A Holy Decree

As Polaris and the Wilderness team helped finish the Elven Village beneath Fort Wilderness, they began to receive messengers from the Western Holy Church, known as the Church of Humanity. The Pope was fully diving into the Doctrine of Humanity and Human Supremacy.

"Today, we solidify the world into a more righteous era. An era where all those under the care of the Doctrine of Humanity shall rise and ascend to the rightful rulers of this world! As your Pope, I shall ensure we remain atop the lesser races, and ensure the survival of our race! Holy Knights, on this day, ride out to our allies and ensure their understanding and cooperation!"

The Holy Knights salute and mount their horses. With an outstanding send off by the Pope, they ride at breakneck speeds to the bordering countries and allies of importance. 

"Pope, what of Fort Wilderness?"

"What of them Bishop Tellance?"

"They preach equality for all races. Does that not present a problem?"

"They will fall in line or they shall face the wrath of the Church and its allies. Are we clear?" 

"Yes Pope." 

"God has given me this commandment, and I shall see to it we grind the inferior races under heel and make them submit to us. No matter who stands in our way!"

As a group of Holy Knights entered the Elven Village, Fog and the Elven Princess greeted them. 

"How can I...."

"Stand aside skeleton. Where is the leader of the Fort and this Village?"

"I am the Princess in-charge of this village, Fog is the caretaker of the Fort but not the leader....."

"Excellent. Skeleton, go fetch your master at once."

"I beg your....."

"GET YOUR MASTER OR TASTE THE WRATH OF HOLY STEEL."

Fog rushes up to Fort Wilderness, inside, Polaris and the others are looking over maps of the world to plan a mission. 

"Sir!"

"What is it Fog? Everything okay?"

"A group of Holy Douchebags are in the village. They're demanding I go and quote, "Fetch my master or taste the wrath of holy steel.""

With a quick nod, the others rush down the mountain with Fog. Polaris levitates above them, the Holy Knights unaware of his presents. 

"Excellent work Skeleton. Now which one is your master?"

Polaris hovers right in front of them, his orange and blue eyes piercing the Knights' souls as he locked eyes with them.

"I am Polaris Winters, leader of Fort Wilderness, NOT his master. You will respect Fog, or it is YOU would will suffer the wrath of two stars and a moon." 

The Holy Knights dismount their horses and make their way over to the two leaders. Polaris glares at the head knight. As the Head Knight removed his helmet, Polaris let his feet touch the ground. 

"I am Head Knight Salore of the envoy of the Church of Humanity. I have come to enlist the aid of all able-bodied warriors." 

"On what grounds?" 

"The Doctrine of Humanity takes effect at Sunrise tomorrow. All non-compliant races shall be quarantined within their respective borders and force may be authorized under the guidance of the Pope himself." 

Polaris raised an eyebrow. "And what are these... Non-compliant races?"

"Lizardmen, Lycanthropes, Beastfolk, Golems, Dark Elves, gnomes, Dragonkin, Pixies, Spirits, the Undead and Dryads." 

"You do know I have a Dryad, Dark Elf, Fairy, an Undead and Golem under my command right?"

"The Church is aware. They have deemed.... acceptable in the eyes of God.... So long as they stay in line." 

"Stay in line? You mean know their place right?" Polaris clenched his fist. 

"Sir Winters, I would...."

"You will address me by my name. It is also my title. Disrespect me or my the other heroes here, and the Church won't need the Pope to interpret "God", as I'll make sure you all meet your "God" face to face." 

The other Holy Knights took a step back from the heat radiating from Polaris. 

"Yes, forgive my arrogance Celestial Hero Polaris. It was not my intention to offend or demean you." 

"The Church fears me, and you would be wise to do the same. Fort Wilderness will assist under my direct supervision. HOWEVER, those quote "lesser" races will have the option to relocate to my jurisdiction as outlined in the Wilderness Clause of the Doctrine of Humanity. Failure to recognize this will only result in the needless slaughter of your troops. Do I make myself clear?"

"Celestial Polaris be reasonable! That would burden the Elven Princess and your fort. I would suggest..."

"YOU WILL SUGGEST NOTHING. The Pope and I have a very crystal clear understanding of what is outlined. If not for that clause, Fort Wilderness could and would declare the Church of Humanity its enemy, and both you and the Pope.... DO NOT want me as your enemy. AM.....I...CLEAR?"

The Head Knight gulps and readjusts his armor. "You are received loud and clear. Let me confirm with the Pope on the Wilderness Clause." 

"You do that." 

Polaris turns to his troops and the Elves who've gathered nearby. 

"Fog, Powerdrive, get with the Dwarves of Berban and the Governor of Berban. I will be absorbing them into the Domain of the Fort Wilderness Territory. Princess, have your builders get with Archimedes and KBar to begin construction on roads, houses and stores. We're gonna need all hands on deck."

"What can I do?" Asked Joplin

"Joplin, help the Elven Builders clear land for living. Make sure to follow their instructions to the letter. I don't want to disturb the balance of nature they pride themsleves on." 

"Understood sir." 

"Veldspar, Hexxit, Bel, Arris and I will get the Terra Carne and get ready to join the Holy Knights IF they agree to the Wilderness Clause as the Pope did. Everyone have their assignments?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good. Everyone not going with me, move out!" 

Veldspar pulled Polaris aside as everyone rushed to their assigned tasks. 

"Permission to speak freely sir?" Asked Veldspar with a thick slavic accent. A heavy scent of fermented potato alcohol lingered on his breath 

"You have no need to call me sir Veldspar. Those not of Wilderness must as a formality. You may just call me by name."

"Understood Polaris." 

"Now, what's on your mind?"

"Polaris, we're spreading ourselves too thin. We lack the personnel to do such missions regularly." 

"You do have a point. Thanks to Flight, 86-87 of us were killed. We need to bring others into the fold. I'll have Fog begin scouting the newcomers for talent. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. We have have gained Joplin and Fog, but 8-9 of us isn't enough. We need to enlist more. Perhaps a few Dwarves from Berban shall join us." 

As Polaris and Veldspar rejoined the others, the Head Holy Knight made his way back to them.

"What did the Pope have to say?"

"The Pope has made it clear with the upmost importance the Wilderness Clause be honored by my Knights and I. Consider it done." 

"Excellent, I knew you'd both see.... Reason. Wilderness, mount up on Terra Carne. I shall fly beside her. Let's show these Holy Knights how heroes get this done!"

As the Earth Dragon ascended into the sky, the Holy Knights mounted up and rode at pace with the dragon. Eager to please their Pope and their King.