“Listen soldier, no matter what happens, keep yourself alive!”

Bodies of lifeless orcs and humans lie on the ground. The remaining soldiers brutally fought each other. Some lose their limbs or heads. Others limp while arrows and swords are impaled to their backs.

“My life only exists on the battlefield.”

“That’s foolish! Who told you that nonsense? There’s more than warfare. We’re not only cannon fodders for the chiefs!”

The wounded orcish captain coughs as he speaks to the bewildered half-orc.

“Listen soldier! The orcish military has cloistered your tiny brain .I want you to see the world and get to know the people.

“Seriously? Nobody likes a half-breed.”

“This is an order! Realize your own dreams!. Become an adventurer!”

While the two injured soldiers talk longer, a burning rock from a catapult falls above them and explodes.

“You okay Corbin? You’re having a nightmare again.”

Milas strokes Corbin’s rigid shoulders as he rises from his sleep. He is breathing heavily while clutching a nametag on his right hand.

“What’s that on your hand? Your lover’s keepsake?” Milas tries to pull Corbin’s leg who is still upset.

“It’s my captain’s name tag. Not that important.”

“Hmmm, I remember that soldiers use name tags so that when their bodies are found, they can be identified.”

“He’s probably gone, rotting with the earth.”

“I don’t mean to bring that up Corbin, sorry.”

“No sweat, I want to forget Jagganatha and the war.”

The wooden carriage gently rattle as the two cervuses pull it. The elven coachman hasn’t yet slept for the whole trip. They are in an urgent quest to visit the Ironthorne Kingdom. Rez and Nia are asleep and well rested in the carriage. It was still dawn when Corbin woke up.

“Now I can’t go back to sleep. I’m too bored.”

“Better go back to sleep. We need to be in full strength.”

Milas begins to count the trees they pass by. As she nonchalantly points at each of them, she slowly dozes off. Corbin meanwhile leans back on the carriage’s seat, trying to ignore his recent nightmare.

The dawn in Ironthorne forest is very serene. Swarms of lampyridae dance with the plant, glowing in gentle green sparks. The moon greets the nocturnal creatures with its gleaming white rays. Everything is painted in gentle pitch blue. The romantic night air slowly blows and cools the carriage. Even the elven coachman starts to fall asleep. He decides to pull out his wrapped medicinal herb, lights it up and takes a heavy puff. The herb slightly wakes him from dozing off to keep the carriage moving.

The sun begins to slowly rise from the horizon. The massive trees of Ironthorne forest almost cover the rising sun. Yet the sun's rays penetrate the very dense leaves. From the quiet night life of the forest, everything becomes lively one by one. The nocturnal beasts take their rest. Avians and cervidaes begin roaming in this forest. Their harmonious chirping and squealing brightens up the forest’s welcoming atmosphere. Unlike the famous Florescent Woods, the Ironthorne forest is very pristine. There are no indications of man-made altercations. The roads are still bumpy and covered in weeds. The cervuses somehow manage to trot steadily. They keep the carriage in good condition on their way.

“Wake up now, sleepyheads. We have arrived at the Ironthorne Kingdom.”

Milas still yawns and stretches her arms. Rez still snores soundly until Corbin prods his ribs. He abruptly wakes up and is surprised. Nia is still groggy and combs her hair with her fingers.

“This is where I can only take you, I have others to bring here. Good luck adventurers.”

The coachman first assisted the adventurers to unpack their belongings. Then he immediately leaves with his trusty cervuses.

“Wow, I never imagined the Ironthorne Kingdom looks more grand in personal!” Milas jumps into action and begins snooping around.

“That’s elven architecture, looks antiquated and never changes at all.” Rez yawns back while scratching the back of his head.

“It took them centuries to complete the whole kingdom which stood the test of time.” Nia recalls one of the passages from the books she read.

A pair of elven guards presented themselves to the adventurers. They are clad in heavy armor and armed with glaives.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“State your reason for entering Ironthorne Kingdom!”

Milas steps back as one of the elven guards points his glaive to her.

“Well, well, well, what’s with the hostility? They are the well esteemed adventurers.” The flamboyant Prince Randor casually butts in. Behind him was Calma who joined the prince’s entourage.

“What are you doing here Calma? How did you catch up with us? I thought you’re nursing Brindles.” Milas wonders with Calma's sudden appearance.

“The old dwarf insisted that I join you here. He also handed me this treaty from the Capital City of Arche and the Church of Solne.”

Calma approaches the elven guards and gives the treaty. Upon reading the document, the elven guards withdraw. They stop pointing their glaives and give way for the adventurers.

“Yes, you may now enter the Ironthorne Kingdom. But keep in mind we’re still in a state of emergency. Please proceed immediately to the elven hall.”

“Thank you diligent guards, we will be on our way.” Randor takes the lead and the adventurers follow suit.

Unlike the bustling City of Arche, the kingdom is divided into regions. The lower rung of the kingdom is dilapidated due to the insectoid invasion. It is also overgrown with massive trees. The trees both serve as the kingdom’s fortification and housing. Most elves are too busy rebuilding their homes, even the younglings help their elders.

“I feel sorry for them.” Milas comments while in awe.

“They may look solemn but they take pride in their resilience. Let us be inspired by them instead.” Nia optimistically remarks.

“What they need is support from other kingdoms. Just like how they volunteered themselves during the invasion at Arche.” Rez believes in reaching out other than just staring at them.

“We’re actually having an outreach program for Ironthorn Kingdom. Other than sending adventurers, we are sending provisions and materials for the kingdom.” Randor proudly proclaims Arche’s efforts.

As they pass by the elven housing, Rez spots a beautiful elf maiden tending some flowers. She has an overflowing blonde hair with a pair of emerald-tinted eyes. Clad in an adorned and modest dress, she is busy tending the plants. With no hesitation, Rez does his habit again showing off to women.

“Why hello there, looks like you need someone to help you.” Rez gallantly dashes towards her and presents another fresh red rosetta.

The elven maiden stares at him and is confused. From crouching at the shrubbery, she stands out and clears the leaves clinging to her dress.

“My name is Rez, An adventure like no other. Lover of several women, conqueror of the battlefield, an irresistible gem in the sky.”

“Stop it right there, scum! Nobody manhandles my big sister!” A fervent younger elf points her spear to Rez’s throat. Unlike her physically mature companion, she is diminutive and lithe. Rez immediately surrenders while raising his hands, complying with the petite elven knight.

“And that’s what you get for skirt chasing.” Milas smugly comments.

“Help please!” Rez whimpers to his companions.

“That’s for your wrongdoing.” Corbin reprimands the flirtatious Infernal.

“Ayala, would you please lay down your spear? They are the kingdom’s guests.” The elven maiden tries to calm down her little companion.

“But, but, Averill, he’s trying to grab you away from me!” The younger elf pouts and looks upset. She pulls out her spear and hugs it like a child.

“People outside the kingdom may have their special way of greeting themselves.” Averill tries to reason out with Ayala.

“Except Rez likes to flirt with beautiful ladies.” Corbin stares at Rez with disappointment.

“Really? He looks quite friendly though.” Averill ponders in curiosity.

“That’s why I don’t trust outsiders, Averill. They’re questionable and sketchy.” Ayala is still suspicious of Rez.

“Easy there, we mean no harm. Our companion is quite jumpy when it comes to meeting new people.” Calma joins in the bickering.

“Uhhh, okay. By the way, how are you, are you not yet wedlocked? You look so, so dashing and dreamy. You’re actually my type!“ The younger elf blushes and looks starry eyed with Calma’s presence. She begins to quiver with excitement.

“Wedlock? I’m sorry but I have an oath of celibacy for the Church of Solne.” Calma immediately crushes the young elf’s dream of having a human husband.

“No way! Big sister, I don’t want to grow old alone!” Ayala cries and jumps towards Averill. She gently hugs the poor elf like an older sibling.

“There, there. You don’t have to hurry up finding love. Besides, Brother Calma is a cleric. He has his own duty to fulfill just like us.”

“I’m 125 years old and still have no suitors!” Ayala complains while hugging Averill.

“Woah, so that’s how old you are!” Milas is surprised with Ayala’s age. She may look like a child but the ages of elves are advanced. They tend to outlive most living beings due to the World Tree's natural blessing.

“The Ironthorne Kingdom has been surviving for centuries. They have been existing since the first civilization of Aeon Frigg.” Randor shares what he knows about the neighboring kingdom.

Both the Arche and Ironthrone Kingdom once had a shaky relationship. Arche once attempted to conquer Ironthrone Kingdom for glory and resources. They were defeated by the older kingdom. Ironthorne Kingdome has superior magecraft and elven technology compared with Arche's resources.

“Just wondering my lady, how old are you? You still look so youthful and lovely.”

“You don’t just ask a woman’s age, you nitwit!” Milas bickers at Rez.

“I’m 250 years old!” Averill nonchalantly mentions. Rez immediately takes back his words and swallows his pride.

“Ehehehe, I see. Nice meeting you!” Rez steps back and retreats to the group. He never considered the age gap between elves and Infernals. He is unhappy with the idea of courting a 250 year old maiden despite looking youthful.

“If I’m right, I’m around 20 years old in human years.” Averill guesses while looking sad with Rez’s repulsion.

"Wait, you're siblings?" Milas asks.

"We're not related by blood but we both stayed at the Ironthorne knight’s academy. I'm Ayala's senior and serves as her older sister." Averill recollects the good old years passed at the knight's academy. All fledgling knights bond like a family. Corbin nods since he the orcish military have the same system of brotherhood.

“Okay troops, breaktime is over.” A white-haired and older elven knight arrives from the western walkway. She commands both Averill and Ayala in position. She has an oversized giant shield and spear which towers Milas. Her plate armor has elven inscriptions for protection.

“Yes captain Regina, reporting on duty!”

“So here’s our latest aid from Arche? They don’t look so impressive.” Captain Regina scowls at the adventurers.

“Excuse me captain, I’m Prince Randor, representative of the Capital City of Arche. I have brought the finest warriors who fought the invasion. With their assistance, I was able to slay the necromancer.”

“Here is the treaty from the Capital City of Arche and the Church of Solne as you requested, captain.” Calma hands out the document again and Captain Regina scans thoroughly the words.

“I see, both the Capital City of Arche and the Church of Solne sent you here upon our requests. I will be assigning you to your positions for the war. Follow me.”