Rise of the Resistance

The Realms of War 13: A Tale of Two Sisters

Aewyn paced back and forth along the long, empty halls of her new found home.  It was the remainders of a castle, long torn apart by the Horde.  The survivors of the attack had slowly established a presence within the confines of whatever remained.

The majority of the survivors were Humans, who had traveled across the seas to find ruined lands, most likely to try to claim them as their own.  Elves and Dwarves rounded out the remainders, making sure to try and protect the lands the Humans had come to claim.  Aewyn found it all fruitless, useless political garbage in the face of real danger...  the Horde still existed.

Ah... Aewyn, my apologies for coming to see you so late, a voice echoed as a figure emerged from across the hall.

I had forgotten that I had requested time with the self proclaimed King of these lands, Aewyn replied, sarcasm filling her words.

The figure paused and shook his head as he neared.  His name was Tyril Unther, a Human survivor of supposed Royal lineage.  He had swept through the lands with an army, gathering survivors of the Horde and slowly establishing a presence across the lands.

My dear Aewyn, you know I would never consider myself a King.  While I may come from such a family, I am merely a leader among men... and Elves, and Dwarves.  Back in the days of yore, Humans appointed a leader in times of crisis.  Once the crisis was over, it was the leader's sworn duty to let whatever monarchy was in place to take over, Tyril replied.

.And it just so happens that you are the only one with Royal lineage, quite the coincidence, Aewyn replied.

Please, Aewyn, don't let my delays anger you like so.  I do apologize for not seeing you sooner about your sister, Tyril apologized, tilting his upper body down slightly.

Many moons have passed since she disappeared, from these very walls.  I felt his presence, and I know the Horde still stands strong.  We need to get her back, Aewyn said.

Aewyn, could it not simply be that she left?  To seek shelter elsewhere?  You said yourself that you were among the first here.  You, Kara, Rick, and a handful of others.  You left this Lord... La...  He paused as he tried to remember the name.

Lazarus, Aewyn reminded.

Ah yes, this Lord Lazarus, lost track of you long before you traveled here.  Are you suggesting he somehow tracked only your sister down and took her?  Do you see how absurd that sounds?  Tyril questioned.

My sister and I are very close.  I highly doubt that she left on her own accord without telling me, Aewyn answered.

I can understand how you can feel that way.  I had a brother, Tristan.  The vaunted heir to the Kingdom, and he fled the second he saw the chance,

I know my sister.  That would never happen.  I felt Lazarus' presence, in this very castle, Aewyn replied.

And what would you have me do?  I can't send an army out there aimlessly.  We have no idea where to even begin, Tyril responded, crossing his arms.

With this much time having come and gone, yes, it will be more difficult to find her, Aewyn said, a bit of an edge to her voice.

Again, my apologies for not getting back to you sooner.

It's not just the fact that you did not meet with me sooner.  You also disallowed me from leaving the moment you arrived.  Kara, Rick and a handful of Dwarves were ready to go after we rested and regrouped, Aewyn said, her voice now full of anger.

I...  I had to.  We needed an accurate count of survivors and my men needed you.  Your spells to heal.  You know we are very much indebted to you for your efforts in healing and cleansing my men.  We were a rag tag army when we first arrived, Tyril replied, his arms slowly uncrossing and moving behind him.

And the only gratitude I receive is through those lips.  Nothing more.  Empty promises, and accusatory comments about the fact that Lazarus came and took my sister, Aewyn responded.

Tyril shook his head and sighed while staring at the ground.  Aewyn could see the exhaustion in his eyes and felt a slight bit of guilt.  Her eyes followed as he paced back and forth, biting on his thumb.

Do you have any idea where this... Lazarus, could have taken her?  Tyril questioned.

We share a bond.  I can barely, just barely, sense her, Aewyn answered.

Such a shame, he whispered.

Excuse me?

Tyril turned on his heel and lifted his head.  Aewyn sensed something was wrong with his mannerisms.

I am sorry, but I cannot have you leave.  You offer too much for my army.  Your sister is a casualty, don't you understand?  I'm not building a little Kingdom to rule over.  I'm doing so much more; I'm uniting us all to create an Empire!  No other power, not even the Horde will ever dare attack us again, Tyril said, raising his arms to try to accentuate his words.

And I'm somehow a part of this?

Absolutely!  You can help teach how to use magic!  You are a High Priestess, the last of a very few.  Don't you understand what I'm trying to do?  Tyril questioned as he approached her.

Aewyn stepped back and put her arms in front of her, a palm faced outward at Tyril.

Step any closer and I will show you how weak you and your planned creation truly are, Aewyn threatened.

Before, she felt as though she were a captive, now she knew she was one.  Footsteps echoed as men in armor began filing in.  A dozen or so soldiers stopped and stood around Tyril, protecting him.

If you don't see the big picture, I'll have to keep you in place until you do, Tyril responded.

This is so typical of you Humans.  Power hungry mongrels of destruction, Aewyn replied.

Now stand down!  Tyril ordered as he stared at her angrily.

Aewyn could have taken out the dozen or so men, but she guessed that there were probably more, waiting to rush in.  She cursed under her breath and put her arms to her sides.  The soldiers soon surrounded her and locked her wrists together.

You give me no choice Aewyn.  I didn't want this, Tyril said as he turned, leaving the room.

Before she could respond, a soldier smacked her in the back of the head with the hilt of his sword, knocking her unconscious.  Tyril paused, turned, and took one last look at her before nodding at his soldiers and walking off.

AEWYN!  LEILA YELLED as she jolted up.

Only her voice echoed back in response.  She looked around, rubbing her forehead, the images of her sister slowly fading away.  Her head throbbed in pain, a buzz filling her ears as she looked around.

Are you okay?  A voice replied.

Leila turned her head to see Captain Oronar looking down at her.  She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw his calming smile.

I...  I don't know.  I felt...  I'm not sure, Leila replied.

Captain Oronar was her commanding officer, a leader with fighting skills second to none.  He had personally trained her throughout the years, and she grew to like him, more than just her commander.  It wasn't that long ago that he shared similar feelings, though Leila couldn't recall exactly when, where or how it had all happened.

She was moments away from being captured by Trolls when Captain Oronar had appeared, rescuing her.  He had been awarded awards and medals for his valiant efforts in fighting off the Horde.  Most importantly, he was given a large piece of land outside the walls of Erun, where he had brought her, to live peacefully.

Wait... no... That’s not right...  Leila whispered as she pressed down on her temples.

What was that?  Oronar asked.

I...  Something...  Something doesn't feel right, Leila replied.

My darling, is it because of this dream about your sister?  I'm sure she's fine.  We can visit the castle tomorrow, Oronar replied.

The buzzing in her ears grew louder as she tried to think.  Her memories were garbled, bits and pieces of information trying to come together.  She had memories of the Horde succeeding, of running away from them.

Lazarus, she whispered.

What's that?  Oronar questioned, kneeling down beside her.

I...  I don't know, Leila replied solemnly.

Calm yourself, your dreams must have really messed with you, Oronar replied, coddling her.

Leila turned her head and kissed him on the lips as he embraced her.  Their lips locked, his tongue circling hers.  She rubbed his inner thigh with one hand, while he teased her hardening nipple beneath the little tunic she was wearing.

She gasped as he gave it hard squeeze between his fingers.  Her fingers dug into the waist band of his trousers, gently pulling out and stroking his member.  He groaned as she squeezed the tip of his rod, massaging the sensitive area where it met the shaft.

Oronar wrapped his arms around her and lay back so that she was atop him.  He reached around and hiked up her tunic, letting her hot sex rub against his hardened member.  Leila gasped as she felt his rod slide against the folds of her wet sex.

They continued to kiss, their tongues dancing back and forth.  She reached between her legs and pressed his member against her sex, rubbing her lower body against it but not sliding it into her.  Her juices covered his shaft as she continued teasing it with her sex.

She pulled away, sitting upright, his member right between her legs, pointing up at him.  With her crotch, she pressed down and rubbed her lower body against him, the lips of her sex sliding along the shaft of his manhood.  He was considerably large for an Elf, which had caught her off guard initially.

Now, she was used to his length and girth, though, it did seem to change in size occasionally.  Her mind began to buzz again as she thought about it.  She brushed away the thought, shaking her head as she pressed the tip of his cock against the entrance of her sex.

Oh... Gods...  Leila whispered as she slowly pushed his cock into her.

His thick throbbing member gently pushed into her, stretching her tight little snatch.  She tilted her head back and gasped as she felt the immense heat fill up her crotch.  No matter how many times she took him, she could not get used to his cock.

She lowered herself further, his cock plunging in deeper.  She arched her back and moaned, reaching back to place her hands on his thighs.  Her nipples poked through the soft fabric of her tunic.

Oh... Oh... Yes!  Yes!  Leila cried out as she managed to slide his entire member inside her.

Oronar grabbed a hold of her waist and began to thrust his hips from below.  Leila responded by grinding her lower body against him, squeezing her thighs together slightly to clench tightly on his cock.  His balls smacked against her ass hard with each thrust and she leaned forward, placing her hands on his chest.

Oh... yes... yes... Captain...  Leila moaned.

He began to speed up, thrusting his hips harder and faster.  Leila placed her head on his shoulder and moaned, nibbling on his ear at the same time.  It seemed to drive him, making him grip tightly onto her waist as he penetrated her.

Ungh... ungh... yeah...  Yeah!  Oronar roared, his voice sounding distorted.

Leila closed her eyes as she felt a ball of warmth slowly wind its way through her body.  She gasped as it imploded from within her, spreading a wave of bliss through her.  Her pussy clamped around his thick cock as she climaxed.

Oh Captain!  Leila moaned, grinding her body against his.

She opened her eyes as she felt her orgasm rock her.  The large plains of grass were gone, replaced by darkened, grungy walls.  Leila shook her head, confused.

What?  Where?  Leila started questioning.

She looked down and froze, her mind feeling absolutely lost.  Below her was an Orc, still thrusting his cock in and out of her soaking wet pussy.  Pleasure still continued to flood her senses as she tried to understand what was happening.

Oh...  what...  Leila moaned, her hips moving on their own.

The Orc grunted, hammering into her pussy harder and faster in excitement.  She could feel his cock throbbing faster between her legs as he pounded deep into her womb.  Her hands gripped tightly onto his chest, almost pinching his skin as she felt another orgasm creep through her.

Wait...  This isn't...  You're not...  Leila started.

Before she could finish, another climax rushed through her body.  She screamed, arching her back again as her body numbed.  A tingling sensation overtook her as she trembled atop the beastly creature.

You've failed, yet again, a voice grumbled.

My Lord, what you ask for...  It is not so easily achieved, a voice rasped back.

Enough.  Put her back in the chamber, the other voice responded.

The Orc below her grunted in anger.  She looked over to see the hooded, undead Elf.  Her former Captain, Captain Oronar, staring down at her.  Memories began to flood her mind as she recalled her adventures with her sister.

As the Orc pulled her off and pushed her aside, she began to remember how they had stopped the Horde.  The Lich King had been frozen in place by Ariel, while she, her sister and the others had escaped.

And her former Captain, he had been converted into an undead Pit Lord, Lord Lazarus.  Leila quickly pulled her tunic down and tried to stand, but stopped as she realized she was surrounded by other beastly monsters.

Another disappointment and I will have to find a replacement, Lord Lazarus threatened.

The small Goblin standing next to him shuddered at his words.

My Lord, she is strong-willed.  It's not something I can change in an inst-

Lazarus grabbed the Goblin by the throat and raised him into the air, interrupting him.  He stared into the eyes of the small creature before slamming him into the ground.  Leila flinched, unsure of what to do.

Failure is not an option.  Lazarus said, turning his head to look at another Goblin.

I will succeed, the Goblin replied.

He tossed a small vial onto the ground next to Leila.  A sweet scent flooded her nose and within seconds, she felt woozy.  She tried to fight the sleepiness but her eyes closed on their own and she crumpled to the ground.

AEWYN PACED BACK AND forth in her cell, occasionally looking out the bars to see shadows move around in the halls.  Tyril had placed guards outside the halls of her cell to make sure she couldn't get away.  She contemplated on casting a spell, but in her confined space, it would have been a dangerous move.

Even if she had managed to get out of her cell, she'd have to fight through dozens of soldiers.  She sighed and leaned against a wall.  A sigh escaped her lips as she thought about the situation.

It was entirely ridiculous that she was being kept captive.  The Horde had just laid waste to their lands, and had almost taken over the lands if it were not for her, her sister, and Ariel.  The Lich King's power still emanated and Lord Lazarus still had a formidable force ready to continue their efforts to conquer.

Worst of all, her sister was still out there.  Aewyn could just barely sense her now, her bond with her sister growing weaker by the day.  She closed her eyes and slowly crouched down, overwhelmed.

Maybe the Horde should have won, she whispered.

She lightly bumped the back of her head against the wall of her cell as she sighed again.  There was a loud clang and she froze.  Shadows slowly seemed to move around in the halls and Aewyn began to chant, readying a spell.

Aewyn?  A hushed voice called.

Yes?  Aewyn whispered back.

Gods, it was true.  I can't believe they locked you up, the voice replied.

Aewyn smiled as she recognized the voice and face of the Human.  It was Kara, a tall, slender woman who had been saved by her sister before they traveled across the seas.  She was carrying a torch, lighting up the halls.

I thought Tyril would keep this a secret, Aewyn whispered.

Don't forget that I'm a member of his royal guard, another voice said.

Aewyn saw a shadow approach and she squinted to see in the dark.  Yet another survivor, Rick, made his way down the hall, gently wiping his hands on a cloth.  Aewyn saw a bit of blood.

Yours?  She asked.

No, I punched one of the guards in the nose and it... well, it wasn't pretty, Rick replied.

Rick was unique, a member of a Human tribe from years past.  According to their urban legends, in times of great danger, one soul would be selected to be their ultimate warrior, a Berserker.  Aewyn had seen him change, become the Berserker and unleash his rage and it was inhuman.  While she had her doubts about whether or not he was a Human, he proved that he had a good heart long ago.

Let's get you out of here, he said.

He grabbed onto the bars and pulled, trying to pull them apart.  Aewyn watched as his face turned red and he grunted, pulling with all his might.

Don't you have to... transform?  Kara asked.

Urgh...  I...  got... this...  Rick grunted back.

The bars didn't budge an inch as he continued growling and pulling. After a few more attempts, he stepped away, wiping his forehead and taking a couple of deep breaths.  A small smile crept across Aewyn's lips as she watched him huffing and puffing.  Kara stood next to him, an eyebrow raised, her arms crossed.

You're...  You're kidding right?  Kara questioned.

Look, I can't...  I'm not some sort of shifter that can transform at will.  It's called the Berserker's Rage for a reason.  I have to be angry, and in immediate danger.  It's not some sort of quick transformation I can call upon, Rick replied, his face bright red.

So if I stab you...  Kara started.

What?  No?  Why would you stab me?  Rick responded.

Aewyn shook her head and tapped one of the bars, getting their attention.

Both of you step back, she ordered.

She raised her arms as they moved aside, away from her cell.  After finishing her chant, she closed her eyes.  A burst of flames erupted from her hands.  The sheer force of the flames blew the bars out of the wall, sending them flying loudly across the hall.

Rick peeked his head through, his eyes wide with amazement.  He seemed to be constantly surprised by the power of magic. 

Was hoping for something a bit more subtle, Kara said.

My apologies, but that was the only spell I knew that could get through these bars, Aewyn replied.

We took out most of the guards out there, but there may be some...: Kara paused as she heard footsteps.

She looked over at Rick and then at Aewyn and nodded.  As if on cue, a group of soldiers rushed in, their swords ready.  Rick glared at the soldiers and growled.  Aewyn could see the rage from within him growing, just like the size of his body.

Go, take her out the back, I'll hold them off, Rick grunted as he began to grow bulkier.

I can help, Aewyn replied.

That's highly ill-advised.  Come Aewyn, Rick can handle them, Kara said, grabbing Aewyn's wrist.

Aewyn hesitated for a moment before following along with Kara.  The guards raised their swords, two rushing to try to get the women.  Rick quickly ran in front of them and smacked them with his powerful arms. 

His rage had kicked in, turning him into a beastly creature.  He roared and rushed at the stunned men, practically tossing them around like play things.  Aewyn glided on, following close behind Kara.

There were voices echoing through the halls as more and more soldiers were alerted.  Aewyn was worried for Rick's safety but Kara didn't seem to mind.  The two made their way down deeper through the dark halls.  There were other prisoners watching in wonderment from behind their bars.

Where are we going?  Aewyn asked.

There's a small tunnel out near the end of this hall, it leads directly out of the castle walls.  The Dwarves found it while exploring.  Seems to be damage from the initial attacks from the Horde, Kara answered.

Hey!  Let me out!  One prisoner yelled.

Aewyn paused, looking at the grizzled Human.  Kara shook her head and pulled Aewyn away.

Unlike you, these other prisoners are actually down here for a legitimate reason, she said.

Aewyn felt guilty as they continued onward.  She could see light beaming out from the right side of the hall.  Kara rushed over and waved Aewyn towards her.

Come on!  Hurry!  Kara yelled out.

She squinted as the bright sunlight filled her eyes.  It took her a bit of time to get used to.  The sound of approaching footsteps put her on alert.

Aye!  You made it!  Where's Rick?  A low, deep voice asked.

Fighting off the guards, Kara replied.

Figures!  What did you use in there?  Dragon fire? I could hear the explosion out from here!  The voice answered.

Aewyn looked down to see a Dwarf smiling up at her and Kara.

You can thank the Sorceress here for that, Kara replied with a grin.

M' lady Aewyn, the Dwarf said, bowing down slightly.

Aewyn thought she recognized the scruffy looking Dwarf.  His dark red beard long and down to his chest.  She always had trouble differentiating Dwarves without some sort of sigil or family crest to help her.  He seemed to take notice of her looking down at him, trying to recall where they had met.

Tirador, he introduced.

Aewyn's eyes lit up as she recognized the name.  He was one of the Dwarves that had saved her and her sister when the Beastwulfs had attacked right after they had left their home.  They had parted ways long before she and the survivors had continued on North.

Tirador!  You survived!  Aewyn responded excitedly.

Aye!  Dwarves are quite hard to kill, Tirador laughed.

What are you doing here?  Aewyn asked.

Hey, look, I know you two want to catch up, but we have to go, Kara replied, cutting off their reunion short.

Bah, Humans.  Always in a rush because you live such a short life, Tirador barked.

Yeah, it has nothing to do with that.  You do realize that Tyril's army is coming down those halls, right?  Kara answered.

Let them come, Tirador replied confidently.

Unbelievable, Kara sighed.

There was a loud roar, followed by several screams echoing in the halls.  Aewyn looked at Kara worriedly.

Don't worry, Rick can handle himself.  Let's go, Kara said, assuring the High Priestess.

I say we just go in and oust Tyril.  His shifty little eyes have been bothering me ever since I arrived, Tirador said.

Some other time perhaps.  Now come on, Kara urged as she began making her way down the side of the hill. 

Tirador grunted in response before following behind her.  Aewyn took one last look down at the hole in the castle wall, hearing shouting, screaming, and roars.  She wanted to go back and help but deep inside, she knew Rick would be able to handle them.  After taking one deep breath, she turned, following behind Tirador.

LEILA JOLTED UPRIGHT, her head throbbing while her body was covered in cold sweat.  She looked around, confused.  For some reason or another, she couldn't recall where she was, or how she had gotten there.

A loud explosion rocked the room she was in and she quickly stood up, instinctively reaching back for a bow.  To her dismay, she had nothing, just her armor and nothing else.  She quietly approached the door and opened it.

Hello?  She whispered.

There was no answer and she stepped out carefully.  More explosions echoed through the halls and she quickly rushed out of the room and down the halls in the opposite direction.  Wherever she was, it was dimly lit and filled with smoke.  She could barely see her hands right in front of her.

What is happening? She questioned quietly to herself.

Shouting and screaming filled the air and she ducked down, trying to figure out what was happening.  The last thing she remembered was meeting with her sister.  She couldn't remember why she met with her, but afterwards, she had met with Captain Oronar.

Trolls...  She whispered as a small bit of her memory returned.

She, along with her Captain and a handful of his best soldiers were sent out to meet with a caravan.  While they were away, Trolls had sacked her castle, her home, the Kingdom of Erun.  After that, her memories were fuzzy, and she was unable to recall any further events.

Make sure they're all dead!  A voice echoed.

She could almost recognize the voice, though she couldn't place exactly who it was.  There was another explosion and figures began to emerge through the heavy smoke.  Leila readied herself, raising her arms in a defensive stance.  Even without her weapons, she'd be able to do some damage to whoever was coming through.

Keep vigilant men!  There may be more members of the Horde here!  The voice shouted.

Leila's ears perked up at the mention of the Horde.  More memories slowly flooded through her as she began to remember the vicious army.  She fell to her knees, clutching her head as it throbbed in pain.

Someone rushed to her side and wrapped their arms around her.  Leila couldn't fight back, her head aching as the person tried to lift her up.

Are you okay?  He asked.

I...  I don't know, my head...  Leila replied, feeling calmed.

Captain!  A survivor!  The person next to her shouted.

Leila felt even more relieved as she heard the title.  It must have meant that whoever had found her was either Human or Elf. 

A survivor?  Unbelievable!  Be careful, she may be under their spell, another voice, obviously the Captain, replied.

Sir, there's something wrong with her, the man beside her informed.

The smoke slowly began to clear and the Captain crouched down in front of her.  Leila glanced up, almost recognizing him.

You're a soldier?  The Captain questioned suspiciously as he looked at her armor.

Leila Windrider.

What?  Weren't you with Captain Oronar?

Yes...  Leila replied, the pain in her head slowly subsiding.

By the graces of the Gods...  I can't believe you're alive!  I'm Captain Lucuder, and these are my men, he said proudly.

Lucuder?  Leila repeated, recalling his name.

He was a member of the naval fleet, who had been ordered to go across the seas due to some potential news about the Horde.  She had been given this information by her Captain, as well as his concerns regarding the orders. 

Weren't you?  Wait, you were sailing, Leila said as she slowly stood up.

Yes, the Horde hit us hard.  What crew I had left were able to turn and come back to...  well, this, he replied, looking around.

This?  This is our castle?  Leila asked, surprised.

Absolutely, or at least, was.  The Horde tore this place apart.  We weren't expecting any survivors, Captain Lucuder replied.

Leila placed her fingers on her temples, trying to recall how she had ended up in the room she was in.  She was getting bits and pieces of her memories to return.  The Horde did indeed attack Erun while she and her Captain were out, and Trolls had even managed to take her captive.

The Call of Krakenos, she whispered.

"I'm sorry?  The what?  Lucuder asked.

I...  I don't know, it's something I remember, Leila replied.

Do you remember how you got here?  He asked.

No...  Strangely, I cannot recall, Leila answered.

You need to rest while we clear the area.  The majority of the Horde seem to have moved on, but you never know, Lucuder said.

No, I wish to help, Leila replied as she stood up and shook her head, clearing the cobwebs.

I would highly advise against it,

I need to find my sister, Leila said.

Your sister?

High Priestess Aewyn Windrider, Leila informed.

A High Priestess?  She could help heal our wounded.  Let us find her then, Lucuder agreed, helping to support her.

The group huddled together and walked through the silent, empty halls.  Leila still felt something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.  No further members of the Horde popped up to stop them as they walked through the castle.

Where is everyone?  Lucuder whispered, his sword drawn.

Captured most likely.  They had a potion, strong enough to...

A potion?  The clear vials the Goblins carried?  Lucuder asked, interrupting her mid-sentence.

Yes, an absolutely vile potion, Leila said.

I've seen what it can do.  We had some of our own turn on us.  Women...  They led us to caverns with the Horde, ambushes, Lucuder recalled as he sighed.

The group stopped as they reached the vast but empty throne room.  Leila recalled seeing the King on occasion in this very room.  It used to be lined with Elves, soldiers, guards, and citizens all lined up to see him.

The King...  Lucuder whispered.

What are your plans after this?  Leila asked.

I don't know.  Survive.  Find your sister, and any others who can help, Lucuder replied.

Run!  A voice yelled down one of the halls.

Leila turned her head and watched as a soldier ran towards them, his eyes filled with fear.  Before he could reach them, he fell forward, an axe lodged in his back.  The soldiers huddled together, their weapons drawn as they heard thunderous footsteps echo down through the hall behind the fallen soldier.