OFFICIAL EDITED VERSION. ENJOY.
On the continent of Aldonia lives five noble rulers and one evil king. The Dwarven lands of Ganhei are protected by Grand Majesties King Garrott and Queen Freya. Queen Riya, is the kind-hearted ruler of Uthrel, one of the two human controlled territories. Then there is King John of Santr. For him, I have few kind words. Though he rules justly for most, women do not fare well in his country. My personal favorite, my father. King Scythe Imperial Ruler of the Elven kingdom, Rukten. He can be a force that makes men tremble when he is angered but he has a soft heart that not all have seen. He is a just ruler to our people. Every job and role is open to whoever serves It the best, regardless of species, sex, or age.
Aldonia is a wondrous place. All have magic that flows through their veins. Many are just not aware of it. We all have our differences and disagreements, so it causes... issues. However, we are allied against Herik The King of the Dark Lands. He rules over various types of grotesque monsters. Some distorted more on the inside than out. None the less, all evil.
The most known are Karaks and the Fenra. Karaks have black, slimy skin, sewed shut eyes, giant mouths with sharp teeth, and long black claws. When you hear the ear-piercing screeches you know they are about to attack. There may be as few as two or as many as ten. Regardless, you will be in for a fight for your life. Fenras are more dangerous and work as the foot soldiers. The most lethal can be found as a single assassin. Others are found grouped in smaller specialty units ranging from four to a hundred and twenty. The scariest site is when you see them in the thousands. They're the size of a human, has scaly skin, eyes of black, a mouth which can form slurred words, no nose. They tend to wear heavy black armor and carry long swords.
But the monsters don't stop there. There is so much that one large book can't hold all of the information. It came to the point that my father had a large section in the Royal library dedicated to only hold the information of every creature known to man...
When I was nine or ten we allied with neighboring countries and went to war with Herik. My two sisters were only one and two, so they don't remember our mother. My parents and some of our armies left to battle, and I had to kinda rule and protect our lands during their battles. Only a quarter of our armies came back... With one of our parents. That parent was our father. The war still continues to this day. We haven't and will not go directly to our enemy till we have the capability...
My name is Morgan Veil Kana. I'm 17, Commander of each and every soldier of Rukten, Daughter of the King. There's something no one knows about me... Something that even I didn't know. To find out what it is... Let's start from the beginning.
***
I peered deep into the forest listening for that odd ticking sound I heard moments ago. I know what that sound belongs to... At least I think I know. One would think that since I have replaced my brother as Commander, I would have heard the ticking of a Ticten before I even took the oath. But that is not the case. Though I have fought many Tictens in the past seven years, I have never heard the sound that makes men go mad... Not once.
So, I slightly drew my Longsword out of its sheath and began shadow stepping towards the sound I had just heard. Ah, shadow stepping, the skill that allows one to go from one place to another in a blink of an eye. Some like to think of it as teleporting, which in a way it is exactly that. Though, there are differences. Teleporting can only be used if you have been to the place you wish to get to, and you can only teleport a limited amount of times before you get sick and run out of energy. However, when shadow stepping, you are not as limited. If you have not mastered shadow stepping you can go wherever you wish, as long as you know the locations name, and a bit of what the location looks like. Lucky for me, I have mastered shadow stepping and have no need to know anything about a location to shadow step to it. For I and my father, shadow stepping is as simple as walking.
Suddenly I heard a man cry out, then another yell an order, "Fall back! FALL BACK!" They were straight ahead. I stopped next to a tree, and removed my sword completely out of its sheath. My shadows consumed the blade as I began to run forward. The ticking filled my ears with the sound of fighting and the hint of a crying man.
When I entered a large clearing, I didn't need to take a minute and look around to know where the enemy was, how many there were, and what was going on. Everything came to me through instinct, and simply the feeling of their presence. Four men in Rukten light armor were fighting five Fenras and two Tictens. The Tictens stayed back, creating that irritating sound, while the Fenras beat my tired men into a bloody pulp. One man was already down, crying, screaming, and covering his ears. He was going insane.
I quickly shadow stepped to the two Tictens, grimacing at the look of them. They had dark, rotting skin, a long claw for hands, no eyes, ears, or a nose, just a mouth for that loud sound to come from.
With a quick movement, I cut off their heads, not giving them a chance to realize I was there. As the bodies fell to the soft grass with a quiet thud, I turned and swung my sword. My shadows left my sword and rushed at the five Fenras with unbelievable speed. While four of the Fenras turned to ash, one was able to turn and take the blow with its sword. That was a mistake.
One of my men noticed the mistake too and thrusted his sword into the evil creature without hesitation. The Fenra turned to ash, only leaving its black blood behind. The men took off their helmets and gaped at me. "Commander," one began, but I ignored him and ran to the soldier who hugged his knees, sheathing my sword as I did so.
I carefully placed a hand on his shoulder, and kept my voice kind and calm, "Hey, it's safe now. They're-" He screamed and his hand swung at me, his nails scratching my cheek. "GET AWAY!" I sighed, biting my lip in annoyance as I felt blood trickle down my face. I really hated these situations.
"Listen to me, the Tictens are dead. They can't hurt you. You are stronger. You have lived. Get up, pick up your sword and helmet and dry your tears. You-" He sprung up, swinging a dagger at me. I grabbed the glinting blade, yanking it from his hands and threw it to the side. I then shadow stepped behind him, grabbed his neck, and forced him to lay on the ground. He kept struggling and yelling at me to not kill him, but I ignored it, placed a knee on his back and grabbed his sword. I threw it towards his watching comrades and turned my attention back to the soldier beneath me. He began to use his arms to push himself up, but I grabbed his wrists and pushed him back down.
"Snap out of it, man! LOOK!" I grabbed his hair and slightly pulled so he could see the dead Tictens and his Comrades still standing. "You are all safe! The enemy is dead!" I felt his body slightly relax beneath me, "Is that you, Commander?"
"Yes, it's me. Are you done?" He released a heavy sigh, "Yes ma'am." I let go of his hair and rose, grabbing the iron helmet nearby. The soldier picked himself up quickly but kept his head bowed. I put out the helmet to him. He looked at it but didn't make a move to grab his armor piece.
"I'm sorry, you shouldn't have seen me like that." I raised a brow, "Why?" The soldier rose his head, the tears gone. "You should see your soldiers at their best, never their worst. You should have strong men and women who will fight for you, and beside you. I sat there like a child. I am pathetic. I should not have the honor to serve. Please strip the title of Rukten Soldier from me. Let me go be the sorry excuse of a man I am." I sighed, and gave a small smile, "How long have you been under my command?"
"Two months and three days." I nodded, noting that he was just recently recruited. "Why did you sign up?" His face immediately changed at the question. He no longer looked sad, and upset, he looked proud and strong. "To fight in the war, and not just protect my family, but also protect my home." I placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled, "You made it through training. You're fighting the war every day. You're protecting the people of Rukten. The fact you're still standing after two months is astonishing! I have lost soldiers to their first mission because of this damned war. You are not as pathetic as you think."
"But I cowered... I attacked you! I went insane!" I nodded, "You did. But you must keep in mind, you just got here. No training that I put you through can prepare you for one Ticten. No training can rid of fear. I can only guide you towards the right path, and you must follow it. So listen to my words, soldier... No matter if you have fought hundreds, there will always be fear. So you need to push through it. Push past what you think is your limit. Reach for the stars, and learn from your experiences. Be prepared for your next encounter, but don't get cocky because you think you can take them on by yourself." I removed my hand, and it came to rest on my pommel. "Now straighten up! Face your commander like the man you are! Put on your dang helmet and grab your sword!" I pushed his helmet into his chest, and he quickly put in on, straightened up, and grabbed his sword. It was time to head back home, to Govros.
***
Though, I am a princess, I don't wear dresses. Currently, at almost all times I wear silver armor that has my rank, in black, engraved into the chest plate, and my long sword at my side. I stopped at the dining hall doors, glancing at the guard with my blue-purple eyes. They bowed and opened the doors, "Commander," They said in unison. I simply nodded in approval and acknowledgment and walked into the dining hall.
Ever since my mother didn't return I played more of a motherly role to my sisters. Luna, who was 9, had blonde hair like mom, and blue eyes, sat to the left of my father. Hera who was 8, had blonde hair too, and a blue and purple eye, which sat to the right of my father. Ever since the day we had to go without a mother, I've dedicated myself to ending this war, becoming stronger, and better every day, finishing what my mother couldn't. Sadly, my pursuit to end what I must has caused a rift between I and my sisters. For now, I would have to live with it.
I walked to the seat my mother once sat at, opposite of her husband, and sat down. Oddly the rest of the seats were empty. Usually the Spy Master, and Second in Command would be here. That was fine, though. I rarely get alone time with the rest of the family. I looked up at my father who had purple eyes and short feathered auburn hair. Dad immediately looked to Luna and Hera. "Stop avoiding your sister, and go sit next to her!" Hera whined, not even glancing at me, "But why?! She's scary!" He rolled his eyes, and said with perfect calm that striked a hint of fear in me, "Because I told you. Now go." They immediately got up and slowly walked over and sat next to me. I only said, "Thanks."
"We have a meeting today with the other royals, and each of their eldest child. Will you please be in your nicest dress?" I shook my head, "I wish not father, meetings like this attract assassins and underworld beings. When the war is over, I will... But not till then." He huffed, "I see your point. Well then let's hurry and eat, they'll be here soon."
***
Father and I, awaited the kings and queens at the gates to our palace of quartz, marble, and many gems. Soon Queen Riya in an elegant red dress and Princess Zanna in an ivory dress walked up to the gates. Both had red hair, and green eyes. We all gave small bows to each other. Then they were lead to the conference room by a knight. King John and Prince Apollo in fancy silk and wool clothing arrived, both blonde, blue-eyed, almost looking like brothers, arrived shortly after the,. They too were lead away. Then came King Garrott and Queen Freya, both in silver armor with engraved Celtic knots, arrived, along with Prince West. This would be an interesting meeting.
***
I huffed as we walked through a corridor to the War room. "I bet they don't even know I'm your daughter." Father shrugged, "Sadly I agree. They have always been blind. But soon they'll know." We entered the War room, and all stood. We moved to our seats but didn't sit down. Zanna looked up and down at me, grimacing, while the Princes looked at me oddly. Prince Apollo asked, "Where is your eldest? Or is this Commander, she?" He spoke like a worthy king. Maybe he will make a greater king than his father, and bring true equality to his country. My father only looked at me then back up at the others. "Let's begin with introductions. I know very well that most of us have not met. I'm King Scythe" He looked towards my direction, as if guiding me.
"I'm Morgan Kana. I'm the Commander of Rukten's armies and the Eldest Princess of Rukten." The humans gave a small gasp except for the dwarves. In the Dwarven lands, all are allowed to be fierce warriors. No man or woman is excluded from being a potential recruit.
After a long silence, the introductions continued in a circle and we all sat down. Prince Apollo looked at me with interest while Prince West, treated me with respect, and Zanna looked at me with disgust. I shoved it off, and so my father spoke. "This war has been going on for seven years, almost eight. What's everyone's status?" My father already knew but I said, "We have a matter of 15,000 strong, give or take.”
“And what of archers?”
“A thousand, skilled and fully trained. If we wish it, our arrows will darken the sky, and the sun shall not be seen. I can only imagine what it would look like including your forces,” I said with a small smile, looking to each King and Queen. My father nodded, staring at the map upon the war table. “And have we any magick users?”
“Yes. Most are healers that will stay back from the front lines towards the beginning of any battle. However, they are all trained in the art of bringing rot to anything that has life. When they must, they can go into the center of battle, and bring out the injured unscathed.”
“Alright. One last thing, what of the poison you requested to be put on all weapons? I’ve heard you altered our supply.” The Kings and Queens began to look more intrigued… Garrott stroked his beard, “What sort of poison do you speak of, my Elven friends?” I grinned, “It’s a poison that will destroy Heriks creatures from the inside out when it enters their system. And now, his own healers can do nothing about it. I did alter it, father. I infused just a tad of my shadow and earth magick into the poison, which enhances and speeds up the effects. A-”
“And prevents them from creating an antidote, because none of them has the same exact magick as you. Herik has a similar Shadow Magick, and could change it to slow the poison. However, he is not similar nor very skilled in Earth Magick… He wouldn’t be able to stop or completely alter it because of such,” he smiled and chuckled, “Very sly, my daughter.”
“It seems we might have a small advantage over Herik,” said King John. Queen Riya nodded, “It does. But let's all not get ahead of ourselves, yes?” Father nodded, “Indeed. What are your numbers then, Queen Riya?”
“9,000. 300 Archers. Few healers. Herik has been hitting our borders heavily, however we’ve been pushing him back. So we’re doing well as of right now, but in the future, I may need assistance.” I heard of this a few days ago from her Commander. Yes they were pushing Herik back, however even with soldiers getting switched out… By now, they’ll be extremely fatigued. It’s only a matter of time before an army they can’t handle, marches on their borders. “We’ll keep that in mind,” I began, “I’ve heard of your condition from your Commander not to long ago. I’ve a force of 2,000, standing ready to help you defend. Give me the okay, and we will march. However, Queen Riya, I suggest you pray to whomever it is you worship. An army that you won’t be able to face, I know, will hit your borders soon with how fatigued your soldiers must be. I will try to help in any way I can.”
“Thank you, Morgan. I will have to think on that once this is over.”
"Garrott, Freya, what of you," My father asked. Their thick accents as clear as day, Garrott spoke, "Give or take, 10,000. However, the entirety of us are warriors by heart." He said with a wide smile. Freya nodded, "Strong and skilled." We all turned to King John and Prince Apollo. "As you know, we were hit hard just recently. 3,000 are well and ready to fight if need be. That number may increase, for we have many still recovering." My father gave a grim smile and clasped his hands. “That’s about 38,300 including archers. Still nothing compared to Herik’s army…”
“You seem to forget father, that he is going against you and me. Remember that victory isn’t impossible. We will win.”
"I truly hope so. One last thing, Morgan, we want you to give one on one training and tips to Zanna, Apollo, and West. I know this is unexpected, and you’re constantly busy-” I rose, sighing, “Say no more. I understand.” My father smiled, and dipped his chin. He could see the irritation in me. I did have a lot to do. Letters to send, reports to read, discussions to have, and orders to give. I was going to be up late into the night due to this tip giving… “Life of the Commander,” he said, reminding me that though I may dislike it, this would be useful. I nodded, “protect many, bring up all, die with honor. Alright, Princes, Princess, please follow me.” They rose, silent, and we swiftly left the room.
***
For a few hours now, after I had them get the proper attire, I've studied each of their movements as they sparred against a few guards off duty. Apollo seemed best with a sword while West was best with a double headed battle axe. To my surprise, Zanna could fight with daggers almost like an expert. I knew that if they switched out the wooden weapons for something real, they could very well kill or injure nearly every guard around us; as long as they didn’t become overwhelmed. “Alright, that’s enough for now,” I said, looking at the few guards that began putting away the wooden weapons on their racks. “Eat and rest up. Take the night off. I have a few other guards that can take your shifts for tonight. Prince West, Apollo, Princess Zanna, you’re welcome to roam around the city. Enjoy yourselves. All I can say as of right now, is keep your skills honed.”
West smiled, “To the Tavern then! Drinks are on me. Please join us, Princess Morgan.” I frowned down at him, “I can’t.”
“Why not,” Zanna asked.
“I have a lot I need to get done. No time to drink and have fun.”
West laughed, “Don’t be a killjoy. There is always time to drink!” I sighed, shaking my head, but then Apollo laid a hand on my shoulder. “Morgan, we haven’t known each other personally very long, but you are talked about often by Santr’s Commander. I know one thing for certain from his words, you need to learn to relax and take a break. I’m sure King Scythe won’t mind. Join us. Let’s all get to know each other.” He’ll mind. His anger will just be hidden.
“Alright,” I said, defeated. “I’ll go."
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