The Creed Of The Archangel 694f2g

Disclaimer

This book contains graphic scenes of violence, sexuality, and rape. Be sure to read with caution, and know that if you skip any of these violent scenes, you will not miss any major plot points. Read on and have fun! Akkolon welcomes you.

Introduction and Background

Vast emptiness. The One opened her eyes after her millennia slumber and saw nothing. Great loneliness filled her being, and in that moment, her longing for company created life. A flat disc of earth was made, with great expanses of land, rivers that flowed like veins across the world, mountains and valleys that held precious metals and jewels, and an ocean that surrounded the slab of earth. The One then encomed the top of the world with a clear dome that held the sun, moon, and stars. She made it so that during the day, the creatures would see a blue sky rather than the emptiness that surrounded them, but at night, the great expanse of the universe was visible behind the stars. After this earth was made, two more beings were formed from the infinite darkness; beings of great strength, power, and beauty; the Archangels, Remliel and Tatresiel. The first, a woman like the One, had immense golden wings protruding from her back; long, wavy brown hair; eyes that were as white as a blizzard with no pupil or iris; and a naked, voluptuous form that other being would ever match. The second, a man, had black wings to match that of his sister; short, jet black hair; eyes that were the same as the other Archangel; and a naked, muscular form that would never be seen in any other creature. The One then turned back to her world, which she named Akkolon, and created life in her image. In the sea she made Mermaids. They were the most beautiful creatures on Akkolon, and lived an immortal life; they could only be killed by the sword or poison. Into the rivers she also placed Mermaids, but these were nowhere near as beautiful as their sisters in the sea. However, they shared their immortality, and the same things killed them as did their sisters. Next, she created Elves. These were reverent beings who lived in the forests of the world and worshiped the Sun. They had the tiniest bit of magic. Elves lived an immortal life just like Mermaids, and they were second in beauty only to the Sea Maidens. After Elves came Nymphs. These tiny creatures were the most magical beings,

and were confined to a single forest of Akkolon. They were tricksters, and would grant wishes for a price. Nymphs were relatively peaceful creatures, although they ate those who went back on their promises or tried to fight them. They were mortal, living for around 200 years, and throughout their lives they never left their forest homeland. Dwarves followed the Nymphs into creation. These creatures were hairy, which kept them warm in their mountain homes. They were natural miners and blacksmiths, and became very rich, equal to that only of Elves. They were a stubborn race, and they very rarely got along with other races. Dwarves lived for an average of 100 years, and rather than stay confined to their mountain dwellings, they left and roamed the plains by their homes. Finally, the One created Men. These creatures were proud, arrogant, and the most mortal, living for around 80 years. They were war hungry, and therefore had very strong armies second only to Elves. Their lust for conquest made it so that Men were the only allies of Men, and they made this so through their fear of their kingdoms being overtaken by another race. Thus, life on Akkolon was created. The One turned to her children, the Archangels, and gave them a Creed. “You shall look over the world while I rest, and protect those that I have created.” The One closed her eyes and lied down, falling asleep next to her creations. No sooner than she'd closed her eyes, Tatresiel went down to Akkolon, marking the beginning of the First Age. Remliel watched her brother from the universe, and saw a great madness. The angel had taken the One's creatures and mutated them into darkness. From Sea Maidens, the most beautiful of all, he created Sea Snakes, the ugliest creatures least like the One, with the power of electricity in their tails. Elves he left alone, in fear of their great armies, and he moved next to Nymphs. The tiny creatures were made into Goblins, which were larger than Nymphs but still agile and fast. They feared sunlight, and crawled their way into the mountains. Remliel remained above the world for one reason only: she knew that she was not omnipotent, and if she went down to try and stop her brother, she would not be able to see him like she could from the heavens. She wept for the creatures he violated, and looked down upon the wreckage he continued to create. He stole Dwarves from their mountains and made them into Werewolves, which then fled

to the woods to live in burrows and eat Nymphs. He stole Men and twisted them into Vampires, giving them the gift of immortality unless killed by the sword. Tatresiel laughed at his discord, then began to form his own creature. Using his own power, he violated the One's superiority and created Dragons. These giant, fire-breathing snakes with large, rubbery, veiny wings flew themselves to the highest peaks of the mountains, and there they rested. Into his creatures, Tatresiel channeled his own greed and lust for power; therefore, the Dragons cared only about the precious metals, gems, and jewels that lay in the mountains below their bellies. Remliel watched the One's divine creations form allies and kingdoms. The Sea Maidens remained wild. The River Maidens formed three clans; one in the North River Delta, one in the East River Delta, and one in the Central Channel. Elves formed kingdoms in three out of four woods: one in the Western Woods, one in the Southern Woods, and one in the Eastern Woods. Nymphs, on the other hand, only had one group in the Central Woods, where no one dared to roam unless they sought their magic. Dwarves made three tribes: one in the Distant Highlands in the North, one in The Dead Peaks, under the dragons in the East, and one in the Forsaken Hills in the South. The tribe in The Dead Peaks was the most rich out of them all, with the greatest area and the assistance of goblin slaves. Men, lastly, formed four kingdoms: the Kingdom of Phiturya in the North, the Kingdom of Mowyth in an area of land named the Fork of Tetrasiel, the Kingdom of Xeasia in the South, and the Kingdom of Iqocan in the East. All of this occurred during the First Age, at the same time as Tetrasiel's destruction. After a long time, the Archangel laid down to rest in the mountaintops next to his Dragons, and the world came into the Era of Peace. This time lasted for centuries, and ended the First Age. There were petty squabbles among different kingdoms and races, but none ended in war, for Tetrasiel's chaos did not rule over the land as it did in the beginning of the Age. However, the Dragons awakened and began to slowly crawl their fat, leathery bodies down the sides of the mountains, and Tetrasiel stirred in his sleep. The creatures of Akkolon desperately cried out to the Emptiness that surrounded them, begging for divine help… and their prayers were answered.

Chapter One

Remliel cast herself down to Akkolon, careening like a firebolt from the heavens. She crashed into the Sea, making a crater at the bottom of the ocean. She then swam her way back up to the earth and crawled out onto a piece of land later named the Fork of Remliel; where the Northern and Eastern rivers met. She stood, naked and soaking wet, on the open stretch of land. She wrapped her drenched wings around her body for warmth and protection, and sat down in the fluffy green grass. She snapped her fingers and created a small fire for her to dry off by, and laid down next to it, still huddled up underneath her wings. Nightfall came quicker than Remliel expected, and she kept the fire going throughout the darkness. She watched the moon rise from the West, looked up into the stars, and for a moment, she could almost see her sleeping mother in the Emptiness. She did not tire, since she had not spent much of her energy, so she lied awake for the night. When the sun began to rise from the North, she stood, extinguished her fire, stretched out her wings, and began to walk toward the Southern Woods. The journey took her a surprisingly long time; she'd thought the world was a lot bigger than it actually was. From the Universe, she'd looked down upon the world and thought of it as tiny in comparison to what lied around her, but now that she was on the world, she knew that it was large, especially for the creatures that lived there. Nightfall came once again, with the moon rising from the West. Remliel lied down in the plains that she was crossing; she was about halfway to the woods. She slept that night, her wings carefully tucked around her body like a blanket, protecting her from the cold. She awoke with the sunrise, and continued her journey to the woods. She didn't need food or water, but she could feel her feet beginning to ache beneath her. She finally reached the Southern Woods at dusk, at the end of her second day of the journey. She stretched out her wings so that they stood up behind her, and she marched into the woods along the dirt path.

She could hear rustling in the trees, and she knew it wasn't the wind. She knew that there was a kingdom of Elves that dwelled in this forest, and she figured that there were Elven spies in the trees, watching her every move. Suddenly, faster than Remliel could even blink, there was a small group of Elves in front of her on the path. She stopped, looking down on the majestic creatures. Their silver hair all went down to their torsos, their golden robes shined even without sunlight, and their light blue irises sparkled. One Elf walked forward, outstretching their hands. “You are not from the world of Akkolon. You have come to answer our prayers?” Remliel nodded, surprised she understood their language. “I am an Archangel. One of two.” “We know of your brother and the destruction he has caused,” the Elf said. “You've come to stop him?” “I've seen it. I have come to do what I must.” “Then we welcome you. Your name?” “Remliel.” “Here, Remliel, take these robes.” Another Elf walked forward and handed the Archangel a golden robe to match theirs. It shimmered as it was placed into her hands, and the fabric was light and soft. Remliel knew she was much larger than the creatures of Akkolon, since she was Divine, so she shrunk herself down to the height of the Elves. She hid her wings from sight and mind, appearing only with brown hair that matched the length of the Elves and her white eyes. She put the robe on, thankful for the warmth of the fabric on her still naked body. The Elf that had spoken to her before stretched his arm to gesture down the path, and the group of Elves began to lead Remliel through the woods. “Our King and Queen will be thrilled to meet you,” the Elf said, walking next to the Archangel.

“What is your name?” “Taylodrin.” “That is a fine name.” They walked in silence until the dirt path began to turn to cobblestone. The sound of a fountain fluttered in the distance, along with the harmonious singing of Elves and the laughter of children. The group of Elves led Remliel through a village, with sizable houses made of wood. There were two rows of houses with about five yards between them, and they made a circle around a large fountain made of quartz. Water poured out of the top of the fountain and gathered into a rather wide basin at the bottom. The water poured out of a column with the shape of the sun at the top. There were a few buildings scattered around the village, like an inn, a pub, and a few small shops. Elven women were washing different colored robes in the basin of the fountain, humming and singing together. When they saw the golden-clad Elves leading the Archangel through the city, they stopped their washing, stood, and bowed until they completely ed. They then turned and went back to their chores. “What do the colored robes mean?” Remliel asked Taylodrin. “We wear gold because we serve the King and Queen,” the Elf replied. “Since the sun is sacred to us, gold represents the color of the sun's light. The King and Queen wear white to show that they're pure and royal. The different townspeople wear colors to represent their family's jobs and status. Purple is the highest, then blue, then brown. Those who wear brown work in our crop fields and help feed the entire kingdom. They're also shopkeepers and such. Those who wear blue are soldiers, and those who wear purple are the knights, generals, and High Elders." Remliel nodded in appreciation. “Are all Elven kingdoms the same?” she asked. “As far as I know.” “And this isn't the only village you have, is it?” “It is. We have a few browns that live near or on the fields they work on, but other than that, we all live here. There are more houses a few miles away from here, but they're considered to be a part of this village.”

Up ahead, to the East, there was the silhouette of a large building. “What's that?” the Archangel asked, pointing. “You'll see tomorrow," Taylodrin answered. For now, we all must get our rest. We will stay at the inn here in the village.” The Elves led her to one of the scattered buildings, and upon entering, she felt as if she were intruding into someone's home. There was a front desk with an Elf standing behind it in brown robes. He smiled at the visitors, then bowed reverently. Behind him, there were about 30 crevices with small numbers engraved above them. To the right and left were two staircases that led up. “What can I do for you, servants of the royalty?” the Elf behind the desk asked. He rose from his bow. “We need a room for our guest, Remliel,” Taylodrin said, gently pulling the Archangel forward. The brown Elf nodded and turned happily behind him, grabbing something from crevice number three. “Your room will be up the right staircase, third door on the left,” the brown Elf said. He handed her a small iron ring with a wooden “3” hanging from it. Remliel thanked him and looked unsurely at Taylodrin. “We'll be back for you tomorrow morning," the Elf said. "Rest well, Remliel.” The Archangel climbed the stairs, lifting the robes up from her ankles so that she wouldn't trip over the long fabric. She entered the room and was taken aback by the beauty of it. There was a queen-sized bed on the right wall, a bay window right across from the door, and a large fireplace on the left wall. To the right of the fireplace, there was a door leading to a small room with a wash basin and waste bucket, which was surprisingly clean. On the wall adjacent to the door there was a small wardrobe that could hold up to a weeks worth of clothes. On a shelf in the wardrobe, there were three or four soft, white towels folded neatly. Remliel closed the door behind her, isolating her in the grand room. She went into to the small adjacent room and stripped out of the golden robe, filled the basin up with water from the tap that was attached, and picked up a bar of soap that was resting on the edge of the tub. She dipped the robe into the water and scrubbed it with the soap, making sure to rid it of any dirt from her journey to the inn. She then drained the water and refilled the tub, stepping in and bathing

herself. She allowed her wings to come forth and she massaged them with the soap. She felt the tension in the wing muscles relax as she softly rubbed them. Dead feathers fell into the water, and she felt renewed. When she was done with her bath, she once again drained the tub and walked over to the wardrobe and retrieved a towel. She patted her wings dry, then her body, and crawled into bed. It was more comfortable than she'd thought it would be, and once her head hit the pillows, she realized how tired she was from her day's journey. She fell asleep, dreaming of nothing but darkness, and slept soundly until morning. **** The next day, she was awoken by a soft knock on the door. “Remliel?” a voice asked. She groggily answered. “Come in!” The Elf from the front desk, still dressed in brown robes, entered the room. He saw the white towel and golden robe on the ground, and then his eyes turned to the bed. There, Remliel was sitting up, holding the blankets up to her chest so that she was covered from the stranger's sight. Her wings rested softly behind her. “I was just here to help you clean up the room and bring you some breakfast," the Elf said. He stared at her wings for a moment before he asked, “You're not an Elf? I mean, I thought you weren't last night, since your hair is brown and your eyes are white, but I figured maybe you were just from another realm… what are you?" “I'm an Archangel,” Remliel answered kindly. “I'm one of two. My brother has made chaos on this world, and I've come to do whatever is in my power to stop him.” The Elf released a breath as he picked up the towel and robe. “You know, these robes are very important to us Elves,” he said, draping the golden fabric over the end of the bed. “It's part of who we are.” “I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to disrespect-”

“Oh, don't worry about it! You're Divine, how could you know?” The Elf threw the towel over his shoulder and shuffled out of the room. He reentered a few seconds later with a tray, and on it, a plate and a cup. The plate had an egg, two sausage links, and an apple, and the cup was filled with water. “I hope you enjoy,” he said. “Everything was raised on our village's farm, and the apple came from our orchard." “Thank you,” Remliel said, smiling. “I'm sure it will be amazing.” The Elf smiled and placed the tray on the end of the bed. He then left, softly closing the door behind him. Remliel let the blankets drop, and she reached over and dragged the tray toward her. She ate, even though she didn't need to, and as she bit into the meat and egg, she let herself taste the goodness of the molecules. She finished the apple, leaving the core on the plate, and she drank all of the water before getting up and making the bed. She once again hid her wings, and carefully picked up the robe. She draped it over her body, tying it closed and leaving the room. She made it back down to the lobby of the inn to see the same group of Elves from the day before, standing in their shining golden robes, waiting for her. “You look well rested,” Taylodrin said, smiling. Remliel returned the metal ring with the “3” to the brown Elf behind the desk, thanked him again for the room and breakfast, and went off with the group of golden Elves. She walked out into the town square and looked up at the treetops. They were around 100 feet up in the air, creating a canopy of protection above the small village. The sun's rays pierced through the leaves, and the Elves hummed and sang to themselves as they went about the day's activities. Remliel noticed there were no men in the village, only women and children. She turned the Taylodrin and inquired about it. They began to walk as he answered her. “The men are all working. They come home when the sun sets. The women stay at home raising and teaching the children, washing, cleaning, and so on." Remliel nodded and payed attention to the cobblestone path. They gradually made their way up to the large building she'd seen the night before, and as they neared it, she realized it was a palace.

They arrived at midday, when the sun was in the middle of the sky. The Elves all stopped walking and knelt, craning their necks up to face the sun. They began to sing together, lifting their hands up to the sky. This went on for a few minutes before they ended their song and stood. “I apologize,” Taylodrin said to the Archangel. “That is our daily prayer to the sun.” “Don't be sorry, it was beautiful.” The Elves then led her up to the palace, which was made of emeralds, diamonds, and quartz. Two Elves, who were wearing purple robes, opened the large iron doors of the palace, and the group of golden Elves led Remliel inside. Upon entering, the Archangel was in a wide corridor with two smaller iron doors on each side of her. “Those doors lead to the servant's quarters,” Taylodrin commented. Remliel looked forward and saw three different halls, which all forked off of the same wide corridor that she stood in. Taylodrin pointed at each hall and told the Archangel where they went. “The hall on the left forks off into another age, which leads to the quarters of the servants that work closer with the royalty. At the end of the left hall, there's a staircase to go upstairs to where the royalty sleeps and lives. The middle hall leads to the throne room. Finally, the right hall has many other corridors branching off of it, all of which lead to soldier's living spaces." The group of golden Elves branched off from each other, going off to do other tasks. Taylodrin stayed with Remliel, walking with her down the middle hall toward the throne room. The walls of the middle corridor were made of glass, and the Archangel could see out into the courtyards on either side of the hall. At the end of the ageway was the throne room. There were two large doors made of rubies, emeralds, and diamond, and two purple Elves stood guard. When they saw Remliel and the golden Elf approaching, they opened the doors, and the Archangel entered the throne room. There were two golden thrones before her, with the King on the left and the Queen on the right. They both wore white clothes with white capes draped over their shoulders. Their crowns were both made of gold. The room was made of diamond, which sparkled in the sunlight from the treetops. There were two windows on the left and right walls of the throne room, where Remliel could once again see the empty courtyards that surrounded them. The King held a golden scepter in his right hand, and when Remliel entered, he

stood. The Queen followed suit. Taylodrin knelt on one knee before the royalty, and Remliel quickly did the same. “I present the Archangel Remliel, Your Majesties.” “You may rise, Remliel," the Queen said. She did as she was told. “Somehow, I imagined you to look different.” “I've altered my appearance, Your Majesty, so as to not frighten anyone,” the Archangel replied. “I see you come in peace. Word has reached my ears that you have come to destroy your brother, Tetrasiel. Is this true?” “Yes, in any way I can." “Then you have the Southern Realm as your allies. We will provide you with and army if you should ever need one; our soldiers are very powerful." “We will also provide you with some provisions for your journey,” the King chimed in. “We will have a tailor make you some clothes, a blacksmith make you some armor, and we will give you a protective cloak and some food.” “Thank you, Your Majesties,” the Archangel replied, bowing out of respect. “Your gifts are much appreciated.” They were dismissed from the throne room, and Taylodrin led Remliel down the right hall into a door on the left, almost all the way down the hall. There, Remliel was stripped of her golden robe, measured, and told to appear in her true form. She did, and she was measured again. She shrunk back down when they were finished, hiding her wings, and she shyly put the robe back on. One of the brown Elves that was serving her informed her that her clothes and armor would be ready in a few hours. “The blacksmith will also make you a sword for battle,” one of the brown Elves said. Remliel thanked them, then left with Taylodrin. He led her out of the palace and into one of the courtyards. There, the Archangel relaxed on a bench, looking around at the beautiful nature. There were small berry bushes lining the perimeter of the courtyard, and a few saplings dotted across the lawn. The grass was long, with red and white mushrooms poking up in a few places. The bench that Remliel sat on was made of wooden logs, and there was a cobblestone circle

in the middle of the courtyard where the sun's light fell perfectly throughout the day. Birds chirped from the branches of the saplings, there were various insects crawling along the grass, and a brown bunny inched its way out from the underbrush of the bushes. Remliel stayed in the courtyard until her clothes and weaponry was done being made. When she went back inside to try it on, she found that everything she wore grew with her when she was in her true form, and it shrunk back down with her as well. “That's thanks to some Elven magic,” Taylodrin commented as they left the small room and strolled down the right hall toward the doors of the palace. Remilel no longer wore her golden robe; she had instead a pair of brown tros with an off-white rope belt, a white shirt that had a V-neck cut, and black boots. She had draped around her shoulders a hooded, forest-green cloak. Upon exiting the palace, Taylodrin continued to walk with Remliel until they reached the small village that she'd spent the night in just 20 hours before. The Elf led Remliel into a small building that looked very similar to the inn from the outside. On the inside, there was a brown Elf sitting behind a desk. Behind him, the walls were lined with different papers in stands, advertising products that were for sale. “Good evening, good sir,” Taylodrin said, getting the Elf's attention. “We are looking for some provisions for a long journey. What can you give us?” “Well, good servant of the Royalty, I have dried meats, cheeses, bread… whatever you need!” Remliel stepped forward. “I'll have a few pieces of dried meat, a few pieces of cheese, and a single loaf of bread. I'd also like to purchase a flask of water.” The brown Elf retrieved these things for her, putting them all neatly into a black satchel. He handed the satchel to her, and Taylodrin payed with golden and silver coins. The brown Elf wished them well, and they left the store. It was nightfall when they stepped out into the town. The Archangel didn't wish to sleep, for she didn't need it unless she'd spent a lot of her energy. So, Taylodrin walked her down the same path she'd entered on. She watched the cobblestone slowly turn into dirt, and finally, they reached the edge of the woods. “I included a map in your satchel,” the Elf said kindly. “Just in case you might need it.”

“You've been a great host to me, Taylodrin,” Remliel said, smiling and placing a hand on his shoulder. “I'm very grateful to call you an ally.” “I am grateful as well,” the Elf responded. “Have a safe journey, Remliel. , the Southern Woods will always be a home to you.” At that, the Archangel parted from the Elf. She walked a few yards before turning back to take one last look at the woods. She turned her gaze to the path, but Taylodrin was nowhere to be seen. She smiled to herself and pulled out the map, looking at the handwriting of the Elves. She saw a signature in the bottom right-hand corner: Taylodrin's. She looked up from the map, then back down. She figured she needed to head North toward the Kingdom of Iqocan next. So, she summoned her wings, which stretched far above her head in their majestic, golden splendor. She flapped them a couple of times to wake up the muscles, then lifted herself up into the air. She swooped up and down, happy to be flying for the first time. Finally, she rushed North, her cloak flying in the air behind her, tied around her neck with nothing but a small white rope. She reached the border of the Kingdom of Iqocan at sunrise. The gates to the main city faced the South, away from the sunrise, whereas she recalled the Elven path facing the North. “It's because they worshipped the sun,” Remliel recalled aloud. The Archangel looked at the city from the sky. She saw a grand, white palace in the center of the village, and the buildings got smaller and more separated as they furthered from the castle. She saw a single road from the front gate that branched off into a few smaller paths. This single road led all the way up to the palace, which stood on elevated ground above the rest of the city. The road was lined with small shops and stands, where the merchants sold their wares. Behind the palace, there were only a few rows of houses that were very spread apart, then there was a large, wide field full of various crops. The palace was separated from the city by a moat, and there was a circular guard wall around the palace itself. Inside the walls of the tower, there were three small buildings. Remliel sighed, then lowered herself to the ground. She hid her wings and walked up to the front gate, declaring herself. “I come in peace," she yelled, hoping someone would hear her. “I wish to speak to your King!”

The gates, tall and made out of splintered wood that matched that of the wall, opened for her. She saw two guards standing on the opposite side of the gate, presumably the ones who had let her in. She didn't know why, but she felt nervous going into the kingdom of Men. She wondered if they'd be as friendly and caring as the Elves. She walked through the rickety gate, realizing that it silently closed behind her.

Chapter Two

She turned around and looked at the closed gate, then rotated back toward the two guards. They were dressed in white shirts, black pants, and black boots. They had their swords unsheathed, standing non-threateningly with them before her. “You wish to speak with our King,” the one on the right said. “Why is this?” “I have news about Tetrasiel, the Archangel.” The guards looked at one another, then they turned their attention back to her. “Why do your eyes look like his? Are you his accomplice?" “No, although we are related.” She paused. “Why is this business of a guard? Take me to your King, now." They turned and walked her up the path, through the cluster of homes. She looked around and didn't see many people around. There were a few women at home with their children, but most houses stood empty. As they neared the palace, the road came up to the marketplace. This was where all the people were; they were selling and buying their wares. The crowd did not part for the soldiers, and they had to push their way through the large group of Men. Finally, they walked up the small hill to the castle. It was made of white stone, with four turrets on the corners of the guard wall. They crossed the drawbridge, over the moat, and upon looking closer into the body of water, Remliel saw many species of fish, all of which were dangerous. The soldiers led Remliel into the courtyard outside of the palace. Unlike the Elven courtyard she'd spent the day in before, the ground was made of dirt, and there were townspeople and servants scattered about. The two men who'd led Remliel in stopped and turned to her. “This is where we part,” they said. “Our job is to guard the front gate. You will go in through the palace doors, and ask to see the King.” At that, they left, going back through the guard wall, down the drawbridge, and

through the crowd of people in the marketplace. Remliel turned her attention back to the palace, and walked confidently toward the doors. She entered, the heavy iron doors opening for her when she pushed on them. The palace looked like that of a cathedral. The ceilings were high, with wooden beams visible. The floors were made of a pastel green marble, and there were large windows lining each wall. The palace was in a rectangular shape, and there was a hallway made by white marble beams that led up to the ceiling. There was a purple carpet leading up to the throne, which were located at the far end of the palace. Through the beams, there were a few banquet tables, some fireplaces, and a couple of armor and weaponry stands. Remliel walked up to the throne, where the King was seated, and knelt on one knee before him. “I come in peace, Your Majesty,” she said. “My name is Remliel, and I have come with news and council about the Archangel Tetrasiel… my brother.” “Your brother?” the King bellowed, standing. He wore extravagant, purple clothes with a black boots and a black cape draped around his shoulders. There was white fur on the edges of the cape, and his silver sword could be seen sheathed at his hip. He had shoulder-length strawberry blond hair, a short beard on his chin which stretched up into a goatee, and blue eyes. His eyebrows were furrowed in what he wanted to appear as anger, but was really fear. “You know the devil that has created Dragons and other evil on Akkolon?” “I know him, yes, but not the man he's become. I have come to stop him.” “We have not time to speak of this now,” the King said, coming down from his throne and beckoning the Archangel to stand. She did, and he continued. “Come dine with me and my council tonight, and we will talk about our plan of action.” “Thank you, Your Majesty. I accept.” “You are welcome to stay in the palace for as long as you are in my kingdom, Remliel the Archangel." “Thank you.” A servant woman shuffled up behind Remliel. She wore a plain black and white dress with black shoes. Her hair was up in a tight bun, and she wore a white

bonnet. “Take our guest up to her room,” the King ordered. The servant nodded, and the Archangel followed her behind the throne. She saw that there were two halls on either side, hidden from the throne room by a wall. They turned left, going down the thin hallway that was lit by torches. At the end of the hall, there was a staircase, and they climbed it up to the second story of the palace. The staircase went straight, then curved back the way they came until they reached the second floor. They got off the stairs and Remliel looked around. There was a row of rooms lining the left wall, an empty space to the left of the staircase, and two more rooms on the wall in front of the stairs. “These are the servant's quarters,” the servant girl said. “Those two rooms up ahead are guest rooms. You may choose whichever one you'd be most comfortable in.” The girl then abruptly turned and went back down the stairs. The Archangel went to the room furthest away from the stairs, for it appeared to be a bit smaller than the other, and opened the door. There was a bed on the wall across from the door, smaller than that in the Elven inn. There were two windows next to the bed, a small nightstand on either side of the mattress, and a portrait hanging above the headboard. The right wall had a bookshelf, the left wall was bare save but one painting and a wooden chair, and the wall adjacent to the door was empty. Remliel set her satchel down on the chair and laid on the bed. She did not rest for long, because there was a quick, quiet knock on the door. “It's me, Kaif, the servant who showed you to your room,” a voice said. “May I enter?” “Yes, come in.” The girl scurried into the room with a handful of silver and light blue cloth. “These are to be made into a dress for you. If you are to dine with the King and his court, you must be dressed appropriately. Traveling clothes will not do.” The servant girl, Kaif, moved Remliel's satchel to the bed and had her stand on the chair. She then pulled had the Archangel strip, and she took her measurements. “These will be done in a few hours,” the girl said as Remliel got re-dressed. She then left as soon as she'd come. Remliel sat on the bed once again, making sure to keep the satchel at her feet.

She summoned her wings, which she decided she'd try to do as often as possible, and massaged them, since they were sore from being hidden. She wished she could have a bath like she'd had at the inn, but she decided it was not her place to ask. The cultures of Men and Elves were very different, as were their languages, kingdoms, policies, and much more about them. The only similarity was their enormous armies. When she was finished tending to her wings, she looked out the window and saw that it was nearly dusk. A knock on the door. She quickly hid her golden wings and beckoned for the stranger to enter. Kaif came in with a dress made of the same fabric she'd brought in earlier that day. The dress was truly beautiful, with a light blue bodice, silver lace, and silver high heels to go with it. Kaif helped Remliel enter the dress, and showed her down the stairs toward the throne room. Remliel entered the same hall she'd come into earlier, but from behind the throne. The banquet tables from the makeshift hallways were pushed both lit up with candles, the torches on the walls were lit, and there was a grand feast awaiting the dinner guests. The King sat at the table to the right of the throne, with all the seats save one filled with the men of his court. The seat at the foot of the table was reserved for the Archangel. The table on the left side of the throne was filled with men in silver armor, their shields leaned up against the wall behind them and their swords visibly sheathed at their sides. “Come, Remliel, and us!” the King exclaimed, noticing her arrival into the hall. She walked down to the table and sat, immediately having her plate filled by servants. “I hope you are not intimidated; usually women do not dine with us. The other banquet table used to be saved for the Queen and her court, but alas, she is no longer with us.” “I'm so sorry to hear that, Your Majesty,” Remliel answered, unsure of what to say. “I am not at all intimidated; I only hope your men are not frightened by me." The King and the court looked around at each other and laughed, easing the Archangel's nerves. They all ate for a while, laughing and talking with one another and drinking their ale, while Remliel ed in the feast and had a few glasses of wine. At the end of the meal, the King turned his attention to the foot of the table. “Remliel,” he said, “you say you've come with news about Tetrasiel, your

brother?” “Yes, I have seen him stirring in the mountains. The Dragons have awoken from their slumber and are beginning to prey on the Dwarves that live in the mountains. They're making their way to the Central Woods, where the Nymphs dwell. I am gathering allies to confront Tetrasiel and end the suffering of the creatures of Akkolon.” “Gathering allies? Who have you already spoken to?" One of the King's men spoke up. “It's probably one of the Elven Realms… look at her clothes and her cloak. It's obviously Elven.” “I stayed in the Southern Realm for two days,” Remliel replied. “That's where I got my clothes and provisions. I spent the night traveling here. I have the Elves on my side… I'm here to speak to you now.” The King stroked his beard in thought. The of the court began to speak amongst themselves, voices raising about distrust of the Archangel. “Men,” Remliel thought. “So quick to greed and selfishness, but so hesitant to trust others. It will be their downfall.” The King finally spoke up. “Silence, men,” he said, effectively quieting his court. “Remliel, I have decided to trust you. However, I will not provide armies or provisions until you absolutely need them. I can't afford to let my men leave, especially when there is no present danger. I will give you one thing before you leave: this." The King handed over a small, golden trumpet. “Blow this three times,” he said, “and the armies of Iqocan will come within three days.” The meal was thus ended, and the court departed from the table. Remliel followed, going back behind the throne and up the stairs. She collapsed onto her bed and promptly fell asleep, her body tired from her night's journey and the hearty meal she'd eaten. She closed her eyes, and almost immediately, she was awakened by a knock on the door. She rose from her bed, her dress wrapped unflatteringly around her body, and opened the door. “I hope you had a good rest,” the servant girl Kaif said, scurrying into the room. “You slept soundly all night.”

“It's morning?” “Yes, ma'am.” Kaif began to make the bed, and Remliel looked out the window to see a beautiful blue sky. The servant then got the Archangel's attention, and asked her if she'd like a bath. Remliel nodded. Kaif left the room and returned with a large metal tub. Three other servant girls followed with buckets of steaming hot water, which they then dumped into the tub. Remliel stripped and entered the bath. She summoned her wings, and the girls took a few steps back. They began whispering to each other as the Archangel massaged the muscles and plucked out dead feathers. “I shouldn't have slept with them hidden,” she mumbled to herself, watching the bathwater slowly turn brown. Golden feathers floated on the surface of the water, and the Archangel finally began to wash her body. When she finished, she got out of the bath, and put on her traveling clothes she'd gotten from the Elves. She walked down the stairs, satchel around her shoulder and trumpet tied to her belt, and she emerged behind the throne, where the King was sitting. “Thank you for hosting me,” she said, bowing respectfully. “Your dinner feast was delightful.” “I'm glad you enjoyed it,” he answered, leaning forward a little bit to simulate a bow. “There is a steed waiting for you outside; one of our best. I hope she aides you in your travels.” “Thank you, Your Majesty,” the Archangel responded. She quickly exited the palace and saw the white horse outside of the palace doors. The drawbridge was down, and she could see the townspeople shopping in the marketplace. She quickly hid her wings, unaware that they were still visible, and mounted the steed. A stable boy, who was holding the reins of the horse, looked up at the Archangel in awe. “H-her name is Cade,” he stammered. After a slight pause, he commented, “Your wings were beautiful… why do you hide them?" “I don't want to frighten people.” “I can understand that… but they were beautiful.”

The Archangel rode off without answering; she felt as though there was nothing that she could say, for the boy knew and felt all he needed to know and feel. She rode her way slowly through the crowd, who still did not part for her. This was another difference between Elves and Men; Men seemed to be more rude than the reverent Elves. The sun was in the middle of the sky, and Remliel rode West toward the Eastern River. The river flowed from the Eastern River Delta and curved South toward the fork where Remliel had landed upon her arrival to Akkolon. She reached the river by nightfall, since it wasn't far from the gates of Iqocan. She made rest on the bank of the river for the night, creating a small wooden post with her powers to tie her steed up to. She didn't want him to run away in the night. She pulled out her map and studied it through the night. She looked up at the sky, seeing the moon slowly descending to the East, watching the stars sparkle up in the protective dome of the world. She sighed to herself, both out of happiness and sadness. She was proud of the world her mother, the One, had created, but she longed for her company and missed living with her and her brother in the Emptiness. When the sun rose from the North, Remliel stood, untied the horse from the post, and waved her hand, making the piece of wood disappear. She then mounted the steed and rode over the Eastern River. She saw the Forsaken Hills were close, so she rode to them. The mountain range was the smallest of the three on Akkolon, and there lived the Southwestern clan of Dwarves. Dwarves were the most stubborn race, and they liked to hide away amongst their riches, shutting out the rest of the world's problems. The only thing the Dwarves had to worry about was trading and Dragons, but with the abominable creatures all the way in the North upon the Dead Peaks, Remliel doubted that the Southwestern clan even knew about them. After all, almost all of Tetrasiel's creatures were dwelling near him, ready to serve his darkness at a moment's notice. Remliel rode up to the Forsaken Hills, seeing the enormous mountain peaks stretch into the sky the closer she got. Upon reaching them, she saw a small gravel walkway to the middle of the mountain range. There was a door engraved

into the stone, but all Remliel could see was the outline of the doorway: there was no handle, no hinges, nothing to allow entry into the mountain. She knocked three times on the stone, hoping the Dwarves inside would hear her. She looked at the Dwarvish language engraved onto the doorway and read it aloud to herself: “If ye be a kindly folk, or if ye be full of hate; we welcome you unless you cloak, your intentions coming through our gate.” The stone began to move, the doorway protruding from the mountainside and allowing entry into the Dwarf kingdom. Remliel walked her horse inside with her, feeling the door close behind her. She was immediately plunged into darkness. The steed stayed rather calm, much to the surprise of the Archangel, but she tightened her grip on the reins nevertheless. She stretched out her other hand, allowing her power to flow through her and create a beam of light for her to see with. There wasn't much to see under the mountain, so she called out for the Dwarves. After her voice echoed through the cavern for a moment, torches along the walls began to light themselves. Remliel put away her own light and followed the dim glow of the fire. She saw that she was in a long hallway with a high, domed ceiling. Everything around her was made of stone. The hall went forward for a while until it branched off into four different directions. Each branch had a large arch of stone with Dwarvish embedded into it. There were torches down each of the four hallways, all of them lit, and a hot, bright light coming from the bottom of the leftmost hall. Remliel called out once again when she got to the fork, hoping she would see at least one Dwarf today. Luckily for her, a group of miners were coming up the leftmost hall toward the fork, and she got their attention. “Excuse me, do you mind showing me to your ruler?" she asked. They stopped and stared at her for a moment. “You know Dwarvish?” one asked. “Only Dwarves know Dwarvish.” “I know all tongues,” Remliel answered. “I am not from this world." “Where are you from then?” “The Emptiness, the vast Universe. I come from the One.”

“I'm not sure I understand." “I will explain all on our way to your King.” The group of Dwarves approached Remliel, guiding her down the rightmost hall. She told them everything about the One, her brother and his evil deeds, and her arrival on Akkolon. The only thing she didn't know, however, was all the languages of the people on Akkolon. “Everyone speaks a different language, so how do you trade and fight alongside one another?” “There is one common language among all creatures,” one of the Dwarves said. “We call it Onuin, the Common Tongue.” They finished their long walk down the rightmost hall until they reached yet another fork, this time with two halls going opposite each other. “You will take the left hall down to the City,” the Dwarf said. “We have to get back to our mine. Best of luck to you.” The Dwarves departed, going back up the way they came. Remliel took a deep breath and walked down the hall. She descended a flight of stairs, followed a few twists in the hall, and climbed down yet another flight of stairs until she came to the City. The arch over the entrance read, in Dwarvish, “The City, the Lifegiver of the Dwarves, our Royal Hideout.” Remliel entered the city and looked in awe at what she saw. The ceiling was hundreds of feet in the air, with rainbow colored stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave. There were magnificent buildings made of clay, gravel paths and streets, and a shiny structure larger than the rest built into the back wall of the City. The Dwarves, Remleil observed, were all full of hair, in order to keep them warm under the cold mountain. The men had great beards that reached the tops of their protruding bellies, and the women had long hair that seemed to wrap itself around their faces like beards. They all wore thick, leather and fur jackets that reached their ankles, some of which were tied shut, but others hung open to reveal their brown, black, or white colored tunics, and black pants that were neatly tucked into black boots. The Archangel led her horse through the main street of the Dwarvish kingdom, looking down at the shorter race that surrounded her. They looked up at her and

her horse both in awe and in fear. The crowd of people parted for her as she made her way to the back wall, toward the shining building.

Chapter Three

Remliel reached the structure built into the wall of the mountain. It was made of gold, with Dwarvish engraved into the top of an arch that was the doorway. The Dwarvish read, “Enter into the Palace of the Three Dwarf Kings.” The Archangel walked into the palace, gently tugging her horse behind her. She noticed that only the outside was made of gold; the floors and walls of the inside of the palace were made of the same stone of the mountain. The ceilings were hundreds of feet high, with curved stone pillars reaching up to them from the floor. There were many halls and corridors stretching in every direction, but luckily, there seemed to be a main hall that led straight down the middle of the grand building. Remliel followed the main hall until she reached great stone doors with Dwarves carved into them. Words in Dwarvish curled around the stone figures, which read: “Enter the Room of Kings.” She pushed open the doors, startling herself at how heavy they were, and she gazed upon the throne room. It too was made of stone, but the thrones were golden. There was a male and female Dwarf sitting upon each of the two thrones, with expensive, exquisite purple clothes. There were two Dwarven guards standing at the bottom of the small staircase that led to the elevated thrones, and they crossed their swords when they saw the Archangel enter. “Who are you?” the Dwarven King bellowed down. “How did you enter my kingdom?” “I simply read aloud the inscription and knocked three times on the door, Your Majesty,” Remliel answered. “I have come in peace.” “That is a horse from the Kingdom of Iqocan… a kingdom of Men. We have served them in the past. Tell me, stranger, why have you come from their kingdom to ours? Are you a messenger from their King?" “No, Your Majesty, I am not. I am the Archangel Remliel, here to stop the madness that my brother has caused.”

The Dwarven King and Queen murmured to each other, then the King turned back to the Archangel. “Why have you come to us? We are the poorest and most isolated Dwarves. What help could we possibly give you?” “Do you have an army?” “Not the finest.” “That doesn't matter. If we will be allies, your army could come in handy sometime in the near future. You see, I know my brother is powerful, as am I, but I will not be able to strike him down while also fighting his dark creatures. I've recruited the Southern Elves and the Men of Iqocan. Please, our fight.” The King thought to himself for a moment, then nodded. “Very well. As much as I despise the Elves and Men, we have worked with them in the past. It's for the good of Akkolon. I accept. You may rest here tonight before continuing your journey." Remliel bowed respectfully and thanked the King before turning and leaving the throne room. She wondered to herself if any of the smaller Dwarvish beds would fit her. As she was leaving, the Queen yelled to her, “Where are you going?” Remliel turned back around. “To the village to sleep in an inn. That's where I slept with the Elves.” “We are not like the Elves,” the King said through gritted teeth. “People seem to assume too much. You are welcome to stay in the palace with us. We have a few Man-sized beds for when their messengers come to visit that I'm sure would fit you just fine.” “Thank you, Your Majesties,” Remliel said. “Your kindness will be ed.” The servants of the Queen emerged from seemingly nowhere and led Remliel back out of the throne room and into the main hall. When she got back to the entrance of the palace, the servants turned to the right and went down one of the many corridors there. They bustled down the foyer, the walls lined with paintings and doors, until they suddenly stopped. Remliel almost ran into their backs, but she stopped herself quite abruptly to keep herself from doing so.

The servants turned to their left, and one of them walked forward a bit with a ring of keys in their hand. She unlocked a door and swung it open, then instructed Remliel to go inside. “You'll stay here tonight," she said, her voice rough. “We will take your horse to the stables in the village, where you'll be able to get him on your way out tomorrow.” “Thank you,” Remliel answered, handing the reins over to the servant. She'd grown quite fond of the animal, and she gently pet the horse's nose before they took her away. The Archangel then entered her room and closed the door behind her. The room was very bare compared to the other rooms she'd stayed in. There was a small bed built into the wall directly across from the door with a relatively flat pillow and two small blankets, a chair on the right wall, and a small wardrobe on the left wall. Upon opening the dresser, Remliel saw a few drawers for clothes, a rack for shoes, and hangers for cloaks or jackets. The Archangel sighed, summoning her wings. She felt the weakness grow in her body from keeping them hidden for so long, and she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the uncomfortable pillow. She dreamt of nothing, and awoke seemingly as soon as she'd closed her eyes. A knock on the door startled her out of her sleep. “Remliel?” a Dwarf yelled through the door. “It's time for you to go!” The Archangel quickly hid her wings and emerged from her room. She smiled at the Dwarf servant woman who'd awoken her, and thanked her once again for allowing her to stay. “It's really no problem,” she responded warmly. “I also carry a message from the King. He says, ‘When you need us, send a messenger, and we will provide whatever you want.’" “Thank you,” the Archangel said. She was led out of the palace, through the tunnels, and out of the building built into the wall of the mountain. She looked down at the city, and up at the stalactites hanging from the ceiling of the cavern. The servant woman directed her to the stable to retrieve her horse, and then abruptly turned and returned into the palace. Remliel sighed and checked to make sure she had everything she'd brought; her

trumpet from the Men was tied securely to her hip, her cloak from the Elves was hanging softly from her shoulders with the hood down, and her satchel with a map of Akkolon and food was hanging across her body. She walked down the front steps of the palace and into the busy streets of the Dwarvish town. The people stopped to stare as she made her way to the stables. They'd never seen another creature before; they'd lived their lives isolated in the mountain. Children followed her down the path as it twisted and turned, looking up at her in awe. Finally, after a while of walking, she reached the place she was looking for. A Dwarf greeted her at the gate to the stable, and she saw that there was actually grass growing out of the stone floor of the mountain. The horses and donkeys were grazing, and Remliel saw her steed among them. “Your horse is a mighty one,” the Dwarf said as he walked into the pasture to retrieve her. “She's very strong and agile.” “Thank you, kind sir,” the Archangel replied. “I got her from the Kingdom of Iqocan. They say her name is Cade.” “Ahhh, a mighty name for a mighty steed.” “What does it mean?” “In the language of Men, it means stout or sturdy, but in the language of Dwarves, it means loyal, or to be of Divine origin. People in town have begun to call you Cade.” “I am honored to share my name with my steed, if she is indeed as good as you say." “You should be proud of such a horse.” The Archangel departed from the Dwarf after saying her thank yous and goodbyes. She walked her steed through the town, hearing the people whispering about her as she ed. Finally, she reached the tunnels that lead out of the mountain. She turned and took one last look at the Dwarven kingdom with their colorful stalactites, huge city, and palace built into the heart of the mountain. She finally departed, barely ing her way through the mountain. She

once again used her power to light her way, and she emerged out of the same door she'd entered through in just enough time to see that the sun was setting. She watched it go down over the sea, and walked forward into the plains. She sat on the grass, summoned her wings, and used her power to build a small fire for her and her horse. There she rested overnight, staying awake and recovering her strength. When the moon settled over the Eastern horizon, and the sun rose from the North, she stood again, awakened her horse, and pulled out her map. She saw a kingdom of Men close by: the Kingdom of Xeasia across the North River, in the South-Western corner of the world. She decided to ride to this kingdom, much smaller in size than Iqocan, and she arrived there at midday. The gates were open when she arrived, and she saw the dismal state of the village. There was a central square upon arrival, where there were sad, lopsided venues with tired looking men selling their wares. The marketplace was not crowded; only about twenty people walked around, scattered. Past that, there was one single street of houses and taverns and other various buildings, which led up to another road that ran perpendicular to the first, and an enormous black palace. The perpendicular road also held houses and other buildings like blacksmiths' workshops, bakers, and other professions. Remliel rode her horse up the central street and into the palace courtyard. She felt a sense of doom overcome her as she saw the barren land around her. There were sad-looking stable boys that approached her as she entered, swiftly taking her horse from her when she dismounted. Other than them, the only other living creature was a human girl dressed in a loose-fitting purple dress standing on the steps to the palace. “Who are you?” she asked the Archangel. Remliel was getting tired of that question. “That is not of importance. Where is the King? I must speak to him." “My father is inside. I won't let you see him until you tell me who you are.” “So she's a princess?” the Archangel thought to herself. “She surely doesn't look it.” “Come now, that is no way to treat our guest!" a man said, emerging from the doors behind the girl. “Go, Selena, and see to it that our finest guest room is available for this weary traveler.”

The princess turned and huffed, stalking into the palace. Her father, the King, stayed standing on the steps in her place. He wore very simple clothes, for being the head of the royal family, and his crown wasn't too grand either. In fact, he looked like a common peasant, except for the lack of holes in his clothing, tighter knit seams, and the small golden crown upon his head. “My name is King Shamus, head of the Blackwood royal family. And you are…?” The Archangel sighed. “My name is Remliel. I am the sister to the Dark Angel, Tetrasiel, and I've come to gather an army to fight him and destroy his evil plots.” “I see,” the King said. Remliel heard the gate to the courtyard close, and she turned to see the stable boys locking her in. “You'll have to stay with us tonight, I'm afraid. No one leaves once the gates are locked.” The nervous Archangel followed the King inside, where she was immediately ambushed by three guards. Her satchel was ripped from her body and thrown to the ground as she fought them. Her struggle against the strong men caused her to fall to her knees, and upon trying to summon her wings, they shackled her in iron chains. Her wrists burned where the metal touched, her skin visibly turning red and growing warm. She bit her tongue, simply whimpering in pain rather than screaming like her body ached to do. She realized that her angelic powers no longer worked. “What did you do to me?” she asked through a strained, painful voice. “I knew your face the moment you arrived,” the King said, getting on one knee in front of her. Remliel looked away, but the King grabbed her chin and forced her to look up at him. “You have come to stop your brother, and we can't have that.” “You… work for him?” Remliel asked, her pain growing by the minute. Her voice grew weaker as the red-hot stinging of the metal spread from her wrists, to her arms, to her chest. The King chuckled. “That I do. Thanks to the Elves from the Eastern Woods, we were able to fashion instruments that block the power of the Archangels, and weapons that cause severe damage to them. They say only an Archangel can kill an Archangel… shall we put that to the test?”

The pain had now spread all across Remleil's body, and when the King let go of her chin, her head dropped, and her body fell weakly to the floor. “Take her away,” the King said to his men. “Take her to the dungeon and wait for further instruction.” Remliel was dragged behind the soldiers down a long corridor before they descended a flight of spiral stairs into a cold, damp, concrete room with iron bars lining the walls and an open center. They opened a cell and threw her inside, allowing her weakened body to slam onto the floor. The Archangel felt her skin scrape open against the rough floor, and the guards snickered as they locked her in and climbed the stairs once again. She was alone in the darkness. **** She didn't sleep, although her body ached for rest. She mustered all of her strength and sat up against the wall, facing the door to her cell. She could see the bare middle of the dungeon, and she seemed to be the only one in the jail. She yelled out and got no answer. She couldn't tell night from day, and it seemed as though a week had gone by without anyone coming down the staircase. She thought of her immediate trust of Men, and how safe she'd been in Iqocan. She wondered how their hearts had been corrupted by her brother, when he'd created evil creatures to serve him. And how, if they were so evil, were they not transformed into Vampires? For that's how her brother had created his evil creatures; he'd stolen the One's creations and corrupted their hearts so much that they were mutated. Remliel had watched it herself; she knew of what her brother was capable. She began to think on her own assumptions of the creatures of Akkolon. She had assumed that all things created by the One, or “light creatures,” were good, and all dark creatures were evil. Surely, she couldn't be wrong? Suddenly, a light came from the top of the staircase. Remliel squinted, and tried to block her face with her arm, although she did not have enough strength left. To her surprise, the King descended into the dungeon with three men behind him, all four of them carrying a torch. When they reached the floor, they put their torches into metal slots in the wall, lighting up the room. Remliel then saw the horrors awaiting her. There were two chains hanging from the ceiling, a drain in the middle of the

floor, and various torture instruments strewn around the room on tables. She widened her eyes in fear as the men opened her cage and dragged her out by her hair. She had no strength to protest, and they quickly removed her handcuffs and placed her in the cuffs from the ceiling. She could slowly feel her strength returning to her, but it was not fast enough. The King moved to a table on one of the walls, inspecting the instruments. “Now, Remliel, why don't you enlighten us on your plans to take down your brother?” “I refuse,” the Archangel answered breathily, still recovering her strength from the magic. “Come now,” the King said, “don't be that way. This will be a lot easier for the both of us if you just cooperate with me.” “How have your hearts been corrupted by him?” she pleaded. “You must see that what you're doing, what you're ing, is wrong!” The King chuckled. “I have power, I have money, and I have a promise of Kingship over his new world. Who could refuse?” “He will rule his world of darkness,” the Archangel said. “And he will not share his power with anyone. He is not one to keep promises, I would know.” “Enough! Either you tell us everything we want to know, or you'll get hurt. Understand?" By now, he was standing before the Archangel with a whip in his hands. The instrument seemed to be made of leather, with metal hooks on the ends of the whip. Remliel looked him in the eye and spit on his face. “I will never cooperate with the likes of you.” The King shook his head. “I didn't want to hurt you. You leave me no choice.” He went behind her and began to strike her with the whip. The metal hooks on the ends of the instrument dug into her skin, ripping it open and causing blood to roll down her back and drip onto the floor. She kept her mouth shut the whole time, refusing to let him hear her scream. Her eyes, however, betrayed her, and the men saw that she shed tears for each lashing she received. When the King was done, Remliel's shirt was torn to shreds, and barely hung on

her body. Her back was red with her blood, and the gushing wounds from the whip covered almost every inch of her skin. “Are you proud of yourself,” she asked, barely audible. “Are you proud of the example you're setting for your daughter?” At that, the King grabbed Remliel's chin and forced her to look up at him. “You will not speak of her,” he said angrily. “She does not and will not know the horrors of being King.” “The horrors you bring upon yourself.” The two glared at one another before the King dropped her face and looked her up and down. He grabbed the white shirt that barely covered her and ripped it off of her body. She tried to shrink away from his eyes, but she could barely move. She watched him look up and down her body, then dismissed the men that stood in the room. Once they left and the door at the top of the stairs was shut, the King grabbed Remliel's waist and pressed himself up against her. “I can't resist you,” he whispered in her ear. “You're disgusting,” she said, struggling to pull away from him. The King just pressed himself up against her harder. She could feel his arousal, and she tried again to escape him. Without a word, the King grabbed her waistband and pulled down her pants. He then did the same on himself, and grabbed her thighs, wrapping her legs around his waist. Remliel yelled for him to stop, but still, without any words, he began to violate her in ways she never knew she could be violated. He thrusted into her deeply and roughly, and she could feel blood run down her thighs. After a few minutes, when the King was finished, he silently pulled up his pants and left her, locking the door behind him. The Angel wept in the dark, her body aching and her arms screaming. Her toes barely scraped the ground, and her entire body was limp. She could feel blood and other fluids running down her thighs, and she continued to weep until she had no more tears left to shed. After a while, she decided to close her eyes and try to get some rest, although what she saw deeply disturbed her. She was shown a vision of the mountains where her brother dwelled, and a golden throne on which he sat. Goblins scurried about around him, and he leaned forward and smirked. “Hello sister,” he

said, his voice booming around the room in which he was seated. “Tetrasiel?” Remliel asked, realizing she was in this vision. “Yes, this is no mere dream. I know where you are and what they've done to you, although I can't say that I feel sorry for you. You have some lessons to learn yet about life on this planet.” “As do you, the Corruptor.” “What a clever little name you've come up with for me,” he said sarcastically. His wings fluttered annoyedly behind him, and he glared into Remliel's eyes. “Listen here, sister. I know where you are and what you are thinking at any given time. You cannot escape me. No matter how hard you try, no matter how fast you run, you will never defeat me and you will never be away from my sight. this as you plan your plots against me: although I was born second to you, you will never be as great as me. You will never learn what I have learned, and you will never be what I will be. So give up, run home to our mother. Because you will fail." Remliel opened her eyes in the darkness, hoping to get rid of the taunting voice of her brother that still rang in her ears. She was met with more darkness, and time continued to tick by slowly. She hung there, naked, in the damp dungeon for weeks. **** She must've fallen asleep once more, because she opened her eyes when the door at the top of the stairs was opened. She was surprised, however, when she heard dainty steps descending the stairs. She saw a woman approaching with a torch in hand. “What did they do to you?” a voice asked softly. The woman hung the torch up on the wall, and Remliel saw that she was wearing a hooded cloak over her eyes and dress. “You poor thing.” The mysterious woman reached up and unhooked the cuffs from Remliel's wrists. The Archangel's body fell limp, but luckily the woman caught her. She gently walked her over to one of the tables with instruments on it, holding her up as she cleared it off. The metal and wooden things fell to the ground, and the

woman sat the Archangel onto the now empty table. “You stay right here, I'm going to get you out of here.” “Who are you?” Remliel asked weakly. “Shh, no time for that now,” the woman answered. “You'll find out in due time.” She draped a cloak over Remliel's shoulders, and it immediately stuck to her bloody wounds. She loosely tied the cloak closed and pulled up her pants for her. She flipped the hood over the Archangel's eyes, and helped her off of the uncomfortable table. “I have your things waiting for us outside. I don't expect you to walk or ride your horse, so I arranged for a wooden cart.” “Thank you,” Remliel whispered. She got no answer as she was helped up the spiral stairs. The woman had one arm around Remliel's shoulders, and she had the torch in her other hand. They walked back up the long corridor that Remliel had long forgotten about, and soon enough, the Archangel could see the doors to the palace. It was dark, and the hallway and doorway was illuminated by torches. The woman helped Remliel through the doors without a problem, and the two guards outside seemed to not notice the two women exiting the palace. True to her word, there was a wooden cart drawn by Remliel's horse and another waiting outside. The woman gently laid the Archangel into the cart before sitting behind the reins. They quickly took off, speeding out of the courtyard and into the city surrounding the palace. They were not alone though. Shortly after they left the courtyard, five soldiers of the King followed on horseback. They were shouting, and had their swords drawn. The woman turned around to see the followers, and her hood was thrown back to reveal a head of brown hair and blue eyes. Her icy eyes were sparkling with both fear and excitement. She turned back around and sped up, trying to outrun the men. Remliel, although weak, felt as if she should help her savior. She focused her energy into her returned angelic powers, and shot a ball of pure energy at the men. The one in the middle of the five was hit, and he fell off his horse and onto the ground, dead. At that, the Archangel was drained. She slumped back down into the hay of the

wooden cart, and the woman once again sped up the horses. At this point, they were reaching the front gates to the city. They sped through them, making their way north. “Where are you taking me?” Remliel asked. “The Western Woods,” the woman replied. The Archangel could slowly feel her power returning to her. She marveled at the fact that it was taking so long. “I'll have to ask the Western Elves about the magic,” she thought to herself as they continued to speed away from the palace of Xeasia. Four palace guards still followed, and the woman stood from her position behind the reins and turned herself around to face them. She pulled out a bow and a quiver of arrows, and began shooting them at the men with deadly aim. She used one arrow per man, and killed all four. After she was done, she slowed the horses down to a stop. The horse from the kingdom was visibly tired, but Remliel's horse seemed to be as calm as when they'd first arrived. The men's horses ended up running up next to the wooden cart, and Remliel helped the woman gather them to her. The horses seemed to take a liking to the mysterious woman, and allowed her to hold their reins in her hand. “Are you alright?” she asked the Archangel. “That was quite a ride.” “I'm fine, thank you. You're an amazing archer.” “Thank you, Remliel.” “How do you know my name?” “I was hoping my identity wouldn't be revealed, but since you've seen my face, I might as well identify myself. My name is Ossena Blackwood, Queen of Xeasia.” “Your husband was the one who tortured me, the one who's working with my brother.” “I do not associate myself with him anymore.”

“What about your daughter? He claims that she knows nothing of his evil works.” “She knows very well what he's been doing, and she s him fully. It's all part of an act, you see, to get pity from the townspeople and the rest of Akkolon. He plays the role of troubled King with aloof daughter, the only heir to the throne. He's been keeping me locked away, claiming that I was sick, and that the Dark Angel promised to heal me.” Remliel couldn't help but chuckle. “He would never do such a thing.” The Queen smiled sadly, looking at the ground. She had moved to the back of the wooden cart and now sat across from the Archangel. “I was sick, for a long time after giving birth to my daughter. When I was showing signs of healing, I spoke to the people and informed them of my projected recovery. By then, my child was already five years old. I had missed so much of her life, and for that she despised me. I spent two years being well, trying to gain back her love and trust, but my husband continued to poison her against me. By the time she'd turned eight, the King decided that enough was enough. He poisoned me, made me bed-ridden once again, and continued to slip his concoction into my food and drink to keep me away from the kingdom. The people were scared for my health, especially because I was supposed to teach my daughter how to be Queen, and if I was sick, who would? They feared for the future of their country and for the life of their Queen. So, my husband used that to steer them in the wrong direction. He had been working with the Dark Angel since my daughter's birth, and he claimed to the people that he would heal me of my illness. Even Selena bought it; when she saw her own father slipping poison into my drinks she turned a blind eye.” “How did you escape? You look so healthy." The Queen smiled. “I have a faithful servant, Ysoude, who realized the wrongdoings of the King and asked if there was anything she could do to help me. I told her to dispose of the food the King prepares for me and bring me new meals, to help me gain my strength back, and I will continue to pretend to be frail and weak. She did what I asked, and in return, I promised to grant her all of my jewelry, including my crown, and $40 in gold coins, along with her freedom from working in the palace. She accepted, after some persuasion, and we worked together the night I helped you escape.”

“How long was your husband keeping you that way?" Remliel asked in disbelief. “Well, the poisoning began when my daughter was eight, and she's fifteen now, so I would assume around seven years. I've been regaining my strength for two years now." “I never thought the hearts of the One's creations could be corrupted in such a way.” “It seems even the Divine have much to learn about life,” the Queen said, smiling softly. After a moment of silence, she pulled out a satchel from under the hay. “I believe this belongs to you.” Remliel took it in her hands and recognized it as the one the Southern Elves had given her. Inside was the map made by Taylodrin, and the horn she'd gotten from Iqocan. “Thank you,” she said, beaming at the Queen. She did not get a response from her, however, because she began to arise from the back of the cart. “It's getting dark, the sun is setting in the South. We must get a move on and find a good place to camp for the night.” Ossena once again took the reins of the horses leading the cart, while also holding the reins of the palace horses. Remliel could feel the wounds on her back pulsating and throbbing, and she winced in pain. The Queen slowly but steadily led the horses toward the Western Woods, and by nightfall, they were close to the border. “Should we keep going,” the Queen asked the Archangel, “or do you want to rest for the night?” “Let's make it to the wood,” Remliel replied. They rode through half of the night until they reached the border of the woods. They were immediately greeted by archers wearing blue robes. Remliel ed their class system from the Southern Realm: white for royalty, gold for the servants of royalty, purple for knights and generals, blue for soldiers, and brown for commonfolk. “We come in peace!” the Queen yelled, stopping the horses and raising her hands to the Elves. “I have these four horses as an offering of our amity!” The archers lowered their bows and gestured for the Queen to ride up to them. Remliel felt the cart jolt forward, and then stop again as they reached the Elves.

“What luggage do you tow?” one asked. “A wounded Archangel, Remliel. She's fighting for us.” The soldier looked hesitantly at the Queen, then came to look at the Archangel. Remliel laid on her side, her cloak soaked through with the blood from her back. She lazily lifted her head at the soldier, then laid it back down on the hay. Although her angelic powers were back, she did not have the physical strength to heal herself, and her wounds were getting worse by the minute. The soldiers nodded at one another, and the cart slowly began to move forward. Remliel looked up and saw the tops of the trees enclose them, and she closed her eyes, falling into a painful unconscious state.

Chapter Four

Remliel opened her eyes to find herself in a soft bed. She sat up, then winced in pain and slowly lowered herself back down. She had forgotten about her wounds. The door opened, and a kind voice spoke to her: “I'm glad to see you finally awake!” The girl that had spoken moved over to the side of the bed, and the Archangel turned to see, surprisingly, a Vampire standing over her. Her trademark pale skin, fangs, red eyes, and long black hair startled Remliel, and she jumped up from her lying position. Her back burned, but nevertheless, she was hesitant of the creature. “There's no need to be alarmed!” the Vampire said, her soft voice a sharp contrast to her appearance. “I'm sorry if I scared you. My name's Eirisse.” “I…” “I know, you're the Archangel.” “Not the one you think, probably.” Eirisse took a sad step back from the bed. Her bubbly aura was suddenly deflated. “I know what you think I am. My creator means nothing to me, or any of the other Vampires here. We're reformed." Remliel realized that she was sitting defensively in the bed, her wounds reopened on her back. She loosened her posture and relaxed a bit, trying to coax the girl back over. “I'm sorry. I suppose I have my own prejudice against my brother's creations. Please, tell me about your kin." The girl moved back over to the bed and sat down on the end of it. Remliel leaned her pillow up against the headboard and gently rested against it. “Well,” Eirisse began, "we're immortal, and we age much slower than any other creature

that walks the earth. My father was one of the original creations. When we were made, Tetrasiel wanted us to fight in his grand army, so he gave us bloodlust. This manifested itself in a way he didn't desire, however, because instead of wanting to kill, we wanted to feed. We began killing other dark creatures, so he isolated us in the Western Woods. The Elves here took us captive to protect their people, and in the prisons, our race reflected on the evil intent of our master. We decided that, with the help of the Elves, we'd make ourselves more civilized and reject the ideas of the Dark Angel. That was in the beginning of the First Age, and all throughout that age, we learned from the ways of the Elves. They agreed to allow us to live among them, have jobs, and start families. “As you can imagine, there was very little reproduction happening among the Vampires, since we were immortal, and there was already a large number of us. Although, in comparison to the other races of dark creatures, we had the fewest numbers. I was born in the middle of the First Age, and I was the first offspring of the Vampires. In Vampish, my name means ‘Opportunity.’ I'm quite honored to serve you though, Remliel, for it pleases me to help the opposition of the Dark Angel.” Remliel remained silent, stunned. She thought back to the corruption of the Men of Xeasia. Surely, dark creatures could turn to the light, she thought. “That is an inspiring story,” she eventually said, very softly. She tried to stand, and Eirisse noticed blood on the pillow she'd been leaning on. “Your wounds reopened!" she exclaimed, grabbing Remliel's arm and helping her out of the bed. The Archangel noticed she was wearing the same clothes that she'd had on in the dungeon. “We should get you cleaned up.” The Vampire led Remliel through a door and into an adjacent bathroom. The Archangel recognized the structure of the room from the inn in the Southern Woods. There was a large wooden washing basin sitting in the middle of the floor with handles and faucet for water. Eirisse helped Remliel out of her clothes, taking great care with the shirt that had seemed to implant itself in her wounds. When they finally removed it, the Archangel was crying silently from the pain. The Vampire ran some warm water, and Remliel stepped into the tub. She slowly sat down, feeling the water burn her back. She shed more tears and tensed her whole body. “You've had your wings hidden for a very long time,” Eirisse

commented. “Perhaps you should summon them, now that your angelic power has returned.” “It's going to hurt,” Remliel said through sobs. “It's okay,” the girl reassured her. “You're going to have to at one point, and it's better to do it now and get it over with. It's okay to weep, I'm here.” The vulnerable Angel listened to the girl's council, and summoned her wings with an anguished cry. The golden wings sprung forward. They were mangled, cut, and bloody, just like her back. The Vampire picked up a pile of soft, white rags, soaked them in the bathwater, and applied some soap to them. She lathered them up, and gently began cleaning the Angel's wounds. Remliel flinched and winced when the rag came in with her back, and moved away from Eirisse when she tried to touch her wings. She instinctively folded them in toward her body, causing herself more pain. “I'll leave the wings to you,” the girl said. Remliel simply nodded in response, the pain being too much to bear. They spent two hours cleaning Remliel's back and wings, and when they finally got the bleeding to stop, the bathwater was a dark red. “I suggest leaving your wings out to heal for a bit,” Eirisse said, wrapping Remliel's body gently in a long white towel. Her wet hair was wrapped in another towel to keep from sticking to her wounds, which were now dry and disinfected. “Good idea,” the Angel replied. “We'll do weekly baths, but under the Healing Falls, to quicken the process of the wounds' recovery," Eirisse commented. Remliel nodded, and the girl left her. She sat on the bed, her towel loosely draped around her body, her wings uncomfortably poking out of the top of the soft cloth. She sighed, feeling bored for the first time in her life, and decided to try and call the Vampire back into the room. “I need clothes,” she said to herself while standing. Suddenly, the door opened. The Queen from the kingdom of Men entered. “Ossena!” Remliel exclaimed. “Just the person I wanted to see.”

“I was coming to check on you,” the Queen said, smiling kindly. “How are your wounds?” “They're clean, that's for sure,” the Angel replied. “Is it possible for me to get some clothes? Clothes that my wings can be visible in?” “Of course, I'll notify Eirisse immediately.” She paused for a moment, then sat on the edge of the bed. “How are you liking the inn?” “I've stayed in an Elven inn before,” Remliel answered, “in the Southern Realm. I find them both very comfortable.” “I hope you're up for a little bit of traveling today,” Ossena said. “We're being transferred to guest rooms in the palace!” Remliel was in awe. “I've never stayed in the Elven palace before. Is it like the Southern one?” “I'm not sure, you'll have to find out for yourself,” the Queen replied. “Now, I'll go get those clothes for you and we'll be on our way. I'll make sure your wings will be comfortable, and I'll see to it that they're loose-fitting, so as not to stick to your wounds.” “Thank you,” Remliel said. The Queen left the room only to come back a few moments later. She handed the Archangel a pile of neatly folded clothes: a pair of black, leather tros, a loose white blouse, and a pair of black boots. There were hair pins and ties on the top of the pile. “I'll leave you to get dressed,” Ossena said. She exited the room, and almost immediately after, Eirisse entered. “Let me help you,” The Vampire said softly. Remliel dropped the towel that was around her body and Eirisse handed her the pair of pants. She slipped them on quickly, along with the boots. Then, the Vampire helped the Archangel slip on the shirt. Although it was loose-fitting, Remliel could still feel it trying to attach itself to her closed wounds. She was thankful for the tiny holes in the back for her wings. Finally, her hair was let down, and Eirisse brushed through it gently while pinning it up in a neat yet loose bun.

Once finished, Remliel grabbed her satchel that was on the ground by the bed, and handed it to Eirisse. “Will you be kind enough to carry this to the palace for me? It's light, it only contains a map and some provisions.” “I'm not sure I'm coming with you,” the Vampire said, taking the satchel nonetheless. “Not coming with me? I must it, even in the short day that I've known you, I'm drawn to you. Please, as a friend, you must accompany me on my journey.” The Vampire thought for a moment. “I suppose I can ask my father.” “Wonderful!" The Queen entered the room then, smiling at the Angel but slightly hesitant of the Vampire. “We should be going,” Ossena said. Remliel gestured for Eirisse to walk beside her, something which the girl was not used to. “I'm not honorable enough to stand beside you,” she said. “I should walk behind.” “Nonsense,” Remliel said. “You're a friend and ally, no matter what race. You will walk beside me just as Ossena does.” “Actually,” the Queen commented, “I'll be walking ahead to make sure the horses are ready. I'll need to have another added to the company. I hope you can ride, Remliel. It's a longer journey to the palace than it was in the Southern realm.” Ossena left them, and Remliel looked at the girl next to her. She saw a slight blush tint the Vampire's pale cheeks. “No need to be nervous,” the Angel said. They walked to the end of the hallway they were in, down a flight of stairs, and into the lobby of the inn. It looked exactly like the one in the Southern Woods, and Remliel smiled, fondly ing her time there. The only difference, however, was the amount of Vampires scattered around not only the inn, but the square outside. A large, male Vamp stood by the doors. “Where do you think you're going?” he asked, staring at Eirisse. “With the Archangel,” she said firmly. “Please, father, she invited me

personally.” They began speaking in their native tongue to one another in what Remliel assumed was an argument. While they spoke, she couldn't help but notice the difference between one of her brother's original creations, Eirisse's father, and the offspring. The girl was much smaller than her father, and many other Vampires in their area. Only around six Vamps matched Eirisse's size. “I'm going!” the girl suddenly yelled. “You can't stop me!” She then turned to the Archangel and whispered, “Come on, let's go before he decides to yell back.” The girls scurried past the large Vamp and out the doors of the inn. In the town square, there was a convoy of horses with saddlebags strapped to their sides. In these bags were food, water, and what seemed to be tarps of some kind. Ossena rode over to the Angel and the Vampire, leading them to their horses at the relative front of the line. Eirisse helped Remliel mount her steed, Cade, and while she reunited with her loyal horse, Eirisse mounted her own. “They managed to save you from Xeasia,” she said softly to the horse. “Oh, how I missed you.” The company began to slowly move forward, and Eirisse sat tall upon her horse. She had Remliel's satchel around her torso, and the reins were relaxed in her confident hands. “So,” the Angel said, “have you ever traveled to the palace before?” “Not in my long lifetime,” Eirisse answered. “I've never been outside of that little town.” “You were so nervous a few moments ago, in the inn,” Remliel commented. “I'm glad to see you've gained confidence.” The Vampire blushed slightly before clearing her throat and adjusting her posture. “Thank you,” she said, staring forward. In the very front of the line, there were two Elves in golden robes: servants of royalty. Then there was Ossena and another golden Elf, talking and laughing amongst themselves. After them, there were two blue Elves, soldiers. Then came Remliel and Eirisse, and then a pair of Vampires after them. Finally, bringing up the rear, was a pair of golden Elves, and another pair of blue Elves. The convoy

held a slow, reverent pace along the cobblestone path leading out of the square, and kept it when the street turned to dirt. Remliel talked with Eirisse about everything and nothing all at once, and watched the sun set across the trees and the moon rise above them. When the sun was fully set, the Elves in the front of the line stopped, causing everyone else to as well. “This is where we rest for the night,” one said. “In the middle of the path?” Eirisse whispered to Remliel. “I suppose so,” she whispered back. Everyone dismounted their horses and tied them to nearby trees. Remliel let Cade be free, for she knew he wouldn't wander. They then took the tarps out of the saddlebags and laid them on the path. With a bit of magic from the golden Elves in the group, the tarps rose to create a tent with wooden s going up from the bottom to the top, and smaller wooden s running across the top. “Try and get good rest,” Ossena said loudly to everyone. “We take down the tent and begin our journey again at sunrise tomorrow." The group all found a place to lie down, with Eirisse close to Remliel. The Archangel did fall asleep, just like everyone else, but this time, she dreamt. “Hello again, sister.” Remliel found herself in the mountain dwelling of her brother once again, and she saw him sitting on his golden throne surrounded by his scurrying Goblin slaves. “Tetrasiel.” “Didn't I say that I know where you are and what you think? You've befriended a Vampire… not like you now, is it?” “You said yourself that I needed to learn about life on Akkolon, and I have. Good can be bad, but bad can also turn good.” “Don't let that spark any ideas in you, sister. You won't turn any more of my creatures against me.” “I didn't turn the Vamps, you did!”

“Shut up!” Her brother rose from his throne, his wings spread out to full size behind him. His body wasn't shrunk down, and he towered over Remliel. “I hear your thoughts. You won't be able to turn me to the light.” “I never--" Tetrasiel laughed, the sound echoing across the mountaintops. “You are pathetic. Look at you, the size of a mere Elf. Compared to me, you are nothing! You shrink yourself down to please the creatures of this world, forgetting that you are Divine! You own them! They owe their life to you!" “They owe their lives to our mother!” At that, her brother slammed himself back down onto his throne, the mountains shaking beneath him. Remliel heard a shuffling behind him, and peeked around the golden chair to see a sleeping dragon. She took a step back, frightened, when the large snake-like creature shifted and moved in his slumber. “Yes, you should be afraid. The Dragons will awaken soon enough, and destroy villages and countries alike. Even the Sea Snakes are moving.” “Sea Snakes?” “What, you didn't notice? I thought not, you haven't been near the mouth of the North River or the Central Channel. The River Maidens are fighting quite a battle with my creatures right now, and I don't think they're winning.” Tetrasiel chuckled. “You can't save everyone, Remliel. So stop trying. You can't even save me." Remliel woke in a cold sweat. She looked around at the sleeping Elves and Vamps surrounding her, and she quietly got up and exited the tent. She walked up to Cade, her steed, and sighed. Reaching into her satchel, which was in the saddlebag of the horse next to Cade, she pulled out an apple from the Southern Woods. It was almost rotted at this point, and the juices leaked onto her hand, but Cade seemed to love it nonetheless. “You've been good to me,” she said softly to the horse, who was happily chewing on her soft apple. “The Dwarves told me that your name means loyalty and divinity, and now I see that that is true. Where would I be without you?” Suddenly, Remliel heard a shuffling behind her. She turned, pulling a knife out

of seemingly nowhere, only to find Eirisse standing in her shadow. “You startled me,” the Angel said, sheathing her weapon on her belt. “I'm sorry if I woke you.” “Did you have a nightmare?” “I did. I dreamt of my brother.” “Do you wish to talk about it?” Hesitantly, Remliel told Eirisse about her vision. “It's the second real dream I've ever had. The first time he visited me, I was asleep in the dungeon of Xeasia.” She paused. “I want to save him, bring him back to the happy little brother I knew in the Emptiness.” “The Emptiness? What's that?” “It's where I lived with my brother and the One, our mother, before she laid down to sleep and Tetrasiel began his madness in the world. It was a place that was just vast darkness and nothing else. The three of us lived together, and my brother and I ired our mother, although she paid all of her attention to creating Akkolon. Tetrasiel and I used to play together and spar one another to the time." “That sounds lonely.” “It was the opposite. Now that I'm here on Akkolon, I'll never be able to go back. Not unless someone with as much power as my brother can send my soul back there." “What's a soul?” Remliel didn't answer. “We'll talk more in the morning. You should get some rest.” “But what about you?” “I'll be alright. Go, lay back down and fall asleep. I'll be back before you know it.”

The Vampire waited for a moment, then made her way back into the large tent. Remliel remained outside, looking at the moonlight and the glimpses of stars that she could see through the trees. She squinted and searched as hard as she could, and she convinced herself that she could see the sleeping shape of her mother in the sky. With a heavy sigh, she turned away from the sight, and returned to the sweaty, slightly cramped tent in the middle of the path. She laid back down next to Eirisse, who was now asleep, and closed her eyes. Remliel didn't fall back asleep for the rest of the night. **** The sun rose, and a golden Elf awoke everyone with a yell. “We must continue to the palace!” he boomed, startling the company. “So rise and mount your steeds!” The people got up sluggishly, making their way out of the tent. The golden Elves that had put it up last night used their magic to shrink the tent back down to the tarp, then folded it and placed it gently in their saddlebag. The company then untied and mounted their horses and began their sluggish walk up the dirt path and toward the palace. “So, about last night,” Remliel said to break the silence. “Yes, about souls,” Eirisse said. “I want to learn more." The Archangel cleared her throat. “It's hard to understand, but when the One created life on Akkolon, she created a set amount of souls for every living thing. This included animals and plants, not just her ‘intelligent’ creatures. Whenever one living thing dies, its soul is transferred into another living thing. For example, a woman from the race of Men is pregnant. On the day her child is born, a plant from all the way across the world will die, and that plant's soul will be transferred into the new baby's body, with no memories of its past life. This cycle will continue, for when that baby grows old and dies, the soul of the baby will be transferred into, perhaps, a newborn calf in another kingdom. Do you understand?” Eirisse nodded. “There's only a set number of souls. Right.” “This is why what my brother did is so abominable. He created more souls, disrupting the natural cycle that our mother made. It brought an imbalance to the

world, and therefore, the world had to correct itself.” “What about the immortal creatures? What happens to their immortal souls when they're killed in battle or by poison?” “That's a tricky question.” The Archangel thought for a moment. “I'm not sure how to phrase it, but when an immortal being dies, their soul is sort of ‘stored’ in another living thing, until another immortal being is born.” Eirisse looked confusedly at the Angel. “How?” “Okay," Remliel said, “let me give you an example. Let's say an Elf was killed in battle. Their soul wouldn't be transferred to a newborn immortal being, since immortals very rarely reproduce. So, their soul would be trapped in the closest living thing, like a blade of grass, until a new immortal being was born. Then it would be drawn out of the grass and into the newborn. Does that make sense?” “I suppose so.” Remliel answered Eirisse's questions about the Emptiness, and the One, and souls for the remainder of that day's journey. Finally, at sundown, the company reached the Elven palace. It was made of diamond, just like the Southern realm, and it was built the same way. The bottom floor branched off into three separate hallways, with the rightmost one leading to the soldiers' quarters, the leftmost one leading to workrooms and the stairs, and the center leading to the throne room, with two courtyards on either side. Upon entering, there was a small hallway that stretched out on either side, with two doors at each end. The leftmost one lead to a workroom, and the rightmost one led down to the dungeon. Upon reaching the front of the palace, golden Elves approached the company and took their horses to the stable. The group made their way inside, only to be greeted by the King and Queen themselves. They stood in their white clothing with grand crowns on their heads and capes draped around their shoulders. The King held a white scepter, and the Queen had a white, handheld fan in her hand. The company bowed and curtsied before the royalty, and they did the same, out of respect to Queen Ossena and the Archangel. The Elvish royalty rose first, then the people of the company. “You must be exhausted from your long journey,” the Elvish Queen said to the

group. “I will have servants lead you to your rooms upstairs.” “We will address the Archangel Remliel and Queen Ossena in the morning,” the King added. “We will send servants to wake you and bring you clothes suitable for the court.” Once the King was finished speaking, the royalty turned and made their way down the leftmost hall, followed by the golden Elves of the company and those scattered around the palace. The blue soldier Elves moved to their rooms down the rightmost hall, and a brown Elf emerged from the center hall to lead the remaining group up to their rooms. The Elf brought the company down the leftmost hall, all the way down to the stairwell at the end. He led them up the stairs, then branched out to show each person their room. The three Vampires, including Eirisse, along with Remliel and Ossena, were led down the same hall, that was lined with various doors. The Vampires were put in a room a few doors down from the Queen and the Archangel. Eirisse waved goodbye as she shuffled into her shared room, and Remliel waved in return. Once their door was shut, the brown Elf led the Archangel to the room nextdoor to the Vamps, and Ossena to the room next to that. “Sleep well,” the Elf said. “I will be here to awaken you tomorrow morning." Remliel entered her room and shut the door, marveling at the grandeur before her. There was a large bed on the right wall of the room, a walk-in closet and another adjacent room on the left wall, a cushioned, and grand chair pushed into a professional looking desk on the wall to the right of the bed. What astonished Remliel the most was the wall opposite the door, for it was simply a huge window overlooking one of the two courtyards. She slowly walked into the room, setting her returned satchel down on the desk. She slipped off her boots and looked in the closet to find white nightgowns hanging neatly. She stripped out of the clothes she'd been gifted at the inn and changed into one of the nightgowns, which fit her perfectly, except that her wings were uncomfortably stuffed into the back. She ultimately decided to take off the nightgown and rehang it. She then inspected the other room that was next to the closet. She opened the door to find a metal washing basin with a faucet for water. There was a counter against the wall for clothes, towels, or anything else one would need while bathing.

She closed the door to her washroom, then crawled into the comfortable bed that had been made for her. The silk sheets comforted her body, and the thick, warm blankets helped her fall right asleep. This time, she had no dreams, and only awoke to someone gently shaking her. “Remliel?” a voice said. “Please wake up, you have an audience with the royalty." The Archangel opened her eyes and sat up slowly in bed, her wounds aching. She saw the eyes of the Elven servant widen before she realized she was naked. She covered herself and apologized to the poor Elf that stood before her. “I left your clothes on the desk next to your satchel,” she said quickly. “Queen Ossena will be by to bring you to the royalty.” The Elf quickly scurried out of the room, closing the door behind her. Remliel thought nothing of being covered before, but then again, she wasn't from Akkolon. “Perhaps one's naked form was more intimate than I'd thought,” she said to herself. Remliel got up out of her bed and crossed to the desk, where she saw a neatly folded pile of cloth. She picked it up and found a dress waiting for her. She'd never worn a dress before, besides nightgowns, and was curious as to how it worked. Nevertheless, she squeezed herself into the fabric, guiding her wings through the back of the dress, which plunged deep down her back and was tied by crossed strings. Once she was fully dressed, she adjusted the twisted dress around her body until it fit perfectly. Her wounds were open, thanks to the back of the dress. She took a deep breath and threw on her boots, opening the door to her room to find Queen Ossena standing there. “I was just about to knock,” she said. “You look beautiful.” Remliel's dress was tight at the top, but then loosened around the legs. It was shorter in the front than in the back, and it was a solid emerald green color. Ossena's dress was similar, with a tight top and poofed out bottom. It was apparent that she wore a hoop skirt underneath her dress, which reached the floor and was the same length around. “Oh,” the Queen said, noticing Remliel's shoes. “That won't do.” “What?” “Your boots don't look good with those formal clothes. Come into my room and

I'll give you a pair of heels to wear.” Queen Ossena led Remliel to her room, which was just next to the Angel's. The Queen's ruby red dress swished against her ankles as she walked into the room, opening the closet and bending down to retrieve a pair of black chunk heels. They were open-toed with a ing strap that wrapped around the ankle. The Angel changed from her boots into those, and dropped her informal footwear back off in her room once they resumed their walk to the throne room. Ossena and Remliel walked to the stairwell, descending back onto the first floor. They then walked down the hallway and into the general vestibule of the palace. They then turned and went down the center hallway, seeing the blue Elves guarding the door to the throne room. “Good morning,” Remliel said to them in Elvish. “We have an audience with the royalty.” The soldiers opened the grand, iron doors, and the women entered. The large golden thrones stood before them in the hall of diamond. The King and Queen sat on their thrones, rising when Remliel and Ossena entered. “Welcome!” the King boomed. “We've been expecting you!” Ossena and Remliel bowed respectfully to the royalty, and they did the same in return. “How can we be of service?” “Ossena, a longtime ally of our kingdom, any news on your husband and daughter?” “Their hearts are not changed,” she replied sadly. “I'm afraid I will be the only citizen of Xeasia that will fight in the war.” “That saddens me,” the King replied. After a pause, he said, “I dismiss you Queen. Go speak with my generals in the conference room about the current and war." Ossena bowed and left the throne room. Once the door was closed, the King and Queen directed their attention to Remliel. “The Archangel,” the Queen said in awe. “I've awaited this moment for a lifetime.” “I'm sure you know why I'm here. My brother--" “Yes, your brother. We will provide whatever you may need, but it comes at a

price.” The King walked toward Remliel, standing beside her and draping his arm around her shoulder. “Let us show you something. Come with me.” The royalty led Remliel around the back of the thrones and through a secret door that was there. They then brought her down a flight of stairs lit only by torches that lined the upper walls, and down a damp corridor that was lit the same way. Remliel was then brought through another door and into a surprisingly furnished room. There was a large, wooden table in the center of the room, wooden chairs against the walls, paintings of the royalty and maps of Akkolon hanging on the walls, and two cabinets standing in the corners across from the door. “This is our war strategy room,” the King said. “We need your help.” “I'm not sure I'll be of much help, Your Majesty. I've never fought in a war before.” “Yes, but you've been anticipating and planning one all along, haven't you? Against your brother?" “I suppose.” “Perfect, you could be of great use to us.” The King leaned over the table and pointed at the map that was strewn across it. “This is a map of our northern-eastern borders, one which is dangerously close to the Distant Highlands. Right now, the Dwarves of those mountains are trying to invade us for our riches, since we trade with the Sea Maidens on our western border. They know of their riches, and they're greedy for them. Our armies are strong, but so are theirs. The Queen and I, along with some help from Queen Ossena, have been trying to strategize a way to push the Dwarves back into their mountain home once and for all. We've been at a stalemate in our fighting for quite some time now, and we don't want to lose any more Elven lives.” Remliel leaned over the table, looking at the red and blue markings on the map. “I'm assuming the red dots are your armies and the blue are the Dwarves?” “That's correct. We've been fighting there for almost two years now. We have a fort built to keep them from crossing the border."

“I see. Well, you can do one of two things. You can either bring in reinforcements and launch a full-blown attack on their armies, wiping them out until they surrender, or you can come to some sort of treaty or arrangement to end the war.” The King looked at his Queen, who had worry written on her face. “I don't want to risk any more lives,” the Queen said, “but we do have plenty of soldiers that aren't in battle.” “Launch the attack,” the King said. “Remliel, you can help my wife gather the rest of our troops here in the palace. Those in the villages can stay there. We march tomorrow morning for the fort." The royalty and the Angel left the war room, went back through the damp corridor, and up the dimly lit stairs back into the throne room. The King closed and locked the door, and he took his seat on his throne. The Queen led Remliel out of the throne room and down the leftmost hall of army barracks. At the very end of the hall, there was a large, golden bell, which the Queen rung. Soldier after soldier ran out of their rooms, some in blue and some generals and purple, and they all made a formation outside of their doors. They saluted the Queen, then stood at attention. “Brave knights, generals, and army men,” the Queen yelled, addressing the troops. “The time has come to your brothers and sisters at the Fort of Caerhas, and fight the Dwarves with everything we've got. We'll send them back into their mountain homes and stop the useless bloodshed of our brethren!” The troops cheered, and rushed back into their rooms. “Tomorrow we march!” they cheered. “What ?” the Angel asked the Queen. “What will the royalty do?” “The King will go and fight with his army, and I will stay behind,” she answered. “Then I will fight with him,” Remliel replied. “I just need armor and a sword.” “But your wounds--” “Those are all but healed,” the Angel said dismissively. “If I am to expect my

allies to fight with me in my war, then I shall fight with them in theirs.” “I'll have some tailors come to your room later this evening to measure you for armor,” the Queen said. “Is there any way you can create holes for my wings?” “Of course.” “And can you also see if you can make the armor grow and shrink with me if I decide to show my true form?” The Queen smiled. “I would have it no other way.” “Perfect.” Remliel strolled back to her room, softly closing the door behind her. She kicked off her uncomfortable shoes and sighed, sitting on the side of her bed. There was a soft knock on the door, and Eirisse entered the room. “I don't mean to intrude,” she said, closing the door behind her. “How did the audience with the royalty go?” “It went fine,” the Angel replied. “I am to fight in their war against the Dwarves.” The Vampire looked taken aback. “With your wounds?” “I'll have armor.” “And what if you get hurt?” “I fight alongside my allies. No matter the cost. It's not like they can kill me." Eirisse sat on the chair by the desk, across from the Angel. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” There was another knock on the door, and two brown Elves entered the room. “I think it's a great idea,” Remliel answered. She then turned to the Elves. “You must be the tailors?”

“We will start with you in your true form,” one said. “Strip out of that dress and summon your true strength. We must measure.” Remliel did as she was told, appearing in her true form for the Elves and Eirisse. The brown Elves got out their measuring tools and began their work, and when they were done, she shrunk back down to Elven size to be measured once again. Finally, the tailors bustled out of the room, and Remliel put her dress back on. She realized that Eirisse was still in the room, and she blushed. “I'm sorry you had to see that.” “It was beautiful,” the Vampire replied. “I mean-- you're beautif-- uh, nevermind.” Remliel chuckled slightly. “Thank you,” she said kindly. They sat in silence for a few moments, before Eirisse spoke up. “I have something to confess.” “Oh?” “I value our friendship greatly--” “Oh, I'm glad, so do I.” “No, there's more.” She paused. “When I first met you, I thought you were stuck up and rude.” “Okay?” “But then, getting to know you on the journey here and throughout our stay, I feel drawn to you. I feel like our friendship is a strong one, and I don't want to lose it, but I also feel that there's more in my heart.” “I don't understand.” The Vampire sighed. “How do you explain love to the Divine?” she said to herself. Remliel heard this, however, and her heart skipped a beat in her chest. “Eirisse,

I--” “No, Remliel, please. Let me show you what I mean.” The Vampire leaned closer to the Archangel, who did not move a muscle. Remliel felt her heart beating faster, aching to break out of its cage and leap into Eirisse's hands. The Vampire moved to sit on the bed next to the Angel, putting a soft hand on her cheek. Remliel slightly leaned into the touch, her nervous eyes scanning Eirisse's calm ones. The Vamp leaned closer, lining her lips up with Remliel's, and just when they were an inch away from each other, Eirisse smiled. She closed the distance, touching their lips together briefly, then pulling away. The Archangel felt her heart slamming against her ribcage, her breath short. “What is this?” she asked, mostly to herself. Eirisse began to grow nervous. “I'm sorry,” she said, standing. “It was too much. This is too soon.” She fled the room, with Remliel calling after her. Just as Eirisse was leaving, Queen Ossena entered. “What happened?” “I don't know.” The Queen stood in the doorway for a moment, still in her red dress, and then invited herself into the room, closing the door behind her. “I hear you are to fight with the Elves tomorrow morning,” she said. “Yes, I will defend my allies.” “Well, I hate to say it, but I must be returning to Xeasia.” “Why? You finally escaped." “I have heard news of my daughter. She asks about me, and she says she misses me and wants to run away from her father. She saw him torturing her favorite servant, the one she's had since birth, and she's had enough. She sent Ysoude, my servant, to bring me the news. She awaits me on horseback in the courtyard outside the palace.” Ossena moved toward Remliel, bringing her close and hugging her. “I wish you well, and know that I will always be your ally.”

Remliel hugged her back. “You will be in my thoughts, always.” The Queen departed, and Remliel never saw her again.

Chapter Five

That night, as Remliel was preparing to sleep, there was a knock on the door. The tailors entered with armor and clothes in their arms. “Good luck fighting tomorrow,” one said, laying the garments on the desk. “You have Elven prayers in your name.” “Thank you,” she said as they left. She then turned to the clothing, noticing golden armor, a pair of brown pants with an off-white rope belt, a white shirt with a v-neck cut that was loosely fitting and had designated holes for her wings, and a black nightgown, once again with holes, that was silk and went down to her knees. She smiled, changing out of the dress and hanging it in the closet. She then slipped on the silk nightgown and sighed with comfort. She hung her clothes, put her boots and heels neatly on the floor under them, and crawled into bed. As she closed her eyes, she couldn't help but think of her encounter with Eirisse. Her heart fluttered when she thought of it, and she yearned for another meeting. She thought of the way her lack of response scared her away, and she sighed sadly. “I wonder if she'll see me off tomorrow,” she said quietly to herself, falling into slumber. She was awakened by a shake. A brown Elf stood over her. “It is time,” he said, quickly fleeing the room. Remliel jumped out of bed, changing quickly into her new clothes and armor. She then ran out of the room, shoving her boots on her feet, and met the King in the courtyard outside of the palace. He handed her an iron sword, smiling. “This is Nethersbane, one of our finest swords. I am honored to have you bear it in battle.” Remliel accepted it gratefully, retrieving her horse and mounting her. “It's been a while,” she said happily, petting her mane. “I'm glad to see you again.” The King and the Angel rode up to the front of the company together. “We have 5,000 troops riding with us today,” the King said. “We have another 15,000 at

the fort.” “That's not a lot,” Remliel said. “How many do the Dwarves have?” “25,000." “We're outnumbered by 5,000 men. We surely won't succeed." “We will fight nonetheless.” The purple Elves, generals, in the front of the company blew a magnificent chord on their horns, and the group of soldiers rode off, led by their King and the Archangel. Remliel took one look back before taking off, hoping to see Eirisse standing in the courtyard of the palace, but she was nowhere to be seen. The company rode through the dirt paths of the woods, silently approaching what was almost certainly their doom. All that Remliel could think of was the Vampire waiting for her at the palace. She had to set things right with her. They rode through the night as well, since Elven eyes weren't sensitive to the dark, and they could see just as well as in the day. Finally, at dawn, the company reached Fort Caerhas. It was a grand, stone structure with an iron gate. It was opened for the troops, and promptly closed after they entered. The fort had an empty middle, with barracks in the back corners, and stairs leading up to a second level along the walls adjacent to the gate. There were stables along the side walls, and the troops' horses were tied up there. Remliel dismounted, allowing Cade to roam freely toward the stables. She then followed the King up to the second level, which was full of soldiers. They all had bow and arrow as weapons, but they also had sheathed swords on their hips. She looked down at the battlefield below them, seeing the Dwarven army with their axes. They chanted a war cry in their language, and then suddenly fell silent. The King of the Elves directed all of his troops' attention to the new threat below, and they all lined up with their arrows ready. “King Ualiar!” the Dwarf king shouted. “Bring your men down to us and fight! Stop hiding like cowards!” The King turned to Remliel. “What should I do?” “Send down your troops. Leave about half up here to fire from above and send a cavalry down on horseback to fight with their swords. I will those down

below, you stay up here.” The King nodded, and Remliel took a large group of soldiers down to the first level. “Mount your steeds!” she yelled, jumping onto Cade's back and drawing her sword. “We will meet the Dwarves in battle!" The Elves let out a war cry, the gate was lowered, and Remliel led the troops out into the open battlefield. The Dwarves raised their axes, and the Elves drew their swords. The Archangel let her wings spread behind her, and she swung her sword down at the Dwarves below her. The Elven archers that remained in the fort sent down a flurry of arrows, striking down the unprepared Dwarven army. The battle lasted only a day; the Elves almost wiped out the Dwarves before they surrendered. A peace treaty was signed by both the Kings, stating that they would be trade partners for specific goods. Out of the 20,000 Elven soldiers, they only lost 1,000, whereas the Dwarves lost 15,000 out of their 25,000. Once the fighting had ceased, it was nightfall. The Elves that had ridden there that morning mounted their horses, once again led by the King and the Archangel. The soldiers on foot marched behind them, and they slowly made their way back to the palace. The journey took two days, and on the second, they were welcomed back with the sounds of trumpets and singing. Cheers rang out in the villages surrounding the castle, and the voices of the Elves could be heard throughout the entirety of the Western Woods. Two days after the soldiers' arrival home, there was a grand banquet and ball planned. Every Elf in the woods was invited, and the palace was full of booming voices and laughter. Vampires both served the Elves and ed them in the festivities. Remliel was upstairs in her room, getting ready to the ball, when she heard a soft, hesitant knock on her door. She quickly finished putting on the dress she'd worn for her royal audience a week ago and opened the door. She smiled when she saw Eirisse standing there. “I haven't seen you since I left for the war!” the Angel exclaimed, swinging the door open. “Please, come in!" The Vamp shyly entered. “I just wanted to say that I won't be ing the party tonight,” she said, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I just wanted to see you and set things right.”

Remliel sat at the desk and turned her chair to face the girl. “Go on.” “I know that kiss was too soon,” Eirisse said, wringing her hands in her lap nervously. “I just want to forget about it, okay? Go back to being friends and whatnot. I'll be taking you for your weekly baths in the Healing Falls, and we can talk and act like nothing happened. Please.” Remliel sighed. “Of course Eirisse. We've always been friends, and I have nothing to be angry about." The Vampire stood, retrieved Remiel's heels for her, and bowed respectively. “I'll see you tomorrow morning,” she said, leaving the room and closing the door. The Angel couldn't help but feel guilty. She thought about her reaction to her friend's kiss — more like a lack of reaction. Her heart throbbed in her chest, and for some reason, she was no longer motivated to go to the party downstairs. Nevertheless, she slipped on her heels, puffed up the feathers in her wings, and exited her room. She hesitated by the Vampires' door and thought about knocking, but decided that she had nothing to say, so she continued on down the stairs. The music and laughter of the Elves filled Remliel's ears as she neared the party. The entire first floor of the palace was full of guests, including the throne room. Remliel was nervous about the Elves finding the royal war room, but she noticed that they were respectful enough to not go anywhere near the thrones. There was a buffet table set up in the main vestibule of the palace, with all kinds of meats, cheeses, vegetables and fruits, and desserts. The Archangel filled her plate with a small portion of everything, and she took a seat on the outside stairs leading into the palace. “I expected to see you rejoicing,” a voice behind her said, “not wallowing by yourself outside.” Remliel turned to see the Queen, who sat beside her with her own plate of almost identical foods. “I am happy we won the war,” the Angel said. “I am mournful of our dead, but that is not why I am alone.” “Why are you?"

“I have these feelings, emotions I never knew I was capable of. I feel that it's too late to show it, since the one I'm interested in wants to forget about what happened.” “Who is this person you fancy?” “I'm not sure if I should tell you. I will say that she kissed me before we left for battle, and I didn't really respond to it since it surprised me, and now I suppose she thinks I'm not interested in her. I'm not even sure if I am.” “Well, how does this girl make you feel when you talk?” “I don't know — she fills me with warmth, and joy, and I feel like I never want to stop talking to her. And I want to keep looking at her face when she gets excited about something, or understands something I've been explaining. I want to see her eyes brighten when she sees me.” “Then I think you have your answer.” “But I've only known her for a few weeks. How can I love her yet?” The Queen set her plate to the side, and did the same with Remliel's. She then took the Angel's hands in hers and looked her dead in the eyes. “Love knows not of time, or of place. Love knows not of who or of when. Love only knows love. One cannot control who they love, or when they love them. What one can do is act upon that love in any way they think they should. And if the one you love does not love you in return, you still cannot smother your love. You must wait for it to trickle away, and sometimes it never does. Love is a mystery, but it's a beautiful one. Don't be afraid to love the one you love." Remliel nodded, and the Queen silently picked up her plate. She stood, and sighed contentedly. “The stars are beautiful tonight, aren't they?” she asked. “Yes, they are,” the Angel replied. She picked up her plate as well and stood, following the Queen back into the palace. The partygoers congratulated Remliel on the defeat of the Dwarves, marveling at her wings the whole time. Gentle hands outstretched themselves toward her, trying to caress the seemingly soft feathers of her wings. It was crowded. Remliel ended up setting down her plate somewhere and forgetting where it was. She was offered a drink, but refused. The room seemed to spin around her, with the thoughts of love burning in her

brain and the hundreds of Elven hands trying to touch her. Finally, she snuck off to the stairs and climbed her way back up to her room. She slammed the door behind her, breathing heavily. Her wings were dirty, and had lasting fingerprints on them. Luckily, no one had touched the base of the wing that connected to her back; that was an intimate spot. She tried running her own bath, but was confused as to how the washbasin worked, so she ended up changing into a nightgown and collapsing in bed. Her eyes shut, and she fell asleep almost instantly. The winds rushed past her ankles, her feet standing on snow. She looked up and saw that she was once again with her brother. Her black nightgown was pushed up against her body with the wind. “Welcome again, sister,” her brother said, leaning down in his throne. “What do you want?” “I just like to intimidate you. Although, I've seen your developing relationship with the Vampire girl, Eirisse. I suggest you forget about that soon.” “Why would I do that?” “You think you know what love is, but you don't have the same emotions as the rest of the world. And to fall for a damned creature? That would make you look less reputable to your allies.” “My allies have already sworn their allegiance,” Remliel responded sharply. “They will not back out because of who I love. And I may not know exactly how to feel love like everyone else, but I know that the love I feel is real. No one can take that from me.” Tetrasiel chuckled. “You've known the girl for a little under three weeks! How can you declare love so soon?" Remliel ed the Queen's speech and said to her brother, “Love knows not time or place, love only knows love. It doesn't matter how short or longs it's been, I love her and that's that.” “Whatever you say, sister.”

“I'm done with this,” Remliel said. “Send me back.” “You'll never be able to escape me,” Tetrasiel answered. “Not even in your dreams. I know what you're thinking." “So you've told me.” “I know you plan to save me, and I'll try and tell you this again: don't bother, it won't work.” Remliel only rolled her eyes, and her brother yelled, forcing her awake. **** Her eyes flew open, and she could still hear her brother's frustrated cry ringing in her ears. She got out of bed only to see that she'd slept through the night. There was light coming in through her window, and she changed out of her nightgown and into her comfortable traveling clothes. There was a knock on the door, and Eirisse entered. “I'm glad to see you're dressed," she said, smiling. “I'm here to bring you to the Falls.” The Vampire led Remliel through the halls of the palace, out the front door, and down a dirt path that led a way that she'd never been before. “Where are these falls?” Remliel asked. “A half a day's journey west, right on the shore of the Sea.” “I've only ever seen the Sea once, and it was when I landed on Akkolon.” “We have vast ports for trading with the Sea Maidens,” Eirisse said, continuing to lead the Angel through the woods. “The falls are a bit north of that.” A couple of hours after noon, the two women reached the Sea. The vast, sparkling blue waters stretched out as far as the eye could see, and there were small ships on the horizon. Mermaids fins surfaced and then sunk, over and over again, hypnotically adding magic to the scene. Remliel looked to her right and saw a cliff overlooking the Sea, and under it, a magnificent curtain of water falling silently into a pool that lay in a cavern. That was where Eirisse led her.

Remliel stripped from her clothes and entered the pool, letting the water fall over her head gracefully. Eirisse ed her, still fully dressed, and took out a soapy sponge from a crevice inside the small cavern wall. The Vampire began to massage Remliel's wounds with the sponge, being careful to avoid the wings. When she was done, she let the water of the falls clean the soap off of the Angel's back, and the wounds were nothing more than scars. Next, Eirisse let Remliel take the sponge and massage her wings, which were then rinsed the same as her back. Once again, it left nothing but scars. “It seems you've healed faster than I anticipated,” Eirisse said, looking at the Angel's bare back. “Your wounds are completely finished healing, it's amazing.” “Too bad I'll never see the falls again then,” Remliel said, stepping out of the water and onto the beach. “Did you bring a towel?” Eirisse blushed. “I forgot one, I'm sorry.” “That's alright, I'll just air dry. Maybe I'll go for a swim.” “I'm sure the Mermaids will want to meet you,” Eirisse said. “Why don't you come with me?” “They'll fear me.” “Not if you're with me, they won't. Come on, it'll be fun!" “If you insist.” Eirisse hesitantly stripped out of her simple clothes and ed Remliel on the beach. She laid her soaking wet clothes out in the sun to dry, and the two women made their way into the water. It was warm, and they swam out until the water's depth reached their shoulders. “We should go back,” the Vampire said. “I've never swam before, I don't want to drown.” “You won't," Remliel replied. She gathered some of her white power in her hands, and Eirisse widened her eyes in both fear and surprise. “Do you trust me?” “Yes.” “Then close your eyes and go under the water.”

The Vampire did as she was told, and Remliel ed her. She pressed her power to the sides of Eirisse's head, and the Vamp opened her eyes wide underwater. She took a short breath in, then out, and realized that she could breathe in the salty water just fine. She smiled at Remliel, then resurfaced with her. “Can you breathe too?” “Yes.” “Then let's swim!” The women dove under the water once again, taking long inhales and exhales as they went further and further out from the shore. Soon enough, they met a small group of Sea Maidens. There were five of them, each with different skin tones. The first was as pale as Eirisse with white hair, a white tail, and light blue eyes. The second was tanner, with light brown hair, a tail to match, and light brown eyes. The third was a bit darker, with blue hair, a tail to match, and blue eyes. The fourth was even darker still, with bright red hair, a tail to match, and brown eyes. The final Mermaid was the darkest, with bright green hair and a tail and eyes to match. All five welcomed the newcomers with joy, marveling at their legs and different appearance. The Mermaids swam around them, touching their hair and legs and body. After a moment, they swam off, waving goodbye, clicking their tongues, and singing. Remliel and Eirisse were now alone in the vast Sea, for they couldn't see any more clans of Mermaids around them. Eirisse took a deep breath, and began to try and speak. It was muffled, but Remliel could hear just fine. “That was — magical.” “That it was.” They sat in silence for a moment, then Remliel spoke again. “I was talking with the Queen last night, at the party. I got to thinking, and she gave me some good advice. I just want to know what you think.” “What is it?” Remliel gently reached out and touched Eirisse's face. “Her advice was to act on love. Should I?"

Eirisse's eyes went wide, and she stuttered. “I… I…” Remliel didn't wait for an answer. She pressed her lips against Eirisse's, and for a brief moment, the Vampire kissed back. Remliel pulled away, but Eirisse dragged her back, pressing her whole body against the Angel. They floated in the Sea, sharing that one deep kiss, each one never wanting it to end. Finally, when they pulled away, they heard the song of the Mermaids, and the clan of five from earlier returned. The Mermaids led the Angel and the Vampire down deeper into the Sea, until they reached a small underwater cavern. They entered, sitting on stones that were carved into the shape of chairs, and the Sea Maidens offered them gifts. One gave the women a glass rock, one gave them a piece of wood off of a shipwreck, one gave them a glass jar filled with sand, one gave them a large piece of stone, and the last gave them an amazonite stone. At this, the Mermaids sang, and led them back up to the shore. They waved goodbye, flipped their fins, and swam away. Remliel and Eirisse surfaced, panting for breath after their long swim, and retrieved their clothes. They were still soaking wet from their swim, but the sun was starting to go down, and it was still a half a day's journey back to the palace. They carried their gifts from the Mermaids back to the castle, slipped past the guards, and snuck up the stairs into Remliel's room. By now it was almost midnight, and everyone in the palace was asleep. They entered the Angel's room and shut the door, setting the now dry gifts down on the desk. “I wonder why they'd give us such random things?” Eirisse said. “Perhaps they will be useful later,” Remliel said, slipping out of her drying clothes and into a nightgown. Eirisse slipped on one of Remliel's nightgowns too, for she'd left all of her clothes in her own room and wasn't going to sneak in and awake the other Vamps. The two women crawled into bed together. They laid and looked at each other, and their lips met again. Slowly at first, they kissed, but soon it grew into a ionate hurricane of tongue and teeth. Remliel flipped on top of Eirisse, pulling away from the kiss and panting. “Do you know what to do?” Eirisse asked.

“I've never felt this before,” the Angel answered. “I feel like there's fire between my legs and in my heart. I don't know how to put it out.” “Let me show you," the Vamp said, flipping them over so that she was on top. She slowly kissed her way down her body, running her hands up and down her sides. Finally, she reached the area between her legs, and she pulled Remliel's nightgown up over her hips to expose it. “Beautiful,” she whispered, applying feather-light kisses to her inner thighs. She then moved to the spot Remliel wanted her most, a part of her that she didn't even know she had. She moaned when Eirisse's lips touched her there, her fingers gently touching and moving along her thighs. Remliel felt a heat low in her stomach, building and building, and soon enough she couldn't control it. Her hips moved to the rhythm of the Vampire's mouth, and after a few more minutes, she felt the heat explode. Her hips twitched, and she couldn't bite back her moans while her body erupted with pleasure. When she came down from her high, panting, she felt Eirisse pull down her nightgown, concealing her from the world once more. “Can I do that to you?” she asked her lover. “That's how this works,” she answered. “Here, I'll guide you.” They switched spots, and Remliel kissed her way down Eirisse's body the same way she'd done for her. When she reached between her legs, she pulled up her nightgown the same way, and looked at that spot that she wanted to be. At first, all she could see was something her brother had created, that this beauty surely couldn't come from such evil. But after a second, she saw past her creator, and only saw the alluring body of her lover. She kissed her there, and when Eirisse's reaction was positive, she started to use her mouth. Licking and sucking, she soon found a rhythm, and after a few moments, she had the Vampire's hips moving to it. Her tongue never got sore, and she never had to come up for air. Eirisse soon reached her high, and once she started to come down, she gently pulled Remliel's head up and smiled at her. “That was really good,” she said, panting. The Archangel pulled her nightgown back down and crawled up next to her, snuggling into her side. They fell asleep next to each other, and Remliel dreamt of something other than the mountains. She dreamt of a field, littered with bloody, armored bodies of Elves, Men and Dwarves. She looked around and saw

the bodies of Goblins, Werewolves, and Vampires. She felt her heart skip a beat in her chest, and she frantically searched for Eirisse. She found her, eyes open wide, lying with a bloody torso. She coughed up some blood, gasping for breath. Remliel ran over to her, and Eirisse grabbed her arm and pulled her to her knees next to her. The Angel cradled the Vampire's head in her lap, and as Eirisse tried to speak, there was a deep laughter. Eirisse took a final breath, going limp in Remliel's arms. The Angel stood, looked behind her through a blur of tears, and saw Tetrasiel's silhouette, laughing at her pain. “What did I tell you?” he said. “You can't stop me, and you can't save her.” **** Remliel awoke in a cold sweat. She looked next to her and saw Eirisse still sleeping soundly. Slowly, the events of the day prior returned to her memory. The bath under the Falls, the swim in the Sea, the intimacy just a few hours ago. The Angel quietly got out of bed and made her way over to the bathroom, shaking from her nightmare. She lit a candle that was located on the edge of the washbasin, putting it on the ledge of the sink that stood against the back wall. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, splashed some cold water in her face, and tried to get the image of her lover dying out of her head. After a few moments, she felt a soft hand on her waist. She turned, startled, to see Eirisse standing behind her. “Are you alright?” she asked sleepily. “I'm sorry to have woken you,” Remliel said. “You had a nightmare?” “Yes, but it's over now. We can go back to bed.” Eirisse held Remliel's hand as she led her back to the bed. They laid down again, the Vamp falling asleep almost immediately. Every time Remliel closed her eyes, she saw Eirisse's dead face staring back at her, and she didn't sleep for the rest of the night. The next morning, Remliel was up before Eirisse. She got dressed and began packing her bags. When the Vampire awoke and saw this, she panicked.

“Where are you going?” she asked, quickly getting out of bed and throwing on her clothes. “I feel it's time to move on from the Western Woods. I've been here for almost a month now." “Where will you go next? You just beat the Dwarves of the Distant Highlands in war, they surely won't be your ally.” “I only have one Dwarven army as allies, and I'm fine with that. Their soldiers may be strong, but there are too few. I'm going to the Central Channel and then the Central Woods." “You're going to try and deal with Nymphs? And risk getting attacked by Werewolves?” “And hopefully I can get the River Maidens' help.” “I'm coming with you.” Remliel thought back to her dream. “No, it's too dangerous.” “So what we have is nothing to you? What we did last night?” “I've never shared that intimacy with anyone before in my life. I don't take those things lightly. You are my greatest and only love, and that is why you must remain behind. I can't risk your life." The Vampire's eyes began to fill with tears, and they streamed down her cheeks. “Why must you leave me?” “I'm not leaving you.” The Angel gathered some of her power and pushed it gently into Eirisse's chest. “My power is in your heart, always.” “Before you go, I have a question.” “What?” “Can I touch your wings?" Remliel looked at the golden feathers of her wings hesitantly. She stroked them

herself, and then sighed shakily. “Of course.” She turned around and Eirisse gently brought her hand up to meet the soft feathers. Remliel tensed at first, then relaxed into the soothing touch. Eirisse moved her hand to the base of her wings, and Remliel let her touch them; the most intimate part of an Archangel's body. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, Eirisse let go and turned Remliel around. She kissed her deeply, sobbing. “I will miss you so much. When can I see you again?" “I can visit you in your dreams,” the Archangel answered. “And when I send for the armies of the Western Elves, you'll know that we'll be reunited soon.” “Be safe on your journey," the Vampire said, trying to stop her tears. “I love you.” Remliel picked up her bags and kissed Eirisse. “I love you too.” She left the room, making sure she had all of her belongings, hid her wings, and made her way to the throne room. She bowed before the King and Queen and thanked them for allowing her to stay. She then went to the courtyard outside the palace, mounted her steed, and rode away.

Chapter Six

The Archangel was now alone on her journey once again. She rode silently past the Distant Highlands and across the Northern River. She then encountered a surprise, and pulled out her map to be sure she wasn't hallucinating. A kingdom of Men stood before her. Her map from the Southern Elves confirmed the kingdom's existence. The Kingdom of Phiturya was a relatively small kingdom that was enclosed in a stone wall that towered into the sky. There were guards walking along the top of the wall, and Remliel quickly hid her wings before they saw her. When they did notice her presence, they lowered the drawbridge so that she could cross the moat that was filled with large fish and other dangerous aquatic animals. She entered the kingdom to find two rows of buildings. To the left, there was a street lined with houses, each with a small fenced backyard with grass and a few livestock animals. To the right, there was a street lined with shops, pubs, and other businesses. In the center of the village was a large field with many different kinds of food growing. Remliel saw wheat, corn, and carrots at first, but it was so vast that she couldn't name every single crop being grown. A guard came down from the top of the wall and stood before her and her horse. “Who are you and what is your business here?” he asked. “My name is Remliel and I have come to speak to your King.” “We don't have a King. Only a Queen.” “Well then I will speak to her.” “You know where the palace is?” “I do not, if you could kindly point me in the right dir---” “Go down the right street until you see it," he interrupted. “Thank you," the Angel answered shortly.

She gave her horse a slight nudge, and the animal slowly walked in the direction she'd been told to go. Remliel looked at the sad buildings as she ed and noticed that hardly anyone was to be seen. The eerie aura reminded her of the Kingdom of Xeasia, and she quickened her pace. Once she reached the palace, which was located at the end of the right street, she dismounted her horse. She looked at the small stone building with dismay. “The armies of Men are more than what they seem,” she said to herself, walking up to the exposed front door of the castle. “Stay here and wait for me," she said to Cade as she let go of her reins. “I'll be back soon. I don't plan on spending the night here, even if we leave in the dark.” The horse whinnied softly, as if answering the Archangel, and stayed put. Remliel entered the palace and saw the sad state that it was in. The walls were chipping and crumbling, there were no windows, and the torches that hung on the walls to light up the main vestibule of the palace were almost burnt out. The Archangel looked around and saw a single staircase to her right, which led up to the bedrooms of the royalty. To her left, there was a closed wooden door that led to the servants' quarters. Straight ahead was a short hallway that led to the throne room. Remliel followed the hallway ahead of her until she reached the Queen. There was no door, no separate room for the thrones. The Queen looked at the visitor and yelled in the language of Men. Remliel understood her, but didn't think too much on it. “I am not an intruder, and I come in peace,” the Angel replied to the curse that was thrown at her. “You understand me? You are not a Man." “No, I am an Archangel. One of two.” “You're working with your brother then? Come to take my resources and people to make into those disgusting dark creatures?" “No, I've come to destroy him.” “Good. I put too much work into protecting my people. I won't have them taken from me.”

“I noticed that your entire kingdom is surrounded by a wall and many guards. May I ask why?” The Queen huffed. “It's for protection.” “From my brother?” “From everything and everyone. I'm surprised they let you in. I'll have to punish them for that." “Why?” “I gave them orders that they did not follow. No one leaves, no one enters. I can't have my citizens dying." “I assume you have an army?" “No I do not. We do not fight wars.” “How will you protect your people then?" “With the wall!” The Queen stood then, and the guards that lined the walls of the throne room knelt. “I'm sick and tired of your questions. Who are you and what do you want?” Remliel remained standing, looking directly into the Queen's eyes. “My name is Remliel and I've come to ask for your . I see now that that was a fruitless endeavor and I'll be leaving.” The Archangel turned to go, and the Queen shouted at her. “No one leaves unless I dismiss them!" Remliel stopped and turned on her heels to face the Queen again. The woman still stood at the foot of her throne, her face red with anger. The Archangel remained silent, staring at the Queen with an annoyed yet dismissive look. “You come here,” the Queen said, moving toward Remliel, “you disrespect me in my hall, and then you have the audacity to dismiss yourself from my presence?” By now, the Queen was standing so close to the Archangel that she could feel her hot, angry breath on her face. “Who do you think you are?”

“I know who I am, Your Majesty. Who do you think you are?” The Queen let out a frustrated cry and unsheathed her sword. Since she was so close to the Archangel, she accidentally cut her with the sharp blade. Remliel's shoulder began to bleed, the shirt torn. The woman before her seemed not to care. “I am the Queen! I am the Queen!" she yelled, swinging her sword at the Angel. Remliel took a calm step back, avoiding the strike easily. The Queen continued to swing her sword through the air, becoming less and less violent with each stroke, until eventually she dropped it on the floor and broke into tears. “I'm the Queen,” she whispered, mainly to herself, as she wept. “Are you alright?" Remliel asked, reaching a hesitant hand toward the woman. The Queen dropped to her knees with her sobs, putting a hand over her face. “Don't look at me,” she said. “I'm an embarrassment. I've taken my mother's name and slandered it." Remliel knelt next to the hysterical woman and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. “Why are you upset? You have a whole kingdom to your name.” “Why should I confide in you? I've only just met you." “Well you did just try to kill me, so I think we've become acquainted.” The Queen chuckled softly, her sobs beginning to subside. “I'm sorry about that. I've only just become Queen." “Your mother, you said. She died?” The young Queen took a shaky breath, looking at the ground as she spoke. “When I was no more than seven, there was a great plague in the country. My mother and father, the King and Queen, tried everything to help cure their citizens; magic, medicine. Nothing worked. Soon enough, my father grew ill as well. My mother ordered him to be quarantined with the rest of the sick, and he was thrown out of the palace with no remorse. That day, my mother taught me that, as royalty, you must be stern and cold-hearted, even to people you love. She kept herself emotionally distant from me, and I didn't understand why, but I kept my mouth shut. She taught me how to be Queen, and once the plague ed, I was 17. She lived for five more years, until she committed suicide by stabbing herself in the chest. I was crowned Queen the same day she was pronounced

dead. I had no time to mourn, because the second day of my rein, there was news of an incoming attack from Goblins. I built the wall around the kingdom in record time, but the Goblins never came. I never let my guard down though, and I kept everyone isolated from the outside world." “How do you think that's helped? Your people silently hiding in their homes, frightened of a non-existent threat.” “My people are safe.” “Not from themselves. Why do you think your mother died? She wasn't ill, but she was suffering. Loneliness kills, Your Majesty, and your people reek of it. Just riding through town to get here, I saw no one. Your crops are ready to be harvested, but no one reaps. The shops have their doors open, but no one sells.” “Who are you to tell me how to treat my people?" “I'm not trying to control you, Your Majesty. I will tell you that right now, your people are like your young self, and you are like your mother. Emotionally distant, cruel and cold-hearted.” The Queen let out another sob. “I'm so confused. I'm too young.” “You are lost. Let me help you.” The young Queen nodded, looking up at Remliel with wide, tear-filled eyes. The Angel helped her up off of the floor, noticing that the guards lining the walls still knelt. “At ease,” the Queen said shakily. The soldiers stood against the wall like they had when Remliel had arrived. “We must start by addressing the people,” Remliel said. “Call for a meeting outside of the palace, and stand on your balcony and proclaim good news to your people.” “What will I say?” “Tell them that there is no need for the wall. Tell them that it will be torn down, and that they're free to come and go as they please. Tell them that they no longer need to live in fear, that they no longer need to suffer loneliness. Be open with them, invite them to speak with you, be a Queen rather than an isolated mother.”

The Queen nodded. She sent a guard to tell the people to gather before the palace, then turned to climb up the stairs to the upper level of the palace. Remliel followed, noticing that the entire second floor of the castle was a living space. No doors or separate rooms existed, except for a small bathroom in the front left corner. A grand bed stood in the back right corner, with a large bay window to the left of it. A space was carved into the left wall, where the Queen's wardrobe was. She had countless dresses and shoes, along with some nightgowns, armor, traveling clothes, and boots. On the right wall, there was a large bookcase, and on the wall adjacent to the door, there was a kitchen area. There was a large wooden table in the middle of the room with two chairs on either side. The Queen walked to the wardrobe and chose a new dress. She changed out of her loose, flowing purple dress and into a blue dress that hugged her frame at the top, and billowed out at the bottom. “Hoop skirts are such a lifesaver,” she said, mainly to herself, as she adjusted her dress. Remliel nodded, looking at the floor out of respect for her privacy. “What do you think?” The Queen twirled. “You look beautiful,” the Angel replied. “I think it's time. Will you stay with me?" “I'll be by your side the whole time.” “Not in that, you won't." The Queen reached into her closet and pulled out a red dress that had the same style as her blue one. “Here, put this on.” The Angel did as she was told, laying her clothes into her satchel. She then followed the Queen back down to the first floor of the palace and stood behind her while she stood on the front steps of the castle, addressing the crowd of people there. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she began, “today is a glorious day. No longer do we need to live in fear. Until now, I have not been your Queen. I have merely been a scared girl, a distant mother. But no longer. For a year we've been isolated. For a year, we've been afraid of a non-existent threat. But today, we tear down the wall that traps us inside, and we free ourselves from the loneliness that hangs over us! I will now be your Queen! I am the Queen!” The people cheered, hugging each other. Remliel heard a few people shouting “finally!” and “we're free!”

The Queen looked to the Angel. “How will we tear down the wall in one day?" “Allow me.” The Archangel stepped forward, raising her hands and allowing her power to flow through them. She focused her energy on the wall, which was highlighted a magnificent white, before she quickly brought her hands down through the air. The wall began to shake, then crumble piece by piece, until the glorious land that surrounded them could be seen. The Distant Highlands could be seen on the horizon to the left of the palace, and the Central Woods could be seen to the right. By now, it was sundown, and the people turned to watch the sun set over the Southern horizon. The Queen and Remliel re-entered the palace, and the Angel smiled at the royalty before her. “Thank you for clearing my mind,” the Queen said. “If you ever need me, I'll be here for you.” “Too bad you don't have an army,” Remliel said. “You're not too bad with a sword yourself." They both chuckled, Remliel touching the now closed cut on her shoulder. They climbed the stairs together, and Remliel returned the dress when she changed back into her traveling clothes. “Thank you for allowing me into your palace,” the Angel said. She quickly checked to make sure everything was still in her satchel, then slung it around her body. “I'll your kindness.” “You aren't staying the night?" “Unfortunately, I must be going. Enjoy the newfound freedom of your kingdom.” “Where will you go?” “I'm heading to the Central Woods.” “You're going to deal with Nymphs? They're sneaky little bastards. They'll pull the wool over anyone's eyes, even an Archangel.” Remliel sighed. “I have to try. My list of allies is pretty thin.” “If you're looking for allies, I'd suggest going to the Kingdom of Mowyth. It's South of here, just across the bend of the North River.”

“Thank you, I will,” the Angel said, bowing before the Queen. “Once again, your hospitality will not be forgotten.” “I'm sorry I cannot offer you an army,” she responded, “but if you ever need anywhere to stay, my kingdom is always open to you. We have some of the best doctors in all of the kingdoms of Men, and we would be honored to serve the divine.” “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Remliel said, standing from her bow. She then left the Queen, going back downstairs and out the front doors of the palace. She found Cade, her horse, standing right where she'd left her, and she smiled. “My faith in you will never fade, my loyal steed.” She fed her an apple, then mounted her and rode South out of the kingdom. The sun was still setting before her when she reached the bend in the North River, and she crossed it with ease. She could see the Kingdom of Mowyth growing larger the closer she came to it. The relatively small kingdom of Men had dwellings scattered around the outskirts, but once Remliel got closer to the palace, the homes became closer and closer together, and the dirt paths turned into cobblestone streets. There were also more buildings like pubs and shops closer to the palace. The palace itself was surrounded by a stone wall, and a deep moat. The drawbridge was down, and people crossed freely between the town and the castle. It was nightfall, and the villagers seemed to be going back home to sleep. Remliel crossed the drawbridge slowly, stopping in her tracks once she saw the inner courtyard. There were huge clumps of soldiers, dressed for war, standing outside the doors of the palace. The King, wearing a golden crown, a purple cape, and black armour with a sheathed sword on his hip, stood on the steps of the palace. “Who are you?” he bellowed at the Archangel. At that moment, lanterns were lit and torches were grabbed. Men couldn't see in the dark like Elves and Angels could. “My name is Remliel. What's going on here?" “Can you not tell?” the King answered. “We're going to war!” “With who?”

“The Guarded Kingdom to the North. We're attacking them for their kingdom's position.” “I have just come from there. Their Queen has taken down the wall and is reforming her kingdom.” “They have no army! They're sitting ducks. Besides, the kingdom is right by the North River Delta, where some Mermaids dwell. We can strike up a trade with them.” “Why don't you trade with the Central Channel Mermaids?” The King sighed, annoyedly. “Why don't you dismount your horse and come inside? We'll discuss these matters in private.” Remliel agreed, leaving Cade in the courtyard and following the King into the huge castle. The floors were made of glass, and underneath them, the Archangel could see men and women at work in the basement. “They're our blacksmiths,” the King commented, noticing Remliel's interest. The walls were made of what appeared to be solid gold, and there was a high, arched ceiling with pillars made of stone. The palace had one main hallway, going to the left, which led to the throne room, a smaller hallway going right which led to the staircases, and a small hall straight ahead that led to the conference room. That is where the King led Remliel. They approached the conference room, which was closed off with dark oak doors. When the doors were swung open, the Archangel was met with a small room that had a single table in the middle of it. There were chairs surrounding the table, and a podium on the far right of the room. The kingdom's emblem was engraved on the wood of the table: two swords crossed with a bow and arrow in the middle. “Have a seat,” the King said, sitting down on the opposite end of the table. “There's much to discuss. First order of business; why do you feel the need to try and control my troops when you've only just arrived in this kingdom? Are you royalty? Who are you?" “I understand your frustration, Your Majesty,” Remliel said. “I'm not trying to control you, I'm only trying to give you council and perhaps allyship. My name is Remliel, and I am one of two Archangels. I've come to Akkolon to stop my

brother, and I'm gathering troops for the war between us.” “War you say? Go on.” “My brother has Goblins, Werewolves, and perhaps even the Dragons on his side. So far I only have the Southern and Western Elves, the small clan of Dwarves from the Forgotten Hills, and the Kingdom of Iqocan as allies. Compared to my brother, that's not a lot. I need more Men on my side; they know how to fight. I'm asking you to help me." “My kingdom is founded on the principle of war, and it continues to thrive because of its strong army. I see no problem with allying with you, but what of the kingdom to the North? Why shouldn't we attack them tonight?" “Their Queen has just taken down the wall. She's started to reform her rule. You must see that she is young, and could use guidance rather than war.” The King thought on this for a moment. “I suppose I agree. We should see what becomes of her kingdom under these new circumstances. What will I tell my troops?” “Tell them they must wait, no more than a few months, and they'll soon fight a battle bigger than the one they would've fought tonight. I'm sure that will keep their spirits up.” The King nodded and stood. Remliel followed, pushing in her chair and shaking the King's hand. “Do you need a place to stay tonight?” he asked. “You seem weary from your travels.” “I suppose I could spend the night here, if you don't mind. I'll find an inn perhaps?” “That would be fine. And be sure to tell the innkeeper that the King sent you, and that you'll be staying free of charge.” “Thank you, Your Majesty." The Archangel bowed respectfully, and saw herself out of the palace. She mounted her horse and rode slowly into town, searching for the closest inn. After a few moments, she found one that offered a stable for your steed, and she smiled to herself. “This is the place.”

She led Cade to the stable and put her in a stall. The horse huffed softly as the gate was closed, and Remliel smiled sympathetically. “I know you don't need to be restrained,” she said, “but if you aren't, we won't be able to stay. I know you need your rest just as much as I do." She then left the horse and made her way inside the inn. The innkeeper, a short man in his later years of life, smiled at her when she entered. “How can I be of service tonight?” he asked, trying not to stare at her odd eyes. “The King sent me," she said. “He said I could stay free of charge.” “Well then, let me show you to your room.” The old man hobbled out from behind the desk with a ring of keys in his hand. He gestured for Remliel to follow him, and he led her up the stairs that were on the rightmost wall. He then led her down a hallway lined with doors, until he stopped before one labeled “17." He unlocked the door and opened it for the Archangel. “Thank you, kind sir,” she said, stepping inside. “Before you go, here's some coins. It isn't much, but I'd hate to see you lose money on my .” The old man looked at Remliel's outstretched hand, her palm open with three silver coins. He smiled softly, then wrapped her fingers back around the money. “You keep it,” he said. “I can tell you've been many places, and you'll go to many more. You need the money more than I do, trust me.” He smiled and hobbled away back down the hall, and Remliel closed the door to her room. The small space had a medium bed against the wall opposite the door, a window on either side of the bed, a wardrobe against the right wall, and a single chair against the left wall. Remliel sighed and set her satchel down on the chair. She then collapsed onto the slightly lumpy bed, summoned her wings, and fell asleep.

Chapter Seven

Remiel awoke once the sun rose and shined through the open windows of her room. She picked up her satchel and left the small apartment, making her way back downstairs to thank the innkeeper. She found him asleep in his chair behind the desk, and decided not to wake him. She snuck out of the inn and toward the stable, where she saw Cade standing at attention, awaiting her arrival. The horse stamped her feet excitedly when Remliel came into view, and the Archangel chuckled. “Let's go,” she said, opening the gate and mounting the horse. She rode back up to the palace to thank the King, and once she arrived, the royalty met her on the steps of the palace. “You've come to say goodbye?” he asked, stepping down to the side of the horse. “I have. Thank you for your hospitality.” “Anything for my ally. When will we know that the battle is to commence? And where will we find you?" “I will send a messenger, just like I will to my other allies. Either that, or I will visit you in a dream.” “I'm looking forward to the day,” the King said, bowing to the Archangel. “Good luck on your travels,” he said, turning and leaving her in the courtyard. Remliel rode away, down the streets of the kingdom, and out of the main town. She felt the cobblestone turn back into dirt, and by noon, she had reached the Central Channel. Upon arrival, she noticed she'd came up on the middle of the small river. It wasn't very wide, but it was deep and long, stretching between both the North and East rivers. The Archangel dismounted her horse and sighed. “I have to leave you up here,” she said. “If you want, you can cross the river and wait for me on the other side. Be careful, this river looks pretty deep.”

Cade shook her mane and began to swim across the river. Remliel waited until she saw her safely on the other side before diving underwater. What she saw amazed her. The water was a greenish brown, but it was very clean. She could see a clan of mermaids underneath her already, but they were different than the ones in the Sea. These River Maidens had brown tails and eyes, brown tangled hair, and a tinted scaly skin. When one turned up to look at the Archangel, she saw that they had sharp teeth and small eyes. The Mermaid that saw Remliel shouted in her language, and the clan swam up to meet the new creature. “Who are you?” she asked her. Remliel could understand all languages on Akkolon, but the one of the River Maidens was a unique one. Since they couldn't be heard from talking underwater, they developed a series of hums and songs to communicate. Remliel also quickly realized that all Mermaids, whether Sea or River Maidens, were females, just like the One. Remliel answered. “I'm the Archangel that's come to stop my brother. I need your help.” “We are allies to all, until we find one cause that's more noble than another.” “So you're neutral?” “I suppose.” Remliel noticed that they were wearing armor, and asked confusedly, “Who are you fighting? Another clan of Mermaids?” The River Maiden chuckled softly. “No, there's only one clan for each river. We're fighting Sea Snakes.” “Sea Snakes? Don't they live… in the Sea?” “They did. Here, let me take you to our Queen, and she will explain all.” The small group of Mermaids led Remliel deeper into the river, where a large clan of them began to appear. They all wore the same armour, and there was a

Maiden in the middle of the group who wore a crown made of coral. This Maiden turned to Remliel and smiled, making a parting motion with her hands. The group surrounding her made a path, and the smaller group led Remliel through it. “Your Majesty,” the Archangel said, bowing her head slightly out of respect. “I've come to ask you a great favor.” “First you must help us," she replied. “The Sea Snakes have moved in from the Northern River. Those Mermaids didn't fight them, they just corralled them here. We're the poorest clan of Maidens, and we don't have very many supplies. We need to kill all of the wretched Snakes before they kill us.” “I understand. I can help you with that, and it will actually help me as well. You see, my brother created the Snakes, and by eradicating them, you'll be fighting with me against him.” “We don't take sides,” the Queen said. “No matter who seems to be right or wrong. We only fight for us.” “Alright then,” Remliel said. “Let me help you kill the Snakes. Where are they?" “They'll be coming through here soon to feed. That's when we'll strike them down.” The Mermaids waited for a few minutes until the hairs on their heads and arms stood on end. “They're here,” one of the Maidens said. Remliel could feel the electricity in the water as the forms of the Snakes approached. There was a large group of the black creatures, with tiny, red, beady eyes for them to see their prey. White electricity buzzed around their tails as they whipped them back and forth to propel them through the water. They had no arms, no legs, only a slimy worm-like form that was rubbery and scaly. Their eyes searched back and forth until they saw the group of Mermaids sitting there. One of them grinned when it saw them, it's razor sharp, off-white rows of teeth showing. It opened its mouth, speeding up and careening toward the group. The Mermaids raised their spears, which Remliel hadn't even noticed they were holding, and began stabbing at the creature. The Archangel used her power to give herself a suit of armor before she grabbed

a spear from one of the Maidens. She pushed herself into the group of Snakes, stabbing and swinging her spear at them. Crimson red blood began to stain the water as the Snakes died, one by one. A few Mermaids got stung by their electricity, their limp bodies falling to the bottom of the river. Another group of Snakes made their way into the river, and soon enough, the Mermaids were overwhelmed. Remliel gathered her power into her hands, shouted for the Maidens to cover their eyes, and pushed the hot energy out of her hands and body. The white waves rippled through the water, the Snakes screeching and falling limp to the floor of the river. All of them, dead. The Maidens opened their eyes again and looked at the mass of Snakes raining on the floor. They cheered, hugging one another and crying. “So many dead,” the Queen said. “Finally, we can rest.” “I hope that was all of them,” Remliel said, panting. Her body fought to keep swimming when she really desired to fall to the floor with the Snakes. “I'm not sure I have enough strength left to fight more.” “The race of the Sea Snakes is extinct," the Queen answered. “Thank you, Archangel." Those were the last words Remliel heard before blacking out, letting her tired body fall limp to the river's floor. **** She awoke on the shore of the river. It was dusk, and she saw the clan of Mermaids with their Queen floating by the riverbank. “You spent much of your power,” the Queen said. “For that we thank you. Now, get some rest here tonight before you continue your travels.” “Thank you,” Remliel answered. She looked around and found Cade, grazing in the field by the river. She beckoned her over, and the horse came happily trotting to her master. The Archangel set up camp, and eventually fell asleep under the stars. When she awoke to the rising sun, she saw two River Maidens with their heads above water, watching her. She summoned her wings and let out a great sigh of relief. “I shouldn't have kept them hidden for so long,” she mumbled to herself. She then called Cade, who had wandered just a little bit in search of fresh grass.

The horse approached the Archangel, and she promptly took some food out of her satchel, which was tied safely around the horn of Cade's saddle. She nibbled on some dried bread before standing and walking back over to the river's edge. “Thank you for fighting with us,” one of the two Maidens said. “Our Queen sends her fondest wishes.” “And I return them. Best of luck to you and your clan.” The River Maiden bowed her head respectfully, then dove back underwater. Remliel sighed, and mounted her steed. “Alone again, aren't we?” she asked her horse, not expecting an answer. “Oh well, I suppose that's what it's like when there's a world to save.” Cade then began to move in the direction of the Central Woods. Remliel kept her at a slow pace, simply walking toward their destination. By nightfall, they'd reached the outer border. The energy in the air changed as they entered the trees; their breathing grew heavier, and for the first time in her life, Remliel saw that Cade seemed to be growing tired of walking. Their pace slowed to a stop, and the Archangel dismounted. Remliel looked at her map, but she couldn't decipher where exactly she'd entered the forest. The trail she were on was overgrown with leaves and vines, and the pale moon above them was almost entirely hidden by the treetops. Frustrated, she threw her map back in her bag and grabbed Cade's reins. “I'll walk you through this mess,” she said. “We should never have come here.” “Don't say that," a small voice whispered in her ear. She jerked her head around, looking for the source of the voice, but she couldn't find it. “This is the most magical place on Akkolon!” “Who's there?” “Don't you know? Nymphs live in these woods.” “Are you a Nymph?” “Why, that I am. How can I be of service?” “I know better than to ask a favor. I'll find your City myself.”

The Nymph laughed, and Remliel continued to try and discreetly find where they were hiding. “You'll never find it if you don't follow the path!” Remliel hesitated. “You just told me to follow the path.” “I did?” “Yes.” “Well then, I guess you get that tip for free.” Suddenly, a glowing orb appeared before Remliel's eyes. She focused, and saw the small Nymph, violently flapping her clear wings in the air behind her. “What's your name?” Remliel asked. “Tykiphe.” “Nice to meet you. I'll be on my way then." Remliel walked down the path, keeping a firm grip on Cade's reins. She tucked her wings close to her body while maneuvering between low-hanging branches and swinging vines. After what seemed like an hour of walking, the path opened up to a clearing with a large tree in the middle of it. The tree glowed blue, and there were flying orbs surrounding it. “Nymphs,” she said to herself as she approached the tree. “A visitor!” voices yelled through the branches of the trees. “Get the Leader!” A larger orb emerged from the tree, meeting Remliel in the middle of the clearing. She noticed that the Nymph she'd met earlier had followed her, and was now sitting on her shoulder. “I'm Helleori,” the larger Nymph said. “I'm the leader of the City. How can we be of service to you?” “My name is Remliel,” the Archangel said. “I've come to ask you if you could help me.” The large Nymph flew close to Remliel's face and pressed his small hands against her forehead. “Ahh, there is much pain within you,” he said. He closed his eyes and pressed harder. “There is a lover in your life that you had to leave behind. Your family is torn apart, and you're fighting with one of them. I see.”

“How do you know this?” “Magic, my dear. Oh! There is more than pain! The love you feel for this girl is strong, and is almost overpowering your inner conflict. You are mentally tired, and you wish for this conflict to be over. Perhaps this is what you have come here for?" “I'm honestly not entirely sure what I've come for. I know you have no army, and you cannot fight as big of an enemy as my brother. I also know that your magic comes at a price, perhaps one I'm not willing to pay.” The Nymph removed his hands from her face, and looked her in the eye. “You need help? We are here. You do not? You can be on your way. But if you promise us something, or use our magic, and you go back on what you've said, you will pay.” “I understand. I have a question.” “Do continue.” Remliel hesitated, swallowing whatever pride or fear she had. She took a deep breath, then asked, “Can you promise me of Eirisse's safety? From Tetrasiel or any of his armies?” “That is a strong request,” the Nymph answered. “If I grant this to you, you must give us something in return.” “I have nothing.” “Perhaps not. A single feather of your wings could do a lot of good in this City. It holds lots of magic.” “I suppose that is a small enough price. I accept.” The Nymph grinned. “Good,” he said. “Tykiphe, pluck a base feather.” The smaller Nymph on her shoulder stood, and flew toward her back. She grabbed one of the small, soft feathers that connected to Remliel's body and tugged, ripping it out of the Angel's skin. She began to bleed a bit, and she winced as it was plucked. “Now, protect Eirisse," she said.

“I'm afraid that's not entirely possible,” Helleori said, taking the feather from Tykiphe. “I cannot guarantee 100% safety, but I can give her a higher chance of survival, if she were to be hurt.” “But that's not what you said,” the Angel cried. “You lied to me!” “I promised nothing,” the Nymph said. “But I will still grant you what I said I can do: a higher chance of survival.” Helleori raised his hands to the sky, chanted something under his breath, and pushed his magic out of his hands. The purple smoke curled around itself before racing off in the direction of the Western Woods. After a few moments of silence, he smiled. “It is done.” Remliel thanked him, then retrieved Cade's reins. “I'm surprised,” she said as she mounted her horse. “I thought there'd be more trouble than this.” “If only you had asked for more,” the Nymph said. “Our power is unlimited.” “So is mine,” she answered, continuing through the clearing and past the tree. She found the path on the opposite side of the clearing, and slowly walked down it. Suddenly, however, she heard the sound of buzzing wings. She turned and saw a pack of Nymphs following her. “What do you want? I already traded with you.” Helleori emerged from the group. “Your feather has no power!” he screamed. “You lied!” “I never said it did.” “Kill her!” The army of Nymphs began to try and surround Remliel and her horse. She snapped the reins, forcing Cade to run down the overgrown path, jumping over fallen logs and tree roots. She turned her head to see that the Nymphs had their teeth bared. Their eyes were focused on their prey, and some of them licked their chops. “Eat her!” Helleori yelled from the back of the pack. She sped up, racing through the trees. She could slowly see the border of the forest approaching, and she hoped with everything in her that the Nymphs

wouldn't follow her out of the woods. She rushed toward the treeline, seeing the sun poking through the branches. Before she reached it, though, she could feel tiny hands and feet grabbing the ends of her wings, biting and ripping out feathers. She quickly hid her wings from sight and felt the Nymphs fall off of her and onto the ground. Remliel broke through the treeline, squinting in the sudden sunlight. She stopped, turning around and seeing a wall of Nymphs climbing the trees at the border. They soared above the trees, cursing and shaking their fists at the Archangel. “You'll pay for this!” the Leader yelled, his voice floating through the air and striking Remliel's ears with such force that she winced in pain. “If I ever see your face in my City again, I'll have my people eat you alive!” The swarm of Nymphs subsided, the creatures retiring back into the woods. Remliel sighed in relief, summoning her wings once more. Finally, she turned back around and looked at her map. “The Dead Peaks are close,” she said to herself, looking at the small drawing on the map. “I just have to cross the plains.” She put away the piece of paper, lingering when she saw her Elven friend's signature at the bottom. She then looked at the path ahead of her. Black smoke rose from peaks, and she could almost see fire rising in the valley between the two mountain ranges that came together to form the Dead Peaks. “Come on, Cade," Remliel said, bringing her horse to a trot, "let's travel a bit and then find a place to rest. I have lots of people to summon." Once dusk fell, Remliel dismounted and let Cade wander, grazing. She snatched her satchel and opened it, pulling out some of her provisions. She ate some bread and cheese, then sat cross-legged on the soft grass of the plains. She then closed her eyes, focused her breathing, and relaxed her body. “If Tetrasiel could do it,”she thought to herself, “then so can I.” After a few moments, she slipped into a state of unconsciousness. She could feel her soul drifting above her body, and when she opened her eyes, she looked down at her body, still sitting calmly in the grass. She smiled, then soared off in the direction of the Southern Woods. She felt the wind blowing her hair behind her, her wings helping push herself through the air. Finally, after just a few seconds, she arrived at her destination. She flew low, through the trees, and up

toward the palace. She drifted through walls, slowing herself down to a walking pace, and quickly found the King's quarters. She saw him sleeping next to his Queen, silently dreaming. Remliel focused her energy, then closed her eyes once more. When she opened them, she was inside the King's dream. She stood beside him as he sat on his throne, watching a brown Elf speak of something. He looked at her and was startled. “The Archangel Remliel!” he exclaimed. “Why, I haven't seen you or heard from you in months! What are you doing here?” “The time has come, Your Majesty, when I need your army. I am residing in the plains between the Central Woods and the Dead Peaks until all of my allies have arrived. I look forward to seeing you soon.” She then left his dream, reconnecting with her soul, which floated beside his bed. She soared off, visiting next the King of Iqocan, the Dwarf Lord of the Forgotten Hills, the King of Mowyth, and finally, the King of the Western Woods. After all of this, she could see that it was close to morning, but she had one more person to visit. She slowly entered the dream of Eirisse. She saw her sitting in a meadow, the sun shining on her face, as she picked a bouquet of flowers. The Vampire looked up and squinted into the light. “My love,” Remliel whispered, as to not frighten her. The girl noticed the Archangel standing over her and she smiled, jumping up and hugging her close. “It's been so long!” she exclaimed. “I thought you'd died! Oh, I'm so glad to see you here with me.” “You should hear the stories I have for you,” the Archangel said. “Firstly with a Queen in a distant kingdom who almost killed me, then the Nymphs, who chased me out of the Central Woods. My journey has been lonesome, but still entertaining.” “I miss you so,” Eirisse said, the two women sitting on the grass together. “When are you coming home?” “That remains to be seen. I've just summoned all of the leaders of my allies. They seem plentiful, but truly we don't have enough troops to match my brother equally."

“What of the Vampires? We can help.” “I don't want your lives at risk. Besides, we don't know what magic my brother has. He could easily turn his creations to his side once again. Like in the days of old.” Eirisse leaned against her lover. “When will I know you're coming home?” “When the armies of the Western Woods leave you, you'll know that only a few months separate us.” The two women kissed tenderly, for a few moments, until Remliel pulled away. “Please return to me soon,” Eirisse said desperately, tears welling in her eyes. “I cannot bear to live without you.” “I will, my love. Soon.” At that, Remliel stood and soared away, leaving Eirisse in her dream alone. Her soul then zoomed away, back toward her body. She watched the sun come up before reing her physical self. When her body awakened, she found it difficult to stand. The sun was now fully risen, and bees buzzed in the tall grass around her. She smiled at the beauty, then forced herself off of the ground. She gathered some of her power in her hands and gave herself a full set of chainmail, covered by the strongest armour known to man: diamond armour. She then strengthened her sword with her power, and practiced swinging it a bit. It had been a while since her last fight. Finally, she set up a small tent with her power: this is where she would sleep while awaiting her troops. She sat right outside the tent, watching the sun go back down and the moon rise from the West. There, she waited. The battle was soon to begin, and she could sense her brother's anxiousness from where she sat. “This will go down as the bloodiest battle in the history of Akkolon,” she said to herself. “The turning point of the Age: after this, the Third Age will begin. I wonder who will then rule the world?”

Chapter Eight

After a week of waiting, the last of Remliel's allies arrived: the Western Elves. Each region and kingdom had their own set of tents, paths, and training. Remliel oversaw all, and helped battle with some of the soldiers with less experience. In total, the Archangel had 15,000 from the Dwarven kingdom, 30,000 from the Kingdom of Iqocan, 35,000 from the Southern Elves, 40,000 from the Kingdom of Mowyth, and 45,000 from the Western Elves. So, against her brother, she'd gathered 165,000 soldiers. “That's not nearly enough,” she said at her nightly meeting with the Royalty of her allies. “My brother probably has that many in Goblins alone.” “We brought all that we had,” the King of Mowyth said. “Everyone did.” “I know, and I don't blame you. Any of you. I just hope the slaughter won't be too gruesome.” After a week of training the troops, they marched toward the Dead Peaks. Smoke rose from the tops of the Dead Peaks, and a single dragon took flight, swarming over the mountaintops and breathing fire down upon the base of the mountains. Out of the flames, Goblins, Men, and Werewolves emerged, some 180,000 troops in total. The enemy rose their swords, charging on the group of mismatched soldiers, and the fight began. Dwarves met the Werewolves head-on, since they were the leaders of the packs. The Elves stood in the back, their arrows soaring over their allies and into the necks and chests of their enemies. Men fought Men and Elves, swords clanging and shields ringing. Remliel flew above the troops, watching the battle below, searching for her brother. Finally, she found him. He was in his original form; he towered above her. His black wings flapped in the air behind him as he flew to her, sword in hand. His white eyes were ablaze with power and fury. Remliel grew to her full size to match him, temporarily blocking out the sun, and both enemy and ally alike halted their attacks to watch. Once Tetrasiel and Remliel's swords met, the battle

below continued. “We finally meet, sister,” the Dark Angel said, swinging his sword. “Is it frightening to know that I am the only creature who can kill you?” “I suppose I could ask you the same question.” Remliel forgot entirely about the battle below; her life depended on her focus. “It's been a long time since I've seen you, sister. Tell me, how have you been?” “You already know that, brother." “It is true that I've been watching you, following you, listening to your thoughts. I have been preparing for this day for a long time.” “Have you now?” “I've discovered your weak spot, and I'm not afraid to exploit it this early. Do you know where your beloved is?” “Safe in the halls of the Western Woods.” “That is a lie. I can sense my creations when they're close, and there is a Vampire on this field.” Remliel stopped swinging her sword and looked down upon the battle. She searched and soon enough, she saw a pale soldier in Elven armour, swinging her sword recklessly at a Man. “Eirisse,” Remliel said to herself, her heart beating faster out of fear. “I told you to stay behind.” In her distraction, Tetrasiel took a swing at her wings, cutting them deeply. Remliel screamed in pain, falling from the sky and landing on her back on the field. The troops paid her no mind, as they continued to fight beside her. Tetrasiel re-ed her on the ground, one foot on her chest and his sword in his hand. “I didn't think killing you would be this easy, sister.” Remliel looked to her side and saw her sword a small distance away. She reached for it with one hand while using her power to blind her brother. He stepped off of her chest, his hand over his eyes, and Remliel dove for her sword.

She grabbed it and met her brothers' in midair. “It won't be,” she said. “I am more powerful than you think.” Her wings, bent and broken, hung limply behind her, dragging on the ground, as she fought her brother. Blood oozed from them as she struggled for breath. The two Archangels continued swinging their swords at one another, sometimes hitting each other with the sharp blade. The battle around them continued, with the single red dragon now soaring above. He blew fire onto the battlefield, killing soldiers from both sides. “That damned dragon!” Tetrasiel cursed. “I may have created him, but I cannot control him.” “Just as the One cannot control her creations.” “You are so arrogant. Believing that our mother truly cares about this world and . She said not one word to us in our whole lives, turned her back on us as soon as we were finished being created, and you call that love?" “Different people love in different ways. One cannot always comprehend the ways others give love, but they must always appreciate it, no matter what. Besides, something tells me our mother has more to do with this world yet.” The battle continued well into the night, slowing down as more and more soldiers lied dead on the bloodied grass. Finally, at 6:00 am the next day, Remliel's troops declared victory over Tetrasiel's army. Out of the original 165,000 soldiers, only 20,000 remained. Similarly, out of Tetrasiel's original 180,000 troops, only around 100 remained, not counting the Goblins and Werewolves that fled the fight. Remliel's troops gathered up the remaining Men and Goblins from the battlefield, restraining them in iron chains. As the leaders of the kingdoms decided what to do with them, the two Archangels continued their fight. They both grew tired, but didn't let the other one see. Finally, after 45 more minutes of fighting, Remliel swung her sword and disarmed her opponent. She pushed him to the ground and sat on his chest, her hand around his neck. Her allies stood and watched as she laid her sword down next to her and leaned in close to her brother's face.

“Listen well, brother. You know I want to spare your life and reform your ideas.” “You never will. I will fight you until my last breath, for all of eternity.” “I know you will. I just wish there was another way.” Tears welled in Remliel's eyes as she quickly picked up her sword and stabbed it deep into her brother's chest. His eyes widened with pain, and blood immediately poured out of the wound. He looked frantically around, coughing up blood, and after a moment, Remliel drew the sword back out of his wound. Blood poured more profusely out of his chest now, and as Remliel got off of his chest, he grabbed her arm. “S-sister,” he stammered. Remliel cried as she knelt next to him, cradling his face in her hands. “I'm so sorry brother,” she whispered. “Y-you… still l-ove me?" the Dark Angel said between coughs. "Af-ter everything?” “Of course I do.” “Please, g-grant me one last w-ish.” “What is it?” “W-ith whatever p-power is within y-you, p-please, send my s-soul back up to our m-mother. Don't let me f-fall out of ex-istence. Please." Remliel's heart swelled in her chest. “I don't know if I can, brother. It will guarantee your return as impossible, but I'm not sure I'm strong enough.” “Please.” She sniffled, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I will try.” Tetrasiel gasped for air, his breathing stammered more than before. “I… I l-loved you, sister,” he said, his grip on her arm going limp. “I loved you too brother,” she answered. She watched as his soul emerged from his body, circling up like smoke. She

gathered her power in her hands, her body still racking with sobs, and she surrounded the black mass with her white power. She yelled out as she pushed her brother's soul up, through the dome of the world, and into the universe. When she finished, she fell to the ground next to her brother, sobbing. Her allies let her be alone for a moment, until she stopped crying so violently. The King of the Southern Elves approached her and helped her onto her feet. “We have to get you medical attention,” he said. “Your wings are badly injured, you've lost a lot of blood, and you have many deep wounds that need attendance.” “First I have to see Eirisse.” “Eirisse?” Remliel walked past the Elven king and screamed her lover's name into the air. “Where are you?” “Remliel?” she heard a faint voice yell back. The Archangel looked across the field and saw the pale Elven soldier drop her weapon and come running. As she grew closer, there was no mistaking her. Eirisse flew into Remliel's arms, sobbing tears of joy. “You could've been hurt!” Remliel said, embracing her. “I told you to stay behind.” “I snuck off with the troops, not even the King new. I had to see you again, to help you if you needed it. I couldn't bear seeing you dead.” “And I couldn't bear seeing you dead. I'm so glad you're alright.” Remliel looked up and saw an enemy soldier loose from his restraints. The Goblin came charging up the field toward the two women, knife in hand. “Eirisse, you have to let me go,” Remliel said, trying to pull away from her lover. “Please, don't make me. Not yet.” “No, please, let me go,” Remliel begged, her voice growing frantic as the Goblin neared. “You're going to get hurt, an enemy is loose.”

“What?” Eirisse lifted her head, which had previously been buried in the Archangel's neck, and tried to look around. The Goblin was closer than ever now, and in a desperate attempt to save Eirisse's life, the Angel tuned them around as soon as the enemy lifted his weapon. She felt a sharp pain in her back, right between her wings, as the knife lodged itself in her skin. Eirisse's eyes widened. “It's alright, I saved you,” Remliel said. “You're safe.” Slowly, blood poured out of the Vampire's mouth. She coughed, and she loosened her grip on her lover. The Goblin was killed by an ally, and as they dragged his body away, Remliel pulled herself away from Eirisse. She noticed that the blade of the knife was much longer than she'd thought, and it had gone completely through her chest and into Eirisse's. Blood began to pour out of the Vampire's wound, and she fell limp to the ground. Remliel pulled the knife out of her back and threw it to the ground, kneeling beside her lover. “Please, no, this wasn't supposed to happen,” she begged, pulling her head into her lap. “You were supposed to be okay. You were supposed to be safe.” Two Elves rushed to the scene, trying to pry the Vampire out of the Angel's arms, but it was a fruitless attempt. Remliel clung desperately onto her lover, her own loss of blood making her vision go blurry and her body go limp. She hung her head over Eirisse's body, once again allowing tears to stream down her dirty cheeks, as she stroked the Vampire's pale face. “I'll make sure you're alright,” she said as the unconscious body was finally ripped from her arms. “Please, Divinity, you must seek medical attention," an ally said. “Divinity?” Remliel asked quietly, allowing the Man to help her up from the ground. “That's what we've begun to call you,” he said, swinging her arm over his shoulders and ing her limp body against his side. “You don't have a title like the royalty of our countries, so we've given you one. All of your allies.” “That's nice,” she answered, seeing the world spin beneath her. The Man walked her to her horse, helping her mount the steed, before mounting his own and

riding beside her. “We're going to have to travel to the Southern Woods.” “No, take me to the Kingdom of Phiturya. Go North, around the Central Woods, and across the Northern River.” “As you wish.” “And take my brother's body with us." “Whatever for?" “He will not be included in the sad ritual of the clean-up,” she answered. “Piling all of our dead with the bodies of our enemies and burning them alike. My brother will never be a part of that. We will bury him, in the Western Woods, if the King and Queen should allow it." “Yes ma'am,” the Man answered. He signaled to another Man, and the body of Tetrasiel was lifted and placed on the back of a lone horse. Where he had died, nothing ever grew again, except a single black flower that never died, and even if it was trampled, stood straight up on its stem. The convoy of surviving troops began to ride North, as Remliel had instructed. She stared ahead, seeing that an Elven soldier had taken Eirisse's body and placed her in front of him on his horse. The Archangel could smell the rotting corpses being burned as they slowly rode away, and it made her sick. They rode through the day, never stopping, and the troops ed food down the rows of horses to each other. When offered some, Remliel always refused. Her body grew weaker as the day went on, and she occasionally caught herself falling asleep behind the reins of her horse. Luckily, Cade knew where they were going, and carried her safely for the entirety of the journey. By sunset, they'd reached the upper border of the Central Woods, and they debated on stopping there for the night. “We have to get the Angel to the city, before she bleeds out,” an Elven king said. Remliel could vaguely hear them, but remained silent. “She may be immortal, but the wound was inflicted by her brother, which means it's the only thing that can kill her. She will die if we rest here.”

“But what about my men?” the King of Iqocan said. “They cannot see in the dark like you Elves.” “We have brought torches to light our way,” the Elven king answered. “We must carry on.” The convoy continued on through the night, reaching the Northern River when the moon was in the middle of the sky. Remliel could hear the faint buzzing of Nymph wings in the trees as they walked dangerously close to the borders of the Woods. The troops had a hard time crossing the deep, dark river, but Remliel could hear the faint sounds of Mermaids underneath them. She knew that they were guiding their horses over the river, and making sure to reattach anything that may have fallen off of their sides. Cade whinnied softly when the webbed fingers of the Maidens brushed her hooves, gently pushing her across the water. When the entire convoy was across, they continued. By morning, they'd reached the border of the kingdom, and were welcomed by a fanfare of trumpets. The Queen of the kingdom emerged, and when she saw the condition of the troops, she gasped in horror. “You need help, come in,” she said, turning her horse around and leading them to the palace. Remliel briefly opened her eyes and saw townsfolk bustling about the streets, reaping the harvest, and selling their wares. She smiled before slipping back out of consciousness. When the troops reached the palace, the Queen directed the sick one way and the healthy another. Remliel and Eirisse were placed on the marble floor of the palace, right inside the main doors. Servants rushed to and fro, bringing buckets of hot and cold water with rags in them, syringes of medicine, and other equipment. Other wounded soldiers were laid in the main vestibule as well, but the two lovers were kept separated from them. For days, Remliel slipped in and out of consciousness. Finally, she began her recovery. She was awake for hours at a time, and after a week, the medical servants allowed her to sit up and look around. “Where is Eirisse?” she asked one day. “Right beside you,” the nurse answered. “She's not yet awake.” “Why? She was stabbed less than me. The knife went completely through me,

but not her.” “Well, Your Divinity, she may be immortal, but any creature can kill her if they stab her hard enough. Unlike you, where the only one who could kill you is dead.” The servant left her, and she laid back down, turning her head to face her lover. Her usually pale skin was whiter, and her breath was so shallow that it appeared as if she wasn't breathing at all. “She's dead,” Remliel whispered to herself. Tears welled in her eyes. “I killed her.” **** A few more days ed, with no advancement in Eirisse's health. Remliel, however, stood for the first time, and walked around the main vestibule of the palace. All of the other soldiers had healed by now, and had reed their other comrades in another wing of the palace. Remliel's wings, which had been chopped almost in half, had been stitched back together and bandaged. Her other wounds from her brother had also been stitched, and the wound from her stabbing was wrapped in the same white gauze as her golden wings, which drooped behind her and dragged on the floor. The Archangel left the palace the next day, taking in the sunlight for the first time in almost two weeks. The townspeople cheered her on as she walked the streets arm in arm with an Elf that had fought beside her. Suddenly, he began to speak to her. “I assume you don't recognize me in these robes,” he said, gesturing to the blue soldier's garments he wore. “I'm sorry, but I didn't have the time to get to know each of my soldiers.” “You knew me before, almost a whole year ago now.” Remliel's eyes widened as she recognized his face. “Taylodrin? From the Southern Woods? Could it be you?” He smiled. “It is.”

“But I thought you were a golden Elf, a servant of the Royalty?” “I began my training shortly after you left. It isn't much of a promotion, but I do still have my old job in the palace. I wanted to fight beside you, and I would've felt terrible if I'd stayed behind.” “I'm glad you survived,” she said. “I'm glad you did.” They walked back to the palace together, and Remliel was offered a more comfortable bed in another room. “Rather than lying on the floor in your condition.” “I will stay by Eirisse,” she said firmly. “Bring a bed here, and I will sleep beside her.” “As you wish.” The servants scrambled, bringing in a mattress and lying it next to the ill Vampire. They were hesitant around her, but Remliel remained comfortable. “I will be here when you wake up, love,” she whispered to Eirisse's almost lifeless body. “If you do.” The next week, Remliel didn't move. The servants came in every once and a while to change her bandages, and three times a day to give her food, which she didn't eat. Slowly, Remliel came to with the apparent fact that her lover was gone. Until one day, when she fluttered her eyes open. “R-remliel?” “Eirisse?” the Archangel replied, tears welling in her eyes. “You're alive?” “Where is my love?” “I'm right here,” she said, kneeling beside her and cradling her head. “I've been here.” Eirisse took in a deep breath. “Ah, it is you. I was dreaming of you this past night." “It's been almost a month, my love,” the Angel answered. “It's been 20 days.”

“I will feel better soon," she said. “The wound was deep.” “I tried to tell you. I should've protected you more.” “You did all you could. Please, don't blame yourself. It was my impatience and stupidity that led to this, not you.” Servants then rushed in, changing Eirisse's gauze and gently sitting her up. “You will heal fast, now that you're awake,” one said. It took her another week for Eirisse heal fully. Remliel's wings were still badly injured, but her other wounds had healed as well. The soldiers of Men and most Elves had left, returning to their country after wishing Remliel well. The only Elves who remained were the generals of the West, and Taylodrin. “I wish to see my friend fully healed before I return home," he said. “Then it will be done,” she answered. Another two weeks ed before Remliel could fly again. Her wings had deep scars from her brother's attack, and although she couldn't fly very high or for very long, she still felt well enough to depart. So, 41 days after their arrival, they departed for the Western Woods. After leaving the kingdom, Eirisse and Remliel said their goodbyes to Taylodrin. “It has been an honor and a pleasure serving you,” he said to them, bowing. “I'm excited to see what becomes of your lives in the future.” “As am I with yours,” Remliel answered, bowing back. “You are a dear friend. Hopefully we will meet again soon, under nicer circumstances.” “I look forward to it.” Eirisse bowed as well, and they went their separate ways. Remliel held the reins of her horse, who followed happily behind them, until they were out of the sight of her Elven friend. She then mounted the steed, pulling Eirisse up with her, and rode toward the Woods. The two women rode in silence. By nightfall, they reached the border, and at midnight, they reached the palace. Luckily, the Queen was still awake, and she

welcomed them with open arms. “I was beginning to think you'd never make it,” she said, smiling. “Come in, please.” They dismounted their horse, allowing her to roam and graze, then entered the palace. “I have some questions,” Remliel said to the Queen. “Where is my brother's body? Did you bury him without me?" “We did not, although we did give him an Elven coffin. Not many are made, but we specifically designed his. Here, let me show you.” The Queen led them down a flight of stairs and into the dungeon underneath the palace. The cells were empty, and on a stone table in the middle of the room, there laid a black coffin with golden Elvish written on the sides. The words described the story of the Dark Angel, and how he was killed. Inside the coffin was her brother. She walked to it and looked at his pale, dead face. His eyes were still open, and she shut them with the tips of her fingers. “He still looks as if he died yesterday.” “His body will rot extremely slowly, since he was Divine. I suspect that he will be nothing but bone in some thousand years.” “We will bury him tomorrow,” the Angel said. “I cannot bear to have him just sit here for any longer.” “As you wish,” the Queen said, leading the women up the stairs. She then pointed them in the direction of their rooms, which were the same as before. “In fact, Eirisse, you are more than a servant to us now. Although you snuck off, without permission if I might add, you did fight alongside the Elves, which grants you the title of soldier. You can stay in the soldier's quarters, if you'd like, or you can take Queen Ossena's old room, right next to Remliel's.” “I'd like to stay in the Angel's room, if I can,” Eirisse answered. The Queen's eyes lit up. “You were the one she spoke to me about that long time ago,” she said. “I'm glad I gave her the advice to follow her heart. Yes, by all means, stay with your lover.” Remliel and Eirisse walked up the stairs and into their room. Once the door closed, they kissed each other for the first time in months. “How I've missed

those lips,” Remliel said, holding her lover close. “How I've missed you… all of you.” “Should we?” Eirisse asked, pulling away. “We've only done it once, and you're still injured.” Remliel answered only by pushing the Vampire gently onto the bed. She straddled her hips, grabbed her face, and kissed her again, ionately. Eventually, Eirisse laid down, and Remliel kissed her neck, down her body, and finally rested on her thighs. She looked up at the girl, who was panting, silently asking for permission. It was granted by a frantic nod and a whine. The Angel pulled off Eirisse's pants, gently, and then the Vampire tugged off her own shirt. Remliel smiled as she kissed up her thighs and between her legs. She licked and touched, making the girl's body writhe beneath her. She could feel her lover's hips moving against her mouth and hand, until finally, she reached her release. At that point, the panting Vamp pulled Remliel up and kissed her. She flipped them over and returned the favor, undressing the Angel gently as she went. Remliel's hips struggled to stay still as her lover treated her, and once she reached her own release, the Vampire came crawling back up her body to kiss her gently. The two women got under the blankets, cuddling close together, their sweaty, naked bodies pressed up against one another. They both slept, and for the first time in Remliel's life, she dreamt of something other than her brother. She dreamt of a wedding between two women, both in gorgeous dresses under the trees, before they ran toward the sea, laughing, hand in hand forever.

Chapter Nine

The next morning, Remliel awoke to find Eirisse gone. She sat up in bed, stretching, then slipped out from under the covers and looked at the chair that sat in the room. There was a purple dress waiting for her, with a note on the desk. My dearest, The wonderful tailors of the kingdom have made you an array of dresses, along with new traveling clothes. They made them in the size you are now, but they will grow with you when you return to your true form. This is the pretties of dresses, in my opinion, so I left it out for you so that you'd notice it first. This is my first day as something other than a servant, and I'd love to travel the city with you. I'll be waiting in the vestibule of the palace for you. Eirisse. Remliel looked down at herself and noticed that she was no longer in her true form. “I must've shrunken down after I killed Tetrasiel,” she said to herself, slipping on the dress. Her wings fit comfortably, and she smiled at herself before she left the room. She walked down the stairs and into the main room of the palace, finding Eirisse waiting for her. She wore a red dress, which was form-fitting at the top and loose at the bottom. There was no hoop or crinoline, and the skirt flowed with the wind. She wore black slippers on her feet, and she smiled when she saw her lover approaching. “You look gorgeous,” she said, kissing her. “As do you,” Remliel replied, looking her up and down. “I'm excited to explore the city. I've never seen it.” They left the building together, and there were two horses waiting for them. Cade and another steed stood patiently outside the door until the women mounted them and rode off slowly down the path. “Last night was wonderful,” Eirisse said, breaking the silence. “I'm glad we're

reunited and the evils of my creator have been stopped.” “There's no way we can control the Dragons,” Remliel answered, seriousness growing on her face. “Not even my brother could do that. There are only five in existence, though, so I'm sure whatever mountains they crawl into, the Dwarves can take care of them.” “Let's not talk about such things," Eirisse answered. “We're approaching the city.” The dirt path turned to stone, and buildings rose up before their eyes. At first, there were only a few scattered homes, but they grew closer together, and soon enough they were surrounded by shops, blacksmitheries, tailor's places, and inns. Brown Elves bustled about, stopping to look at the two women. Some bowed to the Divine, but some just carried on in their business. “It looks so humble,” Remliel said, looking at the quartz fountain in the middle of the town square. “It's one of many cities in the Western Woods,” Eirisse answered. “After all, we're the biggest forest in the world.” The lovers spent the day exploring the city, visiting shops, and eating in restaurants. Once dusk came, they rode their horses quickly back to the palace, for the burial of Tetrasiel was about to begin. They dismounted before the palace doors and rushed inside. The coffin had been moved from the dungeon to the vestibule, and the King and Queen stood behind it. Remliel approached slowly, noticing that the lid was still off of the coffin. “Allow me,” she said, lifting it with her power and placing it gently down where it belonged. She watched her brother's face disappear behind the black stone. She then used her power to seal the coffin, so that it could never be opened again. Golden Elves emerged from the halls, singing a solemn song in their language. They then lifted the coffin, one Elf on each corner, and continued singing as they walked reverently out of the palace. The King and Queen followed, then Remliel and Eirisse. The procession followed the path in the opposite direction of the city. They wound their way through the trees until the path forked in two directions. They

went left, down a large hill, and toward the beach. Sea Maidens lifted their heads above the water, watching the sad line advance to the sand. There was a grave dug a few hundred feet away from the water, 12 feet deep. The Elves set the coffin down on the sand and stepped away from it. Then, the Royalty approached. The King stood on one side, and the Queen on the other, as they lifted their hands over the coffin and said a prayer to the sun in Elvish. Once they were finished, they stepped aside, and allowed Remliel to say her final goodbye. The Angel approached the coffin and knelt beside it in the sand. “Brother," she whispered. “I knew you before the world, and yet, I could never sense the evil that was growing in your heart. When I watched you from the Emptiness, hatred almost grew in me, but mostly I felt pity. Pity that you couldn't see the beauty that our mother created here. Pity that you felt like you had to corrupt her creations. Then, when I cast myself down to stop you, I learned so much about life here. I learned that good can be bad, bad can be good, and some can even be neutral. I never understood that before. I always thought that mother's creatures were inherently good and that yours were bad, but I have never been so wrong. I fell in love, I was tortured, and I still always felt something for you, brother. I have always loved you and cared for you, from one sibling to another, and I always will. It pains me to this day that I could not save you from this fate. It will pain me for the rest of my life.” With tears in her eyes, Remliel stood and used her power to lift the coffin. She then gently placed it in the grave, and returned the sand to the hole. Once her brother was covered underground, she raised a diamond plaque in the sand, the first gravestone on Akkolon, that stated his name and how he had died. When she was finished, the procession started back toward the palace. Eirisse held Remliel's hand as they walked, the Angel crying the whole way back. Upon arriving to the palace, she retired straight to her room, and changed quickly to a black nightgown. She then lied on the bed, held Eirisse in her arms, and tried to sleep. **** The next morning, she realized she hadn't slept at all. Eirisse awakened, kissed her cheek, and got out of bed. Remliel followed, running herself a bath, then dressed in a black gown. It was a loose fit throughout, with lace covering the top half. She slipped on black shoes that matched Eirisse's from yesterday, and went

downstairs. She marched down the middle hall of the palace and into the throne room. She bowed slightly out of respect, then addressed the Royalty. “Your Majesties, there is still much to be done in the wake of the war,” she said. “I know I was wounded for a long time, and now that I've gotten my personal grievances out of the way, I suggest we decide what to do with the Kingdom of Xeasia.” “They fought with your brother and tortured you,” the Queen said. “There is only one thing to be done.” “What is that?” “We eliminate them," she said. "Send troops to their country, kill all who reside there. Leave it a wasteland." “We will be no better than my brother if we were to do that. Especially against the women and children." The Queen stood. “We will kill the men. The women can come here as servants, and the children as well. We can train their young girls to fight in our army, and kill no boy younger than 12. This is how things are done here, Remliel. We must make sure they do not corrupt anyone else, and their kingdom cannot be allowed to continue." “As you wish,” the Angel said, bowing. “When will we depart?" “As soon as possible. Put on your traveling clothes and meet us back down here.” Remliel walked up the stairs and into her room, where Eirisse was sitting at the desk, brushing her hair. “Where were you?” she asked, smiling. “I was about to send a search part for you.” “I'm accompanying the Royalty and some troops to Xeasia.” Eirisse stopped brushing mid-stroke. “What?” “They served my brother, and the Royalty see it fit that they go there and slaughter their people.” Remliel started to change into her traveling clothes as

she talked. “They're bringing the women and children back here to work as servants and soldiers, and we are killing all men and boys above the age of 12.” “That's terrible,” Eirisse said. “Besides all of that bloodshed, you could get hurt again. They tortured you! They had magic that overpowered you! How do you expect to stay safe?” “I have armour.” Eirisse stood. “I'm coming with you.” “No, please, you should stay here.” “ what happened the last time you said that?” “You snuck off and got yourself killed.” “Almost.” Eirisse began to change into her traveling clothes as she continued. “I lived, ? That's why I'm here.” “You wouldn't have lived if I hadn't almost died in the Central Woods. I asked the Nymphs to protect you from death, inflicted specifically by Tetrasiel and his armies, and he said he'd add extra protection around you. If it weren't for that deal, you would've died and it would've been my fault.” “This battlefield will be less fatal, by far. Trust me, love, I know what I'm doing. I'm coming with you.” Remliel sighed, thought for a moment, then accepted. “I'm sure you can protect yourself,” she said, taking her lover's hand. “I will.” The two women, now in riding pants, black boots, and off-white blouses, exited the palace and mounted their steeds. “You're late,” the Queen said, smiling. “It's time to ride, and we shall get to the city before nightfall.” The group of soldiers moved out, led by the Queen, Remliel, and Eirisse. They rode at top speed to the Kingdom of Xeasia, and arrived as the sun was beginning to make its way to the Southern horizon.

The gates to the kingdom were open, and as they entered the city, the people began to flee into their homes and slam their doors. “They know what's coming,” Remliel said sadly. “I wish it could be different.” The Elven soldiers began to dismount their horses, knocking down doors and swinging their swords. The Queen looked to Remliel, and gave her special instruction to take her revenge on the King. “Make your way to the palace,” she said, “and murder everyone there. Servants and Royalty alike. No one is to be left alive, unless they're children. Do you understand? Even the women." “Yes, Your Majesty, as you wish,” Remliel replied, her heart heavy in her chest. She rode her steed to the front of the palace, memories flooding her mind of her stay there. She dismounted and told Cade to wait there, then ran into the palace with her sword drawn. Servants scrambled to get away, but to no avail. The Archangel used both her power and her weapon to bring down the people in the building, shedding a tear for each one. Luckily, there were no children present. Finally, she found the Royalty. The King and the Princess were cowering in the throne room, surrounded by guards. Remliel murdered the soldiers, standing tall in the doorway, looming over the two remaining Men. “Please, have mercy,” the King begged. “For my daughter's sake. For my wife." “Where is Queen Ossena? I haven't seen her here." “She's dead,” the Princess answered. “I killed her myself.” Remliel looked at the girl in awe. She was certainly much more like Royalty, since the last time she saw her she just looked like a scrawny servant girl. Now, she wore a sophisticated blue dress, her long hair was up in a bun, and there was a crown on her head. "You look different," she said, to both of the Royal . “The last time I was here, you looked poor, but now you look as if you own the world. Why is that?" “Your brother gave us these riches when our loyalty began to falter,” the King answered. “My daughter is quite the negotiator, and managed to get a private audience with him.”

Remliel looked at the princess suspiciously. “As far as my knowledge goes, he never left the Dead Peaks.” “He did,” the princess said. “Trust me, I would know.” Remliel rolled her eyes. “You know why I have come here,” she said. “I will not leave until the both of you are dead.” “Please, not my daughter,” the King said, pulling her close to him on the floor. “She's still so young.” Remliel moved into the room from the doorway, allowing the large metal doors to close behind her. “All the more reason for her to remain away from Queenship.” As the King began to tremble, he opened his mouth once more, but Remliel silenced him with the raise of her hand. Anger filled her heart, for she ed the way he tortured and violated her, and she realized that she had wanted revenge from the very beginning. “I won't hear any more from you,” she said, her voice booming in the large hall. Her white eyes grew ablaze with power, and she gathered some of her energy in her hands. “Nobody will ever again.” The Angel then shot her power at the King, hitting him in the chest. His eyes grew wide, and he fell to the floor, dead. The Princess looked at the hole in the middle of her father's body and screamed in fury. She picked up his sword and swung it at the Angel, who met it with her own blade. “You think you can fight me, girl?” she said tauntingly. “I was able to kill my own mother.” “You will pay for the death of my friend, and the hardships she had to face through her whole life.” “She was never a mother to me." “Because you didn't allow her to be.” They continued to fight until Remliel disarmed her opponent. She pushed her to the ground and stood on her chest with one foot, glaring down at her. “Any final words?”

“Remliel don't!” a voice yelled. The doors were open, and the Angel recognized the voice as that of Eirisse. “Show her mercy!” “Why should I?” Remliel answered. “She murdered my friend and ed my brother. She cannot be allowed to rule this kingdom.” “If you kill her, you will be no better than those you despise.” The Angel remained still for a moment, then lifted her foot off of the Princess. “I suppose you're right, love.” The girl scoffed. “You're in love with her? She's nothing more than a filthy little Vampire. You should've killed her off like you did with the rest of your brother's armies. You're weaker than I thought.” “What did you say?” Remliel said, turning back to the Princess with her eyes flaming. “I said, you're weak to love a filthy little Vampire!” With that, the Archangel swung her sword and chopped off the Princess' head, the blade slamming against the marble floor with a loud bang. Silence filled the room, as Remilel stood panting over the Princess' dead body. Eirisse finally sighed, breaking the stagnant silence that loomed in the air, and promptly left the palace. Remliel followed her, sheathing her sword. The Elves had finished their massacre, binding all women and children with chains and connecting them in a line behind some of the soldier's horses. “We ride out!” the Queen yelled, mounting her steed. The Angel and the Vampire followed, mounting just as the soldiers did, and the convoy moved back toward the Western Woods. They kept a slow pace, so as not to harm the captured too much, and they reached the borders by morning. They put the horses away by the palace and the soldiers gently dragged the prisoners into the palace. Eirisse marched in past the guards and up the stairs, while Remliel followed quickly.

The Vampire went straight to the room that they shared and tried to slam the door, but the Angel caught the door with her hands. “What's wrong?” she asked. She was promptly ignored. “I can't fix the issue if I don't know what it is.” “You're no better than your brother!” the Vamp yelled, turning to face the Angel. “You killed an innocent woman! A Queen, no less!" “She was a Princess…” “It doesn't matter! I thought you were going to show mercy. I thought you were better than that!” “She dishonored you and our union,” Remliel explained. “And if I didn't kill her there, and the Queen found out, she'd declare a war on their country, and more lives would be lost." “What country?” Eirisse shrieked. “We killed everyone there!” “That wasn't my fault!” Remliel yelled back. “I never wanted that to happen! If you want to throw blame around for that- that bloodbath!- go yell at your Royalty! Not me!" The Vampire remained silent, looking down at her hands. The Angel continued. “I never wanted any of this, and somehow it's all my fault. I'm sure that my allies blame me for their soldiers' deaths, my brother blamed me for his plight and his failure, and I even blame myself. I was weak. I should've been able to take him by myself. I almost got you killed, which I'll never forgive myself for… I suppose you're right to blame me, and to be angry. I'll leave you to your thoughts.” Remliel left the room, softly closing the door behind her. She stood outside the door for a moment, debating on going back in and apologizing, but instead she sighed and walked down the hall. She descended the stairs and walked out to the courtyard. By now, it was midday, and the sun began to shined through the trees and onto the long green grass. The Angel sat on the ground, her hands in her lap, and she closed her eyes. She sent out her power as if scanning the world, searching for any essence of her brother that was left. She found thousands of Goblins in the Dead Peaks, along with five Dragons, and 15 Werewolves in the Central Woods.

She also sensed part of her brother's soul, in the place where he died. She tore herself away from that area of the world, coming back to reality in the courtyard. She felt tears welling in her eyes, and tried to bite them back. Slowly, they poured over her cheeks, and her entire body racked with violent sobs. She thought of stabbing her brother in the front and her lover in the back. Her heart hurt, and she felt as though she'd failed at her mission of saving the world. She wept for the lost souls of those in the Kingdom of Xeasia, which now stood empty and abandoned, along with the souls of the dark creatures that had been killed. Once she was done crying a few moments later, she collected herself and exited the courtyard. She was determined to make things right with Eirisse as she climbed the steps up to the second floor, but stopped right outside of their bedroom. She could hear Eirisse's sobs through the solid wood door. She swung it open and saw her lover. She sat cross-legged on the bed, hugging a pillow. “Leave me alone,” she cried, pulling some blankets over her head. “I don't need your sympathy.” “I'm not here to give you sympathy,” the Angel answered, her voice faltering. Her throat constricted, and once again she felt herself biting back tears, yet this time, it was for a different reason. “I'm here to apologize. Please, let me in.” “I'm sorry too," Eirisse answered. “I acted irrationally and I was so mean, for no reason other than my own anger.” Remliel made her way over to the bed and sat beside the Vampire. She wrapped her arms around her, and they sat together until the girl stopped crying. She wiped her eyes and removed the blankets from over her. “Are you alright?” Remliel asked her. “I am now,” she answered. She looked up at her guardian and smiled. “I'm so sorry." “Don't be. Both of us were right and wrong in our own ways. It's over now." “I love you.” “I love you more."

They stayed like that, just sitting and embracing one another, for a few more moments, before Eirisse's stomach growled. The Vamp looked up at Remliel, fear in her eyes. “You're hungry!” Remliel exclaimed, jumping up. “Let's get some food.” “No, you don't understand," the girl answered. “You don't have to eat unless you need to regain your strength, right?” “Yes.” “That's the same for me, but a little different. I feed on blood, and I only do it once every three months. I call it my Feeding Week. It wasn't supposed to come so early." “Feeding Week?” “I must be isolated for a week, taken care of by other Vamps, and I must be given blood or I could die.” “What do I do?” “Run into the next room and ask for Loga. Tell her that I need her, she'll know what to do.” “So I won't be able to see you for a week?” “I'm afraid so.” “Can I kiss you before I go?” Eirisse hesitated. “I suppose so.” Remliel leaned over and connected their lips, but only briefly, before she pulled away and hurried to the door. She turned back to take one last look at her lover, who's skin was growing paler and her eyes were growing redder. She then ran out of the room and knocked on the door to the right, where a Vamp greeted her. “What can I do for you?” she asked. “I'm looking for Loga," she answered frantically. “Eirisse needs you. It's her Feeding Week.”

The Vampire who answered the door didn't say a word, only gently pushed past the Angel and shoved her way into Eirisse's room. The door slammed behind her. She then emerged a moment later with the girl in her arms. She'd gone limp, but she was still breathing. “She'll have to stay with us for a week, and you cannot see her.” “I know." Without another word, the door slammed closed, and Remliel was shut out for good.

Chapter Ten

The week went by slowly, with Remliel isolating herself in her room for most of it. She went downstairs only once, when she was called by the Queen. “Do you mind helping me?” she asked the Angel as she entered the throne room. “Of course Your Majesty, how can I be of service?” “My husband is very ill, and I was hoping you and I could go to his bedroom to have a little chat with him.” “I hardly think that's appropriate." The Queen rose. “Come, it will only be for a moment.” Remliel hesitantly followed the Queen down the leftmost hall and up the stairs. She then turned to the right and went down a hall that led to an iron door. There, two guards stood watch, and they opened the door when they saw the Queen approaching. Upon going through the door, there was a living space that was complete with a kitchen, a dining table, a bed, and a washbasin. There was a grand window on the far wall ahead of them, but the curtains were drawn. A single candle was lit by the bedside, and Remliel could see the resting form of the King lying under a heap of blankets. There were servants rushing back and forth from the kitchen area to the bedside, and one servant girl stayed sitting on the bed beside the King. Remliel recognized all of these women from Xeasia, and she bowed her head in shame as they ed her. The Queen paid the new servants no mind as she walked calmly to her husband. He moaned, then sat up slightly. “My love,” he said shakily. “You have brought the Angel?”

“That I have,” she said, taking his hand and shooing the servant girl away. She took her spot on the bed, and Remliel stood beside the King. The Queen then turned to the Angel and said, “He was poisoned, by one of our new servants, no doubt. He didn't fall ill until they arrived. Nevertheless, they're doing fine at adjusting to their new lives, and the palace has never run smoother. Still, we fear for his life, for the only things that can kill an immortal being like him is the sword and poison.” “What have we come to discuss?” Remliel asked. “The matter of Xeasia,” the Queen said. The servant women flinched slightly at her words. “We have technically taken over their country, and the law here states that if we are to take a territory, the one who kills their Royalty will be the next ruler of said country. That person is you." “I cannot rule a country!” the Angel exclaimed. “Especially since no one lives there anymore.” “The Elves have begun to populate at an alarming rate,” the Queen said. “Some of them will have to move, and that is the only place that they will fit. They'll take over the abandoned homes, begin sowing their crops, and with your power, it'll be easy to repair any damage that we have caused.” Remliel felt irritation growing in her chest for the Queen. She seemed to feel no pity for the women and children that they'd enslaved, and no mercy for any of the men that they'd slaughtered. Still, she felt a sort of dedication to her, and loyalty was greater than any ill will. She sighed, then nodded. “I suppose that would work fine,” she said. “In a few weeks, we'll have you move there. You must choose a King, or a Queen, to accompany you.” “I… must?” “You must. No good kingdom can be ruled with only one Royal member.” “That's not true, the kingdom that healed Eirisse and I only has one Queen and she's very successful.” “The only exception.”

They sat in silence for a moment until the Queen turned to her husband. “So it shall be,” he said. “Wonderful,” the Queen said, rising. “We leave you now, my love. Get good rest.” She left, and as Remliel started to follow, the King grabbed her arm. “She did this to me,” he whispered. “What? That can't be true.” “She poisoned me the night you left for Xeasia, because I didn't agree with her idea. I never wanted to kill all of those men and bring these women back here. They're fighting for my life so that I can bring my Queen to justice.” At that moment, the Queen returned. “Remliel? Are you going to me?” “Yes, Your Majesty,” she answered. She gave the King a knowing look, then quickly left the room. A few days later, Remliel found herself sitting in the courtyard on the ground once again. She felt the grass under her fingertips and she breathed in the fresh air. Her thoughts wandered to that of her brother once again, but this time there were no tears shed. She sighed contentedly, and closed her eyes, allowing herself to be immersed in this momentary peace. It seemed that, after her victory over the Dark Angel, everyone needed her for something. Her thoughts were confirmed when she heard a male voice coming from behind her. “Your Divinity?” he said, tapping her shoulder. He was careful to avoid her wings, which had been visible since the battle. “Eirisse requests your presence?" The Angel shot up from her sitting position, smiling. “Take me to her.” The golden Elf did as he was asked, leading the Angel through the halls, up the stairs, and to her room. She opened the door to find another female Vampire leaning over her bed, where Eirisse laid. She was the one who had opened the door for her the week before. “She'll be fine,” the girl said, standing and turning toward Remliel. “She's weak today, but she'll be herself by tomorrow.” “Thank you,” Remliel answered. The Vampire left them, and Eirisse smiled at

the sight of her love. “I've missed you,” she said. “And I've missed you,” the Angel answered. “In fact, I have lots of news to share with you.” “Can it wait until tomorrow?” she asked. “I'm still weak.” “Of course. I'll spend the rest of the day in here with you.” She walked over to the bed and sat next to the girl. “Why don't you tell me about your week? What happens to you?” “Well, I crave blood, and that's all I can think about. It's like I go into a trance and I forget who I am. My personality disappears, and I turn into the monster that I was created to be. I'm the only one who does this, since I'm the only offspring of the Vamps. All the others can go years without feeding.” Remliel nodded, and Eirisse leaned her head on her side. Although it was only midday, the Angel stayed with her lover until nightfall, when she crawled under the covers and slept next to her. She dreamt of nothingness until the early light of the morning, and when she awoke, she found that she was alone in the bed. Eirisse sat at the desk, brushing her hair. “I'm glad you're awake,” she said, turning to face her. “I'm feeling much better today.” “I'm glad to hear it.” “Speaking of hearing things, why don't you tell me your news from yesterday?” Remliel got out of bed and went to the wardrobe, where she changed out of the traveling clothes she'd been lounging in for the week. She slipped on a light blue dress with white lace on the bodice and a loose, flowing skirt. While she dressed, she told Eirisse about the King's illness. “His wife poisoned him. I don't know what's come over her; it's as if she's corrupted by her own power.” “That wouldn't make sense,” the Vampire answered. “She's been Queen since the kingdom was founded.” “Still, she seems to be enjoying her grasp of the throne a bit too much.”

“Perhaps there's something that the King was hiding? Something that would make the Queen angry with him? She has to have a motive, she wouldn't poison him for no reason.” “I'll have to find that out. In the meantime, I do have other news. The Kingdom of Xeasia stands abandoned, and I was informed that since I killed the Royalty, I am now Queen of that country." “You are?” “I didn't want to be, but yes. I've been told that in a few days time, I'll have to choose my King or Queen and move to the abandoned city to fix things up.” “How can you rule a country with no one there?" “The Queen says that the Elves are beginning to overpopulate, and they need a new place to stay. I suppose that they'll live there.” “That sounds splendid.” “But I was thinking…" “Go on.” “Perhaps there should be more than just Elves living there. After all, the only thing that the Elves have ever known was the woods. Maybe we can visit all of the kingdoms of Akkolon and our new rule, say that any citizen that would like to move there and inhabit a home is welcome. We can expand the city to the borders of the kingdom itself, build more homes, sow new crops. What do you think?" Eirisse hesitated. “We?" Remliel was taken aback. “I thought, maybe, you'd want to be my Queen? You said you loved me, and I know I love you.” “I know, it's just that no Vampire has ever been anything important before. I'm a dark creature, and people will be afraid of me.” Remliel took her lover's hands and looked her in the eyes. “There is no such

thing as dark and light creatures. You are pure, and good, and you do things for others without thinking of yourself. You'd make a perfect Queen, I know it. Please, be mine." Eirisse smiled. “Of course, my love. I'd be honored.” “Splendid, it's done then. We should start packing our bags, we'll be moving soon.” The Angel moved to the wardrobe. She used her power to make large luggage bags for her and her love before reaching into the closet and taking out her own dresses. She began folding them neatly and putting them away in the satchel. “Rem, don't you think… nevermind." The Archangel stopped and turned to face her lover. “Rem? I like that nickname. What were you going to say, love?” “I just thought that maybe you'd like to get married first?” Remliel smiled. “I'd love that. A traditional Elvish wedding? Do Vampires have any special customs for marriage?" Eirisse smiled, then sat on the bed and gestured for Remliel to her. She did, and they looked at one another as they discussed. “Vampires don't really have marriage customs,” the Vampire explained. “Elvish weddings are beautiful, but I feel like they're too somber and boring. Why don't we make our own wedding?” “Do you have any ideas?” The Vamp smiled wider, shifting in her seat. “I won't deny that I've been planning this for a while. I was thinking we'd wear dresses tailored in Elvish style, that way we can use the tailors that work for the Royalty. It would be in the woods, and we'd vow to each other what we wish. We'd seal it with a kiss, just like the Elves. Then we'd celebrate at a big party where all of the kingdom is invited, no dress code so that the poor can attend. When we do wed, there will be a carpet laid down on the forest floor for us to walk on, and chairs set up for the Elves to watch. Not the whole kingdom, of course, but the Royalty, perhaps some golden and blue Elves. Vampires will come too, my family and friends. What do you think?”

Remliel smiled. “It sounds perfect. I'll get the tailors right away.” “We shouldn't see each other's dresses until the wedding day,” Eirisse said. “To keep it a surprise.” “And we should wed as soon as possible.” “Tomorrow afternoon!” “Perfect.” They kissed, then Eirisse pulled away and said, “We shouldn't see each other until then too. It will make the day even more special. I'll sleep in another guest room tonight.” “Sounds lovely.” They kissed once more before Eirisse left the room, making her way down the hall and opening another door. Remliel then got up and walked downstairs to the tailor's room to summon the head tailor. The golden Elf opened the door to his workshop and smiled, welcoming the Archangel inside. There were a dozen golden Elves, all tailors, working vigorously on dresses and suits for the Royalty. “Do you have a moment?” the Angel asked, sitting. “I'd like to put in an urgent request.” “What can we make for you?” “Tomorrow afternoon I am to wed my beloved, and we need dresses. Traditional, Elvish dresses.” “That I can do. We already have your measurements, and we'll send them up to your room this evening.” “Oh, Eirisse is staying in a separate room tonight," the Angel corrected him. “Be sure to send the right dress to the right room.” “Of course. I'm assuming to make the dresses white?” “Make hers white and mine black.”

The Elf hesitated. “Of course. Is that all?” “I'll leave you to your work. Thank you.” The Angel excitedly ran back up the stairs, but paused when she reached the top. She looked to the door of the Royalty's bedroom and made her way slowly over. She opened the door a crack, and asked for permission to enter. A servant girl opened the door completely and Remliel saw that the room was still dark. Only one candle burned by the bedside, and a sliver of light was let in by the open door. The King groaned and turned over to face the door. “Your Divinity!” he exclaimed, seeing the outline of her wings against the light of the hall, “what a wonderful surprise!” “I've come to give you news of my wedding to Eirisse,” she said, moving into the room. The door closed behind her, and she sat on the edge of the bed to see his face clearer. “It's to happen tomorrow afternoon.” “I wish I could attend,” he said sadly. “I'm not sure if I'm going to survive this.” “I think I can help,” she said. “But first I need you to be completely honest with me. Why did your wife poison you? Did you do something unfavorable or… dishonorable towards her?” The King sighed. “I was not unfaithful, if that's what you're implying. I disagreed with the plan for Xeasia, but more than that, I wanted to secede from the throne. We've been ruling since the middle of the First Age, and I'm tired. Now, at the end of the Second Age, I felt that it was time for our children to take the throne and introduce new leadership to this country. She disagreed, thought that we had a divine right to rule, and so, when I told her that she would secede with me, she slipped me some poison in my drink.” “How do you know it was her?" “She told me.” “I see.” The Angel hovered her hands over the King's head, and slowly moved them down his body until she reached his stomach. “I know what the problem is, and I'm sure I can heal you.”

“Please do.” Remliel summoned her power to her hands, creating beams of white light in the dark room. The servants covered their eyes in the unusual brightness, but the Elven King stared straight on. She pressed her hands into his stomach, the light flowing inside of him, and he began to cough up a green sludge. A servant girl ran over, sitting the King up and propping his back on pillows, so that he wouldn't choke on the substance, as Remliel continued to pump his stomach and veins of the poison. Finally, after a few moments, she lifted her hands, and the light faded from the room. The King coughed for a while longer, and Remliel helped the servant girl clean up the mess he made. Finally, when he was done, he gasped for breath and looked frantically around. “Open the curtains,” he said, breaking the silence. The servants did as they were told, shedding light into the room. The King sat straight up in his bed, his eyes wide and a smile on his face. He stood, basking in the light, until the door slammed open. “What is this?” a shrill voice yelled. Remliel turned and saw the Queen standing in the doorway. “My eyes have been opened to your evil,” the Angel answered, standing. “Your corruption.” “Stand aside, Remliel,” the King said, laying a hand on her shoulder. “Elves may not be as magical as Nymphs, but we still have great power within us. I may have been weakened, but I know how to deal with my wife.” He moved in front of the Angel and raised his hand, then clenched his fist and pulled his arm toward him. Purple strands of power started to squeeze itself out of the Queen's body, seeping into the King's. After a few seconds, he stopped, leaving her panting for breath. She fell to her knees, clutching her heart in her chest. “What did you do to her?" Remliel asked, concerned. “I merely drew some of her power out of her and into me, to help me recover my previous strength. She still has plenty of power in her veins, just not as much as she did.” Remliel looked between the King and Queen, conflicted. Her old loyalties lied

with the Queen; after all, she advised her to confess her feelings to Eirisse. However, that was the old Queen. This new Queen was corrupt and vain, whereas the King seemed noble and just in his punishments. For it was true, Remliel thought, that any good Royal member had to deal out punishments, regardless of who committed the crime, and the fact that the King took lawful justice upon his wife was favorable toward the Angel. So, she sided with the King, her heart heavy nonetheless. “Take her to the dungeon,” the King said to the guards standing outside the door. “And make sure she doesn't escape.” “Yes, Your Majesty,” one answered, drawing the purple hood of his cloak over his eyes. He, with the help of the other purple Elf, took ahold of the Queen and bound her in chains before escorting her out of the room and down the stairs. Once she was out of sight, the King sighed sadly and turned back to the Angel. “I'm sorry you had to see that,” he said. “I never wanted this for my kingdom or my wife. I loved her, and I still do, but her heart is changed and I cannot just dismiss the heinous act she committed against me.” “I understand,” Remliel answered. “You have my full .” “As for your wedding, I'd be happy to attend. I'm sure Taylodrin of the Southern Realm would also be eager for an invitation.” “You're right!” Remliel exclaimed. “Besides that, I should also invite the Royalty of my allies. After all, it's more than just a union of love. It's a union of diplomacy as well.” “That is true,” the King answered with a smile. “Send your message to them in their thoughts, as you did when you summoned them for battle, and I'm sure they'll be here by tomorrow morning. Perhaps even tonight!” The King then turned to his servants and instructed them to make all of the guest rooms ready to host Royalty. They scurried about, whispering amongst themselves, excited for the ceremony. Remliel took her leave of the King and retired to her room, where she could see the sun starting to slide down the sky. It was around 4:00 when the Angel sat cross-legged on her bed, closing her eyes and feeling her soul leave her body, like in the field before the battle. She soared into the sky and through the treetops, making her rounds to all of the kingdoms

of Men, inviting their Kings and Queens to the wedding and banquet. She then visited the Royalty of the Southern Woods and Taylodrin, extending the same message. Finally, she visited the Dwarves of the Forgotten Hills, but much to her surprise, they politely declined her offer, saying that they'd much rather live their lives in their mountain than be bothered by the politics of the outside world. So, Remliel returned to her body at around 8:00, just as the sky was turning orange and purple and the sun was setting. Her eyes flew open and she panted for breath, grounding herself in her environment. She heard a knock on the door, and two golden Elves entered. “Your Divinity,” they greeted her, bowing. “Your dress is ready.” The head tailor then entered the room carrying a garment bag in his hands. “I believe this belongs to you,” he said, smiling. “One of my finest works. Let me see you try it on.” Remliel stood and walked over to him, where she unzipped the bag to find the most gorgeous white dress she'd ever seen. It had a tight upper bodice with lace and a built-in corset and gold, blue, and purple flowers infused into the material through Elven magic. The dress only had one sleeve, which reached just past the Angel's elbow. The bottom of the dress had a large hoop skirt with the same flowers infused, lace, and a few strands of pink veins running up to the middle of the dress. Remliel put on the dress carefully before slipping on the white shoes that came with it. She twirled around a few times, feeling girlish and happy, smiling down at the perfectly fitted gown. “Thank you,” she said, embracing the head tailor. “I knew it would be just beautiful.” “I will send some hairdressers up tomorrow morning,” the Elf said, pulling away from the unexpected hug. “They will bring traditional Elven marriage foods for you to enjoy before you wed. Goodnight, Remliel, and good luck. We're all happy for you, and we send our prayers to the sun in your name." “It is much appreciated,” she answered, curtsying politely. He bowed in return, handing her the garment bag, then turned and left the room with the two other servants in tow. The Archangel smiled to herself, spinning a couple more times, before carefully taking off the dress and hanging it in the wardrobe. She laid the garment bag over the back of the chair, since she no longer needed it, and changed into a red nightgown. She laid in her bed, watching the sun go down through the window, and smiled once more. Her heart fluttered in her chest as

she awaited the following day, and as she slowly drifted off to sleep, she could hear the sounds of horses arriving in the courtyard.

Chapter Eleven

The next morning, the Archangel was awakened by a knock on the door. She jumped out of bed to answer, allowing three servants, two Xeasian women and an Elf, to enter. They ushered her into her washroom and ran her a hot bath, where they scrubbed all of the dirt off of her body, cleaned her hair, and allowed her to wash her own wings. When she was done, they lifted her out of the bath and wrapped her body in a white towel before rushing her over to the chair by her bedside. There, they brushed her hair, dried it with Elven magic, and began to put it in a sophisticated updo. Once they were finished, her long brown hair was in a waterfall braid that went from the upper left side of her head down to the lower right, resting finally over her right shoulder. Next came the dress. By now it was 11:00, and guests could be heard approaching on horseback in the courtyard. Remliel snacked on cheese and bread made freshly that morning while the servants took out her dress. The Elven woman began to deep clean it with her power, all while complaining under her breath that the tailors never make anything pure white. The other two servant women started on Remliel's makeup, giving her a light pink lipstick and a natural face. Once they were finally finished, the Angel stood and was dressed. Her braid rested on her bare right shoulder while her left arm was snug inside the one sleeve. The women adjusted the hoopskirt and stepped back, iring their work. The Elven servant approached, sticking flowers that matched those of her dress into her hair. The Angel fluffed up her wings, and the servants smiled. She was ready. They walked Remliel down the stairs and out the front door of the castle where Cade stood, groomed and cleaned, waiting for the approaching bride. The horse stood tall and proud before stooping down to allow Remliel to mount. Once she was on, she rode side-saddled down the path and deeper into the woods. It was noon now, and the rays of the sun shined happily through the treetops. Finally, Remliel saw it. There was a red carpet laid down on the forest floor, white chairs facing a yellow and white altar, and a High Priest in purple and

golden robes standing behind it. He smiled when he saw the bride, and the people seated in the chairs stood and turned to look at her. She flawlessly dismounted her horse, which then casually walked to the side. She smiled back, walking down the aisle. She saw the Royalty from her allies, the King of the West in the front row, and Taylodrin seated next to him. The Elf smiled at her, and Remliel subtly waved back at him. The Angel, now at the altar, turned around and faced the way she'd come. The guests did so too, just as Eirisse emerged from the trees. Her white dress had two long sleeves that reached her hands, a veil that covered the top half of her face and trailed behind her, and a loose-fitting dress that also dragged behind her on the ground. Her hair was down, flowing in the wind, as she smiled and approached the aisle. Two Xeasian children held her veil, walking behind her on either side of her dress. Once she reached the altar, they dropped the veil and went running back to their mothers. The two women to be married turned and faced the altar and the Priest. “You may all be seated,” the High Priest said. The guests did as they were told, and the Elf carried on. “Today we are gathered to a Queen and a soldier in holy matrimony. The sun shines happily down on us today, and even at night, it eagerly awaits its rise in the morning time. So have these two lovers waited for their time, their opportunity, to show the world who they are. Both noble fighters, and now both noble Queens. Our creator, the One, the mother of the bride, smiles down on this ceremony, and we can only pray that she will give us her blessing.” Silence filled the woods, and after a few moments, the Priest continued. “Now, the brides have given each other their vows in secret, for they are too pure to be said around others. However, you two must make a promise before these witnesses that you will cherish one another until the end of time, that you will love with the same ion as you did in the beginning, and that you will both rule justly and kindly over your new peoples.” “I do,” Eirisse said. “I promise.” “As do I,” Remliel answered. “Then it is done!” the Priest exclaimed. “I pronounce you married, two Queens, two soldiers, ed now forever by the bonds of matrimony. You may kiss the

bride!" The women leaned in happily, connecting their lips while the people cheered. They pulled away, smiling, and ed hands. They then turned back to the guests, who clapped and cheered for them. They made their way back down the aisle and mounted Cade, the loyal steed who had waited at the end of the aisle for them. They both rode side-saddled together back up to the palace, where they rushed to their room and closed the door. Their lips never parted as the veil was taken off of Eirisse's head. The corset at the back of Remliel's dress was then undone, and the woman slipped out of her dress, leaving it lying on the ground behind her. Her naked form then stripped Eirisse of her clothes, and they fell into bed together. They touched each other and kissed up and down each others' bodies until they both reached their highs. Then, they laid next to one another in the bed, covering themselves with the blankets just as three servants knocked on the door. They entered, blushing. They picked up their dresses and hung them up in the wardrobe before hesitantly approaching the bed. Remliel sat up and allowed the women to take the flowers and braid out of her hair, before telling her that the banquet would begin in a few moments. They then left, and the two newlyweds laughed together before getting out of bed and slipping on some gowns. Eirisse and Remliel then walked hand in hand down the stairs and toward the vestibule of the palace. The Vampire wore a red dress with a fitted top and loose bottom, and the Angel wore one similar in a light green color. When they reached the vestibule, they saw a long table with food and drink lined up. There were chairs where many guests sat, along with citizens of the Western Woods and soldiers. All colors of the Elven robes were there, from brown all the way up to the white of the Royalty. Upon further investigation, the Angel realized that there were multiple tables, up and down the hallways and even in the throne room, that seated every citizen of the West. Even the servants dined with the guests, side by side with Royalty. The two Elven Kings present, one from the West and one from the South, sat on opposite sides of one another at the table, and the Southern Elf had his wife beside him. The Royalty from the Kingdom of Iqocan and the Queen of Phiturya also sat opposite of each other. There were two chairs at the head of the long table for the newlyweds, and they promptly sat next to one another. The rest of the guests were then seated, and the food was served.

Servants from the West filled up everyone's plates, poured their wine, and left a few full bottles scattered around the table. They then got their own food and sat at one of the many tables. Laughter and conversation could be heard throughout the entire palace, with many people congratulating the new couple on their marriage. A few got drunk on the wine, singing and dancing in honor of the married. A few refused to drink, but still laughed at the drunken ones. Remliel looked around for Taylodrin before he seated himself down next to her on the left side of the table. “I'm sorry I'm late,” he said, leaning over to speak to her. “I was seated at the wrong table! Here I was, waiting for you to show up, and you were doing the same for me over here.” “No hard feelings, friend," she said, smiling. “Besides, we have one too many drunk Elves at this table.” Taylodrin chuckled. “There are drunk Men at the other.” The Angel winced, then laughed. “I'm glad you could make it,” she said. “I've missed your company.” “And I've missed yours. Let's eat.” The rest of the afternoon was spent eating, drinking, and sharing stories. Guests started to trickle out at sundown, with many citizens going home to their families. They bowed respectfully at the newlyweds as they left, and once only Royalty and Taylodrin was left in the palace, Remliel and Eirisse began to help clean their table. The Royalty looked at them until Taylodrin ed in, and the rest followed. They helped the servants scrub the tables, wash the dishes, and fold up the tables and chairs to return them to storage. They then all walked upstairs to their rooms, and the new couple settled into their bed. “Today was amazing,” Eirisse said. “It was,” the Angel responded. “I can't wait to begin the rest of our lives.” **** The next few days were spent preparing for their move to Xeasia. They packed their dresses and other clothes into their bags, and on the day they left, they took one last look at their room before going down the stairs for the last time. They met the King in the vestibule of the palace, saying their goodbyes and thanking him for everything. “You've been the bet guests I've ever had,” the King said.

“I'm sad to see you go, and I hope you stay in touch.” “We will," Remliel answered. They then picked up their bags and left the palace. They set their luggage onto a cart that was being pulled by a horse in the back of the convoy, then mounted their own steeds. In the front of the line, there was two blue Elves, soldiers to protect the new Royalty. There was then another set of blue Elves, the Royalty, a third set of soldiers, and a few rows of servants: four Vampires, four Xeasian women, and four Elves. At the end of the line there was a brown Elf steering the cart with the luggage of all of the people. They took off, trotting down the paths of the Woods until they reached the border. They then emerged from the forest, the sun shining down on their faces. They continued trotting halfway, then walked the remainder of the time. They reached the kingdom at sundown, seeing the eerie, empty streets. The four Xeasian women began to cry, seeing the remaining dead bodies rotting in the streets. Remliel hung her head in shame as they walked up the cobblestone and toward the palace. When they arrived, the servants unpacked the luggage while the soldiers steered the horses toward the stables. Cade followed, seemingly annoyed with having to stay inside a barn. The Royalty then entered the palace, and Remliel used her power to light the torches on the walls. They remained burning for the rest of time. They went to the room where the previous Xeasian Royalty had been killed, and the Angel lifted them with her power and moved them to the palace courtyard. She then stood on the steps of the palace and lifted the other dead bodies in the streets, piling them on top of the dead royalty. Then she lit a single match and threw it onto the pile, watching them catch fire with sadness in her eyes. They burned through the night and into the morning, until they were nothing but ash. Remliel then scattered the ashes across the kingdom, allowing their remains to settle into the streets. “They will forever be a part of this kingdom,” she said, “even in death. They have been reborn as the very grass you see around you." That day was dedicated to cleaning the abandoned town. Remliel used her power for some of it, but for the rest, the hands of servants, soldiers, and Royalty alike were utilized. They swept out the houses, renovated the furniture, resowed the crops, and much more. Remliel used her power to expand the town to the borders of the kingdom, then moved the palace itself to the middle of the city. She renovated the houses, making them less shack-like and more homely. Finally, at sundown, they were finished. The cobblestone streets snaked through

the city, and the houses and other buildings surrounding the palace were large enough to house a family of five or more. The palace was in the center of the city now, with a wall surrounding it and a drawbridge that went over the moat. The inner courtyard had the stables, and behind the palace, there was a garden for the Royalty's use. The larger, more expansive fields of crops were near the outskirts of the city, closer to the Southern border. Finally, Xeasia was ready. That night, in her bed next to Eirisse, she closed her eyes and allowed her soul to travel outside of her body once more. She went to the Kings and Queens of every kingdom on Akkolon, except the Nymphs, and instructed them to tell their people about her new city. “Tell you citizens that if they want a place to live, neutral from all war, without hate, discrimination, or prejudice, they are welcome here. They must work for their living, as any good person does, but I will ensure their happiness. And if they no longer wish to live here, there is no punishment, and they can leave back to their home country at any time they wish.” The next morning, they already had people staggering into the city. They went to the palace, asking where to stay and what to do, and all day long, Eirisse and Remliel assigned homes and jobs to the people. They asked for their skillset and preference, and went from there. The next few weeks went the same way, until less and less people arrived. By the end of a fortnight, they had citizens of almost every race; Men, Dwarves, and Elves alike lived together as neighbors and friends. After the last person arrived, Remliel made an announcement to her people from the balcony of her room in the palace. “My faithful Xeasians! I welcome you this wonderful city! Know that, although you live here, and you are my people, you also still belong to your home country, and if you find your life here unhappy or unsatisfying for whatever reason, you are free to go home at any time. I hope you will find yourselves content here, and my Queen and I will do our best to rule over you justly.” For years and years to come, the people of Xeasia never left, and they lived out their lives in their new homes with happiness. Even the servants of the Royalty itted to being extremely content with their jobs, for they were paid very handsomely. There was no war waged against the country, and crime within the city was almost non existent. The dungeon was hardly ever occupied, but even

so, it was not a scary or evil place; it was indeed a rehabilitation for the criminals who did stay there. The death penalty was not observed, and anyone who committed an extremely violent crime, which almost never happened, spent the rest of their days in the dungeon or as an unpaid servant to the Royalty. Indeed, everyone in Xeasia was happy, and so were their children, and their children after them, for the rest of time.

Index and Epilogue

Existing Dark Creatures: Goblins: ~373,076

Werewolves: ~100

Vampires: ~30,066

Sea Snakes: 0

Dragons: 5

Population of Kingdoms: Elven Kingdoms Southern Woods: ~624,870

Western Woods: ~934,190

Eastern Woods: ~451,383

Kingdoms of Men: Kingdom of Iqocan: ~1,961,321

Kingdom of Phiturya: ~680,878

Kingdom of Mowyth: ~1,790,151

Dwarven Kingdoms: The Forgotten Hills: ~16,162

The Distant Highlands: ~70,598

The Dead Peaks: ~284,220

Clans of Mermaids: Sea Maidens: ~7 known clans, each made of ~20 mermaids

North River Maidens: 1 clan, made of ~7,585 mermaids

Central Channel Maidens: 1 clan, made of ~1,642 mermaids

Eastern River Maidens: 1 clan, made of ~2,540 mermaids

Nymphs: 1 kingdom, ~4,490 Nymphs

Map of Akkolon:

Events of the First and Second Age: First Age: Tetrasiel casts himself down to Akkolon, landing in the Crater of Tetrasiel. He seduces leaders of the small tribes of creatures with his power, and corrupts and mutates them into his army. The remaining creatures merge their groups and create their kingdoms, establishing leaders and building their cities and palaces. Small, petty wars are fought between kingdoms for land or power. Dragons are created, Tetrasiel begins to stir in the mountains near the end of the Age.

Second Age: Remliel casts herself down to Akkolon, landing in the Fork of Remliel. She goes from kingdom to kingdom gathering allies and, unintentionally, enemies. She falls in love with the Vampire Eirisse in the Western Woods, and fights her brother in the Deep Plains. She slays him in battle.

Third Age: The Battle of the Archangels is over, Remliel and Eirisse are healed from their wounds, they marry in the Western Woods and re-establish the Kingdom of Xeasia.

Other Significant Akkolonian Events: The Siege of the Dead Peaks The Dragon Frordydy crawls his way into the Dead Peaks in search of the

Dwarves' riches. They fight him, losing lots of lives, but in the end, the King of the Dwarves, Bestrotum, stabs him through his left eye, and kills him by impaling his brain with his Elven sword. Bestrotum was the only Dwarf to ever carry an Elven blade, since the Dwarves and Elves didn't get along with one another. After this, there were five Dragons in existence.

The Growth of the Black Flower In the site of Tetrasiel's death, a single black flower grew that never died and was always firm on its stalk, even after trampled by many horses. The legend grew among the people of Akkolon that the Dark Angel's soul was entrapped within the flower, since every being on Akkolon is reincarnated when they die. This was somewhat true, for only half of Tetrasiel's soul was in the flower, and the other half was in the Emptiness with the One. In full truth, his entire soul had been sent back to the Emptiness, but the One was awoken by the battle between her children, and she knew what her son had done, so as his punishment, she sent him back down to Akkolon in half to spend the rest of eternity.

The Massacre of the Elves: The Western Elves, with the reluctant help of the Archangel Remliel, invaded the Kingdom of Xeasia and slaughtered the men and boys there, leaving only the women and children, and boys only under the age of 12 years old. Remliel killed King Shamus Blackwood and his daughter, Princess Selena Blackwood, after invading the castle and learning of Queen Ossena Blackwood's death. The Elves then took the women and children back to the Western Woods where they lived as servants to the Royalty, leaving the kingdom abandoned.

The Reformed Kingdom of Xeasia:

Remliel and Eirisse moved to the abandoned Kingdom of Xeasia, expanded the one city to the borders of the kingdom, and remodeled the houses to fit more people. The original kingdom was very small and poor, so the population was starving and cramped. The new Queens fixed this problem, and even moved the palace to the middle of the city to show their willingness to be involved with their people. After the Massacre of the Elves, Remliel made it her duty to reopen the kingdom to all who were willing to live there, and after two week's time, the population of the country was ~31,907, with Elves, Men, and Dwarves living together peacefully. It was the first and only country to have three different races as its citizens.

The Role of The One and Other Gods/Goddesses: There were no other true Gods or Goddesses other than the One, but different races believed in different things.

The Elves acknowledged the existence of the One, yet didn't worship her as their creator, rather as a creator of the sun. The Elves believed that the One created the sun first, and through it's powerful light, it gave birth to the world and all life on it, since the sun sustains Akkolonian life, and without it, everything would be dark, cold, and dead.

Most Men believed in other Gods and Goddesses other than the One, although she was always included. Men gave the One the name of Devneas, gave her a husband named Hezdall, and many children that were also Archangels. Men looked at Archangels as demigods, and in their mythology, the One had five other children after the two that went down to the earth. In age order, Men believed that the One and her husband had Remliel, Tetrasiel, Suriel, Hadariel, Hayyel, Forfax, and Liel. They had other nameless Gods and Goddesses that controlled the weather, crops, and other things of that nature.

Dwarves did not acknowledge the existence of the One, and they saw Remliel and Tetrasiel as Gods themselves. The Dwarves believed that there were two Archangel Gods who ruled over everything, Remliel and Tetrasiel; Xuxlena, Goddess of the Sun; Omos, God of the Moon; Mygyn, Goddess of mining; Qhaleyr, God of food and drink, and Zesyn, God of war.

Nymphs didn't believe in any higher power, and in fact, they didn't know that Remliel was Divine when she entered the Central Woods. That is why she was able to trick them, however, but nonetheless, since they never left the Woods, they didn't know what any other Akkolonian creature looked like besides Werewolves. They thought that the Archangel was just another Akkolonian and didn't pay her any mind.

Mermaids, both Sea Maidens and River Maidens alike, believed in the One and two other Gods. They gave the One the name of Runa, and they gave her two husbands, Vaagi and Cedum. In their mythology, Remliel was a product of Runa and Vaggi, while Tetrasiel was a product of Runa and Cedum. She was impregnated by both men at the same time, so they didn't know which child belonged to who, so they exiled both of them on the planet of Akkolon until they could figure it out, which started the feud between the two siblings. That is why the Mermaids did not fight for one side or the other, since they believed themselves to be in favor with both of Runa's husbands, and they did not want one or the other to bring his wrath down upon them.

Immortality: There are two different types of immortality on Akkolon; that of the Archangels, and that of the rest of the creatures. Archangel immortality means that only an Archangel can kill you. As in the case of Remliel and Tetrasiel, only they could kill one another, and Remliel succeeded in doing so during the Battle of the Deep Plains. So, Remliel cannot die, and she never will. In the case of the other Akkolonian creatures, immortal beings can be killed if they are poisoned or

stabbed, by anyone.

The End of Akkolon: Akkolon will not end until the One decides that enough is enough. Each mythology has a different ending to Akkolon, and the One truly doesn't know, so it is a great mystery. Remliel theorized, when asked by different Royal , that the One would simply use her great power to pull apart the world in the order it was created. So, the earth itself would disappear first, and all of the creatures on it would fall into the Emptiness before the One destroyed them. Then she would collapse the dome of the world and destroy the sun and moon. However, none of this is known, and Remliel's is known as the Great Theory.

The Languages of Creatures and the Common Tongue: Each race has their own language, even the dark creatures. There is one common tongue, however, shared by every being on Akkolon, which is called Onuin. The term was coined by the Dwarves, since their language is the hardest to understand, and they were the ones who began development of the common tongue. However, no specific race is given the credit for the beginning of the common tongue.

Elves speak Elvish, the language closest to that of the One and the Archangels. Elvish is the primary language used throughout Remliel's journey, since she spends most of her time with Elves. The Vampires of the Western Woods speak Elvish fluently.

Dwarves speak Dwarvish, the hardest language to understand.

Men speak Terguin, named after the first Man to ever utter words.

Mermaids have two languages; an informal one and a formal one. Their informal language is called Oijeno, and it consists of clicks, hums, and songs that travel through the water in vibrations. Their formal language is called Izkesh, and it consists of words and an actual alphabet. Sea Maidens have long forgotten the language of Izkesh, only ing Oijeno and the common tongue.

Nymphs' language is called Uvali, but they use the common tongue the most, since they deal with many different races and are not fluent in all languages.

Vampires speak Vampish, although they mainly speak Elvish. They only speak Vampish to one another, and it is hardly ever uttered.

Goblins speak Bhoizbusin, an ugly language with a mixture of both words and sounds. When dealing with anyone other than themselves, they use the common tongue.

Werewolves use the language of Utpaafiya, which is made of exclusively howls and growls. They do not know the common tongue.

Sea snakes used the language of Arokean, which was only hisses.

Dragons use the language of Nigijic, which sounds like roars and growls to the regular ear, but to the Divine, they form words. Dragons also understand and use

the common tongue, but they keep this trait a secret.

The First Tribes: The first tribes on Akkolon were not the great kingdoms that existed in the end of the First Age and onward.

Mermaids were the first creatures in existence, and Sea Maidens remained wild for the rest of their days, so much so that a definitive number of clans could never be counted. River Maidens, however, immediately formed three clans, and they stayed that way.

Elves began as one tribe, led by Thuridian and Amisra. They then separated into two tribes when Devdan and Radelia branched off. After that, a third group emerged, separating from the first, led by Castien and Allynna. These three tribes separated from each other, making homes in the Southern, Eastern, and Western Woods. They were corrupted by Tetrasiel on their journey to the woods.

Dwarves also began as one tribe, led by Brugruc and Josaeda. This group simultaneously branched off into three, the two new groups being led by Akdred and Voggotrude; and Nuvrol and Dwotreathra. They then all separated, the last of the tribes settling in the Forgotten Hills. The Dwarves were corrupted by Tetrasiel on their journey to the mountains.

Men began as one tribe, led by Terguin and Iaffina. They separated into four tribes, however. The other three were led by Ifloni and Eotofsa; Ijobuin and Imsada; and Apash and Egiya. Once separated, they traveled to the plains of the world, some being corrupted and taken by Tetrasiel during their journey. Once they found the place they were to settle, they built homes, palaces, shops,

stables, and began sowing crops, making their own kingdoms. The first Kings named their kingdoms: Terguin founded the Kingdom of Iqocan, Ilfoni founded the Kingdom of Mowyth, Ijobuin founded the Kingdom of Xeasia, and Apash founded the Kingdom of Phiturya.

Nymphs remained in the same clan that they'd been created in. Their first leader was named Pereisis, and his bloodline remained leaders for all eternity.

When Tetrasiel created his creatures, he made sure that they stayed within their clans. There is only one clan of each dark creature. The first leader of the Werewolves was named Treznor. The first leader of the Goblins was Akz. The leader of the Sea Snakes was Bleskash, and since they were immortal, he remained their leader until their race was killed. The leader of the Vampires was named Mathias, the father of Eirisse. The Dragons did not have a leader, but the original six names were Frordydy, who was killed by the Dwarf Bestrotum, Tayvaeth, Frudhienth, Xiotairoass, Ephyth, and Veodreo.

The Vampires' Answer to Tetrasiel's Call: It is in their blood that the Vampires have a desire to serve their master. However, they were reformed. So, when the Battle of the Deep Plains broke out, and Tetrasiel called on his armies to fight, the Vampires of the Western Woods were influenced by him, and found it hard to resist. The Elven guards had to lock up the Vampires in the dungeon of the palace, and the iron bars of their cells were sealed with the King's Elven magic, ensuring that they could not break out unless they had the strength of an Archangel.

Eirisse was able to resist the call of the Dark Angel because she was not his original creation, rather, she was an offspring of the original Vampires. So, although she was drawn to the battlefield, she found it easy to resist Tetrasiel's call, and even easier to fight against him, since she had the influence of Remliel

inside of her.

When Remliel left the Western Woods for the Deep Plains, she took a small portion of her own soul, and her power, and put it into Eirisse's soul. Therefore, Eirisse was more influenced to serve Remliel than Tetrasiel.