Jecrass\u2019 tired army had raced across their nation and then the border of Medain\u2019s kingdom for nearly a day. They had used every movement-Skill available, run alongside their mounts and used potions to keep both rider and animal alive.<\/p>\n
They were exhausted. Medain\u2019s heavy cavalry was fresh, having ridden from the capital for less than four hours; even if it had been at top speed, the difference was obvious.<\/p>\n
Jecrass\u2019 army was still riding towards their [Princess], staggered. Medain\u2019s army, led by their High King, was marching straight at the conflict where Jecrass\u2019 ruler, Raelt, the King of Duels, was fighting.<\/p>\n
The outcome of a full-fledged battle was clear. The only option Jecrass had was to secure their [Princess] and retreat. They could outrun Medain\u2019s infantry-heavy army. But Princess Jecaina was still surrounded by Medain\u2019s forces. The surprise attack by the Minotaurs had prevented them from taking her away before both forces met. But the [Riders] from Jecrass were exhausted.<\/p>\n
Even so. A rare wing of Jecrass\u2019 army peeled away and met a group of [Armor Knights] as both sides shot towards the melee. They had galloped after the faster [Trick Riders] fighting in a knot around the King of Duels.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeavy riders! [Lancers]\u2014bring them down!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Knight-Captains] from Medain saw the breakaway group\u2014barely more than four hundred strong. He sent an equal number of lancers. From afar, it was apparent that the other group was armed with axes and shields. They had to be tired; he was confident his [Lancers] would bring them down in the first clash.<\/p>\n The lancers of Medain shot towards their foe, shouting as they came.<\/p>\n \u201cHigh King Perric and the Golden Ranks! The Kingdom of Adventurers!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Jecrass\u2019 [Riders] were silent. Too tired to even raise a battle cry perhaps. The [Knight-Captain] was so distracted by the melee with the [Princess]\u2014he was ordering his forces forwards to get her back<\/em> to the safety of Medain\u2019s army. He\u2019d fought in wars before and knew Jecrass had the advantage in cavalry-clashes. And the other detachment was slower than most of the elite [Trick Riders]. They were\u2026<\/p>\n He heard a strange sound coming from the oncoming heavy-riders. A furious\u2026bellowing. It wasn\u2019t a sound a Human made. Or\u2026a horse. It sounded like\u2014<\/p>\n Cows.<\/em> Or rather\u2014he turned his head too late. And then realized how large<\/em> the enemy\u2019s horses were. And saw the armored heads and horns of the bicorns too late. He watched both sides accelerating, suddenly\u2014uneasy.<\/p>\n \u201c[Arrow Formation]! [Furious Charge]! [Doubled Impact]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lance Leader] called out as both sides charged straight at each other. The Bicorn\u2019s leader said nothing at all. The animals looked\u2014fresh\u2014for creatures that had ridden countless miles. No, that wasn\u2019t right.<\/p>\n They looked pissed.<\/em> Medain\u2019s [Lancers] shot forwards. And as both sides were about to collide\u2014the Bicorn-riders flickered.<\/em> They flashed past the lances aimed at rider and horse. Then they crashed<\/em> into the enemy\u2019s horses. The bicorns hit the warhorses and downed riders and horse in screaming impacts.<\/p>\n Jecrass\u2019 [Riders] swung their long-handled axes down, hacking. And their magical animals trampled and savaged their opponents. They charged, ignoring spears, pikes\u2014the bull-horses were fearless in combat, almost uncontrollable!<\/p>\n And in the heart of the battle\u2014the [King of Challenges] fought. His [Trick Riders] cut around him, slashing through gaps in their opponent\u2019s armor, ducking, dodging, but pressing onwards.<\/p>\n Towards the [Princess], struggling against her captors as they tried to break free of the melee and retreat.<\/p>\n High King Perric was heading straight for Jecaina. Locked onto Raelt. The King of Jecrass was a whirlwind, killing [Knights], enemy [Commanders] as he howled like some beast. But\u2014the High King\u2019s attention was also dragged away by the second force moving alongside his army. His army slowed, half-turning to face the unexpected force, smaller in number, which had foiled his plans.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Minotaurs. They marched from the coast, the tiny, distant warships. Bare thousands of them, compared to the other armies on the field. But two<\/em> of them had killed Gold-rank adventurers with a single throw. Now\u2014they were marching. Moving towards another distant army, which had come to do battle with both Medain and Jecrass.<\/p>\n The King of Destruction\u2019s army was still spilling out of the border between Jecrass and Medain, the Lion\u2019s Valley, where so many battles had ended in stalemate. But their furious advance had likewise\u2026slowed.<\/p>\n The House of Minos had come. It was so surprising to those on the field\u2014even to many watching by scrying orb.<\/p>\n \u201cStudents? This is what we would call a \u2018messy battle.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Niers Astoragon was watching with his class. The entire damn world was, he had no doubt. He looked up briefly.<\/p>\n \u201cRearrange the board. And while we do\u2014does anyone have an insight as to why a Minotaurian army has just landed against the King of Destruction? Remember your history and political lessons. I\u2019m waiting for a good answer.\u201d<\/p>\n He knew. And so did some of his students. A girl raised her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cPrincess Angelica.\u201d<\/p>\n The Titan of Baleros nodded to one of his new students. She was in the elite class that Umina, Marian, Venaz, and so many others enjoyed. But a new summer class, since most of Niers\u2019 oldest students were\u2026on assignment. The [Princess] ducked her head.<\/p>\n \u201cThey um\u2014I know why they\u2019re fighting, Professor. My\u2026my kingdom funded them. Along with a number of Terandrian kingdoms.\u201d<\/p>\n Some of the other students eyed Angelica, reminded she was<\/em> royalty. Rare, even for Niers Astoragon; he had taught only six other members of royalty. But he treated her the same as the others.<\/p>\n \u201cVery good. But for full marks, Princess Angelica, I would have liked to hear that aside<\/em> from the Kingdom of Morein and two thirds of Terandria\u2019s kingdoms, the House of Minos also received funding from Izril\u2019s nobility\u2014and two Walled Cities and a number of Balerosian nations. To do war with the King of Destruction. I was wondering when they\u2019d show up.\u201d<\/p>\n The other students looked astounded. Niers sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cInformation networks. We\u2019ll move it up on your curriculum. It\u2019s a [Mercenary]\u2019s best tactic, asking for multiple sides to pay for the same thing. I would have been tempted to copy the House of Minos\u2014if I had a damn armada.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He sighed. But then he pointed at the battle.<\/p>\n \u201cNow\u2014watch. You\u2019re about to see something special. The House of Minos fights in a unique way. And\u2014they have a significant history with the King of Destruction. Can anyone remember why?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The King of Destruction\u2019s rise and downfall was an incomplete story to Teres. She had heard it from the people who had been there, including Flos Reimarch himself. But they were unreliable sources, emphasizing smaller details, telling parts of a whole.<\/p>\n This is what she knew. When he had left Chandrar to make war on the world, the King of Destruction had sent his armies to two continents that had tried to assail him on Chandrar.<\/p>\n Baleros, and Izril. He sent Amerys to the south of Izril, hoping to lock down the Drake Walled Cities. She had besieged Zeres as he sent more forces with Takhatres to aid her and possibly find allies in the Gnolls.<\/p>\n To Baleros, the King of Destruction had seen a greater threat in the Great Companies of Baleros. So\u2014he had sent his [Gambler of Fates], Queravia and made for her with the bulk of his army. She had landed first after storms at sea which had delayed his fleet. There she had made a stand.<\/p>\n And died. The Titan of Baleros had slain her. But perhaps\u2014history might have been different if reinforcements had arrived in time. That they had not was due to two battles at sea. The King of Destruction was weak on the ocean, having little experience there compared to his land offensives.<\/p>\n Two navies had fought his. The first\u2014from Rhir. The Blighted King\u2019s warriors had destroyed the reinforcements bound for Izril. The second army had ambushed the King of Destruction.<\/p>\n Minotaurs. They had nearly destroyed his fleets; but for the sacrifice of Tottenval, the Gardener, they might have killed Flos himself. That was what Teres knew.<\/p>\n The King of Destruction had never spoken about Minotaurs. Now\u2014he stared at the distant army.<\/p>\n \u201cMilord. They bear the House of Minos\u2019 standards.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course they do. Order Orthenon back from entering the battle. I want him to flank them; tell him to check for any other forces lurking out of sight.\u201d<\/p>\n Flos\u2019 voice was quiet. Mars nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYour Majesty. Do we advance on them or fall back?\u201d<\/p>\n Death Commander Ytol spoke. Like Mars\u2014he had gone still at the sight of the Minotaurs. It made Teres\u2019 hair stand up. She had never heard one of Flos\u2019 officers suggest a retreat.<\/p>\n Perhaps\u2014because they had never thought it was necessary before. She looked at Mars. Normally, the [Vanguard] was always spoiling for a fight and laughing, even drinking before battle. This time, she looked intense.<\/em> She began checking her armor and weapons.<\/p>\n \u201cRetreat, Ytol? With two nations fighting before us?\u201d<\/p>\n Flos answered the Death Commander quietly. Ytol glanced at the army.<\/p>\n \u201cWe did not prepare for a battle with Minotaurs, your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction\u2019s jaw worked. He hadn\u2019t taken his eyes off the distant Minotaurs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe one with that axe killed three Gold-ranks. I know that weapon. I think I remember him.<\/em> From the battle at sea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCheck for Prince Khedal or the King of Minotaurs. Sire, if one or both are here\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI said\u2014advance<\/em>, Ytol. Spread out. Let\u2019s see what they brought to fight me.\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction\u2019s hands tightened on his horse\u2019s reins. Mars glanced at Ytol and nodded. Blank-faced, the man bowed.<\/p>\n \u201cF\u2014your Majesty? Why are they here?\u201d<\/p>\n Teres saw Flos look at her and flinched. He blinked and smiled\u2014but it changed nothing. The King of Destruction sat up slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI never knew their hearts, Teresa Atwood. They attacked me once at sea, declaring war though I had chosen to avoid fighting them. As for why\u2014perhaps just that they put themselves against me. To the death. They ended my dream once. I would like to return the favor now.\u201d<\/p>\n Teres saw him turn ahead, and then the air was full of orders and she was only in the way. She rode, seeing the other army marching at them. A tiny force compared to the vanguard the King of Destruction had brought to fight both nations at once.<\/p>\n And yet\u2014they disturbed her.<\/p>\n Why had they come?<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As was often said, the world watched. Noass and Drassi were commentating. At one point, the [Gossip] turned [Reporter] just threw her notes up in the air.<\/p>\n They did not understand. They were Drakes, being advised by Wistram. Minotaurs seldom entered the academy.<\/p>\n But there were<\/em> Minotaurs across the world who saw.<\/p>\n \u201cCheckmate.\u201d<\/p>\n Rhata pushed the piece forwards with her nose. Zevara stared down at the grey rat, affronted. Haldagaz nibbled on a cracker. Neither rat had played chess, of course, although Calruz had<\/em> taught them to move pieces.<\/p>\n The Minotaur sat across from the Drake, at the barrier of his cell. Zevara scowled. It was a custom of theirs, now, to have moments like this.<\/p>\n \u201cI give. How is the monster-clearing work going? I didn\u2019t get to check with you yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n Grumpily, Zevara folded her arms. Calruz scratched at his chin. He looked more\u2026alive, since she had made part of his imprisonment fighting monsters.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The dungeon\u2019s door blew open. Zevara heard loud voices raised in argument. She spun, putting her hand on the sword. Calruz straightened as Rhata and Haldagaz leapt onto his shoulders in alarm.<\/p>\n It was Bezale. She came down the dungeon.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is the meaning of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCalruz of Hammerad.<\/em> You have to see this.\u201d<\/p>\n Bezale stopped in front of his cell, panting. Two of the [Guard] followed, weapons trained on her. She was unarmed. But she did have a scrying orb in hand. Calruz blinked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n Zevara was about to order the Minotauress to put down the orb. She kept tabs on who visited Calruz. Erin, Olesm\u2014and yes, Bezale, twice\u2014but the Minotauress had put aside everything. She thrust the orb urgently forwards. This went beyond criminality. Minotaur looked at Minotaur.<\/p>\n \u201cLook.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Calruz saw the scrying orb, the gesticulating Drakes. And then the distant army, marching towards the King of Destruction. The view cut to [Mages] on the ground, trying to call out to the Minotaurs who ignored them. His eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u201cThe House of Minos.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve gone to war.\u201d<\/p>\n He saw Bezale nod. She stood there, then looked around. Zevara blinked at Bezale.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy did you come?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur home has gone to war. Prisoner\u2014whoever. This matters.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Spellscribe] answered her succinctly. Then she sat down, cross-legged. Calruz copied her. Zevara looked at them. Both Minotaurs\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014Were watching. Venaz stood there, in front of the scrying orb, eyes locked onto it.<\/p>\n Wil was gone, still waiting for the [Alchemist] to come back with the results of the poison-test he\u2019d performed on Yerranola. But the other [Strategists] were there.<\/p>\n \u201cGrandfather\u2019s beards. Minotaurs? You know about this, Venaz?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. I didn\u2019t expect them to show up now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Venaz answered Merrik without looking away. Peki and Feshi glanced up. The Gnoll growled softly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe House of Minos. But why did they come? I heard about the payment\u2014some of the tribes gave money too. But why oppose the King of Destruction so fiercely? Did he attack them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe never did. Minotaurs attacked him.\u201d<\/p>\n Peki squinted at Venaz. He glanced at her and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOur King decreed it. Just like this time\u2014she\u2019s\u2026hold on. Get out of the way, you stupid Drakes! Show me\u2014ah.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He bent down, snorting, as the image turned to the two Minotaurs leading the small army again. Venaz made a sound.<\/p>\n \u201cShe sent them. Of course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n The huge Minotaur in front was clearly a [General]. Unlike the younger Minotaurs striding behind him in ranks, the one in front wore a battered, bronze-ish armor, clearly enchanted from the way it seemed to glitter oddly in the light, even with no rays of sun hitting it directly. He stood proudly, holding the axe he\u2019d thrown as well as carrying a huge two-handed battleaxe. But he was\u2014old.<\/p>\n His fur and mane had turned grey. That was the real clue. In fact\u2026Feshi thought the other one, a Minotauress, looked just as elderly.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve finally found a place to bring the fight to the King of Destruction. Looks like\u2026a lot of Sharphorns. And [Lineholders]. Yes\u2026it makes sense. The idiots\u2014where\u2019s the artillery?\u201d<\/p>\n That was all Venaz said. His friends watched him.<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019re the Minotaurs, Venaz?\u201d<\/p>\n Merrik squinted at the orb. Venaz started. He looked at them and then shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI forget you wouldn\u2019t know. Anyone of the House of Minos would\u2026they have to be watching. They\u2019d have informed the King once they made their decision to land. They\u2019re all watching.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Venaz was right.<\/p>\n From the House of Minos, they gathered to look into the scrying orbs. Minotaurs, young and old, most on their island, but across the world\u2014from Calruz and Bezale in Liscor\u2019s prison, to the throne of the House of Minos.<\/p>\n Prince Khedal folded his arms as he watched the advance of the Minotaurs from their warships.<\/p>\n \u201cThey mean to bring the fight to the King of Destruction, my liege. His forces have slowed; it may be another hour before they enter into range.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat of the battle between Jecrass and Medain?\u201d<\/p>\n The voice that came from the throne was female. Khedal glanced at the battle dismissively. He turned his head.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth sides are adding forces to the fight but neither one is triumphing, my King. Medain\u2019s main army is growing closer. Should our forces\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. They will have the King of Destruction to contend with. And stop calling me, \u2018my King\u2019, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n She sat on the throne. The King of the House of Minos, since it was a royal title, not bound by distinction of gender.<\/p>\n The King of Minotaurs. Prince Khedal nodded. They were bound by blood.<\/p>\n \u201cThe young [Prince] will be disappointed you forbade him from joining General Ozem\u2019s forces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe isn\u2019t ready.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all his mother said. Khedal nodded. He looked down at the forces below. Four armies, three of them of Chandrar. His hands clenched and unclenched, and the [Prince] wished he were there. He growled into the orb.<\/p>\n \u201cFight gloriously, Humans. You owe your opponents no less.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reim\u2019s army had slowed their advance. They were moving away from the battle with Jecrass\u2019 army and Medain\u2019s. High King Perric was clearly wary of both armies since he\u2019d slowed his forces to create offensive lines against either one pressing at him.<\/p>\n But he needn\u2019t have worried. Both the King of Destruction and Minotaurs were locked on each other. The Minotaurs were advancing faster, away from their ships.<\/p>\n It was a curious tactical move. But the King of Minotaurs did not order the [General] to abort. It was his battle. And indeed\u2014it was forcing Flos\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re trying to advance on us.<\/em> So if we fall back we\u2019ll be caught in the pass.\u201d<\/p>\n That was Jelaim\u2019s frank assessment. He wasn\u2019t one of the commanders around Flos, but he shared their insight here. He shook his head, baring his teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cBut we outnumber them by\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Teres was astounded. She heard the count coming in; Orthenon had sped along the coast, checking for ambushes or tricks. As far as he could tell\u2014there were none.<\/p>\n \u201cYour Majesty, Orthenon believes this is the entirety of their force not counting the skeleton crews holding their warships.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd how many landed?\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Destruction looked ahead. The elevation dropped to sea level from the pass, so they could actually see the distant ships.<\/p>\n Teres saw the huge sails, and thought they were massive. Not as large as her world\u2019s\u2014but close. For a medieval-type ship? Possibly as large as Earth had ever made.<\/p>\n Warships. <\/em>Six of them. The House of Minos had built vast vessels with reinforced hulls\u2014the kind made for battles with sea serpents and bombardments from other ships at sea. Magically reinforced woods, steel-plated bows.<\/p>\n Each one could hold about a thousand Minotaur [Warriors] in addition to the skeleton crew. Now\u2014all six had disembarked their forces.<\/p>\n But that\u2014was such a strange number as Teres heard it.<\/p>\n Six thousand Minotaurs? They were outnumbered at least fourteen-to-one. She expected Flos Reimarch to laugh. She nearly scoffed aloud until something made Teres shiver.<\/p>\n That was like how Flos had fought Jecrass.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n —-<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Still\u2014their army puzzled the armchair [Strategists], the viewers from afar. Noass spoke loudly into the scrying orb as Niers motioned for him to be muted.<\/p>\n \u201cNo horse complement. No\u2026archers?<\/em> What kind of an army is this? Drassi, as a bit of a [Strategist] myself, I have to say that this looks more and more like a bl\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He was mercifully silenced. The Titan raised his head.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone share that Drake\u2019s opinion?\u201d<\/p>\n His new students shifted. They were still too nervous to freely vouch their opinions and anyways\u2014they rightly suspected this question was a trap.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2014it is<\/em> an unusual composition, Professor. The King of Destruction has a famous cavalry-leader in his [Steward], as well as powerful [Mages] and archers. Um\u2014they don\u2019t seem to have many [Mages] either.\u201d<\/p>\n A half-Elf put up his hand defiantly. He was from Terandria. Niers nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAll fair. But this is what you\u2019re missing. They have an advantage few armies carry, especially in those numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed. Artillery. <\/em>His students looked at the odd contraptions. Only the Drakes and Princess Angelica were intimately familiar with them.<\/p>\n Weapons of war. It wasn\u2019t unknown; far from it. But when a [Mage] could cast [Siege Fireball], why carry around ammunition and weaponry? The process of building them was a secret known widely only to Drakes and Minotaurs. Now, Niers eyed the siege weapons on the field, being pulled by their teams.<\/p>\n Eighteen ballistae. Seven catapults.<\/p>\n Another hand rose. This time from the [Princess] again.<\/p>\n \u201cNot trebuchets, Professor? Even the Drakes have them.\u201d<\/p>\n The Titan didn\u2019t raise his head.<\/p>\n \u201cVenaz would be able to tell you, Princess Angelica, that trebuchets are poor weapons for combat on an open field. They\u2019re meant for besieging. Moreover\u2014these are Minotaur-class artillery. Do you recall how they fought at sea?\u201d<\/p>\n He meant the battle with the [Strategists] and their encounter with Prince Khedal\u2019s warship. The others nodded. The Titan stared at the orb.<\/p>\n \u201cThere you go.\u201d<\/p>\n He did not elaborate. Now, Niers looked at the Minotaur leading the army. As much as the types of warriors that had been brought\u2026the question remained who led them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe took gold to strike against him\u2026it feels like years ago. But the House of Minos could not attack immediately, inland as Reim was. General Ozem must have seized the moment to strike.\u201d<\/p>\n Venaz pointed into the orb at the old Minotaur leading the rest. Feshi narrowed her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHe must be mad. Or extremely high-level. There are two<\/em> of the King\u2019s Seven there\u2014if you count Orthenon. And the King of Destruction himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd he has his famous Skill. What are they hoping to do? How good is this General Ozem, Venaz?\u201d<\/p>\n Merrik added. Like Noass, and some of Niers\u2019 class, he shared the Drake\u2019s skepticism. This looked like a poor<\/em> fight. The Minotaur rubbed at his chin.<\/p>\n \u201cOzem? His class is [Onslaught General]. He is not the House of Minos\u2019 best<\/em> leader. But he is\u2026the oldest. He has seen more battle than anyone in this city. He\u2019d be\u202674 years old the last time his name-day was called. The Minotauress by his side? First of Horns, Neriha of Hammerad. She is only a few years younger than Ozem. My region\u2019s greatest champion. I had the honor of taking six lessons from her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said they took artillery, but that\u2019s a small<\/em> number, even for that many Minotaurs, Venaz.\u201d<\/p>\n Feshi pointed out. Peki nodded. Eighteen ballistae and seven catapults\u2026was twenty five. She was bad with math. She expected more. Venaz just shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cOzem knows his business better than me.\u201d<\/p>\n He saw the image flicker back to the [Commentators]. And indeed, Queen Yisame, the Empress of Sands, Wistram Academy, so many others\u2026were watching as they made their portentous statements.<\/p>\n The Minotaurs on the ground, their motives, strategy, was all watched from afar. But\u2014it was a changing world. A brave, or idiotic, [Mage] struggled across the ground after them, hoping for an interview. Everyone saw through the scrying orb she was carrying her approaching the ranks of Minotaurs, calling out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me! Excuse me, I\u2019m from Wistram! I\u2019d like an interview!\u201d<\/p>\n The woman\u2019s voice quavered a bit. And it made the marching [General] look up. The drumming beat of feet had been the only sound aside from his thoughts and the beating of his heart. Now\u2014he looked at the [Mage] waving at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is that, Ozem?\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotauress, taller than he was, squinted at the Human [Mage]. She was First of Horns, Neriha of Hammerad, the [Champion] who had come with his army.<\/p>\n Her eyes were going in her advancing age. She squinted at the [Mage]; the Minotaurs on foot strode past her, ignoring her attempts to keep up. The Human looked comically small next to them.<\/p>\n Most Minotaurs were above six feet tall, even without their horns and they could be far naturally taller. They were stronger as well\u2014like the bicorns versus regular warhorses.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me! I\u2019m from Wistram\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The vanguard around Ozem swung down their weapons in a moment and the [Mage] stopped. But she held out the scrying orb as if it was a flag of peace, or some relic-class artifact.<\/p>\n General Ozem of Maweil had served the House of Minos for decades. He couldn\u2019t remember ever seeing something as strange as this. Of course\u2014he knew what she was about.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the [Mages] with their scrying network. They probably want to speak with us for their interviews.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all Neriha said. The two Minotaurs kept walking.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me! Please wait\u2014the world is watching\u2014I\u2019d like an interview\u2014Commentator Noass and Miss Drassi\u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mage] panted after them. The Minotaurs were striding ahead, aided by Ozem\u2019s movement Skill. [Army: Longstriders].<\/em><\/p>\n They were making for the King of Destruction, who\u2019d halted to spread out and create an organized front against the Minotaurs. Wise of him. Ozem calculated it would still be another hour or two before they approached him.<\/p>\n Medain and Jecrass were still fighting. Part of him longed to enter that fray. But he had a single task. The [General] had a thought. He turned to Neriha as the two walked. He carried the axe\u2014still bloodstained\u2014that he had used to kill Gold-ranks in a single throw. Of course, Neriha was an expert at throwing weapons, but Ozem was not. Yet the blade he held had gone true.<\/p>\n It was a gift, from the King of Minotaurs. For now.<\/p>\n \u201cThis means we are being broadcast to the House of Minos and the world at large, Neriha.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm. That does make one feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled. The two ignored the [Mage] herself, but she was allowed to follow at a jog, panting, unable to fully catch up even with the [Haste] spell on her. The two talked as old friends did, of countless campaigns. Their conversation was even audible from the scrying orb; they took little attention to the plaintive [Mage].<\/p>\n \u201cThe lines for warrior-applicants will be long in Etrerra-Valar today.\u201d<\/p>\n Few people knew what that meant. Drassi looked at Noass and he was searching through an encyclopedia on the House of Minos\u2014and there were few.<\/p>\n But Minotaurs understood. Etrerra-Valar was the main harbor of the House of Minos. Warrior-applicants were the volunteers for the army.<\/p>\n The House of Minos was a paradise. Its standing army was all<\/em> volunteers. No conscription necessary. And rather than [Soldiers]\u2014most were [Warriors] in class. An important distinction, in many ways.<\/p>\n A strange land. Hitherto unknown to many of the public consciousness, like the Drathian Empire. Minotaurs existed, and you might see them, especially at sea.<\/p>\n But look now and listen.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me\u2014do you have a word for the viewers at home? Can I ask why the House of Minos has decided to\u2014hello?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mage] jogged next to some younger Minotaurs, bearing axes and shields. Very few swords compared to some armies; there were axes, hammers among some of the older Minotaurs, but little in the way of spears or swords, a mainstay in other armies. No horses. No bows.<\/p>\n The young Minotaur glanced once at the [Mage], and then walked straight ahead, in ranks, with the others next to him. Curiously\u2014the older Minotaurs in the front and the ones lugging the artillery had decorated their horns. The bulk of the army\u2014their horns were just white ivory.<\/p>\n Sharphorns. <\/em>You could feel their excitement, the way they nearly broke formation with their eagerness as the older veterans maintained the pace.<\/p>\n \u201cUntested Sharphorns.\u201d<\/p>\n Neriha snorted, but affectionately, casting a glance backwards. Ozem nodded. Four thousand of the House of Minos\u2019 [Warriors] were new. Two thousand were complete veterans, like him and Neriha.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse <\/em>me, General Ozem!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mage] had finally caught up with the [General] again. She had that exasperated tone in her voice that suggested she<\/em> was the one who was owed something. Ozem glanced at her.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I ask why you\u2019re attacking the King of Destruction?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur King ordered it.\u201d<\/p>\n The [General] spoke briefly. The [Mage] fell behind and then hurried after him.<\/p>\n \u201cCan you elaborate, [General]? We\u2019d appreciate a few words if you could spare them\u2014what do you feel the odds are for your victory? Are you sure this<\/em> is the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re so noisy.\u201d<\/p>\n Neriha glanced back at the [Mage]. Ozem nodded. The King of Minos had ordered him to take the battle to the King of Destruction and fulfill their contract. But\u2026that was just an excuse.<\/p>\n He had volunteered and known she would appoint him and Neriha. He could have sat down and explained all this to the Wistram [Mage], taken a break from his advance on the King of Destruction just to talk to her<\/em>.<\/p>\n But she didn\u2019t deserve it. If those watching did not know his name or his past or why he had come here\u2014they did not have the right to know. So Ozem looked ahead. He saw the King of Destruction\u2019s army spreading out, setting themselves on higher ground at the base of the pass.<\/p>\n Infantry, spread out in an enveloping formation to the left and right. Unlike a battle with two armies of either side, an echelon formation or any other type had little point. They just needed to surround the Minotaurs.<\/p>\n The [Steward]<\/em> was circling from the side.<\/em> Ozem was watching him. [Mages]\u2026behind the King of Destruction\u2019s lines, with archers. He wasn\u2019t trying a unique maneuver. Besides\u2014<\/p>\n His Gambler was dead. Now there<\/em> was a [Strategist] Ozem would have loved to see on the field, as much as the Titan of Baleros. The half-Giants were moving to the sides as well; they\u2019d join the flanking maneuver to avoid running through infantry no doubt.<\/p>\n He had time to adjust to them; both sides were still far out of range. Ozem saw all of this as the [Mage] pestered him, trying to get him to respond.<\/p>\n She was annoying. So the [General] decided to silence her. He raised his axe.<\/p>\n And began to sing.<\/p>\n The [Mage] jerked in surprise. But Ozem\u2019s voice was alone for a moment. As if they had expected it, waiting, the other Minotaurs joined him.<\/p>\n Each one knew the song. Young and old, male and female, they marched as they sang. Passing by the dying [Soldiers] from Jecrass and Medain, towards the King of Destruction. Reim\u2019s army could hear them, in the distance.<\/p>\n It was a song anyone who came from the House of Minos knew. Home.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cFrom days of war and wrath we ran<\/em><\/p>\n Exiled from every land<\/em><\/p>\n Searching for our honor lost<\/em><\/p>\n And found the House of Minos’ sands.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n In days of old our savage kind<\/em><\/p>\n Lost our pride and lost our minds<\/em><\/p>\n To keep our wisdom the King decreed:<\/em><\/p>\n This land was ours as fate designed.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n By rock and sand the holds arose<\/em><\/p>\n And the House of Minos built its throne<\/em><\/p>\n Maweil sails and Beriad creates<\/em><\/p>\n Hammerad protects and Samad grows.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Now watch and wait, and guard this land<\/em><\/p>\n That never may dishonor stand<\/em><\/p>\n When the King calls our fleets to war<\/em><\/p>\n We remind the world of our names once more.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n From the House of Minos we march to war<\/em><\/p>\n And the axes rise and fall once more<\/em><\/p>\n Until the last horn will break<\/em><\/p>\n Let nations tremble and empire quake!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Each to their own. Venaz and Calruz saw Minotaurs within the ranks of the Sharphorns and one of the old vanguards swung up their blades. And they joined in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere does the warrior fall?<\/em><\/p>\n What end see I, large or small?<\/em><\/p>\n Laugh at death, and stand ever tall!<\/em><\/p>\n From the House of Minos, Hammerad calls.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Each to a holding. Maweil was next, Bezale\u2019s home, and Ozem\u2019s.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe sail until the world’s end<\/em><\/p>\n Bring death to foe and aid to friend<\/em><\/p>\n Those whom the House of Minos offend<\/em><\/p>\n Maweil’s sails your doom portends.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Perhaps then\u2014the others understood. Zevara looked at Calruz and Bezale and saw part of it. She sat there, next to his cell.<\/p>\n As he marched, General Ozem smiled. It was quiet again. He looked forwards, to the King of Destruction.<\/p>\n It would be glorious. <\/em>Both armies slowly advanced towards each other over many miles. And behind them\u2014almost as an afterthought\u2014the battle between Jecrass and Medain reached its zenith.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Princess Jecaina of Jecrass saw war in its entirety for the first time. She saw battle\u2014not as [Soldiers] returning home, wounded, triumphant, or absent\u2014but as her father had known it.<\/p>\n \u201cFall back! To the High King! Rally on me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cForwards! Guard the [Princess]!\u201d<\/p>\n Men and women crashed around her, horses impaling themselves on pikes, their riders falling from saddles, hacking at each other. There was no finesse here, no patterns of attack and defense except on a larger scale.<\/p>\n The [Soldiers] were packed so tightly in places by both sides pressing forwards that they had no room to maneuver. They were literally shoved into their enemy\u2019s swords by those behind them.<\/p>\n All for her. Jecaina saw a [Soldier] reaching for her, only to be taken down by a spear-cast from afar. She cried out in horror\u2014until she saw the golden wave on his chest and realized he\u2019d been a [Soldier] from Medain.<\/p>\n She had picked up a shortsword from the ground. It felt so heavy and awkward rather than the foil or rapier she carried. But she swung it, knocking down a blade coming at her. She found a shield covered in gore and hesitated\u2014then she seized it.<\/p>\n \u201c<\/em>The [Princess]! Secure the\u2014\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n They didn\u2019t even know where she was.<\/em> The fighting rounded on the shouter, a [Knight-Captain] desperately fighting forwards. The [Princess] raised her buckler. For a moment she stared in horror at someone\u2019s intestines, still stuck to the rim.<\/p>\n Then\u2014a screaming [Knight] charged her and she brought the shield up and felt the shock<\/em> of impact as he swung a mace. She lashed out, hacking at his helmet and armor. She tried to step back\u2014collided with someone who threw her forwards.<\/p>\n He was right. Jecaina couldn\u2019t use her footwork. And the other [Knight] just kept charging at her, trying to pull aside her shield and bring his mace down on her body for a killing blow. If he knew she was the [Princess] of Jecrass\u2014the battle had driven him to madness.<\/p>\n \u201c[Fencer\u2019s Riposte]!\u201d<\/p>\n An opening. <\/em>Jecaina\u2019s blade flicked across the opening as the mace rebounded. If the other [Knight] had possessed a shield; but it had been torn from his arm.<\/p>\n Her shortsword caught him in the tiniest of gaps between helmet and armor. His gorget failed him. Jecaina felt the sick impact\u2014and pulled her sword back.<\/p>\n He clutched at a throat spilling crimson. But he still attacked her\u2014or tried to. Jecaina brought her sword down on his helmet, like a hammer. She struck again and again<\/em>, crying out.<\/p>\n He fell limp. Jecaina stood over him, shuddering. Just for a second\u2014<\/p>\n She had killed someone. Not a monster. A person.<\/p>\n Her.<\/em> She had killed\u2026her. Jecaina looked at the female [Knight] and realized that. Then someone grabbed her.<\/p>\n \u201c[Pr\u2014]\u201d<\/p>\n She slashed at the person grabbing her. The [Soldier] stumbled, staring down at the gash in his armor. Jecrass\u2019<\/em> armor.<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Jecaina lowered her blade in shock. The [Soldier] fumbled desperately. For a potion.<\/p>\n \u201c[Princess] J\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n His chest exploded in a gout of fire. Jecaina saw the short spear run the [Soldier] through as the enchanted tip burst through armor and flesh. A [Warrior] in armor painted with gold-leaf pointed at her.<\/p>\n \u201cThe [Princess] is here! Rally on me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Medain\u2019s Golden Ranks carved through the [Soldiers] around her. Former adventurers, wielding the same artifacts they\u2019d possessed in their career. Compared to that\u2014Jecaina struck forwards in a quick stab. She saw the [Warrior] step back and his spear whirled.<\/p>\n \u201c[Overcut Arc]!\u201d<\/p>\n The fiery tip sheared<\/em> through her unenchanted sword. Jecaina stumbled backwards as the Gold-rank advanced. Even compared to Medain\u2019s [Knights], they were in another class.<\/p>\n \u201cTo the [Princess]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A figure burst through the crowd. A warrior mounted on a fiery horse. Jecaina recognized it. Nightmare.<\/em> The horse was dark, possessed of incredible night-vision and stealth; a carnivorous predator.<\/p>\n The enchanted barding was aflame. The horse screamed and charged<\/em>. The Gold-rank adventurer brought up his spear and swore.<\/p>\n \u201c[Phantom Spearwall]!\u201d<\/p>\n Jecaina saw the horse charge forwards onto the spectral spears. They pierced the animal\u2019s hide and it screamed. But then\u2014it kept moving<\/em>. Jecaina saw the mouth open and razor teeth biting at the adventurer.<\/p>\n \u201cNightmare! Get over here!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The rider struck at the adventurer with a spear and the two exchanged blows as more of Medain\u2019s elites moved forwards. The rider turned.<\/p>\n \u201cPrincess! That way!\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed and the Gold-rank jabbed. Jecaina saw a burst of fire. She turned\u2014and ran. She heard a voice, saw, for a moment, at the center of the fighting, a figure on foot.<\/p>\n \u201cJecaina!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Raelt of Jecrass was fighting without his horse. He had his parrying dagger and sword; both were covered up to the hilts in red. He looked\u2014Jecaina saw his head turning.<\/p>\n \u201cFather!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She shouted\u2014and felt an impact on her back. Jecaina turned; one of the Golden Ranks had thrown something.<\/p>\n A net.<\/em> The adventurer grinned as he hauled her back.<\/p>\n \u201cTo me! We\u2019ve got the [Princess]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The battle turned around Jecaina in a moment. But\u2014she saw Jecrass\u2019 [Riders] plunging forwards, fighting in the press. But they were light cavalry!<\/em> They weren\u2019t meant for a fight like this. And half were on foot. Which meant they\u2019d lost their mounts.<\/p>\n Medain\u2019s army had finally caught up. Now\u2014the Golden Ranks and fastest of their infantry were amid the fighting. Jecaina fought wildly, but the net thrower\u2019s bindings were like steel<\/em>. She was dragged backwards, into their grip again.<\/p>\n So helpless. Jecaina wanted to shout. One Gold-rank\u2014or even two! But an army surrounded her. She was dragged backwards as Medain\u2019s ranks closed around her.<\/p>\n Then she saw a tall man. Not as tall as her father. He had a crown, and he was strong, armored in numerous artifacts and surrounded by the Golden Ranks, his elites. High King Perric looked down at Jecaina with a triumphant look on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cPrincess Jecaina. You have inconvenienced us quite a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n High King Perric gestured to his soldiers.<\/p>\n \u201cTake her to the capital at once. Force Jecrass\u2019 soldiers back. Don\u2019t tear them completely to bits. We need their army to take on the King of Destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet go of me! <\/em>You have no right, you coward!\u201d<\/p>\n Jecaina fought the hands around her. Perric looked at her with a flash of anger at that last word. But he turned past her.<\/p>\n \u201cAmplify my voice. Raelt of Jecrass! Your daughter is my captive! Pull your forces back now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n His words boomed across the battlefield. Jecrass\u2019 soldiers stopped fighting and saw, at last, Jecaina being dragged onto a horse. The Golden Ranks surrounding her. She saw a man on the ground look up. His circlet of gold\u2014her father met her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cThere you are.\u201d<\/p>\n Raelt muttered. He\u2019d been so worried, looking for her among the bodies, the fighting. So\u2014he stumbled forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cYour Majesty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Geril was next to him. The old retainer had fought through everything to stay with him. General Lael? She might be in the fighting. Or dead. Raelt didn\u2019t know. Right now\u2014he didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n There she was.<\/p>\n King Perric frowned as he saw Raelt stumbling forwards. The man looked half-dead, <\/em>covered in blood and wounds.<\/p>\n \u201cKing Leysars, you will turn your army to do battle with the King of Destruction! Your daughter is\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Could he even hear him? Perric raised his voice. And he saw the King of Duel\u2019s eyes turn towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cPerric.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Raelt came to a stop. He seemed to take in the odds only now. Medain\u2019s elites, standing fresh and ready and Jecrass\u2019 exhausted army.<\/p>\n The King of Destruction had managed to transport a vast army with him. But Raelt\u2019s desperate riders hadn\u2019t a chance. Not against Medain\u2019s full army.<\/p>\n The Gold-ranks were cheering their leader, one of them. The High King drew his enchanted sword, the Wavebreaker of Medain, a heirloom of his house, and pointed it at Raelt. He wore a Ring of Ironskin along with the Greater Arrowguard Ring, and an Amulet of Solidity, which could resist both aura and spell. His boots were [Haste]-capable for two minutes. His armor\u2026<\/p>\n Raelt pointed his rapier at Perric.<\/p>\n \u201cFight me, you little coward.\u201d<\/p>\n His voice was unenchanted. But it was loud enough. The cheering stopped. High King Perric looked down at Raelt. The [King of Challenges] swayed on his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are in no position to make demands. I\u2014we say again\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFight me, Perric. And I\u2019ll kill you like the pig you are.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [King of Challenges] began to walk forwards. His soldiers advanced. He was looking at Jecaina. She tried to call out to him.<\/p>\n \u201cFather, don\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be a fool! She\u2019s my prisoner! Her life is in my hands!\u201d<\/p>\n Raelt was just looking at Jecaina. Perric put his sword out, towards Jecaina. The King of Jecrass looked at his daughter. Then up at the King of Medain.<\/p>\n \u201cYou cannot have her. I said, I challenge you, Perric. As [Kings]! Fight me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He roared. And his army shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cChallenge! Duel!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The High King hesitated. He was armed in twelve artifacts, each more powerful than the last. Raelt looked dead. But\u2026he had brought the King of Destruction near to death. Twice. More than that\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve forsworn yourself in a duel before, King Leysars. You have no right. Turn your army now and\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Duels stared at his daughter. Then the Golden Ranks. They were tensed, wary. Each one was a former Gold-rank adventurer. And they had a sixth sense about what might come next.<\/p>\n Not easy foes. They were fully prepared to fall back with Jecaina and their [King] rather than fight. And Raelt had no more tricks. No more River Wardens, either, not with him.<\/p>\n His daughter. Raelt shook his head slightly. Behind him was the King of Destruction\u2019s army. They might be able to crush Medain\u2019s forces. But they would have to take the capital in a siege first, if Medain\u2019s army had Jecaina. And Flos had sworn his oath.<\/p>\n If the Minotaurs weren\u2019t here\u2026if he had noticed earlier, or made peace earlier.<\/p>\n If, if, if. Raelt\u2019s life was plagued by those kinds of things. A ruler, no, a [King] was haunted by them, no matter what they did. His head bowed.<\/p>\n The King of Duels turned away, lowering his rapier and dagger. The High King smiled. Jecaina stirred. She saw Raelt walking, his posture light, relaxed.<\/p>\n Perfect. She opened her mouth. But.<\/p>\n She wanted to be saved. <\/em><\/p>\n Her father looked back. Her father. Her dad. King Perric of Medain might have sired children dozens of times with all his wives. But he was no parent.<\/p>\n Jecaina saw Raelt neatly turn, his body compact, moving on his heel. He raised his rapier as he took a step, as if to bow or kneel.<\/p>\n The [King of Challenges] vanished. He stepped across the distance between himself and Jecaina. Covered it in a moment.<\/p>\n A [Fencer\u2019s Lunge]. He buried the rapier in the head of the Gold-rank who held Jecaina. Enchanted rapier piercing through Skill and artifact.<\/p>\n [Royal Arms]. <\/em>The other Golden Ranks recoiled, crying out. Raelt withdrew the sword.<\/p>\n \u201c[Triple Slash].\u201d<\/p>\n He cut across a second Gold-rank adventurer, aiming at one covered in leather armor. Enchanted, but leather. Blood flew.<\/p>\n \u201cYou fool. Capture him! Him and his daughter!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Perric reacted first. His Golden Ranks closed in. They were, after all, Gold\u2014<\/p>\n A [King] looked at them. He was, after all, a [King].<\/em><\/p>\n [Flurry Blades].<\/em> Both his rapier and dagger moved. An adventurer threw himself sideways to avoid. Jecaina saw Raelt spin, seeking another target.<\/p>\n He moved away from a slashing blade with [Flash Step], moving out of range. His rapier flickered. The air moved. [Wind Cutter] took the woman in the eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cGo.\u201d<\/p>\n The King of Duels slapped the horse\u2019s side. Jecaina looked down at him. And then realized\u2014the Gold-ranks around her had fallen back, to take cover. She felt the horse start, then move.<\/p>\n \u201cStop him!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The High King saw it all and roared. His Golden Ranks surged forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cHorselords and Jecrass! For the King of Duels!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Soldiers] charged. They broke forwards, on foot, on horse, and Jecaina thought she saw them glowing.<\/em> Just for a moment. It came from her father. Men and women seemed larger. And they fell upon Medain\u2019s army like\u2014like\u2014<\/p>\n [Aura of the Lion]. Jecaina\u2019s horse made a furious sound. It planted its front hooves and suddenly kicked<\/em>.<\/p>\n A Gold-rank [Warrior] had been grabbing for her. He had dozens of Skills, possibly with [Ironskin] or [Greater Endurance]\u2026<\/p>\n The horse\u2019s hooves still kicked<\/em> him in the face. Raelt saw another grabbing for Jecaina\u2019s leg. He stepped over and ran the man through the chest.<\/p>\n Someone knocked him aside. A woman with a shield. Raelt tried to drag the rapier free\u2014but it was caught in the screaming adventurer. So he let go of it.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got him! I\u2019ve got\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [King] leapt. He wrenched her shield down and swept his parrying dagger across her throat. The Gold-rank shouted and one of her rings flashed.<\/em><\/p>\n The blade turned. Raelt\u2019s vision spun as she buffeted<\/em> him with her shield. She was strong! He dragged his dagger up and stabbed again.<\/p>\n Again<\/em>, the ring flashed, turning the blow. So Raelt pushed the blade\u2014slowly\u2014through the woman\u2019s throat as she hit him with the hilt of her sword. He cut left.<\/p>\n The High King and the Golden Ranks saw the former Gold-rank adventurer clutching at her throat. And again, the [King of Challenges] stabbed. Again and again.<\/p>\n The man was supposed to be a [Fencer]. He picked up the woman\u2019s sword as more of the Golden Ranks closed in. He brought it down on a helm, covering his daughter.<\/p>\n \u201cSeize her.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The High King rode forwards at last. He went for Jecaina, cutting through the [Soldiers] who were throwing themselves forwards like insane [Berserkers]. He saw her riding, trying to break through as another, common [Soldier] blocked her way\u2014<\/p>\n And there was Raelt again. He had a hatchet this time. He brought it down on the man\u2019s shoulder. He rose, stumbling\u2014someone had shot an arrow through his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cPerric.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked up. The High King hesitated. He tried to maneuver past Raelt. Jecaina\u2014the King of Duels was blocking the way. The Golden Ranks held back, their bravado challenged and found wanting.<\/p>\n They were afraid to die. Raelt was breathing hard. He looked back, once.<\/p>\n Geril was grabbing at Jecaina. The old [Retainer] looked back once.<\/p>\n \u201cYour Majesty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A wall of Medain\u2019s [Soldiers] stood between the [King] and his escape. But he just smiled. Or bared his teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cFight me, Perric.\u201d<\/p>\n The High King hesitated. He saw Raelt lunge.<\/p>\n A beast made of a man hacked at the Golden Ranks. It bit off a man\u2019s ear and buried a dagger in a woman\u2019s eye. They dragged it back, but it kept fighting. It screamed his name.<\/em><\/p>\n The High King fled. He chased the daughter, riding forwards. Jecrass\u2019 army was broken. Many still fought, but the rest were falling back, trying to protect their [Princess].<\/p>\n \u201cRide! Ride!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Geril was shouting in Jecaina\u2019s ear. She looked back once. The High King was pursuing her with his Golden Ranks. He was\u2026his army had encircled Jecrass\u2019. They slowed as they fought clear. Just a bit closer, a bit\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cI have you at last!\u201d<\/p>\n The High King caught up with her. He swung his sword sideways and Jecaina reached for a sword she didn\u2019t have. The enchanted blade sheared through the [Soldier] who brought up his shield to guard her.<\/p>\n A copy of her father. The High King raised his sword again, to behead her horse.<\/p>\n \u201c[Full Power Blow].\u201d<\/p>\n Geril