TO OUR LAND
The sun filtered through the cramped kitchen of the Theocracy of Lurtra, casting a golden warmth over its worn wooden walls. The air carried the faint aroma of tea and fresh bread, but the atmosphere was far from peaceful.
Leornars sat at the center of the table, his expression unreadable as he raised a porcelain cup to his lips. Around him, his companions lingered in silence—Bellian leaning casually by the door, Zhylyena standing loyally just behind his master, and Ascian resting cross-legged near Leornars's left. The others kept themselves out of sight, hidden in the corners as though the shadows themselves obeyed his command.
Zaryter, unable to contain his curiosity, finally spoke.
"Lord Leornars… how did you know the king would believe the Black Acers were behind the princess's death?"
Leornars lowered his cup with deliberate calm, his pale eyes gleaming faintly. "I searched for any threat within this city. Adventurers came to mind at first, but they were far too complacent—too willing to bow to the nobility. Then I remembered a rumor from the first day I became an adventurer: that the Black Acers had killed their own kind. That was all I needed. A pawn, waiting to be placed. And then…" His lips curled faintly as he stood, unbuttoning his coat. "…you appeared, and the pieces clicked together."
The white shirt slipped from his shoulders, baring skin so pale it seemed carved from marble. Under the kitchen's heat, his body glistened faintly, a sight that drew an unguarded glare from Stacian.
Leornars tilted his head. "What is it?"
"Nothing." Stacian muttered as she set her teacup down, untied her apron, and rose from her chair.
"Don't start acting like a rabbit in heat," Leornars quipped coldly.
"Are the two of you some kind of… nudists?" Zaryter blurted, eyebrows raised.
Leornars's gaze sharpened. "I've never been insulted in such a way. If you weren't my subordinate, I'd kill you in an instant thought."
The room froze.
It was Stacian who broke the silence, her voice calm. "Lord, have you thought of a third name?"
"A third name?" Leornars frowned. "For what purpose?"
"It is tradition among nobility," she explained. "And since you intend to create a nation, a ruler must bear three names."
Leornars fell into thought. His eyes seemed distant, searching memories buried deep within his being.
"…I am of the Avantris species. My first servant was a Gremoriah…" he murmured, before finally lifting his head. His tone was resolute.
"Avrem. From now on, I am Leornars Servs Avrem."
He turned, strode to the door, and left without another word.
---
When the door closed, Zaryter exhaled and turned to Stacian.
"You two… seem awfully close."
Stacian blinked, then chuckled softly. "Do we?"
"Yes."
Her gaze softened as she set a hand over her earring. "When I am with Leornars, the world seems larger. I notice things I had long forgotten. The first time we met, I did not trust him—nor anyone. But he acknowledged me. Even when he seemed irritated, he allowed me to remain. He gave me gifts: these clothes, this earring… and a place by his side."
Her voice grew quieter, almost fragile.
"He healed me when nightmares plagued my nights, even when he thought I didn't notice. If I collapsed from exhaustion, I would wake in bed, covered and cared for. He listens to me—even when the subject is something trivial, like carrots, which he despises. He always checks to see if I am following, even when his mind is burdened. That is why…" Her eyes burned with devotion. "…even if a god stood against him, I would give my life. I would give my soul."
The room fell silent.
"…Two thousand, eight hundred and seventeen years," Zaryter whispered. "And you still look as if time itself refuses you. But… after hearing that, I understand. He truly is a good lord."
"Yes," Shullah agreed softly. "Lord Leornars is a good person."
Their laughter echoed faintly through the kitchen, warm yet fleeting.
---
Meanwhile, in the dimly lit hall, Leornars walked alone. His three elite undead followed in silent formation—Bellian at his right, Zhylyena at his left, and the towering wolf Ascian padding behind.
Zaryter was the final piece, he thought. At first, I intended to use him and discard him. But when he spoke of his sister… no. I am no monster that severs siblings.
As they passed the maids' quarters, whispers reached his ears.
"If I were ten years younger, I'd make a move on him."
Leornars's gaze narrowed, his voice a low murmur. "Insolent fools."
They did not hear him. He walked on, brow furrowing.
Mortals. Always chasing love and wealth. None understand that power is what truly matters. Power can heal or destroy, bring peace or ignite war. Kind yet cruel. Desired yet feared. And yet, no one wields it correctly.
He reached his chamber, where his pale hands packed his belongings with methodical precision. Then, to Bellian:
"Tell Stacian and Zaryter to prepare. We leave the Theocracy of Lurtra. Our work here is finished."
Bellian vanished into shadow.
---
Far away, in the Kingdom of Durmount, the news struck like lightning.
King Selamedra slammed his hand against the throne. "That brat! He took my resources! That cursed brat!"
The chamber door creaked open. A delegate entered, bowing low as he presented a sealed letter. The king ripped it open—and froze.
"What… is this?" His voice quivered with rage.
The letter read:
> This is Julius Montgomery, newly crowned King of Lurtra. I will not waste time with pleasantries. I demand the return of the mages you abducted, the Mithril mines, and the late king's sister. Refusal will result in the termination of all trade, and the matter will be brought before the Alliance of Kings at the Empire of Avrtl. You have three days. —Leornars Servs Avrem, with King Julius Montgomery.
The parchment crumpled in his fist. "Leornars… that evil creature…"
Advisors urged compliance, their fear of the Empire outweighing their loyalty.
But the king only hissed. "I should have killed him when I had the chance…"
Behind the throne, a quiet smile bloomed across Princess Selrose's lips. She leaned to her knight, Harribell.
"Leornars is doing well. Slowly changing the world. It won't be long before he returns to Durmount for vengeance."
"You are right, my lady," Harribell whispered back.
The princess's eyes gleamed with ambition. "And when that time comes, I will rule. My brother is a fool—an eyesore that Leornars himself will remove."
---
Back in Lurtra, Leornars laid out scrolls and plans for the kingdom—agriculture, infrastructure, education. The new king listened in awe.
"Thank you, White Plague," Julius said.
"Do not be useless to me in the future," Leornars replied coldly as he turned to leave.
Outside the chamber, Stacian, Zaryter, and Shullah stood waiting with their bags. Leornars handed his to a summoned undead, which sank silently into his shadow.
"So that's where you keep your things," Stacian remarked.
Leornars nodded. His voice carried like a vow.
"Now we go. To build our own nation. Durmount must fall. King Selamedra's head will roll. This is a new age—an age where corrupt monarchs have no place. The age of rebellion… against injustice."
The wind caught their cloaks as they stepped out of the castle together, their silhouettes framed against the horizon.
A new chapter of history was about to begin.