The Traitor's Blade: A Drakonian Tragedy
For many ages, peace had reigned on the Arkanos continent, where mana coexisted alongside formidable swordsmen and wizards. The rule of not waging war without cause kept things in balance among the nine existing nations. No one dared to start a war lightly because all the nations would band together against an invader without a legitimate reason.
Drakonia, Emberfell, Frostholm, and Valeshadow were the four main powerhouse kingdoms of Arkanos. Previously an invincible top-ranked power, Drakonia had suffered a decline in power during the last five years. Powerful families were assassinated, bright young talents emigrated to other nations, and war generals died in continental conflicts, all of which are believed to have been caused by an unknown internal force.
Lucius Stormrider, Emperor of Drakonia, has sleek and groomed black hair. With bright, keen black eyes, he had a robust build and muscular body. He consistently appears to be dressed in a golden set of armor and a white cloak with a red crest to represent his ancestry as a Stormrider bloodline member.
Although Lucius was well known for his commanding presence, he wasn't very effective at managing the government. Instead, he looked to his wife, Iyla Darkwater, to forge relationships and raise the status of the realm. Iyla, in contrast, stood out as being a stark contrast to her companion in terms of management and administration. She had long gray hair and was about five feet tall. Her sharp emerald eyes conveyed her great understanding, just as she had assumed the weight of the kingdom's problems.
A fateful day arrived for the Kingdom of Drakonia. During an event when Prince Dorian Flameheart of Emberfell visited Drakonia, he tragically succumbed to poison. The results from the Continental investigative team shocked everyone as it indicated that the Prince had been poisoned during a dinner with Lucius at the Drakonia Palace. With the decline of his nation's power and an approaching conflict, Lucius tried to negotiate a settlement, but his cries were ignored.
On doomsday, Lucius had no choice but to prepare for war with his army. To his surprise, Iyla also donned the armor and arrived on horseback to stand beside Lucius at the vanguard of the army.
Lucius hesitated. "Please, my love, stay here safely. I can't stand to take you somewhere so hazardous."
"The place without you is the most perilous one for me, Lucius. Don't you know the extent of my magical powers? By working together, we can do much more."
Later, the two armies showed up on the battlefield. Realizing they were outmatched left Lucius and Iyla's emotions hurt as they stood side by side.
Iyla muttered in her shaking voice, "Lucius," just as the Emberfell troops came near. "Our unity is our strength. We can't allow our kingdom to crumble".
With a nod plus an unwavering look, Lucius. "I am mindful, my dear. Though I wish to have a better option".
Iyla aided in forging collaborations within Drakonia, yet the kingdom continued to confront hurdles. The formidable Emberfell armies, headed by King Cassius Flameheart, appeared fearsome. Yet one ought not to underestimate Lucius. He is considered to be the strongest combatant on the entire continent, and his plan is meant to employ that power to wreak havoc on Emberfell.
As the war commenced, Lucius rushed swiftly, his tremendous power and agility allowing him to easily cut through the enemy lines. Although many began to fear Lucius, the determination of the Emberfell soldiers remained intact.
The mighty warrior himself, King Cassius Flameheart, locked eyes with Lucius across the battlefield. "Do you believe that your strength alone can save your kingdom?"
Cassius's stare was met by Lucius with imposing, fierce intent. "Cassius, I have no intention of backing down. I will give Drakonia everything I've got in this fight."
The confidence of Lucius and Iyla waned as the battle continued. The relentlessness of the Emberfell forces made it evident that Drakonia was outmatched. Suddenly, a rebellion broke out.
Strangely, the troops of Drakonia began to turn against their fellow soldiers. Many of Lucius's troops fell to their comrades' swords even before Lucius could comprehend the betrayal. He narrowly avoided a swing from his own men and swiftly dispatched the traitor.
Iyla was unharmed but terrified when Lucius went looking for her amidst the commotion. Her eyes widened as she rode her horse, shaking at the horrors taking place all around her.
Iyla stumbled, "Lucius, what's really going on? How are we under attack by our own soldiers?"
With nothing but a terrible sense of foreboding in his heart, Lucius lacked answers. "I am unaware, Iyla, but we must stay united."
Suddenly, a small sword pierced Lucius's upper body. He looked down and witnessed the sword in the hands of Iyla in disbelief. His seemingly innocent-looking lady had betrayed him, tears streaming down her face. She said, "I'm sorry, honey," with a tone racked with agony and a hint of compulsion.
The pain of the wound seemed insignificant compared to the agony of betrayal as Lucius fell to the ground. "Why?" he screamed out in a quivering voice, his broken heart echoing in his words.
Iyla could only apologize while sobbing as if a force beyond her control was responsible for her actions. The ruler of Drakonia lay injured and abandoned, his once-powerful country now teetering on the brink of dissolution as the battlefield around them descended into anarchy.