The Amber Sword

The army of thousands marched in the rain, silent except for the crunch beneath their feet. The grey sheen of metal covered a wide expanse of ground, reflected by the soldiers’ armors.

“Who are they?” One of the guards on the wall looked to his comrade. This army looks extremely strong. I can’t believe that there was such a powerful army in Aouine. Are they from Castle Kurco? Or are they from the frosty battlefields of the Northern Highlands?

A banner rose into the dark skies. That banner bore the insignia of a white lion. The symbol had survived through hundreds of years, and now it blazed with the history of the old kingdom in it.

“Whoever they are, they’re not to be messed with.” The captain replied, then shouted from the wall, “It’s the White Lion Legion! The White Lion Legion has arrived! Open the gates!”

“Open the gates!”

“Open the gates!”

The order was passed on from the top of the wall. The massive wooden gates pushed away the grime and mud on the floor, the winch creaking as the gates opened slowly.

“The harbor is under attack. Should we provide more support?” The captain of the Patrol Knights, Sir Zinopa Li, looked at the soldier who had spoken. He let out a long sigh. The sky towards the harbor’s direction was completely red, so he already knew how things were going on at that end.

“Sir?”

He shook his head, knowing that there was no saving the harbor anymore. His troops gathered around him, awaiting his orders.

“We have a more important duty,” replied the baron.

“But what about the harbor?”

“Let Qinoan fend for himself! Unless the people of Ampere Seale have been letting some trash guard the harbor, he should be able to fend for himself. If he cannot do so, let him answer to the higher ups on his own!” Zinopa said remorselessly.  “Those Grey Fin Nagas are taking this opportunity to attack us, we will definitely get our retribution!”

Before his echoes could fade completely, another soldier stumbled out of the crowd. “My lord, the Nagas have invaded the city!”

“What?!” Zinopa’s was shocked by the news. “How is this possible? Are those pirates crazy? This is not a raid anymore, this is war!”

That was exactly the intention of the Grey Fin Nagas.

“Advance! Keep moving forward! The storm will not affect children of the Heavenly Snake, Manas!”

On one of the piers, Sani overlooked  the battle calmly. He brandished his azure trident, commanding his troops to advance. Thunder roared behind him as the oceans itself surged at his sides, as if the sea and sky were supporting him.

“The queen has spoken, Grey Fin Nagas’ Secret Army, attack the city! Meet with our land-loving allies, let the sacred oath bind us together, and fight as comrades once more!”

“Attack!”

The signet of the Heavenly Snake Manas could be seen on the tip of Sani’s trident. If Brendel were here, he would definitely recognize the treasure of the Grey Fin tribe, The Staff of the Sea God.

Sir Zinopa Li steeled his nerves, as well as his face. He turned to his men and raised his saber.

“Troops, listen clearly. The enemies are part of a ploy to destroy our kingdom. Follow me, so that we may push back the Grey Fin Tribe!”

“For Aouine!”

“Long live Aouine!”

The sound of hooves joined into the cacophony. From within the howling wind, the cries of men could be heard. In just a few seconds, the square that housed the Patrol Knights was completely empty, its troops riding out to meet the enemy.

“The Patrol Knights have begun to move. Apparently they did have a plan.”

Count Audine put down his bronze binoculars. In his company was a stranger wearing a straw cape. In fact, the fat noble seemed to be deferring to the mysterious stranger. Both of them had experienced the Calamity of Wolves in the Black Forest, so their alliance that had been formed prior was stronger than ever.

Behind them was a private army of hundreds, owned by the count himself. They stood silently in the rain, waiting to receive their orders.

“Master Rudeo.”

The mysterious man nodded his head. “I have received news from the Loop of Skies. I do not know what happened at the Loop of Trade Winds, but I can tell you that this is the right course of action.”

“I suppose we shall see for ourselves. Furthermore, I have faith in that man.” Audine said as his eyes peered beyond the sheet of rain, gazing at the city below him.

“This has nothing to do with faith. To me, it’s an order.” The straw-caped man shook his head.

He raised his arm, showing the ring on his finger. The ring shone a brilliant emerald, the gem within taking the shape of a tree.

A rumble drew everyone’s attention. Surrounding Ampere Seale was the Frada Forest. The forest extended for many more miles, but even that expanse was covered by the massive shadow that had appeared from the sea. A gargantuan beast had emerged from the sea, rising up so high that it completely blocked out the heavens.

The black mass descended upon the harbor of Ampere Seale.

The guards at the harbor thought that armageddon had arrived to purge the land of all life. Everyone looked at the scene with pale faces and bulging eyes. The harbor of this ancient city had stood for so long, but now it was being consumed by a massive torrent of water. Dear Marsha, just what is going on?!

The avalanche of waves dragged the entire harbor underwater, crushing the structure beneath its pressure.

Almost immediately, the enormous shadow disappeared beneath the waves once more.

Up above the clouds, a pair of golden eyes watched the scene with much amusement.

“Not bad, kid…”