A bloodcurdling cry cut across the plains, as an armored monstrosity raised dust with the pounding of its feet. The earth shattered and the hot sands flew in the wind. Beneath the monstrosity several figures ran in formations that morphed as the beast glared. They crisscrossed frantically, the creature struggling to keep up with their blistering speed.
Its four eyes burned with rage and fear, pupils dilating wildly. The ants beneath it were cutting it apart.
A cape like shining flame billowed ferociously in the wind, as a man sped towards the clawed feet of the creature. His boots clashed with the hard earth like the banging of a shield. The strands of his dark hair cut through the wind alongside a magnificent broadsword.
"Corus! Take the shot!," he screamed.
Almost at that instant, a bolt of fire tore through the fabric of space. Leaving a trail of light and sparks, it sped towards the beast and struck its blind spot like lightning.
A huge explosion erupted instantaneously, a shockwave blowing across the rocky plain. The monster reeled, desperately balancing its twenty foot frame. Bits and pieces of armor launched in air landed like shrapnel, clattering as they hit the ground. Another cry tore from its thick neck. Blood poured on the ground like a waterfall. The dust spun past its side, now blown open revealing seared flesh.
The monster turned to react, a deafening roar emerging after the cry of pain. A sharp pain emerged from its leg. The man had swung his broadsword like a bat, slicing through integral tendons in its feet. Losing balance, the monster fell with a crash.
Plumes of dust raised once more, as it flailed desperately, tremors ringing alongside its cries.
The quicksteps of a young woman in light armor quickly approached. Holding a sword like the embodiment of glory, she charged towards the creature. Victorious yellow fabric flowed behind her with vicious power. Each step she took shattered earth. Her long blade shuddered with immense energy. She drove it into the creatures open side.
A loud blast cut through the arid air.
There was silence.
The flailing increased.
The earth shuddered.
In the next moment, a fire like judgement from heaven blasted down upon the creature. The man jumped back and braced himself, as a shockwave sped towards him.
Many capes billowed as a divine fire licked up every inch of the creature.
The fire ceased suddenly.
A dust cloud formed.
It cleared slowly, revealing the glint of a long blade. Its wielder spun it expertly as the light upon it faded away. Sheathing it, the dust cleared completely. Her noble face glowed with the sun's light.
Unfazed.
All watched with awe as her short brown hair fluttered in the wind. Silver eyes like cold stood unblinking, their merciless gaze burning across the flat earth.
"As expected, even monsters fall when the Wolf glares," the man said, grinning.
He approached the woman, his broadsword on his shoulder.
"Of course, Hever," she began.
The dust cleared away completely, revealing a piles of ash and bits of bone, blackening the earth.
"They should."
She flashed a gentle smile at him.
"Arkrea really is boundless, isn't she?," one said.
"Absolutely merciless…," another replied.
The Gaeren had done it once again.
Not too long after that a long line of horses crossed the land. Bloodstained yellow capes with dark red armor sat on each horse.
It would be a long ride back to the capital, Infernis.
Hever moved alongside Arkrea. The evening sun cast long shadows upon the plains.
Mountains lay on the horizon like fallen giants.
Hever yawned.
"Finally, we head home. These past three days have been ruthless," Hever said.
Arkrea hummed slightly in agreement.
Hever went on.
"We have about a days journey ahead of us. Our supplies should be more than enough. Besides that....These Northern parts have been quite rowdy. Four behemoths taken down in three days."
"They say the lands far north, beyond Karakh are now rife with such creatures," Arkrea added. Her gentle hold on the reins remained constant as they begun to climb steadily.
"Hmm…we might have to Erref to inspect the borderlands…"
Hever's voice was like a gentle breeze. His brown eyes turned to Arkrea.
Her gaze was locked onto the mountains in the horizon.
Hever continued.
"Speaking of the Erref, how are they doing in the South. You received a letter from Adrel about a week ago, didn't you? How is he?"
Arkrea paused slightly and spoke.
"He is fine, of course. My brother's progress on the emperor's call is proceeding well. They have gained much evidence. The girl they seek is alive."
"The royal blood, eh…" Hever exclaimed in his informal dialect.
"All I hope for is a quick resolution. Knowing your cool-headed brother, I'm sure he'll do justice to it."
They both smiled.
A silence emerged, the gentle clip clop of hooves in the air.
"Oh, I almost forgot…" Hever began.
"They say some new criminal's on the loose. My contacts at the south mentioned it to me. He appeared at that border town in the south. Say his name was Ra…Re…what was it again? Well, 'R' something."
"You mean Rahiel?"
Arkrea's voice was a distinct melody of gentle authority. To allies it was a healing flame. To enemies it was a consuming inferno.
"Ah! Yes…Rahiel. He's racked up quite the body count." His voice darkened slightly. " The worst in the Empire's history, so they say."
Arkrea looked onwards.
She glanced slightly at Hever. Her silver eyes were cold and distant, yet full of terrifying life.
"Adrel mentioned him. But he said this Rahiel was no different from a godless fiend. I am not sure why his name has spread so much…it is all over the southern region."
Arkrea paused. With a definite authority she spoke.
"My brother will take care of him. No pagan fool could dream of triumphing over Calor's warriors."
Chills went down Hever's spine as he listened. Her cold eyes were as suppressive as ever. Her voice was far from forceful. Rather, it was fact.
"As you say, Silver Wolf."
Hever bowed slightly. He spoke with half jest, half reverence.
Embedded on a sharp cliff within the mountains ahead was Infernis.
Arkrea's noble steps filled the long corridor of the Mahir Vosten, the Imperial Palace of Karakh. To her left were huge windows, long red curtains draped by their sides. They were crafted from the most excellent silk, with embroideries of gold dust upon them. The sunlight burst through these windows, illuminating the corridor.
To her right were mementos from Karakh's history. Former Emperors, Administrators of the Empire, Royal Advisors Generals of the Imperial Army and Commanders of the Seket, along with their most impressive achievements. Their large portraits hung on the walls, their names carved in boldly in bronze, along with descriptions of their mightiest feats.
Arkrea's rich yellow cloak fluttered behind her as she walked. Her shapely figure swayed slightly with each step. She cast periodic shadows as she passed by the grand windows. The marble rung with her steps as she approached the Imperial Vestibule.
She passed the grand gates of the Imperial Vestibule, carved from steel and silver. An ancient silence sat within, large sigils of Calor and grand tapestry looking on.
The only noise came from the clicks of Akrea's boots with the black marble floor.
She approached the throne room.
Two guards stood at either end of the entrance to the throne room. Sentinels, so they were called. Their amour black, their hearts cold.
The Imperial Herald stood at the door.
"Supreme Commander Vakant J'ela Arkrea of the Seket. Commander of the Gaeren. The Silver Wolf of Karakh."
In a quick yet unhurried motion, the sentinels clutched the serpentine handles of the door.
With a slow, urging force the sentinels opened the doors.
A sudden warmth rushed over Arkrea as the doors heaved open. A divine sanctuary, she was about to enter.
Arkrea was unfazed.
To her, it was just another day.
She stepped into the throne room.
Her presence seemed to brighten the grand chamber even more. Layered with glass, stone and metal it stood as a divine ancient.
Two large statues, bronze lined with gold, stood imposing within the room. Cross armed and facing each other from the opposite ends of the room, they were Mephis and Mephas, the twin guardians of Calor.
At the very end of the throne room was the Emperor. His robes were like fire itself. The air seemed to hum in his presence, heat emanating from him.
A light halo of fire was upon the glass behind him.
Arkrea knelt between the two statues, her head low.
The air froze as the doors closed.
The Emperor spoke.
"Arkrea"
His voice filled the room. It was like that of an ancient entity. The voice of Calor himself; gentle and powerful.
"Your presence always brings me great joy. Such elegance and power. It is a beauty Calor has placed upon you."
The Emperor's voice boomed in the Throne Room.
"You honor me, Divine Host. Your words are too great for a lowly woman such as I."
The Emperor said, "How pleasing…I believe you bring me good tidings…shall I see my precious jewel soon?"
"Yes, Divine Host. Your Erref search your daughter tirelessly. She is alive, Divine Host."
The Emperor beamed. His eyes like fire caught the air still in its gaze.
"Excellent, Arkrea." He adjusted himself within his seat.
A silence filled the chamber.
"What of her mother?"
The Emperor's pleased voice had suddenly changed to a much darker tone.
Akrea's jaw tightened. She spoke.
"She has fallen, Divine Host. She was executed as she was an accomplice to a murderer."
The Emperor sighed.
"My dear Metris, so you have finally been freed." He clenched his hands upon the armrest.
It was a mere whisper, yet Arkrea heard it.
She had always desired to learn more of these names the Emperor mentioned. However, the Emperor would always gently push her away. As such, she ceased.
"I desire to see my daughter, Arkrea. I desire to hold her in my hands, and place her where she deserves to be. Standing by my side…"
His deep voice was like the roar of a river.
"Tell your brother this. I can wait no longer."
His tone grew sorrowful.
Arkrea quickly spoke.
"Let your heart be at ease, Divine Host. Surely, Adrel shall retrieve the royal blood. For your sake, dear Emperor, and for the sake of all Karakh. Any infidel who stands in your path shall be burned by cleansing fire."
Arkrea sounded exactly like the Silver Wolf she was.
Akrea could barely see it, but the Emperor smiled.
"Your eyes burn like your father's. I can only imagine what greatness awaits you. Surely, Calor has many more blessings to give to you."
The Emperor's words touched Arkrea's heart.
"You are like a daughter to me Arkrea. I brought you up as one of my own." The Emperor raised his arms towards her.
Her cold spirit began to thaw. She couldn't imagine what great favour was upon her. Her discipline kept her mouth shut, however. It was the Emperor she was before, not any mere man.
"Go Arkrea and bring your sister home…"
Arkrea raised herself. A deep reverence bubbled within her for the Emperor.
She turned, and the rhythm of her steps filled the room. The grand doors opened as she left. They closed once more, leaving the Emperor in a heated silence.
The Emperor's smile disappeared as he sat upon his throne.
And within the silence came a cold voice,
"…for the glory of Calor."
Far away in the northern part of the Akar Forest, Nhea sniffled.