The setting sun cast a golden light across the Basilica's stained glass windows, bathing the throne room in hues of amber and ruby. Emperor James von Nova sat upon his father's throne, fingers drumming restlessly against carved wood as petitioners droned their concerns.
His coronation had been mere hours past, yet already the crown felt too heavy. At just seventeen years of age, many feared James youth and inexperience will be shown clearly for all to see. Only his family name and exploits in last year's rebellion had won the nobles' support for his claim over more seasoned rulers.
But names and past battles would not ensure stability or victory in struggles to come. The realm remained on edge after months of conflict, and rival kings eyed the Empire's sudden weakness with greed. James knew he must prove himself a leader without delay.
As the latest petitioner withdrew, the chamberlain announced, "Lady Isolde of House Smith the mother of king Augustine first wife and duchess of of the Smith Dukedom, my liege."
James tensed. The grande dame of one of the Empire's most powerful lineages had opposed his father's choice in making James the crown prince for years. Her grand son prince luke, was said to covet the crown for himself. Why did she come, if not to stir dissent?
Lady Isolde swept into the hall, silver-embroidered skirts whispering over marble. Her face was plain yet cunning, wrinkled eyes keenly observant. "Your Majesty, accept my condolences on your noble father's passing. In these troubled times, the realm needs a wise, experienced hand to guide it."
Her words, sweetly spoken, hinted boldly at James' youth. He kept his tone even. "Your thoughts do the Empire credit, my lady. What counsel might you offer in these early days of my rule?"
Isolde smiled. "Forgive an old woman's blunt tongue, sire. You've proven yourself a strong knight, yet ruling tests even the stoutest hearts. Take care whom you trust. Power corrupts even kin; its glory clouds nobler judgment. Consider all perspectives before deciding your course." As if wanting to plant seeds of doubt in the mind of the young Emperor about his subordinates
She dipped into a shallow curtsy and departed, leaving unease coiling in James' gut. Had she intended encouragement, or veiled threat against his crown? He suspected the latter, yet could not prove it — and offending a powerful a house would spill more needless blood.
A familiar voice stirred him from darkening thoughts. "Well spoken, that crone. But I'd heed her counsel no more than a serpent's." Grand Master Bennir, commander of the Order of royal Knights, approached and bowed low. "Your Majesty handles intrigue deftly already. With time, even vipers' tongues shall not faze you."
James tried to match the veteran warrior's optimism, though young eyes saw sharper the perils ahead. "Rise, master....."it pleases me the emperor still calls me that ".Your presence heartens me, as always. But your words cannot make problems vanish—only solutions can." He paused. "Tell me true. What plagues the people? I would address real troubles, not petty squabbles alone." Though James had grown more powerful than Bennir he still thought of him as mentor and still seeks his council
Bennir's weathered face grew grave. "Fires still burn in the south, where vicount Orrin's bandits plague travelers. The north harbors unrest since count Bors's demise; his sons vie for his holdings. And whispers reach us of an enemy across the Waking Sea, one whose hunger now looks south to our empire..."
James rubbed his temples. So much to repair, so quickly. And yet repairing the realm was why Fate had seen fit to place him here, reborn beneath this crown. Doubt would not serve him or his subjects.
A plan took shape in his mind. "Send word discreetly that I shall host a gathering within the month. All lords and heads of houses will attend, to renew fealty and discuss matters of state. And spread word likewise among the commonfolk: any who bear grievances may seek audience, that all voices might be heard."
Bennir nodded approval. "A wise start, sire. But heed Lady Isolde's other Counsel as well—take every precaution. Enemies watch for weakness, and your life is the most valuable thing to this newly founded and still fragile empire."
"Indeed." James rose, squaring shoulders beneath rich velvet. This was no time for fear or hesitation. The Empire looked to him alone for guidance and protection. "Double the guard on the royal wing. And summon my cousin—it is past time Henry took up his rightful duties as Lord Commander this will give him authority over all armies him at the helm will put my mind at ease."
With Grand Master Bennir and his cousin at his side, James felt the first stirrings of hope. The coming trials would test him to his limits. But through strength of arms and leadership both cunning and compassionate, he vowed to see his people through whatever storms approached. The crown was his by blood and magic; now he must prove himself worthy through deed as well.
The young Emperor's path had only begun.
James strode down the castle's eastern wing, chin raised resolutely as courtiers bowed their passage. Word of the coming Summit had spread through the city like wildfire, summoning visitors from far and wide to fill the keep's halls.
Yet even amidst the bustle of preparation, shadows lurked. Only moments past, a handmaiden had brought troubling news—one of the royal wizard's prized divination crystals laid shattered, its shards clouded and opaque. Some ill fate or betrayal was afoot, though what remained unclear.
Turning down a smaller corridor, James spotted his cousin pacing vigil by a window, face grave in thought. "Henry. Is all well in the barracks?"
The young commander started, then bowed. "Your Majesty. Training proceeds apace, though the men share your concern for what threats may come."
James nodded, eyes lingering on the outer yard where royal Knights drilled in formation. Though barely past manhood, Henry had proven a natural leader in the field, and his counsel had proven sage. Alone, the Emperor let formality fall. "Speak plain, cousin. What troubles you?"
My friend
Henry sighed. "Security here leaves much to be desired, with so many potential enemies under one roof. The Smiths and their bannermen arrived this morning, and more pour through the gates daily. Any could harbor dark designs."
"A prospect I am well aware of." James replied softly. Since childhood, magic had granted him piercing sight into men's hearts and minds through the star god system, for good or ill. Yet even his gift found limits against deeply hidden deceit. "That is why your presence heartens me most of all. I trust no other as I do you, Henry."
The knight straightened proudly at that, though worry still haunted pale eyes. Before more could be said, a servant arrived to summon them hence—the Summit was prepared to begin.
As they strode into the great hall, James felt the weight of expectation settle heavy on his shoulders once more. Dozens of lords and their retinues filled long tables, buzzing with conversation and intrigue. At the high table, Isolde of House Smith held court, smiling diplomatically while her grandson prince luke glowered beside her.
Taking a steadying breath, James called the assembly to order. Briefly he recounted the triumphs and sacrifices which had secured this new era of peace. Then graver notes crept in. "However, unrest still simmers in neglected corners of the realm. Bandits plague the south while rival families vie for power in the north. And from across the sea come whispers of a great enemy mustering strength."
Uneasy murmurs arose at that. James raised a hand for silence before continuing. "Now is the time to lay such troubles to rest, through unity and vigilance. Each region must take responsibility for stability within its borders. And together we shall bolster our defenses, lest those who covet our lands see us as divided and weak."
The Duke drake Avin, recently elevated to the post of Prime Minister thanks to his plots and relationship to the emperor through his son Julius , spoke next. His silver tongue wove a sparkling vision of economic prosperity through cooperation. But as the assembly dissolved into smaller discussions, James noticed prince luke drawing several other lords aside, whispers dark
Storms were indeed gathering—and not all could be found beyond the borders.
That evening, as the sun sank golden behind curtain walls, James sought solace in the royal grove. Ancient oaks stood silent sentinel as he paced, reviewing strategies and counting potential allies. But in this private bower, his magic sensed another presence waiting.
Stepping into a moonlit clearing, James started to find not an enemy, but the grand master bennhimself, robed in military attire. Bennir bowed deeply. "Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty, but urgent news could not wait. My scouts shows the enemy scout fleets has begun mustering in the north—far more ships than anticipated. War may come swifter than we feared."
Unease stirred anew in James' heart. So soon the realm must face its gravest test, and he with it. Calming his troubled mind, he turned once more to the challenges ahead. The coming battles would demand not only his skills with the blade as Nathan Pendragon but would test his cunning and leadership skill as emperor.
One thing was clear—through storm or eclipse, the Empire's fate now rested on his shoulders alone
Dawn's pale fingers stretched across velvet skies as the Emperor strode from his pavilion, clad in polished steel. Beneath the city's western walls, encampments sprawled as far as the eye could see, tents of every hue flickering with cooking fires. Some three hundred and forty thousand souls now answered Nova's call, from lowly peasants to armored lords on snorting destriers.
A unified, determined force gleamed in the new light—yet still far smaller than reports claimed of the invaders crossing the Waking Sea.
Beside James, Henry squinted toward the northern coastline. Their scouts speak truth, it seems. Half the shore glitters with camps and armor. We must find a way to divide and pick off their numbers one strength at a time.
The Emperor nodded grimly. For now, all they could do was bolster morale and hone their tactics. Signaling a herald, James strode to the center of the gathering masses.
In strong yet carrying tones, he recounted the unjustified invaders cause to attack suffered under the tyrannical rule of the Three Princes and Seven Grand Masters of Evergreen. How their greed knew no bounds, coveting Nova's rich lands and people to fuel further conquest. But the Empire would not stand passive and divided! An independent, united realm would be defended to the last breath.
Cheers and stamping feet greeted his rousing words. Smiling for the first time that morning, James added, "Today, we begin turning the tide! Patrols will harry the invaders' flanks under the proven leadership of Grand Master Bennir and the royal Knights. And I myself shall ride with our cavalry the blue lionvanguard led by Sergius a master ranked knght now, scouring the enemy's outskirts for vulnerabilities to exploit!"
Hoots and howls of approval shook the plain. Yes, together they would show these would-be conquerors the true mettle of the Nova people! Faith and solidarity burned brightly in every heart.
With that, the companies began mustering into ordered formations. At the vanguard, beside a banner flown from a lance-top—a night-dark field studded with twinkling stars—waited Grand Master Bennir and his elite order. James gave the grizzled veteran a grateful nod before wheeling his mount to his own troops.
All that day, the armies danced along the shores, cavalry and infantry darting in hit-and-run assaults. Under a merciless sun, James led daring charges between the invaders' battalions, cutting supply lines and thwarting assaults upon the coastline settlements. Slowly but surely, the invaders began showing signs of strain.
Yet as dusk fell, a herald arrived in panicked haste. The royal Knights had engaged a superior force near Byrne village and been surrounded! Without aid, even Bennir's veterans would be overwhelmed.two of the seven Grand masters had come to claim Bennir's head as they knew of his valor as the one who was always by king Augustine's side the grandmasters plot to bait and kill bennir
Gripping his blade's hilt till knuckles bleached, James gave the order. To arms, Nova! Tonight we show these invaders what warriors we truly are! Against all advice, he plunged into the fray alongside his remaining cavalry, hoping the element of surprise could still turn the battle's tide.
Fire spells lit up the sky as they crashed into the besieging forces. With thunderous hooves and rallying cries, James' riders smashed into the rear guard, breaking their formation. Steel flashed in the dying light as veteran and peasant alike took up the Emperor's chant: "For Nova! For freedom!"
Step by grinding step, the invading horde was pushed back from the surrounded knightly order. Yet as dusk deepened to night, a horn rent the air—the main body of invaders had turned to engage this new threat in James' diminished forces.
Torches flickered wildly through the deepening murk as the two armies collided. James found himself separated from his men, beset on all sides by snarling foes. Parrying desperately, glimpsing white surcoats through the melee, he fought his way closer to where a standard still waved—and came face to shining cold helm with the Three Princes themselves.they had baited him out as mystic knight they knew it would be close to impossible to face him with his full army along side him
Steel rang as the young Emperor locked in deadly dance with the princes who possessed dark magic and battle armor far exceeding his own. Yet fighting to protect all he held dear lent James strength beyond his years. Slowly but surely, he gained ground against the princes through skill and ferocity both. Until at last, with a light speed kick after casting a space destorting spell as distraction James hit the first prince with a light spear as he fell screaming to the dirt.
Roars of "Nova!" arose from James' hard-pressed ranks at the sight. Rallying, they surged forward with renewed vigor to overwhelm the last princes. Though dawn light showed the carnage's full scope, Nova's forces emerged victorious—and their young sovereign had earned a legend of his own that fateful night.,
The morning sun shone brilliant upon banners flying across the battlefield strewn with bodies both fallen and crows in wait. While healers worked tirelessly among the injured, James strode among his troops, offering praise and ensuring all received attention. Though weary himself, he sensed victory's tide was close, if they but pressed their advantage.
As the Emperor passed, whispers arose among the soldiers of the miracle they had witnessed—how their young sovereign had bested the enemy's champions against all odds. Hope had been rekindled in every heart.
Still, the hardest fight lay yet ahead. Scouts reported the main invader force retreating north in disarray, but also movements within the city that troubled James' gift. Dark designs remained afoot, and with traitors within the walls, Nova's future hung by a fraying thread.
Gathering his commanders, James declared, Our work has just begun. Grand Masters Henry and Bennir, see to the wounded and guard our flanks. Prime Minister Avin, strengthen the city defenses whilst I pursue the fleeing invaders. Tonight, this war shall end, one way or another!
With that, James accepted a fresh mount and rode at the head of his cavalry along side Sergius, determined to run the fleeing invaders to ground before they could regroup. All through that day and into dusk they pushed the pursuit, harrying stragglers from the rear.
At last as twilight fell, fires glimmered ahead where the invaders had made ragged camp upon a windswept plain. Drawing his forces up on a ridge above the camp, James readied to deliver the final blow.
A telltale flutter of banners drew his attention west—more horsemen approached at full gallop, bearing Nova's starry standard. It was Henry and the remaining royal Knights, hastening to join the coming fray.
After a hurried briefing from his cousin, grim certainty settled in James' heart. The traitors within had struck, trying to slaughter the defenders in their Emperor's absence. But Avin and Bennir had repelled the attack, unmasking Duke Smith as the mastermind—seeking to place his kinsman upon the stolen throne.
Gripping his blade hilt till knuckles bleached, James vowed no usurper would threaten his realm this day. Signaling his captains, they crashed down upon the invaders' camp from both sides of the valley.
Panicked cries arose as the exhausted foe scrambled into formation. Yet Nova's freshly-rested troops fell upon them with a fury borne of loyalty and justice. James himself plunged into the thick of battle, cutting a swath toward where three banners still flew proudly—those of the remaining Grand Masters.
Steel clashed as man met man in the deepening twilight. Slowly but surely, James gained ground against the weathered masters through youthful vigor and magic-honed skill. Until at last, with a mighty light spell beneath the cold moonrise, the final Grand Master fell silently.and only 85 460 of the 500 000 invanding knight of evergreen empire remained
Roars of victory shook the plain. Seeing their leaders vanquished, the last invaders tossed down arms in surrender. James accepted their oaths of fealty, granting mercy where proper—for he knew too well the horrors of war, and aimed to forge a lasting peace.as the remaining knight knew that returning to their empire with their prince's dead would result in their deaths as well the evergreen Empire's ruler was not one forgiving in failure
Returning exhausted to the capital as dawn broke, James strode at once to the Basilica. There, upon its bloodstained steps, prince luke knelt chained and cowed before Henry and Avin's spears. Justice was meted, and the traitor's bones commended to the crows.
Though trials remained, on that golden morning Nova's people hailed their young Emperor with love, seeing in him the charisma and steel resolve to carry their realm through any storm. Under James' steady hand, a new era of unity and prosperity was dawning across the lands at last. The long night had passed, and a prince had been forged into a ruler.,
Infuriated at a second defeat the emperor of the evergreen empire thought of sending more knight but as tension rises in the Western continent he can't afford to weaken his army more than it already has he new he would have to wait for the right time to crush the nova empire as the draconian empire was starting to make a move again
With the end of the war.....the black wolfs order led by nova empire first princess daina moved to calm down many war rigged places and hunt bandits who has taken advantage of the war and of course another has played a great role in this war though only 5 of the enemy Grand Masters had seen Nova's land the other two were killed by a being that had broken through in the 10 months That the nova had announced their invasion to become nova empire second mystic ranked knight vald von nova at sea.
With the war over James looked at his land more and appointed two more dukes one who was of zon lineage and onother of Ruben lineage and the nova empire now has 7 Duke family, 16 count families ,23 vicount and 47 baron families with the death of the prince luke and the eradication of the Smith Dukedom as they were traitors the young commander of the blue lion vanguard Sergius was granted the family name martin and proclaimed the new Duke of the once Smith Dukedom which will now be the Martin duchy....
Star god vol smiles looking at the current state of nova and says
"I hope u happy wherever you are old friend seeing the kingdom you build now prosperous like this, I sure did make a good choice bringing that child in the Nova family "