The Betrayal
Prologue: In the world of Alderia, there are five races: dwarves, Aldarins, humans, orcs, and elves. The first kingdom is named Aldron.
the kingdom is ran by aldarins a race known for their speed and healing abilites . they have had a ongoing conflict with the orcs lead by Zul’gon a fierce and fast commander.
eldrin kalehtorn is the king of aldron and his wife Aleria kalethorn . and now they have a new child named ada kalethorn short but
definitely has the fire in her eyes just like her mom does . as time passed and ada started to grow alittle older her mom always treating her like a baby was getting her dressed in silver armor fit just for ada to have her first sparring match against her father
Ada Kalethorn: “Mom, are you really sure I’m ready? I mean, I just turned 12.”
Aleria (Ada’s mother): “Yes, sweetheart. Everyone at this age starts training to lead our men against the orcs.” She adjusts Ada’s hair as it flows behind her, then steps back. “Oh my baby… look at you, growing up so fast.”
Eldrin peeks in and smiles.
Eldrin Kalethorn: “Oh, look at my beautiful daughter dressed in silver armor.”
Ada looks at her father and smiles.
Ada Kalethorn: “I hope you’re ready to lose, Dad.”
Eldrin laughs. “Oh Ada, you have a long way to go before you can even stand among my ranks, hun.”
Aleria looks back at Eldrin.
Aleria Kalethorn: “Can we… talk about this outside?” She glances at Ada, who is slowly checking her armor, looking like the little girl she used to be. “Ada, honey, just make sure the armor fits, okay?”
Ada simply nods.
Both Eldrin and Aleria step outside.
Aleria: “Are we really going to send our 12-year-old daughter to handle our issue?”
Eldrin: “It’s our tradition, love. We test if they’re ready. We did it with Maldrig, and even though he didn’t lead the way we usually do…”
Aleria interrupts: “He charged in blindly and almost got half our people killed.”
Eldrin: “I know… but I feel like Ada will lead… differently.”
Aleria looks through the doorway at Ada, who is running around with her sword, pretending to fight orcs like a child with toys.
Aleria: “Maybe you’re right.”
Eldrin smiles. “We have to have faith in our daughter.”
Both of them watch Ada. She is oblivious to their conversation—but she heard it all and chose not to show it
A few hours passed. Ada and Eldrin were sparring, both landing blade-to-blade strikes. Ada suddenly lands a kick to Eldrin’s chest, knocking him to the ground and placing a blade at his throat.
Eldrin: “Heh… you learn quickly, Ada.”
Ada breathes heavily and smirks.
Ada: “Told you, Dad.”
Eldrin smiles, and they both relax. Ada helps him up.
Suddenly, a guard runs in.
Guard: “Sir, we’re under attack!”
Eldrin’s expression shifts, slightly panicked. Orcs attacking at this time of day—something is off. They usually strike at night.
He turns to the guard.
Eldrin: “Tell the High General to ready the defenses!”
He looks down at Ada.
“It’s your time.” He kneels to her height. “You’ve already shown you can handle a blade. Now your true test begins—show us you can lead our army.”
Ada looks at Eldrin, then at the blade in her hand, and takes a steady breath.
Ada: “Don’t worry, Dad… I won’t let you down.”
Ada runs out through the front gate. Chaos has erupted—citizens are screaming and running, while guards shout orders across the courtyard.
Ada looks around for the High General. After a moment, she spots him organizing the army. She runs over and salutes sharply.
Ada: “I’m sorry, High General. I’m here now!”
High General Mavrick looks down at her—a small, black-haired girl—clearly confused for a brief moment.
Mavrick takes a long, deep breath.
“Eldrin really knows how to test my patience…”
He turns toward his men.
Mavrick: “Alright men! We are being led by Ada Kalethorn—yes, the daughter of our king. You will listen to her and only her. Do I make myself clear?”
The soldiers respond in unison.
Soldiers: “SIR, YES SIR!”
Mavrick looks back down at Ada.
“They are yours to command now. Don’t make me regret this.”
Ada feels the weight of responsibility settle over her—the lives of every soldier now resting on her shoulders. She straightens, steadying herself, and nods.
Ada: “I won’t let you down, General.
She turns to the men. One of them makes a joke about how young and small she is, but quickly goes quiet when he realizes she can hear him. A nearby guard elbows him sharply.
Ada: “Alright, men. We march to the front gates. We need to find a way to push them back. I have a plan on how we will do that, but first—let’s move to the defenses.”
The soldiers respond in unison:
Soldiers: “Yes, ma’am!”
They salute, shift into marching formation, and begin moving out with Ada leading ahead.
As they approach the gate, Ada notices the defenses are beginning to fall apart. She looks around and spots a small city that appears abandoned—or so she thinks.
She immediately orders her men to move toward it.
When they arrive, Ada barks another order.
Ada: “We are going to draw them here and hold them off, men!”
The soldiers respond again in unison:
Soldiers: “SIR, YES SIR!”
One of the soldiers quickly begins giving orders, organizing barricades and fortifications.
Suddenly, an elven woman steps out from one of the buildings.
Woman: “Are you really going to endanger our people for your war?!”
Ada looks at her, shocked. There were supposed to be no civilians in this city.
Ada: “Look, I’m sorry. I had no idea civilians were here. But if you stand and fight with us, I promise you—we will rebuild this city.”
The woman scoffs.
Woman: “Yeah, that’s what Eldrin said. And look where we are now. So why should we even help you?”
Ada freezes. The woman is right. If even her own father failed them, why should they trust her? She almost considers letting them handle it on their own.
But she clenches her fist.
Ada: “Because I promised… and I don’t break my promises.”
The woman studies her eyes—then softens. She finally caves.
Woman: “Fine. We’ll fight with you. But don’t make me regret it.”
Ada smirks slightly.
Ada: “I won’t.
After a few minutes, once the defenses were set up, Ada climbed to the city tower. She raised a horn and blew it, drawing the orcs’ attention.
It worked.
They all turned.
Nightmarish faces, massive teeth, snarling, roaring—an endless tide of rage focused on the city.
Ada descended from the tower and looked at the men and women gathered behind her. Then she turned toward the approaching horde.
Ada: “Men… this is the day we stand for our kingdom,”
She glanced at the women beside them.
“…and for our people.”
She raised her sword as the orcs closed in, charging fast.
Then she shouted:
Ada: “FOR ALDERIA!”
The men and women echoed in unison:
All: “FOR ALDERIA!”
They surged forward, their battle cries echoing across the land.
Back in the kingdom of Aldron, Eldrin watched from one of the towers. His eyes widened.
Eldrin: “WHAT is she doing?! She’s going to get herself killed! Men! I want reinforcements sent to that city now!”
The soldiers saluted quickly.
Soldiers: “SIR, YES SIR!”
Back at the city, Ada and her army of one thousand were holding off millions of orcs.
One of the guards shouted over the chaos.
Guard: “We’re getting overrun! What should we do, Ada?!”
Ada didn’t answer immediately—her focus locked on the battle, calculating every movement.
The guard shouted again.
Guard: “ADA?!”
Ada finally yelled back:
Ada: “We hold until reinforcements arrive!”
The guard hesitated, wanting to argue—but he stopped himself. He trusted her.
The battle raged on.
But the pressure grew unbearable. Their forces were being pushed back. Soldiers and civilians alike were falling, and the line was breaking. Every guard began shouting Ada’s name, asking for orders.
And then Ada understood what she had to do.
If they stayed defensive, they would be wiped out.
She needed to give them hope.
Ada suddenly burst forward.
She charged into the orc lines, moving with terrifying speed, cutting through them in a blur of steel. Orcs fell one after another as she carved a path through the battlefield.
The guards watched in shock and awe.
Back in Aldron, Eldrin was watching too.
She was moving too fast… far too fast.
There was no way she was only twelve.
At first, pride filled his chest.
But then it shifted.
Paranoia crept in.
What if she turns against them? What if she decides to revolt? What if she stops listening one day?
The thoughts swarmed his mind.
He handed the spotting scope to a guard.
Eldrin: “Keep me updated on whether she makes it out.”
The guard nodded and continued watching the battlefield.
Back at the city, Ada was still fighting. The orcs began landing blows, and she started to wear down under the pressure.
Her breathing grew heavier. Her movements slowed slightly.
But then she remembered.
The promise she made to Mavrick’s men.
And the promise she made to the woman—to protect them and rebuild their home.
A fire reignited inside her.
She let out a roar that echoed across the battlefield. Every soldier stopped and looked toward her.
Ada sliced through a large orc, then another, and another.
She raised her sword high and screamed:
Ada: “FOR ALDERIAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
The soldiers, men, and women all looked at each other.
Then they roared in response.
They charged forward together.
What had been a struggling defense of a thousand was now a unified force of nearly three hundred pushing the orcs back
Hours passed.
The battle finally turned. The orcs were driven back far enough that they retreated.
Silence fell.
Then celebration erupted.
The kingdom’s survivors and soldiers began chanting her name.
All: “ADA! ADA! ADA! ADA!”
Ada stood among them, exhausted, covered in dust and blood, breathing heavily as her people celebrated her victory.
In Aldron, Eldrin stepped out onto the balcony. He watched the celebration below.
His eyes narrowed.
A different feeling began to rise in him now—something darker than pride.
Paranoia.
He stepped back inside the kingdom and sat down on his throne, silent.
His thoughts spiraled.
Eldrin (to himself): I can’t just kick her out… the people would turn against me. They might even revolt…
He clenched his fist.
Eldrin (to himself): No… I have to get rid of her.
A plan slowly formed in his mind.
The Undead King, Marcus.
A being Eldrin had always feared… and one who had always kept him in check, proving his kingdom’s weakness.
But Marcus would be different.
Ada wouldn’t stand a chance against him.
It would look like she simply wasn’t strong enough.
And the kingdom would accept the truth without question.
Eldrin leaned back in his throne, the decision settling into place
After Ada’s celebration with the people, she finally walks through the doors. Eldrin turns to her and speaks warmly.
Eldrin: “Ah, there’s my heroic daughter!”
Ada smiles brightly and runs up to him, hugging him tightly.
Ada: “I did it, Dad! I led the army!”
Eldrin: “Yes, you did, hun. I’m very proud of you… but your father needs help with something.”
Ada pulls back slightly, confused.
Ada: “What is it, Dad?”
Eldrin smirks, knowing his plan is unfolding exactly as he intended.
Eldrin: “There’s this Undead King I need help defeating… and I think if you and I go together, we can handle him.”
Ada’s face lights up instantly.
Ada: “Of course, Dad! I’ll help!”
Eldrin: “I knew I could always count on you. Now go get some sleep. We leave in the morning.”
Ada nods excitedly and runs off to her room like an excited child going to get ice cream.
Once she disappears down the hall, Eldrin remains alone.
He sits back on his throne.
And he stays there the entire night.
Morning rises.
Ada hops out of bed, puts on her armor, and walks out to the front gates. Her father is already waiting by the horses.
The journey to the cursed forest is long. A pony is chosen for Ada and placed beside Eldrin’s horse. Eldrin mounts his, and Ada climbs onto hers. Together, they set out toward the cursed forest.
After days of riding, the air suddenly feels heavy—like it’s choking them. The plant life around them is rotten and dead.
Eldrin speaks.
Eldrin: “We’re here.”
He dismounts his horse, but Ada doesn’t notice that he is still holding the rope tied to her pony.
Ada hops down and looks around. The forest is filled with dead trees and scattered skeletons.
Suddenly, a chilling laugh echoes through the woods.
Marcus: “Ah, Eldrin… old friend. Come to confront your sins? Or come to suffer? Hahaha!”
Ada steps forward immediately.
Ada: “You sure are full of talk for someone who’s already dead.”
Eldrin looks at her in shock. How is she not afraid?
Eldrin: “Ada…”
Marcus laughs again.
Marcus: “Ah… a young Kalethorn. Your father brought you here to die. But he will suffer the same fate.”
Ada draws her sword.
Ada: “Not if I stop you.”
Eldrin stares at her—shocked, conflicted, almost hurt. She’s defending him… not knowing what he planned.
For a moment, he hesitates.
But then the ground shifts.
Skeletons rise. The undead army awakens.
And Eldrin’s plan returns to him.
Without another word, he turns, jumps onto his horse, and rides off.
Ada looks back, confused—hurt, but mostly confused.
Then she turns forward again, gripping her sword.
She grits her teeth. She is outnumbered.
Hours pass.
She fights.
Skeleton after skeleton falls beneath her blade. But slowly, fatigue begins to win. Her swings grow slower. Her vision blurs slightly.
Then the undead begin landing hits.
A slash cuts across her back—she stumbles forward with a grunt, spins, and destroys the attacker.
Another strike lands across her chest. She screams in pain.
Another hits her arm. She clenches it, forcing herself to keep moving.
She swings desperately.
But finally—her strength gives out.
She drops to one knee.
Marcus steps forward, a massive greatsword in hand. He grabs her by the head and forces her to look at him.
Marcus: “Hm… you fought well. But in the end, it was hopeless. So tell me, Ada… how did you really think you were going to survive?”
Ada spits blood at him.
Ada: “For Alderia.”
Marcus growls.
He drives his sword through her chest.
Silence.
He pulls it back out.
Ada’s vision fades. A small light flickers in her mind—telling her to stand, to fight—but her body no longer responds.
Her life slowly slips away.
And then—
Her eyes close.
Marcus watches for a moment longer, confirming she is gone.
Then he turns and walks back into the cursed forest.
Hours passed.
Eldrin’s guilt hit him like a gut punch. But he had to hide it—he had to fake control so the people wouldn’t notice.
Yet his wife was already waiting at the gate.
Aleria: “Where did you go… and where is Ada?”
Eldrin lowers his head and forces the words out.
Eldrin: “She was slain… I… I tried to protect her. I tried to tell her that fighting Marcus alone would—”
Aleria cuts him off immediately.
Aleria: “Marcus?! The Undead King?! Why would she—”
Eldrin: “I tried telling her.”
Aleria doesn’t wait for another word. She runs.
Motherly instinct overrides everything—fear, logic, even reason. She can’t accept it. She refuses to.
Eldrin remains standing at the gate, watching her go, knowing she will eventually find out the truth.
Aleria runs for hours.
Eventually, she reaches the cursed forest.
And then she sees it.
Ada’s body.
She gasps and rushes forward.
Aleria: “WHO did this to you… my sweet baby…”
Her voice breaks.
“I… I’m so sorry…”
She sobs over Ada’s chest.
Then she notices something.
This doesn’t look like a full battlefield death.
There are signs of retreat. No final defensive position. And Ada’s pony is gone—missing entirely.
Something doesn’t add up.
A thought forms.
She wasn’t left here alone…
And then it hits her.
Eldrin.
That look on his face earlier—it wasn’t grief.
It was guilt.
He left her.
He sent her to die.
Aleria stumbles back in shock.
Aleria: “No… no… he couldn’t have… there’s no way…”
Her breathing shakes.
Then her grief twists into something sharper.
Rage.
She turns and runs back toward the kingdom.
Aleria (through tears): “How could he… he will pay for what he did to my daughter…”
Back at the kingdom, citizens gather, demanding answers.
Eldrin stands at the speaking pedestal.
Eldrin: “You may be wondering what happened to my daughter… and it was simple enough. She believed she could take on Marcus… and she failed.”
Before he can continue—
The doors behind him slam open.
Aleria storms in.
Aleria: “THAT IS A LIE! YOU LEFT HER TO DIE! YOU SICK, PATHETIC—”
Eldrin panics.
In a split second, driven by fear and desperation, he draws his sword and drives it into Aleria’s chest.
The crowd gasps.
Children scream. Citizens freeze in horror.
Silence falls like a hammer.
Eldrin looks out over them, breathing hard.
Then he raises his voice.
Eldrin: “IF ANYONE ELSE STANDS AGAINST ME… YOU WILL PAY THE PRICE!”
In Hell, Ada was being tortured.
She could hear the screams of the dead—endless, overlapping cries begging for mercy. It repeated for what felt like twenty years.
Above in the living world, an old man stumbled upon her body.
He stared at her for a long time.
Something about her reminded him of someone.
Ziron: “I… I can have another chance at saving someone…”
He spoke quietly to himself.
From his coat, he pulled out an old book. He opened it and scanned the pages, stopping at a section marked in bold letters:
NECROMANCY
At first, it explained how one could bring the dead back to life.
But further down, in heavy warning text, it revealed the cost:
A curse.
The revived would have their life force slowly drained if they use their powers … and they would hear the dead constantly.
Ziron stared at the words in silence.
Then he closed the book.
He looked down at Ada’s body.
And began the ritual.
In Hell, Ada felt something shift.
The chains of suffering tightened, then loosened.
A pull—like something was dragging her upward.
She looked up.
A light.
For the first time in what felt like eternity, something reached for her.
Her body was lifted out of the darkness and pulled back into the living world.
She gasped awake.
Ada: “Wha—what’s going on?”
She looked down.
Her body…
It was changed.
She was fully grown now—a woman.
Her skin was pale, drained of warmth. Her armor was blackened, like it had been touched by death itself.
Her breathing was uneven.
She slowly turned toward the old man.
Ada: “Wha… what did you do?”
Ziron looked at her calmly, exhausted but certain.
Ziron: “I gave you a second chance…”
