Will of the King - Chapter 3

TITLE

Lyrian Chronicles 9 - Will of the King

Google Docs Version:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nBcq7iuJP8uTfy3pMRCFVXZLuqSmN2boZHod2BuetQ4/edit#heading=h.8z3ozsvv55x5

Campaign By: Leaflit
Adapted By: Leaflit and ShyMoth

Edited By: ShyMoth

Chapter Visual: Kriss Sison

This story is a replay novel.  Everything occurred over a game of Angel’s Sword TTRPG.  You can play for free now:
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Thank you so much Patrons and Subs for making this possible.

CHAPTER 3

Countrymen

The grass of the Stonane Highlands glistened with morning dew as a low fog began to lift, unveiling the stage for the impending battle. The chill in the air mingled with the tense anticipation that gripped both armies. Soldiers adjusted their armor and whispered final prayers, each side making meticulous preparations for the conflict ahead.

Commander Athena was conspicuous in her absence, her cavalry battalion already detached and hidden, waiting to ambush the enemy's rear elements once Lord Elphias committed his forces to the attack.

Princess Cherry rode forward atop her horse, her petite frame clad in gleaming armor that had been crafted to fit her perfectly. Instead of delivering a rousing speech, she placed a solemn hand over her heart, her eyes reflecting both sorrow and steely determination. "I pray for your safe return," she called out, her voice clear against the hushed murmurs of the troops. "May the fortunes of war be with you." She turned to Yasha, giving a firm nod to indicate that command now rested in her hands.

In the distance, the enemy forces held their position, a silent challenge hanging in the air as they awaited Madeline's first move.

Yasha acknowledged the princess's signal. "Hold your positions until they draw closer," she commanded, her voice steady. "Commander Hawkins, you may fire the magic cannons when the enemy enters your range. Prioritize their mages.  Commander Firefly, coordinate spotting with Hawkins." The orders were relayed down the lines, tension coiling like a drawn bowstring.

Across the field, Lord Elphias grew impatient. Sensing an opportunity, he ordered his troops to advance. His light cavalry broke away from the main formation, galloping along the road as the infantry marched steadily forward.

Unnoticed or dismissed by Lord Elphias, a distant speck rose above the forested ridge to the east. An aerial mage from Commander Firefly's company drifted just above the treetops, a pair of flags in hand. With practiced precision, she waved them in specific patterns, the snap of them in the wind seeming to emphasize the message being sent. In reply, the quiet morning was suddenly shattered by the thunderous roar as Commander Hawkins' artillery unleashed its fury, precisely as planned and with deadly precision.

Violet spheres of magical energy soared into the sky like miniature suns before arching downward toward the Lord Elphias’ Archer Battalion. Explosions erupted upon impact, sending shockwaves through the ranks.

Elphias yanked the reins of his horse, eyes widening in surprise. "They've brought artillery? That youkai commander was prepared after all!" he exclaimed, a mix of frustration and grudging respect in his tone. "Reposition away from it! The artillery moves slowly—we can outmaneuver them!" It was clear that Elphias possessed a keen tactical mind, despite his earlier bravado.

As his army began to reposition, Commander Hawkins' artillery fired another barrage. The luminous spheres collided with the colossal Armatae—massive, quadrupedal war machines clad in heavy armor. Instead of inflicting damage, the magical projectiles glanced off the Armatae's surfaces like raindrops on a steel shield, exploding harmlessly upon the ground. Through her spyglass, Yasha observed the minimal effect on the enemy's war machines.

The Madeline forces drew their battle lines, advancing to claim the advantageous terrain of the valley. Elphias's army veered westward to evade the artillery's range, using the intimidating presence of the Armatae to bolster their formation.

Closing her spyglass with a decisive snap, Yasha turned to the other Royal Guards. "See that patch of woods along the valley?" she pointed out. "The Armatae will likely proceed through there to pressure our lines. They know our army can't withstand a direct assault from those machines. But a small, elite force could hide there and stage an ambush."

She met their eyes, her own filled with resolve. "Armatae are formidable against large formations and regular soldiers, but if we can breach their hatches, we can neutralize them. This is our chance. We move now."

Leaving Limone behind to guard Princess Cherry, Yasha, Helene, Kaede, and Lanes swiftly made their way down the rocky incline, moving with the practiced ease of seasoned warriors. The ground trembled with each step of the approaching Armatae, the sound of splintering wood echoing as the war machines crushed trees in their path.

The four took up concealed positions within the dense foliage, the scent of pine and earth mingling with the distant clamor of battle. The towering silhouettes of the Armatae loomed ever closer, their metal exteriors gleaming ominously in the filtered sunlight.

"We're lucky they're lightly armed. Just a single cannon and those look like light magical launchers along the top," Yasha pointed out quietly. 'Lightly armed' for armatae, the two walking behemoths had more firepower than two entire battalions.

Helene tightened her grip on her spear, her eyes focused and unwavering. "Remember, we need to get close enough to breach the hatches," she whispered.

Kaede nodded, her ears twitching as she listened to the rhythmic stomps. "Their visibility is limited from inside those machines," she noted. "We can use that to our advantage."

Lanes checked his crossbow, ensuring it was loaded and ready. "Aim true and strike fast," he murmured. "We won't get a second chance."

Yasha's gaze swept over her team. "Stay sharp. We coordinate our attack on my signal."

Yasha lowered her arm sharply, signaling the attack. The four Royal Guards sprang from the foliage, catching the Armatae off guard with no chance to retreat. Amid the sudden skirmish, one of the Armatae's hatches burst open, its hardened leather shell unfurling as steam hissed into the air. A woman emerged, hanging onto the hatch by one of her eight spider-like limbs, gazing down at them.

"Yasha of Madeline," she called out, her voice steady yet edged with tension. "I didn't expect we'd face each other so soon. You're very bold. I don't desire this conflict, but with you initiating this rebellion during such times, we have no choice. Our country should be united now more than ever... So I ask you just once: will you surrender to us?"

Yasha spun her spear expertly, pointing it directly at the pilot. "United under a slaver? United under someone who likely killed his own family to seize power? Are you truly willing to die for such a man?" She locked eyes with the spiderfolk woman, shaking her head slowly. "I don't know your name, but if you value your life, you should surrender and leave this fight. We have no quarrel with you."

The spiderfolk pilot frowned, her hand gliding over the contours of her skintight pilot suit. "I serve Lord Elphias. We're all devastated by what happened to Lady Amelie. Regardless of what you think of Casimir, your actions will only ignite this civil war, and it's our duty to stop it. I do value my life, but we all have obligations to fulfill."

With a resolute expression, she swung back into the cockpit using one of her extra limbs, disappearing as steam billowed from the back of the Armatae.

Inside the powered armor, the pilot paused momentarily. She reached up to touch a pinned picture of her family, a flicker of determination hardening her gaze. Nodding to herself, she inserted her hands into the control system. The Armatae whirred to life, gears and mechanisms engaging as it prepared for battle.

Lanes took the initiative, swiftly raising his heavy crossbow. He fired a quick snapshot at the right Armatae, but the bolt glanced off its heavy armor. Repositioning, he took aim at the left machine. This time, the bolt struck true, but against the massive construct, the damage was minimal.

"Their armor is too thick, we can't bring them down by the legs!" he shouted, striving to maintain composure. "We'll have to jump on top!"

The Armatae reared its head, a cannon emerging and firing a sweeping magical beam at Lanes. He dodged just in time as the beam scorched the ground beside him. Small ports along its back opened, launching a barrage of magical missiles into the sky. They rained down upon him; he evaded some, but several struck home, the impacts jolting his frame.

Before he could recover, the Armatae charged, closing the distance with alarming speed. A massive limb swung out, connecting with Lanes and sending him stumbling back, pain searing through his side.

Kaede's eyes narrowed, looking back at Lanes for a moment but keeping her focus. "I'd rather not kill her if possible, Yasha! So with that—see you up there!"

She spun her greataxe, then sprinted toward the towering machine. With agile leaps, she grabbed onto panels and gaps in the armor, scaling the Armatae swiftly. Reaching the top, she spotted the hatch.

"Knock, knock!" Kaede hefted her greataxe and slammed it down onto the hatch with all her might. Metal groaned under the force, dents forming where she struck.

Inside, the pilot's voice echoed with urgency. "She's going for the hatch!" She gripped the controls, causing the Armatae to spin wildly in an attempt to shake Kaede off.

"Whoa! Don't spin!" Kaede yelled, gripping the hatch tightly as the world blurred around her. Despite the wild motion, she held firm, surprised at her own tenacity.

Meanwhile, Helene dashed past the enemy commander's Armatae, trusting Lanes, Kaede, and Yasha to handle it. Her focus was the second Armatae; if it joined the fight, their situation would worsen. Charging with determination, she aimed her spear at the colossal machine's leg.

"Over here!" she shouted, slamming her spear into the metal. The impact left a shallow scratch and shifted the leg slightly—barely noticeable, but enough to draw its attention.

"You're dealing with me now," Helene declared, positioning herself defiantly between the Armatae and her comrades.

Yasha sprinted toward the towering Armatae, her eyes locked on its massive form. Reaching its legs, she jammed her spear into the ground with precision. Gripping it firmly with both hands, she vaulted upward, using the weapon as a makeshift pole. Her body arced gracefully through the air, landing atop the machine with agile ease.

Harnessing the momentum from her ascent, Yasha wrenched her spear free and drove it downward, aiming to pierce the leather hatch and strike the pilot within. The spear met resistance—a solid thunk indicating it hadn't found flesh. Attempting to retract her weapon, she realized it was being held fast from the inside.

Inside the cockpit, the pilot clutched the spear with one arm, her eyes narrowing. "You're more skilled than I thought," she remarked. "I didn't expect you to target the hatch. You've fought Armatae before, haven't you?" Her other hands manipulated the controls swiftly as she spoke.

Suddenly, the Armatae began to spin violently, attempting to fling Yasha off just as it had tried with Kaede moments earlier. Yasha held onto the spear, her body swinging around the machine as she fought to maintain her grip. When the mech finally slowed, she released the spear—now firmly in the pilot's grasp—and quickly drew a dagger from her belt.

Without missing a beat, Yasha stabbed the dagger into the damaged hatch, leveraging it to pry open the gap further. "I suggest you yield," she called out sternly, catching a glimpse of the spiderfolk pilot through the widening breach.

The pilot met her gaze with a mix of respect and determination. "I serve my duty," she replied, her voice resolute.

The Armatae's cannons swiveled toward Yasha. A charged magical beam erupted from the main cannon, but Yasha anticipated the attack, leaping aside as the blast lanced by where it cut through several trees below. Missile ports opened along the mech's sides, unleashing a barrage. She managed to deflect one with her dagger, dodge two others, but a fourth missile struck her shoulder, sending a sharp jolt of pain.

Meanwhile, the second Armatae turned its attention to Helene. A massive metallic limb swung down toward her. Helene raised her shield just in time, the impact reverberating through her arm but causing only a minor bruise.

On top of the first Armatae, Yasha steadied herself, the wind whipping around her. Below, the battlefield was a blur of movement and clashing steel. She knew they had to end this quickly.

"Your machine can't protect you forever," Yasha shouted to the pilot. "Stand down before it's too late."

Inside, the pilot's eyes flickered to the photo of her family. Gritting her teeth, she responded, "We both have our orders..."

Lanes acted swiftly, hurling his rappelling dagger toward the towering Armatae piloted by Yueni. The blade embedded itself into the machine's armor, and with a firm grip, he scaled the mechanical giant to join Yasha and Kaede atop it.

Upon reaching the hatch, Lanes quickly readied his heavy crossbow. He fired a snapshot at the already damaged hatch, aiming to disable it completely. As he pulled the trigger, the hatch suddenly swung open. Startled, he found himself face-to-face with the spiderfolk pilot, who deftly plunged a dagger into his side.

"Ffff—! You nimble nutter!" Lanes hissed through gritted teeth, pain searing where the blade had struck. Without wasting a moment, he reached into his belt and pulled out a flask of fire oil. "Cook then!" he growled, hurling the flask toward the open cockpit.

Yueni reacted swiftly, slamming the hatch shut with one of her many arms. The flask shattered against the exterior, flames licking across the surface. "Like a trapdoor spider," Lanes muttered, watching the flames dance harmlessly over the armored shell.

Inside the cockpit, Yueni felt the heat from the burning oil. Distracted, she knew she had to act quickly. Reopening the hatch just a crack, she tossed out a flashbang grenade. A blinding light erupted, momentarily disorienting those atop the Armatae.

"Hold on!" Kaede shouted, blinking away spots as the machine began to spin violently, attempting to dislodge its unwelcome passengers. Despite the disorienting spin and the lingering effects of the flashbang, all three—Lanes, Kaede, and Yasha—managed to maintain their grip.

Regaining her focus, Kaede seized the moment. With a determined shout, she swung her greataxe down in a powerful arc, aiming for the weakened hatch. The blade struck true, metal screeching as it gave way under the force. The hatch broke apart, leaving the cockpit exposed.

"Sorry for being rough, but I can't let you keep piloting this mech," Kaede said firmly. Reaching into the cockpit, she grabbed Yueni by one of her arms and pulled her out, lifting the pilot clear of the machine.

Yueni struggled briefly before resigning to her fate. As Kaede set her down atop the Armatae, she noticed the photo pinned inside the cockpit—the image of Yueni's family. A pang of empathy flickered across Kaede's face.

The other Armatae hesitated, its movements uncertain. The pilot's voice echoed through the air, tinged with panic. "Captain Yueni!"

From atop the disabled Armatae, Yueni shouted back, "Nore, retreat! Fall back to Lord Elphias!"

"Nore, please!" Kaede implored. But the other pilot seemed torn.

The second Armatae twitched, taking a few unsteady steps backward. "Captain..." Nore's voice was filled with distress. After a moment's hesitation, the mech turned to follow her orders.

She shifted the Armatae into high gear, steam bursting from the vents on its legs as it prepared to break out into a full retreat.

However, the pilot’s hesitation was all the advantage Helene needed.  Coiling up her tail like a spring, the Lamia shot up onto the Armatae, tapping the point of her spear onto the hardened leather hatch, the sound echoing ominously.  “Open up and come out peacefully or I’ll cut you out,” she called firmly.

Assessing the situation, Yasha spurred to action.  Determined to assist Helene she leapt from the disabled Armatae, throwing her spear into a gap in the armor plate.   She leapt the twenty five foot gap, grabbing onto her spear to hang on, the wind blowing her hair as she clambered up onto the mechanized beast.

Inside the cockpit, the pilot—Nore responded with anger.  “You monkeys!  How dare you!  You’ll pay for what you did to the Captain!”

Helene's patience wore thin. Gathering her mana, she felt it surge through her, channeling into her spear until it pulsed with energy. "Commander Yueni is unharmed, and we won't harm her further," she stated evenly. "I ask you once more: please surrender.

"Screw you!" Nore spat defiantly.

"Very well." Helene swung her spear with a powerful arc, the mana-infused blade slicing into the hatch. The impact was formidable, leaving a deep gash and causing the metal to buckle under the force.

The fight continued atop the second Armatae as it disappeared into the treeline, leaving Lanes and Kaede behind.

Lanes watched as the Armatae began to flee. "I'm confident you've got this!" he hollered back toward Kaede. "We need to stop that other one before it wreaks havoc on our forces! As soon as it's stopped, I'll be back. Be careful!" He took off in pursuit, sprinting to keep up with the mechanical behemoth.

Atop the fleeing Armatae, Helene gritted her teeth, her balance tested by the erratic movements. She raised her spear and struck the hatch repeatedly, managing a solid hit that dented the metal. "You could just stop and surrender! Make it easy for everyone!" she called out over the roaring wind.

Inside, the pilot screamed in panic as the spear tip pierced through the hatch, narrowly missing her. "N-n-never! Ahhh!" She pushed the controls harder, urging the Armatae to go faster.

Beside Helene, Yasha twirled her spear overhead, then thrust it down twice into the hatch. Both strikes glanced off the armored surface, failing to breach it or harm the pilot within.

The pilot jerked the controls, attempting to shake them off, but both warriors held firm, their grips unwavering despite the machine's wild movements.

Determined to end the chase, Helene steadied herself and delivered two powerful strikes to the hatch. The first blow weakened it further; the second shattered it open. Without hesitation, she reached into the cockpit and grabbed the pilot, pulling her out of her seat.

As the pilot struggled, Helene instinctively coiled herself around her, using her own body to restrain the captive. The sudden shock of being yanked from the mech and held tightly caused the pilot to drop a small, flat, rectangular device. It clattered onto the armored hull of the Armatae, landing precariously on its narrow edge. The safety cover was flipped open, revealing an ominous red button—the detonator.

"Uh... Yasha? Can you grab that?" Helene called out, her eyes fixed on the device.

Yasha's gaze darted to the detonator. "On it!"

Helene tightened her hold slightly, her irritation evident. "A self-destruct, really?" she asked incredulously.

The Armatae pilot continued to struggle in Helene's unyielding grasp, her small frame no match for the Lamia's coiled strength. Desperation flashing in her eyes, she managed to activate her communicator, shouting urgently, "Captain... they've got me! Run... please!"

Her plea echoed across the battlefield, but there was little she could do. Clad in her skintight pilot suit, she wriggled futilely, unable to break free from Helene's hold.

Meanwhile, Yasha nodded decisively and leaped down from the Armatae, landing gracefully on the ground below. She carefully retrieved the fallen detonator, inspecting it to ensure it was secure. "That should be both of them deal—" she began, but her words trailed off as she spotted Lanes approaching.

Her eyes narrowed, and with a surge of irritation, she strode toward him. "Why are you here and not watching the captain with Kaede?" she demanded sharply. Before he could answer, she gestured toward the captive pilot. "Stay here and watch over this one."

Without waiting for a response, Yasha turned and broke into a full sprint toward the location where they had confronted the spider woman, an annoyed look on her face.

Meanwhile, deep in the forest...

The battlefield had quieted, leaving only Kaede, Yueni, and the deactivated Armatae amidst the settling dust. Kaede maintained a firm hold on Yueni, who appeared surprisingly compliant given the circumstances.

"So, what now...?" Yueni asked softly, meeting Kaede's gaze with a mix of resignation and curiosity. 

Kaede held tight onto the spiderfolk, catching a whiff of her rose perfume, "Huh... you know I didn't think they would all walk away..."  She understood the awkward predicament she was in.

Kaede hesitated, her grip steady as she considered the pilot's words. "Is there something like a key for the Armatae? Something we can remove so no one else can... I don't know, misuse it?" she inquired. "I think I'll just escort you back to our camp for the time being."

Yueni glanced around before nodding slowly. "Yeah, it's in my pouch," she replied, cautiously reaching toward it. "I'll get it, okay? Could you maybe not hold me so tight so I can reach?"

Kaede tightened her hold slightly. "I'd rather you didn't," she said gently but firmly. "If it's in your pouch, I'd prefer to retrieve it myself. I can't risk you trying something while we're alone."

A flicker of frustration crossed Yueni's face. "Fine," she muttered.

Kaede remembered the pinned photo of Yueni's family inside the mech. Her ears drooped slightly, and her tail swished slowly as she spoke. "I saw the picture in your cockpit," she began softly. "I don't want to do anything I'll regret. I want to make sure you get back to them safely, especially since I have someone I'm worried about too," she attempted to plead, understanding full well her disadvantaged position.

Seizing the moment of distraction, Yueni twisted free from Kaede's grasp, using her eight arms in advantage to Kaede's two.. "I'm sorry," she whispered before dashing toward the Armatae.

"Wait!" Kaede called out, reaching out to grab onto her, but managing only to grasp the air.

Yueni clambered back into the cockpit, activating the mech with practiced speed. The Armatae whirred to life, steam hissing as she engaged the controls. Without hesitation, she aimed the charge cannon at Kaede.

A blast of magical energy surged toward Kaede, but she deftly dodged aside as the ground where she stood erupted in a shower of soil and scorched brush. Missiles launched from the Armatae's ports; most missed, but one grazed her arm, sending a sharp sting through her.

Determined, Kaede sprinted toward the towering machine, attempting to leap onto it. Her first jump fell short, and she stumbled back. "Come on!" she muttered, frustration mounting. She tried again but missed once more.

On her third attempt, she finally grasped the edge of the Armatae, pulling herself up with a surge of effort. "Yueni, stop this!" she shouted, moving swiftly toward the hatch.

She swung her weapon at the open cockpit, but Yueni maneuvered abruptly, causing Kaede's strike to glance off. The Armatae began to spin violently in an attempt to dislodge her.

Caught off guard, Kaede lost her grip and was thrown to the ground.  She tumbled through the air, spinning her tail to regain balance as she landed with a roll, pain shooting through her ankle. The catfolk only had time to look up as another charge cannon blast was fired. She rolled aside once more, narrowly avoiding the direct hit, but the explosion's shockwave slammed into her, knocking her away.

Missiles rained down; despite her efforts to dodge, several found their mark, leaving her battered and bruised.

"This is the worst," Kaede gasped, struggling to stand.

The Armatae started moving away, steam billowing as it gained distance. Desperate, Kaede tried to give chase but her injuries slowed her. She attempted one final leap to reach the mech but fell short, collapsing to one knee.

Yueni turned the Armatae, the charge cannon glowing ominously. She fired once more; the blast was precise and powerful. Kaede raised her arms defensively, a flicker of magic forming a barrier. The impact shattered her shield, and she was left with barely enough strength to stay conscious.

Missiles followed. She managed to block some, but one struck her side, bringing her to the brink. Vision blurred, she realized she was down to her last ounce of energy.

Yueni emerged from the cockpit, standing atop the mech with a pistol drawn. "I didn't want it to come to this," she said quietly.

Kaede summoned the last of her strength, placing a hand over her heart. A warm glow enveloped her as she cast a healing spell, mending her wounds enough to stand. She looked up, meeting Yueni's eyes.

"Ah... shit..."  Kaede resigned.

Yueni hesitated, conflict evident on her face. "I'm sorry," she muttered under her breath, firing the handgun at Kaede who turned at the last moment to avoid any vitals. The bullet tore through Kaede's clothing, a red spray splattering the ground as she gave in to her fatigue.

Seeing Yasha running to the battle at full speed, Yueni holstered her weapon and slid back into the cockpit. The mech powered up once more, but this time, Yueni set it to retreat. "Take care of yourself," her voice echoed as the Armatae moved away, disappearing into the distance.

Kaede watched her go, a mix of relief and sadness washing over her. She took a deep breath, steadying herself as the immediate danger faded.

Running as fast as her legs could carry her, Yasha knelt down beside Kaede, frustration on her face, "You alright?"

Kaede chuckled, "Yeah...sorry."

Yasha shook her head and sighed, "It wasn't your fault. Can you stand?" Yasha took a healing potion from her belt, uncorking it and handing it to her.

Kaede nodded, drinking the potion, "Yeah I'll be okay... did we get the other girl?"

Yasha stood up, resting on her spear, "Yeah, we need to get going... this battle is far from over."

The party regrouped and headed to rejoin the battlefield, leaving the Armatae pilot thoroughly tied up around one of its legs.

***
As the battle unfolded, Princess Cherry's forces executed their strategy with precision. Commande Hawkins' artillery rained down upon the enemy Spear Battalion, causing significant damage. Commander Lumeris' Mage Company conjured a glittering barrier of magical shards stretching from north to south, while Commander Rin's Saboteurs turned the landscape of their flank into a cratered mess with explosives. The enemy, unwilling to cross such disadvantageous terrain, redeployed to the edges of the glittershard field. Commander Yueni, retreating with her damaged Armatae, pulled back further, in dire need of repairs.

Seizing the moment, Commander Athena led her medium cavalry battalion in a thundering charge from cover, smashing into Elphias's Mage Company and scattering them. At the signal, the glittershard barrier was dropped, and Commander Firefly's Aerial Mage Company swooped in at high speed, engaging the enemy Archer Battalion at point-blank range and inflicting heavy casualties. Simultaneously, Commander Rin's Saboteurs guided Commander Elwyn's Spear Battalion through the mess to clash with Elphias's Light Cavalry, dealing significant blows.

Pushing her mages to their limits, Commander Lumeris advanced her company closer to the front, unleashing a second wave of glittershards upon the enemy infantry. Commander Galtrea's Heavy Knights charged the disoriented Spear Battalion, reducing their strength drastically while sustaining minimal losses. Commander Linia's Sword Battalion moved in to finish them off.

Amidst the chaos, Yasha led the Royal Guards in a daring flank maneuver, aiming directly for Lord Elphias's command, intent on ending the battle with a decisive strike.

Dust and smoke swirled as Yasha and her companions pressed forward, seizing the advantage created by their meticulously executed plan. Despite the lingering injuries from their clash with Yueni's Armatae, they moved with unwavering determination, catching Lord Elphias off guard.

As they neared, a dragoon commander staggered before them, dropping to her knees. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as she reached out weakly. "L... Lord Elphias... I'm sorry..." she gasped, before collapsing onto the battlefield.

High upon his steed, Lord Elphias cast a conflicted glance at the fallen soldier. "Die with honor, Sera. I will avenge you," he declared with conviction.

Turning his steely gaze toward the approaching party, a frown creased his features. "Quite the cunning tactic you've employed—defeating the Armatae so readily. Skybound Adventurers, perhaps? Only those with such audacity would dare a small force strike against our alchemical beasts."

He unsheathed his sword, the blade catching the dim light with a menacing gleam. "But I must thank you. You've saved me the trouble of hunting you down. Let's settle this here and now."

Yasha chuckled at Elphias's claims. "Skybound adventurers? No, you just grew overconfident and sent your forces too far ahead of your army. Your troops are being shattered around you, trapped against the terrain. You've lost your numerical advantage and your Armatae," she stated, pausing deliberately for effect. "Save the lives of your subordinates and surrender. If you do, they will all be spared. If the fight continues, I can make no guarantees."

Elphias continued his stern look, "You know I can't do that—for honor. I must avenge Sera. I didn't think the Princess or her cohorts would be so stubborn, or that she would have such a competent army for a child. Obviously, we don't mean to hurt her... but we have orders, and I can't let the one who murdered Lady Amelie go."

Kaede, visibly weary from the battle, shouted out, "Where's the proof of that? If there's no concrete proof, you're marching for no reason besides blind trust. We can at least prove that Her Highness is the one who should rule the country, as she truly loves it compared to Casimir."

She locked eyes with him. "I don't believe you're that blind and unreasonable, Lord Elphias."

Elphias glanced around at the battle raging in the distance, the sounds of clashing steel and cries echoing around them. "His Highness Casimir entrusted this task to me. He demands it. As a lord, who am I to question? Even if I were to refuse—which I wouldn't—I could be executed. I am told to go, and I serve."

He sighed, frustration seeping into his voice. "But I suppose I was a fool to believe that you wouldn't be absolute monsters. You came here for a fight, even brought artillery, and laid a trap for us in these very highlands. What do you know of honor? You greet an envoy from the King with such hostility upfront, without so much as the courtesy of a formal meeting."

Kaede's expression reflected her inner turmoil, visibly upset at the needless fighting. "What honor is there when you're marching an entire army with two Armatae? You might as well be asking for a war. There was no preemptive message of your arrival, nor any indication that you would be coming here. All I can see is a preemptive strike on an unsuspecting city."

She took a deep breath, her ears drooping slightly. "And you're right, I don't know anything about nobility and politics. I'd rather not bother with it—it seems like a hassle. But I will fight for what I believe in, at least. And I believe this course is what's going to lead this country for the better in the end—in the hands of Her Highness, not your king."

Helene stared hard at the Macaronian lord, her gaze unwavering. His adherence to duty and honor was respectable, but he wouldn't be the first man manipulated by those traits. It was hard to believe Casimir had much influence over Macaron and its nobility beyond the promise of avenging their beloved Lady Amelie—not so soon after the attack. She felt a pang of regret for their open suspicion during negotiations, but with so much uncertainty, how could they not have questioned his motives? The safety of Cherry was, and always would be, her paramount concern.

"You must see the strangeness of these events," Helene said steadily. "A fiend attack of suddenness and ferocity beyond comprehension, targeting the royal family. A dear friend of King Aelric, chased to the edge of the country with a document bearing the royal seal and tales of treachery. An army marching on our lands with no missives, no contact—an army accompanied by Armatae, of all things—to take a man prisoner and secure our charge against her will."

She paused, letting her words settle. "What would you have done, Lord Elphias, if we were advancing into your lands, and you stood with Lady Amelie at your back, her only line of defense? For my part, I apologize for our naked suspicion and ask that we stop this battle now. No more sons and daughters of Dacquoise need to die today. We can learn together what has driven us to this point."

Taking a steadying breath, Helene added with firm resolve, "But make no mistake, if you continue to pursue this battle, I will stop at nothing to keep Cherry safe."

Lord Elphias dismounted from his horse, taking the combat stance that he had practiced since childhood as he replied to Helene, “Then I’m glad, for in the end one of us will.” 

EXTRAS

DM’s Corner

Hello everyone, Leaflit here.  I am incredibly sorry for the wait for this chapter..  We are currently working with the super talented Kriss Sison to do the art for our upcoming episodes, due to this we have to delay the chapters by one week so we have a bit of a buffer to give Kriss time to draw them.  He will also be redrawing the old chapters whenever he has time.   One other thing is, we’ll have to limit the images to one image per chapter since they’ll be sketched out by him.  However I do believe its 100% worth it!  The art for this chapter is stunning.

Everyone’s been super busy working on the TTRPG this week, I’ve been in the description mines… writing lots of descriptions for all of the races.

The TTRPG is finally out in beta and you can check it out and experience the game the same way we do.  You can see it here:  https://rpg.angelssword.com

Two weeks ago we also participated in MAGWEST where we showcased the game.

The next episode of Will of the King is going to be funny again I was rolling when I was DM’ing it and I hope you also enjoy the comedy.

See you next chapter!
- Leaflit

Character File:  Fontina Caramello


Name: Fontina Caramello
Affiliation: Madeline
Class:  Governor
Age: “Don’t worry about it”
Species: Human
Favorite Food: Croquembouche
Dislikes:  Rats
Signature Ability:  Running The Government

Weapon: Feminine Charm

Quote:  “But… why?”

Fontina Caramello serves as the appointed advisor and interim governor of Madeline, entrusted with guiding Princess Cherry Dacquoise until she reaches maturity. She is recognized for her serious and stern demeanor, often maintaining a no-nonsense expression. However, beneath her composed exterior lies a tendency to become easily flustered and embarrassed, especially when teased—a frequent occurrence given her somewhat "bullyable" nature. Despite her strict appearance, Fontina's approachable side endears her to those around her, who enjoy playfully teasing her to her slight discomfort.

Fontina's unwavering loyalty to Princess Cherry is deeply rooted in her personal history. During the devastating war with Northi, Fontina's family was the sole survivor of a brutal attack on their village. Prince Alaon, Cherry’s father, took them in, ensuring their safety and fostering a profound sense of gratitude and indebtedness in Fontina towards the royal family. This bond has solidified her dedication to serving Cherry with unwavering commitment, making her one of the kingdom’s most trusted advisors.

History. Fontina Caramello was born into a hardworking merchant family in a bustling market town. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Fontina did not come from nobility. Instead, she grew up amidst the vibrant trade and commerce of her family's business, where she learned the intricacies of managing finances from a young age. Her parents ensured that she was educated, and Fontina became literate early on, mastering reading and writing to better assist with the family’s accounts and negotiations.

Her life took a dramatic turn during the war with Northi when soldiers descended upon the town. Fontina was almost killed in the attack, sustaining severe injuries that threatened the loss of her arm. In a selfless act of bravery, Prince Alaon, Cherry’s father, intervened to save her life. Recognizing her potential and resilience, he directed his clerics to prioritize her treatment, even at the cost of his own well-being. This act of heroism not only saved Fontina but also forged an unbreakable bond of gratitude and loyalty towards the Prince and his family.

After the attack, Prince Alaon took Fontina and her surviving family members under his protection. Grateful for their safety and the Prince’s sacrifice, Fontina swore an oath to serve him to the best of her ability. Her dedication did not wane even after the tragic deaths of Prince Alaon and his wife. Devastated by their loss, Fontina redirected her unwavering loyalty towards their daughter, Princess Cherry Val Dacquoise, vowing to honor their legacy through her service.

Fontina's diligence, intelligence, and steadfast loyalty did not go unnoticed. When the time came to appoint an interim governor for Madeline until Princess Cherry came of age, Fontina was the natural choice. Her background in commerce brought fresh economic perspectives to the governance of Madeline. Since her appointment, Fontina has implemented new economic measures that have revitalized the kingdom’s economy, leading to increased prosperity and overall happiness among its citizens. Her ability to balance strict governance with compassionate leadership has made Madeline flourish under her stewardship.

Kaede vs Yueni

Alone, Kaede fought in a desperate battle against Yueni and her Armatae.

War Movements

The Royal Guards take position in the woods as Yueni’s Armatae push up to gain space against Hawkins’ Artillery.

The Royal Guards engage Yueni’s Armatae in the woods.


Battle Positions on this turn

Yasha’s plan springs into motion, Athena’s cavalry charges and Firefly’s Aerial Mages strike at the enemy mage’s, routing them.

A surgical strike by the Royal Guards to take out Lord Elphias.

Developer QnA

In this segment we answer questions from Patreon Subscribers!

This week we have one by:  Overseer4

While there is no strict rules each area is inspired by places in the real world.

Northi Main: Welsh
Northi Eisenstadt (Kobolds/Goblins):  German

Northi Houkaina (Merfolk/Aquatic Races): Hawaiian
Westria: French

Sorthen: Spanish/Latin
Easter: Welsh/Irish/Scottish
Kirara: Japanese (with other Asian influences)

Axias Dacquoise: French (they’re close to Westria)

Mothergreen:  English

However, like we said earlier… there is no real hard rule.  For instance there are clans in Sorthen that utilize Japanese because they have Kiraran ties—like the Vanians for instance (Enrin, Suirin for instance).

Sometimes they’re named after themes.  For instance in the continent to the east of the Mirane Tundra, the countries are named after gun manufacturers.  Dacquoise of Axias all of the cities are named after desserts.