THE LOST RACE

PROLOGUE

The Night Elves and the Light Elves

In his desire to be the most powerful Elven King, Koki-Tonosama (Feudal Lord Koki) plotted to erase from existence the only Elven king who stands in his way to being the most powerful, Tadaki-Heika (King Tadaki) of the Light Elves. Koki-Tonosama with a thousand of his most powerful warriors made a surprise attack on the unprepared Light Elves, one night. They’ve slain the guards along the outskirts of Karana and stealthily snuck into the main city.

The Feudal Lord of the Night Elves penetrated the city, easily, unchallenged, killing at will and burning everything along their path. They slaughtered every elf they saw: men, women, children alike. The main square was burning and loud screams remained muffled in the air as the hexeriens (individuals who possess magic) hexed the air around the city. A mother and her son were hiding along the dark corners of the main city, dodging the flying arrows and daggers of the Night Elven warriors.

Panting, the mother hugged her son, saying, “Go and run to Eiougoten (“prosperity palace”). Alarm the king and the imperial soldiers. You must make it, for our race’s sake.” The child, slender but rather feeble-looking sobbed as he buried his face on her mother’s bossom, “But what about you? I won’t leave you here.”

The mother gave him a tight hug and kissed him on the forehead. “You are our only hope. I will be alright. You must make it! Go, keep running and don’t look back. And remember, my love is always with you.” she said shaking, trying to hold back her tears.

The young elf silently ran along through the darkness until he reached the castle gates. One of the guards saw him and then lets him in and asks what’s going on. The boy points at the direction of the main city and drawing only one breath, said, “Night Elves…killing.” and then he fainted. The guard alarms their king and the rest of their soldiers.

Tadaki-Heika (King Tadaki) called an emergency meeting with his high ranking soldiers to discuss what they should do. It was quick but they have agreed upon a strategy. “Dispatch soldiers to the main square and protect the castle.”

The soldiers were running towards their position along the walls of the castle when they were hit by severed Light elf heads, catapulted just from the outside of the castle walls. The soldiers assigned to be dispatched to the main square were just able to open the castle’s main gaits by a little when they were already ambushed by poisoned arrows sent flying from just right outside. In an instant, several dozens of elven soldiers lost their lives, defenseless. Those who were able to dodge the arrows made haste to close Eiougoten’s (“prosperity palace”) gaits.

Tadaki-Heika (King Tadaki), usually calm and gentle screamed, infuriated by sight of his beloved citizens’ heads on his feet. When they finally got to their positions, Koki-Tonosama’s have already taken position just outside the castle’s walls. Eiougoten was surrounded on all sides. The Light Elven Archers aimed their arrows at the enemies, awaiting orders to fire.

“How do you like my present to you, Tadaki?” taunted Koki-Tonosama, “Congratulations for the birth of the heir to your throne. Now, I have to finish you…all of you.”

Shaking with fury, Tadaki-Heika raised his right hand with his fist clenched very tightly, signaling his men to stay alert for orders. “Fire!” he finally ordered, his voice, reverberating so loudly.