Till Kingdom Come

 When it came to company on the road, there had been stranger companions than Arioch and Kasbiel, but at this moment, Nicolai struggled to think of any in particular. They were nice enough for strangers, though they maintained a reserved stoicism that, while not uncommon for those of the cloth, filled Nicolai with an incessantly nagging curiosity.

The evening breeze brushed against his cheek and rustled his long auburn hair as he stared into the fire, humming a tune to keep himself company as his fingers danced mindlessly, strumming an imaginary lute. The tune was an old folk song he’d known since he was a lad, taught to him by his mother. It served as cold comfort now, now that everything from that life was nothing but rubble.

Nicolai’s fingers froze in place with the catch of his breath, he cleared his throat and pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders. There it was again, he had tried to suppress the thoughts of his home, the memories of flames and blood, but they always found their way back, bringing an unbearable grief that silenced all song in Nicolai’s heart.

Nicolai had lived in the town of Derimer for the entirety of his twenty five year life, he had performed for the townsfolk for coin, in the streets, in the taverns, in the town square, the people delighted in his music and his voice, Nicolai loved to see people so happy.

His mother had loved to hear him sing, he would play for her in their garden, lying in the grass in the warm afternoons, it was those moments Nicolai wished he could go back to more than anything.

But then the marauders came, blackguards under the banner of the Lich-Knight Corelius, his dark hand reaching for the capital of Azralia, Nicolai and his little town were simply in the way.

Nicolai shuddered as he remembered the smoke, dark plumes rising from fires that burned in the south, casting a dark shadow over the town, they were burning everything. The dark soldiers cut down all in their path without any sign of mercy or remorse, monsters devoid of soul or humanity, they took a maniacal glee in the suffering they inflicted.

Nicolai’s breath trembled as the flood of memories threatened to overwhelm him once more, the sight of his mother lying in the burning garden, the yellow grass stained with splashes of crimson, the Blackguards closing in around him, all had seemed lost until.

‘Nicolai!’ A firm hand on his shoulder startled Nicolai from his dream, he looked up to see the softly lit face of Kasbiel, the younger of his two new travelling companions.

‘Him’ Nicolai thought, truly it had been Kasbiel that had saved him, in what seemed to be his last moments. Despite all of his efforts, the Blackguards would have killed him had this armoured sentinel not come charging through the smoke. He had fought with a grace and power that Nicolai had never seen before, wielding a great hammer like a dancer with their partner, beautiful in its own way. 

Kasbiel smiled, his lips curling beneath his trimmed beard as he lowered himself to sit down next to Nicolai, his leather gambeson squeaking in protest, his breastplate and pauldrons lying by his rucksack. ‘Sorry,’ he said quietly, ‘didn’t mean to scare you.’

‘Oh,’ Nicolai said, rubbing his neck sheepishly, ‘You didn’t, I just, uhh…’

Kasbiel nodded, ‘You have been through a lot,’  he said reassuringly, ‘I understand, in fact, I admire your strength.”
Nicolai chuckled and twiddled his fingers nervously, unsure of what to say, he didn’t feel strong, he had been helpless to save his mother, his town, and now found himself helpless to even fight off the haunting memories of that day, how could there be strength in that.

“I still can’t believe it’s all gone.” Nicolai said sadly, looking back into the fire, “Hard to believe anyone could do something like that.”

Kasbiel nodded, studying Nicolai’s face with an air of concern. “Corelius is a cruel and wicked man,” he said, his tentative tone telling Nicolai he was choosing his words carefully, “He won’t stop until either all is under his command or…” 

Kasbiel paused, his eyes lingering on the flames as he licked his lips, Nicolai glanced up at him in anticipation.

“Or what?” Nicolai asked, his curiosity itching at him.

“Or he is brought down.” Kasbiel finished, his eyes set in stern conviction as he spoke.

“Is that why you’re here?” Nicolai asked, edging closer to Kasbiel, “Is that why you are travelling to the capital?”

Kasbiel shifted uneasily, taking a deep breath as he pondered his next words with great caution. He was about to answer, when a rough, barking voice cut him off.

“Kasbiel!” Arioch called from the shadows where he sat on his bed, his silver robes shifting as he rose to his feet, his sheathed broadsword in his hand, “That’s enough, boy!”

Nicolai shrunk slightly as the older man approached to loom over his companion, his silver eyes flashed in the firelight, his long grey hair hung in a tight braid down his back and his bushy beard perfectly framed his stern square jaw and rounded cheekbones.

“I believe only one is required to keep watch,” He said, his biting tone sending a shiver up Nicolai’s spine. “And if you wish to travel with us, boy, I would suggest you get some sleep.”

Nicolai nodded shyly, continuing to shrink under the old man’s gaze. Rising to his feet, he bowed his head to Kasbiel and went to bed, lying down on the hard earth to sleep.

Arioch looked down at Kasbiel with a low, disappointed grumble, “Focus.” he snarled, before returning to his bedroll. Kasbiel sighed and turned back to the fire, his warhammer laid across his lap as he stared into the darkness.

“Thank you,” Nicolai said softly as Arioch passed, the old man paused, his eyes glinting in the dark as he turned to face Nicolai. “I realise I haven’t thanked either of you for saving me so, thank you.”

Arioch’s jaw shifted from side to side as he glared down his nose. “Get some sleep.”

Nicolai lay down, the sting of Arioch’s dismissal still sitting in his chest, he tried to calm his mind enough to find sleep, but fear and worry kept him awake as he tossed and turned.

In one dreadful day, he had lost everything, a thousand voices spoke in his mind, some screaming for vengeance, others pleading for help, it was more than he could bear.

All went silent, though, as his gaze rested on Kasbiel, his strong frame silhouetted by the glow of the flames as he sat watch. Something about that man’s presence made Nicolai feel safe, secure, protected, a final haven in what was quickly becoming a dark and dangerous world.

It was difficult, at times, to keep up with Arioch and Kasbiel’s thundering march, their strides were long, but kept a steady, quickened pace; Nicolai found himself panting as he struggled to keep up, his face flushed in the afternoon sun.

“We do not rest until nightfall,” Arioch called back as Nicolai trotted up beside them once more, wiping away the sweat beading on his forehead. 

“I know, I know, just…” Nicolai doubled over, trying to regain control of his panting breath; he was by no means unfit, but he had hardly been prepared for this journey.

“General’s mercy,” Arioch said with a snort, “I think it’s going to be sick.”

“He is winded,” Kasbiel retorted, his gauntleted hand beginning to glow with soft white light, “Give him a moment.” 

Kasbiel placed his hand on Nicolai’s shoulder, the soft light emanating a comforting warmth through Nicolai’s body, easing his pain and calming his breathing.

Kasbiel smiled warmly, “There you go,” he said softly, “Feel better?”

A deep crimson flushed into Nicolai’s cheeks as he looked up into the soldier’s eyes, he did not enjoy seeming weak or helpless, but seeing Kasbiel care for him like this filled him with a warm joy he had not felt in some time.

“You are still too soft, boy!” Arioch snarled, stroking his grey beard, “The Lich-Knight may well be burning cities by now, and you fret over one…”

“You wanted the pace picked up!” Kasbiel snapped, turning to face his companion with fire in his eyes, “I have given him the strength to keep up, at least for now.”

A sneer curled Arioch’s upper lip as he turned to look out at the horizon, Kasbiel shook his head and turned his attention back to Nicolai, a comforting smile reaching his eyes.

“Are you ready to keep going?” he asked.

Nicolai nodded, it was a strange sensation, but the warmth that had filled him from Kasbiel’s touch seemed to have sparked new life in him, he was restored, brimming with an energy he had never felt before.

“This is incredible,” Nicolai exclaimed, “Where did you learn that?”

Kasbiel grinned as he looked down at his hand, the symbol on the plating that covered the back of his hand still glowing faintly. “It is the gift of our General, she gives us power so we may do her will, the power of…”

“Kasbiel!” Arioch’s bark cut Kasbiel off, he turned to see the old man glaring at him angrily, “Focus!”

Kasbiel bowed his head. “Yes sir.”

“We should keep moving, who knows when…” Arioch stopped suddenly, his eyes widening as they looked to the dark nimbus cloud forming in the distant sky.

“Watch out!” Kasbiel roared as he dove at Nicolai, shoving him down to the side of the road as a harsh whistle filled their ears.

A dark, billowing mass rocketed towards them, launched from the cloud like a stone from a catapult, it slammed into the stone path between Kasbiel and Arioch, sending stones and dirt flying.

Nicolai raised a hand to shield his eyes and braced himself against the blast, but no shrapnel fell. Kasbiel stood over him, a barrier of glowing light stemming from the palm of his outstretched hand and shielding them from the blast. He stood firmly planted, his hammer clenched in his hand as he glared at the cloud of smoke now dissipating in the cratered dirt road.

From the shadows, lithe and twisted forms began to emerge, dark skeletons clad in dark plate mail and bearing the symbol of the Lich-knight. Their lifeless, hollow eye sockets sent a shiver up Nicolai’s spine as he looked on in horror.

Kasbiel lowered his stance, his grip loosening on the handle of his warhammer, he steadied himself with a breath and waited for an opening to strike.

A crackling ball of white energy shot across the road to strike one of the skeletons in the jaw, Arioch charged after it, the same energy sparking around his free hand, the other clutching his sword. A second bolt flew from his hand as he lashed out once more, the skeleton disintegrating in a flash of light.

Kasbiel leapt forward, following his mentor’s lead, his hammer struck hard at the neck of a skeleton to his right, cleaving its head from its shoulders, he pushed on into the swarm.

Nicolai scrambled to his feet and gazed in shock, his heart pounding and thumping in his ears. The skeletons were a terrifying sight, but seeing Kasbiel and Arioch in this moment, such power and discipline, was a beautiful sight but something about it also terrified him, as if they were no longer human.

Overhead, the dark cloud loomed ever closer as the pair fought on, casting a dark shadow over the land as it moved. Nicolai swore he could see a shape moving within the cloud, though he could not make it out.

Now glowing with power, Kasbiel and Arioch fought on against the undead battalion, this is what they had been trained for and they knew it well. Kasbiel turned at a presence to his right, a skeleton with his sword raised high above his head. Too late to block, the blow fell, grinding across Kasbiel’s breastplate and knocking him back.

The skeleton raised his sword to strike again but froze in place as a single soaring note echoed across the battlefield, Nicolai’s voice singing as he stood, his arm outstretched toward the skeleton.

The skeleton struggled against its magical restraints, a harsh gurgling snarl leaving its mouth, Kasbiel gave a brief nod to Nicolai, then struck the skeleton down. A melting warmth filled Nicolai’s chest, rising to his cheeks as he drew back, his breath catching with that simple gesture. He longed for that gaze again, but when Kasbiel turned to him, there was panic in his eyes.

Kasbiel dove towards him, his arm outstretched as Nicolai returned, jarringly, to the present situation. One of the skeletal warriors had broken off from their troupe and now charged at Nicolai, sword bared to strike.

Nicolai was frozen in fear, unable to move as his attacker closed in, but as the strike fell, Kasbiel threw himself between them. Blood splattered across the dirt road and Kasbiel recoiled, a deep gash scarring the right of his jaw.

Nicolai’s eyes widened in horror, his hand covering his mouth at the sight of blood. Kasbiel wiped it away, then responded in kind, his warhammer crackling with electricity as he drove it straight down, shattering the skeleton with one stroke.

“Are you alright?” Nicolai dashed forward, his eyes wide with concern.

“It’s fine,” Kasbiel said with a grimace, “I’ll be fine.”

“Kasbiel!” Arioch’s voice called, Kasbiel’s head snapped to look at him, “Focus!” Arioch drove the heavy pommel of his sword into the face of another skeleton, more were coming; it wasn’t over yet.

Kasbiel nodded and lifted his free hand to cup the wound on his jaw, wincing as a bright glowing light shone from his palm. As he pulled his hand away, the wound was sealed, leaving a jagged scar.

Nicolai’s eyes widened in disbelief, he had seen healers work wonders with herbs and salves, but nothing like this, these two no longer appeared human to him, as if they were from a world out of an old folk legend.

A quiet panic fell over Nicolai, his heart racing as he looked on, unable to think of anything he could do to help his companions, they were warriors, with weapons and power, he was merely a musician.

‘A musician’ Nicolai muttered, a thought dawning on him as he gripped his chest. His musical magic gave him many abilities, the greatest he had found however, was the ability to touch the hearts of those he sang to, make them strong, restore their energy, and inspire them to do great things.

Coughing to clear his throat, Nicolai’s vocal cords began to tremble and hum as he sang, the dulcet tones floating to his compatriots, rising to a soaring ballad as he strode forward.

Arioch paused as he turned to look back, his eyes blazing with white fire as he glared. Kasbiel grinned coyly and straightened his shoulders, turning to continue the fight.

Nicolai continued the song his mother had taught him, a rousing yet soulful ballad of ancient times, telling of how good men will triumph if they stay true to themselves and their comrades, and how all who are worthy would receive their kingdom in the end.

Kasbiel and Arioch fought with newfound vigour, tearing through the undead ranks until, as the final note left Nicolai’s burning lungs, the trio stood alone in a field of scattered bones and armour.

An eerie silence fell over the scene, Nicolai could hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears as he panted to catch his breath, half expecting a ghoul or skeleton to leap out of the shadows and begin the fight anew, but it was no monster that attacked him.

“You?!” Arioch’s voice boomed as he marched swiftly over to stand face-to-face with Nicolai, “What was that? A spell? Did you bewitch us?”

Nicolai’s lips curled in a coy grin, “If I bewitched you, good sir, I am afraid it had nothing to do with my magic.”

Arioch’s eyes flashed in anger as he took another step forward. “You…”

“That’s enough, Master!” Kasbiel’s roar stopped Arioch suddenly, the old man turning sharply to face his companion, who now stood firmly, his eyes locked on Arioch in a firm glare.

“You truly have gone soft, haven’t you, boy?” Arioch growled as he closed in on Kasbiel, who held his ground with fierce conviction, “You would risk our mission on this? Who knows what his feeble mortal mind is hiding?”

“I said: That is enough!” They were nose to nose now, glaring each other down, almost daring each other to move.

Arioch snorted in contempt, “We leave him at the next town,” he snarled, pushing past Kasbiel to continue the journey, “Do not forget who the General put in charge, boy!”Arioch turned with a snort and continued down the road.

Kasbiel sighed and shook his head, “I am sorry about him,” he said softly, his eyes following his master sadly until returning to Nicolai with a warm smile, “are you alright?”

Nicolai nodded, “Yes, I wasn’t injured, thanks to you.”

Kasbiel smiled and bowed his head, “Think nothing of it.”
Nicolai reached out a hand to touch the warrior’s chin, “Are you alright? You were injured.”

Kasbiel smiled, “I am fine, we are used to such wounds.”

“How did you do that?” Nicolai asked, his fingers running over the now faint scar.

“Another gift from our High General, the power to heal physical wounds by touch, handy in a pinch.”
Nicolai nodded, “You’re General sounds quite generous.”

Kasbiel chuckled, his eyes scanning the horizon. “Yes, she is.”

A brief silence fell over them as both seemed to scramble for words. Kasbiel stammered for a moment, then exhaled, his shoulders slumping, and looked into Nicolai’s eyes, the warrior visage returning.

“I know you must still be shaken from Arioch’s accusation, but I must ask, where did you learn your arcane talents?”

Nicolai felt his heart freeze as the question was asked, he had nothing to hide, he had always had these skills since he was a boy, but now, under the steely gaze of Kasbiel, shame and doubt riddled him.

“I…I’ve always had them.” Nicolai answered quietly, “Since I was a child, I found my singing made people feel good, stronger, happier, more than they were before. Soon I found that I could do unexplainable things with my voice and my will, change people’s minds, muddle them sometimes, but I’ve never had any training if that’s what you mean.”

Kasbiel shook his head, “And you don’t remember anyone teaching you this? Or agreeing to give you these powers?"

Nicolai’s eyes widened in shock, his unease growing, what was this about? “No, never, I’m sure I would remember something like that.”

Kasbiel locked his eyes with Nicolai’s sternly, his brow furrowed in conviction as he searched Nicolai for any sign of deceit.

Finally, with a sigh, his expression softened. “Ok, I believe you.” He slid the hammer back into its loop on his belt, Nicolai’s heart skipped as he realised he had been holding it this whole time.

“We should keep moving,” Kasbiel said, “We have fallen behind.”

Nicolai smirked, a sharp snort of derision given in response, “I’m sure the old man won’t get too far.”

Kasbiel shook his head, his eyes cast to the sky, “Not him, that!”

Nicolai followed Kasbiel’s pointed finger to the dark nimbus cloud that was travelling across the sky at a startling speed; it had overtaken them now and was continuing tirelessly on its path. Through the dark grey whisps, Nicolai saw that shape once more, a large dark form at the centre of the cloud. 

“What is that?” Nicolai wasn’t sure he wanted to know but the question plagued him.

Kasbiel sneered in disgust. “Corelius’s Dreadnaught, The Fell Storm, I shudder to think how many cities have fallen to that ship's assault, we need to keep moving.”

Nicolai jogged to keep up with Kasbiel’s determined march, “You mentioned Corelius before, who is he? To you, I mean.”

Kasbiel responded with a sharp glare, suspicion darkening his eyes. “He was one of us once, part of our order,” he replied finally, his expression softening, “but he turned to madness and savagery, betraying us all.”

Nicolai nodded, so they were connected, though Kasbiel’s reluctance to reveal any details of this connection only made Nicolai more curious.

“What order?” He asked, unable to contain himself, “What did he do?”

Kasbiel turned his head sharply, a flash of anger crossing his eyes. He was about to say something but paused to contain himself before continuing. “It is not important,” he said quietly, though his tone was sharp with irritation, “What is important is that we stop him before he destroys anything else.”

Nicolai remained mostly silent for the rest of the day, breaking only to hum or sing softly to himself as they rushed to catch up with Arioch.

They travelled until the setting sun shot ribbons of pink and orange across the cloudy sky, Arioch paused and looked back at his companions, his jaw shifting in stern consideration.

“We will need to march through the night if we are going to catch Corelius,” he said firmly, Nicolai couldn’t help but notice Arioch’s gaze shoot to him as he spoke, it made him very uneasy.

“We need to rest,” Kasbiel retorted, “We would be in no shape to fight Corelius if we don’t, and besides, we have Nicolai with us.”

Arioch shook his head with a snort, “So we leave him behind, it is vital that we…”

“We agreed that Nicolai would be left at the next town,” Kasbiel cut him off, Arioch’s eyes widening in outrage, “We can make camp, then continue tomorrow, we should reach civilisation by sundown tomorrow.”

Arioch’s silver eyes flashed as he glared fiercely into Kasbiel’s eyes, searching the young man’s expression for any break in his bold-faced conviction, Nicolai shuffled uncomfortably as he waited for someone to move.

Finally, Arioch hissed in annoyance and turned sharply to continue on the path, “Fine, but he leaves as soon as we reach town.”

Kasbiel stood fast for a moment, watching his companion walk away, then his shoulders slumped, his body relaxing as he let out a breath that seemed to deflate him as he turned back to face Nicolai.

“I am sorry,” Kasbiel said softly, “He is just very focused on this mission, there is a lot at stake.”

Nicolai smiled, “I understand,” he replied, brushing his hair out of his face, “I mean, he’s right, it seems I am holding you back, and I got you hurt in that fight, I was careless.”

Kasbiel shook his head, a soft smile curling his lips, “Not at all,” he said, “I was just…I mean they are terrible creatures, I just wasn’t expecting…I mean, your voice, it took me by surprise.”

Nicolai chuckled at Kasbiel’s nervous fumbling. It was almost cute, this stalwart defender, so skilled in warfare, so brave to fight monsters, now struggling to speak to him.

“Thank you,” Nicolai replied, bowing his head, “I am glad you liked it, I will try not to distract you further.”

Kasbiel’s eyes widened, “No! I mean yes, I mean, that would be appreciated, but you weren’t…”

“Kasbiel!” Arioch’s bellow cut off Kasbiel’s stammering as he spun to look down the path, “Focus!”

“We had better keep moving.” Kasbiel nodded, straightening his shoulders as he looked to the sky, the sun continuing its sluggish descent to the brink of the horizon.  “We still have a lot of ground to cover today before camp.”

The fire crackled and hissed as it collapsed inwards, a swarm of tiny sparks taking flight and slowly rising to the muted prismatic sky, painted by the setting sun.

Nicolai barely spared the fire a glance as he tried to focus on the secluded conversation his compatriots were having nearby. Though it had started with hushed, cool voices, things had gotten heated quickly, and it was obviously about him.

Arioch now stood with his feet firmly planted in a powerful stance, attempting to loom over Kasbiel as he spoke with a hissed tone. Kasbiel stood firm, his tone remaining surprisingly calm considering how tense his shoulders were.

Arioch folded his arms, shaking his head in disappointment, “You truly have lost your mind, boy!” He snarled, “You’re lucky the Grand Archons aren’t here, they would have seen you court-martialed for this.”

Kasbiel sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration, “Then I guess I should be thankful that I have such an understanding and lenient Master to guide me?”

Arioch advanced with a growl, “Do not play coy! You know the Codex as well as I, this…” His pale eyes darted to Nicolai, who diverted his gaze sharply to avoid any aggression directed his way. “He has arcane abilities,” Arioch hissed, “with no training or education, you must know what that means.”

Kasbiel shrugged. “It could mean many things, Arioch.”

“And how many of them are good?” Arioch snapped, his temper flaring before he paused to compose himself, “I only ask that you listen to your mind before your bleeding heart gets you killed.”

“And I only ask,” Kasbiel replied, his jaw tightening, “That you remember who we fight these battles for!”

Arioch’s eyes widened in outrage, his upper lip curling to bear his teeth as he stared down the young warrior.

“Get some sleep, boy,” Arioch snarled, smoothing his hair down in frustration. “That is an order.”

Kasbiel bowed his head and turned away, strolling over to his bedroll, his eyes cast down at the ground.

Nicolai looked up as Arioch approached the fire, his silver eyes glinting in the light.

“We are half a day's walk from the next town,” the old man said sternly, his jaw set in conviction, “There we will part ways.”

Nicolai nodded, not wanting to risk sparking Arioch’s ire any further, Arioch stood for a moment then sat down next to the fire, preparing for the first watch.

“Why do you fear my abilities?” Nicolai asked, his curiosity getting the better of his caution.

Arioch snorted in amusement. “I do not fear your abilities, just suspicious of where they come from.”

“Where do any magical abilities come from?” Nicolai asked.

Arioch’s gaze locked onto Nicolai’s with a fierce glare, “There are many ways a human can gain the gift of the arcane, some claim it through knowledge and study, others are born with it.”

Nicolai felt the air around him grow chill as Arioch seemed to be building up to a point.

“But by far the most common, is through some sort of deal with a dark and powerful entity, trading their mortal soul and servitude for immense arcane power.”

Nicolai nodded, realisation dawning. “And you think I have sold my soul to some fiend for these powers?”

Arioch shrugged grimly, “You wouldn’t be the first.”

“I never made any deal,” Nicolai said defiantly.

Arioch’s eyes flashed, though it didn’t seem to be from the fire. “Would you honestly tell me if you had?” He asked, his tone cold and grim as he spoke, “Or would the fear of retribution have you say anything you needed to stay my blade.”

Nicolai glanced down at the sword laying, still sheathed, in Arioch’s lap. “What’s wrong with your sword anyway?” he asked, “During the fight with those skeletons, you didn’t draw your sword once, why?”

Arioch looked down at the weapon in his lap then, gripping the sheath, he offered the handle to Nicolai. 

Nicolai stared at him in shocked curiosity, unsure of why the old man would offer him a weapon at this moment.

Arioch grinned. “Don’t worry, even armed, I don’t think you would prove much of a challenge to me, draw it.”

Nicolai sneered at the comment as he reached for the hilt, gripping the hefty leather bound handle, he pulled firmly, but the blade didn’t budge, remaining firmly in its leather sheath. Arioch returned the weapon to his lap, placing it down gently, as if in reverence. 

“This is the burden placed on me for blind ignorance, my atonement,” his hand brushed across the silver glyphs that adorned the sheath. “I only wish to keep Kasbiel from repeating my sins, our mission is too important.”

Nicolai took a deep breath, “I do not wish to divert you from your mission…”

“Then you understand why we must part ways,” Arioch interrupted, “You serve only as a distraction for Kasbiel, and in the end, it will only end badly for both of you.”

Sadness caught in Nicolai’s throat as he glanced over to Kasbiel’s form lying on his bedroll. Was he simply a distraction? Nothing more? He blinked back tears as he returned his gaze to the fire.

“You should get some sleep,” Arioch said with a sigh, “We will leave at first light.”

Nicolai rose to his feet and strolled over to his bedroll, his gaze lingered on Kasbiel as he passed him, doubt and sorrow sitting like a stone in his chest. His bed seemed cold and hard as he lay down to sleep, and little comfort came until the sun rose.

The trees rustled with a soft southerly breeze, carrying a hint of the southern coast and bringing cool relief from the midday sun. Swirling whisps of dust danced across the road ahead, swaying to a rousing silent tune which only mocked Nicolai in the tense silence that he found himself in.

Arioch had spurred a few paces ahead, his head down and shoulders hunched, sternly determined to continue the march with the greatest haste. Kasbiel followed behin, mirroring his master in a determined yet gloomy trudge, periodically glancing to check on Nicolai.

Nicolai hummed quietly to himself to pass the time, or at least break the silence, eyeing the others carefully for any signs of aggravation, but they didn’t seem to notice. The wind rustled the trees and whipped through Nicolai’s hair, he lifted a hand to shield his eyes and saw, on the horizon, the dark shape of a town.

A wave of bittersweet emotion washed over Nicolai at the sight, a town meant safety, at least relative safety, but it would also mean the end of his time with Kasbiel. He heaved a sigh as he looked at the armoured man striding ahead of him.

“Do you think I distract you?” Nicolai asked, it seemed like an abrupt and troublesome question, but it was all he could think of.

Kasbiel turned suddenly, as if awakened from a daydream. “Hmmm? Oh, uh, that’s difficult to say.”

Nicolai cocked an eyebrow in curiosity as he jogged up next to Kasbiel. “How so?”

Kasbiel took a deep steadying breath and squinted at the horizon. “Well, Yes, you do distract me, I find you, well…interesting, and as much as it pains me to say it, I have other concerns and commitments that don’t and can’t involve you.”

Nicolai’s heart sank, “I see, is this due to whatever temple you and Arioch serve.”

“Yes!” Kasbiel answered quickly, then seemed to question his response, “Well sort of anyway, just…” Kasbiel stopped and hung his head, his eyes closed for a moment as he tried to think. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again without a word, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

“It’s ok,” Nicolai said, forcing a smile, “I understand, I will try to be quiet from here on.” With that, he turned and continued walking. Kasbiel reached for him, but Nicolai kept going, not looking back.

As they approached the town, the trio saw the heavy wooden gates were shut, both the guards, who stood vigilant at watchtowers on either side of the gate, straightened up when they noticed the travellers.

“Halt!” The left guard shouted in a gravelly voice, “No unannounced visitors are permitted within Kerindell at this time, we ain’t got no lodging or supplies to spare, move along.”

Arioch straightened his shoulders and puffed his chest out. “We are warriors travelling to face this darkness at the capital, we have a civilian from the next town over, we simply need to drop him off and resupply for the road ahead.”

The guard hocked and spat over the edge of the tower, “You deaf, old mate? I said we ain’t got any supplies to spare, not with these attacks coming in, now scram!”

Arioch’s face contorted with rage, he was about to roar when Nicolai stepped forward to interrupt. 

“I do apologise for my friend, he is not from around here. My name is Nicolai, I am a musician from the town of Derimer, I have performed here before at the Crow’s Cauldron, perhaps you’ve seen me there?”

The guard scratched the stubble on his chin as he squinted at Nicolai, though it was the guard on the right that responded.

“Oh yeah!” he shouted, pointing at Nicolai and grinning excitedly at his comrade, “He’s the one who sang that scarecrow song at Dingle’s party, ain’t he?”

The other guard grinned, his stubble-speckled cheeks cracking with sunbaked lines. “Ah yeah, good times they were, you’re from Derimer, y’say?”

Nicolai nodded, “Indeed, though I fear I may be all that is left, a dark cloud fell over Derimer not two days ago, bringing brigands and monsters with it, Derimer was destroyed.”

“Wasn’t that dark cloud that passed by yesterday, was it?” the guard asked, turning to look at the sky behind him as if expecting the cloud to be eavesdropping.

“Most likely,” Nicolai replied, his tone straining against his growing frustration, “A large, dark grey cloud that seemed to move with strange purpose?”

The other guard snapped his fingers in a moment of sudden clarity, “That’s the one, large dark cloud moving against the wind, I told you that was weird, Rufus!”

The other guard scratched his chin and squinted at the sky, “I knew it too, just didn’t seem worth worryin’ about, wasn’t botherin’ us!”

Nicolai could hear Arioch’s leather gloves straining against his tightly clenched fists, or possibly it was his teeth grinding, he couldn’t be sure.

“Either way,” Nicolai called again, giving a brief, sweeping bow, “May we come in?”

The guards turned back to them suddenly, their expressions blank for a brief second, then the right one nodded hastily. 

“Oh yeah, of course, please come right in, told not to let strangers in, but strangers with neighbours should be ok.”

The other guard nodded as the two of them began turning the wheels that opened the gates, Nicolai bowed his head again and, with a gloating glance at his comrades, strolled into town.

“What was that?” Arioch snarled as they caught up, “Did you bewitch them? Take control of their minds?”

Nicolai chuckled in response, “My friend, the only sorcery I used on them was manners, a smile will get you places that a sword would never see.” He turned to shoot a wink at Kasbiel, who was trying desperately to hide his amusement from Arioch.

Arioch sneered at Nicolai then turned his gaze to the town around them, a quaint country town to Arioch and Kasbiel, simple and poor, but to Nicolai, it was the closest to a city he had ever seen.

Stone buildings with tightly thatched roofs lined the cobbled streets in neat rows, people bustled between houses and shops with trolleys and carts, exchanging pleasantries and small talk while they traded goods.

Nicolai quickly found his way to a two-story building, tall and broad at the front, thick wooden beams stood at the corners of walls made from cleanly hewn slabs of dark granite. A weathered sign over the door bore the name ‘The Crow’s Cauldron’ in faded painted letters.

Nicolai took a deep steadying breath and turned to his compatriots, “I suppose this is where we part ways?” he said, trying to sound chirpy, rather than depressed.

Kasbiel seemed like he was going to say something, Nicolai’s heart skipped a beat as the young man’s eyes met his, his lips parting briefly, taking a breath to speak.

What would he say? What could he say? At this moment, Nicolai felt his imagination should be running wild, but there was nothing, nothing he could say that would make this better.

Kasbiel’s words seemed to catch in his throat, he paused and looked away, Arioch stepped forward, glancing at his apprentice almost cautiously. “Indeed, you will be safe here, Corelius’s fleet has already passed and has its eye on a bigger prize, should that fall…” his eyes scanned the courtyard around him, “Then I feel nowhere will be safe.”

“It would be best then,” Nicolai replied, his eyes moving to Kasbiel once more. “If you did not fail.”

The sad, desperate look in Kasbiel’s eyes made Nicolai’s heart crumble, so many things he wished he could say to reach him, to convince him that he could help, then maybe he could stay in their company, in his company a little longer.

Nicolai’s shoulders slumped in sorrow, this was not to be, these were warriors, divine instruments of another’s will and he, well, he was just a distraction.

“I thank you for saving me,” Nicolai said, drawing back into a deep bow, “May the gods watch over you.”

Arioch gave a short, gruff nod, then turned to the road ahead without a word. Kasbiel’s eyes lingered on Nicolai for a moment, his chest slowly rising and falling with a deep sombre breath. Then he turned away, his sorrow swiftly masked by a cold, militaristic facade, a warrior’s mask.

Nicolai watched as they moved down the road, leaving him to the bustling crowds of The Crow’s Cauldron. Passing through the groups of cherry-cheeked punters and raucous tavern wenches, an odd numbness seemed to hold Nicolai at a distance from his surroundings.

Such revelry would once have excited him, the prospect of festivity and the chance to perform was what Nicolai lived for, or was it? How could he celebrate when others struggled? How could he relax when the empire was in such peril? How could he - 

Nicolai paused, resting his hand on a pillar to steady himself, his head spinning slightly. His mind had returned to thoughts of Kasbiel, for it was not the empire or anyone else he feared for, it was him. He pinched the bridge of his nose and took a breath, this was crazy, was he really considering this? He was lucky to have received their protection once, to follow after them now? To throw himself in harm's way in the mad hope they would let him travel with them again? It was madness.

Nicolai rose to his feet and rushed out the door, he needed to hurry if he was going catch them, he needed a horse.

Nicolai’s heart pounded in time with his steeds thundering hooves, spurring the horse on ever faster as the rough dirt path of the forest quickly disappeared, replaced with the cobblestone road that cut through the plains to Azralia. 

Dark rolling clouds loomed overhead, smothering the blue sky in an angry grey blanket and gathering above the grand spires of the capital, almost obscuring the once-shining city from view. 

Cold dread gripped Nicolai as he looked up at those clouds. The way they coalesced and moved was disturbing to watch, as if they were a sentient creature, closing in on their prey. Thunder rumbled through them like the beating of giant war drums, sparks flashing through the swirling grey whisps.

A loud clap of thunder spooked his horse, the beast rearing with a braying whinny, its eyes rolling in terror. Nicolai was thrown from his saddle, landing with a heavy thud in the dirt, he gasped as the air shot from his lungs, his body immobile for a moment as he gasped for breath.

As he steadied his breathing, he rolled onto his knees and rose to his feet, his shoulders slumping as he recognised the dark shape of his horse bolting into the distance.

“So much for that,” he muttered to himself.

The walls of the capital were close now, Nicolai could hear the shouts of the guards on the wall and the creaking of heavy machinery. Huge trebuchets launched heavy projectiles from the city wall into the clouds overhead, what were they firing at?

As he watched, a shape emerged from the grey swirling mass as if rising from the depths of the ocean. A curved, dark wooden hull broke the surface of the clouds, pushing through to reveal a monstrous frigate, its black sails billowing with the raging squall that ravaged the clouds around it. The dark timber of its make seemed weathered to the point of ancient, chains hung along the sides of its hull, rattling with each firing of its cannons: It was now that Nicolai realised that it was not thunder he had been hearing.

The ship fired another broadside, a cacophonous rolling of cannon blasts, their shots trailing eerie green smoke across the sky to collide with the stone walls and structures of the Capital.

Nicolai stood frozen in shock and horror, his eyes fixed on the grim spectacle before him, what was he doing? No, not now, he couldn’t turn back now, he swallowed the lump in his throat and pushed on towards the citadel.

Craters riddled the city’s outer walls like pockmarks, Nicolai could hear the sounds of fighting from above as he searched for an entrance. Eventually, he came to a crack in the wall, only just wide enough for him to slip through, Nicolai took a breath to steady his nerves and pushed into the city. 

The streets were barren, a dark mist rolling across the paving stones as Nicolai crept from corner to corner, choosing his path with careful consideration. The outer city had been sacked, the Azralian forces pushed back by the Lich-Knights hordes to defend the inner walls. Avoiding the streets where he could hear fighting, Nicolai soon found himself in the main thoroughfare, a long and once grand road, now empty and tense. The plants had been trampled, the stone pathways spattered with blood and covered in debris, bodies lay haphazardly scattered in the street, eerily still.

Nicolai offered a swift prayer for their souls, the image chilling him to the bone as his mind returned to memories of his hometown. Where was Kasbiel? Were he and Arioch already in the fight? As he moved to investigate, the sound of hurried footsteps caught his attention, followed by hushed voices. Nicolai crept to peer around the corner, a young woman hurried through the street with two young children at her heels, they cried and whined as she begged them to hurry quietly, but they were confused and obviously tired.

The echoing sound of metal clinking on stone saw both the woman and Nicolai freeze, it was getting closer, and the ominous rhythm filled Nicolai with dread.

A lone figure strolled into the street, his arms clasped behind his back, his steel sabatons clinking against the paving stones with each step. His form was cloaked in pitch-black robes and obsidian plate, his cold black eyes framed by high cheekbones and long silver hair that draped around his sharp jawline. He stopped in the middle of the street, his head slowly turning to leer at the woman, his thin lips twisting into a broad, malicious grin.

“Good day to you, my dear.” He hissed, his thin, reedy voice sending a cold shiver up Nicolai’s spine.  

The woman took a step back, her eyes wide in terror as she shielded her children behind her, one trembling hand outstretched in front of her.

The man pouted. “Now what is this?” he asked, “is that any way to greet your new king?!” His gauntleted hand jerked forward, lithe green wisps of light swirling around him as he clenched the air in front of him. The woman’s eyes widened, her hand reaching for her throat as she gasped for air, strangled by an unseen force. The man’s sickly grin widened as he watched this woman squirm, his unblinking eyes locked on her. 

“Stop!” Nicolai roared, his hand shooting forward as he released a burst of arcane energy. The woman fell to her knees, coughing and gasping for air, the dark figure’s attention turning to Nicolai.

The man’s eyes widened, his grin returning as he turned to bow to Nicolai, strands of his hair falling around his face. 

“Greetings, my friend,” he said, straightening up to clasp his hands behind his back once more. “Always a pleasure to meet another impostor in the mage’s circle.”

“Who said I was an impostor?” Nicolai scowled, noting the woman and her children dash for an alleyway as he stepped into the street.

The man broke into a crazed cackle, then doubled over, his hand rising to cover his mouth as his laugh gave way to a harsh coughing fit.

“It’s simple, my boy.” he said, a tinge of contempt coming to his tone, “I mean, for your age: your grasp of the arcane is, shall we say, lacklustre.”

The man raised his hand and, with a flick of his wrist, sent a spectral skull wreathed in green flame hurtling towards Nicolai. Flinging himself to one side, Nicolai rolled and rose to his knees, his heart pounding in his chest. 

“And picking a fight with The Lich-Knight Corelius?” The man said with a smirk, raising his other hand, which glowed with the same green flame. “Well, one could assume you haven’t had the highest education.”

A second ghostly skull hurtled, screaming, towards Nicolai’s face. Singing a quick line, Nicolai lashed out at the air, the skull dissipating against an invisible shield. Corelius stepped forward, firing blast after blast at Nicolai, his face still contorted in a sickening grin.

Nicolai continuously shielded himself, over and over he raised his arcane barrier, but he was tiring fast. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his limbs grew heavy, his legs barely able to hold him as he struggled against this constant barrage.

The street around him darkened, the air growing thick with dark fog as Corelius closed in, his arms clasped behind his back once more.

“Now you see your folly!” He snarled, looming over Nicolai as he knelt, panting, on the ground. “Now you see there is no hope, no one can save you now, you are alone.”

The fog was now a pitch-black abyss encircling the two of them, blocking everything else from view. Nicolai’s body trembled as he looked around desperately. Why had he come here? What had he possibly hoped to achieve? There was nothing here, nothing but death, meaningless death.

As his eyes closed, squeezing tears from their corners, a faint voice caught Nicolai’s attention. It sounded distant, but he could just make it out.

“See the white light,” Nicolai raised his head to peer into the fog, trying to see the one singing. “The light within, be your own disciple, fan the sparks of will.”

With a frustrated snarl, Corelius turned away, the fog dissipating suddenly to reveal a lone armoured figure standing in the road, his eyes locked on Nicolai. 

The song continued. “For all of us waiting, our kingdom has come.” 

Kasbiel stood firm in the middle of the road, warhammer in hand, as he finished the song, it was the song Nicolai had been singing during their journey, how did he know it? Had he learned it during their travels?

Corelius stepped forward with a knowing smile, folding his arms across his chest. “Well, it is about time you showed up, boy!” he snarled, scanning the street expectantly, “Where is the old man, didn’t the General send him to hold your leash?”

Kasbiel’s jaw tightened. “Let the human go,” he barked, his eyes darting to Nicolai, “He has nothing to do with this!”

Corelius’s head tilted towards Nicolai, his pitch-black eyes beholding him with confused amusement.

“Why?” he asked, his hand crackling with green energy as he raised it in front of his face. “What does he matter?”

Kasbiel’s jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring as he stepped forward, ready to attack. Corelius paused for a moment, glancing at Nicolai again, a smile of amused realisation splitting his face as his chest began to shake with cackling laughter.

“Oh now, this is…delicious.” He sneered through another coughing fit. “You…feel for this…mortal?”

Kasbiel’s eyes betrayed him, his gaze breaking away to glance at Nicolai, then casting down to the ground. Nicolai’s heart skipped, all thoughts of the immediate danger fading as he looked at Kasbiel. Was it true? Did Kasbiel feel for him too? His heart began to race with his mind as he stared at the armoured figure. 

Corelius gave a thin reedy chuckle, then raised his hand, a ball of swirling green energy building in his grasp. 

“Well then, isn’t that just…perfect, a little taste of what is to come then!”

“No!” Kasbiel roared, Corelius pausing as he turned back to face him, “This is between you and me now, no one else will be harmed while I live.”

As Kasbiel spoke, his voice boomed through the courtyard, a faint glow coming to his skin, his eyes becoming white-walled as a spectral rune formed in the air in front of him.

Corelius’s shoulders slumped, his top lip curling in a snarl. “Very well then!”

Corelius turned and recoiled to unleash his spell, Kasbiel’s loosened the grip on his hammer as he glared at the Lich-knight, ready for the fight ahead. Within Nicolai’s mind, Kasbiel’s voice spoke firmly. 

“When this spell falls, run.”

Nicolai‘s blood ran cold as he looked up at Corelius’s hand, he could feel the power coming off it, it was immense and cold, deathly cold. This was the power of death, a spell designed to kill the target, regardless of any physical protection they may have, he had to do something.

“Feel the white light, The light within,” Nicolai sang softly, the fighters pausing as he sang, his eyes glistening with tears as he looked to Kasbiel. “Yea it burns a fire that drives a man to win, for all of us waiting, your kingdom will come.”

Kasbiel’s facade broke, a soft smile showing through his warrior’s mask as he looked back at Nicolai.

Nicolai smiled, a tear rolling down his cheek as he took a deep, trembling breath, taking a last look at his armoured protector, then lunged at Corelius.

An anguished roar left Kasbiel’s lungs as Nicolai leapt onto Corelius’s hand, the spell discharging into him in full with a burst of sickly green light.

Nicolai gasped for air, grasping at his chest and stomach as he stumbled back, turning to look at Kasbiel with wide pleading eyes. His skin slowly drained of its colour, his veins darkening as he reached desperately for Kasbiel with a pasty, spasming hand, his milky eyes unwilling to tear away from the warrior.

“It’s…alright.” Nicolai whispered through harsh, gasping breaths.

Kasbiel reached for Nicolai, his breath catching in his chest.

“I…” he whispered, “I love you.”

Nicolai opened his mouth to speak, then slowly toppled backwards, a pale spectral form briefly remaining where he stood, holding his last pose, one hand outstretched, almost pleadingly, to Kasbiel.

Cold sorrow took hold of Kasbiel’s chest, forcing the air from his lungs as he forced himself to stay standing. His burning eyes slowly rose from Nicolai’s body to his murderer.

Corelius looked down at the lifeless body with an heir of dark amusement. 

“Interesting,” he hissed, inspecting his hand, “Such foolish sentiment, and yet?” His eyes shot to Kasbiel sharply. “He just saved your life.”

Hot fury burned in Kasbiel’s chest, rising to boil over as an ear-splitting roar was forced from Kasbiel’s lungs. His eyes burned, glowing brightly as he felt divine power surging through his body and into his weapon. Charging forward, he launched his attack.

Lost in his fury, Kasbiel charged and leapt to deliver an overhead strike, his warhammer blazing with divine energy. Corelius ducked to one side, drawing his longsword as Kasbiel’s hammer left a shattered crater in the paving stones.

Corelius pivoted and swung his blade at Kasbiel’s neck, the dark steel of the blade trailing shadow as it arced through the air. Kasbiel turned and thrust his hand outward, the blow bouncing off a glowing barrier that emanated from the warrior’s palm. 

The fight drew on, Kasbiel, his eyes burning with tears, his anguish forcing all his might into every blow, determined to kill Corelius for what he had done, quickly found himself outmatched.

Corelius blocked a waning strike from Kasbiel and, with one swift twist, sent the hammer flying across the cobblestones. Kasbiel went to dive for the weapon but stopped suddenly as the cold edge of Corelius’s blade pressed against his throat.

The Lich-knight grinned as he stepped around to face Kasbiel. 

“Ahhh, love,” he sneered, looking down at Nicolai’s body. “Such passion, such…weakness.”

He turned back to Kasbiel, his sly grin turning to a contemptuous snarl. 

“You really thought you could defeat me alone?” He leaned forward, growling through gritted teeth, “I was fighting battles for your beloved General before you took your first steps!” 

Kasbiel’s eyes widened in anger, glaring at the Lich-knight, 

“And look at you now, how far you have fallen.”

“Fallen? You say,” Corelius’s lips curled with a thin chuckle. “And yet, even with your beloved Arioch, you would be no match for my power.”

As he drew back his blade to strike, a booming voice echoed through the courtyard, a blazing bolt of light arcing through the street to strike Corelius in the shoulder. Arioch paced up the street, his gaze firmly set on the Lich-knight. He raised his free hand and uttered another series of words, his voice echoing off the buildings around him as he sent another bolt of divine energy hurtling towards Corelius.

Kasbiel dove to pick up his hammer as Corelius backed away, deftly parrying Arioch’s barrage before disappearing in a burst of black smoke.

Kasbiel turned to Arioch, his chest rising and falling rapidly with his furious breathing.

“I had him!” he growled.

“Yes, I could tell,” Arioch grunted, “your advantage was…commendable.”

Arioch stood looking down his nose at Nicolai’s body, his jaw squared in grim deliberation, as if he were deep in thought. 

“He…saved me,” Kasbiel said, grief taking hold once more as he looked at Nicolai’s pale skin, his hair scattered around his face. “I…”

“I warned you about mortals, boy,” Arioch growled, his eyes snapping up to lock with Kasbiel’s. “He distracts you, makes you weak, but…” Arioch paused as he raised his hand, a pale blue mote of spectral light glowed, suspended, in his grasp. “Is he worth it?”

Kasbiel’s eyes widened in shock. “What?”

“Is he worth it? Is he worth this?” Arioch gestured to the world around him, the carnage, “This is the fate of all mankind, you cannot change that. One day, he will die, and you will need to carry on, is he worth that?” 

Kasbiel’s gaze drifted back to the lifeless form of Nicolai, such a fragile soul, but so much life, so much love and care, a truly kind and free spirit, he did not want to be apart from him, he could not.

“Yes,” Kasbiel whispered, “Yes, he is worth it.”

Arioch nodded, his head bowing as he looked back to the mote of light, his nose wrinkling in irritation. 

“I’m going to regret this.” He grumbled, as he reached out his hand and sent the orb to Nicolai’s chest.

The light sank into Nicolai’s form, melting into his skin and leaving a brief, glowing patch before quickly fading away. Nicolai’s eyes shot open, his back arching as his lungs gasped for air. Kasbiel dove forward and helped Nicolai up to a seated position as he coughed and spluttered.

“What…what happened?” Nicolai asked as his breathing steadied.

“Well,” Kasbiel began, but was cut off as Arioch abruptly cleared his throat, calling for attention.

“Perhaps we should focus on the task at hand.” Arioch growled, turning to scan the street.

Kasbiel nodded, his jaw squaring as he lifted Nicolai to his feet. As they came to stand at eye level, Nicolai leaned forward suddenly, his lips brushing gently against Kasbiel’s, catching the warrior off-guard.

Nicolai smiled warmly. “I love you too.” He whispered, glancing warily at Arioch as he realised he was stealing this moment.

Kasbiel was frozen, staring wide-eyed and dumbfounded until a voice boomed, cackling through the streets, cut off by a violent coughing fit.

“What a precious moment!” Corelius roared from an overlooking rooftop. “The lovebirds reunited and you!” He pointed an armoured finger at Arioch, “Here at last, tell me, did the General promise your atonement for my head?”

Arioch’s grip tightened on the sheath of his sword. “The atonement I seek is my own, Corelius! As is yours!”

Corelius’s smile only grew, his lips cracking his cheeks to the point his face almost seemed split in two. 

“I seek no atonement, brother,” he spat with venomous scorn, “I have attained all I need, here, let me enlighten you!”

Corelius’s head rolled back as a cacophonous roar burst from his lungs, booming through the city and causing Nicolai to cover his ears. As he watched, two huge, black-feathered wings burst from the Lich-Knight’s back. Nicolai’s eyes widened, what was this? What were these people? Corelius’s grin broadened as he looked back down at the trio, Arioch and Kasbiel readying themselves for battle. 

With a smirk, Corelius launched into the air, rising high, his wings stretching to their full, impressive span, before slamming down onto Arioch, the old man barely parrying the blow with the sheath of his sword, forced to one knee by the impact. With a flick of his wrist, Corelius followed up with a shot of explosive force, aimed at Kasbiel. Unexpected, the spell slammed into Kasbiel’s chest, the knight sent hurtling back to land scrambling on the ground.

Arioch pushed out his block, shoving Corelius back to a breathable distance, his hand launched forward, following up the shove with a powerful blast of glowing, divine energy. Corelius chuckled as he lazily raised his hand, swatting the spell away like a pesky insect.

“You’ve gotten feeble in your old age, brother,” he sneered, “Or has the General’s collar simply stifled your power.” He lunged forward again, his sword striking with lightning speed. Arioch blocked the first strike, sparks flying as the blade met the crossguard of his sword. The second strike found it’s mark, Corelius switching to a lower guard before driving the blade upwards, catching the old man under the arm.

Blood sprayed in an upwards arc as the edge found a gap in Arioch’s armour, he recoiled with a roar, gripping his shoulder, his pauldren already coated with blood. Corelius sniggered as he ran his finger along the blade, the crimson ichor collecting on the plates of his gauntlet.

“You will not find that wound so easy to heal, old friend.” he hissed, his eyes glinting with malic, he was enjoying this.   

With a roar, Kasbiel re-entered the fray, Corelius ducked back as an overhead swing sailed past him. He struck at the young warrior’s back, Kasbiel twisting to block the strike and countering with a strike to the jaw from his closed, gauntleted fist.

Corelius stumbled back, nursing his jaw with an air of impressed amusement, chuckling as he drew his hand away from his face.

“You really don’t learn, do you boy?” he sneered, his eyes snapping back to Kasbiel like a viper locking onto it’s prey. He walked forward, one arm behind his back as he deftly blocked two wild strikes from Kasbiel’s hammer then, drawing the sword grip back to his hip, drove the point through Kasbiel’s ribs.

Nicolai’s breath left his body as he saw the tip protrude from Kasbiel’s back, scattering bloodstained chainmail links across the stones. Kasbuel fell to one knee as Corelius withdrew his sword, stepping away with a sigh.

“You see?” he said loftily, wiping the blood from his sword in the same manner as he did Arioch’s, “This is the power that freedom, true freedom, brings. No gods, no masters, just…” he paused as his head slowly turned to look at Nicolai, “Us.”

Corelius’s hand shot forward, a burst of pitch black escaping his palm and barreling towards Nicolai. Any light of hope drained from him in that moment, what could stop such power? such darkness? such hate? 

As he stood frozen, waiting for death to take him, a roar bellowed through the deafening silence, a glint of silver blocking the darkness from view as Kasbiel charged between them. His hands thrust forward to release a burst of golden light. The darkness parted, repelled by a barrier that flared from Kasbiel’s palms, the waves of black smoke circling them, cloaking the surrounding area in inky darkness. 

Arioch rose to his feet, his teeth gritting from the effort as he turned and raised his hands, the barrier extending and circling us as a tendrl of black smoke came crashing inwards, slamming against the barrier with a boom.

Striking again and again, the dark energy pummelled our shield with relentless strikes, Arioch and Kasbiel gritted their teeth against the strain, sweat beading on their skin as they held the barrier strong, despite their injuries. Nicolai looked around frantically, helplessly looking for a way out, an idea, something.

Over the relentless hammering on the shield, Nicolai heard a voice, a faint singing voice, as if someone was singing to themselves, singing his song. Nicolai turned to see Kasbiel, his hands still holding the shield in place, looking out into the darkness with a faint smile on his face, singing to himself.

Gently and quietly, Nicolai joined in, harmonising with Kasbiel’s baritone chorus and rising slowly. A warmth grew in his chest as he sang with his warrior, the man who had faced death, without hesitation, to save him, the man he had died for. Now, their voices entwined, he felt energy pulsing through every vein in his body, every muscle, every drop of blood thrummed with electric energy he could not explain, but it poured forth in this one soaring song.

As the spell took hold, Kasbiel, grinning from ear to ear, took a deep breath for a mighty roar. “NOW!”

Arioch roared and thrust his arms forward, a motion mirrored by Kasbiel. The shield shattered outwards, dispersing in a blinding flash that tore through the shadow, leaving the area clear.

“Enough!” Corelius roared, launching forward to strike at Arioch, his wings flaring outwards as he drove the old man to one knee with a powerful overhead strike. “I will not be denied by you!”

Kasbiel leapt to his master's aid with a roar, slamming his hammer into the Lich-knight’s jaw, he kicked at his stomach, forcing him back. Arioch continued the assault, slamming the pommel of his weapon into Corelius’s gut before swinging it around to catch the other side of his jaw with the crossguard.

Corelius stumbled backwards, unable to regain his footing from this onslaught. Kasbiel, his warhammer now glowing with divine power, drove the weapon in a horizontal strike into Corelius’s shoulder. With an audible crunch, Corelius’s sword clattered to the ground, his right arm and wing falling limp at his side. Kasbiel spun the hammer around his head and then drove it into Corelius’s knee, forcing the Lich-knight to the ground with a scream of agony.

His breathing heavy, eyes burning with fury, Kasbiel glared down at his helpless foe.

“Go on,” Corelius hissed, blood trickling from the corner of his smiling mouth, “Do it, finish it.”

Kasbiel’s grip tightened on his warhammer, the head burning and shaking with divine power. 

“No,” he replied, the glow of his weapon dimming, his shoulders relaxed, his grip loosened. “That is not my duty.”

Kasbiel stepped aside, slipping his weapon back into the loop on his belt, moving calmly to Nicolai’s side. 

Arioch stepped forward, standing like a statue over the dishevelled Lich-knight, his sword held firmly in his left hand.

“Corelius,” he began, a formal tone taking his voice, “you have been charged-”

“Oh spare me, Arioch!” he hissed furiously, “You wish to execute me for my sins, then do it, but spare me your pious judgements and finish it.”

Arioch paused, his steady, unwavering gaze locked on Corelius.

“Very well.” 

His hand slowly moved to the handle of his sword, as he gripped it, it seemed to resist him for a moment. Then, with a shrill ring, the blade pulled free, a broad, shining blade inscribed with blue glyphs along its fuller.

Arioch dropped the sheath as Corelius lowered his head, his hair falling around his face, in one swift movement, the deed was done.

“It’s over,” Kasbiel said, relief in his voice as he turned to Nicolai.

“Your wounded!” Nicolai was in a mild state of panic as he ineffectually grabbed at Kasbiel’s breastplate.

Kasbiel tapped his side where the blade had punched through. “I feel…” He twisted and stretched, then shrugged, “Fine.”

Nicolai found the tear in the bask of Kasbiel’s maille shirt and poked his finger through, Kasbiel flinched.

“Ah!” he exclaimed with a nervous chuckle, “That tickles.”

“How?” Nicolai asked, his eyes wide in bewilderment.

“I don’t know,” Kasbiel replied, glancing at Arioch, “It wasn’t me.”

Arioch snorted, a knowing grin on his face as he resheathed his sword.

“What of the ship?” Nicolai asked, looking up to the cloud that still hung over the city.

Kasbiel shook his head, “The ship will have been recalled to its plane of origin, it was never meant to be here, another perversion of Corelius’s power. his army also cannot exist while he is dead.” 

Nicolai turned back to Kasbiel. “What was he?”

Kasbiel took a deep breath, his eyes staring off at Corelius’s headless body.

“He was once like us,” he explained, remorse in his tone, “A celestial warrior, a member of the Divine General’s army, but…”

“He fell,” Nicolai finished for him, Kasbiel nodded, his eyes cast down somberly.

“Kas!” Arioch barked, calling the pair's attention back to the present. Kasbiel cleared his throat and wandered over to the old man, who stood leaning on one hip, his sword resheathed.

“You fought well, boy,” Arioch said, “Seems it was not focus you were missing, simply motivation.” A soft smile showed through the old man’s beard.

Kasbiel smiled and bowed his head. “Thank you Arioch, I am just glad we were able to stop Corelius.”

“Indeed,” Arioch concurred, his gaze drifting off to the setting sun, “Just a shame that you fell during the battle.” He reached out and pulled Kasbiel’s warhammer from his belt.

Kasbiel’s eyes widened. “What?”

“This life,” Arioch said, his eyes sadly drifting to Corelius’s body, “This…military life, it takes everything, Kasbiel, everything. And I think you have too much to give.” His gaze shifted to Nicolai, his smile returning. “So, it will pain me to report that young Kasbiel, Sentinel of The Divine General’s army, was tragically struck down by the Lich-Knight as he bravely fought to bring him to justice.”

Arioch held out his hand, his eyes glistening as Kasbiel removed a circular pendant from his neck and placed it in Arioch’s waiting palm.

“Thank you,” Kasbiel said softly.

Arioch shook his head, his jaw clenching as he drew back his hand, “No, my boy, do not thank me. Live, live your life, live for him, fight if you must, but fight for him.” He nodded, “I know you will make me proud.”

In a flash of light, a pair of huge white wings burst from Arioch’s back, spanning across almost the entire street before, with another flash of light, Arioch was gone.

Kasbiel closed his eyes and took a deep breath through his nose, he was free. Free to pursue his own dreams, free to live his own life, he turned to Nicolai, who was looking at him with concern.

“You’re…” Nicolai started with an unsure tone.

“Free.” Kasbiel finished, stepping forward to embrace Nicolai, the pair falling into a deep and passionate kiss, holding each other tightly as the tension and stress of their journey came to bear. Neither wanted to let go, this was it, here they would stay until kingdom come, through all trials and evils that the future held. This moment, this fleeting moment, felt like home.