Operation report

Designation: Rising rose

Day 2: 28th of July, 2070

The siege of Fort Mundus has been slow. Initial attacks were successful, defenses on the eastern walls have been destroyed and a large force, including the 1st and 2nd tribal companies, has landed inside the fortress. Many key garrison structures have been bombed prior to the assault so the defending force was weakened. However, troops inside the walls came under attack by elven magic and dwarven weaponry as well as ambushes. It is clear that magic poses a larger problem than initially anticipated and further knowledge is required on how to properly combat them. Still, with the available air support, the infantry is making progress and eliminating any enemy of great threat.

Day 3: 29th of July, 2070

Armored units have breached the southern and northern defenses. Two-thirds of the outer layer of the fort has been captured by the infantry. Command has authorized the use of heavy infantry in the inner portions of the fort due to the lack of space for heavy vehicles. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd tribal companies under the supervision of lieutenants Marvin Baily and Eric Ross have proven to be exceptionally useful in providing key information and serving as an advancing vanguard. Further training is recommended for more advanced operations.

US Rangers have successfully hunted down most of the former elven X (10th) army officers. Villages across the Alston-Zirith border have been liberated and a front towards the Zirithian capital of Coros has been opened. King Thavok Zorgen requested to join the assault in hopes of swaying the presumed current duchess of Zirith Taila Gran. Lieutenant General Patrick Coleman has yet to authorize this.

Day 4: 30th of July, 2070

The outer layer of Fort Mundus has been taken and the majority of the defending force fled to the inner defense circle of the central fortification. Soldiers are having trouble again due to the increased intensity of magical and mechanical defenses. The elves and dwarves have started to concentrate on the helicopters, and many of them have been lost. Several Mark-IV Goliath heavy infantry suits have been damaged but support vehicles have managed to make a path to the enemy defenses.

The Zirith front is steadily being pushed. Alston soldiers found a way to help by using their shields to protect the advancing American infantry. The elves in Zirith are confirmed to be soldiers of the elven V (5th) army led by general Delsaran Bryora, who is currently in the capital city of Coros. King Thavok has attempted to negotiate peace via drone communication but to no avail. The officer in charge of the assault, Colonel Samuel Carter, is devising a plan that will minimize civilian casualties in the upcoming attack.

Navy and Marine Corps elements have crossed the Rift on the coast of California and are preparing to assault the imperial port city of Lashil. Their goal is to take the city and create a foothold so that a future operation on the west coast of the elven empire can begin.

Other developments: DARPA and NASA are studying the strange effects of the new world, such as the atmosphere, temperature, star positions, flora, fauna as well the moon, which happens to glow green and blue, suggesting a possibility that it is habitable. Further research is required.

---

Royal courtyard, Elyana

Middle green season

"You are doing well, princess.", Fenris said as he dodged and blocked Lilyth's attacks.

"Just keep fighting.", Lilyth replied and continued fighting. Training was her favorite past-time activity. She enjoyed studying the arts of the blade and working to one day match her mother. And Fenris was a great tutor. Only slightly older, he was trained in several different arts of combat from a young age. Such was the necessity of being a royal guard, not to mention the princess' personal bodyguard.

"Are you holding back, Fenris?", Lilyth asked as she moved away, still in her fighting stance.

"Of course not, princess.", Fenris replied.

"Horseshit, I can see it in your eyes.", she said, pointing her sword at his face, "Fight me with your full strength!"

Fenris hesitated. He was clearly more skilled and physically superior. In that sense, he feared what might happen if he lashes out uncontrollably. Would not be the first time he has done that to someone.

"Well?!", Lilyth shouted, "Come on!"

"As you wish.", Fenris said and immediately attacked, his large sword coming down onto Lilyth's noticeably smaller one. She had no choice but to dodge and throw an attack of her own. Lilyth preferred lighter swords for striking the weak points of her enemies. But Fenris' towering figure was intimidating. He quickly spun around and countered Lilyth's attack, almost hitting her face with his fist before she rolled away. Lilyth advanced with a flurry of quick attacks but Fenris managed to block them. Stepping forward, Fenris struck Lilyth's sword, knocking it out of her hand and several steps away from her. Then he pulled his sword back and trusted it forward but Lilyth rolled away at the last second and kicked her sword back up. Fenris advanced yet again but more ferociously and aggressively this time, striking at Lilyth with full force and forcing her to dodge his blows and retreat. Her back eventually reaches a pillar and Fenris knocks her sword out of her hand.

"Stop.", she ordered but he didn't listen, instead grabbing her by her hair and placing his sword on her neck. She panicked as she saw Fenris' eyes. This was the first time he was this enraged.

"I said stop!", she yelled and Fenris let her go, walked back a few steps and kneeled in front of her.

"I am terribly sorry, my princess.", he said as he panted, "I do not know what came over me. I beg of you, forgive me."

Lilyth rubbed her neck before answering, "It is alright. I asked this of you. You may leave and rest."

Fenris stood up and bowed his head, "Thank you.". As he left the courtyard, Lilyth fixed her hair and drank from her pouch. Sitting down she looked at her sword and observed the damage Fenris made. Chips of the edge were missing and a couple of cracks were forming.

'His strength is remarkable.", Lilyth thought, 'But he hides something within himself."

"Another rigorous sparring session?", asked a familiar voice behind her.

"Hagmar. I thought you were still scribbling in your room."

Hagmar chuckled to that and sat next to her, "I was for a while. But considering father's state of mind as of late I thought it would be best if I do not do anything for a while." ,Lilyth offered him her pouch, "I am not thirsty."

"What do you take me for?", Lilyth asked, "It is wine.", Hagmar accepted and drank from the pouch.

"So.", Lilyth continued, taking her wine back, "Is there in those notes of yours that can help us win this war?"

"Sadly I do not this so. The sheer scale of their power is mind-boggling. We can put up a good fight with our magic and dwarven machines. Maybe even win a few battles if things go our way. But we will lose the war."

"Then why are we not dead already if they are as powerful as you say they are?", Lilyth asked before sipping more wine.

"The locations of the rifts as well as their size most likely."

"And if we call for reinforcements from South Altia and Kapllos?"

"They can reach us if the human navy does not create a blockade. Either way, numbers alone will not help us.", he finished and took the wine pouch.

"Either way, we are fucked.", Lilyth remarked, making Hagmar raise an eyebrow.

"Your language has become more vulgar these days, sister.", he said, "What would mother say?"

"Shut up. I am not in the mood.", she said, giving Hagmar an annoyed glare, "The captured human is proving to be more durable than anticipated."

"A soldier?", Hagmar asked.

"No.", Lilyth answered, "A member of their police force. He was the first to attack our troops at the beginning of the invasion."

"What did he tell you?"

Lilyth paused before answering, "Nothing useful. Mostly insults and how what we do is pointless. He keeps asking about the little human girl."

"The one who plays with Khelsa? Are they related?"

"No, he just worries about her."

Hagmar pondered on this, "They care for their own. Something I have learned."

"We should not inform father of that.", Lilyth said, "Heavens know what he might do."

Hagmar nodded and stood up, "The inquisition has become more active. Be careful of what you say in the palace.". With that, he left and Lilyth stayed in the courtyard to ponder. Her mind was filled with possibilities and potential outcomes. There she looked for something she could use but no such luck. Looking up at the sky she let those thoughts vanish and eased herself.

'What are you hiding, Fenris?'

---

Zirith

Middle green season

The night was awfully quiet. Most of, if not all the residents and defenders of Coros were expecting the humans to attack after king Thavok's last attempt at persuasion for peace. However, nothing happened and it made everyone all the more nervous and fearful.

Up on the city walls, hundreds of Rosian and elven troops were stationed, lighting torches and searching for any signs of the enemy. Ballistas, mounted crossbows and catapults were loaded and prepared and lookouts were positioned in every tower. Two Rosian knights patrolled the wall when one of them bumped into an elf.

"Watch it, Rosian.", the elf said in a rude tone, "Back to your post!"

As the elf walked, one of the knights spat, "I cannot believe we are doing this. Betraying our own kind for them."

"Watch what you say.", the other knight spoke quietly, "If they hear us-"

"I do not care. If anything I want them to hear me. They do not belong here and we should not have to deal with this."

"Lower your tone. These are the duchess' orders and we must abide."

"You know as well as everyone else, that the duchess is being manipulated. With her family gone she should be recovering. Not deal with this. For heavens' sake, she is only a girl."

"I am not fond of it any more than you are. But this is all that we can-", he stopped mid-sentence, seeing something move in the distance. Lifting his lantern and stepping closer to the wall's edge he saw carriages, almost a league away, standing still, dozens of them. Some smaller than others but all unmoving and painted in the color of the surrounding night and grass, hard to see but not impossible. Over in the distance, he saw flashes of light. Run, get away from the ballistas, get to cover. He wanted to yell these things, but it was too late. With a thunderous boom several ballistas and catapults exploded and dozens of knights and elves died. Troops scattered to various positions and the bells started ringing.

"Move it!", shouted an elven senyot, "The enemy is here! Get to it!"

More shots came off, parts of the wall crumbled and debris flew to all sides. The residents near the walls ran to safer places, while more elves came in formations. Wyverns were awoken from their slumber and ridden into battle, their eyes accustomed to the night. Much of the first wave was shot in the air quickly by the enemy's repeating cannons. A few of them landed in front of and even on top of the carriages. The smaller ones were pushed by the wyvern's weight but this made them and their riders vulnerable as enemy boomsticks fired at them.

This bought the surviving catapults enough time to fire at the enemy, hitting them with burning stone and setting them ablaze. But it seemed to do little more than irritate them as they fired back and destroyed them. The mages tried to protect them and did for a short time, but inevitably faded from exhaustion.

"Secure the gate!", the senyot yelled again. The gate had already been raised and the bridge was presumed to be too weak to support the large armored carriages. Four of the carriages fired at the gate with their repeating cannons and blew it to pieces. The surrounding stone crumbled and the steel bent and fell, pieces of it into the moat and some of it inside the city. To most, if not all present it seemed like a foolish thing to do.

"Fools!", one of the elves laughed, "Now their machines cannon cross the moat!". Many of the elves started laughing and even taunting the humans. The Rosians present smiled and felt a sense of relief but also confusion. Why destroy the gate? A question soon to be answered.

From the distance came another metal monster. Larger and thicker than the ones in front of it. It carried no cannon, instead, it had a very large back. No one moved as the machines stopped at the bridge, its long and odd wheels not touching the wood and stone. Silence was all around, everyone waiting for it to make its move. Perhaps it was a weapon to destroy them all. Or maybe some sort of symbol. Both assumptions were wrong.

The defenders gasped and stared as the machine's back twisted and rose, stretching into the air before extending forward. It was not a weapon, it was a bridge. None of them knew what to do or even how to comprehend this. It soon did not matter as the metal bridge was in position and the machine moved to the side, making room for its smaller and more lethal brethren, three of which had already started moving.

As the carriages made their way inside, the defenders broke out of their trance and aimed their weapons. Dozens of knights and soldiers formed defensive lines with shields and spears, and mages prepared their spells.

The odd-looking boomsticks on top of the carriages moved to aim at them. This time, the knights saw it coming.

"Move!", one of them yelled just in time for most of the wall defenders to hide. The ones on the ground were not so fortunate as the black barrels tore them to pieces, their shields and armor useless. Mages casted force shields to protect what was left, several staying close to each other to form a stronger barrier. They held out against the hail of lead but were straining and eventually fell as their barrier was hit by one of the cannons.

The carriages opened and from the back came human soldiers, green and black, their faces concealed behind their masks. There were not many, fourteen in total, some carrying larger weapons than others. More surprising were the Alston knights, who emerged alongside them, carrying large shields and protecting the humans from incoming arrows. The rumors of Alston joining the humans were true.

Human soldiers and Alston knights climbed up the stairs unto the walls, killing every elf that tried to stop them. The elves' polished formations, drilled for dozens of cycles, were useless. They died by the dozen, holes covering their bodies and heads. One of the humans, who carried a broomstick noticeably larger than the ones his comrades carried, single-handedly killed a group of twenty elves. As the carnage continued, the Zirithian knights started to either retreat or surrender. Some of the elves did so as well, but most fought until the end. One of the Zirithians knelt and dropped his spear. An Alston knight walked beside him, still holding his shield up. He placed his hand on the Zirithian, who exhaled in slight relief.

"Fear not, cousin.", the Alstonian spoke, "They will spare you."

The eastern gate was in shambles in less than an hour. After the fighting stopped and there were no more reinforcements, the captured Zirithians and elves were rounded up near the now destroyed gate. Elves struggled but to no avail. Those that tried to run or fight were immediately killed. One of the human soldiers, a man with three arrowheads on his shoulder, spoke with a finger on his ear, "Command this is Striker 3. The gate is ours. I repeat, the gate is ours, no further reinforcements in sight. Over."

After several moments, the remaining carriages started moving towards the now-destroyed gate. The human, who was assumed to be the leader, eyed every prisoner lined up. There were dozens, elves and Zirithians alike. A senyot stared back in defiance and disgust, spitting at the human's boots.

"Got something you wanna say.", the human spoke in the imperial tongue but with an accent never heard before by anyone else present.

"This is not over.", the senyot remarked, "There are dozens of thousands of us. You will never kill us all."

"We don't have to.", the human replied nonchalantly and walked away, leaving the defenders to wonder what will happen next.

---

Early yellow season

Cycle 2994

"Look over there.", Vizoz Gran spoke, pointing to the east towards the hills, "It is coming."

Iaw and Taila looked out into the distance. Over the hill, rays of light began to pop up and soon after, the sun could be seen, shining brightly towards them and Coros. The light reflected in their eyes as they stared in wonder and amazement.

"It is beautiful, father.", Taila said, still looking outwards.

"Indeed it is.", Vizoz replied, "This is my favorite part of Zirith. Every morning I would walk out here and just take in this beauty."

"Was it also mother's favorite part?", Iaw asked, regretting his action immediately afterward, "I am sorry, father I-"

"It was.", Vizoz answered, "Every time we looked out together, all of our problems and worries would just disappear. It is the reason I understood why she wanted it to be her final sight." Silence followed for a few moments as Vizoz took in a deep breath and knelt in front of his children. "Listen to me. You will rule Zirith one day. Both of you. An unimaginable burden will fall on your shoulders. But remember, when you feel the burden is too much, come here and look towards those hills. Will you do that for me?"

"We will.", both of them answered almost in unison and embraced their father as the sun rose ever higher and covered the capital in a golden light.

---

The battle could not only have been seen but also heard. Thunderous booms echoed across the city and even to the royal castle. Knights and staff alike looked out the windows and balconies to see and stared in awe at the sight. General Bryora and Dheshun stayed calm for the most part. The duchess on the other hand was terrified but kept her composure. She wore no armor, as there was no time to make one but she chose to carry her sword and wore clothing akin to that of a squire. Her hair was tied to a bun and her jewelry was removed. Staring out into the distance and observing the situation, Taila ran many scenarios through her mind, many of which ended with her death or the death of her people. No matter how she planned this out, the end result seemed inevitable.

"Do you feel it, duchess?", Delsaran asked, "This is war. Quite frightening."

"No.", Taila said calmly, "I find it refreshing actually. The past several days have been nothing but politics. A change of pace is always welcome, would you not agree, General Dheshun?"

"Yes, my lady.", Padgol answered, trying to hide his grin, "However, this is still a serious matter."

"Indeed. Where are Kuno and Audo?"

"Commander Kuno is with four of general Bryora's captains, currently working on a way to defeat the enemy. Commander Audo is with the others in the throne chamber. They are discussing the best possible way to spread out our troops to defend the castle."

"General Bryora, what are the names of your captains, that are with Kuno?"

"Those would be captains Saleh, Hasta, Meira and Zeno.", Delsaran answered.

Taila sighed, "At least now we know who to thank for the distraction."

Delsaran narrowed his eyes at her, "What do you mean?"

"A competent commander such as yourself should realize that all those men will die, flee or get captured. The enemy is powerful, which is why we need to focus on defending the castle.". With that, she turned around and walked towards the stairs leading to the main hall. A knight approached her and saluted.

"My lady.", he said.

"Speak.", Taila ordered, "How is our defense?"

"The mages are in place to defend the ballistas and archers are concealed around the walls. The castle roads are narrow, with luck, their machines will not pass."

"And what of the troops inside the castle?"

"They are ready. Elves and knights are positioned on the bottom level."

Taila nodded, "Thank you. Return to your post.". The knight bowed and left. Taila continued down the hall to the throne chamber.

'She is shaping up to be a good leader.', Padgol thought to himself, 'A shame it had to happen at a time like this.'

---

"The tanks are really doing work.", Lamar said as he climbed up the wall, "You sure they pulled all those blue motherfuckers?"

"Drone says yes.", Jacob answered, "You scared, sergeant?"

Lamar scoffed, "Me? You asking me? This dude? Captain, do I look scared to you?"

"You look the way you look every day, Lamar.", Logan answered, reaching the top of the wall and scanning the area for enemies, "All clear, but keep your voices down." The rest of the platoon climbed up and got into position.

"Lin, you there?", Logan quietly called out. Seconds later, a lepian burst from cover and knelt in front of him.

"Yes, I am here.", she said, looking at the rest of the platoon, "The other tribals are on the move."

"Good.", Logan said as he pulled out his map projector, "Remember the plan. We find the duchess and end the war. The others are there for backup and recon. Under no circumstances are you to kill the duchess. Understood?". They nodded in response. "Let's go then."

The platoon went down the wall and made its way to one of the windows. One by one they climbed inside and continued upstairs to the hall. Logan stood behind a wall and raised his fist, signaling the others to stop. Hearing footsteps approaching he prepared his assault rifle and quickly moved out of cover. In front of him were two maids, clearly terrified by the sight in front of them. Logan and Jacob each held a hand over their mouths and tried to calm them down.

"Alston.", Logan said, hoping they would understand. Many Rosians didn't speak the imperial tongue so they couldn't understand English but Logan made sure to learn several words, "Not enemy. Not hurt. Be calm". One of the maids was crying. "Not hurt. Not enemy.". They started to calm themselves and as Logan and Jacob moved their hands, they didn't shout. "Taila. Need Taila. End war."

One of the maids spoke slowly, "Will you kill duchess Taila? Please, I beg you not to."

"No kill.", Logan said, "We not kill. Help. Please."

The maids hesitated. This was to be expected. However, they answered rather quickly, "She is with the generals and soldiers in the throne chamber. They are waiting for you. They want to fight you."

Logan nodded in response and put his hand on her shoulder, "Thank you.". Signaling the others to move, he made his way down the hall. "This is Dagger-One calling all Daggers. Rose flower is anticipating us. She is with the target in the throne room. Move to a good covering position. Daggers two and three, converge on the front entrance of the throne room. "

"This is Dagger-Two, roger that.", James answered.

"This is Dagger-Three, roger that", Emma answered.

"You will face them head-on.", Lin asked.

"Yeah.", Logan answered, "There's no way we can talk to her without grabbing everyone's attention. Might as well show ourselves."

Lin chuckled, "How do you humans say it? You have guts."

As they made their way downstairs they encountered pockets of resistance. Small groups of elves patroling as well as Zirithian knights. All were dealt with quickly before much noise was made, the rangers' suppressors making sure of that. The other platoons faired the same way, so far no casualties. Reaching a large door, which lead directly into the throne room, Logan stopped and waited for the others. Soon after, Emma showed up with corporal Michael Hoilman and the others.

"Lieutenant Wilson, are you in position?", Logan asked over the comms.

"Affirmative.", James answered, "I'm at the entrance across from you."

Looking at his rangers and tribals one more time, Logan held his gun tightly and opened the door. Moving in, he saw rows of knights and soldiers. The room was large, very large, with pillars, that supported a pair of platforms, which overlooked the chamber below. All the rangers moved into formation, pointing their weapons at the still enemies. There were three rows of Zirithian knights and four rows of elven soldiers. Shields were in front, backed up by swords and spears. Logan could see crossbows and even some mages. No one moved, however. On the throne was the duchess, Taila Gran. On her right was an elderly soldier in fine armor, probably the general, Logan presumed, with ten more knights. On her left was undoubtedly Delsaran Bryora along with ten more elves. Things were heated.

"I must say I am impressed!", Delsaran spoke, "Distracting the bulk of our army and infiltrating this castle! How many have you slain on your way here?". Logan didn't answer the question, instead holding his weapon firmly. "I guess it does not matter. Your assassination ends here.". With a flick of his wrist, dozens of elven crossbowmen appeared on the platforms and aimed their weapons at the rangers, some of who looked up at them, including Logan. They would have probably fired if it weren't for the holes in their heads and bodies, as well as cuts on their throats. The other platoons made their way up there and shot the elves dead. Many of the tribals got in close and personal for the kill. Several bodies fell down on the rows of the defenders, who moved out of the way in shock.

"You talk a lot, don't you?", Logan asked, "I prefer not to if I don't have to.". The mages started moving their hands and Logan didn't hesitate to speak up, "I wouldn't do that! My men have orders to kill any mage that tries anything and then kill all of you!". Hearing that, the defenders tensed up and the mages stopped chanting.

"So why do you not?!", the Zirithian general asked.

"As King Thavok probably said, we don't want war. Originally we came here to talk to the duchess but as you can see, things have escalated."

"Yet you lay siege to our city and kill hundreds!", one of the knights shouted.

"We could have destroyed Coros by now. And we still can. You've heard what happened on Galdush."

Moments of silence followed as no one dared to move. Soldiers and knights glanced at each other, trying to figure out what to do next. Slowly, Taila rose from the throne and took a step forward, grabbing the generals' and Logan's attention.

"Who are you, soldier?", Taila asked.

"Captain Logan Connors of the 75th Ranger Regiment.", Logan answered.

"A captain? And yet you come here with such a small force."

"Numbers don't mean much where I'm from."

"I imagine.", Taila asked and then paused, choosing her next words carefully, "Tell me something, captain. How did my brother die?"

Logan didn't answer immediately, thinking about what to say and how he should say it. Finally, he spoke, "Bravely. He lead his men against ours in an attempt to save prince Bodin. I wasn't there, but I heard what happened. In many people's eyes, he is a hero."

Taila solemnly nodded and a tear went down her cheek. The Zirithian general clutched his sword and looked down in sorrow, as did some of the knights behind him.

"What are we to you?", Taila asked.

Logan, caught off guard by the question, pondered the question before answering, "Victims of circumstance."

At that Taila laughed and dried her tears. "I could not agree more.", she said before drawing her sword and pointing it towards Delsaran. She shouted something in Rosian, most likely an order to her knights as all of them turned to face the elves.

"What are you doing?!", Delsaran asked, dumbfounded by the turn of events.

"What does it look like, general?", Taila asked, "We are rebelling.". She shouted another order, a single word that Logan understood. Attack. The knights did so immediately, killing many elves in the first row.

"All units, weapons free!", Logan ordered and the rangers opened fire, killing the mages and then quickly dispatching the remaining elves.

Delsaran knocked Taila's sword out of her hand and aimed to thrust his own into her chest but the Zirirhian general stopped him. "You will not harm her!", he yelled and pushed him away. The knights and soldiers near the throne got into a melee while Taila tried to back away. Delsaran got aggressive, and so did his officers. More elves started coming out, but less than expected. This rebellion was castle wide.

However, they were still outnumbered and the Zirirhians were getting overwhelmed. The general was caught off guard by one of the elven officers and Delsaran pierced his side. Taila's cry could have been heard from the commotion.

"Eliminate Delsaran!", Logan shouted on the comms.

"They're swarming us, sir! Three are already down, four more are injured!"

'Damn it!', he cursed to himself. He knew there wasn't much time left. Aiming his assault rifle, Logan steadied his aim, took a deep breath and fired. The shot went past everyone and hit Delsaran in the side of the head, killing him instantly. The surrounding elves yelled out his name and raged.

"Get some!", Lamar yelled, firing his machine gun.

"Catch this, asswipe!", shouted Emma as she threw a grenade. Funny enough, one of the elves did catch it, blowing himself up as well as those around him. More and more kept dying, until eventually only a few dozen were left standing. Even then only several had the sense to surrender. The others kept trying to fight, enraged by the death of their leader.

When the mayhem ended, the throne chamber's floor was barely visible from the bodies and blood. Corpses lay on top of one another with holes from bullets, swords, spears or arrows. Taila slowly walked through, trying not to step on them. The sight made her sick. She accidentally stepped on one of her own men, who had his shoulder and throat stabbed. His eyes were still open so she lowered herself and closed them, shedding a tear on his armor.

Logan walked up to her, his rifle in his right hand. With his left, he removed his helmet to reveal his face to her. She looked at him for a second before speaking, "Pale demons."

"What?", Logan asked.

"That is what the elves call you since Canus announced the vision. I am still debating whether that description fits you or not."

Logan sighed before replying, "We didn't want this."

"I know.", she said as she stood up, "But now there is no going back."

"You were brave back there. But there's a thin line between brave and stupid."

Taila chuckled, "I suppose you are correct. What happens now?"

Logan paused before asking his own question, "The raw truth?". Taila nodded. "Your father is dead so Zirith is yours. We help you and you join us or we leave you to Thavok's bidding. Your choice."

"Damn, Logan.", Lamar said.

"You can't just drop a bomb like that on a kid.", Jacob started.

"Quiet, staff sergeant.", Logan ordered, "This is her choice to make."

Taila didn't take much time to think it over, "Alright. Zirith pledges herself to you."

"Good.", Logan said, taping his comm piece, "Command, this is Dagger. We have Rose flower."

"Roger that, Dagger. Remaining Strikers will move in to secure. ETA thirty minutes."

"Copy that, command. Dagger out."

"My lady!", a Rosian soldier yelled. His left arm was badly hurt and he was limping on his left leg.

"Audo!", Taila said, "You survived. Your wounds-"

"No need to worry. I am fine.", he said and immediately fell to the ground.

Without hesitation, Jacob hurried over, "Let me help."

"I am-", Audo began.

"Injured, Audo!", Taila cut him off, "I need you alive now that Padgol is gone."

Audo stared into her eyes for moments before nodding towards Jacob, who already prepared his kit. The battle was long and bloody but the war is still not over.

---

(The next day)

War court, Elyana

General Laeroth Leobel had spent hours upon hours writing and drawing plans for the war. The 'Great war' as he called it, even though several carried that name in the Empire's history. Still, the dwarven war, the southern expansion, even the conquest of Kapllos could not compare to what was unfolding right now. But Laeroth would not give up. With the images he saw in the human prisoner's mind and the drawings one of the servants brought from Hagmar's study, he had the knowledge to create a battle plan. However, this war will not be won with an army or two.

A knock on the door interrupted him. "Enter.", he said.

His first captain entered the chamber, "You called for me, sir?"

"Helion, yes. Take the satchel in the corner.". Helion did so. "Gather Rhistel, Gael and Selmer. Tell them to find the fastest messengers and deliver those letters to the generals of all the armies stationed in the regions of Kal, Filflune and Inluma."

"All of them?", Helion asked, "What for, if I may ask?"

"I cannot tell you, it is not ready yet. Just do as I say. Quickly."

Helion stood still for a moment before saluting and carrying on with his duty. After several minutes, a robed figure entered the chamber and locked the door.

"What do you want?", Laeroth asked, not turning away from his desk.

"I wish to talk to you.", answered the robed figure.

"You never just wish to talk, Gilshor!", Laeroth lashed out, "Now speak clearly or I will kill you."

Gilshor removed his hood and stared at Laeroth, "This predicament has taken its toll on you more than anyone, I imagine. With you being the first general and commander of the chosen."

"Tell me something I do not know or get out."

Sighing, Gilshor took a chair and sat down, "The enemy is here."

These words shook Laeroth to his core, "What do you mean? Here? In the palace? How?!"

"Not the palace itself, fortunately. But they have placed their eyes and ears around Elyana as well as most cities in North Altia. As for how, I am uncertain. Still, to travel such a distance from Galdush to our capital in such a short time. Truly remarkable."

"Get to the point.", Laeroth demanded.

"The point is, they know what happens here. At least much of it. I have found one of these.", Gilshor said as he took out a small glass orb, which resembled an eye and being somewhat bigger than one.

"What is it?", Laeroth asked.

"I do not know. Could be a machine, could be magic. Either way we do not have a way of knowing. I suspect there are more."

Laeroth tried to keep his composure, "So you are telling me that we are not safe even in our own home?"

"Not entirely. We have places they are most likely unaware of. Our goal should be finding them before we do anything rash. Also, about your meeting with the other generals. My subordinates are following your messengers, they will notify them of the threat."

Laeroth scoffed, "I cannot say I am surprised. What now?"

"Keep forging your plans and strategies. I will deal with these spies."

After that, Gilshor left the chamber, leaving Laeroth alone to contemplate about this discovery.

---

(Around the same time)

South District, Elyana

Where there is light there will always be darkness. Such is the case with right and wrong. On the surface the Empire of Light might seem like a peaceful utopia. But that is far from the truth. Apart from rogues and ferals, the empire faces problems within its cities. Across the land there are networks of criminal groups, who try to profit off of anything they can. Weapons, machines, magic, they buy, sell and steal all of it.

Unlike the rogues who use brute force, the crime nets are subtle and cunning, even slipping from the grasp of the Inquisition. Naturally not everything goes as planned and said Inquisition has been more active in hunting the crime net members. Each of the eight families had lost profit, some more than others. However, a new opportunity has risen. One that many wish to exploit as much as possible.

Most Imperial citizens are not aware of what is happening down south. Apart from high ranking nobles and military officers no one knows much of the new enemy. But knowledge always finds its way to the ears of those willing to listen.

"So how will we do this?", Elpus asked.

"I do not know.", Halkanor answered, "If Meilume is gone then we lost a great deal of connection to the Rosian network."

"The enemy just took the capital.", Megura remarked, "Most of the region thinks that Bellon is a traitor. We still have the other cities north of the river."

Halkanor sighed, "Yes but for how long? They are taking the south and once it is theirs, they will take the rest of Meilume. What about the west coast?"

"No news, yet.", Elpus said, "The mages are keeping quiet. Do you think the Inquisition found them?"

"I do not want to know.", Halkanor said, rubbing his eyes.

"In any case.", Megura began, "We need to secure our footing in the south."

"We lost our contact in Aslton." Elpus said, "Who ever these people are they are fast."

"I heard they have cannons that can decimate a cohort from such a distance you cannot even see it.", Halkanor said, "We need to invest more in magic. The mages will need artifacts."

"The Phoco and Lasca families are already ahead of us in that.", Megura said, "Not to mention Kepiri and Bardus, who are making a fortune on their machines."

"What of Makaris?"

"No word from them.", Elpus answered, "I suspect they have a spy problem. By the heavens, Glyco is getting out of hand."

"They are serpents, brother.", Megura said as she drank some wine, "I only hope we do suffer the same fate."

Moments later there was a knock on the door. A young Rosian came in, carrying four bags and a note.

"This came in for you.", he said.

"From who?", Halkanor asked.

"I do not know. Someone gave it to me and claimed he knew you. He even knew your names."

The three siblings glanced at each other before Elpus gestured to the Rosian to give him the bags, "You can leave."

As the Rosian left, Elpus opened the bags and his eyes widened in shock as he saw heads of elves with badges nailed to the foreheads. Badges of the Glyco family. Halkanor and Megura stared at them and then at each other.

"What of the letter?", Elpus asked.

Halkanor opened it and started reading, "This should get your attention. Meet us in the bazaar in the south slum for a talk in two days, just the three of you. If you send anyone else we will know. Signed, the enemy."

Megura spoke first after a long pause, "This cannot be serious. This is obviously a ploy."

"Theg said they know our faces."

"They could be lying. If we go there we are dead."

"Quiet!", Elpus shouted, "I will go. You two will stay."

"You jest, brother."

"No. I am the eldest, my decision is final."

"Since when?", Megura asked.

"Since now! This is not up for debate!"

"And what if you die?", Halkanor asked, "What if it really is a trap?"

"That is why you are not going.". Eldus paused after saying that, no one spoke. Finally, he continued, "Do you remember what I promised you on the day our father died?". Megura and Halkanor looked at each other. "I promised that no matter what happens, I will be the one to take the sword. That I will be the first one to fill the grave. Neither of you have the right to make me break that promise."

Meguara and Halkanor lowered their heads. The conversation ended and Elpus walked out of the room with the heads, leaving the two of them alone with one question on their mind. 'What do we do?'

End of chapter 15