Tanelorn: The Old Rebuplic
-by Talec and Lord Perseus

Chapter 1- A World In War

It was in the late afternoon, that a young knight was sitting on the docks of The Liberty Port. It was one of the biggest port of the Tanelornian Republic at that time, because it was located close to the Capital, and all the ships that went from the Capital to Drenitem, Azure or Sanctuary, or from one of those cities to the Capital needed to go through this port. But today the port wasn't too busy. Some slaves were loading and unloading ships, some other ships were entering the bay, and some drunken sailors were gambling outside the taverns. There the knight sat, looking towards the sea, thinking of the things that had happend lately.

When the sun had almost set, he heared the sound of a horse, closing in on him. He knew who it was, but still he didn't say a thing. The lady on the horse was wearing a black and red robe, with a light armor under it. They shared the silence for some time.

-He hasn't returned yet, has he?

Still the knight kept silent. He knew it would all turn out fine, but he had never been separated from his brother before. The feeling brought him tears, so he quickly put his helmet on. He didn't want the lady to see him crying. Then he stood up and started walking, turning his back to the sea.

-Kelten...

The knight stopped for a moment. The lady then got close to him, and wanted to grab his arm. Kelten evaded her, and started to walk again, faster this time. The lady let him go. She had grief as well, but she knew his grief was greater. Even though she had trust in Drinus, she was not sure if he would succeed his mission. There had been Tanelornians in Carlin before, to forge the Alliance between the two Kingdoms, but never before had someone went there to ask for military support. Which the Republic needed badly. After that thought she also left for the town of Canea, to get some sleep.


Chapter 2- Shadows and Warnings

Kelten woke up scared. He pounded his chest a few times, trying to recover air. After he finally could breathe in again, he tried to calm down and organize his thoughts. It was hard to do. Fear ran in his veins, like poison leading to a slow agony. Despite sun falling on his legs through the window, he felt very cold. Terrible images blurred his vision and clouded his mind. And an inexplicable pain cut his heart, like a ghost blade. Did that dream, no, that nightmare mean anything? Or was it just a consequence of his waiting? It seemed so real and at the same time, so confusing and illogical.

He could see light everywhere. Brightness surrounded an oval stone. It seemed to be a jewel, maybe a great emerald with a mysterious golden shine coming from inside. An aura of harmony surrounded it, the purest comfort ever. Then, it happened. A black hand appeared and suddenly grabbed the artifact. In a blink of eyes, hatred and despair filled the ambiance. When the hand left the jewel, it was a ruby, not only stained with blood but with corruption. The knight looked down, only to find a sword through him. He tried to look back, and then he couldn't remember. It was so painful.

"Maybe I should think of it later, when I get to the barracks." Kelten told himself. It was going to be a long day. Counsilmember Valerius was going to give a long speech to all of Canea on the marketsquare this afternoon. Of course he had to go. When he arrived there and heard the news, he wasn't shocked. Still the Republican Army was fighting close to the Capital, and now, more soldiers were needed. So, he had to go pack and leave tomorow, because he was the commander of Canea's soldiers now that his brother was gone. But when he was busy packing that evening he was stopped by a unique voice:

"Sorry for coming so late, dear. I had some problems on my way here."
Kelten looked back, just to find exactly who he expected, his love, Alena.
- What problems, Alena? Did anyone try to hurt you?
- Oh, no, nothing serious. It's just that evening-clock these days.
- Well, why do you go out so late then to see me? You always know where to find me.
- I couldn't come earlier, it's that..well...could you do me a favor?
- You know I can. Just tell me.
- Don't travel with the knights tomorrow.
- Alena! You know I can't do that! It is my duty to go to the Capital!
- Yes, yes, but please, don't go there. Do not go with them.
- Why not, Alena? What is the matter?

She just kept a sorrowful gaze before turning her head back. Then she turned away and walked to the shadows. Before Kelten could reach her, she had disappeared into darkness. Kelten didn't move for several minutes. How could that be, his love telling him to disobey the orders of the Counsil? And what was she hiding from him?
He knew Alena would never intend him harm, but it was impossible to accept that. Of course Alena was always mysterious, being a member of the Sacred Order, but they had never had secret's for each other.

With his backpack, torches and sharp lance, Kelten left Canea on that same night. Something was happening, and in a strange way he was part of it. He would face whatever posed a threat to his land. He left a note on the door of his house, and then sneaked out of Canea. He decided to go to the capital, but not by the main road. He went through the ever-changing woods of Sanctuary.


Chapter 3- Into the woods

It wasn't hard for the knight to get out of town. He had lived there all his live, so he knew every possible way to get in, or out of it. He decided to take the sewers this time. He sneaked into a grate close to his house, lit his torch and started to walk. While he was walking towards the nearest exit he thought about what he was actually doing, and why. He just left all his soldiers alone, just because Alena had told him not to go. Why did she anyway? Was there some kind of plot? And why was he maybe the target in it? Why not some counsilmember, or even the counsilleader? Or was she just worried about what might happen to him at the battles close to the Capital? He loudly sighed. Whatever was going on, he didn't know it. Maybe he would find the answers on his travel.

As soon as Kelten had reached the outer grate, he hacked it open with his lance. He went through it and then blew out his torch. He didn't need it outside, because the moon was shining bright. He took a look around, because he needed to get used to the darkness, the moon wasn't far the same from the torch that had just shined. When his eyes got used to it, he opened his backpack and pulled out a small device. He opened it and then hold it between his left-eye and a nearby tree. He hold it for a few moments, and then looked up to a different tree. Now he was satisfied, and put the device back in his backpack. Then he started walking in the direction of the second tree, with a small smile on his face.

The knight kept on walking and walking, untill finally the sun came shining through the leaves of the many trees that now surrounded him. He again grabbed his device to check his direction, but it was still fine. Then he looked at the sun. As a child he usually stared at the sun in the mornings as well, and so he had learned to tell where he was, according to the position of the sun. Even though he hadn't been to Sanctuary before, he knew he was close now, because the sun told him that he was about 17 miles from Canea. But still, he couldn't see any signs of civilization. So, he just kept on walking...until suddenly he stopped, without any reason...


Chapter 4- Deserted

It was already late in the morning when she finally woke up. She had a look around, and then got a bit confused. Normally she woke up with a fresh scent of flowers and the sound of whisteling birds in the trees outside. Now, there was a smell of dust, and the sound of yelling, and running people outside. "Rosa! Rosa!" There was no response.

She got out of bed, but didn't find her clothes, who were usually put on a chair next to the bed. "Rosa! Rosa! Are you still sleeping?" The house remained silent, apart from the noise that came from outside. The woman took a look around. Then she grabbed a sheet from the bed and drapped it around her body. Then she went to her bedroom door, opened it, and again yelled: "ROSA!"

But only to find out that she was really alone. Then she went to her wardrobe, and grabbed some casual clothes, it was no time for wearing a complicated dress or something like that. After she got dressed, she went to the dinning room, only to get the shock of her life...


Chapter 5: Entering paradise.

Kelten stood there for a moment. Not sure of what had happend he stood there. He tried to take another step again, but still he could not move. Then he grabbed a nearby tree, and tried to pull his feet from the place they were standing, but that also didn't work. Kelten was confused. He looked around, but decided not to yell, there could be enemy soldiers near. So he waited, until suddenly a hooded figure came closer, wearing a brown cloak.

-Who are you, Brother? You do not seem to be from Thais, nor from Tanelorn. Who are you?
-I am Kelten. Commander of the Canean Soldiers.
-Kelten? Wasn't Drinus the Commander?
-Drinus left for a mission to Carlin. He has not returned yet.
-I see. Please, take your backpack in front of you and open it, so I can see what is in it.
-Here. Do you also want my spear?
-Yes. There should be no weapons in the woods of Sanctuary. It is forbidden.
Now, please grab my hand and close your eyes.

Kelten trusted the druid, even though he hadn't said anything about himself. And so, he grabbed the druid's hand, and closed his eyes. "Hold on, this is gonna be a bit nasty." Suddenly Kelten felt like his arm was being riped off. He yelled of pain, but kept his eyes closed as the druid has said. The druid kept on pulling his arm, until suddenly the pulling stopped, and he again felt solid ground underneath his feet.

"You can open your eyes now. Welcome to Sanctuary." Kelten slowly opened his eyes. He had to get used to all the lights a bit, but when he was, he was impressed. What had seemed just an ordinary forest from the outside, was actually a living city build partly on the ground, but also high in the trees on the inside. Kelten looked around and saw a lot of druids, wandering through the many gardens, but also other people, washing their clothes in the rivers, harvesting grain from the fields, or listening to a preaching druid. He realised this was the beautifullest city of the entire land. It actually felt like there was no better place then here. "Come, I'll take you to the elder druid."


Chapter 6- Last Hope

It was almost midnight when the mysterious woman finally opened the grate above her and went out of the sewers. She took off her hood, and took a look around. Tears appeared in her eyes, as she was now looking at the ashes off what once was her hometown. Suddenly she heared a sound and immediatly she grabbed her longsword, with the signs of the Sacred Order engraved on it. Then she slipped to one of the nearby ruins and waited. She heared footsteps closing in and some mumbling, that got louder and louder...

-Gosh, I wonder, was it really necessary to burn this town to the ground? All those innocent people, murdered, nobody had a weapon in here.
-Stop wondering Arthur. We just take orders from the general and he decides what's good and what's bad, now, I say we get back to the camp, there's nobody here anymore!
-But Bazzlock! How can you be so harsh! Don't you see what our army has done to this place? Just because that Tanelornian Republic doesn't want to surrender doesn't mean we have to plunder their town, and enslave the people?
-Just stop it Arthur. We can't help it! We're merely soldiers.
-But still, I think it's unfair...Bazzlock? Bazzlock? What's wrong? Why are you so white?

Suddenly, the soldier fell to the ground, and Arthur saw why. A dagger, the size of a hand, was sticking out of his back. He wanted to grab his axe, but he didn't get the change, he already felt the sting of a dagger poking in his back. "Who...who...who are you? Please, don't kill me!" Then, Arthur felt a knock on his backhead, and he fell to the ground. "Hope I didn't hurt you too much," the woman said with a grin. "So those swines have won the line...O god, I hope Kelten is alright..." After saying that to herself, she walked towards the port, to take a look, but what she saw was only the sea.
"O Drinus...I wish you were here..."


Chapter 7- The truth

Kelten follow the monk as a tamed dog. He didn't want to start any unrest between these peoples, so he decided to just follow the orders of these monks. He didn't have a weapon to fight with as well, might he start trouble. Still following the monk Kelten looked from one side to another, taking note of all the small things in this city. It appeared that the barrier through which he was pulled was working as a palisade. Behind it were the inner farms, just like any other Tanelornian city. After you've passed the farms, in a normal city, the city walls appeared, but they were missing here, probably because the palisade was unpassable, exept when you've got help from the inside. Here, right after the farms, the grainmills appeared, together with the wood mills, the cotton mills etc. And behind those were the first houses, build mostly of stone, but of wood as well.

"Liking the view, brother?" the monk asked. "Yes, it is a wonderfull city."

"Well, we're almost at the tempel. The elder druid is waiting there." Before Kelten could ask another question the monk increased his speed, forcing Kelten to run as well.

When they arrived at the tempel Kelten tried to ask again, but his sentence was cut.
"Silence brother, speaking is not allowed in the tempel." And so, Kelten kept silent. They went into the tempel, which was completly white on the outside, but on the inside it was decorated with silver and golden ornaments, with a marble floor. Kelten got impressed, but the monk softly poked him, because the elder druid was comming towards them.

"Follow me please, stranger," the elder druid whispered. And so, leaving the other monk behind Kelten followed the elder druid, towards the back of the tempel, where there was a large door in front of him, and two smaller ones to the right and to the left. The elder druid grabbed a key from his pocket and slowly opened the door to the left. After passing through, he sealed it again, and walked towards one of the brazier's in the room. He lit it with some strange spell, and suddenly, the whole room was enlightened. The elder druid sat down behind the large desk, saying:

-Have a seat, Kelten, your name is Kelten right?
-Yes, Sir, but how do you know my name?
-Ah. Please call me Raziel. And how do I know? That is a long story...
-But how? Does this have anything to do with my dreams lately? And what story?
-Haha. As curious as I had thought. Well, let's start at the start. You don't know who your parents are I guess?
-My parents? They are Melissa and Alexander Carmal!
-Lies. Just like your name, they are lies.
-What? How can that be?
-You real parents died 23 years ago, on the day you turned 1 year old. After their dead, you got adopted, but your real parents are named Elizabeth Soulkeeper and Jonathan Ferindall. You real name, is Telerius, Telerius Ferindall.
-Ferindall? You mean my father, and I, are ascendants of King Bruterius Ferindall? The last king to reign in Tanelorn before the Republic was founded?
-Yes. Your father was the great grandson of Bruterius. But, he got murdered. 23 years ago he became the new counsilleader, which was approved by some, but others saw it as a return of the king, which they didn't want to happen.
-And now you tell me, I have to avenge my father? Or..
-I can not tell you anything about the future Telerius. I can only tell you about your past, because you have to discover your future yourself. But, I guess you've learned enough today, because you look tired. Let me show you your bed...


Chapter 8- Freedom

The woman woke up due to an odd sound. She heard the rattling of a cart, but was so confused that she arose and looked around as quick as she could. It was indead the rattling of a cart, but the cart was nearer then she had thought. In matter of fact, she was on the cart, being transported, but she didn't know to where she was brought, as there was a big sail above her. She couldn't see where there was an opening, if there even was one, because night had fallen. And so, she sat there on the cart, wondering what in earth had happend. She immediatly got the thought that had given her the shock of her life, the look of Rosa, hanging from the ceiling with a rope around her neck, and a few soldiers, dressed in Thaian clothes in the middle of her hall, underneath the dead body. Tears came into her eyes, but she surpressed all sounds, she didn't want the people on the cart to notice that she had woken up.

Still mourning about her fine housemaid, she suddenly heared a fanfare that was distinct from any other fanfare.
"Drinus!" she yelled. Then again she heard the fanfare, and suddenly the cart stopped.
"To arm! Ambush! Ambush! To arms!" was yelled by the Thaian soldiers, who were already too late. Jehenna heard the sound of swords and axes clashing into armor, and the screams of wounded, or half-dead soldiers. The battle didn't last long, as the Thaians had expected no resistance from the Republic anymore, now that the Capital was theirs. Afterwards Jehenna yelled again:

"Drinus! Drinus! I'm here! Please help me! Drinus!" And a second later the big sail was ripped of the cart, when she finally saw him, Drinus, the former commander of the Cannean army, now accompanied by one of his battalions and other soldiers, wearing the symbol of Carlin.
"Oh Drinus! You have finally returned!" she said while jumping off the cart into his arms. Drinus as well was happy and he hold her in her arms for a moment, before he said:

"It's good to see you too Jehenna," and gave her a long kiss. Afterwards Drinus helped her on the back of his horse, and they rode back to the encampment, where they shared stories, and had a long night....


Chapter 9- The refugees' stronghold

The young woman woke close to what once was one of the biggest trading routes. Now, the road was deserted as all the town's that got supplies from it back in the days, were now probably plundered, burnt to the ground or the habitants massacred. Thinking of this the woman grabbed her cloak and decided not to go to the Capital, but to Mount Firehill, where she knew there were still Tanelornians, willing to fight, not for the Republic, but probably for their own safety. And so se set off, in the early morning, to the hills that had been deserted for years now that trading had gotten the main source of the economy. The hills always were the main source of metal, gold, silver and other irons, but since recent vulcanic activity nobody dared to go there, except for the outcasts, the refugees of Tanelorn...

And so, after days of traveling she finally got the first sight of the enormous mountain, the second largest of the entire isle. She looked from one side to another, and all she saw was rocks, burnt wood, something that looked like a house, a burnt down tower and more, like a tiny path that could only be seen by someone that had either very good eyes or knew the path, like she did. So, she started to climb, turning left at every turn in the road except for the last turn, there she had to go right to reach her place of birth, Elric's Stronghold. With a feeling of treason and of disrespect she walked towards the gates, that were more then 10 meters high.
"Who goes there?" a voice echoed from the gatehouse.
"It is me, Alena, first daughter to Elric, member of the Sacred Order!" the woman yelled. A silence lasted for some time, then suddenly the voice sounded again:
"What do you seek here, Alena?"
"Peace from the Tanelornian Republic!" she yelled even though that line didn't make any sense anymore, as the Republic had been defeated. But althought that, the enormous gates of the stronghold opened, and there she saw Elric, her own father.


Chapter 10- The Crown of Prosperity

The sun had only just arose when the young knight woke up. A bit confused he looked around while lying in his bed. He then remembered where he was. Surrounded by marble, gold, silver and other ournaments he decided to get out of his bed. When he put his foot down on the ground, he quickly got it of the floor again, he wasn't used to having cold marble next to his bed. So, he looked for any trace of his boots, or at least some sandals, when suddenly the door of his room opened. He immediatly grabbed the dagger he always had hidden under his armor and then turned around.
"Haven't you heard that weapons are forbidden in Sanctuary?" Telerius then lowered the dagger and lay it down on the ground.
"Sorry Raziel, I didn't mean to."
"Nothing to worry about Telerius. Here, put this cloak on, you're armor and backpack are being cleaned and refilled." Telerius took the cloak from Raziel and quickly put it on together with the matching sandals.
"Now, please follow me so we can have breakfast!"

Raziel led him to the dining room, where a lot of monks where already eating and chatting with a soft voice. When Raziel entered the room, they all got up on their feet and bowed for him, so Telerius followed that example. Then, they proceeded to one of the tables, and had a great meal.

-Have you slept well, Telerius?
-Yes, Raziel, I have.
-Good. So, what were you're plans for today?
-I do not know yet, but I'll probably go to explore Sanctuary a bit. I have to head for the Capital soon anyway.
-Ah. So you haven't heard about that yet?
-About what? Is there anything wrong with the Capital?
-Anything wrong? You could say there's a lot of things wrong! The Thaians have taken over the Capital!
-What?!
-A few days ago, the lines near the Capital fell, we don't know how yet. But after that, a girl could have done the work. They just marched on to the Capital and took over control!
-I see.. So this is what the Gods want.. Well, so be it, I'll stay in Sanctuary for some longer then, at least till I have a new idea..
-Telerius? Are you all right? You seem so, angry?
-Ah, Raziel, it seems like the Gods never want to give me any luck, what ever I do.. You see, my soldiers were sent to the lines a few days ago...
-Like an old wise men used to say: The unlucky shall be the luckiest... But excuse me, I have to go.

Telerius was left alone with those words. He sighed quite loudly, and then saw the rest of the monks leave as well. When he was finally all alone again, a tear got into his eyes as he was thinking of those fine men, who were all dead now. Then, something blinked in his eyes. He looked around his seat untill he found the thing that was teasing him. On Raziel's seat was lying a key, about the size of a fist. He grabbed it and took a look at it. Then he saw a strange symbol engraved on the key, it had the shape of a pigeon, with a branch in it's mouth. It somehow reminded him of something, but he didn't know why, untill he went exploring in the tempel...

After walking through various halls, all looking the same, he reached an small chapel in which he decided to go sit for a moment. He took a look around, and then he saw a small piece of wood, in the floor that was covered with marble. Telerius found it strange, and pulled the small twigg, when suddenly he heard a loud noise. He walked out of the chapel, and saw a old stairway which had just appeared in the wall. Confused he started to descend it and he reached a hall, which was not as big as the other halls, but it seemed like it had been built ages ago. The knight started to walk, towards a golden shimer he saw, that was shining from the other side of the hall. While he got closer and closer to it, a dence fog started to set in. After a while, he couldn't see much more then the golden shimer while his surroundings were grey. Finally he got to the point where the shimer was comming from, a enormous door in the middle of the hall, white a giant white pingeon painted on it, similar to the pigeon on the key. With no thought at all Telerius grabbed the key, and stuck it into the hole which was the source of the golden shimer. Then, the doors disappeared, leaving only the golden shimer which he now recognized. This was the shimer shown to him in his dream...


Chapter 11- Reunited

After a good meal Alena was ready to tell her father what she needed to tell him. And so she went to one of the private chambers in the castle, lit a fire in the fireplace and sat down, with a good glass of the finest wine. Elric started, with a hatefull look on his face.

-So, Alena, tell me, why have you returned?
-Father, I'm sorry I left you, but, I had no choice back then. I needed to get out and explore, not sit around this castle all day weaving and spinning.
-Answer the question Alena.
-Father, it is because the Republic, so hated by you, has finally fallen.
-What? How is that possible? We didn't do a thing!
-You would have known it if you had gone out more..
-Watch that mouth of yours!
-Sorry father. It were the Thaians. Those swines have finally taken the Capital.
-I see.. I knew the Republic would fall sooner or later to them.. Now then, what do you want?
-I want all the rebels to gather and fight.
-What?!
-Those Thaian pigs are looting and burning all the villages! They have hung all of the Counsil and bring terror to all the citizens! We need to strike them now father, while they still think they have total control over the lands!
-What would we gain of this Alena? We are outcasts, rebels, we don't medle with wars that don't give us profit.
-But father! You would get eternal fame and recognizion! You would be the great hero that slayed all of the Thaians! You could even become the new king!
-Haha, Alena, you always know how to convince me... But, we don't have enough soldiers to do this task..
-I know father, but Commander Drinus has gone to Carlin to get more troops, before the Capital had fallen, I suspect he has returned by now, and that he has landed near Canea..
-I see.. Well then, let's gather the men, we'll leave for Canea as soon as possible!

A few moments later a messenger went out of the castle, and in the evening all of the rebel soldiers had gathered on the main square, in their best armor and with their best weapons, ready to fight a war. Elric, wearing his General Helmet, gave the sign with his sword and with Alena by his side he rode out in front of all the other rebels, towards the town that was now being rebuilt..

It was a very busy view, a few knight's who were watching the area, a few lumberjacks getting wood, a lot of carpenters building new houses and others cleaning up the mess that the Thaians had left behind.
"The work is progressing well, Jehanna." said Drinus to the woman at his side. The woman just looked at him and nodded. They kissed for a moment, when suddenly a knight interupted them:
"Sir Drinus! Soldiers to the north! They look like rebels!" Drinus, shocked by this message, immediatly yelled everyone to gather their arms, and get a barricade up in the north.
"I just got these houses built, I ain't giving them up this easy!" Drinus said to Jehanna.
"Please go to a safe place dear, I don't want you hurt." Then Jehanna walked away, accompanied by a few bodyguards.

It didn't take long untill the rebels arrived at the town, where they saw a kind of barricade, with a lot of soldiers behind it.
-I wonder, why do these Thaians protect this town, that has already been raided.. -Those aren't Thaians father...
-They must be!
-No father, Thaians wear red outfits, these men, are soldiers from Carlin!
-You mean.. That is Drinus over there?
-Yes father..
Then Elric yelled to the flagbearers to take down the rebel flags, and put white ones in their place. He also ordered to withdraw all weapons, and to calm down the horses.
"I don't think Drinus expects a rebel force to join him," Elric said while laughing.


Chapter 12- A King reborn

Now inside the room, the knight was slowly drawn towards the real source of the shimer. Not knowing if he walked himself or if he wasn't he got closer and closer, untill he was right next to the altar, on which lay a crown with a emerald on it that shined in a golden colour. Still not exactly knowing what he did Telerius's hands began to move, and when he almost touched the crown, suddenly the room began to change. The calm and peacefull colours that first surrounded him now changed to hateful red and black. The silence suddenly changed into screams, and the crown that lay in front of him suddenly had a bloordred gem on it. This reminded Telerius of his dream in which he would be stabbed in the back next... And so it happend.. A burning pain came into his chest and the knight screamed in fear. Then he closed his eyes...

When he opened his eyes again the room had turned back to the calm and peacefull state it had been in earlier. With a small sence of fear he got back on his feet, next to the altar. There the crown still lay, gently as it had been before. Again Telerius moved his hands to it, but when he touched it this time a good feeling rushed through his entire body. Knowing it was good, he put on the crown and then suddenly, he stood on the big square in front of the tempel. As all the people on the square were stunded by this they suddenly recognized the crown, and they all bowed down to him. Telerius had expected it and just said:
"Do not kneel to me, as I will not kneel to you." Then, the people got back on their feet and then turned to the entry of the tempel. Telerius also turned and there he saw Raziel, standing on the top of the stairs.
"Prophecies always come true! Hail King Telerius! Hail Tanelorn!" he yelled. Then, all of Sanctuary repeated him.

After that Raziel took Telerius back into the tempel, and finished the ritual that made him King, King of the new Kingdom Tanelorn. Raziel also gave Telerius total control of all the lands that were previously owned by the Republic, which include all the armies, aswell the army of Sanctuary. Then, Raziel took Telerius with him to one of his private chambers and showed him a old crystal ball.
"Have a look King," Raziel said. Then Telerius looked in it and saw a rebel army gathering with what seemed to be soldiers from Carlin, near what looked liked the ruins of Canea.
"Drinus, he has retured? And has Canea been destroyed? And..And.. Had Alena convinced her father finally?"
-Yes King, what you see here, is what is happening over there. Drinus and Elric are preparing the attack on the Capital this very moment. If you get the army together now, you will be there in time to see the start of the battle.
-Then there is no time to lose. Thank you from the deepest of my heart, Raziel.
-Don't thank me, thank Banor."

Telerius knew what to do now and so he gathered them. The soldiers came from everywhere, in their best armors, all ready to fight for their new King. "Soldiers! Commanders! Officers! Today I have been crowned your new King! But that is not the only thing that will happen today! We will regain what was lost, rebuild what had been ruined and take back that what was stolen! Today we march on the Thaians! And show them that Tanelorn has not yet failed!" Telerius yelled with his loudest voice. Then all of the army yelled: "For Banor! For King Telerius! And for Tanelorn!" And so the massive army rode out, towards the town of Canea, and towards the battle that was now inevitable...

Chapter 13- War

The middle aged general sat quite in his room look out of a window, over the lands that were now his. General Erinton of Tanelorn he thought... He couldn't wait until the King would come by and name him master of this new colony.. But that would take long, he had only just send out a ship with a messenger. Sitting there, he thought of how great that would be, but his plans would be disturbed, as suddenly, on that quite morning, one of his captains knocked on the door.

-"Come in!" Erinton said while the door opened.
-"General Erinton! Grave news! A large army is marching towards us!" As he heard this, he thought it was a joke, but then he saw the face of the captain. "From what direction?" the general asked with a calm voice.
-"The north and east sir. We believe it's an army of rebels.."

Erinton left the castle in great haste, just a few moments later. He knew that the City could be easily defended, as long as they could keep the Rebels from concering the gap. And so, he put only thenthousand men on the walls, fifteenthousand men at the gap and the rest of his men in the castle. He was certain that he could win this battle, as those Rebels had not more than ten thousand, maybe fifteen thousand men. But, he was again proven wrong.

While the Rebels were closing in on the City, the Thaians readied there bows, and rained on them with arrows. Many a Rebel died, or got wounded, but the same applied on the Thaian side, so all of the defence became concentrated in the north and eastt, which was a fatal mistake of Erinton.

As the Rebels and Thaians were fighting, Telerius came out of the southern forest, with a army as large as the rebel one. Totally stunned by this, Erinton ordered his castleguards to the southern walls, because all of his other men were to occupied with fighting. It was an easy battle for Telerius, he just let the druids focus their power on the wall, and when it was broken, he marched in with his best knights.

On the northern side it was the other way around. Many Rebels were dieing, but only few Thaians died. Elric couldn't stand to see this, and so he rushed in with his guards. This was a decision that turned out to be good for Tanelorn, but bad for Elric himself. While he succesfully broke through the lines that defended the gap, he was killed by a arrow that hit him in his neck. After that, the Thaians fled back to the castle, which was now surrounded by Rebels and the army of Telerius. Knowing that they didn't have a chance, the Thaians surrendered, but they could not give in to the demand to hand over their leader. Erinton had fled in the midst of the battle, acompanied by his wife Dana and his son Thanu, towards the west, towards mount Everice...

Chapter 14- Restoring Tanelorn

After the heavy battle Telerius called for Drinus right away. After a greet and a hug they left for the old council meeting room, to discuss further plans.
"So, what do you want to do know, King?"
"Call me Telerius, Drinus, I don't want our friendship to be influenced by this crown."
"Ok, Telerius, what are the plans?"
"Who is the eldest son of Elric? We first need a new general amongst our ranks. A kingdom ruled by three is better then two. Just like in the old days."
"I believe his name is Drake, a really helpful kid. Slayed atleast a dozen of those Thaian rats."

Telerius turned to one of his guards and told him to go get the lad. A few moments later he arrived and bowed to the king.
"No need to bow, Drake. I think you know why you are here?"
"My father died and he..." A tear rose from his eye.
"He was one of the generals in this battle. He proved to be a real hero aswell. That's why, I want you as one of my generals. As eldest son of Elric, I trust you have the power to fulfill that task."
"Me, just a simple guy? A general? That's too much, King!"
"No, no. I have always been in debt by Elric, so this will finish that."
"Thank you, Mylord."
"And call me Telerius. Now, what to do... Ah yes. The plans. Well now, we've got a few things to do.."

Telerius again turned to one of the guards and told him to get Alena. The guard left once more but returned quite quick. Acompanied by Alena, still in battlearmor.
"Good evening Alena, glad to see you unharmed" "Same to you, Kelten... I mean Telerius."
"Well then, Alena, I leave you in charge of the Capital while I'm gone."
"Where will you leave to Telerius?"
"I will follow that scumbag Erinton. He deserves to be struck down by my blade. The sooner the better. But while I'm gone, I wan't you, Drinus, to leave for Drenitem. Gather your army and retake the city from those Thaians. You, Drake, will leave for Azure. The same orders apply. Then, there's one thing left to say. That's why I called for you Alena. I want you three to ask all those Thaians one question: Death or slavery. The options speak for themselfs."
"You want to exterminate all of those Thaians, King?"
"Yes, Drake, just like they did to us Tanelornians."

The two generals left silently leaving Telerius and Alena behind. Telerius slowly walked towards one of the windows, and looked out on the city. Alena came standing next to him and stroked his now long blond hairs. Then Telerius turned and looked down on the woman, as she was a bit shorter then him. Then, after years of playing games, they finally kissed. The guards, knowing what to do, left the room, now guarding it on the outside, as the King and his future Queen left for the private chambers behind the meetingroom. Aswell as Drinus and Jehanna, they shared the night...

Chapter 15- The Beginning of the End.

It was getting colder and colder on the top of the mountain, while the King and a few of his guards were climbing it. Telerius was laying on the back of his noble brown horse and whispered words of courage to it. They had already been in this weather for some time and the men's hair had gotten filthy, along with their beards. Still they wanted to press on, following Erinton, no matter what snowstorm would be in their way. One of the guards saw that the King was really getting cold, and so he drew his sword, and lighted it with a magic power. Telerius tilted his head over to the light and then warmed his hands on the fire. The guard got a little startled and so he handed the sword to his King, the sword of justice.

Hours later the small group of men finally reached the top of Mount Everice from where all of the mountain could be seen. The men looked around and then shortly traced the path of two horses, going towards the other side of the mountain. With new hope they encouraged their horses to run again and so it was not long untill they met up with Erinton, who was accompanied by his wife and son. The guards immediatly surrounded the tree Thaians, but Telerius wanted a fair battle with his enemy and so the skirmish started. Already tired through the weather and the walk it wasn't much of a fight. After just a few hits Erinton was clearly exhausted. "I�m Telerius, King of Tanelorn, and with the flames of the sword of justice I shall kill you both, and my people will be free of your domain, Thaians!" the King yelled while rushing towards the General and killing him in this hit. Then he rushed for the Thaian's wife and pushed her back to the edge. She said something while looking away, but then her horse kicked her down the mountain as it was confused. The child who was laying on the ground screamed and then a voice behind the King told the child to run...

Telerius turned his horse slowly and then saw a man there, who looked like a beggar. The only difference from a real beggar was the crown on his head. It was the crown Telerius had seen in his dreams which made it all more confusing. "It was my revenge, you took it from me!" the man yelled while charging for the King. Then Telerius yelled: "I don�t know who you are, fool human, but you shall have the same destiny of those who defy Tanelorn!" and he hit the man whit such a force that he was blown of the mountain, next to where the woman had been pushed of earlier. "Our job is done" Telerius said to his guards. And forgetting about the child the men started to climb down the mountain, back to the Capital.

Chapter 16- A son.

Weeks after his department Telerius returned to the Capital, where he headed to the fort immediatly. In the fort was waiting Alena, who ran to him when she saw the King. The King hugged her firmly and then turned to the people that he had told to come. There, in front of the Army Commanders, Spiritual Leaders and the People's representatives, he founded his new Kingdom.
The Kingdom of Tanelorn, Independent of the Thaian reign, with which they all agreed. Then, he turned back to Alena and got on his knees. The question that followed was obvious: "Will you marry me, Alena?" And she answered just with a long kiss.

The same evening, in front of all the Citizens of the Capital, they were wed. All of Tanelorn celebrated that night, which was the first feast in years, and lasted untill the break of dawn, when the normal life started to begin again. Woodcutters started to cut wood, farmers started to seed their fields, miners went back underground and fishermen back on the sea. Even though there was still alot of rebuilding to do because of the Thaians, the people didn't utter their hate but just started the work. They were all satisfied with the peace and the new King.

During the first years of the Kingdom alot of new babies were born, as all thought that the times ahead would be really good. Telerius himself got a daughter, but she died of a unknown disease. Of that reason the King first didn't want any more children, so it was only in the 46th year of peace, that finally his son was born. This son, Alastor, was a healthy child and Telerius could see, even though he was still young, that he would be a good heir.

Even though these years are considered to be in peace, there is a small thing wrong about that. Just ten years after the first Indepence Day, a new party of Thaians arrived on the shores. Their only orders were to recapture the colony, which they didn't succeed in. After that first party, more Thaians arrived through the years, but they all were beaten back by the Army of Darkwood Forest. untill finally in the year 50 a bigger fleet of Thaian ships arrived.

Chapter 17- The end.

It didn't take ships long to arrive at the coast, but when the Army of Darkwood Forest was preparing their defences, they suddenly got amazed by what was comming of the ships. They had expected tons of Thaians, but instead, all kinds of dead creatures came ashore. Darkwood was soon crowded by these monsters and the first battle against them was lost, leaving a great smile on a crowned face.

When Telerius heard this news, he was shocked. He called upon his wisest mens, but they didn't know what was happeing either. The King then ordered all of his Army to the defences, and so the cities could hold of the numerous attacks that were done every day by the Undeads. In the years of war that followed, the surrounding lands of the cities became wasteland, the food supplies in the cities ran out and the people got uncontenter by the day. And so, after years of war, the king finally decided to ride out with his best knight to try and beat back the Undeads.

The battle that followed started good for the Tanelornians. They slayed alot of Undeads and just 2 knights were lost. Then, the Undead's leader, Meltrus appeared at the scene. Telerius ordered his knights forward and while he took on Meltrus personally, his knight kept the other Undeads of of him. The fight lasted for a long time. But when finally the sun started to set, Meltrus delivered his final blow to the King, which died. The knights, full of hatred then forced the Undeads to retreat and they took the body of the King back to the Capital, where he was burried.

All of the citizens mourned at the sight of the dead King, but they also had got new hope. There were rumours of Meltrus already leaving the shores and withdrawing Undeads everywhere. The still young Alastor took on him the heir of the throne, being 26 years old and started to plan new attacks on the retreating Undeads the following day. Telerius was burried in the Dome of Tanelorn, which is now just a small building amongst all the new churches and cathedrals, but still a honoured building to this day, as the Tanelornian people will never forget his reign.