ACT I: GATHERING STORM.

Narrator: On Crown Prince Antares Xerxes' nineteenth year, it was announced that his union to Princess Freyja Stormborne would take place a years hence. He would claim both his birthright as King of Iliad and the Storm Islands. It was a welcomed unification that all through the lands believed would cement a lasting peace between those of the ice and storm. Or so all thought.

Twin Storm Lords Magni and Modi–emboldened by their decades earlier rampage–staunchly rejected the union. They would not see another of their sisters marry a Stygian. The wounds caused by Queen Myrra's death had not healed and only grown deeper with malice. All knew they had stood opposed to the marriage for years, the mortal blow they had given King Barranagan fourteen years earlier proof of their desire never to unite with Iliad nor the Stygians.

As Crown Prince Antares and Princess Freyja had been given a date to wed, the brothers took it upon themselves to put an end to the farce. There was no need to unite with the Stygians, they had proven their might and the power they possessed. They could forge their own destiny. Along with great backing from many houses within the Storm Islands. With that Lords Magni and Modi rebelled.

The lords ceased their home and throne city of Kattegat where their father, King Ragnar held power. Shockingly not many opposed the twin lords for they too harbored the same feelings. They chose to placate the Storm Lords and bend the knee without much resistance. However those who did stand against were led by the glorious Princess Freyja and her father King Ragnar. They were subsequently apprehended and sealed within Castle Stormborne. Soon after, the rebellions commenced throughout the islands as the twin lords amassed power and following, thousands committing to their cause to oppose the Stygians and their rule once and for all.

However.

This is not where our story takes place, no, the true start of our tale esteemed lords and ladies, kings and queens, begin some time after. Where the sweet scent of death lingered in the air and the bloated rotting corpses that grew in number day by day. Our Story begins in Nassau.

Scene I: Port of Nassau - EVENING

The Island Nassau was the first to fall. The island's harbor was regarded as a resting station where ships who ferried from Iliad to the Storm Islands and vice versa could rest, resupply and carry on with their journey beyond known seas. The twin Storm Lords saw to it that Nassau would not be as it was for a very long time. The island burned with fires that threatened to reach the heavens. The Storm Islands boasted the greatest sea faring ships, there was nothing the guardians of Nassau could do against the overwhelming might of those who commanded the storms and sea.

When the Stygian Seamasters of Larsa arrived to secure the island there was nothing left to defend. What was once a beautiful isle, now a final resting place for many upon a bed of ashes. The Stygian Lords had been commanded by the Crown Prince to secure the island and await his arrival. The lords did as their prince decreed, but did not hide their disdain for such a boy commanding them. To be forced to accept the rule of a mere child, when this was not the occasion for such things. Even though the Crown Prince had proven himself before and claimed the title of Lord of War, the Seamasters believed this mere nineteen year old boy would not understand conflict across the sea and how it differed greatly to land. But the Stygian King had decreed this conquest be led by the Crown Prince, and they could not oppose.

Two days later, seventy-five thousand men aboard some eighty ships spearheaded by the Stygian royal warship pulled into what remained of the port. Crown Prince Antares Xerxes descended onto Nassau to carnage greeting him. Accompanied by his fellow Lords, the Stygian giant Typhon, Sword Saint Casspien and sweet Nykolas. The lords walked across the ash laden beach until they arrived at the makeshift tent, all soldiers lowered themselves to one knee in the presence of absolute divine royalty.

SOLDIER 1:

The great serpent prince has arrived! Crown Prince Antares Xerxes is here!

All within the tent rose at his arrival, even the Seamasters did so. For many it was their first time laying eyes upon the famed prince and those worthy enough to stand at his side.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

(Bow)

Seamasters.

SEAMASTER 1:

Lord Prince, we welcome you and your fellow lords to Nassau.

SEAMASTER 3:

Of what remains of it?

SEAMASTER 2:

Very little worth salvaging.

The Seamasters did not hide their contempt for the wreckage that the twin storms had wrought. Anything of value that was not taken was burned, and what would not burn was destroyed. A faint scent of metal in the air. They motioned for the Crown Prince to approach.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

What horrors have my uncles crafted?

SEAMASTER 1:

How strange to still view them as kin when they commit violence against you. And all that represents you.

SEAMASTER 3:

How sentimental of you.

SEAMASTER 2:

Some would say human even.

The Seamasters, like many older Stygians, did not take too kindly to the Crown Prince's fondness for humans. Many believed he favored them too much. Too quick to choose their side, they say Princess Freyja holds his ear.

TYPHON:

Lord Father, uncles, is this the time to voice such complaints. Do you not see the carnage that surrounds us?

SEAMASTER 2:

It is you who does not see. This is no ordinary war that we enter.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

This is no war, merely a disagreement with my kin.

All turned their attention to the Crown Prince. The Seamasters looked on faces spoiled. At the very least they had thought the prince would be able to recognize the gravity of the situation. These were the growing signs of a long conflict sure to claim many lives.

SEAMASTER 2:

Crown Prince think what you like but this is a war-

SWEET NYKOLAS:

The Crown Prince has decreed what this conflict is, Seamasters do well to remember whose presence you stand in.

The Seamasters exchanged unflinching looks with themselves and bowed in apology. Regardless of their feelings on the matter, they spoke to their future king and a Lord of War, respect was demanded of the centuries old warriors.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

I ask again, what have my uncles done?

One by one they explained what awaited them when they arrived in Nassau. They had seen the smoke some ways away, but it was not until the bodies started floating out towards their ships did the true level of the madness come into full scope. Hundreds had been cast to see, men, women and children. Those who did not choose to burn in the fires instead chose a watery grave. Ships lay scattered and broken, entire docks collapsed under the weight of smoldering wood and metal. Food storages ransacked and set ablaze, the once popular marketplace now ruined and lost. Those who did manage to escape, climbed to the highest peak of the island, where the elements had their way with them. When the Seamasters had found them, some had died, many were dying and the rest malnourished. Rebuilding Nassau alone would have taken years, ordinarily not an issue but in the middle of conflict. It created challenges the twin Storm Lords took advantage of to raise their army.

SEAMASTER 1:

Nassau was meant to be our anchor point. We would sustain the…conflict from here for as long as necessary.

SEMASTER 2:

However the Storm Lords have made the island unusable.

SEAMASTER 3:

The supplies we have on our ships are not enough for long engagements.

SEMASTER 1:

They have insulted your claim, no doubt of that. But Nassau should be our focus. In a few years time we will deal with the Storm Lords.

SEAMASTER 2:

Let them grow fat with pride.

Although not their intention, their words spoke true. The twin Storm Lords had dealt what many believed a decisive blow to Iliad. The loss of Nassau could not be overstated both economically and for this conflict. Time would be needed to rebuild, which would give the Storm Islands a chance to further solidify themselves and seek better allies throughout Aurum.

The Crown Prince on his journey here had summarized enough from the reports he had received and from the word of his closest allies. However he had no intention of engaging in a multi-year war. Magni and Modi had stolen someone from him, and he would get her back no matter the cost.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

My ships have already begun unloading much of our food shares, only keeping enough on board for a few days. We will create a new food storage area on the island.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

SEAMASTER 2:

(shaking head)

It will not be enough for the type of conflict we plan to wage.

SEAMASTER 1:

At best we have enough for three weeks. This is of no concern for our people within our ranks.

SEAMASTER 3:

We have no need to eat for weeks but the humans do. Sea warfare is different, there is greater need for structure and sharper minds.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

That is of no concern, I will end this outburst within 3 weeks.

Many warriors gasped, both human and Stygian alike. The bold decree by the Crown Prince shook them all to their core. They had not known the boy to be so assured of himself, many thought it was the power of the Lords of War that he held. Emboldened by such great might and status he considered himself a God!

While many were shaken by the declaration the Seamasters remained unmoved, their indifferent sunset eyes bore into the eyes of the Crown Prince. The arrogance of his words filled them with quiet anger. They had expected this, the Crown Prince was nothing like his older brother. The Destined One would not have made such a rash claim, in fact were he still here this conflict would not have taken place. For it was he who brought peace to the north. Instead their lives were to be doomed by his younger brother, empowered by his false belief his Lord of War status gave him dominion over all kinds of battle.

SEAMASTER 2:

Do you think this Agincourt?

SEAMASTER 3:

Where words hold power?

SEAMASTER 1:

The one who holds power here is the sea.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

No, it is I. And I will show you... All of you, leave us.

Soldiers and warriors alike departed from the tent under the orders of their Crown Prince, now only the Seamasters, the prince and his closest followers.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

As I travelled here, lost in thought of what action to take. I have formulated a plan to bring my wish to reality. I only ask that you listen until the end. If you do not think it worthy, I will return home and personally advocate for Nassau's reconstruction.

The Seamasters looked at each other, a silent conversation shared between themselves. It was the first diligent thing the Crown Prince had said since his arrival. Most importantly of all they were curious of what such a prideful boy would think worthy of conflict. They all gathered around a map of the Storm Islands.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

Our weakness is sea warfare. As great as you are Seamasters, the rest of our ships cannot compare with your expertise and that of the Storm Islands. It is why my uncles have chosen to split their forces among the north and the south of the coast line. We know the fjords and smaller islands to the north is where much of their food storage is located. A majority of the fleet is there. As for the south, along Leifi's Shore and the open sea is where my uncles are entrenched. Their camp in the woodland area there. And in the center Kattegat, which they have under their control as well. They have done well to secure entry into the mainland.

As impressive as the Crown Prince's assessment of the situation was, the Seamasters were not moved. At the very least this is what they expected of the boy, if he could not have accurately seen the folly of this conflict then he was unworthy of standing before them. Lords Magni and Modi were prepared for a long drawn conflict, it was obvious to any who looked at how they arranged themselves.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

They seek to make this a lasting conflict while I do not. If their heads are claimed then all of this comes to an end.

SEAMASTER 1:

(Laughter)

And if I claimed the sun, I would be the Sun God, not Saturn Blackrose.

SEAMASTER 3:

Do you forget that they are Storm Lords? The Islanders do not give such titles freely.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

Do you forget I am one as well?

That was enough to silence them.

SEAMASTER 2:

How do you plan to claim their heads?

THE CROWN PRINCE:

If we are to advance, they expect us to attack one of these two points. The fjords in the north, to disrupt their supplies, or straight for them in the south. In either scenario, if we commit to a direction, the other side will come to support from the rear. They control both points that is fine, I seek to create more ways of entry into the mainland.

SEAMASTER 2:

Where?

THE CROWN PRINCE:

In the east here near the shore town of Grillir and also in the west through Thero's Rest.

SEAMASTER 1:

What game do you play?

SEAMASTER 3:

Has madness taken you to invoke the name of your uncle?

The Seamasters were right to react as they did. One of the paths the Crown Prince had elected to go through was the terrible Thero's Rest. During the great battle for the Stygian throne, Barranagan Xerxes had dueled his six brothers all for the right to become King of Iliad. In the ensuing cataclysmic battle, Thero Xerxes was the first to fall. He met his end from an otherworldly blow by Barranagan, strong enough to lodge his remains across the sea into the Storm Islands. The area had once been a peaceful path along the coast. But now had transformed into a raging tempest of uncontrollable waves. No ship could make landfall from there.

SEAMASTER 2:

Is that all?

THE CROWN PRINCE:

No, I plan to also attack the north and south simultaneously. We will attack them from four sides.

SEAMASTER 2:

Continue.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

Half our ships will go north, the other half will go south, both with the same goal: make landfall. We will force them into a battle on the mainland. With both sides preoccupied neither will be able to send reinforcements to the other. While both are engaged, a contingent from the north and south will break off and gather in the east at Grillir and enter from there. We will purposely allow them to see these contingents break off so they will send word to Kattegat to send soldiers to Grillir.

SEAMASTER 2:

Leaving the city barely guarded. While those who made landfall from Thero's Rest march to Kattegat without resistance.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

Once the city is taken, they can then attack the army sent to handle the contingent group. Both sides should easily dispatch them, they will rejoin and then head to the north. To assist the royal ship and the northern fleet. The battle here will be long and arduous and so they will need soldiers the most.

SEAMASTER 1:

How many soldiers do you need to make land through Thero's Rest?

THE CROWN PRINCE:

Ten thousand men, around ten ships. Which is why I would like to set aside fifteen for the attempt.

The Seamasters conversed among themselves. They had expected a half thought out plan that looked to use the Lords of War mentality of relentless assault. Instead what they saw was a viper's attempt to strangle its prey with all its might in a single move. As impressed as they had been, none could shake the air of death that surrounded the Crown Prince's plan. They had thought they would meet their end by a fool hardy scheme from a boy. However this was a worthy alternative, death in a good strategy was much easier to accept.

SEAMASTER 2:

Who will lead these assaults?

They each prepared to hear their name.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

The contingents that will make their way to Grillir, will be led by my Sword Saint. As for who will lead through Thero's Rest, that will be Sweet Nykolas. And to the North fierce Typhon will lead along with the royal warship to give him aid.

There it was, although shocked, that the Crown Prince had given one of the most dangerous paths to his fellow Lord of War. They knew the Crown Prince would elect to go north to avoid the south. That would be resigned to them, to contend with that hellish nightmare that waited.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

As for the south, I will lead the assault against my uncles directly.

The most dangerous part of the plan was perhaps Thero's Rest. But the path that would carry the most bloodshed was the conflict that came from whoever would head south into the very storm itself. For the Crown Prince, a mere nineteen year old boy to claim that route was unthinkable.

SEAMASTER 1:

There is no need to claim such a path for yourself, young prince.

SEMASTER 3:

He is right, we shall be the ones to entertain the growing storm.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

No, I enter this conflict not as a Stygian but a Storm Lord.

SEAMASTER 2:

Then why send your royal ship north?

THE CROWN PRINCE:

To further sell the distraction, if they believe I head north, the north will be focused to stop me there. I will need all the assistance I can have when I head south. Surprise will be my most potent weapon.

SEAMASTER 2:

What do you need of us, Crown Prince?

The Seamasters in one swift motion agreed to the plan the Crown Prince had devised. The confidence in how he presented his strategy and threw himself into the heart of danger had shown them that the boy shared not only his appearance with his father but the very might as well. If the plan succeeded, the south would be the last to receive assistance of any kind. They would be at the mercy of the Twin Storm Lords and their strength. Nevertheless, the Crown Prince did not falter, they conversed deep into the night as they delved into greater detail of the scheme. All accepted their roles.

Scene II: Port of Nassau - NIGHT

They had spent hours going over the plan, when their roles had been clearly defined and stated. The stratagem was distributed to the other captains and preparations were underway all through the night for what was to follow. Soldiers fitted themselves for war, under the guise of repetition as they carried out their tasks. Many elected to stay aboard the ships, choosing the scent of the sea over the rotting stench of burnt flesh that clung to the island. The Crown Prince sat off away from prying eyes, resigned to looking out to the sea, to the Storm Islands, to her.

SWEET NYKOLAS:

She is safe.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

I tell myself that every hour of the day and yet…

SWEET NYKOLAS:

You worry all the same.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

Because this is all my fault. I am to blame.

SWEET NYKOLAS:

It was not you that set fire to the ports, who made these people choose between burning alive or drowning in the sea. It is not you who razed Nassau.

Sweet Nykolas would not allow his Crown Prince to wear this shame. The sight before them, the corpses still floating in the water, behind them the burnt buildings. This was not his doing. This carnage was done by humans.

SWEET NYKOLAS:

But if you think you must atone so be it. However my dear Crown Prince, it cannot be by throwing your life away.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

Finally Sweet Nykolas speaks his heart.

SWEET NYKOLAS:

I have not come to argue, we have done much of that already. I only come to ask why?

THE CROWN PRINCE:

Because she is all that matters, saving her. She is Iliad and Aurum's future, and in comparison I lack in all manners.

SWEET NYKOLAS:

(Falling to one knee)

My heart breaks as you denigrate yourself as so my prince, surely hers too if she could hear your words. But if this is your will, I swear to make it so. Princess Freyja Stormborne will be saved.

THE CROWN PRINCE:

(Caressing the side of his face)

Sweet Nykolas, my winter flower. It seems I must ask you to stain your snow white petals a deep crimson once again.

ACT I: END

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.