Welcome to Devos

Chapter graphic - https://i.imgur.com/tEsuI4Y.png

World Map -https://i.imgur.com/A1rbjDA.jpg

Normal Narration and Dialogue

“Internal Monologue”

“Voice of the gods”

Imperial Guard Barracks – Verdun’s Capital City

Two dozen knights mulled dutifully about the ornately decorated building. The elite soldiers housed within traded tactical strategies performed weapon and armor maintenance or attempted to catch up on sleep before something demanded their attention.

To any onlookers, the barracks and its inhabitants would appear to be a well-oiled machine. The unbreakable shield that stood between the good people of Verdun and other war-faring nations, vicious monsters, and demons alike.

“Status report!” The Knight Captain on duty called into the main hall of the barracks as he walked in, his silver plate armor clanging with every step he took.

One of the knights quickly halted his current task and rose to offer the weekly report. “Sir. Selena has reported no activity along the Ashmir border-”

“Yes, yes, business as usual. What of the demons?” The captain questioned.

“The Demon Lord of Envy, Juno, is still operating from her domain to the north. The Demon Lord of Wrath, Dante, has been reported to have been expanding control over the southern region around Bandit Town.”

“Bandit Town huh, I imagine Sandstorm will have a jolly old time sending them back to the depths. What about the Syndicate?” The captain followed.

“The latest reports from the special operations unit are saying Syndicate activity is at an all time low. However, they do report hearing rumblings from the commerce district as of late.” The knight answered before his attention was drawn elsewhere.

Suddenly, a commotion began to seep through the walls, and a few other knights slowly turned away from their tasks. The front door slammed open as a young castle guardsman came crashing in, breathing harshly.

“Guy’s...it’s happening!” the young guard beamed as he quickly shed his helmet, his eyes sparkling with wonder. He caught his breath for a moment before continuing. “There’s a huge duel in the training area-” the guard began gasping but was quickly interrupted by the Knight Captain. “Come on kid, that’s it? You had my hopes up with such a dramatic entrance,” he chuckled as he and the rest of the disappointed knights began to slowly shift back to their tasks.

The young guard shook his head frantically. “Sir, it’s the Royal Guard Captains! They’re about to duke it out on the training grounds, half the castles already gathered!” The knights quickly glanced at each other in renewed excitement. “The Vangertz brothers! Holy shit, why didn’t you lead with that!” one of the door guards shouted as he shook the young knight by the shoulders before bolting out the door, abandoning his post.

The air was electric. Anticipation began to spread as everyone started to make a dash for the open door.

“Freeze!” the Knight Captain suddenly barked. “You all have important tasks to attend to. You’re Imperial Knights for Gods sake,” He stated, trying to convince himself more than his men while barely managing to maintain a straight face.

The barracks were deafeningly silent as the knights stared at the captain until he finally continued. “Now that being said...ah to hell with it, I have to see this.” He was halfway to the door by the time he had finished as the rest of the barracks devolved into a mad scramble to get to the training grounds in time.

A few hundred meters away, two of Verdun’s fabled warriors slowly paced in a circle around the center of the large sand dusted training area while a midnight black eagle circled above. “What do you say, 80 percent strength?” Haythem smirked as he slicked his raven black hair back with one hand while the other effortlessly twirled a dull iron longsword.

“80 percent! It would take them weeks to rebuild” Galahad laughed as he eyed his younger brother. He tested his dull longsword by slamming his basic round shield a few times, resulting in a slew of loud clangs. He spread his legs into a wide stance and twisted his torso and arms back and forth, flexing his hulking, muscular body in a routine warmup stretch. His loose snow-white hair rested atop a rugged face unusually defined for such a young man from years of heavy combat experience; the necklace of wolf teeth could attest to that. His piercing gold eyes featured a thin scar that stretched vertically across his left eye, harmlessly adding a bit of commanding charisma to his demeanor, which he quite enjoyed.

The much less bulky, slightly shorter, but just as physically imposing Haythem performed a similar routine across from him. “50 percent it is then,” he sighed briefly before glancing over to the massive crowd that was growing with every passing moment, winking at a cute maid who had shouted his name. The collected gathering of Castle staff started to chant the names of their favored warrior while small pouches of coin exchanged hands.

“Well, this escalated from a casual bout rather quickly,” He mused as he slowly dropped into an offensive stance, sword lifted close to him, keenly trained on his opponent. Afternoon sunlight reflected off his lavishly decorated golden plate armor, uniquely issued for the kingdom’s Royal Guard.

Vangertz Family Farm - Outskirts of Verdun ~ 12 years prior

“Haythem! Gally! Dinners ready, come on already!” They could hear their mother yell in the distance. “965, 966, 967,” they shouted in unison as the pair of wooden swords swung through the air.

“That’s it little bro, pretty soon we’re gonna be the strongest warriors in the whole village!” A much younger Galahad chuckled as he ruffled his younger brother’s disheveled hair. “He may be three years younger, but he swings that sword with everything he has. Every strike is just as powerful as the first”.

“Who says we’re not already” Haythem smirked as he flexed his sword arm gleefully.

“Dad would be real proud. We’re all mom and Verena have now after all,” Galahad said as he threw his arm around his little brother’s shoulder and they began to march up the small stone path leading to the quaint village cabin they called home. His complexion darkened slightly as they neared the home. “The next time that bastard attacks, we’ll be ready for em…..we won’t lose anyone else,” he declared confidently, his bright blue eyes revealing a fleeting hint of sadness draped in anger.

“Let’s make it two thousand swings tomorrow,” Haythem added as they crossed the threshold into the warmly lit cabin. The pleasant aroma of a freshly baked meal and two smiling faces welcoming them home.

Imperial Training Grounds

“What exactly do you think you two are doing?” the Vangertz brothers heard from the quieting crowd as they immediately rose from their combat stances, recognizing the voice all too well.

Two gold plated knights had just split the crowd for a scarlet haired beauty. Her lithe frame was covered by a set of stately looking adventurers’ armor, which seemed more geared towards capturing a suitor than protecting anything in a meaningful way. Her lightly freckled face and soft features slightly scrunched as she crossed her arms and shifted an accusing gaze between the two brothers with her striking green eyes.

“Princess Malta, well, you see….” Haythem began while dawning a guilty grin and shooting a quick glance over to his brother.

“Your highness, a pleasure as always,” Galahad interjected as he dipped his head in a shallow bow. “My brother and I were just about to perform an equipment check. Have to make sure the empire’s swords and shields are up to snuff,” he alleged while a single drop of sweat dripped slowly down his unbelievably straight face. “An equipment check, I’m definitely getting my pay docked for this,” he lamented before she responded.

“Oh, well that’s too bad,” she pouted before continuing. “Because I was looking for a duel between legendary warriors,” she stated as her face slipped into a sly smile. “Now you boys wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you” she questioned, biting her lower lip.

The crowd instantly rose back to life as many a knight and guard sighed in relief, courtesy of the recent development.

“That can certainly be arranged,” smiled Haythem as he cracked his neck and gave his longsword another twirl “I know just the guys”.

“Naturally, anything for the princess of flames,” Galahad added confidently, prompting a quick blush to cross her face.

Malta stepped forward and lifted her delicate hand towards the cloud covered sky. After receiving light nods from the pair, she paused as everyone around them froze in anticipation before she dropped it.

“Come, embrace divinity!” Galahad boomed in a commanding voice, arms spread, head tilted towards the heavens. A single angel wing made of pure white light began to form from his left shoulder as a beam of light slashed through the clouds and washed over him.

Vangertz Family Farm ~ Past

The brothers exited their home and began to head towards the path into the local forest behind their home. As they passed by the local farm’s chicken coop Haythem noticed one chicken in particular eyed him with an all too familiar unnaturally steely gaze.

“There’s that little bastard...I’ve got my eye on you” Haythem thought to himself as the pair neared the farm.

The boys strolled past and had almost reached the path when Haythem stole another glance backward, only to be greeted by the same menacing stare. Their eyes met briefly before Galahad’s question shook him from his optical chess game with the chicken.

“Umm yeah, sorry what did you say?” Haythem asked, shaking his head.

“I asked what the fuck you were staring so intently at over there?” Galahad returned with an amused tone.

“It’s nothing” Haythem responded quickly.

“Come on I’m curious, that’s like the fourth time you’ve zoned out staring at that farm” Gallahad challenged as they crossed into the forest.

“It’s….it’s the chicken” Haythem divulged nervously.

“What’s wrong with the chicken, they look unhealthy this season or something?” Galahad pressed.

“No, no, it’s...it’s just one chicken..... a specific one…” Haythem responded after a brief pause.

“Bro are you ok, what the hell are you talking about?” Galahad asked in a concerned tone.

“Whenever I pass by, this one chicken always drops whatever it’s doing and just stares at me. I swear to god it’s cursed or something, It’s like it’s staring right through me…..right into my soul…..judging me.” Haythem confessed.

Galahad paused and just stared at him for a moment before he started to laugh uncontrollably. “You run into a few too many trees on your way home?” he practically cried, wiping a tear from his eye.

“In 10 years you’re going to march into Demon Lord Dante’s throne room as a legendary hero and you’ll secretly only be pondering the threat of a sneak attack from a cursed chicken” Galahad barely got out in between his laughing fit.

“You’ll see” Haythem said, narrowing his eyes forward “Dante’s truly detestable, but that chicken…..that’s the real threat to humanity.” he continued with conviction in his voice.

After a few minutes of walking through the breezy forest Haythem decided to pick up another conversation.

“Hey, eagles aren’t supposed to laugh… right?” Haythem asked as they made their way deeper into the forest.

“Stop…I...I can’t take any more” Galahad said as he failed to contain his laughter, having to stop and rest his hands on his knees.

“Just wait, we’re almost there” Haythem chuckled as they continued forward.

They moved quickly through the trees, their shabby leather armor shielded them from stray branches and the chilly early evening breeze. After they had walked a few more minutes they passed through a small gap in the dense forest and ended up in front of a large tree in a small clearing.

“Check this out” he exclaimed smugly before he whistled loudly and hurled a small piece of dried meat into the air. Anticipation built as the brothers tracked it through the air with unwavering focus before it landed a moment later with a disappointing plop.

The boys paused and looked at each other, “Was that the part where some magical creature was supposed to come leap in and grab it out of mid-air like a badass?” Galahad gibed as all three of them broke into a laughing fit.

“Wait, what” they said in unison as they looked up to find a midnight black eagle with piercing red eyes perched directly above, laughing along with them.

“There you are, you little rascal” Haythem chuckled as he tossed another piece of dried meat into the air. This time the large bird leaped from its perch, diving expertly to intercept the hunk of meat before spreading its impressive wings and landing on Haythem’s outstretched arm. “I think I’m going to name him Joker″ Haythem beamed, presenting the massive bird proudly.

“Holy shit that’s a phantom eagle!” Galahad remarked with a shocked face.

“A what?” Haythem asked quizzically, raising an eyebrow as he ran his hand along it’s smooth, feathered back.

“A phantom eagle, at least one of us pays attention in class. This beauty has incredible speed, power, and eyesight. I think they can live for something like 70 years too, this one looks like it still has a lot of room to grow.” “Wait, did it just wink at me?”

Suddenly Joker’s head lifted, and he stared alertly into the forest before giving a piercing caw and leaping off Haythem’s arm. The brothers instinctively glanced at each other and drew the swords that never leave their hip.

Trees rustled on the outskirts of the clearing before a bone chilling howl cut through the dense foliage. “We need to get out of here” Haythem whispered to his brother as he started to slowly creep back to the path they had come from.

“Wolves shouldn’t even be in this forest, they must have been pushed out of Juno’s territory” Galahad lamented, his face drained of color. His eyes darted around for any source of providence. “God damnit the tree’s branches are too tall, the bark too slick to climb…we are covered in sweat, hidings not an option either…they would just track us down.”

“Come on, we need to go right now” Haythem pestered, barely containing the fear that was slowly growing within him.

“We’ll never make it; we have to fight them here, It’s the only chance we have” Galahad finally stated calmly as he gripped his sword tightly.

Five large wolves stalked leisurely from the foliage one by one, locking eyes with the brothers as they fanned out in front of them. Their matte gray fur ruffled slightly in the breeze while their mouths curled into vicious snarls. They flashed their razor-sharp fangs and began to encroach.

“Formation black!” Galahad barked as Haythem stepped closely beside him, swords side by side. “I may not pay attention in class, but I memorized Galahad’s formations long ago. Formation black…a nightmare scenario where we are outnumbered by strong opponents. A defensive formation meant to reserve stamina while being no more than a foot apart giving the attackers no blind gaps to attack from.”

The lead wolf growled savagely as he began his assault with a direct forward leap, attempting to split their formation and end the fight before it began.

Suddenly a shadow blanketed the boys as Joker screamed down between them, striking the wolf’s face with razor sharp talons before veering off.

Without a moment’s hesitation the boys swiftly dashed forward in unison and drove their swords into the screeching beast before it could recover from the debilitating strike. After confirming the kill, they quickly leapt backward and returned to their previous stances.

“We can do this, let’s show them who this forest belongs to” Galahad yelled, stealing his resolve as he shot a thankful glance skyward. “I’ve got your back bro, let’s split them” Haythem added as he spun his sword and prepared to do battle in earnest, their heightened morale just barely keeping the fear at bay.

The other wolves closed in quickly, seemingly enraged by the loss of their packmate. Razor sharp fangs glimmered in the newly arisen moonlight. “Now!” Galahad barked as the pair charged forward giving the two middle wolves a sideways slash before standing back-to-back splitting the remaining wolves.

Fangs and claws assailed them from all directions while Joker dived in and parried any potentially lethal strikes. The sound of steel and howls of monsters filled the clearing. Galahad took another sharp bite to his off shoulder, trading it for a nearly lethal strike at his last wolf, shoving it away before glancing over his shoulder. Haythem looked like he was at his limit fighting his last wolf, his bloody left leg looked like it could give way any moment.

“Switch!” Galahad yelled as Haythem immediately attempted to retreat, his left leg cracked with a sickly sound and he stumbled backward onto his back. Joker was tied up dealing the finishing blow to Galahad’s wolf while the last one took the opportunity to launch itself at the exposed Haythem.

“Ahhhh” Galahad grunted as he drove his blood covered sword into the beast while taking a claw to the face. He fell to his knees after he felt the beast give its last breath while he clutched his left eye tightly, feeling the blood trickle down his face.

Galahad wiped the blood from his eyes and spotted Joker out of the corner of his vision, he stood victoriously over the wolf and gave a weakened screech, his talons and beak coated with blood, his body heavily bruised.

“Gally!” Haythem cried as he attempted to stand, his body covered in scrapes and gashes.

“It’s over, we did it” Galahad gasped in between sharp breaths. He then turned to deliver a reassuring smile to his little brother who starred past him with a ghostly pale face. He tracked his gaze to the gap in the clearing where seven more wolves emerged from the small gap in the foliage. He could feel a faint tug on his tattered leather armor before he turned to face Haythem once again.

“You were the best big bro I could have ever asked for…I love you….kill...the chicken” Haythem choked out, clutching his abdomen tightly. He mustered a brave smile, eyes half closed in exhaustion before they fully shut and he slipped into unconsciousness. His bloody half chipped sword rested on the ground beside him.

Galahad fought back tears as rage began to build within him. “No” He whispered as he faced the approaching wolves once again.

“OH?”

“NO!” He roared.

“WHAT IS THIS?”

Galahad gripped his sword tightly and pushed himself upright, his body ached with a dull pain. Adrenaline being the only thing tethering him to consciousness.

“I LIKE THIS ONE”

The approaching wolves began to drool as they stalked ever closer, eying them with hungry, greedy eyes.

“Fuck no! You’re not touching him you fucking monsters!” He shrieked as he stood in front of his brother. Blood streaked down his face as he widened his stance and raised his sword, his entire being dripping with murderous intent.

“SUCH A NOBLE SPIRIT DESERVES A FITTING FATE”

The wolves slowed their approach as a golden light began to emanate from behind Galahad. Soon a pair of angelic wings woven from pure light radiated from his back. His face shifted from one of rage to one of judgment. His head rose to the heavens, arms spread wide as the words came to him from above.

“Hyperion, god of light, bless me with your divine power!” His eyes glowed gold and his hair drained to a pure white as an otherworldly power filled him. He gently opened his eyes as the wolves began snarling again.

“NOW SHOW THEM MY POWER”

“I believe it’s time for your judgment” he stated as he once again raised his hands to the heavens, his wings of light glowing brighter. An elegant glow enveloped him, Haythem, and Joker in a bright white light. Night turned to day around them as his sword began to hum with power. He narrowed his eyes against the wolves that began to move against him.

He pushed his body to its absolute limit as he dashed forward with violent speed and delivered a titanic strike which obliterated the front three wolves in a single golden flash. His head slowly rose to gaze upon the remaining wolves who now slowly backed away, shook with fear. Face covered in blood, his now piercing gold eyes glowed with power.

He began to raise his sword once again, which prompted the remaining wolves to quickly retreat into the forest.

“Mine” he whispered raggedly as he stood in front of his little brother. He reversed his grip on the sword, then drove it into the soft, blood covered earth beneath him. His beaten body finally relaxed as he rested it on the hilt. The angel wings slowly closed to form a cocoon around him as he began to slip into unconsciousness while still standing…still ready to fight…. still ready to defend…..

Imperial Training Grounds

The crowd was too enthralled to even react at the spectacle before them, mouths agape in pure aww.

Haythem closed the distance with inhuman speed, pivoting right then spinning left and delivering a crushing blow which was just barely parried by Galahad’s glowing sword. A rain of blows assailed Galahad from every direction at incredible speed as he barely managed to fend off the relentless onslaught of steel.

Galahad found an opening and delivered a wide sweeping shield strike which Haythem used as a spring to backflip off before landing gently in the middle of the training ground. “Come on, let’s give em a show” Haythem teased as he surveyed the stunned crowd.

“You asked for it” he chuckled as he raised his hands once again. His wing glowed brightly as an arch of pure light formed above him. Around a dozen golden swords of light came through the celestial veil and floated imposingly above him. He then used his wing to throw up a small dust cloud off the training grounds floor, which produced a small smokescreen.

Haythem smiled as he raised his sword in a defensive stance as the first six golden swords rained down upon him through the cloud of dust. He backpedaled and prepared to parry the swords he could not dodge directly. Haythem’s eyes flashed slightly as he tracked the swords coming through the cloud with unparalleled reflexes, easily ensuring all they hit was air.

Suddenly, Galahad crashed through the smoke, his glowing sword raised high above him.

Haythem immediately planted his feet, preparing to dodge then counterattack before four golden swords landed around his back and sides, boxing him in place. He barely shifted his sword sideways before taking a crushing overhead strike from Galahad’s glowing sword, the ground slightly cracking under Haythem’s feet from the powerful impact. Galahad swiftly followed with a devastating shield smash to his lower torso, sending Haythem flying backwards as the shield exploded into dozens of wooden shards from the impact.

Haythem plowed his sword into the dirt in mid air to stop from being tossed from the training area entirely before he wiped the trickle of blood from his mouth. “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” he laughed, grinning ear to ear. Haythem’s remark earned a cheeky cackle from the black eagle which had circled above the training area for the duration of the battle.

“Show time” he smirked as he stretched out a hand to a nearby knight from the crowd who tossed him his sword without delay.

Twirling both swords he cracked his neck and dropped into his favorite offensive stance. Positioned low with his right leg dropped back, twin swords at his side. A foreboding posture which all but assured an imminent assault.

“Dodge this!” he challenged as a bolt of lightning shattered from the clouds above striking Haythem. Eyes glowing pure azure, he exploded forward, the world slowing around him as he embraced “THE THUNDER GODS MIGHT.”

Vangertz Family Farm - Past

It had been a few years since the Vangertz brothers had survived their ordeal in the forest. A group of local hunters had found them in the clearing and returned them safely to their home after convincing a strangely protective black eagle of their good intentions.

A subjugation force was sent from Castle Raven which cleared the forest and secured the border against Demon Lord Juno’s territory to the north, hopefully preventing anything like this from ever happening again.

Around one in 5,000 receive a blessing from one of the eight Gods of power, seeing such a young boy receive the blessing of light from Hyperion was a very unusual occurrence.

Galahad’s name had slowly spread across Verdun’s poorer countryside villages as his tale of valor inspired many adolescent adventurers. But as fate would have it, aspiring adventurers were not the only ones to hear of his blessing, and the name of the boy who received it.

-

“Watch closely, it’s all in the footwork” Haythem instructed while he expertly pirouetted through a series of well-practiced motions as his sword sliced through countless imaginary foes. He glanced over to the large black bird who rested on a nearby tree stump as it tilted its head quizzically and gave out a low chuckle.

Haythem regularly trained in a small clearing a fair distance outside of the village with his feathered friend. Every day he tirelessly trained his body for the adventure he knew he and his brother would one day embark on.

In a world so full of danger and uncertainty, power was the one currency that never wavered, and his lack of it had almost cost him and his brother their lives. To that end he ensured a day never passed where he failed to improve himself in one way or another.

“Come on Joker, work with me here buddy, what if I pivot here then spin back striking their weak side?” Haythem asked his avian companion who stopped cleaning his feathers to give him a bewildering glare, straining to convey that he had no idea what the fuck he was being asked….because he was in fact a phantom eagle, and not a human.

-

“It’s perfect” Galahad told his much younger sister while resting a hand on her delicate shoulder. He gazed fondly at her gorgeous painting featuring a pair of crossed swords planted in the flowery field in front of their family’s home.

Verena smiled as she signed a small “V” in the bottom right corner. “You really think so Gally?!” she squealed enthusiastically.

“Of course” he assured as he rustled her long black hair adoringly.

“Oh Verena, it’s your best piece yet” their mother added from across the room.

“Gally...could you...ya know...do the glowy thing on it?” Verena asked her brother shyly.

“Alright, but if Hyperion comes after me for using the power of light to paint with I’m selling you out” he chuckled as he raised his index finger and closed his glowing eyes.

Verena took her brother’s finger and pressed it against the painting’s sun, which began to glow with a radiant light. She giggled gleefully as the rays of golden light began streaking gently across the canvas.

Galahad stepped back and opened his eyes to witness a truly marvelous masterpiece. “Verena...it’s truly beautiful”.

Verena added a small “G” to the same corner as her mark and flashed a toothy grin to her brother.

Galahad’s face darkened briefly before he turned his head towards the home’s main entrance.

Suddenly a blood curdling scream ripped through the small village.

“Hide!” Galahad quickly yelled, as he immediately sprinted across the home to the equipment rack next to the front door. His Leather armor and sword only a few feet away when the front door blew open with an explosion of force.

Galahad froze in fear as the large bald man with a scar across his face covered in shabby gray hide armor and skin markings quickly grabbed him by the neck. “They grow up so fast” he sneered and threw him out of the home.

He landed in a crumpled heap; his worst fears realized.

The man with the scar, their village’s personal grim reaper. He had returned to finish what he started 10 years ago. “Nine Lives”

Galahad’s father served as the village’s chief warrior, the bandit leader had killed him in a fierce battle when he stood up to their pillaging attempts. After the incursion the imperial army drove the bandits deep into the nearby kingdom of Ashmir, where they had gained strength ever since.

Galahad looked around to a scene of absolute chaos, fires spread through various buildings, dozens of bandits dragged people from their homes and beat anyone who raised a blade against them. Wicked laughter and screams filled the smoky air.

Nine Lives reappeared at the doorway, holding the girls around their wrists as he threw them down the porch onto the dirt path next to him. Verena’s head slammed against the cold dirt, blood trickled from her ear.

“Verena!” their mother yelled as she attempted to crawl to her side.

“You fucking monster! I’ll kill you!” Galahad screamed furiously.

“Get em up” the bandit leader barked as the three of them were all hoisted up roughly, rusted blades placed to their throats.

Verena clutched her ears with her hands to Galahad’s left, and their mother struggled to contain herself to his right.

Galahad’s eyes glowed with rage as he began to summon his wings when he felt a hot breath on his neck. “Name’s Graves, imperial spy, if you want your family to live, stay calm” the young bandit that held a knife to his throat whispered calmly. He felt a sword get slipped into his hand as he resisted the urge to eviscerate Nine lives on the spot with his bare hands.

“When I tap your shoulder, go for your sister” Galahad heard the voice behind him whisper as he pretended to wrestle him in place.

“How’s the present my husband gave you” their mother jeered.

The bandit leader ran his finger along the scar across his face. “Slavery is too good for the likes of your filth; death is all that waits for those who bear the Vangertz name” he sneered. “Where’s the other son?” He asked as he glanced around before drawing his sword. “Oh well, let’s start with carving up the young one”.

“Over my dead body” Galahad thought as he felt the tap on his shoulder and immediately dashed to his left. He ran his blade through the neck of the human trash holding his sister before they could react.

Galahad caught her before he glanced over to see that Graves sliced the other bandits throat, freeing his mother. They quickly regrouped in front of the Bandit leader.

“Hold him off, I’m getting them out of here” Galahad said as he took the girls and began to make a break for the forest’s edge.

“BASTARD!” Nine Lives roared as he leaped towards Graves with a massive vertical overhead slash. The imperial spy flipped his knife sideways and just barely parried the blow before leaping sideways.

Galahad heard a flurry of steel behind him as he continued to carry the now unconscious Verena off the battlefield. They made it around 70 feet into relative safety before a massive blow rattled the earth behind him. He glanced back to see Nine Lives holding Graves up by his loose black hair, limbs swaying unresponsively by his side. “Fuck. He didn’t hesitate to risk his life for us. I can’t just leave him like this”

“Meet up with Haythem, he’s training in his usual spot” he told his mother as he passed Verena to her. Her protests were brushed aside as he quickly prepared to engage what was sure to be the strongest opponent he had ever faced.

Around a dozen more bandits had come over to support their boss, drawn by the commotion.

“This is what we do to traitors” Nine Lives spat as he rested the tip of his sword on the beaten man’s heart. A sudden gust of wind assailed them, almost taking him off his feet as he dropped Graves and turned to the young man facing him.

Shining wings of power on full display, Galahad raised his glowing blade at the group before him. He planted his feet and took an offensive stance before taking a deep breath and exhaling. He dashed forward parrying and executing the first bandit who rushed out to meet him. He swiftly carved through three more before locking blades with his true target.

“Your judgment is death” Galahad Growled before he shoved his sword back and delivered a heavy slash, sliding his opponent back a few feet.

“I don’t have armor, but I have the next best thing” Galahad thought to himself as he raised his sword, and a beam of light engulfed him, making an approaching bandit stumble back in terror.

“Get him!” the bandit boss hollered to the surrounding contingent as they all began to rush him in unison. Galahad parried and struck them down one by one, taking glancing blows throughout his body when they overwhelmed him with strikes. More bandits poured in as Nine Lives dashed in and struck the back of Galahad’s leg while he was distracted by the onslaught of attacks.

Galahad cried out in pain as his sword glowed and he slashed through three in one swipe, he now stood above Graves’ unconscious body. The holy protection barely shielding him from death’s door, he launched a wide swipe to gain distance before he finally took a knee out of exhaustion. His breaths were ragged and sharp as he glared at the man who tore his father from him.

“So, you do have a limit. Let’s finish this kid” Nine Lives said as he slowly walked towards the young man on his knees.

Galahad summoned all his strength for a final last-ditch strike, he quickly leaped from his position and attempted a lethal strike. His sword glowed as his massive overhead strike began to crash down, but before he could finish the blow a fistful of sand caught his face momentarily blinding him. The next sensation he felt was a cold wetness that spread through his torso as the world around him began to dim.

“I’m sorry dad…Haythem…everyone…”

“I’m going to enjoy watching the light leave your eyes kid” whispered into his ears as rain began shower him. Thunder sounded in the distance as he began to slip away, his arms hanging by his sides as his glow faded and his sword clattered to the ground.

-

Joker looked over the horizon to where the town laid, naturally drawing Haythem’s gaze with it. “What the hell is that ″ Haythem asked as he could barely make out something black under the dusky cloud covered sky.

The color quickly drained from his face as he realized the worst had surely come to pass.

“Smoke”

He sheathed his sword and broke into a dead sprint, the familiar shadow riding by his side. His vision narrowed as he blazed through the forest as fast as his feet would carry him.

He soon ran into his mother and sister fleeing into the forest.

His world a blur, the only words he heard were “Galahad” and “Nine Lives” before he started to sprint again.

“I’ll never make it in time”

“Faster”

“He’s alone”

“Faster”

“I have to go faster”

“FASTER”

“I need to go faster”

He began to grab the passing trees to launch himself forward, trading a small boost of speed for bloody fingers in the process.

“MORE!”

“Come on…faster…faster…FASTER!”

“GIVE ME EVERYTHING!”

The world around him faded away, all his wishes, his desires, his aspirations, he would throw away anything and everything to move just a little faster, to get just a little closer...

Haythem could feel a smile spread across his face as a bolt of lightning hurtled down, it ripped through his well-toned body with a warm crackling sensation. He exploded forward, his feet barely touching the ground. He could feel his heartbeat accelerate as the world around him slowed to a crawl.

“NOW SHOW THEM MY POWER”

He was out of the forest in a matter of seconds. He could see his brother on his knees, head hung lifelessly, a longsword resting in his torso.

His eyes narrowed in pure rage as he focused all of it on the man standing above his brother, an outstretched arm giving commands to the horde of bandits who were burning his home to the ground.

Nine Lives only noticed a slight blur approaching from his right side before he felt his entire rib cage collapse. The overwhelming force that had hit him shattered half the bones in his upper body as he was sent soaring 20 yards into the wall of a nearby home.

“You only have one life, and I’m about to rip it out of you” was all he heard before a rain of electrified punches began to rip his body apart.

Nine Lives laid in excruciating pain; arms motionless, unable to defend himself.

“The Vangertz family sends their regards” where the last words he heard before a pair of hands were placed on his head and a massive surge of electricity popped his head like an exploding watermelon.

Haythem slowly stood and turned towards the bandit hoard, bloody hand on his sword’s hilt. They slowly parted as he made his way past them to his brother. He crouched and stared into his brother’s eyes where he could swear a faint glimmer remained. He drew the sword from his chest and rested his forehead against his brothers. “I’m here bro, rest up”

“Make peace with your gods, you’ll soon meet them” He said as he turned to face the hoard, swords in either hand, eyes glowing pure azure. Joker landed on his right shoulder; crimson eyes filled with just as much rage as Haythem’s were.

-

Galahad blinked his eyes as the blurriness began to fade. He was laying on a white marble floor in what appeared to be an ornately decorated palace, wearing a white robe. Memories began to return to him as he writhed on the floor, tears beginning to stream down his face.

He slammed his fist against the floor over and over until his knuckles began to bleed. He could see his reflection in the smooth stone floor. “I’m so fucking pathetic” he thought to himself as he gathered his composure and began to stand.

“Welcome my child” thundered the mountain of a man who rested on the single throne in sight. The bearded man watched him intently, the wisdom of thousands of years held within his striking golden eyes. His flowing golden cloak adorned by wings of glowing light. Surely this man was the king of the kings.

“What is this? Where am I? Who are you?”

“You already know”

Galahad slowly kneeled and dipped his head.

“Hyperion”

“Raise your head boy”

“It’s selfish of me to petition for another gift my lord, but please, I beg of you. My story has yet to be written, I’m not finished yet”

“There will be a cost”

“Anything”

“Eternal Salvation, perhaps my greatest gift to those who receive my blessing. That’s the trade.” The commanding voice boomed from above.

“Done”

Hyperion bellowed a laugh as a smile crept across his face.

“Give Shaltera’s new child my greetings” he said as he held out his hand and Galahad began to feel a glowing warmth wash over him.

-

Galahad opened his eyes once again as he gasped for air. Haythem stood before him covered in blood, the bodies of countless bandits littered the ground around them.

“Fire volley!” boomed a voice from far behind them.

Suddenly a barrage of arrows rained down around them, striking a few of the remaining bandits.

A parade of imperial knights charged through the village and engaged the remaining bandits as Haythem walked over to his still kneeling brother and bent down.

The raging battle around them fell away from focus as they locked eyes with each other, their faces both drained from exhaustion.

“Welcome back to the land of the living” Haythem grinned.

A bandit attempted to strike Haythem from behind when Joker slammed into him sending him tumbling to the ground where a passing knight quickly executed him with a slash to the torso.

“You can’t get rid of me that easily little bro” Galahad choked out before coughing up some blood onto the dirt. “Nine Lives?” he asked as he noticed Haythem’s glowing turquoise eyes.

Haythem casually motioned his head towards the pile of flesh and blood lying against a partially destroyed wall.

A small contingent of guards formed a defensive circle around the boys facing outwards as a horse with the commanding office began to approach.

A single golden wing radiated from Galahad’s back as his brother grabbed his forearms and helped him rise. “Sorry I was late” Haythem whispered as they embraced each other tightly.

“Graves!” Bellowed the commanding officer, hopping down from her armored horse and striding over to the pair of young men still locked in an embrace. She idly scanned through the sea of bandit corpses, searching for the one who had summoned her here.

Galahad slowly turned and flipped over one of the younger bandits lying on the ground before he reached down and placed his hands on the man’s torso before closing his eyes.

Light engulfed the young man as he jolted awake, sucking in a deep breath of air.

“Holy shit that felt incredible” Graves stumbled out as he began to sit up.

“The blessing of light, huh. So, the rumors were true after all” The young woman spoke, her elaborately designed white commanders attire accentuating her long, flowing sapphire hair and mature facial features.

Galahad helped the young spy up as the four of them came together.

“Ahhh Selena, thank the gods you made it in time” Graves said as he struggled through the lingering pain spread through his upper body.

“If you’re done napping could I trouble you for a report?” The commander questioned the spy.

“Of course ma’am, it felt like taking a bath in a hot spring while being massaged by…”

“Not being healed you idiot, how did this happen? I thought we had more time…” Selena said as she held her head in her hand.

“Sorry ma’am” Graves began as his face turned more serious. “Nine Lives decided he couldn’t wait and attacked a full week earlier than planned. I barely got that warning message out to Castle Raven.”

“I’m just glad you’re still alive” she said resting a hand on his shoulder before turning to the brothers. “Now how exactly did a couple of young villagers kill two dozen hardened bandits? By the look of the uniform on that one over there, their leader as well”.

Haythem and Galahad glanced at each other before flashing their glowing eyes at her.

“Exceptional, to have two members of a single village receive a blessing from the gods…” She mumbled as she contemplated the implications.

“Well without your help this would have been a lot worse. The empire owes you a great debt, as do the good people of this village” She said as she bowed her head lightly in respect.

“We’ll be here all week” Haythem grinned as he sheathed his sword and tossed the bandit leader’s sword to Selena.

“All part of being heroes I guess” Galahad said before turning to his brother. “Let’s go get the girls” he continued as he began to turn away from the group, his brother shortly following.

“I’m proud of you little bro, looks like you saved me this time around, huh” Galahad smiled as he threw his arm around his brother while Joker landed on the other shoulder.

“Figure that would even us up is all, get ready to start doing your own chores again” Haythem chuckled in response as he petted the large black bird.

Galahad took a quick look back at the bodies of the bandits that lined the ground and the villagers cheering his family name once again. His brow furrowed as he felt the weight of the lives taken and the lives saved hit him, blood stained hand clenched tightly. “So this is the warriors path”

“If you ever want to become knights of the empire come find me in the capital!” Selena shouted from behind them as they made their way into the forest.

Imperial Training Grounds - Present

“Did he just…teleport?” Princess Malta thought to herself as Haythem seemed to completely vanish, only to reappear standing in front of Galahad as a gust of wind blew his hair back.

“Well that was anticlimactic?” Haythem mumbled as he looked down to see that both swords had effectively shattered when striking Galahad’s glowing chestplate at terminal velocity.

The crowd was completely silent, having absolutely no idea what had just happened.

“I doubt anyone…or anything for that matter could have dodged that strike if it makes you feel better” Galahad congratulated as he discarded his half-broken shield and chipped sword before he took his brother into a playful headlock.

“Hey, come on” Haythem said as he wrestled to get out of the hold “I knew you were pretty beefy but I didn’t actually expect the swords to fucking explode” he laughed. “We’ll call it a draw this time” He conceded as his brother finally released him.

“Shows over folks, thanks for coming by!” Galahad yelled to the crowd as he made his way over to the princess. “Equipment check completed your highness, results were…. underwhelming” he grinned as she softly punched his armored chest in response.

He reeled backward as if hit by a colossal blow before clutching his torso and dramatically falling to the ground much to the princesses chagrin.

She glanced down at her fist for a brief confused moment before failing to contain a smile.

“Medic! This man needs medical attention!” Haythem yelled enthusiastically as he ran then slid towards his brother on the ground and pretended to deliver CPR as the crowd burst into laughter.

“I’m demoting both of you to royal jesters for a week” the princess scoffed before she spun around and marched up the nearby stairs towards the palace, her pair of royal guards in tow.

“Good one your highness” Haythem complimented as she walked out of earshot. “Wait she can’t do that...can she?” he whispered to his brother with a concerned voice.

“Of course not…...on an unrelated note, you still have those juggling balls?” Galahad smiled in response.