Arrival

Arrival is one of the Tales of Arkain.

## Synopsis

King Dorten was drowsing, when he dreamt of the day the Empire of Rodan sent the Imperial Army to assist them on their fight against the Demon Legion.

## Story

"So, your "great" empire has defeated the demons before? I find that hard to believe we've been fighting them for centuries." There was a rustle from the armored troops in their fancy armors, how dare some peasant from across the sea belittle their empire. "King Dorten, I assure you we have beaten them, they couldn't run back home to their dimension fast enough when we began our attack. I must congratulate you and yours for holding out so long against such an undaunting foe." The various representatives of the kingdoms gripped their weapons tighter and bore masks of anger at such an upfront insult. They had endured for ages, no upstarts from the across the sea can even imagine the sacrafices they've made! "How will you be any different than the inhuman conquerors at our door? How do we know we haven't made the greatest mistake of the millenium in trusting you? How will it be any d--"

"ENOUGH!" The assembled parties all turn surprised to the representative of Lor. "We have gone in circles for ages but the negotiations are long since over! Their armies are coming across the ocean, we agreed to this and so did our kings! I don't give a flying shit if your nation is the devil itself, you are human and still have your minds. The only question I have for you is can you save my home?" The silence that came afterwards wasn't an awkward one it was as if all those assembled felt ashamed. Those that still lived, years later would never admit it either. Finally the sharp tounged negotiator from across the sea spoke once more without bite and bile. "Yes, Commander Trualm we can save your people. We will do all that we can, we want revenge for the death and insult to our people. If we can save more lives from these beasts then we shall do so with all that we are." When he was asked years later if he shed any tears, the then Commander vehemently denied it. "Thank you, from my people and from me, I thank you with everything I am." The air of hostility had finally begun to fade, these representatives had not assembled here to negotiate treaties or make deals. They were here to witness the arrival of the Empire. Days, days it was no surprise someone finally snapped after all the verbal sparring, tension, and feeling of impending doom. It would still take more days for the might of the Empire to show itself, but when it finally did it would burn itself into the memories of the men of the kingdoms for the rest of their lives.

"So, they should be here today?" "Yes, King Dorten just watch the horizon and you'll see. It should be only a few more hours now. "Men now stood shoulder to shoulder watching the horizon, unbelieving but hopeful... no the feeling most of them felt was not hope such an insignificant and small feeling couldn't be called hope, not yet at least. "How's the situation in Lor?" The Commander and his party looked shaken. "Not good, not good at all. Sometimes I wish we didn't have magical means of near instant communication it only fills me with more dread." The reprsentative from Pyrru remained steely as ever. "Don't worry they'll make it... we all will." "I don't know if I believe that anymore I doubt I can.. cancancan... holy shit." The ships were now coming into visible view and by the gods above and the devils below it was impressive, awe inspiring, terrifying. Filling almost the entire horizon thousands upon thousands upon thousands of ships were coming to the rescue of the kingdoms, now territory of the Empire of Humanity. King Dorten of Kerrel knew he should be relieved, happy, and full of hope but all he felt was fear and dread. They had just made the greatest mistake of their lives and he feared for the future. He walked away from the assembled men cheering and making their plans for a war that could now be won. He walked back to the empire camp and found the negotiator, who was seated and staring into a dead fire sending out its last waves of smoke. The negotiator looked up to the king and found the accusation in his eyes... the old man couldn't keep contact he knew what he had done.
Dorten had his answer, new conquerors were coming. The first wave had arrived.

An old man awoke in his study, grumbling at the feeling in his bones and at the damn goblet he knocked over in his sleep. He hadn't thought of those days in a long time and he wished he could take it all away. Falling asleep in this dainty old chair what was wrong with him, he'd be feeling it the whole rest of the day. He rose slowly and groaned, he had much to do he couldn't be falling asleep when he was needed. But his eyes were drawn "the" painting, he walked towards it and stared. The Arrival of the Empire or Arrival of our Saviours, bah the second name stopped being used years ago when others became aware of their saviours true nature. He saw himself so young and strong, and all the faces that are now gone. So many men killed by the demons, by the empire, natural causes, accidents, pah..... Who to trust now, the monsters were at the door again and he did not know what to do what could he do so many people rely on him to be their sav--

"My liege?" One of his personal guards opened the door to his study and entered. "I'm sorry my king for interrupting your rest but Larine has sent word. "The time for doubts is past once again he is needed, King Dorten is needed once again. "I'm on my way."