Book 7, Chapter 41 - Iron Fis (1/2)

Book 7, Chapter 41 - Iron Fis

Dragenmere was situated in the highlands. Of all the Elysian lands, it enjoyed the highest elevation.

It had a unique, bowl-like topography where its borders were raised but the center dipped inward. A dozen mountain ranges spawned rivers which trickled through the territory, creating vast swaths of marshland and forests. This embarrassment of natural riches made Dragenmere a prosperous and beautiful place.

Flatlands stretched across the center of the realm’s drum-like expanse. Therein was concentrated eighty percent of its cities and towns. In the very center sat its capital.

Due to its emphasis on strength and its impassable border areas, Dragenmere rarely faced outside threats. However, hidden among the mountains were tribes of mutants. For years a broiling conflict between the Elysian people and these mutants had seethed. Eventually, scattered groups formed and the battles continued as the occasional skirmish – irritating to the Elysans, but not a large threat.

Like every other realm. Dragenmere was lorded over by a number of powerful families. Its Governor was appointed by the family patriarch, a line that – like the Cloude family – stretched all the way back to the Legendary Demonhunters of old. Back before the establishment of the Elysian realms these were not their names. Members of Dragenmere’s Drago family and Skycloude’s Cloude family were given these new names when they took the reigns of control.

The Drago family had ruled Dragenmere for sixteen generations.

Before his death a decade ago, the realm’s Governor selected two representatives from among Dragenmere’s sixty most powerful families. The first was his own son, Vahagn Drago .

Both young men had been excellently prepared for the role. Vahagn was the stronger of the two, but he was also more rebellious. Although Peregrine didn’t have the same power, he was well known for his piety and self-control. He was also the elder and thus more stable.

In the end it was decided by consensus among the families and the Temple that Peregrine should become Governor. He would take the mantle as the sixteenth representative of their family to hold this illustrious post.

So as to avoid conflicts between factions of the Drago family, Vahagn left the capital following his defeat. He decided to travel and for years went where the winds took him. Eventually he faded from public consciousness.

Two words were enough to describe the new Governor: quite satisfactory. During his reign there were no grand accomplishments, but neither were there any troubles. Perhaps it was the fact that he was so ‘mediocre’ that he won support ten years ago. Dragenmere’s situation was stable, after all. There was no need for someone radical. What’s more, Peregrine would be far easier to mold and control, as far as the Temple was concerned.

Anyway, it was also the support from behind the scenes that won Peregrine his post. The truth was that there had been more family elders in support of Vahagn, as his father had been the former Governor. Peregrine, however, had more than just a faction of the family on his side. The realm’s High Priest and Commander-General also wanted him installed.

The power structure of Dragenmere was the same as Skycloud. The High Priest represented the Temple while the Commander-General led the armies. Although these men couldn’t directly involve themselves in political matters, that didn’t mean the power they represented was ignored. High Priest Bastian Nieves had been in power only two years when this selection process began, so he saw it as an opportunity to consolidate his influence. Meanwhile the city’s Commander-General, Ludwig Hightower, was not himself a strong man. He didn’t even count among the realm’s top ten.

Both hoped to keep the realm – and their positions – free from conflict.

So while Vahagn was strong he was also a firebrand. Too young to maintain the stability Dragenmere’s elders sought. This uncertainty was what lost him the seat of power.

The High Priest, the Governor and the Commander-General had enjoyed a close friendship ever since they’d saved his life at a young age. To repay this debt, the old Governor complied and supported Peregrine’s ascension.

The new Governor’s days were not quiet. Troubles were brewing, ever since chaos erupted in Skycloud. The Dragon God, who had not stirred for a hundred years, emerged from the Temple. Along with the other Supremes the horns of war were sounded. Soldiers were needed to fight against the rebellious heathens.

Governor Drago complied. High Priest Bastian and Commander-General Ludwig left for Sky fortress, where they would serve the gods directly.

Recently there had been no word from Sky Fortress, a matter of grave concern for Peregrine. Until recently ships had arrived every day to gather more warriors. Nearly a week had passed now without any communication. What occurred in Sky Fortress was secretive, but surely they would keep the Governor of the realms informed of any major happenings?

Could something have happened? It seemed impossible! Four Supremes and countless soldiers protected their glorious fortress. No matter how strong the enemy, Skycloud was but one realm. The odds were insurmountable.

In the midst of his anxiety, news broke that struck the Governor like a lightning bolt. Phoenix Igna, who had been lost in the rebel lands for weeks, had returned. With her was a heathen from Skycloud.

This troublesome tramp! Gone when she should return and back when she should have vanished. Phoenix was the Governor’s biggest headache. She was leader of the Demonhunter Corps and the realm’s strongest warrior – with an ego and temper to match. Her personal friendship with Vahagn Drago was also a matter of concern for she had never approved of Peregrine’s appointment. The two had been at odds ever since.

When Skycloud opened the Boundary Portal the first time, Peregrine’s decision was instant. He sent Phoenix to the front with the secret hope that she would never return. When news came back that the situation in Skycloud had deteriorated, Peregrine was far from upset.

But now she was back? And with a foreign heretic! What was the meaning of this?

Despite his loathing Governor Drago was not without a shred of cleverness. He did not react immediately, but gathered some followers and left to see what the irritating woman was up to. A decision would be made once he learned more.

**

Phoenix strong down the red carpet with long strides. Two others followed; a beautiful woman with long white robes and black hair, and a man in tattered black clothing.

Selene looked through the pages of information in her hands as they walked. They were reports on matters in Dragenmere, detailing various families and the state of their forces. In addition she had profiles for most of the realm’s notable folk.

All very useful information, to be sure. Cloudhawk had brought her and Phoenix back here with one goal in mind – to bring Dragenmere to heel by any means necessary. The task had to be completed as soon as possible, which meant even methods he wouldn’t typically permit were on the table. But the final object was to have this land become a friend of Skycloud, not an enemy.

It could not be said that Phoenix was pleased with Selene’s appointment. “Cloudhawk doesn’t trust anyone, does he,” she grumbled.

Selene replied in her typical, tepid tone. “Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. I am here to help you.”

Phoenix wiped her hand across her mouth as though trying to wipe away the scowl. She said nothing. Not long ago this woman had been the God King’s chosen Avatar. The fact that she broke its control was a potent display of her will. The woman was incredible, there was no denying it. Even Phoenix wouldn’t look down on her.

Without another word, she led her two guests toward the heart of the city. They were met with a group of anxious bodyguards and a herald. The spokesman stepped forward and addressed the Master Demonhunter with a stiff bow. “Commander Igna. Allow me to welcome you ba-”

“Shut the fuck up.”