Silver Petal

Chapter 13: The end of the beginning

Fluke didn't have time to mourn for his uncle as the death of Lady Saya stirred a commotion between the noble houses and the emperor. Many who supported the lady became furious and sided with the Kendmills to overthrow the emperor. They even went so far to form an alliance with the Lao empire, the same neighbouring empire that tried to destroy everything hundreds of years ago.

Ohm looked down at the map of his empire in the middle of his office and Prem walked closer, "Lord Shimon and Lord Quince had joined the enemies, your highness." Ohm clenched his jaw as his hand fisted on the table. He had a strong army, but fighting the Kendmills and the imperial army of Lao would be a suicide even for him. He didn't have time to gather other armies and those who were standing on his side, didn't even have many soldiers.

Though Fluke's side of his family were strong and could easily defeat the growing army of the enemies, Ohm didn't want to abuse the trust king Azul laid on him. Elnelon was in grief and he doubted that the king would send his own people to fight in a war that didn't even concern him. Prem sighed, "Your highness, there is no other choice. If we don't ask for help, we will not only lose the empire, but his grace and your children too."

Ohm bit his lips, Fluke was carrying his second child and Dean was still a small boy. Too innocent and full of life to see this empire go in flames. He sat down as he poured himself a glass. Stirring it, the emperor took a big gulp. He had to do something quickly before the enemies started to march towards the palace.

-

At night Fluke tucked his son in and gave him his goodnight kiss before closing the door. In his room he saw Ohm staring out of the window and he wrapped his arms around his torso. Ohm smiled a little before turning to him and hugged him close, "I can ask my uncle," Ohm shook his head, "Elnelon is still in grief over the death of their prince and Garcia. I can't possibly ask them to go to war for humans,"

Fluke looked up and noticed the tired eyes of his alpha. He touched one side of his face as the two leaned in to kiss, "I really want to help," he said softly. Ohm softly rubbed his thumb over his cheeks and bumped their foreheads together. With closed eyes he inhaled the sweet scent of his husband, "I want you to stay alive and keep our children safe," Fluke caressed his stomach.

The two hugged each other in silence, not wanting to talk more about the possibility they would lose their lives in this war. Fluke on the other hand was determined to save his husband and he would do anything to achieve that.

-A WEEK LATER-

Ohm stood at the front line of his army. Though he had at least 30 000 men, the enemy was enormous. Kao's horse walked next to him and they both looked ahead. The wind calmed down and crows already circled above them, "Never thought, I would be on the battlefield again with you," Kao smirked. Ohm scoffed amused, "You better keep your head clear," Kao chuckled, "I guess you can release your beastly form now,"

Drums started to sound on the wide open field, indicating the enemy was ready. Ohm glanced at his army. He could see the flag-bearers holding the symbols of the many noble houses supporting the emperor. He was lucky that there were still some lords standing behind him despite knowing they might lose this war. Ohm took a deep breath and tugged at the reins of his horse. Galloping at the front line he shouted,

"Aaron, send your arrows down the left flank. Ludwig, hold the emperor's banner to the centre. Cain, take your company right after you pass the hill. Forward and fear no enemies! Rise! Arrows shall be pierced! Shields shall be splintered! And swords shall be broken. This empire shall not fall until the last man standing! Ride behind me and the sun rises!"

Spears of every horse man came into positions as the horses started to tap the ground in anticipation. The enemies made themselves ready, "Whatever happens, stay by my side," Ohm said to Kao. The general nodded as he unsheathed his sword. Ohm raised his hand that held his sword, "Till death!" He shouted, "Till death!" His army shouted behind him.