Aleville, the capital city of the Kingdom of Edran, is renowned for its majestic architecture and wealth. The elaborate domes of the Castle stood unparalleled in their magnificence, while the city itself boasted untold wealth which is well known throughout the continent. Its population numbered over nine million.
Upon the crystalline throne sat a king, his face marked by a sense of hostility. Soon, a knight would enter the throne room, bowing respectfully. It was Acting General Charles Frankfurt.
"Your Majesty, our offensive to reclaim the portal has ended in utter failure. I must stress the gravity of the situation—we have lost General Askwith to the enemy," the knight reported.
The king's expression grew tense. "Then our worst fears have come true... an invasion is inevitable."
"My liege, there is no sugarcoating the matter," the general responded. "If the reports from the front lines are accurate, our mightiest weapons and magic were unable to halt even a single one of their forces. Forty thousand of our soldiers perished in a single day, with an additional ten thousand lost during the retreat to our world. Among them was your son..."
The monarch's eyes were saddened at the mention of their fallen heir. Their son, the prince, had been the catalyst for this war—a casualty of the Outsiders' aggression. Roughly a month prior, a mysterious rift had materialized in the heart of the Mystic Meadow. Rumours of a wandering merchant from the west had spread like wildfire, describing an otherworldly blue light emanating from the sacred fields. The news swiftly reached the capital, captivating the masses.
The first prince, Harold, had developed an intense fascination with the mysterious rift.
"So, my beloved son, Prince Harold, was slain at the hands of these Outsiders?" the king asked, his voice tinged with dismay.
"Yes, Your Majesty..." the acting general replied anxiously, bowing his head respectfully as he confirmed the tragic news. "Several regions near the rift have descended into lawlessness due to widespread desertions after the failed offensive. We have attempted to quell the violence, but it only seems to escalate."
"Indeed... These are truly dark times, General. However, we cannot hold anyone accountable for what has transpired on the other side. Reinforce the 4th Army with troops from the Eastern Army stationed near the rift, and deploy the Valkyries to suppress criminal activities," the king commanded.
The general's eyes widened in shock at the king's words. The Holy Lutatanian Empire, under the rule of the tyrannical Emperor Sol, had wielded dominant influence among the neighbouring nations. Emperor Sol was infamous for employing overwhelming military force and vast wealth to achieve his objectives. Removing troops from the border was akin to inviting trouble, even a child could comprehend why many nations feared the Lutatanian Empire.
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, the Eastern Army plays a crucial role in safeguarding our borders against the Holy Lutatanian Empire. Entrusting such a common task to the Valkyries seems unwise," General Charles Frankfurt expressed his concerns.
From what the general had heard, the Valkyries were an elite corps of female warriors renowned for their mastery of swordsmanship and potent witchcraft, enabling them to surpass ordinary human capabilities. They were said to be on par with the esteemed Elite Royal Guards, widely regarded as the finest knights on the continent if not the world.
"We and the Lutatanian Empire have sworn oaths to the gods and the church not to engage in conflict until the treaty expires. Disregarding this would be a violation against the church and the divine," the king explained. "As for the Valkyries, they could benefit from practical experience in anticipation of the Outsiders' arrival. Currently, we require as many able-bodied defenders as possible to repel any potential assaults from these intruders."
General Charles sighed, acknowledging the validity of the king's strategies. Even in his twilight years, the monarch's mind remained sharp, drawing from his experiences leading the royal army during the Edran-Lutatan War. "I understand, Your Majesty..."
"You are dismissed, General. Although you hold the rank of acting general, I have faith in your ability to hold the line against the Outsiders should they attempt an invasion," the king declared.
"It shall be done, Your Majesty, for you, for the kingdom, and the gods." The general bowed one final time before exiting the throne room.
♦ ♦ ♦
[Budux Tavern- 978 I.C (Imperial Calendar)]
Several mercenaries sat in the corner of the busy tavern, filled with guests from all over the region of Edran. The bar was filthy, and it only had a little room between tables. The mercenaries were a rugged and diverse bunch, dressed in a motley assortment of armour and clothing, each telling a unique story of their experiences and travels. They had weathered faces, marked with scars and stories of battles fought and won against both monsters and other people.
The place was so noisy that one might not be able to hear what was being said at a nearby table unless one shouted. Amidst this noisy atmosphere, the mercenaries sat side by side reaching out with their hands for food and holding their cups full of wine.
However one stood out from the rest, In the dimly lit corner of the bar opposite of a fireplace, Sergeant Tej Thapa sat at a corner table, trying to blend in with the locals of this strange medieval world. It had been months since the ill-fated recon mission, and he had managed to stay hidden and unnoticed among the people of Erdran.
Sergeant Tej Thapa tried to remain inconspicuous, but his attire and demeanour made him stand out among the mercenaries. Unlike the rugged and battle-hardened appearances of the others, Tej still retained some remnants of his military uniform from his world. His posture, discipline, and vigilance gave him away as a trained for combat
The mercenaries at the table glanced curiously at him; The newcomer who seemed out of place. They exchanged glances and whispered amongst themselves, wondering who this foreigner might be. Tej kept his gaze low, avoiding direct eye contact with anyone, aware that drawing unnecessary attention to himself could be dangerous.
As the night wore on, the atmosphere in the tavern grew rowdier, fueled by the intoxication of wine. The mercenaries laughed and boasted of their exploits, each trying to outdo the others with their tales of valour and conquest. But Tej kept his own counsel, silently observing the interactions around him.
Eventually, a burly and bearded mercenary named Roderick approached Tej's table. "Well, well, what do we have here?" Roderick said with a gruff voice in the common Edranian language, eyeing Tej suspiciously. "You're not from around these parts, are you?"
Tej lifted his eyes and met Roderick's gaze, trying to maintain an air of confidence despite the unease within. "No, I'm not," he replied calmly. "I'm just passing through, looking for work."
Roderick raised an eyebrow, sizing up Tej with a cold stare. "Passing through, huh? And what kind of work are you looking for in this run-down town?" The mercenary slowly observed the appearance of the Sergeant carefully trying to figure out where he might come from. "You don't look like a mercenary... No armour, one dagger and a stick?" he said and he remove the rugged clock from the sergeant's back which he yanked his hand away from it.
"Ah!"
In a swift and calculated motion, Seragent Thapa twisted the mercenary's arm causing him to wince in pain and release his grip on the cloak. The other mercenaries at the table immediately stopped their boasting and turned their attention towards the commotion.
Tej's eyes darted around, gauging the reactions of the other mercenaries. He knew he had to handle this situation carefully, avoiding unnecessary violence that could draw further attention to him.
"Easy now," Tej said calmly, keeping his grip firm but not causing any harm. "I'm just passing through, lad. If you value your arm then I highly suggest to walk away, now..." His voice was steady, projecting a sense of control and authority.
Roderick's eyes narrowed. He could sense the strength and discipline in Tej's demeanour, and he knew better than to underestimate a man who could twist his arm so effortlessly.
The other mercenaries watched in silence, unsure of how this encounter would unfold. The rowdy atmosphere in the tavern seemed to have been momentarily subdued by the tension between Roderick and the newcomer.
Tej could feel the weight of the situation. He didn't want to draw any more attention to himself than necessary, and he certainly didn't want to escalate things further. His mission was to gather information and remain inconspicuous, not engage in a brawl. Tej's grip tightened just a fraction, causing Roderick to wince again.
"I won't repeat myself," Tej said sternly, his voice low and threatening. "Walk away, and we can forget this ever happened."
Roderick's pride seemed to grapple with his survival instincts. He glared at Tej for a moment longer before finally relenting, pulling his arm free from Tej's grip.
"Fine," he grumbled, rubbing his sore arm. "But remember this, outsider. This is our territory, and we don't take kindly to strangers poking their noses where they don't belong..."
With that, Roderick turned away and rejoined his fellow mercenaries at the table. The tense atmosphere began to ease slightly, but the other mercenaries still eyed Tej with suspicion and curiosity.
Unfazed by the encounter, Tej adjusted his cloak and calmly resumed his seat, as if nothing had happened. He knew that his encounter with Roderick had drawn attention, but he hoped that it wouldn't escalate any further.
"What a scene..." A voice spoke up in a familiar language. It was in English, Tej swung his head to the source of the voice only to see a man who was dressed roughly like a peasant of this world. "I'm surprised you're still alive, Sergeant."
Tej's eyes met the man's, and he sensed a familiarity in the stranger's voice. "You're not the people that I'm expecting?" Tej replied cautiously, "Who are you? You don't look like those boys from the SAS or the SRR..."
"MI6 to be correct, Sergeant..." The man said as he sat down next to him.
Tej's eyes widened with surprise at the mention of MI6. He hadn't expected to encounter an agent here in Erdan, especially not an agent from the British intelligence agency.
"MI6? Did the guy tell you that I'm here?" Tej asked, his voice hushed to maintain discretion.
The man smiled knowingly. "Let's just say we have our ways of tracking our operatives, even in unfamiliar territories." He paused for a moment before continuing, "I am Agent Black, and I've been sent to find you, Sergeant Thapa. Your efforts in supplying us with valuable information about this world have not gone unnoticed. Where are your team exactly?"
"It's a long story..."
Agent Black leaned in closer, his expression serious. "I have time, Sergeant..."
"Maybe a little too much." Tej sighs in defeat, "A fucking dragon."
Agent Black's eyes widened at Tej's blunt revelation. "A dragon? You're telling me that a dragon is involved in all of this?" he asked, half in disbelief and half in awe.
Tej nodded solemnly. "A big, fat, ugly, dragon. Happens that we've wandered into a bloody breeding ground and the mother was not happy... Jesus that thing took 3 anti-tank rockets to the face."
"Did you kill it?"
Tej's expression lowered as he shook his head. "No..."
"I'm sorry for your loss," Agent Black said quietly. "But you managed to escape, and your information has been crucial in our efforts to understand this world."
Tej leans back and took a sip of the wine, "Yeah..."
Agent Black studied Tej's face, sensing the weight of loss he carried. "Unit Bravo, wasn't it?"
"Yep, Good bunch as well..."
Agent Black nodded with a hint of understanding, "SRR team managed to recover a few of the bodies, or what's left of them... Apart from you Sergeant, how did you escape?"
Tej felt a mix of emotions as he recalled the events that led to him being separated from Unit Bravo.
"I fell into a cave, well a bloody dungeon... Fucking place stinks of piss, and shite, and a horde of mutants rats and other fucking things. I probably spent a few weeks down there."
"Sounds like you've been through hell, Sergeant."
"Yeah, you could say that," Tej replied, his voice tinged with the weight of his experiences. "After I got out, I met some locals, been then and there and later on met up with the lads from the 22nd Regiment. It seems they were confused at first but they accepted the info I gave them, like they never knew I'm dead. The only thing asked in return is a box of ammo and food."
Agent Black got a glimpse of Tej's attire, and couldn't help but notice the remnants of Tej's military uniform and the foreign gadgets strapped to his belt. "You seem to have some interesting gear with you," he remarked.
Tej nodded, "It's a bunch of gadgets I salvaged and some bits and bobs from other places," Tej explained. "The tech doesn't work here, but some of it can still be useful in one way or another."
"I see, What about that rifle? Where did you get that?" Agent Black inquire
Tej glanced at the old Ishapore 2A1 rifle which was bulging out of his clock after the encounter with the mercenary. He became hesitated for a moment before speaking, "I lost my SA80 after falling into the cave. Look, I don't know how to say this but we're not the first ones to enter this place."
Agent Black's interest was boosted even further by Tej's revelation. "What do you mean we're not the first ones to enter this place? Who else has been here?"
Tej took a deep breath, contemplating how much he should tell.
"There was a skeleton in that cave with the rifle, an Indian soldier or something. It looked like he had been there for a long time, and he wasn't the only one. There were other remains, older than the recent recon team. It seems that people from our world have stumbled upon this place before, long ago," Tej explained cautiously.
Agent Black leaned in closer to the table with his two fingers stroking his chin as he theories such possibilities, "Maybe the artefact must have been activated before..." he whispered.
"Sorry?"
Agent Black shook his head, "Oh, nothing. Just thinking out loud... Eh... How old do you think the remains are?
"Based on the equipment and the letters and photos I got." Tej then took out a letter which had a writing which was in Hindi. Tej once read the letter which was in the case if someone found the body and a picture of a woman which was presumably his wife. "Date on the back of the letter says 1967. Aadhishankar that as this poor soul's name."
Agent Black listened intently as Sergeant Tej Thapa revealed the information about the old remains and the letter with the name "Aadhishankar." The revelation that people from their world had been in this medieval world long before their recent expedition raised more questions than answers.
"Aadhishankar... an Indian soldier," Agent Black mused, his mind racing with possibilities. He then took the letters and photos and inspects them. The paper was weathered and the ink faded, but the contents were still legible. The letter appeared to be a heartfelt message from Aadhishankar to his wife, expressing his love and longing for her as the Sergeant interprets it.
Agent Black carefully studied the photo of the woman, holding it closer to the dim light of the tavern. The image had also suffered the effects of time, but he could still see the genuine smile on the woman's face.
Tej watched as Agent Black examined the contents, his expression remains pensive. "Looks like he was a long way from home," Tej remarked softly.
"Yeah, very, very far away..." In a swift motion, Agent Black crushes both pictures and letters into balls and threw them into the fireplace.
"Black, what the fuck?!"
The flames of the fireplace greedily consumed the crushed remnants of history, leaving behind nothing but ashes. Tej watched in silence as the last traces of Aadhishankar's existence were reduced to nothingness. The tavern's rowdy atmosphere seemed to amplify as the night becomes livelier.
Tej clenches his fist but felt a slight tingle around his stomach he looked down to see a suppressed SIG-Sauer P228 aimed ready to fire at any moment. his heart raced as he realised that Agent Black had a concealed weapon pointed at him. The MI6 agent's actions had taken a dark turn, and Tej couldn't help but feel a surge of anger and betrayal.
"What the hell is going on, Black?" Tej demanded, his voice low and intense.
Agent Black's expression remained stoic, his eyes locked onto Tej's. "Some things are best left unknown, Sergeant," he said coldly. "Your sentimental attachment to those items could compromise our mission and put us all in jeopardy. Think of the diplomatic issue we face if they find out if the rift can open anywhere on earth, London will be a warzone."
Tej's mind raced as he weighed his options. He knew that Agent Black was ruthless when it came to protecting secrets, but this was a dangerous game he was playing. Tej had no doubt that Black would eliminate him if he deemed it necessary.
"You can't just erase people's lives like they never existed," Tej said coldly. "Aadhishankar was someone's husband, maybe someone's father. He deserves to be remembered."
Agent Black's grip on the pistol tightened, but he remained calm. "Morals means nothing in fieldwork like this Sergeant. I bust my arse every day getting my hands dirtied to keep the world clean and I fucking enjoy it. This is our reality, our lives are at stake and if we fucked up not only we are going to suffer the consequences."
Agent Black's gaze hardened further, but a flicker of emotion crossed his face. "In this world, sentimentality will get you killed," he retorted coldly. "I've had to make difficult choices to ensure the safety of our world, and I won't hesitate to make more. I'm sure you know what I mean, Sergeant Thapa."
Agent Black's finger hovered on the trigger, and Tej could see the conflict in his eyes.
Tej gritted his teeth, "I won't sacrifice my principles for the sake of a mission. I'm not a monster..."
"I've read your files, Sergeant. We more a like that you realise."
Tej's heart sank as Agent Black revealed that he had access to his personal files. He felt a wave of vulnerability wash over him, realizing that the MI6 agent knew more about him than he had thought. It was clear that Black was trying to manipulate him, using his past against him.
"All information has to come through me first, Sergeant. Everyone you've met receiving your information has to answer to me. Nobody from knows if you're still alive until I say so. I can just end it here and now and I still walk away without ever telling them about Tej Thapa or Aadishakha."
"What do you want Black?" Tej asked with venom. "You're not just here just to run errands are you?"
Agent Black's stoic expression remained unchanged, He then placed his pistol back into its holster and reach into his satchel to bring out several boxes of 7.62mm rounds and a Radio.
"Tomorrow is the day, Sergeant..."
Tej raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "What day?"
"The armed forces are gathering an expeditionary force and will be arriving tomorrow, Seragent. Most special forces unit has been recalled to the rift and I need someone to run my errands." Agent Black patted Tej on the back before getting up in his chair. "Sergeant and remember you're not the only one with friends in this world. I've got my eyes on you, Sergeant. We're all in this together, make sure to to answer my call."
The Sergeant's stared daggers as he watched the Agent leave the table and felt a slight relief but at the same time, his mind was still reeling from the encounter with Agent Black. The MI6 agent's sudden change in demeanour had caught him off guard, and he couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and suspicion. He watched as Black left the tavern, leaving him with the boxes of 7.62mm rounds and the radio.
"Tej?" Another familiar voice spoke but this time it was in the Erdan touge.
It was Merrill Amakir, an elf from the Akir woods and essentially his companion since he met her in another town near the mountains where he and his team were attacked.
"Merrill," he said, managing a small smile despite the lingering tension in his mind. "I thought you were in the inn sleeping."
Merrill raised an eyebrow, her sharp elven features showing a mix of curiosity and concern. "What happened with that man? He seemed troubled, and I saw him leave in quite a hurry."
Tej hesitated for a moment, debating how much he should tell her. He only told her a cover story of him being an adventurer like her but from another country on a faraway continent.
"He was... just an old acquaintance," Tej replied, deciding to keep the true nature of his encounter with Agent Black to himself. "We had some differences in the past, that's all."
Merrill studied him for a moment, her keen elven senses likely picking up on his unease. "Are you sure you're alright, Tej?" she asked, her voice gentle. "You seem tense."
Tej forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "I'm fine, Merrill, just a lot on my mind. It's been a long journey, and I guess I'm still adjusting to this new continent."
"Oh, ok. Eh... Do you want to head off to the next town tomorrow maybe to Lyon?" Merrill asked
"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea," Tej replied