The Lands of Ralosia & Ranuulo (Books 1-3)

Sacred Weapons Chapter 1- Ramesses

(22) The Lands of Ralosia & Ranuulo: Sacred Weapons (8k words)

King Zantii begins his conquest of the Lands of Ralosia, where no one will be spared. Lunahreim aids him, all to fulfill his purpose. The Three Deities do all that they can to stop, assembling their world's most powerful warriors to stand against Zantii. Corri enters the fray to help stop this terrible threat, learning of the great power she wields and her part in this battle.

(12/14/21) Self edited, Audio edited, and Peer Edited

Peer editing by

-----------------------

~Chapter 1- Ramesses~

~Age 991 B~

         Lunahreim watched as King Zantii's forces filed out of the Link Temple one by one onto the desert sands. It would take some time before the entire army had emerged. The sun came over the horizon, and the black-clad soldiers had to adjust their eyes to the unfamiliar light. It was the first time that they had seen the sun.

         Many of the soldiers rode four-legged stone creatures known as Densius beast. Among them was the reptilian-like Regenek, the insect-like Arachna, and Ranuulans like Lunahreim, with luminescent eyes, spotted bodies, and ebon black arms and legs. The generals of the army overlooked them as they assembled between the sandy hills.

         Lunahreim had luminescent orange eyes and a pale face, while Zantii's eyes were silvery, and he wore an exuberant horned crown on his head. The king held a jagged great sword firmly, as if it was an extension of himself. The two met beside the temple.

         King Zantii looked on the vast and empty desert and remarked, "These Lands of Ralosia are far more barren than you led me to believe."

         "That's just the desert. You'll see the land is just as lush and filled with life as I told you," Lunahreim explained, "Our goal should be to make our way north to Dialtown. It's the most populated area."

         "It may take some time for the army to be ready to travel north."

         "There is a community nearby. Would you like to see what the people of this world are like?" Lunahreim asked.

         Zantii nodded.

         The two left the army and made their way west, jogging through the sands at great speed, creating a plume of dust as they went. Although Lunhareim was leading the way, Zantii insisted on staying just ahead of him. Perhaps it was his way of indicating his supremacy.

         They came to an oasis town in the desert. This town's modest homes housed Phantine, Mecarne, Densius, and Ralosian people.

         Ralosians in the bazaar were bartering with each other on a trade. A few of the elephant-like Phantine people floated in the oasis at the center of town, using their trunks to spray themselves with water. The hot sun gleamed off the reflective flesh of the Mecarne people. The stone Densius were assisting in the construction of a new home, very unlike the beast-like Densius of the Lands of Ranuulo.

         They all lived harmoniously with one another. But Lunahreim knew the peace that this world knew would be brought to a swift end soon. He glanced at the sword that Zantii gripped ever so tightly.     

         "Ranuulo's sword must be stained with the blood of Ralosia's creations to gain the power of a God," Lunahreim said again to Zantii.

         Zantii glanced at Lunahreim and back to the oasis, then smirked. Without further provocation, he brandished his sword and charged into the town on his own.

         Lunahreim had difficulty watching what proceeded. With reckless abandon, Zantii cut down the people of the town. Some ran, others that fancied themselves warriors stood and fought. But they too were slain. The sword ran through flesh and stone as his slaughter continued.

         Lunahreim had no love for the people of the Lands of Ralosia, but he didn't wish anything ill on them either. But... this had to be done. Sure some would suffer, but it would be worth in the end.

         Zantii walked through the now lifeless town, blood dripping from his blade. The sword had a faint red light surging through it now.  

         "What is this light?" Zantii asked, not at all bothered by the lives he had taken.

         "It's a sign of power growing within the sword. But this is only the beginning," Lunahreim explained.

         Zantii wiped his sword clean and remarked, "If everyone of this land is this weak, this will be simple."

         Lunahreim and Zantii made their way back through the desert when a peculiar mist surrounded them, one which completely obscured their vision. Lunahreim peered through the mist and saw a large figure that of a giant ram standing at least 10 meters tall, making its way towards them. It was the Earth Deity, Ramesses.

         "Lunahreim!" Ramesses shouted, the deity's voice booming through the landscape, "We've left you be for too long! Today will be your end!"

         "What is this thing?" Zantii muttered, unafraid.

         "An old friend," Lunahreim said, "Let's kill him."

         Ramesses's eyes glowed, and the earth around them began to shift. Rocks burst from the desert and rocketed towards the two, and they jumped through the air to avoid them.

         Several more boulders rocketed towards Zantii, but he cut through them with his sword. Zantii bounded at Ramesses blade first and plunged it into his chest.

         Ramesses let out a wail, and his eyes went blank. His legs gave away, and the Earth Deity fell to the sands with a thud. Even he was no match for Ranuulo's sword.

          Lunahreim walked to the dead body of the Earth Deity, and couldn't help but feel lukewarm about it.  He and Ramesses had faced off countless times over the centuries. Even he didn't deserve such an unceremonious end. But... his death would be for the benefit of everyone.

         "What was that?" Zantii asked, the sword he held now had a vibrant red light surrounding it.

         "This is one of three deities of this world. One for the Earth, Water, and Sky. I believe if you kill all three, it may be enough to unlock that sword's true power," Lunahreim explained.

         "That was supposed to be a deity? It wasn't very impressive. I guess that should be expected when facing me," Zantii said with grandeur, "Where can we find the others?"

         "I'm sure they will come forth if we continue onward."

         The two journeyed back to the Link Temple and saw the army had fully taken its place in the sands. At Zantii's command, he directed them to march north, and to be prepared to attack whoever they may face.