Fenrir

Damn that HERO! How dare she attack me without trying to talk with me. Though I had thought this hero was supposed to be a male. Which does confuse me a fair bit, but it doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is that she easily attacked me and my wolves slaughtering them all before I could do anything.

She was a little weaker than the demon king, but her strength was still not something to take lightly. I barely made it out of there alive. After sending a message to the others I was told to fall back and regroup.

Apparently, the humans had failed in distracting the attention of the demons away from here. So it wasn’t as defenseless as we had thought it to be. We had lost a lot of our people, but it wouldn’t be hard to replace most of them. It also was a valuable lesson for our future invasion attempts.

I groan as the reminder of my failure lights up in pain. I would not let myself be so humiliated again and make sure to deliver that hero my retribution. Licking the blood cloaked fur as I limped forward. It would be a good while before this healed, but I wouldn’t let such a wound be the end of me.

I make it to the rendezvous point where the others should be waiting. Arriving in the open clearing I don’t detect anyone and lay down to rest while I wait. Letting me finally have a chance to rest.

I don’t get much sleep before I notice something lunge at me. I jump out of the way as a spider stands where I once was. Shelob queen of the insect hordes. Made up of ants, spiders, bees and the like. She created a united union where the services and powers of each species added to the greater whole. Having vast infrastructure works lining her territories she made up for her weak strength with her ingenuity and leadership.

“That wound looks bad Fenrir. Did you underestimate the hero?”

“It’s nothing but a scratch. I’ll make sure to return the favor tenfold the next time I see the hero again!”

“Well let me patch you up then so you can do just that.”

She then strides over to me and I realize my feet are stuck in her webs. She must have set a trap for me when I was asleep!

“It’s okay Fenrir I’m just patching you up.”

“I still don’t like falling into your traps Shelob.”

She weaves a bandage that staunchest my wound before getting off me. I easily tear myself out of her webs afterward and lay back down to rest but before I can I feel a wave of heat wash over us and look up to see Ignis the Phenix land in front of us.

Shelob backs away behind a tree as fire is her only major weakness and he scares her. He doesn’t care though and takes a rest on the ground as well as he would burn the trees if he landed on them.

“Sorry about the wait, it took longer than I expected to wrap up my business.”

“Is Argus going to be joining us?”

“I am, I was running late as well.”

I turn to see Argus coming out of the trees. At first, you wouldn’t think much of him if you saw him. He stood at roughly one meter tall and had a light slim build. Wearing a white cloak that matched his curly white hair he was an odd person to be sure. The only things that were intimidating about him were his horns and the mask he always wore. He always said the mask was for our sakes and not his own, but I doubted it.

I’ve tried taking his mask from him from time to time, but he’s to fast and I can’t ever catch him. I’ve had my doubts on why he has the position he has but so far he has proven to have the capacity to back up his position.

“Well it appears things took a turn for the worse but I must thank you Fenrir for buying us time to escape. I would never have thought the hero world have switched sides though.”

“It will prove to be a nuisance, but I will not hesitate to kill her next time.”

“Her?”

Argus seemed confused by my response which seemed odd.

“Yes, the hero is a woman. I had to commend her bravery and dedication to her troops though. But she was too bloodthirsty and struck at me when I had tried to strike up a friendly conversation with her.”

Shelob comes out from behind her tree and speaks up on her objective.

“Fortunately it wasn’t a total loss though. My forces were able to successfully infiltrate the area during the retreat and are preparing for our counterattack while we prepare.”

“Good, at least we were able to gain something from this mess. I’m sorry for your losses Fenrir I will not allow my information to be so unreliable next time.”

“It’s no ones fault Argus. None of us expected for this to happen. Even throughout my long life, this is unprecedented and even with my wisdom, we were blind to this change.

For now, we will reinforce our positions and wait for another opening. As long as there are demons and humans they will fight. Our plan might be delayed, but it is not over.”

I forget Ignis is as old as he is at around 843, but I’m more surprised at his how even he has never heard of them working together. Shelob seems to share my feelings as she curls up and starts weaving a string together.

“Does that mean that we’ll be their target next?”

“I doubt it. They will no doubt be rebuilding from the recent conflicts which will lead to a short armistice as everyone rebuilds their troops. I will have my recon forces keep watch regardless and let anyone know if I see anything unusual.”

“Thank you Ignis, then if that is all we have to report. I need to reorganize my troops and I would suggest you get some rest Fenrir. We’ll need your strength in the fight to come.”

“It’s just a scratch I’ll be ready don’t you worry.”

“Then I will see you later everyone.”

He then disappears in the blink of an eye and I turn to walk off as well. I feel my fur warmed by Ignis’s launch and listen as I hear Shelob follow behind me.

“What is it Shelob don’t you need to return as well.”

“I do, it’s just that I was wondering if you thought Argus was acting weird.”

“He’s always acting weird. He always has that mask of his on and wears that weird cloak of his. It’s like he’s hiding something and it unnerves me.”

“I agree it’s like he knows something we don’t.”

“In what aspect? We never share everything we know.”

“I don’t know, it just feels like he knows the movements of our enemy better than we do. He also seemed like he was surprised that this hero was a woman. I’ve never heard anything about this hero other that they are a strong opponent.”

“It is weird but I wouldn’t worry about it. I could just tell that they were human and had a lot more power than any demon I’ve encountered.

Now if you’ll excuse me Shelob I need to get some rest. We can discuss this later but I need some time to heal.”

“Of course, see you later Fenrir!”

She then shot off using her strings to fly through the trees. A lively one she was, but now that I’m finally alone I’m going to curl up and get some much deserved rest.

Uther

How did the hero fail in taking down the demon king! That was their one and only job! Now we were having to negotiate peace deals with those stupid demons that had pillaged the frontier of my country. The moral of the returning soldiers are also at an all time low. Leading to insubordination, discontent, and desertion that would only spread with time.

Looking over the papers that outlined the demon’s terms with peace they also still had hundreds of prisoners of war as well that they were holding hostage to ensure our cooperation.

I had no choice but to agree to their demands, but if I did my power would diminish. My people would think I had betrayed them and had let all their sacrifices so far been for naught. Allowing our nation to become a puppet to the demons.

I had no doubt that there was even the possibility of civil war within this country to continue the fighting no matter the cost as a matter of principle and show of determination.

There was also the problem of our national standing. The land we would have conquered from a successful victory would have led to an economic boom. From there we could have expanded and built up our rusting infrastructure and manufacturing industries.

We were now weaker than before with nothing to show for it as the other nations only prospered from our increased spending due to the war effort. As their industries and economies remained safe behind our armies.

The only other country to suffer attacks during the war was the Mercantile Nations, but since they had a smaller border with the demons they were able to minimize their casualties and damage to their infrastructure.

If the other nations wanted to they could join together in a war against us claiming adjacent land with ease as my armies barely hold together. I felt trapped on all sides from the outside and the inside as I tried to figure out a way out of this mess.

“Father! You have returned, tell me what happened. I heard the news, but I could not bring myself to believe it.”

My oldest son Hector walks into the room in his military uniform. He was in charge of our reserves and had been training for the past ten years. Though he was young at only sixteen he garnered the respect of his men and had helped keep the peace while I had been away.

“The hero betrayed us! He, no she is going to be marrying the demon king and we are now being forced to agree to this treaty. With no compensation for our losses while the others benefit from our toils.

With this treaty, we will be nothing but easy prey to their fresh troops. There is also the problem of general morale at our failure to enact revenge against the demons.”

He looks over the papers with disbelief before he tosses them to the side.

“How can this be! Done so dedicated to our cause. I saw him as he trained with us and I could see his empathy with our struggle with each swing of his sword. I can’t believe he would abandon humanity for those abominations! He has to be doing this against his will!”

“It’s she Hector, apparently they transformed the hero into a woman and she is now going by the name Diana.”

“Wait the hero is now a woman?”

Wait did he not know? No, there is no way the populace would know this fact. All they know is the fact that the hero has been captured in battle. Maybe we could still turn this around somehow.

“Yes she is, Hector, you aren’t seeing anyone are you?”

“No sir, why do you ask?”

“I know this is going to sound weird but I need you to try and seduce the hero!”

“Seduce, the hero? What nonsense are you saying father. Even if what you say is true you’re asking me to woo a man!”

“She’s no man any more, I can assure you of that. But, I can understand your concern. The most important thing I need you to do is to fully cement her to our cause.

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Even if she remains loyal to those abominations we still need her to support us. With her support, we might at least be able to use her as a chip to deter threats to our nation.“

“But that would mean allying ourselves with the demons!”

“Not necessarily, with our wealth of natural resources, we might be able to launch a temporary trade deal that will allow us to gather the funds and time to one day launch another assault.”

He looks torn at my proposal seeing the merits of the plan while his pride and feelings of hate clearly show on his face.

“Fine, I will go with this plan for now father, but if I find another option I ask that you at the very least consider it.”

I had to admire his determination to avoid this outcome, and it would allow him some practice at strategic planning. But, I feared his plans would inevitably fall short.

“Well, I’ll send a request to the demons for a conference with the demon king and the hero. With that, it should allow you a chance to convince the hero to join us.”

“Very well, I will play my part when the time comes you have my word.”

Hector

I close the door behind me as I leave my father's study. Why did the hero betray us? His, no her species. This was news to me as all the rumors the regular soldiers had heard was that the hero had been captured.

To be transformed into a woman though and made to be the wife of the demon king. I could think of nothing worse that could have happened to the hero except for death itself.

I would greet them at the border and escort them to the capital to meet with my father. I could only hope that the hero still had a shred of humanity left after her forceful change and that maybe she could still lend her aid to us in our troubled times.

I could only hope those Mara fanatics in the Holy Empire weren’t planning something sinister against us. Their soldiers lined our border coveting our rich farmland for their own.

Even when humanity should have been united against our common enemy. They still coveted the resources and wealth of our people. While my country bleed and toiled for their safety and peace.

That was why I had secretly revoked the Mara faith. If the faith of love for mankind was so hypocritical that they would not help my people in our time of need. I would seek out a god that promised to keep my people strong in its time of need.

Though he was associated with demon worshipers if they were going to treat us as enemies. Then I would seek the strength of my enemies to help me defend my country and my people.

Talos god of might, war, and state was what we needed. Love could come once I had guaranteed my people’s safety which only our strong united might could create. I could only hope the hero has not entirely abandoned us to our fate.

Desaix

I did not like this news. The news of peace with the demons was great news for us merchants, but the production of weapons and military supplies have not ceased. It brings the question as to who is still buying these weapons.

With the war being over, continued arms production must mean that there plans for war with each other. Guessing from the current state of global affairs that would make Bern the most likely target.

They had suffered the most from the war and would probably be easy pickings for the Holy Empire and the Lycian Federation. The land most adjacent to these countries where also full of rich farmland and developed resources.

Bern used to keep a heavy guard near these borders, but with the demon invasion, they had to pull those troops to defend the demon border. Leaving those areas relatively defenseless. The non-aggression pacts that had would no doubt be thrown out now that the war was over.

The only reason they hadn’t invaded earlier was the threat of them crumbling and leaving them to fight the demons on the front lines while being overrun by the inevitable refugees.

Now with the war being over the need to play pleasantries is over and they only wish to make off with whatever they can while this opportunity presents itself. No matter what it means for the people who are caught in the middle.

There was plenty of profit to be made from the whole endeavor, but it made me sick to my bones. I thought we’d be rid of this war business the second the war with the demons was over, but I was proven wrong.

The peace I had hoped for my daughter seemed to be slipping further and further away. This legacy of war and death constantly on our horizon for decades to come. I know I could never convince the other merchants to stop their business due to the profit of the whole endeavor.

But, in the back of my mind, I had hoped to turn our efforts towards consumer products that might alleviate the people from the horrors this war had created. To make products that people could enjoy. Instead of fueling the fires of war that sought to swallow us all whole if we could not contain them.

‘KNOCK KNOCK’

“Who is it?”

“Daddy!”

The door soon opens and I’m tackled by my daughter almost launching us back into my chair.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you have lessons today?”

“We finished earlier and I wanted to see if I could help you with your work.”

I had to chuckle as I gathered my earnings reports.

“Then could you tell me what the total earnings are for this report?”

She takes my pen and slowly writes down her answer at the bottom of the page. Looking it over I can see she was close, but she forgot to carry the one. I had to say though her arithmetic was getting better.

“Almost, you still have some practice to do though before I’ll let you start helping me though.”

“I’m sorry, I’ll make sure to do better next time!”

“With that enthusiasm, you’ll be helping me in no time. Now, how about you find your mom. I think she has something planned for this afternoon.”

“Are you almost done with work?”

I smile at her as I set her down on the floor.

“I’ll be done in a minute now hurry along.”

I watch her leave before looking back at the reports. With all the money in the world, I felt like it was all a waste if peace could not prevail. But, that didn’t mean I couldn’t try to make a fair bit of it before it came.

Elbert

This trip has been so boring. I could see my home just within view, but the road ahead dimmed as the setting sun disappeared over the mountains. Leaving me with a darkening view of my kingdom.

The men around me all fatigued but happy to be returning to their homes in the coming days. The only thing I was worried about was what the other lords would have to say.

Many of the lords had decided to not join the army themselves pledging only troops and funds to the cause. Which honestly made me nervous about how I was going to break the news to them. Seeing as how the war was over and we had reached a peaceful end to this conflict.

Hopefully, they could just enjoy the fact that this war was over and I could spend some quality time with my wife. I could imagine myself in her arms just miles away in our home.

With the war being over I hoped to enjoy the peace with her and we could finally start a family together. Being so far away from the war I had idealized the conflict. Being there with the men though brought me a new revelation and understanding of war.

I had thought it a noble endeavor and something to strive for excellence in. But seeing the bodies of my countrymen being buried and the refugees escaping behind us made me see the true cost of a noble war.

With this peace though I hoped I could keep the peace here as well. But, I felt like the nobles here were still too ignorant to its true cost. Seeing only honor and glory where only death and suffering await.

I looked out at the troops as they cheered and made merry within their homelands. Sharing drinks and laughs happy to be returning from the campaign alive and well. Though our spoils were little we had hopefully guaranteed peace for the region. With it, the knowledge that our homes were now safe from the demon threat. Now we could focus on our domestic affairs.

Now I just have to get the rest of the league to follow my train of thought and hopefully, we can all enjoy this peace. But, my intuition was telling me that this wasn’t going to be the case.

I could only do my best to try to deter their ambitions. For I did not want to repeat this war again.

Because I don’t want much to distract myself from my vacation I’m going to have when I get home. I hope the girls are still as pretty as ever!

Katerina

We pulled into the castle in our carriage and were met by the head priestess of Mara who had a worried expression as I exited the carriage. As we exited the carriage she runs up to us and I greet her with a smile patting her on the head glad to finally be home.

“Queen Katerina is the news true? Has the hero been captured?”

“Sakura! It is nice to see you sister, but I’m most sorry to be the bearer of bad news. It is much worse than that I’m afraid. The hero has now become a woman and is to be wed to the demon king. I want you to gather everyone we must decide on a new course of action if we are to avoid ruin.”

“Yes your highness, I will gather them as quick as I can.”

I make my way to my study where a servant brings me a cup of tea to relax from my long ride and I use the time to prepare myself to give the news.

Why had things gone this way? Mara had never failed our people before, and all the archived reports have always shown the hero succeeding.

Why now of all times had it been different. I could only sip on my tea as I tried to calmly come up with a new plan for what to do next.

Within an hour everyone is gathered. With the priestess, pope, minister, and knight captain all gathered around the table.

“As you have all heard the hero had been captured. But what you might not know is that the hero has joined sides with the demons.”

“That’s blasphemy though? Why would she turn on her own race and people! First the rise of Talos worship and now this!”

Francis the pope of the church of Mara seemed furious at the news while everyone had a worried scowl on their faces at the news.

“Talos worship? I haven’t heard anything about this Francis.”

Silas the leader of the knight order turns to address me.

“It’s unfortunately true your majesty. Reports are coming in about reduced tithes from the region. From my understanding, the people have been hoping that Talos will bring about our victory during the conflict. More and more turn form the love that Mara offers in favor of the protection and strength Talos promises his followers.

We’ve even had concerning reports that the nobles of Bern are rejecting the faith altogether saying that we are using our faith to leave other countries open for invasion with our beliefs and doctrines.”

“I say we must show these non-believers what their faith will reward them and cease our aid to them immediately! We should also pull out any support to them we have in their territories. That’ll teach them to turn from Mara’s love!”

Boris the minister of internal affairs while I was gone looked appalled at the pope’s declaration and pleaded with me.

“Your majesty I would strongly advise against such action. They are recovering from the war that has ravaged their country and should we cease our aid I believe more would leave Mara’s faith. It would also increase tensions with Bern that could escalate to war!”

“So be it! Those who would turn from Mara’s love must be punished out of love for their sins. Only then will they truly learn to embrace Mara’s love during these trying times.”

I was conflicted about what to do. On one hand, the rejection of Mara’s love was intolerable, but on the other now was not the time to be turning on each other. There had to be a better way of resolving this conflict.

“Priestess, what has Mara been telling you these days.”

She dramatically turns to me and I see a tear drop from her face.

“My queen Mara is saddened by the people’s lack of faith. In this time of communal tragedy, we are splintering when we should be united. This is due to the people putting idols before Mara and not relishing that she is asking for us all to sacrifice greatly during these troubling times.

As such we must strike while the demons are recovering to unite our people as one nation under Mara’s guidance. The people should readily rally under our banner as their lords turn away from Mara. We only need to give them the choice and Mara shall guide our people to salvation!”

“What about the hero? With the hero captured, how are we to rally the people?”

“It’s very simple Silas, we must rescue the hero. The people have burdened the hero with too many burdens for the hero to bear. Now it up to us to free the hero who fought so hard for them and is now being held hostage by the demon king. They, who forced her to bear too many of their burdens they should have born themselves and now we must fix that together. ”

She then takes his hand and rubs it with her own as she smiles.

“Isn’t that right Silas?”

“Yes, you’re right. We must save the hero. With the hero behind our cause, our position would be strong enough that we might be able to launch a renewed counteroffensive! They might have won the battle but with no signed peace treaty we can renew the fight!”

“Doesn’t your Majesty feel the same way?”

I feel thoughts begin to cloud and looks down at the tea in front of me. No way did she get someone to drug me?

“I, need so-“

‘Say yes my dear you know you want to save your beloved hero. I can restore her to what you once desired.’

Was that Mara? No that wasn’t important I could see it all coming together and I was unsure why I even had even hesitated earlier.

“Yes, we will show them what it means to turn away from Mara. Silas, I want you to reorganize the troops. Pope Francis, would it be possible for you to call a crusade and ask followers from around the continent to join our cause. I was foolish to think this war could be solved in a secular manner with the cooperation of those non-believers.”

“Yes your highness!”

Silas and Francis answered resolutely, but Boris looked like he was growing more and more ill with each word I was saying.

“But we don’t share a border with the demons which would mean that we’d need military access with Bern. But with the Armistice, I doubt they’d allow for military access to their land. That could provoke more destruction to their already crippled infrastructure and economy!”

“So be it. We won’t ask for their permission Boris.”

“But that would mean war with Bern!”

“We have been given a responsibility to stop the demon king by the great goddess Mara Boris. Are you saying we should abandon her will!”

“No! But war with Bern will only cause more destruction. We need peace to take care of the people that have been affected by this war, not more of it. I will not stand for another war especially with people who are our allies!”

“Guards arrest this non-believer! I will not allow anyone to turn away from our righteous goal maintained by the goddess herself.”

“Wait, please I ask that you only think this through your majesty!”

“I have, now, take him away. We have a war to plan.”

Sakura

As I close the door to my room I can only smile with Joy! Mara’s will is being set in motion and everything was in order to clean up the mess the hero has created with their disregard for their greater purpose.

But with Mara leading us I could feel that our victory was for certain and now that everyone was now on board with Mara’s plan. We could begin to set everything in motion.

But before that, I had some business to take care of.

I open my closet and knee in front of Mara’s altar to pay my respects to the loving Mara who allowed for me to be her voice to the world. To save and spread her love to all her loyal followers stopping the spread of Talos’s corrupting influence.

“Thank you,Mara, for your loving blessings and please continue to guide my hands in the following days to come.”

‘You have done well my child. Now shall we fix what has been broken.’