The Aftermath

Chapter 4

     The canopy of pine branches covered the sky overhead like a bristled roof. Sunlight seeped into my skin, filtered by the trees overhead. We trekked deeper into the dense forest, following a trail that the soldiers had paved earlier. A marten skittered across the path, nearly trodden underfoot by the men. Coral-colored moss clung to every trunk, giving the illusion of a carpeted forest.

     I walked alongside the lieutenant, who explained everything along the way. "That banshee's name is Magnesia, which I'm sure you already know." I gave a slight nod of understanding. Of course I knew her name! After all, I created her, as well as the terrain and surrounding life-forms. In fact, I remember my detailed narration of the lieutenant as well. Leonel...

     "Swift as the streams that crest Lamenth's land, graceful as a steady breeze, brave as the David who slayed Goliath, and of course, devilishly handsome."

     In fact, I'd practically fallen in love with his character. Sadly, in my current state I wasn't a pleasant sight, what with all the blood flowing down my throat. Leonel regarded me with a concerned look. "You'll need medical attention as soon as we arrive in Sombre." I instinctively brought my hand to my throat, and winced once it came in contact with the gash. It would definitely require stitches.

     "You know," he began once again, "You handled the situation with Magnesia rather well. Most full-grown men would've pissed themselves and cried like a newborn. But you remained calm, even when you were sure that you'd meet death's end. I'm impressed, truly." Leonel remarked, fixing me with a side-long glance.

     I regarded his compliment with a simple nod. My mind was elsewhere, mangled by the previous events. Nearly losing my life, then watching in horror as Magnesia seeped into the soil beneath our feet, leaving behind only a flower. The other soldiers didn't understand the weight of a simple plant, so Lionel and I seemed to be the only ones who recognized the dangerous circumstances. 

     Magnesia descended from a cult of powerful sorcerers and enchantresses - they were wisely feared anyone who knew what they were capable of. They were known as the Endorsi family. These powerful entities made up the majority of Athica's government. But they were not evil, or even bad, necessarily.

     They ruled fairly, making political and ethical decisions based on logic rather than personal gain or opinion. Those leaders may not have been loved, but they were feared and respected by their subordinates. Under their iron fist, the nation prospered - Athica was cold and unruly place, but we lived in unity and civilized peace.

     But after years of condolence, Athica's people became aggravated by the Endorsi family's power. Previously loyal citizens became paranoid that these entities would abuse their power, and that Athica would eventually become cruel monarchy. Unfortunately, those allegations soon became true.

     After the death of his older brother, Evance Endorsi III took the throne. He was cruel and unpredictable - his moods would quickly snap from gracious and humble king to sadistic and violent dictator. He plunged the once free nation of Athica into a communist society. And, to say the least, it didn't end well for him.

     During the Nation's annual Lunar Solstice celebration, citizens led a rebellion and stormed the gates of Evance's royal manor. The entire Endorsi family was celebrating with a feast that night, and had it rudely interrupted by the decapitation of Evance Endorsi III. After a moment of involuntary shock (and some relief) havoc was wreaked. Hundreds of rebels were killed that night, but so were all the members of the Endorsi family. 

     Only one Endorsi, a child, escaped the scene. She fled the city and took refuge in its surrounding forest, inhabiting that area for hundreds of years to come. Over time, the beautiful forest became known as "Piper's Domain". It's a forbidden area in Sombre's exotic woods, as most who travel through the area are always rediscovered as mangled corpses. 

     Since that day, Magnesia has been seeking revenge for her fallen family, and made destroying every citizen of Athica her number one method. 

     In thirty days, Magnesia would manifest in full power with intent of wiping out the entire nation, and my portal to the earthly dimension would reopen, allowing me to return home. Since it was currently August 1st, that meant "doomsday" would fall on the last day of the month: August 31st.