Nine years ago.
The banners have been called. King Byrion looks out from the Stone Keep in Swordseat. The armies are preparing formation.
Three commanders enter the throne room.
"Your Majesty, Commander Fyris, Commander Adis, and Commander Duri."
"Welcome, commanders. I wish we could stand in ceremony, but we have work to do. Lord Jor of Castillia has rebeled against the crown. Six other lords have joined his cause. They have been seen marching towards Durvadaa. Commander Duri, you are to take your forces and support the Knights Hall. Commander Fyris and Commander Adis, you are to flank from Werinvas. We need to quell this rebellion quickly, or things are going to get out of hand."
With their orders they set off. It was a couple weeks ride towards Durvadaa, but weather was fair and they made it in good time. Word had not yet reached if the rest of the army made it to Werinvas yet.
The horn sounded. The rebel army was charging the gates.
"Men form ranks!" Duri shouted as he rode along the line. As the gates came down, Duri's force charged. They clashed, horses and men falling and trampling each other, the sounds of carnage deafening the men's ears. Lord Jor made his way through, cutting down all who stood in his way.
Duri and Jor met in the field. Jor charged swinging with great speed and power. Duri was backed into a corner, trying to block all of Jor's attacks. As he tried to roll away, Jor grabbed Duri.
"You know what's worse than dying quick? Dying a cripple."
Jor plunged his blade into Duri's lower back, throwing him down the steps. The Knights of Durvadaa were able to run the rebel force out of the city. Then, it seemed to start to rain. The men sniffed the air, gagging at its taste. A single flaming arrow fell into the city. Then, a deafening roar of fire erupted. The Tower of Durvadaa collapsed, trapping Duri and the young knight Hyriod under it.
Duri searched around, finding a torch and lighting it. He tried to move his legs, but he couldn't feel them. He spotted the young knight, unconscious and barely breathing. He grabbed him and dragged himself and Hyriod out, finding the end of the cave roughly six miles away. They emerged at a small abandoned cottage, were a cripple happened to live. He took the wheeled chair and set up the bed for Hyriod. Lucky for them, there was a garden and a clear stream. Duri made a fire, cooked up some stew, and found Hyriod and himself some fresh, and intact, clothes. When Hyriod awoke, the stew was still warm. He reached over trying to grab the bowl, but he couldn't and he pulled back in agony. Duri wheeled himself inside, finding Hyriod awake.
"Your alive! Here, let me help with the stew."
"What happened? How did we get here?"
"Jor had some sort of liquid fire, burned quick when that flaming arrow hit it. The tower was destroyed and we got trapped under. Ended up in a cave, I gragged us both out. We landed here."
"When did you become a cripple?"
"During the battle. Jor stabbed me in the back just before the knights ran the rebel force out."
"I owe you my life. What is your name?"
"Duri, if it please."
"Well, Duri, I would like to give you my estate. I don't have any land, but I have more gold than you could ever need."
"Your gift his well recieved, friend. Once you are back to health, maybe you could get us to Swordseat."
"You've got it friend."
Duri and Hyriod stayed another three weeks before setting back to Swordseat.
In Werinvas, Commander Adis took to the village. They had been spotted giving aid to the rebels, and Commander Adis ordered Captain Marcus to execute the leading family. He did as he was commanded, until he reached the children.
"Commander, these are children. They are innocent."
"They are kin to traitors and will die with the father and mother."
"Not by my hand."
"Refusing an order is treason, Captain."
"And it's wrong to execute children."
"Then you are a traitor. But I'm in a forgiving mood. Renounce your lands, titles, and pay, and I will let you leave with your head."
Marcus agreed, and left. He had nothing now. No conscious, no money, no will. He found a nice ledge, out of the way and protected from the elements in the slums of Swordseat. Duri happened upon him and befriended him, spending many hours a day with him, sharing stories and food.
The War lasted a year. Hundreds of thousands died to the liquid fire, but neither rebel nor king could gain any ground. They both sued for a temporary peace.
King Byrion looked out from the Stone Keep. Lord Jor approached with a large rolled-up parchment.
"The plans, for the liquid fire, your majesty."
"We shall put this to good use, my disciple. The God of Death shall here us now."