Caspen - Captain of the Army of Ages
Raziel took a book out of his traveling pack. It was titled ‘Aether Veil.’ He opened the book to the page he had bookmarked. He scanned the text trying to decern how to obtain access to this demented place.
The text, he read it out loud.
The Aether Veil is not a place for the living. Most that attempt to transport themselves there will die upon successful arrival.
However, For Raziel, your destiny is to become her warlock. For this reason, you and any that travel with you will not be killed by the toxic atmosphere that exists in this wretched place.
What you must know about the Aether Veil is that time slows, almost stops completely. This is because I made a commitment to Telaria, that I would only use twenty Ventari years for this experiment. For this reason, you will lose several years of your existence within the dimension for every moment spent inside the Aether Veil.
I have granted the Nameless One the power to mitigate this and minimize its negative effects upon you. Your journey to her home is critical for the progression of ‘the cause,’ and it is the only way to obtain the specific memories you seek. The ritual you must perform is described in detail in the following passage.
Raziel hands the ancient, leather-bound book to Tashina. She accepts it with both hands, feeling the weight of the knowledge it contains. As she carefully flips through the pages, her eyes narrow with concentration.
The arcane symbols and esoteric instructions seem to leap off the parchment, whispering their secrets. Finally, Tashina nods, her resolve solidified. She hands the book back to Raziel, ready to embrace the daunting task ahead.
The air was thick with tension as Tashina, Raziel, and Raelith stood at the edge of the ancient ritual circle. The swirling, crackling energy of the portal shimmered before them, its edges jagged and unstable.
The portal flickered with an eerie, otherworldly light, casting long shadows across their faces. They had come prepared, but the weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on them. There would be no turning back once they stepped through.
Tashina raised her hand, her fingers tracing symbols in the air as her voice whispered an incantation older than time.
Her brow furrowed in concentration, and for a moment, the winds around them stilled. Raziel watched her, the faintest trace of worry in his eyes. He knew how dangerous this journey was.
Raelith, standing just behind them, his eyes glinting with determination, stepped forward.
“Are we ready?” His voice was low, steady, but tinged with the unease that simmered beneath his calm exterior.
“Almost.” Raelith turned to Caspen, “I want the city secured and all threats to it neutralized. I don’t care how far you have to dig. Am I clear?
“Crystal.” Caspen stood tall, feeling the pulse of his orders reverberate through his armor. “You be safe. We will see you on the other side.”
Raziel, Tashina, and Raelith gave a grim smile knowing that was going to be a tall order. To be safe. With that they turned and looked at the portal. With steely determination they stepped into the portal and entered the Aether Veil.
The enchanted metal whispered against his skin, its magic communicating the commands from Aegis.
There was no hesitation in him—his mind was a steel trap, his movements swift and precise.
Two thousand of the warriors under his command moved with him, their disciplined ranks quickly assembling into a tight, impenetrable circle that surrounded the heart of FairHaven. Every corner of the city was secured.
The remaining three thousand soldiers spread out across the streets, their grim task clear. The dead, those who had fallen in the battle or perished in the aftermath, were carefully gathered and placed.
Each body was treated with respect, and a cemetery, simple but solemn, rose where the fallen had lain.
In perfect synchronization, Caspen’s forces sealed off both the inner and outer boundaries of the city. No stone was left unturned as they scoured for supplies, cataloging everything, ensuring nothing was wasted.
They took a census of the city’s children and the most vulnerable, offering them sanctuary and safety within the fortified walls.
Reconstruction of the city began almost immediately. The wounded were tended to, the broken infrastructure was repaired, and the city’s pulse began to beat again—slowly, but steadily.
It was not just a city under siege; it was a city under rebirth, and Caspen would see to it that it rose from the ashes, stronger than before.
“Caspen,” a voice called from the entrance, piercing the focused silence. “An outsider wishes to speak with Raelith.”
A low growl rumbled deep in Caspen’s throat, his jaw tightening. “Let him enter,” Caspen commanded, his voice calm but heavy with the weight of leadership.
He turned toward the table, taking a moment to adjust the strategic maps of the city, his fingers brushing over the lines drawn in charcoal as if it could ground him.
Moments later, Evalendor was ushered into the tent, his imposing figure filling the space with a tense energy. Caspen watched him, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Evalendor was tall, with dark, sharp features and a calculating glint in his eyes that suggested a man used to power.
Caspen’s own armor, far more than just a protective shell, hummed softly with magic. It wasn’t just an extension of him—it was a tool of truth. With the enchantments woven into its design, Caspen could hear the truth in every word spoken, discerning the intent behind every syllable. What others said was never the whole story.
Evalendor crossed his arms, a smirk playing at the edge of his lips. “Why have you taken over our city?” he demanded, his voice sharp, but with an underlying sense of entitlement. “This place belongs to the Aquatic King.”
Caspen’s lips curled into a knowing smile, but there was no humor in it—only the cold certainty of a man who had been pushed too far.
“The second you sent a fae army after my Admiral, you lost possession of this city.
The Aquatic King’s claim is no more. This village now belongs to Nexus, by the will of the Army of Ages.”
Evalendor blinked in surprise, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Nexus?” he asked, the word unfamiliar on his tongue.
Caspen’s smirk deepened, the edges of his expression sharpening with the knowledge of a truth that Evalendor couldn’t yet grasp.
“I wouldn’t expect someone like you to understand what the Realm military concerns itself with, but this city is no longer under the control of the Aquatic King. It now answers to Nexus. The Army of Ages has taken hold here.”
Evalendor’s confusion was palpable, but it quickly shifted into suspicion, his stance tightening as he leaned forward, his gaze sharpening like a blade.
He was no fool, but the suddenness of Caspen’s declaration rattled him. “You speak as though the Aquatic King’s authority is a thing of the past. You believe you can simply erase it?”
Caspen moved close to Evalendor, his presence menacing. “Listen carefully. If you try to fight us, you will die. Your King’s authority is nothing more than a passing shadow now,” Caspen said, his voice low but unwavering. “You may have thought you held dominion over this city, but the game has changed. The Army of Ages doesn’t bow to the Aquatic King. We do not fear him, nor his forces.”
His gaze hardened, turning cold and relentless. “I will uncover your insidious plot, no matter how deep it runs. From this moment on, this city belongs to Nexus. No one enters. No one leaves. Not without my say-so.”
Caspen’s words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of an unspoken promise: that he would see this mission through to its bitter end. He would leave nothing to chance.
Evalendor stood silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. The challenge in his eyes flickered briefly, but then he seemed to reconsider.
He uncrossed his arms, but his gaze remained defiant, a silent understanding passing between them.
Caspen’s voice was mocking. “How about I come down and meet your wittle king?”
Evalendor growled at the blatant disrespect. He took a wild swing at Caspen, but the dark knight easily dodged. In a swift motion, he grabbed Evalendor’s wrist and twisted it behind his back.
With a fierce, unyielding grip, he forced the aquatic over the table, growling. “I dare you to try that again.”
Evalendor struggled against his grip. With a deep sigh he yeilded. “Alright, I give.”
Caspen growled, his grip on the aquatic’s arm tightening with a ferocity that sent shivers down Evalendor’s spine. Muscles bulging, he twisted Evalendor’s arm further, his voice dripping with venom. “Who said I had any intention of showing you any mercy? Who ordered the death of MY Raelith?”
Evalendor’s face contorted in agony as the pressure built, the searing pain in his muscles reaching a breaking point. “FUCK!” He screamed, the raw pain tearing through his voice. “I am sorry!”
“That isn’t the answer to my question, Evalendor,” Caspen hissed, his grip unrelenting. “WHO ordered the attack against my Admiral?!”
Caspen’s hold on Evalendor’s wrist tightened further, the sound of tendons straining audible in the tense silence. Evalendor’s eyes widened, sweat dripping from his brow as he cried out, “King Lariden!”
Caspen’s grip momentarily loosened, a glimmer of disbelief flashing in his eyes. “Your King?”
“Yes,” Evalendor gritted through clenched teeth, his body trembling with pain and fear.
“You will take me to him.” Caspen released his arm and stepped back.
Evalendor stood, rubbing his arm as contempt filled his expression. Without a word, he walked past Caspen towards the ocean. Caspen smirked, his eyes following Evalendor as he walked him through the lines of his formidable army.
The soldiers stood tall and silent, their gazes unwavering as the two figures passed by. Together, they dove into the water, their movements synchronized as they cut through the waves.
Evalendor led Caspen deeper into the ocean, the water growing colder and darker with each passing moment. Soon, the faint outlines of a sunken city emerged from the gloom.
As they swam closer, the details of the city became clearer. Caspen’s scowl deepened as he took in the sight of the malnourished people.
“Do you all have a shortage of food?” Caspen asked, his voice echoing with a mix of concern and disbelief.
Evalendor’s jaw tightened as he glanced at the Dark Knight. “No.”
“Then why do your people look hungry?” Caspen pressed, his eyes scanning the skeletal faces of the city’s inhabitants.
“That is easy,” Evalendor replied, his tone dripping with indifference. “They are common folk.”
Caspen’s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. “And you believe that justifies their suffering?”
Evalendor shrugged, the contempt in his gaze unwavering. “It is the way of our world. The strong thrive, and the weak endure.”
Caspen’s scowl deepened as he looked over the city, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could help these people.
The dark waters around them seemed to pulse with the weight of their unspoken conflict, and the sunken city’s eerie silence only heightened the tension between them.
Caspen followed Evalendor silently, his eyes taking in the eerie beauty of the coral streets. The vibrant colors of the coral contrasted sharply with the dark, looming spires of the castle that rose ahead. As they approached the gates, the guards stood like statues, their faces expressionless as Evalendor led the strange black knight through the entrance.
Together, they entered the grand throne room. The walls were adorned with intricate mosaics that depicted battles and triumphs of old. King Larieden, seated upon his opulent throne, raised a brow in curiosity and stood, his regal robes flowing around him.
“What is the meaning of the presence of the Army of Ages in my kingdom?” The king’s voice echoed with authority.
Caspen strode forward, his eyes locking onto the king’s with an unwavering intensity. “Is it true that you ordered the death of my Admiral?”
“Huh? I would never order an attack on the Realm military.” The king’s denial was swift, but a hint of uncertainty flickered in his eyes.
Caspen’s cold laughter filled the throne room, creating a chilling vibration that seemed to penetrate the very walls. “Did you or did you not order the death of Raelith?”
Shock rippled through the king’s spine, his composure faltering. “He is affiliated with the Army of Ages?”
Caspen’s glare was like ice, freezing the blood in the king’s veins. “Raelith IS the Commander of the ENTIRE Army of Ages. When you wage war upon him, you invoke Talveran’s personal wrath upon you.”
The king’s face paled as the gravity of the situation sank in. “Oh fuck. I…”
“Let me ask you again,” Caspen’s voice was a low growl, each word dripping with menace. “DID you or DID YOU NOT order an attack on Raelith Flarian, Son of Raziel Flarian, Grandson of King Elderak, YOUR great-grandson?”
The weight of his choice bore down on the king, and he knew he could not lie to Caspen. With a resigned sigh, he confessed, “Yes, I ordered his death.”
“Why?” Caspen’s voice was cold and unyielding, demanding the truth.
A wicked smirk crept across King Lariden’s face. “I demand an audience with Talveran to defend my case.”
Caspen’s icy glare only grew more wickedly cold. “Talveran is not available. For this reason, I shall summon Renaldo.”
Panic flickered in the king’s eyes. “Wait, we do not need to summon him.”
Caspen laughed with a sinister growl. “Too late.”
In an instant, the water around them shimmered and a man adorned in blue and gold robes materialized in the throne room. His face was etched with irritation.
“What is the meaning of summoning me?” he demanded, his voice filled with exasperation.
Caspen smirked. “Renaldo, King Lariden has requested an audience with Talveran. He would like to defend why he ordered the death of Raelith.”
Shock flashed through Renaldo’s eyes, quickly replaced by blazing rage. “You ordered the execution of his first son! You dare to attack his second?!”
The current in the throne room began to swirl like an angry vortex, the water churning with Renaldo’s fury. “How dare you! I warned you that I would not take lightly another attack on what belongs to me.”
“I… I had no idea that Raelith belonged to you, Renaldo. I… I SWEAR,” the king stammered, desperation coloring his voice.
“LIES,” Renaldo growled, his eyes blazing with anger. “You knew better! You deserve the wrath of Caspen. I leave your fate in his hands.”
With that, the alchemist vanished, leaving a palpable tension in the water. Caspen’s smirk only grew more wild and detached.
“You and anyone loyal to you will be imprisoned. I am taking over your kingdom, and you will watch from the shadows as all that you have worked for fades into nonexistence.”
“But you can’t!” King Lariden protested, his voice rising in desperation.
Caspen’s smile turned sinister. “Then perhaps I shall just execute you?”
The king growled in great frustration, his pride crumbling. “FINE. I submit. Take me to the dungeons.”
King Lariden paced back and forth, his mind racing with the realization of his critical error. He cast a desperate glance down the dungeon halls, where the cells were filled with his loyal guards and soldiers. This was not going to work for him.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a summoning stone, his last-ditch effort. With a trembling hand, he rubbed the stone and summoned Xanther.
In an instant, a man in black and gold robes materialized before him. Xanther looked around and laughed, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “How did the mighty king end up in his own prison cells?”
Lariden’s face twisted with anger and frustration. “You could have warned me that Raelith was one of yours! I ordered his death and now I am imprisoned by YOUR FUCKING ARMY!”
Xanther’s expression darkened, a scowl forming on his face. “Raelith? The Admiral of the Army of Ages?”
“Yes, goddammit, do not patronize me,” Lariden spat, his eyes burning with rage.
Xanther’s scowl deepened. “Why in the name of Nexus would you have any desire to see him dead?”
King Lariden’s face contorted with a mix of fear and defiance. “He is Raziel Flarian’s son and the cure to the tainted ones!”
Shock rippled through Xanther’s expression, quickly replaced by a look of grim understanding.
“Fuck, okay… well played, Renaldo, well played. He knew full well what he was doing. Raelith is immortal now. He has had a permanent fusion with Aegis. You do not have the ability to execute him no matter how much you throw at him.”
Xanther began to pace back and forth inside the cell, his mind racing. “This complicates everything.”
The Aether Veil
Raelith was the first to step through the portal into the Aether Veil, the weight of his boots against the earth loud in the silence. The moment he crossed the threshold, the world seemed to shift.
The light dimmed, and the oppressive, all-encompassing gloom of the Aether Veil swallowed them whole.
As they emerged into the realm, the landscape before them stretched endlessly in all directions, a barren wasteland of twisted, blackened trees and jagged rock formations that rose like silent sentinels against the darkness.
The sky above was an ashen grey, the sun obscured by thick, swirling clouds. A cold wind howled, but it was a hollow sound—empty, devoid of warmth or life.
Raelith’s hand instinctively tightened around his blade, his breath visible in the frigid air. “This place…” His voice trailed off, swallowed by the thick fog that seemed to rise from the ground.
Shadows flickered just beyond his vision, fleeting and malevolent. The air here was tainted with sorrow and ancient grief, like a wound that never healed.
Tashina stepped forward, her eyes scanning the terrain with a mix of resolve and sorrow.
“We must keep moving. We must find the Nameless Queen,” she said softly, her tone carrying the weight of years of regret.
“This place is haunted with The Dark souls. It is the edge between this dimension and the oceans of Apocalyptica. Stay alert.”
Raziel remained silent, his eyes scanning the landscape as they began walking, the crunch of their footsteps muted by the thick fog that clung to the ground.
His thoughts were a storm of conflicting emotions, but one thing remained clear: they could not fail.
As they moved deeper into the Aether Veil, the terrain twisted in unnatural ways. The ground beneath their feet was uneven and cracked, as though the very earth was unraveling.
The trees around them were gnarled and twisted, their branches clawing at the sky, and the air was filled with the faintest whispers. It was as though the shadows themselves were speaking.
Raelith’s eyes narrowed as he felt the weight of the realm pressing on him, each step heavier than the last. The shadows seemed to cling to him, like an invisible presence, cold and suffocating.
He could feel the sorrow of the lost souls in this place, their mournful cries echoing in his mind.
Suddenly, a distant screech shattered the silence. A creature, dark and formless, slithered through the shadows. Its eyes glowing with malice.
Its presence was brief but chilling, a reminder of the horrors that lurked in the deep, hidden corners of this realm.
The three of them pressed on. They had no idea where they were going, only that through some hope they would find where the Nameless Queen’s cold eyes would fall upon them.