Overlord Rising

The sword felt lighter in Uriel's hands. Two months had past. Training against Jotun proved to be a very rewarding experience. She never admitted it aloud, but Uriel considered Jotun as the most experienced and skilled warrior in the company, often putting her on the edge during spars. Although she had never lost against the Drow, she never had any victories either. All their sessions always ended with Jotun quitting, before a decision could be made.

While the spars may have ended with sour notes, Uriel could not deny her improvements. Bits of her lost strength, stamina and experience slowly returned to her body. Uriel still had a long way to go before returning to her prime state, but she at least saw results. Uriel found herself growing stronger. She was not the only one, however.

"Are you certain you want to do this, Lady Overlord?" Ragosh asked, scratching his head. "This looks a little unfair."

Uriel lifted her head and looked at her opponents. Three Ovoo warriors: Ragosh, Torgan and a third one surrounded her. Each one carried a weapon of their choice. Torgan and the third warrior wielded spears, while Ragosh decided to take his chances with a sword and shield.

"You have seen me fight, correct?" Uriel responded, flourishing her sword. "Three warriors won't be enough to handle me."

Torgan snickered. "True," he admitted. "But we have gotten a little stronger, thanks to your teachings. Not to mention, you will have our undivided attention."

"Well, if you think you can defeat me, you can give it a try," Uriel c.o.c.kily announced, readying her sword.

"If you say so, Lady Overlord," Ragosh answered with a shrug.

Ragosh raised his shield and positioned himself for a defensive position, while Torgan and the third warrior pointed their spears, preparing to lunge. Despite their advantage and earlier words, the three didn't appear entirely confident that they would win. After all, they knew what Uriel was capable of.

Uriel firmly held her sword, while she passed sharp glances to the three warriors surrounding her. She took note of even the minutest detail in their movements, trying to predict which of the three would be bold enough to make the first move. A moment of silence passed by. A soft breeze then blew. Then, with very little warning, it happened.

All three warriors launched themselves forward. Uriel had little time to react. Fortunately, even that little was enough for her. Spears had a longer reach, so she needed to deal with Torgan and the third warrior first. With two quick swings, Uriel parried the coming spears. She then redirected her attention to Ragosh, who drew close enough for his sword to reach.

As the spar continued, Uriel quietly assessed them. Once again, the Ovoo displayed a sense of speed and ferocity that would even frightened the most hardened of warriors. They may not have been the strongest or toughest opponents, but Uriel did find herself fighting on her toes.

Torgan and the third warrior displayed efficient usage of the spear. If Uriel had faced such monsters during her days as a novice, she would have not lasted too long. As impressive as the two fought, Uriel found herself more stunned with the warrior that she had trained more personally.

Neither the sword nor the shield were weapons that Ragosh knew all too well. Like his two Ovoo brethren, Ragosh preferred the reach of the spear. Despite his preferences, Ragosh handled both weapons quite effectively. Not perfectly, but enough to recognize that he had the potential to master the art of using swords and shields.

Uriel stayed on the defensive: blocking, dodging and parrying every attack thrown at her. She found little time and space to retaliate. This may have only been a sparring session, but Uriel felt the serious and bloodcurdling intent to kill from all three warriors. It may have been a little unsettling, but Uriel didn't mind all that much. If anything, she welcomed it. The more serious the opponents, the further Uriel found herself pushed.

These three fought quite well, preventing Uriel from fighting back. They may have fought well, but they failed to force her to exert herself, like with Jotun.

Eventually, Uriel found a chance to strike. Not wasting such an opportunity, Uriel zipped past her opponents' attacks and launched her own counterattack. Discarding some unnecessary movement and sharpening her skills, Uriel quickly dispatched the three.

In what appeared like a moment, Torgan and the third warrior stumbled down, while Ragosh found the tip of a blade pointed right at his throat. Uriel didn't move fast, yet it happened so quickly.

"Do you yield?" Uriel asked with a faint smile on her face.

Although he knew she wouldn't kill him, Ragosh still swallowed nervously. "I-I do," he replied, forcing a chuckled out of his mouth. He dropped his sword and shield, while raising his hands in surrender.

"What about the two of you?" Uriel then asked Torgan and the third warrior.

"I do believe we're finished for now," Torgan laughed. The third warrior simply nodded in compliance.

Uriel withdrew her sword. "This was a rather good spar," she complimented. "You three did fairly well against me."

"It's hard to take that a compliment," Ragosh g.r.o.a.n.e.d, as he picked up his equipment. "We are three, and yet you still managed to defeat us."

"Numbers don't always win battles," Uriel reminded strictly. "You need to have focus and skill. You may not have been able to beat me, but I can say without a doubt that you three have shown great skill."

"Thank you, Lady Overlord," Ragosh said, accepting the praise. "Your skills are sharp as ever, as well."

"I appreciate the compliment, but I have yet to reach my proper strength," Uriel replied, sheathing her blade. "My body is still weakened, apparently."

"Weakened?" Ragosh repeated with a snort. "If this is you weakened, then I'd be afraid to see you at your strongest. Would a single word from you spell our defeat?"

"I'm not a monster," Uriel laughed. "I overcame many hardsh.i.p.s and trials to sharpen my skills and senses."

"Those hardsh.i.p.s must have been especially difficult for someone such as yourself," Torgan remarked, his eyes quietly scanning Uriel.

"What do you mean for someone such as myself?" Uriel asked. She scowled, while her voice carried a hint of annoyance.

"You have soft flesh, have no claws or teeth, no fangs, don't appear to quickly climb up trees, or even run all that fast," Torgan explained. "Your kind does not seem built to survive in harsh environments."

The scowl melted off Uriel's face. "You're correct, in many ways," she replied. "Average human warriors would not last in Ebonus. In fact, I very much discourage those that think they could come for a fun little adventure."

"However, you're not an average warrior, are you?" Ragosh assumed, fl.i.c.k.i.n.g his tongue.

Uriel coughed out an incredulous smirk. "It's either that, or I'm just extremely fortunate to have survived this long," she responded.

"Well, let's hope some of your fortune rubs off on our clan," Torgan huffed, as he looked back at the village. "You're having us do something that our ancestors would have NEVER even attempted."

The Ovoo village looked slightly different than it did, two months ago. Back then, it looked like a simple settlement of residence: primitive, but homely. Now, it resembled a war camp. Leather tents expanded the village's borders, while additional storehouses were built for large quantity of food and other supplies for the coming days and battles.

Weapons lay on wooden racks, available in the open, for warriors to quick grab them, if needed. Those made of steel and bronze had been taken from Nul Hunur and the Chamael fortress. The more primitive weapons of bone, wood and steel belonged to the Ovoo. Several of these old, most of them brand new.

Exiles freely wandered the village, still carrying their weapons. Color had returned to their scales, while meat and muscle filled their once scrawny bodies. Gloom and shadows had disappeared from their eyes, instead replaced with a sense of purpose and vigor. Even the simplest of gestures and movements displayed a level of energy and life.

"Not only are we going to attack the Allosaur, but we'll be doing it with the help of exiles," Torgan said aloud, letting out an incredulous cough. "The elders would have never allowed such a thing, if you had not come along to change our rules."

Uriel sighed and crossed her arms. "I respect elders, as well as those who honor their customs and traditions," she admitted. "However, that does not mean I would simply allow them to make the wrong decisions for others."

"No arguments there," Torgan replied with a nod, surveying the village and warriors further. "I just hope that we're really prepared for whatever the Allosaur and the other clans may throw at us."

"Jotun and I have taught you all whatever we could," Uriel stated, recalling the exercises that she put the exiles, Ovoo and Chamael warriors went through.

"You trained us to fight better," Ragosh grunted. "We may not be the most powerful of warriors, but you did show us how to fight and use our weapons better."

"By the way, Lady Overlord, something confuses me," Torgan said. "What was the purpose of that other training?"

"Which one?" Uriel asked.

"The ones where you threatened to tie our tails into knots, if we didn't follow your orders properly," Torgan answered, cringing a little.

Uriel recalled the past two months. She then remembered the exercises. She had ordered all the warriors to line up in several rows and to follow her every instructions. At times, she would tell them to walk together, move faster, slower, immediately stop, and so forth. If one warrior failed to follow in time, everyone would have been punished.

"Oh that one," Uriel remembered. "It is to improve your hearing."

"What?" Torgan said, now even more confused.

Uriel chuckled, clearly joking. "I did it to discipline you all," she answered more seriously. "The battlefield may be chaotic, but warriors need to keep their heads on. I need to make sure that you would all follow whatever directions I give you. I cannot let you go running off ahead, without my command."

"I suppose that makes sense," Ragosh murmured, thinking about it a little more.

"I'm glad you understand," Uriel replied. "We just require a few more preparations, before we can march out and meet the Allosaur, and whichever clan that chooses to side with them."

"That would likely be most, if not all, the other clans close to their territory," Ragosh replied. "They'd either do it out of friendship, or fear that the Allosaur would turn on them as well, just like what happened with us."

"Regardless of whichever clan comes our way, our path is clear," Uriel declared. "Defeat the Allosaur and prevent any of their schemes from coming to fruition."

"We are at your beck and call, Lady Overlord," Ragosh proclaimed, pounding his c.h.e.s.t in show of loyalty and respect. Both Torgan and the third warrior followed.

"I thank you," Uriel replied, bowing her head slightly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a little favor to ask someone."

Uriel left the village borders and trailed a bit into the forest. She followed down a small path, and soon reached a clearing. Although quite close by, the clearing laid far enough to be absent from the village's view. There, she found Mycelia training her own personal group of Ovoo, the ones who had an aptitude for magic.

Her trainees meditated and focused whatever power they had within them to cast spells. One of these Ovoo lifted his hands and uttered a spell. His pronunciation seemed off, but he managed to get the word out of his mouth. A ball of flame flew from his palm, and struck a wooden post.

The wooden post tilted back a little, while a small black mark scorched its frame. Although the Ovoo had managed to cast a spell, his ability appeared to be leagues beneath Mycelia's.

"Not too bad," Mycelia complimented.

"Better than me, I'd say," Uriel snorted, approaching the group.

"My lady," Mycelia greeted, and then bowed. The trainees copied. "Have you come to check on our progress?"

"Well not exactly," Uriel answered. "But since we're on the topic, how are your students doing?"

"Better than I expected actually," Mycelia replied. She spoke in common to keep the Ovoo out of the conversation. "Honestly, I had low expectations for them. I didn't think that they would be able to even learn a spell this quickly."

"Life is full of surprises, I suppose," Uriel shrugged. "Would they be good for battle?"

Mycelia laughed. "My lady, did you just see what that one Ovoo just did?" she asked. "That amount of power would be useful, if you just want to annoy someone. They are nowhere near ready for any fighting."

"I had no plans on making them fight on the front lines, anyway," Uriel replied. "No need to rush them."

"There is no rushing magic, my lady," Mycelia said sternly. She often spoke politely, but her serious voice came out, whenever it came to magic. "So my lady, what can I do for you?"

Uriel coughed to clear her throat. "I was hoping to ask a favor from you," she answered. "I'd like you to use your magic to take me back to Nul Hunur, for a while."

The request caused Mycelia to almost jump in surprise. "Is there any particular reason why you wish to go back?" she asked. "Don't tell me you miss your bed already."

Uriel gave a sarcastic laugh and then gleamed. "And here I thought Jotun was the only jester," she grumbled. "No, I wish to fetch some armor for the coming battle. I do recall some still in the armory. I didn't take it along with me, as I was unsure if I would need it yet."

"Well, it's a simple enough thing to do," Mycelia answered with a shrug. "Yes, I could do it, but I do hope you're not going to often request to travel by magic. The amount of sand I carry is limited, and I cannot use it too frequently."

"And yet you used it so we could suddenly appear from the citadel, and then right in front of Ragosh and his companions?" Uriel recalled, raising a brow.

"We needed to make a good first impression!" Mycelia rebottled, almost letting out a chuckle. "It worked, didn't it?"

Uriel rolled her eyes. "In any case, we will only need to use it twice for now," she explained. "Once for traveling to Nul Hunur and another to return to the village."

"Very well," Mycelia agreed, as she began to reach into her pouch. "Allow me to prepare the circle."

"Wait a moment!" A voice called. Jotun appeared from the forest, like a shadow creeping out from a corner. "You wouldn't leave without me now, would you?"

Mycelia frowned. "And I should let you come along, because…?" the sorceress asked. She circled her hand, expecting a genuinely decent answer.

"The Blood Crows and I are in need of better equipment," Jotun answered. "Perhaps I may find something a little better in the infamous citadel of Nul Hunur."

"And what's wrong with the ones we have?" Uriel asked, raising a brow.

"Nothing, except for the fact that it isn't anything us Blood Crows could really use," Jotun replied. "You've mostly brought spears and crude swords. We require lighter and more precise weapons. If you wish to use us effectively in battles, you have to give us the right equipment."

Mycelia puckered her lips and let out a small sigh. "He's right, my lady," she eventually said, sounding quite genuine. Not a hint of sarcasm or reluctance etched in her words. "Perhaps we ought to bring him along and let him look around."

The reply caught Uriel off guard. She expected either resistance or a harsh quip from her elven companion. Although surprising, Uriel did not question it. If anything, she very much approved of this calmer and more reasonable exchange. At times, she did find it a little amusing to listen to them bicker, but other times it got on her nerves.

"Very well," Uriel replied with a nod. "Let us take him. It would be best to let him see the place where the Blood Crows would be staying, after all this."

"I appreciate it, Lady Uriel, Lady Mycelia" Jotun smirked, giving them both a courteous bow.

Mycelia turned over to her apprentices, announcing that the three of them would be leaving the village for a short while.

Reaching into her pouch, Mycelia grabbed a handful of purple sand and sprinkled it around them, forming a large circle. Mycelia then took a few deep breaths, and placed her hands together.

"Are you both ready?" Mycelia asked, still taking in some breath.

"Yes," Uriel flatly answered.

"I'm honestly quite excited," Jotun giggled.

Mycelia rolled her eyes and began casting the spell. The words quickly came out of her mouth. A wall of purple flames emerged from the sand, surrounding the three of them.

Uriel held her breath, she almost had forgotten how this spell worked. Without realizing it, she quickly grabbed on to the nearest things that she could reach for. Fortunately for her, the spell ended, and they stood at the entrance of the citadel's courtyard. Uriel let out a long and deep sigh of relief. It may have happened quickly, but it still caused her to shiver and cling tightly.

"We have arrived," Mycelia announced, as she looked around. "My lady, I think you can let go of me."

"What?" Uriel asked.

"Me as well," Jotun smirked.

Uriel looked at her hands and noticed what she was holding onto. Her right hand clutched onto Mycelia's feathered coat, while her left hand squeezed around Jotun's wrist. Realizing this, Uriel quickly released and pulled her hands back. She swallowed and tried appear composed. The small blush in her cheeks, and the drops of sweat down her face betrayed her.

"You have a surprisingly cute side to you," Jotun remarked with a wide grin.

Uriel frowned and stomped on Jotun's toe, forcing the Drow to hop around in mild pain.

"Follow me," Uriel g.r.o.a.n.e.d, taking the first step into the citadel. "I know where the armory is."

Uriel walked through the doors and greeted two of the metal golems that guarded it, only to receive vacant stares. She had almost forgotten that these metal hulks had no personality to them.

As she led the way, Uriel noticed something a little different about the hallway. At first, everything looked exactly as it was left. However, something about the hallways just seemed a little out of place. After a few glances, it hit her. The hallway looked a little more damaged, and there seemed to be newer stains of blood and viscera.

"Did a battle happen here?" Uriel asked.

"Well, my shadows did detect the usual intruders," Mycelia answered. "Fortunately, the metal golems did quick work out of them."

"You could have informed me," Uriel g.r.o.a.n.e.d.

"There wasn't any need to," Mycelia replied. "A few meager goblins and creatures may have attempted to attack the citadel, but the golems had no difficulty whatsoever."

Uriel grumbled, as she continued looking around. On one side of the wall, she noticed a large splat of blood. Apparently, someone or something had its head popped open by a metal golem.

"We have a lot of cleaning to do, when we all return," Uriel m.o.a.n.e.d.

"Speaking of which, may I visit my quarters?" Mycelia asked. "While I'm here, it would be a good chance to finally prepare the potion needed for Jotun and his Blood Crows to understand the lizard folk."

"Good idea," Uriel replied. "Get to it."

Mycelia nodded and left the two on their own.

Before long, Uriel and Jotun reached the armory. It looked as cold and as dusty as ever. Rats and spiders had begun occupying the empty space again. A few new cobwebs had been made, and few new bloodied spots marked the floors. Someone must have tried stealing a weapon. Uriel began to wonder where all the bodies of these so-called intruders were kept. As curious as it was, the thought wasn't enough to divert Uriel's attention.

Jotun looked around, his good eye opened with wonder. "Nice armory," he remarked, spinning on the spot. "It's been a while since I've seen a well-kept collection."

"I'm not too sure about well-kept," Uriel murmured, navigating around a table. "Feel free to search for what you need."

"Oh I will," Jotun answered. His fingers wriggled, while he cast his gaze upon every weapon on sight.

Looking through the armory, Uriel looked for something to wear into battle. It didn't take too long, as most of the armor appeared to be of uniform design. Many of them looked suited for common soldiers, or grunts to be more specific. Fortunately, she did find something that stood out a little more.

Overall, the armor appeared grey and dark, like the other pieces of armor. It did, however, stand out to the yellow tints around the collar, waist and elbows. These colors may have been few, but it was enough to make it stand out more than the others.

With Jotun's assistance, she tried the armor on. Although only a few months had passed since her apparent death by the flames of the dragon, Uriel felt as if it had been several years since she had tried any body armor on.

"You're looking quite imposing, my lady," Jotun flattered with a wink.

"That is most kind of you," Uriel replied in a dull tone. She simply said this for the sake of responding.

Dressed in metal, Uriel walked around and even swung her weapon, inspecting her mobility. She found herself having to exert a little more effort. By no means did the armor prevent her from moving much or even running, but she did feel a little sluggish with the additional weight on her body.

"How does it feel?" Jotun then asked.

"I will have to get used to it," Uriel grumbled, tapping the c.h.e.s.t of the b.r.e.a.s.tplate. "At least I know it's tough. What about you? Have you found anything for your Blood Crows?"

The Drow smiled as he lifted two slender swords in both hands. "Yes, I have," he answered.

Jotun swung at the air several times. He swished rapidly, making a flurry of swift strikes. If anything, he actually looked much faster than he did with his two other swords. He looked even more dangerous with these new weapons.

"Impressive," Uriel remarked, nodding her head. "Can the other Blood Crows perform similarly?"

"Not as well as me, no," Jotun answered, flourishing both swords simultaneously. "However, these weapons would definitely make them more lethal than before."

"I will hold you to your words," Uriel grunted.

Days grew shorter, while nights passed faster. Soon, the time had come. Ovoo runners left the village and scattered to the other clans, carrying a message to those who had yet to join the conflict. The message did not carry any poetic speeches or riddles to be solves. Two clear choices had been laid down for the other clans:

Stay neutral and spare yourselves of casualties, or join one side and fight the other.