Louen staggered, the bodies beneath her feet mounting as her soldiers retreated. She cried for her people, forced to watch as they were gutted in the streets of her home, their home. Knights roared, elves screamed, and the magics of the world raged in an unstoppable torrent. The tide was endless, their attackers running across the bodies of their kin. Goats, rats, and abominations littered the streets, the cobblestones slick with the blood of the fallen.

She raged, her armor rent and torn, her birthright lashing out in a miasma of untamed magical energy, blowing her foes into paste upon impact. She stumbled, rising and swinging her blade as he would have. She cried further still, as his memory filled her mind. His body limp in the moat, crushed in the rubble where she’d failed to honor him after they’d fished him out with a spear.

Ruby wailed, inconsolable amidst the tears of his comrades, fading into the shadows of the keep. Maestra, and Ariel found themselves lost, unable to cope with the loss of the juggernaut they’d thought unstoppable, fighting tooth and nail to retrieve his corpse in the courtyard ahead of Louen. Siegfried mourned quietly, his bulk anchoring them despite the collapse of their right flank. His blade whistled, clearing the street with each swing, eyes squeezed shut.

Snow had retreated, standing at Merlin’s side as the wizard raged, enveloped in his arcane shield. His infernal magic tore the walls outside the city apart, decimating their attackers by the thousands now as fireballs and vortexes called from within the depths of the arcane held the greater tide back, his rage heavy on the air as the elements themselves withered beneath his awesome strength. Snow’s greatsword flashed, guarding his back with all her strength, her fury tempestuous, tangible, the swarm threatening to overwhelm them the moment her rage faltered.

“We’re failing.” Victoria spat, cracking her neck as she rode up the street, her horse barely standing with its body covered in claw marks, “The line won’t hold. There’s too many, so go. My cavalry and mages are coming. If we can just survive, we'll make it. It's the bulk of my forces.”

“Go where?” Louen laughed, “We’re surrounded.”

“Take your Griffin, and go. Rally your kingdom. We’ll hold for that long at least.” She said, wringing blood from her white hair, her red eyes set against a red streaked backdrop, “This wave will waiver before long. I will stall the big one. Your lords have tried, they have failed.”

“I can’t. She’s too far.” Louen panted, “Where are the other lords and their knights? And the elves and their Ancients?”

“They are cut off to the south. I’m nearly out of raiders to keep our lines connected. My men are falling, or I would pave the way. That bastard is just too much in my condition. I need rest, and they have not offered it. I cannot spare Sieg to duel him, he is needed here to anchor us.”

“What’s your score?” Louen asked.

“Four hundred.”

“Five.” Louen laughed.

“Really?”

“Who cares? We’re going to die.”

“Integrity until death, my lord.” Victoria said.

“Like you had any.”

“I did.” She shrugged, “You hardly knew him, move on.”

“You must love this.” Louen scowled, “He’s gone because of you.”

“I know.”

“I hope you rot in hell.”

“I will.”

“You-“ Louen paused, dropping her sword as the battlefield stilled.

A blinding pillar of fire erupted from the courtyard ahead, forcing Victoria and Louen to shield their eyes. Merlin glanced back, eyes wide as he bore witness to an eruption of raw mana, the likes of which he’d never seen, his otherworldly gaze filled with wonder only he was privy to. It roared out of the ground, pouring from the sky and meeting in the middle, turning the surrounding invaders to ash. The fire washed across them all, burning away the blood, sealing their wounds, and restoring their energy. The hoard outside the walls revered it with both horror, and awe, their comrades in the city nearly completely melted away into ash.

“By the Gods…” Merlin whispered.

“Merlin!” Victoria roared, “What’s happening? What’re you doing?”

“It’s not me!” Merlin roared, “Run, children! Run and pray! This can only be-“ Merlin found himself launched backwards, his arms cast out to disrupt the wave of mana and fire, finding his strength interrupted in an instant, “Louen! Flee! It’s Divine Intervention!”

“Divine-“ Louen fell silent, watching as the rubble at the epicenter shook, and heaved, the beasts watching on in awe as a God manifested for the first time in a thousand years.

It rose as if it were shoving off it's covers in the morning, unbothered by the carnage that surrounded it. Louen beheld it with terror gripping her heart, a primal sense of fear bred into her ancestors as they huddled around campfires, and feared their skies.

It rose above the walls, its horse-like lower torso composed entirely of bright flames. It held out its arm, and Louen watched as a familiar axe flew out of the castle, tearing apart stone and mortar with ease. It grew within its grip, expanding into a weapon as large as the tallest ironwood trees, her flowing mane of white fire sparkling, a sinister beauty not meant for the eyes of mortals.

“Mortals of Korone!” The beautiful terror boomed, “Ghiran has come at the request of her wayward son.”

She waved her arm, axe extended. Thousands of rodents burned to a crisp in an instant, the grass fresh where they had stood. They retreated blatantly now, digging back into the burrows from whence they’d come, their blackened leader’s eyes burning with a spiteful wrath.

“Who, oh great Ghiran, destroyer of stars, great goddess of destruction, has called you to this plane?” Merlin bowed, pulling Snow down beside him.

“There are only nine who possess such an ability.” Her voice was both the violent roar of battle, and as soft as a mother’s embrace, “Only nine fit to speak my name.”

Merlin gasped, his body engulfed in flames.

Ghiran grinned, “Kidding.”

Merlin laughed, his mana overflowing, youth flowing through his veins as his skin pinked, his eyes brightening.

“Look after my child, Wizard of the Lake. Or you will find no peace when your days end. Your patron Lady of mystics be damned. She cannot save you from me.”

“Of course, goddess!” Merlin stood, throwing out his arms, “Look upon my slaughter and rejoice! The children of Ghiran’s foes are my own!”

The tide had turned with all but the strongest of their attackers vanquished in an instant, their strength multiplied, bodies rejuvenated.

“False-King of Korone.” Ghiran spoke.

Louen’s body froze, her skin chicken flesh as she knelt.

“You have my blessing, to rule over a land I once called my home. My people will return when you need them most, to live alongside Calem’s children. Welcome them with open arms. I thank you for your kindness. This world opened my son’s heart, and you embraced it.”

“Of course, your greatness.” Louen whispered.

“Victoria of Highgarden.” Ghiran glared, and Victoria fell to her knees, tears melting off her cheeks, “You have sinned. A child of Ghiran bleeds at your hand, yet fights at your beck and call. Your punishment will be great for such an insult, the gravity of your sins will be felt until your bones are dust. Your dream is further now than ever. Only once you have mastered yourself, and made amends, will you find your wish within reach. I curse you.” Ghiran said, “You will not lift a blade until your redemption has arrived. You will not wield a weapon unless it is in defense of a child of Ghiran. Be grateful my child favors you, I wanted to roast the skin from your still living bones and trap your mind in an endless battlefield. One you do not conquer. For shame.”

Victoria watched as her sword fell through her hands, slamming into the cobblestone with a loud clang!

“Thank you for this chance.” Victoria whimpered, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”

Ghiran turned, “My apostle will be watching you, Highgarden. I leave, and bid you farewell mortals. Be grateful I still love this land, and souls upon this plane. Or I would have let you all burn for your insolence. Fear war. Love war. Beware war. Bless and cherish the children of Ghiran, or hear your doom!”

Ghiran vanished in a flash, leaving a pile of ash in her wake. A warrior rose from the pile, forming out of the embers, his skin red like coals fresh from the fire. He threw his head back, dark eye beholding the sky once more, his mothers axe in hand. He stared down at it, ignorant to his naked form, one eye squeezed shut. His eyes turned outwards, to where the enemy gathered, watching, weighing their chances, the god's overwhelming presence no longer a barrier to keep them on their knees.

“Dog?” Victoria cried.

“My name is Éadrom,” The Godson whispered, his voice like thunder, body still engulfed in a rainbow of flame, “Ghiran’s Light. Son of Ghiran. Disciple of war. I have come.”

“Éadrom…” Louen smiled, tears running streaks down her blood stained face.

“I will fight.” He swore.

----------------------------------------

Dog sat up with a start, his tent dark above him. He shook his head, his axe beneath his hands. He rubbed his face, finding an eyepatch covering his right eye. He rubbed his fingers across the leather, an axe engraved in it's surface. He rubbed at his face, the dream he'd beheld still lingering, even if it's truth was plain to him. A dream and a memory, he knew.

“Thank you, mother.” He smiled to himself, speaking quietly. He glanced around, finding his vision intact, despite the hole where his eye should be, “I will honor this gift.” He felt his chest warm, as if her hand was upon it.

I’m sorry I shoved you out. It hurt too much.

He felt nothing but another warm sensation in his chest. He stood, grabbing his shirt and heading for the exit. He coughed as a passing horse kicked up dust, the light nearly blinding him in his remaining eye. Korone stood, battered, and wounded, but unbeaten, its giant spiraling pillars now made of stone and glass, a gift from it's second patron god. Merlin’s tower stood, unhindered by the destruction its master wreaked.

“Dog-Hunter.” A voice like his own rasped. Dog turned, finding Ruby in her armor beneath the tree his tent leaned against. She cocked her head, “Your name. Not Dog-Hunter. Name Eee-Addd-Rome?”

“Close.” Dog agreed.

“You left, Ruby. You died-die.”

“I did.” Dog nodded, “I’m sorry. That was mean of me.”

She approached, punching his shoulder, “No-no. No more die. Dog Claw pack.”

“I’ll try.” He smiled.

“Good-good.”

“What happened? I remember my mother waking me up, and then I found myself in my tent.”

Ruby’s eyes darkened, “Mother goddess?”

“She’s not my blood, but she is my mother. Remember?“

Ruby nodded, “Eee-“

“Just call me Dog.” He laughed.

“Dog okay?” She pressed her hand to his forehead, “How Dog feel? Eye still gone?”

“Yep.” Dog said, “I’ll be fine. Where is everyone?”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“Everyone?”

“Yeah. The Highgarden company, Louen, Merlin, and the elves?”

“No.” Ruby shook her head, “Louen yes, Merlin yes, even stupid elves. No Victoria. No Highgarden. No.”

“What do you mean?”

“You no see. Victoria is bad. Hurt you. Bad for us.”

“I…” He felt his eyepatch, “I should still see her. She is my mistress.”

“No.” Ruby shook her head, “Fight her, Ruby will. No more. Rotten. Bad luck.”

Dog hesitated.

“Come. See Louen. Rebuilding at the office.” Ruby cocked her head, guiding him onwards, her tail wrapped around his torso.

“I’m not going to get lost, Ruby.”

“You died.”

“That’s true.” He acknowledged, dropping the issue.

They arrived at a busy distribution office, peasants hauling building supplies in and out of the storage yard, knights barking orders as they coordinated.

“Ah, Éadrom. You’re awake!” Louen smiled, looking up at him from a table full of blueprints.

“Morning.” He grunted, “Just Dog.”

“You’re certain?” Louen asked.

“I’m not sure I’m Éadrom, yet.”

“Understood.” She stepped around the table, and Dog eyed her slender, muscled calves beneath her dress.

“Ah.” Dog noted.

She glanced at the airy dress, its blue base fluttering as she walked, “Ah. After being endorsed by a war goddess, I decided I’d care a little less. Dresses are so much more comfy than leathers.”

“Fair.” Dog nodded.

“How're you feeling? Do you need anything?” She asked, “Name it. You saved the day. I’ve never seen anyone take apart those beasts the way you did. It took several of us to bring down just one of big ones, but you did it alone, you tore apart the herd.”

Dog scratched his ear, “I did?”

“You don’t remember?”

“No.”

“Your mother saved us, and then you finished the beasts off. You saved my people, saved me. Now I can be who I want to be as king.” She flushed, “I’m sorry. For fighting you that day. For belittling you. I was wrong, and I was cruel. I hope to change how peasantry is viewed in Korone. I’m starting a Griffin Knight Order of only women soon. I'm going to live like you. Be who I am, and I'll show others how to do the same. We’re taking volunteers.”

“Who's joined?”

“Snow…”

“Good for her.”

“You’re not mad?”

“I told her she could travel with us till she found what she wanted. If this is that, so be it. It’s not like I own her. I’ll probably be back.”

“You’re leaving?” Her face fell.

“For now. I must find my siblings.” He said, “Mothers orders.”

“I understand. Korone will always welcome you.” She whispered under her breath, uncertainty racking at her.

“Hmm?”

“I will always welcome you.” She blurted, head held high, the decision made.

“I’ll be back. I don’t hate the crowds here as much as I do elsewhere.”

“Good.” Louen leapt up, kissing him on the cheek and darting back to her table, cheeks burning, “Merlin is waiting, he’s near the castle about now.”

Dog nodded, waving as Ruby escorted him onwards. They found Merlin coordinating more peasants, his magic charring wood quickly as they constructed shingles.

“Ah, Éadrom…”

“Dog.”

“Dog!” Merlin smiled, “Welcome to the land of the living. How are you?”

“Tired.”

“I bet. Forcibly awakening your attunement to the arcane like that does numbers on the body. Even the little training "I've put you through could not compete. You’ve slept for two weeks.” Merlin said.

“Two?”

“Indeed. Are you well?”

“Yes. I’m leaving soon.”

“Returning soon too, I bet?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’ll teach you what I can till you go. Do not go see Victoria.”

“Ruby said the same.”

“She’s a clever girl. Stay away from her. You cannot trust her. She’s too unstable.”

“I’m leaving anyway.”

“Good. Stay away from that beast. Enjoy your young life mercenary, I’ll be here should you need me.”

Dog journeyed on with Merlin’s instructions, finding himself stopped in a nearby garden. Maestra eyed him from the garden bed, watching him.

“Maestra.”

“That’s all I get.”

“I was dead.”

She stood, marching towards him.

“Ah…”

“You dumb dog.” Maestra sighed, pulling him into her chest, “I thought we’d lost you. I thought we’d never even see your body. I’m glad we didn’t.”

He relaxed, arms at his side, “Sorry.”

“What happened? Where’s your eye?”

“Victoria.” Ruby said.

Maestra glared.

“Ah…”

“What happened? I hadn’t seen you for days, you turned up dead, you’re missing your eye, and now I find out that Dog is not even your real name?”

“I was experiencing- I think,” Dog scratched at his ear, “I think I was experiencing jealousy.”

“Jealousy? Whatever for? Over what?” Maestra pulled him down into the city garden.

“I had never not been the center of Victoria’s eye. Your betrothed, he is everything I am not. He is tall, handsome, and a leader his people respect. He is powerful, and nobody doubts his ability. He… I am not him. I cannot be him.” Dog explained, “I was trying to understand. Trying to learn what words I needed to explain it to you all. Victoria thought I was hiding something, she got angry. I… She's the only person who's ever needed me. I just lost myself."

“She took your eye, Éadrom…”

“It’ll grow back.”

“That's… That's good. Bizzare, but good. Also that’s besides the point. You were trying to be kind, trying to learn. She let her anger control her, and you paid the price. What does it matter who Arlan is? All anyone should be interested in is who you are Éadrom. You have a name.” She cried, “You aren’t a mangy beast, you are Éadrom. You’re the son of a god.”

“What does that matter?” Dog asked, “I’m still just Dog.”

“You’ve never been just a Dog. You saved me, saved my comrades and my sister. How many times do I need to tell you that? When will you learn?”

“I don’t know if I can.” He admitted, “I’m leaving.”

“Leaving?”

“Mother has given me a quest. I must find my siblings. They are scattered, lost. I must seek them out.”

“You’re leaving Victoria.” Maestra realized.

“I'm going to duel her.”

“Why? What do you need to prove?”

“Nothing. What’s taken by the sword must be won back.” He said simply, “It is the code of my profession.”

“I’m going with you. We both are.”

“You have family here. Loved ones. Louen will be a good queen.”

“You are also my family.” Maestra stressed, “I cannot let you take this journey alone. You have suffered enough at the hands of mortals.”

“I can go a bit further.” Maestra flinched, unused to such raw vulnerability in his voice.

“You can.” She agreed, “But I’m coming with you.”

“Stay. Get married. Love someone, have children.” Dog insisted, “I don’t know if I can love the way someone deserves. I’m not sure.” He scratched his ear, “You are kind, and noble. You have not known me long enough to say. Stay.”

Maestra glared.

“I’m sorry. I need to go now. But know that I will come if you need me.” He stood, “Live, Maestra. Live a proper life with a proper man.”

He stepped on, Ruby at his side as they traveled to the mercenary camp.

“You can beat-win Victoria?“

“I think so.”

“What if you fail-lose?”

“Then I’ll try again.” He said, “Mother gave me this quest. I have to complete it.”

“Do you… Love mother-goddess?”

“Very much.” He said, “She raised me. Found me when I was a baby.”

“Hard to think-picture… Smaller-little Dog?”

He chuckled, “Once.”

He stepped onto the gallows, his axe manifesting in his grip in a blaze of fire. He opened his mouth, as the son of a goddess, and spoke.

----------------------------------------

Victoria watched from her command tent, Siegfried at her side as the Champion called to her from on high. He wore no armor, only a black tunic and trousers, his axe held up in challenge. It had changed during his dance with death, swirling runes of circles and triangles decorated the handle, rushing outwards like the plains of Korone. Its head was larger, and broader, with a wicked spike along its rear, the metal carved in the same runes. She realized now that it had begun to tell a story, one different then the one it had before, the one that had ended, its protagonist notably etched into the surface. The figure on the head was small, with a large broad chest, and the head of a hound.

He looked different, too. His eye brighter, focused on something greater than the next battle in the mud. His face was clearer, his features more defined. She realized now, as he fought to be rid of her, how handsome she thought his spiky black hair really was when she wasn't praising him for the sake of doing so.

“I, Éadrom of Ghiran, challenge you Victoria Highgarden, for what I have lost by the sword!” He called, his voice ringing out with a newfound clarity.

“Well, well,” Siegfried chuckled, “The little Cub has begun growing into a proper beast.”

“How handsome he is.” Victoria agreed, “I’ve ruined something beautiful, haven’t I?”

“We will see, my lady.” Siegfried replied.

She drew her blade, the eyepatch on his face sending a miasma of negative emotions through her. She felt her queasiness grow, her anxiety mounting, a sickness of her mind, body, and soul writhing beneath her vessel. She marched forward, her head held high, blade at the ready. Looking down at it, she felt a stronger nausea grow, one she was quick to bury. It dwindled, lurked in the darkness of her mind, never fully leaving her thoughts. She pressed on, eyes forward.

“I, Victoria Highgarden of the Highgarden Company, accept your challenge, Éadrom of Ghiran, Hound of Highgarden, Savior of Korone, and honor this battle! Let all here know that this is a duel between equals, former friends, and it is done with no malcontent! Anyone who holds any grudges after this day will answer to me!”

“I, Siegfried the Vast, of the Highgarden company, shall officiate this duel!”

Victoria fought the gnawing voice at the back of her mind. The voice that called to wrap him in her arms and never let him go. The voice that longed for him near her as he slept, to watch as his chest rose and fell. The voice that grew sick with rage at the idea of anyone having a part of him she didn’t. The voice that cost her a place in his heart. It grew louder, something black clawing its way out of her belly.

Dog gripped his axe, twisting it so it was held by the base of the axe’s head, his handle raised like a makeshift club.

Victoria raised her eyebrow, a smile on her face, despite what she felt.

“Trying something new.” He said, “I want to fight you without killing you.”

She felt the blade in her hands thicken, and solidify, proof of a goddess’s approval. It made her sick.

“You’ve grown, in death. Ironically.”

“I have.”

“Fight me with everything you have. Don’t hold back.”

Dog smirked, the first she’d seen, as he lowered his body, her heart fluttering like a peasantry maiden’s, “I would not dishonor you so, mistress.”

“Begin!” Siegfried boomed.

Victoria brought her sword up, hoping to counter his overhead. The fight was settled in an instant, his club swinging faster than she could track, smacking her sword aside and slamming into her shoulder. She watched her sword land in the dirt before her, her body forced onto it's knees as her shoulder dislocated. She let out a quiet grunt, a smile on her face as the pain shooting down her shoulder silenced the voices in her mind.

He knelt before her, his voice so quiet she struggled to hear it, “I’m sorry.”

She pressed her head against his, hiding the tears on her face beneath her white mane, “Why on this green earth would you apologize to me? I hurt you. I hurt you horribly. You served me faithfully and I repaid you by ruining your handsome face. I’m sorry!” She cried, her tears staining the dirt.

“I failed you.” He said, “I was jealous.”

“Jealous?” She asked incredulously.

“I was always at the center of your attention. Arlan took that for just a moment, and it upset me. I couldn’t think properly. I… Think that my mind might not be right. Mother will help.”

“That’s what you were trying to find out? How to explain jealousy?” She asked, her hate for herself growing, her hate for everything growing, “I can’t believe I was so stupid.”

“It’s not your fault. I’m sorry.”

“Never apologize to me for what I did to you.” She growled, “I’m so sorry, Puppy. I’m so terribly sorry. I haven’t been like this in years. I could feel myself slipping again but I convinced myself it was for your sake. I’m not right inside, you need to go. I’m just going to hurt you again.” Her voice dropped, “Whatever comes next, we must be apart. I need to control myself.”

“I know.” He whispered, “I’m sorry. I feel like I’m abandoning you. But I have a quest from my mother.”

“Go. You aren’t abandoning me.” She promised, she lied, “You must go, and I must atone.”

“Are you sure?” He asked, her heart breaking.

“How could I ever hurt someone so pure?” She thought out loud, “Go. Begin your quest, and know that I will fund anything you ever need. I will…” She swallowed, “By the time you have finished, I will be a woman worthy of standing at your side as you deserve.”

“I will make you proud.” He replied, standing and sheathing his axe.

“Don’t die.” Siegfried said, popping Victoria’s arm into place, ignoring her hiss.

“I’ll try.” Dog nodded, turning and heading for the city proper.

“Wait!” A voice called.

Dog turned, Harlow panting near Victoria, “Harlow?”

“I'm coming with you.”

Victoria glanced up towards her, “Are you certain?”

“You’ll need someone to look out for him.” Harlow nodded, “I’ll keep you posted, keep him alive this time. Besides, Dread is back."

“I have no complaints.” Dog shrugged, “If you wish, my lady.”

“Go.” Victoria nodded, “Please, Harlow.”

Harlow’s eyes widened, but she nodded, “You can trust me, ma’am.”