Samael gazed upon the vast emptiness of the desert plain. Cities, castles, and kingdoms of the past all of them in ruins covered in sand. He saw monsters and abhorrent abominations congregating below the enormous tower. He heard a distant roar echoing in the distance and saw an enormous dragon approaching.

“It would seem that he has returned.” Said a voice behind Samael.

“That it does.” He said.

Samael heard a door open. He turned to see Azoth enter and kneel before him. “My Lord Sovereign Samael, Apollyon wishes to convene a meeting.”

“Seems like we’re no longer needed c’mon Sasha let’s go. I leave the rest to you Samael.”

Samael nodded and followed Azoth to where the meeting was being held.

“My Lord if the others…” Azoth began, but was immediately cut off by Samael.

“Worry not my dear friend I can handle my siblings.” He placed a hand on Azoth’s shoulder.

“It is not them that I worry about. It is Him that worries me.”

“Yes I know. Take the sword away from here to Rusalka and put it inside the sarcophagus. It will be safer there. Be wary old friend all our enemies have congregated.”

“It will be done.” Azoth left with all due haste.

Samael made his way through the hallways of the old castle to the meeting hall. He saw all of his brothers and sisters there. Now all they had to do was wait for Him. He could still hear his roars and howls echoing throughout the castle walls. He could even feel a slight vibration emanating from his armor. He took his seat next to Hekate, and opposite of Apollyon. They felt the castle shake as he landed in his dragon form atop the roof.

“Crazy bastard always makes rough landings.” Said Usha.

“I dare you to say that to his face.” Said Sethos.

“Not in your life.”

“Be quiet both of you.” Said Lamia.

“Learn to take a joke sis.” Replied Sethos.

“How about you take my sword and…” Began Usha.

Hekate took his great axe and used it to cleave the table silencing the two. “If you two don’t shut up I’ll make sure to cut your heads off.”

Apollyon and Samael both ignored the rest of their siblings squabbling and focused on each other.

“Why have you called us here Apollyon?” Asked Samael.

“He wanted to know how the war is going between Dol-Sur and Karash, and also an update on our two legionnaires.”

“Tell them how I beat your ass all the way to Karana sis.” Exclaimed Sethos from across the table.

Apollyon simply glared at her younger sibling. “I sometimes miss the days when father would beat your ass.”

Samael sighed. “It’s little moments like these that remind me of all the moments we used to share together.”

“If father were still alive he would beat you within an inch of your life Samael.” Said Hekate.

“I think you mean death.” Said Sethos.

They heard footsteps nearing the meeting hall. All six siblings focused on the massive great doors that suddenly burst open revealing an abhorrent abomination depicting the worst nightmare. He was probably human, and may have looked like that at some point, but not anymore. His skin was decomposing and constantly peeling or falling off completely, he had long sharp claws that could penetrate through the toughest of armor, but more often than not he would commit self-mutilation, his face had one eye aligned vertically covering most of it, the eye itself was red from the constant bleeding, he had no lips and thus revealed a set of jagged and sharp teeth that would form a wicked smile from ear to ear, his voiced was sometimes visceral and would also sometimes be a loud screech that could make your ears bleed, his tongue resembled a tentacle and more often than not could penetrate castle walls, but if there was anything that all six were in constant fear of it was that damn laughter. He would let out a giggle that would then work its way towards a full blown laughter. Finally he sat down next to both Apollyon and Samael at the head of the table. He crouched on the seat as he put both his hands on the sides of his head. He used his fingers to cover up his face and used his claws to cut his face. That was the one thing Samael and the others could not understand the self-mutilation. He could always regenerate his wounds, but it was something he did every time they met. Looking at him tearing his eye open, and seeing it reconstruct itself was enough to make some of their stomachs turn.

“Why have you called us?” Apollyon asked.

He turned his head with his hands still on the sides of it. He let out that wicked smile again. In one swift motion he tore his own head off and used his hands to carry it. He took his head and moved it closer to Apollyon.

“Isn’t it obvious? He made contact with the other two. I want to know just how much the boy and girl know.”

“I don’t know.” Apollyon answered.

“Isn’t that very convenient.”

“I sent out a body with one of the nekro-parasites he should be…” Sethos began, but was immediately cut off as his arms stretched farther away carrying his head to meet him face to face.

“DEAD!” He began laughing again. “He unlocked the Dragon Eyes and now he and the rest are now on route to Spyre.”

“Then we’ll trap him there.” Said Usha.

He moved his head to meet Usha. “You will not. Not yet anyways. For now the war between Dol-Sur and Karash must take priority otherwise taking your kingdoms back will be a lot harder. Besides I have other plans for the two.”

“Those being?” Asked Samael.

The arms slowly began snaking their way back. He angled his head upside down. He wore a frown this time almost as if he was mocking him. “Love is the source of all evils.”

He grew another head and looked at his severed head. Both smiled wickedly at each other. He opened his mouth and began swallowing his head. He laughed as he licked his fingers as if he had just eaten some type of fine dish. Then he began to bite each one of them off before they finally grew back. “Hekate the two are headed to Spyre are they not?”

“Yes. They are supposed to be escorting the next herald. Maxwell I believe was her name.”

“And what of the present king? Astopheles was it? What is his condition like?”

“He’s well. Why?”

“I may have to pay a visit to him.”

“I’ll try to make arrangements.” Said Hekate.

“No need. I have my own ways. By the way Apollyon I saw that you were able to push them back in Karana.”

“Yes I will then push Sethos all the way back towards the eastern edge of Lake Almarra. From there I plan to finish off the last of his stragglers and invade Dol-Sur.”

“Damn sis you could let me have a few victories every now and then.”

“It has to be realistic Sethos. And as I recall it was you that lost their entire army to our father.” Said Usha.

“Well now remind me who it was that had the smart idea of fighting dad one on one?” Quipped Sethos.

“At least I was able to land a blow.”

“And yet neither one of you were able to kill him. Now shut up!” Said Lamia.

He began laughing as he began clawing his face ripping it to shreds. “You kids make me laugh!”

“In any case it looks like Karash might win. Unless of course you want me to give you a handicap Sethos?” Said Apollyon.

“Fuck you! If it wasn’t for those fucking kids and Adulin running off on his own with my machine army we could have kicked your ass.” Retorted Sethos.

“That will certainly hamper our plans.” Said Samael ignoring his younger brother’s remarks.

“Not necessarily. Samael as soon as the war is done organize your fleet and invade Karash. Ulammar has the strongest navy invade the coast before they can recover.” He said.

“It will be done.” Said Samael.

“Now then all of you return to your respective kingdoms, and prepare your Harbingers.”

Samael and the others left through a portal into their world. He saw the King of Ulammar waiting for him outside his bedroom.

“What’s the word Samael?” Asked the king.

“Not good I’m afraid. He wants us to attack Karash once the war is over.”

She sighed. “We’ll have to think of something.”

“Indeed.”

“The boy and the girl how are they?”

“Alive as far as I can tell. They’re headed for Spyre then back to the frontlines. Probably, here’s hoping he doesn’t do anything drastic.”

“Can you make contact with the two?”

“Yes, but I’m afraid that for now we must play his game otherwise we won’t know the full extent of his plans.”

“We know he wants to keep the world in turmoil.” Said a new voice.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Argus you’re back?” Asked the king.

“Yes I had a minor setback, but it’s all well and good. How are things on your end Samael?”

“Sasha and the boy gave me a sword to give to Onyx, but… Making contact now risks everything. Whatever he has planned for those two is sure to change the world as we know it.”

“It’ll be like Gaeric killing the Divines all over again. Except this time it will be two fucking kids!” Exclaimed Argus.

“King Ishara I need you to cause as much tension between the three clans as possible. Start a civil war if need be.”

“Samael what…”

“He knows how the government here is run. He knows of the continuous strife and friction going on between the clans. Do whatever you can to buy me time. If we go to war against Karash it will be the beginning of the end.”

King Ishara sighed. “Samael it took us centuries to get to this point. And you are asking me to just throw it all away? Why can’t I simply ignore your advice? Or better yet get the other Sovereigns to unite against him.”

“He has already won them over. Besides we have all attempted to kill him in the past. It did not work. But the child, Onyx, he can do it.”

“Why him? What makes him so special?” Asked Argus as she tried to calm King Ishara.

“That Argus is a long and complicated answer.”

“Samael…” King Ishara began.

“The lives lost today will be the price for our future.” Said Samael.

Onyx looked at the waters below the boat. The way they seemed to make small waves and ripple as the boat sailed through it seemed almost alluring, except for one crucial factor and that was the naga. He and the rest were reminded not to let their limbs hang, and to keep a safe distance from the edge of the boat.

He let out an exhausted sigh. “I fucking hate this! How long until we reach Midir’s Pass?”

Lyo was the first to answer. “We’re almost there we’ve already been travelling for so long now.”

“Fifteen days so far.” Answered Maxwell as she kept her attention on reading her scroll.

“Well that’s fucking great! Missions where I get paid to sit on my ass are the best!” Said Tigris.

“That’s about your only specialty Tigris.” Said Tykal who busied herself by disarming and rearming her crossbow and rifle.

“You also forget the part where I give a woman an amazing orgasm.”

“You know prostitutes learn how to fake it right?” Said Lyo.

“They do not!”

Everyone focused their gaze on Tigris. “They. Do. Not.” She stressed.

Onyx walked towards the back end of the ferry thinking back on what happened at Drakon’s Nest. It still didn’t seem real to him. Dragon Eyes? People coming back from the dead? Monsters? What kind of mission did they get assigned?

“You okay?” He was snapped back to reality by Embry’s voice.

“Yeah… I’m fine.”

“Really?”

“No. But at least we are safe for now.”

“So… Dragon Eyes? Did you keep it a secret?”

“I found out just when you did.”

“Hmm… What’s it like?”

“I don’t know I was blacked out. What did I do?” Asked Onyx hoping Embry could clear his mind.

“You practically went berserk and took on Sloane yourself.”

“Was I winning?”

“It was pretty evenly matched. Bastard kept regenerating and making new tentacles so…”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, but at least he’s dead now so…”

“Yeah seems like a long time ago now doesn’t it?” Onyx asked.

“Tofar?” Embry asked.

“Tofar.”

“To think that after three years we would all still be together. It seems almost too good to be true.”

“And we’ll make it all the way to the end.”

“Yeah.”

“At least my body doesn’t ache anymore.”

“Guys we’re already here!” Yelled Lyo.

“Coming. Let’s go Embry.”

Embry nodded and followed Onyx. The group reached a small dock with a few lodgings scattered around. As they disembarked they noticed someone dressed in a long grey cloak hunched over and trembling.

“Farewell.” Said Seo.

“Good luck in your travels kid.” Said Tigris.

“Yeah don’t take it the wrong way, but I hope we never see each other again.” Said Tykal.

“Sovereigns guide you.” Said Lyo.

Seo left the group and went off on her own hoping to find a way to outrun the rest of the Fog Warriors. The trembling man approached them very slowly though.

“Onyx…” Embry began.

“I know stay sharp.”

“Oh don’t mind me I’m nothing more than a sickly child trying to find a way to Spyre.” Said the teen with a rather hoarse voice.

Onyx tried to get a look at his face, but couldn’t. “Reveal yourself first.”

The teen pulled the hood covering his face. He looked identical to the merchant they had just met travelling with Sasha.

“It’s you!” Said Embry.

“My apologies I…” He began to cough immediately.

He removed his hand from his mouth and revealed blood. He wiped his hand on his cloak before beginning to speak again. “You must mean my older brother. He works as a trader. He constantly works all the time to try and provide for me. In any case I was on my way to Spyre, but seeing as how I’m too ill to travel alone I was hoping to meet some people to take me there. I will compensate you of course.”

Onyx and the rest gathered trying to come up with a decision.

“What do you all think?” Asked Tigris.

“I say we do it. His brother did tell us how to get to Spyre quicker. We owe him.” Stated Embry.

“He’s also sick what if it’s contagious?” Asked Tykal.

“I doubt it.” Said Maxwell.

“What makes you say that?” Asked Onyx.

“What ails you?” Asked Maxwell.

“I’ve been this sick for a long time. Since birth I’m lucky to still be alive all things considered. It’s not contagious if that’s what you’re asking. As for what I have well… the doctors said that my blood can’t exactly be cleansed the way it’s supposed to.” Explained the sickly teen.

“Probably some sort of birth defect.”

“Onyx?” Asked Lyo.

Onyx sighed. “Well we already brought someone we weren’t supposed to might as well bring another.”

“Thank you very much Sovereigns be with you.”

The group rented a cart to take them to Midir’s Pass bordering Spyre and Karash. It was the only path leading into Spyre from Karash. Stories had been told of numerous attempts from Karash to conquer the city state to no avail. All attempts made were met with the complete annihilation of all of their forces at the hands of Spyre’s soldiers, and their machines. It wasn’t just them that tried to invade Dol-Sur, Zul-Aman, and even Aephon once upon a time all tried to invade Spyre and seize it. One thing that made it difficult was the mountains that surrounded the city state around its borders. They acted as a natural deterrent to any and all invaders. Now they would get closer than probably anyone ever has in their lifetime.

Onyx, Tykal, Lyo, Tigris, and Maxwell rode behind in the carriage whilst Embry and the sickly teen rode in the front. Embry volunteered especially after what happened in Ostrava Village with his brother and Sasha suddenly vanishing out of thin air in one second. Something else was amiss something she quite couldn’t put her finger on.

“Why aren’t you at home? Isn’t it dangerous for you to be travelling all alone all things considered?” She asked.

“My brother… He certainly does worry about my condition from time to time, but even he must understand that there are things that are out of his control. Besides this isn’t the first time I’ve had to travel alone. I saved up enough money to book entrance to Spyre to have one of their doctors look at me.”

“Doesn’t the fact that you have to travel shorten your time significantly?”

“Maybe, maybe not my last doctor gave me two seasons to live one year ago. Shows what he knew. Besides death isn’t all that bad I’ve come to terms with it.”

“Oh?”

He let out a chuckle. “Mortality is a blessing my dear something we should cherish not do away with. Sure I may be avoiding death now or in the future by meeting with the doctors in Spyre, but every time I spend walking this earth brings me closer to my own demise. And I can live with that.”

“Why?”

“Because it means that I got a chance to live. It is somewhat similar to Gaism in a sense, but without the concept of the Lifestream.”

“I guess I understand.”

“Are you happy?”

“Excuse me?” Embry was caught off guard by his question.

“Are you happy? I can’t imagine Legionnaires being all that content with how they live their lives.”

“I can’t say it’s all that bad. I’ve got them to struggle with.”

“Any of them in particular pique your interest? With the way the war is going I’m sure Karash is sure to end it. Which is a miracle considering what happened three years ago in Tofar.” Said the teen.

“Yeah I guess you could say that.”

“Never let them go. Let their dreams become your dreams. And more importantly do not be afraid to do what is necessary to ensure that it becomes a reality.”

“I…”

“Love can be a powerful force more powerful than any weapon or army. Never forget that. It was true in Gaeric’s time and it is true now.”

“Gaeric?”

“It is said that before Gaeric became King Gaeric and before she became known as the Divine Slayer Gaeric she did not slay the Divines for the sake of us all. She did for her son, Corrax, because a mother always protects her children no matter the cost.”

After a few more hours they reached Midir’s Pass. The Pass was a narrow path between two mountains and has its name from Champion Midir in Gaeric’s time. It is said that Champion Midir defeated one of the tribe’s Champions that was still under control of the Divines. Only Midir survived the onslaught whilst Gaeric and her tribe killed the Divine. Dawn descended upon them and they reached a large bridge connecting both Karash and Spyre. All of them save for the sick teen and Maxwell got off the cart and checked their surroundings. They could see faint lights glimmering in the distance.

Onyx signaled the cart to move forward as they crossed the bridge. “Tykal hang back and cover our asses. Lyo, Embry I want you two to keep an eye out for sharpshooters. Tigris you and I have the exchange. In the case that Spyre pulls a fast one put a bullet between Maxwell and King Astopheles’ eyes Tykal. Everyone knows what they have to do?”

“Yes.”

“Good… In case they do pull through cancel orders and pull back as fast as we can. I don’t want to start another Tofar.”

“Wait how do you know King Astopheles will be here?” Asked Embry.

“She’s next in line to become king they’re not going to take any chances. Besides if he is here then that means their Sovereign Knight Hekate is too. Three of the most important people in Spyre and Apollyon only sends five legionnaires… Something else is amiss.”

“Hey Lyo I’ll bet you five bonds that this goes tits up.” Said Tigris.

“I don’t think I would take that bet.”

“Ha I’ll take those odds!” Said Tykal.

“Places everyone. Tigris call Maxwell, and let’s do the trade off.”

“Yeah.”

Onyx, Tigris, and Maxwell walked across the bridge with Lyo and Embry lagging a few steps behind. Tigris took the front followed by Maxwell then Onyx. Lyo and Embry looked at their surroundings for any signs of any sharpshooters. Tykal followed them as well with the sickly teen on the cart. Onyx could already see a man in a full suit of armor alongside several soldiers, those dreaded machines of theirs, and a man with a crown over his head. The group stopped, save for the teen on the cart who rode it until he reached Onyx.

“Quite the reception.” Said the sickly boy.

“Indeed.” Answered Onyx. “You should probably hang back. Tigris you and Maxwell as well I’ll move in first.”

Onyx slowly approached the group with his hand on his sword’s hilt. He reached the edge of the bridge where every gun and sword was now aimed at him. He drew his sword and plunged it into the ground, and then he walked forward. The king signaled him to stop, which he did and then it was his turn to walk forward. Onyx was sweating bullets if he fucked up it would be the beginning of the end for Karash.

The king stopped before him and handed him a scroll. Onyx whistled and motioned Tigris to let Maxwell and the teen move forward. He didn’t dare touch the scroll until Maxwell had a word with the king. Maxwell finally came into contact with the king.

“King Astopheles.”

“Herald Maxwell.”

“They have fulfilled their end of the bargain as they promised.”

“Hmm in that case here you go.” The king handed the scroll over to Onyx.

Onyx took the scroll. “Thank you King Astopheles.”

“I was told to expect five legionnaires, but I see six. Care to elaborate.”

The teen slowly approached the king. “Actually I’m not a legionnaire. I had booked passage to see your doctors about my condition.”

“Did you now?” Asked King Astopheles.

“Indeed here is my proof.” The teen pulled out a small scroll and unrolled it revealing its contents to the king.

The king read it mouthing some of the words. “I see. You two see that this man gets what he needs and keep an eye on him. What is your name legionnaire?”

“Onyx Albion sir.”

“Albion? Albion? Where have I… Tofar. Ah of course you and your team were the sole survivors. Five kids against hundreds of our machines.”

“Yes sir.”

“Hmm it seems your people are here for you Albion.”

“Hmm.” Onyx turned around and saw what looked like boats with giant balloons floating and descending from the sky.

“What the… What are those?”

“Sky Sailors the scroll I gave your Sovereign Knight Apollyon had the blueprints to make them.” Said Maxwell.

“Wait for me!” Onyx and the rest turned to see a man running carrying several bags and dragging a large trunk.

“Philio what are you doing here?” Asked Maxwell.

“I… I ugh… Damn… Let me just…” The man tried to catch his breath. “I did it! I finally fucking did it!”

The king sighed. “Philio for the last time…”

“I figured out the combination. You there legionnaire how would you like to immortalize this moment?”

“I’m sorry?” Onyx didn’t quite understand.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Now I need all of you to gather around and please do smile.”

Onyx gathered his team as they all prepared to… Immortalize this moment. Whatever that meant. They all gathered around and stood side by side as the man pulled out several strange devices from his bag and the trunk.

“Looks like I’m out five bonds.” Quipped Tigris.

“I thought for sure I’d get shot again.” Said Tykal. “But at least I’m five bonds richer.”

“At least the Sovereigns have watched over us.”

“And they’ll still be with us Lyo.” Replied Embry as she stood next to Onyx.

“Okay now smile.” Said Philio.

“I love you Onyx.”

“I love you too Embry.”

And the group smiled as a bright flash of light blinded them. The group rubbed their eyes as they began to see spots.

“Aha I didn’t set them on fire this time. In your face Maxwell! Suck it!” Philio jumped around and screamed like a lunatic at his apparent success.

“Pay up!” Said Lyo.

“Fine.” Said Tigris and Tykal in unison.

“What’s going on?” Asked Onyx.

“We had a bet to see when you two would confess. I had during the war.” Said Lyo.

“I thought never because we’d all be dead by then.” Said Tykal.

“I thought for sure I would get a chance with Embry.” Said Tigris.

Onyx and Embry chuckled. “Let’s go guys we have a war to win.”