They made their way through the down trodden path. The massive trees that dominated either side of their path allowed patches of sunlight to slip through the surface. This illuminated a vibrant forest. Various colors of green danced across the leaves painting a serene like picture of the beauty nature offered this time of the year. In only a few months, this lush green forest would be covered by thick white snow. Her thoughts were of many things, both things to come and that had passed and yet she found herself unable to fully grasp on to any thought that popped in her head. Her golden armor reflected the sun's light. It made her look like a beacon of light, a direction for those to follow. She had elected not to wear her helmet, something she would rarely ever do. Instead she had it secured by her side. She did not want anything to cloud her eyes when she did what she had to do. She wanted to remember. Nothing would impede her sight.

  "Lady Guinevere are you alright?" called the voice to her left.

  Guinevere composed herself and her horse gave a worrying shudder. She patted it on the side and turned to her left with a warm smile.

  "Oh you need not worry about me Melina," Guinevere responded.

  "You say that yet your expression is one full of sorrow," Melina pushed back, furrowing her brow.

  Guinevere chuckled and rolled her eyes. She had always known Melina to dote over her ever since they were young. Despite Guinevere being twenty-two years old and her only twenty one would be forgiven for thinking Melina the older sister.

  "My mind wonders, I think of things past and those to come. It is nothing sister," Guinevere returned her gaze to the path ahead.

  "But-" began Melina.

  "Enough," commanded the voice to their right.

  Melina turned and gave a dirty look to the woman glaring back at her.

  "Why must you prod, you know the immense stress she is under," she began. "There is no point talking about it, we all feel it."

  "Now, now, Sula, Melina is just nervous there is no need for all of that." Guinevere waved her hand, dismissing the argument that was brewing between the two.

  Ursula bowed her head in forgiveness.

  "Yes my lady," she said softly.

  She turned to look at Melina who gave her a sly smile, which irked her more than her face could convey. Calming herself, Ursula turned her head away and raised out her hand. A Blue Moon Butterfly flew out of the air as if appearing out of nowhere and landed gently on her outstretched finger. She brought it close to her mouth.

  "Report," she demanded the butterfly.

  A moment passed and a voice far away, yet near all the same came forth as the butterfly flapped its wings. "Lady Ursula, It is as you have wished it, they are unaware of our presence, but we can see them."

  "Have you confirmed the appearances of the lords?" Ursula asked.

  "Yes my lady, they are within the castle." The butterfly fluttered its wings violently as though it shared in the excitement.

  " How many guard the residence?" Guinevere asked, keeping her gaze ahead.

  There were several large gasps heard from the butterfly. A voice struggled to respond.

  "Princess Gui-"

  "It is General Guinevere," interjected Ursula.

  The voice gasped as though in pain.

  "A thousand apologies general."

  "How many guard the residence? Do not make me ask again," demanded Guinevere.

  "We count 50 men. Led by Lords, Davos, Grey and..." The voice trailed off.

  There was a lull in the air as they rode on their way. None needed to say the name, and all the same it bore being said.

  "Lord Bracca."

  The butterfly flapped its wings again and Ursula calmed it down. Despite the winter months fast approaching, the morning air was hot and heavy. Guinevere knew what awaited her was no easy task and in truth it was something she had no desire in taking part in. But she volunteered for this, she wished to show her brother she was with him. But perhaps far more importantly she wished to show him and the rest of her people that she was capable, that her father's blood flowed through her veins as well.

  Bracca Xerxes would not be an easy challenge. For his tales were long as they were storied, a man said to have fought during her own father's time. Surviving such an era was enough to crown him one of the strongest and yet it was not enough to give Bracca what he wanted: the title of a Lord of War. Something he held King Barranagan responsible for and all this time later had yet to forgive. She now understood her brother's hesitancy in sending her. But it would not dissuade her, she gripped the reins of her horse tighter. For five years she was locked in a war that she could not win, this time she would show them her might.

  "That is all, we are but moments away, await our arrival," Ursula said.

  "As you command it shall be done my lady."

  Ursula extended her hand away from her and the Blue Moon Butterfly flew off and just as it was there, it disappeared. They marched in silence for a time, all that could be heard was the various sounds emanating throughout the forest around them. It would be half a day's march at the pace they were going to make it to the villa. The path they traveled was one not rarely taken, hence their slow march. They wished to avoid the main roads or eyes of anyone who may catch wind of what they were sent to do. Antares had stressed that no one should know of their task, secrecy was far more important than completion.

  Guinevere understood what was asked of her but however, since she had begun this march she could not escape a sense of emptiness that began to grow inside of her. She moved red hair from her face back behind her ears. For five years her enemies had been the Nephilim, she had cut more of them down than even her own brother, her hammer had known no other blood. They had been her people's enemies for eons and yet here she marched to battle, not to fight those who could wield blood as a weapon, instead she marched to battle her own kind. She had always believed spilling the blood of one's own kin brought with it calamity, this ruthlessness of her new king was new to her.

  "We made it," Melina said with a cheerful smile.

  She spurred her horse forward into a small trot and made her way for the clearing up above. Seeing her go past her made Guinevere smile. Her black hair streaked past her revealing a kind beautiful face. Melina greatly resembled her mother in all aspects but personality. Her buoyant nature made those around her desire her and those who could not have her, were satisfied with protecting her. Her eyes danced with the same color as hers. For not her appearance, Melina would not have been thought of as a Stygian, let alone the younger sister of Casspien and Xenon Xerxes. And Guinevere could not agree more. She was the antithesis of her people, she was loud, emotional, impulsive, she sought life with joy and did not shun the unknown like how they were raised.

  "Will she ever learn that she is of royal birth?" grumbled Ursula.

  Guinevere laughed as Ursula came up right next to her. Her short black hair, just like Melina's, also carried constellations within it. Her hair was evenly cut across her shoulder. Piercings adorned her lips, her nose and her eyebrows. Her features were thin and sharp, she looked as though she was carved from marble itself. An elegance that was not easily matched. The intensity of her sunset eyes were accentuated with the black eye liner that was carefully applied with the utmost care. Her blank expression often made it difficult to discern her thoughts and made others uncomfortable in her presence. Something Ursula found joy in.

  "You are too hard on her," chimed Guinevere.

  "And you are too soft," retorted Ursula. "But... Her words ring true, you have not been yourself since we started this journey."

  "Do you feel as though we are doing the right thing here today?" Guinevere asked Ursula, which seemed more like a question to herself.

  Ursula took a moment to answer, Guinevere was not only her princess and general but most importantly of all, she was her dearest friend. She could not know the pain she had been in since the passing of the king. The return of her brother seemed to bring the color back to her but still the air of sadness could not be shaken. Ursula wished to do anything to lift the burden. She knew how much Antares' approval meant to her general. So she would not say anything that would jeopardize the opportunity to win it.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  "For the last five years we were sent to fight an impossible war by your father's council." She recounted, "While our home suffered in our absence. What we go to do now is the first time we have been acknowledged as knights, true knights who serve the crown. We cannot falter. You cannot falter," Ursula finished.

  She bit her lower lip. She was annoyed with herself that she had to be so harsh towards Guinevere. But she knew she spoke the truth, this was the opportunity they had been asking for, to show their people they too were warriors.

  "You are right. I am sorry for worrying you sister." Guinevere gave her a warm smile and Ursula could not help but blush. The beautiful gaze of her princess was far too strong for even her steel appearance. She could do nothing but look away. Guinevere laughed at the sight of her friend.

  As they made their way to the clearing they joined Melina at the top, what awaited them was a breathtaking sight. Green fields as far as the eye could see, only cut off in the distance by large mountains. The fields were divided up by stone pathways that snaked around in different directions. Each field of grass bore different flowers, some from Iliad others from far away lands. The sun's light danced softly off the petals of the flowers, each one coming alive. Stone statues littered the courtyard some of them Guinevere could recall others she had no knowledge of. On the other side were fields dominated by various livestock and foods. Some people tended to them, others watered plants. In the center of this beauty stood what could only be called the centerpiece. A massive castle stood tall. Its gray stone walls glistened brightly under the light of the sun. It did not compare to castle Xerxes but it was not for lack of trying. Guinevere could tell whoever designed this, made it so it would be compared to her home. Each pillar connecting the stone wall boasted intricate magic carved on to it. Even from this far away she could feel its power. This truly was a beautiful land she had come to, one that reminded her so much of home in many ways, she wondered if one day someone would bring death to her home as she was going to do here.

  A man marched towards them, as he approached he dropped to his knees and bowed deeply. A day he would not forget, a day that would be remembered by his family for as long as they were permitted to live.

  "Raise your head," Guinevere spoke.

  The man did so gently, he wished to take in the sight of his princess. She sat atop a gilded white horse adorned with various jewelries and honors. Even the man was in awe of such a magnificent creature. Her armor blinding in the light, gold was carefully woven into the chainmail that covered the gaps in the armor piece. As he locked eyes with her he lost himself in her beauty. Guinevere's red hair was barely contained, pulled back and covered by a golden scarf. Her face was bare for all to see, for all to revere. A golden red hue covered her eyes, a firestorm seemed to rage in the distance, it would consume him if he continued to look, he willed himself to look away and he could not. He opened his mouth to speak and no words could be heard. He swallowed and willed himself once more.

  "Your eminence, we bless your arrival." the man said bowing again.

  "What is your name?" Asked Guinevere.

  "Bastion, my general," Bastion mumbled. Realizing the princess would not have heard him he began to speak again. But Guinevere raised her hand.

  "You have done well Bastion." She began, " You will be rewarded."

  Bastion could no longer feel his legs, to see the royal princess was more than enough for several lifetimes, having her speak his name in praise was something he could not comprehend. Tears began to form around his eyes and he bowed repeatedly. He thanked her repeatedly despite no words coming out Guinevere believed she understood what the human man was saying.

  Guinevere turned to Melina and nodded, she returned one in kind. Melina raised her hand.

  "Halt," she spoke clearly and concisely.

  The forest around them began to rustle and groan, the ground shook softly and before Bastion a mile in either direction emerged the rest of Guinevere's' army. Only a small detachment from the main force returned with her to Akkad. The rest she left battling over Hightower. Her Soldiers adorned in Ilian black armor carrying the banner of house Xerxes, a great purple serpent with golden scales wearing an onyx crown and the Sigil of their commander. A menacing red wolf. As they appeared across the line, Bastion backed away slightly, he could feel the bloodlust exuding out of them. They were people chosen to fight alongside the princess, people who were deemed worthy to die for her. He could not hide his jealousy. Guinevere was quick to notice and offered words of comfort.

  "What you have done here cannot be understated. Take pride in that," she finished.

  Bastion lowered his head in embarrassment and sheepishly nodded along.

  "Return what I gave you," demanded Ursula.

  Her tone startled the man and he quickly extended his hand towards hers. And from his fingertips glowed forth a Blue Moon Butterfly, it flapped gently around Bastion and returned back towards Ursula. As it reached her once more it disappeared as it appeared. Bastion bowed again and made his way.

  "Are we really doing this?" Melina asked, not hiding her concern.

  "Yes," Guinevere said coldly. "Send him."

  Melina bowed her head, she motioned for someone to appear and they did. Out from the forest stepped forth a man covered in robes. Different snake patterns slithered their way across his garments as though they were alive. One did not need to know to tell he was someone of great standing. On his back he carried a large cylindrical scroll. Stygian words were carved into the metal rod that tightly bound it together. Mana leaked from the scroll. Its concentration was so high, it gave it physical properties. All three of them did not fully grasp the gravity of their undertaking until they saw the scroll. What it symbolized and who it represented meant everything to their people.

  It had been five years since they last saw an Akashic in person. One of them traveled with them when they were demanded to capture Hightower. At the time they had believed it would be a good omen for so many famed conquests had one of them present. Now their very sight unsettled them. But this was their custom, this was their way when such great change was to occur, when such blood was to be spilled by the blades of the crown. The Akashic removed the scroll from his back and unfurled it in front of him. It hit the ground with a massive thud, he effortlessly scrolled across what he was reading as though looking for something. Upon finding it he laid the scroll flat on the floor. Even as the day's sun shone brightly, the skin of the Akashic was ever still so pale. From their hair to their eyelashes, all of it was covered white. Such odd beings. Even though she knew the truth, she could not bring herself to call them Stygian. But nevertheless they were, the same blood that flowed through Gilgamesh flowed through her and them. But most important of all she could not deny her own brother, her own king, carried the same cursed eyes the Akashic had.

  From her position upon her horse, Guinevere could see the contents of the scroll, it was empty. No words had been written, she remembered this from the first time she witnessed it. And so as the Akashic spoke his words loud enough for all to hear in every direction, so too did the words begin to form on the scroll.

  "On the eve of the twilight birth of a new serpent. The branch wilts under the foul stench of betrayal. Death comes for two, Aldios, Omiros. May the ancestors grant you mercy for you will not find it in this realm," he finished.

  Although the Akashic was no longer speaking it continued to move its mouth and words continued to form on the scroll. An uncomfortable sensation came over them.

  "I hate when they do that," said Melina.

  "Me too," agreed Ursula.

  Guinevere would have agreed had her attention not been focused on the small group that began to emerge from the castle ahead. The air became heavy as they approached. She motioned her horse to move and it trotted along towards the group. Ursula and Melina followed in tow.

  Bracca greeted them with a scowl.

  "What the fuck is this?" he barked at the princess.

  "Bracca Xerxes, I have no quarrel with you, move," demanded Guinevere.

  Bracca flared his nostrils, the air around them cracked with pressure. She had hoped her strong demeanor would push the mad Stygian back but it only enraged him.

  "My father declares war and this is who they send?" he spat at her horse's feet. "Where is the king to be, where is your brother?"

  "Bracca Xerxes, I have no quarrel with you, move," Guinevere repeated.

  Guinevere continued to hold Bracca's gaze, she would not allow him any room. The lives she had come to take were enough for this day. Lord Aldios appeared from behind his son. His face was visibly shaken.

  "You think you can do this to me? To my family?" he began. "I will not stand for this, the eld-"

  "The elders are not your concern. Prince Daimion named you and Lord Omiros as co-conspirators scheming with human lords and merchants against the crown," interrupted Guinevere.

  "You would listen to the lies of the man who led us? Daimion is the one that came to us!" yelled Aldios.

  Guinevere maintained the same expression, her horse stepped around as though it grew inpatient with the conversation at hand. She patted its side as though appeasing it. She looked back at lord Aldios.

  "My twin brother is young, he was swayed by your words," she began.

  "You cannot be serious?"

  "I will give you an opportunity to prepare your family and that of Omiros for execution," she continued.

  " You would damn children?"

  " Davos, Grey, and you Bracca, have been granted clemency by your king. The crown does not believe you to be traitors or willing conspirators, you are free to leave and marry," she finished.

  Her words were strong and proud. The authority of her brother gave her strength.

  "Return to the castle father," Bracca motioned.

  As his father began to plead again, one look from his eldest son was enough to render him silent. He motioned back to the castle escorted by some guards. Bracca turned to look back at Guinevere.

  "When I gut you, and drag your entrails to your brother what should I tell him your last words were?" Bracca cracked a wicked grin

  "You insolent fuc-" Ursula began drawing her blade the bloodlust building.

  Guinevere raised her hand stopping the furious Stygian woman in her tracks.

  "You do this, there is no going back. You know this, you all know this?" Guinevere gazed into the eyes of the men that opposed her, opposed her brother. She could see the hatred flowing out of their eyes. In his infinite wisdom he had granted them mercy. And instead spat in the face of her king. It angered her in return, what could Antares have done that would warrant such a glare?

  "Very well. Stay together. Die together." Guinevere turned and marched back towards her army. Ursula and Melina followed suit, first exchanging scowls with Bracca.

  "You will need more than that to stop me," he barked at them as they left.

  "I will be a enough," replied Guinevere.