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2023-02-15 04:14:22King Lauihnio read the jerk of one of his captains elbow as he made to thrust his wooden sword and quickly sidestepped dropping his right shoulder and leaving the captain stabbing the air.
He blocked the effort of the other captain that swung his wooden sword vertically over his head in an attempt to strike it on his shoulder, noticing how he left his torso unguarded, he raised his right leg and gave the captain a powerful kick making the captain to grunt in pain holding his stomach. The first captain lunged towards King Lauihnio and swung his wooden sword towards King Lauihnio making him Dodge to the left. All efforts made by the captain to strike king Lauihnio was blocked. Tired and frustrated the first captain halted his effort at King Lauihnio. The second captain lunged forward in full menace behind king Lauihnio with the aim of striking his back but king Lauihnio turned quickly and blocked the effort, he used his strength to push the captain backwards freeing himself and buying himself more time and space.The captains circled around king Lauihnio like two feral alley cats in an attempt to charge towards him in a way that would make him confused and fumble. King Lauihnio Put up a one sided smile as both men charged towards him from different directions with the first captain to the right and the second captain to the left, raising their swords in an attempt to strike him.King Lauihnio blocked the second captains attempt then he quickly turned to first captain and gave him a powerful kick to the jaw making him drift backwards, King Lauihnio began to strike the second captains sword which he used to block the king's effort but King Lauihnio did not relent in his attempt to strike the captain, finally king Lauihnio was able to disarm him making the wooden sword to fall away from arms reach, laughing sinisterly he struck him on the neck then bent to strike him on his stomach, with the second captain crouching as a result of the strike on his stomach king Lauihnio jumped behind him and raised his wooden sword and landed it on the captains back sending him to his knees. the first captain charged towards king Lauihnio then stepped on the back of crouching captain who was on his knees causing him to leap forward grunting with the aim of striking king Lauihnio. King Lauihnio quickly ducked, charged down the effort that came after then gave him a knee to his stomach, he struck him on the face causing the captain to turn away from him while holding his face in an attempt to recover.Without hesitation king Lauihnio struck his calf causing the captain to get on his knees letting out a sharp groan. king Lauihnio chuckled then glanced over to the second captain, seeing that both captains made no further attempt to keep on fighting he felt satisfied and proud of himself at being able to flawlessly beat down his veteran captains."Pheew you captains stretched my back a little, anyway I appreciate your efforts." he said while helping the first captain to his feet. Lord Mordian who was watching the skirmish started clapping slowly smiling at his nephew."Wow that was beautiful of you, you were able to beat down your veterans, you know seeing you fight like this makes me proud, proud at the fact that I am responsible for the way you fight - I must have been a really good teacher." Lord Mordian said as he moved to the second captain and helped him up to his feet. "Yes you taught me but I spent time training myself trying to get familiar with the sword.""You know Lauihnio do you mind guessing what my proudest moment is?" king Lauihnio looked upwards trying to guess the answer. "um well I think your proudest moment was when you killed one Lord Bali severing his head after killing twenty of his comrades who were guarding him." Lord Mordian smiled. "When did I tell you such tale?""When I was eleven - you told me that was your proudest moment, you said with that kill you put an end to the Elerian civil war." King Lauihnio said confidently."Yes - that was my proudest moment then - but not now." Lord Mordian said.King Lauihnio looked puzzled. "what is it then uncle?"Lord Mordian took in a deep breath. "My proudest moment was when I heard news of you fighting in the Frontline in the battle of Harenia - you know people may call that stupidity, your men may have thought of you as a mad man but that is the bravest act of a king, putting your life on the line willing to die for your comrades, for your soldiers." Lord Mordian said then moved towards king Lauihnio and tapped his left chest. "I respect that. That proved to me that this stubborn arrogant boy - has finally become a man and because of that your soldiers hold you in high regard, these men look up to you and would gladly give their lives for your cause." Lord Mordian said pointing at the captains who nodded in affirmation. King Lauihnio grinned proudly."You know uncle, what gave me the motivation to be a fighting king, was my passion for the sword and the effort I put in when fighting at the arena during my days as a gladiator - that's why I was the champion of Bauthinia three times, the best record in Bauthinian history." King Lauihnio grinned. Lord Mordian put up a disagreeable look."Yeah whatever, that was because you were the crowned prince, no one dares hurt a the crown prince in the presence of his father." at this statement King Lauihnio scowled at his uncle in resentment."So you are are saying I didn't deserve any of my victories at the arena." he yelled in enragement.Lord Mordian put up a sinister smile. "A big yes I would say."
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STEEL AND FLESH UNQUESTIONABLE PRESTIGE
King Lauihnio charged towards his uncle with the aim of striking him with his wooden sword. "I hate it when people say such things about my days as a gladiator - haaaa." Lord Mordian ducked at the effort making the already enraged King to strike thin air. King Lauihnio then turned to his uncle breathing heavily and staring balefully at his direction. "I have heard many people talk about my success at the arena as a result of favour given the fact that I was the crowned prince at time - I am sick of all of those lies." he said angrily. "I worked hard for every fight I partook in at the arena, I spent my flesh, my sweat, my breath and my blood in order to be crowned champion of Bauthinia three good times." Lord Mordian was still trying to recover from the shock of King Lauihnio's attempted attack on him. "But come to think of it Lauihnio you achieved such feet at the arena, yet you never killed a man at the arena, how can you explain that." Lord Mordian asked looking like he tried to
STEEL AND FLESH THE DRAGON EGG 1
"Why do you ask?" Lord Mordian turned to his nephew. "Well it is a question I have been pondering over for some time now." King Lauihnio replied. "What do you think?""Well I think the numbers would always have an advantage because you know - they are many." King Lauihnio shrugged. Lord Mordian grinned. "Well I think that the army that has the advantage is the army that has a capable and intelligent leader." "What?" king Lauihnio creased his eyebrows to the center looking confused given the unexpected answer his uncle gave him. "The decisions of a leader is what determines the success or failure of an army during a war." King Lauihnio shook his head in disbelief. "I always thought the numbers are the most significant factor to consider when at war.""Neither is a numerous army of skilled swordsmen an advantage - my years of fighting thought me something very important." "What?" king Lauihnio asked. "The wars I fought over the years taught me that an army of sheep led by a lion
STEEL AND FLESH THE DRAGON EGG 2
"Uncle I would like to see this power of the dragon egg." Lord Mordian almost choked on the wine he was consuming, he spattered the wine on the king's golden table with some of the wine staining his woolen tunic. he coughed as a result and when he recovered he gave king Lauihnio a surprise look. "what did you say?" he asked squeezing his face. "I said I would like to see this power of the dragon egg." "oh great Oridon not again." Lord Mordian whispered to himself. "anything wrong with that? - you look like you have had a terrible experience with the egg before." King Lauihnio asked. "of course I have. the last time I helped your father harness the power of the egg he nearly burnt me to ashes." Lord Mordian said looking annoyed. "but you said no one could decipher the writings on the egg." "Well your father and I found a way, anyway that is not important why do you want to see this dragon power?""I am curious, I would love to see the power that emanates from the dragon egg." "W
STEEL AND FLESH THE SPIRIT OF THE DRAGON
"Blessings from Oridon upon you my king, I will be gone now." said the cytix priest that led king Lauihnio and Lord Mordian to the underground of the Oridon temple which was the one located at a stone throw distance from the palace. "Blessings upon you faithful one." king Lauihnio smiled righteously at the cytix priest. "blessings upon you Lord Mordian." the cytix priest turned to Lord Mordian. Lord Mordian nodded at the cytix priest. "you too faithful one." the cytix priest was however suspicious of the sack that king Lauihnio held so tightly to himself. "My king may I ask what is in the sack at which you hold onto yourself so preciously." Lord Mordian raised his eyebrows. king Lauihnio tried to comport himself despite being shocked at the question, he knew he had to either lie, evade the topic or ignore the cytix priest. However the first option would be a taboo but was he going to risk it? "um this?" he looked at the sack while holding it at his left arm. "This is as you say pre
STEEL AND FLESH AURA OF THE DRAGON
"I doubt this would work given that there is no witch, wizard or sage here, however I doubt you say the writings on that wax tablet correctly." His mouth shivering as he spoke. His uncle ignored him. "havu havu rel gardan siva hakmet ra vu casma al DRAGOO!" He continued in his loud tone however the chamber was sound proof so no one could hear whatever transpired inside this underground chamber. Suddenly a fiery red light started emanating from the golden flecked dragon egg. The light began to spread until the dragon egg was engulfed by the fiery red light. King Lauihnio smiled in amazement as he beheld the now fiery dragon egg forgetting about the scary tales his uncle spoke of but that smile was short-lived as his hands became firmly attached to the dragon egg. He tried to wrench free from the grip of the egg but all efforts were futile. The aura which emanated from the egg began to creep into his body. King Lauihnio began to scream out loud as he felt his inner body burn like a f
STEEL AND FLESH DRAGON SURPRISE
His hatred for Lord Mordian never ceased because he knew Lord Mordian was capable of anything however it is safe to say that his hatred for Lord Mordian was out of being suspicious of him making him unable to trust him despite his concern for the safety of Bauthinia.Lord Garthine Polion suspected something fishy was going on and the fact that the King had not showed up or said anything made his enragement towards Lord Mordian grow.'Was the King in danger' he thought"Mordian you would open this door right now I want to see my King I have a message for him."Lord Mordian looked stressed. "You forget to add Lord - and hey hairless grim faced Garthine Polly or what ever you call yourself, I know you hate me for reasons I know not however I never said you would not see your King but -" The dragon growled loudly and a loud thud was heard.Lord Mordian turned to the dragon.Lord Garthine Polion however squeezed his face in anger and pushed the door wide open and quickly made his way into
STEEL AND FLESH THE HOLY CANDLES
"Oh great Oridon! - the writing tablets." Lord Mordian looked disappointed."What?" Lord Garthine Polion asked."The tablets, I must have left it inside, it contains mystical writings - if I don't get to it we all here at the capital are in big trouble." Lord Mordian was now extremely worried."You mean this." The soldier picked up the writing tablet and reached out his arm so Lord Mordian would confirm if that was the piece he was looking for.Lord Mordian collected it and glanced through it. Immediately his face brightened up as he looked jubliliant. "Yes this is it. Where did you find it?" he asked."Right next to me, on the floor.""Okay it must have dropped off me then." A loud clanging sound was heard inside the chamber, and all three men were confused as the continuous clanging sound refused to come to a halt.Lord Garthine Polion gaped confusedly at Lord Mordian. "What is that?" He hissed.Let me have a look. Lord Mordian stuck his right eye at the little opening he made to en
STEEL AND FLESH THE SECRET OF THE DRAGON EGG HANGS ON THE BALANCE.
Lord Mordian gasped when he heard of the approaching guards. He was totally distablized due to the current situation with the King's guards making advances to check on their King who was now a red fiery grim looking monster dragon. Lord Mordian struggled to accept the fact that this red fiery dragon was about to be exposed to the Azarian world, a secret that three generations of the Bauthinian Kings protected from their subjects, allies and even members of their families (King Lauihnio decided to let the secret of the dragon egg to be known to King Rashur of Mocini and the arch cytix priest). However Lord Mordian shook his head swiftly warding off thoughts of his greatest fear coming to life, he managed to comport himself as he began to think of the possibility of saving the delicate secret of the dragon egg discovered by his grandfather King Lunserk and saving his fellow Bauthinians here at the capital and others that resided in other provinces that were subjects to the Bauthinian c
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EPILOGUE
Epilogue:Days had passed since Lord Mordian's successful but perilous attempt to harness the arcane forces and restore the fallen soldiers. The initial triumph had given way to a relentless and sinister consequence that now gripped him with an iron hold.Lord Mordian's once vibrant complexion had faded to a sickly pallor, his skin appearing almost translucent under the harsh daylight. Dark circles etched themselves beneath his eyes, marking the toll of sleepless nights and restless vigils.His once steady hands now trembled, the faint quiver betraying the constant strain he was under. His arms and legs felt as if they were aflame, an unrelenting burn that surged through his veins like molten lava. The physical torment was unceasing, a constant reminder of the power he had dared to command.The palms of his hands bore the brunt of the adverse effect. Sections of skin peeled away, leaving behind raw, tender patches that stung with every touch. Lord Mordian's fingertips were bliste
- STEEL AND FLESH
SHADOWS OF DOUBT: BENEVOLENCE IN QUESTION
"In times of war, there must be consequences for actions taken," Bongan Rodbar's voice carried an air of authority as he addressed the captive commander. "You are responsible for the pain and suffering this invasion has brought upon these lands. And now, you must face the consequences.""I was carrying out my orders!" The chief commander replied coldly, with a malevolent look at Bongan Rodbar.Bongan Rodbar turned to Lord Mordian and Lord Barthine Loust, his eyes steady. "Gentlemen, as a symbol of justice and retribution, one of you may choose to deliver the final blow. The choice is yours."A heavy silence hung in the air as Lord Barthine Loust exchanged a contemplative look with Lord Mordian. Then, in a surprising turn of events, Lord Barthine Loust unfastened his own sword from his side and stepped forward, his eyes locked on Lord Mordian."Lord Mordian," he began, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity, "it is you who deserves this chance. For all you have done, and for what yo
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UNEXPECTED IDENTITY
As the dust began to settle on the battlefield, Lord Mordian and Lord Barthine Loust exchanged weary yet triumphant glances. The unexpected intervention of the Elerian warriors had turned the tide of battle in their favor, saving Prodloust from the clutches of Quanian annexation.Amidst the aftermath of the chaotic struggle, a presence drew their attention. Among the Elerian horsemen, a mounted soldier stood out, his demeanor exuding an air of command and authority. Even from a distance, it was clear that he was the leader of this formidable force, and his presence was a beacon of hope and strength.As the Bauthinian soldiers continued to regroup, Lord Mordian and Lord Barthine Loust's eyes were drawn to the mounted leader. His attire spoke of his status and prowess. He wore intricately designed chain mail that gleamed even in the dim moonlight, each link a testament to the craftsmanship that had gone into its creation. His helmet was a work of art in itself, adorned with elegant
- STEEL AND FLESH
RENEWED VALOR TRIUMPH
With a fierce determination, Lord Barthine Loust carefully lowered Lord Mordian to the ground, his movements deliberate and calculated. His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword, the cold metal a comforting weight in his hand. As the two Quanian soldiers charged towards him, he took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest.Ducking beneath the first swing of a Quanian blade, Lord Barthine Loust's movements were fluid and precise. He sidestepped another strike, the air whistling as the enemy's weapon sliced through the space where he had been. His mind raced, analyzing every movement of his opponents, seeking out their vulnerabilities.With a swift motion, Lord Barthine Loust parried a blow and countered with a calculated strike of his own. His sword met the Quanian soldier's weapon with a resounding clash, the force of the impact reverberating through his arms. He lunged forward, his blade finding its mark and carving a deep gash across the soldier's chest.However,
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THE SIEGE OF PRODLOUST 7
Amidst the chaos, the spectral warriors led by Lord Barthine Loust and Gorloth charged into the heart of the Quanian forces with an otherworldly ferocity. Their armor gleamed with an ethereal radiance as they clashed with the enemy, cutting through the Quanian soldiers with unmatched skill and precision. The Bauthinian foot soldiers, who had been struggling earlier, were awestruck and filled with renewed hope as they witnessed the terrifying warriors with their haunting helmets fighting on their side.Amidst the clash of steel and the cries of battle, the Bauthinian soldiers couldn't believe their eyes. "Who are these warriors and why do they wear such haunting helmets?" one soldier exclaimed in disbelief. Another shouted, "We're not alone! They should be mercenaries hired by Lord Barthine Loust to help us defend our city!" The sight of these fearsome warriors turned the tide of morale, igniting a newfound fire within the Bauthinian ranks.Gorloth, with his long sword and battleaxe,
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THE SIEGE OF PRODLOUST 6
Amidst the sea of chaos and carnage, Lord Mordian's focus was unyielding, his sword an extension of his indomitable will. Every strike he made was a tribute to the countless lives he aimed to protect. As a Quanian soldier's shield smashed into his face, a blinding flash of pain erupted, and he staggered backward, his vision momentarily blurred.But even in the midst of this disorienting blow, his training and instincts took over. The burly Quanian soldier lunged at him, his swift movements designed to exploit the momentary weakness. Hammering blows rained down upon Lord Mordian, testing his defenses. Steel met steel as Mordian parried and blocked the onslaught, his muscles straining against the powerful attacks.With each parry, he calculated his opponent's movements, his mind racing even as the world spun around him. His resolve was unshaken, his determination unwavering. In a lightning-quick motion, he sidestepped an incoming strike, his body moving with a grace that belied the
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THE SIEGE OF PRODLOUST 5
As the evening wore on, the relentless exchange of missiles between Bauthinia and Quania showed no sign of abating. The darkening sky became a canvas for streaks of fire and trails of smoke as projectiles cut through the air with deadly precision. The grim toll of casualties mounted on both sides, with soldiers falling amidst the chaos, their battle cries drowned out by the cacophony of war.The Quanian siege towers, though battered by the unyielding Bauthinian artillery, continued their slow advance with an unwavering determination. The massive wheels of the towers rumbled over the rugged terrain, inching ever closer to the towering walls of Prodloust. The defenders of Bauthinia were caught in a cruel dilemma, torn between diverting their attention to the menacing siege towers and retaliating against the unrelenting Quanian artillery.The relentless onslaught from both sides created a maelstrom of confusion and chaos on the battlefield. The Bauthinian soldiers worked tirelessly,
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THE SIEGE OF PRODLOUST 4
As the battle raged on, the defenders of Bauthinia swiftly set their plan into motion. On the ramparts, soldiers bustled around three massive cauldrons perched above an open flames, the air thick with the acrid scent of boiling oil.With practiced precision, they worked to ensure the oil reached a searing temperature, its surface shimmering with the intense heat.Lord Mordian's voice carried across the ramparts, his tone firm and resolute. "Prepare to release the oil on my command!"Soldiers lined up along the ramparts, ready to execute the order. Their faces were grim, hearts pounding with a mix of anticipation and dread as they awaited the moment when they would unleash the scalding oil upon the Quanian forces.Down below, the Quanian soldiers continued their determined advance, their synchronized march pushing and pounding the massive battle ram onto the gates. The ground trembled beneath their feet, each step and effort to ram the gates weakened the locks more and more, thus brin
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THE SIEGE OF PRODLOUST 3
The cacophony of battle reached a crescendo as the exchange of arrows between the Bauthinian and Quanian forces continued with unyielding determination. The sky was painted with the arcs of deadly projectiles, each arrow a messenger of death and defiance.The defenders of Bauthinia, knowing the importance of maintaining their archers' position, worked tirelessly to reinforce their fortifications. They scrambled to bring more bricks, stones, and timber, building makeshift barriers to shield the archers from the incoming arrows.Across the field, the Quanian archers adjusted their strategy, seeking to find gaps in the Bauthinian defense. They aimed for the weak points in the battlements, targeting the areas with fewer defenders and where the makeshift cover was not as effective.As the sun hung low on the horizon, casting an eerie glow over the battlefield, the archers on both sides continued to pour arrows into the air. The sky was a storm of wooden shafts, each one carrying the ho
