Chapter 1
'There is no greater honor than to die for one's own people.'
King Dovah smiles, recalling the words of his late father.
"I guess I will be joining you soon, father."
Suddenly, a soldier bursts into the room.
"My king, the Verians are approaching. Their numbers are-" he states at first, but Dovah gives his hand a wave, cutting off the subordinate.
"How long?"
"Within the hour my king," the soldier answers. A second of silence ensues before the king sighs, reaches for his helmet, and adorns it.
"Ready the men."
"Your will, my command, my king." His subordinate bows before exiting the room.
---
"Must we really see bloodshed this day, dear Dovah? You are cornered with no way of victory. Surrender to me and I can make you the king of all Atherea with everything at your service: women, gold, riches; everything will be yours. You need only to kneel and swear allegiance to me."
Dovah glared at him indifferently, and calmly spoke, "If you had any knowledge of the noble things of life, Agis, you would refrain from coveting the possessions of others, but for me, to die for Atherea, is better than being the sole ruler over the people of my race."
"I truly respect your courage, Dovah. But for your foolish honor, would you truly forfeit the lives of your people? To be forever condemned into slavery and torture? Do you really believe that a measly thousand can hold up against my army?"
"You underestimate your foe, Agis, that shall be your downfall. You shall do well to understand that an animal is most dangerous while it is cornered."
Agis was getting annoyed at Dovah's refusal, but he kept his calm.
"I give you one last chance to kneel. If you don't, your people, whether women or children, will be slaughtered down to the very last."
King Dovah simply stood, staring at Agis defiantly, this angered the Verian King greatly.
"You foolish man! I shall erase your name and that of your peoples from history! No one shall remember your pointless last stand Dovah! You will be forgotten!"
Agis releases an angry scream before commanding his troops to attack. In response to this, the Athereans tense their formation and ready their weapons.
"Kill as many as you can! Perhaps we can impress the gods tonight!" Dovah cheered to his men and his men cheered in response to his own. They stood defiantly, even in front of the thousands of troops rushing at them, they held firm. Even as death loomed above their shoulders, they held firm.
They had prepared themselves for their death long ago, they only wish to bring as many as they can down with them.
And then...the two forces clashed.
---
"If only you could have listened to Dovah, we could simply avoid all of this death, I must commend you though, to hold out for this long against my clearly superior army."
Brutal would be the only word to describe the scene right now. The once beautiful canyon, covered in bodies and blood. Thousands killed, slaughtered, their corpses piling amongst each other, the lingering screams of those wounded, begging for help.
The Athereans stood strong and held for 5 hours, but they eventually crumbled. Only 1 remained, and how ironic for that one to be Dovah. He stood, covered in arrows and blood, as the opposing king approached.
Merely smiling at his words, and using his last ounce of strength, he threw his spear at the king, his advisors and guards unable to react in time as the spear pierced the heart, just where Dovah aimed for. He watched the king's eyes turn lifeless, his guards desperately trying to save him and felt relief. His mortal enemy, the one who pushed his people to this pitiful state, was dead.
"I shall finally join you father, I hope you are ready for me." Dovah smiled, and finally collapsed, his wounds catching up to him. He believed he would enter the afterlife, and see his family, his friends, and everyone he has lost to time and this war.
It seems destiny had different plans for him, his adventure was only just beginning.
---
"This one shall be a strong male for Sparta. He shall be named Marcus."
The elder set the child down into the crib, before looking at the mother of said child.
"You did well to birth such a strong child, make sure he grows healthy."
"Yes, Elder."
Meanwhile, the said child was in disbelief.
'Where am I?'
---
(A/N: Apologies for the short chapter, it is only the prologue so further chapters will be between 1 and 2 thousand words each. The upload schedule is around 2-3 times a week at least maybe more depending on if I am busy or not. Hope you enjoy it!)