Chapter 1 - The Slaughter

It was a windy night, the rain poured unceasingly. In a castle occurs a lively scene; a large amount of exotic food was arranged on a long table made of elder wood; these foods were shared between the cheerful noble participants, they drank wine in their golden chalices as they lay upon exquisite elven-carved chairs. At the highest seat sat an old man with bright tousled hair, thick eyebrows, and a crooked nose- His bushy scruffy beard thoroughly hid his mouth, none knew whether he was smiling or not. King Magnus II, they call him, yet no matter how glorious his name is, the king was unfit for such duties; especially for a king who indulges himself in pleasure and luxury, to which the commoners bear the brunt of his meaningless spendings. To his left, Queen Mary, a princess of a neighboring country wed to him countless years ago as an agreement for establishing an alliance between two kingdoms. Much to her horror, Queen Mary was treated as a breeding horse by the tyrant, she was not treated as a woman, not until she bore him a son; who left the world at an early age- with the death of his only proper heir, it worsened the king’s state of mind, he couldn’t accept having only a princess as an heir. A princess he deeply loathes due to her striking resemblance to his estranged wife.

Princess Maria, considered to be a saintess by the kingdom’s poor. A woman who’d bring salvation to them through her reforms in favor of the lower caste. Yet, none knew that deep inside this stalwart figure lays a fragile soul, so fragile; she had been longing for the approval of her father ever since she could think. There she sat to Magnus’ right, scrutinizingly gazing at the faces of all the nobles. The nobles whose greed cares more for a copper coin than their own people. They were here cheering and laughing, celebrating the Winterday with the finest wine one could ever find; yet, their people are suffering every moment. And while they were munching away on a roasted chicken, a peasant is probably dying of hunger in the streets of the city. She clenched her fists at the thought of it. “I can’t take it anymore,” she muttered. Standing unceremoniously from her seat, garnering the loathing eyes of her father and awkward glances from the nobility, she bit her lips in response, and once again he shows his hatred. However, she really couldn’t stomach such scenes of careless indulgence, prompting her to curtsy towards her lord father, and winced before walking away from the scene. And continued walking to who knows where; at the least somewhere not here. 

“This is too much,” she said while striding off in the hallway.

“What is?” A silvery voice came from behind.

Maria turned her head around and was surprised to see the man, he had long blonde hair matched with his sharp eyebrows, his light blue eyes stared deeply at her as if conveying his utmost attraction. The most striking feature of the man was his cleft chin and charming half-smile, it was extremely fatal yet she showed no sign of fascination. “You know princess, you enchant me every time we meet,” He said as he courteously extended his hand, waiting for Maria to offer her hand. Reluctantly she complied- having her hand taken by him and watched as the back of it was kissed gently. “A pleasure to feel your warmth.” He alluringly whispered, “Even for such a short amount of time.”

“Please refrain from speaking such words, Lord Goldsworn. Do not mistake me for a woman of the night you frequent.” She retracted her hands, flashing a disgusted smile at the charming young man. She furrowed her brows and said, “Even a duke does not have a privilege of speaking such brazen words to a lady.”

“My apologies, princess. You know... I just can’t help it, I’m too enamored with you.”

“But it does not mean you are allowed to speak that way to me.”

Silence permeated between the two, a standoff between their stares lasted until Lord Goldsworn sighed, his voice turned soft when he spoke. “I came once more to propose, and this time I believe uncle will agree.”

Maria’s face contorted angrily in a flash before turning indifferent, she inhaled roughly. “How long must I repeat that I do not and will never have feelings for you, Norman.”

“Feelings can be nurtured once we’re wed, princess.” Norman smiled in response. “And I am the most eligible bachelor that has standing not worse than you- I’m sure uncle cannot wait any longer for our union to happen.”

“So the crown will remain to the Goldsworns, is it not?” Maria retorted. “It all just comes down to maintaining our dynasty’s power, Norman. You know, I’d happily abdicate to you instead of forcing myself with someone I will never love.”

“Ouch, that stings.” Norman teased. He had a playful smile and said, “However, the king’s word is absolute and we shall hear his decision tonight. Oh, how could I forget, I must speak to his majesty of my report first.” There was a trace of fear when he mentioned his report, yet it was only in an instant and his tone remained the same. “Though it pains me to part ways with you, my duty comes first over everything. I wish you the sweetest dream, princess.”

“Go on, report to my lord father of your lies. I’m sure every man will laugh for even I could hardly believe your words of fantasy in every meeting.” She resolutely turned around and continued walking onwards, not giving any thought of even bidding farewell to the man. Unbeknownst to her, Norman stood stiffly when he heard her words, his fists clenched tightly and his face contorted expressly. How could he not, he had lost half of his men in this operation, it brings an uncomfortable feeling whenever he recalled what happened at Clementine forest. And having it be treated as lies to gain merit was too much even if it was an act he had usually done. This time, he will be speaking of the truth— a horrifying truth. “I hope you will never see one yourself, princess.” He muttered, not knowing that he had unconsciously reached his destination and there in front of him sat King Magnus with an inquiring gaze, he greeted according to etiquette and began whispering words to the king of what happened.

At the end of his report, for the first time- Norman saw the king solemnly in thought. He had guessed of many instances where the king would brand him a lunatic yet this was one he had not anticipated. “My king, I had Lord Marcus along with a thousand hardened men contain the surrounding areas. Those vile fiends will not even reach Adomar bridge.” He assured, yet could hardly convince even himself with his own words. He then heard the king speak, albeit in deprecation after staying silent for a long time, ”Marcus might not even last a week if we do not send reinforcements right now.” He turned his head towards Norman, staring at him nervously. “Send word to the church requesting for their assistance in this war.”

“War, my king?” Norman whispered.

“Yes, war!” Magnus roared as he slammed his fist on the table. Awakening everyone from their tipsiness while Mary looked very concerned. “I want you to form a new army; I don’t care if you force every man to arms in this kingdom as long as we achieve victory over those blasted monsters!” His words caused panic amongst the nobles, their voices combined resounded all throughout the castle. It was pure chaos, the rich were not ready for war; a war wouldn’t benefit them, instead, it will just drain their gold. “Silence! Let his majesty speak.” Norman shouted. And so everyone did, he seemed much more prestigious to these nobles than the king himself, hence the king’s eyes gleamed when he saw this.

Everyone watched as Magnus stood with the assistance of Norman and began speaking. the fat man could hardly stand with his belly protruding like that, some snickered in their thoughts. Maybe this is just the fat man’s scheme to accumulate power from us. The nobles did not believe his words of the dead rising, merely treating it like dirt; no sane man would believe this story yet they showed an attentive look when listening- much to the king’s delight seeing such a scene. “I believe that with our unified force, we can eradicate the monsters that plague our eastern lands!” everyone cheered to fill the king’s ego, he flashed an arrogant smile to his wife being his way of showing dominance since he have heard of her gaining the favor of noble ladies in the kingdom. Suddenly, the two large wooden doors opened, making a loud thudding sound as it hit against the wall. An eerie air filled the hall, and there stood a man in a tattered robe, his whole face was hidden through his thick hood having only his pale hair sticking out.

“I applaud your enthusiasm, my king.” He spoke softly, his voice chilling to the ears. “Though the dead won’t have any chance to retaliate against the looming threat over this kingdom.”

“Guards! Who brought this lunatic into my domain?”

“A pity they are all dead.” the clanking of armor came after his words, behind him appeared the guards Magnus called upon- they were, however, pale and bloody. Some had their eyes sticking out, while some had little to no flesh in their heads. “Now then, let us welcome all of you to my army- of the dead.”

“Kill them,” he ordered.

It was too late before the nobles realized what was happening, their numbers were quickly thinning while the dead rose every time a human fell. The scene was similar to pigs being slaughtered, their shrieked filled the hall and the groans of the undead slowly overpowered it. “My king!” Norman tugged Magnus’ clothes, “Let’s leave through the sides, there is no more time!” His words seemed to not reach the man’s ears, Magnus shivered and curled himself in his seat.

“They came for me…” He muttered. A few seconds later he stood up and pulled his wife over but was instead pushed away by her. Confused, he stood staringly at her, thinking how she had the strength to push him back. “This kingdom is over, and finally our marriage too,” Mary said resolutely before walking towards the butcherfest fearlessly, sparks converged on both her hands and she chanted an unfamiliar language before those sparks turned into a bolt of lightning that struck every undead in her path. She turned towards the hooded man, ready to fight for survival but was surprised when he didn’t even spare her a glimpse; prompting her to leave in confusion. Norman looked at his king, sighed- then followed after the queen knowing that there were more chances of him surviving. He never looked back even when he heard the painful wail of the man to whom he swore his oath.

Mary was a mage apprentice during her teens, having learned from the most distinguished magus in the one and only academy of magic, though she had cut off all contact with her beloved mentor and magic itself when she was forced to marry the then prodigal prince Magnus. Finally, liberated from the shackles, at last, the arcane has once again flowed through her very veins. There was not an ounce of guilt when she left her husband for his own, having been more worried over the safety of her own daughter, she rushed towards the princess’ bedchamber accompanied by the remaining guards rallied by her amidst the ensuing battle all over the castle. Arcanus cast your protection over my child, she prayed. Her steps quickened when she heard of the growls coming from the sector where the bedchamber lies, she muttered a language indistinguishable and unfamiliar to all; Though Norman thought it was very similar to the elven language he once heard from a half-elf.

They were then stopped by a large mob of undead blocking their way, the undead seems to be currently being fended off at the other side hence giving hope to Mary over her daughter’s safety. 

“Fiendo!” She clapped her hand and a small fiery ball appeared, it rapidly inflated until its appearance had turned menacing. When it reached a certain size, Mary released her spell towards the undead mob. The ball exploded after colliding against an undead, flames filled the hallway and were about to gush forth to her group. Fortunately, she was able to cast a barrier in time- protecting both her and the guards behind though worry beset her over the men at the other side, with thoughts of them caught by her spell. Their group waited for the flames to extinguish before proceeding onward, four guards stepped in front with shields raised and spears ready, while Norman and a captain flanked Mary, followed by ten guards behind.

“I am Duke Norman Goldsworn, accompanying her highness the queen! Speak so we shall know that you are still alive.” They stopped a little distance away from the passageway, awaiting any response from the other side of the passage.

“Thank Holus for your arrival. We’re part of the princess’ guards, My Lord.” A tall man walked over, he donned the standard arms of the royal guards; wearing the tabard of the Goldsworns—A knight on a horse holding a lance and a shield—, his gilded pauldrons shone brightly, and his face was wholly covered by the visor- of course, he raised it upward and saluted politely to his queen. “It brings joy to know of your safety, my queen.”

Norman gestured at the guards to be at ease, their group entered the passageway and was welcomed by six fatigued-ridden men. The man who appeared first was Lieutenant Arthur, serving directly under Lord Falstad, commander of the royal guards. 

“Where is Maria?” Mary concernedly asked.

“The princess was brought away by Lord Falstad, your highness. I’ve heard they will rally the scattered men in Goldsworn barracks with hopes to purge the undead all over the city.” Arthur calmly answered.

“Dammit,” Norman grimaced. Although the princess was trained in swordsmanship, Norman thinks that a woman, even Mary herself, could hardly survive against those dreadful creatures. He grew frustrated over the thought of Mary surrounded by the dead in the streets, knowing that the city might have already been in chaos due to the rapidly increasing undead. “Falstad should have awaited our arrival-”

“-We could hardly resist the undead here if it weren’t for her highness’ help, My lord.”

“Undead? A fitting term. Yet do not reason with me, lieutenant- I will have your commander in trial for abandoning the queen.” Norman glared at the lieutenant, then turned his head to Mary. He said, “What are your orders, your highness?” His tone contained newfound respect, by no means was he disrespectful towards the queen prior to the event nor even think disapprovingly of her, in fact, every vassal knew that the kingdom wouldn’t run steadily if it weren’t for the queen undertaking the king’s day to day duty. Many once joked that a woman rules the kingdom of Forleorne. Instead, this newfound respect comes from recognition of Mary’s strength.

“We shall follow suit to the barracks while six men will split into three groups to spread words about the rally point- bring as many survivors as you can.” Mary had assumed for the worse, peering through the windows and seeing the burning homes, she knew the dead has spread outside the castle walls. More importantly, Goldsworn barracks is located in the center of the commoner’s district, where surely a large number of citizens has already been infected.

“You hear her highness. To arms, men! And get ready to clear a path towards the stables. Though I do hope Lord Falstad left even a few horses for us.”

Lieutenant Arthur led the group to a shorter path towards the stables, with it they met only a few undead and were able to easily slay their foes. On the castle grounds ensued a battle between the guards and knights against the undead, holding the entrance section and the stables near it. It brought great joy to them to see a large number of survivors as each life was a resource worth treasuring during this culling.

“I’m glad to see you safe, your highness!” The man leading the defense against the undead yelled, surprise and relief shown on his worn-out face.

“Are there still horses left, captain?” Norman interjected.

Much to their dismay, the captain shook his head and spoke of the reason. “The princess along with Lord Falstad led the strongest knights to the barracks, My Lord. We were tasked to wait for possible survivors here.”

“Damn that man,” Norman cursed. “Alright, Falstad’s order is over. You and your men will accompany us to the barracks. The queen’s safety is our highest priority.” He channeled his frustration at the remaining undead on the castle grounds, with their numbers increased to fifty, the survivors were able to easily slaughter the undead before they left the castle. The streets outside the castle were relatively peaceful, with only a handful of undead littering around, though corpses do lay scattered on the ground. He commented, “As expected, there will only be a few undead in the noble district.”

“I’m sure their volume will increase as we approach the commoner’s district,” Mary perceived. Then a sudden thought struck her mind— All the nobles were inside the castle, leaving their servants and most of their household guards in their abodes. She realized how great of an opportunity this is, having been able to gather the men they left, so she said. “Where are the six men I asked of earlier?” The six that were assigned earlier stepped forward, she then instructed. “Now six more men will accompany you to check every mansion for survivors.”

Once the twelve men set afoot in pairs to multiple directions, Mary and the men began marching towards the passage connecting the noble and commoner district, they rest from time to time, accumulating strength for a struggle later. “Up ahead!” Norman exclaimed.

“How many?” Mary asked.

“More than a hundred, your highness.” Norman clutched the grip of his sword, their lives depends on whether Mary ordered them to move forward and fight. He was, however, surprised when Mary told him to step aside. She stood in front of the group and chanted the same language from earlier. This time, flames erupted from the ground, consuming most of the undead. Everyone was amazed but they panicked after Mary slumped weakly on the ground.