1 H I S T O R Y

So long before machines roamed the world and mankind resorted to long-distance arts of wreaking havoc, swords, bows and arrows, spears, axes, and shields shaped the fate of many. The vastness of the dry land and the shores were mere subjects, tools, and possessions of never-ending bloodshed. Kingdoms were pitted against one another; women and children shaken in fear with every sound of the horns of war. Every able man they could muster was rallied at the risk of their necks. Headless corpses were piled up and burned to remind their enemy of their position and power, and their skulls served as decorations in the halls of the once barbaric ruler. However, as the men of old received an oracle from the heavens of seven colorful bands and a promised peace, the tyranny too has passed.

Valiant warriors bringing a promise of peace marched through the largest kingdom of the beast in its capital. The ruler so surprised and unalarmed summoned the remaining arms in his palace to do their "usual business". Foot soldiers of gigantic stature were forming ranks carrying blood and rust reeked sharp weapons. Some of the usurper's men were swept off and their lives were taken from them no more than a minute. Tables seem to have turned, but little did the king know that the men he had in his hold were the last of them.

The sounds of horns, one after the other echoed through the kingdom as archers dropped from the barbarian's towering citadel. The sun set the skies ablaze with crimson red and orange hue like fire set on frenzy. A group of swordsmen trailed like ants behind a man of densely appalling aura.

"Tell Leo that the remaining territories of that monster have been cleansed off of all its impurities."

Donned with a cape made out of a tiger's skin and a helmet of its head, a man not so muscular but strong enough to have a swordsman's stature rode down from his steed.

"Leo surely is a lion. His name says it all, from his pride, frightening anger, regard to his companions, and many more."

"You don't need to give us a message of intent if you decide to be wed off to Leo."

"Although, you will really grief us and break our hearts Ianuaria."

Three warriors then followed the man wearing a tiger helmet with their own comrades behind them. Ianuaria, a beautiful Elfish like beauty reached the ground with her feet first and decided to trail after. Her hair, although having blood slightly splattered on it still reflected the light similarly as to that of the moon as the sun's rays hit the very strands of it. She ran towards the man, entering the keep's gate. She was not less than a thumb and the pinky finger's stretch when she's standing beside him, and she although a woman in her times stood tall and was treated an equal-same goes with Saffiya.

"Who do you bet on will marry her Saffiya? I mean we have five far too eligible men in our faction."

"Just sew your lips together Asellus. You are nowhere near the kind of men Ianuaria would ever lay her eyes on."

The last two remained on their horses as they pranced to help find the tyrannical ruler who mysteriously disappeared in the middle of the bloodbath. Asellus was the typical buff leader of a huge cavalry. He had the strength and the built thrice of the normal horsemen of the Northern lands. Saffiya, on a similar note to that of Ianuaria, was a beauty of her own. Ash brown hair and eyes that seem too selfish as it absorbs every bit of sunlight and reflect it as if it was that from the earth were of her possession.

"Where is he? I for once thought barbarians would rather face death than cower in fear." Asellus said so mockingly.

Two men appeared with the last blow of the sixth and the seventh horn each carrying yellow silk flag, a platoon of archers, and a cavalry carrying the wounded.

"Why are we always the last one that's supposed to leave every single time? Those corpses are so annoying. I have to soil my hands with their dirty and lowly blood."

"Maybe because it's what we're good at? I mean you are good at finding the last ones who ran for their lives and obviously I've got the muscles for these axes."

"Hey! You two better stop sulking and get down from your horses; we've got a coward to find!" Asellus shouted.

"Calm down Asellus, at least the citizens here are fine, and they although cowardly do not even dare shed a bit of likening to the old ruler. We've got the tides in our favour." Saffiya walked to him and anchored her hands to his.

"Hello Tigris, how's the right hand puppy doing?"

A man not of rather a slim and tall state spoke in a manner that was scornful yet meant to be humorous. He was of a very dark vanta black hair and pale skin that dare not cover his greenish-blue veins.

"Unluckily for you, Abaddon I'm still alive and well."

"Tigris and Abbadon, you two better cease your childish and immature vexing or else everything we've planned so far, and risked our lives getting into will all be in vain." Ianuria stated as she descended from the castle's stairs walking besides a man of golden blonde hair and striking eyes.

"He has left the keep." Leo said calmly yet with a distinct sternness as he walked down the stairs with his hands sweats flowing from his locks.

With the last of the troop rallied to the last and strongest keep of the continent, they stormed the largest hall and looked for the remaining possessions of the tyrant. As expected from hostile and shallow barbaric tyrants, the records or the little account that remained of their rule was left openly in his messed up stack of things. He had no family left to continue his lineage and his women- those he called "spoils of war", questionably bore him neither sons nor daughters.

"We can't fulfill our duties and the oracle that the Blessed One sent to us if he's still on the loose."

"You are correct Leviathan. We are indeed sent on a mission, and we will see to it that it is done. But first, we must tend to the people." Leo uttered under his breath.

"Ria, see to it that the wounded in our men are given the medication they need." He then added.

"Why don't you rest Ianuaria, I'll go check on our men."

"I ordered her to do so Athan, so she needs to do it."

"I will do it Athan. I'm one of the team, and I am not to be taken lightly, for I am just like all of you." The Elven beauty descended from the halls as the red-haired wielder of an axe sighed in defeat.

Just outside, the sun has set and the seven valiant warriors had started to cause the dam of their destinies to break and start the flow of the rivers of their lives. Days have passed and the villagers of the keep started to enjoy their long robbed peace, despite their once ruler still giving no hints to where he may be found. The territories that he once ruled were now given the liberty to use their riches for the sake of their own lands and families.

"Leoniel, we already searched the borders of this domain, yet he's nowhere to be seen." Saffiya paced through their now slightly furbished, with her eagle perched on her shoulder.

"We need to find him as soon as we can so the villagers can live a life with no fear for their lives." Tigris sat on his chair that is on the right side of the long wooden table.

Holding a book about the geographic status of the domain on one of his arms, he placed it on the table and pointed north. To the vast sea that guards the icy barren wastelands that even brave men, won't dare voyage for the fear of unknown monsters with whip-like tails that could sink ships. Far from the comfort and the blessings on the centre of the plains, the tyrant was suspected to have gone to the farthest north.

Few weeks have passed and Leoniel was forced to send out Saffiya and Abbadon's group to scout for their last obstacle. Among their group, these two were the ones blessed with the gift of heightened senses that could unmask those in the shadows and those plainly hiding out of sight. It took them days till they discovered a path that was less traveled by the folk's men and women that seem to have been recently used. After a long while of a patient and persistent stalking and trailing, the two leaders separated the barbarian's head from his body. With the success of their last mission, Saffiya sent out her eagle to bring the good news of great joy to the five jittered yet somehow confident comrades they left in that castle.

Trumpets of victory sounded as they returned to the citadel, and the villagers were forming somewhat parallel lines on both sides of the roads to celebrate their victory and the beginning of their peace. Children, both shy and spirited were throwing flowers on the streets and playing with their wooden fake swords to act like those brave men who ended their days of fear. After their huge welcome and a few days of thoughtful consideration, it was decided upon by the villager representatives of the territories and the "Deus Siorai Seolta" saviours that they will fulfill the oracle and rule wisely. Hence, the defeat of the tyrant brought forth a new age.

Leoniel was given the last name "de Antheralius" alongside his six trusted peers by an oracle sent by a Blessed One. He became the first emperor to rule on the continent of Iarthar Dorcha, and set up the Empire of Lionidix.

Prophetavit in Deus Siorai

Now rulers of Iarthar Dorcha who once heard my call.

I the greatest bestow you with wisdom to rule all.

For your faith and bravery was and is never abysmal.

I will look upon you with my light that is eternal.

You like the sun shall be forever like a lion.

Valiant and forefending shall be your scions.

You shall be like the strongest lone tiger.

Grueling shall it be to those who face your anger.

You like the eagle will find abode in the sky.

Knowledge shall be your pillar that reaches high.

You shall ride and always be free like the horse.

Ardency shall be your guidance and course.

You like the snake will be as waters so nonchalant.

Magnified shall you be with your sense of what's important.

You shall tread with grace like the unicorn.

Kindness shall fend off those who dare scorn.

You like the dragon will be fierce and true to heart.

Love shall be your weapon and from you it will never depart.

Seven gifts to mankind will I as blessings impart.

Live and prosper for I have made you good my work of art.