Chapter 1
Laurion Nakiir
Laurion sat waiting in the foyer of his home waiting for some news. Finally a lady dressed in a typical Midwife raiment walked in and presented to him with a newborn child. He looked tenderly down at the tiny infant, "There is nothing more beautiful. Not in all of creation" His joy was short lived, a soldier entered the room with urgent news. "I'm sorry M'lord, I bring news from Scyda Neen, a large group of Orcs is within three or four days march from the city borders, maybe closer. They need us urgently. We must leave by midday tomorrow to get there, if we hope to get there in time."
"There's nothing to be sorry about soldier, it's no fault of yours. Have the men get everything and assemble by the gates of my land. We leave tomorrow at noon sharp".
Laurion reached into his shirt after the soldier had left. He pulled out a small but ornate pendant that he wore around his neck. He glared deeply into it. It was a smooth blue water droplet of a shape, representing the god of water and healing. Thinking back, Laurion remembered the exact second he had received that pendant. "It was nearly 300 years ago," he thought. "That old wizard ha ha." Laurion had risked his life to save an academy that was under heavy seige, saving the wizard and many others of the order. He reached down and put the pendant around his daughter's neck. "Princess Austrianna Nakiir!" he proclaimed, staring into her deep, beautiful dark eyes. That night he spent with his fatigued wife and hours old daughter. The next day, he left promptly at noon, for the beleagured city of Scyda Neen.
The assembled soldiers of Laurion Nakiir headed south, and in the mind of their leader were thoughts of his first born daughter. Siannaphia had been watching him, Laurion looked up from his thoughts for a moment and looked over noticing Siannaphia was looking quite intently on him. She could have said something, but it was either the sound of horses hooves or his own lack of attention to anything but his thoughts. He frowned memories of long ago overcame the delight of a new daughter, he remembered his old life. A life from over 200 years ago. Back then he had a young and beautiful wife, and a perfect child.
Siannaphia was commander of Laurion's vast armies, and as such she presided over troops of many lands and of many tongues. She was a very learned linguist, able to speak many languages fluently, and many more passably. Some people would say she's such a great commander because of this talent alone, but language wasn't her only strong point, for she was also a very cunning strategist.
Laurion's group of soldiers made it to Scyda Neen early in the morning, hours before they expected. The cities of Scyda Neen and Eisenburg were not in competition, quite the contrary in reality. They needed each other mutually. Scyda Neen exported all the raw goods like ores, food, and other materials. Eisenburgh however, took those goods and made them into immaculate art and finest goods known all over. The Elven Wine produced by Eisenburgh was the best in the world, and they produced numerous other fine delicacies. It took years to master all the things that made Eisenburgh the epicenter of culture and art that it was. Scyda Neen was more of a Industrial city. Though, they surely enjoyed the masterful works imported from Eisenburgh. "Alright men! We made it. Set up camp in and around four corner buildings of the city, dont get to close to the forest though, for that is where the Orcs are probably going to set their forces." As the men busied themselves to set up camp, the leader of Scyda Neen aproached Laurion.
"My scouts say there are approximatly 20 Orcs heading our way."stated Chancellor Jo'Narell as Laurion dismounted his horse.
"Alright, but you can never be certain when facing Orcs, they can hide their numbers very well."
"Yes, much to our dismay, you are correct. Have your men come to the Great Hall and we shall recieve you as we should. The wine shall flow freely and the food will be plenty. Now let us retire and discuss our battle strategy." said the Chancellor as he motioned towards his envoy.
"Where shall my men rest, I'd rather them not waste their energy standing around, in or out of formations. I need them fresh and the journey has already tired them."
"Ah, they shall be stay within our military compound. It's adjacent to my residence, where we shall be staying."
It was decided that the townsfold would congregate in the center of the village within the residential areas. The outer ring of the city was the more industrial areas, where the forges, factories, and other production geared facilities were situated. The foot soldiers and infantry were spread throughout this area. The scouts were sent to glean information from the orcs, such as location, number, weaponry and anything else that could be found out. Unfortunately, the scouting party returned with no new information other than location. The Orc possession was positioned at the north west side of the city, again only seeming like about 20. Laurion took this information at face value, his better judgement clouded by the trust in the ability of his men. Another day passed, and the Orcs hadn't so much as bellowed a battle cry,or even picked up their rusty weapons. Laurion's men where getting mighty anxious, and nervous as well.
"They're to damn quiet. This isn't like Orcs, something has to be wrong here." Laurion, thought to himself, gripping the reins of his horse very tightly. "It's getting late the suns already starting to set." As he finish that thought Chancellor Jo'Narell spoke.
"I sent the scouts back out, they should return shortly. Seems as thought the Orcs aren't on bloodlust to destroy us yet. I'm pleased to have finally met the famous King Laurion and his men."
Laurion nodded,"The honor is mine, we wont be leaving just yet, but we shall retire back to the compound and we shall rest for the night before setting back for Eisenburgh." Laurion finished speaking to the Chancellor before dismissing the men back to the military compound in the center of the city. Once everyone was gathered Siannaphia started a very eloquent speech, which was something that she was quite renown for. The men still looked uneasy, something wasn't right and they all could feel it. Moments, arrows were strewn across the sky. They came from the southeast! Laurion signaled the archers stationed on the rooftops to return fire. "Damn those Orcs, how could they have gotten behind us?" Then they could hear the sounds of the many feet running hard against the ground. The Orcs had charged from within the forest, and now their numbers were finally know 50 Orcs in the charge, and numerous others streaming from all directions . "Alright men, prepare to charge and meet them head-on! SHOW NO MERCY!" Laurion's men formed ranks and filled our part of the compound heading straight for the Orc charge. Orcish arrows were still streaming through the air, the Orc archers were high up in the trees using elevation to their advantage. Eisenburgh had archers of their own, and they mounted the rooftops and began firing return shots. The Eisenburgh archers were unequaled in the land, Orcs started falling from the trees one after another.
