Chapter 11: Returning Home

    In the dead of night, while the rest of the troops had long gone to sleep and only a few where on guard duty, a mage slipped away from the rest of the troops.

    Walking softly, so as to not alert the others if her movements, she moved towards the shadow of a towering tree at the edge of the forest. Her hooded cloak, worn and tattered at the edges, concealed much of her figure, and her dark brown hair, spilled over her eyes, hiding half of her face in the dim of night.

    Once she was sure no one could see her, she glanced over her shoulder, confirming the soldiers were too busy attending to their duties around the campfires.

    Satisfied, she pressed her back against a large tree and pulled out a small, blue orb from within her cloak, its surface swirling with faint blue magical energy.

    She took a deep breath and began to murmur an incantation.

    "By the stars that guide the night, by the winds that carry secrets through the dark. I call upon the binding of realms, open the veil and let your voice be heard..."@@@@

    The orb flickered, glowing a soft azure before it pulsed with mana. A low hum echoed from within, and moments later, a distorted, male voice echoed from it. It was deep and commanding, certainly belonging to a man of high stature.

    "Report," the voice demanded.

    The mage straightened herself, her voice low as she spoke.

    "The battle is over. Nythralis has fallen..."

    "The emperor... he survived. Not only that, but he wielded a holy sword—one imbued with divine power. It is believed he has been chosen by the goddess of justice and purity."

    There was a brief silence on the other end before the voice returned, this time filled with shock and anger.

    "What?"

    "Nythralis fell? That''s impossible!"

    There was a pause, and then the man''s tone shifted, growing angrier with each word.

    "That fool should be dead by now!"

    "Dead!"

    "And you''re telling me that not only did he survive, but he was wielding a holy sword?"

    "Chosen by a goddess?"

    "Is this supposed to be some sort of joke?"

    "If you think you can play games with me girl you are going to regret it."

    The mage''s eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the rising frustration from the man she was speaking to. "I saw it with my own eyes. The beast struck, but the emperor cut through its flesh as if its scales were nothing."

    "The soldiers were in awe. They believe he is destined for something greater now."

    Arkanos rode through these lands in silence, his expression tightening as he witnessed the devastation. The neglect of the land, the abject poverty of its people, gnawed at him.

    How had the empire fallen so far? The tyranny of the former emperor... was heavier with every step forward. He thought silently...

    ''What kind of monster was the previous emperor?''

    The emperor''s brow furrowed, and though he said nothing, the darkness in his eyes clearly displayed of his deep displeasure.

    He couldn''t shake the thought of what it would take to right these wrongs. His grip tightened on the reins of his horse, he hardened his resolve.

    ''No matter, now that I am in control I''ll make things right.''

    As the sun began to dip low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the land, the capital of the Valtor Empire came into view.

    The towering walls of the city stood stark against the horizon, flags flying proudly at their peaks.

    The imperial standard... two silver dragons intertwined, breathing fire into the sky, against a black and crimson background... flapped in the wind, a symbol of the empire''s power.

    Arkanos paused, his gaze lingering on the distant walls and the flags that fluttered above them.

    He felt a sense of unease gnawing at him. The empire was his now, but the sight of it filled him with a touch of pride.

    Noticing his momentary pause, the knight Captain, Seraphine, approached. Her armor gleamed faintly in the setting light.

    "My lord," she said, her tone soft, "You seem troubled."

    ''Troubled? I was just taking in the view... But I guess it would be better to play along.''

    Arkanos waited for a moment before turning to face her, "It saddens me to see the empire in such a sorry state. Nearly brought to ruin under my leadership, I can''t help but wonder what I was thinking."

    ''Yes, what was Arkanos thinking.''

    "Although it is true I have turned a new leaf, I fear my people he long since lost faith in me."

    "So it will take considerable effort on on my part to make this empire great again."

    "I know you carry a heavy burden." Seraphine continued, "You may have made mistakes in the past, but I believe in you. You have the strength to change the future—for all of us."

    Her words struck a chord deep within him. Arkanos turned to her, touched by her loyalty and faith. He offered her a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Seraphine. Your words mean more than you know."

    Gathering his soldiers around him, Arkanos addressed them, his voice strong despite the weariness in his bones. "We return home today, but let us not forget the price of victory. A celebration will be held for the fallen, and graves will be built in their honor. We shall remember their sacrifice. Me they forever remain in our hearts."

    "Now, let us return home."