"Prime Minister Mohan Kalita, and the Union Council of Ministers. Last month's report regarding what is going on with the Americans has been confirmed. The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is confident that the United States are preparing for war.

  Our department intercepted a message from the Secretary of Defense, Charles Roberson. He addressed the primary defense corporations and stated that they all should prepare for a rapid procurement of equipment. The focus is a land war. Air assists are being invested at no additional funds in their sea-based navy. To our confusion, we have failed to identify exactly who the American target is.

  Area IV has provided a list of proposals for what the Americans might be about to attack.

  The Iranian-Russian Alliance space piracy has been gaining heat in recent months and with the incent with a covert attack. However, no one believes the Americans will wage a land war against either nation. When we inquired with the IRA for details, they refused to provide any information as if they knew something.

  Some believe the Americans are plotting to intervene in the French (with their Western European League block) and the Turkish Empire over Martian territorial disputes. This could explain the sudden disappearance of the US 4th Infantry Division two months ago. However, this only raises more questions. Why wouldn't the US deploy its specialized unit for this type of campaign, and why would USAM intervene in this conflict?

  With the strange sudden obsession with Colorado and the disappearance of US Divisions, everyone in RAW, Area IV, believes the Americans are on the warpath again. As of now, we have no idea who their target is and, more importantly, why?"

  April 10th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

  Kasin Beach, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

  Great Kasin Lake, Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

  *****

  Walking on the mossy, wet wooden pathway, Assiaya hid her arms in her oversized military jacket, trying to stay warm from the freezing sea air. It had only been an Alagore Standard Time (AST) week since her last visit, and she hated the cold sea air of this village, regretting her return.

  Feeling miserable from the environment and the stress of what happened at Vagahm, the Princess wanted to go home. At first, she was confident that going rogue to follow up on this hidden quest was the right thing, but now that they were here, she felt as if bugs were crawling inside her.

  "No, Assiaya," Assiaya thought. "Stay strong."

  "Maybe Father will have a fire ready," the voice said.

  "A fire…," Assiaya imagined a prominent fireplace with hot tea.

  After the dual-eyed girl sneezed from the cold, Captain Murphy turned to the dual-eyed girl and asked, "You holding up, kid?"

  She looked up at the large man and nodded. While cold, she was warm enough and determined to complete the mission.

  "Tough kid," Murphy said. "You don't need to be a macho man, so if you need anything, just ask."

  Up ahead, she saw the walls of the fishing village. The protective barrier, built from wood and discarded metal ship hulls, had some sections reinforced with brick, as she recalled from her last visit. Everything about the defense was patchwork, matching the village's interior. The girl never understood why the wall was incomplete, possibly because they failed to finish it or because it was decaying.

  A Nagal guard, wielding a spear, stood before the wooden gate. He held his arm to stop them. His armor was strung together with whatever metal was manufactured in a workshop. No style or culture imprint and the Princess doubted that it would provide any protection from any ranged weapon.

  "I thought we were allies," West asked, who was also wearing an oversized military jacket.

  "No one is an ally until I deem they are," Murphy replied.

  The Princess followed closely behind the Minutemen Combat Team-Viking as they walked the path. It was a feeling that she had yet to get used to. A dozen strong males protecting a little one like herself, who was a slave not so long ago. Being the most essential member of the group besides tagging along.

  When they reached the familiar wooden gate, they encountered multiple Nagal guards with spears. She stepped past the Viking Captain, presenting herself with a curtsy first. "Hello. I am Princess Assiaya. I was here a few days ago."

  "I apologize," the guard said. "I was conducting my responsibility."

  "I know," Assiaya said. "May we enter?"

  "The Altaerrie are welcome," the guard said. He rang the bell, and the door opened.

  The Viking group and the diplomatic team entered the village. The buildings inside were made from wood that had risen from the ground because of the sea and rainfall. Most of the buildings were one story, with a few exceptions.

  The village leader approached with his three wives. He kneeled, and With a few exceptions, most of the buildings were one storyis women held their hands in celebration.

  "Hello, Chieftain San-Dwi," Assiaya said.

  "My Princess," San-Dwi said. He then stood. "I wish to thank you and your Altaerrie for your protection. The soldiers you brought saved one of our boats from Tarvass raiders."

  During the Verliance Aristocracy's annexation of the region, Lord Kallem offered an incredible deal. Tarvass is a prominent naval city-state within the Great Kasin Lake. If they pledged their loyalty without rebellion, all sea rights in the Great Inner Lake of Kasin would be granted to their domain. While securing a powerful ally in the region, this alienated others, including Vagahm and small villages like these.

  According to San-Dwi, Tarvass pirates have raided their villages over the years, degrading their economy, capturing trawlers, and expanding their shipping and fishing claims into their former territory. With the Americans' help with their missiles, the Tarvass raider attack was quickly dealt with. Soldiers used guided missiles to pick off pirates before they could hijack a nagal trawler.

  "I am happy to hear that," Assiaya said. "I promised the Americans could assist."

  "Thank you," San-Dwi said. "Your fish are being gathered as we speak. In two days, we will deliver what we can."

  "Now, the reason for our visit," Yeldan said. "We were informed that dwarves arrived?"

  The village chieftain laughed. "I have a feeling that was why you have come. Yes, a large group of dwarves arrived yesterday by boat."

  Feeling a sense of relief that this gambling was rewarded, Assiaya turned to Captain Murphy, who had the same reaction. The Ambassador, on the other hand, seemed pissed that she was proven wrong.

  The American-Salva diplomatic group was guided through the village. Most of the structures were made from wood and built on stilts, allowing the massive freshwater lake to flow underneath during tides. Some old ship hulls had been beached, being transformed into shelter.

  Hundreds of nagals conducted their daily business. Some were in what they considered stores, and others worked in crude blacksmiths for simple manufacturing. Water farms collected seaweed and a type of water berry by the coast. Most were working on the village's primary economy, fishing.

  The Princess looked down, noticing the wood path. The last two times she had visited, there was no path by this point, nor was there anyone worth mentioning. Thanks to the tides, the ground was muddy, and her clothing kept getting ruined. The Chieftain seemed to have noticed and installed a path for his new ruler, surprising her.

  As they walked through the village, many villagers stopped to show respect. It had been like this before, but this time was more intense. This was the only time anyone from any noble status, let alone royalty, visited their home. The feeling was surreal as she had to adjust to her new role. While she enjoyed being in public in Salva, she could also hide behind the Altaerrie. From a slave serving in the background to the front and center, a part of her felt embarrassed by the attention.

  "What is that?" West asked.

  The slave Princess turned to see what the Ambassador was talking about. She then noticed people working on water farming, with slaves collecting the food.

  "They are slaves," Assiaya said.

  "We are providing military protection to plantation owners?" West stated. "Why am I not surprised you forced my country to agree to such terms."

  "Why do you have to be so arrogant about everything?" Assiaya said.

  Susan West shot the Princess a glare. "Why am I not surprised that backward people defend such an institution."

  Assiaya gripped her hands in frustration as she noticed the Chieftain and other nagals hearing the Ambassador's insults. "I apologize for the Altaerrie emissary's outburst. It has been a long day."

  San-Dwi scratched his head before shrugging his shoulders. "The Altaerrie female is an emissary? I thought she was your servant."

  "Servant?" West outburst.

  "Are we still talking about the slave subject?" San-Dwi said. "I have faithfully agreed to embrace Salva laws as part of military and trade protection. We have been waiting for the motuia guild representative to begin the change."

  Assiaya stared at the Ambassador with rage. While the woman wasn't there the first time, all the terms of this agreement were publicly provided to the American leadership. The second trip was formal, with the signing of the annexation treaty. Susan West should have known that this issue had already been addressed.

  "And we thank you for your flexibility on the subject," Yeldan said, interjecting into the conversation. "Our treaty stands."

  "Good," San-Dwi said, clapping his hands together. "Now, with me."

  As the Chieftain walked away with his three nagal wives, Assiaya was about to yell at the Ambassador. However, her motuia advisor held his hand and faced the American woman.

  "Is this how diplomacy works on Altaerrie?" Yeldan asked.

  "First," West said. "It is called Earth, not Altaerrie. Second, you went behind my back to embarrass me and went rogue. I have no idea what agreements you have made that the State Department must embrace."

  "I gave the treaty to Colonel Hackett, the Council, and your office," Yeldan said. "You have been given every opportunity to conduct your role as Ambassador. If you do not wish to take part, remain silent."

  Baffled by the Ambassador's mannerisms, Assiaya turned to Captain Murphy, to which the American shrugged before nudging to advance. They then followed the village Chieftain deeper into the village.

  When they reached the small village harbor, it was full of nagals preparing for another adventure out at sea. Five trawlers were currently docked, and one was in repair, the same amount Assiaya saw the first time she came here. The village didn't have a large fleet, unlike Tarvass, a Kitsune and Kiriyaks-led city across the Great Kasin Lake that muscled out all competition.

  Walking past the docks, Assiaya saw additional houses and two warehouses up ahead, where she believed these nagals stored their fish. Two American soldiers and an astronaut wore a coy bow hate patch on their shoulders, indicating they were from the 1st Astralis Division in Indolass.

  On top of a small hill, the village had a medium-sized CROWS system equipped with short-range Dragonfly missiles. With the Astralis soldiers on the boats, they marked the targets for the missile turret to destroy the target.

  To her surprise, the Princess saw American soldiers guarding one of the houses, which made her believe that the Vagahm dwarves were staying there.

  The American Lieutenant left his men, approached the Viking Captain, and saluted, sharing the latest news. Besides defending against random raiders and how cold it was, they encountered dwarves who claimed their boat was damaged; however, upon inspection, everything was fine.

  According to the Lieutenant, the dwarves refused to leave the village, so they were required to respect the Military Police from Indolass to resolve the situation. To the Princess's confusion, there were only three dwarves from Vagahm, far less than she expected.

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  "No," Assiaya said. Seeing over a dozen people turning toward her was frightening. Her arm shook, and she took a deep breath. "I mean, I need to talk with them."

  "With respect, kid, but no," the Lieutenant said.

  "I normally would agree with you," Murphy said. "But she has authority here. She is the Salva Princess."

  Seeing that the misunderstanding was cleared, Assiaya walked toward the warehouses. However, she stopped by the Lieutenant and thanked him and his men for assisting the nagals before approaching the door.

  Three Viking soldiers entered the house with their rifles ready as the two guards opened the door. When they said they had secured the room, Assiaya entered alongside Varitan Yeldan.

  For a poor village, Assiaya found the place somewhat decent. The room was filthy and dark, lit and warmed only by the fireplace. Inside were three dwarves wrapped in blankets, two American soldiers, and two nagal guards.

  She saw everyone staring at this small girl, surprised by the sight. The slave Princess understood this. Kallem was towering and commanded respect by his posture, something she couldn't duplicate.

  "I take it you are the Princess of Salva?" one of the dwarves said.

  "Shorter than I expected," another dwarf said before the three laughed.

  "Insulting one of the royal family is not wise," Yeldan stated.

  "Taking innocent prisoners from a neutral state is an act of war," the dwarf snapped. "As I understand, we have a treaty."

  "Which begs the question," Yeldan said. "Why are you here?"

  "Our ship was damaged," the dwarf said. "We had no choice but to make landfall."

  "This far north?" Yeldan replied.

  “It is okay, Varitan,” Assiaya said.

  Taking another deep breath, the dual-eyed Princess approached one of the dusty chairs before sitting down. She turned toward the three Vagahm dwarves. She then took the bulletins and map from her bag and handed them to the dwarves.

  The dwarf quickly glanced through the documents before setting them down. "Thank you, but this is meaningless to me."

  Assiaya stared at the dwarves, not knowing where to go next. She could tell that they were hiding something, either another dwarf game or that she had misread the situation. Clearly, these dwarves came here for a reason: they were far away from Vagahm fishing territory. They knew they were close to the Altaerrie area, and how hard Lord Girnick Elkkur attempted to keep his people from entering the war, they wouldn't have risked coming this close.

  "Are you here to seek only aid?" Assiaya asked. "Or is there another purpose?"

  "Any other purpose would violate our treaty," the dwarf replied.

  "That is true…," Assiaya mumbled.

  Before the Princess could continue, she saw the Ambassador walking around everyone until she was behind her. This terrified the slave girl as she didn't know what the American woman was going to say.

  "Let me be clear," West said. "You are in violation of US and Salva territory. If this is an act of war, we will hold you as prisoners and send an armored brigade to your city doorstep for threatening the Princess of Daru'uie."

  "What is she doing!" the voice yelled.

  Assiaya's eyes widened in fear. "What are you do-"

  Seeing the Ambassador silence the dual-eyed girl, she remained silent from fear. To her surprise, Varitan Yeldan did not interject.

  West leaned into the group and said, "However, if you are in danger, we are honor-bound to assist. Which is it?"

  The dwarves looked at each other before looking at the Ambassador. The first one then spoke again. "We are not seeking aid or war, as agreed upon. I do wonder, though, do you need aid?"

  "Aid?" West said. "Any aid discovered by the Unity could be seen as an alliance between us."

  "Then we will be forced to side with them," the dwarf said. "Besides, I do not believe people would enjoy seeing elves and humans working with dwarves."

  "But the people do not need to know what we do," West said. "We believe in two thoughts. What we show in public and the meaningful details behind closed doors as public opinion could be messy. The question is, what kind of aid do you need? Do you need us to fix your boat?"

  "The boat is both permanently wrecked and could be repaired quickly," the dwarf said. "That all depends on the type of aid you want."

  "Permanent it is," West said. "How many?"

  "Fifty," the dwarf responded. "With our equipment."

  Assiaya sat there, watching the two continue their conversation. She was confused about what happened; however, the two seemed to understand what they were saying. Something about crew size and fishing equipment. The rules of their treaty, and the need to keep everything secret. How would it be best for the three dwarves during the first fish shipment?

  "I accept the terms," West said. "By any chance, if there are other shipwrecks, have them wait here. The first shipment will be ready in six hours."

  This time, the Princess knew the American Ambassador was lying. The Chieftain said they were still collecting fish and wouldn't be ready for another two Alagore days, not in a few hours. However, she remained silent as the two seemed to understand its hidden meaning.

  Seeing that the negotiations were complete, Susan West walked out of the room. Assiaya stood and thanked the three Vagahm dwarves for their time and well-being before following the Ambassador.

  "Excuse me," Assiaya said. "What happened?"

  Susan West turned toward the Princess with frustration. "You might be cute, but you know nothing about geopolitics. They couldn't state their intentions outright as it would break your treaty. They are here to help us, but they must keep it secret. I agreed to transport the fifty to Salva; from there, the Military can deal with them."

  "How did you know?" Assiaya asked.

  "I figured it out after reading the bulletin," West said. "Honestly, it was simple. You don't do convoluted things like changing dates and providing directions to find a shipwreck they shouldn't have known about. Yeldan was right; they secretly communicated with us to avoid violating your treaty. Now, I want to get out of here."

  April 10th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

  Hiplose Woods, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

  Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

  *****

  "You have been riding this for twelve years?" Ere-hian asked, amazed by the information.

  "That is correct, young Prince. We do not have the long lives of your kind, so we must specialize in an occupation. We do not have time to dabble in multiple paths in life."

  Like this Orc unit commander, Ere-hian leaned back in his seat, amazed by how short-lived species have been. "Why stay as a rider?"

  The Walker rider began telling his story as a maintenance worker on these machines, years of gaining knowledge of how to master his profession until he became a unit leader.

  The young Prince found the topic fascinating. He knew about the differences in life between species, having taken care of many over the years. Still, listening to the daily lives of the people in the world was different.

  "My father believes that we should learn multiple professions," Ere-hian said. "At least when it comes to ruling. I would have been sent off to a farm two summers ago if it was not for the war. Then, crafting at a workshop before becoming a warrior."

  "The opportunities of the upper class," the Orc said.

  "You are from Wrulftin Clan?" Ere-hian asked. "I thought your clan was a member state of the Unity."

  "That is correct," the Orc rider said. "Wrulftin have been the backbone of the Unity crusaders since Cordinlane unification. Trusted the most to do what needs to be done. Now brace yourself."

  The Walker convoy started a vertical climb over a rugged hill. When the four-legged transport machines walked, it shook the center mass. Stabilizers were needed to balance the personnel, turrets, or cargo the vehicle would utilize.

  In this case, while the stabilizers mitigated the slope's elevation, the passengers still felt it, relying on the straps to remain in their seats.

  The young Vampire didn't mind, enjoying the variety of the ride. He did see the Tempass holding onto the support bars in a panic, causing him to chuckle.

  "First time in a walker?" Ere-hian asked.

  "This is not how enlightened people travel," Savulot said.

  "Almost there," the Orc said.

  The four Unity walkers finished their climb and regrouped into formation.

  "How much longer to this town!" Savulot said. "If I knew how far…."

  "Why did we not take an airship?" Ere-hian asked.

  "We are too close to the Altaerrie ranged weapons."

  It was the head of Tempass security, a Dark Elf named Kleric, sitting in front of the young Prince. Like the rest of his kind, the elf had dark skin, green hair, and yellow eyes. The sight instilled fear into the Vampire. It was vastly different from any elf he had ever seen on this continent.

  "If only the gorilla Lord broke the siege and not coward from battle."

  Ere-hian quickly understood the insulting joke as most Unity guards and religious staff laughed. The son knew many considered his father old, lingering on ancient ideas and resisting progress. While he had many ideological differences with his father, he didn't enjoy having his family insulted.

  "My Father is many things," Ere-hian stated. "But a coward he is not."

  "And yet," Kleric said. "He surrendered to us like a whimpering luperca."

  "Redemption is a crowning principle of the Katra," Ere-hian said. "It was wrong for my Father to resist progress, but he saw the error of his ways. Those who saw enlightenment are granted a path; how can that be cowardice?"

  The group went silent.

  "The boy is correct," Savulot said. "It is not cowardice to realize the error of one’s way. But as part of the path of redemption, one must prove they have an honest and lasting transition."

  With the mood changed, people talked among themselves as the convoy navigated through the Hiplose Forest.

  The event was primarily uneventful, with only one incident taking place. A group of Altaerrie attack seekers were reported flying through the area and hunting for targets.

  The rider explained that these weapons could be easily neutralized with an amplifier and sufficient warning. A simple electric sweep across the sky or a mana barrier can take out such attacks. However, if one doesn't pay attention, these weapons will make quick work.

  After another hour of traveling, Ere-hian saw a town in the distance. The town circled a sharp hill in the center, with a small wall surrounding the community.

  Outside the town wall, dozens of soldiers, along with hundreds of townsfolk, gathered in front of the wooden gate.

  The four walkers spread out, allowing passengers to dismount. The security approached the infantry to inquire about the situation. The Altaerrie occupied the luperca-dominated town during their recent failed counterattack. The enemy attempted to convince the peasants to join the other worlders.

  During the Cordinlane crusaders' attempt to liberate the town, a portion of the community sided with the enemy. However, the town rebellion against the Altaerrie and the traitors forced them to retreat, at least according to the Mayor and local Unity Priestess.

  The Young Verliance Prince followed the Tempass, moving through the crowds. Being a Vampire, he had grown used to other species fearing and respecting his race. Being strong and long-living, most knew not to cross them. However, seeing these tall and muscular beasts instilled fear into him.

  To his surprise, the towering luperca got on all fours as they bowed to the Tempass, followed by the other weaker beast humanoids, all showing their devotion to the Katra.

  Up ahead was another luperca, which remained standing. Beside the young Prince was a female kitsune dressed like Savulot, which showed that they were the town's mayor and Priestess.

  "Darling," Savulot said, spreading his arms in a greeting fashion. "Your light has spread forth and proven worthy."

  "My grace," the Priestess said. "The darkness has been uplifted and repulsed back to the shadows. The Mayor of this town never faltered against the overwhelming might, and their truth proved sound."

  "Mayor Longclaw," Savulot said. "You have proven yourself in the eyes of the Katra. Your people have."

  "Your Holiness," the Mayor said. "I am honored. The humans came, promising wonders. I must confess, the temptation grew within me, and many of my people sided with the enemy."

  "It is true," the Priestess said. "A third of the population chose darkness evacuation while the humans retreated."

  "I have gathered those who remained in the town," the Mayor said. "Thirty-seven who supported the Altaerrie or refused to convert. I apologize; I have failed the Katra."

  A mix of the town guard and Unity soldiers dragged the rebels through the crowds. Among them were dozens of children, following their parents, who had not been spared public humiliation. The loyalists began screaming, tossing food and rocks at the traitors, causing some injury.

  They were then forced onto their knees. Many sat there terrified, while others cried, knowing what was about to come. The mayor said these people didn't want to leave their homes, so they stayed behind.

  Savulot touched Mayor Luperca's head and turned to the young Prince. "My boy, these are your subjects. What action did the Katra prohibit?"

  Ere-hian saw everyone turning to face him, which caused the boy intense stress. He was not prepared to make decisions, as he had expected to observe.

  The first in the line was a male luperca, acting defiant in the threat of death. He spouted how they all abandoned their mother and that a day will come when they will be punished.

  "I believe reformation is not possible with him," Savulot said. "Ere-hian, please give the order."

  The young Prince looked at Savulot, the Yelate Tempass, seeing the determination in the woman’s eyes. He then looked at the luperca, who waited for his fate.

  The soldier in front of the luperca was an Orc holding an elecprobus. Strongly, the Vampire boy noticed that the tip of the staff was set to the spear setting, where the crystal energy switched from an energy bolt to a melee function.

  Ere-hian looked around, all eyes upon him. He felt intense pressure, knowing that this was a test of his leadership. "If he does not want to see enlightenment, as the Katra states, those who refuse must be swept aside."

  The Tempass was quick to give the soldier the order. The Orc rammed his elecprobus into the luperca, forcing the beast onto his back, howling in pain. Flames burst out from the tip of the weapon, bursting through the skin as the staff slowly burned into the body, aiming for the heart.

  All the Unity personnel started chanting, celebrating the process. Most of the town slowly joined in, encouraged by the Mayor, but others watched with fear. The remaining rebels watched in terror, wondering if that was their fate.

  For Ere-hian, the sight was sickening—he had never witnessed death, much less such brutality.

  The soldiers started ripping the children and their parents loaded into the back of a transport walker. Many of the parents attempted to resist, but were quickly beaten.

  "What are you doing with them?" Ere-hian asked.

  "To be taken to our Temple in Cornot," Savulot replied. "They are innocent, being corrupted by their parents. We must reeducate them before they are lost to the old ways. You see, Young Prince, everything we do is about saving everyone."

  The other Unity soldier finished killing the luperca. The Orc moved to the next in line, a Neko woman, and started the slow execution process again.

  "Young Prince," Savulot said, "there are those who consider our ways dishonorable. The ones who do not walk the path. Fear is the greatest motivator in the natural realm."

  "Rule by fear?" Ere-hian struggled to say, being distracted by the female feline’s screams.

  "No," Savulot said. "This is a crusade to uplift the world from darkness. Most will resist because of old traditions and minds lingering in their ignorance. It is in their nature."

  "You are saying," Ere-hian said, "if they choose not to be enlightened, they will fester like an infection?"

  "Correct," Savulot said. "Like a wound, you must treat it with haste or risk losing an arm."

  "If I am wrong," Ere-hian said, "the Katra states that there must be a path to redemption. How is killing them all enlightening those who live in darkness?"

  "Observe the cure."

  The young Prince was confused by what she meant. He turned to the execution, seeing the Orc finished killing the neko. Most other rebels were pleading for their lives, begging for forgiveness.

  The local Priestess walked to each one, placing her hand on each of the begging rebels. The woman began discussing reformation and how all who refused the path would be swept aside. For those who wished to reform, there was only one option left.

  The Orc ripped his elecprobus from the female Neko's chest and approached the next in line, instilling fear throughout the execution line. The third person, another luperca, howled in fear before begging to be spared, stating that he would embrace the Katra. Within seconds, others started screaming.

  "You turn them with fear?" Ere-hian asked.

  "That is the last option," Savulot replied. "But yes. Fear is a powerful tool to force correction."

  “Like…,” Ere-hian said, "how we punish criminals?"

  "That is a good viewpoint," Savulot said. "We gave them a chance to cleanse their souls, but they rejected it. They cling to an old faith, and with that, they must be corrected. Now, they will be sent to one of our camps and begin their redemption."

  Ere-hian looked to the Tempass with confusion when he heard the word camps. "I thought the Unity did not believe in slavery?"

  "It is not slavery, young Prince," Savulot said. "You see, in the face of death, many will lie to save themselves. They must prove that they have reformed. Their redemption must be tested, and they will only be allowed back to enlightenment."

  The young Prince looked back at the execution line. There were a few rebels who refused to surrender their faith. The Orc approached each one and instantly killed each one who resisted. The intense heat from the tip burned the skin until the spear shredded its heart.

  The others were chained and loaded into another walker to be taken away to prove their conversion. The Tempass gave a passionate speech to the townsfolk, stating that the Katra would bless them for their loyalty and enlightenment. How stories will be told about their bravery, that taking steps toward a brighter future was always the difficult path. They were a golden example for all the citizens of the Aristocracy.

  Ere-hian was still absorbing what he’d seen, unaware of how much brutality greatness required.