Divided Nation

Before The War

"The Central Uprising was a series of battles fought between the Crown and several Seperatists movements, based on the central plains. First started as a conflict between taxing policies, this war lasted for three years, between 49AFI and 51AFI. It ended with the fall of The Heart Of The Land, the last kingdom that stood against the Regime. The ripple effects of this war left the Central Plains weaker than ever, losing land, soldiers and keeps. This war was the first sign of action since the First Invasion, further reinforcing King Louis's grip on the land and highlighting the iron fist of the Regime." -Galian History Book

-------10 years ago----------

The room was packed to the brim with people buzzling around. It was the grand hall at Crown's End, one of the biggest meeting rooms in all of Gala. And it was as full as ever, with a tense atmosphere in the air. Regime guards lined the walls of the room, cladded in iron armor with spears and sword swords tucked in their belts. There were servants and politicians alike, wandering the room and offering drinks or advice to people. 

     Various banners were hung from all places around the room. Off balconies overlooking the large room were Regime banners, strung taller and bigger than every else's. At the end of the room, sitting in a makeshift throne, was King Louis with one hand on the mighty Sword of Power and the other resting on the armstand of the chair. Around him stood the various commanders of the Garrisons, the only ones still in armour in the room, other than the guards situated along the walls. Large crimson and white capes draped of their shoulders as they surveyed the mess of people before them with frowned faces. I recognized the huge bulky figure of Bradil, as well as Crampton, Ikhad and Morden.

     It was true that the commanders of the Garrisons each had their own garrison to look after, but they were also the generals of the Regime. They were sort of elite bodyguards as well, entitled to look after and defend the king, with their life if necessary.

     "All right, all right," Louis said, putting his hands up as he stood up, "Let's be quiet now."

     The people payed him no attention, continuing to buzz on with chatter. 

     "Silence" Louis boomed and the room went quiet as they turned their faces towards him.

     I recognized the Sea States banner in the crowd, with their own honor guard situated around the past Crown with their spears tilted upwards. There were also Beige Kingdom banners, along with Purple, Yellow and White. They were all surrounded by their own respective guards, though none looked as prestine or as powerful as the commanders surrounding Louis.

     "Get on with it," Louis commanded he gestured for the servants and guards to leave the room. The twin double doors of the room slammed shut behind the last one, leaving only the representatives from the kingdoms left in the room with their guards, "Let's get some drinks first, shall we?"

     Louis strode down from his dais, walking towards the refreshments table on the side and poured himself, along with 5 other cups. The commanders of the Garrisons kept their eyes on him, but didn't follow Louis to the table. 

     "Come on up and get them," Louis gestured, "I'm not going to bring it over to you like a servent."

      "I will accept no wine from an usurper!" A voice rang out across the hall.

      "Careful what you say in here, Vorgan," Louis seethed, "Now come on up and take my wine."

     Vorgan, who I assumed was king of the Beige Kingdom, strode up and grabbed the wine cup from Louis's hands. 

      "A waste of good wine," I heard him whispher to Louis.

     He threw the cup of wine on the marble floor behind him, shattering it to a million pieces. The room filled with screeches as the commanders drew their swords from their scabbards. The started to advance towards Vorgan, but Louis held them back.