Nerian runs through the busy streets of Zarakiol In an attempt to find Fafnir and Charlotte. He is suddenly surrounded by the townspeople all trying to greet their king. Nerian runs past them, apologizing. They have confused faces as Nerian speed by them thinking if something urgent or alarming had happened. 

"There! Finally." He approaches the house. It is not lit from the outside. Nerian opens it, only to be greeted by silence. "Charlotte! Fafnir! I have returned. Are you here?" He runs towards the room on the first floor of the house and opens the door. Nothing but a messy bed where Fafnir was supposedly resting. 

"Where are they?" Nerian speaks to himself as he is all alone in the empty house. He had checked every room or every place possible to be in this house, but to no avail did he find Fafnir nor Charlotte. "This is terrible. I must get them to safety so that I can prepare the city defenses without worry. Besides, Fafnir is in no condition to be moving at all." 

No time to hesitate. I must do all I can in order to help the people first and foremost. I will convene with the generals first, then find them. I pray to Ylur that they are somewhere safe. 

And with that. Nerian exits his home. His next destination is the palace, the goal is to prepare the city for a defense. Thoughts linger inside Nerian's mind. 'Will I be able to effectively think this through? The lives of a lot of people are mine to protect.' Should we even defend? Or should he instead launch a counter attack?

The city might not be ready yet. People are just starting to get back on their feet from Orbus's Tyranny and corruption. He destroyed the stability of the economy and the strength of our military in his reign. It will take quite a while before those are settled. So what should I do?

"All questions, but no answers. How would my father think of a solution for this... Wait! I know what i should do." And with that Nerian heads to the palace. 

Night time approaches, the lanterns are lit and the taverns are full. The sounds of rowdy people who only want to forget their worries scatter all about, trying to find a place where they can relax and unwind. Guards heighten their senses for anything can happen at night, watching out for small time thieves and petty arguments that always ends in drunk fistfights. 

People wearing extravagant clothing all flocks outside with their entourages in frilly clothing. Simple people who thrive under the moonlight all bathe under its presence, but the people have yet to know about the impending attack.

Nerian has returned to the palace. The barracks where he told the generals to gather is next to the palace itself. Large stone built, well lit, the guards can be seen making their rounds and some can be seen still training hard, but this time the guards are doubled. High ranking soldiers or the general's right hand men stand outside the doors in a stiff well organized fashion. 

The quickly salute Nerian as he approaches the door to where the generals gather. "My lord! We are reporting for duty. The generals await your presence inside. 

"Thank you for your patience men. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go now."  He salutes them back and open the double doors with both hands. 

There 3 generals gather around a circular table. They salute Nerian, greeting him in a strict manner. "It is a pleasure to be under your presence my lord. We have been shortly briefed on what your advisers could tell us. Our second in commands have been put in charge of the fortresses and stronghold that we are in charge of."

Nerian joins the generals, leaning on the table breathing hard as he had to run all the way. The shortage of generals is due to the needless deaths of the countless talented generals in the battle of Atlas-Azure in Ardrasthrur. 

"Thank you for being present tonight General William, General Devir and General Guile. I know you must all be busy, but a threat looms over us. Ardrasthrur will attack Zarakiol. It is unknown when they will begin their march, but I would like to arrange a defense before they even make a move."

The atmosphere turns a clear serious one. Even the generals know that this kingdom is not prepared for an attack ever since their last battle. 

General Harris William speaks first. He is the youngest of the generals, but his prowess with his swordsmanship and his skill on horseback combat exceeds expectations. Truly someone you can depend on if you are on the offensive. Like everywhere general, he wears a heavy armor with a blue cape symbolizing Vasantria. He has dark short hair and brown eyes, and a low loud voice to boot.

"My lord. I think the best option would be a defense. You may already realized it, but we are not ready. Out strength, military wise will not be sufficient to match Ardrasthrurs vast array of soldier and generals. It has also come to my attention that they have found the rightful heir to the throne of Ardrasthrur. He will lead the army thus strengthening their morale at maximum."

Nerian looks to General Oswald Devir for his part. He is the oldest amongst the remaining generals. He may already be in his 60's. He has white hair with a matching full beard that covers most of his face, a serious expression and a strict man at every turn. He is very disciplined in battle, a master tactician that can overwhelm enemies even with a few numbers of soldiers at his disposal. One thing that stands out for him is his scar that runs along his left eye. Although not blind, it is said that he received it from battling an ancient.

"My stand here is a decisive, but well thought out plan. I suggest that we attack them. I cannot make a plan yet as they have not entered Vasantrian borders. If what General William holds true. Then a full army will be mobilized against us for the glory of their heir to the throne. If you look at it from a normal man's perspective, you will see no chance in attaining victory, but in my eyes I see an opportunity."

Lastly. Nerian signals General Ethan Guile for his say in this discussion. He is a man with a strong, intimidating build. Has a clean bald head that he shows off just because it doesn't get in the way of battle. He is known as the Vasantria's shield as defending or repulsing attacks in quick succession is his forte. He is known to have a laid back and humorous disposition, but his personality changes once war, and the lives of people are involved.

"I say we wear them down. We have information about their impending attack. If we can anticipate where they will be attacking from, then we can use the fortresses nearby or build a makeshift one of our own. One fortress after another. If we fail in one, we retreat to the next. Each fortress filled with only enough resources as to not supply the enemy with weapons. Archers and catapults are the main fighters."

Nerian repositions himself. He stands and puts his hand on his chin. He thinks of a clear solution after he has heard the part of each general. In these discussions, generals are allowed to speak their piece without interruption. Thus a peaceful court always comes to a clear decision.

It's quite hard to think about anything else. Should I adjourn everything for now and hold another conference tomorrow, or should I accept one generals plan. The people go first no matter what, but as I think about that. Someone enters the room, someone familiar and well known in fact.

"Hi everyone! Oh, what do we have here? A serious discussion among generals and the new king?" 

The generals all draw their weapons and points it towards the man. 

He speaks in a laid back manner. "Woah woah. Calm down and relax. I'm on your side King Nerian. No need to be hostile."

I signal the generals to stand down. I interrogate him as his entrance is quite the surprise and mystery to me. "Why are you here and what have you come for? You served Orbus so why have sworn your allegiance to me?"

"I heard that there was an urgent matter. I don't serve Orbus at all. Remember what I said when we met two days ago? I told you that I served Vasantria and not Orbus. The same treatment goes with you. So... Hear me out. I've got a plan myself and you might like it ha ha." He grins mischievously. Should Nerian trust him? He may be friendly, but this time he may doubt his actions. 

~In fafnir's eyes.~

I've recovered enough energy to at least walk or drag myself rather. Thanks to Charlotte I got out without much trouble. Still, my entire body still hurts. I've noticed that every time I use that mysterious power I recover any injuries to a certain extent. Although that's still just my assumption. 

Charlotte escorts me outside the dungeon. The night sky looks calm and beautiful, too beautiful that I didn't realize I had been staring at it for a long while now.  

I notice Charlotte looking at me secretively while I stare up the sky. My body still depends on her as I lean closer. The night is quiet and peaceful. I return to my senses and look at Charlotte again. Surprised, she turns the opposite way as quickly as she can. I myself was surprised to see how fast she could react. You never thought that someone like her could be unique in a sense. 

She asks me in a low, soft voice while still staring away from me. "Would you like to go back now? Big brother Nerian must be worried right about now." 

"How about we look at the sky a little bit longer. I have a feeling that this clear night sky and the clear white moon is something special. I'd like to share that with someone for now. I've never remembered sharing anything with someone. I've been alone for a long time in the past."

I feel her body twitch in reaction to what I had said. Did I say something wrong? Might she be mad at me now? But with a slightly reddish face, she faces forward and looks to her side with only her eyes. "I know a place where you could see the sky clearly. Do... I mean W-would you want to go with me? Uhm.. That is if you don't mind, but it's okay if you don't want to. I mean-."

I stop and her look straight at her, and she does the same. She doesn't turn away this time, despite being red and rather hot in temperature. "I'd love that. Let's go. The sky never waits for anyone. The moment you realize it, the moon has gone away and it is once again replaced by the sun."

Charlotte nods once and we now head towards the place where she says is special for her. As place where she could look at the night sky whenever it was clear. Whenever she felt alone, she looked up the sky. Most of all she gazed at the stars and the moon with her family... A family huh. I wish they were still here. Memories of my family deteriorated at time. I didn't want to let them go, but something is erasing those memories.

After a while of walking around with our one paces in mind. We finally reach the place where Charlotte names her special place in Zarakiol. 

Inside the city there is one small garden where the moon and the sky is in full view for the people below to enjoy its majesty. Hidden and kept secret by a few people, there they admire everything they see as they lay down on the bed of grass. The wind breezes by you, the scent of the flowers planted beside the borders of the garden calms your nerves, enough to lull you to sleep. 

You could close your eyes and drift into a world you made for yourself, but instead. The two children lay down flat on the bed of grass Without any real reason other than to admire the sight that Fafnir viewed as beautiful. Fafnir opens a conversation as they both stare upwards. 

"Although my people I've met in my life had come to help me whenever I was in need. This is the first time I've depended on someone for something so simple such as carrying me around. It sounds funny when you hear it like that right? Ha ha." 

Charlotte clasps her hands together and continue to stare up the sky. "Ever since mother and father left us. This is the only place that reminds me of them. There are a lot of things to remember them by, but this is one that is special to not only me, but my brother Nerian as well. We share the same love for our mother, father and this small make believe garden of Eden."

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

To my amazement, Charlotte feels a bit more comfortable with my presence as she begins to speak to me without at hint of shyness on her. Or is it just my imagination."What were your parents like Fafnir? What made you who you are today? What made you fight instead of living a normal life? A life where you can be happy and content with. Or a life worth living for instance."

"My parents?.. I've been separated with them for a long time now, but they're gone now. It feels like I don't need to think about it, but I feel deep inside of me that they were loving parents, but I lost them because I couldn't protect them. I can't remember anything else about them anymore. My memories feel like they're fading each day. I don't want it to happen but I can't do anything to stop it." 

I take a deep breath and continue. "That's why I became who I am. I want to become stronger so I could protect those around me, and someday hopefully find out who I truly was. It becomes hard to sleep not knowing who you were, you didn't know if you had a home to return to, you didn't know the warmth of having people love you you. It feels... Lonely. I don't want to feel lonely. It hurts..."

I close my eyes and I release both hands by my sides. I lay perfectly open as I slowly drift away with the soothing wind, and the whistling leaves, I close my eyes. Maybe it's not that bad to just fade away here. It feels comfortable, like sleeping on your bed where your mother tells you a bedtime story as the fireplace keeps you warm. That kind of feeling, but did I have mother who read me stories before bed? I don't know anymore or rather I can't remember anymore. 

I feel beads of water slowly dripping from closed eyes onto my cheeks. Does that mean I am sad? Or am I just crying in order to fill that rift in my heart temporarily. 

It becomes warm all of a sudden. How? Where is this peaceful and heartwarming warmth coming from?

I open my eyes eyes turn my head to the side where Charlotte is. She both eyes closed, she sleeps peacefully. I look down, and I see that she held my hand with hers. "So this is where the warmth was. Thank you."

I returned my gaze towards the stars and the sky above. I let Charlotte receive her well deserved rest. The warmth never left me until we had to return. The moon had long disappeared, and now the sun comes signaling a new day.

The next day which is today. We came home to a very worried Nerian. He was angry at first, but it dissipated quickly. Nerian was the type of person who would get angry for you. You wouldn't feel bad, but instead you'd feel happy that he was worried for you. Just like a big brother does. Of course the scolding didn't escape us. 

He then told me and Charlotte to come with him as he had something important to announce to the townspeople of Zarakiol. It feels like a bad omen from my gut alone, but I waiting until he told everyone the truth. 

Nerian had gathered everyone of the townspeople. There were a lot of people in attendance, so the streets were crowded. Ever alleyway filled with people. Their new king had stressed that it was a matter of utmost importance. It made the people anxious and willing to hear him out. 

"Thank you everyone for gathering here. I won't keep the truth hidden any longer. Last night we had received reports that we will be attacked by the kingdom named Ardrasthrur."

The people become restless. They all speak to each other and make quite the noise, clogging out Nerian's voice. He manages to shout and calm the people somehow. 

"They are expected to come within the next 9 days to come. Do not panic. You will have enough time to prepare. To the people. We do not have enough soldiers to cope with Ardrasthrurs army. Thus I would like to suggest something. Firstly, if you prefer to live peacefully. Then I you can seek refuge from the neighboring villages. Their main target is Zarakiol only."

The unrest begins again, and this time they argue with each other for a longer period of time. Nerian continue nonetheless, the people are eager to him the 2nd and last suggestion of their king. 

"Lastly, I suggest that you fight with us. Leaving this city means that you might have nothing to return to. It might already be invaded by Ardrasthrur. However if you choose to fight alongside us, we may stand a chance. We will train you within these next 7 days. The remaining days will be used to put up defenses and prepare you all. Women, children and the elderly can choose to fight or not. You will not be forced."

"If you choose the first option. Then leave now and start your evacuation to wherever village you deem will keep you safe. For those who will stay and fight with us. Then stay here, and within the next 2 hours the generals will begin to draft and train you. Decide now."

Then it begins. Some begin to leave the area, but some stay. Now the only need to wait 2 hours before Nerian chooses his defenders. Charlotte and I stand behind Nerian. We are not on the platform however, but only behind it. We watch Nerian's address to the People, admiring him as he makes his stand like a true king.

The 2 hours pass in a hurry. Only half of the townspeople remain. The other half have begun preparing their evacuation. Three people move forward from the stands. They introduce themselves to the remaining townspeople as the generals that will train them.

They command the townspeople to fall in line in order to sort them out. It was an arduous process. Half an entire city's population under the supervision of 3 people. How will they manage in succeeding with their training in time for the battle. 

After watching Nerian I begin to think to myself. I was there when Ardrasthrur was attacked. That night... So they sought revenge after all. Still far from recovering, I argue with myself. What should I do? More choices have been added. First was the choice of abandoning Samael and ascending the heavens alone or rescuing him, meaning that I will go against hell itself. Then ascending the heavens.

The second is choosing to avoid the fight between Ardrasthrur and Vasantria. Spectating only from far away, or choosing to fight, meaning that I might run into King Lazarus. I'll be forced to kill his men and including him if I am presented with the chance. If not, then they might take the lives of the People here. Argh! Damn it! I can't choose anything.

I am reminded that Charlotte is beside me. Although she does not carry me anymore I can still feel her presence. I hold myself up using two wooden crutches. She is there in case I fall. It's quite hard to get used to this. 

I see a faint sadness in Charlotte's eyes as I stare at her from her side. She claps both her hands and puts it close to her chest. She looks intently at her brother, and she knows that he does not want conflict as well, but he cannot choose to stand by and let his people be defeated. It pains Nerian to have to go to war once again at the expense of his peoples lives. Charlotte looks conflicted to see her brother forcing his confidence and dignity all for the future of his people. 

A day passes and there are 8 approximate days left before Ardrasthrur attacks. I have to choose. Watching from a distance is harder than actually being on one side where you only have to fight for one thing.

I begin training with a wooden training sword along with the other volunteers despite my condition. My body still pains, my legs still can't move that much other than a few steps. I try to force my body to work, adjusting to the pain so that I grow accustomed to it instead of just wasting time.

(I've decided that. I'll protect that warmth no matter what it takes. Even at the cost of my own life.)

Everyday becomes a torture that I must endure. If I don't then I'll be useless. Swordplay, bare firsts, maneuvering through people or objects, improving my agility. Everything that I've been taught I've tried to sharpen. I've trained to a point where I was close to breaking and just giving up, but Charlotte was there every time. She tried to stop me, but I became hardened my resolved and became ignorant to it. It seems she gave up and decided to support me instead. 

4 days left to prepare. The city defenses are almost complete. Half the city's population have gone to the other villages hoping that the enemy won't come for them. Some of the volunteers are somewhat prepared, but they won't do any of the major fighting. They'll only be defending the inner city while the soldiers fight the main battle both inside and outside the city. 

I am training in Charlotte's garden hidden within the city. I try a high kick towards an imaginary enemy's head. Pain wells from my legs, both of them. Charlotte runs over with a concerned face. I writhe in pain on the ground while Charlotte comforts me. I only need to see her smile, and I forget the pain. I remember what I have to fight for. I return to training. 

Finally the day has come. Nerian will command the army inside. The generals will be fighting with the strategy that General Devir had in store. They have at least 50,000 soldiers, 15,000 horsemen. 10,000 archers. With at least 15,000 reserve soldiers. The number of fighters inside are unaccounted for. 

Charlotte and I are in the palace where Nerian will be giving commands to the various units he has created using volunteers and a handful of judicatories. A man I know well enter the palace wearing an armor enough to make you look like a legendary hero from those story books. Wearing a long blue cape to represent his kingdoms allegiance, and wielding his sword the Zwei. He comes dressed for battle. 

"Good morning my king! It is a fun day for a battle isn't it? I am quite prepared as you can see."

Nerian puts his hand on his face and shakes his head. "Lose the formalities Fiol. I need you to be serious about this. I can have you dying out there. I want you to save as many lives as you can out there. You're a hero of the rumored ancient war correct? If so then I believe in you."

"You've changed Nerian. For the better. I still remember you as a man who had the idea, but not the backbone to initiate it. Now look at you, just like your father the king. I'll fight under your name, but I don't think I'll be able to save a lot of lives. After all I'll be going against legendary Luke 'the Saint' Galehearth remember? I don't think anyone else can go up against him without being killed."

Fiol leaves and waves goodbye to Nerian, but not without looking at me. "Do your best to keep Nerian safe kid. Who knows what'll happen in this battle." And he goes his way.

Although he was an enemy of ours at first. He does not feel hostile at all. I take his advice to hear and check up on my equipment. 

I wear a well made leather armor, boots, gloves, leggings. I carry two blades on my waist. One is a blade crafted by a masterful blacksmith in Zarakiol, and the last in the incandescent. I managed to retrieve it and Sleipnir as well. 

The Great War is about to begin. Ardrasthrur has just arrived on the outskirts of Zarakiol. They overlook the city where defenses are set up. Barricades, catapults and well positioned archers, but they are meager in comparison to the army that Ardrasthrur has brought with them .

The army numbers up to 400,000 soldiers of various classes. Lead by 6 generals of the Ardrasthrian court including Luke Galehearth, King Lazarus and the heir to the throne. Prince Gram.

Gram assesses the area, terrain, weather and the morale of the soldiers. "The fields are green, wide and spacious. So it the area. The weather is cloudy, no chance of rain, but the sun will shine upon the land no doubt. Now shall we begin taking back the country that belonged to my father?"