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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
STEEL AND FLESH 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 THE BATTLE OF HARENIA 1
"I will be on the Frontline." Said king Lauihnio. His commanders including Lord Garthine Polion gasped in surprise. "Are you sure you listen to yourself clearly your majesty." Garthine Polion asked. King Lauihnio rested his arms on the desk were the map with which they were to draw out their battle strategy laid, for the Quanian army was close and having lost the war against the joint force of the Mocinians, Zimbians and the Bauthinians, what stood between their leader King Brothlander and escape using the docks was King Lauihnio's army."But my King your life would be at risk when you are on the Frontline, you need no telling how fierce the battle is going to be at the front line, you are our -""And so are the lives of my men." King Lauihnio interrupted. "The Quanians wish to transfer every bit of aggression on us and King Brothlander would surely want to set an example of us - he knows he has lost the war and I swear by Oridon's mace that beast of a man is going to fight like a w
STEEL AND FLESH THE BATTLE OF HARENIA 2
"Hold!" King Lauihnio bellowed while he and the soldiers tried to maintain a firm grip on their shields in order to not to break formation to prevent further casualties on their side. The hurling of javelins at them seemed to go one forever but King Lauihnio knew that with time the energy that the charioteers used to harass them would fade and their javelins exhausted. "Archers get ready your bows! - Arrows! - draw!" King Lauihnio waited to sense when the quickness of their efforts reduced. When he noticed that their efforts were fading he smiled. "Fire!" he bellowed with much intensity letting out some droplets of saliva.At this order the Bauthinian archers unleashed a volley of arrows that arched up into the clear sky and swept on the Quanian charioteers. A good number of them were struck by the arrows and this reduced their threat. "Return to your defensive positions and hold." King Lauihnio ordered when he noticed that a few archers were struck by the Quanian javelins in retalia
STEEL AND FLESH NIGHTMARE
King Lauihnio stood almost solemnly at the window, gazing at the great mountains of Lahda, the evening sun about to set splashed golden Rays which lit up his chamber making it more admirable at first sight, it looked like the gods were passing by, as the distant panorama was filled with elegance, perhaps it was a sign from the gods that all was well for the harvest was rich and plentiful.The people of Bauthinia lived in peace and abundance, love and joy, joy that was brought about by the never ending entertainment and banter especially among the male civilian folk who never saw complecancy as a beautiful enemy that had been responsible for the downfall of the numerous kingdoms, dynasties and civilisations that had dominated the Azarian world. From the ale House, whore house and inns to the combat arena at loeia the Bauthinian capital, great pleasure was never far away from anyone even the common man."You look troubled, anything the matter." His wife queen Lana asked, she had been go
STEEL AND FLESH THE THREAT TO SOVEREIGNTY
The Elerian envoy were already waiting in the royal courtroom when the king entered. On sighting king Lauihnio they bowed their heads in reverence as the king walked to his throne and sat on it. Notable noblemen of Bauthinia were present of which were Garthine Polion the chief commander of the king's army, Lord Wemblewin baron of Laoia, the capital of Bauthinia which was located south of Bauthinia, Lord Spleyfico baron of Serdis which was located at the North Western region of Bauthinia, Lord Barthine Loust baron of Prodloust which was located at the North Central region of Bauthinia, Lord Meht baron of Vegia which was located at the North Eastern region of Bauthinia, Paulio grand cytix priest of Bauthinia, Lord Cantrio special adviser to the king and prince Cannio of Bauthinia the king's junior brother. All men present took their seats with prince Cannio, Garthine Polion, and Lord Barthine Loust fixing a Stern gaze at the five Envoys of Eleria. "long live king Lauihnio, ruler and d
STEEL AND FLESH WEARINESS IN THE MIDST OF PLENTY
"Your majesty our economic records here shows that we made gross profit from the sale of wheat, barley and corn, a profit higher than any we have recorded in our history." The King's economic adviser said. "With the demand for these cereals increasing three times higher than last year, we made more coin from our cereals than we did our gold and diamonds.""I think our men at our mines need to step up their efforts or instead we could improve labour there at our mines, because with this shocking news, it shows that our export of gold products which have been our main economy over the years is losing its place to agriculture." Lord Cantrio said. "So do you Lord Cantrio think that recognising agriculture as our main economy is a bad idea?""The success of an economy based on agriculture is determined by the weather, extreme workforce and quantity of products which could lose it's value over time, gold never loses value, so I say we improve our labour at the mines, I say we continue to r
STEEL AND FLESH TIME FOR THE GODS
"I am sure you have forgotten the centaur's ode." Queen said as she dipped her fore finger in some Ash that was mixed in some holy water, after which she rubbed the mixed Ash on her husband's forehead. She drew a circle and a straight line below the circle to represent Oridon's mace. She did the same to herself then dropped the bowl of mixed Ash on the floor. "These ashes come from blue coloured ferns that I got when I went on pilgrimage to Sergia, the ferns are called Fermishia. In the whole of the Azarian world they are found only in the temple courts of the great Oridon temple." The King knelt down on a mat in front of the statues of the five gods. The statue of Oridon was about ten feet tall, it depicted a man with burly structure and full black beards and a well trimmed black hair, he wore a golden toga and he held a golden mace which represented his dominance and authority of all things that transpired in the realm of the Divine, the realm of the living and the realm of the de
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- STEEL AND FLESH
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
- STEEL AND FLESH
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,
- STEEL AND FLESH
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,
- STEEL AND FLESH
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
- STEEL AND FLESH
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,
- STEEL AND FLESH
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
- STEEL AND FLESH
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
