Two days, after being noticed by Thanatos. Bi'ranna slogged around the camp, ragged and weary. Her legs aching, chest burning and throat dry. Sweating profusely, she wanted nothing more, than to jump into a Fork, and be swept away. "Only nine more laps." The Messenger cheered. He was a frail, and lanky teen. His hair slicked back, and tucked behind his collar. She glared at him, looking at his pale complexion with disdain. Two days, he had been watching her like a vulture. Stuck on her like a leech. Always making sure she ran the laps. He gave her a wincing smile, throwing his hands up defensively. "You know, I can still kill you even in my state right?" He jogged ahead of her, turning around to jog backwards. He gave her a smug smile. "I think you're beyond exhausted. Even as a Messenger, I can take you." She swiped at him lethargically. He evaded the swipe chuckling. "See, you can barely throw a punch."
"How...about...a...wager then?" She asked, trudging with her head down. He slowed down, and begun walking beside her. "What do you have in mind?" "If I can...punch you once...You carry me the rest of these laps." "And, if I win? What will you give me?" She came to a stop, reeling back to take a deep breath. "I'll let you be the first arrow in my quiver." She said offering out her hand. The Messenger froze, his pale skin now pink, his eyes bulging. She watched him take a gulp. 'Come on...take the bait already. You want the same thing as every other man.' "By that you mean..." "I mean you get to fuck me." "DEAL!" He exclaimed, reaching out to shake her hand. Bi'ranna, quickly locked his hand into her grip. His urges were replaced with dread and horror, as he realized what had happened.
She swept him off his feet, with a poor foot sweep. He hit the ground with a solid thud. He curled and winced, seeing Bi'ranna above him, fist already cocked back. He covered his face, bracing for the pain. Instead he felt her knuckles gently tap against his chest. "I win." She said collapsing on top of him. She rolled off, facing towards the sky. She then felt his lanky arms digging under her back, and then her buttocks. "Oi...watch...your hands..." She said glaring at him. He pulled his hands away, tucking them behind his back. "Turn around...you idiot. Give me...your back..." He quickly understood and let her climb onto his back. He wrapped his hands underneath her thighs. She slid a dagger from her boot, placing it against his throat. "You do anything to me...and I'll..." He watched as the dagger slipped from her hand, and felt her pass out, on his back.
Thanatos and several of his nephews accompanied him to the meeting. They wore their armour with their weapons at the ready. Thanatos had his loose sleeve tied into a knot, and had no weapon with him. They marched through the Artaraxus camp, with their heads held up high. Garnering them disdainful glares. Soldiers sharpened their weapons, and had outlines of their gate opening. From the war camp, a husky voice and demure voice quarrelled. "Remain outside." Thanatos said. "Uncle, you have no weapon. We should-" "I said, stay outside." He growled, before entering. Inside was giant wooden table, with an extensive map of the Citadel, smothered with blocks representing each soldier. On the left was a burly tanned man, with slicked back, golden hair. A well groomed beard of the same colour. He wore a golden suit of armour, adorned with Lion characteristics. On the right. A slender and beautiful woman, with ghostly white skin, and silver hair. She wore a bright white silk dress, with glittering linings, that fluttered on the thin veils.
The two of them paused, turning to Thanatos, the woman shot him an annoyed stare. "Am I late?" He asked, with a wry smile. He scanned the man up and down. 'Shit. What were their names again? Why didn't I read that letter properly...' The man approached Thanatos, and bowed with both hands by his side. "Greetings General Argul. I am glad you could make it." Thanatos smiled at him. "Yes, thank you General Xanxar." He chuckled awkwardly. "I am the son of Acholoz Xanxar. Please call me Atraxex." "Of course, Artraxex." Thanatos let out a sigh of relief. 'That's one. Now what was-' She stared daggers at him, with her piercing blue eyes. "Yes, you are late. Two days late." She sniped, walking over to him. The woman was as tall as Thanatos, however he could not tell if those were from the heels. "My apologies. I did not mean to offend you..." "Princess Farella. Leader of the Tuskdran army." Artraxex scoffed. "Army." He muttered. She snarled at him. "Your army is made up entirely, of beasts and weaklings holding reins." "My army, is the only thing stopping them, from retreating west to the Silver City."
"Yes, and I heard your first wave, was completely decimated by two brats from the Citadel." He said folding his arms, with a smug smirk. "The reports say it was the son of Encara, and the Forsaken Knight. I would not call them brats, nor underestimate their abilities." Farella growled. "She is right. An appropriate bounty has been placed on the Forsaken Knight's head." "It is far too low. They killed over a thousand of my men." She pouted. "What would you like to add to it?" Thanatos asked walking over to the map. "Double the bounty for the Forsaken Knight, and add one for the son of Encara. Tuskdran will offer 5,000 gold pieces for that magician's bastard, alive or dead." "I'll have my messengers, put the word out." He said, inspecting the map.
'We have the Citadel surrounded. However with that Bladed Dragon, and how staggered our forces are arriving. They're going to launch a counter attack soon.' "Well since you're finally here. We wanted to discuss, why you pulled your forces back so far?" Farella asked. Artraxex glared at her discourtesy. How dare she talk to him in that way? He was Thanatos Argul the famed general, who fought the Grand Enk mage. "Kal'Nar's army is quite large. Some of my nephews are loyal, and understand how to follow orders. Some of them are stupid, and are trying to impress my brother, from across the world." He let out a long sigh, hearing his nephews outside growling. "Our plan to starve them out is working." "Then why retreat the ground you hold?" She asked. "Because, now when they want to counter attack. They'll have to over reach for it. Leaving them exposed for Artraxex or your army to flank them." He said, pacing to the other side of the map. Artraxex wore a proud smile.
"Now, was there anything you wanted to discuss?" He asked. "No General." Artraxex saluted. "Yes. There is a matter of where, your actual soldiers are." Farella asked. Thanatos and Artraxex cocked an eyebrow at her. "Don't play stupid with me Argul. We were told to bring our best soldiers, and I've seen nothing but children running at them." "How dare you accuse-" You're not any better." She said pointing at Artraxex. "Soldiers clad in bronze or cheap metal, painted gold to appear as your elites." He swallowed his tongue, and stepped back. "Artraxex, would you mind leaving us alone?" Thanatos asked. He nodded and saluted him before leaving. "Now there's a loyal boy, who knows respect, and to tell the truth." "Are you saying, I'm not respectful and a liar?" She asked offended, folding her arms. "Yes. That's exactly, what I'm saying." Her mouth dropped. "How dare you-"
"I read your report princess. Mammoths, sabre tigers and over a thousand foot soldiers massacred. However I've been to your kingdom before." Princess Farella took a nervous gulp. "For you to stand there, and speak this hypocritical notion, that you aren't doing the same thing as us. Well...that annoys me. And I'm sure you're quite aware, of how Kal'Nar created its army." He said stroking her hair. She flinched retreating away from him. "I know all about your Berserkers." Her eyes bulged, as she trembled. He now loomed over her, with his presence alone. "Now go and tend to your army, and spread the word to your army. The Citadel will be launching a counter attack soon." "How do you know that? Do you still have a spy in the Citadel?" "Because, I would do the same thing, in their position." Princess Farella, did a quick curtsy and left the tent. Thanatos sighed. "I'm too old for this shit." He mumbled. He plopped into a chair, blowing a raspberry.
Artraxex entered into the tent again. "General Argul. I would like to discuss something with you, if possible." He bowed. "What is it?" He asked, covering his eyes. "I would like some of your warriors, to accompany a guest of mine, back to Artaraxus...In secret." He asked, with a hint of embarrassment. Thanatos removed his arm, scanning him up and down. "And who would this guest be?" He asked with a sly smile. He took a nervous gulp. "Her name isn't important." "In that case, I'll send a few of my nephews. They never like to gossip." "No don't!" He exclaimed. Artraxex sighed, slumping forward. "Xalla Xenarith." Thanatos gave him an impressed nod. "You've been bedding, the last heir to the Xenarith kingdom." "Shhh!" He winced trying to hush Thanatos. "As, I recall. Xanxar is not a family able to join one of the three houses." Artraxex bowed his head in shame. "Yes, I am aware." Thanatos chuckled. "Where do you need her escorted." He said patting his shoulder. "To Artaraxus. I need someone strong enough to protect her, but also someone that won't raise any attention to her wagon." Thanatos smirked. "I may have someone that's perfect for the job."
Bi'ranna awoke hearing a gentle lapping of water. The sun shining down on her, with wisps of clouds. Her back ached, from the cold wet ground. She rolled over groaning, her muscles aching. "You're finally up." The Messenger said, carrying over a flask of water, and a bowl gruel. She looked at the food with disgust. The pale grey slurry made from grain and salted water from the Fork. Where was the intoxicating aromas? The delightful spices. Even the water looked bland to her. "What's wrong? Are you not hungry?" He asked. She was hungry, and dying of thirst. But how could she go back to this, after having tasted what she had last night. She reluctantly took the gruel, and forced a mouthful down. Watching as he greedily and happily ate his. What blissful ignorance.
"Did you do my laps already?" She asked, washing her food down. "Nope, I carried you to the Blessed bay. They healed your muscles and gave you some Arcane energy." "We had a deal." She growled. "Yes, but Thanatos told me make sure, that 'you' run the laps. Not me. I'm more scared of him than you." He said shoving another mouthful of sludge into his mouth. She glared at him, before cramming another spoonful into her mouth. She gagged feeling it slide down her throat. How could he be so cruel, to give her a taste of greatness, and have her go back to this. She placed the bowl down, with a new sense of determination, and a single drive. Finish his training and never eat this shit again. "What's your name?" She asked. "Zi'Lara." He said, taking another mouthful. "Did you do anything to me, while I was asleep?" He jumped out of his seat, hands raised in the air, shaking his head frantically. "NO! I didn't! I'll feed myself to Vasha's prison, if you think I'm lying." She frowned at him. "Why not? Am I not pretty?" He reeled back dumbfounded. "You wanted me to do something?" "No. Of course not." She pouted stomping off. Zi'lara panned around, before throwing his hands up in the air. "HUH!?"
He chased after her, as she entered into a jog. "Wait, wait, wait. Did you want me to touch you?" She glared at him. "What woman would want that?" He froze in spot as she jogged off. He shook his head confused, sprinting after her. "Why are you so confusing!?" He exclaimed. "Do you think, I'm pretty or not?" He blushed, looking away as he jogged beside her. "Well, you're obviously pretty." "Really? What makes me pretty? I look like every other girl here." "Uh, well...I..." He stammered, before falling behind. Zi'lara quickly caught back up. "You're different." He said. "I mean why else would Thanatos, take notice of you?" She growled at him. He had noticed her, and so far it had done nothing, but show how terrible her life was. She shuddered. He was going to do another terrible thing to her, after this. As she finished her second lap, already sweating and weary. Thanatos stood at the southern entrance, waving her down.
She came to a halt, with Zi'lara saluting Thanatos. "I see your training is going well." She sneered at him, wiping her sweaty brow. "Well, I have good news. You won't have to do it for much longer. I'm sending you on an assignment." He said with a big smile. She had no reaction, remaining still. He cocked an eyebrow at her. "Are you waiting to hear, what it is, before reacting?" She nodded. "Smart. You'll be escorting a person of high importance, back to Artaraxus, in secret." She pointed to herself, cocking an eyebrow at him. "Yes, you." "But, I'm not strong enough to protect anyone!" She exclaimed.
"Of course you are. This journey will be a great chance for you to increase your strength." "How!?" She yelled confused. Zi'lara took a step away from her. How could she talk to him, with such a lax tone. "Because, I had some armour commissioned for you. That and the cape, will be roughly one hundred kilos." Zi'lara perked up. What an honour for General Argul to give a low born a suit of armour. "HUH!? I can't carry that! Are you crazy!" "Shhhhh! Are you trying to get yourself killed!?" Zi'lara hissed. He attempted to clasp her mouth shut, only to be thrown her shoulder onto the ground. He felt the air rush out of his lungs and bruised spine. He groaned and whimpered, as the two of them paid him no attention. "You'll be fine. You're just escorting one person." He shrugged. "You want me to carry a hundred kilos of weight. Through the mountain side; bandits, the scorching fucking desert, and did I mention the possibility of running into a Draken?" She asked rhetorically. "Yes. You leave tonight." He said walking away. Her mouth dropped, and she slumped over.
'If I'm alone. I can probably run away, and say she got eaten. This could be good for me.' She perked up with joy, the possibilities of escaping this war would be possible. To defect like her older sister. Thanatos stopped. Her heart jumped. 'Oh for Vasha's sake, don't come back. Don't ruin this. Don't ruin this. Do not ruin this.' He stopped and squatted beside Zi'lara. "You, Messenger. Do you do anything else but run?" He quickly rose to his feet. "I am able to send long distance ravens, and short distance falcons." Thanatos stroked his chin. 'Nononononono. Stop thinking and move on.' She screamed in her mind, watching expressionlessly behind him. "Any combat abilities? Any offensive Enk Magic?" Zi'lara shrugged awkwardly, shying away his smile. "I know one ability...." "Show us." Thanatos said pointing to the open field. Bi'ranna cringed. What could this lanky boy even do?
Zi'lara unlatched a small sketch book from behind his belt. He flipped through several pages of exquisite and highly detailed drawings of various beasts. The golden lions of Artaraxus; The giant sabre-toothed tigers from Tuskdran, the Emerald qilins of Kal'Nar, and finally the drawing of Vasha herself. He quickly flipped back to the drawing of the lion. With a deep breath, the drawing liquefied and the Lion leapt out of the pages. Thanatos and Bi'ranna took a step back in bewilderment. The blotchy dripping lion, prowled towards them, before turning into a puddle. Zi'lara spun around, his face bright red. "Sorry! I'm running low on Arcane energy. They normally look a lot better than that." He bowed. With bulging eyes, Bi'ranna mouthed 'What the Fuck'. "You mean, you can keep that thing out longer!?" Bi'ranna said, cowering behind Thanatos. "What is your name?" Thanatos asked, hiding his genuine shock. "Zi'lara, sir." He glanced back and Bi'ranna. 'How much talent have we been wasting?' "Both of you go to my tent at once. I have something I must attend to."
The two of them hesitantly approached Thanatos's tent side by side. Feeling a thousand glaring scornful eyes on them. Zi'lara gulped. "Why are they all staring at us?" He asked through the corner of his mouth. "Because, I'm his favourite, and now you're next to me." She replied through the corner of her mouth. The two of them stood outside awkwardly, staring at the fluttering flaps. "Should we go in?" He asked. "Probably." The two of them remained motionless outside. "Why aren't you moving?" He asked again.
'Because, I'm terrified of what is going to happen to me. That yesterday I was a breeder brat, to be thrown at the Citadel, to wear them down. Now I'm being tasked with a secret task, being given favours by General Thanatos Argul himself.' "My legs are cramping." She said, before walking inside. Zi'lara gazed in wonder at the size of the tent, before letting out a yelp as Bi'ranna face planted onto the bed. "What are you doing!?" He hissed, quickly trying to drag her off the bed. She pulled him onto the bed, by his collar. He let an orgasmic moan, his eyes glazing over. "So soft...." He moaned, caressing the bed. "Mmmhmm." Bi'ranna nodded. 'What the fuck is happening? Why is he being so nice? He's a first generation Argul. Blood thirsty and ruthless. The vanguard against the Citadel.'
They shot up hearing the tent flap being lifted up. Thanatos entered into the tent, with two cooks following behind him, pushing in carts. Zi'lara was bombarded by waves of intoxicating spices and aromas. He quickly swallowed his saliva. "Eat up." He said, as the cooks revealed steaming slices of pork and vegetables. The two of them wasted no time devouring their food. He took a seat on his bed, letting out a sigh. A metallic knock on wood, caught their attention. A Commander, entered into the room. "Uncle, I..." He paused seeing Zi'lara and Bi'ranna with their mouths stuffed. "Ignore them." Thanatos said. The Commander cleared his throat, as the two of them returned to stuffing their faces. "We received a falcon, from the Artaraxus. It has a seal from the King and Queen...." He trailed off glancing at the two of them. Thanatos unfurled the scroll, skimming through it. He quickly sucked on his teeth, tossing the scroll away.
"Great, now I have to deal with that trip." He groaned. "What's happening?" Bi'ranna asked with her mouth full. "I'm being replaced, as general, and have been summoned to Kal'Nar." "Who's going to replace you?" The Commander asked. "Your older cousin, Furien is already on his way here." The Commander failed to contain his disdain. "A high prince!?" Zi'lara exclaimed, spitting out chunks of potato. "When are you to leave?" The Commander asked, his distress visible. "As soon as possible." He sighed. "Leave, when they are here Uncle." He pleaded. Thanatos scoffed. "Good, to know, that I'm not the only one who hates those entitled cunts. I'll leave once the Quartermaster is done, with my request." He rubbed his weary face, waving the Commander off. "I am definitely, too old for this shit." He groaned.
Bi'ranna finished her meal first, reeling back to see Zi'lara's sketch book. The brown and wore leather peeling at the edges. She discretely lifted it from his belt, as Thanatos cocked an eyebrow at her. She shrugged, cautiously flipping through the pages, and edged closer to Thanatos. The two of them inspected each exquisite drawing, with Zi'lara enthralled by the new flavours. Each picture they flipped through, stretched their impressed smiles. Bi'ranna flipped to the middle page, seeing the drawing of the terrifying drawing of Vasha. Her drawing panned across both pages. Thanatos tapped the title at the top with a smirk across his face. 'Magnum Opus' it said. "That's so adorable!" She squealed aloud. Zi'lara spun around. "GIVE THAT BACK!" Going red with anger instantly, lunging at the sketchbook. Bi'ranna quickly tossed it to Thanatos. He held the book high in the air. "Are you going to-" Without hesitation Zi'lara struck Thanatos across the face, snatching the sketchbook from him. Bi'ranna gasped at the sight. He rubbed his chin, as Zi'lara inspected the sketchbook. "Punish me, however you want, but do not touch this." He growled. Bi'ranna reeled back impressed by his new bravery. "I am sorry. I did not know, what that book meant to you." Thanatos bowed. He shot Bi'ranna a glare. She quickly bowed. "I'm sorry..." She trailed off. He dusted the book off, before stuffing it into his belt. "I'm going to go sleep outside. Thank you for the meal, General Argul." He bowed before leaving.