The Lion of Stalavat

The soldiers of Belomas and Stalavat awaited their orders — each ready to give their lives to protect Belomas. Illya had brought with him the soldiers of Bay, who were eager to avenge their general and bring Rostov to her knees. In total, three thousand and twenty-seven joined the fight from Belomas. Diana was accompanied by her shield maidens, who she had hand selected for their strength and ability to flourish in battle. In total, she brought one hundred of her best maidens — finding it not necessary to contribute more.

Diana did not wish to mortgage the future of Stalavat if they did not come out on top against Alkibiades. On the other hand, the other person involved in this fight, Alexander, brought with him three hundred of his best men.

Each was hand selected for their experience and abilities. Those who wished to join, but did not have a son to succeed them were denied the opportunity to take part in the battle. Prior to the battle, Alexander had not named an heir — believing he would be victorious against Alkibiades.

The man was in his twentieth year. He did not have the opportunity to provide an heir, as he had to deal with the troubles that come with succession. Prior to the death of Alexander’s father, Diana was meant to have the first child of Alexander. However, this did not go through because rumors reached Philip, the father of Alexander, that Diana was being married off to another man.

After the death of Olenica, the men were restored to their status as citizens. However, segregation between men and women did not end. The Jarl that came after Olenica, Diana I, restored the men to their status as citizens and beneficiaries of Stalavat.

She was the one that rebuilt their side of the city and wrote their laws. Basically, the men of Stalavat were to mirror the woman. They were to remain divided, but they were to discuss terms and conditions with their neighbors together.

Stalavat was divided between men and women, but they remained one single entity before their neighbors. Henceforth, Diana I, named the first Jarl — a man named Amyntas. The grandfather of Alexander and the father of Phillip.

Diana I was a controversial figure. The Jarl that came after her attempted to eradicate the line of Diana I and her legacy. However, this failed miserably — as she died a premature death from what many presumed to be an assassination.

Olenica remained in power for twenty years. Diana I took power afterward, and she lasted in power for fifteen years. She died during childbirth.

The woman to succeed the unnamed Jarl, whose name has been lost to time or perhaps eradicated from the records, was a woman named Sappho. There is not much to mention — aside from her reforms that connected men and women further.

However, she died from a broken heart, as she had grown attached to a man of lower birth from Stalavat.

The higher ups did not permit her to procreate with the man, and he was eventually executed by the orders of both parties. Rather than procreate with a man that she did not love — she preferred to lock herself up in her chamber and starve.

She spent ninety-five days starving herself to death. When her time came, she died with no heir to succeed her. Her successor was Diana II, the daughter of Diana I.

At the time of the appointment, Diana II had an heir already — a daughter, named Diana III. However, Diana III was viewed as unworthy of being the next heir. This affected the self-esteem and confidence of Diana III, who began to adapt a persona, in order to protect herself and live up to her mother’s high expectations.

Diana II went on to have two more daughters, named Hermes and Philippus. Diana II stepped away from the position once Diana had become of age to take on the responsibility. She was the first Jarl in Stalavat’s history to retire from the position and provide a substantial number of heirs.

Diana II was later invited to join the higher ups, who were women from the time of Olenica and Diana I.

Alexander, the Jarl of the defenders, was eager to prove his worth before not only Diana — who he believed to be his rightful bride. But he also wished to put the world on notice. The world will learn the name Alexander and never forget the battle that would take place today.

The man stepped before the allied forces, his presence difficult not to acknowledge. He stared down each and every soldier present, nodding his head to the soldiers present. The soldiers gulped as their eyes met his — unsure of what he was looking for.

He took a deep breath. “Today, you people here will follow my lead,” Alexander stated, his voice cold and serious. “By no other circumstance, will you follow the lead of the people that you are accustomed to following.”

He took a deep breath. “Today, you people here will follow my lead,” Alexander stated, his voice cold and serious. “By no other circumstance, will you follow the lead of the people that you are accustomed to following.”

His words sparked the ranks to chatter amongst themselves. The forces of Belomas did not approve of the young Illya being named their general, but they were not going to follow a foreigner to lead them — instead of their fellow man.

Stepping up to the plate, Illya put himself in front of his forces. “I understand your frustrations,” he said. “However, I ask you to stand down and follow the commands of the man before you.”

“Stalavat had come to aid us,” he continued. “You will do right by them and accept their help.”

Many found his words to be proper. Others were disgusted at the general that was appointed to replace Bay, who would have never been second to anybody. Especially, to a foreigner.

Pushing Illya aside, Alexander, once again, took the stage. “Listen here,” Alexander said. “If you people wish to falter to the power of those you once hunted — go ahead and face them on your own.”

The bitter crowd went silent. “I did not think so?” he continued. “Now prepare yourselves and get in formation.”

Having said what he wanted to say, Alexander walked onward to his position. Not before turning to Diana, his gaze stern and cold. Diana nodded at him — almost as if his gaze was to remind her of something.

The ground began to tremble and the sound of war drums began to be heard. Flag bearers began to be spotted by the soldiers of Belomas, who could not help but feel this was a display of bravado.

The flag bearers did not just carry the flag of Rostov — they held urns. These urns carried the ashes of Bay, a reminder to Belomas about their loss.

However, it could signify another thing — the ashes could resemble what Belomas will be once Alkibiades is victorious.

This display of Rostov hit the Belomas ranks hard. The soldiers of Bay, who had left in defeat a month ago, felt a creeping dread. They looked at Illya, then at Alexander, desperately searching for words of encouragement.

Alexander noticed their worries. He stepped forward, drawing his sword. He puffed his chest, displaying his courage and bravery to the ranks. The ranks followed his suite — not wishing to be outdone by the man who they had placed their faith in.

Alexander gripped onto his sword tightly, not out of fear. But because he felt the burden of not providing an heir. For some reason, Alexander felt that he would not come out of this battle.

There was just something about this situation that felt different. He was not obligated to fight for Diana, but he felt the need to do it. The man had failed to obtain her hand in marriage. But that did not matter anymore.

What mattered was that Stalavat became one. Alexander’s dream was for the men and women of Stalavat to integrate and put an end to segregation between them. This was the dream that Alexander had mentioned to Diana — a dream that could lead to happiness for their people.

In order to receive his help, Diana agreed to make a binding pact with Alexander to carry out his will. In case, he was to die in this battle.

As the Rostovian drums reached a deafening crescendo, the allies solidified their formation. The flag bearers stepped aside, quickly made way for the army. Leading the pack was none other than Alkibiades, who sported a bronze plate on his chest. Along with wrist guards and shin guards.

He did not wear a helmet, believing the helmet not to be necessary. Alkibiades noticed the number of troops — finding the number to be less than he had anticipated. Of course, he had to remind himself that Belomas was fighting wars on multiple fronts in Ugrica.

It was only natural her forces would be smaller than what could be expected. Rostov had brought ten thousand men altogether with them. The implications were quite clear — Rostov intended to settle this in one battle and sack Belomas.

Stalavat appeared to be accompanying Belomas too. The council had not anticipated Belomas seeking the aid of Stalavat. However, it was nothing to worry about. The forces Stalavat provided were of no importance.

“From what I can tell, general, “Kynaios said, “There are less than five thousand soldiers.”

Alkibiades loss in thought, missed Kynaios' input. “Sir?” Kyanois said.

“Oh, yes,” Alkibiades replied, his focus now back to Kynaios.

“Do not tell me,” Kynaios teased. “You of all people are having stage freight?”

“Do not be ridiculous, love,” Alkibiades said, doubling down on his ability to take Belomas by storm. “There just is not anybody notable there.”

“I mean, Diana is present,” he continued. “There is also that woman named Hermes — the sister of Diana. Where on earth is Stanillo?”

“Perhaps, he ran off,” Kynaois joked.

“No,” Alkibiades muttered, not liking this one bit. “Illya’s brat is here. But he is wearing the armor of a general.”

“Sending a mere child to deal with me?” Alkibiades continued, his voice irritated and confused. “What do they have planned?”

Alkibiades folded his arms, chuckling at the thought of Belomas sending a mere child to lead them. “Well, Kynaois,” he said. “Their warriors will not be enough to satisfy me. At best, they will serve as mere appetizers for my hunger.

“The main dish will be that woman,” he continued, “Then, there is also that other woman, too.”

“The sisters of Stalavat are quite the fighters,” Kynaois added. “Shall I leave them to you?”

“Hold on,” Alkibiades paused, his voice unsteady and nervous. “That man over there — the one with the blonde curly hair. Is that not the other Jarl?”

“The other Jarl?” Kynaois asked.

“Yes,” Alkibiades answered. “Stalavat has two Jarls. One for the men. Another for the woman. Of course, he must be the successor of Phillip! The young man that rose to power recently.”

“And what of him?” Kynaois said.

“He is the one leading the army,” Alkibiades grinned.

“That man? No, I do not think so,” Kynaois said.

“He carries himself differently compared to the boy, Kynaois,” Alkibiades added, displaying his keen observation to Kynaois. “This is a man that has not once been commanded to do a thing in his life! That man is Alexander!”

“This man will be a treat,” Alkibiades declared. “The thought of facing him is making my blood rile up!”

Meanwhile, Alexander stood unaware that the disgraced one of Rosov had set his sights on him. While Alexander fights for unity and reformation, Alkibiades seek glory and renown that transcends time.

The Rostovian lines begin to move forward. Alkibiades is not sending his cavalry first — he is leading the pack. This was an unexpected move — forcing the young Alexander to order the foot soldiers to advance.

He joined the charge. Alexander moved like a whirlwind at the center of the stage, his straight sword carving a path through the Rostovian ranks. He fought with the desperation of a man who knew what he had to do, his every strike was delivered swiftly as he had dreamed of doing it, to the one called Alkibiades.

At that moment, Alkibiades broke through the ranks of the allies, clashing his fist against the young Alexander’s blade. The static shock from the collision was enough to spread throughout the battle.

“Such power,” Diana uttered, her voice terrified and worried.

“This is the power of the one we have to overcome,” Illya muttered. “Perhaps, he may be out of my league, after all…”

On the other hand, Alkibiades was all smiles. He could not believe that Alexander had blocked him, despite having gone out of his way to catch him off guard. This one was special.

Alexander was unfazed by his surprise attack, finding it to be of poor taste and dishonorable. The two warriors stared one another down, realizing the biggest obstacle between them right now, was each other.

“So,” Alkibiades rumbled. “You are the son of Phillip. You fight well.”

Alexander gritted his teeth, the muscles in his arms bulging as he tried to keep his composure. “Do you always try to take another’s back?”

Alkibiades chuckled, his words' music to his ears. “There are no pacts between beasts and man. The strongest take all, and you will be witness to that.”

Alexander sighed, reassuming his stance to fight Alkibiades. Alkibiades bit his lip from such a sight — it was a stance of elegance. One only fitted for a king — a king that was worthy of his body and soul.

Unlike Alexander, Alkibiades did not use a shield nor sword to fight his battles. His light was always enough, plus there was no weapon that could prove lethal to him.

Alkibiades planted his feet firmly onto the ground, his bronze chest gleaming under the sun. He extended his arms straight out to his sides, paralleled to the ground, forming a human cross.

Alexander was in awe. This was perhaps the greatest act of arrogance that he had ever seen in his life. However, Alexander would not for his provocation — forcing Alkibiades to do the first, which he was disappointed at having to do. Yet, he loved the fact that Alexander did not fall for such theatrics.

His body began to glow. In a matter of seconds, Alkibiades' body turned into pure light, appearing right before Alexander to deliver a powerful kick, which would be blocked by the sword of Alexander.

Despite successfully defending against the attack, Alexander felt the force of the attack. The straight sword, forged from the finest blacksmiths of Stalavat, groaned under the pressure of a foot that hit with the force of ten thousand men.

His boots sunk into the mud, his arms vibrated so violently that the veins in his arms ruptured from the force.

Alexander spat a mouthful of blood onto the ground, his blonde curls matted with sweat and dirt. “Is that…all?” he panted, forcing his shaking legs to lock.

Alkibiades landed softly, his body still shimmering. Something about this man felt odd to him. “Not quite, Jarl.” he replied. “I have yet to go all out.”

As the battle commenced, from the sidelines, Diana and Illya observed the duel between the two generals.

“Did you see that?” Diana asked. “He not only moves as fast as light itself. He is the light itself.”

“I noticed,” Ilya replied. “However, there is a weakness to his power.”

“A weakness?”

“Yes,” Illya said. “He moves in a linear fashion that makes it easy to predict his strikes. Also, you can see when he is going to do it. The light gathers in his feet first.”

“I see,” she replied. “Perhaps, he is not entirely invincible, after all.”

In the middle of it, Alexander is struggling. He does not have the luxury of observing Alkibiades. Every time Alkibiades blinks, he has to brace for an impact that is lethal. His straight is now vibrating with a high-pitched hum, the metal was pushed to its limit by the output of his kicks.

Alexander had no choice any longer. It was time to display his power to Alkibiades, a power that he had not been forced to call upon in years. The bond of a master and his servants. The young Alexander took the glove off, concealing his right hand, revealing the mark of a lion.

Alkibiades eyes widened, surprised to see that engraved onto his hand. Lost in thought, he had failed to realize that another fighter had entered the frame, a woman cladded in armor with her eyes covered by bandages.

“Who are you?” Alkibiades shouted.

“She is my sword,” Alexander replied, closing the distance between himself and Alkibiades. “Behold, the power of the holy trinity.”

“The power of the holy trinity?” Alkibiades muttered, confused at one stood before him. “This is not a real person? What are you playing at?”

“Me? Nothing,” Alexander replied, his confidence growing with Alkibiades’ confusion. “From here on out, I will begin to peel off those scales of yours.”

Alkibiades cracked his neck, grinning at the growing confidence of Alexander. “From the humble young Jarl to the arrogant Jarl! Quite the character development!”

“Just what have you all been up to this past month?” Alkibiades asked, his grin villainous, yet curious of the display of power seen on this battlefield.

Alexander stepped forward, his ‘Sword’ standing behind him — awaiting his command to fight. “I simply wish to finish the job imposed upon me.”

“A noble response,” Alkibiades replied, his hands beginning to glow. Alexander and his ‘Sword’ reacted immediately, assuming a defensive position. “If you do not wish to say the truth it is fine, I will learn it myself!”

“The battle at hand is much more important,” Alexander retorted, his sights set on killing Alkibiades. “At first, I believed that I stood before a powerful warrior. Now I realize that I stand before a man that only lives for his own interests.”

“It is a truly disgusting sight,” he continued, “If I must say so myself.”

Alkibiades licked his lips, his eyes growing much more intrigued by Alexander. “Men of the same stature and beliefs stood once before me,” Alkibiades said, “I do not know if they believed what they said. Perhaps they thought too highly of themselves.”

Alexander began to grow sick of hearing Alkibiades, his burrows furrowed and the veins on his forehead much more visible than before. “No one is more arrogant towards others, more aggressive or scornful, than a man who cannot come to terms that he is of no significance.”

Alexander lowered his head, smiling now. “Do your worst, fool. Your best seems to be out of the question anyway!”

In an act of defiance, Alkibiades for once broke his arrogant and confident demeanor. His eyes widened out of anger. He bared his teeth at Alexander. “Such a severe, grave misconception! I will not stop at simply burning you to bits. Right in front of your eyes, I will slaughter each and every person from your country! Your words just brought upon the end of your entire fucking country!”

“Big words coming from a little man,” Alexander chuckled. “What makes you think you will see tomorrow, huh?”