Lord Alaric rode through the towering bronze doors of Barcana with seven hundred men with steel armor and heavy horses. Today with more than eight million people living in it, the streets were tumultuous and he remembered well that from the top of the Sacred Tower in a panorama the city looked resembled an anthill.

The city of Barcana had been the Kingdom of Elba's seat of power since Rikarthus, a golden prince turned king had his heirless, untimely demise. Thus did the Bahaerys' kindred watched in disdain the overnight rise of several self-proclaimed independent banners. Fighting ensued and ended as briefly as it begun when reports had flown out to Alanoth. Chaos had met its end when the noble and tainted houses found accord in their own right. That was when the administration of Elba fell over to Lord Nondrai Umbra over nine hundred years ago. And even in the countless power struggles that turned the sovereignty of these Houses irrelevant in the present, Barcana continued to prosper. As much as various schemes and betrayals had brought kings and queens to ruin in that same palace, some traditions were not easily erased. It maintained itself as the city from which Elba's great army was administered no matter of which House held the crown.

And on the following days those bronze massive gates opened the way for more hosts; from above he watched renowned Lords follow his steps and answer the King's Summoning, all of them carrying a unique Sacred Weapon that they earned along with their membership in the Brotherhood. After thus, the day had finally come. The white cloak of his floating on his back as he galloped through the streets toward the Sacred Palace.

Great towers surrounded the royal palace, on its massive walls the banners of the nine Great Houses were extended. Among them, House Crux's golden wolf towered well above the rest. Dismounting from his black horse, he carefully removed his leather gloves and tied the horse to the mooring post.

Two royal guards calmly guarded the palace doors. The shrewdness in their eyes quickly dissipated as they recognized whoever was approaching. Lowering their spears in the presence of a renowned Lord they promptly opened the way.

“It is a great pleasure to see you again after so many years, my lord,” said a soldier, leading the way between ingenious marble columns built on top of the hill, above the Royal Capital.

“I’m proud to see how far you got. This is the last place I’d expect to see you at Janos,” courteously said Alaric.

“It is a nice view from up here my lord, most relaxing duty on the capital if you ask me,” the officer pointed out.

“Tell me Janos, have you given up on your goal to become a Sacred Brother?”

Janos shrugged, “I have been fortunate enough to amuse the king once. I’m afraid doing it twice is far beyond my capabilities.”

“Nonetheless you certainly earned your position.” Alaric replied.

Flashes of the past flooded his mind. Janos was still an elemental warrior during the Divine War but Alaric remembered the rumors about him fondly. They hadn't yet met when the war broke out. A warrior who had awakened the nucleus among tens of thousands riding toward the disputed lands. However, as the war stretched, the losses were so great that even high-ranking lords were considered rarity in recent years. Though even back then Alaric had heard from others that Janos stood out among his peers, having the initiative and courage to uphold the morale of the troops around him in the final offensive against the Supreme Ruler, Zagath.

“I stood witness in the Plains of Gornab. Your bravery in combat and unmatched resolve were next to none, my lord. I do not see myself distinguishing myself among Lords in this lifetime.”

“Your praise is kind, but my better days are past me more than you would presume.” Placing a hand on the guard's shoulder, Alaric proposed, "If you ever feel the same, we could use a distinguished Guardian such as yourself in Kaban."

Officer Janos smiled, “With all respect, my duty resides in the palace. At last my purposes have aligned with my ambition. As you are blood-sworn to your brothers, we are to our king.”

"Honoring such oath is the reason I stand here today," Alaric told him.

“And for that, the people of Elba thank you, my lord…” the dutiful Guardian graciously uttered, “The next door to the right is the one you seek.”

"Much appreciated," Alaric said as he stepped inside the Sacred Brotherhood Council Chambers.

There it was.

In front of the throne belonging to the King were the twelve seats each assigned to the twelve most powerful lords of Elba. Ever since their foundation, the members had participated in a rite of passage in which they all became brothers in the eyes of each. Within these walls the disparity in wealth within the twelve were no topic of quarrel as all in practicality were equals. Even King Henrik's casual frown seemed to wane in the presence of the High Lords.

Sitting in the thirteenth chair, he looked around him curiously at the other Sacred Warriors shared the table with him. To his surprise, almost half the chairs remained empty when Henrik Crux arrived. Pushing his elbow lightly to the old comrade beside him, Alaric whispered, "Good to see you too Krug, but where are the other five?"

Lord Krug Nihann was the tallest among the Sacred Brothers, being close to eight feet in height he had a custom-built chair to support his massive arms and legs; nearly all of it muscle. Even comparing in terms of physical strength to fellow Crowley Euler who had not attended the summoning, he was certain that Krugg was far stronger.

“Busy killing and pissing and fucking,” Krug Nihann wheezed, as king Henrik approached and sat on his throne before the attendants. In a firm voice, he announced, “Most you have heard of the increase in Feral Beasts ravaging the Shaded Woods in great numbers. The number of attacks from the Land Beyond have been steadily increasing. Recently there have been reports of Feral Behemoths sightings in Midland and even in southern Quelas.”

"Those are merely strayed beasts, Sanctum can handle them accordingly." Onix Silverfang said, a tall and stark prodigy with golden hair and ocean-blue eyes.

“Even then, they are so numerous that the elven houses cannot hope to hold their ground, even their only castle of old, Atalantos has been enveloped by fog and dark.” spoke a Lord with red hair that Alaric had never seen. On his back of his the triumphant white horse, the insignia from House Valoni.

“Scout reports tell of ninety-thousand strong army marching from the Lands Beyond led by the one they call 'Mistbringer', entrusting our nation's defenses to the Nine Keepers and their unexperienced elemental warriors of Sanctum and surrounding lords would be our downfall,” pointed out the red-haired Lord.

“I have honed my elemental nucleus as far as Guardian in Sanctum and I can attest they are more than capable with facing the cursed abominations treading the Feral Way. However, they do not have the discipline nor the organization of a well-trained army as they favor the cultivation of their nucleus far more than lending to a greater cause. I am afraid we must find our solution within the Sacred Brotherhood and not depend on elemental bastions and foreign paid swords,” said King Henrik.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

“If the leaf-munchers were truly in peril they would be wise to send eagles and request assistance from neighboring nations,” mentioned Onix Silverfang with a dubious expression.

“Desperation requires leaving the ego aside and cherishing the folk.” sensibly argued Alaric.

“No…that he has done,” King Henrik Crux faintly replied. “Be that as it may, I will not abide by their requests as long as their clans are still following that Xubas fool,” Henrik’s mouth grew hard, “We were misled into offering food and coin their way once only for betrayal to follow. I dare not follow the same course for as long as I reign.”

"I doubt it is a ploy this time my king," said Lord Kaiser with a sly frown. "It explains the waves of elves fleeing east toward our borders.... hundreds of thousands seeking a new home."

"Then they are welcome to search for a hole to die in someplace else," waved harshly king Henrik, "The Deptarchs in Belkor have already granted them pass as long as the elves hand their freedom as pay."

“To ask such a thing from people in despair and yet…” clenching his fists, Alaric could not stand the fact that Elba would stay neutral while the elves were in dire need of support. The backstabbing during the untruthful insurrection was truly unfortunate and there was no other man in this room who could share the grief of the king on the matter, and yet he could not disagree more with Henrik.

“What else were they supposed to ask from them, a kiss in the cheek? Said tribes are nomadic and have no ambition to hold jewelry or faith to be salvaged. Their bodies for their lives sound incredibly reasonable, after all every elf has one to exchange.” said Krug Nihann as he fondled his long dark beard.

"The Belkor Theocracy is using their desperation as means to increase their army of slaves, sheer numbers have always been their biggest strength in battle." Said Alaric, “However, as abhorred as the custom of slavery is, they are still offering a solution. Can we say the same my lords?”

“No wonder, Belkor Theocracy has ever prospered on the suffering of their former allies, painting slavery as the offer to salvation,” Lord Kaiser pointed out.

"Melkonian or Elban, that has always been the way of men, before and after Zagath." Onyx Silverfang snorted.

“Before and after,” Krug Nihann agreed.

"Lord Alaric speak, what do you suggest as an alternative to our elven policy?"

“Your Grace we could open our borders and allow them to live with the humans…”

“Over my dead body. We will not repeat Azazel's sin under my reign. Thus the elven clans who have trespassed our borders will be punished accordingly.” King Henrik's voice roared like thunder.

"But my king..."

“We thank you for your enlightening perspective Lord Alaric, but our king has made his mind,” Lord Onyx Silverfang interrupted, the shining rubies on his silver armor highlighting the distinct elemental aura of his.

Alaric wanted to find the right words that did not appear in his mouth, even if he would not convince the king to open the doors for the elves to join Elba. Rising from his chair, he argued, “My king, please hear my plead. We have fought together in the last Divine War and shared the same grief of losing our loved wives. I will ride to Atalantos and push the Nameless Legions back to the Lands Beyond. If evil is quickly defeated there, the rebellions shall dissolve with ease with no intervention,” argued Alaric as he shifted his posture.

If Alaric were able to help the elves push the cursed invaders back to Lands Beyond, then the elf migration would meet its end.

"Brother Alaric has a valid point for you to ponder, my king," supported Zadicus with his oily hands intertwined, “Much of the kingdom's prosperity in the last decade was intrinsically related to the Shaded Woods acting as a buffer state between Elba and the Lands Beyond. If Atalantos is left to ruin, I cannot fathom what curses the future plans for our kingdom.”

“Your concern is reasonable Lord Alaric, but I will not waste your talent in the Shaded Woods. For you have served me and the kingdom long enough to be trusted with greater duties within Elba's domains,” King Henrik grunted as he adjusted his laid posture on the throne.

“I can still fight as well as I could in the past my king. No other Sacred Brother knows the hills and plains of Quelas as well as I,” Alaric boasted.

“Only a fool could doubt such a claim, you are known as the Champion of Aurora for a reason. However, I need you in Sanctum to sway the High Elders to send their best Guardians to man the Red Strait. As I am afraid the first wave sieging Atalantos is only the beginning, we must stand united if the rumors about the storms looming from the east are to be trusted.”

Within the Sacred Brotherhood, Alaric was responsible for handling Elba's delicate diplomacy with Sanctum. The High Elders were difficult people to push and pull in meddling affairs. Stubborn as they were, proudly carrying traditional convictions shaped long before Alaric had awakened his nucleus. To some degree, Henrik seemed to find certain satisfaction in being able to delegate such peculiar affairs to parties he could trust.

“Your wish is my command,” Lord Alaric nodded and bowed. The king's words had quickly warmed his heart the moment he realized it meant he'd go back to see his beloved son.

“Damn you…with Crowley Euler in Quelas facing priest-goddess Lerannas, purported reincarnation of Great Calamis herself, my hands are tied," said Henrik.

“Leonardo Montaire could also be trusted to lead an incursion, all agree he has the motivation and experience,” suggested Lord Alaric.

Leonardo Montaire was the second strongest amongst the thirteen sacred brothers, only behind Crowley Euler. He would certainly be deemed a proper choice but both were not present today.

“Lord Montaire is…” the king hesitated briefly clearing his throat then continued, “he is investigating leads on the night raid on our northern border with Belkor. Eighteen of Elba's men dead, the Disciple commander included…” Henrik Crux replied as he gazed at the ones who answered his call until someone broke the silence.

"My king, I volunteer to carry Alaric's concerns into battle, push and repel the nameless legions in Atalantos to the Lands Beyond if you so desire," said Lord Zadicus as he exchanged a silent nod with Alaric.

"Then it is settled, Lord Zadicus you will lead forty-thousand of Elba's men-in-arms and march to the Shaded Woods accompanied by Lord Liao and Lord Hanxus."

Zadicus turned and bowed to all present. "Then I shall send words to assemble the banners immediately."

“As to the rest of you, Krug Nihann and Guillermo Valoni will head North and suppress the twelve strong rebels who have given housing to the elves in Marhar and Renelica,” Henrik Crux said.

"How many shall the crown spare?" Lord Valoni inquired as he nervously rubbed his hands against one another.

After pondering for a quick second, the king gave decision, "Eight thousand men each."

“I don’t need an army… a sharp spear is more than enough to pierce the rebel leader and shatter the purpose of thousands!” yelled Lord Krug Nihann, his stone-breaking voice echoing around the Sacred Palace.

“The hidden elves in the cities will be cornered inside the walls…they will not waver even in the absence of a well-spoken leader, the same can be said for the insurgent Elbanians” fiercely argued Onyx Silverfang.

"Let them leaf-munchers try, they shall meet their end at the tip of my spear all the same," Krugg Nihann sharply stated, "Five hundred men are more than enough." the indifference showing in his face, "Give to Zadicus the remaining seven thousand. The younger generations shall be put to better use against the spawns of Alanoth before raising their blades to farmers and carpenters in the north."

“My lord, you send some of us to aid the elves in their lands while some of us are ordered to kill them? What type of message will this send to Marcel Xubas and the remaining elven clans in the Shaded Woods?” Lord Alaric questioned.

Before the king could answer, the bald lord with an eye-patch raised an eyebrow, “You're mistaken Alaric, all the sympathy King Henrik had for the Shaded Woods was exhausted years ago,” commented Lord Kaiser, “Elba will bring the fight to the Nameless in elven lands because we still need their buffer state to exist, to avoid a border with the Lands Beyond is our priority. For that Atalantos must not fall."

“Begin the preparations, the three of you shall be marching by next fortnight,” ordered King Henrik Crux, "Now excuse us, I must speak with Lord Alaric in private."

Before Zadicus left, Alaric advised, "Lord Zadicus you must stay on the move the most you can, those hidden elves in northern Elba will surely return to the Shaded Woods once they know it is safe. Haste will spare blood from tainting Elbanian soil."

Zadicus nodded with a clever smile, “You have my word Lord Alaric, we will depart for the expedition as soon as possible,”

“I wish you good fortune, Lord Zadicus,” Alaric said with courtesy.

"Fortune I daresay we have enough. It is faith that protects the realm, my lord. And may the elemental gods pity us all if we wronged them in this day." Zadicus bitterly replied.

Thus the Sacred Brotherhood's reunion had come to an end.