~Some time ago~
Kohrr seemed to wake up from a strange dream. It must have been quite the dream since he was on his knees with his hands on the ground. The ground was destroyed. There was rubble and debris everywhere. Human knights, wizards, and other soldiers were lifeless, scattered throughout the battered rocks field. Perhaps the work of an earthquake, Kohrr wondered. There was a bald, bearded man in heavy broken armor at a distance saying something... It didn't seem to make much sense... He was addressing Kohrr.
Not long after, a mage arrived with many monsters… an army of them. She opened a portal, and three giants came out. Kohrr's head was still spinning. But he recognized those three.
Kohrr: {I remember them... Why are they here? Where is here? I can't remember what I was doing or how I got here...}
One of the giants said, "[You traitor! You should have just died like the others!]". Kohrr was thrown in the air and punched so hard he blacked out.
~ Now~
Kohrr opened his eyes again. He couldn't feel his body. He was stuck in the wall of a mountain somewhere. But since he wasn't in a rush for anything, it felt like as good a place as any to rest... so he just closed his eyes… and went back to sleep.
~About a week after the battle at Dalmacia ~
There was a large group of people that crossed the mountains of Moriah. All the surviving men, women, and children from the cities of the Northern region of the Western Continent. The King of Dalmacia would have rathered to avoid this, but it seemed like no other choice was left. Sylar would have been the natural choice to seek aid, but unfortunately, Sylar didn't have the military prowess to resist the Reach. Most of Dalmacia's greatest warriors had fallen in the enemy's first strike. Several others were unaccounted for. Fighting seemed hopeless. The last available resort was seeking help from an old enemy.
After a long and uncomfortable journey, they arrived at Moriah's castle gates, King Uther and Rachel. The hundreds of refugees had set camp at the mountain's outskirts. The rest of the heroes were among the refugees on guard in case the enemy caught up with them.
Moriah Sentry: Halt! None may pass! Leave now or forfeit your lives.
King Uther: Calm down, son. I wish to speak with King Oberon. Tell him Uther Pendragon wishes to negotiate.
The sentry sent a soldier to notify the king. After waiting, the king sent a messenger to the gates.
Messenger: This message is from his Majesty, King Oberon Lionel, to Uther Pendragon. "I have heard your request and will gladly meet with you for a long-overdue parley. Kindly wait until I am finished with another rather pressing matter, and I will have my guard escort you to a proper venue" – Uther was frowning after hearing King Oberon's message.
Rachel: What's wrong, father? At the very least, he clearly agreed to speak with you...
King Uther: He's toying with us. That's exactly what I expected from a child that was given everything way too soon...
Uther and Rachel waited at the gates of Moriah for about 6 hours. Finally, the escort arrived to take them to King Oberon. A carriage with the Royal Guard of Moriah came, and they were invited in.
Moriah was a large and self-sustaining Kingdom. Its king was a young man. He was in his early twenties. His father only lived to please him. When the boy was ten years old, he wanted to be king. Since his father didn't know how to say "no" to the child, the crowning ceremony was held, and Moriah hailed its new king.
Royal Guard: His Majesty will be with you shortly. Wait here.
King Uther: Very well...
Rachel: He'll say yes. I'm sure of it.
King Uther: My dear... Bless your heart. If everyone had a heart as pure as yours, we certainly would not need warriors and battles... Or even cunning negotiators...
After a few moments, King Oberon entered with his Royal Guard.
Oberon: And here I thought I would be spared of ever having to see your old decrepit face again.
Rachel: How dare you speak to him like that!?
The guards unsheathed their swords, pointing them at Rachel.
Uther: Please, Rachel. Be quiet. Forgive my daughter. She has been through quite the ordeal and is still very emotional. I ask that you kindly ignore her outburst.
Oberon: Stand down, men – the guards put their blades back in their sheathes. Then Oberon looked at Rachel and said – I will speak whatever way I damn well please. Who are you to come to my kingdom and tell me, the king, what and how I must do?
Rachel got really angry. But she remained silent.
Oberon: I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. Today I had my massages scheduled. There's no way I would interrupt the secret to eternal youth for a chat with the likes of you...
Uther: [Cough! Hack! Ehem!]
Oberon: Well? On with it! Can't you see I'm a busy man? A glorious king such as I has a hectic schedule…
Uther: I take it you heard of the Eastern Continent's kingdom of The Reach and its invasion of our lands...
Oberon: Who hasn't? However, that does not interest me... No one would be foolish enough to invade Moriah… the greatest kingdom in The Arkana...
Uther was struggling not to lash out at the childish antics of King Oberon.
Uther: I'll get to the point. The Reach has defeated us. They have decimated our army. Destroyed our people's homes. They even laid waste to our palace in the capital. We have come to you in seek of refuge.
Oberon burst out in laughter. He also had a pretty annoying laugh, which made Rachel even angrier.
Oberon: This is so delightful... I bet you never saw this moment coming... in your entire miserable life…
Uther: We have not got the time- -
Oberon: Ever since you humiliated me all those years ago, I have been waiting for a moment like this... Hahahahahahahaha...
He laughed for quite a while longer... And Rachel really wanted to punch him in the face.
Oberon: What makes you think that I would lift a finger to help you?
Uther: Because The Reach is a kingdom of monsters. They have no regard for honor and fairness... They would use any means to achieve their goals... They seek to destroy everything... This means Moriah will not be spared. But if we stand together, we may have a chance to prevail!
Oberon: Without my help, you're doomed... I am enjoying every second of this!
Rachel: Please, King Oberon! If you help us, all the people on the Western Continent would be in your debt...
Oberon: That does not sound appealing at all... What benefit is there in having a bunch of peasants in debt to me? Is this the best you have to offer?
Uther: It seems you have something in mind... Let's hear it.
Oberon: Quite perceptive, aren't we? I couldn't help but notice you bringing your lovely daughter instead of your sons... It is quite uncharacteristic of you, Uther Pendragon. I believe I understand the message, and I accept!
Rachel: Father, what is he talking about? – Uther ignored Rachel's question and continued speaking to King Oberon.
Uther: Sadly, my firstborn Cedric fell in battle against The Reach.
Rachel: Father?
Oberon: What a pity. Not that I care, anyway... But since I require a queen, I suppose she would do...
Rachel: WHAAAAAT???!!!
Over at the camp, the people were growing restless. Nimrod was scouting the neighboring area to detect the enemy so they wouldn't catch the heroes off guard. At the same time, Legend seemed pretty down. Something was clearly bothering him.
Meg: Are you alright, Legend? It looks like there's something on your mind.
Legend: Did I make the right choice?
Meg: Are you having second thoughts about staying in the Arkana?
Legend: I thought I had decided to stay because I had a mission to carry out here... But now I see that I was trying to ignore the truth...
Meg: What do you mean?
Legend: I stayed because I didn't know how to go back!
Meg: Legend...
Legend: It doesn't feel like there's anything special about me... I wasn't any help in the battle at Dalmacia... And by the look of things, the enemy we're up against is insanely powerful... I don't understand what I'm doing here!
Legend was so frustrated he had tears in his eyes. In the background, Richard was reassuring and attempting to calm the restless people.
Meg: Legend. You being here is my fault. But it is not without purpose!
Legend: Huh? Your fault? How?
Meg: I knew you would be worthy of wielding the Sword of Light. I needed someone that could wield it because of the evil that was about to be unleashed. Only the Holy Sword of Light, joined with its peers, can stand a chance against what's coming.
Legend: I don't understand... Are you talking about the Four Fiends? I haven't even been helpful in this battle! What's the point of me being here, Meg?!
Meg: Have a little faith, kid. And give yourself a little more credit. You're the only one belittling yourself. Do you remember what I told you when you still didn't know how to use the sword?
Legend: Uhh...
Meg: I believe in you. That was what I said. And I still do. The moment you start believing, you will see it all clearly.
Legend felt better after talking with Meg. But there were still doubts and fears deep within his heart.
King Uther and Rachel were back. Asylum was granted at Moriah. They would fight alongside the heroes as well. But the very pertinent question that no one asked: at what cost? Rachel had undoubtedly changed how she saw her father up to that moment.
Richard: Father, that is fantastic news! Finally, a silver lining in this entire bleak situation. By the way... Where is Rachel?
Rachel was somewhere else taking a drink, her hand shaking and her face red.
Rachel: I can't believe my own father did that to me! There's no way I'm becoming the bride of an oaf like Oberon Lionel!!!! NO WAY!!!
While the people were entering through the kingdom's gates, Nimrod came down to let Richard and the king know the enemy's position.
Nimrod: The monster army is close. I saw them close to the peak of the mountains. We have a day tops before they're here.
Uther: Richard. Take command of our defenses.
Richard: We will make our stand at the foot of the mountain. The weather conditions may be in our favor... Take them by surprise... Maximize our available skills.
Richard spoke with the commander of Moriah's army. They met with the most capable warriors in the kingdom and devised a plan to ambush the monsters while they were still on the descent from the mountain.
Meanwhile, Andreza was riding an airship with a few mages and monsters while most of the monster army was crossing the mountain path on foot. She was a little distracted and upset because of what happened a few days ago after Fin, Fan, and Fun demolished what was left of Dalmacia...
~About a week ago, after the destruction of Dalmacia~
Andreza: Wait. Where are you going? The war isn't over.
Zeldrys: That may be so. But our part in your war is over indeed. We no longer require you to view us as allies.
Andreza: You treacherous bastards! You're a fool if you think for an instant that you're leaving here alive!
Zeldrys smiled and uttered a mild chuckle. An infrequent occurrence.
Andreza: What's so funny?!
Zeldrys: The irony of your comment, which you cannot perceive. Farewell.
Andreza: WAIT!!!
Merlin had already left because of his wounds. But now the Reach knew that The Cabal had betrayed them.
~ Present day~
Andreza: Make sure you stay out of my way – she said as she spoke to General Vortigen, who was still recovering from his injuries.
Mage: Commander Andreza, wouldn't it be faster if you healed him? I would if I knew any White magic, but unfortunately, that type of magic is quite rare in the East.
Andreza: I would never lift a finger to heal a fool like Vortigen. A pity he survived. I didn't think he had it in him.
Vortigen: I can hear you, you hag! I shall soon make you regret your insolence! What does a nobody like you even know about conquest?
Andreza: I know how to kill and not be humiliated in battle. For the looks of it, that puts me way above you.
Vortigen got really mad and clenched his teeth at Andreza while she remained with a severe look on her face.
Andreza was a dedicated and hard-working person. As a magic student, she always strived for excellence. She was never the most gifted. But there was no question about her dedication, which made her excel everywhere and be noticed by King Aurelius. She felt a lot of pressure to deliver outstanding results from this conquest expedition. But there was only one thing she cared about more than duty... And she just couldn't shake it... shake him... out of her mind...
Vortigen: Enjoy the spotlight while you can. I shall be here to take back command when you fail. And believe me, you will fail.
Andreza: So envy isn't only found in the mage ranks. How pathetic, even for you, Vortigen.
Vortigen: Watch your tongue, wench!
Andreza: STOP! – Andreza cast the Time magic spell Stop on Vortigen. (The spell stopped time for a target. The stronger the caster's magic, the longer the spell's effect lasted).
Andreza: {That'll teach him to mess with me} {I hope I see him again... I can't stop thinking about him... The way how he smiled at me and acknowledged me... Lord Zeldrys...}