Within the great forest of Torikats...
A man sat alone in a dark tent. Even as slithers of moonlight crept in, he was just barely visible in the gloom. In one hand he held a candle, and with the other he reached inside his pocket, taking out a small locket. The locket emitted a silvery glare, and upon it was many small roses and strange texts, including a name—Chedarr.
It was clearly an artisan's work, the engravings were made with clear precision, giving it a very smooth texture.
The man held it to the candle and whispered softly: "Ignite."
And as if reacting to his word, the strange carvings on the locket lit up with an amber glow. The magic imbued within was activated, and a small ember floated atop the strange device, lighting the candle.
It was a spell.
The candle illuminated the room with a flickering glow revealing the man's face.
He was an older gentleman, probably in his mid-forties. Both his hair and beard were tethered with growing streaks of grey, and many wrinkles and scars could be seen upon his face, yet there was a certain air of elegance and grace surrounding him.
Despite his aged facial features, his well-toned figure suggested that he was still well within his prime—a warrior aged by battle.
The man would not be considered to be handsome by any means, and the scars he carried on his face gave him a rather scary look, but anyone who looked into his eyes would immediately be comforted by the warmth flowing within.
The man sighed as he picked up his journal and started recording the day's events.
We have confirmed no unusual movement from Mercini or the surrounding areas. With the assistance of Razir, we have also concluded that there is no magical presence concealing anything in the area.
Razir, a mage specializing in explosive fire magic, was not your run of the mill spellcaster. He was the third highest ranking caster of the imperial court, serving as the head of Bereene's magic research facility. He is a man well within his majesty's favor as he headed the successful development of a procedure to mass produce lower tier enchanted armour and weaponry.
Enchantments even on the lowest level are a lengthy and costly process, even for those who have dedicated their entire life to the craft. Only a few people in this world have the talent to produce higher level enchantments. So needless to say, being able to reduce the time required for enchantments would greatly increase one's military power, assuming they had the necessary reagents.
Just what is his majesty thinking, sending someone like him for a reconnaissance mission?
"Chedarr..."
As a voice called out to him from the dead of night, he turned towards the opening of the tent.
Warmth wasn't the only thing within Chedarr's eyes, there was also a sense of sharpness. He had keen dynamic vision, being able to see much further than your average man in the darkness.
And within that darkness, his eyes were able to make out a figure slowly approaching his tent. It was a man covered in a dark cloak, with a bow on his back.
The cloaked figure entered without making a single sound, revealing a man with slim stature and a face cloaked by darkness. He stood at the entrance of the tent.
He was none other than Chedarr's lieutenant, Lyghen.
"So you've returned Lyghen, have you any instructions from his majesty?"
The man didn't seem to acknowledge the words spoken to him and remained still like a statue.
Something was off, Chedarr felt it in the air. Although he was not well versed in his sensory abilities, his warrior instincts told him that there was some type of magic surrounding the man before him.
Could this be an illusion? Or could he be possessed by some spell? Have we been discovered?
No, their camp was hidden by surrounding forest along with illusionary spells, unless there was someone who specialized in sensory magic, there was no way that they could have been detected.
Still, there was this sense of unease that he couldn't shake off, and the strange silence certainly did not help.
Chedarr called out once more: "Lyghen?"
This time he replied in a hushed tone: "The wind has shifted Chedarr."
"You… you aren't Lyghen, who are you? What have you done to him!?"
This entire mission was kept in absolute secrecy, only a select few chosen personally by his majesty knew of their whereabouts.
Who was this man that stood before him? Could he be an envoy of his majesty? No, Chedarr knew everyone who was involved, and if his majesty had sent him, there would be no reason for him to be sneaking into his camp concealed behind an illusion.
Chedarr eyed his sword that laid on the side of his makeshift bed, only two steps away from where he stood.
The figure, as if sensing Chedarr's intentions, burst into laughter: "Hahahaha."
A wave of darkness spawned around the hooded figure until it covered him completely, it looked as though a million tiny living creatures had gathered to form a single entity of pure darkness. Then, without warning the darkness vanished, as if the man had simply evaporated and faded into every corner that the flickering light of the candle could not reach.
Alarmed, Chedarr quickly raised his talisman and whispered: "Illuminate." This time, a different portion of the text lit up, releasing light from the talisman that shone so brightly that he could not look at it directly.
As the tent was illuminated, the specs of darkness that scattered around the edges of the tent remained untouched, as if the light from his spell couldn't dare to disturb the darkness that resided within.
What the hell is this? This spell… just who is he?
"Kukukukuku." The man's voice echoed in his ears.
Chedarr held his breath as he just stood still with extreme trepidation, hesitating to make a move.
Then, all of a sudden, all light vanished. As if stolen by the darkness, Chedarr's spell and the candlelight went out simultaneously, even the brilliant night sky fell dark.
This is bad.
This camp was supposed to be very secure, for an enemy to show up unannounced was thought to be impossible, until now that is.
Being caught completely unaware was something foreign to Chedarr. Just to be faced with an unknown enemy without his regular equipment was bad enough, but it wasn't just that, the enemy was also capable of using spells he had never seen before.
Chedarr is a warrior at heart. However, he is also well versed in the magical arts. Knowing is half the battle. That was the principle he lived by. He might be able to best a fellow warrior with superior skill and technique, but fighting a spell caster was a whole nother story. The only way for a pure warrior such as Chedarr to defeat a powerful spell caster, without support, is to know their spells ahead of time in order to evade or counter. Extensive knowledge of spells would give him the advantage over his opponents, but without it, he would lag one step behind, and that could prove to be fatal.
Chedarr froze as the world around him disappeared.
What… what is this? This… this must be the work of some sort of spell, but to change the surroundings like this, it's unheard of! I need to do something, but what can I do?
Cold sweat poured down his back. As his mind searched for a proper course of action, something caught his eye.
There was movement in the darkness.
Our imagination loves to fill in the unknown, resulting in children fearing monsters in the dark, and people seeing things that simply aren't there. However this was not the case, there was definitely movement in the darkness.
The average human is unable to see slight movements in a pitch dark room, but Chedarr, with his cat-like eyes, could see it ever so slightly.
The darkness appeared to be gathering at a single point, forming a new figure. And as it took shape, the dim lights of the night sky suddenly returned.
The hooded man now stood where all the darkness had gathered.
Chedarr's heart nearly skipped a beat as the world around him returned to normality, but he was quick to act. He took two steps and picked up his sword, entering his battle stance.
In most cases, a simple sword would not save him, but this was not an average sword. It was forged by the greatest blacksmith in the history of Bereene. The named blade, Vergessen, contained blackened adamantite as its base, while its edge, composed of blood sapphires, gave it a crimson complexion. But that wasn't all, it was also enchanted by another master craftsman, imbuing the blade with an unreal sharpness that could cut even light itself.
However, even in the face of the mighty blade, the hooded figure simply stood there, unmoving, unfazed.
But there was something different about the darkness underneath his feet. The shadows swelled, and within, Chedarr felt a presence that he could only describe as sinister.
As if the darkness had manifested into a physical form, another figure appeared from underneath the pool of shadow. A shadow that could be seen apart even in the darkness now stood before Chedarr; a Shadow Knight, fully plated in obsidian armour as its silver-white eyes stared Chedarr down. In both arms it carried a long curved blade dripping with an overwhelming sense of malice.
A summoning?
A summoned creature can serve for many different purposes, in most cases, they would act as shields to buy time for the caster. They would also be used for their utility abilities or spells to aid in their master's battle. However, that would not be the case if the caster specialized in summonings, allowing them the use of different tactics to outnumber or even overwhelm their opponents with summoned creatures.
Chedarr had two options. Calling out for Razir's assistance would probably tip the scales back in his favor. However, that would also draw the attention of his men. This enemy was not at a level that Chedarr's subordinates could handle, and he could not risk endangering their lives. The other choice would be to rush in and take down the shadow knight as quickly as possible before the spell caster can follow through with whatever he had planned.
Chedarr stepped in with demonic speed, closing the distance between him and the shadow knight almost instantly. His crimson blade crashed down violently against the armour of the shadow knight. Then, in what appeared to be an instant, the shadow knight had lost its right arm.
Yet that fact didn't seem to faze it at all, the shadow knight's one and only response was a quick retaliation of continuous strikes aimed for Chedarr's neck. But none of them could connect, Chedarr dodged and parried the attacks, all while keeping the corner of his eye on the hooded figure. The figure was unmoving, but it kept an ominous presence, there was no telling what could happen if Chedarr didn't deal with the summoning quickly.
He charged in once more at the shadow knight with even greater speed. His crimson sword glowed red as he activated his skill, "Heavy strike," it was a simple skill, but it granted the user the ability to empower their attacks with savage brutality.
This time around, the shadow knight was quick to react, activating its own skill, "Phantom strike."
In that very moment, rather than the clash of their weapons, Chedarr's sword passed right through, as if the knight's blade was only an illusion.
An exchange of blows!
That's what it had aimed for, to throw away its own life to inflict as much damage as it could. The caster had known that Chedarr would take this course of action; that he would try to rush down the shadow knight as quickly as possible. Thus, the caster had baited him in, with his inaction.
If Chedarr had been a second rate warrior, they would have exchanged blows, and this fight would be as good as over. If he had been a first-rate warrior, he would have been able to pull back and dodge the blow. However, Chedarr was an elite warrior. He stomped his foot to the ground, lowering his center of gravity, transferring all his weight onto his right leg. Then, as he spun low and under the shadow knight's blade with only the width of the apple, he slashed upwards.
In one swift motion, the shadow knight had lost its remaining arm.
"Marvelous. To dispatch my shadow knight with such ease… I would expect no less from the Black Death of Beerene, General Chedarr."
The air inside the tent changed. The figure raised its hand, and with a single waving gesture, the shadow knight began to dissolve, evaporating into nothingness.
Chedarr, still confused by this spectacle, remained alert with his sword raised. He had never faced a caster with such abilities, and he did not want this to be his last.
But the hooded figure paid him no heed and reached out his hand, revealing a single piece of parchment.
The parchment was embroiled in gold, and upon it laid the insignia of the crimson lion.
There's no mistaking it, that's the royal seal!
Holding up his locket, he whispered: "Shadows fade," a powerful dispel. There was no place for him to be so trusting, the man did enter his tent in an illusion after all.
But as the parchment remained unchanged, a sweet sense of relief fell over Chedarr, allowing him to ease up and lower his sword.
There was only one man his majesty trusted above all others, his most trusted adviser and right-hand man, Lichten, the most powerful magic caster of the imperial court.
If he was ordered to deliver a message, it must contain critical information that could not fall into the wrong hands. But still, attacking out of the blue like that, although it was possible that he knew that I wouldn't be hurt… was that really necessary? Why does his majesty place so much trust in him?
Chedarr reached out and took the parchment.
The strange tension in the air did not dissipate. The way that Lichten just stood there in silence would creep anyone out given this situation. He must have known that, yet he didn't seem to care.
Chedarr broke the seal, unveiling the parchment, then studied the contents slowly. Then, with each passing moment, cold sweat dripped down his back.
"This can't be right, we are to attack Reinocha? That would break the Treaty of Vernft!"
The whole region would be engulfed by the flames of war once more. His majesty has fought every step of the way to achieve peace within our country. There is no way he would approve of this!
During the last war between the two nations, his majesty's reign has long fallen out of the public's favor—with most of the common folk believing the war was just a fight for the nobles and the crown to attain more wealth and power.
Given the fact that war was still fresh in the memories of many, if his majesty reignited the flames of war, it would cause an uproar, or perhaps even a revolt.
"Yes, that would be correct. Of course, his majesty is aware of that fact. However, it was the decision that he had reached after many considerations."
"That's impossible! The only reason we were sent here was to expose any treachery, to prevent another war with Reinocha. Our extensive spy network has revealed no such danger to our kingdom. Public relations between our kingdoms have also recovered, why would his majesty even begin to consider such a thing?"
"You appear to forget that this is not a discussion. I'm here to simply convey his majesty's commands as you are to execute it."
"Me and my men will not execute any part of that plan until I speak with his majesty. I shall depart for the capital immediately."
"In that case Chedarr, you leave me no choice." Lichten pulled out a second parchment from under his robe and handed it to Chedarr.
"What's this?"
"You are hereby stripped of your position and relieved of duty. You are to return to the capital immediately, and I shall assume command for this operation."
"Just return to the capital? Or do you mean placed under house arrest?"
"That is a given due to the weight of this plan, no? Word of it can spread. So what will it be, general? Will you carry out your orders, or will you abandon your men and return home?"
Why would you risk the life of your people like this? What has happened to you, my friend?
The king would never do something like this without good reason. Unless… could he have been manipulated by magic? Normally he would be protected by his various magical equipment, which was capable of deterring most mind control spells. However, what if the caster was extraordinarily powerful and also close to the king at all times? Could he have been influenced?
To his silence, Lichten continued to speak.
"Of course after this is all over, you will have plenty of time to speak with his majesty."
Lichten must be saying this because he knew that Chedarr did not trust him. If the king truly was being manipulated, it would only be discovered after the attack. Even if he could bring solid proof that the king was being controlled, it would be far too late to stop the war.
War was inevitable no matter what he chose.
However, there was still a chance that his majesty was acting on another source of information, that there was no foul play involved. But even so, how could they possibly come out victorious…?
Despite a near equal population, the current army of Bereene contains less than sixty thousand men, including the royal guards, the entire magic academy, and the local militias.
Outside of the private soldiers, who were supplied by the nobles, and the royal guards, about eighty percent of the army consists of militiamen; A group that would normally only defend their own towns from small threats. Not only were they untrained, but they barely had any proper equipment to their name. Compared to Reinocha's army, that boasts well over a hundred fifty thousand men, professionally trained with state-issued armour and weapons, they were a joke.
The kingdom of Reinocha has a special military program which provides many monetary benefits to the soldiers and their families, encouraging them to serve their kingdom in full. Unlike the poor peasants of Bereene who had no choice but to join, most people in Reinocha had a very positive outlook on serving in the military, taking pride in their powerful nation. For the lower class of Reinocha, serving in the military was an honor. If one served his country faithfully, it would even act as a way to ascend to a higher class.
The difference between the two nations military prowess was far too evident, only a fool would predict a different result.
"The current peace we enjoy is nothing but a farce. I'm sure you know of the conditions of our army. Ever since the peace treaty, the number of militiamen has drastically decreased, and so did the number of enlistments to the royal army. On the other hand, Reinocha's army grows stronger with each passing day. What would happen in another year or two? The difference in military might would be too great, and by then if they invade us, we would no longer be able to resist."
"But we have our peace agreement, the other nations would surely put enough pressure on Reinocha to prevent such an invasion. They must be tired of the conflict over the years, why else would they have also pursued peace?"
"Don't be so naive. The other nation's protest will only be a verbal one. Why else would they be building a larger army if this peace were to last? I don't believe I need to remind you of what they... are capable of."
He paused purposefully and emphasized those last words.
Lichten looked right at Chedarr before continuing.
"You know how they are. If given the opportunity, they will commit the same atrocities as before.
"We… we don't know that. Their people must be cherishing the peace as much as ours. They will not gain the support for another war."
"They would create a casus belli one way or another and invade us. And you know first hand what they are capable of. Therefore, rather than waiting for the axe to fall, we must take matters into our own hands."
Silence descended once more in the dark tent. Chedarr tensed up immediately, his face twisted in anger as his former demeanor died.
Who could forget what happened to all those towns, all those people, the innocent women and children?
"Still, there must be another way..."
"This attack will occur with or without you commanding your troops, for that is his majesty's will."
It's too late.
He should have known, this entire mission was dubious. His Majesty had tasked them to observe several towns close to the outskirts of the forest of Torikats, on the grounds of obtaining certain information that would lead to revealing suspicious activity that might signal hostile intent towards their kingdom.
However, their observation and spy work over the last few days had revealed absolutely nothing, just a few peaceful towns that didn't even house any military outposts. But despite being given these reports, instead of ordering a withdrawal, they sent additional supplies and even Razir.
The new equipment that they brought should have signaled trouble. Due to the nature of their mission, they were required to wear only light leather armour for stealth and mobility. But the new supply which Razir had brought from the capital were full body plated armours that bore the insignia of their kingdom, along with several banners and even Chedarr's family heirloom, a fully jet black set of body armour. He was told that it was prepared in case their fears were realized, in case Reinocha truly did intend to attack via the forest of Torikats.
But given the fact that it was all based on unconfirmed information, their very existence in the area could be interpreted as a hostile act, and if Reinocha truly wished to fight another war, this could be used as a casus belli in itself.
Now everything was made clear, his majesty had intended this from the start.
"What's the end goal then, what are we trying to achieve?"
"Razir is to accompany you and your men, as you ride into Mercini and burn down the manor belonging to Tray Debouf. And of course, please do welcome him with the most brilliant scene upon his return."
What difference would this be, compared to the atrocities that our enemies have committed?
To commit evil to destroy a greater evil, if a sacrifice must be made between the citizens of Bereene or Reinocha, he would choose the ladder without a doubt.
Even if the people have to live through that again...
Tray Debouf…
His Majesty must have planned this out after foreseeing all the possibilities. Botanus Furbrez Bereene had been born with a natural aptitude for warfare. Ever since he turned of age, he had been personally involved in military and logistical operations within Bereene. Some might say that ever since his highness had taken charge, Bereene had finally been able to turn the tables and begin pushing Reinocha out of their occupied territories. Knowing that would give anyone the comfort that this war would not be waged in vain, however, it could not sway the doubt in Chedarr's heart.
"Tell me this, how are we to win this war? Our kingdom could not find that answer for all those years, even after his majesty took the crown. If our military has weakened over the peaceful years and the reverse is true for our enemies, how could we possibly emerge victorious in this conflict?"
"Do you doubt his majesty's judgment?"
"Do forgive my rudeness, I had not wished to question his majesty's decision, but I must know for sure… Will this finally bring peace and prosperity to our people?"
"You should know that answer better than anyone else, now wouldn't you?"
...
"I understand."
"Then I shall return to the capital, I trust that you will not disappoint his majesty."
In the very next instant, Lichten vanished into the darkness in the same manner in which he had appeared.
Small streaks of moonlight crept in the tent, revealing Chedarr's face. The same wrinkles and scars now gave off the sense of his old age, his once warm and exuberant eyes grew dull with the long fatigue of a weary life.