Lira Lunaris:

  Silica, Loresse, and I were lounging in what our personal servant called a smoking room. I have heard tales of how the wealthy lived, but nothing could prepare me for what I had experienced in the past week. I had to wonder how Moon tolerated sleeping on bare earth with us. Loresse was deep into her third bottle of a strong brandy. And Silica was busying herself with a large buffet of finger food and pastries that were available.

  While Moon spent most of the time with the Duchess Hearthaven, the baroness of Wigmore served as host. And what a host she was. Every whim, every desire was provided for. I almost felt guilty eating gold leaf caramels. How insane it is that the wealthy ate literal gold. While our time here was paradise, we had to be careful with what we said. As Moon had predicted, Briannah was prying for information. It was fortunate that Loresse was so intimidating since I had no clue how to navigate such things politely.

  “The final saddle should be finished today. So, it’s likely we leave in the afternoon and arrive in the morning,” Loresse said. Finishing her fourth bottle.

  “So, onto conquest then.” Silica said, mostly to herself.

  “Aye, I’ve been itching to see what Draxus can do in battle,” Loresse had an unhealthy fascination with what her wyvern could do.

  “You need to be ready to take a life Lira,” Silica said.

  A cold chill ran up my spine. I knew that I had to eventually, but knowing something has to be done and doing it are two different things.

  “The first one is hard. We won’t judge if you hesitate or if it haunts your dreams, but you have to remember we do this for everyone, for our future, and for your daughter.” Loresse said, not showing a hint of intoxication.

  “At the very least we know our level of skill,” I said changing the subject.

  Silica nodded, “We still have room for improvement but none of Feyrun’s men proved to be our better,”

  That made me smirk, I could outfight almost everyone with the exception of Silica and Loresse. The expressions of admiration I have been receiving from the first citizens were slightly addictive. Ben though; he hated it. Moon said it was due to an antiquated view of the world, but I knew my husband better than him.

  Ben wanted to be the protector; he had done as good a job as circumstances allowed. Now I am taking a role he thinks should be his. I almost wanted to ask Moon if he would accept Ben as a solar knight, but Silica talked me out of it. It would set a bad precedent.

  “We probably leave tomorrow, what did the duchess want from our king anyways?” Silica asked.

  “Healing mostly. The Duchess was recruiting crippled mages. Our king puts them back together and she gets healthy and dedicated mages on her side.” I said.

  I didn't like Allyssia; she was just using Moon for his abilities. Not even a day passed, and she had him healing constantly.

  “She should at least pay a significant amount of coin.” I complained.

  Loressse shook her head, “Do you think Moon is in love with her?”

  Silica laughed, “Not a chance,”

  “But many of her people do, this gives the Duchess power. Power that she can use as leverage. From what I’ve learned from the staff, Moon is considered a hero in the Duchy,” Silica explained.

  “Why bother, Moon will be king of Solaria, why put so much into the duchess,” I asked, rolling my eyes as Loresse chuckled under her breath, then she explained, “It's simple Lira, Allies are important. Those supplies have to come from somewhere now we know where they came from. Since her power comes from him, she has to keep him happy, that means bowing to his whims,”

  I nodded in understanding, Denerif, shorecast, Halloway, Hearthaven. Four people who were allies of my king, “I feel like he’s only telling us half-truths though,”

  “Do you trust his intentions for Solaria?” Silica asked.

  “Yes, Moon is often cold. But when he talks about his plans and possible improvements he lights up like, well, the sun. I don't think he is faking that. And that smile when I named my daughter Benny, was real,” I said.

  Silica caught my eye momentarily distracted from the pastries, “Moon once said that he hides much but eventually all will be revealed. I am willing to wait and see. So far, he has put thousands of gold into the plan to take solaria, and does his utmost to better the lives of those under him,”

  I shrugged, she was right, “Still, what if the Duchess falls pregnant or proposes marriage. I know he says he can prevent pregnancy, but the gods can be tricky. His mind shouldn’t be distracted with women from a far-off land regardless of her beauty,”

  Loresse straightened, “That is a concern; you know how tricky a woman can be when beguiling a man. Even more so that he has not taken any of the women in the camp to bed. He must be parched.”

  I furrowed my brow, “Why has he not taken one, I know those doctors he is training would leap into his bed if he asked, I've personally heard as much from them.”

  Silica looked as confused as I was, “Perhaps he is being chivalrous, or cautious. Bedding anyone who strikes his fancy is something King Moriah would do. Perhaps he wants to invoke as little similarities between them as possible,”

  Loresse remained silent for a few moments until her thoughts settled, “Either way we can’t have him getting it from women outside Solaria. His mind needs to remain on the island not drifting to Vendalia when he has needs,”

  Silica’s eyes widened as she was struck with an idea, “Neither Loresse or I are interested, and Lira is married. But I can drop the idea in the heads of a few bolder women,”

  Loresse chuckled, “Really Silica, you don't want a taste of your other half?’

  Silica rolled her eyes and answered, “He’s too pretty. If I had never seen him naked, I would still doubt his gender. It would be like bedding a woman.”

  It did take me a while before I believed that Moon was male. But there were many women who go in for that kind of look and even more who would do it simply because of what they could gain. I considered what it would be like to be intimate with Moon, then quickly abandoned the thought. I was a married woman and shouldn't have those thoughts.

  We remained silent for a time each absorbed in their own thoughts.

  “Do you really want to kill your mother Silica,” I asked. It had been bothering me for some time.

  Silica signed and scratched at her blonde hair, “I don't know, sometimes I do. Other Times……” She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. To be honest I’m glad that Moon takes things slowly; I still need to think about it.”

  I decided to drop it for now, she clearly was still torn up about it. A knock at the door interrupted our conversation.

  Loresse opened it an in walked an impeccably dressed male servant. “Good day my ladies. I have come to inform you that Lord Solaris has summoned you for your first flight. The saddles have been completed.”

  Loresse grinned, hopped off the plush couch, and practically shouted, “Finally,” then bolted out the door nearly bowling over the servant. Silica and I shared a grin before we followed behind.

  Moon Solaris:

  I watched Loresse, Silica, and Lira strapped themselves in, preparing for their first flight.

  “Excellent work again Umber,” I said. The horse master once again made the same collared saddle for all three wyverns and birds in the space of a week.

  “It is a pleasure; I’m not going to lie Milord. Working on horse flesh has been….” Umber pause, trying to find the words, “Less than pleasing lately.”

  I looked at the grizzled horse master for a moment, “Well, not to worry, I will be needing more of your services in the coming months.”

  Steel grey eyes tightened as if that wasn’t what he wanted to hear, So I tried to throw out bait. “In truth once I settle down I might need over a hundred saddles for the birds and another ten or twelve for wyverns. I lack the people to maintain them,”

  Pursing his lips he looked at me as he considered what I was saying, “Its, just a thought, but if you ever consider Moving I would more than accept your service.”

  Loresse, who finished buckling herself in caught my eye and shouted, “Come on My patience can only last so long,”

  Silica and Lira were similarly mounted on their green and sapphire Wyverns.

  “What do you plan to do with all these saddles. Pardon my intrusiveness but you don’t seem the type to have small plans.”

  I grinned, “Keep an ear to the ground, you will see in time. And if you are willing, I will accept you with full honors. Until next time Umber,”

  He looked confused since I was speaking rather vaguely.

  After a short conversation I left and mounted Baelathor. The three smaller wyverns were settled around him, their riders looking at me eagerly. The rest of the saddles were in pieces; the parts, either attached to Baelathor’s saddle or tied to a leg. The instructions on how to assemble them were rather simplem and fortunately, didn’t need specialized tools.

  “Now my Solar Knight we return to Solaria; the plan now is now conquest,” I shouted. Then with a mental command Bealathor roared and took to the sky, followed closely by my solar knights. Four wyverns flew in a diamond formation with Baelathor taking up the rear. We began by first climbing roughly a mile into the air.

  “Race,” Loresse shouted over the sound of the rushing wind. “From the front gates to the Stormviel sea.”

  Lira and Silia grinned and nodded. “100 gelding to the winner” I shouted back. We made a massive descending turn, the four wyverns slowing until they were in a rough line a few hundred feet apart. We drifted towards the gate wing tip to wing tip. Onlookers below watched the spectacle shouting and pointing as the four wyverns approached the gate. ‘Now,’ I screamed into Baelathor’s mind.

  The combined roar of four wyverns was beyond deafening. Then the race was on, each wyvern flapping for all their worth. Generating massive gusts of wind, the sound was thunderous, as both the enormous strength of their flight muscles and control over the ether pushed them to greater speed. Baelathor was first to reach his max speed topping out at around 180 miles an hour.

  I could push him faster with magic, but I was content to not win. Draxus was next, the black beast was clearly not meant for speed. That left Fenre and Iris. The two Wyverns battled for the victory but slowly Fenre began to pull ahead. The entire race lasted only 30 seconds and soon enough every wyvern crossed the docks into the expanse of the massive lake. Fenre, who was by far the fastest, rocketed upwards climbing with incredible speed, Silica’s blonde hair whipped madly in the wind as whatever tie she was using to bind it came loose.

  I flew Baelathor in a lazy circle as I watched her climb. Then after reaching nearly two miles in the sky. The green wyvern tucked its wings in and dove. Plummeting to the earth with incredible speed. Eventually pulling up at the last instant, so close was she to the water that Fenre’s tail skidded along the surface.

  We flew for over an hour as the women got used to having control of their own wyvern. Barrels rolls, dives and even mock arial combat were some of the drills we performed. After an hour of practice, we pointed east, heading home.

  Duchess Allyssia Hearthaven:

  Brianna and I stood on a terrasse, watching the spectacle of four massive fire breathing wyverns flying through the air, performing incredible feats of arial maneuverability. The most concerning thing however was Baelathor’s flame, Moon had described his fire to me but failed to capture the sheer volume.

  “Morianne will not take this lightly, Aunt,” Briannah said.

  “Indeed, it is a risk, but I cannot allow that power to belong to someone else. You have seen the flames, can you imagine if that was directed at my city? The devastation that could be wrought?”

  “Have you managed to secure a beast for yourself?” Brianna asked.

  “In time, it has already been promised,”

  “You take his word as truth, even if you call him on this promise, he has no reason to follow through,”

  I nodded; in most cases Briannah would be correct. This was a risk, but fortunately Moon is the kind of person to keep to his word, Even more so the vast amount of personnel he would need to restore Moriah is enough of a leverage. Architects, engineers, city planners and of course his trade ships, currently being built, “Your analysis is accurate; however, moon has never reneged on a deal, he prides himself on the fact.”

  I paused, then after some contemplation, decided it was time for her to know more, “Tell me. What future do you see in the empire?”

  Briannah remained silent, thinking about the situation, “I’m not optimistic; power is shifting toward the south; the elves of Isran are moving. And once Moon establishes himself in Moriah…..” Briannah paused as if she reached some revelation, “If Moon with his Wyverns cuts of trade to the north those lords from the Yruga they will be compelled to act, the empress herself might have to step in. Those beasts are far too fast and deadly, so we have no hope of landing ships on Moriah before they are burned by wyvern fire. The imperial dragon ships are faster but, as powerful as the shields that protect them are, I doubt they could stand against a radiant lance from a mage with Moon’s level of power. In fact, he could control the entire Yruga.”

  She paused, staring at me in the eyes. After a full 30 seconds she hesitantly said, “Secession, is that the end game? No, it’s more than that. What are you all really planning,”

  I nodded, “Indeed, my lands are vast and rich, bowing to the imperial throne serves no purpose.”

  “They have twenty times the number of mages, Morianne herself, and three dragon ships. A war on that scale will cost hundreds of thousands of lives.” Briannah said in horror.

  “Yes, a war I intend to win, but you forget Briannah, we have Moon.”

  Briannah shook her head vigorously, “You put too much faith in him,”

  I laughed half in mockery, “I put no faith in him. But what I trust is his self-serving nature. He needs us for Solaria to flourish. In the coming months I will accelerate training and recruitment of my army. In five years, time we intend to secede and of course war will be declared.”

  Briannah spoke “By that time, Solaria would be established and with a single order from Moon, resources and coin to the north would be crippled, Who will the elves side with?”

  “Unsure, Sianna has opened diplomacy with the empire. In fact, this war could result in a clash between the last two royal elves. Moon, as prideful as he is, admitted that she is more powerful than him.”

  “Can you face Morianne in combat?” Briannah asked.

  I closed my eyes and began to channel ether within my body. The raw power I now wielded was beyond the master mages and more than a match for Morianne herself, “Possibly, but her unique abilities give her an advantage I cannot match. Even then she will be distracted with whatever monster mages moon decides to create during that time. One thing is clear, Moon still wants the head of the First Prince, so there is no chance he will side against us. As morbid as it is to say, Benny’s death was a fantastic boon to our cause,”

  “What will you be then?” Briannah asked.

  I smiled, “Don’t you think Queen Allyssia Hearthaven is appropriate? Everyone in the Imperium has such ambitions,”

  “Imperium?” Briannah asked, the word sounding strange on her tongue.

  “Yes, that is what we call ourselves, in time you will learn the true extent of our planning,” I said, looking into her eyes. My gaze, cold and emotionless. She understood my message: Silence or death.

  I spoke, “Hearthaven, Solaris, Halloway, Mason and Shorcast. These will be the names that will bring the rest of the world to a heel. That is our mission, supremacy, and domination, the Vendalian empire will wither and die like the elves before them. We will be the future,”

  “A future build upon the bones of countless thousands,” Briannah said absent mindedly.

  I looked at her as if she was a child clinging to foolish notions of chivalry, the value of life is what the powerful decides them to be in the end, “Steel your mind girl; the empire will fracture regardless, and we must prevail. There can be no hesitation or sympathy. Throw those useless thoughts into the night soil. Such foolishness is what caused the death of your parents in the first place,”

  Briannah took a deep breath and banished all emotion from her face, “Yes Duchess Hearthaven,”

  After examining her face for more weakness, then finding none, I nodded in satisfaction. It would be shameful to kill her. I didn't orchestrate the death of half her family and tutored her since she was a child for no reason. Then again, I will live for centuries, I can always train another one. I can only hope that my son is less of a disappointment than his father.

  Moon Solaris:

  We returned to Solaria in grand fashion, four wyverns flying in a diamond formation made for an impressive sight. Upon landing every one of my citizens were in attendance, cheering as each wyvern rider dismounted on the sandy shore. Lira preened in adoration, waving at her friends and her ever taciturn husband. Silica and Loresse were more subdued, and of course I was the picture of elegance.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  After the excitement had died down, I was left alone with my inner circle. “Anything to report,” I said. Getting down to business. A single thought sent bealathor away to hunt. The rest of the wyverns followed suit.

  “Our scouts managed to infiltrate all nine villages, and we have a good understanding of their population defenses and leadership.” Jallen announced.

  Devon spoke next, “We did run into some scouts sniffing around the northern plains, I think there is a chance we could be discovered in the coming weeks. We could kill them to but time, but I assumed you would rather wait. There is no need to play our hand early.”

  Scouts would report back after enough time. If they never reported back that would only mean follow-up scouts.

  “Keep an eye on them, now that we have saddles for all the mounts, we can truly begin our operations, Devon is the army prepared?”

  He saluted, a fist pressed against his heart, at some point the act became the official salute for the army. “They’re in proper condition, armed and armored. While they could still improve, but they are more than a match for a force three times their number,”

  “Very well. Silica, I want you to start training the scouts on how to fly. Lira and Loresse work with Devon. I want your personal assessment of the army’s combat ability. We reconvene in my tent within four hours.”

  “Yes, your majesty,” they said in unison, then Silica left with the scouts each carrying a saddle and harness.

  “Jallen, do we have enough supplies to feed the army for a month?” I asked,

  He nodded, “More than enough, for the entire camp even.”

  “I want you to set aside that amount, the rest will be used to endear ourselves to each village we take,”

  “Good thinking, food is ever a scarce resource,” Cassia said.

  “Cassia how is your training,” I asked the only other mage.

  “Acceptable, I can cast ice spike easily, boil, freeze, water stream. I’ve even made headway into casting rain” That was a significant leap in terms of abilities though she sounded unsatisfied.

  “Good enough for basic magical artillery. We can do a few more treatments in the coming weeks,” She nodded eagerly. Silica looked to be around 40 or 50 the simple treatments of living ether were starting to plateau.

  “Make all necessary preparations; we march in one week,” I announced.

  Eager eyes looked back at me. Then simultaneously all member of my inner circle pressed a fist to their heart. After only a moment’s hesitation I repeated the salute.

  One week later:

  Over the course of a week, I personally scouted the eight villages and one small town that lay between our camp and Maybury. I rode my Azure along with my scouts carefully documenting defenses and fortifications. Now stood in my tent; a small wooden table was erected with my map of Solaria. Around me were my wyvern riders and my inner circle. The eagerly waiting for me to begin with my plan.

  I pointed to the closest village, Hinter. I had spent long hours considering how to go about conquest of the island, and announced, “We begin our operations here, Hinter, it’s the closest after all. According to our scouts it has little more than a wooden palisade for defense and a population of only three to four hundred,”

  “How much pressure should we put on them?” Jallen asked.

  “We first begin by approaching the gate and stating our demands. I know that the King doesn’t allow barons to create a militia outside their capital, so the guards are likely the king’s men. Give them a choice, bend the knee to me or face our swords. They will not bend the knee most likely; this is expected. What we want however is for the people to know that we at least offered.”

  I looked to Talis, the one chosen to represent the scouts in the strategy meeting, “Talis, have the scouts monitor the roads leading out of the village. Loresse, I want you to stop anyone that tries to leave. If the wyvern isn’t enough to force them to stop and return. then it must be fire,” I stated.

  Loresse nodded, with a grim expression.

  “What if they refuse how do we go about the siege,” Devon asked.

  I looked to Loresse and Silica, they both had gloves that could emit an air blast, “Silica and Loresse will simply break down the gate then our forces rush in, with Cassia as supporting fire their forces should prove no challenge, this is mostly just to blood our soldiers.”

  “But I want to make one thing clear, no robbing, no raping, no murder. Use rope to tie down anyone who surrenders. Take the headman into custody and wait for my arrival. Your task is to hold the village. We are here to rescue the people of this island. Once they have surrendered send a scout; I will arrive,”

  “How will you arrive?” Jallen asked.

  “On Baelathor of course,”

  “I thought you didn’t want to incite terror.” Devon said.

  “What would they have to fear; they surrendered. That is why it is so important to minimize death and destruction.”

  Loresse spoke next, “May I assume you will give, a grand speech, cast some magic, then give out food and coin,”

  “Yes, we will also commandeer any horses and carriages; we have a large amount of resources that needs to be moved. Of course, we will pay for them with gold and valuable items. The village has a few fields so we can begin planting the enhanced crops. I want guards everywhere, at every exit and especially on whoever surrenders. I want to talk to the citizens. No doubt the King’s men were not kind to them. They will of course be brought to justice. We will recruit from the young men and women, spend a week or two training and move on to the next village. Repeating the process,”

  We spent another few hour going over the details of moving our force to Hinter and finally after the sun had set, the meeting was adjourned, “Everyone get some rest; tomorrow we march,” I announced.

  ~

  Atop of Stone, I rode in the center of my army as we marched along the plains towards Hinter. As the king it is prudent that I am above them at all times. I made sure to a avoid where I killed the deserters. My fliers were in the air, keeping track of our route. I even made sure to leave a flier behind at the camp to watch for anyone coming ashore behind us.

  A flier landed a few dozen feet from me, ran over, and in a few short minutes passed a message to Devon, who was acting as commander for the battle. The flier took off once again and a few moments later Devon announced, “Hinter is just over that rise, we step up base camp here, Standard formations,”

  As practiced, the organized march turned into a flurry of organized chaos, tents were erected, fires were lit, and in an hour the camp was organized. It was mid-morning; the sun was high in the sky and the heat was wearing on me. Surrounding me under a tent was my inner circle. This was a bit dramatic for a village of only a few hundred people, but it was excellent practice.

  “Nothing has changed, it shouldn't take more than a few hours to take the village,” Devon said confidently.

  “What about a guard force, anything that will be of concern?” Jallen asked.

  Talis shook her head, “The same. While I’m not a commander it should be ripe for the taking,”

  Jallen who would be sitting out this battle looked to Cassia, “Are you ready for combat Cassia?”

  “Yes, have no fear, Jallen. I am stronger now than I was at twenty,” Cassia gripped her amplifier, her eyes burning with passion.

  “Has the medical tent been erected?” Devon asked.

  “Yes, and we have ample supplies, cook pots are already on the fire so our soldiers should have a meal before they head into combat.” Jallen answered.

  I remained silent as they went through the checks required before committing to taking the village. I felt an enormous amount of pride since there was little for me to add. Months of teaching had not been for naught. After a lengthy discussion, all eyes turned to me.

  “Your preparations are satisfactory. Begin operations. Today is the first step on the path to the capitol.”

  Nanette:

  My heart was beating wildly as we approached the dirt path that led to the wooden palisade. At the approach of an armed force, they closed the gate, and I could see men with drawn bows aiming at our small force. We numbered only thirty, but everyone was a trained fighter. I knew my strength. I was as capable, or better, a fighter as any of the men, yet the fear was still there.

  One of the women carried the flag of Solaria, the white wyvern breathing golden fire on a field of purple look majestic, as the flag flowed in the wind. I took a deep breath and pushed the fear down. This was but the first of many. I can’t afford to be weak now. My boy already believes his mother will return victorious and unharmed, so it wouldn't do to disappoint him.

  “Stop right there, who are ye,” A voice from the palisade shouted down. We were only a few dozen feet from the main gate.

  Devon walked forward in his full armor without fear of being struck by an arrow. I couldn’t actually feel the shield my King had cast on me, but I knew it would protect me from such things. Still, I kept my shied ready.

  “I am Devon Bruson, First General for King Solaris the Lightbearer.” Devon said.

  “King Solaris? Best take you and your soldiers back to wherever you came from less king Moriah sends his forces after ye,” the man shouted back.

  “Oi Grus, those are all lasses. Well, most of em,” Another man said with far too much excitement in his voice.

  “My King demands the immediate surrender of your forces; the despot King Moriah has abused the land for too long and we no longer recognize his rule. A true king, one worthy of service, has decided to free these lands of his corruption. Should you surrender, your lives will be spared, and you can find a place amongst the new Kingdom,”

  As soon as Devon finished speaking laughs erupted from the men on the wall and those that were standing behind it.

  “You and those lasses intend to take Hinter. Don’t make me laugh, boys how’s about we teach those fools what happens when you stand against our king. They’re not but 30 of em, we could even have some fun with the lasses before we turn them over,” There was a raucous laughter behind him at that suggestion.

  “May I assume that you refuse to surrender?” Devon said in response to the laughter.

  “You can take your shite king, your pretty purple flag, and shove it right up your arse,” Then after a moment’s hesitation he shouted, “Loose,”

  “Cover,” Devon shouted as dozen arrows were loosed. I immediately raised my shield. Not everyone was fast enough, but the telltale bright flash was enough to know that the carapace did in fact work.

  “Loresse, Silica, the gate,” Devon shouted as he retreated back into the formation. Lira and Loresse burst forward. Sprinting towards the wall without fear. As soon as they reached the gate, both stretched a hand out. It took a few seconds then wide cone of force emanated from both their hands.

  It connected with the gate, blowing it apart leaving only cracked and twisted timbers. “They got mages, quick kill 'em before they can cast more spells.” the man screamed.

  Arrows flew towards the women but an instant later a shield illuminated around them and arrows bounced off.

  “Kill them all before they enter the village,” The man shouted. And just like that 60 men screamed and sprinted out of the gate. Lira and Silica Immediately sprinted back to the line as the men approached behind them. Arrows bouncing off their carapaces. I was in the front, near the left flank my heart thundering as a man a head taller than me ran towards me screaming.

  It was as if they were moving in slow motion. “Wall” Devon commanded. As we had trained, we interlocked our shields and braced.

  The men crashed against us swinging wildly there, was some frightened gasps from the women behind me, but we held firm. Then as we had trained, we stabbed over the shields to the face and upper chest of the men. I felt my sword connect against something soft before I realized I had buried it in a man’s neck. Blood spurted about, coating my face. I looked at the man numbly before a strike at my head blocked by the carapace brought be back to the real world.

  The man looked surprised that he didn’t carve my face. He was wide open for a counterattack this time I didn’t hesitate. I stepped forwards spearing his neck like the man before. Another one came at me with a wild over hand swing.

  I immediately redirected the strike to the ground and stabbed him in the armpit. The man screamed and dropped his sword. Taking the opportunity, I ended him with another strike that took his eye. It was then I realized how pathetic these fighters were. Another man came at me swinging a halberd. I stepped into his strike, the weapon going wide and bashed him in the face with me shield. He tumbled backward and with no hesitation attempted to cut his head off, but my sword got stuck in the neck bone. Another man came running with a shield attempting to bowl be over. Before a spike of ice smashed into his face killing him instantly.

  I glanced around me to see the same thing happen to most everyone. Men were being cut down like they were children. Our superior training made their unorganized charge completely ineffective. And just like that in the space of a few minutes the fight was over. Still my blood was hot, and I wanted more.

  “Into the village, make for the headman’s house. For King Solaris” Devon shouted. We scream “For King Solaris,” in response and ran towards the gate. A few of the surviving men ran inside. But Lira, the demon she was, was on their tail severing a hamstring and ending a life in the same move. Another man turned to face her but with a lightning-fast strike she severed his head from his shoulders.

  We headed into the village to find it barren. Everyone was in doors, and I could see eyes looking at us from the windows. A few of the fighters were able to make their way into the city and I could hear the gallop of horses as they ran. I smiled, Loressse would deal with them.

  “Go house to house, gather the citizens, remember our king's orders I assure you anyone who disobeys will face harsh punishment.”

  “Yes General,” We shouted in response. Devon took five women with him and made his way to the headman.

  The rest of us spread out. There was only a few dozen houses. I made my way to the closest house. The small, thatched house with a locked door. “Open or I will have to force my way in. I assure you that you will face no harm,” I said to the door.

  “Really? you didn't just slaughter all the guards.” A timid male voice from the door said.

  “We offered them surrender yet they attacked, we defended ourselves. We are not King Moriah’s soldiers. We are solarians.” I said.

  “I ain’t opening,”

  I sighed and was about to force the door before another voice said.

  “She can just kick it down, it’s barely better than driftwood,” an older female voice said.

  “Can I have your word that no one will be harmed lass,” The woman said.

  “You have my word, as I said we are Solarians, and we do not harm non-combatants.”

  Slowly the door opened, revealing an older couple. And a young boy probably not much older than my own son. “I assure you we are not violent brutes.” I said to the woman.

  “Says the woman covered in blood,” The older man mumbled.

  “What is our fate? execution? Slavery?” the woman asked.

  “We offer freedom, justice, and a bright future,”

  “Who is Solaris?” The young boy asked.

  I offered him a gentle smile, “He is the future, and he is my King. I have a son your age, perhaps you two can be friends,”

  “You’re a mother? And by the look of you that sword isn’t for show. Who are you solarians?” The man asked.

  “My weapon and skills are a gift from my king. Solarians are a people. And you can be a Solarian as well, my king is very generous.”

  They looked unconvinced, but they will know soon enough. We headed towards the headman’s house as a crowd was gathering.

  Moon Solaris:

  I sat in my tent going over the map while enjoying a glass of spiced wine. The next village to take was either Grout or the one further east that doesn't have a name. Grout was larger but the unnamed village had more farmland. I managed to catch the frantically flapping wings of a scout landing in the camp.

  “King Solaris,” Nadia, the elderly scout, shouted as she entered my tent.

  “The Battle?” I asked.

  “A complete victory, Your majesty. The citizens have been gathered, and we have taken control, they await your arrival.”

  “Excellent,” I said grabbing my staff. This wasn’t the fastest or most efficient way to take control but what I wanted most was to spread the word of our conduct. Straight forward and direct was the route I wanted to go. Once word of both our conduct, power, and wealth, spreads the rest should be more open to simply surrendering. That was also why I was so generous with the first citizens. No doubt they will brag about how well they were treated. Me being an elf will quickly become an afterthought when faced with simple self-interest.

  ~

  I flew low over the Village, Baelathor’s wings were wide enough to bathe the entire village in shadow. I did manage to spot the gathering of people in the center, cowering as I flew over. Then I noted the destroyed gate. Loresse on her black beast was circling the village high in the air, enough that she only looked like a spec.

  I landed outside the destroyed gates and not a few minutes later Lira and Silica came sprinting out of the village towards me their wyverns passed over head spiraling down to join Bealathor. Stone came sprinting over.

  I nodded towards, Lira’s bloodied armor, “Are they ready?” I asked.

  “They’re damn scared, but they’re ready” Silica said.

  “I see you have bloodied yourself Lira, how do you feel?”

  She took a deep breath, “I, don’t know. I think I need to think on it more.” Silica placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Deciding to table that conversation for now, I mounted Stone and trotted into the village.

  The bodies were moved to the side of the road. The village was certainly poor. Most houses were thatched roofed and after reaching the center I realized that the villagers were in a sorry state. Most looked starved and in poor health. Even though the field outside the city seemed to be growing produce.

  “What is that?” someone whispered. As I passed, my soldiers pressed a fist to their heart in salute.

  “An elf, I think. I’ve heard they were pretty.” another young woman said.

  “The king is an elf. Why would they bow to an elf?”

  “Probably the giant monster he were flying,” another said.

  “Shh, it’s still sitting outside the village don’t want to anger it.”

  I ignored the whispered conversations as the crowd parted and made my way to the two storied wooden house. In front of it was Devon, Cassia, and a decently dressed young man, who was far too plump for my liking. So, it seemed he gorged himself while people starved.

  He was on his knees, ropes tied around his ankles and hand tied behind his back. My inner circle saluted as I arrived. I dismounted and joined them brandishing my staff, “Your majesty, The village is yours.” Devon said.

  “Excellent work general, any injuries?” I asked.

  “Minor, only a few stitches needed,”

  “The doctors will be here in a quarter hour, is this the headman, why is he tied up?” I asked.

  “Tried to flee with his pockets full of coin, but Lira caught him.” Devon answered.

  I shook my head at the foolishness, I glanced at the brown-haired man before quickly disregarding him. Then I turned to the people. Three hundred eyes watched me, most were filled with fear. They looked like they wanted to run but thirty armed and bloodied soldiers stood at their back.

  Each time someone met my eyes they flinched away in fear.

  “I am King Moon Solaris the First, the Lightbearer. You are afraid of me. But I cannot blame you. I am not a human. And I have killed your guards.”

  Someone sniffed under his breath and whispered, “Ain't no loss there,” my ears were sensitive enough that I picked it up.

  “In truth I would rather this not end in violence, but they refused. And if I must spill blood I will. I reserve such brutality for only my enemies. You are probably wondering why an elf is trying to conquer this island. Why would I bother? It is simple. I have no home, no friends, no family. These people, these Solarians over the course of a few months became that home. I have heard their suffering under the hands of King Moriah, I have walked the streets and seen the depravity and hunger. I could not sit by and do nothing.”

  I paused letting my words simmer before I continued, “These lands are beautiful, yet the greedy sees fit to fill their own stomach and coffers at the expense of your lives. By chance I found the remnants of the rebellion that ended so tragically. And I heard their story. How could I not act? how could I not answer the call of justice?”

  The eyes that looked away in fear from the soldiers surrounding them, now looked at them in curiosity. Even in the north the rebellion was famous for its failure.

  “I realized the potential of these lands. Devon, Jallen, and Cassia then realized that I had the power to take it. It was a risk on their part but look at them now. You see their skill with blades. Their honorable conduct. These men and women are Solarians. The first citizens of the kingdom of Solaria. I am no cruel conqueror that will force you to kneel before me or face death. But if any will; then you will also be Solarians, my people, a part of my kingdom.”

  Whispers echoed through the gathered humans, “I will build a kingdom based on justice and honor. No man or woman will starve so long as they are willing to work. I will turn this island into the envy of the world. You see my wyvern, my soldiers, and think I bring death. But this is false, I am the Lightbearer, the greatest healer in the world. I bring a gift, the gift of salvation. The gift of new life.”

  “I will occupy this village for a time. I assure you we will pay gold for anything we ask for. You will face no danger from my soldiers or wyvern. And in the coming week once my supplies have been transported you may freely share in the bounty. During this time, you may speak to my citizens to learn of my plans for Solaria and what you can become should you decide to acknowledge me as king. But first let me offer you a small gift in apology for disturbing your peace this morning,”

  Brandishing my staff I began to cast Radiant orb. Fear erupted in the people as the massive Glowling circuit sprung into existence. I could already hear the guards trying to calm people down a few even started running. Then an instant later it was cast. The same people who were running away stopped in their tracks.

  Soon enough they realized that this wasn’t harming them, it was healing. One by one the people approached the orb. Groans and moans of satisfaction echoed through the crowd as they were bathed with healing light. Some cried, some laid down on the ground bonelessly. After a few minutes they looked at me not in fear, but in awe.

  “As I have said, I am not here to destroy but to create. This is but the smallest fraction of my power. Power that I will use to build a future for everyone on this island,”

  “I swear, king Solaria,” A man said. He was roughly twenty years old in a homespun brown tunic. Under his left arm was a crude wooden crutch. It seemed his left leg was injured.

  I walked forward, the people parting as I passed. I reached the man and offered my hand. He looked confused then took it. ‘Torn ACL, poorly healed fractured Femur, slight infection. He must have been in significant pain for some time. The healing light must have reduced it,” I mused.

  Using living ether I repaired the femur, stamped out the infection, and regrew his ACL, properly tensioning it so he could walk.

  “Go ahead, test the foot,” I said after I finished.

  Hesitantly, the man placed the foot down. He winced as if expecting pain but felt nothing. Dropping the crutch, he stomped on the foot, amazed. Then hopped up and down laughing. After a few moments he realized he was making a fool of himself and stopped.

  Then he looked into my eyes, holding them for long moments before he dropped to his knees, “I swear to serve you King Solaris. If you would have me.”

  “What is your name?” I asked.

  “Erest Milord,” he said.

  “You are now a Solarian if you wish you can join my army. You have seen their skill. Imagine what you could become.”

  Erest looked to the armed and armored soldiers then nodded enthusiastically, “Yes, yes Milord I’ll join.”

  I turned around to grab Devon’s gaze, “See to it that he starts training tomorrow, and get him a proper set of armor,”

  Devon nodded, “Yes, your majesty. Come Erest, I’ll turn you into a proper Solarian soldier yet.”

  Erest looked at me and I gave him a nod. The people watched him walk towards Devon. The two struck up a silent conversation with Erest nodding eagerly.

  Then came the flood. Of people swearing to me,

  “Please Milord, my daughter has a cough that won't go away,” an older man said.

  “My Da’s been bed sick for months, he’s too weak to come to the light,” a young girl said carefully approaching me.

  One by one I went about healing. Some needed a concentrated healing light, while others needed living ether. Each time, I held a wound, they would swear, their families would swear, their friends would swear. The rest caught up with the miracles I performed swore on the spot that they would serve.

  Throughout it all, I was the picture of magnanimousness. Though I made sure that Baelathor would occasionally roar just to remind them, for all my kindness, I had a monster at their gates.