CONQUEST AGAINST EVIL

Elaine, the love of my life, skin as white as the snow, eyes as clearer than pearls, so much that each time that I look into them, I'm taken away from this war torn world, to a world of peace, where everything is perfect. Elaine, compared to her, the beauty of other maidens paled in comparison to hers, to me she was the most beautiful woman in the four realms.

She was an elf… And I, just a man that could use magic and knew his way around. In her defense I was a kind soul but she on the other hand was more so than I ever was. Even with the war of the realms, she never discriminated and used her elven healing abilities on both enemy and foe.

But her life was short lived, Azmuth, General of the soldiers in the realm of the mortals had sought out a dark magic, one that would grant him power to lay waste to the four realms and rule over them forever. The council of elders learned of the plan and Azmuth had them killed, said for those that agreed with him. Soon, the plan was set in motion.

During the day, the denizens of the Human Realm lived a cheerful life but at night, they're carried off against their will and used as sacrifice to fuel Azmuths' evil scheme. This went on for two moons, until I found out the hard way. It was a rare thing to come across a human that could wield magic, and as such I was one of the generals most trusted soldiers but he knew I had different ideals which is why he kept his plan from me.

It was that time of the year where the trees withered in a color I had always found beautiful. I had been sent on a mission to a land at the outskirt of the kingdom.

During the time I was gone, rumors traveled far, whislers that the soldiers of the Human realm had began to hold their ground more than ever, they say the soldiers had gained more magical power than ever and that most of them could wield it. I only took these as war stories that were a little exaggerated, after all; our soldiers were very much skilled even without magic.

One night, I had dismounted my horse, and was warming myself by the fire and Elaine was all I could think about. I wondered what she was up to but knowing her she was eagerly up to using her magic for good. There, my consciousness was brought back to reality as a bright light appeared from nowhere.

"Ephraim, warrior whose name resounds through the 4realms, you're being deceived. The forces of evil are at work yet, and you must put a stop to it."

Brave as I was, I couldn't help but wonder, flustered.

"An evil of old is yet to be fully awakened, what is most important to you is about to be lost forever."

As soon as I heard those words… I mounted my horse without a thought. My heart to have quickened its pace with each moment that passed. Elaine was a royal elf who fell in love with a human. An act considered an the highest of abomination in the times we found ourselves, and through the scorning, we prevailed and held true. But in such, she left her people and lived in the outskirts between the four realms, a place that was designated to be a no war zone, but why did my stomach turn? I couldn't bear the thought and feeling I was coming down with.

"I'm afraid your fear is only what it is." The voice beckoned. "Time is of the essence, if there is a chance to save her, it's now."

The journey was at least a 4 days ride away from the center of the kingdom. The only way to get there was to use magic, with an enhancement spell, my horse begun to gallop faster than ever as I poured in all my mana and eventually it took to the skies. Within a short amount of time we were back to kingdom of Toltus. The city was in ruins, the air was filled with smoke as screams and cries echoed through the city and fire towered over the kingdom.

Getting close to the castle, I saw him, I remember it all as if it was yesterday. He wore robes as dark as the night, he had a heavy build, one that was quite intimidating and left the surroundings filled with despair, fear and destruction. Of it all, he wore a rusty crown, no… It was too ominous to be a crown, for it had skulls no larger than a gold coin clustered atop countless others.

His eyes begun to glow as the earth shook and with it came his voice, one that would make the bravest of men fall to their knees and wet their selves. But not me, I had to protect things that I hold dear....

His grizzly echoed through the air.

"Chosen of the light, prepare to meet your maker!"