The day of the annual essence distribution

The leader of the first army Gorm, and Linus leader of the second army, were gathered with King Erik of Bethis.

Gorm: "My king I have delivered the message to Cilath, as you asked. Although it seems some were hesitant to listen."

Erik: "Don't worry th..."

Linus: "My king, if I may I would like to suggest something."

Gorm: "How dare you interrupt the king!"

Erik: "Gorm it's ok. I want to hear his thoughts."

Linus: "Let me and my Army go to Dinan, in the meantime, it will be time for the essence distribution, Gorm will be busy but me and my army will be able to protect the people of Dinan."

Erik: "Very well. If you believe you can take the enemy from Dinan then that is our best option right now, we cannot let it disrupt the essence distribution."

Linus: "Thank you, my King, I will be making all preparations immediately."

Linus takes a bow and slowly makes his way out of the room.

Gorm: "Your majesty are you sure about this?"

Erik: "Let's put some faith in him, I'm sure it will be ok."

Gorm: "I will pray to God that your intuition is right your majesty."

two days until the annual essence distribution.

Bethis's defence (the first army) consisted of Gorm the General, renowned for his strategic prowess. He led an elite unit of five powerful soldiers, handpicked for their skills by Gorm himself.

Linus and his army ventured into the part of Dinan now occupied by the forces of Begur, as they walked their muscles tensed and their hands became clammy. Linus leads his group of 20 soldiers - like a shepherd who guides his flock into the slaughterhouse.

Ruben the Tyrant, the self-proclaimed king and three others from Begur were the only people to invade Dinan.

As the two forces converged, tension hung thick in the air. Linus's soldiers braced themselves, ready to face whatever would come their way, determined to defend Dinan against the encroaching threat of Begur's army, led by Ruben. But for some strange reason, it seemed as if Linus was completely unbothered by the opponents ahead.

Linus stands just behind his men and in the distance staring straight at Linus is Ruben. Ruben makes a gesture. They heard something like the sound of stones being dropped on the ground, with his next blink Linus saw all of his 20 men decapitated. Linus grabs one of his soldier's blades and cuts himself seven times in the arms and once in his cheek; without saying a word he left towards Bethis.

The day of the annual essence distribution.

Balti and Arvid had managed to make their way into Bethis together but Dálkr had not gone with them however still managed to make his way into the capital just in time.

Balti: "There are so many people here compared to our home town"

Arivd: "I think it's starting now!"

Dálkr was also in the crowd but separated from Balti and Arvid.

Erik stands on a large wooden deck platform in front of the crowd and says: "People of Bethis! Travellers and future soldiers from all over the country! We will now begin the essence distribution! General Gorm will take over and guide everyone through."

Gorm: "May god be with us on this exceptional day! For those who aren't sure what will happen allow me to explain. Each individual is born with an essence, this essence can be weak, intense or in some exceptional cases blank. For the essence to manifest one must train hard and hone their combat abilities. Whenever an individual dies it is possible to harvest their essence from their body, therefore today experienced soldiers who can no longer fight will give up their essence for the future of our country! The greatest sacrifice and the most honourable way to die."

*Crowd claps for the soldiers who will give their lives up*

Arvid: "Balti you think people really have to die?" 

Balti: "Just don't think about it."

Gorm: "We will start with the appraisal of everyone's essence to determine who will receive a stronger essence. First, the prospects from the capital come up. Candidates of Dinan come up! Should go without saying however anyone from the city of Reine or Begur is not welcome to participate."

Crowd: "Reine?"

Gorm: "Continuing... Town of Kranj. No one? Next. Candidates from Cilath, come up! And lastly Kirba!" Just like the rest did Balti, Arvid and Dálkr all raised their hands and were called up. Gorm then said: "King Erik will now handle all the appraisals together with the help of Tuulikki."

Erik: "Thank you for your explanation Gorm. Please all of those here on the deck form a line and Tuuli1will appraise your essence."

The candidates from Bethis and Dinan were examined. Gorm said quietly: "For the seventeenth year in a row it seems like we're not going to find a single intense essence." Erik replied softly: "It's also the first time we have someone from Kirba here so don't lose hope yet!" 

Gorm: "Yes you are right your majesty, god does work in his mysterious ways..."

Tuulikki: "My lord! This boy has a very intense essence!"

Erik: "Hoh! Boy, what is your name?" 

boy: "I am Veli, son of Torbjørnssen from Cilath"

Gorm whispered in Erik's ear: "This boy is the youngest brother of Holger the special army general."

Erik: "Oh I see. Veli from today I would like you to join the training army." He then shouted. "The ones from Bethis and Dinan who did not even have a weak essence will be working as slaves in the villages south of Bethis."

Arvid: "Balti did you know about this?"

Balti: "Everyone does... It's only normal, what else would they do to someone with no use such as people like them?"

Arvid: "How can you say such a horrible thing?!"

Erik: "You boys are the last three, come."

Tuulikki: "Oh my! My lord, there is another with an intense essence!"

Gorm: "Another?!"

Erik: "This year must be special, what is your name boy?"

Balti: "I am Balti from Kirba."

Erik: "You too are invited for army training. Step this way."

Tuulikki: "You have no essence. Please join the other future slaves."

Arivd: "That's not right please test me again." 

Tuulikki: "It is correct, now step away."

Tears started rolling down Arvid's face and the memory of Balti saying: "What else would they do to someone with no use such as people like them?" started playing over and over again in his mind.

Erik: "Now for the last o..."

Erik was once again interrupted by a loud out of breath voice that yelled: "My King!"

To be continued...