Life in the northern regions of Lykos has become harsher and harsher as the days continue. Granted that life outside of the major walled cities, such as the capital, has always been unkindly to the many residents that called the thin pine forest and coarse hills home. The many large and ancient beasts that have chosen to roam these lands as feeding territory has perpetually given a challenge to even the most experienced hunters who prey upon the abundant game or the mining of raw materials from the rich earth. But ever since the Frostlandians had declared war on the clans, the various raids and incursions from these rabid forces have pushed many from the border that they had once claimed a sustainable home. Of course, the empire does all it can to keep these forces at bay. Lykos is far from inexperienced with handling the raid parties of some nomadic sects or smaller factions within the Frostlands, but it is due to the far more cohesive and organized formations that present the la
Lyse wished he could at least hear what was going on. But unfortunately, unless you were pressed up against the metal door, there wasn't much you could do. He trusted Ryan to get through to her, at the very least not kill her, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something staring right in his face. And it bugged him to no avail. The captain returned to her quarters and told Lyse that he was welcome to come anytime if she needed anything from her, which was a good thing because he does have a plan to hopefully get to the bottom of the main base of Lord Bok and Talin. He's glad that she is still so willing after all that has happened; then again, refusing a knight's wishes would be difficult, even for someone of her standing. But for this, Ryan was still an enigma as to how he knew about Talin and why he was still alive despite his knowledge. Especially if Talin was so thorough in keeping their identity a secret, in that case, someone like Ryan should not exist a
Massua felt jolted awake. It was a bizarre feeling as if you were just a moment ago falling, and your body needed to react. But as she got her bearings and rational thought came back to her, she knew that she was just in the carriage. She was not yet used to Vermilliaa's sign to wake up. She said it was the only way to pull her back from the world of dreams without outright endangering them both. Still, though, she wished that she did not look like a fool every time this must happen. Her mother always seemed unbothered, assuming it to be a starling dream, but if she kept prying, Massua was unsure how much she could hide from her mother. Celia was a wise person, always knowing what was going on in the lives around her, especially her children. And Massua should know, her brother is much the same way. That is what made him an excellent teacher to her. She wished she had developed that skill, to know what people think. That was, in fact, the point in these lessons that she and her
Massua felt jolted awake. It was a bizarre feeling as if you were just a moment ago falling, and your body needed to react. But as she got her bearings and rational thought came back to her, she knew that she was just in the carriage. She was not yet used to Vermilliaa's sign to wake up. She said it was the only way to pull her back from the world of dreams without outright endangering them both. Still, though, she wished that she did not look like a fool every time this must happen. Her mother always seemed unbothered, assuming it to be a starling dream, but if she kept prying, Massua was unsure how much she could hide from her mother. Celia was a wise person, always knowing what was going on in the lives around her, especially her children. And Massua should know, her brother is much the same way. That is what made him an excellent teacher to her. She wished she had developed that skill, to know what people think. That was, in fact, the point in these lessons that she and her
Massua felt jolted awake. It was a bizarre feeling as if you were just a moment ago falling, and your body needed to react. But as she got her bearings and rational thought came back to her, she knew that she was just in the carriage. She was not yet used to Vermilliaa's sign to wake up. She said it was the only way to pull her back from the world of dreams without outright endangering them both. Still, though, she wished that she did not look like a fool every time this must happen. Her mother always seemed unbothered, assuming it to be a starling dream, but if she kept prying, Massua was unsure how much she could hide from her mother. Celia was a wise person, always knowing what was going on in the lives around her, especially her children. And Massua should know, her brother is much the same way. That is what made him an excellent teacher to her. She wished she had developed that skill, to know what people think. That was, in fact, the point in these lessons that she and her
Edlund felt stiff upon Myre, looking upon his legion that stood at attention patiently as others just like them organized in neat blocks. Row by row. These formations have become the staple of the empire's warfare tactics over the past few centuries. Predominantly used in the outlands and more recently against the far more structured Frostlandic forces they have been encountering as of late. A legion was to act almost like a small independent army. They have their infantry, pikemen, a few knights, and archers in the back. Overall the force was relatively small, just over two hundred in total, including himself, Gray, Elena, and Dagmyre, who sat on their horses just beside him. All knights were to stand in front of their legion and lead the march besides their captain, and they were there to make sure that the man giving orders didn't die, which was both a good and bad thing. It was a good tactic, as this guaranteed the safety of whoever the knights were protecting. A bad thing because
Ryan dropped into the darkness that the trapdoor led to. Immediately he closed his eyes and concentrated on the aura in the area instead, allowing the void to consume his vision. Not that he needed it as Veronica and the few meant at managed to follow her down did not attempt to mask their presence, splashing the dirty water about as they bounded off towards what he assumed were more secret passageways through the old ruins. Ryan, by contrast, could move ever so silently even with the water, keeping to the edge of the circular tunnel and scurrying. His blade drawn, he quickly approached one of the stragglers at the very back. He took notice of Ryan, and before considering sounding an alarm, he immediately fired a bullet right at Ryan's head. The projectile was narrowly avoided, sparking against the stone at his left as Ryan quickly dodged aside. Within that motion, he let loose yet another throwing knife, one of his last, which sailed right into the hand holding the gun, forcing the m
After their meeting, Ryan was sent home to prepare for that night. So much weighed on him that he felt exhausted by the time he reached the front door. Fortunately, all things looked safe. And well, though the street was for the first time empty of the kid's usually games and atmosphere. The air seemed a bit ominous with them not here. But this is indeed for the best. He opened the door and was pleased to find that despite not doing all they wished, the kids, of course, found ways to entertain themselves. The air was alive with the smells of fresh pies, pies that would have been enjoyed at the beach if they went through with their plans as previously, but either way, at least they were all having a great time. On the other hand, Ryan found himself sitting on the floor just before the door, trying to take in what would happen in the coming nights, what he would have to do, and what this prince wanted with him. He never considered it before, but could it be that Talin is in Antalya
Edlund looked out over the horizon from atop the higher walls of the fortress. He could climb to one of the watchtowers for a greater view but felt disturbing the lookouts wouldn't be worth the effort. Besides, he didn't just come up here to survey their battlefield. He has been drilled in practically every inch of the surrounding terrain till he could navigate it blindfolded. He has friends close by, worthy knights, and even his own army to look after. No, none of this terrified him. After all, he has been through so far in his life, this sort of challenge did little to faze him at this moment. But what scared him the most was much deeper. This is officially the furthest he has been from any family. Celia and Massua would be at the Wild Halls by now. Lyse is on the other side of the continent searching for more godslayers. It's just him here. There's no one to fall back on, no one to go to when he needs help. but when has he ever needed help. He's always been the type of kid to ram
The Queen was now reaching their destination. As they traveled these large roads, fittingly constructed to carry the massive army that made the Queen's convoy, many other wagon trains joined them briefly before splintering off to whatever nearby cities or towns were in this area, which was of course, very few. This portion of the forest of silence, while untouched by whatever corrupting power lies within its heart, was all the most sacred and mysterious to the clans' people. The Wild Halls was indeed the birth of their nation, of course. The first seven kings crowned their first emperor, Bolurus Milinieas, and united the seven clans in Thiria. Ever since, the wild halls, where that decision had been made, has become the decided meeting place of the empire's sovereign over the past thousand years. And, on rare occasions, one among them may very well be chosen to be Emperor in the direst of situations. But of course, it has been five hundred years since then, and most couldn't see a new