Project K

Chapter 5 (Beta)

Protruding far above the highest clouds, where the air was thin and cold, gales of icy winds stormed and blizzards raged, the peak of the great volcano sat gazing at the civilization that survived on its terraces, the volcano had been inactive for a millennia, snow capped the towering mountaimn stood distinct even among its peers in the surroundings mountain range that fell short in enormity. The volcano except for the unnatural terraces was extremely steep.
An impregnable fortress as proved over the countless years in which the habitants on the mountain range had repelled countless invasions aimed at the empire that prospered behind it, the mountain range was at the border of the empire, proving to be the first line of defense, as any invader was forced to cross over it if they wanted to reach the riches that it guarded.
The people on the range were born and bred in the ways of the snowy mountains, well equipped both with stratagems and tactics along with the ordnance and equipment to face of any possible enemy force.
Not known to many, the volcano held riches of its own, relics and treasures that the people had sworn themselves to guard, hoarded over the countless eons that brought all kinds of invaders to the doorsteps of the mountains, from Gods to dragons to the damned demons all had tried to conquer the great land Neraya, the volcanic range, the land of the frosted fires but failed leaving behind the weapons they sought to conquer with, not only these relics but the volcano held something that only the imperial family possessed in the entire empire, A jewel of creation. The likes of which only the elder gods, the emperor, the demon lords and high angels were supposed to have had, talked about in legends and myths, the kings of the mountain had kept it hidden among all the treasures that they had this was the most prized, it's existence kept secret from even the highest ministers, only a select few kept aware.
Hidden in the ancient fort city of Al Zarar that sat right on and around the peak symbolizing the strength and resolute nature of the Kingdom of Neraya, the fort was made from the ice marble, a stone stronger than diamonds that looked like carved ice, mined from the depths of the volcano the stone that had shown crimson red reflecting the dormant lava, now reflected the snow and sky, further strengthened by magic and barriers and even from their legendary jewel, tall thick walls surrounded the boundary with high window that held platforms for ranged defenders perhaps.
A castle palace stood in the center arches supported the main megalithic structure from the inside as buttresses did from the exterior of the structure that sat inside the walls separated by courtyards, the castle had several turrets and one single tower that stood atop the peak of the volcano reaching the heavens. Al Zarar had stood strong and mighty through centuries only to be further strengthened by each passing day.

She was leaning from atop the castle gate, the gate was built under an arch in the castle wall, such that all who entered had to cross from underneath, she was Looking at the knights as they entered, the knights all with different armors atop their horses, all carrying the emblem of the kingdom alongside their own marks, She leaned on the edge and with her were two other women, all gazing at the spectacle below, the first prince had returned from battle and was marching towards the castle victorious, he was celebrated throughout the kingdom, a strong warrior and incredibly good looking as well, kind and gentle towards his people, he was a fairly muscular man, with elegant features, clad in armor as well, and his stead was well accustomed to its rider, so that it too walked with elegance.

As the knights approached closer to the gates, she grinned... it was the afternoon but the mountains were always cold, the clouded sky filtered the rays of the sun casting a brilliant golden rustic light.

"Watch this" she said giggling, her smile the very personification of mischief as the other two women raised an eyebrow, she made her way towards her bag, she had brought it along just for this, taking out what seemed to be a water balloon, she made her way quickly towards the parapet again.