America Stranded in a Fantasy World

Chapter 13 "A Higher Calling"

CHAPTER 13

"A Higher Calling"

June 26th, 2040: Alfonso City Capital, The Autoriario Empire

Every night it was the same. The same damn nightmare over and over again. Running to the balcony, Emperor Alfonso watched in horror as his beloved capital burned, the screams of the damned, trapped in the burning buildings, tearing at his heart. As always, a low rumble from above made him stare up through the smoke-filled sky. Dozens of black dots flew high above, higher than any wyvern or dragon could go. Then came the noise he dreaded the most, the whistle of death. As every time before, he ran from the balcony and deep into his palace, explosions all around causing him to trip and fall. He looked up as a huge chunk of stone from the roof arch broke away. A moment before being crushed, he woke abruptly, dripping in sweat and breathing like he had just run a marathon.

"Is something the matter?" Empress Soria asked, still half asleep.

"The visions. They have gotten worse." He took a moment to calm himself and looked out of the window to see it was still night. No longer feeling safe to sleep, Alfonso left his chambers still dressed in his night attire, but there were more pressing matters than people seeing him in a purple night robe. He walked down the glorious smooth stone and precious metal-lined hallway towards his study. At its entrance, he glared at the two guards stationed on opposite sides of the door.

"Guards! Bring me Archmage Itla immediately!" He ordered, and they responded at once. Stepping inside his study, Alfonso sat down at his desk and was soon immersed in the books strewn across it; all of them concerning history and some even predating The Empire itself. 'Antiqua Historia de gentibus veteris' was undeniably the oldest book, Alfonso having to use two flat metal batons to flip the aged pages so as to not damage them with his hands. However, it had answered the most questions by far compared to the other books. With great care, Alfonso turned to a page showing a diagram of something called a 'Repetitio ferrum arcum'. It depicted an odd-looking weapon. A long metal pipe with a rectangular piece of wood at the rear. Near the back, there was also a rope with one end attached to the weapon itself and the other hanging free, smoldering and giving off sparks. At the top of the diagram was a small note written in dark, faded red lettering.

"Telum deum deum quod bellum in astralis planum. Capax penetrabile durior metallis implevit etiam fortissimi cum timore. Telum superat se."

"A weapon capable of overpowering one another, fascinating." Alfonso murmured.

It didn't take long for Alfonso to get lost in the book's pages only to be startled by a decrepit old man wearing a celestial pattern cloak, with a matching wizard hat to boot, stepping into his study.

"Your excellency, you called?" The old man bowed. His long staff, adorned with a purple gem glowing in supremacy.

"Yes Itla. The visions. They've gotten worse, I can now hear the screams of my people inside the city as it burns--not long after the death whistle fills the air. Every time I try to run deep into the palace for safety, only to be crushed or killed by an explosion caused by some unseen force." Alfonso crossed his arms and held himself, clearly distressed by the experience.

"Hmm. These visions have been occurring for fourteen days now. It seems to me that our God is warning you of a disaster that is soon to come. I suggest that you head to the cathedral and seek to speak with our Lord. Though he speaks little, it may help guide you, your excellency."

"Yes, you might be correct. Let's not waste time then!" With great care, Alfonso closed the book but as he darted from his chair and towards the door, Itla stopped him.