V3 C1 - A Knight of the Demon Emperor

Before the War of Unification, the Summer Lands were ruled by two factions of Elves: the Trú and the Gørviligr.

Every decade, the kingdom would hold an election to choose whether it would be the leader of the Trú or the Gørviligr that would rule the Summer Lands for the next ten years. The elections were always peaceful, fair and both sides thoroughly checked for any tampering or interference with the votes.

Five years before the civil war began, the Trú's leader, Parthas, was elected to lead the Summer Lands but, unlike the rulers before him, he was power hungry.

He wanted to solidify his control over the city of Elvast and the Summer Lands no matter the cost, so he started reducing the power of those around him, including his main rival, the Gørviligr head Dormund.

When war broke out amongst their neighbours, Parthas started to change the laws of the Summer Lands, reducing his council’s powers and influence.

His actions did not go unnoticed.

Dormund revealed to the public what Parthas was trying to do, but reception was divided.The Gørviligr were outraged, but the Trú were divided. Parthas was popular and his public image was that of a benevolent and kind ruler. Parthas denounced Dormund back, accusing him of being power hungry.

Tensions rose and eventually Parthas triggered civil war.

He ordered that his own daughter be brutally murdered and framed the Gørviligr for it.

The civil war that followed ravaged the Elven kingdom for years until Saint Themis and her Holy Legion arrived. The Trú reached her first and made their case; the young saint believed their every word and pledged her support.

Karak-Harth, her oldest advisor, voiced his suspicions, but Themis ignored him and joined the war against the Gørviligr.

Two months later, the war ended and it seemed that all the Gørviligr, Dormund included, had been annihilated.

During that time, Themis had grown doubtful about the Tru and sent Karak-Harth, and others, to investigate but, by the time they’d learnt the truth, the war was over.

The newly anointed High King Parthas submitted himself before Themis and praised her as their saviour, which disgusted the young Saint who secretly rewrote the terms of their alliance. She reduced him to nothing more than a figurehead, removing all his influence and powers.

Per Karak-Harth’s council, Themis did not reveal the truth to the world about the Elven Civil War and the Summer Lands officially joined the Holy Empire.

While most believed that the Gørviligr died during the war, a small handful of them had escaped and retreated to the peaks of the mountains beside the Goddess’s Eye Lake, hidden away from the eyes of the Holy Empire.

During their long exile, they became a prosperous mountain people, but they never forgot their hatred of Saint Themis and the vengeance they sought of the Tru.

When David had arrived in their lands with the twins, he’d been very impressed at the Incan-like civilisation they’d developed.

They lived off livestock and traded goods based on what the two barterers deemed of equal-value. They hunted powerful beasts and had built many great buildings and monuments of stone.

There were more than seventy small villages built across multiple peaks connected only by sturdy rope bridges.

The Gørviligr had warmly welcomed David and the twins into their land, respecting him as the Dark Lord.

When David proposed an alliance to their Chieftain, she couldn’t accept quickly enough; she even offered David his daughters to tie their peoples together.

David had politely turned her down, saying that the feeling was more than enough.

Negotiations went incredibly smoothly.

“If it would bring about the justice we have sought all these years, then my people would follow you anywhere, sire.”

“That is not all I shall offer you, Chieftain. Once my empire has risen, Elvast shall be yours.”

She wept at that vow.

The Chieftain pledged all of their hundred thousand people, including their twenty thousand soldiers and hunters, to David’s cause.

The two then spent the next few days drawing out the details to sign an official alliance between the two peoples. The negotiations concluded happily for both sides.

“Master, my lady, please allow me to read the final terms to all those gathered before either leader signs,” Charybdis declared.

For the official signing of the alliance document, the Chieftain had opened up the largest stone hall in the villages for all to hear.

Thousands of locals had gathered to see the historic moment.

While there were many small terms, clauses, conditions and agreements on the treaty, Charybdis would only be covering the three main ones in her statement.

“First, in exchange for military support and assistance in managing the Demon Empire, the Gørviligr will be officially recognised as citizens of the Demon Empire and be given the territory of Elvast to call their own. However, while they will not be an independent city state, they will be allowed to rule the city as they see fit within reason, so long as they keep within the express guidelines of the Demon Emperor’s wishes.

“Second, as citizens of the Demon Emperor, the Gørviligr henceforth pledge their military force in its entirety to march under the Satyr’s Skull as soldiers of the Demon Empire and that they will never rebel or break the laws of the Demon Empire as decreed by the Demon Emperor himself. However, should any of the decrees or laws treat the Gørviligr unfairly as citizens of the Demon Empire, then they reserve the right to withdraw from the alliance so long as they give fair warning and notice to his majesty the Demon Emperor

“Finally, the Gørviligr swear eternal loyalty to the Demon Emperor in exchange for the agreed above terms of the treaty.

“If both parties agree to these terms and the others of the treaty between our Master and your Chieftain, would both representatives please sign this document in the eyes of these witnesses?”

The Gørviligr chieftain was the first to pick up her quill to sign the document. With a big smile, she signed the document and gently pushed the treaty over towards David. David took up his quill and signed the treaty as well, slowly and carefully, making sure that he didn’t mess up his signature.

The last thing I need is to mess up and embarrass myself at the end of a long negotiation for this alliance.

Once he was done, David put his quill down on the table just as the Gørviligr Chieftain extended her hand to David.

“It has been a pleasure and an honour to speak with you and reach this beneficial agreement, your majesty.”

David firmly shook her hand. “The pleasure has been mine.”

The room then broke out into applause and handshakes as the Gørviligr officially became part of the Demon Empire.

Their task complete, David and the twins promptly returned to his office, leaving two Ravens and eight of Jorogumo’s spiders behind to keep communication.

“Ah, I’m so tired.” Scylla fell in an exaggerated manner into her sister’s arms.

“Scylla...You didn’t do anything other than stand in the corner as his majesty conducted the negotiations with the Gørviligr.”

“I was on guard duty for an entire week without rest!”

“Your snores during the night would disagree.”

“Hey!” Scylla’s cheeks were flushed. “She’s lying, Master.”

David laughed and gently petted her head. “I don’t mind if you do, but it is true that you and your sister both worked hard during this last week. While I would love for you both to have a much-needed day of rest.” There was a knock at the door. “It seems that won’t be possible. Enter.”

“Excuse me, Lord Allaric.” Eva entered and bowed politely. “I’m sorry to interrupt you so soon after you’ve returned, but I found a letter addressed to you in your bedroom as I was cleaning this morning.”

“Let me see it.”

Eva passed him an envelope bound with a piece of brown string and sealed with red wax.

“Whose it from?”

“I’m afraid the sender didn’t leave their name, Lady Scylla. There are no other details on the envelope other than that it is addressed to the Dark Lord.”

“How did they manage to sneak into Master’s room without being detected?” Charybdis wondered.

“With most of the Ravens currently on assignment, there are small gaps in the security around the Dread Keep, so it’s not impossible for someone to make it in and out. If they managed that.” David broke the seal. “They have to be someone highly skilled and someone who knew I’d return from the negotiations with the Gørviligr today.”

“Is it possible that they were observing us during the negotiations?”

If they were, then it’s worrying that we didn’t notice them. David examined the wax seal more closely; it had an image of an open mouth with sharp canine teeth on it. Fangs? Vampires? If Rebecca was right and vampires still exist, then they could’ve been like Jorōgumo and sensed my arrival in this world. Maybe they’ve been watching me for a long time.

I thought vampires were vulnerable to sunlight and could only safely move around at night. David frowned. I shouldn’t judge Aangapea’s vampires based on the ones from my world’s fiction. My summoned generals might have been like their counterparts in my world, but that doesn’t mean everything would be similar.

Rebecca did think Mania was a vampire the first time she saw her, so maybe I could judge them based on Mania’s strength and abilities?

Maybe Rebecca has more-

“Master? Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing, Charybdis. Just lost in thought. Now, let’s see what this mystery sender wants.”

To the Dark Lord and the ruler of the Dread Kelsey,

I am Lord Ruthven, head of the Vampire Court.

Whilst I understand that this is hardly an appropriate or normal method of contacting one such as yourself, my colleagues and I felt that it would be best to contact you in as discreet of a manner as possible.

Normally, we would have contacted you in a more direct manner however, because of Karak-Harth’s resurrection, we are trying to avoid drawing attention to ourselves at this time.

Originally, I wished to write my full proposal to your lordship in this letter but, as I’m sure you will agree, time is of the essence. Therefore, I would like to invite your lordship and his party to a ball at my family’s home, Castle Bathory.

My subordinate who will be with you tomorrow morning to lead you to our home should you wish to accept my offer.

Many blessings and tidings upon the Dark Lord,

Lord Ruthven. High Lord of the Vampire Court

David finished reading the letter aloud, then passed it over to Charybdis who studied it intently.

“The Vampire Court?” Scylla, who had been reading the letter from over David’s shoulder, repeated. “Eva, have you ever heard of them?”

“Only in stories and legends, my lady. The Court used to rule one of the seven kingdoms of the south-west but they were thought to have been destroyed by Saint Themis during the War of Unification.”

“It seems that there are more of Themis’s dead enemies that survived,” Charybdis mused. “What about Castle Bathory?”

“People said it used to be in Adetite before Themis captured the city, but I can’t imagine that they would invite Lord Allaric to such a place.”

“I agree,” David said. “Lord Ruthven must mean somewhere else, perhaps somewhere within the Beast Woods.”

“They were thought to have come from the Beast Woods before they ruled Adetite, so perhaps they fled there after the Holy Legion took Adetite. The stories say that Themis led the first Holy Legion into the woods after taking Adetite to finish off the Court.”

“Either Themis has lied a lot about her achievements or she’s just sloppy.”

“All will be revealed after we attend this ball. Scylla, Charybdis; start making preparations. Eva, pick your five best maids to come along with you.”

“I-I’m to attend as well, Lord Allaric?”

David nodded. “Not just you and the maids. Rebecca and Hilda will be coming as well. Actually, bring Fenrir and Jessica's team, too.”

“I don’t think the little pup’s going to like a stuffy ball, Master,” Scylla said playfully.

“She won’t attend the ball; she’ll explore the Beast Woods for signs of any werewolves in the region. If Fenrir finds them, she’s to bring them into the fold. If not.” David chuckled. “She’ll get plenty of exercise.”

“…Lord Allaric, why do you wish to bring Hilda with us?”

“If Hilda’s going to serve as my knight, then she needs to get some experience guarding me before she has to defend me from any threats. Mania’s holding her graduation ceremony today to see if Hilda’s ready. Once the ceremony is over, take her back to her chambers and help her pack, Eva.”

“As you wish, Lord Allaric.” Eva curtsied. “I shall inform Lady Rebecca and begin preparation at once for both her and the others.”

“I’ll leave that to you. Scylla, Charybdis, make your preparations and tell Fenrir. If you need me, I’ll be observing Hilda’s graduation.”

***

Hilda stood in the centre of the room wearing only thin clothes and armed with her spear, her eyes closed, breathing calmly.

Today was her final test, but Hilda didn’t know what she would be doing.

Over the last five months, Hilda had gone from fighting a single skeleton to fighting an entire team of adventurers by herself.

She had been beaten, bruised and wounded, but never stopped fighting.

She’d requested more training sessions after Scylla and Charybdis had been summoned.

Every time Hilda overcame Mania’s tests, Mania escalated the difficulty by a considerable amount which was why Hilda was steeling herself for the hardest challenge of her life.

“Hilda, I want you to listen to me very carefully,” Mania said from across the room. “In a moment, I will release your opponents into the arena for you to kill, not defeat. Do you understand?”

Hilda nodded.

“Do not hesitate for even a second,” Mania continued as the rattling of metal cages echoed. “If, for any reason, you do not strike down your opponent with the intention of killing them, then you will not be qualified to become his majesty’s knight. Do you understand?”

Hilda nodded.

“Say that you understand.”

“I…understand.”

“Good. Now.” Mania clapped her hands twice and the heavy footsteps of Machai soon followed. “We shall be releasing your thirty opponents in one group of ten and the other as a group of twenty. You will kill all of them with only your spear before they can kill you. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Then, on the count of three, the first cages shall be opened and your opponents will fight you to the death. If they try to run out of the arena, we’ll just push them back in. Won’t we, Machai?”

The Machai grunted and beat their chests, terrifying the prisoners in their cages.

“Release the first batch.”

The steel door of the cage was thrown open and ten humans in ragged clothing carrying rusty weapons stepped out, panicked, crying and scared out of their minds.

As soon as Mania had ordered the captive’s release, Hilda struck.

She flew across the room with a powerful kick and thrust the tip of her spear into a man’s heart, instantly killing him. She tore it free, spun around, and cut another man’s head off. Hilda then took out the legs of the next person closest to her before stabbing them in the face.

The remaining seven combatants panicked.

Two fell onto their knees and begged for mercy, one tried to run but a Machai pushed them back into the arena and the other three charged at Hilda. Hilda easily parried the first and second attacks, then bent beneath the third attacker’s blade. She then grabbed the third attacker by the collar and slammed them head first into the stone floor.

The woman’s skull cracked open before Hilda discarded her corpse and swept her spear through the stomachs of the other two attackers.

With them dead, Hilda easily decapitated the last three as they screamed for mercy.

Per Mania’s instructions, Hilda didn’t hesitate once.

“Release the rest.”

The twenty remaining prisoners all decided to charge at Hilda after seeing how ruthlessly she’d dispatched the others.

However, even outnumbered like that, Hilda wasn’t fazed.

She increased the speed and power behind each of her strikes, cutting through them like butter.

She avoided their attacks and speared them through the chest whenever an opening appeared.

When a few tried to get behind her, Hilda fell back a few metres to stop them encircling her.

No matter what the desperate prisoners did, Hilda cut them down ruthlessly and efficiently without once hesitating.

When the last body hit the floor, the room and Hilda herself were covered in blood.

“Congratulations, Hilda. No honour, no chivalry and no quarter. All that mattered to you was performing your duty.”

“…Yes, Lady…Mania.”.

“Why did you fight like that?”

“Because…you ordered me…to.”

“Even though you didn’t know who those people were? Where they came from? Whether they were criminals or not? Did none of that matter to you?”

Hilda shook her head. “You told me…to kill…so, I kill. There’s no need…to think…about anything else.”

Mania’s smile widened. “Excellent. As you said, that is all that should matter to you. If his majesty tells you to do something, you do it, no matter what. That is your duty as his knight.

“The people you killed were members of the Sons of Tartarus and a few curious peasants that got too close to the Dread Keep.” Mania giggled. “Of course, that meant sending Ravens disguised as soldiers to inform their loved ones that they’d offended Lord Kelsey and were dead. If there’s one thing those birds excel at, it’s their illusion spells.”

“I’d say they excel as assassins, too, Mania,” David said as he entered the room. Mania, Hilda and all the Machai knelt before him as he approached. “It seems that I was too late to see Hilda’s finest moment.”

“If I had known you were coming, I would’ve gladly postponed it for you, Master.”

“It’s fine. How was she?”

Mania raised her head and flashed David a bright smile. “She was beautiful. She passed her exam with flying colours; I truly believe she is worthy to call herself your knight.”

“High praise, indeed, and it would seem like she did excellently. Hilda, while I am sad to have missed your finest moment, I am pleased to hear that Mania’s training has paid off.”

Hilda kept her head low. “…Thank you…very much.”

“Although, I am surprised that you were so easily able to kill so easily, especially when your opponent was human. You haven’t let her kill any humans before today, have you, Mania?”

“I haven’t, Master.”

“I thought so. Hilda, tell me, why were you so easily able to kill other humans?”

Back at the Shadow Tombs, I spent five minutes mustering my courage before I could kill Connor’s team. How did you do it without hesitation even though it was your first time?

Hilda slowly lifted her head, then stood proudly with her back straight before David and spoke slowly.

“Humans abandoned me …raped me, tried…to kill me…Why should I…have any love…for any of them…outside this castle’s walls?”

I’m happy she at least considers Eva and the others that way.

“I think Hilda’s hard work has earned a reward, don’t you, Master?”

“Yes, she has. Bring it in here.”

Mania clicked her fingers at two of the Machai standing off to the side. They promptly left the room before returning a minute later with a mannequin covered in a cloth and a long leather case.

The Machai dragged a table before Hilda, placing the case on top of it and the mannequin beside it.

“…What is…this?”

“When the Sons of Tartarus fell, we found many great treasures in their vaults,” David explained. “They had many great things that would help us with the coming war, including the world’s strongest, and rarest, metal. To even make one suit of armour from it would bankrupt a duke.

“However.” David gripped the cloth tightly with his fingers. “We were not only able to salvage hundreds of ingots of it, we also found talented blacksmiths who were more than willing to forge the Dragon Metal into armour and weapons. They’re making new equipment for me, my generals and the rest of the council, but.” David started to pull on the cloth. “I asked them to make this one first.”

David pulled the cloth off the mannequin, revealing a suit of Dragon plate armour tailor made to fit Hilda.

It looked like a normal knight’s uniform made of steel, but it had a black and white trim along the plates and an obsidian-coloured satyr’s skull on the chest piece. The helmet was based on one David had seen in his old world: the Sutton Hoo helmet which had metal guards to protect the mouth and ears.

In order to make Hilda’s armour look even more demonic and befitting of the Demon Emperor’s knight, he had two satyr’s horns modelled onto the side of the helmet.

“As of today, you are the Satyr Knight, my personal knight and a member of my council,” David proclaimed. “I have also had a mighty spear crafted for you and you alone to use. Mania.”

Mania smiled and opened the case, revealing an imposing looking two-metre-long spear with a crossguard beneath the tip, and a spike at the bottom of the shaft.

Hilda slowly reached to grasp at the spear but hesitated.

She looked to David for approval and he nodded. Hilda swallowed and picked up the spear.

Despite its size and fact that it was made of metal, it was lighter than her usual spear. Hilda then examined the blade more closely. She gently grazed her fingers over it and drew a little bit of blood.

Hilda put the spear back in the case and dropped to one knee before David, lowering her head.

“Your majesty…from this day forth, I…Hilda…swear eternal, undying loyalty…to you…my saviour…the Demon Emperor. No matter what you…ask of me…I shall…perform my duty as you…will.”

David smiled and put his hand on her shoulder. “I thank you for your pledge, Hilda, and have great hopes for your future.”