A few miles west of Velena, Princess Emmeline was riding in her royal carriage with an armed escort of fifty royal knights and several handmaids.

She had been traveling for a week and couldn't help but feel worried about Arlan the entire time.

The Midland Princess left the capital for Velena as soon as she had received news that Arlan's injuries had put him in a coma that Altheans called "Curse of the Eternal Slumber."

She had been praying to Numen everyday for Arlan to wake up when she got there. But nothing was going to ease her mind until she could see him smile at her again.

Finally, the royal carriage entered the gates of Velena. Princess Emmeline was relieved to have arrived but she wasn't sure how her heart could handle seeing the man she loved sleeping forever. The carriage continued through the city streets while surrounded by the royal knights.

The many common folk and soldiers looked on with awe as they rarely saw a member of the royal family in Velena so close to the frontlines.

As the royal carriage stopped in front of the Stonemar Infirmary, Emmeline jumped out and raced into the building. Only stopping to ask once for directions, she raced to the room Arlan was admitted to.

When she broke through the door, she was relieved to find him alive but her relief quickly turned into horror and sadness when she saw his condition.

He was lying on a bed with both of his arms and legs broken from the battle with Luther Kaiser. He was heavily bruised all over his body from tissue damage. His skin was pale and his eyes were shut; he slept like he would wake up if she had just called out to him.

But she knew those who were cursed with eternal slumber could either die at any moment or simply slept forever. No one had ever woken up from the curse.

Tears escaped from Emmeline's eyes as she rushed to Arlan's side and took hold of his left hand. After a silent moment, Duke Louis Reeve entered the room.

"Did he suffer?" asked Emmeline coldly.

Duke Louis sighed like he didn't want to tell the Princess but he had to obey her wishes and answered, "Your highness, the clerics said only gravity magic causes this kind of bodily damage. Gravity magic is very powerful."

Emmeline understood that it was Duke Louis' way of saying yes. She cried over knowing Arlan suffered through the traumatic ordeal.

The Midland Princess gathered herself together and she inquired, "Who did this?"

"I'm sorry but I'm afraid no one else witnessed what happened," replied the Duke as he bowed. "Without Arlan to confirm, we can only predict what happened. There is only one person on the enemy side that could match Arlan in a battle with gravity spells."

The Midland Princess recalled the memories of watching Arlan duel Luther Kaiser at the Tetrasan Tournament. For her own confirmation, she asked, "Baron Luther Kaiser?"

"Yes, your highness," confirmed Duke Louis, "Although no one from the Banner of the Claw could confirm. There is no other possible answer."

"How long have you been by his side?"

"Your highness, I've just arrived four days ago with my banner," answered Duke Louis. "I waited for you to take my place by his side after I found out you were on the way."

"I came here with all the haste I could muster," replied Emmeline. "Is the Banner of the Claw also at the frontlines?"

"Yes, they've been performing sorties all week. But as of two days ago, they deployed a permanent camp on the frontlines. Unfortunately, they will not be returning to Velena any time soon."

"Was there anyone else hurt?"

"There were casualties but none of the officers were among the killed or injured," answered Duke Louis as he bowed.

Before anymore was said, Count Emile entered the room, "Your highness, forgive my intrusion."

"What is it, Emile?" asked Duke Louis.

"We've just received word that Duke Frank has laid siege to Levencourt," answered Count Emile, "Louis, it's time."

"Your highness, I beg your pardon but that is our cue to depart," apologized Duke Louis, "We will be joining House Stonemar on the frontlines for the invasion of Eisanyr. Please watch over my son."

"You have my word, Duke Louis. May Numen grace both of you with his protection. Both of you may now go," commanded Emmeline as her eyes never moved off Arlan.

Duke Louis Reeve and Count Emile both bowed and left, leaving only Emmeline alone at Arlan's side.

The Midland Princess kissed Arlan's hand and whispered, "There's a way I can bring you back. I promise you. Even if I'm forbidden from using my power."

 

Several hours later, a gloomy overcast hovered over the frontlines, just twenty miles east of Velena. JD had just returned to the Banner of the Claw's forward camp. He was followed by Erin and the Vanguard.

"Erin, you and the men get some rest," ordered JD who was now Lord Commander in place of Arlan.

"By your command," acknowledged Erin who was covered in blood that didn't belong to Erin.

After the Vanguard Commander parted ways for his duties, JD made his way into the tent that served as the Banner of the Claw's command post.

Inside, Chrysta and Marie were hovering over a map while they were receiving Nightingale's reconnaissance report. JD's presence was acknowledged by a quick nod from Chrysta as he joined them at the table.

"Duke Frank Lansley and his army of thirty-five thousand has begun his siege of Levencourt. House Rainhall's banners have been confirmed inside Levencourt but unfortunately... Duke Elias Hawkwell managed to get his army of twenty-thousand to Eisanyr," stated Nightingale with a monotone, "They're positioned next to Duke Osmund Kaiser's army."

Marie was frustrated at the revelation and stated, "Duke Frank Lansley was supposed to keep the Hawkwells from coming down."

"An Umbra has informed me that Duke Frank Lansley was wounded in a skirmish right before the siege," answered Nightingale, "House Lansley banners are weakened without Duke Frank's presence on the battlefield."

Chrysta expressed her worries, "This isn't good. Duke Osmund Kaiser's army consists of forty-thousand soldiers and an additional eleven-thousand mercenaries."

"Ten-thousand mercenaries now," stated JD as he knocked over a pawn on the map, "Erin and I captured the river village, Kartola. It was defended by a thousand of those mercenary bastards. A Stonemar detachment now defends it."

Marie pointed to the map, "Even with destroying a unit of a thousand mercenaries, House Hawkwell's unwelcomed arrival has diminished our efforts from this week."

"JD, what were the Vanguard's casualties?" asked Chrysta as she prepared to record the numbers on a casualties list.

"Forty men were killed. Another forty were injured and will need a week before they could return. Twenty more were mortally wounded beyond service and sent back to Galmora." answered JD.

"Unfortunate losses," stated Marie, "But you made sure they paid the price by returning the favor tenfold."

JD nodded and asked, "What is the banner's current count?"

Chrysta read to JD from her list, "Including today's numbers. The Banner of the Claw's killed-in-action: Thirty Storm Riders, Sixty Hatchets, A hundred and twenty Vanguard Elites."

"And the worse has yet to come," prophesied Marie with frustration in her voice.

Chrysta nodded and continued, "The wounded report follows: After healing, forty Hatchets and Roderic have returned to duty this morning. Twenty Vanguard Elites were injured beyond service from our battle with the Rakari. Then an additional twenty will be sent home today."

Marie then listed their current numbers, "That leaves us with a thousand Vanguard Elites, two-hundred and forty Hatchets, two-hundred and seventy Storm Riders, and two-hundred Silvan rangers. We number a little over seventeen-hundred from the two-thousand we set out with."

"The upcoming battle against the enemy is going to be even harder," admitted JD as he hinted at worry in his voice.

"We've clashed with Hawkwell soldiers before and we know first hand how tough they are," added Marie, "Kaiser soldiers should be considered no less."

Marie turned to Nightingale and asked, "Nighty, did you find anything else of use?"

The Umbra Leader answered, "I have nothing else to report."

"You're dismissed, Nighty," ordered Marie as Nightingale saluted and left the tent.

Chrysta let out a sigh of relief as she turned to JD and embraced him warmly. She whispered, "I knew you'd come back but I couldn't help but worry."

"Any news about Arlan?" asked JD as the two let go of each other.

"No," answered Marie with a depressed tone, "Those afflicted by the curse of eternal slumber don't wake up and some... Have died in their sleep."

"He won't die!" shouted Chrysta, "I believe Princess Emmeline arrives in Velena today, so she'll be by Arlan's side,"

JD nodded and added, "Arlan will wake up, I'm sure of it. By the way, if House Lansley has started their siege of Levencourt, that means House Reeve should arrive here in a few hours."

As Nightingale reported, Chrysta moved the three Hawkwell unit pawns next to four Kaiser unit pawns at Eisanyr on the map.

"The Royal Army of fifty-thousand will also arrive in two days," stated JD, "With them, our victory should be guaranteed."

"But that's what doesn't make sense," pondered Marie out loud, "I've met Duke Osmund before. He is a smart and calculated man. Fighting a battle that he has no chance of winning isn't like him. So why would he allow his enemies to gather right at his doorstep like this?"

"Duke Osmund must have something planned. We didn't know about the secret Thaumaturga Rift Dungeon till last week," JD pointed out as he brainstormed.

Chrysta's voice shook as she declared, "The artifact weapon that uses the Thurian orb! Maybe it holds power beyond what we can fathom is possible." Her words hung in the air like a warning, heavy with potential yet to be revealed.

Before the trio could continue, a Vanguard soldier entered and with a message, "Lord Commander JD, my apologies for the interruption but Lady Yuna Argold is here and requests an audience."

"Send her in," ordered JD.

"By your command," answered the Vanguard soldier as he left the tent and ushered in Yuna.

Chrysta, JD, and Marie watched the Argold mage enter and saluted. JD returned the salute and Marie asked, "What can we do for you, Lady Yuna?"

Yuna knelt down on one knee, her resolve burning in her eyes. "Lord Commander JD," she declared, "I've come to join the Banner of the Claw and avenge my brother's death. I believe my talents will serve best in this unit." Her expression was fierce as she awaited his response.

Without missing a beat, JD proclaimed, "I accept your request. Anything else?"

"That was easier than I thought..." admitted Yuna, "What is my assignment?"

Marie's voice echoed as she jabbed her finger in the direction of her adopted sister, "You'll be with me and Chrysta as the specialty team. I'm sure your skillset will be of great use."

"Specialty team? Sounds fitting," acknowledged Yuna as a warhorn erupted outside.

JD smiled and joked, "Your timing always brings enemies."

"This is the third skirmish today," noted Marie as she grabbed her staff.

As everyone filed out of the tent, Chrysta warned the new Argold mage, "Yuna, I hope you understand the dangers and challenges that we face. Everyone here must be prepared to give their lives at a moment's notice."

"Rest assured, Chrysta. I knew what I was asking for," answered Yuna, "But I won't have to die for our cause... Because I'm going to make the enemy die for theirs."

 

Back at the former Kaiser controlled city of Velena, King Richard Avens had just arrived at the city gates with half of the Midland Royal Army. Grand Marshal Dink Rorschach was just two days behind with the other half of the Midland Royal Army.

King Richard insisted on riding ahead when he heard his daughter, Princess Emmeline was in Velena to be by Arlan's side. The Midland Royal Army's primary objective was to reinforce House Stonemar and House Reeve on the second day of the siege on Eisanyr.

The streets of Velena were alive with energy, as Stonemar soldiers frantically worked to ready their supplies for transport to the frontlines. The smaller Midland banners from further west had arrived in a steady stream all week, taking a brief rest before continuing on to reinforce the units outside of Eisanyr. Everywhere there was movement, and the anticipation of what was yet to come hung heavy in the air.

A chaotic mix of soldiers, refugees, mercenaries, and adventurers filled the city streets. The extra bounties for monster subjugation had become a task offloaded to the Adventurer's Guild.

During times of war, local garrisons weren't able to handle such tasks. Merchants littered the city markets as they saw opportunity in the war, each desperate to make one a profit. They wanted to squeeze any last sales they could before the war could be over.

Anywhere the King looked, he could see crowds of people gathering over hot gossip and rumors about the current state of the rebellion.

King Richard's first stop in Velena was the Stonemar Infirmary. He rushed through the military hospital's many hallways as his heart was pounding with hope and dread.

He opened the door to Arlan's room and before him, bathed in the warm afternoon light, sat Princess Emmeline at her betrothed's bedside. The cloying scent of despair hung in the air like a suffocating blanket as the King saw his daughter's tear-streaked face.

Princess Emmeline's fierce resolve burned through her like a raging inferno, never letting up and consuming all else. Emmeline had become entirely devoted to Arlan the instant she set foot in Velena, refusing even the most basic comforts of food and sleep.

King Richard knew his daughter was stubborn because Emmeline had gotten that trait from him. The caring father knew the reason his daughter had ventured this close to the frontlines. And he feared the risks that presented itself with that very thought.

“Emmeline, listen to me!" King Richard commanded in a thunderous voice, "Using the Avens power may kill you! It's forbidden for a reason and I won't allow you to do it!”

But Princess Emmeline stood her ground, her eyebrows furrowing with determination. “Father, we have no choice! Midland needs Arlan in order to survive and I refuse to let him die now. Even if it means risking my life and the Avens power."

King Richard shouted in agony, "How can you think of doing such a thing? You're the only heir to the throne and my only daughter... How can you expect me to let you go through such dangers?"

Princess Emmeline looked him right in the eye, her voice unwavering. “I'm no longer a child and you must understand! In order to save him from the curse of eternal slumber, I'm willing to sacrifice myself.”

The King stated with sadness, "In order for the Avens power to work, the vessel who carries the power has to also endure the pain to both their body and soul. There's a high chance of dying."

"Father, I'm well aware of how the Avens power works. But I cannot stand by and do nothing."

Emmeline was resolute; her decision could not be swayed and she vowed to wield the Avens power no matter the cost.

For the first time ever, Emmeline stood against her father's commands. King Richard realized she had grown up before his eyes. Not only did she truly love Arlan but she understood her duty to the country.

In that moment, the King decided that his duty as a father was far more important than anything else. There was no stopping Emmeline and he'd rather support her than let her suffer alone. Her fighting spirit resembled his younger self.

Defeated by his daughter's resolve, King Richard admitted, "I guess there's no stopping you. We'll need Jin who is downstairs. You must follow his every word."

Emmeline's eyes lit up and said, "Thank you, father. I know it won't be easy watching me go through it all."

"Preparations will need to be made. We will need to perform a divine right before you can use the Avens power."

At the Stonemar-Reeve joint camp near the frontlines, the sun had just set. Duke Louis and Duke Cole convened a war council for the upcoming siege of Eisanyr.

Count Daxton, Count Emile, Marie, JD, Nicolas Stonemar, Lord Commander Jermaine, and Commander Ragnar - among many other high-ranking officers from Midland - gathered in the tent. Tension crackled in the air as they waited for the Dukes to speak.

With a voice like thunder, Duke Louis addressed his comrades-in-arms, "Tomorrow we shall lay siege to House Kaiser's last bastion, Eisanyr. This siege will last at least three days," he emphasized, his eyes flashing with intensity. "Our victory will finally put an end to this forsaken rebellion."

The council room fell into silence as everyone absorbed the weight of their mission. They knew that tomorrow they would either emerge victorious or meet their demise in the battlefield.

The room filled with a dreary silence. To rid any doubts, Count Daxton's voice boomed throughout the chamber, "Remember our soldiers who gave their lives to get us here! Do not let their deaths be forgotten! Keep your word that their sacrifice was not in vain and honor them with nothing less than our victory." His words reignited the fire within everyone.

Commander Ragnar's gaze seared the room with silent authority as he made his agreement known, “Count Daxton's words are true, and I urge all of you to not forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice."

  Duke Louis thundered, "With that thought, we must be resolute and united in our endeavor. There is no other way; Duke Osmund Kaiser must be slain or taken prisoner for our victory." His proclamation erupted through the hall.

Duke Louis motioned to Count Emile who added, "Both House Kaiser and House Hawkwell have deployed their forces right outside their city wall. Baron Nicolas, what is the status of our siege equipment?"

The Stonemar Heir answered with confidence, "Siege towers, catapults, and the battering rams have all been assembled and ready for tomorrow."

  "Excellent. Duke Cole, you've raised a fine young man," complimented Count Emile as he uttered a warning next, "During our battle, we must be cautious; the enemy knows we'll be coming but we should still hold the advantage with the Royal Army on the way. Any questions or comments so far?"

Marie then stepped forward, her eyes blazing with an unwavering determination. "I have something to report."

"Please do tell us," ordered Count Emile as he ushered his hand toward her.

Marie nodded and continued, "Over a week ago, the Fulgor Company intercepted a Kaiser convoy and discovered an ancient relic known as a Thurian orb. It's a catalyst for an unknown ancient weapon that Duke Osmund has built in secret."

 The war council was stunned by Marie's announcement. Duke Louis asked, "What can you tell us about this weapon?"

Marie took a deep breath before continuing, "The Thurian orbs all contain unfathomable amounts of mana. My theory is that the ancient relic unleashes all the mana within the Thurian orb. But without any other information, its true capabilities are still unknown."

Duke Cole asked intently, "How much mana do you predict will be unleashed?"

Marie hesitated for a moment before answering, "The amount of mana within each Thurian orb is enough for at least a ninth-tier spell."

"Ninth-tier?!" echoed Command Ragnar, "There is no record of any spell transcending beyond seventh-tier magic."

The war council was filled with murmurs of shock and disbelief at Marie's revelation. Count Daxton spoke up, “This is concerning. Should we even attack if the enemy holds such an unknown powerful factor?"

Lord Commander Jermaine then stepped forward, his face stern as he declared, "But we cannot wait any longer. The winters will be upon us in two weeks. If this war prolongs another year, the rebels will surely win."

Count Emile and Duke Louis exchanged glances as they understood the predicament they were in. Duke Louis silenced the council's murmurs and commanded, "Then we have no choice, we must brave the unknown."

Everyone in the tent nodded in agreement. They knew that this was not going to be an easy task, but they had no choice if they were to end the war and restore peace to Midland. Duke Louis continued, "The Banner of the Claw is our best hope in dealing with this artifact weapon and they may be able to open the gates to Eisanyr for us. Lord Commander JD, what can you tell us?"

JD stepped forward and answered, "The Banner of the Claw's mission will be the destruction of the artifact weapon and raising the two gates of Eisanyr. We will use the [Urn of Mist] to move across the battlefield unnoticed. But we will require that the main enemy force is kept at bay for us."

The tent was filled with murmurs of surprise and worry as everyone looked at each other for support. Duke Louis spoke up again, "Very well then, our combined force will attempt to keep the enemy forces away while the Banner of the Claw seeks the artifact weapon and opens the two gates for us. The Royal Army will arrive the day after tomorrow. Now, handle your preparations and sleep well. Tomorrow is the first day."

With that, the war council was adjourned and Marie and JD returned to the Banner of the Claw's command post to discuss their role in the attack. Yuna, Chrysta, Roderic, Yanie, Edgar and Erin had all gathered to hear what was discussed.

Marie started first, "Using the [Urn of Mist] will allow us to move between enemy units unnoticed and find a way into the city. Once inside the city, we must find the artifact weapon and open the gates."

JD nodded slowly and declared, "Once inside, Edgar and Nightingale will make their way to the gates and open them. Everyone else will be with me in finding and disabling the artifact weapon." 

Roderic asked, "So we'll be alone in the city with no support?"

JD nodded yes and continued, "This will be a suicide mission with heavy casualties. Anyone who wishes to back down, may do so now."

"Not I," answered Roderic immediately, "We've been fighting under General Arlan long enough and he has shown us what we're capable of."

Chrysta tightened her fists and shouted, "Roderic is right. We are the Immortal General's legacy! Because of Arlan, we've all grown strong to stand on our own!"

Yanie nodded in agreement, her words filled with courage. "Our autonomous cohesion was evident in the last battle. That was something Arlan taught us. We cannot let him or everyone else down in the hour that we are needed. I will not run from this."

Edgar smiled confidently and added, “Only the Banner of the Claw can perform such impossible missions. My Storm Riders and I are ready to lay down our lives!”

Erin stepped forward and rallied, "I've been with Arlan since he formed the Banner of the Claw. Multiple times we've fought against the odds, and this is no different. You can rely on my Vanguard to hold the line against anything."

Marie and JD looked at each other, proud of their friends. Marie spoke up with a determined voice, "This is it then. All of us will see this through to the end. JD, any final words?"

With solace, JD recounted the words of his best friend, "Arlan once spoke of how our actions shape the destiny of this nation. As long as our stories are remembered in the hearts and minds of the people, we'll never truly die. We will live on through their memories, enshrined in immortality. That is the meaning behind his words, live forever."

Instantly, a wave of emotion swept over everyone; tears streamed down their faces as they remembered Arlan's smile with fondness. Even JD's eyes began to mist up at his beloved friend's words.

"You're all dismissed," ordered JD, "Get some rest for the first day tomorrow."

The Banner of the Claw's retinue left the command post with purpose. Chrysta watched them depart, her gaze lingering on JD for a moment, filled with anticipation.

When they were finally alone, Chrysta hastily waltzed over to JD and began to take off his mithril armor piece by piece.

"This may be our last night together," said Chrysta softly, her voice trembling, "I know it's foolish of me but I just wish you didn't have to go tomorrow. I don't want you to get hurt or killed in battle."

The Tempest Knight was taken aback by Chrysta's boldness. They hadn't really been alone since their time at the Grand Archives in Oreta.

"Chrys," he murmured as his strong arms encircled her waist, "That won't happen. We will both come out of this safe and sound. I promise."

JD leaned forward and kissed Chrysta tenderly on her forehead. He could see the fear and longing in her eyes. They were both apprehensive about what awaited them ahead but they had sworn an oath to their home; Midland and its people depended on them.

In a long embrace they clung to each other tightly, neither wanting to let go of this brief moment together. His lips moved against hers hungrily and they made their way towards the bed, their passion rising with each step.

The only sound that broke the silence was the crackling of the small fire inside the tent.

Both of them cast aside their clothing until not even a single thread remained between them. She felt emboldened by his presence as she allowed herself to be vulnerable in his arms for the first time.

In tune with nature, they shared their intimate desires under the glow of autumn moonlight until they slept happily together.

 

When morning came, JD slowly opened his eyes to find Chrysta still lying in his arms. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her sleep peacefully. After a few moments, he was reminded of their duties.

JD gently shook Chrysta awake and said, "Good morning, love. It's time."

The Coldheart looked up at the Tempest Knight with a courageous expression. She knew what was coming.

Chrysta's cheeks blushed crimson as she confessed "Last night was beautiful."

The smokey-haired maiden leaned in and planted a passionate kiss on JD's lips, before pulling away abruptly.

She began to put on her Arcanaweave robes as JD watched her with desire. The momentary trance was short-lived as he snapped back into reality. He donned his own protective garments and mithril armor.

When both of them were finished, they left the tent together. Outside, everyone in the Banner of the Claw was hastily preparing themselves for the upcoming battle.

Brandishing weapons, eating a hearty breakfast, discussing adjustments to formations, and some even prayed to Numen with Fiala.

The Lord Commander took a deep breath and assumed General Arlan's duties. He had to make sure the Banner of the Claw was at its peak.

 

Back at the Stonemar Infirmary in Velena, Princess Emmeline, King Richard, and the Royal Court Archmage Jin Albera were in Arlan's room alone. They were about to perform the divine right, a prerequisite to using the Avens power.

Jin asked, "Brother, help me understand but why is that you cannot use the Avens power? Emmeline is far too young to pay such a price."

King Richard answered, "Jin, the Avens power is passed on to the first born. I no longer possess the power. It wouldn't be like this if I had a choice."

"Uncle please," begged Emmeline, "You understand better than most the gravity of losing Arlan. Aside from my selfish desires, the future of Althea rests in bringing the Ashra back. He is the one who will save all of Althea."

Jin Albera played devil's advocate and said, "Emmeline, may I remind you that he is also potentially the one who could cause the destruction of this world."

"I know Arlan's heart better than anyone else," argued Emmeline, "He loves the people, he loves his friends, and I know he loves me. He'll do anything to protect all of us."

"I remember, Emmeline" answered Jin, "But please understand that I merely repeat Lady Dafni has learned about the Ashra. We must consider all avenues before we go forth with using your Avens power. Especially if your life is at stake."

Emmeline hugged her half elven uncle. She understood where Jin was coming from and his concerns. He was merely giving her all the information even if it was something she didn't want to hear.

"Thank you," said Emmeline with love in her voice, "I know you mean the best for me and our people. But allow me this request, not as the Princess of Midland but as your niece you love dearly."

"I know your words are from the heart but that was quite manipulative. You win. I'm sure you'll make a great queen," admitted Jin who started to flip through an ancient tome of the Thaumaturga, "Now, with your permission King Richard, may we proceed?"

"You may start, Jin," answered King Richard, "We will perform the divine right to use the Avens power. My daughter will be the vessel."

 

At the Polanaar Fields on the west end of Eisanyr, House Reeve and House Stonemar forces skyline the hill overlooking the battlefield before them.

Opposing them was the combined rebel army who stood in formation outside the Eisanyr's city walls. The rebel force consisted of House Hawkwell, House Kaiser and Duke Osmund's hired mercenaries.

The joint Reeve-Stonemar army continued to file down the rolling hills. Duke Cole's army was on the left, opposite of House Hawkwell's army while Duke Louis' army was on the right, opposite of House Kaiser's army.

This was the beginning of the final showdown for the fate of Midland. If the rebels managed to defeat the attacking army, nothing would stand between them and Oreta.

Duke Osmund Kaiser would ascend the throne as King and thrust Midland into an age of strife with countless wars, starting with the Hanbi Sultanate.

Suddenly, Duke Louis, the head of the House Reeve and commander of the joint army roared out a battle cry that thundered through the battlefield;

"Brave warriors of House Reeve and House Stonemar! Hear me now and know that this is not a battle for honor or glory but one to decide our future! We fight today so that peace may come tomorrow! Let us face our enemies together as one and make sure they understand the price of treason! For King Richard and for Midland!"

His words stirred the hearts of his men. He brandished his mithril longsword high in the air, signaling them to charge with all their might.

And with a mighty cry from both sides, they advanced towards each other in an unstoppable wave. The armies were ready to engage in a bloody fight - in hopes of deciding who claims ultimate victory over Midland's fate.

Duke Louis, Count Daxton and Lord Commander Jermaine lead the attack on the center as Commander Ragnar and Count Emile led their banners around both the Kaiser flanks.

The Reeve-Stonemar army clashed with the rebel forces in an chaotic opening of battle.

The fight had only just started when Commander Ragnar made his move - he ordered his shock troopers forth early to shatter around the first rank of Kaiser infantry on the left.

While on the right, Count Emile's infantry feigned losing to bait the enemy into a trap. Which worked flawlessly and Count Emile sent forth his cavalry to demolish the overextended Kaiser lines. But this was just merely the beginning, the battle was far from over.

Above the main gate of Eisanyr, Duke Osmund was watching the battle unfold. He uttered to himself, "So it begins."

 

Meanwhile, just a mile south of the battlefield was a dried up riverbed that a strange fog had overtaken. Within this fog was JD leading the Banner of the Claw through in a column formation.

The Kaiser scouts were posted in this area, but their visibility was limited to a five-meter radius. This created a window of opportunity for the Umbras to sneak up on the scouts and take them out silently before any alarm could be raised.

This stealthy approach was working perfectly. The Banner of the Claw arrived at fields before Eisanyr's southern gate. JD motioned the small army to stop as he sent forth Nightingale and a few Umbras.

After ten minutes, the Umbra's reconnaissance reported that the route was clear. JD smiled that everything was going smoothly. But the sounds of the intense battle reminded him of the chaotic battle unfolding to their northwest. Marie and Chrysta held the same worry as they emerged from the dried up riverbed.

Under the cover of fog, the Banner of the Claw formed into battle formations, ready to try and breach the southern gate. But as they got within a hundred meters, Chrysta and Marie started to panic when they noticed the [Urn of Mist] was no longer producing a fog.

Within an instant, the fog that cloaked the Banner of the Claw was dissipated from a heatwave. On Eisanyr's southern battlements were fifty mercenary mages using fire spells to dispel the fog.

With those mercenary mages was Deema in his green robes. Vengeance and fury were in his eyes as he gazed upon the Banner of the Claw before him. To counter the [Urn of Mist] Deema had cast [Mana Silence] that enveloped the entire Banner of the Claw's position.

A force of a thousand mercenaries filed out from the southern gate while another force of two-thousand emerged from the dried up riverbed. Both enemy units had the Banner of the Claw pincered.

Deema's voice echoed out, "The infamous Banner of the Claw has fallen for my trap. Duke Osmund was right, looks like you're all nothing without your precious General. Charge them!"

On Deema's orders, both mercenary units of infantry and shock troopers ran toward the Banner of the Claw who was outnumbered two to one.

Ignoring Deema's mockery, JD ordered loudly "Banner of the Claw! Clock formation!"

Obeying the command without question, the Vanguard formed a defensive circle around the Silvan rangers in the center. On the perimeter were the Storm Riders and Hatchets who rotated to face right, so if they charged forth, they would circle around clockwise.

Any enemy unit who wished to penetrate through the Vanguard would face the onslaught of constantly being flanked from their right by the Storm Riders and the Hatchets.

JD smiled and held his ground at the northern end of the Vanguard's perimeter. At the Banner of the Claw's epicenter, Yanie shouted her orders, "First company fire north, second company fire south! We will divide our fire on both sides!"

As the arrows flew into the sky, they rained down and delivered the first casualties on the enemy side.

After Yanie's second volley, the enemy mercenary forces have finally clashed into the Banner of the Claw's lines on both sides. The Vanguard received the enemy charge easily by using their defensive phalanx formations.

Even the enemy shock troopers barely inflicted a few casualties. But as the battle raged on, the Storm Riders thrashed through the first enemy unit on the West end. While in the East, the Hatchets had started to  flank the southern enemy unit.

Despite being outnumbered, the clock formation gave the Banner of the Claw a large defensive advantage. Deema cursed under his breath and wanted to head down to the battle himself but was ordered not. The Archmage cursed under his breath, "How the hell is this happening? They fell into my trap and we're still losing. Wait, are they feigning stupid?"

Back on the ground, JD used [Trifecta] and spun with both his mithril longswords striking at six nearby mercenary brutes, killing each instantly.

Lem's voice echoed out from behind, "Lord Commander JD! The enemy's southern unit is disengaging and they're rotating around us East!"

"Damnit!" yelled back JD, "They caught on earlier than we expected! Tell Erin to break from his position on the southern tip and rotate east!"

Down on the Southern tip of the Banner of the Claw's formation, Erin was directing his battalion to reform when a runner informed him of JD's orders. The Vanguard Commander nodded and led his battalion to give chase to the enemy mercenary unit who was repositioning from the South.

Erin saw Roderic and his Hatchets were still mopping up enemy remnants. So Erin's voice yelled out loudly to Roderic, "Senior Sergeant Roderic! We're breaking the clock formation and are now shifting to chase the enemy!"

"Acknowledged, Lieutenant Erin!" answered Roderic. The Hatchets moved parallel East to chase the enemy unit down. Next to Roderic, Mahari appeared with his hand-axe and shield. "I follow closely!" exclaimed the lizard beastmen. Roderic welcomed the extra muscle and they both continued onward.

 

At the Banner of the Claw's West end, the Storm Riders had just rode through three enemy platoons. Half were trampled or obliterated by the Midland cavaliers while the other half were completely disorganized.

On the edge of the first unit, a squad of twelve soldiers were incinerated, sliced to bits by ice blades and shocked into exploding. The ones responsible for this were Marie, Chrysta, and Yuna who were casting and advancing in the wake of Edgar's Storm Riders. Because they moved on the outside, Deema's [Mana Silence] was out of range.

Yuna led the trio at the front while Chrysta and Marie followed behind ten meters. Yuna's staff was also her melee weapon like a bo-staff. Using physical enhancement spells gave her an edge in melee against her opponents.

The three dangerous mages were a force to be reckoned with. They capitalized the Storm Rider's stun effect in order to deliver high amounts of casualties.

Yuna easily picked up on Marie and Chrysta's fighting chemistry like she had been there since the first day. As they advanced through, Marie smiled at the way Yuna handled herself. The Argold mage never advanced too far up, nor did her combat efficiency suffer from never hesitating.

The mage trio had wiped the first unit out when they moved on the next. Yuna was naturally at the front and used [Burst Shock] to accelerate her movement. It also enchanted her staff to cause lightning damage on-hit.

Chrysta read her teammate's movements and created an ice ramp in front of the other two mages. Yuna launched into the air and used the elevation to emit a wave of chain lightning. It was a spell that spread paralysis to anyone it touched called [Static Wave].

Next over the ramp was the Embercaller who shot up into the air. At the peak of her climb, Marie threw a [Trueflame] from each of her hands, engulfing most paralyzed enemy soldiers in blue flames.

The remaining six enemy soldiers were peppered by small ice needles. Chrysta had let out [Nixstorm] to finish off the enemy before them. The Coldheart caught up to Yuna and Marie as they took a moment to catch their breath.

"Chrysta, launching us into the air was a great idea," complimented Yuna.

Marie added, "You're also incredible, Yuna. The way you've adapted to our fighting style so quickly." 

"Don't forget," stated Chrysta as she caught her breath, "This wouldn't be possible without Marie's advanced control of fire bombardment spells."

The Embercaller calmly stated, "We'll wipe out the enemy in no time. After Chrysta catches her breath, we move on to the next enemy formation."

"Right. Chrysta, are you ready for another bout?" asked Yuna.

The Coldheart finished panting and nodded, "I'm ready now."

The trio then exchanged grins as they ran head first into the next group of disorganized mercenaries.

Further ahead of the mage trio, Edgar and his Storm Riders were demolishing straight through unit, after unit. They didn't stop to finish off any enemy formations because the Vanguard would take care of that for them.

Then when the enemy tried to deploy couched spears to counter the Storm Riders, Edgar would issue a quick order to the right and the Vanguard formations would create a path that allowed the cavaliers to ride back into the friendly clock formation and back out past the spears. Avoiding the counter completely.

Despite suffering some casualties, everything was going smoothly. JD had already expected an enemy ambush earlier in the day. So the Banner of the Claw feigned like they were surprised; tricking Deema to commit all of his forces. The mercenary force had already lost a fourth of their troops to the clock formation.

Back at JD's position in the North, the Tempest Knight had just finished off another enemy brute when his instinct warned him something was wrong.

JD immediately disengaged from the front and looked toward Eisanyr's southern gate. It had just finished closing again. Another enemy unit had entered the battlefield without his knowledge.

"Shit!" cursed the Lord Commander under his breath as he started running East.

 

The Hatchets and the Vanguard 1st Battalion formed a drill formation with Erin, Roderic, and Mahari as the center point. The spiraling formation of Vanguard Elites and Hatchet shock troopers inflicted large amounts of casualties into the second enemy mercenary unit.

The mercenary units didn't know how to counter Roderic and Mahari's unorthodox fighting technique. Mahari would wildly charge with his hand-axe and buckler. But when the enemy soldiers tried to surround the lizard beastmen, Roderic would grab Mahari's tail with one arm and fling him onto another enemy unit, catching them by surprise.

This had a demoralizing effect on the enemy, as no one would expect a half ton armored lizard warrior that was hell bent on murder to fly into the middle of their formation.

"Again! Again! Throw me again! I enjoy this!" yelled Mahari like a child.

"Mahari, I can't just keep throwing you around!" shouted back Roderic as he killed another soldier to his right.

"You will! You will! I begs it!" laughed Mahari as he cleaved an enemy soldier in half.

Roderic regretted saving Mahari the first time but he couldn't deny how effective it was. The Hatchets Commander grabbed the lizard beastmen with his left arm and while swinging with his weapon on his right and threw Mahari once more to another squad of enemy swordsmen.

Erin couldn't help but chuckle behind the two as he crossed blades with a mercenary shock trooper. The Vanguard Commander drew another steel longsword from his back and cleaved both of them down onto the enemy shock trooper.

While soaked in blood, Erin looked down at the second steel longsword and saw a ghostly image of Trent's hand holding the grip as well.

While three enemy brutes surrounded Erin, he solemnly uttered under his breath, "Trent, I know that's you swinging this sword with me."

The Vanguard Commander erupted with six flurries of essence enhanced strikes, dicing the brutes into bits. Erin had used [Sonic Burst] which essence would replicate an additional swing with every attack made.

Afterward, Erin then shouted, "Roderic! We'll be vulnerable in this formation if we don't finish this enemy soon!"

"You're right, Lieutenant!" shouted back Roderic as he flung Mahari once more, "We must've killed at least five-hundred here and another five-hundred in the first clash down south!"

Erin's voice thundered back, "Roderic, reform your men!"

"Aye!" acknowledged Roderic loudly, "Mahari, let's regroup!"

The lizard beastmen leapt back next to Roderic and Erin. The trio were unstoppable and the enemy squads before them started to backpedal slowly.

Confused, Roderic mentioned the scene unfold, "Lieutenant, the enemy is pulling back."

"Why would they pull back like this? We'll outflank the north," questioned Erin. Before Roderic could respond, Erin felt an enemy's killing intent.

At the trio's feet, intricate spell glyphs appeared in a sickly purple hue. Erin was paralyzed by dread and fear as he realized what was about to happen.

With one swoop of his tail, Mahari sent both Erin and Roderic flying away from the spell glyphs. Erin crashed onto the ground hard, winded and broken. He caught his breath to see a single tear streaked down Mahari's face as he uttered, "Now I go to Anthony."

The next moment was filled with a deafening boom as the dark purple essence crashed down on Mahari. The Banner of the Claw's only lizard beastmen flattened into a pool of deep blue blood and unrecognizable chunks of flesh.

Erin and Roderic were left speechless, mouths agape in horror at the sight before them. Their lizard comrade that had just been laughing moments ago, was now reduced to an unrecognizable mess.

The two men got back to their feet, only to find a menacing figure clad in mithril armor and wielding a mithril longsword hovering before them.

"Oh no, I hoped to take all three of you out," the unknown foe declared with an eerie calmness. "Allow me to introduce myself: Baron Luther Kaiser."

Erin spotted a squad of Vanguard Elites and a Hatchets squad coming in from both sides, ready to attack. But before he had time to yell out a warning, Luther brought his hands together and muttered a single word: "Die."

The air shuddered with an unnatural energy, as if it had been struck with a force out of this world. In the blink of an eye, the two squads were pancaked into the ground, decimated into a nauseating amalgamation of gore and broken armor.

The sight was gruesome, surreal in its brutality; only small fragments remained of what once were twenty-four Midland soldiers.

A mist of blood rained down on Luther's face where he grinned like a maniac. Behind the Kaiser Baron, his personal unit of four-hundred Kaiser elites appeared in place of the mercenaries who made room for them.

"Kill them," ordered Luther.

The Kaiser elites obeyed and charged into the Vanguard and Hatchet formation. The initial clash destroyed the Banner of the Claw's first rank. Erin and Roderic barely managed to kill the three Kaiser Elites before them.

A familiar voice rang out from their left, "Erin! Roderic! Fall back!"

It was JD, he had arrived just in time to witness the carnage and death of Mahari. The Lord Commander blew his warhorn to sound an emergency retreat.

Every Banner of the Claw member had never heard the warhorn sound off in a real battle before until now.

The warhorn reached over to the West where Marie, Yuna, and Chrysta were. They looked at each other and started to pin down the enemy and cover the retreat of nearby allies.

When the same warhorn reached the North, Edgar directed his Storm Riders to deal one last bit of damage before retreating with everyone else.

Dimitri and Lem both directed the Vanguard and Silvan rangers to escape toward the dried up riverbed.

As the Banner of the Claw retreated, all enemy forces gave chase and inflicted heavy losses into the Vanguard and Hatchets.

Luther raised his hand and ordered a halt after they chased the Banner of the Claw to the dried up riverbed.

 

Meanwhile, at the main battle. Heavy casualties were inflicted on both sides but the Hawkwell army and Kaiser army sounded a retreat back inside the city. The Stonemar-Reeve joint army retreated back to their camp as well. They had been fighting for nearly three hours and there was no way they would be able to break into Eisanyr during the night. The first day of the Siege of Eisanyr had ended with ten-thousand dead on both sides.

 

Back at the Banner of the Claw's forward camp, Yanie wept uncontrollably over Mahari's tragic death while Fiala didn't say a word to anyone as she healed the injured. The atmosphere was thick with despair at the thought of their fallen comrades scattered across the battlefield.

Fury and anguish twisted their faces as they acknowledged the gruesome reminder of those who had perished in battle, leaving their unclaimed bodies behind.

Inside the Banner of the Claw's command post, JD, Chrysta, Marie, Erin, Roderic, and Edgar were going over the post battle casualty numbers.

Erin spoke first with a trembling voice, "The Vanguard returned with only eight-hundred men accounted for. Two-hundred had been killed."

JD silently nodded and looked at the Storm Riders Commander.

Edgar added solemnly, "The Storm Riders lost twenty men. But we still number at two-hundred and fifty."

Roderic followed suit, "Ninety Hatchets were killed. Only a hundred and fifty remain."

"Thank you everyone," said JD through strained breath as he battled to keep his composure.

Erin, Rodric, and Edgar stepped away in unison and said, "By your command!"

Chrysta and Marie remained behind with JD while the other trio left to get rest.

JD blew out an anguished breath before confessing, "It was my fault we lost so many today."

Chrysta glowered fiercely at him as she shouted, "Jan Derva! Don't you dare start that crap! This isn't on you!"

Marie attempted to ease the tension with her own admission of doubt, "We couldn't have predicted this outcome. We weren't aware that Luther would target us and bait his own mercenaries in order to trap us."

"Even if we knew he was coming," countered JD, "How would we defend against him? Arlan nearly died fighting him!"

Again their minds raced to find an answer; one which seemed impossible given that Luther and his Banner would wipe them out before they even got inside the city.

"I was there when Mahari was killed," said JD with grief, "I watched Luther cast a single spell and easily kill one of our friends."

Chrysta held JD and said, "Go on, my love. Let it out."

JD cried a little bit before continuing, "Erin said that Mahari's last words mentioned him seeing Anthony Lira. Fiala and Yanie's friend who was killed in Tudora at the start of the war. Those two are the only ones left from the Nymedes party now."

"Don't be so harsh on yourself," stated Marie, "I'm going to see how Yanie and Fiala are doing."

Marie hurriedly exited the tent, leaving Chrysta behind to console JD.

"I still feel it," JD whispered, his voice cracking as he looked down. "That empty space where Arlan used to be that I cannot fill." His eyes were filled with anguish, and the sight of it broke Chrysta's heart.

She gripped his hands tightly and looked deep into his eyes, "Arlan is from an entirely different world; for him to see you as close as he did shows how incredible you are." Her gentle yet convincing words echoed in the air. "He entrusted the Banner of the Claw to you because he believed unreservedly in your potential to lead even in his absence."

The Tempest Knight listened intently to every syllable the Coldheart uttered, his mind racing as he remembered the carnage of battle from earlier that day. Slowly an idea began to form in his mind.

"Tomorrow will be the second day of the siege," stated JD softly to Chrysta, "And I know of a way to get past Luther to get into the city."