The Amulet of Terra

Embers of resistance burned on. Yet the downtrodden could only cling to furtive hopes of liberation. Desperate prayers which fell upon deaf ears night after unceasing night.

Ten years have passed since the shroud of the war first set over Aether. 

We get a to view a blonde woman dressed in holy garb of a priestess cleaning and tidying up the Temple. She said aloud, "I wonder if those two are at it again."

Then look around at all that she accomplished, and said, "Well, that takes care of the altar. I suppose I should be getting back."

Then we get to pane out and view the entire little remote town. It was the home that Prince escaped with the Ranger to located inside Arcadia. There was nice beachside area. 

As well look at the beachside, we see two young warrior battling in full armor. Training like they usually do. 

The red headed young warrior that matched his fiery personality said, "Sorry Elias, but this round is mine!"

The other young man was Prince Elias all grown up with same brown hair. He said, "Ah, you always were the optimist."

They swung their swords in training battle, trying their complex combos. Then Elias used two hands to raise up his broad sword and swung it down hard on the red head's shield. 

The young man absorbed the blow and said, "Dammit.!! You got a good hit in. I'll give you that."

They both sheaved their weapons relaxed from the training session. The read head named was Loid. 

He said "Phew, there is no stopping you these days."

Elias replied. "Yet you've grown no less than I have. Still we could likely train for the rest of our lives and even then, never manage to best Jeod."

Loid said. "Weird to think he's back in Aether right now. Finally making that Liberation Army thing a reality, huh? Guess that means we'll be going up against New Cornelia Empire and that Lycan bastard."

Elias confirmed, "Indeed it does. The people of Aether are suffering, Loid. Crying out for whatever help will hear their pleas. Should I turn a deaf ear to those voices. I would have little and less claim to the crown I feel is mine."

Continuing he said, "That and I owe it to my father to see them safe."

Loid said, "Well yeah, but Cornelia's got the whole world in the palm of their hand. How are we gonna fight back against that?"

Elias held his confidence and said, "The earth maybe theirs, but the heavens will surely favor those who stand for justice."

Loid replied, "You got a point there. Sorry for not sounding all too confident. Just make sure you don't take it all on yourself. I'll be with you every step of the way."

Elias smiled, "Thank you, Loid. You know I  can't do this without you."

Loid replied, "Oh, stop. You're gonna make me blush."

Then both of the friend laughed heartily. Then Loid said, "Anyway, that's enough training for today. We're gonna miss lunch if we don't get moving."

Elias replied, "I suppose it is that time."

Then while looking out over the big sea he notice something out there. Elias said, "Hm?"

Loid asked, "You see something out there?"

Elias confirmed by pointing, said, "It's a ship."

Loid turned and looked, said, "Looks like they are flying Cornelia colors too."

Elias turned back to Loid and said, "This town is no longer safe. We have to tell the others."

Loid agreed, "With you there. You head for the Temple. I'll make sure the town knows what's coming."

The friend go their separate ways, running off to alert the necessary people. Meanwhile the ship heads into the town's only harbor. 

The view of the harbor and the ship docked with soldiers pouring out. One soldier shouted, "Seal off the harbor, and do it quick! Not a soul gets away under our watch!"

A flood of Cornelia soldiers in grey colors fly into the town to block it off. The same soldier reported to a large man with a huge shield and a spear. "All soldiers have alighted, ser."

The large man said, "Dispatch a vanguard to the Temple, and remember we are to apprehend the target alive!"

Soldier confirmed, "Understood, ser!" and then hustle off to carry out the orders. 

We turn to the Temple and the statue of a hooded lady sitting beside the statue of a tree at the central position inside. 

We hear the priestess woman from before praying. "O heavenly father, ruler of the land and sky above, we pray this day for deliverance from evil.
Grant us the meager sustenance to nourish our fragile bodies in the times to come.
Guide our lost souls on the path to salvation.
Shine down your radiant light upon us, for darkness looms thick through all corners of Terra."

She continues, "Such as my humble request as your humble servant. In the name of the guardian Tree and Holy Mother."

Then the doors to the Temple squeal loudly as they open. The priestess asks, "Is that you Elias?"

Then se walks from the altar where she was praying and moves to the common area. She said aloud, "How many times must I ask you not to stomp around in the temple?"

Then a few men rush into the light where the priestess stood. They has their weapons out and full Cornelia colors. She gasped and asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

The soldiers cheerfully said, "well, look at what we've got here. Seems that we're the first to show. "

Another soldier said, "We can have some fun with her, but don't forget the girl dies and our heads will roll, too."

The priestess with pride said, "Such depravity will not go unpunished. Not in the house of the heavenly Father!."

The first soldier said. "Yeah? You were praying about darkness looming, you best get to praying again."

The soldiers began to surround the priestess. She was holding her staff, and lunged at one of the soliders to knock him off balance. 

The other soldier swung his ax at the the woman, in attempt to stop her from running. However, she leaped quickly out of range of the strike.

The the ax wielding soldier was astonished and said, "She's fast!"

Then another voice said, "Not as fast as I."

As Elias stabbed his sword through the off-balance soldier and swung the deadly blade quickly to slay the others. He sheathed his sword, and the priestess collapsed as the danger was gone, and she finally relaxed. 

Elias ran up to the priestess and asked, "Lily! Are you hurt?"

Lily replied, "Only a little shaken, that's all."

Then she asked, "What's happening to us, Elias?"

Elias replied, "A ship has come ashore on Arcadia soil. One hoisting banner of the Wolf army.

He gave his hand and helped up the Priestess Lily back to her feet.

Then she asked, "And are they aware that you're the crown prince?"

Elias shook his head, "I can't say for certain. But we know one thing; these people are our enemy, and they must be stopped."

Lily confirmed, "Yes, my temple will see no more bloodshed this day. Come, let's move outside"

With that the Prince and Priestess hustles to the exit of the temple. At the doors they meet the caretaker they seek. Ranger Jeod. 

Jeod spoke" Your Highness, it is a relief to see you unharmed."

His aide named Piper spoke up and asked, "Hold on, where is Loid?"

Elias reported, "He went ahead to alert the town. We best find him and get to the harbor."

Ranger Jeod replied, "Indeed. But first, my prince. This belongs to you."

Elias took the chain necklace and asked, "A necklace?"

Jeod elaborated, "The Amulet of Terra. Emperor Gerard wished for you to have it. In truth, I intended to wait till signs of age played more deeply on your face, but we no longer have such luxury. I have the utmost faith that you'll see it secured."

Elias was pleased, "A keepsake from my father? Thank you for this Jeod. Truly."

Jeod replied, "Make no further mention of it. Now Let us be off."

The 4 people hustle away from the temple and head towards the little town. Which they arrive in town and find more of the soldiers flying the banner of the Wolf. There were mostly human soldiers and few lycans. All met their end once Ranger Jeod came within range. 

The prince determined not to be left behind took out several of the enemies. While the priestess both healed and boosted front line warriors. While the aide Piper utilized her long spear to eliminate enemies from a distance. 

The crew found the young redhead named Loid fighting off many enemies. which they quenched and freed the town of the Cornelian soldiers. 

Sweating but yet triumphant, Loid said, "Hey, uh... Sorry about that. They caught me off guard there. But don't worry. Everyone's safe. I made sure of it."

Elias replied, "I knew I was right to count on you. And I'm glad you're unharmed as well."

Loid said. "Still wish I could've done more though... Here, lemme scout out ahead to make up for it."

With that the small band that was led by Ranger Jeod continued to secure the town. As Loid moved to the outskirts of town toward the harbor to scout for enemies.