The Dawn of Malice
Chapter 30

Snow Covered Ash

The sun had not yet risen as Lucian made his way along the backroads near the city of Liliosa. The devastation left in the wake of the Laresian army’s invasion weighed heavily on his heart. The once-thriving city now lay in ruins, its streets filled with ghostly echoes of deserted homes and crumbling buildings.

Determined to avoid the dangers that lurked in the city, Lucian had chosen to travel at night, relying on his keen senses to navigate through the darkness. With each step, he tried to push aside the images of destruction and chaos he had witnessed, focusing instead on the path ahead.

The hooves of Lucian’s horse echoed softly on the snow-covered backroads as he made his way away from the ruined city of Liliosa. The chilling winter morning air seeped through his cloak, reminding him of the harsh reality of the war-torn land he now traveled. He had seen the devastation wrought by the Laresian army firsthand, and it only fueled his determination to replace a safer path through the treacherous mountain range of Dioses Mano.

His thoughts turned to Caerus and Caspian, and he couldn’t help but worry about their safety. He hoped that they had managed to reach Verdania and stay within the safe walls of the Civic Athenaeum.

As the sun began to rise, casting a warm golden glow over the snow, Lucian quickened his horse’s pace. He knew that daylight brought its own set of risks, and he wanted to reach the town of Lagerford as quickly as possible. The town had suffered greatly during the war, and its residents were understandably wary of strangers.

Approaching the outskirts of Lagerford, Lucian paused and assessed the damage. The buildings were in ruins, and the once-bustling streets were now eerily quiet. He felt a pang of sadness for the people who had lost their homes and loved ones to the conflict.

As he made his way through the desolate town, Lucian caught sight of a group of townsfolk huddled together, their gazes cautious as they watched him approach. He knew he had to tread carefully, as the people of Lagerford had likely encountered many unsavory characters during the war.

Drawing his cloak tighter around him, Lucian approached the group with a friendly smile. “Greetings,” he said, his voice warm and inviting. “I mean no harm. I am merely passing through and seeking a safe path through the mountains of Dioses Mano. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.”

The townspeople exchanged glances, still unsure of his intentions. But as Lucian discreetly slipped a small pouch of gold coins from his pocket and held it out, their expressions softened.

“I understand your caution,” Lucian said. “But I promise you, I bear no ill will. I am willing to pay for any information that can help me replace a safer route.”

One of the older residents stepped forward, eyeing the pouch of gold with interest. “There’s a path through the mountains that’s less traveled,” he said. “It’s more treacherous, but it should be safer than the main roads, which are crawling with Laresian soldiers.”

Lucian nodded gratefully and handed over the pouch of gold. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “Your kindness and assistance are greatly appreciated.”

With the directions provided by the townspeople of Lagerford, Lucian pulled on his horse’s reins and continued his journey through the mountain range of Dioses Mano. The path was indeed more challenging, with steep slopes and icy terrain, but he knew it was the best chance he had of avoiding the Laresian army.

As he traveled, Lucian couldn’t help but think of the destruction he had seen in Liliosa and the hardships the people of Lagerford were enduring. With each step, his determination grew stronger. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult and dangerous, but he was willing to face whatever challenges came his way. Caerus and Caspian were counting on him, and he would not let them down.

As the sun continued its ascent, casting long shadows on the snow-covered mountains, Lucian felt a renewed sense of purpose. The journey ahead would not be easy, but he was determined to replace his friends and continue the fight against the Laresian army. With the information provided by the people of Lagerford, he was one step closer to reaching his destination.

The winter night was unforgiving, the cold seeping into Lucian’s bones as he huddled by the small campfire he had managed to start. He had chosen a secluded spot in the forest, hoping to remain hidden from any prying eyes. His crimson eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, a reflection of the unease and alertness he felt as he kept watch.

The crackling of the fire was the only sound that broke the stillness of the night, and Lucian’s ears were attuned to the slightest disturbance. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig made him reach for the grip of his pistol, ready to defend himself against any potential threat.

As he stared into the flames, his mind wandering, when a whoosh of wind flew above his head. A small owl as white as the snow perched itself on the withered branch of an elm. Wrapped around its leg was a canister. Even at a distance, Lucian could see the emblem of the Civic Athenaeum.

“King” Lucian smiled, recognizing Erasmus’s faithful friend. “I am pleased to see you. I hope that the journey was not too troubling.”

As Lucian gently cusped the owl in his palm he noticed the warm trickle of blood from its small frame. A clear message of what it took to get him this letter.

“You sure are lucky, little friend. It must have taken courage for you to fly past the Laresian army.” He smiled at the small owl, as it hooted and ruffled its injured feathers.

“I am grateful dear friend” Lucian set the owl back on the branch and it seemingly bowed its head. The owl seemingly understanding that its mission was fulfilled flew off into the night, ever so silently.

With trembling hands, Lucian opened the letter and read its contents aloud, the words like shards of ice piercing his heart.

Caspian, a brave and loyal soldier, had fallen to Laresian assassins. The news hit him like a physical blow, and he felt a lump forming in his throat. As he continued reading, he learned of the dire situation in Verdania. The city was under siege by the Laresian army, and Caerus had managed to escape to Serendell.

With a heavy heart, Lucian shed a tear for Caspian, letting the grief wash over him. He poured a drink from his flask and raised it to the sky, offering a toast to his fallen friend. “To Caspian,” he whispered, his voice filled with sorrow. “May your spirit replace peace, and may your sacrifice not be in vain.”

As he folded the letter and placed it in his pocket, Lucian felt a renewed sense of purpose. The loss of Caspian was a devastating blow, but it only fueled his determination to bring an end to the war and protect those he cared about.

With the night still young, Lucian stoked the campfire, vowing to remain vigilant. He would honor Caspian’s memory by pressing forward, by fighting for a future where the Laresian empire’s tyranny would be no more. As he gazed into the dancing flames, he knew that the road ahead would be long and perilous, but he was prepared to face whatever challenges came his way. For the sake of the fallen soldier and the hope of a better world, he would continue to fight.

As Lucian crested the top of the hill in the cold morning, his heart quickly sank as he beheld the scene before him.

Verdania, the city he once knew as a bastion of knowledge and learning, now lay under siege. Smoke billowed from the rooftops, mingling with the chilly winter air, creating an ominous and eerie atmosphere. The once vibrant streets were now deserted, and the echoes of chaos and destruction reverberated through the air.

The city’s towering Civic Athenaeum, a symbol of wisdom and scholarship, was now a fortress under attack. Wizards stood resolutely at the ramparts, their robes billowing in the wind as they cast spells and wielded their power against the invaders. Cannons manned by brave defenders boomed, sending projectiles soaring through the sky. The ground shook with the impact of these artillery shells, creating tremors that only added to the tension in the air.

Verdania’s citizens sought refuge within the walls of the Civic Athenaeum, or the makeshift shelters scattered throughout the city. Fear and desperation were etched on their faces as they huddled together, seeking protection from the onslaught. Lucian’s heart ached as he thought of the people he had met during his time in this city - friendly merchants, curious scholars, and kind-hearted individuals, all now facing the horrors of war.

The devastation was reminiscent of the scenes he had witnessed in Liliosa. The scars of the recent Laresian invasion were still fresh in his mind—the pain, the loss, and the destruction that had befallen the Liliosans now seemed to be mirrored in the once-prosperous city of Verdania.

Lucian’s hand trembled as he reached for the hilt of his sword, a constant companion at his side. His mind was torn between the desire to rush into battle to help defend the city and the understanding that he was just one man, and Verdania had its defenders. He needed to replace Caerus and Ryker. They were the key to unlocking the mystery behind the Laresian invasion, and they could make a difference together.

Taking a deep breath, Lucian crouched low, tying his horse to a sturdy tree near the hill’s crest. He knew he had to proceed with caution. The enemy forces were likely patrolling the outskirts of the city, and any sign of a lone rider could draw unwanted attention.

As he moved through the dense undergrowth, Lucian’s thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions. He couldn’t shake the images of Liliosa from his mind—the flames, the screams, the devastation. And now, here he was, faced with a similar scene in Verdania.

His heart pounded in his chest, and his mind was a battleground of determination and fear. He knew the journey ahead would be treacherous, and the odds were stacked against them. But he also knew that he couldn’t turn away from this fight. The people of Verdania needed their help, and he couldn’t let them down.

With each step, Lucian drew closer to the city’s heart. He knew he had to replace Caerus, but he also knew he should help the Verdanians in any way he could. He felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but he also felt a glimmer of hope. The journey ahead would be perilous, but he was prepared to face it head-on.

As he moved through the outskirts of Verdania, his eyes remained fixed on the Civic Athenaeum in the distance, its grand spires reaching for the sky. It was a symbol of hope, and Lucian held onto that hope as he took his first step into the heart of the besieged city. He was determined to do whatever it took to protect the city that welcomed him despite his lineage.

As he approached the sewers, Lucian’s mind was filled with a mix of determination and trepidation. He knew that the path he was about to take would be dangerous, but he had to reach the Civic Athenaeum and replace Caerus and Ryker. They were the key to unraveling the mystery of the Laresian invasion, and he couldn’t afford to waste any more time.

Carefully, Lucian descended into the darkness of the sewers, the cold, damp air enveloping him. The stench was overpowering, but he pushed through, knowing that this was the fastest route to the Civic Athenaeum. His footsteps echoed off the walls, and he kept a keen ear out for any sign of danger.

As he navigated the winding tunnels, Lucian’s mind wandered to the events that had led him here. He thought of his encounter with Erasmus, the letter from Elaine, and the burning desire to reunite with Caerus. The weight of responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders, but he knew he couldn’t turn away from this task. The fate of Verdania and possibly the entire realm rested on their shoulders.

The sounds of battle grew louder as Lucian neared the end of the sewers. He could hear the clashing of swords, the thundering of spells, and the cries of both the defenders and the invaders. His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword as he steeled himself for what lay ahead.

Lucian had forgotten the route through the sewers to the Civic Athenaeum and found himself lost in the sewers for several minutes. His glowing red eyes darted through every corner, searching for any way into the Civic Athenaeum itself. Lucian was contemplating emerging from the sewers and into the busy streets when a loud explosion suddenly interrupted his thoughts. He crouched low when the sewer shook, and dust trickled down from the ceiling. He had made up his mind.

Emerging from the sewers, Lucian found himself in the heart of the city. The once bustling streets were now filled with chaos and destruction. Buildings lay in ruins, and fires raged unchecked. The Civic Athenaeum, standing tall and proud, was under siege, its walls brimming with powerful magicians and defenders.

Lucian darted from shadow to shadow, avoiding the sight of the civilians as he made his way closer to the Civic Athenaeum. He could feel the tension in the air, the crackling energy of spells being cast, and the palpable fear of the citizens.

Finally, he reached the base of the Civic Athenaeum, where the battle was at its fiercest. Spells collided in the air, lighting up the sky with bursts of magical energy. The defenders fought valiantly, but they were outnumbered. Though the walls had not been breached, the Laresian forces were relentless.

With a deep breath, Lucian mustered his resolve and ducked into a side door and the Civic Athenaeum. Lucian was surprised to replace that Laresian troops had managed to infiltrate the Civic Athenaeum. Lucian charged forward, joining the defenders in their fight. He slashed and parried, his movements fluid and precise. The weight of his sword felt familiar in his hands, and he drew upon his training to hold his own against the Laresian soldiers.

Amidst the chaos, Lucian caught a glimpse of Erasmus and his companion wizards, fighting side by side. Relief washed over him, but there was no time for reunions. They had to focus on the battle at hand.

The battle raged on, the clash of steel and the crackle of magic filling the air. Lucian’s heart pounded in his chest – his mind focused on the task before him. He knew that they had a long and difficult journey ahead, but they were united in their purpose—to protect Verdania and the people they cared for.

As the winter sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the battlefield, Lucian fought on with determination in his heart. The outcome of the battle was uncertain, but he knew that they would face it together, as a team, drawing strength from each other to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And so, as the day turned to dusk and the battle continued to rage, Lucian stood firm, the bodies of his fallen enemies lay around him. The magicians of the Civic Athenaeum nearly threw spells at him as well, but Erasmus luckily came just before they could attack.

“Stop,” Erasmus’s calm voice called. “He is a friend.”

Erasmus emerged from the archway leading to the courtyard, his eyes weary and filled with sorrow. As Lucian approached, the old wizard extended his hand, and they shook in a somber greeting.

“Lucian,” Erasmus said, his voice tinged with sadness. “I’m sorry I couldn’t protect Caspian. He was a brave soul.”

Lucian nodded, his grief mingling with that of his mentor. “He knew the risks, Erasmus. He was a soldier through and through. We all understood the dangers we faced.”

Erasmus sighed, looking out over the city. “You are right, my young friend. War spares no one, not even the bravest of souls.”

As they stood in silence, Erasmus recounted the events that had unfolded, leading Caerus and Ryker to leave for Serendell in search of answers and safety. But Lucian’s mind was elsewhere. He knew the importance of Caerus and Ryker’s mission, but he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Verdania to face the Laresian army alone.

“Erasmus,” Lucian interrupted gently, “I have decided to stay here and defend Verdania. This city, this place of knowledge and magic, is worth protecting. And besides, there are still many people here who need our help.”

Erasmus looked at Lucian with a mixture of pride and concern. “Your bravery knows no bounds, my young friend,” he said, placing a hand on Lucian’s shoulder. “But be careful. The Laresians will not show mercy, and they will come with overwhelming force.”

“I know,” Lucian replied firmly. “But I cannot stand idly by while they threaten everything, we hold dear.”

Erasmus nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Very well, then. I will not dissuade you from your path. But remember, you are not alone. The Civic Athenaeum stands with you, and so do I.”

“Thank you, Erasmus,” Lucian said gratefully. “Your support means the world to me.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Lucian and Erasmus stood side by side, together They would defend the City of Verdania and the knowledge it held, for it was a beacon of hope in a world threatened by darkness.