The flames of the candles danced cheerfully, illuminating the darkness of the night. Perhaps if not for the fear of suspicion and assumptions, we would have sat in complete darkness. After all, Valeria and I see just as well at night as during the day. One of the perks of being a hydra and a vampiress.
"What happened? Why did you disappear?" she asked once she had calmed down. She now sat on a chair covered in cured leather, her beautiful eyes drilling into my soul. "I really thought it was because of me…"
The red-eyed head scanned the surroundings, sniffing out strangers. The earth-eyed one listened to every word, as if driven by instinct. As for me, I carefully considered every word I was about to say. After all, so much had happened…
"In a way… yes, you did have something to do with it," I began, and a glimmer appeared in her eyes as the corners of her lips dropped slightly. "After my stupid order and your incredible rescue, I got angry… angry at myself. You beat a troll in arm wrestling, you always have a plan, and in the end, you always manage. I'm not like that," I continued, while she said nothing, only crossing her legs in clear irritation. "I hit a low point, went to explore the ruins, to think things through… What happened afterward is probably something you won't believe!" My voice filled with passion — just remembering those days of humiliation and constant brushes with death made my blood boil.
My silver-haired friend stood up. At first she said nothing, then with a slightly sour expression, she approached me. One step, then anothe r— and then bam! She kicked me in the hip with all her strength and clenched her fists, completely irritated. She hissed and shouted:
"You idiot! We've risked our lives for each other more than once! We just won a battle we should have never won, and you still think I don't take your words seriously!? Who do you think I am!? Aren't we best friends!?"
Silence fell. Heavy breathing and the grinding of teeth could be heard. That hurt!!! The second head growled irritably, and I felt as if I had been struck by a blacksmith's hammer.
"Ow! Ah, I missed that, you cruel vampiress. I forgot how ridiculously strong you are! And explosive… and, well… very vampiric!" I laughed, which only made her even more irritated.
She stepped closer in a sudden motion. One glance toward the second head was enough for it to pretend it saw nothing. The third had already decided not to resist. It clearly understood who wore the pants in this relationship. That's level 61 for you!
"You've gotten even stronger since our last clash! I can't believe you're growing this fast. How is that even possible?" I asked, and she faltered slightly. For a split second, she seemed to think she had gone too far. "You've lived so long. Maybe only after a great war and challenging the entire forest could your power surge like this! Haha!"
She simply bit straight into my neck, her fangs extending slightly whenever she wanted to drink blood. I felt an unpleasant sting, as if someone were crushing through my tough defense, and then I saw her lick her lips.
"Now we're even. And let that be the last time! Next time it won't end with just one kick! Not a chance!" she teased.
Then came a long story about the events in Vort'Ayem, and later Black City. I told her about the mysterious, powerful presence in the underground city, about the terrifying beings there, and about the woman who seemed like some kind of hybrid between a dragon and an elf. I had nearly lost my life there. Her eyes seemed to glaze over when hearing about my suffering, but quickly hardened whenever I looked at her. That was Valeria. For a brief moment, her eyes shimmered… but the instant our gazes met, she was a queen again. The mask returned.
"In the end, the old man let us go. You couldn't imagine a dragon that large and terrifying! He had four horns and—"
"Two curved forward, two backward. A massive gray dragon… Tessarion. My father told me about him… long ago," she replied calmly.
"So you know him! What do you know about the rulers of the underground?"
"I only know that they are a force as old as the world. They have attacked kingdoms and nations across all continents. Though they mostly fight among themselves…" she thought for a moment. "But if they unite, a great war is only a matter of time. After the Holy Empire and the Demon Lords, they are the third great power in this world. At least… that's what my father said." A shadow of sadness crossed her face, and she lowered her gaze.
"He knew what he was talking about. Your father must have been a great man. I never believed you killed him. I know who you are. You're not someone like that…"
The aura around her heart trembled. She grabbed her knees. A tear ran down her cheek.
"Thank you."
One word was enough. Everything was clear. This was not a simple story — something dark, strange, and mysterious lay behind it. Like a shadow wrapping around her from head to toe, something she did not want to speak about now.
We talked for a long time after that. A smile eventually appeared on her face, though whenever the memories of all those sacrifices returned, so did the seriousness… and a quiet reflection.
The wind outside was growing stronger. The hides of the tent flapped loudly, and outside we could hear commotion — dozens of goblins running. Something had happened. Soon, I sensed familiar auras of powerful lizardmen. Jo'Xa'Jaru was approaching.
"Your Majesty. The lizardmen request an audience," the deep voice of the great wolf came from outside.
Valeria quickly composed herself. She stood up, clasped her hands behind her back, and waited in her black dress and elegant thigh-high boots. I also assumed a proper posture and was about to leave the tent when I heard:
"Artax, stay… You too, Argos. The great warriors of your tribe have told us about you and what you have done…" Jo spoke.
Argos? Did he mean that giant wolf?
"You haven't had the chance to meet. Artax, this is Argos, known as the Howling Storm — the last of the wargs in the Great Southern Forest and a renowned chieftain. He came out of hiding with the Black Wolf tribe when I freed the captives," she said, looking directly at him. "Later, he united them all to fight for our cause. We owe him thousands of goblin lives." She hesitated for a moment, as if deciding whether to continue, then spoke: "He also comes from the Misty Isles… and we know each other. He was one of my father's wargs and served in the vampire army until the death of King Varyn."
What…? What is this story? What is someone like him doing in a place forgotten by the world, getting involved in the petty wars of lesser races in the weakest of the three Great Forests? If it's true that he's loyal to the late king, his help will be invaluable…
"I served your father, my queen, as did my father, and his father, and my great-grandfather Argos, after whom I was named. He was the last grand warg to walk upon Montara… May the God of Darkness grant him rest…"
I listened like a complete fool, but I didn't want to ask questions and make myself look ignorant in such a serious moment.
"Legends say that powerful wolves may evolve along the spiritual path, becoming wargs, then great wargs, mystic wargs, and grand wargs — or along the physical path, becoming werewolves… shapeshifters capable of taking human form during the day. Only mystic and grand wargs gain that ability… Truly, I have lived to see remarkable times, that a descendant of Argos Shining Fang speaks in my presence!"
So many powerful auras and figures gathered around me that I felt overwhelmed… and incredibly weak. I'll have to catch up to all of them. With my third — new — head, I could feel that I would soon surge forward. After victory comes the time for feasting, hunting, and scheming to grow stronger. I'll learn summoning — especially after what I saw in the arena, which gave me certain ideas… — and I'll master earth magic as well. Finally, I'll have time for all of it. Phew…
"We do not have time, my queen…"
Of course… I had to jinx it.
"My spies report gathering human forces on the eastern coast… Their purpose is unclear, but we must remain vigilant," Argos continued, his voice devoid of optimism. "And the death of the Broken Skulls' chieftain will quickly spread among the orcs in the north. That is inevitable. Who knows how they will react? Will they accept the shame of losing to what they consider an inferior race? I doubt it…"
An uneasy silence fell. Jo'Xa'Jaru stroked his chin, deep in thought, while Valeria's lips twisted into an angry grimace. Outside, dozens of greenskins were dying in field hospitals, hundreds more were severely wounded — not to mention the prisoners who had yet to swear loyalty. The situation was bad. Very bad.
"I assume you would like to return to the Endless Swamps, reunite with your families, and rest after such a long time apart," Valeria said. "Words cannot express how grateful I am for your help. You defeated the enemy commanders, fought like demons of war, and protected the body of the great Isma from desecration… Thank you."
Argos nodded, and I couldn't help but feel uneasy at the thought of them leaving. I had spent quite some time with those lizards — they had saved my life more than once. Some people search their whole lives for friendships like that and never find them. I guess I was fortunate.
"Yes, Your Majesty. We would like to return…" he said. "However, if the city-states gain a foothold, they will not stop. Year after year, they will push deeper into the forest until they come close enough to the swamps that not only dark elves, but they too will prey upon my kin…" He smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming. "We have spoken among ourselves and decided to join your cause. We have chosen to believe in Zod… in his return." He winked at me, leaving me stunned.
"Yes! Long live Zod! We will not walk into our graves alive!" shouted San'Xa'Hu, still covered in the blood of the wounded he had been tending. "Long live the chosen of the Behemoths and the rightful Queen of the Misty Isles! Hurrah!"
All lizardmen joined in. Every single one had survived the battle. Even Banyak stood there in the back, leaning on someone, silent.
"I am grateful to you, Jo of clan Xa, son of Jaru… Your fame precedes you. If a thousand-man commander of the Flying Company joins our cause, the value you bring will be immeasurable… This is a great step toward overthrowing the usurper of the Misty Isles!"
I felt Valeria's aura fluctuate. The emotions she must have been experiencing… and yet she held her composure as a capable queen — the chosen of the Behemoths and the Great Unifier of the green race.
"We should go further and proclaim the creation of a true kingdom. Valeria Nocturne's right to the crown is undeniable! It is the God of Darkness himself who anointed her, and from him this right comes!" I improvised, knowing I had to support her. A kingdom where everyone could live in peace and comfort (especially me!) was within reach. "Do not be afraid, my queen! Tell them what you told me! Let the world hear of the birth of the Kingdom of Valar! Let a kingdom of monsters rise and bring glory to the Gods of Darkness and the Sword!"
She probably wanted to kill me — but that's beside the point. We had just challenged the vampire kingdom, hadn't we? Still, no sane ruler would march a massive army through foreign lands only to risk destruction or disgrace. And first, they would have to recognize us — that alone would already be a victory. Valeria's pale face turned even paler, her dark aura flickering like a flame in the wind.
"Yes, my lady! Let all know of the kingdom blessed by Zod and the ancient behemoths. Let us act, grow, and the loyal will answer. Thousands of vampires await your return and the fall of the pitiful usurper."
It was a shame Argos didn't mention the Demon Lord behind that so-called pitiful usurper. If even that damn dragoness Daralis wasn't a Demon Lord, I shuddered to imagine what kind of being he must be.
"Kingdom of Valar, hmm? Sounds… noble. A good and worthy name," Jo'Xa'Jaru commented.
So that's it! I finally understood their names. After all this time, I only now realized why they sounded like that. The first part is their personal name, the second their tribe, and the third their father's name… Just as names of proud beings should sound. Respect for ancestors and land. It truly does sound warrior-like.
"Gather all who can still stand. At dawn, we will proclaim the birth of the Kingdom of Valar. Let this sacred name echo across Montara! Artax the Great Devourer — the messenger of Zod — has delivered his will and sanctioned this proclamation!"
Sacred name? I think the vampiress got a bit carried away. I just took "Val" from Valeria and "Ar" from Artax. I came up with it on the spot! Why are you all grinning like that!?
"Your Majesty, the repercussions may be immense. We do not know how neighboring races and kingdoms will react. There may be retaliation — or even large-scale punitive expeditions. We must be ready. There is no time to waste." Argos howled, sparks of lightning bursting from his body. I shuddered.
Fortunately, everyone was too focused on his sudden surge of aura to notice my reaction. That would have been quite embarrassing after such a grand… proclamation.
"Kingdom of Valar, hmm? The Great Proclamation…" Valeria turned to me, a clear desire to kick me visible in her eyes as others rushed out to prepare for the ceremony at dawn. "Did we just challenge all three Great Forests… and more!?"
Well… maybe I did get a little carried away.
Ow… yeah. It hurts!