Six Months Later – Countess Eria’s Castle

Eria’s Castle was not as impressive as the Capitol of Itheria’s, nor as grand as Fortress Von Doom of the Frostpeaks, but it was a castle of stone nonetheless. Overlooking a vast valley in the Northern reaches of Phebis, it was certainly well positioned to stop invaders from coming down the river from the North, but it was clear that Phebis lacked the history of the local Itherian juggernaut. Its moat had been well laid along the river, it’s magical, and siege defenses were adequate, and it would have been a formidable fortress if not for the low morale of Countess Eria’s troops, who had already suffered many losses at the hands of the Itherian Forces, and its auxiliary of the famed Frost Knights. Of course, since the start of the war, it seemed like the warriors under Countess Eria had little interest in fighting. When Duke Gregan and Magus entered the throne room with a platoon of knights after a month’s long siege, they found it was because suspicions of Eria’s condition had been correct.

After a short conversation with Eria, the Countess had evolved into a rabid looking demon with crimson skin, horns, and wings of a bat. The speed of the demon had overwhelmed a good number of the knights at first, with fire and brimstone being launched all over the room and blood splattering the floors. The mages worked tirelessly to keep the flames at bay, and Magus used his magical abilities learned from the Coven to slow and combat the demon with practiced ease. The same could not be said for most of the platoon, all that had remained aside from Gregan and Magus was a promising Frost Squire by the name of Devona Stegalkin, and the few mages hiding behind pillars as they fought the flames.

Driven with fury, Duke Magus released a blizzard of ice at the demon to freeze it and it’s flames into place before he shouted at the top of his lungs, “Now, Gregan! Do it!”

During the long march north and the many battles they faced together, it had been an agreement between them that no matter what happens, Gregan would liberate his new Dukedom after its peace was stolen by Countess Eria. This was the chance they had waited for. Gregan raised his father’s sword, and sliced it across the neck of the demon after a quick blessing from one of the priestly mages.

With is turn to act again, Magus thrust with his own blade into the frozen body of the demon, shattering its crimson core into a million diamond like pieces. As a final bit, Devona smashed the head of the demon like a bug under her heel, she was panting uncontrollably and covered in sweat.

“Where was Lady Adrianna… When we needed her?” Panted the young Frost Squire.

“Doing her duty elsewhere.” Replied Magus. Waving a hand to order the priests out of the throne room despite some fires still raging. “Though I’m sure that Sorceress She-elf under Bryce’s beck and call would’ve handled that in a heartbeat.”

“It doesn’t matter now,” Gregan said ecstatically, “The deed is done! Phebis is free of the demon’s scourge and I can return home, telling my people their Liege slayed the demon.”

“That is a fine tale, Duke Gregan. But my Liege will take credit as Bryce the Exorcist. First, for slaying the demon in Luxem county by his own hand, and now for slaying the demon here by his order.”

“That mongrel!” Spat Gregan, “He wouldn’t dare!” Gregan then moves closer to Magus with a more conspiring whisper to him, “… With you and me, we can spread my tale first. Bryce can have no sway here in Phebis while he lounges in Itheria.”

“You are right. I will spread your tale of fleeing the battle and getting slain while running away.”

“What are-”

Before Gregan could finish, Devona’s glowing red blade goes through his back and out his chest. The **** of her thrust and the activated runes of her blade piercing his kingly plate armor like butter. Just as quickly, she removed her blade. Gregan falls to his knees. The Phebisian Duke looking at Magus shocked.

“I am sorry, Gregan. I am sure we could have been lifelong friends, but Bryce is blood. His line is also mine, and Itheria was meant to rule Phebis.”

Gregan keeled over. His heart pierced meant no recovery, and his blood spilled onto the stone floor like a flood.

“It’s a shame, it is,” Devona was cleaning her blade with a cloth. Her long brown hair, tied in a ponytail, reflected the flames around the throne room, “That such a cute king would make me perform so deplorable an act.”

“I made you do this. Not Bryce.”

Devona sighed, then nodded. “The mages we let out?”

“Already slain by the squad I had waiting out front. This is not just for Itheria, but for the glory of the Frost Peaks. I expect your silence, Squire.”

Devona blushed, “I would never cross you, My Liege!” Then she looked at her fallen comrades around her. “But still, that a single a demon could slay a whole platoon of Frost Knights, yet tales that Bryce slain one single-handedly in Luxem spread, he must be quite formidable in battle. Despite his appearances.”

Magus was thinking it was probably just luck, or that this demon that possessed Eria was a much stronger one, but he thought it best to keep Bryce respected in his ranks. “I taught him a few tricks back in the day. When we used to spar with sticks.”

That sparring consisted of Bryce mostly falling face-first in the mud, but Magus left that detail out. Bryce was bred for intrigue by his parents and Royal Council, not martial arts.

“I suppose with that information, I can forgive His Majesty this once.” Devona finally conceded.

“I think you would like him, Squire.” Magus said a little absentmindedly. Perhaps in another life, Devona would have been Bryce’s bride. “Let us carry our fallen comrades out of this hell.”

Calling in more Frost Knights, they removed their comrades to receive a proper rest. Soon, all fighting was over around the castle. Whatever troops, still loyal to Eria at that point, either fled into the wilderness, or surrendered to the Itherian Army.

That evening, Magus walked into a large room repurposed for his sleep. Lady Victoria was on the bed, pregnant officially with his child, but truthfully, Bryce’s bastard. She had been showing for some time now. The beauty slept without a care that a large battle had just taken place with a demon. She would often whisper Bryce’s name in her sleep. Magus did not care. He shed his armor, and got into bed with her, finally resting his tired body.