Prologue

Six

The storm raged cursedly, as though the heavens themselves were weeping for the fallen that day. The wind pounded so hard that new recruits experiencing the Three Shields for the first time, were being warned how easy it was to be blown over and into the waiting storming ocean below. There were few lights scattered throughout the Second Shield, each had groups of men huddled around for warmth. Most Captains would extinguish the fires before long, leaving the men to freeze in the cold and darkness. The risk of being spotted by their enemy and receiving an arrow to the throat, outweighed making the men feel comfortable.

Six and his group were the only ones roaming the halls that night, after repelling the brutal onslaught and losing many friends and brothers, the fortress was left sullen and mournful. Six had lost three brothers that night, while they were not necessarily brothers by blood, or at least it had not been confirmed, the upbringing of Six’s people meant they were in all ways that mattered.

As was always the case, Six led the group as they traverse the halls and corridors of the monolith that was the Second Shield, a fortress so large it took two hours of climbing stone stairs to reach the top from the ground floor, and yet below it still had labyrinths of tunnels that buried themselves below the ocean floor. The Second Shield was only one of three that made-up the physical and magical defense that kept the former allies of humanity at bay.

The Emperor marched directly behind Six, being flanked by two of his brothers with another two behind. All five were members of the Shadow Guard, men who were cult like in their protection of the Emperor. There were fifteen members in total, the others protecting from afar, often in shadows even Six could not see. During a time of war such as this, rarely did any of them sleep, making each man grateful for their often-brutal training as boys. Six always led the group from the front as he was by far the slowest, not just in the guard but in the Black Legion where they were picked from. Only his monstrous size combined with his strength and unbelievable resilience was he even accepted into their ranks.

Like a bull ready to charge, Six strode forth attempting to keep his mind clear and on his objective, as was The Way, however failing to follow it as was his. He turned from time to time to glance at the Emperor, Liam IronHeart the third. The man was the embodiment of humanity and the tireless struggle to bury their flag and refused to remove it, even when their old allies demanded so. It had been almost a thousand years since humanity ceased being a Kingdom and became an Empire that conquered the world. Since that time many have claimed the Empire was diminishing but when Six looked at Liam he laughed, as he saw in his Emperor that the time of man had not ended yet.

After half an hour of marching they arrived at the Black Door, Six had stood outside several times while his Emperor went in alone to converse with the Ghost of Men. A human in appearance only, he had plagued humanity since its creation over two thousand years ago. Six and his fellow Shadow Guard glared at the creature whenever they set eyes on him, something in their blood turned, as if looking upon something wrong. For reasons unknown to them, Liam took counsel with him often since he overthrew his father and took command of humanity in a bloody civil war that lasted just six months.

Liam entered as Six and his guards prepared themselves to guard the black door once more, its surface made of living black tar that pulsated and crawled across the surface of the door. As Six was considered the muscle of their group, he stood directly in front of the door while his brothers formed a loose semi-circle inspecting every entryway and corridor for any movement or threat. Six felt exhausted, after a day and a half of non-stop battle, his body ached and groaned. In that moment he felt like he could fall asleep on his feet but determined to prove Liam was right to choose him, he stood tall and proud while desperately needing a shit. He had resulted to pissing himself several times during the day and a half of fighting, the damp clothing underneath his armor only now beginning to itch.

They stood there for hours, not saying a word as Six’s eyes glanced over the intricate stonework that made-up the fortress. They had been built in just twenty years, a feat of engineering that humanity united to perform, yet the masons had still taken the time to chisel and carve symbols into every wall and corridor as though it was a piece of art instead of a bastion of hope. The marvellous walls were somewhat dampened however by the barrels of arrows that littered every corridor in the fortresses, usually stacked against the walls blocking the images.

“Am I the only one tempted to jump off the edge of this fortress?” Five, chosen name Chris, said with a grin while continuing to scan the corridors for threats. All five men laughed, knowing it was a breach from The Way but trusting one another to not report such a thing to the Old Man.

“I am not quite that miserable, yet, I think I would genuinely kill all of you however if it meant I could have a shit.” Six replied, causing another unified laugh as he relaxed his grip on his war hammer, resting it on the stone floor. The five of them had grown up and been trained since boys to join the Black Legion, so knew each other better than they knew themselves. While Six loved all his brothers, Chris was by far his favorite, the two had gone through everything alongside each other, they had fought in their first battles together, they had killed their first enemy together, they had even laid with their first woman together. Chris was everything Six was not and while that made them often fight, it more often allowed them greater success in killing anything that got in their way.

“I would much rather just go home if I'm being honest but having a shit would be just as preferable.” Eight, chosen name Cole, said and for the first time since they had woken up two days ago, the group visibly relaxed, simply laughing, needing some release from the stress that had been building up. Every day the war heated up, the never-ending tug of war between humanity and the Old Races had stopped being a war and simply turned into a stalemate. The Autem elves that ruled Scarvo, had countless races from monstrous beasts to sneaky assassins, allowing them a brutal combination that slowly had been chipping away at humanity. Much to the elves dismay, humanity continued to evolve, while the elves continued to gain victories, each one humanity learned from and adjusted, becoming smarter and more brutal with each loss. However, humanity had been on the defensive the entire war and simply holding back the tide would not gain victory.

Six went to make another joke however the door behind him groaned as the handle was pressed, making him and his brothers seal their mouths as they fell back into The Way. Six turn to see Liam standing and looking at them, with sullen eyes. He then did something he had never done before and pointed towards Six.

“Please come inside, the rest of you I order to go get some sleep. I will not be leaving this room until tomorrow morning at the earliest and there is nothing that will attempt to breach this door, I have been promised.” The Emperor ordered, showing no sign of the version of him he portrayed in public. Knowing Liam for so long Six knew a lot of what he did was simply an act to betray strength and hope to all who looked upon him, in truth he was a scared young man forced to rule before his time. Seeing him so openly show exhaustion and sadness, put Six on edge further as he imagined tearing the creature within that room apart for daring to hurt his Emperor.

“We will wait your Highness; we are all wide awake and do not need any sleep.” Chris lied, intending to stay there all night if he had to, the others nodding their agreement.

“That was an order, go rest and prepare yourselves as there will be another attack tomorrow around midday, I will need you to guard me in my tired state, unless you want all of us to be exhausted.” Liam ordered once more, revealing information he should not know, something he refused to explain even to them.

The men audibly growled their disapproval, however keeping with The Way, they did as they were told. Each moved towards the royal quarters where they rested, with only Chris lingering, as he stared at Six with an edge of doubt he rarely showed.

With his brothers gone, Six entered the room finding it unlike what he had been expecting, he had pictured organs in jars and mutilated corpses on display. Instead he found a simple wooden desk with a few typical items upon it, such as quills and parchment. The walls were painted blue, like the a clear sky after a storm. Other than that, there was not a single thing in the room except a man sitting on a chair.

The Ghost of Man had many names, given to him not only by humanity but every race. His true name was something he changed every time he was asked, leading many to believe he did not have one. He had the appearance of a man in his late forties, his right eye had been melted away, leaving a burned wound and a sealed eye with black veins protruding around it. His right hand, that rested on the table, was a deformed husk showing warped and twisted skin on all but his little finger. Each having been partially replaced with metal that resembles that of the door. He had stubble for a beard and green eyes that were beautiful, even to Six as it was like staring into a well that never ended, while being drowned in a green so bright it was blinding.

“Please, sit.” As the creature spoke, the name the Old Man had given the creature came to his mind, Trickster.

“I would rather not.” Six replied resting the head of his war hammer on the floor, with his right hand upon its pommel while his left rested on the hilt of his dagger attached to his hip. Liam sat at one of the chairs opposite and went to order Six to follow, however Trickster interrupted.

“He does want to sit, as he is exhausted, however if he sits it will not allow him to guard both the door and keep an eye on me encase I attempt to curse you or some other nonsense. Isn't that right boy?” Trickster said with a grin that resembled a viper. Six stared at him, feeling his rage rising and being forced to bury it. While Six’s lack of skill with a blade and his inferior speed to his brothers had caused him issues with joining the Legion, his difficulty controlling his rage had been the biggest cause of concern.

“I assure you; I could be sitting chained to that chair, and I would still be capable of completing both of those tasks.” Six replied giving a warning glare to this creature that made his blood run cold. Instead of being afraid, like most were when Six’s towering mass glared at them, he instead just smiled as people do to a child.

“Prove it, sit down like a good little soldier and let’s have a discussion, unless you are scared?” The Trickster challenged, Six imagined tearing his dagger free and launching it across the room, knowing it would not kill the Trickster but would distract him allowing Six to wield his war hammer, Rib Smasher, and crush his rib cage. While Six was slow for a member of the Black Legion, he was still far quicker than almost any mortal man. With his shadow iron armor and weapons the creature’s magic would be almost entirely nullified. Instead, he once more remembered The Way and did not give into the rage, yet. With a heavy sigh, he sat upon the right chair, not tucking himself in so if he did need to, he could still jump to action. He also rested Rib Smasher atop the table, keeping his right hand upon its hilt.

“Good, would you like some tea? I always find sensitive discussions go better with a nice cup of tea?” Trickster asked with a grin still on his face that Six wanted to slap off. Part of him was desperate for a nice cup of tea, however he did not need The Way to know he should not accept a drink from a creature he did not trust. Simply shaking his head, his eyes no longer looked to the door but instead rested on what his instincts told him was the most dangerous creature in the entire fortress. Trickster grinned at him as though reading his mind, causing a fresh growl to leave Six’s lips.

“Enough games, I need rest before the next assault comes, I am in no mood for bantering.” Liam ordered, however Tricksters eyes never left Six.

“You are so angry, I watched you during the battle today, you were like some deranged giant, towering above your fellow man as you crushed all the little insects that got in your way. You should really get a whore; I hear that helps angry men mellow out.” Trickster remarked, making Six repeat the words ‘The Way’ in his mind, as though it was a shield against the beast’s attempts to unleash him.

“I said enough, I will not have you mocking one of my trusted friends, remember your place, else I shall swiftly remind you.” Liam ordered, this time his hands moved to his glorious sword, known as the Sword of Eden. Liam's green eyes lit up, almost surpassing Trickster's as the creature relented and offered his hands in surrender.

“It's all part of the process, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone, I need to make sure he's the right one and if he cannot control his rage, he's going to be a poor choice.”

“I say he is perfect, that is all the evidence you need.” Liam’s words unleashed a distorted laugh that was mixed with a dry wheezing from the creature. He clutched his heart as though to see if it still beat, his eyes never leaving Six’s.

“Your words mean little to me on the subjects of death, you think you know more than I? If I am to break the very rules I preach, I shall decide who is my subject, not a failed student.” Trickster replied coldly, his grin was no longer on his face, his eyes now glared at Liam, defiance radiated from him. The two continued to stare like a mountain before a storm, until finally Trickster turned back to Six. “You do understand the Phoenix Empire cannot win this war?”

“I would disagree.” Six replied not even having to consider, the Empire could never fall as long as the Legion stood at their heart.

“How can you disagree; it is written on the wall, even the blind can see it?”

“All the more reason I don't believe it, unlike you, I have actually been fighting this war and I do not believe hope has been lost yet.” Six replied with the stubbornness that carried humanity through these long years.

“I have no doubts humanity will put up a good fight, it has been sixty-five years, you have proven yourselves a difficult opponent however you cannot win the war, within the next seven years you will lose. Infighting will lead to several of the Kingdoms that make up the Empire rebelling, that will lead to less manpower and finally this war machine that requires a unified Empire will crumble.” Trickster replied as though he truly believed it, however Six simply shook his head.

“I was there during the battle of the First Landings; I've been fighting this war since the day it begun and I have seen no evidence we will lose. Whatever magic you're using to see the future is wrong, we will win, I know it.” Six insisted, unwilling to relent, he could not accept the idea of losing after so many of his brothers had died. Their deaths must mean something and if it's not victory, then they died for nothing and that he would not believe.

“I do not need magic to see what is coming, simply listen to the grumblings on the mainland, that is all the evidence I need.”

“So, you say, yet you are wrong.”

“Your belief in humanity is honorable, however I am telling you, without a shadow of a doubt, you are going to lose unless you take drastic actions. The simple fact of the matter is, while humanity was created to be an almost perfect warrior race, you are fighting a combined alliance of different races, each designed to complete a task, forming them into the perfect unified force that cover one another’s weaknesses. So far, the reason you have not lost is your stubbornness, the elves’ unwillingness to adapt and my insight into the enemy and each of those is about to fail. Your enemies are getting desperate, a leader is beginning to rise amongst their ranks who will bring about great change. They will turn their eyes to whatever allies they can find, including those you cannot hope to beat. The rules of this game are about to change unless we change first.” Trickster insists, staring at Six who was unbothered by the deranged ramblings of the madman. He leans forward making Six smell burned leaves mixed with decay. “What is your name?” Trickster asks in a more calm and friendly tone.

“You may call me Six.”

“I don't want your number; I want your name.” He insisted, making Six feel uncomfortable.

“My number is my name; I gave the other up.” The men of the Legion had three names, the one they choose growing up, the number of their position and the name given when they passed their final test, the name that must never be spoken to any outsider.

“Why give up your chosen name?”

“I do not need to explain myself to you, not unless you wish Liam.” Six growled, looking to Liam for support.

“I need to know, it is important.” Trickster pushed, making Liam sigh loudly as he looked pleadingly towards Six. Six really did not want to, the idea of showing any piece of his soul to Trickster unnerving him, yet Liam needed it.

“Fine, my chosen name always felt like a prison.” Six looked to the table, unwilling to look at any of their eyes. “I only ever wanted to join the Legion, to be a warrior of humanity. yet, I knew my chances were slim. I was too slow, too angry and saw the world unlike the others. I was convinced my chosen name would be my shroud, it would be branded onto me until my death as punishment for failing, so I came to hate it. So, when I passed my final test, I was so happy, I felt like all my hard work had led me to that moment. My true name was all I ever wanted and the life it promised. I would shout my true name from atop the fortress, if not for The Way forbidding it, as such I settled for using my number and casting aside the name that plagued my nightmares.”

“Interesting, I can see why you would cast it away, even if the name is not at fault.” Trickster muttered, almost seeming to sympathise for a moment before his smile returned. “The Way stops you? You must get so tired of keeping to those strict words. I was there the day they were written on parchment, held in the highest of esteem. That was a long time ago boy, the world has changed, the meanings of those words having been lost.

“So, I am guessing whatever it is you're going to ask me clearly goes against my beliefs? If so, then I should warn you there is nothing you can say that will make me go against the way of my people.” Six insisted, as he no longer felt angry but on edge, as though speaking to this creature was corrupting him in ways he could not conceive.

“What of him? Could your beloved Liam convince you?” He asked, almost mockingly. Six gave a single glance to Liam, already questioning his own words. “Your Emperor speaks highly of you; he tells me you're the most resilient soldier he's ever met, whose loyalty he would trust until the end of time. He also says you are a man who finds it difficult to control his rage, however you continue to do so with very little outbursts, is this an accurate assessment?” Six examines the creature, wondering what trick this was, investigating his words as though they were some spell, giving a simple nod when unable to find the deception. “Then I believe you will be perfect to gain us the victory in this war, at whatever cost.”

“You are ignoring what I am saying and speak as though I am going to be a human sacrifice, if that is the case, can you get to the point, you’re boring me with your snake talk.” Six replies as he considers the possibility of allowing this creature to sacrifice him if it meant ending the war. Oddly the idea did not scare him, as much as the repercussions. His whole life he had been trained to be a soldier and kill the enemies of humanity, knowing one day he would die on the field of battle, the idea of being used as a sacrifice sounded like a cowards way out to him.

“I do not intend to sacrifice you, however I can promise you that if you agree to what I am about to suggest, you will die, you will just not stay dead in the typical term.” Trickster says with a hunger in his eyes that gave him the appearance of a madman. “I cannot tell you what will happen if you agree to the ritual, what I shall do is too dangerous, I will not risk anyone else figuring it out. Only my mind shall ever hold this knowledge, no one else can be trusted to protect it. What I can tell you is that you will become a being of living death, with their capacity to cause destruction on a level that has not been seen since the rise of mankind. The ritual I would perform on you, is one that has not been used since the First Age of this world, after which it was intentionally wiped from history, as the repercussions of doing so are beyond compare. You would be the cause of more death and destruction than anything you have witnessed. The power however will drive you mad if you let it, a hunger will be embedded into you like a disease, that will spread as your ageless body lingers in this world unable to die through anything except the blade. Every day, the hunger will claw at you, begging you to kill and consume every creature that you see, even those you love. The only thing stopping you from falling to this madness will be your anger, hence why Liam believes you will be the best pick for this curse.”

“He is right, I know what he intends to do, he has informed me of what you will become. I am sorry my friend, but you will find no peace along this path. I will not order you to do this, I do however order you not to take this out of some sense of duty, but to instead consider this truthfully as I will not hold any ill intention towards you if you refuse. Iin truth, I do not think I would be strong enough to do this myself. You could end this war and give us the victory, however, should you fall to the hunger that will be embedded within you, you could very well end up destroying humanity in your quest to save it.” Liam said, his eyes unable to meet Six’s.

Six no longer looked at Trickster as a threat, in fact his hands no longer rested on his weapons as they came together locking to become one as he stared down at the table. Six never considered himself a smart man, he didn't even know how to read, mostly seeing himself as nothing more than a simple brute who was just lucky enough to be born unnaturally tall and strong. His life had been planned out for him since the day he was born, he was born a soldier and would die a soldier, as was the fate of his people. And yet these men offered him an alternative to living as a soldier, by turning him into some creature.

Six thought about the countless years of bloodshed he had witnessed, countless friends and allies falling around him. He could not imagine simply refusing this offer, even though his mind told him he should. So many of his people had given their lives to win this war. What was his life compared to theirs and did he even have the right to refuse an opportunity to stem the bloodshed of not just his people but of his race. Tens if not hundreds of thousands had died already, not just soldiers but those on the mainland from raiders and the few forces that had squeezed through the human defenses. How could he refuse this, he had to do something, but he did not know if he was strong enough.

“I do not know; I am not against the idea; however, I am not sure if this falls in line with The Way. ‘A man of the Black Legion does not look for the coward’s way, but instead fights with honor alongside his brothers no matter the threat’. What you are saying to me, sounds very much like the coward’s way.” Six stated, remembering back to those hours of having the words drilled into his head. In that moment he longed to speak with Leo, the Old Man would no doubt know what was best, he always did, yet he was leading the defense of the First Shield, far too far away to be of any help.

“Does The Way not also say that ‘no price is too high to pay’? Does The Way not preach sacrificing yourself for the greater good of humanity, against whatever attempts to cut you down?” Trickster replies, showing knowledge that was not meant to be known to any outside of Kindled Wake.

“I do not know if I am the best choice, while you are right, I suffer from issues with anger more than most, I am by far one of the weakest fighters in the Legion.” Six argues, however this time Liam replies.

“We do not need the greatest fighter, what we require is someone who is strong of will and who can control their flaring emotions, a man who is fueled by rage. This ritual will not turn you into the greatest fighter that ever lived, the ritual will instead make you the perfect General.” Liam explained vaguely, continuing to keep Six in the dark. He searches his mind for another excuse, however each one they shut down, locking him into a corner and making him pick between himself and everyone else. As he pondered within himself, using his training to simplify his options, he realized he had two, Liam or himself, he would be failing one. When he simplified it down, it was simple, Liam mattered more, after all, Six was nothing more than a soldier. Defeated, he began to relent.

“If I'm going to do this, I would ask that Chris be present for the ritual. After, I would ask that you order him to kill me, if I should fall to this hunger you speak of.” Six requested, his eyes not turning to the men as hundreds of thoughts ran through him.

“I will remove him from my guard and have him placed as your direct right hand; I will order him to do as you have requested. Is there anything else that would make you feel comfortable with what is to come?” Liam asked, almost as though he was pleading, the guilt clutching at his voice as Six realized in that moment everyone in that room already knew he was going to do it. Six was a soldier, soldiers follow orders, and men of the Black Legion followed The Way. Whatever the cost, the Black Legion would pay it.

“I will do it; I will be your monster.”