Dark Crow Rising

"So the city is prepared for my arrival." I remark quietly as I keep my hands on my sword. The sheath wobbles despite my efforts to prevent my tired, weak body from expressing itself. Glancing out of the small aircraft's window, I look out to the next great mountain-state to become part of the Union's fold. Soon, once this giant is dealt with, the Seven-Peaks Union of Jherikra shall be whole.

Unified and stronger than ever, we shall cast off the legacy the Grand-Kingdom of Ibenorocco has so thoroughly drowned us in. But, for now, the support of the now-falling republic shall do. I am wise to make sure the land knows of the treachery that the Gnomon has inflicted upon its people. The ocean's treasure before the lives of our brothers and sisters.

I make a quick gesture to Jhrarda the Mighty, silently asking for his power as the aircraft lands. A man not of my army rushes to open the door and the Thrurstradtur-Suhurlodst state guards shuffle back. Noting the cog-shaped plume on one of their helmets, I approach him. More and more details potentially signifying his officership come into view, fine etchings and historical references.

He offers a salute in the style of his slated-for-disposal culture and I interrupt the motion. Taking him by the forearm, I bring him in close and our armour sings. One free hand pats his back and I release the farcical display of respect. All across the city is much the same, the country even.

I arrived with promises of vengeance towards the foreigners who beat back terrified families. Whatever foolishness compelled the government, I am here to reap the weakness it has bloomed. But, first, I must let the whole country know what we are here for. Reporters from all over the city and beyond start to land behind me.

"Guide me to the Ibenoroccon fortress. Guide my footmen to the dangers enthralling the city. Put our supplies into the bellies of the needy." I explain to the Thrurstradtur-Suhurlodst state guards and most of them file off to do as they're told. Stopping in my tracks, I glance up at my next destination. Midday is the most perfect time to assert my control over the city.

The Gnomon couldn't be more clearer to the world and I shall break the will of those inside. Those who continue to resist will receive their pardons as is due and the Clockwork Republic shall be no more. The people here and throughout the country, from the bastions of the north watching the Valkinvar's Trail and south to the great, walled cities of the Dragonguard Mountains. Thrurstradtur-Suhurlodst shall be saved from its own evils and those that remain unknown to me.

My spies have done well keeping me in the loop and I have many discoveries to pass onto those handling the country's response. However, I need that response to continue and to now be done in conjunction with my own. The Gnomon must fall swiftly and it will broadcast the country's surrender and all will hear. I will tolerate these rioters and any traitors who spawn from this event no more.

"So here it is, the portion of the upper city under the occupation of our oppressors. Of those who would see us drowning once again..." I comment, smashing my sword against the road and shaking the city. A disgusting, repressed sight comes into view along with weapons I have long since stopped dreading. Once, they barred me from my freedom and saw me onto the ferry home like a prisoner changing facilities. Now, they're nothing.

"The district of Ipannicano is protected land under the grace of the Thrurstradtur-Suhurlodst government! Any attempt to breach our walls will be seen not only as a declaration of war on the Grand-Kingdom of Ibenorocco but also the hosting country as well!" a sand-tanned man with a pompous, aigrette-decorated turban explains.

Looking around at the people of the city looking at me and my men, I start to laugh. Strength returns to my body for just this one act of joy and I throw an armoured hand up into the air. My Heir Emerald light outshines the creation of the gods who abandoned us and I raise it high. Its great might nurtures those of great blood and it pricks away at the invaders.

I take in a deep breath and present a spell to my lips, "PEOPLE OF THRURSTRADTUR-SUHURLODST, I AM THE DESIGNATED PRINCE WHO WILL ASCEND, JHRARTUR. HIS LUNAR MAJESTY HAS COME TO SAVE YOU AND I ASK OF YOU, GREAT PEOPLE... HOW DO YOU FEEL THAT THOSE WHO DROWNED YOUR ANCESTORS HAVE DONE SO AGAIN? YOUR FAMILIES LIE BROKEN APART FOR THE FOREIGN-BORN HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO TAKE THEIR TREASURE TO SAFETY BEFORE THE LIVES OF THOSE LOST! PEOPLE OF ALL THRURSTRADTUR-SUHURLODST, LET ME HEAR YOUR FEELINGS!"

Quiet overtakes the city in its entirety. From the mechanical peaks and the hidden chambers all the way down to the city's deepest depths at the base of the mountain. All that makes noise is the machine that cannot comprehend the beauty of our god-given voices. Whispers, mutters, they're speaking up!

"OUT WITH THEM!" the city answers back and I smile, my makeshift cane finding itself now a means to knock. With but a gentle one, the gates to this fortress blow open with a sapper's strength. Winds carry it further and doors throughout the district smash open.

"LET THEM KNOW OF YOUR STRENGTH, JHERMONIKRA!" I encourage and the silent order is given to my freshly bolstered army to assail the walls of the invaders. The roars of millions tear into this thin, glass jar and scatter it across the winds. Rain is not free to fall where it wants, the wind must carry it where it will go.

Where it must go...

I start to whistle my next set of orders to my footmen and braves. They move ahead with the redirected riots and vengeful, guilt-ridden soldiers of Thrurstradtur-Suhurlodst. Those who would fight are to be cut down, their blood a message to evil across the All-Coast. The rest shall be torn from their families and homes much like I and so many have been because of a millennia-old fear.

Through the might given unto us at the dawn of the Emerald Awakening by Jhrarda the Mighty... I shall avenge all wrongs forced onto us by the invader. The colour of sapphire will not stain our mountains anymore. For those who have drowned, we shall fight.

"Bring me the Ambassador, bring me the source of the order." I speak out into the streets, riling up the sabres as they rattle. And, to my delight, theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and thrive. Let the whole world know we Jhermonikra shall no longer be slaves to our past. Let them all know!

Sensing the swift siege bringing down the Ibenoroccon Embassy's walls, I make haste. What strength I can spare hobbles me along the busy streets. Men roar in defiance, women scream in terror and babes cry for it all to stop. The foreign troops that held back the families of this land are torn apart.

I smirk up at the Gnomon, for I have spoken to the people and they call for a true ruler. One who has the blood of the Lone Lancer flowing through his veins. He who was there at the start of it all, when our beloved saviour mountain finally awoke. Jhroungijherammujhernosumonaterikra, I honour you.

"WH-WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!? HOW DARE YOU SET FOOT ON THESE GROUNDS! HIS GRE-" the blob of a man roars in defiance, his intelligence quite low. I drive my backhand across his cheek and soak the road further in water-powered blood. A few teeth as well.

The jabbering jaw holds the man in a state of paralysis and I draw my blade. I present it to my side and look into the man's eyes. The power he once thought he commanded is no longer steeling them. They're quaking, much like our land did under the torrents of life-hungry waves.

My power focuses through the forward blade of my sabre, "Spend the years sailing back home across your 'divine destiny,' reach the shores of your home and spread my message..."

"Your... You- ah... Your insolence shall be punished!" he spits, staining my pale skin with but the first drop of blood I intend to extract from his people. So many to avenge, so many to honour long after they can hear me. For everyone we lost in the Time of Liquid Mountains... For all the humiliation we of the First Continent have had to endure.

"Tell your king, Jherikra will have freedom!" I order him, slashing out his eyes.