Fate of the Empires

I have missed out on so much in the short time that I was gone. I would’ve been here sooner, but Alarra and Gwyneth forced me to rest. I suppose I needed it. It’s very unusual. My physical body is weaker than before, which I anticipated after aging from using the death spell. The strange part is that since my resurrection my magic strength has increased. I no longer feel tied to the limits of my physical body for my casting. It’s as though I am pulling the energy from elsewhere. And furthermore, I haven’t even had to look at my spellbook. It’s all in my head. I don’t know if there will be any negative effects later, but for now I will use this advantage to its fullest.

Alarra has made quite an impression on me. I was attracted to her before, but now I really want her! And having found out the whole soulbound situation it seems I would be stuck with her even if I didn’t. So, lucky me! Even though Alarra and Gwyneth are essentially the same person I am still unsure how to act around the child-like copy. She is powerful like Alarra and I assume bound to me as well. I just need to give it time. In about ten years it won’t even be a concern. I’ll take them both to bed.

After we finish off the last of Ethan’s attack party in Jinsei we return to the Imperial Army base. I learn of General Fang’s death. He seemed like a good man and did not deserve the fate Ethan gave him. Fang’s body is placed on a ceremonial pyre in his battle armor. All of the remaining Imperial soldiers are present as well as some representatives of the Densetsun noble houses that received the ill news. The pyre is lit after the Densetsun rites are performed. It is at this point that Jun reveals the Imperial Seal and the General’s secret.

So, let me get this straight. I die. I am resurrected. And somewhere in the middle Jun became the emperor of Densetsu? Some guys have all the luck! Hmm…if I play it right, perhaps I can get a cushy advisory position in the Imperial Palace. I know I’m not Densetsun, but it’s me we’re talking about. Magnus Domagus, Imperial Advisor. It has a nice sound to it, but I’m still trying to work out how I get “Lord of the Arcane” in the title somewhere.

The news of Jun’s kingly responsibilities doesn’t come with jovial celebration. While the Imperial soldiers vow their service to the new emperor, the nobles and warlords seem hesitant. I can see why. Jun is, afterall, only half Densetsun. Jun is a master of disguising his emotions, but the death of his father has visibly affected him and he’s not letting anything get in his way. He is now more determined than ever to stop Ethan.

Jun addresses his skeptics. “This nation is at a threshold. On the other side of it is darkness. You may not wish to follow my guidance as to whether we cross it or not, but ask yourself if that’s because I share the blood of an Athusian or because the greed in your own hearts covets the power my father once held. I did not ask for this responsibility, but it is my burden to carry. I can see in your faces that you want revenge. There is none to be had. This grievous fault was at the hands of a Densetsun as well as an Athusian. If you demand war you are playing into their hands. War is what these traitors want. If you give it to them you cross over that threshold. You step into darkness. Is that what you truly want?”

There is a long silence. One of the warlords finally speaks up. “You speak wisdom. That cannot be argued. If your intentions are true, I give you the allegiance of my house. You ask for faith on our part, but what will you do to prove your honor?”

“While the Densetsun traitor is dead, this plot has not ended. I must go to Athusia to finish it and in my absence I am dividing up control of our country amongst the noble houses.”

This sparks whispering amongst the nobles. Seems they like this idea, but I wouldn’t give them that kind of control. If there is one thing I have learned it’s that power corrupts. “You all see that the army is loyal to the Imperial Seal,” Jun says, “If I return to infighting or find that any house is trying to seize power from another, my action will be swift and severe to the aggressor. We are a nation of peace and that will continue.”

“As you command, Emperor Fang,” the warlord says as he kneels.

Slowly the rest of the nobles and warlords follow and pledge their allegiance to Jun. I’m so jealous right now. Emperor Fang. What’s next? No, I don’t want to know. Well, looks like things are settled. We will be making a trip back to Athust, but…there is something I must do before I can go…

I have not been able to take my mind off of Jinwu. How could I? The faces of all those innocents will remain with me for eternity. There is no penance for the blood that stains my hands. If I could’ve traded my life for theirs I would have done so without question. I guess it is foolish to think about things that cannot be changed. The best I can do is try to honor their memory.

I get the others together outside the barracks to tell them of my sins. This will not be easy. They are all so happy to see me alive. I hate to spoil it, but that is for my own selfish reasons. “There is something the three of you need to know,” I start.

“What’s wrong?” Leaia asks.

“When Ethan had control over me…I,” I don’t even know where to begin, “He…before he sent me after you, he sent me somewhere else…”

Jun can already see where I am going with this. “Magnus, what ever happened was Ethan’s doing, not yours.”

“It doesn’t matter who was behind it!” I break down, “I was there! I did it!”

I drop to the ground with my head in my hands. I did not want them to see me this way, but when I think of the suffering I’ve caused I cannot hide it. My soul is tainted and even my inevitable servitude under Lord Thenndrar in the underworld will not cleanse it. Leaia and Jun kneel beside me. “Magnus, what happened?” Leaia asks softly.

“Jinwu,” I can’t bare to look them in the eyes, “It’s gone.”

Leaia stands. “What?!” she stumbles back.

“I destroyed Jinwu…”

“Why would Ethan want to attack Jinwu?” Draccus asks.

“He’s been watching us,” Jun answers, “Scrying on us.”

How could he? Surely I would’ve felt the magical presence. Unless…yes. Ethan is a much stronger mage than I guessed him to be. “It is entirely possible, but I didn’t sense it,” I say.

“Nor did I,” Leaia adds.

“I couldn’t stop myself. I tried. I tried to warn them.”

“It’s not your fault.” Jun reiterates.

“It doesn’t matter…Ethan doesn’t have to live with it. I do…”

“Magnus,” Leaia pauses, “I can…wipe your mind of the events if you think it will help.”

And let someone use my own tricks on me? Never. “I appreciate the gesture, Leaia,” I respond, “But it is important that I remember. I want that constant reminder of what can happen when you abuse power. I was once on the road to becoming just like Ethan and I want to ensure that I never return to it.”

“That is very honorable of you, Mage,” Draccus says.

“I have a favor to ask the three of you before we return to Athust. Will you accompany me back to Jinwu so that I may lay the village to rest properly?”

I know their answers before they speak. “We are with you, Magnus,” Jun says with a nod.

I wait for dawn to open a gateway to Jinwu. Somehow the light of the sun doesn’t shake the terrible feeling I get at the idea of going back. The others are with me, but I am still afraid. I take a deep breath before stepping through the magical doorway. The others follow me through. The trip is instantaneous as usual and yet you would never know it from the look of the sky. There is a cloud of darkness hanging over the ruin that was, only some short days ago, Jinwu.

Mist fills the air and mixes with ash creating a thick blanket of gray. Many of the razed buildings are still smoldering. We stop and listen. There is silence. No birds. No wind. Not even the sound of the ocean. Just dead silence. Something is unnatural here. It wasn’t this…well, creepy, when I left here last. I don’t think I am the only one who feels that something is off. “Does anyone else hear that?” Leaia asks.

I listen closer, but all I hear is the sound of us breathing. “I hear nothing,” I say.

“What is it?” Jun asks.

“I hear…screams…pain…suffering…it’s all around us,” Leaia answers.

“I don’t hear anything, but I can smell something unearthly here,” Draccus adds.

Did I just lead us into a trap of some kind? What is going on? “Maybe we should leave,” I say.

I get no reply. In fact, I only hear my breathing now! I look back. Jun, Leaia, and Draccus are all completely still. They are stopped somehow. Why am I not? Laughter fills the air. I know this laughter. I’ve heard it recently…in the Realm of Suffering. Lord Thenndrar. “Predictable human,” Thenndrar’s voice echoes from all around.

“Show yourself, demon!” I shout.

Out of the mist in front of me materializes a black figure. The figure starts to take form and those green eyes pierce my soul. His skin almost blends with the ashy air around him, but his white hair and black armor stand out and remain untouched by the filthy mist. “Have you done this?” I demand.

“No, you have done this,” he replies with his constant grinning.

“What ever it is you want, leave my friends out of it.”

“Your friends are of no interest to me, but you. I told you I’d see you again soon didn’t I?”

“What do you want?”

“Oh, but it’s not what I want is it? It’s what you want.”

“What do you mean?”

“When you destroyed this village, you caused a rift. The souls of these people did not go with Amida to the Densetsun paradise or underworld, but instead found their way to my realm. I do thank you for adding to my population. I do so enjoy seeing others suffer.”

“Let them go!”

“Well, that will be entirely up to you, won’t it? You see I am willing to make you a deal.”

“What deal?”

“When you die, your soul belongs to me. That I have already procured as I told you before. You are going to be my servant, Magnus Domagus so I’d get used to the idea. Here is my offer to you. Let me keep the souls of these people and when you cross over I will give you everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Power. Wealth. You will have magics far stronger than mere mortals could ever hope to wield. You will still serve me, but at my side rather than at my feet.”

This demon drives a hard bargain. “And if I want the souls freed?”

“Well…if you really want them returned to their rightful place I will send them to Amida immediately.”

“And?”

“And when you die I will torture you for every single soul I will have lost today. You will have nothing. You will have less than nothing. I will make you suffer in ways you never thought possible and it will last for an eternity. The pain and sorrow you feel for killing these fishermen will be pleasurable compared to the things I will make you watch and do. You are an intelligent mortal, Magnus Domagus, so what is your decision?”

“I am tired of people threatening me. What if I just kill you instead?”

Thenndrar sighs. “Fool.”

I summon a magus staff as Thenndrar draws his dark blade. I may actually be expediting my trip back to his realm by doing this. Oh well, you only live once, or twice in my case. I attack. I held my own against Jun with this staff, but I’ve never fought a demon before. Especially a demon lord. Our weapons clash releasing a wave of energy that clears the mist in the surrounding area.

He is fast, but the hasting effect of the magus staff allows me to keep up with him. He swings low and I drive his blade into the ground. I strike down on his wrists forcing him to let go of his sword. I land another hit to his chest, knocking him backwards. He summons a ball of green flame and hurls it at me. I successfully bat it away with the staff. I charge the demon lord. He swipes at me with his long black fingernails. I duck under his attack and sweep his leg with the staff. He hits the ground and I drive the end of the staff into his throat. I push through until the staff touches the dirt beneath him. The green of his eyes turns black and his body turns to vapor.

Was that it? Did I really just kill the Lord of Suffering? I no sooner have the thought when his glowing eyes appear again before me. The rest of Thenndrar’s body takes shape around the green orbs. I knew it couldn’t be that easy. Here we go again. I charge the demon lord once more. This time he launches an energy blast that destroys my staff! In an instant he has me by the throat. He throws me. But before I hit the ground he materializes in front of me and punches me with such force that I go flying back the other direction. I don’t think I’m getting up from that one.

He walks over to me and puts his spiked boot on my chest. He laughs. “Now, if we are done playing games, you have a decision to make.”

Those souls are meaningless to him. They are just playthings for the immortals! He offers me the thing I desire most. Power. It is so tempting, but for the first time in my life I am not thinking about myself. “I want those souls released.”

“Are you positive? I won’t make the offer a second time.”

“I’ll deal with you when I’m dead, but right now I want those souls given to Amida.”

Thenndrar smiles widely. He removes his boot from my chest. “As you wish, Magnus Domagus. They are released from my realm. Truly a noble act, mortal. I shall enjoy making you regret it.”

“We’ll see who regrets what. I’m going to kill you someday and when I do, remember that you requested my soul in your realm.”

Thenndrar laughs in his over-confident tone before vanishing into the mist. Leaia, Draccus, and Jun are able to move again. They run to me. “Are you okay?” Leaia asks.

“I’m fine,” I answer.

“What was that all about, Magnus,” Jun says.

“You saw everything?” I ask.

“Yes and that was pretty selfless of you,” Leaia says.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let it happen again.”

“I believe you have found redemption,” Draccus says.

“I don’t know,” I respond, “I just couldn’t let those souls spend an eternity in the Realm of Suffering when paradise sounds so much nicer.”

Of course, I have sealed my own fate, but I will travel that road when I get to it. Thenndrar underestimates me because I am mortal. I will show him just how strong willed my kind can be.

“Thank you, mortal,” a strange voice says from the mist, “Your act has restored the balance here. The souls of these villagers can now rest peacefully.”

“Who is that?” Draccus asks looking around.

“Amida,” Jun says.

“Are you sure?” I ask.

“Trust me on this one,” Jun replies.

Suddenly the mist dissipates. The clouds louring in the sky above the village ruins disappear. Sunlight reveals the destruction that I caused. Even though the souls of the villagers may be at rest, my previous actions still weigh heavy on my heart. The others look at me for an explanation of Thenndrar’s visit. “Let’s lay this place to rest and then I will tell you everything.”

It takes us most of the day to clear the wreckage and bury any bodies that remained. We worked in silence, each of us mourning Jinwu in our own way. Leaia laid down a blessing of Arus on the site before we left. I told the others of the underworld, Lord Thenndrar, and Alarra. They took it all quite well. I suppose with all we have been through so far it doesn’t seem all that strange.

Upon returning to the army outpost Jun arranges a mission briefing in the old Kodasai compound. Apparently we were only shown a very small portion of it our first time through. There is a war room containing very detailed maps of each major city in Athusia, Borath, and even Orrock. Until their betrayal, the Kodasai were a very efficient intelligence organization for the Densetsun government. Too bad.

Present at the briefing besides the four of us is the newly appointed General of the Imperial Army, Chou Lin and the lead warrior priest, Tanus. We stand at a round wooden table with a large, sectioned map of Athust atop it. I have been assured that the Kodasai compound is impervious to scrying magics and viewing portals so we don’t have to worry about Ethan eavesdropping on our plans. “Cleric Tanus, I would like to send you and your team back first,” Leaia says, “Report to Lord Fenholm and inform him of your success.”

“Do not let your guard down, however,” Jun adds, “There is a chance that Fenholm already knows this didn’t go his way.”

“And if that is the case?” Tanus asks.

“Then do what you do best,” Leaia answers.

“As you command,” Tanus bows to Leaia.

“Magnus, after you gate them into the city, we will need to gate somewhere just outside of Athust,” Jun looks to me, “Can you do that?”

“Are you certain you want to be outside the city walls?” Tanus interjects, “Fenholm has you labeled as traitors. Three of you could disguise yourselves, but the reptilian will not pass so easily.”

“Hey, he’s an Orrock and he has a name,” I say harshly.

Did I just come to the lizard’s defense? “My apologies,” Tanus says.

“You’re right, cleric,” Jun says, “We will need to be inside the city walls.”

“Easy enough,” I say.

“Why not gate directly into the castle?” General Lin asks.

“Lord Darkwynde’s castle has magical barriers set up that prevent teleportation inside the castle,” I reply, “The courtyard is as close as I could get and that would be a foolish move.”

“I see,” the General answers.

“Master Lin, do you have your team ready?” Jun asks.

“Yes, my lord,” Lin answers, “Ten of my finest warriors are waiting for your orders.”

“Good. Your men will accompany the Arusian clerics and split up once they are in Athust. I want them to position themselves at these four locations.”

Jun points to four markers he has stuck into the map. The markers indicate different locations near the front of Darkwynde’s castle. “They will wait there until we give the signal to move in,” Jun finishes.

“What is the signal?” Lin asks.

“I’m going to light a couple fires,” I start, “Blow down a few walls. The usual stuff.”

“I understand,” the General nods.

“Our job will be to get to the cellar of this pub,” Jun looks to Leaia, Draccus and I as he points to an insignificant building in the middle of Athust.

“Are we having drinks before we storm the castle?” I ask.

“No,” Jun scowls at me, “There is a tunnel below the ground that leads into the castle. It was built to allow the king to escape in case of an emergency.”

“Humorous then that we are using it to break in,” I joke.

“I will also need a mental link between you and Cleric Tanus so he can let you know when and where they meet with Ethan,” Jun says to me, “Once we know that location we move in and you set off the signal. At that time, General, I want your men to move in and secure the grand hall located here.”

Jun pulls out his own map of the castle interior and points to the grand hall. “I will rendezvous with them and give further orders from there,” Jun says.

“Do you think Lord Darkwynde is still alive?” Tanus asks.

“Knowing Ethan it is unlikely, but if he is we must protect him,” Jun answers, “Other than that our main priority is eliminating Fenholm.”

“Understood,” Tanus says.

“Are there any questions?” Jun looks around the table, “Alright, General Lin, Cleric Tanus, please bring your men in here to brief them. Make sure they all rest well tonight. We leave first thing tomorrow morning.”

Jun dismisses the table. I must say, I look at him differently now. He has always been a good leader, but I’ve never thought of him in this station. He’s good at it! I think he might actually be cut out for this emperor nonsense.

I sit in my barracks room silently focusing. Tomorrow I will call upon a lot of magical energy. Teleporting nation to nation is no small task, especially twice in one day. And while calling the arcane has been effortless lately, I don’t want to risk it. Silent focus can allow a mage to store reserves of energy in his own body and I’m going to maximum capacity tonight.

A short time into the process there is a knock at my door. “Enter,” I say with my eyes still closed.

I hear the door open. I feel the aura of my visitor. It is Draccus. A most unusual surprise. “I do not wish to bother you, Mage,” Draccus says, “I will return again later.”

“Draccus,” I open my eyes, “What can I do for you?”

Draccus steps into the room entirely and closes the door behind him. “I wanted to…apologize to you,” he says awkwardly.

“Apologize? For what?”

“For…killing you before. It was I who gave the killing blow.”

Hmm…I hadn’t given it a second thought since it happened. “It had to be done, Draccus,” I stand, “There is no reason to feel bad about it.”

“There is every reason. We are…friends.”

“And that is why you had to do what you did. I don’t hold it against you, just as you three have not held it against me for attacking you in the first place.”

“Very well. I will leave you to your magic.”

He starts to leave. “Draccus, wait.”

I walk over to him. He looks down to me. “I appreciate how you feel,” I say, “And if it helps, had our positions been reversed, I would’ve killed you too.”

The Orrock seems to be catching on to my sense of humor as he laughs at my successful attempt to lighten the mood. “I am pleased that you are not dead, Mage,” Draccus says.

I really have grown fond of bantering with this giant reptile. I guess you can find friends in the unlikeliest of people, er creatures…Orrocks. I’m going to miss him, well all of them, when this is finally over. “Me too, my friend,” I reply, “Me too.”

Draccus leaves. He’s probably heading back outside where he is more comfortable. I just don’t get it. It’s not that I don’t like the outdoors, but how can one honestly enjoy sleeping on the ground when there is a perfectly good bed right here? That bed looks comfortable right now too. No. I have a lot more energy to store. Back to sitting on the…ground. Hmm…I think I’ll focus on the bed.

I did not gather as much energy as I had hoped for last night. Seems once I sat on the bed and closed my eyes I went from concentrating to sleeping rather quickly. Oh well. Leaia, Draccus, and I meet in the training yard where Jun goes over the final details of the mission with General Lin and the soldiers that are going with the clerics. These warriors wear a lighter version of their battle armor. It doesn’t look to provide much protection, but it allows for agile mobility. They each carry two of the Densetsun curved swords. A long blade and a short blade.

Leaia still wears the patched together mercenary armor that Jun gave us after the attack on the New Horizon. The leather padding has taken a beating and won’t last much longer. I’ve also noticed that recently Leaia hasn’t been carrying her sword with her. Draccus mentioned seeing her with an energy blade. It must be a new spell.

Draccus has removed every piece of armor. He has fashioned some hides into something that resembles what he wore when we first met him. It really gives him that I’m-an-Orrock-I-want-to-eat-people, look. Draccus has also lost his sword and now wields one of the Densetsun curved blades.

Jun has on an outfit that is very similar to the jumpsuits of the Kodasai. Not very becoming of an emperor, but then again Jun has never been the flashy type. And where we are going I suppose that is a good thing. He also has his father’s sword strapped to his back. He finishes his conversation with General Lin and approaches me. “Are you ready?” he asks me.

“Yes,” I answer.

I close my eyes and envision Athust. I picture the city walls, the busy streets, the gleaming palace. I don’t even need my energy reserves as I seem to pull it from all around me. I concentrate the power into one place in the center of the training yard. I speak the words from the arcanum and a large gateway rips open space and time showing Athust on the other side. Tanus looks to Leaia. She gives him the signal to continue forward. Tanus, his men and the ten Densetsun warriors file through the portal. As the last man passes through I release the energy and the gateway closes.

“Are you sure you can do that one more time?” Jun asks.

“Only one way to find out,” I answer, “Is everyone ready? Maybe there will be a welcoming celebration for us at the castle.”

Jun nods to me. “Open the gateway,” he says.

Once again I concentrate on a single spot in Athust. Someplace remote, near the outskirts. Less chance of us being seen there. I open a smaller gate this time seeing as only four are making the trip instead of twenty. I take one last look around before following the others through the gate. I get the strange feeling I am never going to see this place again. I should’ve grabbed some of their rice wine!