1 Prologue: A Burning Nation

"Why? Why did it have to happen like this?" I lamented in agony as I tried to crawl towards my masters. A hand grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked me back. A small gasp of pain shot through my lips no matter how hard I tried not to scream in pain. "Stay there and wait for your turn bitch," the man growled at me angrily. I could hear their screams and my shallow cries engulfing our nation. A nation that was on fire and falling to its ruin. I couldn't fulfill my duty. I swore an oath. An oath that came into my mind as I stared at the head of my King. The memories flashed briefly as I lowered my head in pain. It was a happy day. The day the King granted me my knighthood, the day I swore to always protect the royal family. Looking back at the flames I realized how much I had failed.

Failed to protect this kingdom. Grabania, the largest kingdom that stood tall head to head with the Empire. My King, Thorm Nikar, was a good man but right now I was staring at his head on a pike. His wife's head, Laila Nikar, was right next to his. I could hear the crown prince Arhad crying out in anguish. The pain and anger in his voice reached my ears. The princess Jamime had collapsed as tears streamed down her face. She was a sheltered child who knew nothing of war. Seeing it right in front of her was too much for her to bear. The one that made my heart ache was the youngest prince Kairon. He was only a child and yet he was being robbed of everything and subjected to this much pain.

I couldn't take it anymore.

Stand up, I told myself. You have to fight. I glanced at them, the remaining hope for this kingdom, for their sake Elysia, not yours. Stand up! Determination welled up inside me. Despite all my wounds I grabbed the man holding my hair and yanked him onto the ground. I slid his sword from its sheath on his waist and cut his head off.

I was in pain. My body was on fire and it felt like I was about to collapse. It took everything in me to just keep standing. I stabbed the sword into the ground stabilizing myself. Arhad, if I could just save him then this kingdom of ours might stand a chance in the future. My breathing was rugged as I watched the Empirical soldiers unsheath their swords and point them at me.

"What the hell is wrong with this bitch!"

"How is she still standing?" another soldier yelled angrily.

I didn't know the answer either. Maybe it was my will to save them, or my rage to destroy the Empire. I was sure I was beyond saving. But going down without a fight wasn't my style. What mattered at the moment was Arhad. Not me or my wounds or how much I felt like closing my eyes and just fading away. He was the key to our future and I was gonna try my damn best to save him. I glanced at him and he met my eyes. A small whisper escaped his lips. I was too far to hear him but I could make out the word vaguely. 'No'. He didn't want me to come to him. but how could I just lie here and watch my masters die? Watch him die at the hands of traitors and enemies?

Mustering my strength, I let out a war cry, my sword held up high in a stance that was drilled in my head for a long time, and made my way towards him. the sharp sounds of swords clashing filled the battlefield but I didn't shift my gaze from my target. I had to save him no matter what. That was the only thought in my mind. A sword pierced my side and the man grinned. I swung my swords and cleanly sliced his arm off. He fell onto the ground screaming. I grasped the blade with my bare hands and blood trickled down the blade.

Drawing in a deep breath, I yanked it out with a cry and tossed it aside. He was close. I could reach him. I could save him.

"Quite diligent are we little knight," the man behind this plot, a Duke who held a third of the country's army said. Mortin Brivolli, the Ruler of the Empire stood behind him with a smile on his face. I glared at them as I tried to control my breath. My mind was becoming hazy and my vision clouded. I was losing too much blood. I held the sword tighter and pointed the blade at the Duke. "Let…let…them…go," I managed to voice out. He placed his hand behind his ear as if he was straining to hear me. "I'm sorry, what was that? I didn't quite get that," he mocked. I gritted my teeth in anger and in pain.

I made a dash towards him with the little strength I had and swung my sword towards him. He blocked my weak thrust and pushed a hidden dagger straight into my heart. I stared down at the dagger impaling me and glanced back at the man who put it there as I coughed up blood. The sword fell from my hand and my knees buckled beneath me. "No! Elyse!! Elyse!!!" I could hear Arhad's voice as my head hit the ground. I had no more energy. 'I wish I wasn't so weak.' Mortin came out from the Dukes' shadow and stood in front of me. I could see the sinister smile on his face telling me that I had failed my masters I could feel my eyelids getting heavy. I just wanted to close them and fall asleep. I was cold. I was fading away, dying. 'No! I can't go out like this.' I stared at the smoky sky. 'If there is a God, no any of the gods. Hear me.'

'If I am reborn, I promise, I will protect my masters.'

I coughed up more blood as I felt the life draining out of my body.

'Arhad, I swear I will protect you. I will make sure that you sit on the throne before I die so gods,' I let out a sigh, 'give me one more chance.' I willed as I breathed my last on the battlefield, Arhad's screams sending me away to the afterlife.