Chapter 1 It was a bitter, cold, morning on one of the most anticipated days of the year. Hundreds of people gathered up to see the graduation ceremony, where the new citizens will be given a monster egg, and assigned to a home in one of the multiple housing districts, or if the graduate chooses, the military barracks, where they will be trained to fight and defend the great house of Trinity. Gale was up early that day working the family farm when he heard a loud whistle. Turning to face the source of the noise, he noticed Daen sitting haphazardly on his horse. "Hey Gale, you ready for the ceremony? We need to get there early so we can be first in line." Gale, knowing that today was Reckoning Day, had, in fact, been looking forward to it since he began his last year in the University. However, that particular day he had a gut wrenching feeling that all was not well. "Yeah we can leave in a minute, I just need to put the saddle on Ole' Faithful" To his right, Ole' Faithful, a beautiful black Stallion neighed. His intimidating light grey mane stood out from the dark of his shiny coat. The horse carried himself with dignity, which gave away his many years of experience. Gale often took pride in the horse's superior training. Gale and Daen were well down the road when they spotted Alyssa walking down the dirt path shivering ever so slightly. "Alyssa!!" Daen called "How come you aren't riding your horse. The ceremony will be over by the time you get there." As Daen pulled up beside her he reached out his hand, helping her up on his horse. "Thanks Daen" "Jeez Aly, you're freezing. Here wear my sweater" Alyssa smiled at him. "Thanks" Daen turned to Gale grinning, not even trying to hide his fiery red cheeks. The rest of the trip was very quiet up until the University came into view. What happened next seemed to last ages.
The sky turned blood red as the sun set, and the earth seemed to tremble. On the hill next to the University, a mass of Blitzhawken soldiers appeared. Arrows rained from the heavens above, and Trinity soldiers could be seen plunging into battle. Innocent civilians were in the main square, victims to the Blitzhawken's wrath. Cloaked riders swarmed over the hill and into town amidst the pandemonium. Their demonic swords, red with blood, struck pure fear into the hearts and souls of the weak and strong minded alike. Gargoth, the Blitzhawken general, screamed a bloodcurdling sound, and the army charged. It wasn't long before the Trinity soldiers retaliated. With their superior magi training they had the advantage in a one-on-one fight, but with the Blitz army outnumbering them seven to one they didn't stand a chance. "Alyssa, stay here!" Daen screamed, barely audible. "We need to help them before they are massacred." Gale nodded his approval, and they raced down the street without a second glance to Alyssa. They were abruptly stopped by a hard, cold, hand. "You can't go into town, you'll be killed." Said the mysterious man. "What do you propose we do, watch our soldiers die?" Gale retorted. "No. I propose we leave like the rest of the villagers." Gale knew that the strange man's plan was more sensible, but he didn't like the idea of leaving the soldiers to fight. Nevertheless, he agreed. "If we're leaving we need to get Alyssa. And our horses." Dean said urgently after closely observing the conversation. "I'm coming with you then," the strange man said. "But we don't even know your name!" Gale protested. "Call me Samael."He said. Just then, a flaming arrow whizzed by Gale's ear, alerting him to the dire situation. They couldn't waste time. They needed to get out of there. "Alright," Gale said. "Let's go." They ran back to where they left Alyssa, but stopped when they heard some unknown voices. Daen put his finger to his lips, signaling to the others to be quiet. The group stealthily walked up the steep hill. What they saw made them stop dead in their tracks. "Alyssa." Daen whispered out of worry for her. For Alyssa on her knees, hands bound behind her back, head down in fear. A Blitzhawken soldier stood behind her, a broadsword in his hand. "NOOO!" Daen screamed as he ran towards them, daggers in hand. But he was too late. One swift strike, and the sword penetrated her flesh. Anger flashed in Daen's eyes as he charged the soldiers. Two slashes across the chest, and a third across the throat. One soldier down. One stab in the thigh, and two shanks to the stomach. Two soldiers down. He sent a dagger flying, it's momentum stopped by an unsuspecting eyeball. Three down. Four slashes across the throat, and the båstard with the broadsword felt Daengirus Daggerz's unrelenting wrath. All lay dead. And through the bloodshed of battle, a single tear stood out on a heartbroken man's cheek.