Abasdarhon's Castle

Let's go.

A flotilla of several dozen warships was moving in a northwesterly direction. The leading vessel was distinguished by its particular elegance and was the largest. Among the clouds, illuminated by moonlight, the wings of a griffin appeared. The rider directed the bird towards the main ship. After a successful landing on the deck, the rider dismounted and handed over control of his pet to one of the people on deck. Meanwhile, he started a conversation with a young woman in a military uniform. After a short dialogue, they headed to the rear of the ship.

A medium-height man, with a well-developed physique, a stern aristocratic face, dark hair to his shoulders, and wearing simple clothes, gazed into the endless sea. - Another day? - he asked his companion. - About that, - the other replied. The companion was taller and slimmer. His light, medium-length hair was neatly combed back. He was dressed in traditional Hain clothing made of expensive silk. - And then another week waiting for reinforcements. You could get drunk, - said the dark-haired man, after which he moved away from the window, sat on a small sofa, and quickly drained a glass standing on the table. - Usually you drink more moderately, - the man sitting opposite him poured him another one, and he himself leaned back on the sofa and took a deep breath. - Yes, I'll have to find something to do. Maybe I'll finally finish the book I haven't been able to finish. - That's an option. This is the last thing I read, - the lover of drinks and books was interrupted by a knock on the door. - Come in, - the fair-haired man responded. A woman in a captain's uniform entered the room and immediately reported. - Lord Never, Pain Eaters scout has arrived. He has an important message for you and Count Orleans. The Lord and the Count exchanged glances. Never made some kind of Hain gesture, reacting to it, the woman let the scout in. - Commander Orleans, Lord Never, may I report. - Report, - Orleans waved his hand and quickly drained another glass, while Never just nodded. - The city of Axoth has been captured by the troops of Lafir and Tsutar, - the scout began and gave a detailed account of the number of warships and ground forces of the enemy. Never and Orleans listened to the speaker in silence.

- I also have messages for you, - he handed two small scrolls sealed with a seal in the form of three skulls to both men. After finishing reading, Never turned to Orleans. - I think you have the same thing as me? - Most likely, - the other replied and showed the scroll. - Yes, the same. Lady Oshio, go to the bridge. I will join you soon and inform you of further actions. The woman bowed and left the room. When Never looked at Orleans, he smiled slightly, and a fire of anticipation for the upcoming battle flashed in his eyes. - It seems you won't be able to get drunk. - Well, maybe I'll die in the heat of battle. - I think this time you have a good chance to fulfill your dreams.

From the east :cool:

Approaching Axoth, Hanzo came across what had been a battlefield yesterday. Corpses of Lafir and Tsutar soldiers lay everywhere. The soldiers of Tsutar wore strange collars around their necks. Among the dead, one could occasionally see warriors of the White Lily Legion and the Pain Eaters. He also managed to see the corpses of a couple of griffins and several dozen demonic horses, covered with plates resembling turtle shells, and spikes. The cavalry of the White Lily rode on such horses. Almost reaching the city gates, Hanzo saw the flag of the Republic, Axoth, and the flag of the Pain Eaters, the X Legion, on one of the towers. There were three guards at the gate, in armor of this legion. One of them, a man, was reading a book, sitting on the ground and leaning his back against the wall. Another, a dwarf, was throwing a small axe at a target, roughly made from pieces of wood. And the third, a huge orc, was swinging a huge two-handed sword. Not far from them, next to a large box, stood a young girl.

From the north!!!

Sid was almost at Axoth, but a cart appeared on his way. A girl was sitting on it.


A full, no longer young man was standing next to it.


The wheel of the vehicle got stuck in a pit. The old coachman, together with an armed guard, tried to push the cart so that the wheel would come out of the pit, but they apparently didn't have enough strength. - Old man, your old nag is useless, if it can't pull the cart out of this wretched ditch, - the full man said to the coachman. - Sir, the cart is quite heavy... - May the gods damn me! We were almost there!