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Description

This bid every step of the way has fought me, with three redos many design changes, and lots more. It's been a journey. Honestly doing a crumbling castle...wasn't my brightest idea but its done. I love this handsome stallion and hope I get to bring him over to my little story and see more of him.

This is for FOR GLORY, FOR HONOR, FOR VALHALLA 2021

Bidding for Drakkar

Irre no effects

I'm taking what's mine!
Every drop, every smidge
If I'm burning a bridge
Let it burn
But I'm crossing the line!

***
The steady dripping of water from the rafters of the dilapidated ceiling grated on Caterin’s nerves. The tiny, abandoned farmhouse was all that was left after Aludra reduced the castle to ashes. Since the fire, she and what was left of the Kings army, her army now, had been pushed to live in squalor as they attempted to regroup and rebuild what had been lost. It filled her with rage to see how far she’d fallen. Aludra had fled; she'd lost her claim to the throne! Caterin was the only heir present when their father, the King, died. The truth of Aludra’s illegitimacy had solidified Caterin’s claim to the throne, even if the King’s intention had been for Aludra to rule. She had expected a fight from Aludra for sure. Being born and raised to be Queen for it all to be taken, would easily unsettle her sister.

But she hadn’t expected the power.

No, as Caterin sat back and thought about that night when her entire inheritance went up in flames, she had been completely unprepared. She had not foreseen she would face having to build it all over again and deal with the ever-growing threat of her sister and her new band of filth in a fight for the crown.

Aludra had deluded herself to the thought that she was some ancient magical being that helped keep the world in ‘balance’, and with that came an army of even more people who believed in this unrealistic power. That hadn’t been enough, however, now Aludra grouped together with whatever lower half-humans would help her on her pathetic attempt to reclaim the throne. Along with that was the fact that there were whispers being spread within Caterin’s ranks of a mutiny. She didn’t have time to fight with her own men as well as prepare for a massive battle. Her head ached daily and their living conditions only made it worse.

“TANNER!” Caterin shouted, she’d had enough of the irksome dripping.

A young man quickly burst through the door. “Your Majesty?”

Caterin looked him over, he’d been Aludra’s pet when she’d lived at home and was left heartbroken when she fled. Caterin who’d always adored him stepped in and took her sisters place and now he was loyal to her as any good lapdog. “Is there nothing we can do about this dripping, I understand it’s been rather rainy since we got here but-” she took a deep breath trying not to lose her temper, “it’s getting to the point it’s driving me mad. How can I plan to protect what is left of us with this constant dripping?” She had to keep her cool, she knew if she remained calm and seemed gentle and caring on the outside anyone who was harsh or judgemental of her would seem crazy and their opinion wouldn’t be valued. She had to maintain her persona of kindness, it’d worked so far.

“I will see what can be done, m’lady. I’m sure I can find someone who can handle the roof. The men have been working in the barn as you suggested to make it more comfortable for a barrack. I'll ask them to work on the cottage instead so you can focus in peace.”

“I would greatly appreciate it. I would hate to put them out but it’s only fair to have a decent working space to prepare.” With a nod of her head, she went back to work and Tanner quietly slipped from the room.

Days had passed and with it came another ambush from the Ridera and with it followed yet another of the old King’s allies refused to send their help further. Caterin was running out of options no one close would dare go against Aludra at this point. She’d massed an army that included many factions of the Darkling Legions. Magic could easily overpower what was left of her army and most of the men were terrified of whatever lurked in the dark. Cowards all of them! The frustration was mounting and not a single person could point Caterin in a decent direction to overpower her sister. She could feel the throne and all the power it held slipping from her grasp.

“It’s such a pity all you mortals only see short-term goals.”

The voice though calm and quiet jerked Caterin from her maps and whatever sense of safety she had. With no guard within the room or even a weapon to attempt to defend herself, she froze like a deer before a predator. Faced with a stranger who seemed very in control of the situation.

“Did I frighten you? Forgive me, your Majesty,” he bowed deeply before raising and meeting her eyes.

“You shouldn’t meet the eyes of royalty.” Caterin snapped regaining her courage she stood tall. “How did you get in here my men will-”

“Be of little to no use against me.” His feet were silent as he moved close to her, his eyes moving across her as if he was measuring her up. “You’ll do.”

“Do? Excuse me?” Her voice cracked, was this about to be like one of Aludra’s stories where the princess is stolen? But she wasn’t a princess anymore. “GUARDS!!!” When no movement came from outside of her door she looked back into the man's eyes, but whatever looked back at her wasn’t human. “What have you-”

“I told you of little to no use, do your ears not work?” He smiled a straight white smile at her. “Little bird you have much to learn if you want my help.” He sat up on the edge of her desk and took a bite of an apple she wasn’t aware he’d had. “I hear you’re having trouble.”

Caterin ignored the warnings of danger going off inside her head. Had her prayers been answered and someone was finally sent to help her achieve her goal? This man had otherworldly powers and had just presented himself to her. “Go on,” with a guarded tone she sat down at the seat of her desk.

“My help has a cost, little bird, are you willing to pay it?”

“If you can hold up your end of a deal, I am sure I can pay you whatever you wish.” Deep beneath the burnt ash of their castle was a vault. She’d have enough money to pay him.

With a sly grin, he reached a hand across the desk, “All you have to do is say you allow me in and I’ll be more than happy to assist you in any way I possibly can.” He wiggled his fingers on his outstretched hand, “and shake my hand and our deal is struck.”

“I haven’t even-” She started and he shook his head. “You already know?”

“Of course I do. I heard you call and I answered didn’t I?”

“Then I shall allow you in,” and with a shake of his hand, the room stood still and was engulfed in darkness.

When Caterin could see again she was no longer in the dark and dingy room that she’d been in. Instead, they were many miles away standing in the burnt remains of her family’s castle. It had hit her she hadn’t even really asked what ‘allow in’ even meant. But something inside her stirred what had she just agreed to?

The man was tutting as he walked through. “Such a shame all of these ruins, it was once a magnificent castle. Would have stood the test of time.”

“How?? Why are we-”

He wagged his finger at Caterin, “Little bird you ask too many questions. You must not grasp any sort of knowledge of the unknown do you?”

“Would be why it’s unknown isn’t it?”

Her smart retort amused the man, “You can call me Azel, and I’ve brought you here because there is just enough magic here to give you a sample of what I can do.” He was moving debris around and Caterin could tell he was looking for something.

“I’m Cat-”

Another wave of his hand like she was annoying, “yes yes I know who you are. Be quiet, I'm busy.”

Caterin put her hands on her hips and huffed in displeasure. Her mother wouldn’t be proud of her display of frustration but she wasn’t here anymore was she. “If you’d tell me what you’re looking for-”

Azel was on her faster than she’d seen any living being move. “If I tell you, it’ll ruin the surprise. Now be'' he made the motion of zipping her lips over her mouth, “quiet.” Once his back was turned Caterin realized she could no longer open her mouth to speak. Within a few moments of total silence, Azel whooped in joy. “Ahh, here we are!” With a wave of his hand, Caterin could speak again and he was walking towards her. “Recognize this?”

He held a wooden horse carved on it was a beautiful banner and tack that would outshine even the most magnificent warhorse. “A toy from the nursery?” Caterin looked him over, “What about it? “Will it solve my problems?” She looked at him with an arched eyebrow he was proving to her magic wielders were insane.

Azel looked at her almost wounded. “Little bird, if your problem could have been solved with toys what would you need me for? This is more than just a toy though, it was your favorite was it not? The life you gave this toy still lingers but in fragments.” He waved them around here. “This was your companion in life while your sister was busy.” At the mention of Aludra, Caterin’s temper flared.

“And?” He was pushing her patience he’d offered nothing and at this point, it felt like he was dragging her around and making a mockery of her. Whoever this was it wasn’t what she asked for.

“So he knows you, knows your feelings and what you desire. But he’s are little of no help in this form sooo let me reintroduce you to Irre.”

Azel bent down towards the ground and in one hand held the little toy horse and in the other pulled out a glowing blue stone. It was pointed at one end and flat on the other and with it he drew a large circle and within the circle was a large hexagram and on the four points of north, south, east, and west were circles on the tips of the hexagram outside of the large circle. Caterin had only seen a diagram like that in her old textbooks but couldn’t really recall what it was.

“What does that do? How does this help me?”

“Too many questions,” Azel shook his head, “It’s...like a portal.” After inspecting his work he clapped his hands. “Now the next step requires you not to make any noise or you’ll frighten him.” He threw the toy within the circle and with a wild grin on his face snapped his fingers. The circle began to grow so big Caterin could hardly keep her eyes on the circle, covering her face to block out some of the light she struggled to watch. She hadn’t been paying attention to the words that Azel had spook but as quick as the light came it was gone. All that had remained was a subtle glow and she could hear the snort of a horse. Quickly pulling her hand away from her face Caterin stood opened mouthed, within the center of the glowing circle stood a magnificent horse his coat glittered like gold and the carvings that had been now laid on him in such a way she’d never seen on a real horse.

“Well” Azel pushed her forward, “go say hello to your new friend.”

Caterin stumbled slowly the entire area around her buzzed with unnatural energy. Everything in her brain screamed to not touch this horse to stay far away and never return. But he was beckoning her with something that deeply connected them, it pulled at her and she didn’t resist. Irre was fixed on her with such an intent gaze his blue eyes seemed to glow in the darkness like a beacon. The golden horse only stood still as she made her way towards him her hand outstretched to touch him. What felt like centuries getting to him spanned merely seconds. When her hand touched his face something inside her clicked into place and she could feel Irre around her like a cloak. He was in her mind and soul and she was in his.

“The armour lies within to shield and guide him to be your most faithful and everlasting mount, ready to take full claim of what belongs to you.” Azel’s breath was hot against her ear as she stood in awe of the creature before her. “He will be your new companion, a gift from me for our newfound alliance.”

Not taking her eyes off the stallion that stood before her, unflinching at Azel’s closeness. “Thank you.” That was all she could mutter.

“He’s bound to you, as long as you live he lives. Now that I’ve shown you a simple trick.” He clapped his hands together, “do I have your interest in what I can offer you?” Azel was smiling widely as he placed a hand on her shoulder. The clap jerked Caterin out of whatever trance she seemed in. Whoever Azel was; he had powers to create life. Which to her signified that he had great powers creating life wasn't something one could simply do. “So I ask one more time before your fate is sealed little bird. Will you allow me in?”

Without a moment's hesitation, she nodded, “Yes.”

“Good....”

Azel had disappeared but his voice echoed around them in a dark manner.

The rush of wind that followed seemed to steal the life from her; she could hardly breathe until it passed. When it passed she fixed her eyes on Irre then fell to the ground.

When she was awoken she was back inside the dingy cottage she’d been in earlier but the morning sun now crept in the closed shutters. Had she fallen asleep? Had the entire evening been a dream? Caterin couldn’t remember getting ready for bed and sleeping but the days had started to blur together maybe exhaustion had taken its toll on her the night prior? It would be insane to think that some magical rescue had come in any form. Though what a form it had come in, something about the man in her dreams caused Caterin to shudder. She could tell he’d been a dark force but the beautiful horse he’d created? Caterin shook her head, it was nothing but a dream, and outside the real world seemed to stir.

There was a ruckus in camp, Caterin could hear it just outside her window. Pulling on whatever decent cover she could find she stormed out of the small cottage ready to inflict punishment on whatever has caused the scene until she froze in place. The golden horse, Irre, had walked right inside the camp. His blue eyes fixed on her and she felt warmth wash over her. So it hadn’t been a dream? Which meant that Azel had to be around somewhere?

“Your majesty!” Tanner bowed beside her, “this horse just appeared in camp. The men-”

“Will do it no harm. I have had a dream, a vision.” Caterin walked across the clearing and headed straight for Irre. “This stallion came to me in a dream with a message. We will win against Aludra and her darklings. They are no match for the might that is the kingdom of-” Caterin stopped herself, “the old kingdom is dead, slaughtered by Aludra and her ruffians. We shall be born anew.” Caterin’s heart pounded in her chest. She wasn’t sure what power was overtaking her but with Irre she felt invincible. “We will take up the name Cleriks and will eradicate the sickness that is taking over the country.”

Cheers were heard within her ranks. She felt strong for the first time since she’d taken over. She could rule this land and do everything her forefathers couldn’t. She’d wipe every remnant of magic and all it had destroyed from this realm. She could feel Irre standing tall beside her prepared to wage war. Yes...this is what she’d been missing.

“Good….good… this is how you should feel little bird” She could hear Azel’s voice inside her head. “Do not fear little bird, for I am just out of sight. I brought Irre to you. I will make myself known when it is safe. But enjoy this power you feel for there is more to come. You agreed to my little deal, now let me help you take what is yours.” The feeling of Azel left as quickly as it came and she could feel herself grow stronger.

“Any man who does not stand with me stands against me and will face certain death.” Irre nudged Caterin’s back and pawed at the ground before giving a loud neigh. “Whose with me!”

The crowd of men around her cheered and began chanting their new name. This would be the moment the battle between sisters shifted. She had to keep this power alive because it was all she had to face Aludra.

Caterin ref: c8.alamy.com/comp/CT9HMY/young…

Description

This bid every step of the way has fought me, with three redos many design changes, and lots more. It's been a journey. Honestly doing a crumbling castle...wasn't my brightest idea but its done. I love this handsome stallion and hope I get to bring him over to my little story and see more of him.

This is for FOR GLORY, FOR HONOR, FOR VALHALLA 2021

Bidding for Drakkar

Irre no effects

I'm taking what's mine!
Every drop, every smidge
If I'm burning a bridge
Let it burn
But I'm crossing the line!

***
The steady dripping of water from the rafters of the dilapidated ceiling grated on Caterin’s nerves. The tiny, abandoned farmhouse was all that was left after Aludra reduced the castle to ashes. Since the fire, she and what was left of the Kings army, her army now, had been pushed to live in squalor as they attempted to regroup and rebuild what had been lost. It filled her with rage to see how far she’d fallen. Aludra had fled; she'd lost her claim to the throne! Caterin was the only heir present when their father, the King, died. The truth of Aludra’s illegitimacy had solidified Caterin’s claim to the throne, even if the King’s intention had been for Aludra to rule. She had expected a fight from Aludra for sure. Being born and raised to be Queen for it all to be taken, would easily unsettle her sister.

But she hadn’t expected the power.

No, as Caterin sat back and thought about that night when her entire inheritance went up in flames, she had been completely unprepared. She had not foreseen she would face having to build it all over again and deal with the ever-growing threat of her sister and her new band of filth in a fight for the crown.

Aludra had deluded herself to the thought that she was some ancient magical being that helped keep the world in ‘balance’, and with that came an army of even more people who believed in this unrealistic power. That hadn’t been enough, however, now Aludra grouped together with whatever lower half-humans would help her on her pathetic attempt to reclaim the throne. Along with that was the fact that there were whispers being spread within Caterin’s ranks of a mutiny. She didn’t have time to fight with her own men as well as prepare for a massive battle. Her head ached daily and their living conditions only made it worse.

“TANNER!” Caterin shouted, she’d had enough of the irksome dripping.

A young man quickly burst through the door. “Your Majesty?”

Caterin looked him over, he’d been Aludra’s pet when she’d lived at home and was left heartbroken when she fled. Caterin who’d always adored him stepped in and took her sisters place and now he was loyal to her as any good lapdog. “Is there nothing we can do about this dripping, I understand it’s been rather rainy since we got here but-” she took a deep breath trying not to lose her temper, “it’s getting to the point it’s driving me mad. How can I plan to protect what is left of us with this constant dripping?” She had to keep her cool, she knew if she remained calm and seemed gentle and caring on the outside anyone who was harsh or judgemental of her would seem crazy and their opinion wouldn’t be valued. She had to maintain her persona of kindness, it’d worked so far.

“I will see what can be done, m’lady. I’m sure I can find someone who can handle the roof. The men have been working in the barn as you suggested to make it more comfortable for a barrack. I'll ask them to work on the cottage instead so you can focus in peace.”

“I would greatly appreciate it. I would hate to put them out but it’s only fair to have a decent working space to prepare.” With a nod of her head, she went back to work and Tanner quietly slipped from the room.

Days had passed and with it came another ambush from the Ridera and with it followed yet another of the old King’s allies refused to send their help further. Caterin was running out of options no one close would dare go against Aludra at this point. She’d massed an army that included many factions of the Darkling Legions. Magic could easily overpower what was left of her army and most of the men were terrified of whatever lurked in the dark. Cowards all of them! The frustration was mounting and not a single person could point Caterin in a decent direction to overpower her sister. She could feel the throne and all the power it held slipping from her grasp.

“It’s such a pity all you mortals only see short-term goals.”

The voice though calm and quiet jerked Caterin from her maps and whatever sense of safety she had. With no guard within the room or even a weapon to attempt to defend herself, she froze like a deer before a predator. Faced with a stranger who seemed very in control of the situation.

“Did I frighten you? Forgive me, your Majesty,” he bowed deeply before raising and meeting her eyes.

“You shouldn’t meet the eyes of royalty.” Caterin snapped regaining her courage she stood tall. “How did you get in here my men will-”

“Be of little to no use against me.” His feet were silent as he moved close to her, his eyes moving across her as if he was measuring her up. “You’ll do.”

“Do? Excuse me?” Her voice cracked, was this about to be like one of Aludra’s stories where the princess is stolen? But she wasn’t a princess anymore. “GUARDS!!!” When no movement came from outside of her door she looked back into the man's eyes, but whatever looked back at her wasn’t human. “What have you-”

“I told you of little to no use, do your ears not work?” He smiled a straight white smile at her. “Little bird you have much to learn if you want my help.” He sat up on the edge of her desk and took a bite of an apple she wasn’t aware he’d had. “I hear you’re having trouble.”

Caterin ignored the warnings of danger going off inside her head. Had her prayers been answered and someone was finally sent to help her achieve her goal? This man had otherworldly powers and had just presented himself to her. “Go on,” with a guarded tone she sat down at the seat of her desk.

“My help has a cost, little bird, are you willing to pay it?”

“If you can hold up your end of a deal, I am sure I can pay you whatever you wish.” Deep beneath the burnt ash of their castle was a vault. She’d have enough money to pay him.

With a sly grin, he reached a hand across the desk, “All you have to do is say you allow me in and I’ll be more than happy to assist you in any way I possibly can.” He wiggled his fingers on his outstretched hand, “and shake my hand and our deal is struck.”

“I haven’t even-” She started and he shook his head. “You already know?”

“Of course I do. I heard you call and I answered didn’t I?”

“Then I shall allow you in,” and with a shake of his hand, the room stood still and was engulfed in darkness.

When Caterin could see again she was no longer in the dark and dingy room that she’d been in. Instead, they were many miles away standing in the burnt remains of her family’s castle. It had hit her she hadn’t even really asked what ‘allow in’ even meant. But something inside her stirred what had she just agreed to?

The man was tutting as he walked through. “Such a shame all of these ruins, it was once a magnificent castle. Would have stood the test of time.”

“How?? Why are we-”

He wagged his finger at Caterin, “Little bird you ask too many questions. You must not grasp any sort of knowledge of the unknown do you?”

“Would be why it’s unknown isn’t it?”

Her smart retort amused the man, “You can call me Azel, and I’ve brought you here because there is just enough magic here to give you a sample of what I can do.” He was moving debris around and Caterin could tell he was looking for something.

“I’m Cat-”

Another wave of his hand like she was annoying, “yes yes I know who you are. Be quiet, I'm busy.”

Caterin put her hands on her hips and huffed in displeasure. Her mother wouldn’t be proud of her display of frustration but she wasn’t here anymore was she. “If you’d tell me what you’re looking for-”

Azel was on her faster than she’d seen any living being move. “If I tell you, it’ll ruin the surprise. Now be'' he made the motion of zipping her lips over her mouth, “quiet.” Once his back was turned Caterin realized she could no longer open her mouth to speak. Within a few moments of total silence, Azel whooped in joy. “Ahh, here we are!” With a wave of his hand, Caterin could speak again and he was walking towards her. “Recognize this?”

He held a wooden horse carved on it was a beautiful banner and tack that would outshine even the most magnificent warhorse. “A toy from the nursery?” Caterin looked him over, “What about it? “Will it solve my problems?” She looked at him with an arched eyebrow he was proving to her magic wielders were insane.

Azel looked at her almost wounded. “Little bird, if your problem could have been solved with toys what would you need me for? This is more than just a toy though, it was your favorite was it not? The life you gave this toy still lingers but in fragments.” He waved them around here. “This was your companion in life while your sister was busy.” At the mention of Aludra, Caterin’s temper flared.

“And?” He was pushing her patience he’d offered nothing and at this point, it felt like he was dragging her around and making a mockery of her. Whoever this was it wasn’t what she asked for.

“So he knows you, knows your feelings and what you desire. But he’s are little of no help in this form sooo let me reintroduce you to Irre.”

Azel bent down towards the ground and in one hand held the little toy horse and in the other pulled out a glowing blue stone. It was pointed at one end and flat on the other and with it he drew a large circle and within the circle was a large hexagram and on the four points of north, south, east, and west were circles on the tips of the hexagram outside of the large circle. Caterin had only seen a diagram like that in her old textbooks but couldn’t really recall what it was.

“What does that do? How does this help me?”

“Too many questions,” Azel shook his head, “It’s...like a portal.” After inspecting his work he clapped his hands. “Now the next step requires you not to make any noise or you’ll frighten him.” He threw the toy within the circle and with a wild grin on his face snapped his fingers. The circle began to grow so big Caterin could hardly keep her eyes on the circle, covering her face to block out some of the light she struggled to watch. She hadn’t been paying attention to the words that Azel had spook but as quick as the light came it was gone. All that had remained was a subtle glow and she could hear the snort of a horse. Quickly pulling her hand away from her face Caterin stood opened mouthed, within the center of the glowing circle stood a magnificent horse his coat glittered like gold and the carvings that had been now laid on him in such a way she’d never seen on a real horse.

“Well” Azel pushed her forward, “go say hello to your new friend.”

Caterin stumbled slowly the entire area around her buzzed with unnatural energy. Everything in her brain screamed to not touch this horse to stay far away and never return. But he was beckoning her with something that deeply connected them, it pulled at her and she didn’t resist. Irre was fixed on her with such an intent gaze his blue eyes seemed to glow in the darkness like a beacon. The golden horse only stood still as she made her way towards him her hand outstretched to touch him. What felt like centuries getting to him spanned merely seconds. When her hand touched his face something inside her clicked into place and she could feel Irre around her like a cloak. He was in her mind and soul and she was in his.

“The armour lies within to shield and guide him to be your most faithful and everlasting mount, ready to take full claim of what belongs to you.” Azel’s breath was hot against her ear as she stood in awe of the creature before her. “He will be your new companion, a gift from me for our newfound alliance.”

Not taking her eyes off the stallion that stood before her, unflinching at Azel’s closeness. “Thank you.” That was all she could mutter.

“He’s bound to you, as long as you live he lives. Now that I’ve shown you a simple trick.” He clapped his hands together, “do I have your interest in what I can offer you?” Azel was smiling widely as he placed a hand on her shoulder. The clap jerked Caterin out of whatever trance she seemed in. Whoever Azel was; he had powers to create life. Which to her signified that he had great powers creating life wasn't something one could simply do. “So I ask one more time before your fate is sealed little bird. Will you allow me in?”

Without a moment's hesitation, she nodded, “Yes.”

“Good....”

Azel had disappeared but his voice echoed around them in a dark manner.

The rush of wind that followed seemed to steal the life from her; she could hardly breathe until it passed. When it passed she fixed her eyes on Irre then fell to the ground.

When she was awoken she was back inside the dingy cottage she’d been in earlier but the morning sun now crept in the closed shutters. Had she fallen asleep? Had the entire evening been a dream? Caterin couldn’t remember getting ready for bed and sleeping but the days had started to blur together maybe exhaustion had taken its toll on her the night prior? It would be insane to think that some magical rescue had come in any form. Though what a form it had come in, something about the man in her dreams caused Caterin to shudder. She could tell he’d been a dark force but the beautiful horse he’d created? Caterin shook her head, it was nothing but a dream, and outside the real world seemed to stir.

There was a ruckus in camp, Caterin could hear it just outside her window. Pulling on whatever decent cover she could find she stormed out of the small cottage ready to inflict punishment on whatever has caused the scene until she froze in place. The golden horse, Irre, had walked right inside the camp. His blue eyes fixed on her and she felt warmth wash over her. So it hadn’t been a dream? Which meant that Azel had to be around somewhere?

“Your majesty!” Tanner bowed beside her, “this horse just appeared in camp. The men-”

“Will do it no harm. I have had a dream, a vision.” Caterin walked across the clearing and headed straight for Irre. “This stallion came to me in a dream with a message. We will win against Aludra and her darklings. They are no match for the might that is the kingdom of-” Caterin stopped herself, “the old kingdom is dead, slaughtered by Aludra and her ruffians. We shall be born anew.” Caterin’s heart pounded in her chest. She wasn’t sure what power was overtaking her but with Irre she felt invincible. “We will take up the name Cleriks and will eradicate the sickness that is taking over the country.”

Cheers were heard within her ranks. She felt strong for the first time since she’d taken over. She could rule this land and do everything her forefathers couldn’t. She’d wipe every remnant of magic and all it had destroyed from this realm. She could feel Irre standing tall beside her prepared to wage war. Yes...this is what she’d been missing.

“Good….good… this is how you should feel little bird” She could hear Azel’s voice inside her head. “Do not fear little bird, for I am just out of sight. I brought Irre to you. I will make myself known when it is safe. But enjoy this power you feel for there is more to come. You agreed to my little deal, now let me help you take what is yours.” The feeling of Azel left as quickly as it came and she could feel herself grow stronger.

“Any man who does not stand with me stands against me and will face certain death.” Irre nudged Caterin’s back and pawed at the ground before giving a loud neigh. “Whose with me!”

The crowd of men around her cheered and began chanting their new name. This would be the moment the battle between sisters shifted. She had to keep this power alive because it was all she had to face Aludra.

Caterin ref: c8.alamy.com/comp/CT9HMY/young…