The Future of Kingdoms Fanfic - “A férfi, aki nem lesz Király”
1. rész

Írta: Sephzero | fordította: Mana | a TFoK Qvi tulajdona

„Levegő és Föld, Tűz és Víz, ezen elemek Darien világának összekötő oszlopai.”

Darien a mágia és rejtélyek világa, amit fantasztikus és hatalmas szörnyek népesítenek be; négy halhatatlan testvéruralkodó harcának következtében darabokra szakított ország ez. Mind a négyük uralkodik egy-egy, a máguscsászár Garacaius által nekik adományozott tartomány felett. Édesapjuk négy különálló királyságra osztotta fel birodalmát: Aramont Elsinnek, Zhont Thirshának, Tarost Lokkennek, míg Verunát Kirennának adta. Azonban a testvérek nem voltak ezzel megelégedve, így ez Garacaius eltűnésével a dominanciáért folytatott véres háborúhoz vezetett. E konfliktus csúcspontján az istenek lesújtottak az uralkodókra, mivel ez a nyugtalanság elégedetlenséget szított fel bennük; ezután a birodalmak megtalálták békéjüket.

Az idő begyógyította az országokon ejtett sebeket, amiket a háború rombolása okozott; emberek, szörnyek, gépek és a mágia rendbejöttek a nyugtalan béke ébredésekor. Többségük újrakezdte életét, néhányuk alig várta már az előttük álló lehetőségeket. Azonban mások csalódottak voltak, miközben az elmúlt idők dicsőségére áhítoztak. Évszázadok múltak el ebben a viszonylagos békében, habár jelen voltak konfliktusok alkalmi szikrái, de egyik sem olyan méretű, mint a testvérek legendás háborúja.

Egy nap Darienben futótűzként kezdett terjedni a hír, miszerint a négyes újra visszatért a világukba. Néhányan zavarkeltésképpen szóbeszédeket terjesztettek, mások viszont lehetőséget láttak benne, hogy visszavágjanak ősi ellenségeiknek. A népek világszerte újbóli komoly megmozdulásokat szerveztek. Harci dobok hangja hallatszott a szélben, és ezúttal senki sem volt benne biztos, hogy végződik majd ez az egész.

Mégis, ez a káosz nagy lehetőségek ideje volt akkoriban, ugyanis nagy hősök és gonosztevők szereztek hírnevet. Akár a bátorság és vakmerőség, akár a becstelenség és kegyetlenség révén, az egyszerű emberek hirtelen nagyszerű dolgok közepébe taszítva találták magukat. Azonban ez a történet nem az ilyenekről szól, sokkal inkább egy másikféléről, aki ezidőtájt jelent meg a láthatáron.

Történetünk „hőse” nem az erényesség mintaképe, mondhatni ő inkább egy piperkőc barom. Nem rendelkezett bölcsességgel; az emberek hamar észrevették előrelátó képességének szánalmas méretű hiányát is. Szavai nem inspirálták a tömegeket; őszintén szólva a tömegek iránt érzett undora több ellenséget szerzett neki, mint kellett volna. Bátorsága sem éppen említésre méltó - gyávaságát már számtalan alkalommal bebizonyította.

Kétségtelenül az erényeknek teljes fokú hiánya miatt volt ez így, amelyek naggyá tehetik az embert, ennek ellenére ez a jóember biztosan bekerül a történelmi krónikákba, mint Darien egyik legalávalóbb figurája. Még az újjászületett négy sem tudta egykönnyen elfeledni őt, hiszen útjaik több ízben keresztezték egymást, néhányuk többször is összefutott vele, mint ahányszor szerette volna. Többek között emiatt sem volt a neve könnyen elfelejthető:

Augustus a Rettenthetetlen: a férfi, aki nem lesz Király.

***

A harci gálya átvitorlázott egy hullámtaréjon, ahogy utat vágott magának az óceáni árban. A vitorlákra Buriash Házának, egy nagy hírnevű, aramoni nemesi háznak a címere volt ráfestve. Abban a pillanatban sietősen próbálta a hajó elhagyni a királyságot. Mi több, a hajó szinte összes utasának érdekében állt minél messzebb kerülni attól a földrésztől.

A gálya mellett sok másik hajó is a flotta részét képezte, mint a falostromló gépet szállító tengeri járművek. Habár ezek a szállítóeszközök Verunából származtak, az összesen Buriash Házának címere volt látható. A hajók legénységei serényen dolgoztak, hogy ne maradjanak le vezetőjük mögött.

A vezérhajó fiatal mestere a harci gálya orrán állt. Hóbortjai közé tartozott a hajó elvitele szórakozási célokra, ám ezúttal nem kellemes cirkáláson vett részt. Amint előrefelé tekintett, nyugalommal állapította meg, hogy nincsenek előtte üldöző hajók. Természetesen azért, mert azok az ellenkező irányból jönnének, nem ahonnan amazok menekülnek. A fiatalembert viszont túlságosan lekötötték a gondolatai, hogy észrevegye vagy érdekelje ez a tény.

Magas termete miatt nem esett nehezére szinte bárkit lenéznie, habár testfelépítését tekintve szikárnak számított. Csak a legszebb nemesi ruhákat hordta; idegesítő szokása hullámos, szőke haj-loknijának félresöprése volt, amit a „szexepiljének” szokott hívni. Köpenye drámaian csapkodott mögötte, javarészt az alak elhelyezkedésének köszönhetően, ami biztosította a köpeny maximális lengését is. Ahogy behunyta kék szemét, végigsimította kezét az állán, és a mosolygásakor kivillanó fogai gyöngyfehéren szikráztak.

Ez a fiatalember Augustus a Rettenthetetlen, kit szülőhazájában, Aramon királyságában tragikus vereség ért. Tragikus, mert valahogy sikerült neki nem megöletnie magát. Seregének jelentős részét elvesztette, mikor a szándéka, hogy fegyveres erővel elfoglalja a királyság trónját, valamint elnyerje a nép szeretetét, visszafelé sült el. Miközben megszerezte a tervben szereplő, kényszerítő erejű, fegyveres erőt, az emberek szeretete - balszerencsés módon - eléggé ritka jelenségnek bizonyult. Sőt, nagy részük egyenesen utálta őt. Az Augustus iránt érzett elégedetlenség és undor néhány korábbi szavából és tettéből is származott.

Ennélfogva a férfit, aki Aramon királyaként szívesen látottnak és ünnepeltnek hitte magát, egy majdnem egyhangú felkelés ki is űzte. Majdnem egyhangú, mintha azok is ott lettek volna, akik nem éreztek túl sok késztetést a fiatal nemes kirúgásához. A saját háza több volt, mint boldog, amiért kitagadta és mindenféle kapcsolatot megszakított vele. Ezek a hátráltatások szinte elégnek bizonyultak ahhoz, hogy Augustus megkérdőjelezze a saját nagyszerűségébe vetett hitét.

- Hogy utasíthattak engem vissza? Engem, aki arra rendeltetett, hogy a kiváló Garacaiushoz hasonlóan Darien nagy uralkodója legyen! Hiszen senki sem tagadhatja személyem végzetének nagyságát… - Eképpen kérdezte az óceánt Augustus.

- Talán azért, mert az emberek nem igazán értettek egyet a nézeteiddel?

Augustus azonnal megismerte a mögötte megszólaló hangot, ami a fedélzeten álló harcostól jött. A fiú valamivel fiatalabb volt Augustusnál, de a szemei egy sok csatát vívott veteránéinak tűntek. Kardja az övéhez szíjazva lógott le az oldalán; élének köszönhetően rengeteg ellenfelet győzhetett már le vele. Páncélját az ütések visszaverése miatti karcolások sokasága borította be. Legfeltűnőbbnek az erős, kívül mágikus rúnákkal borított fémgyűrű számított, ami nyakának nagy részét eltakarta. Karját védelmezőn az arca elé emelte, míg barna szeme összeszűkült a fekete, tüskés haján átsuhanó erőteljes széllökés hatására.

- Úgy tűnik, ez a tömegek átka, Dusan. - Augustus szomorúan sóhajtott, miközben arcát tenyerébe temette. - Egyszerűen nem képesek felfogni saját tetteik következményeit. Éppen ezért nem kérdéses, hogy az istenek miért küldtek olyan nemes embereket, mint jómagamat az irányításukra, illetve védelmükre saját ostobaságukkal szemben

Dusan megcsóválta a fejét Augustus sületlen megállapítására. Tapasztalatból tudta, lehetetlenség ezt az idiótát szembesíteni hibáinak valódi okaival. Nyilvánvaló; Augustus már rég megtanulta, hogyan értelmezze át a dolgokat a maga kénye-kedve szerint.

- Azt hiszem, nehéz szívvel bár, de muszáj elhagynom szülőföldemet, figyelembe véve, hogy a végzetem teljesítése érdekében egy gyengekezű irányítóra kell hagynom az országot.

- Gyengekezűn a visszatért Elsint érted, akiről azt mondják, ő elsősorban Aramon legendás uralkodója? - kérdezte Dusan összefont karokkal.

- Szamárság! - válaszolta a szőke fiatalember sértődötten. - Az én dinasztiám uralkodott előtte Aramonban és az ő vérük csörgedezik az én ereimben is, így fel vagyok jogosítva az ország, majd egész Darien uralására.

Dusan megint csak a fejét rázta. Igazából azzal a fémgyűrűvel a nyakán az ilyen fejcsóválások komoly görcsöket okoztak neki. Sosem érdekelte őt az aramoni politika, mivel eredetileg Verunából származott, de jelenlegi helyzetében sajnos nem volt lehetősége más dolgokról vitázni. Hiányosan megvakarta nyaka felső részét, amit a fémgyűrű szabadon hagyott.

- Megbocsátom a tudatlanságodat, végtére is nem az én hazámból származol. - Augustus lesétált a hajóorról, majd elhaladt Dusan mellett. - Nem kell aggódnod az oltalmam alatt! Akár egy magadfajta verunaiból is pillanatok alatt minta-nemest csinálok.

Dusan ellenállt a késztetésnek, hogy behúzzon egyet az arrogáns bolondnak. Azt kívánta, bárcsak meghalt volna ő maga is, mint a bajtársai jó pár hónappal ezelőtt. Egy életen át ezt az ökröt szolgálni messze a legrosszabb sors, amire az Augustusszal eltöltött röpke idő után a végzet rendelte.

- Ez nem túl valószínű, te idióta… - motyogta csendben, amint Augustus hallótávolságon kívülre került. Megpillantva az óceánt a hajóorron túl, honvágya támadt régi otthona iránt. Jelenlegi kedvezőtlen helyzetét tekintve nem volt benne biztos, mi fog vele történni a féleszű nemes irányítása alatt.

***

A maradék fordítás/begépelés alatt!!



Augustus paced back and forth his richly decorated quarters as the ship rocked back and forth causing some of the loose items in the room to slide across the floor. He paid it no heed having become use to it all by now. Still he couldn’t shake what was really bothering him, which was of course his utter lack of direction at the moment. He had pinned so much onto his victory in Aramon the very though of defeat was completely discounted and thus its occurrence had completely blindsided him.

Everything up to the defeat had gone according to plan perfectly; it had seemed almost improbable for him to have been defeated. The success of his forces in raiding the Veruna shipyard and acquiring a number of their vessels to mobilize his troops and ensure his naval superiority had been a complete success. Despite these accomplishments, Augustus found himself being the one who was defeated at the hands of fools like that Elsin. Even his own house didn’t come to his support instead claiming what he was doing was sheer madness. Of all the indignities!

Taking a deep breath, Augustus knew he had to calm down for a bit. It was unsuitable for someone of his position to showcase something as demeaning as a temper tantrum. Nonetheless to say he was disappointed by everyone else’s completely inability to carry out his plan was no short of frustrating. After all, he gave all the right orders and directions it was simply their failure to carry it through which explained his failures.

Satisfied he found the proper reason for his failures, Augustus reclined back in one of his comfy chairs in order to dwell upon his next course of actions. A man of destiny couldn’t remain idle for very long after all.

Resting his feet on his table, he noticed the map of Darien which he had unfolded across the table’s surface. It wasn’t for any specific noteworthy reason; he just felt it wasn’t right for a table on a ship to not have a map unfurled upon it. It just seemed to be the proper thing to do.

Looking at the map, he imagined the day when he would be the ruler for all of it. That day would not be far off, because after all it was his destiny nonetheless to be its ruler. Anything short would simply be intolerable to accept. After all this was his grand destiny to fulfill.

It is important to note in this situation, Augustus was simply part of a long line of individuals who have taken upon themselves this grand destiny. It is simply many of them hardly amount to much. Such an ambition typically requires a lot of will and power in order to make a reality this thing that most people don’t have readily at hand. Quite frankly the four rulers were the closet besides their father with the ability to make such things a reality and history has written how that turned out.

So some many question what it was about Augustus which made him particularly noteworthy. Especially in wake of the returning four, it would seem someone like him who fall so short of what most consider decent for humans would be nothing more then a footnote in history. It was moments like what was about to occur which would cement his legacy.

Tracing his fingers across the different lands on the map’s surface, Augustus paused for a moment as his fingered stopped in one particular region. A grin crossed his face before he let out a holler of victory even doing a small hop of joy. Suddenly he knew what he had to do, how he would be able to carry out his glorious destiny.

“Eureka!”

Standing on top of the ship’s deck, Dusan couldn’t repress a shudder as he heard the joy of excitement from Augustus. This definitely wasn’t going to bode well for him and whoever is the sap Augustus is probably going to butt head against in the near future.

***

Augustus had soon called together a gathering of the most important individual onboard his war galley to his quarter in order to explain his new plan and course. This of course, only amount to three other individuals onboard the ship. It was a bit too difficult at the present moment to try and call in some of the other commanders from the other ships for this meeting. The occupants of the room were an odd assortment, Augustus notwithstanding.

Dusan, despite his position, seemed to find himself dragged into these meeting almost all the time despite his situation. He guessed it was only because it helped feed into Augustus’s massive ego to do so and also to help ‘teach’ Dusan the proper ways too. Too put it simply, Dusan really always dreaded these meetings mostly cause of having to listen to Augustus.

Captain Akuji was also present, he was man of some repute even Dusan had heard him back in the days in Veruna. The man had successfully battle against some Veruna pirates and even outclassed some of their ship too boot. Why this man had decided to regular himself to serving as the captain for Augustus’ personal ship was still a mystery. Though his graying hair was hinting the signs of his age, he still wore his long sideburns proudly even with the rest of his hair tucked up in his hat.

Old man as he was aptly referred to by everyone else onboard the ship even Augustus was probably the least seen of them all. A necromancer from Taros, he makes everyone else quite uneasy by the unnatural feeling he generated. Appearing only as a frail hunched old man with thin wrinkled skin wrapped tight across his body, he hides most of his body beneath the volumes of his black robes only allowing his hands and lower half of his face to be visible. Despite this appearance of frailty his voice has an unnatural tone which hinted at his great magical power.

Surveying the assemblage proudly, Augustus proclaimed, “Welcome gentlemen, I am glad you have come to this meeting.”

“Can’t disobey your orders…” Dusan muttered grumpily in reply.

“It is always a pleasure to be here.” Captain Akuji gave a hardy chuckle humoring the boy.

“…” The old man didn’t even respond standing calmly aside.

“Today, gentlemen I will map out the new direction which will unfold our grand destiny in the making. I have found the course for us to go too after our temporary setback back in Aramon. And that place is here!” Augustus announced proudly thrusting his finger down onto the map.

The three guys followed the direction of the finger onto the map, blinking for a bit at where it landed Dusan asked, “And we are heading to somewhere in the ocean?”

Augustus blinked in surprise at the comment, before looking down at where he was pointing realizing it was in fact simply pointing to a spot on an empty ocean. Shifting the finger’s position he moved it over one of the land region on the map instead.

Dusan figured the idiot had pointed on the map without even looking at where was suppose to be pointing at in the first place. Followed the trail to the actual destination, he simply looked one look at the area before his eyes went wide as he saw where Augustus has pointed too.

Zhon: the wild land of the beasts.

“Are you insane?” Dusan barked slamming his hands down on the table. It was a bit rhetorical of a question but the gist of it still served a purpose for him.

“I’m hurt you would call me insane.” Augustus replied looking visible hurt by the outburst. “I think you need to sit down and cool off a bit.”

Before Dusan could say anything else, he could feel the collar around his neck flaring up as he fell backward onto a chair immediately as per Augustus’s order.

“See that is all better.” Augustus smiled clapping his hand happily. “Now as you can see I choose the perfect place to forge a new kingdom one that will marshal a force great enough to unite the world under my benevolent rule.”

“So we are heading to Zhon, huh?” Captain Akuji noted with a bemused expression. “I heard the land is pretty fair-teeming with all assortments of beasties. Not going to be easy place to penetrate seeing how far it is away from civilization, we’ll be isolated and on our own.”

“And that is exactly the point.” Augustus grinned slapping his hand down on the table to emphasis his point. “It will be difficult for anyone to find or even attack us in this location. They won’t even know we are there since they assume this is land filled with uncivilized beasties. And while they foolishly miss us, we’ll be gathering strength enough to crush them all.”

“I guess I can see how that works.” Captain Akuji remarked rubbing his chin.

“Besides what are a few beasts to my glorious army, I’m sure we’ll be rid of those filthy beasts in no time. In fact, we might even be able to show them the glory of civilizations and use them to help our own army. After all, as the future ruler of Darien I must be served by all creatures of the world am I not?” Augustus beamed proudly.

“Zhon won’t be so easy of a place to tame.” Dusan noted grimly.

Glancing toward Dusan, Augustus noted, “Oh yeah, you are a Veruna aren’t you?”

“Yes.” Dusan replied, though he wouldn’t say it amounted to much anymore. Thanks to his forced indentured servitude to Augustus, the land now considered Dusan a traitor and he definitely can’t go back there anymore.

“I heard you types like to butt head against whatever it is that lives in Zhon.” Augustus said walking up to where Dusan sat.

“We’ve had skirmish from to time between us. I’ve participated in a few.” Dusan answered reluctantly getting a bit uncomfortable by how close Augustus was getting to him.

Wrapping an arm around Dusan’s neck, Augustus leaned his head in close and smiled, “Good then I look forward in you providing all the help we need in handling those creatures. I don’t want to have anymore problems like last time, alright?”

“Understood….” Dusan confirmed trying to avoid looking into Augustus’s smug face.

“Excellent,” Augustus grinned happily stepping back and clapping his hands in satisfaction, “I’m glad we can all be sure to work our hardest to making my glorious destiny a reality.”

“Yes, your plan is most excellent.” The old man interjected lifting his head up a bit. “You show true caliber as a future ruler with such impressive foresight and will to seek to tame such a wild land.”

“Oh you, praise me so.” Augustus fawned stroking his charm point.

Dusan shot a glance to the old man, who seemed to ignore the look. He definitely didn’t trust the necromancer from Taros. While he didn’t exactly trust him just because of hailing from the land of Taros, there was something very unusual about the man and how he skulks about in the shadows all the time.

“I look forward to the great kingdom which will be forged in the land of Zhon.” The old man added before he turned around and started to hobble off. A grin creep across his face when he was certain none of them could see it. Things would be operate exactly as planned with a smug chuckle.

Turning to the remaining two, Augustus ordered, “Tell the other ships, we set sail to Zhon we’ll make landfall in a fortnight.”

“It’ll only take a week to get there, Sire.” Captain Akuji corrected.

“Whatever just announces the news to them. I’m just too excited my new empire is about to start! Zhon shall by the crown jewel of my new land.” Augustus laughed proudly striking an arrogant pose.

***

Across the sea a fair distance away from the grand armada of Augustus laid his destination the foreboding land of Zhon. It was a vast jungle of wilderness, where numerous beast tribes and creatures made their home in the untamed land. Amongst this wilderness sat the city of Ulasem, the former and current residence of Thirsha one of the four former rulers of Darien. Now returned to the world once more after a long absence, she too was busy in working to restore her place in a changed land.

Once one of the legendary rulers of the land of Zhon and eldest daughter of Garacaius, she along with her siblings were punished by the deities for their quarrel for dominance over Darien. Reborn and returned to this world, she found time had changed things from how she remembered it. A raven-hair beauty with black bat-like wings emerging from her back, Thirsha had mastery over the elements of winds capable of calling down powerful blast of lightning from above. She wore a rather revealing outfit draped across her body consisting of a two-pieces made from tanned hide and boots suiting her place amongst the beasts of Zhon. She wore a necklace laced with teeth around her neck and had stripes of clothes wrapped across parts of limbs too.

She stood in an assembly hall with others in attendance as they survey the situation in Zhon, while her return had caused much jubilation amongst her people. There were still those pockets across the land which had remained either isolated or uncaring to the news. Some of them had even shown outright hostility to her presence which didn’t make things easier for her. This along with the aggression from the Veruna complicated her situation.

Thirsha shudder her bat wings twitched a bit too, an act which did not go unnoticed by those in attendance.

“Is there something amiss?” Old shaman inquired concern noting the expression Thirsha’s face for a moment there.

Old shaman had known Thirsah all the way back to her prior incarnation before the disastrous outcome of that war. Throughout the year he had always remained steadfast to her side and waited for the day when she would return once more. He had also been responsible for calling for the powerful Ancient Dragons which now supplement Thirsha’s forces even if there were some hiccups along the way.

“I just felt this overwhelming feeling of trepidation come over me like a cold chill.” Thirsha remarked a bit unsure herself of what had just happened.

“Even I felt it.” The spectral form of Timi remarked nervously too not enjoying that prior sensation one bit.

Timi, herself, was the reincarnation of the Thirsha or at least her vessel the whole mechanic of the situation was a bit confusing for her. To say the least, she had the fortune or misfortune of finding out her favorite game Total Annihilation: Kingdom had a bit more to it then she had anticipated. After being shanghaied from Earth to Darien and then botched attempt of combing her spirit with the remnant of Thirsha here she found herself in this situation. Sharing her body with that of Thirsah, typically whichever one was in control the other was reduce to nothing more then a spectral form floating alongside.

“How very odd,” Old shaman reflected resting one of his palm on the amber piece topping his staff, “I wonder what that could be foretelling?”

“It isn’t something I’m felt before an almost unnerving presence or something which is coming here.” Thirsha noted trying to put to the words what had happened.

“Perhaps you should consider more attire to keep yourself warm?” Old shaman suggested with a shrug.

“What is that suppose to mean?” Thirsha growled at him angrily.

“Oh nothing…” Old shaman quickly backed down. Thirsha can be so hard to deal with whenever she gets hot-headed and angry.

“Whatever it is, we’re just going to have to wait and see what becomes of it.” Agon the Beast Handler noted with a huff.

Agon was another one of the first individuals Timi had met when she found herself wrapped up in this whole situation. To put it more bluntly he was the one who dragged her to this world and had even sent her through a gauntlet of tests in order to prove herself worthy. Despite his gruff attitude, both Timi and Thirsha knew he was a dependable fellow. Even if he was somewhat rough around the edges compare to Old Shaman.

“I guess it can’t be helped.” Old shaman agreed for now there were other concerns after all.

“Fine,” Thirsha sighed folding her arms in annoyance of the lack of resolution to the matter, “so what is the problem?”

“Despite our messengers attempt to convey, there are still numerous areas in Zhon who have shown little interest or outright hostility to your return. It is entirely possible some of them might even consider acts of aggressions too.” Agon explained circling his finger over those troublesome regions on the faded map of Zhon.

“I can’t believe this, what are they thinking?” Thirsha huffed with annoyance.

“It has been a long time and some of them have likely gotten use to their own independence. Others might have been born from grievances of what had happened during the last war too.” Old Shaman advised Thirsha.

“Fine, fine,” Thirsha said hand-waving off any potential lecture from the Old Shaman, “so how much areas are aligned with me?”

“All of this?” Agon pointed on the map.

Thirsha’s face slump a bit as she looked at the area.

“That’s not a lot…” Timi muttered over Thirsha’s shoulder.

“Are you telling me even after all I’ve done? Fighting against the Veruna and that is all I have?” Thirsha demanded angrily balling her hand into a fist.

“Things are not as easy as they were before.” Old shaman sighed. “To restore your kingdom to what it once was before, there will be many more trials and obstacles I’m afraid.”

“I guess.” Thirsha grumbled reluctantly crossing her arm. She guessed it was a bit too much for her to initially expect everything would be the same as it was before. Still she didn’t figure things had gotten to this situation by now. Still with Veruna pushing its raid against Zhon, she had to solidify her position else how many people lives will be lost by this bloodshed. “Alright then, I guess I’m going to just have to show them again why I’m the ruler of Zhon.” She proclaimed before the two.

“Thirsha…” Old Shaman spoke reverently at her display.

Nodding in agreement, Agon suggested, “Bringing the Jungle Orcs and Stone Giants to your side again is important.”

“Heh, don’t worry,” Thirsha smirked flexing her arm, “I’m going to bring them all in line, no problem.”

Shaking his head, Agon commented, “She’s getting head of herself again.”

“Let her be,” Old Shaman replied with a chuckle, “it is good for her to stay in good spirit for the trial to come will be hard on her.”

“Not only for Thirsha, but Timi as well will have to be ready.” Agon added with a grim look on his face. The future of the kingdom will rest on how Thirsha will be able to bring together Zhon once more under her.

“By the way, what is the situation with Angor?” Old Shaman interrupted Agon’s thought.

“Angor?” Thirsha inquired pausing from her revelry at the strange name.

“Not good either,” Agon reported with a frown, “Angor is a troublesome Beast Lord who rose up shortly before your return. He’s managed to marshal a number of forces under his command and they hold themselves out in the eastern part of Zhon. So far, he has openly refused any envoy on the matter.”

“He sounds like a pretty tough fellow.” Thirsha commented amusingly. “Guess I might have to teach him a lesson with Ancy’s help.”

“Best not tread to reckless, Thirsha.” Old shaman quickly sputtered his face showing signs of nervousness.

“Angor is not an easy opponent and the area he occupies the other residences are not welcoming of you either. We could heavily expend ourselves if we get tangled too long in there.” Agon observed.

“We can’t just let him sit around there either.” Thirsha added too. “Guess we’ll see about bringing others in line first before we deal with him.” She sighed a bit spoiling for a fight.

Agon and Old Shaman gave a welcome sigh at that comment.

***

Sure enough as Captain Akuji had predicted the mighty armada had made landfall within the week time, while there were some discontent amongst the crew on the destination. None of them were ready either to spend more time onboard the ship at the moment. Rafts carrying some of the crew left the ships to reach the shoreline.

Augustus tweed through the water as he made his way onto landfall from the raft, several others was quickly following in suit. He had an attendant follow behind him to hold the ends of his cape up in order to ensure it didn’t get wet from the water. As his boots touched the sands on the beach, he gestured with palm’s open.

Dusan gave a reluctant sigh walking up and placing the banner onto Augustus’s hand.

Gripping it, Augustus held it up proudly as he announced, “Let this glorious day be remembered as the founding of a new age, the August Age. With this gesture I do name this land, the dominion of August!” Hefting the banner up allowing the wind to unfurl the banner to show his crest, he proudly drove it straight down into his own foot.

There a wince from all in attendance at the sight as even Augustus’s face couldn’t betray the obvious pain the jagged spike on the bottom of the banner had made when it penetrated his foot. Not losing a beat, he pulled it out of his foot exposing the spike coated with blood. Hoisting it up again, Augustus brought it down again this time actually getting the ground.

“With my blood I have gladly spilt let the bond between the land and I be consecrated by this act.” Augustus announced trying not to visibly show too much distress from the pain and blood leaking out of his damaged boot.

A cheer erupted from the entourage while Dusan merely shook his head at the whole spectacle. The idiot still somehow managed to find a way to recover from even a blunder like that and everyone else didn’t seem to notice or mind. Still looking at the jungle stretching pass beyond the beach, Dusan couldn’t shake the feeling they were being watched. He only wondered how long it was going to take before the residences of Zhon take offense to their uninvited guest.

The sound of rustling caught his ears, turning around he saw several bats flew off from the jungles into the distance. It was odd for bats to out and about during the day like this; he definitely didn’t have a good feeling about things.

Noticing Dusan’s distraction the Old man could merely chuckle at the fools and their foolish actions here. He knew full well what was going to happen soon enough, the residents of Zhon don’t tolerate outsiders especially not humans on their shore. Still, he figure there should be enough time for him to set everything up before that eventuality.

The abundance of sacred sites here would provide rich fodder for the lodestones to harvest the mana here. He was sure most of the other beasts here in this part of Zhon lacked the ability to harness these things. The only thing he had to be concern about where some rumors he heard from Taros before he left. But he was sure if things were to come to that, he would be more then ready.

***

Angor the Beast Lord was a fearsome specimen of his kind, easily towering nine feet tall with bristling muscles too. His face was that of a powerful bull, the horns which crown his head were adorn with trophies from his past victories. A long scarred run down the side of his face from a blow struck by an insubordinate jungle orc.

He sat on his throne forged from the bones and skulls of those who were foolish enough to try and challenge his authority. He had dealt with every single one of them and now they adorn his throne as a testament to his power. He had cowed many of the creatures in the area to his rule and those who haven’t fear him too much to move against him. For the time being, he’d been relatively satisfied with what he had managed to garner.

Now things have moved which greatly annoyed his sense of pride, words have reached his ears of the return of Thirsha. Already his scouts have reported to him over her deeds and how others in Zhon have moved to her side. Angor cared not for this even if it was true this was truly Thirsha reborn, which alone did not make her his ruler. If she planned on challenging him to gain his servitude, then he’ll welcome it like he had for all the others. He had gathered this force of arm beneath him by strength and cunning, Thirsha must prove just the same if she wished to face him.

The flapping of wings caught his attention as a bat swoop down and landed on his shoulder whispering what it had spotted into his ears.

Humans had come to the shore of Zhon, a massive fleet of theirs had made landfall several miles away from Angor’s domain. It seems they arrogantly have decided to forge their own domain in this land without any care for their lives. They will pay for this arrogance with their lives, Andor won’t allow any of them to leave here alive.

Standing up from his throne, he strode out of the chamber till he stepped outside looking from the top of a massive ziggurat standing out from the rest of the juggle. Looking to the distance of where the arrogant humans had arrived, Angor knew their days were numbered. Pulling forth a mighty horn hanging from his sash, he gave it a loud blow as the sound echoed across the jungle. Soon his forces will be ready to strike down those humans, he noted confidently.

***

Timi was walking down the corridors of Ulasem, it wasn’t too often Thirsha let her have control of her body again. Things were busy for Thirsha of course, trying to rebuild herself in Zhon once again with all the problems going about. Still despite all of this, Timi still enjoyed the things she managed to do here. Meeting Matt and Ancy were just wonderful; the whole gauntlet Agon ran her through was something she could have done without.

Still the experience of finding out Darien was a real world was quite a surprise for her, not to mention finding out she hosted the reincarnation of Thirsha within herself. She wondered a bit then how this holds true for the others. Lokken of Taros, Elsin of Aramon, and Kirenna of Veruna, did they have as much issues like her too? Of course, she guessed if they like this too they won’t all technically be siblings anymore too.

Looking ahead, she noticed Old Shaman up ahead standing on a balcony a bat were a perch on his scaled hand. The two seemed to be in some sort of conversation, before the bat flew off and Old Shaman turned around just noticing Timi.

“Hello.” Timi waved to him.

“Oh greetings, sorry I didn’t notice you.” Old Shaman apologized with a bow. “It is unfortunate I have to find you like this though…”

“Is there something wrong?” Timi asked noticing the grim look on Old Shaman’s face.

“Of course, something is wrong.” Thirsha spectral face remarked back. “The scout must have spotted something bad.”

“It seems a large amount of humans have massed themselves on one of the distant shorelines. While it is still unclear, it is likely they are planning to build some sort of beachhead there.” Old Shaman reported glancing in the direction.

Growling, Thirsha remarked, “Are they idiots thinking they can come in here like this.”

“Thirsha…” Timi whispered feeling the anger from the other self.

“Things are more complicated then that too.” Old Shaman sighed resting his hands on top of his amber topped staff.

“Oh?” Thirsha and Timi asked simultaneously.

“They choose a very difficult location too. It was adjacent of Angor’s land; he will undoubtedly take insult to this too.” Old Shaman remarked just thinking about what will happen.

“Heh, is that so?” Thirsha smirked at the news.

“Are you thinking about something?” Timi asked Thirsha before she felt a familiar feeling wrap around her as motes of energy danced around her.

She felt light-head as her eyes slowly closed shut, while her long brown hair rose up and danced in the air. The motes of energy swirled around her as the change passed through her body making itself visible streaks of raven hair begin to appear. Her hand flexed as the nails grew longer becoming harder and taking edge. She felt the energy course through her filling it with strength as her body took fit and lean tone to it reflect the body of her other self.

Her clothing swirl with the flow of the magic as they tore apart around her, before quickly remolding themselves back across her body into the more familiar outfit of Thirsha. The long tresses of black hair slowly drew closer to her head as they became the familiar spiky locks exposing her ear which had now stretched to a point. Bending a bit forward, a pair of bat-like wings emerged from her backs as they unfolded themselves wide. Let out a gasp from their appearance, her fangs showed themselves as she finally opened her eyes showing the now orange tint from Timi’s green.

“Thirsha…” Old Shaman noted a bit startle by the abrupt transformation.

“I think we can have this work out for us.” She smiled back at him with a wink. “Angor is probably the type to only respect strength, so we are going to show him our strength.”

“You aren’t honestly going to attack them? Angor will not treat you as an ally; his forces may just as well attack you too.” Old Shaman warned her beads of sweat pacing down his scaly hide.

“What better way to show ourselves to him, then by taking care of those humans right in front his eyes. We can take care of two problems in a single sweep.” Thirsha smirked confidently nodding her head.

“Agon probably won’t like this…” Old Shaman noted how Agon often worried at times about Thirsha’s brash actions.

“Gather the forces; we are going to have to make it there before the big party starts.” Thirsha ordered with a grin, before unfolding her wings and flying off leaving Old Shaman alone in the hallway.

“Humans, I wonder if they are from Veruna.” Timi inquired as Thirsha flew off.

“Does it matter, they can’t think they can come onto this land and do whatever they want.” Thirsha replied back. Still there was something else to this too; the sense of foreboding from earlier seemed to be back. Could it have something to do with the humans? Either way she was going to settle it all once and for all.

A roar caught her attention, Thirsha felt a shadow cast over her before the form of Ancy the Ancient Dragon swoop down to fly beside her. The dragon looked at her with adoring eyes to be by its master.

Smiling, Thirsha reached out and placed a hand touch its face as she said, “You want to go too, don’t you?”

The dragon gave an approving roar as the two continue their flight.



End of part 1
To be continued!!