Terra Saga: Fates Legacy, Prologue

Hammerhold fell as the sun rose high in the sky.

Its thousand man army, content and safe within their stronghold so high in the mountains they believed no enemy would even survive the march to it, fell upon pikes by the dozens. Half of the defenders died still attempting to draw weapons that were stuck tight in scabbards, or scrabbling to secure armor that had grown too small through disuse and sloth. There was no call to arms; not a single warning blast was sounded, not a single volley of arrows rained down upon their foes. There was only arrogant pride upon their breasts as they stood in formation behind the massive three door entrance. Reports from scouts had told that the attacking force was only several hundred strong, had no siege weapons, and offered only pikes and horses - this foolish band could not possibly hope to breach the host's entrance, let alone its walls. Provisions were stockpiled in plenty, as was common for the long winters that the city faced, so siege presented no threat. Indeed, laughter rang out as the attackers came into view, wearing no armor, with only skins and hides covering their flesh. The enemy came to a halt before the doors, tossing up ropes and grapples, that barely touched the tops of the walls, and the soldiers of Hammerhold jeered.

As the outer doors were pulled from its hinges by the ropes secured to the attackers mounts, the laughter died. As work on the second door began, the enemy began to chant in unison, calling out a single word, drowning out the last of the fading laughter. The enemy acted in unison, united by the name of Vrok, and the second door fell even faster than the first. Only then did the soldiers of Hammerhold begin to cry out for oils, fires and archers to top their walls; yet their folly was already complete, since three dozen attackers had already scaled to the top using the remains of the massive hinges to assist their climb. The watchtowers were already empty, their occupants already dead, and the city was firmly grasped in the hands of the enemy.

When the final massive door gave way and was dragged clear, the once-arrogant soldiers of Hammerhold dropped their weapons en masse, begging like frightened children for mercy. They found only swift death as the main force washed over them like a tide of steel, impaling them without a second thought. Seeing their comrades die on their knees, ranks of men behind the initial slaughter grabbed the nearest weapon, only to be struck down from behind by the attackers that had scaled the wall. Mere moments passed before the fighting was over.

The mighty city of Hammerhold was attacked, captured and calmed before the passing of three hours.

***

At the center of the city beyond the market stalls, surrounded by gathering gardens covered in snow, stood a statue of a man with a staff held high. Not a single fire pit was allowed to remain enflamed. It was here, in the gathering gardens, the citizens were corraled and separated by age and gender, guarded by a dozen pike wielding men. No care was given for dress, station or action as they were pulled from their homes as they realized the siege was over and their soldiers were dead and attempted to flee. The statue, once tall and proud, was quickly pulled down and dragged away. Only then did a sudden silence echo through the now deserted walkways and roads. Some kneeled and prayed, others wept silent tears; many dropped to the ground, covered in sweat, blood and piss. Fear settled over Hammerhold like a cloud.

For perhaps another hour, the citizens waited in silence until a line of people were led out of the Royal Keep. Each of the nobles of Hammerhold, used to finery, now wore a crude iron collar linked to one another by heavy chains. No quarter was given for age or gender. Servants, tutors and healers were split into the other groups of citizens. In full view of everyone, the nobles were then marched to the center, and onto the bridge that crossed the icy cold rushing river that cascaded off the mountain in a thundering waterfall. At each end of the line, several large men hammered huge stone slabs into the ending chain links. Without any delay or announcement, the nobles were pushed into the heavily running river, and with nothing more than an eerie splash, they were gone. Those that had not yet known fear now joined the rest and slumped to the ground in dismay.

One of the men that had hammered the chain to the stones moved to the base of the fallen statue, and looked out over the gathered people. He was a young and not an ugly man, yet he was strange in appearance to them; his form was strong and rigid like that of a blacksmith, and the hair on his head matched the fur the wore over his body, almost as if it were part of him. In a speech unfamiliar to them, commands were barked and guards forced the people to their knees. Those that found a last bit of courage to fight were quickly killed and left to lie amongst the crowd. Children cried, women wailed, yet none were allowed to bow their heads, but rather made to keep focus on this man at the center.

The enemy commander turned to another soldier, and gave another series of instructions. Without much delay, carts were brought out from the keep, filled with books and texts from the libraries. As everyone watched, the man carefully perused the books one after another, never moving from his position, never sitting and never breaking his posture. After more than two dozen books, his booming voice filled the air, speaking in their native tongue.

“I am Vrok Mortalis; your Emperor, your Father, your Brother, your Husband, your God and your Future. I have taken from you those that were meant to protect you. Due to their unworthiness, they have fallen into shadow and rule no longer. This is no longer Hammerhold, for Hammerhold is dead. You are now citizens of Tova, and of the Empire.”

Dozens of more men poured into the city center with wagons filled with white metallic bands, moving to each section and standing at their carts, facing the Emperor as he spoke again. “Each of you is required to take a band and affix it to your right arm. Do so now.”

While the guards persuaded those reluctant to do so, others did so quickly and returned to their kneeling as the Emperor continued. “Once this task is complete, you will swear your oath to the Emperor and the Empire. By swearing your oath, I will become your servant, and I will be all those things I have proclaimed to you.”

All tears and crying slowly stopped, the guards stood in a slightly less aggressive posture, and a new calmness overcame the captives. Vrok lowered his head and lifted his hands openly to his shoulders, the citizens dropped their head in prayer, and in unison began to recite;

`By the will of the One, we pledge ourselves to the Emperor and the Empire in which he rules by Divine Grace of the One. What the Empire needs, we will provide and in turn we will be provided for. Upon my death, I will return to the Emperor and guide him through the will of the dead for the dead keep the knowledge of the living. I bind myself to the Emperor, as the Emperor is now bound to me.’

As the recital finished, the Emperor lowered his hands and walked over to a large group of men. “Each of you has a choice. You may join the army for a fixed period of time lasting five years. After this time, you will be free to take residence in one of the cities of the Empire, yet you will never return to this city. Or you may choose a life service and dedicate yourself to the Empire; through this you may rise in stature, wealth and command; but you may never take a bride of this city. These are your choices. Those that choose a fixed service must stand to the left. Those that choose life service must stand to the right."

Less than thirty men chose a life service while over a hundred chose fixed service. If there any surprise was felt by the Emperor, he showed none. Moving to the mass of men on the left, he called out a strange sound, causing several of his own men to take over the group. Immediately, they ran to the fallen Hammerhold soldiers and began stripping them of armor, weapons and any goods. Turning away from them and to the men that selected life service, he nodded to them, and waved over one of his soldiers, an older man whose eyes offered nothing but the deepest cold.

“Men, I give to you Captain Dros. He will oversee your training. Your first reward for life service is that you may choose a servant to suit your needs. When they arrive, you will realize you have many to choose from. Those chosen must be treated with dignity. The penalty for violating this rule is death. It is your duty to excel in order to provide for your servant. In the event of failure, both of you will be put to death. If you succeed past your training, you will receive your next reward. Am I understood?”

Dros spoke, with a voice as cold as his eyes. “The proper answer is: Yes my Emperor. Any other, and you will answer to me.”

“Yes my Emperor!” The men cried in unison.

“You have my leave, Captain.” The Emperor announced. Immediately Dros bowed low, quickly followed by his new men.

Emperor Mortalis moved now to the young group of children. Without a word spoken, the guards from the released group of men surrounded the children. Vrok dropped to one knee to speak to them.

“You are now children of the Empire. The men surrounding you will split you amongst them, and you will be kept safe and cared for until your new hosts arrive. Your needs will be met, but you will never return to your homes here. I promise you, what has happened today to your homes will never happen again, while you are citizens of the Empire. Go now and eat your meals, and these men will take care of you for the rest of today.”

“Thank you, my Emperor.” A guard whispered to the children.

“Thank you, my Emperor!” The children exclaimed excitedly only to have the Emperor turn to them, smile and wink, before walking away.

“Men of the Empire, rank to file!” Vrok announced. Immediately the rest of the guards formed before the women of Hammerhold, each dropping to one knee. “You have shown your value to the service. Now may the woman of Tova find you worthy, and take you as their own. How will you treat them?”

“With honor and safety!” The men shouted in unison.

“Women of Tova, this is your home. The men before you are yours for the choosing and no man must be fought over. For their provision of honor and safety, you will provide them a home and children. For the Empire, they will have you report for your morning duties, befitting your talents. Such duties will begin once the scholars of the Empire arrive to begin your studies. Until then you will educate your men on your house and yourselves.”

“Thank you my Emperor!” The men and woman announced in unison. “But my Emperor,” a man called out, “would you not honor us with choosing a woman for yourself?”

“No. A man does not choose a woman; a woman chooses a man. However, should the women believe there is one among them that should become a member of the Emperor's house, I would not dishonor such an action.” The Emperor stopped and turned to the women and bowed his head.

Amongst the women they whispered and stood one of the young women up. “Please add this one to your house, my Emperor.” An older woman stated, quickly followed by nodding heads and agreeing whispers.

She was a woman of young age, but well beyond her first blood. Shapely and thin at the waist, the blossoming of her breasts had not taken the size of a mothering woman, and her eyes were filled with intellect and a strong presence. She did not shy away, she did not bow her head and she did not quiver.

“You would have this? To become part of my home?” Vrok questioned.

“I do not know, my Emperor. I do not know your house. But you allow a woman to choose, and your men speak of honor and safety. If such words are true, then yes.” Her eyes turned into dark pools as he looked into them.

Excitement filled him, beyond that of his loins. She was a woman of power, untouched, unrefined and could be taught. This one, he must have. If all the women had to perish for it to be so, this one must be his.

A smiled formed upon his lips as he offered her a hand. “It would be a pleasure. I require only your name.”

“Elidra.” She spoke firmly.

“Then Elidra, you are to be one of my house and shall bear the title of Lady. You shall stay with my servants until proper quarters may be fitted for your needs. Will that serve you well to begin?” Vrok asked.

“Yes, my Emperor.”

“Women of Tova, make your choice. There are only a few hours of daylight left, and much is still to be done.”

“Yes, my Emperor!” They proclaimed, and began choosing men.

***

Vrok felt Elidra's hand rest carefully onto his arm. Without turning to look at her or saying another word, he continued to walk. All around them people began moving; immediately the city began to breathe again. There were no cries, no more death and it seemed an exciting buzz began to permeate the city as the two walked around, with Elidra pointing out to him various places and landmarks. As they made their way toward the keep, he felt the slight tug of her stopping.

“You said to the women this was their home. If I am with you, does that mean this is your home?” Elidra asked as he turned to face her. For the first time there was a slight quiver in her fingers.

“Tova is the Capital City of the Empire. What was done today was done out of necessity for my people.” He answered her quickly.

“Are they the Host you spoke of?”

“They are part of it.” He answered.

“Is the Empire large?” She questioned eagerly.

“It is larger now.” Vrok answered.

“Is Hammer...”

“Tova.” He corrected with a frown that explained to her to not make the error again.

“Forgive me, my Emperor. Is Tova the first city you have captured?” Her eyes danced as the question came out.

“No, but it is the most important.” He answered as he looked around.

“Why?”

“Because Elidra, from here the Empire will expand so as we may educate the people and bring them out from the shadows they live in. Without guidance, without the Will of the One, we will all be lost.”

“I don’t know this One.” Elidra said as she dropped her head and looked at her armband. “Is this to control us?” She asked as she fingered the metal jewelry.

“Take it off and see.” He stated as he stepped from her.

Carefully she slid it off and held it in her hands. Looking it over carefully, she handed it over to him, as if to test him. With a smile he slid it on his forearm where it barely made it past his wrist. He offered stretched out his hand toward her and continued walking.

“There is no difference.” She said quietly.

“For you, no.” He answered. “For them, it simply extends my thoughts so as they may understand. In time, they will be able to remove the bands if they wish. But for now they remain.”

“You are a man of magic?” Elidra exclaimed quietly, squeezing his hand.

“I am many things, Lady Elidra.”

“I will bear your children.” She stated suddenly and moved quickly in front of him, trying to look in his eyes.

“First you must pass the tests of the Host, and hone the power of your bloodline.” Vrok looked to her sternly and took both of her hands into his. “If you pass, only then will you be my Empress. If you do not pass, you will die.”

“I am now what I am. The rest died earlier today.” She stated suddenly. “If I have a future it is with you and no other. I have seen it.”

“And what else have you seen?” He questioned quickly.

“Nothing.” She answered as her eyes began to pool again.

His voice was quiet, and firm as he kept her gaze. “Try.”

“Nothing at all.” Her voice was almost a whisper as she collapsed in his arms. “Let me sleep.”

***

Servants rushed up to him and took her from him. Stepping back outside, Vrok gathered with his generals as they moved to a tent almost completely set up. Taking up almost a complete gathering garden, maps were placed within view, marked and with symbols drawn over roads, cities and paths. As more servants scurried about and then left the tent, the Emperor and his generals stood over a large map, waiting for him to speak.

“Kerve, ensure the new men from here do not cross with the Host. Instead, send them south scouting as far as Tabath - we need access to Southern Waters. The city must be extended to each cliff to hold our people. I need a child born before we push south. Once the Host is here, send the children to Torus Vo.”

“Vrok, where do you want the training set up? The city simply wont hold all the trainees and children from Torus Vo.” A female general questioned.

“Once the host arrives, Shani, build a new Academy on the side path at the other side of the waterfall. Keep those gifted from the others. Be certain that Vektori is set up first. We will fall behind. You have three months. Temporarily house Vektori and the acolytes in the keep library to start. Use tents to house the rest until the new Academy is done. There is plenty of room here for all our needs.”

“We are growing too fast. I don’t know we if we can keep the supplies lines going.” General Kerve stated as he pointed to several of the cities on the map.

Vrok nodded. “That is why we needed this city. She has stores for at least a full winter of the entire Host and at least half of what Torus Vo and Keybridge need. By winters end, General Ulnor will have the fields of Torus Vo and the cold orchards here under control. This river and waterfall are natural and fed from the mountain, and will provide us with all the water we could need. At the base of the falls we can start supply barges and disperse through Torus Vo. That should make for much easier transport.”

“I can have a system to deliver down the waterfall so our caravans will not need to fight the path back down.” Shani added as she pulled a parchment and began to draw. “A simple lift would give us that. Once it is reinforced, we could send our messengers on it as well to bypass the road.”

“How long until the other southern cities realize this one has fallen, that is a question we must consider.” The eldest general Dushot spoke his words slowly as he tapped his thumbs together. “They are well fed here and seem to be self sufficient, but there will be family outside the city that will come after winter is over.”

“We must consider the Timewalker as well. Surely he has been to this city and has kin here?” Kerve added.

“We cannot guess on this, any of you. Assume he is alive, assume he has family here, assume he still visits.” Vrok looked to each of them. “He moves on his own time; he is not rushed and is not ever in a hurry. So it is not a matter of will he visit, but when he will. That is why you must have the library complete. I don’t worry about the Timewalker himself, but rather the person he names.”

Shani stared at her Emperor in shock. “You can't mean to let him in? He has already named you, what more can there be? He alone walked with the One, and he can bring us no good, only the kiss of death before his work is done.”

Vrok waited patiently as Shani spoke, then replied. “He also said there are always two, never one. We cannot allow ourselves to become paranoid over old tales. Allow him what he asks, and he will move on, as he always does. He will do nothing to us, he simply looks to know, and we have nothing to hide. We are just in our cause, and we will lay waste to all that is necessary. For now, we must focus on what must be done. Get the Host settled, and begin the training. Our assault on the southern cities must be on time, and our mutes must be ready.”