Chapter 2:
The Heir of Truth
Raxilius and Aldinor fell into a momentary silence, contemplating the possible outcomes. Then they declared: "We concur with King Draxensius. In our judgment, it is wisest to set our army in motion. Moreover, our forces outnumber the entire Legendh race fourfold. It is unlikely we shall encounter any issues."
Andreas, after a moment of contemplation, declared: "Very well. We shall make ready for battle and wipe out this wrathful race for all time. Raxilius, as most of your Vampire kin are warriors and swordsmen, you shall join the human sword-bands in the vanguard and lead the assault.
Draxensius, command twenty of your kin to take dragon-shape and strike from the skies. Order the rest of your forces—skilled as they are in close combat—to form pairs and reinforce the front lines. Aldinor, have your Blood Elves mount the dragons and loose their arrows from above. Divide your wizards: one company to strike from the rear, the other to march alongside me and the infantry."
At last, the three kings nodded in assent to King Andreas' words. Each departed the tent to muster their assault forces.
Meanwhile, King Atrius had returned, and was confronted by the grief-stricken gazes of his people. In his absence, they had laid their Queen’s resting form within a casket woven from the sacred tree’s own branches. With heavy steps, Atrius approached his wife’s bier. He knelt before it, bidding her farewell one final time.
Then, with steadfast bearing, he commanded his people to gather round. After a brief pause, he began his address:
«O people! Today we have all borne witness to an ill-fated event – the death of my wife and Queen of these lands. Yet we cannot linger forever in sorrow. Within but a few hours, we shall witness one of history’s greatest wars.
I cannot promise victory, but I thank you all for standing by me in this dark hour. Now—not as your king, but as one of your own race—I beseech you: turn back. For if you remain, death is your certain fate. I know I ought not say this... but our war is against all the world, not a single kingdom!
Yet if you stay, know this: In this war, we shall not fight for vengeance nor for conquest—but for our honor and glory!"
Upon the conclusion of Atrius’ speech, the people cried out as one: "Long live the King! Joy be to the fallen Queen!"
Atrius offered a Mona Lisa smile—one that lingered only at the corner of his lips—then declared in a voice of iron: "Very well! Now, soldiers, follow me to prepare for the battle ahead."
Finally, he moved to the Sacred Tree, leaning his brow against its trunk.
"Today," he murmured, "both you and I meet our end. But fear not. For Arian shall return one day, and you will breathe again. But I shall not. So I entreat you: entrust my memories... and my sworn mission... to her when she comes."
The Sacred Tree seemed to sway gently in reply; as though it had grasped Atrius’ thoughts and feelings in its ancient consciousness.
Atreus gathered with the soldiers in the camp tent, laying out war plans to confront the enemy. In a firm voice, he addressed one of the commanders: 'Commander, the enemy force will be close to 10,000 strong, while our total population is only 2,500—and of those, merely 1,000 are warriors. Yet I believe in your strength—strength that rivals four of theirs. It would be my honor to fight alongside you in this battle... likely our last stand.'
Atreus turned back to where the moonlight illuminated the tent’s interior and continued: 'Since the sky is dark and the moon clearly lights the path, the blood-drinkers will be at their peak. Thus, I expect they’ll strike first as the vanguard. Send troops to the battlefield immediately to deploy slow-magic traps and cripple their speed.'"
The other major threat we face—requiring our utmost attention—is the dragons.’ He turned back to the commanders, his eyes burning like fire, and declared: ‘I estimate only twenty or thirty of them will shift into draconic forms to attack from the skies. No cause for concern; I’ll personally handle their aerial forces. But those assaulting on the ground? That is your duty to deal with.’
Then he signaled with his hand for them to mobilize immediately, and exited the tent."
Hours passed like days; at last, the battle began. The battlefield overflowed with doubt, anxiety, and fear on both sides. Among the allied forces, Andreas, Draxenius, Raxelius, and Eldinor stood mounted atop their massive steeds behind the front lines. With hardened resolve, they gazed upon the field—soon to be watered with blood."
But on the opposing side, Atreus stood as their leader—on foot, shoulder to shoulder with his soldiers. With a steady gaze full of determination, he honored the hearts standing beside him. Complex emotions surged within him; he thought not only of his soldiers now entering battle, but also of his beloved Arian and the legacy he must leave behind. And he asked himself this question: 'Who will walk out of this place alive?
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