Iron and Power

Chapter 1

Several Years Ago, the Kingdoms of a Foreign World were once at peace despite their tense relationship with each other. Though they've settled their problems with negotiations and light skirmishes, they remained neutral and war was only seen as a last resort.

But it all changed when a beam of light came crashing down on the mountains and caused a thunderous roar that spread across the entire eastern continent.

Many believe that this phenomenon is caused by the gods, but their belief in this phenomenon changed drastically when some claimed to have seen a tower alter itself into a castle of iron with walls of impregnable steel.

Thus, the legends that revolve around this Fortress of Iron have led countries of the East to assemble their troops and assert their claim before their Western neighbors claim this fortress for themselves.

When both armies met, it led to a full-scale argument of who should have the right to claim this fortress for their own and their argument soon spiraled into a conflict between nations.

Eventually, War broke out and lasted for several decades as tensions between them broke and the rulers' true colors were shown to the face of the world.

Lands were burned, blood was shed, and every country in the world saw no end to their war.

Years later, the countries had lost a majority of their armies over a land they couldn't reach and the masses began to see the fortress differently. Countries of the East deemed the fortress as a curse from the gods. Bringing instability and destruction across the world while Countries of the West deemed it a danger to all mankind and redirected their efforts into restoring their armies and preparing for its mutual destruction rather than claiming it for their own.

As for the rest of the world, they've concocted their theories and beliefs of that place. Most were made out of ill intent while few remain curious as their purpose to learn the fortress' secrets were passed from one generation to another.

But despite their belief and open hostility, they still consider the fortress a mystery but none would dare to set foot on those lands.

-- Five Years Later --

At the rough age of ten, a Young Prince of a small sovereign nation, Prince Thomas Weston III, fled with a squad of guards by his side. Due to the Father's death, The Prince earned his right to become King. But tragedy struck as his uncle staged a coup, and usurped the throne for his malevolent intent.

He had escaped due to the sacrifices of his father's Royal Guard and what little remained had chosen to desert the nation for the prince's safety. But they weren't out of the woods as several loyalists of the uncle were sent to give chase and eliminate the rightful heir of the throne for good.

"Damn, these bastards just don't know when to quit!" Royal Knight 1 yelled, "If we don't do something, they'll catch up for sure!"

"Then let's buy some time," the Royal Guard Captain declared, "Anna! You and our Majesty are to keep traveling east as we originally planned! Once you've reached your destination, shed your armor and the prince's garments to the river and take shelter in the area of that place!"

"What?!" Anna, a long red-haired Royal Dame, exclaimed in disbelief, "You want me to just leave you and others to die!"

"We've already lost so much, we can't lose you too!" Prince Thomas exclaimed,

"Your Majesty, We swore an oath to protect your noble family from all threats great and small, and we will keep that oath to our graves. You are the rightful heir of our kingdom, and your safety will ensure that our sacrifices will not be in vain,"