A New Era

Somewhere in the depths of the dungeon, the Vast Ocean waves lapped harmlessly against the outer sea wall of the old keep. The Forsaken King sits on his throne, a self-satisfied look on his face. The courtyard was filled with monsters, each one an agent of his army. It had taken more than a hundred years, but finally he would have his vengeance.

“They remember the name Ricard fondly, it seems,” the king spoke to himself. “But soon they will fear that name. I will destroy everything that man took from me. And then, the very gods next.”

He reached down to his neck, lifting the coin pendant up towards the sunless sky.

“Such a tiny thing, for so much power,” he scoffed. “This is the hidden treasure of the gods? Fools.”

An orc approached the throne, kneeling before it.

“What is it?” The king asked.

The orc mumbled something in its own language.

“So you’ve come, it seems,” The king grinned.

Kagan walked forward, Leo trailing behind him like a scared kitten. His arm had been restored by the High Priestess.

“I decided to take your offer,” Kagan said.

“Wise of you,” the king laughed.

“Give me the power to destroy Ronin,” Kagan growled. “And I’ll make sure no one stands in your way.”

Kagan kneeled before the king, Leo following and doing the same.

“A new age is beginning,” the king stood, raising his hand arm to the heavens. “An age without gods. An age of freedom.”

The orcs howled, praising their king in their own tongues. The gray dragon landed nearby, roaring in revelry. All the while, Leo watched with a concerned eye, plotting in his heart his next move.