"This better be something, Brother." Arthur said as they traveled the ragged terrain of the old country.
It's his first time riding a wargon, a military vehicle designed to navigate rough terrains. The vehicle's roar was the only sound as they drove, the early morning light casting long shadows on the landscape. Mauthekar smelled like the breath of old dying kings. The nation had been mighty for thousands of years, but now it only reeks of death and despair.
"Of course it is!" Victor said, smiling from ear to ear.
The last time Arthur saw his brother, his skin hadn't been this dark. His missions oversees had been cruel to him, it seemed, but it's nice to see his brother still smile. How long has it been? four? Arthur could not remember. Every time he asks about what he do on his job, Victor always had one answer 'Classified'. Now he is doing it again by not telling him what job the government wants him to do.
"I've already flown hundreds of thousands of leagues just to be here. Just tell me what I will be handling."
"My Brother..." Victor said, shaking his head and smiling. "Would I have flown you here in such haste if it's some lame dig? Trust me, brother."
Arthur rolled his eyes. The last time he trusted his brother, he got married without a marriage cake. Now that gem has turned to dust too. He wanted to trust Victor, to know that there is something great that awaits for him in this foreign country, but his brother had always been secretive of things. He said he works for the government as a soldier but everything about it all seemed shady and suspicious.
The travel from Eaglesoar States to Mauthekar had left Arthur with a jetlag. Were it not for his brother's insistence, he would have lingered in his hotel bed for another day. But that hope was for naught too; Victor had dragged him straight from the flight to witness his latest employment.
It's great being an archeologist, truly, but only after you've dug all the dirt and find what's hidden beneath. Now this new job that the government hired him for is another dirt to be dug. Victor hadn't told him a sherd about any of it.
Victor must've read his brother's face. "You will see brother, trust me." Victor said. "You will see."
Arthur ignored that and looked over the distant City they're about to approach. He knew this City, the once Capital of the proudest empire, now down on her knees with her head bowed down. The City of Suncrown is a mixture of ancient ruins and modern structures, her streets busy with early risers beginning their day.
As they traveled through the City with all their military might, the people watched them with fear. He remembered the disdain the world had against the Mauthans and the rest of the countries in Waellosh five hundred years ago when the Mauvorin Kings had done their wrath upon the world. Waellers they said to the people, more racially driven than hate. Now, the once mighty people of Mauthekar stood in fear as foreign nations trample their soil as they please. Arthur felt pity for them.
As they went deeper into the City, a large shadow loomed in the distance. The great castle of the Mauvorin Kings called "Goldeneye" stood atop a large hill, the old ruins apparent through the outline of her silhouette. The once mighty stronghold of the once mightiest power in the world now stood in solemn decay. Arthur gazed upon Goldeneye, her grandeur reduced to echoes and whispers carried by the breeze. Time had etched its mark upon the stones, once polished and regal, now worn and weary. The towers that had once reached for the heavens now leaned and crumbled, their proud spires broken and scattered like fallen sentinels.
Victor glanced at him, a smile playing on his lips. He outstretched his arms and said: "That, brother, is Goldeneye Castle. The seat of those old kings!"
Arthur smiled at him. "A great Name, a great Power, and a great Fall, in short: House Mauvorin."
"You know this?"
"I'm an archeologist, Brother. Your wife may be your riffle, but mine is history."
"Whatever." Victor said.
The wargon rumbled through dense forests and climbed steep mountain paths, the air growing colder as sunlight barely pierced the thick canopy. Arthur's anticipation grew with each mile, imagining what lay ahead. After hours of travel, they reached a secluded valley and stopped at a hidden, heavily guarded checkpoint. Beyond it was a secretive settlement, camouflaged well with the wilderness.
Why would the government of the Eaglesoar States wish to examine the lands of Mauthekar? Arthur wondered. It was perplexing, truly. Mauthekar had its own rulers and people who could dig their own soil. It was not uncommon for archaeologists to be employed by foreign nations, but for a government to examine another's land was unheard of. Arthur shrugged as he leapt from the wargon.
The encampment made by the soldiers near a valley was large and bustling with soldiers marching. By the looks of them, Arthur could tell they are Soarians. The States of Eaglesoar had many allies across the world, but Mauthekar wasn't one of them, so it doesn't make sense for the Eaglesoar's military to be here. The war had ended fifteen years ago but perhaps they are stationed here to keep the peace in Waellosh. It was Mauthekar, after all, where all the dreadful Kings of ages past had arisen.
"Here, Brother, the General will meet you." Said Victor, gesturing to the entrance of a large, well-guarded tent. The flap of the tent fluttered as a soldier held it open.
Arthur's curiosity was piqued when his eyes set inside. The interior was surprisingly well-furnished, with maps and documents strewn across a large table in the center. An intricate surveillance system was set up, with men monitoring screens that displayed forests and roadways leading to the site. Heavily guarded too, He noted.
"Good morning, Sir. I present to you my brother," Victor said, gesturing towards a man standing with his hands clasped behind his back.
He wore a deep green uniform jacket adorned with a rhino's head epaulette, signifying his rank as a taskforce general. But which? When turned and raised his cap to greet Arthur, the scar that ran from his left eyebrow down to his right cheeks revealed who he is.
"General Krakeson?" Arthur said in an instant. There is only one man who had that scar carved in his face. It was all over the news fifteen years ago that a pirate had cut off the face of General Logan Krakeson during a night ambush. They say he was dead after the failed attempt to retake the stolen stronghold. Yet here he is, standing in front of him on the land of the living. He had also heard rumors back in the day that he was a bastard born of a pirate raid, and the one that cut him was his true father.
General Krakeson's eyes met Arthur's, holding a gaze that was both stern and measured. "Dr. Arthur Wind, I presume?" His voice was gravelly.
"Yes, General. It's an honor to meet you," Arthur replied, extending his hand. The General shook it firmly, a ghost of a smile flickering across his scarred face.
"I understand the journey was long and tiring. My apologies for the haste in your summons," the General said, motioning for Arthur to sit.
Arthur settled into the offered chair, noticing a folder on the table labeled "Operation Door". Before he could inquire about it, General Krakeson continued, "You must be wondering why there is such a significant military presence here."
"Indeed, it's quite a setup," Arthur said, glancing around the tent again, noting the soldiers, the surveillance equipment, and the general atmosphere of alertness.
"The reason for our presence is twofold," Krakeson began, folding his hands on the table. "Firstly, your expertise as an archaeologist is required at a site of considerable importance. We believe we have uncovered ancient ruins that could rewrite parts of our history—perhaps even change our understanding of the ancient civilizations of Mauthekar."
Arthur's curiosity piqued further. "And the second reason?"
Krakeson's expression darkened slightly. "Security. There's a terrorist group known as the Red Cloaks. They have been active in the area. They are opposed to our presence here, and we have credible intelligence suggesting they may target this operation."
Arthur felt a chill run down his spine. He had expected this to be another routine dig, albeit in a politically sensitive region, but the involvement of a terrorist group? That wasn't in his to-do list, not at all. "Are they a deadly threat?"
Krakeson nodded. "They are well-armed and ideologically driven. They've been linked to several attacks in the region. We have measures in place to ensure your safety, but it's crucial that you understand the gravity of the situation."
"Ideologically driven?" asked Arthur.
The General chuckled. "They think the Wizard King will rise again like many others before them."
"After so many generations?" Arthur had to chuckle as well.
"Foolish fantasies indeed." said Krakeson.
Victor, who had been quietly listening, added, "That's why we're here, Arthur. The government wants to protect both the archaeological site and those working on it."
Arthur nodded. "I appreciate the protection, General. I'll do my best to carry out the work quickly and efficiently."
"Good," Krakeson said, nodding approvingly. He slid the folder across the table toward Arthur. "This contains all the preliminary information we've gathered about the site, including photographs and initial assessments. Dr. Bethany will be working alongside you. Her expertise will be invaluable in analyzing any botanical remnants we uncover."
Arthur opened the folder, revealing a series of high-resolution images of the ruins and papers documenting the operation. The structures were partially buried under layers of earth and vegetation, with intricate carvings visible on the exposed sections. There were also aerial shots showing the site's layout, surrounded by dense forest.
"As you can see," Krakeson continued, "the ruins are extensive, and we suspect there are hidden chambers beneath the surface. Your primary task is to assess the site's historical significance, determine what can be safely excavated, and guide our team in the excavation process."
Arthur studied the photos, already mentally cataloging the potential challenges and the thrill of discovery. "This is remarkable," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
General Krakeson stood up, signaling the end of the briefing. "I'll leave that folder to you. Dr. Bethany will join you at the site. She'd gone ahead of you. Captain Victor will take you to the site. Any questions?"
Arthur shook his head. "Not at the moment, General. Thank you for the briefing."
Victor led Arthur to the site. There are at the trees but no officers have joined them in this walk. It was only the two of them heading to the structure. "A fine job for you, brother. Now tell me, did I lie?"
No, but you're not telling the full truth, Arthur wanted to say, but Victor would only avoid answering that. He couldn't shake off the questions that had been gnawing at him since they'd arrived. "Victor, how is General Krakeson alive? Who are you really working for?" He blurted out.
"The government, brother."
"Really? And why has the government kept all this hidden?"
Victor's expression hardened. "It's classified, Arthur. I can't say more than that."
Arthur continued to walk, taking deep breaths each step. "Just answer this then: Why did a dead man just spoke with me?" He didn't need to mention what happened fifteen years ago for Victor to give that look of understanding.
Victor sighed, his once-smiling face now faded. "General Krakeson washed up on shore after the battle, after the news of his death and many others spread to our nation. Higher authorities saw him fit to carry on this organization I work for since everyone assumed he was dead. Hence the 'dead man' you saw."
Arthur nodded slowly. He wanted to ask what this 'organization' his younger brother was working for, but Victor would simply say, 'Classified' for sure. Silence hung in the air as they walked to the site.
When they climbed the hill where many more soldiers and wooden barricades are set in place, Arthur couldn't believe what he had seen. From a distance, the structure seemed like a black empty frame, but when he got close, the frame is made of thick black stone, half a meter thick. He approached the structure in reverence, almost wanting to kneel before its grandeur. He hadn't seen anything like this, and never again it would seem.
"And here is the..." Victor sighed. "...whatever you want to call it. Ancient stone door frame? I would've given it a proper introduction but you probably know—"
"My Brother..." Arthur murmured as he approached the structure with his arms stretched open. "I– I can't..."
"Wait? This is out of the ordinary for you?" Asked Victor and Arthur nodded softly. "I thought you've seen many like this before. Your first time? Right. Well then... Brother! Behold, the old black beautiful rock of Mauthekar!"
When Victor attempted to add more to its introduction, Arthur put a finger on his lips and stepped closer to the structure, his fingertips brushing the surface of the stone. The material was unlike anything he had ever encountered—dark, smooth, and its edges sharp that it almost cut him. Obsidian? He immediately thought, but obsidian didn't have a soft glow. This stone had a soft glow, as if fire is burning within. It was a faint red pulsing within that gives the ancient structure a wistful glow. It stood three meters wide and five meters tall and when he got the whole picture, Arthur understood why this project is called "Operation Door".
As Arthur marveled at the black beauty of the stone another black beauty caught his eye. The woman working alongside the structure had a similar grace. Her dark skin glowed with a subtle radiance, and her graceful movements were as mesmerizing as the flickering light within the stone. She collected samples from the soil and vegetation with methodical precision, dressed in a fitted white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and khaki cargo pants. Both the stone and the woman exuded a quiet, powerful beauty that left Arthur in awe.
As she shifted position, Arthur caught a full view of her face. By the looks of her, Arthur had no doubt she is a Browothan. Her features were distinct—high cheekbones, full lips, and wide-set eyes that gave her a commanding presence. Her hair, a knot of dreads, pulled back into a ponytail, revealed a clear and expressive face, marked by keen, attentive eyes. The overall effect was one of striking individuality, as if she, like the ruins, held stories yet untold.
Two black beauty at once? Oh boy, let's get digging! Arthur rubbed his hands together smoothly.
"You should make another folder, Brother." Victor told him as he tapped his shoulders, "Call it 'Operation Pretty Lady' "
Arthur frowned.
"Come on, Arthur, let me introduce you." Victor said.
Arthur followed Victor towards the woman.
"Dr. Bethany... Ghorin?" Victor said, "Did I get that right, madam?"
"It's G'horyn, Captain." said the woman in a soft spoken accent.
"Very well, this my older brother," Victor gestured at him, "Dr. Arthur Wind, the renowned archeologist of our age. Author of the book 'The steel that built the Vale', and Arthur, this is our biologist, Dr, Bethany G'horin. The author of... I don't know any books your wrote, doc. Forgive me."
"I have none, Captain," Dr. Bethany had that soft childlike laugh that draw Arthur's attention.
"I'll leave you two together." Victor gave him a smile that means 'Don't mess this up' and tapped his shoulders before he left.
Arthur shuffled his thoughts for things he might say. He stepped closer to the glowing structure and shoot his shot. "So... a large black ancient structure that have a faint glow. What's your hypothesis, Dr. Bethany?"
Bethany shrugged and smiled and it was like fire upon her lips. "Honestly, I'm not sure. But I've heard some rumors that it emits a low level of radiation. It's nothing dangerous, but still, it's odd."
Arthur nodded, frowning and now confused, "Radiation? Obsidian don't radiate, and neither do onyx. Are you sure?"
"Some team led by your Brother here with the General a few days ago did the scan. I heard it was so."
"Apparently so." He said looking at the heavy military occupation. "Then if it's not the two, then what is this?"
"Some unknown stone I would presume?" Bethany giggled again, "But I think that there might be some sort of bioluminescent plant trapped inside the rock. It's rare, almost impossible, I admit, but that's why they hired me to see if it was so."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Bioluminescent plants? Inside solid rock? That would be quite the discovery." And I doubt it. "But if that was true, how could this have been built, then? It doesn't seem like a natural formation."
Bethany chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "It's all just speculation at this point. Though, amusingly, I heard a priest was involved in the discovery of this site. He claimed it was the work of the old gods of Lodaria."
Arthur couldn't help but laugh at that. "The old Lodarian gods? I should expect Symexus to strike us down with a bolt of lightning today. We're meddling with his toys. I can't believe people still believe in those myths."
"From what I hear, the people of Waellosh are deeply rooted in old traditions and customs—that apparently include the old gods too." She laughed. "The priest is with us actually. He said his presence would favor the gods and allow us to be safe here." Bethany gestured far away to a man in white robes sitting alone or probably praying. "But don't be rude to him. Aelor is a kind man, even though what he insists are just... well, myths."
They both shared a smile. Arthur felt a bit nervous but couldn't help enjoying the easy conversation. "Well, whatever it is, it's definitely interesting. And I'm glad we're working on this together. It'll be nice to have someone to discuss all these crazy theories with."
Bethany nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Right? And who knows, maybe we'll uncover something even crazier than we imagined."
A gunfire cut short their conversation.
Chaos flooded the valley through the din of gunfire. The echo shattered the stillness, coursing through the trees and ancient structure like a death knell. For a moment, Arthur thought he was about to die. With his heart pounding, he instinctively ducked. Soldiers scrambled to their positions, weapons drawn, eyes scanning the tree lines.
"Red Cloaks!" someone shouted, the words barely audible over the cacophony of shouts and gunfire, but eyes don't lie; Red cloaks are seen moving behind trees. Arthur searched for Victor. His brother was already in action, issuing commands, his face a mask of grim determination.
"Arthur, stay down!" Victor yelled, firing his weapon into the trees. "Bethany, get to cover!"
Arthur crawled towards a nearby boulder. This was supposed to be an archaeological expedition, not a battlefield. The Red Cloaks were a terrorist group, but he hadn't expected an attack so soon, nor this intense. The sound of bullets whizzing past and the screams of soldiers filled the air, creating the sweet music of war.
Bethany crouched beside him, and for a moment, Arthur forgot about her. "Doctor, we need to move. We're too exposed here."
He nodded, trying to steady his breathing. They moved together, low and fast, towards the central structure where the soldiers had set up a more fortified position. The air was thick with tension, every shadow a potential threat. For a brief moment, Arthur caught a glimpse of a Red Cloak terrorist speeding behind the tree line, with slivers of gold that shone like the sun. Oh boy...
General Krakeson appeared, his scarred face set in a grim expression. "Dr. Wind, Dr. G'horyn, stay behind the barricades. We'll hold them off."
Arthur nodded, his hands shaking. He looked at Bethany, her face now pale. Arthur seized the chance and put his arms around her shoulders. "We'll be fine," he said, more to reassure himself than her.
The Red Cloaks were relentless, appearing and disappearing like lighting. They have gilded their weapons in gold and used them along side their firearms. One kiss with the steel and the unarmored soldiers gave a bloody leak and die. Arthur watched with nothing he can do. Soon, all he can see are red cloaks everywhere and the bitter flow of blood. The soldiers' suit are only for bullet it would seem and are no match for blades. The General was everywhere, rallying his men, firing his weapon with deadly fervor.
"Victor!" Arthur called out, trying to spot his brother in the chaos. Victor was fighting close to the front line, his face no longer smiling. Arthur's heart clenched with fear. He couldn't lose him, not after just being reunited.
A sudden explosion rocked the ground, sending Arthur and Bethany sprawling. The shockwave disoriented him, his ears ringing. He struggled to his feet, blinking through the dust and smoke. The Red Cloaks were pushing forward, their red cloaks like bloody banners in the midst of battle.
"Arthur, look out!" Bethany's shout brought him back to reality. A Red Cloak was charging at him, a golden knife glinting in the daylight. Arthur barely had time to react. He grabbed a nearby rock and swung it with all his might, smashing it to the attacker's head. The man fell, his knife skittering across the ground.
Breathing heavily, Arthur looked at Bethany. "We need to get out of here. This is madness."
She nodded. "Where?"
Seeing that the only safe place was the black stone structure, they retreated there. He grabbed the fallen knife, its handle slick with blood, and moved forward. He had never been in a fight like this, but desperation gave him courage. They crawl their way towards the stone while Victor and the General are dying in battle. The air thick with smoke and the screams of the wounded.
General Krakeson was a sight to behold, a whirlwind of fury and strength. But even he was not invincible. Arthur saw him falter, a Red Cloak slashing at his side. Blood poured from the wound, staining his uniform. The General roared in pain but continued to fight. You died before, you can't die again!
As the battle raged on, the chaos around them seemed to intensify. Arthur watched helplessly as soldiers and Red Cloaks clashed, the ground littered with bodies. The air was thick with the acrid smell of gunpowder and the metallic tang of blood. The sounds of gunfire, screams, and the clash of metal against metal were deafening.
Arthur's heart raced as he saw the numbers dwindling on both sides. Soon, only a few soldiers remained: General Krakeson, Captain Victor, and two others. The Red Cloaks were relentless, their red cloaks swirling like flames as they advanced. He looked at Bethany and now her black skin are pale in fear.
"Fall back!" Victor shouted, trying to rally the remaining soldiers. They retreated towards the ancient structure, seeking shelter behind its massive black stones. General Krakeson, bleeding heavily from his side, leaned against the stone, his face pale. Arthur remembered how sharp the black stone was and went to help the General. Dr. Bethany followed behind.
"Hold them off!" Krakeson commanded, his voice strained. He rested against the stone, his blood mingling with that of the dead priest who had been hugging it. The priest's lifeless body lay slumped over the stone, his blood slowly flowing and mixing with Krakeson's.
Arthur and Bethany hid behind the ancient structure, watching as Victor and the two remaining soldiers prepared to make their last stand. The Red Cloaks approached slowly, five of them, two holding their rifles and three playing with their golden blades.
"Can you heal his wounds?" Arthur asked Bethany.
"I can't." She said. "I only study plants. I don't know how to use them."
"No time for it now, is it?" The General said as his scarred face now became the least of his wounds.
The atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with the scent of death and the promise of more to come. Arthur had never been religious, not to the Brightspear Faith to whom he'd been born into, but now he found himself praying. God, whoever you are, save me! They were caught in the middle of a battle and the odds were not in their favor. His brother was still fighting the Red Cloaks with probably the two of his best men. Save my brother too. Save all of us.
General Krakeson's blood, mingling with the priest's, seems to awaken something within the black stone. The pale light emanating from within grew stronger like fire, casting an eerie glow over the dead and the living. Arthur could feel a strange energy in the air, something ancient and powerful stirs.
Victor and the two soldiers fought valiantly against the Red Cloaks. The clash of blades and the crack of gunfire filled the air. One of the Red Cloaks managed to break through their defenses, heading straight for Arthur and Bethany. Arthur tried to protect her, but the attacker was swift. The Red Cloak stabbed both Arthur and Bethany, their blood spilling onto the black stone.
Arthur's vision blurred as pain radiated from his wound. He could see Victor and the remaining soldiers fighting desperately, the Red Cloaks falling one by one. Victor, consumed by rage, shot the Red Cloak who had stabbed Arthur before the man could inflict further damage. The Red Cloak fell, and Victor, driven by rage, grabbed the lifeless body and smashed its head against the black stone.
As Arthur lay bleeding, he found himself beside General Krakeson. The General's face was pale, his breaths shallow. Victor knelt beside Arthur. He's got a sad tender smile. "Hold on, Brother. You'll live, trust me. The reinforcements are on their way."
Trust you? The last time he trusted his brother, he took him into a foreign nation for a job that got him stabbed and many men dead. But that was his Brother, and he fought valiantly. The least he could do is to say his thanks.
Arthur managed a weak smile. "Brother... my unyielding brother," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm sorry, Arthur. I knew I shouldn't have taken you for this job," Victor said, tears streaming down his face.
Arthur shook his head weakly. "It's fine. I agreed. We... we couldn't have known." We did know, He thought, but he did not say that.
The grim aftermath before him spread out like sherds of ancient pottery: the priest, his white robes now red, still hugging the ancient stone in a final embrace; the General, his sad scarred face, lay dead upon the black stone frame, having died once before and now truly gone; soldiers and Red Cloaks alike, their bodies strewn across the battlefield in utter carnage. Fools! He thought, Fools and fanatics!
Across his arm, Dr. Bethany was clearly dead too. The pretty woman he had just met, now cold and lifeless. Her dark eyes that once held curiosity and warmth now stared blankly into nothingness. Arthur's tears begun to fall, for he had hoped to learn more about her, to work with her, to maybe even share a laugh or two amidst the ruins. But now she was gone, gone like the rest of them!
The wounds by his side twisted in pain as the air around the ancient black stone grew thicker with an almost tangible energy. Arthur could feel it coursing through him, mingling with the pain and the overwhelming sense of loss. His vision blurred further, but amidst the haze, he could see the faint, fiery glow within the stone growing stronger, more intense. He remembered what the priest had claimed about this black stone: The old gods of old Lodaria... He could see that now as the ancient stone awakens.
"Victor," Arthur spoke, his voice barely a whisper. He wanted to warn his brother about the growing light, but he was too weak to speak any louder. His strength was fading fast, his consciousness slipping away. The pain was too much bear.
Victor stared into the distance, collecting himself after the battle. He lit up the cigarette upon his mouth and when the lighter flickered afire, the black stones ignited, its inner fire blazing to life. A blinding light erupted, and with a deafening boom, the stone transformed into a swirling vortex. Arthur, Victor, and the dead men were yanked off their feet, pulled irresistibly into the glowing gateway. The world around them twisted and contorted, and with a final, disorienting lurch, they were hurled into the unknown.