Ascension Chronicle: The Tower Of Calamity

 Liam stepped through that arch and in the kaleidoscopic light of its runes faded from life and into blinding light, when suddenly he and Clara emerged into what was revealed to be an extensive battlefield. The air near around them was heavy with the acrid smell of blood and smoke, and from somewhere above echoed the clattering of weapons in combat.

Before them stood two tall banners, each fluttering in the breeze. To the left waved a blood-red flag emblazoned with the image of a dragon-the creature's eyes aglow with ominous power. Above it fluttered a gold banner with the depiction of a phoenix freed from flames. Each banner had its contingent of armoured knights who stood towering with an air of strength and authority.
As they stood, absorbing the scene before them, a thunderous voice resonated throughout the air, and the ground shook under their feet.
"Welcome, challengers. You stand at the edge of war, where truth lies obscured in loyalty, and choices shape destinies. Two kingdoms call for your aid: the Drakon Empire and the Solarian Dominion. Choose wisely, for your decision will determine the outcome of this battle... and the path you must walk."

Clara frowned, bow raised. "This doesn't feel... right," she said. "Why would the tower put us up to picking sides in someone else's war?"
Liam shook his head, his gaze narrowed at the two factions. "It is more than fighting. This is a trial in judgment."
The knights of both kingdoms had begun to approach. The Drakon Empire's representative was a strikingly tall woman clad in dark crimson armor. The voice bore itself, and the golden intensity shone in her eyes.
"We fight to recover our lands stolen from us by the Solarian Dominion," she said, sharp and conviction-tightened. "Our people have suffered under their tyranny. Join us, and take us together to justice."
"But before Liam and Clara could react, the Solarian knight came up to them. He was younger, and the sun glistened off the silver armor, and his voice was calm yet persuading.
"The Drakon empire lies," he stated. "They will only conquer and enslave. We fight for freedom and survival for our people. Assist us and be remembered as heroes who have fought against the oppression."
Liam threw Clara a knowing glance. "What are we going to do?"
"Biting his lip, Liam contemplated the great choice ahead of him. A dilemma it seems both sides have shared, yet each are to bear their respective truths. "We need to know more," he said. "We can't pick a side without knowing what really happens here."Just before they could further inquire, the voice returned.
"Choose, or you will be swept away with the tide of battle. Your decision is final."
It shook the earth before all knights took a step back before the rumbles underfoot. "Clara grabbed Liam's arm, leaning in urgent words across to him. "We have to pick now!"
The pressure was heavy and there was not much way to learn, and so Liam made his call.
"We'll fight for the Solarian Dominion," he said, his voice steady.
The knight of Solarian nodded, the relief clear on his face. "You have made th choice right," he said. "Come, for there is no time to waste."
Clara advanced along, shooting a watchful backward glance towards the Drakon forces as they disappeared into the distance. "If this goes wrong, I sure hope you're right about it," she said to nobody in particular.
To Be Continued...