Cambyses, Spero, and Cyrus, huddle together by a crackling campfire
“What did I miss during the meeting?” Spero inquires.
“That damn Astyages has been cutting the supplies to all tribes. We were lucky to gain a bit more but he’s toying with us.” Cambyses retorts.
“He’s been hearing among his ranks; he’s desperately trying to keep his control,” Cyrus interjects.
“I was able to speak with the other chiefs, they are ready to attack when we are,” Cambyses adds.
Cyrus murmurs, “I hope they inform the other tribes; we need all three powers if we want to succeed.”
Spero reveals, “The Magi has markers placed all across the city, and assassins seeded out within the public.”
“We must tread carefully. Targeting innocent civilians is not an option. We must find a way to lure them out.” Cambyses contemplates as his hand wearily slides down his face.
“To think they were willing to kill some of the chiefs during broad daylight,” Cyrus adds.
Cambyses enlightens, “No wonder the meeting was abruptly ended, and the kingdom tour was canceled," he muses, his tone somber yet resolute. "Their actions reek of desperation and boldness.”
In the middle of the night, a cold desert wind lightly sweeps through the campsite, extinguishing the glowing embers of the campfires. As the silence envelopes the sleeping soldiers in their tents, an eerie sense of foreboding lingers in the air. Suddenly, a distant roar reverberates through the rocky cliffs towering above—the sound of wings flapping and a gush of wind propelling ash and sand everywhere. Spero emerges from his tent and raises his voice, piercing the stillness of the night, calling upon his companions to rise from their peaceful slumber. The soldiers spring into action, grabbing their weapons and steeling themselves for what awaits them outside. As they venture out into the darkness, a menacing figure looms before them - a Manticore, its monstrous form casting a shadow over the camp.
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With a guttural growl, the beast lashes out with its deadly scorpion tail, toppling tents and sending debris flying in all directions. In a coordinated effort, the mages encircle the creature, conjuring a ring of scorching flames to keep it at bay while their allies position themselves for battle. Unfazed by the searing heat, the Manticore spreads its powerful wings, eclipsing the fire with a chilling gust as it soars into the night sky. The mages unleash a barrage of elemental attacks, hurling wind blasts and icy projectiles at the airborne foe, their magical assault only serving to provoke the ferocious creature further.
King Cambyses issues a command to his troops as they face the menacing manticore. "Make the beast retreat, do not engage closely, the last thing we need is to try to kill it!" he declares.
As the manticore swoops down, terrorizing the soldiers and taking out two horses in its path, disorder erupts on the battlefield. Spero springs into action, rescuing a fallen soldier before they hit the ground. Cambyses rushes to cover, dragging an injured soldier to safety amidst the chaos. Meanwhile, Cyrus races to the mages, urgently signaling them to heal the wounded as they engage the creature. Parsa commands a group of archers to launch arrows at the manticore, attempting to keep it at a distance.
“It already claimed this spot as its territory, we have no choice but to slay it,” Spero warns the group.
“Cyrus, you go with Spero to help with defense while he prioritizes damage. I'll assist in relocating our horses and essential supplies away from the conflict.” The king directs.
Cyrus and Spero brace themselves as the Manticore lunges towards them, its massive form crashing into the ground with a thunderous impact. Its scorpion tail strikes forward, but Spero skillfully deflects the attack to the left and charges towards the beast. The Manticore slashes its razor-sharp feline claws, forcing Spero to sidestep and strike at the creature's outer paw. As the Manticore's left-wing descends, Spero is pushed back by the sudden force.
Manticores: large creatures, with lion bodies, the wings of a demon, and the tail of a scorpion. One drop of its venom will kill you in a matter of minutes. Extremely territorial, once you’re the target, it will stop at nothing to chase you down. My father killed one of these creatures years ago, I barely escaped with my life.
Cyrus shouts. “Gather the chains and aim for the wings!”
Spero channels green energy, preparing to unleash a powerful attack as the wing flaps again, knocking several soldiers away. Spero unleashes a beam of energy, tearing a gaping hole in the right wing, causing the Manticore to bellow in agony. A chain is quickly shot into the air and wrapped around the claw at the top of the Manticore's wing. A group of divinians pulls the chain down with all their might, attempting to restrain the beast. In the meantime, Cyrus positions himself in front of the other wing, using his shield to deflect the Manticore's attacks. Two brave men stand behind him, providing support to prevent Cyrus from being pushed back. Spero seizes this moment to rush towards the wounded Manticore as a faint voice whispers in the air,
Why are you helping?
In the heat of battle, he brings down his sword upon the beast, its thick hide only receiving minor scratches from the strike.
These people judge you.
He conjures a dense dark mist, directing it towards the snarling manticore's face, aiming to blind the fearsome beast. Another chain unfurls in the air, latching onto the creature's second wing as soldiers work together to forcefully pin it to the ground and hammer the chain down.
They call you a monster. Let them suffer. Leave them.
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Spero, undeterred, presses on, but a sudden backhand from the beast sends him hurtling backward through the air.
As he lays there, shaken and bewildered, he whispers under his breath, “Why now? Why at this time?”
The urgent voice of the king breaks through the chaos as he rushes to Spero's side, urging him to rise once more, “We need you! Get up!”
Cambyses extends a helping hand to Spero. Cyrus and Parsa acquire more chains, preparing to ensnare the creature's tail. However, the manticore deflects the chains with a swing of its lethal stinger. The mages diligently attend to the wounded, casting spells that barely scratch the surface of the manticore's resilient hide. Cambyses rushes in behind Spero, who is blocking the creature's front paw, creating a momentary opening for Cambyses to stab the beat’s arm and retreat. The monster chomps toward Spero’s face, Spero dashes back and plunges his weapon into the monster's eye, while Cambyses strikes the bottom jaw. The manticore retaliates, lunging menacingly with its stinger, Spero deflects the attack, and Cambyses takes a bold swing at the beast's tail, only to be met by the impenetrable exoskeleton. Recognizing the danger, they both strategically retreat,
“We can’t keep his wings down for long! Get in closer!” As soon as these words escape Cyrus's lips, the beast lets out a deafening roar. Its immense wings suddenly break free, causing the chains with soldiers desperately clinging on to be flung around wildly.
They are too weak to protect.
Spero momentarily pauses to collect himself, intensifying his focus. Amidst the chaos erupting at the campgrounds, the beast charges forward, carelessly demolishing tents in its path. Soldiers are swiped by razor-sharp claws and stung by the manticore's poisonous tail. The mages struggle to heal the poisoned, while attacks only seem to further enrage the beast. Amidst the cacophony of screams and commands, Spero dashes in to divert the manticore's attention before it can prey on an unsuspecting mage. He strikes the beast's face with his elbow, causing his sword to graze its cheek. The manticore recoils, jerking its head back, preparing to launch its stinger downward. Spero locks eyes with the deadly needle hurtling towards him, bracing himself in a defensive stance. But suddenly, he ceases his attack, freezing in his tracks.
What is the point anymore? You don’t belong here. You’re being used. I will show you your true purpose.
STAB, the stinger of the manticore pierces deep into their chest, releasing its lethal venom. Spero's glance reveals the dire situation as his comrade Cambyses struggles with the deadly stinger between his ribs. The king is gripping the tail as he valiantly fights to maintain his grip. The tension is palpable as veins bulge in his head and arms. Taking a deep breath, Spero readies his sword, summoning all his strength for a decisive strike. The blade cleaves through the air with a resounding impact, severing the tail of the manticore and causing the king to reel back.
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Despite the mage's desperate attempts to heal Cambyses, it becomes painfully clear to Spero that their efforts may be in vain. Meanwhile, in the distance, Cyrus watches the scene unfold. A single tear cascades down his cheek as he lets out a gut-wrenching cry, his anguish echoing across the battlefield. Together with Parsa, they engage the monster with stabs and cuts, eliciting pained reactions as the creature struggles against their onslaught. Spero signals the mage to aid the rest of the soldiers while he remains by Cambyses' side.
“Cambyses why?” Spero questions remorsefully.
“Spero… you are far too important to lose. Not just for our combat but for my son and me.” Cambyses says with a cough and groin.
“You’re the king, the kingdom still needs you."
“I know I could never replace your father. I know that I haven’t acted much like one as well. I never treated you like a son…however, I always viewed you…as one of my own.”
“I…I…”
He grabs Spero by the forearm. “Watch over Cyrus, protect our kingdom, you have the power to do it, don’t let anyone doubt what you have done for us.”
“I will…thank you…for everything you’ve done for me”
Spero rises from his position and dashes towards Cyrus, ready to take his place in this dire situation. Meanwhile, Cyrus hurries to where his father lies on the ground, a scene of undeniable urgency.
Cambyses, with a grave expression on his face, gently places his hand on his son's cheek. “Oh, my boy, I’m so blessed to have found you once again, you have grown into a fine leader.”
Through tear-filled eyes, Cyrus observes the ominous sight of veins coursing through the king's body, spreading like creeping tendrils as the venom tightens its deadly grip. He watches in anguish as his father coughs up blood, his body convulsing under the influence of the venom.
“Father!”
“Take care of your mother for me and don’t be so hard on Spero. Make sure to cut down bread, you always ruin your appetite.”
Tears stream down his face, Cyrus stands amidst the chaos, with his loyal soldiers shielding them from the advancing monster. Spero, with a steely gaze, fixes his eyes upon the fearsome beast, fortifying his energy.
“Cyrus, you are now King of Anshan, I am so proud to make you my successor, and lead our people. Make a true change, be true, be yourself, and be great.”
“I will, I will.”
A fleeting smile crosses Cambyses's face before his hand falls limply to the ground.
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Cyrus wipes away his tears and rises to stand beside Spero, united to confront the looming manticore, their swords gleaming in eagerness.
Parsa yells, “Now!”
Massive fire blasts erupt, engulfing the monstrous beast's wings in scorching flames, causing its skin to sizzle. Next, the air was filled with the swish of heated arrow tips finding their mark and piercing through the wings. Chains are deployed, wrapping around the creature's injured wings and tail, with soldiers working in unison to hold, pull, and stabilize the chains. In the heat of the moment, Cyrus and Spero charge into the fray. Cyrus raises his sturdy shield, deflecting enemy attacks, and pushes forward with mighty force, while Spero aims his blade, striking after each block and Cyrus adding an extra slash after. Rinse and repeat, that was their strategy. They engage in a deadly dance with the manticore, pushing it back with each well-executed move. Together, the duo manages to force the manticore to rear up on its two front legs, exposing its vulnerable underbelly. With a triumphant battle cry, Spero targets the beast's left ankle, causing it to stumble and falter. The soldiers continue to hammer the chains, gradually pulling the beast closer to the ground. In a final decisive move, Cyrus seizes the severed stinger, driving it deep into the manticore's neck. The once fearsome creature lets out a final, anguished scream before succumbing to the combined might of Cyrus, Spero, and their valiant comrades.
Cyrus stands confidently before his assembled soldiers. "King Cambyses has sadly passed."
The weight of the news is evident in the gasps and confusion that ripple through the crowd.
But Cyrus does not falter. "He will not be forgotten because I will lead in his place," he declares. "I, Cyrus II, son of the late King Cambyses, will accept the title of King of Anshan."
In a show of solidarity, Parsa raises his sword high, his voice booming, "All hail our new leader, King Cyrus!"
The declaration is met with a chorus of praises and cheering. Meanwhile, Spero's gaze falls upon the mage whom Cambyses had saved, now covering the fallen king's body with a blanket. A wave of self-reproach washes over Spero as he reflects on his failures as a personal guard, realizing the deep impact of losing another father figure in his life. Regret gnaws at him for not fostering a stronger connection with him, for not recognizing the true importance of protecting those who mattered most.