Regicide: The Dimensional Wars, Book 3, page 1
Regicide
Book Three of The Dimensional Wars
Blake Severson
Copyright © 2023 Blake Severson
All rights reserved
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.
In honor of Debra "Moo" Severson
April 12th, 1968 - July 7th, 2022
You will always be missed.
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Epilogue
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Prologue
The Storyteller
Alicia looked at the old man in disbelief. His plain brown robes of sturdy fabric did nothing to reflect the wisdom he contained. His bald head was beaded with a few drops of perspiration in the heat.
“This city used to be called Alem’s Crossing? The name of the town from legend?” Alicia asked.
“It was,” the old man confirmed.
Shock was the only emotion she could present, so she sat there in silence.
“The Lost Prince renamed this city when he made it the capital of the Kingdom of Fire. They braved a large goblin raid that was orchestrated by some shady figures of the Dark Elves. It was after that battle that our heroes went on an epic journey where the entire party gained their classes.” The storyteller recited.
“Are you sure? I didn’t think you could do that since class quests are tailored to the person.” A young man chimed in.
“Normally not. As fate would have it, their party had quests all in the same general area.” The storyteller said.
“Now try not to interrupt,” the older man admonished. “For when they returned, a legend was reborn. The Soul Bond was reinstated and Arthur Firebrand joined with Lady Calfuray, the purple dragon.”
“Ew, joined with a dragon. That’s gross,” a younger boy stated.
The old man leaned forward and slapped the young man across the back of his head.
“None of that nonsense, young Jack. You know what I meant.”
“Sorry,” the boy said.
“Did he ride the dragon?” One person asked.
“Do they really breathe fire?” Another asked.
The storyteller raised his hands for quiet.
“Yes, to the first, although rarely. Also, yes to the second. Now let me continue,” the storyteller said, before motioning all the kids to sit and be quiet.
“He dedicated a lot of time to rebuilding the city and turning it into what it is today. We wouldn’t have many of the niceties we take for granted without King Arthur.”
“Wait, king? Thought he was still a prince,” a young girl asked.
“My apologies,” the storyteller conceded. “Answering questions out of turn caught me by surprise. After the bond was established, Arthur declared himself the rightful king and established the Kingdom of Fire, centered on Alem’s Crossing. He also renamed it Alurian.”
“From there, they marched on Seora. The fighting was bitter, but they emerged victorious. Arthur, Allendria, Rayne, and Samson faced off against Lord Preston and defeated him in combat as he was enhanced by the Goddess Isabell’s magic.”
“This caused a cascade of events and put them on the map, so to speak. The alliance between the evil King Wailyn and the King of the Dark Elves, Gliran, came to the forefront as a delegation of Dark Elves arrived and declared war on Arthur.”
“So, he was at war with two nations?” Alicia asked.
The storyteller nodded in agreement.
“How could he beat two enemies at once?” She asked.
“By taking them one at a time. Sadly, the story from here grows darker. Regicide reigned supreme as kings fell. When another enemy emerged, it was almost the end of our world.” The storyteller said in a lower voice.
“What enemy?” Young Jack asked.
“Why, the Ar’Tookan, of course,” the storyteller said.
Chapter 1
Diplomats
Arthur stood on the battlement of Seora in shocked silence. The guards around him shuffled nervously while he stared at the elf in the field in front of him. This development wasn’t unexpected, but he hoped he still had more time. The Dark Elves finally showed their hand and declared war on Arthur and the Kingdom of Fire.
Ambassador Finthra, the leader of the diplomatic party, stood in the field with a smug smile. Arthur couldn’t think of anything else to do, so he sent a message to Calfuray, his dragon bond partner, in his mind.
You have any idea where Allendria is?
Last I saw her, she wasn’t far from the main gate, working on repairs to one of the grain storage buildings. Balair was with her. Calfuray paused. Something wrong? You seem a little frazzled.
A delegation of Dark Elves arrived and declared war on us. I need her at the gates to help me sort through this. He told her in a hurry before changing his focus to Balair.
Allendria with you? Arthur sent to the little drake.
Damn, can’t even buy me dinner first? Not so much as a hi, how are ya? Rude as hell. Balair grumbled to him.
It’s important! I need her at the main gate as fast as she can get here. He mentally shouted back.
Geez, calm down. I’ll tell her. No need to shout. It was less than half a minute later when he sent back another message. She’s on her way.
Thank you. I’ll get you dinner later.
Arthur shifted focus back to the delegation. He needed to delay them for a few minutes until Allendria could arrive to refute their claim.
“Ambassador Finthra, I believe you’re mistaken in your assumptions. May I ask what proof you bring of your accusations?” Arthur asked across the field.
“You murdered our ranger squad that was tasked with returning the Princess. Then you murdered our last ambassador and his two companions when they tried the second time.” Finthra said with a sneer.
Arthur played along for now. “I believe those accusations are unfounded. I can attest that a party of rangers never came within sight of the village’s wall or it would’ve been reported to me. Are you sure they didn’t fall prey to threats in the forest?”
It’s technically true. Vana and I killed them before they came within sight of the village.
“I guess I’m supposed to believe that Ambassador Lyrinth and his two guards also fell prey to the forest as well?” Finthra asked.
“I fear I have grave news,” Arthur said with all the sincerity he could muster while not bursting into laughter. “A raiding party of orcs and goblins recently attacked our village. We repelled their attacks and chased them from our surrounding area, but I fear they may have gotten to your ambassador and his guards before they reached us.”
Ambassador Finthra’s purple skin flushed a deep red in what Arthur assumed was anger, while some of his companions wore looks of concern. His sleek black hair waved slightly in the wind and he clenched his fist in anger.
“King Glirin demands the return of Princess Allendria and that you surrender all lands under your ownership to him. He has agreed to spare the lives of any human in what will become his new realm as long as you surrender peacefully,” he spat.
Footsteps behind Arthur caught his attention, and he turned to see Allendria strolling up the stairs. The look of anger on her face told Arthur she’d heard at least part of the recent conversation. She stomped up the stairs until she reached Arthur and peered over the battlement. A look of contempt flashed over her face but softened as she took in those assembled.
“Ah, Finthra. How I so dearly hoped Glirin would’ve killed you by now. I thought he had more sense than that,” Allendria quipped with a smile.
“That’s King Glirin, Princess Allendria. It’s apparent your time in captivity has destroyed what little manners you once had.”
“Captivity?” she exclaimed with a laugh as she spun around and examined herself before turning to Arthur and loudly pronouncing, “I imagined there’d be more chains and dungeons if
“My apologies Princess. I fear I’ve been remiss in my study of kidnapping procedures,” Arthur responded before turning to Finthra. “Ambassador Finthra, could you help me sort out this mess? It seems I’ve been negligent in my duties for this to classify as kidnapping. Maybe you could show me the proper procedure?”
The Dark Elf’s face shifted to the oddest shade of reddish-purple Arthur ever saw before he spluttered, “You brigand. We will leave here with the Princess, and you have two weeks to make your decision on the terms of surrender.”
Arthur turned to Allendria and lowered his voice. “Any ideas?”
“The man is a pompous fool and has always been a lackey for Glirin. You’ll never change his mind. There’s one man in his delegation I trust, though, and I would like to talk to him, even if only briefly. He was part of my father’s group when Glirin started his coup.”
“How are we going to do that? We want to negotiate?” Arthur asked.
“We can meet them under a flag of truce. I mainly just need to talk to Onrain. If he can spread the word of my safety to those still loyal to my father, it would help keep our people off-balance.”
Arthur nodded at the suggestion before turning back to Ambassador Finthra. “Ambassador, Princess Allendria and I would like to accompany you to discuss this matter in person under terms of peace. I’ll have my captain of the guard to accompany us. Will that satisfy you?”
“Very well,” the Ambassador called back with a wave.
Arthur rushed down the wall and waved at a huffing Samson as he raced for the gate. Someone must’ve found him and warned him of the danger. Vana came up directly behind him.
“Perfect timing,” Arthur told them. “I’m going to go meet with the Ambassador, and I need you and Allendria with me. Vana, do me a favor and take the wall. I know you’re a good enough archer to pick them off from here if they try anything.”
“I’ve got ya,” the woman said before dashing up the stairs.
Samson stopped and threw his arms over his head as he took a few huge gasps of air. He lowered his arms and stood ready. Arthur nodded. The Paladin strode forward and pushed the door open. Arthur and Allendria followed behind.
Samson strode forward with confident steps, and the elves in the field stood still as they approached. When they were less than twenty feet from the group, they slowed. Arthur began to cast a spell before quickly stopping.
“Ambassador, I’m about to cast a spell to make us some seating. I assure you it isn’t an offensive or dangerous spell. I don’t want there to be a misunderstanding.” Arthur told him carefully.
The elf merely nodded and waved a hand. Arthur used his Earth and Fire Magic to lift chairs of stone from the ground. He placed two of them to the side for him and Finthra, while the others were in pairs to the side. He hoped Allendria would take the chance to grab Onrain and sit with him. Arthur motioned toward the two chairs for him and Finthra, and they took their seats. A glance to the side showed Allendria and Onrain sitting together.
“Ambassador. We both know your purpose here has nothing to do with the Princess and everything to do with the agenda from Isabell you follow.” Arthur said, with no more posturing.
“Oh, I’m aware, but I must play to the story. There’s nothing you can do to stop us. Wailyn has his supporters and fighters, and we have ours. We are the stronger force. You can’t possibly stop us,” Finthra said with a sneer.
“You sure think highly of your abilities after your many failures. How’s that army of orcs and goblins working out? I sure hope you have far better than them if you hope to succeed against me. Surely you know who I am by now?”
“You think your heritage scares me? Firebrands are nothing more than a relic of a past age. Your power means nothing.”
“Apparently, you haven’t heard. It’s no surprise. You’ve been on the road for a while to reach here. The Dragon bond is renewed. You’ll face a dragon as well.”
“It’s only one dragon. We’ve fought them in the past and can do so again. You also forget. The dragons are splintered. You aren’t the only one with access to their power,” Finthra said coolly.
The insinuation bothered Arthur. If he took the man at his word, the Dark Elves might have a dragon of their own. “Regardless of the options you have, you won’t win. You also won’t be leaving with Princess Allendria. She will remain here at her own request. I’ve offered her sanctuary in the Kingdom of Fire. You would’ve been much better off just trying a surprise attack with your army instead of this tactic. You won’t scare me off, and your words won’t sway my people.”
“We wanted to be fair and declare war officially. You don’t stand a chance with your meager forces, no matter how you look at things. If nothing else, it was refreshing to talk to a human for the first time in generations. We’ll see you on the field of battle,” the ambassador said with a final bow of his head, and he rose to his feet.
Everyone in the clearing immediately stood, and Arthur dismissed the chairs with his magic. The two groups separated, and the Dark Elves turned to leave the city.
“Tell my Uncle I’ll be happy to rid him of his head before this is over,” Allendria called to Finthra with an uncharacteristic smile.
The Ambassador faltered in his steps for a moment before just shaking his head and continuing his walk. Arthur, Samson, and Allendria turned and headed for the gate.
“You get to talk to Onrain?” Arthur asked Allendria.
“Yeah. I told him about the events that had transpired. He was furious when I let him know that Glirin and his cronies allied with the orcs and goblins to raid the human kingdom. Many of my father’s supporters have been silent about their beliefs since his fall, but they don’t like how things are going.”
“Do you think we could rely on any of them when the time comes?”
“Probably. If I return to remove Glirin, I believe I could rally some to our cause. I don’t know how many survived his takeover, though. I mainly wanted to let Onrain know what had happened here so he could spread the word about my safety at home. We didn’t have time for him to tell me much about what happened in Calzas.” Allendria said.
Arthur looked ahead to Samson. “Samson. We need a plan. Now we have a war on two fronts.”
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s nothing we can do about that right now. If those Dark Elves were smart, they’d have an army right behind them, ready to attack. Based on what I saw at our meeting, I doubt they do. That means we have some time. We still have an extremely long list of things to get done in this city before we worry about much else. The people here aren’t faring well. Our improvements help, but it’ll take time for them to get back on their feet.”
“Guess you’re right. Just tired of always having to react,” Arthur moped.
“On the bright side, if they attack now, Calfuray can probably roast most of them,” Samson said with some brevity in his voice.
Arthur chuckled. “Isn’t that the truth? If they approached from the forest, I’d have no qualms about her lighting them on fire. Getting them before they reach the city would be key. I really need to know the mood of the city. We’ve seen little since we took over and have worked hard to change their minds about us, but we don’t know if it’s working. I need to find Rayne and talk to him.”
“What do you need him for?” Samson asked.
“I plan on having him become my new spymaster. I need him to infiltrate the darker parts of the city and get a feel for the true pulse of the citizens. We need to find out exactly what resources this city has and the attitudes of the populace. With this war looming over us on two fronts, we may need to relocate some of these people to Alurian.”
“Is that a good idea? That puts them closer to the front line of the battle with the Dark Elves.”
“I plan on taking the ones willing to fight and healthy enough to help. I don’t want to throw them into the fighting immediately and back at Alurian would be the best place to train them. We also won’t be able to keep up with food demand here for an extended amount of time. There are just too many mouths to feed.” Arthur told him.
“That just causes a food issue for Alurian instead,” Samson sighed, “It seems neither option is very appealing.”
