In the hills between the Kingdom of “Carstvo” and the Grand Empire of “Regno”, a battle was about to take place.
Both sides numerous, though the advantage was on the empire’s side, with thousands of more units than the Kingdom.
Both showing bloodlust towards their opponents.
Imperial soldiers waving their gigantic flags, priding themselves with the greatness of their dominion, while confident in their battle prowess to conquer the enemy kingdom.
Their formations in order, displaying the quality of each individual in the magnificent army.
On the opposite side, the barbaric warriors of “Carstvo”, preparing themselves for their journey to “Valhalla”, unleashed their death cry onto their lands invaders.
But in opposition to the Empire, they were sloppy, disorganized and more used to fighting in small groups instead of full armies. Basically, unprepared to face an enemy of such magnitude as the Empire.
Instead of steel armor, they used leather. Due to being faster and more agile, they preferred such equipment, even though it sacrificed a lot of their endurance. If only one attack connected, they could die easily.
The King of “Carstvo”, stood in front of his troops, screaming and trying silence everyone. The man was planning to give a speech to inspire and motivate his units. But this concluded in failure.
In the Empire’s army, the commander, on contrary to Carstvo's army, was not the ruler of their nation. Instead a vassal, powerful enough to be considered ‘number two’ within the country, commanded his underlings with confidence. There was a reason for this man, who exuded experience and confidence, was the ‘number two’. Being the most distinguished general, the nation had ever seen in the last centuries, able to turn the flow of a battle with only his presence.
Right of him, a considerably younger adult, who also released a confident aura. He was the first descendant of the mighty general, his son, the captain of the 2º Imperial Cavalry Battalion. Leader of the best cavalry known throughout the Empire.
And left of the general, was an older man, wearing white robes. This was one of the most important members of the Imperial Church, namely, the archbishop of the High Heaven Cathedral.
“Finally at the barbarians capital. Today’s battle will expand the Empire’s power and influence to new heights, and with your accomplishments, you maybe as well be awarded new land to your dominion.”
“True, as long as his majesty agrees. Though, I was thinking of taking this opportunity to increase my child’s rank within the nobility. And if there's really land as reward, it might as well be granted to him, to teach him the hardships of a ruler.”
“Please don’t joke, father. I believe I might still be too young for such tasks.”
“Hahaha. It’s never too soon to learn. The way you were raised, you should be able to easily take care of it.”
“Indeed, young one. You excelled in the majority, if not all of your studies, in the Imperial Royal Academy. So ruling a village or any of the like, with your knowledge, is a piece of cake.”
As the conversation ended, silence overcame them. Suddenly the voices of numerous messengers began warning the beginning of the battle. Noticing this as a chance, the archbishop reacted.
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“Please wait a minute.”
The elderly man turns around and calls a servant. In turn, the servant walks towards it’s caller with an object covered with a rouge colored cloth. The bishop takes the object from the hands of the boy, with caution. And starts slowly returning to the master of army.
“What is it?”
Saying that while the cleric unwraps the cloth, the man shows a surprised expression when the identity of the object is revealed.
“It’s a holy sword! ”
“Not just any holy sword. "
The man’s eyes were almost popping out of his eyes socks with surprise.
“Indeed, said to be crafted by the best blacksmith, the holy smith “Hephaestus”. Built from the blood of a god, the blade can cut through steel like butter. The guard made from tears of a dying god blesses the user with protection from any projectile. And finally the hilt made from the heart of the dead god, said to increase strength and vitality of the one who maneuvers it.”
“Or so say the legends. But still, it’s a beauty of a sword, with a damn fine blade. Not one flaw, like none other.”
After mesmerizing the beautiful craftsmanship, he comes back to himself.
“But why are giving it to me, isn’t it supposed to be in his majesty’s treasury?”
“It was, but his majesty insisted. His words were, and I quote, ‘In order to use the full abilities of world class treasure such as this, only a world class warrior can wield it’, meaning you. Of course he also continued with ‘show the power of the Empire’ and ‘shower the enemy in fear’, but you don’t need the details.”
“I can imagine him saying that. Has the sword been named yet?”
“Yes it has, this sword of a divine value, has been named “Guditer”.”
After a minute, the general looks towards his son and smiles.
“It’s an honor, bishop. But I fervently believe that my son would be the best to wield such a weapon. Why not honor him instead?”
The old face instantly freezes in shock.
““What?!””
Two voices overlap each other.
“W-what do you mean. Leinen, you are the greatest general of the Empire and your combat skills are second to none. Do you really believe you are not worthy, in spite all of your experience?”
“That’s right, father! I don’t think I would be able to be a better wielder than you!”
“It’s not if you are a better warrior or not. It’s about when you become a better warrior. But compared to me, you still have a lot of room to grow. I am sure you will surpass me, and if you use the sword from today on, then you will grow accustomed with it more easily.”(Leinen)
“Well, even though I disagree with this, I don’t have any argument to oppose an experienced fighter. But are you sure? This is probably one of the most treasured artifacts in the Empire, if not the world.”
“It all comes to my son. Whether or not you accept, it’s all up to him.”(Leinen)
After a moment the young man responds.
“It’s my pleasure. I, Kairin, honorably accept this sword, in order to protect the Empire from any evils I might encounter.”(Kairin)
After a while a man calls out to the commander.
“Sir. The troops are in the assigned positions, please give the order.”
“Very well. Bishop, I must beg your pardon, but as you see I have an army to lead.”(Leinen)
“Then you mustn’t tarry. Commander, Captain, I will see you again the Capital, if God so wishes.”
“Take care, Bishop.”(Kairin)
The oldman walks away, and leaves their line of sight.
Leinen turns to his follower.
“Sorry to make you wait. Let’s go.”(Leinen)
The father and son wish luck to each other and part ways.
Finally the battle for Carstvo, begins.