll have to show us some goodwill first.”

“Have I not done that already? I’m letting your soldiers run amok through my town, I’m returning your people, whom we bought at a legitimate market, free of charge!”

Daniel just remained silent and crossed his arms.

“But if this is what the United States wishes of us, I suppose we can comply,” he finally conceded, with a defeated look on his face. “So long as you do, in fact, send us supplies to make it through winter.”

“That's good to hear. I’m glad we can–” he was cut off by some kind of animal roar. He turned to where it came from and saw half a dozen wyverns flying towards the town.

“Daniel, we got a problem,” Benny said over the radio.

“I see them too,” he replied. “Where the hell did they come from?”

“They must have been flying low to the ground cause we didn’t see them until now.”

“How’d they spot us if they were flying low?” Daniel asked.

“I don’t–hang on… They’re not heading towards us… Jesus Christ! They’re attacking the farms!” Benny exclaimed.

Daniel watched as the wyverns shot balls of fire, not at him or the Rhinos, but right over the walls towards Girshan’s farmland. “Protect the civilians!” He ordered. “Neutralize all enemy wyverns!”

July 9th, 2053

Washington DC, The White House

The Oval Office, their equivalent of a throne room, was not at all what Maribelle had expected. There were two couches facing each other in the middle of the room. There was a large, intricately carved wooden desk in front of a window. At the desk sat a middle aged woman with partially graying hair, who could only be the President.

The entire White House was rather anticlimactic. Why did the ruler of this great country live in such a small palace? The Imperial Palace at Ronta was far larger than this. She knew the Americans could build true wonders, so it must have been a conscious choice to have a comparatively modest abode for their leader. What that said about them as a people, she was not sure. They were once again proving to be very strange.

“Princess Maribelle, Miss Ralva, allow me to introduce Olivia Bennett, President of the United States of America.”

Maribelle and Ralva both fell to one knee and bowed their heads. Maribelle wasn’t sure how to address a ‘President’, but she aired on the side of caution.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for inviting us to speak with you. It is an honor to be granted an audience with the leader of a mighty nation such as yours.”

Ambassador Smith whispered in her ear, “Umm, you can stand up. We don’t really do that sort of thing here.”

The President chuckled and stood up and walked around the desk. “Madam President is fine. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you both. Please, have a seat,” she said casually, gesturing to the two couches. Ralva and Maribelle sat on one couch while the President and Ambassador took the other.

“To begin,” President Bennett said, “I want you to know that the United States is fully committed to the safety and protection of its citizens. Any further hostile action taken against us will be met with extreme force. That being said, we want nothing more than to end hostilities between our two nations.”

Taken aback by that dichotomy, Maribelle stammered, “That–That's good to hear. I too wish to create peace between us.”

“Then these negotiations should be much easier than anticipated,” Ambassador Smith said with a smile.

“But before we get to that,” said the President, “There’s still the matter of our citizens being abducted and held as slaves. While we can discuss reparations later, it's more important to ensure their immediate and safe return.”

“On behalf of the Rontak Empire, I sincerely apologize for that. But like I’ve told the general of your army, I don’t know how much help I can be,” Maribelle explained. “I’ve already given the most likely locations your people would be.”

“And that has been very helpful indeed. We’ve been able to recover some of our people, but our rescue teams have been encountering resistance from some of your people,” President Bennett explained. “I understand you possess a device called a ‘mana comm’ that allows for instant communication, is that correct?”

“Yes,” Ralva answered. “From what I can tell they are very similar to your own communication devices, though they are based on magic.”

“It might be beneficial for everyone involved if you sent out a message to your people requesting them to cooperate with us. Coming from you, Princess, it might carry enough weight to save lives. There have already been several unfortunate incidents of your people taking up arms against our soldiers. We’d like to avoid that as much as possible going forward.”

The President said it with such sincerity that Maribelel couldn’t figure out if it was a veiled threat or not. Her words said one thing, but they implied another. Judging by the actions and attitudes of the American soldiers she’s met already, they would never intentionally kill uncooperative villagers.

But the Americans had an extreme disdain for slavery and reacted much too strongly for the harm actually done to their people. Would their soldiers still be able to restrain themselves if they saw Americans working as slaves in the fields of some poor village?

“I can certainly try, but not all villages have access to a mana comm,” she replied.

“I have a better idea,” Ralva said. All eyes turned to her. “The Order of the Dragon is well respected throughout the Rontak Empire. If you allow our knights, the ones you captured at Rontak’s Reach, to accompany your soldiers, I am certain people will listen to us.”

“Yes, that's a great idea, Ralva,” Maribelle said excitedly. “The rest of the Order is no doubt already on their way to Duremar looking for us. If we explain the situation to them, they’ll have a much easier time eliciting cooperation from the people of Duremar.”

“Very well,” President Bennett said. “I’ll see to it that we make arrangements to contact this ‘Order of the Dragon’.”

“But how will you do that without a mana comm?” Ralva asked.

“We, ah, acquired some for study from the base that launched the attacks. It was abandoned after we secured your side of the portal,” Ambassador Smith explained.

Maribelle hoped that the Order of the Dragon helping to find the missing Americans would be enough to convince the President of her willingness to cooperate. If that was how she could gain a desperately needed advantage, however small, in these negotiations, she would do whatever it took to help find them. Still, it was strange how much emphasis they placed on finding their people.

“If I may ask, Your Maj–Madam President, why did you react so strongly to our attack on New York?” Maribelle inquired.

“What do you mean?” President Bennett asked.

“Raids and skirmishes, like the one that came through the portal to your world, are not typically justification for such drastic retaliation,” Maribelle said. “Why are you sending so many soldiers and war machines?”

“Here on Earth, actions like that are unacceptable. They are clear acts of war, and we responded in kind,” President Bennett explained. “Our people don’t live under the constant threat of violent attack. We couldn’t allow the threat of another incursion inside a major population center.”

“I think I understand,” Maribelle said. “But I would have thought that your country and people were more warlike, given your response in Duremar.”

“A previous President once said ‘speak softly and carry a big stick’. You’ll find that our stick is the biggest one around.”

‘Big stick’ was an understatement. A stick of mighty gargantuan proportions was a more fitting description of the American military, even for just the small fraction of it she's seen. With only what they sent through the portal, they’ve managed to destabilize the entire region and send the Rontak Empire’s leadership into a panic.

Just then, a man in what looked like an American military uniform came into the room. He went over to the President and whispered something in her ear.

“What?” The President asked, shocked. “How widespread is it?”

Maribelle waited while the Americans had a hushed conversation. Finally, the President turned back to her and said, “There’s been an unfortunate development through the portal. General Thompson?”

The General took out a small rectangular box and clicked a few buttons. The room darkened slightly and a screen, one of their moving picture devices, lowered in front of the painting above the fireplace. Then, the screen changed from pitch black to a picture of southeast Duremar from the air. Maribelle knew the sight well, she had just flown over it recently. But something was wrong. There were fires dotted around the landscape. It was hard to tell from this high up, but they looked to be around villages. The screen rotated through several similar pictures.

“I was told your soldiers wouldn’t do something like this,” Maribelle said through gritted teeth. She did her best to conceal her outrage; the Rontak Empire was losing this conflict, after all. This is just what armies did when they invaded. But the American general had assured her this wouldn’t happen.

“We didn’t do this, Your Highness,” the General said. “These photos were taken by one of our reconnaissance planes. A short while ago it was confirmed by one of our rescue teams on the ground that the Rontak Empire has started a scorched earth campaign. They’re using wyverns to destroy crops throughout the region southeast of Rontak’s Reach.”

Maribelle was shocked. “I–I know my father. He would never condone something like this.”

But… Would he? After all this was a crisis. But burning crops on this scale? He wouldn’t do that; he couldn’t. He wouldn’t stoop to the level of her brother. Now this is exactly the kind of misguided thing her brother, Prince Cevlion would do. But the last she heard, Cevlion was sent to ‘negotiate’ a treaty with the dark elves. He shouldn’t be anywhere near Duremar.

Apparently Ralva had the same thought. “This has to be the Prince’s doing,” she said. “That wretched, no good, vile…” Her string of insults was considerably long.

“Madam President, I realize I am in no position to ask for your assistance,” Maribelle began, “but please–”

“Say no more Princess,” the President said, cutting her off. “This is as much a danger to our people still being held out there as it is to your civilians. We’ll put a stop to this with all due haste.”

“We’ve tracked the wyverns back to this forest,” the General said, switching to a picture of the Kashir Forest further south. “With your authorization, Madam President, we can launch an airstrike within the hour.”

An air–strike…? Was that what they did to the wyvern base at Rontak’s Reach?

“No! You can’t do that!” Maribelle blurted out. The Americans all turned to look at her. “If my brother is the one behind this and he is killed in your attack it will galvanize the entire Rontak Empire.”

“Maribelle is right,” Ralva affirmed. “As cruel as he may be, many see the Prince as a conquering hero. A figurehead of the Rontak Empire’s might. If you kill him, even in battle, there will never be true peace.”

“General, what other options do we have?” Asked the President.

“Several Deep Recon Teams are in the area searching for the missing people. We could re-route one of them to scout ahead while the rest of our forces prepare for a ground assault. The alternative would be a covert infiltration to capture the Prince alive, if he is in fact there himself. But it would take a good amount of time to locate him and plan the op.”

“Let's get a lay of the land first,” the President said. “Send the recon team to scout ahead and we’ll proceed from there.”

“I know I’m your prisoner, but I’d like to go and try to talk down my brother, or whoever is in charge there,” Maribelle said. “There's a chance I can get them to stand down so negotiations can begin.”

“Oh, you’re not a prisoner, Princess,” Ambassador Smith said. “We don’t adhere to the barbaric practice of taking political hostages to strong-arm concessions at the negotiating table. You’re both free to return home at any time.”

“Then I’ll need a wyvern to reach your soldiers in time,” said the Princess. “Two if Ralva wishes to accompany me.”

Out there, there was no prepared flat area for an American plane to land like they built at their base. They didn’t seem to be able to take off or land from anywhere the way wyverns could. She felt a bit of pride that at least something the Rontak Empire had could surpass the American version, even if it was as minor as this.

“You know I’ll be at your side, Maribelle,” Ralva said with a smile. “ But did you manage to capture any? They can get pretty aggressive without their usual handlers.”

General Thompson smirked. “I think we can arrange something.”

July 9th, 2053

Rontak Empire, Kashir Forest (Southeast of the Duremar Plains)

Commander Kallia of the Fire Dragon division was flying over the Kashir Forest in formation with six other knights. She spotted the clearing where the command post was set up and maneuvered towards it.

“Remember,” she yelled to her knights over the wind, “The sooner we seize Prince Cevlion and take him back to Ronta, the sooner we can get back to finding the Princess.”

They circled the clearing a few times, to let their signature wyvern armor identify them as the Order of the Dragon to the soldiers below. Most wyvern armor simply had the purple and red imperial flag painted on the underside, whereas each dragon division had an emblem of their unique elemental dragon.

She spotted the Prince coming out of the central command tent in his ceremonial crimson-gold armor. About twenty soldiers flocked to his side. She and her knights didn’t bother with the wyvern stables; they didn’t intend to be here very long. She flew her wyvern directly towards the Prince and landed on the dirt road leading up to him. Four knights followed suit, while the other two remained in the sky, circling above.

Cevlion looked up at her on the wyvern as his lips formed a mischievous smile. He said, “My, my, what have we here? The Order of the Dragon… To what do we owe the pleasure?”

Without dismounting Kallia said, “Prince Cevlion, by order of Emperor Rontus, you are to return to Ronta at once.”

“Well, now that's a bit of a problem,” Prince Cevlion replied nefariously. Gesturing with his hands, he continued, “In case you haven’t noticed, my Empire is under attack. I’m needed here.”

Kallia and her knights jumped down from their wyverns and began to approach the Prince. “The Rontak Empire does not belong to you, Prince Cevlion.” Now she drew her sword and said, “The Emperor has commanded us to ensure your safe return to the capital. You will leave with us, Your Highness.”

“No, I will not,” He replied with a tone of finality. The soldiers formed ranks around him and lowered their spear points. “If you leave now, I will forgive this transgression against a member of the Imperial Family. Stay…? And my soldiers will have the honor of protecting their Prince from would-be assassins.”

Kallia analyzed the situation. Six of her knights against twenty soldiers? They had wyverns, but these were imperial soldiers; she wanted to avoid bloodshed if possible. Luckily, or perhaps the opposite, Prince Cevlion put an end to her deliberation. He launched a torrent of fire right at her! It was just enough to be dangerous, but not particularly powerful.

That was a mistake, though; there was a reason why Princess Maribelle appointed her the commander of the Fire Dragon division. Red magic particles swirled around her free hand as she reached out and felt the heat and mana from the incoming magical attack. In one fluid motion, she took control of the stream of fire, spun around with the flame following her movements, and redirected it back towards the soldiers protecting the Prince, adding her own fire magic as she did so.

It was taxing on her mana. She was naturally gifted with elemental fire magic, but she didn’t have the mana capacity to be considered a full blown mage. If she did, she would have been conscripted into the army as a battle mage.

Her fire attack was much more powerful, but it was distributed among many more targets. The soldiers hid behind their shields as the wall of flame washed over them. Most of them weathered the inferno, but some failed to protect their feet and struggled to maintain their formation. Cevlion seemed fine though; he managed to retreat behind his men in time.

“You dare attack me?” He shouted. “Brave soldiers of the Rontak Empire! Attack the Order of the Dragon!”

The soldiers began to recover from the fire attack. The dying flames on the dirt road ebbed out of existence. They started marching forward with their spears and shields ready. Kallia and her four knights on the ground couldn’t win this fight. But they weren’t alone.

She looked behind her and saw her two aerial knights swoop down low. An orange glow emanated from their wyverns’ mouths. They released their fireballs and pulled up, soaring into the sky.

Two explosions erupted between her and the advancing imperial soldiers. The front rank bore the brunt of the attack. They writhed on the ground in pain as flames spread over their bodies; their shields did little to protect them. The second rank did what they could to put out the fire on their comrades, but they weren’t unscathed themselves.

Kallia sheathed her sword and shouted loud enough to be heard over the screams of the injured, “ENOUGH!”

Red magic particles floated around her hand as she used her last bit of fire mana to will the flames to subside. She and her knights walked right past the burned men, who made no further attempts to resist them. They marched up to Prince Cevlion who had a mixture of anger and awe on his face.

“I told you you’d be coming with us,” she said smugly.

Two of her knights grabbed him and walked him back to their wyverns. Kallia ordered three knights to transport the Prince back to Ronta, while the other three would continue with her to search for Princess Maribelle.

By now a crowd was growing. Clerks, soldiers, and camp followers gathered to get a glimpse of what was happening. She climbed back onto her wyvern and briefly addressed them.

“The Emperor has reinstated General Ulmok as this army’s highest authority! In this time of crisis, General Ulmok commands you on behalf of the Emperor himself! You will conduct yourselves accordingly or face the consequences!”

With that, she was done here. Her wyvern flapped its wings as it took off from the clearing. She was once again flying over the Kashir forest heading northwest with three knights. They were back on their original mission to find the Princess.

Author’s Note: With negotiations taking place, we are nearing the beginning of the end… of the Rontak Empire story arc! Don’t worry, I already have a plan for what's coming next. The Rontak Empire is only the beginning. There’s a whole world out there to explore, not to mention the parts of Kraffnia not under Rontak rule.

Here’s some not so subtle foreshadowing: https://youtu.be/r6GKTLUswIQ