Conquered by his kiss (Lamenting_Quill and Hisoka)

[Lamenting_Quill]

Thousands of tiny stars sparkled and winked at the land below, the cool crisp night air swirling the dust upon the earth. It was quiet, not a single sound broke the chilly silence.
The palace shimmered beneath the moon’s pale light, it resembled almost the moon itself as it glowed like a beacon in the night, a single entity of light.

Rowena, Crown Princess of the kingdom Prismalis, stood upon the balcony adjoining her personal chambers. She clutched a thick woolen cloak around her shoulders as she gazed up at the moon, tomorrow night she would become Queen of Prismalis and take on her parents jobs.
A sigh escaped her slightly parted lips, she sincerely hoped to the very bottom of her heart and soul that she was up the tasks about to handed to her, her worst fear would come true if she failed her peoples hopes and dreams.

“Mamma… Papa… Help me to be strong. Help me protect the people and please the expectations of the high council, the pope can only defend me for so long…”



The pope trailed the expanse of the throne room back and forth, a slightly worried expression upon his weathered face “The princess must be ready, the kingdom depends upon her courage now”
“She will be, you eminence” Clara replied, stepping forward and touching her father’s arm “I have known Princess Rowena since we were both small children, if anyone can bring the people back into golden prosperity once more, it is she”
The elderly pope smiled at his daughter “Yes, darling, you are right. We must have faith in our princess”
Clara moved from her father and nibbled her bottom lip nervously “I have heard about those brutal tyrants campaigning for power and land beneath that black hearted emperor, do you think they will come here?”
The pope shook his head vigorously “No, we cannot think that. We must have faith that those awful men will pass us over and leave us in peace”

Clara nodded “Yes, we must, I could not bare it if something happened to Princess Rowena”

The pope nodded and smiled gently “Let us retire to bed now, we have a big day ahead of us all tomorrow”

“Yes, papa” Clara replied with a warm smile before parting from her father and heading towards the chambers of Princess Rowena where she acted as the head lady in waiting.

[Hisoka]

The cool night air blew in it's gentle nature, stirring the dust left in the wake of the army that marched with a determined stride. Their armor padded and darkened so as not to make noise or reflect the pale light of the moon they seemed as shadows. Wraiths hell bent on conquering all before them, to feed the birds of war and line their pockets with the wealth of a thousand kingdoms.

At their head sat a lithe warrior upon a black stallion. For there was no mistaking his nature, everything from the finely crafted if worn scimitars belted at his waist to piercing eyes that stared right through everything before them spoke of war and combat. His armor was as black as his heart was rumored to be. Light and form fitted it was crafted of leather, embossed with the mark of a slave from the Desert Empire far to the south, an empire that no longer existed. For he was Anorak, Arena Champion and Warlord Emperor. Born a nobleman, raised as a slave, trained as a warrior. Anorak had been from his first whipping, from his first being spit upon, from the thousand and one brutalities a slave of that far off baked sand covered Empire suffered a rebel.

And so he had trained, willingly suffering the beatings, the more subtle punishments, and the scorn of his masters. All this and more he suffered so that he might have of his masters their knowledge. For the Desert Empire knew much about war, knew much about combat, and knew how to win. For four thousand years his masters had ruled unchallenged using their slave soldiers as a formidable army.

But the power of will housed in Anorak cared nothing for such facts. He trained in the ways of war under his masters watchful eyes, had choked down the coarse stews that had been his meals, became Arena Champion, Organized his allies into a fighting force. All this finally payed off one glorious day when he and the slave soldiers stormed the Royal Palace of their masters and butchered them like the animals they were. Blood flowed freely that day down the steps of the Palace as the nobles were killed in their hundreds and some would say thousands. Some would also say it was too much, but as the old saying goes you reap what you sow.


From that slaughter and initial victory Anorak had been chosen as leader of their new Empire. And soon his fellow slave soldiers came to worship him, as a symbol of the freedom they had won by both his blades and theirs. But once a Warlord always a warlord they say. And Anorak was no different in that regard. He was a slave but no longer, He had lived as a slave but he would die an Emperor. This he promised to his brothers and sisters in arms and they cheered him for it. The thought of forging a true Empire was as wine to these former slaves.

For in the Desert Empire the word used to describe their slave soldiers had meant Forgotten by Fate. And the campaign planned would ensure the world would remember them long after their bones had turned to dust.

And so it was thus he and his army found themselves far north of their homeland. Although he retained his core of former slave soldiers his armies had grown with his conquests. For his empire stretched from the southern jungles far south of his homeland to the borders of his latest planned conquest of Prismalis. And so his armies sported Western Calvary, all pomp and ceremony in their engraved silver armor but undeniably effective on the field of battle with lance and saber. Dragoons from the east, legendary horsemen riding even more legendary horses. Even the jaguar warriors of the far southern jungles found a place in his armies, clothed only in jaguar skin they carried light lances and short swords. Used as light infantry their weapons were coated in deadly poison that had nearly claimed Anorak's life during the conquest of their jungles.

"Anorak the border of Prismalis draws near." A man who strode beside the Warlord Emperor spoke with a almost eager lust in his voice. Adorned in heavy black and gold armor the slave mark on his forehead gleamed brightly in it's golden gleam. For gold ink of a unique formula was used to tattoo it upon his forehead. Anorak himself bore such a mark, as did all his elite core of former slave soldiers. Once a mark of shame it was a point of pride, a visible symbol of the defiance of the cruel whim of fate dealt to them. Of course few people this far from their homeland knew what the mark truly meant, but they knew and that was enough for them.


" Indeed we shall make it about a hour from now. Tell Commandant Kira I want her knights formed into battle array on our western flank. I want the Dragoons to screen our advance with the jaguar warriors at their rear. Scatter the magi in groups of three amongst the main body of the army and assign them heavy infantry and archers to guard." Anorak spoke with a quick decisive tone assigning his aide-de-camp the needed duties while he rode off to organize his elite core himself.

Now comes the time for my greatest victory. Time to see if the tales of this orb are true or merely drunken fancy. How far have we marched to get here,How many corpses have I made, and how many kingdoms have I conquered? He thought with slight intake of breath as he organized his elite core, assigning battle duties and backup plans.

Looking up at the stars this Warlord Emperor saw a pale moon and bright stars. Then a flash of light as a shooting star shot across the azure canvas of the night sky. Was it an omen or merely a random act of chance. Sometimes Anorak felt as if something was looking out for him, that fate had dealt him a cruel hand in order to strengthen his mind,body,and soul for some yet greater task then ensuring the lasting memory of his fellow slave soldiers. And this shooting star did little to deny that belief.

"May Mithra bless us this day and should we fall ensure that our fall is worthy. Mithra grant me victory this day or at least a worthy death." He murmured to himself, a prayer to a god both ancient and largely forgotten. But as with their slave marks former slaves such as Anorak had retained their belief in Mithra as residual remnants of their time in bondage. For Mithra was only worshiped by the slave soldiers of the Desert Empire in secret. For their masters had enforced worship of some new heathen god from the north in order to win support of some northern kingdoms. But Mithra and his hidden shrines were the place of true worship for Anorak and his brethren, though few shrines had survived this far north from the heathen's witch hunts.


Lost as he was in though the finely tuned body carried out the needed motions even without his mind truly directing them. Some noticed his uncharacteristic distraction from the matters of war but did not comment on it. For their belief in him was stronger then even their belief in Mithra. Had his conscripts seen it perhaps they would have been plenty of wagging tongues but that mattered not to this Warlord Emperor.


Accustomed as they were to battle and the march it was not long before the army was in battle array. And a fearsome sight it was, for were as before they marched in columns they now spread out in shield walls and charging order. A more skilled army you could not find. Anorak was a master of war, a tactician without peer, and swordsman unrivaled. His elite core hardened by a lifetime of service to their former masters were soldiers without peer. Those Western Knights in their massive warhorses shone even in the night in their silver armor as they marched in strict rhythm the pounding of their horses hooves a drumbeat that drowned out everything else. They very ground itself shook beneath their horses. And those Dragoons from the east screened the advance. Although their horses were smaller their reputation for speed and agility was well known, and their dual nature training as both cavalry and foot soldiers made them a lethal adversary on the battle field. And the jaguar warriors light and fast in their jaguar skins raced behind the Dragoons as the magi prepared spells and counter measures.


The border mountains loomed over them almost like a mother protecting her child from these dogs of war led by their Emperor. But rock and mountain side could do little to deny his entrance and it was with ease he marched his troops up the pass. Although a bit narrow Anorak had little worry for all that had been required was a pulling in of his flanks. Scouts light and fast in their leather armor raced alongside the tops of the pass walls to ensure ample warning of ambush while behind them marched light infantry to secure each possible ambush point atop the pass walls. His Dragoons raced ahead scouting out the main pass itself.


After about two hours of this a squad of Dragoons wearing the light blue sash that marked them as messengers rode up to where Anorak was at the head of his elite core. Their officer who wore the silver collar that marked him as a lieutenant threw him a salute before launching a report.

" Sir we found a lightly fortified mansion overlooking the apex of the pass. It appears to be manned but exact numbers are currently unknown. Judging from the size of the fortification and how close we got to it before the alarm was rung Colonel Piker estimates there is no significant force within the fortifications. Also several horsemen were seen leaving the fortification before we could surround it. Colonel Piker thought it unwise to chase them too far into unfamiliar territory. End of Report Sir." The lieutenant relayed with a sightly out of breath tone which judging from the general state of dirt upon his once clean armor was the result of having to chase down his horse or something along those lines.


" Well the element of surprise couldn't last forever now could it. Tell Colonel Piker I will be there shortly." Anorak replied simply before turning back to his elite core and their commander, a man called Majot who was a giant of a man with a jet black beard that nearly reached his waist." I will ride ahead to assesses the situation. Majot your in charge of the main body till I get back. Just keep them moving and keep a weather eye out for ambushes." He spoke before digging his spurs into his horses flank to get into a gallop as he rode after the messenger Dragoons.


The pass walls seemed to get a little wider as he rode on, a welcome sign as it meant he could spread out his ranks so his numbers would mean something if it came to battle in the pass. Soon the fortified mansion was in sight. And well it was no Royal Palace it was impressive enough if a bit on the small side. Surround by his Dragoons and some jaguar warriors the sound of axes could be heard as they endeavored to hack through the door. All his siege equipment being with his supply train at the moment.


" Ah Sir it is a pleasure to see you." Colonel Piker spoke as Anorak rode up to rear of the Dragoons. A tall man Piker had pure silver hair despite being only 29 and wore it in the common fringe style of the east along with a neatly trimmed bread.

"Indeed Piker." Anorak spoke by way of reply as he studied the situation. The fortification commanded a good view of the pass and was literally attached to the flank of the mountainside. Something that was most interesting to the Warlord Emperor.

"Tell me Colonel Piker, how close did your Dragoons get before the alarm was rung."

"Sir about the bottom of the approach Sir."

"Does it not strike you odd you were allowed to get that close before someone noticed you."

"Sir yes, with the view they had they probably could see the main army in a few minutes. Perhaps no one was one watch today and only a random passerby at a window saw us Sir."

"Rather careless of them don't you think, surely word of our march is circulating around these northern kingdoms."

"Sir indeed, Then again this is suppose to be a peaceful kingdom if my Father is to be believed."

" Indeed I suppose it is, I just thought a kingdom with the Orb of Oracles would be rather well informed. Anyways I'll need 30 volunteers and several lengths of rope, each strong enough to bear a man in armor and about 100 feet in length."

" Sir, we have all that but may I ask what for Sir."

"You'll see Colonel Piker." Was all Anorak would reply with.

In short order the need materials and men were ready and staring down at the mansion from atop the mountains side it was attached to. The Dragoons had begun to get an inkling of the plan and some were visibly uneasy with it although they voiced no dissent.

"Alright here's the drill, you each take a rope and using your daggers turn it into a grappling hook. Then we throw them at the rooftop. Once they are secured you will use your sword belts to slide down the rope using some of the bacon grease you keep in your ration packs to lubricate your belt, liberally I might add."

They did not like the plan at all, but in the end thirty one ropes were slid down and the roof top was theirs. Again the lack of tactical planning was apparent to Anorak and the Dragoons for the roof top door wasn't even locked.

"Sir, is this a trap or is our enemy really this stupid."

Anorak did not reply as he decided actions not words were needed at the moment. Opening the door the Warlord Emperor drew his longswords and shouted a battle cry as he charged down the hallway, which was actually occupied to the enemy's credit. Only archers they stood no chance against him or his Dragoons. One archer managed to lose a shaft at Anorak but with honed reflexes he batted it aside like a bothersome fly as he threw himself forward burying his right blade into the archer.

By this time the sounds of battle had drawn attention from the defenders downstairs and these were infantry, wearing heavy armor. Using the dead archer as a human shield Anorak hurled the body into their ranks. The narrow hallway being what it was this caused chaos, and every butcher's dream, easy meat.

The butchery over He and his Dragoon infiltration force made their way downstairs encountering sporadic resistance. But as Colonel Piker had estimated there was no significant force inside and soon the gatehouse was theirs. With the gates open the rest of the Dragoons and their jaguar warrior escorts flooded in seeking holdouts and valuable intel.


"Bloody Brilliant sir." Colonel Piker said as Anorak sat on a bench in the gatehouse cleaning his swords of the blood and gore of battle.

"I am just getting warmed up Colonel, wait till you see what I got planned for their Royal Palace."

[Lamenting_Quill]

“No!”

Rowena bolted upright in her bed, tiny beads of sparkling dew rolled down her forehead as she pulled ragged breath in and out of her frantic lungs as her emerald eyes searched her surroundings desperately.

It had just been a dream… no… a nightmare…. A horrible awful nightmare.

Rowena lifted her shaking hands to cup her face, forcing herself to relax and understand that nothing that occurred in that awful dream was real and never would be… she hoped…

A horrible massacre…. All of her people murdered…. Prismalis burned to the ground…. A man chasing her through the palace halls…

A shuddering shiver crept down her spine as she remember the man whom had hunted her in her dream, she had not been able to see his face… even when he had restrained her upon the floors of the throne room and whispered almost inaudibly ‘Today, both you and the orb are mine’.

“It wasn’t real, it was just a ridiculous nightmare” Rowena told herself aloud as she moved her covers off of her and slid gracefully from her bed, slowly covering the distance between her bed and her private balcony. Entering the slightly chilled air, Rowena pulled bursts of the cool air into her body and felt the tenseness of her body ease… however… the feeling that something was not at all right remained….

“That will never happen to us” Rowena swore defiantly to the stars “I will guard the orb of oracles as fiercely as my parents did before me, that awful nightmare will never become real so long as I have anything to say about it”

Unfortunately… the young princess had no idea just how wrong she was, she would wish she had heeded her dreams…





Dawn was steadily approaching, the palace and the royal city were buzzing with life and renewed joy, they would have a reigning monarch again, a beautiful and radiant queen. They had waited so very long for the day that their young princess would take the throne.

In the palace, Golden shafts of sun filtered through the drapes, painting the walls with gilded rays. Servants bustled through the halls carrying objects varying from flower arrangements to chairs in the direction of the throne room. The joy of each and every individual citizen of Prismalis seemed to be infectious, the smiles spreading from one face to the next.

“Today is the day” Clara murmured, fixing the position of a white rose residing in a violet vase sitting closest to the throne where their future queen would rule for many years “Rowena will be queen, we have waited so long for this”
“Indeed” Murmured Pietro, Clara’s husband “That girl has worked so hard to please the council, she has earned this”

Clara nodded and smiled at the thrones with a hint of sorrow “Queen Mayna and King Haydrian will be missed, but they will live on forever in Rowena”
Both turned at the sound of footsteps to see the smiling face of Clara’s father, the Pope “Only a few hours left and it will be time for everyone to gather here and witness the coronation of our new queen. I admit to feeling anxious”

“We all are” Pietro replied with a smile “Nothing can spoil this day though, we are all receiving a blessing from the heavens”
“Yes” The Pope replied with a warm smile, his blue eyes twinkling with joy he had not known for many years.

[Hisoka]

Dawn's herald sent it's rosy fingers to pierce the azure canopy of the eastern sky, a new day was breaking. Anorak rode at the front of the army years of brutal expansion had won him, the faces of each man and woman in that army blurred together. Before them, revealed in the rapidly rising sun was the plains of Prismalis. It's windswept grass a light golden green in color, trampled underfoot by row upon row of horses, soldiers, and cart wheels. The thunder of the march echoed for miles, as did the calls of the gore crows that will follow armed men knowing sooner or later there would be hot meat to fill their bellies. It was profane in it's own way this sight, these coarse avatars of war marching across such a peaceful plain.

But the Emperor cared not, his desire to possess the Orb came first, the treasures of this kingdom would line his followers pockets. For these cruel eyed soldiers followed him for gold, some like Colonel Piker a sense of injustice. Piker's family had been stripped of their noble status by their king, for the crime of speaking out. Anorak had conquered that kingdom through men like Piker, gave them their hearts desires in return for their service. Commandant Kira, leader of his western knights followed him out of simple hatred of the world, she had been raped as a child and denied rank time after time. Anorak conquered the kingdom she served in and gave her command in return for their service. This former slave used everyone to their greatest potential, all had a place in his plans. Murderers, malcontents, those marginalized by society were his troops.

He welcomed them, gave them meaning as he gave his fellow former slaves meaning. He turned them into conquerors, let them see purpose in a life without purpose. Through their blades and wills he forged armies to rule the world itself. He brought order and peace...through bloodshed and war. He ended strife by killing all who would oppose him. Though the memory of his harshness lived on in the lands ruled by his legions vast so too did order and prosperity.

And so it would be with this latest fight. The villages and settlements they passed were burned to the ground, survivors constantly running ahead of them. For no blood had been shed aside from his taking of the mansion in the mountain passes. Property could be rebuilt, fields resown, but it was people that were the life blood of any ruler.

However were he would not slaughter civilians the same could not be said of the few bands of soldiers thrown his way. Those that did not surrender were wiped out by his army. They in their proud uniforms were the only corpses to mar the landscape.

"Something is wrong here, no sign of organized resistance, it's like we caught them with their pants down Anorak." Majot said from his place beside his Emperor.

"Perhaps their forces are rallying at the royal palace, After all this open plain is a ill-suited place to face our numbers." Anorak answered his most loyal of commanders. Majot had been the first to flock to his banners, although both still wore the studded bronze collar of slavery in those far off days.

"Maybe, but at the very least they should be harassing our flanks to slow us down." The giant of man answered, his long beard waving in the gentle wind.

"Yes they should, but I can't spare the Dragoons to scout at the moment. They are too few in number to waste with frivolous concern. Their soldiers are garbed in ceremonial armor, their weapons fancy dress items. Methinks they do not take war as a serious business." Anorak replied with a finality, which Majot respected.

The rest of the day was thus spent in a steady march across the plains, plumes of smoke in their wake. The odd corpse of Royal Prismalis forces dotted here and there in their tragic last stands. In the rear, wearing dejected faces were the Prismalis forces that had listened to common sense and surrendered enmasse. Chained together and unarmed they were watched over by the jaguar warriors who fought as rear guard of the massive army.

The thunder of their marched echoed across the plains, every step of a hoof and steel shod boot bringing them closer to the Emperor's desire and their's as well.

[Lamenting_Quill]

The gilded rays of the suns light poured through the stained glass windows of the throne room like blessings from the gods above, showering them with bright golden joy. This day had been awaited by so many whom adored their kind and beautiful princess, each and every citizen of Prismalis had no doubts that Rowena would lead them all into age of beautiful prosperity and bounty.

Rowena stood before the pope and the throne, her heart pounding in her chest as she contemplated how her life how going to change forever after today, that she would no longer be a mere princess; She would be a queen.
She could only pray that she could do for her all that they deserved, she wanted to give them back everything they lost when her parents had died.
"I am so proud of you, your highness" The pope spoke for all to hear, pulling Rowena from her thoughts "You have come so far and grown so much, you are finally ready to wear this sacred symbol of authority and command the orb of oracles. Though I do hope the day never comes that you must use the orb"

Rowena nodded "Yes, your holiness. I promise that I shall never disappoint my people or the Gods. I shall strive to make Prismalis the golden paradise it once was"
The pope smiled warmly upon the young royal "I know, your highness. I have faith in you"
Tears filled Rowena's eyes, everyone truly believed in her and her ability to lead them; these people... all of them... they were her family.

Rowena approached the throne as the pope motioned for her to do so and lifted her mother's crown up into the air for all to see, he would now ask the god's to bless Rowena and her rule of Prismalis.
However before the pope could utter another word, the doors of the throne room burst open and several guards poured in with the commander at the lead "Your highness, we are being invaded. You must be evacuated immediately!"

Even as everyone began to panic around her, Rowena felt numb as her whole world began to spin and her stomach dropped. This could not possibly be happening, her dream could not be coming reality. It all had to be just some horrible nightmare and she would soon wake up from it.
Reality sunk in however when she felt her ladies maids and the guards ushering her towards the doors of the throne room "No! I must remain with my people!"

"You must be hidden until the danger is gone!" Commander Yin' Tar explained with urgency "We cannot lose you, Prismalis cannot withstand the loss of another monarch. Protecting you is my top priority, you will be brought back here once we have defeated the menace"
"The orb!" Rowena insisted as she pried herself away from her guardians, she rushed back to the throne where the orb of oracles sat beside it on golden table nestled in a pale blue satin pillow.
Picking it up and wrapping it in her silken shawl, Rowena returned to her protectors with her precious bundle held tightly in her arms.

The secret tunnels beneath the palace was their choice of escape at this point, not even the people of Prismalis knew about them. It was a well kept secret of the royal family and their protectors. Rowena knew where they were taking her, her destination would be a rather secluded small castle out in the mountains of Primalis. It was used a few times in their history as a safe place to hide the royalty until danger passed, the mountains completely hid it from sight. The terrain also helped to discourage any would-be pursuers.

Leaving her people right now when she barely even knew what was happening bothered her to no end, but no one would listen to her long enough to tell her what was going on above the tunnels. They were much to focused on getting out of there and to safety.
"There is a carriage waiting outside the tunnels with the fastest horses in all of Prismalis. One of your maids and your two bodyguards will be going with you to the safe place in the mountains, I will come for you personally when the danger is over and it is safe for you to return" Commander Yin' Tar stated to her, rubbing her shoulder to reassure her.

"Yin' Tar..." Rowena began only to be cut off.
"I know, my dear" Commander Yin' Tar said "I know how much you love your people, but you are no help to them dead and I made a promise long ago to your father that I would make sure nothing ever happened to you. I intend to keep that promise, do not make me a liar"
Rowena reluctantly nodded and continued to follow her guards down the tunnels length, it would not be long now until they reached the end where her escape awaited her arrival.

*******************************************

Commander Yin' Tar stood with his men as he watched the blackened carriage take off at full speed with it's precious cargo, he held a prayer in his heart for the safety of the young woman he had always looked upon like a daughter. He would not allow this rising tyrant to harm her or get his hands upon the orb of oracles.
"Gods protect her" Commander Yin' Tar murmured ever so softly before he gestured for his men to return to their posts and continue to fight off this new threat.

[Hisoka]

The sun was high in the air, shining down with the gentle warmth of the fine day it was. However the sights it illuminated were far from kind. Although they were a fine sight from a tactical standpoint. The army of the Emperor still marched, tireless as the hounds of war they personified. Each strong point was taken over with the brutal efficiency countless battles had endowed them with. Each skirmish a pathetic affair of superior forces engaging inferior troops. The soldiers of Prismalis were simply no match for the Emperor's forces numerically or tactically. Anorak was a master of war and it showed in his every action on this battlefield.

His elite core of former slave soldiers formed their shield walls, and marched forward their path being forged by archers firing war arrows tipped with bodkin and broad head points. Calvary rode around their flanks to smash deep into the enemy's rear. And as such each battle was over quickly, the screams of the wounded Prismalis forces the only indicator a battle had been fought at all. For to the causal observer it appeared little more then wanton butchery, so effective were Anorak's tactics. It was also clear had his supposed black heart cared to Anorak could have taken the kingdom bloodlessly, so vast were the odds in his favors. But he ended strife by slaughtering all those that would oppose him, mercy was not a word whose meaning had ever had a place in his heart or mind. The Desert Empire had taught him well that lesson.

So he marched and fought his way through those too stupid to surrender when his army numberless it seemed darkened their horizon. The battles grew fiercer as they neared the Royal City and Palace, the buildings clustered thickly near those lofty walls. Battles became hunts through people's homes and soon his army surrounded the City in a ring of men, horses, and siege equipment.

From his place atop his black charger Anorak surveyed the object he and his troops had been fighting for since their entry into this Kingdom of Prismalis. It was a grand enough city, it was apparent it had once been a fortress.But it was also apparent those days had been long ago, no fortress would have such a beautiful facade. For beauty has no place in the weapons and tools of war. Steel shone it was true but it also never let you forget about the lethal edge it held. Armor could be lovely to look upon but the scratches and wear it had never let you forget it had saved a warrior's life.

"Rather charming looking place ain't Anorak." Majot said, cleaning the gore of recent battle off the massive double bladed axe he preferred to the standard lance and shield of the former slave soldiers. Unlike Anorak he stood on his own two feet, his size simply denied him the ease of riding. They had yet to find a horse that could bear him while clad in armor and horse. It didn't bother him in the least, for he had been trained as infantry and fought best that way.

" A pathetic monument to delusions of peace and happiness. How has this stupid excuse of a kingdom escaped being conquered for so long." Anorak replied with a bored aristocratic grace written in his face.

" Ten gold talents says it's because their ruler is good in the bed chambers." Majot said with a lewd laugh.

"That may be closer to the truth then we realize Majot." Was all Anorak would comment with.

The citizens and soldiers now trapped in the city were no doubt bemoaning their fate. For no matter were you looked from within the city all one saw were Anorak's forces. The black tents of his soldiers marring the plains in their row upon row uniformity. The calvary wheeling about as they scouted the terrain, messengers running back forth between numberless companies. The smoke of countless cook fires as his army rested for the day and sentries were placed.

Indeed one would say there were more people outside the city then within. And it was apparent that such a large host would bleed the land dry in their foraging. Any that harbored hope of starving out the attackers were crestfallen when the massive supply train finally caught up with the rapidly advancing army. Anorak it had seemed had thought of everything, even with his large host food would not be a problem. Furthermore with the roads now firmly under his control resupply would be a child's game.

More likely then not though lost hope as the massive engines were brought to bear . Trechubets that could hurl stone over even their lofty walls, ballitsa that could shoot 9 foot long spears that would run through man and horse alike. Archers in their thousands were setting up their stakes to protect themselves from counter attack.

All and all it looked like the end for those within the city. But Anorak, his goal being the Orb of Oracles, meant all this merely as a show of force. Killing everyone in the city was pointless. His spies within the royal palace had not been able to discover the Orb's hiding place, but they knew who would know.

" Raise a flag of Truce Majot, I wish to speak to their leader."

Majot leaving his battle axe in the care of nearby former slave soldier did just that. The 11 foot long lance held Anorak's personal crest, the slave mark he bore on his forehead in golden glowing ink . Beneath it was the white flag of truce. Tall as Majot was the flag of truce was as plain as day for any standing on the wall. Waving it a few times the giant of a man lowered it then returned to his Emperor.

"And now we wait." Anorak replied

[Lamenting_Quill]

Rowena pressed the silk wrapped orb close to her chest and hugged it, she would never allow her enemies to get their hands upon the orb. They learn anything they wish to know, anything at all; that was far too dangerous to let them obtain.
They had been traveling at high speed for hours and had finally stopped deep within the forest to let the horses graze upon the grass and drink from the stream, though Rowena somehow wished they were still on the move. Her feelings probably had something to do with that dream she'd had the night before, she could still feel those lips caressing the side of her face as he murmured his victory; claiming herself and the orb as his trophies of war.

A shiver went down her spine as she replayed it in her mind, she had not been able to see his face but she could not fight the feeling of forbidden attraction mingling with terror. The first half of her dream had come to pass, hopefully her fleeing Prismalis would prevent the other half.
She refused to allow that to happen, she did not wish to find out what would happen next. Most princesses captured in the throes of war were even made into the ruler's concubine or... his bride...
Rowena was not willing to become either one of those things, she would fight back tooth and nail. If he did manage to find her, she hoped he would simply kill her instead of subject her to the humiliation of marrying or bedding with her conquerer.

She would not speak of her disturbing thoughts however to her maid that accompanied her on this perilous journey, she did not wish to alarm the young woman whom was clearly already frightened.
"It will be alright, dear" Rowena said sweetly, reaching the seat across from her to take to maids hands into her own "You will see, everything will be well"
The maid smiled reluctantly at her princess and nodded "I shall place my faith in you, your grace"
Rowena silently gulped, yet another person looking to her to make everything alright. Oh joy.

************************************
"I will go tell the whelp that our princess is out of his reach" Commander Yin' Tar announced to his men where they stood in the barracks "I am not afraid of some desert brat. Remain here, I will go alone"
"But sir..."
"Silence" Commander Yin' Tar replied, cutting the soldier off "If things go awry, it is senseless for their to be more bloodshed than necessary"
Yin' Tar and his men however were unaware of the traitor whom had stolen away unnoticed...

*************************************

"I must see the emperor" Ruthgar insisted as he approached the guards standing where the desert emperor "It is of the most importance. They evacuated the princess Rowena, she took the orb with her! The emperor must know!"

[Hisoka]

Anorak sat upon his charger, his elite core in the black and gold plate of their former life around him. Their armor was scratched, dented from countless battles, their weapons although perfectly made showed the same countless battles. Upon Anorak and all their foreheads was the brand of slavery in golden ink. It was what binded them in brotherhood, so it was as one they faced the man who so boldly strode from the city. In their discipline they yielded not to his words, only Anorak could command them so. But he did not do so in the manner of the Emperor, these were his brothers and sisters, his elite core without whom nothing would have been possible.

" The orb is not here, this is quite the pity. For I am afraid I want that orb." Anorak said from his lofty seat upon his black horse his voice as cold as a steel blade in winter. Getting off his horse the slender conqueror strode to were the soldier of Prismalis stood kept at bay by his elite core. Anorak stood in front of him, although 38 years had passed since his birth the Emperor was slenderly built and barely came up to lofty soldier's chin. His racial heritage was plain to see, one of the few elder race that had lived in captivity. But despite his size every single man and woman in his army from his elite core down to the stable boys knew Anorak to be a master swordsman, a elf with both the agility of his blood and the experience of a life time of war. No single person had ever bested him in combat, his blades moved as if by themselves. And if this fool believed his size to indicate youth he had another thing coming.

" And before you go on with some noble as horse shit speech about dying before betraying your leader know this. It is not your life that I will take." Anorak spoke once more to this soldier of Prismalis, his voice holding that cold steel edge to it." I will take this city, there isn't a single thing you can do about it and we both know that. I and you know I can take this city in a single day." He said these words in a matter of fact tone. Some might call it arrogance but it was the truth, his numbers and obvious tactical skill made a mockery of the meager defenses set against him." When I take this city on the morrow I will kill one civilian for every day both the Orb of Oracles and your leader are not in my possession....I will kill them in the most obscene manner possible, I will make them beg for death before I deliver it to them."

His stony faced elite core were not moved by these words, for such was how war was fought in the south. The crueler you were in war the sooner it was over, the less spouses would grieve for fallen loves, parents for fallen children,and the less damage war caused.

"If you tell me were the Orb of Oracles is I will spare your city this fate. Refuse and you will suffer through the screams of the dying. Corpses shall litter your streets and you my foolish soldier will be the last to die knowing your stubbornness lead to the death of countless innocents. This I promise you both by Mithra and my Blades"


With that he turned his back contemptibly on his enemy and strode back to his horse, mounting it with a natural grace that spoke volumes about a warrior trained as an infantry man. The songs of the soldiers encamped around the city began to echo. Each verse a tale of countless victories, the song itself woven of the tales of conquest these men had undertaken and achieved.

"So what is your answer Commander, do you forsake duty to a coward and suffer not through the deaths of innocents. Or will you let your pride condemn the fair people of your kingdom to death,rape,and sorrow?"

Anorak was a master of the southern concept of cruelty in warfare. Battle was no place for honor and mercy. War was a serious business, people died, homes destroyed. Honor and Mercy only made these facts worse, it dragged out suffering not decrease it.

[Lamenting_Quill]

It became apparent now to Yin' Tar that there had been a traitor in their midst as there was no other way Anorak could have known that princess Rowena had been removed from the city before he could get his filthy desert hands on her.
His heart sunk in his chest as he contemplated his options, he knew the princess would never forgive him if anything ever happened to her people because of her. Yin' Tar knew that her people meant more to her than anything else in the universe...

"The princess..." Yin' Tar replied reluctantly "If I tell you where she is, what will become of her? What shall be her fate? I will let not harm come to her! If she surrenders the orb, will you release her to us?"


*****************************

Her maid sound asleep due to their pace having slowed down after getting a good distance away from Prismalis, Rowena herself could not find rest. She pushed open the dark curtains on the carriage window and gazed out into the night, night seemed to be coming quicker these days and tonight the glittering stars did nothing to ease the dark fear throbbing in her breast. Something was wrong though she did not know what, Rowena could feel though that it was important.

Her robin's egg blue eyes gazed up towards the moon as she whispered to herself "What is this darkness lurking in my mind? What is happening?"
Rowena's maid stirred slightly at the sound of her princess's voice which caused Rowena to close the curtains and lean back into the seat to relax, it would not be long now until they arrived at their destination where Rowena was to hide away until she was sent for. If she was sent for all...

*********************************************************

The tiny castle was gloomy in its simplicity and also the fact that it was rarely ever occupied, torches were lit and a room was prepared for herself and her maid.
As of now, Rowena walked across the length of the great hall finding it as gloomy as the rest of it. She missed her home and the joy brought to it by her people and friends.

'Rowena... you are mine'

That voice! It could not be him, he could not have found her already!
When she whirled around to meet the source, there was nothing there but air; she was completely alone in the hall.
"I must be going mad" Rowena murmured to herself as she brought up a hand to rub her forehead wearily "Why does this fiend haunt me so?"

[Hisoka]

Anorak , Emperor of a thousand kingdoms listened to the words of the Commander with no apparent emotion. Colder then the northern wastes was his face as the words were uttered.

"You do not get to dictate terms to me Commander. What I do with the princess is entirely up to me. Her fate and your people's are in the palm of my hand. Do not toy with me." The Emperor spoke in reply, his pupils contracting angrily into silts, lending him a feral air." Tell me were she is or by Mithra I will begin the slaughter of innocents right now. The choice is your commander, you have no other options. Tell me where she and the orb are or watch as I make the streets of your city run red with the blood of children. These are your only options."

His elite core began banging their lances against their shields as the rest of his army took up war cries native to the kingdoms they had been drafted from. It was a slightly deafening sound, the echo of seemingly countless men of war doing their utmost to reveal their desire for battle. His armies were always hungry for more spoils of war, for more victory. They were fed on a diet of glory and blood, an insatiable appetite they gave them the skills and power they wielded today.

Letting it go on for a few moments Anorak silenced it with a simple wave of his hand. A mere gesture of physical movements and the legion vast fell into silence, it was a clear cut sign of the loyalty and discipline the Emperor commanded from his troops.

He urged the horse forward, looking down at the Commander's face from the lofty perch the black stallion provided. His leather armor embossed with the slave's mark, the selfsame design that adorned his forehead, gleamed fitfully from it's recent oil treatment. His swords hilt wrapping worn and in need of replacing showed how often he had put those blades to use, the blood stains upon the raw silk wrappings only reinforcing that image.

"Do not think to tell me falsehoods either. Either the truth passes your lips or I will start with your family." Anorak's eyes still retained their feral silts, a image that brought the animal he was within to the surface.

"Come Commander I do not have all day and neither do you."

The legion vast stood in readiness, wine and song forgotten as they waited for their Emperor's command. The Knights of the West shone in their engraved silver armor, the Legendary Dragoons of the east stood at attention upon their fiery steeds. The jaguar warriors in their skins balanced their poisoned weapons. The soldiers of a thousand different kingdoms stood waiting for the command of a single man. Mighty tribesmen of the north stood shoulder to shoulder with the slender Drow of the Underdark. It seemed every race was represented in the forces under Anorak's command.

No doubt it was shocking to the citizens of Prismalis the vast diversity of races represented. The fact he had united so many disparate peoples into a cohesive whole. The fact he found a way for their vastly different fighting styles to work and mesh effectively with each other. Was this judgement day, had hell itself let loose these conquering demons. Was this how it would all end, the world consumed by the shadow this former Elven slave was casting over the known world.

[Lamenting_Quill]

Yin' Tar gazed helplessly upon the cold unmoved face of this dark emperor and sighed, he knew what he had to do. Rowena would rather be the victim herself instead of her people, she had stated such many times.
"Forgive me, Rowena, my princess" Yin' Tar murmured softly to himself before he turned his heart broken eyes back to Prismalis's cruel conqueror "We sent Princess Rowena away to the small castle tucked away in the black hills to the north of here. I speak no lies, her highness would never forgive me if I endangered her people"

*******************************************

The stars seemed almost sorrowful this night as Rowena parted the drapes of her chambers to gaze out, their sparkle was weak and their light faded. It gave Rowena an ominous feeling of dread.
With a heavy sigh, Rowena closed the drapes and returned the room to it's dim glow provided by the fireplace. She arranged her skirts as she sat down before the roaring fire and began to pray to the white goddess that her people would be safe, it seemed to be at this time all she could do in her helplessness.
Rowena only wished she knew why her heart was filled with such dread and fear, her legs ached to race back to her kingdom and be with her people in their time of need. It was torture to be so far away from them when they needed her most.

*************************************************************

The bodyguards of Princess Rowena sat at the long table of the Great Hall and sipped their mead tentatively in silence, their princess seemed so distracted and worried. If only they knew what to do to ease her mind, it was awful to see her like that and be able to do nothing to help her.
"What do you think is going on back at Prismalis?" Lazarus murmured to his comrade sitting across from him.
"I only wish I knew, my friend" Rafael replied back with a sigh, raking a hand wearily though his dark hair.
Lazarus nodded in agreement "Princess Rowena is worried about something, I wonder if her feelings are correct. They usually are, we should be prepared for anything"
"I agree" Rafael replied with a steady nod "As the goddess as my witness, we will return that princess safely back to her people where she will become their proud queen"

[Hisoka]

" Very well, if you are indeed telling the truth your people will be spared." Anorak replied with that same steel edge to his voice as he stared down at the Commander from his horse."Get me Colonel Piker and his Dragoons Majot." He added turning his head to his second in command, the giant of a man bowed slightly before running off to fulfill the request.

Anorak then considered his next course of action. First of all he would need to gain entrance to the city, and given the stance of the Commander of Prismalis it would likely be as easy as asking. Secondly though was what to do with the information he had been given. He didn't trust Colonel Piker with bringing him the orb, but the Dragoons rode the only horses fast enough to ride to this supposed castle in the northern hills before the Princess was moved somewhere else. Which meant he would have to go with the Dragoons personally,leaving command of the army with Majot. While he had no doubt about Majot's capabilities as a battle leader he was less reserved about his skills at politics. Still he'd only be gone a day or two at most,surely even the battle axe wielding Majot couldn't screw up too badly in that short of a time frame.

Well there is nothing else to do but trust in his brutality at least. He'll keep them in line at the very most. The Emperor mused, deciding on his course of action.

"Now that the question of the orb and the princess are settled I believe it is time for me to addresses my newest kingdom. Open the gates and gather the people in your main square. I want everyone from the youngest babe in swaddling clothes to the greybeard who can barely walk. Your nobles will be front and center and your troops shall throw down their weapons and armor. Do I make myself clear Commander?" Anorak asked, nay more like demanded. For he was the victor here, any rights he cared to claim were his to claim. And the sword to anyone who refused him.

"Sir I am here." Colonel Piker said as he rode up at the head of his dragoon force. Numbering barely a battalion they nonetheless had a reputation of masters of small unit tactics. And their steeds since time out of memory had been bred for speed and stamina. It was often said the Dragoons of the East rode winged horses so fast were the mounts they favored. The most legendary Dragoons rode the deep silver stallions that could outrun the wind itself it seemed. Colonel Piker and all his 3,000 Dragoons rode silver stallions, each horse bursting with sinewy muscle and proud heads.


"Ready your Dragoons, we leave as soon as can be arranged. I have need of an escort to fetch the Orb." Anorak replied his feral slitted eyes never leaving the commander's face.

'Yes Sir, we shall make our preparations post haste." Piker replied with a smart salute before wheeling his horse around, followed by his 3000 Dragoons.

"What is your delay commander, I gave you an order, be about your duties before I decide your family's heads will look good mounted and stuffed."

Such was the way the Emperor handled his conquests, root out those unwilling to follow and give them the cold mercy of steel. Rebels could make a conquerors stay very unpleasant if they wanted to. Anorak though had much practice in the art of dealing with rebels and holdouts loyal to the old regime. And judging by those stupid heart broken eyes of the commander this would be an easy transition of power.

Honor only made a man easy to manipulate, for Anorak held all the cards. The rebels he would have to deal with would be people like this commander. Should they prove too much of thorn in his sides he still had the people.

" And let me warn you commander, I want every man, woman, and child in the square. There will be no rebellion on my watch when I assume your leadership. And remember this, for every soldier of mine that is killed or harmed in any pathetic attempt at said rebellion will result in the death of three civilians. Any found bearing so much as a knife will be put to death, and so will the person standing next to them. Your troops will furthermore after my address put on the uniform of my forces. Any that refuse shall cause the death of their families."


Having delivered his terms to the commander Anorak fell silent, his feral eyes still upon the commander. Many found his gaze unnerving, with some even falling into madness. For eyes are the windows to the soul, and Anorak's soul was anything but a flower strewn park.

[Lamenting_Quill]

The mood was dark as the orders of the desert emperor Anorak were carried out and each citizen of Prismalis was assembled in the square. Yin' Tar made sure none of them carried any objects that would result in death and made sure they all knew what to do as well as what was at stake. They had to do whatever necessary to protect each other from death at the hands of this cruel conqueror.

The soldiers were angry at having to shed their uniforms and don those of the desert emperor, but they did so without complaint in hopes that if they cooperated that it might have influence the fate of their princess and ensure her life was spared.
"I know this was not what everyone expected" Yin' Tar explained, standing before them all as they lined up in an orderly fashion to listen "However, innocent lives are in danger this day and that includes the life of our princess. Everyone vowed that she would one day be placed back upon the throne"
"What if he attempts to wed the princess" One man spoke up, a though striking him "It not unheard of for conquerors to fancy an attractive ruler of the place their conquer and lets face it, our princess is a fair beauty. What would we do then? Allow that monster to get his disgusting grasp upon her?"
"Let us pray it does not come to that" Yin' Tar commented "For there is little in our current situation that can be done. Now everyone relax and do your best to be strong. Anorak and his men will soon arrive here to address you, they only gave me little under twenty minutes to talk to you first"

After taking a good deep breath, Yin' Tar joined his fellow citizens of Prismalis in the line they assembled and waited for the monster the desert people called emperor to arrived.

********************************************************************

The balcony this evening seemed to be the only thing that offered Rowena any comfort, the cool summer breeze blew gently through her long hip length hair, the light of the moon seeming to make the dark red color of it almost glow ethereally. She knew she should probably be in bed trying to get some rest, but she knew that there was going to be no chance for rest this night.
Worry and fear for people filled her heart, it killed her to not know what was happening right now in Prismalis. There was nothing else in the world that she wanted more than for all of her people to be safe and sound, she'd give her very life to make them safe forever if she could.
Gazing up at the stars and the moon, Rowena sighed and as she seemed to do often she began to pray.

[Hisoka]

Anorak, still upon his black stallion rode into the city square, where the masses of Prismalis were gathered in their multitude. Each and every one of them either bore angered looks, the soldiers in their new livery looked particularly angered. More however wore the mask of abject fear. At his back marched his elite core in their black and gold armor. The filled the edges of the square, effectively sealing the crowd, soldiers of Prismalis included in a wall of steel and soldiery. Their lances were lowered and their shields front and center, should the crowd grow unruly they would without hesitation march into it with the point of their lances leading.

Anorak for his part lowered himself from the saddle and walked towards the center of the square were a clear space was rapidly being readied. His guard such as were was Majot a couple of the elite core he built his army around. A smarter man might perhaps invest a little less in crowd control and more in personal safety. Anorak however was both a master swordsman and generally uncaring of his fate. He had his revenge against his cruel eyed masters long ago, ruling an empire was merely icing on the cake.

The Emperor of a thousand kingdoms surveyed his newest one, the people, the unwilling recruits. It was a sight he was deeply familiar with, one that never failed to be amusing. Commandant Kira had shown the same hatred of him when first Anorak had walked the streets of her fair city. Now she was almost as loyal as Majot. In time this kingdom would learn the benefits of being ruled by strength instead of honor and weakness. His people never had to fear another war, and in time they were the richer for suffering his armies wrath.

"I know many of you wish for my blood. You see your homes burnt and destroyed, your crops put to the torch, and your brothers and sisters in arms lay dead. But all this is your fault Prismalis. I gave your soldiers ample chance to surrender in the field, but they fought. It is their refusal to kneel that has left your homes and livelihoods in ruins." Anorak shouted with a conqueror's fury." And because of them you all suffer the deaths of loved ones. But pain heals with time, property can be rebuilt. My Empire is the greatest the world has ever known, and by joining it you have become part of that greatness. You will see in time that we can live if not in peace at least harmony. My people have never went hungry nor lacked for coin to purchase whatever their heart desired."

Some of the crowd looked ready to murder him, no doubt hearing little beyond a tyrant's excuse but they would learn in time Anorak knew. " Look at your defenses, how quickly they were overcome. Is this the actions of a wise ruler to leave their lands so defenseless. You my people of Prismalis are a weak willed bunch, you fought feebly against my legion, and this is but one of the many armies I command. At the first sign of trouble your Princess fled, taking with her the only item of worth this piss poor country owns. Is this the actions of a ruler worthy of the crown they bear? Did you really think the world would ignore you, ignore the power you boast of so casually. Did you think this pathetic army of yours enough to defend your lands."

Some in the crowd looked at him differently now, as if hearing wisdom in his words, some were even more angered. Some even fought over these differences in opinion. If Anorak or his elite core noticed it they made no comment on it. " I have conquered your worthless country for a twofold reason. I wish to posses the Orb of Oracles I will not lie on that account. But like the thousand other kingdoms I've brought under my rule I did it to save you from yourselves. I will make you strong Prismalis, I will make you a nation capable of defending itself. My actions will bring peace,security, and wealth to this kingdom. Ask any of my legion and they will tell you the same. And know this,all that serve in my armies were as you once. Weak and worthless, deserving of nothing. But now they stand the mightiest force to wander the world. I can do the same for you Prismalis..."

His elite core shouted their battle cries as his speech finished as the crowd stared at him either angrily or in wonderment at his words." But first you all must learn to kneel before your new Emperor, unfortunately I do not have the time to teach your proud knees to bend. My second Majot I appoint your High Warden, all other ranks are abolished, your government will be dissolved. I will appoint a council of Wardens to serve under Majot when I return with your princess and the orb. Further more all men and women bearing noble title shall swear fealty to Majot, any that do not shall be disinherited and have all monies and lands they hold title to taken away."

His address over Anorak strode away from the crowd,leaving Majot and his elite core to smooth out the fine details. Once more mounting his horse he left the square and rode out to were the dragoons stood mounted and ready. Taking one last look at the royal city the Emperor smiled, it never failed to inspire when a dynasty fell.

Facing the green gold plains he gave the command to begin the swift charge towards the northern hills. Behind him riding low in their saddles were 3000 of the finest Dragoons to come from the East. Hard and fast they urged speed out of their mounts. The wind blew past his ears,it's words a victory song. Often he wondered elf that he was if he should conquer the lands of his people. But something always held him back each and every time he considered marching an army into those ancient forests. No doubt the elven council barely considered Anorak a true elf.

Let's see how well they handle a lifetime of being a slave soldier. He thought to himself with vehemency in his mind. Sometimes one would wonder if Anorak conquered kingdoms out of hatred or the desire he publicly proclaimed. Commandant Kira had often spoke of their similar hatred of the world in their more intimate dealings. And sometimes staring into her eyes as he kissed her the elf had to agree. But hatred could only fuel somebody so long. Mithra wanted his empire to expand, else why give him victory after victory. It was true the lands under his sway knew no war, hunger, or poverty.

A hundred years of war is worth it if it buys a thousand years of peace. Anorak justified his brutal expansion to himself. For only when all who would oppose you lay dead could you claim peace. Blood was the only soil true and everlasting peace would grow in and to think else wise was mere delusional fantasies.

[Lamenting_Quill]

After Anorak had departed to retrieve Princess Rowena and the orb, some of the people remained in the square to talk about what had happened to them today.
"How dare he insult the princess today" One villager growled "He does not know our ways, she had no choice but to go somewhere she would be safe. We need her if our kingdom is to survive, she is the last of the royal family"
Yin' Tar nodded "I know, but we must calm down. No one can expect a such a brute to understand the love we bare for our princess"
"I won't deny that some thing he said sounded good, but... I really hope he does not harm Princess Rowena" Another villager added meekly "She has always been so good to us"
"Do not let anything that tyrant says fool you" Yin' Tar gently scolded "He does not care about us, he only cares about power and conquest. I do not doubt his next conquest will be the Princess herself, men like him cannot resist the thought of possessing such a woman for themselves. Rowena however I doubt will be willing to accept his pursuit, let us pray he is a patient man"
Everyone nodded in agreement, fear for Princess Rowena filling their hearts. They could only hope the goddess would protect her.

*****************************************************

"Son of a bitch!" Rafael growled as he stormed pushed open the double doors of the castle to enter the Great Hall, his scouting errand had not made him very happy at all.
Somehow Anorak, son of the desert and emperor of thousand kingdoms had found them and was on his way. He had spotted his dragoons as he crouched down in the brush, they were maybe an hours ride away.
"What happened?" Lazarus asked in concern as he stood from where he'd been sitting at the table "Have we been found?"
Rafael nodded, that same angry look on his face "Yes, ready the princess and her maid. We need to get out of here now, we have maybe an hour to get out of their reach. I have no idea how they found us this quickly"
Lazarus groaned "I think my friend our suspicions in the past were correct, we have had a spy hiding in our midst. Commander Yin' Tar obviously did not try hard enough to weed the traitor out"
"Yes" Rafael agreed with frustration "We shall deal with this later, we have work to do"
Lazarus grinned, catching on to Rafael's drift "Just like old times... lets get our booby traps all set up and ready to go. I do love our old games"

********************************************************

"We remain" Rowena ordered solemnly as she stared our her bedchamber window, her heart heavy with sorrow "If I disappear again, I have an idea what he will do to my people. I will not allow them to suffer for me, I love them too much"
"But your grace...."
"I have given my orders" Rowena interrupted Rafael, turning around then to face him and Lazarus "I will surrender myself, but the orb will be hidden deep within the catacombs beneath this castle. If he wants it, he will have to race through your traps set down there to get it"
Her two bodyguards nodded gravely in response, hoping their princess knew what she doing. Mostly hoping however that no harm would come to their beloved future queen.
"Go now, my trusted friends. Set your traps and give this fiend the obstacle of his life, we will not make this conquest easy for him" Rowena added "As for myself, I shall wait here for him. Worry not for me, he needs me if he wants to use the orb of oracles. I am certain he is already aware of this"
She turned then to her trembling maid "Portia, you have been so endlessly loyal to me. I have never had such a wonderful friend as you, which is why I offer you this chance to flee from danger"
Before the woman could respond, Rowena lifted a hand to stop her and continued "I know not what this man is capable of and I will not risk him harming you. It is me he needs, not you; therefore I do not know if he will harm you or not"
Tears filled her maids eyes before she pulled her princess into a tight loving hug before she let go and fled the castle.

After her bodyguards left the chamber with the silk wrapped orb to carry out her orders, Rowena turned back to the window and sighed before murmuring "I am waiting for you... desert emperor"

*********************************************************

[Hisoka]

"Sir the castle lays ahead, exactly were he said it would be." Colonel Piker shouted at his Emperor from where he rode beside him, his silver stallion while having fought all day long and being in numerous charges was only beginning to show the lather of hard work. Piker indicated the fortification with one hand, the other holding a grip on his horses reigns.

Anorak signaled a stop as the castle began to dominate the horizon. Piker and his dragoons thus brought there animals to halt by sawing on their reigns. With much snorting and patting of necks the beasts stopped as the former slave soldier dismounted. Ripping up some turf the elven conqueror inhaled it's fragrance. Earthy, with the richness of freshly cut grass. But despite it's pleasant aroma the Elf wrinkled his nose.

" I can sense the bitter scent of traps, Colonel Piker fan out the dragoons on either side of the rode. Check each side and the road itself for traps." Anorak ordered suiting his own actions to his words.

Piker and his dragoons did the same, it was somewhat slow going but traps were a familiar feature in eastern warfare so Piker's experience shortened the otherwise tedious task. For he knew how such things worked and where it was best to look. And before long Anorak and his 3000 dragoons were standing in front of the fortification which for all purposes seemed deserted.

"Knock on the door Colonel Piker if you would be so kind." Anorak asked of his Dragoon commander. Piker loyal if nothing else did just that, dismounting then crossing the packed dirt in front of the wooden gates. Hammering on them with his lance he got a dull thudding that echoed ominously.

" Come out Princess I know your in there, and bring me the Orb of Oracles while your at it." Anorak yelled at the top of his voice as the echoes of Piker's knocking died down. The elven warlord was tempted to add a death threat but His spies in the palace made it clear only the monarchs of Prismalis knew the orb's secrets and how to utilize the powerful artifact. Still he held her people's lives in the palm of his hand. She failed to cooperate and there were always a few beggars or poor farmers he could knock off to encourage better behavior.

"Maybe He lied to us." Piker suggested after a few long minutes had passed.

"There was no lie in that man's eyes or face." Anorak replied with some doubt despite his spoken words, perhaps the lie was not so much what the Commander told as in what the Commander had known. Perhaps her guards had lied to him so that if he should break their charge's life would not be in jeopardy. " But perhaps she has been moved, after all tis their land. It would stand reason they have their own methods of knowing what is going on in it."

"But sir if that is so how did we enter their borders unchallenged.We practically had our swords shoved up their asses before they even noticed us." Piker offered in debate. For Anorak encouraged such things in his officers, believing in individual initiative. For sometimes the soldier could not hear the general's orders.

"There is that to consider. Not to mention the supposed power of this Orb.My spies could not get any clear reports on exactly how it works. All they knew for certain was that only the monarchs of this worthless kingdom know how it works." The elf replied with a look of deep thought on his mind.

"I hope we didn't work our horses into a sweat for nothing sir"

"As do I Colonel, as do I."

[Lamenting_Quill]

The time that passed from the moment her bodyguards left her was torture for each and every second that ticked by, Rowena knew it was no be much longer until Anorak of the desert arrived to claim her.
She would soon be at the mercy of a ruthless conqueror.

*******************************

"Are you sure about this?" Lazarus murmured to his friend and comrade.
Rafael nodded from his place deep within the castle's shadows, he would not have able to see his friend's position right now if he had not already know he was there. They hid expertly among the pillars of the castle's Great Hall, watching everything that happened.
"We will remain hidden in case something happens that requires our interference, such as the desert brat trying to get frisky with our princess. I will die before that happens to our spring flower"
Lazarus nodded and together they remained in silent wait.

****************************************************************************

When Rowena heard the harsh strong voice echo throughout the castle, she knew immediately whom it was. The desert emperor, calling her out to meet her fate; whatever it shall be.
As she departed her chambers and gracefully made hey way with pride and elegance to the Great Hall, Rowena refused to allow this villain to intimidate her or bully her in any way.
The click clack of her shoes could be heard as she passed through the doors of the Great Hall, stepping into the moonlight to allow herself to be seen.
It was obvious Anorak was not expecting what he saw, he probably expected some spoiled dog faced wench. He knew who she was and it was now that her true struggles in life would begin.
"I am Princess Rowena, heir to the throne of Prismalis" She announced proudly, stopping in her tracks before she came to close to Anorak. It pleased her to stay out of arms reach, it bothered her the way he looked at her.
Rowena would have liked it better if he had looked at her with eyes filled with murder, instead of.... this....
Only time would tell what would happen to her now.

She knew he immediately noticed the absence of the orb and that made her smile inside, it gave her pleasure to cause him any sort of distress or dismay. Perhaps he would see now that he wasn't going to get what he wanted from her as easily as he had first anticipated that he would.
"I am not afraid of you" Rowena stated with her head held high "My bodyguards forced me to leave Prismalis, I would have much prefered to stay and face you head on"
Her goal was to make him angry and frustrated, but he seem nothing short of intrigued by her.

[Hisoka]

The long minutes dragged on as Anorak and the 3000 dragoons sat upon their steeds, the moonlight shone down on them, the horses grazed upon the scarce and tough grass. The tearing of grass and the horses chewing were the only sounds after the elven conqueror's demand echoes had died down.

Suddenly the monotonous silence of the still night was broken as the doors of the small castle creaked opened, it must have been quite some time since their last oiling. And as the doors swung open protesting the lack of oil a woman walked out. Anorak had no doubt it was the Princess, for even without his spies reports there could be no doubt. Only a monarch could walk with such a proud stance, and so confidently into the lions den.

He gazed upon her, finding the beauty she was supposedly famed for. Ah he was willing to wager twenty gold talents she had skin like silk, perhaps he'd see for himself once everything was settled.

"I am Princess Rowena, heir to the throne of Prismalis"

Well that made it official and it amused Colonel Piker.

" Who does the wench think she is kidding, the kingdom of Prismalis ceased to exist scarce 6 hours ago." Piker spoke to himself quietly, for now was the game played between Emperor and former ruler. It was no place for a common soldier like Piker and he knew it.

"I am not afraid of you"

At those words Anorak smiled, a secretive and swift smile that betrayed his intrigue into the woman whom he was talking to. He studied the woman further, looking past the beauty...to the fact she didn't have the orb with her.

"Quite the chess player aren't you Princess Rowena. Every time I think I have you in checkmate you throw a pawn in front of me. One should be sparing with the use of such tactics though." And here Anorak dismounted, hitting the ground with all the elven grace of his blood. He then strode towards the woman, till there was scarce a foot between them. He stared at her, his feral eyed silts a contrast with her orbs of twin beauty. He let this staring match go on for a few moments before answering in a voice filled with both amusement and deadly promise. " After all one has only so many pawns to sacrifice. And I have no compulsions about taking every pawn if I have to."

He then took a few steps back creating a more sizable gap between them, though his gaze did not once leave the princess. " You are no longer a princess for your realm ceased to be six and half hours ago. This is country in now merely a province within my Empire, Rowena." He let that sink in before speaking more." If I remember correctly I told you to bring the orb with you. It is plainly not upon your person. But if you wish to play games I know of several we can play till your in the mood to play mine."

Anorak then strode closer, till he was all but touching Rowena. He leaned closer, his lips mere inches away from her right ear. He inhaled her scent, not as a lover would but like a wolf scenting it's prey. " I would remember this Rowena, I hold your people's lives in my hands. Yours too if you care for such things.." He said speaking softly, in a tone meant only for her ears. Despite his soft tone the steel edge of his nature carried through." Your mine Rowena, you and whatever I shall desire to take from you. Do you truly wish to draw my desire away from the orb?" Once more that soft tone meant only for her, and still that steel edge to it.

Fluttering his left hand up he hovered the fingers above her hair for a few heartbeats. Then he walked away from her, a smile written large upon his face. " Tell me were the orb is Rowena or I will make good on my words." This time it was no soft tone, these words were uttered with an Emperor's authority.

[Lamenting_Quill]

A gasp escaped Rowena as Anorak leaned in to issue his seductive threat, his eyes taking her in like wolf waiting to rip into it's prey. Her number one fear right now would be being left alone with this dangerously sensual warlord.
What really got her was what he said next....

Your mine Rowena

It was just like her dream, only happening a bit differently. Rowena turned her head to look away towards a wall, refusing to let her fears of belonging to this man be known or else he may act on them in decision that her fears benefited his twisted desires. It was clear he wanted her, though he also wanted the orb too and he was not about to act upon his desires of the flesh until he had the orb within his grasp.
She wanted to delay this as much as possible, but Rowena knew Anorak would kill even more people that he already had to punish her defiance.

"The orb rests deep within the catacombs beneath this castle" She explained "I had it hidden there to discourage you as catacombs are known to be dangerous places to venture. Go ahead and take it, but be warned that one may only ask one question of the great oracle dwelling within the orb. The great oracle will give the answer to any question you could possibly ever ask, it knowledge is endless and it will refuse no questions. I would choose wisely what you ask it... each generation is allowed one question, that is the rules of the great high oracle"

She prayed she had not made the worst mistake ever, for after meeting this man she did not doubt that he would make it past all the traps down there with little effort involved. He seemed to be very clever and resourceful, a man whom always got what he wanted. Well, there was one thing he could never have.
"I must say" She added before he could move or say anything "In regards to what you said before, you might get your hands on Prismalis and the orb, but the one thing that will never be yours, Anorak of the Desert... is me. I will never be yours, not ever"

Rowena tilted her chin up with regal pride and remained gracefully silent from that point, saying no more on the either subject. Her point had been more than made.
All that remained now was how Anorak reacted to her words, she hoped he'd be like most men and be discouraged from wanting a woman when she does not appear willing and ready to accept him.

[Hisoka]

"Nothing you could say or do would discourage me Rowena." He replied to her bold words of challenge, no doubt to bolster the weakening will power he saw in her eyes. He merely stared back, his feral slitted eyes looking at the princess as both a man looking upon a woman and the wolf he was looking upon his prey.

She stood regal and proud after spitting her defiance at the elven conqueror. He wasn't above rape but he wasn't below it either. He preferred the act of conquering,of making a person submit to a greater strength and not merely crude force. " I take what I want Rowena, one day you will learn this. And one day your proud knees shall bend." Here the elf laid a finger of his right hand upon the slave mark tattooed upon his forehead. In the night air it gleamed golden and bright,the Harpy wielding a cat-o-nine tails in one hand and a manacle in the other.It was the sigil of his cruel eyed one time masters. " I was born a slave Rowena, but I will die an Emperor. And an Emperor conquers all."

He then turned to face Piker and his 3000 dragoons." Piker secure the castle, if any of her guard are present....kill them." Anorak ordered, cruelly and coldly. Now was not the time for games. Personal guards were often deeply loyal to their charge and that sort of loyalty could not be subverted no matter the price.As the dragoons streamed into the open gates the elf faced his latest battle, a sweet battle but battle nonetheless. " I am tired Rowena, I would have you show me your rooms." Anorak spoke, some might call it a ploy but the Emperor's tone of voice left no doubt it was an order. For as an elf the Emperor need not sleep, for elven folk enter a state of mediation when the need for sleep arose. But unlike humans a elf sleeping could walk, could do the daily tasks required of one, and would even answer any speech directed at. If only in simple and brief words.

Still he wasn't about to let the distraction of earthly desire ruin him now. For the Orb of Oracles was the real objective. He didn't care it would only grant him one answer, there was only one question he cared to know. And that was his fate, the reason for his being. Why he had been born a slave, why he had become an Emperor. What destiny beyond a reaver's desire did Fate have in store for him.

Once the orb is mine, so shall you be Rowena. He promised himself as he gazed upon his latest battle. Upon her sweet curves and proud stance, the memory of her scent. Fear, hate, disgust, and a hidden desire. For all women found a force of will as strong as Anorak's desirable no matter their words or actions. Commandant Kira had acted exactly like this when first he marched into her fair city. Now she answered his calls eagerly, even coming to his tents willingly and on her own. Rowena would do the same one day he promised himself, if not the battle would prove amusing at the very least.

[Lamenting_Quill]

A tremble coursed through the maiden princess as she turned from him, refusing to say another word in fear that further defiance might bring him to stronger intrigue. Rowena was determined to avoid the desert emperor's bed at all costs, of all the prizes he claimed... her innocence would never be one of them! That was another thing, she could never allow him to know she was a virgin; There was nothing proud conquerors loved more than an untouched beauty.
'Never shall his hands soil my body' Rowena vowed to herself, her hands closing into tight fists as she moved gracefully back towards the corridor she'd come from to show him to another guest room. There was no way she was going to stay in a room alone with a man whom has crystal clear interest in her... a carnal interest...

Rowena knew Rafael and Lazarus were lurking somewhere around here in the shadows, watching over her and waiting for the moment she needed them most.
It made her heart sink in her chest as she thought of Rafael, she knew the handsome bodyguard fancied her and she certainly fancied him in return. Rafael was kind, honorable and so very courageous. His rich honey brown eyes were so bright with intelligence and warmth and his silken black hair was almost ocean blue with its shimmering shine. He was almost a whole head taller than her and those arms of his always managed to make her feel so very safe when she was feeling afraid.

Now those dreams of someday proving Rafael to be a worthy suitor were dashed, she doubted she'd be able to marry Rafael with Anorak in charge and wanting her for himself.
She feared what Rafael might do when he learned just what exactly Anorak intended to keep her for.
Rowena stopped in front of a large chestnut door and pushed it open to reveal a fairly lavish bedchamber "This should more than adequately suit you, I shall return to my own chambers until you and your ruffians decide you wish to leave"

She'd said this just loud enough to make sure her bodyguards would hear her if they lurked near by, which meant Rafael would probably be waiting in her chambers for her to attempt a rescue. Which she more than welcomed.
Rowena turned around and with a deep breath to calm herself, she started to stride gracefully in the direction of her own bedchamber.
'Please be in my room, Rafe' Rowena pleaded silently 'Please do not let this brute spill my virgin blood upon his sheets, save me... please... please'

[Hisoka]

Anorak strode after the princess in total silence, his Dragoons rushing round them as they searched every nook and cranny. It would not be long before there task was finished. For Piker and his dragoons were well versed in the art of securing hostile castles after they had fallen, having much experience with this task after riding under their Emperor's banners.

Indeed the only sound aside from the words of the Dragoons sounding all clears and their leather riding boots striking the stone floor was the swish of Rowena's clothes as she lead him. He as before was still drinking in the sight of his future prize, for Rowena was his. No matter her brave, and one would say empty, words the former ruler of Prismalis was Anorak's for the taking. She would submit as all before her had. It was only a matter of time, of pressure, and the right tactics.

"This should more than adequately suit you, I shall return to my own chambers until you and your ruffians decide you wish to leave"

She had lead him not her rooms as ordered but to a well appointed guest room. He scanned the room, no danger here. However the lesson had to be taught the same. Anorak let her gain a few steps down the hallway, her head bent in silent prayer. A sword would serve you better then prayer right now.Mithra answers not the prayers of the weak. He gives will and the desire to act upon your will, nothing else. He thought with amusement as she walked away.

Anorak then strode after her, his footfalls that of an assassin. Silent he did match her pace and when the moment was ripe he grabbed her left shoulder. He was only an elf, slender and somewhat lacking in height. He and Rowena were the exact same height he noticed earlier. But she was only a woman and he built with lean and sinewy muscle. So it was with very little effort he slammed the rebellious prize against the cold and unforgiving wall of the hallway.

" I told you to lead me to your chambers Rowena." He spoke softly once he had her against the wall. His face wore a mask of anger, his feral eyes once more slitted. Anorak bored into the princess's gaze with all the intensity of a swordsman in battle." Or did you not hear me." He added once more inhaling her scent. The wolf he was found the fear,hate, and that feeling he could not quite put his finger on intoxicating. " I may take you tonight, or tomorrow, or perhaps never. I am not above rape Rowena but neither am I below it. However you will learn to obey or your people's blood will be the price for your disobedience" He tightened the grip he had on her shoulder while using his free right hand to hold Rowena's face in place. So that perforce she must look into his feral eyes. He held her like this for several minutes before letting the princess look at whatever she cared to. Anorak still gripped her shoulder, holding Rowena against the wall.

A swift smile and he released her, shoving her further down the hallway. " Alright let us try this again. You and I are going to your rooms Rowena. Try anything this time and you will regret it."

The silence that followed his demand was only disturbed by the Dragoons going about their duty of securing the castle. Small as it was the building had plenty of hiding spots, ones that would take even three thousand men some time to find.

[Lamenting_Quill]

Rafael cursed his luck from where he crouched hidden amongst the shadows of the upper level shelf within Rowena's closet. Anorak followed the terrified princess inside with a very possessive manner, that made Rafael burn with anger for it was he whom truly loved the princess with the hair of dark red wine.
He would wait for as long as possible until Rowena was left alone for even a short time or until the circumstances were dire enough that he had to protect her from the brute that desired to claim her. However, he had to be careful with showing himself; There had not been time to go down into the catacombs as the desert soldiers arrived sooner than expected.
Rafael currently held the silk wrapped orb of oracles in a leather messenger bag hanging around his shoulder, he had to avoid giving the orb to Anorak unless he could not rescue Rowena in any other way but a trade. He would take Rowena far away if he had to and marry her, he was sure he could give her a good life like she deserved; A life of being loved and cherished.

*********************************************************

Rowena was grateful for the fullness of her gown's skirt as it hid her quivering legs, she had almost thought he was going to kiss her back there. It seemed quite a bit like he was tempted to do just that, but she would never surrender her lips or any other part of her to this brute without one hell of a fight.
She entered the room and in a desperate attempt to avoid her large lavish bed, she moved gracefully to her gilded vanity and sat down in it's matching gilded chair; she picked up a silver handled hairbrush and began to drag it through her hair gently as she did every night.
'Keep your attention off of him, ignore him' she told herself 'Keep his attentions away from trying to bed you, just keep your distance'

Rowena knew Rafael was somewhere in this room, he would never allow Anorak to corner her alone like this. There was too much risk in her being raped, especially if Anorak learned of her virginity. She doubted he'd take any chances of another man stealing her virginity away from him, many men felt taking a woman's chastity was as good as claiming her for himself.
She had to think of something to get Anorak to leave her be long enough for Rafael to rescue her.

"Emperor Anorak..." Rowena spoke up regally, keeping her voice smooth and detached "Would you mind stepping out so I may change into my night clothes? I should not need any more than ten minutes or so, not too long"
She turned her head to look at him, doing her best to keep her robin's egg blue eyes completely uninterested in him as most royalty would be.

******************************************

Rafael had to keep from chuckling when Rowena pulled the stunt she did, what a smart girl. There was no way another royal would refuse a royal lady the privacy of changing her clothing, thats just the way it was with royalty.
Now all he had to do was wait and once Rowena was alone, he could save her. He sure hoped it would be soon, his legs were starting to cramp up a little bit with the tight space he crammed himself into to hide.

******************************************

Waiting for Anorak to respond was like waiting to find out if a bear you stumbled upon was going to ignore you or tear your insides out, but she had to remain calm. Freaking out would just alert Anorak that she was up to something and he would thwart her right then and there.

[Hisoka]

After his actions in the hallway the Princess lead Anorak straight and true to her chambers. A large bed fitting of the lavish style of a ruler was the center of the room, a gilded vanity a secondary feature. It was set with the expected toiletries one would expect of a woman's room. A closet large enough to hide several full grown men also caught his attention. It was a likely place for an ambush, although the nature of his enemy made Anorak question that. For all intents and purposes the people of Prismalis seemed a simple and honor bound folk. But he didn't get to be the Emperor of thousand kingdoms by ignoring possible danger.

Closet aside though he was far more interested in the prize Rowena represented. He watched as she sat in front of the vanity brushing her hair, the hand holding the brush speaking volumes in it's movements. She was plainly terrified at the thought of being his next conquest. It was an fear that only fueled his desire, at this point it was most likely his own ability to deny that kept his hands in check. For he needed her to unlock the mysteries of the orb. Forcing her now would destroy her and thus his chance at the orb. Still he did not lie to himself about the lust building within him.

"I can see where that officer you left in charge of the city learned his common sense Rowena." Anorak replied as she voiced her request for a moment of privacy, for of all things to change her clothes. A rather odd request given her fear, surely she knew how such requests would end.

Suiting action to thought the elf walked on silent feet to stand behind were she stood. The mirror reflecting their images. A former princess and her conqueror, one wearing plain fear, the other a wolf's hunger written upon his elven features. " You don't get to dictate terms to me Rowena." He spoke leaning over, his lips once more mere inches from the ears of his prize. Once more that soft yet cold tone in his voice. Drawing a dagger from his sword belt He laid the razor sharp point of it gently against her face as his free hand found a new home upon the fabric covering her stomach, inching ever closer to her chest. " There is nothing you have I haven't seen a thousand times. Perhaps I should remain, to see if my prize is indeed as sweet as it looks."

The dagger left her face, to trace a path down the front of her dress. The razor edge of the blade creating a fine gash in the fabric. He turned his head to whisper into Rowena's other ear. " I can taste your fear, your hate, and your desire Rowena. You hide it behind your fear and hate but it is there. You can't deny that deep inside you rests the lust of a carnal demon."

The dagger was sheathed as Anorak took the princess's head in both his hands, lightly stroking that deep red hair she possessed. He let go of her striding down to set upon her bed, once more his gaze never leaving her. " I am not going anywhere Rowena. The sooner you learn this the sooner you can enjoy life as my prize. I am your ruler and master. You answer to me, and me alone."

The Emperor laid down upon the bed, fingering the rich blankets that held a scent even his elven senses couldn't identify. Perhaps the soap used to clean it mixed with the Princess own fragrance. After a few moments of this he sat back up, his gaze towards the closet as if challenging the doors or whoever might be lurking in it." Tell me Rowena, where did your guard go."

[Lamenting_Quill]

As the terrified princess stood from her chair holding together the front of her cut gown, she visibly trembled now as she shook her head "I don't know, I swear I don't"
Rowena took another glance towards her closet, but she space she'd spotted Rafael moments before was empty, where had he gone? Had he decided the scene was too dangerous and left her to ravished by this brute? No... that was not like him... Rafael would not do that.

"I'm up here, you sorry son of a bitch!" Growled a male voice from above on top of the supported canopy of the bed before he jumped down with his sword drawn.
Rafael had quite enough of watching this monster terrify his lady love and he would swear upon the stars that if the man had managed to touch her, he would cut off each finger that touched Rowena's sweet creamy skin.
"You don't deserve to even look at her" Rafael said, raising his sword at the desert emperor's chin "You could never truly have her anyway, not when she loves me"

"Oh Rafael, I thought you'd left me" Rowena sighed as she sat back down into the vanity chair out of sheer relief, she feared her legs might give out on her "You came to save me"
"I'll always save you, Rowena. I love you" Rafael told her without ever taking his eyes from Anorak, to whom he said "All I needed was to wait for you to be without your men and I would strike. It will be easy to smuggle Rowena out of here unseen."
With his blade, Rafael sliced a small gash on Anorak's cheek and then back up a bit "That was for even touching Rowena's hair. Anyway, desert scum, I purpose a deal. Prismalis has fallen, we all know that by now; If I give you the orb, you will forget Princess Rowena and allow to disappear. You will never hear from us again"

Rowena was too terrified to speak at all at this point, she'd be nearly undressed by a man she knew craved to ravish her till she had nothing left in her to scream and cry with.
She watched Rafael toss a leather messenger bag onto the bed with the bleeding Anorak and moved backwards to where she was, he placed his cloak around her shoulders to ward off the chill and hide the skin the gashes in her gown was showing.
"Well?" Rafael added, turning furious brown eyes onto the desert emperor "I think the orb is fair trade for Rowena. After all, what do you want her for when you have many other women at your fingertips willing to please you. You don't love her and you have no reason to pursue possessing her"

If the goddess had any mercy, then Anorak would accept this trade and Rowena would no longer have to fear her dreams or becoming Anorak's unwilling concubine... or worse....wife
"Please" Rowena pleaded, huddling close to Rafael's warmth; not caring at this point if Anorak was jealous "I will never come back to Prismalis. Let us go and the orb is yours"

[Hisoka]

Anorak watched the closet, somehow brought to full alert by Rowena's words. Their tone, was something no truth harbored. Her wild glances betrayed a knowledge and her lying. Still it was something of surprise when he found a man's blade leveled at his face, a useless gesture. He would have been more then glad to listen to the fool.

Then again his words were hardly the diplomatic nature of a civil conversation. And he was only digging his own grave as he marked Anorak's face. The Emperor touched the minor cut with his left hand, carefully wiping the minuet drops of blood of his face.

"Oh Rafael, I thought you'd left me"

So the foolish personal guard was a man named Rafel. The elven conqueror took in the man, lightly armored but a head taller then Anorak. He had the build of a swordsman but obviously none of the skill. Announcing himself so boldly, drawing a blade with no intent to run it through the elf's body when he had the chance. This Rafel would pay for that mistake, one should never give an enemy a second chance. Besides being a fool Rafel apparently loved Rowena, a mutual feeling it seemed Anorak decided watching them interact with each other. She drawing closer into the protection of his arms.

Love, what a worthless emotion. It clouds judgement and dulls fighting spirit. He thought with contempt, the smile worn wide upon his face before the wolf in him rose to the surface. All feral glaze and cold steel was that persona.

So it was in silence he listened to their offer, watched Rafel throw a leather messenger bag onto the room's bed. Supposedly containing the Orb it interested the wolf naught at all this moment.

" How many times must I tell you fools you don't get to dictate terms to me." He snarled back, his voice full of the wolf's fury. And before the words had even fully left his mouth Anorak had drawn a half a dozen throwing knives tucked into the back of his sword belt. Further still before the act had even been recognized those knives of fine southern crafting flew with all the deadly skill Anorak had learned in his lifetime of war.

Rafel, lover and bodyguard of Rowena was hit six times. The knives had found homes in his hands, knees, and feet. Wounded so the guard dropped to the ground, his sword clattering to the ground. Blood flowed freely from where he had been hit. Anorak for his part merely walked over to where the princess still stood, no doubt in shock. Ignoring the wounded Rafel the Emperor grabbed the princess with his right, his fingers holding a tight grip upon her neck. With his left he ripped her gown off, revealing her smooth skinned beauty for all to see. He then hurled her towards the bed, where she landed.

As she lay there Anorak faced the man who had tried to thwart him. His elven features marred by both the fury of the wolf and the touch of the sword. Grabbing his knives, wrenching them out of Rafel's wounds savagely he cleaned them contemptuously upon the guard's clothes. Sheathing them in their place upon his belt Anorak then drew his swords. Those dual scimitars that had been with him since his days in slavery, the blades with which he had craved his Arena Championship with, and won his freedom and empire with. Their worn hilt wrappings were stained with dried blood stains attesting to the fact he had killed during his conquest of Prismalis. Their blades were wickedly curved and glowed with an enchantment, which judging from the frost that coated them was a spell of ice.

" A sword should never be drawn unless you mean to kill somebody with it foolish human." Anorak snarled once more at his doomed would be rival. " I deserve whatever I want, whatever I have the strength to take. Right now I have the strength to take your life..."


" Sir...." A voice spoke from behind the elf intent on wanton slaughter.

Anorak whirled around, his weight evenly balanced upon his feet. It was the stance of a warrior expecting attack. His feral eyes glared balefully at the source of the voice. Which turned out to be Piker with a few dozen dragoons at his back.

Piker and the dragoons took in the scene. The remains of the ripped gown, the wounded Rafel, and most telling of all the princess upon the room's bed. Piker and Dragoons while no stranger to such sights were unnerved by Anorak's glare, that look usually promised nothing good.

"Well out with it man." Anorak snarled after a few moments had dragged on.

" The castle is secured....." Piker replied before his words died out as the full impact of the situation registered. His Emperor bore a fresh if minor wound upon his angled face, a mar upon his elven beauty.

" You don't say..." Anorak replied with sarcasm tinging his voice.

[Lamenting_Quill]

Rowena screamed in sheer horror when the thrown daggers plunged into her beloved, but it seemed she had not the time to grieve over her lethally wounded love before the rest of her dress was ripped from her body and she was thrown onto the bed. She bounced a few time from the impact and force, causing her to shriek in the shock.
Tears came rising up then as she wrapped a silken sheet from the bed around her body and hurried over the where Rafael laying dying upon the floor, she gathered him up into her arms and gazed into his fading brown eyes "Please, Rafael... do not leave me... I love you so much... do not go!"

Rafael smiled weakly despite the agony throughout his body, he was fading fast from the blood loss and he knew it "Rowena, I am so sorry... I failed you... We should have been prepared for this... forgive me............ I love you"
He closed his eyes then for the very last time, a brave man of honor, cunning and courage gone from the world forever. The one man Rowena would have been so very proud to call her husband.
"No..." Rowena murmured softly as tears trickled down her cheeks "Rafael... I love you forever, until the day I die... I am sure I will join you soon in paradise"

She would not fall apart right now, Rowena knew she would be together again with Rafael very soon, Anorak would be sure to kill her after all of this and she welcomed the idea of death.
Rowena made no move to stand or release Rafael's body, his blood stained the white silk sheet enveloping her unmatched form. It was almost as if she prayed hard enough that Rafael would open his eyes, defeat Anorak and take her away to live happily ever after. Though she knew that would not ever happen; her beloved was gone.

"Wait for me, my love" Rowena whispered to him "We will enter paradise together and spend eternity in each other's arms"

From this point Rowena did not know what she should do not, she had no other hopes left of escaping Anorak and her one true love was dead in her arms. She felt lost and numb.
Anorak's mercy, if he had any, was her only chance right now "Please, do not take me... I am a virgin... please have mercy"
She trembled as she pleaded and did not dare look upon Anorak's face, Rowena did not wish him to see just how terrified she was of him taking her virginity from her.

It could also lead to Anorak decided he desired Rowena enough to make her his bride and force her to give him his heirs, the thought of marrying of giving birth to this brute's offspring made her want to puke.
Those comments however would not be uttered for the time being, she could not be foolish.

[Hisoka]

The sound of a woman's footfalls made Anorak whirl around once more, for he recalled that Rafael's sword still lay on the ground. Rowena while no swordsman was very likely capable of at least running him through as he berated Piker with his sarcasm.

What greeted his sights was not a sword wielding princess but a heartbroken lover whispering pleas, farewells, and a promise of eternal love. His keen hearing picked up every word they spoke to each other, but it moved his heart not. He merely watched as the silk sheet that wrapped Rowena's body became stained with the blood of her love.

Some might call Anorak cold, uncaring, and utterly ruthless in his ways. They would for the most part be right. The Emperor of a thousand kingdoms was what the world had made of him though. He had been beaten, starved, and spit upon as he grew up. The chafing of the studded bronze collar was a memory that still haunted him at times. His former masters had turned him from a child to a killing machine, a master of death. His heart they replaced with the two blades Anorak still bore to this day. Battle upon battle they forged him, folding him upon himself as steel is. This strengthened the elven slave into the being he was now. And Anorak had paid them in coin of equal value....by slaughtering them till the streets of that far off land ran red with blood.

So it was with a heart of cold steel he listened to her pleas for mercy, his feral eyes drinking in the raw and unadulterated fear that poured from her. Anorak watched Rowena's tremblings in total silence.

Piker and his dragoons followed their emperor's example, this was none of their concern. Piker in particular did not wish to draw any more attention to himself, for he had already failed Anorak once today.

" Mercy......you ask me of all people for mercy Rowena...." The elf finally spoke after tense and long minutes went by, his swords still in his hands. But even their magically frost covered blades were warmer then his heart. " Why in the name of Mithra should I show you any mercy?"

He then lunged forward so quickly even Piker long accustomed to Anorak's skill with swords was caught off guard. The elven conqueror's blades came to a rest about a foot away from where Rowena clutched her dead love's corpse. " The only mercy I am capable of is that of the sword....." He spoke with his Emperor's authority." But do not get your hopes hope.....You are far too valuable to me to kill."

With that Anorak sheathed his scimitars with a smooth and controlled skill. " Why mourn that foolish man's death? He brought it upon himself, although you were no help." The Emperor asked although it was more a statement then question given his cold steel tone." His love for you lead him down this foolish path. If he had been thinking clearly he would have seen the lack of wisdom in his actions. You are just as much responsible for his death as I am. "

Despite his words though Anorak was willing to grant a small mercy. " That being said I give you three days to arrange his funeral. He will be seen off in whatever manner you see fit. The cost shall be deferred at my own expense." The Emperor said in oddly neutral tone before returning to his normal icy cold one. " But never forget you are mine. You will be at my side even during those entire three days unless I have need to be elsewhere. Furthermore you shall never be without an escort of my choosing."

Here he motioned Piker and couple of dragoons forward. They stood next to the princess awaiting word to lift the dead body of Rafael." At the end of those three days you will show me how the orb works. It will answer my question and you shall be from that day on whatever I so shall desire of you."

[Lamenting_Quill]

Standing up from her vulnerable seat upon the floor, Rowena moved silently across the the space of the room and sat down upon the bed, her hands enveloping her face.
"I hate you" Rowena murmured softly into her palms, but she knew he heard her "You have taken everything I cared about from me, why couldn't you just let us go? You don't need me, I do not own Prismalis anymore like you said"
Removing her hands from her face now, Rowena fixed feisty eyes upon him "You may have me in you possession for years to come, you might defile my body and kill me in the end... however, you will never have my heart, my mind or my soul. In the end, I will always belong to Rafael. Not you"

How paradise had truly fallen in the last couple of day and now Rowena's how world had been plunged into hell by this one man and those whom followed him. She had to wonder what kind of terrible life she was going to live now until the mercy of death was granted to her.
Rowena got up from where she sat on the bed and moved to her wardrobe, she withdrew a pale pink night gown of the softest silk known to the continent. The color seemed to set her dark red hair aflame with shimmering shades. She moved behind a changing curtain and quickly pulled on the garment. There was no chance she was going to remain nude with only the blood stained sheet for covering.

When she emerged, she fixed her nervous gaze upon Anorak "Please do not destroy this garment or else I fear I shall run out of clothing. I'd not appreciate that"

*************************************

Over the next three days, things were as Anorak said they would be. He rarely ever let her out of his sight and when he was not with her, his soldiers were.
She had been able to give her beloved peace in the ground amongst her family grave stone which were thankfully untouched, she would miss him so very much in her very lonely days ahead.
Here she sat upon Rafael's finished grave, roses clutched in her hands to be placed upon the earth when she was ready to leave. It seemed to be getting easier now, because she knew that someday soon she and her beloved would be reunited in paradise.

Rowena knew that Anorak would soon be coming to fetch her in regards to the orb of oracles, her time limit to grieve was at it's end and now she would find out her fate would be depending on what Anorak heard from the Great High Oracle revealed about Anorak's future.
She prayed that whatever it was, that Anorak would not choose to bind her to him forever in holy matrimony, then she would never ever be truly free of him. He would never let her go.

"Goddess protect me"

[Hisoka]

Anorak rubbed his temples as he sat upon the throne of Prismalis, the duties of a ruler were never easy. Even as he conquered he still had the duties of his station to live up to. And so the throne room was packed with the High Wardens of his provinces come to Prismalis to seek audience with their Emperor. They and their staffs made quite the crowd, while the faces of the common people of Prismalis only adding to the crush of people. Still he did not flinch at signing yet another blasted trade agreement with foreign minsters and resolving disputes.

Those new to imperial politics might find it odd Anorak permitted the common folk in the throne room during such matters. But the elven conqueror believed in transparentness,let them see he was ruling at least wisely and justly if not mercifully.

But even as the worries of his High Wardens were addressed there was still his rule of Prismalis to solidify. Appointing a council of wardens to serve under Majot, rewriting the old laws of Prismalis so as to be able to include it in imperial charter, organizing the rebuilding of property destroyed, setting up food shipments till new crops could be sown. The mundane aspects of ruling that were never fully appreciated by those not responsible for them filled his days. Or rather three days if one were being technical.

Despite his rather busy time table Anorak found free time to keep a close eye on his prize. Rowena had seldom been allowed out of his sight, every detail of her life approved by the elf. She had buried her love in the ancestral graveyard of her family. Something Anorak had found odd as the one time royal bodyguard was not of royal blood. In the end it mattered little to him, perhaps she buried love there out of a desire to have a imitation of solitude. Though He or his soldiers made sure she never was truly alone.

The three days were up though and thankfully so was this session of court. Signing the last documents and pressing his seal ring into the melted wax He got up. While still clad in his leather armor and girt with his scimitars Anorak had thrown a cape of shadowskin over his shoulders. Shadowskins were wildcats, but not just any wildcats. Shadowskins haunted the deserts of Anorak's homeland and were smarter then a company of knights. The act of killing one was seen as the height of hunting. The elf had killed the shadowskin that made up his cape singlehandedly, a feat nearly unmatched in recorded history.

Shadowskin as the name suggested were a deep ebony in color, their fur was like the finest spun silk. A cape made of the stuff was worth a king's ransom in gold and jewels. So was why Anorak wore it to court, for even most northerners knew of the shadowskin.

His steps carried him from the throne room and out onto the palace grounds. It was early evening and the air held a scent of longing in it. As if nature itself longed for the times now over. It was something that stirred his elven soul even as it was mocked by his dark heart.

Deciding facing the inevitable was the cure for this conflict He strode towards the royal graveyard where the honored dead of Prismalis past monarchy lay interred. Thirty of his elite core, the only troops he trusted with such a duty ringed the princess where she lay kneeling at the grave of her love clutching roses.

"Goddess protect me"

" Your prayers to your heathen goddess have done you no good thus far." Anorak spoke with contempt as he stood behind Rowena. " Why should today be different, this world we live in is a land of Mithra. Of soldiers and steel, that is the only true divine power in this world Rowena."

He stared at her, drinking her in. Soon he would have the answer he had sought for so long, and soon he would have her. " Your three days are up your ladyship. It is time for you to show me how the Orb of Oracles works."

He knew from Rowena's looks, whispered curses, and general attitude she feared what would come after the Orb spilled it's secrets to him. Anorak himself wondered to, he did plan on taking her. Still what to truly do with this remnant of a dead kingdom. She had sworn hatred for him three days ago, given time even the fear of His reprisals wouldn't hold back her anger. Anorak knew all too well that one could only beat something so long before it turned on you, often with shocking results. Anorak himself was living proof of that adage.

Instead though he watched Rowena, giving her the time to rise on her own. There was no point in rushing things. A few more minutes wasn't going to alter his fate a whit.

[Sponsored content]