Twelve days after the invasion
Grand war court, Elyama
Laeroth Leobell was no fool. He didn't become the general of the first army as well the commander in chief of the Chosen legions by giving in to his desires. Out of the Grand five he was the most cunning and brutal, which is why in over three hundred cycles, no one managed to get close to replacing him. Especially that fool Ylindar. The only reason he became one of the Grand five was because his family was that of royalty. But Laeroth didn't have that luxury. At the war council, emperor Canus originally wanted to send the II army with general Nasir Quinvalor, but Laeroth objected and demanded Ylindar to be sent.
Laeroth knew the beggining of this invasion would be the most challenging part. He knew better than to underestimate an unknown enemy. He wasn't blinded by the emperor's paranoia, the dwarves' greed and his lessers's lust for war. If this war was to be victorious, there needed to be sacrifices. So he hand picked the invasion force, not just the elven, but also the vassal army. Ylindar was an annoying thorn in his side that needed to be removed. Bardek Leadmaster and Balmin Bronzering commanded the most wild dwarves that could prove a liability should this war go south. Bylnar's actions however caused a problem. While the other two dwarf kings are greedy and always jumping at the opportunity to make a profit, Bylnar was a calm and collected. Something admorable, but a hindurance nonetheless. Him not sending his army both weakens the invasion and bolsters his power to rebel. But it could be worked over.
As for the rosians, he had to take one seventh of their total army as to not cause suspicion. For their leadership he assigned the various nobles of the kingdoms and duchies. The rosians are an emotional bunch. Killing their officers would wound their army, but killing their most prized children would anger them and make them seek revenge against the enemy. On the plus side, that boy Bodin Zorgen has also become a nuisance. His grudge against the empire would be a potential problem for future generations.
With all these problems gone he could focus on the true invasion. Already he organized the VII army under general Drannor Crax and placed them in Kuruk. The left over halves of the two dwarven armies were in Imslone and a force of twenty thousand more auxillia have been assigned in Oms. All three of these cities are close to each other and could coordinate an attack on Galdush. The enemy would have to get past them, Fort Mundus or go south to the Kingdom of Alston. No matter how he looked at it, he had them surrounded, and with Ylindar surving as a distraction he had time to organize a proper invasion force. At least that's what he thought and hoped.
The rift in the sea would cause problems however, but Laeroth knew he could trust the first admiral Gondan Titus to deal with it. The western XV, XVIII, XIX and XX army should be suffienct enough to hold the enemy. The Tubal mountains gave him some reassurance however. They were a natural border with the west, very dificult to cross. Any major shipment would have to go by sea, so the west was out of his control. Still, he had more then he wanted and needed on his plate. Despite everything though, Laeroth felt a sensation he hadn't felt in a while. A real war was coming. No more would his soldiers be mere decorations for the capital. They would finally taste glory.
As he was going over the battle plans with his captains, a messenger came bursting through the door. "General!", he yelled, "General I have urgent news!"
"Calm yourself soldier.", Laeroth said.
"I... I apologise my lord. I galloped as fast as I could to Meilume and flew over here. My wyvern almost died from exhaustion."
"Well no more stalling. Tell us."
The soldier first caught his breath and spoke slowly, "The invasion force sent to the other side of the rift has been destroyed. And..."
After a moment of silence, Laeroth asked, "And what? Speak soldier."
Trying to keep his composure and hold back his fear, he answered, "They were wiped out in less than a day. No, in but a few hours. There is only a few dozen of us left."
This came to an utter shock to everyone in the room, including the general. He knew Ylindar would fall, as well as the other forces sent, but in a single day? With only a handful of survivors? Just how powerful is this enemy?
"What kind of nonsense are you spewing?!", yelled the third captain.
"Do you take us for fools? No army is that powerful.", said the fifth captain.
"But if it is true, we must advance our plans.", said the second captain.
"Indeed.", said Laeroth, "How many captives?"
"I've counted them all, sir.", said the soldier, "In total we have taken ninety-seven humans captive."
"Humans?"
"That is how they call themselves. A captain of the Opherin army has taken ten to the rosian vassals and the surviving dwarves have taken thirty, fifteen for each kingdom."
"That leaves us with fifty-seven. Where are they now?"
"They should be going to Meilume and after that to Kuruk."
"Alright, listen to me carefully. Take a frest wyvern and ride to Kuruk. Once you get there, tell general Drannor to take his army and march to Meilume. Once they finish questioning the captives, scatter them across the empire, but bring several here. I want to see these humans for myself."
"Yes, sir.". With that, the soldier left the general and captains to ponder about this new discovery.
"Could this really be true?", asked the first captain, "How should we proceed?"
"What do you think will happen to the dwarves?", asked the tenth captain.
"They will fight for us.", said the fifth captain, "They know what will happen if they don't. There is too much for them too lose so their greed will keep them loyal."
"And the rosians?", asked the ninth captain.
"We can hope they will attack the enemy in rage upon hearing about the deaths of their people.", said the second captain.
"The die have been cast.", said Laeroth, "We knew something like would happen. It just came earlier than anticipated. The plan remains the same. The XII army will engage the enemy while we prepare a larger force. I need the ten of you to go to ten various generals and relay my message. The enemy has arrived and we must not let them endanger the empire. And one more thing. The emperor cannot know. Do what ever you need to do to stop this from reaching his ears. Understood?"
"Understood sir.", said the fourth captain, "But what will you do?"
After leeting out a long sigh and taking a sip of strong liquor from his flask, "I will let my prized pupil know about our future strategy. Perhaps his youthful mind might give us an insight."
With that, the captains left the chamber and carried out their duties. The enemy was at their gates and it needed to be stopped. If the visions hold any truth to them, this will be the greatest war in the history of this world.
---
After the meeting
A secret chamber within the palace
The Inquisition was a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Built to protect the empire from the shadows, eliminate rogues and uphold the imperial faith in the spirits, it is its protector and stalker. The inquisitors themselves were something completely different than normal soldiers. Each held an authoroty of an officer but would rarely do anything in plain view. Such things were for the preachers. Each of the six regions had its own lord inquisitor who oversaw everything that was going on in his or her region. Nothing happened without them knowing.
Same went for the capital and the grand inquisitor who had the highest of responsibilities. The empire might have the crown, but it was he who held the power. Still, he couldn't simply take the throne. Well, he could, but it would cause too much unrest and problems. Worst case scenario, a full-blown civil war bursts and tares the empire apart. Such a nuisance. This is why work in the shadows is more simple. You don't know what dirty deeds occur in it, all you know is that the light stays clean. And this time around, the light needed some thorough cleaning.
The grand inquisitor was quietly praying in his own chamber. Behind him he heard a distinct knocking pattern, one known only by a handful of people.
"Come in.", he said while kneeling.
A female elf in dark robes slowly entered the room. "Grand Inquisitor Gilshor. I have a most intruiging report for you."
"Speak."
"The enemy beyond the rift has defeated the invasion force. General Laeroth Leobell discussed the future battle plans with his captains and heard this from one of the few survivors."
"And why should this be of any interest to me. Matters of war are for those who serve in the light."
"The general told his captains to keep this a secret from the emperor. He will also let the emperor's eldest son, Hagmar, know about the battle plans soon."
Gilshor tilted his head and let out a sigh of interest, "That is intriguing. You have done well."
"Thank you my lord.", she said as she knelt.
"Keep an eye on general Laeroth and report back to me about your findings. Do not tell this to the emperor."
"Yes my lord.", she stood up and left the room.
Gilshor chuckled to himself. "Things are finally getting interesting. More enemies for the darkness to swallow."
---
A day earlier
Capital of Olinor, Kingdom of Alston
King Thavok knew this war was a mistake. Still, going against the emperor's own word is an act of treason, which would force another war. Something he could not allow. Sending his own son to war was not a decision he made as a father, but as a king. Bodin did not seem to mind, as he was just as eager to save his kingdom as his father. Still, Thavok's wife, Freeda, was not at all happy with his decision. Even after he explained how he was pressured by the elven generals, she still wouldn't forgive him. He was their eldest son, the future king, and now he could be dead.
Thavok was in his study, reading through old scriptures, desperately trying to find an answer to his predicament. Not being able to help his son with nothing but hopes and prayers made him feel powerless.
'Curse you Canus.', he swore internally, 'I swear to you, one of these days you will meet a fate so gruesome you will wish you were never born.'. In that moment, a guard knocked on his door. "Come in."
The guard entered the study and bowed, "My king, forgive my disturbance."
"It is of no consequence. Speak."
"A captain of the Opherin army by the name of Almer Blazewing has arrived. He claims he is one of the soldier who was sent to the other side of the rift along side the prince."
Thavok's heart skipped a beat. He quickly walked in front of the guard, "Is my son with him?"
"No my king, I apologise."
Thavok clenched his fists, lowered his head and grunted before letting out a sigh, "No no, you did nothing wrong. Where is the captain?"
"He is waiting for you in the courtyard along with several of his men and captives from the other side of the rift."
"He brought them here?"
"Yes. He brought ten."
Thavok quickly exited his study and hurried to the courtyard, passing the other guards and servants who bowed to him. If he could get to the captain he could get information about his son. As he got closer he started to hear yelling. A woman's voice. But not just any woman. When he made it to the courtyard he saw his wife and youngest daughter Franka. Freeda was yelling and cursing at the captain while Franka cried.
"I will ask you one more time, Almer!", Freeda yelled, "Where is my son?!"
"Queen Freeda as I stated before, I do not know.", Almer answered, "He sent me back with two cohorts and ten captives."
"So you bring otherworldly savages to my home but not my son?! What kind of soldier are you?"
Thavok stepped in, "Freeda, please. Let the man go. You must calm down."
"Don't you dare tell me to calm down, Thavok! I want my son back!"
"I want him back, as well. But this will not change anything."
"Father?", Franka called, "Will big brother come home?"
Thavok inhaled but couldn't let out an answer. What was he to say? Yes? He didn't know if he was even alive. No? He couldn't break her little heart. "Guards. Please take my wife and daughter back inside."
A guard put his hand on Freeda's shoulder but she slapped it off and angrily walked back pulling her daughter back. Letting out a sad sigh, Thavok walked to Almer, "My deepest apologies for my wife's behaviour."
"There is no need king Thavok. She is a worried mother. I should know, I have one."
"How is your father, baron Lor Blazewing?"
"I have not seen him since last moon cycle, I can only hope he is well."
"Indeed. Show me to these... otherworlders."
Almer walked with Thavok to the captives from the other side of the rift. There were nine of them. Two men looked elderly, more than fifty cycles old, four women, one of them was pregnant, and three children, two boys and a girl who seemed Franka's age. They were lined up and some holding hands, clearly frightened.
Thavok observed them. Eight of them had pale skin, just like Canus said, but one of the women had a very dark tan. Even darker than the brown skin of the dwarves. He wondered how many different races existed in this world.
"Have you communicated with them?", Thavok asked.
"Yes, king Thavok.", Almer replied, "They speak the imperial tongue and they call themselves humans of a land called America."
This intrigued and surprised Thavok. How could the language of the imperial elves exist in a different world was beyond him. Nevertheless, it meant he could converse with them.
Walking up to them, he cleared his throat and spoke, "Greetings, humans of America. I am king Thavok Zorgen of Alston. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.". The humans didn't reply for a while. This made Thavok worry a little.
Eventually, one of the elders spoke, "I am Richard Brown. I will speak for these people."
Thavok smiled, "Very well Richard Brown. Will you please follow me into my study, I will make sure these people are not harmed, you have my word."
With much hesitation they accepted. Thavok ordered his guards to take them to their own chamber where they will be cleaned and fed. The human known as Richard Brown followed Thavok to his study and they sat down to talk.
"Tell me, Richard Brown.", Thavok spoke while picking up two bottles, "Do you fancy whine or ale?"
"Brandy, actually.", Richard said.
"I do not know what this Brandy is, but I hope this is a good enough substitute.". Thavok poured whine into a glass and placed it in front of Richard.
"I will be blunt with you, king. Why did you bring me here?"
"I wish to know more about the empire's enemies."
"Empire? Are those the blue-skinned, knife-eared bastards who took my son away from me?"
"If you refer to the elves, then yes. They took my son as well. My people have served under them for many generations. We have no other choice."
"Seems like my world has more in common with yours than I thought. Still, you didn't answer my question?"
"I simply wish to learn more about your people so that I may prove to the elves that you are not this great enemy they fear so much. You seem like a goof man, so help me make that a reality."
Richard pondered a bit before answering, "Fine. I'll tell you. But you're gonna have to promise me something."
"Of course."
"I want your word that no harm will come to these people."
"I can promise you that for two of them."
"Why?"
"Because two of you will stay within Alston and the rest will be split amongst the kingdom of Opherin and the duchies. I know the king and the dukes personally, they are good men, I will write to them and tell them to watch over your people. But you have to help me first."
Richard hesitated, but it was the best offer he would get, "Fine, you got a deal. What do you want to know?"
---
Hours later
Richard told Thavok everything he knew. About how his world was structured, who ruled, what kind of army they had, how many were there, everything. With each revelation Thavok's jaw dropped, it might as not be there. He had learned that the nation they attacked was one of the most powerful, how they have an army to rival the elves in numbers and dwarf them in power. He learned about how their weapons can kill hundreds, if not thousands in seconds. He learned about their long and bloody history, how many empires rose and fell. He quickly understood the gravity of the situation he was in. But he also learned how the humans changed from war hungry monsters to peaceful but strong diplomats. This gave him hope that not everything will be destroyed and there is a chance for the vassals to live peacefully.
Richard Brown and Thavok eventually came to an agreement. The two people who will be left in Alston are the pregnant woman, who's name is Brigitte, and the young girl, Alena. The two boys, Mark and Duncan, and the dark skinned woman, Alexis, will be sent to the kingdom of Opherin. Richard and his friend Sheldon will go to the duchy of Zirith, a woman named Amy will go to Dothen and a woman named Joana will go to Elarith.
Thavok personally made sure Brigitte and Alena were treated well after which he went to his study and wrote a message to his fellow king and dukes, explaining in detail about the world on the other side, how they are not the monsters they think they are and that there might be peace. And what ever they do, they mustn't bring harm to the captured humans. For if they do, their nation will strike them down with great vengeance and furious anger.
Sending the last of the letters he slumped back on his chair and rubbed his eyes. 'I beg of you my friends.', he thought, 'Do not be rash like our fathers.'
---
Forty days since the invasion
Near the Gladush fields, Meilume region of the Empire
Villages were very common in the empire. Hundreds, if not thousands, were scatered around all of North Altia. They could be found virtually anywhere with good soil. These villages can hold hundreds of people, some around major cities even have thousands where all the people are tasked with feeding the city population and provide them with necessities. Of course, all villages are bound by law to pay taxes to the empire.
Each village is led by an elder and defended by a guard militia. These villages are often targets of rogue elves, elves who strayed from the path of the light and chose a life of piracy and selfishness, stray ferral orcs, swine, goblins, even welfen and leanoids attack them for food. For these reasons, many villages unite and form defendable counties with thousands of people led by an elected mayor and elder council, as to mimic the imperial system. One of these counties is located in the Yellow forest between the capital of Meilume and the south Alston river. It was all in all a pretty nice place to live. There weren't many ferral attacks and even the attacks that did occur were stopped by the militia. But that wasn't the main problem.
Every village has its fair share of trouble makers. And what happens when you get several villages together? You get a lot of trouble makers. Such was Nym, a young boy who likes to run from home way too much. This time he got his friends Cohnal, Hallas, Elsha and and Meara with him. They ran outside of the forest and towards the Galdush fields. A while back they saw the battered imperial soldiers returning from battle and were shocked that so few survived. Who ever the enemy was it was very dangerous. All the more fun.
"Come on you slugs!", Nym shouted, "It's close!"
"Nym, are you sure this is a good idea?", Elsha asked.
"I agree with Elsha.", Hallas said, "I don't think we should be here."
"Oh come on.", Nym said, "You can't tell me you're not at least a little curious."
"Well...", Meara said, "I'm a little intrigued."
"Me, too.", said Cohnal, "But still, we should have come with adults. It would have been safer."
Nym scoffed at that, "I'm not scared. Besides, we're here."
The five of them climbed to the hill and laid down to see the people beyond the rift. As soon as they gazed down upon them, their mouth opened wide and they let out shouts of awe. They saw thousands of strange looking people, all dressed in green armour and riding in large carriages made of metal with no horses.
"Look over there.", Meara said and pointed towards the people digging holes and placing brown bags near them, "Why are they doing that?"
"Who cares?", said Nym, "Look at those.". He pointed towards the giant carriages with cannons. He knew the dwarven cannons were powerful and he wondered if these were just like that.
"I wonder what those are.", Cohnal said, "They look like wyverns, but they're not moving. I wonder why."
"Look over there.", Elsha said and pointed to the long metal strings, "Somehow they look like thorns. These people are really strange."
"Strange in a good or bad way?", said a voice behind them that made them jump up and shout in fright. There stood a tall man dressed in strange green armor and wearing a mask over his face. His helmet had something stuck to it and he held a odd looking boomstick. On his shoulder was a mark of a sword with lines. Who or what was he?
"Where are you kids from?", he asked, "Where are your parents?"
"You scaring kids again, Pops?", said another one. Before the children knew they were surrounded by six of them and two more familiar creatures. A lepian and a welfen, the latter of which scared them.
"Let me eat them.", said the welfen, making the kids panic.
"No, I won't let you eat children.", said one of the men, "I gave you two burgers earlier. You said they were good."
"They were.", the welfen said, "But I'm still hungry."
"I'll get you some chicken nuggets.", said a third man in green.
"Are they as good as burgers?", the welfen asked.
"I personally think their better.", said the man.
"I agree with the wolf.", said the lepian, "We should kill them so no one finds out we're here."
This made the children panic more and Nym pulled out his knife. "Stay back you savages! I know how to use this!"
"Wohoho!", laughed a man in green, "That looks dangerous.". Before Nym knew, the man jolted towards him and grabbed the knife. As he looked at it, he spoke, "This is not a bad knife. Is it your dad's?"
"Give it back!", Nym yelled as he tried to grab it but got pushed back.
"Look here, kid.", the man spoke, "We're not gonna kill you. All you have to do is go home and not tell anyone you saw us. Can you do that?"
The children all nodded. "I need you to promise me."
"We promise.", they spoke.
"Are you sure? Cause if you break that promise we will know. And we don't like people who don't keep their promises. Ain't that right people?"
"Yeah.", said the five masked men.
"Here.", the man gave Nym his knife back, "Now run back home and don't turn back.", he finished by patting Nym's shoulder and letting him pass. The children ran back home and didn't turn around, just like the man said.
"Why did you let them go?", the lepian asked.
"Relax.", the man said, "Rook?"
"On it Chief.", said the youngest soldier as he tapped his glass machine, "Got em, they're moving northwest, most likely to that forest."
"Nice, let's return to base."
"What was that?", the lepian asked.
"I'll explain on the way back.", said Rook.
End of chapter 5