Two days had passed since Everess’ confession, and Bastominad was a hive of frenetic activity. The city thrummed with life, its narrow streets teeming with soldiers and civilians alike. The clink of armor and the murmur of voices formed a symphony of urgency, while the scent of sweat, metal, and impending rain mingled in the air. Anticipation and unease were palpable, mirroring the storm clouds that loomed overhead.
Tamiron stood alone on the castle’s balcony, gazing down at the city of Bastominad, which spread out below him like a living tapestry woven with threads of anxious energy. The scent of impending rain mingled with the metallic tang of the city’s anticipation.
He gripped the cold stone railing, his iron hand gleaming dully in the dim light. Memories of the past five years surged within him—the battles, the losses, and the relentless drive towards this moment. Everess’ confession lingered in his mind, a bittersweet reminder of their shared burdens. The weight of every decision, every sacrifice, pressed down on him like the storm clouds above, threatening to burst.
His gaze drifted to Aderon, who was overseeing the final preparations for the High Army’s departure. Their eyes met across the courtyard, locking in a silent exchange of understanding and regret. Aderon’s face was a mask of resolve, but he could see the tension in his clenched jaw, the tightness in his shoulders. They shared a brief nod, an unspoken acknowledgment of the burdens they both carried and the difficult choices that lay ahead.
As the High Army readied to depart for their homeland, he felt a pang of sorrow. Their departure was a stark reminder of the fractured alliances and the heavy burden of leadership. It had been two days since his night with Everess, two days since she had shared her secrets and her fears. The memory of that night lingered in his mind, a tangle of passion, vulnerability, and the weight of her confession.
He sighed, the sound lost in the wind. He had hoped that night would mark the end of their secrets, that Everess’ honesty would pave the way for trust and unity. Yet, the lie she had told — hopefully the last she would ever tell — still hung between them, a shadow that darkened their path forward.
As he turned away from the bustling scene below, his thoughts returned to Everess. He woke up in the middle of the night as he remembered her standing in front of the window of his chambers, her figure, covered in her nightgown, silhouetted against the blood-red glow of the full moon that hung in the sky two nights ago.
The crimson moon had been a silent witness to their shared moment, its eerie light casting long shadows over their uncertain future. He could feel her filled with determination and sorrow, reflecting the inner turmoil she had confessed to him. That night, he had glimpsed the depths of her burden and the fragile hope she clung to—a hope he was determined to protect.
He could see her now, the memory vivid in his mind: Everess standing in the moonlight, her eyes fixed on the glowing orb, her face a mask of determination and sorrow. The red moon had seemed to reflect her inner turmoil, its blood-tinged light a stark reminder of the battles yet to come.
In that moment, he had understood the depth of her burden, the crushing weight of the responsibility she bore. He had seen the flicker of hope in her eyes, a fragile flame that he vowed to protect. For all their sakes, they needed to face the coming storm united, their banners held high in triumph despite the looming darkness.
As he turned back to the city, the sounds of preparation filling his ears, he steeled himself for the days ahead. They would face a foe that they never thought they would face. The threat of the hooded figure, and the specter of chaos that ravaged their lands, Marius, a ghost from Orderian’s past, as Everess put it, will be the greatest threat to their world.
As the city of Bastominad momentarily fell into a rare silence, the blaring of horns shattered the stillness, their echoes reverberating through the streets. He turned his gaze towards the source of the sound, and a smile crept across his face. The sight of familiar banners filled him with hope, a promise of the lasting peace he so desperately sought.
“Sire, the Kra’ens have arrived!” a soldier announced breathlessly, rushing to his side.
His eyes followed the soldiers pointed finger to the rising banner of the Iron Kingdom. The rhythmic, thunderous march of the approaching Kra’en army reverberated through the city, their synchronized footfalls echoing off the stone walls like a powerful drumbeat.
He raised a telescope to his eye, observing Kaira and Glaivel at the city gates, warmly greeting their comrades with hearty embraces and words of welcome. The sight filled him with a profound sense of relief and satisfaction. The meticulously disciplined ranks of the Kra’en soldiers, the gleaming armor, and the proud banners all signaled that, at last, everything was falling into place.
Descending from the balcony, he made his way to the command tent where the generals were to convene. The air inside was thick with anticipation and the murmur of strategic discussions. Graveloth stood amidst the command structure, his presence commanding respect and attention. Their eyes met, and Graveloth strode forward, his expression transforming into a bright smile before he saluted.
“Your Grace, Lord Paramount Graveloth Demio reporting with the Iron Kra’en Army, along with the supplies the Commander requested,” Graveloth announced. As he spoke, Kra’en soldiers lined up in disciplined rows, presenting an impressive array of weapons and armor made of kra’enite.
Graveloth stepped aside, revealing the array of gleaming armaments. “As you requested, your Grace, kra’enite weapons and armor. They are crafted for the armies of the United Forces: the Hawis, the Falcons, the Tigris, ourselves, the Orderian army, and the High Eagle Army — in case Aderon sees reason. It will be here waiting for them.”
He nodded, his heart swelling with a mixture of pride and anticipation. The sight of the meticulously crafted weapons and armor filled him with renewed determination. The armor bore intricate engravings of mythical creatures, while the weapons shimmered with an ethereal quality, a testament to the Kra’ens’ craftsmanship. With these reinforcements and supplies, their chances of securing peace had never been stronger. He could almost taste the victory that lay just within their grasp.
“This will help us bring this war to an end,” he said, his voice filled with conviction as he lifted a finely forged sword, feeling its perfect balance. The weight of the blade felt reassuring in his hand, a symbol of the strength they now possessed.
Graveloth beamed with pride, his broad smile lighting up his rugged face. “I’m just glad to be part of it,” he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. He glanced around at the others, who were similarly captivated by the gleaming armaments.
“You really had the time to engrave them?” Ravaen said as he focused on the engravings.
“What can I say? Kra’en pride,” Graveloth boasted as the others only shook their head with a smile.
Glaivel, inspecting a spear adorned with ancient runes, turned to Graveloth with a nod of respect. “Well, I, for one, I can say that you are the key to all of this, really,” he said. “We will be able to deliver killing blows to them much more easily now. The craftsmanship is unparalleled. It’s not mencraft, but it’s close,”
Graveloth’s chest puffed with pride, his usually stern demeanor softened by the genuine appreciation from his comrades. “It’s an honor to serve,” he replied. “The Kra’ens have always believed in the strength of unity. These weapons they are not just tools of war. They are symbols of our combined resolve.”
Kaira, who had been silently examining a beautifully engraved dagger, looked up with admiration. She performed a few practice stances, testing the weapon’s lightness and balance. “You did well, Graveloth,” Kaira said, her voice warm with sincerity as she performed a few practice stances with the sword. “With weapons like these, we’re not just fighting—we’re sending a message. We’re showing the enemy that we are united and that we will not falter.”
This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Graveloth’s rugged face broke into a broad smile, his pride evident. “The Kra’ens have always believed in the strength of unity,” he replied. “These weapons are a symbol of that belief.”
He watched them, a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose settling over the group. Each person here had faced countless battles, endured immense hardships, and yet they stood together, stronger than ever. He felt a profound sense of gratitude for his comrades, their dedication, and their unwavering spirit.
Just then, Sevidon entered, his face flushed with urgency. “The horns have sounded,” he announced, his voice cutting through the momentary stillness. “The Hawis reinforcements have arrived.”
They moved as one, as they made their way toward the city gates. As they approached, the rhythmic, thunderous march of the Hawis army became audible, each footfall resonating like a drumbeat of hope.
As they reached the gates, the sight of the approaching Hawis banners filled them with renewed hope. The soldiers’ disciplined ranks, their determined faces, and the proud display of their standards were a powerful reminder of their collective strength.
He then looked towards Kaira, “Gather the men in the town plaza. Bring those we can fit from each of the armies,” he commanded. “Kaira, have Aderon stay for a moment before they depart. I want him to be a part of this.”
“Are you sure about this? Won’t he take it the wrong way?” Kaira’s voice carried a note of caution, but he met her concern with a steady gaze.
Kaira stepped beside him, her earlier composure giving way to a quiet intensity. “Do you think Aderon will stay to hear our plan?” she asked, her voice low but tinged with concern. “We still need his full support and the High Army.”
Tamiron glanced at her, appreciating her concern. “I’m sure he’ll come around,” he reassured her. “This is about more than our individual kingdoms. It’s about the future of all Unibeltrasia. He knows that as well as we do.”
As the orders were carried out, soldiers from various troops began to assemble in the town plaza. The plaza, usually a place of trade and daily life, now became a gathering ground for warriors ready to face their destiny. He made his way to the stage where his comrades awaited: Sevidon, Glaivel, Kaira, Ravaen, and Graveloth. To his surprise and satisfaction, Aderon stood among them.
He placed a hand on Aderon’s shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of the bond and trust between them. Aderon returned the gesture with a nod, their mutual respect clear.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped to the front of the stage to address the assembled forces. The sea of faces before him, each representing the diverse factions of the United Unibeltrasian Forces, was a testament to their unity and shared purpose.
The sun’s rays finally broke through the thick grey clouds of the sky, casting a golden glow on the assembled troops. The air was thick with anticipation, a palpable energy coursing through the ranks of the United Unibeltrasian Forces. The soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, their faces a mosaic of determination and hope, eyes fixed on the figure who had led them through countless battles.
He can feel the tension in the air as he took a deep breath. He stepped forward, his presence commanding instant attention. He raised his iron hand; the sun glinting off the metal, and began to speak. “Great warriors of the United Unibeltrasian Forces,” he called out, his voice ringing clear and strong. “The day has finally come for us to secure our future. For five long years, we have fought and sacrificed. Each battle, each losses we took. All of it is not in vain for it has brought us to this pivotal moment.”
A wave of acknowledgment rippled through the crowd. The soldiers began to clamor, voices rising in a chorus of support and solidarity. He paused, allowing their fervor to build before continuing.
“I tell you now,” he proclaimed, “with the sacrifices you have given, the blood you have spilled, the sweat that you have shed, this is the hour we can finally put an end to the Xerxecian threat!” The noise swelled, a roar of approval. He raised his hand again, commanding silence.
“I promise you victory,” he declared, his voice now a quiet, intense vow that resonated through the plaza. “Victory not just for the glory of the Trasidar Empire, but for the entirety of Arumar! For Unibeltrasia!” His iron hand glinted in the sunlight as he raised it high, a beacon of their shared resolve. “No more blood will be spilled after this war. No more widows mourning their fallen. No more enemies lurking beyond our horizons. We will take the fight to them, to Quenttrax, and we will end this once and for all!”
The men erupted into cheers, their voices a thunderous echo that seemed to shake the very ground. They began to chant his name, but Tamiron raised his hand once more, shaking his head.
“No, it is not my name you should be shouting!” he declared. “Chant the names of the people most important to you! You are not doing this for me, not for your kingdoms. No! You are doing this for every single life that resides in our precious continent of Arumar! You are doing this for Unibeltrasia! For the entirety of our races and the lives, our walls, our shields, our arrows, and even our swords were built to protect! We will mobilize and march directly to Quenttrax, and strike the enemy at its very heart! To end it once and for all! Soldiers—no, people of Unibeltrasia and our continent of Arumar—the final victory is at hand!”
The soldiers’ cheers grew even louder, a deafening affirmation of their unity and resolve. Tamiron pulled out his mace, its surface beginning to glow with a blue light. His Tamiron stone mirrored this luminescence, glowing a vivid green. “I promise you, our victory to end all of this! To victory!” he shouted, raising the mace high. The glow intensified, and the men began to chant the names of their loved ones with renewed vigor.
He looked out over the sea of faces, each one alight with the shared goal of a final, decisive victory. Together, they were more than just an army—they were the united hope of Unibeltrasia, poised to strike at the very heart of their enemy.
The soldiers clamored on, their voices a resonant thunder that echoed throughout the city. He stood tall, his eyes scanning the sea of faces before him. He nodded at their fervor, drawing strength from their unwavering commitment. Beside him, Sevidon stepped forward, his voice cutting through the cacophony.
“Where’s Everess?” Sevidon asked, curiosity lacing his tone.
Tamiron paused, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “To secure the promise of victory,” he replied, his voice steady and sure.
Sevidon’s eyes widened in surprise at his answer. But He only offered a look of unshakeable confidence, his trust in Everess unwavering.
Far from the bustling city, on the distant Imperial shore, Everess materialized from her teleport orb. She appeared on a vast ship, its sails billowing as it cut through the waves. The mainland was already a mere silhouette on the horizon.
The ship’s captain approached, his demeanor respectful yet efficient. “We are all set, your Highness. We are heading south, as you commanded.”
“Good,” she replied, her voice resolute. She shed her makeshift coat, the fabric falling away to reveal her determined stance. She moved purposefully toward the ship’s prow, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon.
She took in a deep breath; the wind whipping around her, carrying whispers of the unknown and the scent of salt and magic. She closed her eyes, feeling the raw power of the elements coursing through her veins, intertwining with her very soul. When she opened them, her eyes glowed with an ethereal blue light, and she extended her arms, the air around her hands shimmering with tendrils of pink and red energy. The ship’s deck vibrated beneath her feet as she harnessed the elemental forces, her magic bending reality itself.
As she hovered above the deck, the wind howled, and the ship rocked violently. She breathed deeply, the taste of salt and magic on her lips. With a slow, deliberate motion, she brought her hands together, a blue orb forming in her palm. She pushed it forward, and the sea responded, calming under her command. A brilliant pulse spread from her, bending reality itself. As she descended, the crew stared in awe, the world around them shifting in a surreal dance.
Drawing another deep breath, she brought her arms together, and a blue orb materialized in her right palm. She pushed it forward gently, and the tumultuous waves began to calm. Yet, the ship continued to shake until it gradually stilled. A brilliant blue pulse emanated from her, spreading outwards in all directions like ripples in a pond. The horizon ahead of them seemed to rise as the ship sailed on, and the same phenomenon occurred behind them. Slowly, she descended back to the deck, the ship now gliding smoothly despite the reality-bending magic she had cast.
The captain, visibly shaken, stared around in awe along with his crew. The world around them appeared to bend upwards, as if the very fabric of reality had been altered. Everess kept her gaze fixed forward, her expression serene and resolute. Ahead, a silhouette began to take shape, wavering like curtains in a breeze—curtains visible only to those with the focus to see.
“Where are we headed, Your Grace?” the captain asked, his voice trembling.
She inhaled deeply, her eyes never leaving the indistinct form ahead. “We are going to an island stuck in time and in between. We are going to Orod’s Island,” she replied, her voice calm and steady. With that, she drew another deep breath, knowing that after this journey, everything would change—for the better.
The captain and his men exchanged uneasy glances but trusted her guidance. The ship sailed onward, cutting through the strange, bent reality with Everess at the helm of their fate. As they moved closer, the silhouette grew more defined, a mysterious island shrouded in temporal mist, promising the pivotal moment that would shape the future of Unibeltrasia and all of Arumar.
End of Chapter XXXIII