Thread: The General and the Warrior Princess (Starlet and Vladimir)

For as long as history has been recorded there has always been a building known only as the House of Ballads and within its halls has there always been at least one member of the Ballisastra family. Known for their brutality in a fight and their subtly in the art of speech, they have always been in a position of power that granted them a great many things that they desired money, slaves, and whatever else they so wished for they would have it. For awhile this alone seemed to be enough for them that peace for the surrounding regions lasted for near 400 years, until came Gorhart the Bloody. During his rein in the region that would eventually be called Khyador things took a turn for the worse. A master of every weapon he could get his hands on, Gorhart believed that war was the true way of life as it weeded out the week so that only the strong could be said to be the rightful rulers and so he plunged the area into a devastating war where he raided the regions around them for slaves and resources and it wouldn't be until five years later when a champion would arrive from the north who would eventually put the man down...but the damage had been done. Since that time Khyador has gone through a great change, at least on the outside it appears. A nation soon rose out of the ashes of the empire Gorhart created, led by none other than his own son Haward the Wise. Where his father ruled with his strength and his sword, the offspring ruled with a silver tongue and clever wit. He made all that he did to appear for the better of his country and those surrounding when truly he craved what his father did and went about it by another means. Holy Wars, Purges, the mass slaying of magical creatures...these and many more activities does Haward devote his kingdom to and on the outside he makes it appear that they are merely trying to liberate their neighbors from the impurity of the magical folks by means of science, but its is merely the same as his father did. Waging war for war's sake, taking lands and making them into Providences who must give what is asked of them least they wished to be punished for harboring war criminals. Underneath it all though its all just an elaborate lie to get what he seeks power, and not just any power but of that of an ancient and terrible god that was once sealed away. But now he knew the location of where he may find what he sought and one nation stood in his way. Argath sat at a simple wooden desk with a pen in hand as he wrote down the final details of his report of his last campaign into the southern marshes of Nyxis, recalling how deadly of a location that region turned out to be in the beginning until orders were given to his scouts to study and learn the land, rather than seek out the enemy for a short while. They had learned much in that short time then, and it was only a matter of time before the enemies hidden base deep with the marshes was discovered and quickly taken, ending the rebellion that had sprouted there. He had finished dotting the last sentence when a knock came at his door and the man sighed as he placed his pen back in the ink pot and moved to open the only entrance to his private chambers to see a servant standing there. Pardon your lordship, but I have a message from his majesty, the servant began after a brief hesitation, a war council is being held and you are to attend as you will be leading this next one, so you will need to bring what materials you may. he said and then stood there. Argath stood there for a few moments as he pondered on what he was just told, frowning slightly when it was apparent that he wasn't going to get a little rest after all it seemed as he was being placed right back on the front lines of a new war. So be it then, tell his Majesty that I shall arrive shortly. You are dismissed. he answered back and closed the wooden door shut as the servant moved to obey. A sigh passed from him then as he knew his job as the greatest General that has ever been known in the Khyador army meant that he would often be on the front line of any war, but as his door opened a smile came from him....it also had its perks. Some thirty minutes later he emerged from his chambers dressed in his uniform, a garment made entirely of black silk with gold thread and trimmings and a ceremonial sword belted to his side, as the man made his way through the castle until finally reaching the throne room where upon he was announced and the meeting was halted until he took his seat. I'm pleased that you could finally join us, said Khalad, another General of lesser standing than Argath, we were just discussing how we would free the kingdom of Nevrath from the clutches of the fae folk. Argath merely shrugged his shoulders and gave a somewhat bored look at the man who was his lesser. You know as they say, first to war, last to council. he said and then smiled as the man was visibly upset but dared not to go into an outburst in front of their king who sat upon his throne watching all that happened, but saying nothing. Anyway, as we were discussing before your arrival, there is but a few ways past the mountain ranges that will lead us into Nevrath's borders, the largest of which is called Hellfire pass. It's dangerous, but honestly there isn't much choice to be had in this matter. said another of the gathered general's. The news of this made Argath frown as he looked upon the map that was sprawled out before them to see for himself what there was. Are you honestly sure? he asked after a few silent moments passed and he finally moved to lean forward in his chair. Absolutely my lord.Though there are minor passes scattered about, none would allow you to get your army through the quickest other than Hellfire. Argath had to take a few moments to consider this information when an idea struck him...one that would no doubt outmaneuver their opponent no matter what. Here's what we shall do.... Months later his plan was being put into action, as Argath stood at the other end of Hellfire pass with his army assembled and at the ready behind him while his opponents army was arrayed before him, the sight of them making him make a sour face as he could easily see that those of the magical variety intended to fight in this battle as well as they had in many others before. But this would not deter Argath in the slightest as he had his duties in which to perform. Here is the white flag you requested my lord, said Argath's squire, a young boy named Sparrow, who quickly bowed before Argath then as he took up the simple pole with the white fabric tied to it. Good job, now return to your post and be prepared to service me when the battle has begun. he ordered. The man rode out then from his army, going until he was some 500 paces from the enemies army when he stopped and thrust the make shift flag up high. Reveal yourself to me Princess, for I wish to have a word with you before out forces should clash sides! he shouted at the top of his lungs, eyes scanning the mob before him as he sought some indication as to where the opposing leader was.