Tiafell - The Femboy Elf Ch. 25

Author's Note: All characters engaging in sexual activity are over the age of 18.

This chapter marks the beginning of the second half of Tiafell's story. I would like to thank everyone who enjoyed the first half, it means a lot!

Comments and feedback are welcome!

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Chapter 25: Janazheim: The Modern Capital

Tiafell and his companions, which consisted of the dhampir Naida, the mage twins Cirris and Mirya, and the amazonian warrior cousins Brion and Kanah, had spent the last month traveling on horseback to Janazheim, the Capital City of Gashua. Throughout their long journey, they passed through great plains, dense forests, villages, and small towns. Some nights, they checked into inns and roughed it outside on others. They stopped only to eat and rest, getting in some light sparring when possible.

One night, the group had set up camp for the evening, a tent was pitched with their horses tied to posts behind it. The massive walls of the Capital loomed before them; they were close. Towers were spread dozens of yards apart along the walls, each of them housed huge canons meant to decimate any threat that dared to invade from the outside. The travelers would arrive by noon the next day, but it was too late to continue further. So, after a late dinner, they began their 'nightly ritual'.

The six of them had broken off into three pairs, all of them nude. Tiafell sat on Brion's lap with his back to his chest, his ass impaled by the male amazonian's impressive penis. Mirya laid on her back with Kanah sitting on her face, the petite mage licked her vagina and anus sloppily. Lastly, Nadia was on her elbows and knees being taken from behind by Cirris, whose cock rammed in and out of her pussy.

With Tiafell bouncing on his lap, Brion reached around to grab the elf's swaying penis to stroke it, the femboy's sissy moans grew louder. Grinding her pussy against Mirya's face, Kanah fondled her own large breasts. Despite being the shortest member of the group, at barely over five feet tall with a slender yet muscular frame, her breasts were as big as Nadia's.

"Hey Dickhead, wanna make a wager...?" Nadia asked between moans.

"What?" Cirris responded, grunting while continuing to fuck her.

"If I cum first... ah... you can fuck my asshole until you bust your nut inside it..." The Latina vampire proposed.

"And what if I cum first?"

"You have to get me off by licking my pussy, which means eating your own spunk!"

"Deal! I am SO taking that ass!" Invigorated, Cirris tightened his grip on her hips and claimed her with all his strength, much to the dhampir's delight.

"Oh Mirya... no one licks pussy like you do..." Kanah leaned forward to insert three fingers into her best friend's vagina. Mirya cried out, her voice echoing through Kanah's vaginal canal.

Feeling his orgasm approaching, Brion held onto Tiafell's thighs and thrusted upward to match the femboy's motions. Their balls swung wildly with every movement.

"Yes, fuck me Brion, I've been such a naughty boy!!" The girly elf cried out. His 9-inch cock rocked back and forth in response to his top's frantic thrusts. Soon, Tiafell felt Brion release his load into him, the hot sensation of his seed spraying his insides sent him over the edge. His own cock shot long thick ropes of goo up and forward, some of it hitting the other pairs.

"I'M CUMMING!!!!!" Kanah squealed. Still fingering Mirya, her body rocked when her climax hit, soaking the petite mage's face. Mirya also came, lifting her waist off the ground with each powerful surge that ran throughout her entire body.

"OOOOOOOOH FUCK!!!!" Cirris screamed, losing the wager as he dumped his seed deep into Nadia's womb.

"I won!!!" The vampire cried out, having her own orgasm immediately after. Her walls spasmed and gripped Cirris' cock inside her, refusing to let go. Everyone's blissful screams rang out through the night air, heard only by the wildlife around them.

After resting on his lap for a bit, Tiafell lifted himself off Brion. His gaping hole spilled his partner's semen all over his cock, which was quickly growing limp. Kanah removed her fingers from Mirya, then rolled onto her right side. Cirris pulled his cock out of Nadia, his cum oozing out of her pussy.

"Well, a bet is a bet." Cirris sat down and began lapping at Nadia's vaginal lips, licking up the goo leaking out of her.

"Cirris, the bet was that you had to make me cum... I already did..." The vampire was surprised, pleasantly so.

"I agreed to lick your pussy if I came first. It happened, so I'm living up to my end of the deal." He told her, then resumed until she was clean. Once finished, the six of them laid nude and tired under the starry night sky.

"So, we'll finally arrive tomorrow." Tiafell was the first to speak.

"Yeah, we've been able to see the city for a few days now. It always seemed so close and yet so far." Mirya gazed at the stars.

"It goes to show how big the Capital is." Brion said. "If I were to hazard a guess, it's the size of nine Steelwelds together!"

"The only building we can see over the wall is the castle, that place looks huge on its own!" Cirris looked toward the wall surrounding Janazheim.

"The castle is like a village to itself, they say. We may be at the city's doorstep now, but our journey isn't over yet." Nadia, being the only one in the group to have visited the Capital before, knew exactly what to expect.

"I can't WAIT to sample Janazheim's cuisine!!!!" Kanah sat up, salivating.

"Maybe you'll grow a little taller if you eat something new for a change. You might even reach that five-foot goal!" Brion teased his cousin.

"I'm five TWO, you idiot!!!!" Kanah angrily tossed a chunk of mud at a laughing Brion but missed.

"Now, now, we've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Let's go into the tent so we can sleep." Mirya calmed her bestie down. Everyone stood and shuffled into the pitched tent, which was barely big enough to hold the six of them. All of them quickly conked out to sleep off the effects of their activities.

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The next morning, the group rose to get dressed and had a quick breakfast. After packing the tent and mounting their horses, they left to begin the final leg of their long journey to the Capital. Shortly before noon, they at last stood before a massive opening, giving them only a small glimpse inside the walls. Somewhere on the other side, a blonde female elf nervously anticipated their arrival, making her way to meet them.

"I can sense him, Tiafell is here!!" Vasati's heart pounded in her chest.

Guards clad in white armor with lion insignias on their breast plates approached the group. All of them carried long-barrel rifles with bayonets, which they pointed at the newcomers.

"State your business!" One of them commanded.

"Of course." Nadia answered, having been appointed leader of the expedition due to her having visited before, and being the oldest. She handed a letter to the guard. "My name is Nadia Del Lenzo, with me are Tiafell, Cirris, Mirya, Brion, and Kanah. We have been sent to have an audience with King Escandar to discuss an urgent matter."

The guard skimmed the letter. "Oh yes, we were told to expect you. LET THEM PASS!!!" At his command, the other guards parted to allow them entry. "Welcome to Janazheim, Gashua's Capital! After you enter, dismount your horses, you will not need them. Leave your weapons with your horses too, only members of the Royal Army or Military Police are allowed to be armed within the city. The horses will be taken to the castle to be boarded, and your weapons will be kept in storage and returned to you when you leave. There is an escort coming to meet you, I've been told one of you will recognize her. She will serve as your guide through the city and to the castle."

"I see, thank you very much." Nadia politely bowed her head. The rest of the group looked at each other, puzzled.

"One of us knows the escort? But we haven't met anyone who lives in the Capital, right?" Cirris was as confused as everyone else.

"I suppose it could be Rhydra or Hinako. We did meet them in Steelweld, remember?" Mirya stated.

"Yeah, good point. I forgot about that." Cirris scratched the back of his head.

The group rode past the entrance and finally took their first steps into the Capital. Other than Nadia, everyone's mouths hung open. Crowds of people casually went about their day through the black cobblestone streets, their voices making most of the sounds around them. Beautiful Victorian-style buildings of various sizes, shapes, and colors were everywhere, each with cone shaped roofs that stretched into the sky. In the distance, the bell from a clock tower was heard clanging, signaling the arrival of noon.

"By the... gods..." Brion had no other words to describe his feelings.

"THIS PLACE IS FUCKING HUUUUUUGE!!!!" Kanah shouted.

Tiafell was too stunned to say anything. Until that point, Bridgecross was the most impressive town he had seen, though he found every town and village he visited exciting in their own ways. But none compared to the remarkable city before him, and he could only see a small part of it. The six travelers dismounted their horses to allow soldiers to board them. They bade their beloved steads farewell before they were taken away.

"So should we wait here for the escort?" Brion looked around.

"That would probably be for the best." Nadia answered. Everyone waited patiently for a few minutes until Tiafell felt a familiar presence that shook him to his core.

"No, it couldn't be..." The elf held his hands over his mouth. Tears poured from his eyes.

"Tee-Tee?" Mirya looked at him.

"I guess it's someone Tiafell knows? But who could he have possibly met that we don't know about outside of Elfandall?" Cirris tried to find the person in question through the crowd.

"TIIIIIIAAAAAFEEEEEEEELL!!!!!!" Vasati yelled, running toward the group. She excitedly waved her hand above her head.

"VASATI?????" Losing control of his body and emotions, Tiafell tearfully ran to meet his childhood friend. The equally emotional female elf opened her arms for him. But instead of embracing her, the hybrid elf fell to his hands and knees in front of her. He bawled loudly, hanging his head low. Teardrops hit the stone ground beneath him as if rain was falling from his face.

"Vasati, I am SO sorry for leaving you and Alto behind!! I wasn't trying to abandon you!! I... I just..." He started crying too hard to speak coherently.

Vasati knelt and embraced Tiafell. "I know, I know. Sometimes, people need to go out on their own to find themselves, and that often means leaving their loved ones behind. Besides, I know you were unhappy in Elfandall, it would have been wrong to force you to stay." She nuzzled her face against his. "You don't know how happy I am to finally see you again." She patted his back, all doubts about seeing him falling away. Tiafell's female friends wiped tears from their eyes, even Cirris and Brion felt the impact of the reunion and struggled to remain composed.

"So, this is the Vasati we've have heard so much about." Nadia sniffled.

"She is SO pretty!! Oh my gosh!!" Mirya gushed.

"You know what this means, right?" Cirris started. "All this time, Tiafell has been worried about never being able to return to Elfandall to see his friends again. But here she is, and Alto is probably around too. That burden is gone now, he doesn't need to worry about going back there anymore!"

"Yeah, but what is she doing here in the Capital in the first place? And where is this Alto person? Vasati seems to be alone." Brion observed.

Tiafell's sobbing slowed down enough for him to speak. "I never imagined I would see you outside of Elfandall. Oh, is Alto with you?" He happily looked behind her. "Alto? Are you there?? Alto!!" He called out. Vasati's expression saddened.

"No, Alto is not here. I... don't know where he is." She closed her eyes, the sorrow in her face was apparent.

"Why... what happened...?" Tiafell's joy quickly turned to despair, sensing the sorrow in his friend's heart.

"After you left, Alto returned to Elfandall. Rumors about your departure were already spreading, so we spoke to the Elders and confirmed you had indeed left the barrier. They told us everything about your half-demon heritage, your parents Erafell and Cardexx, and Dred. They were beside themselves with fear, but the villagers were celebrating. Alto and I were so disgusted that we left Elfandall so we could find you and protect you from Dred, vowing to never return and spend the rest of our lives living with you outside the forest. We followed your trail to Bridgecross but lost track of you there. A few nights later, we were attacked by a group of vampires wearing black robes that bore the mark of a red crescent moon. Alto shoved me into a river to save me, the last thing I saw before passing out was the vampires swarming him. I woke up the next day, having been rescued by Serin of the Elite Royal Guard. She and her knights brought me to the Capital to recover, and I've been here since. The King has sent squads to look for Alto, but they never found him." Vasati began to weep. "Alto asked me to marry him before we left Elfandall, and I told him I would after we found you. I have spent many sleepless nights praying that he is alive, but with each passing day, the likelihood of his survival fades." Vasati buried her face in her hands, Tiafell was frozen in shock.

"Vasati?" Nadia approached, sympathetically addressing her. "My name is Nadia Del Lenzo, I am a dhampir. My father is Esteban Lenzo, leader of the Red Crescent Coven. The vampires who attacked you and Alto are members of that group. Knowing my father, he would not have passed up an opportunity to turn an elf into a vampire. I'm sorry, it might not be what you want to hear, but there is a very strong chance that your fiancé still 'lives' as one of them."

"Alto, a vampire?" Tiafell's heart sank lower than it already had.

"We have considered that as a possibility, but hearing you say it gives me hope that he still exists in some form." Vasati, calming herself, rose to extend her hand to Nadia. "Thank you for your insight. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Vasati: Chief Advisor to King Escandar." Everyone was shocked by her revelation, especially Tiafell. Nadia shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet you, finally! We have all heard so much about you and Alto from Tiafell. With us are Brion and Kanah of Steelweld, and Cirris and Mirya of Gatharham."

"Lady Samora spoke of you all in her letters, but it's nice to finally put faces to the names!" The female elf smiled. "King Escandar has ordered me to give you a brief tour of the Capital on our way to Janazheim Castle and to treat you all to lunch on his tab."

"You had me at lunch!!" Kanah licked her lips.

"Easy there." Brion rolled his eyes. "She's going to think you're a glutton."

"I AM a glutton!" Kanah fired back, unashamed.

"I am quite hungry, to be honest." Mirya admitted.

The escort chuckled. "We'll go to a restaurant in the castle that I have come to love, I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I do. Let us be off."

Vasati led them through the many winding streets of the Capital. The visitors were astonished by the sheer size of the lively city and the architecture of the buildings and homes within it. They passed by street performers playing music with crowds gathered around them. Businesses with glowing signs of all shapes and colors were around every corner. Trollies rode by on their tracks, transporting passengers between districts, blowing the minds of the first-time visitors.

"I have a question." Brion addressed their escort. "On our trip here, we visited towns that used cables held high in the air on tall poles to provide electricity. I have not seen any of them here, does it the Capital use a different system?"

Vasati began explaining. "As you know, towns that have electricity are powered by lightning stones connected by cables, or 'power lines'. Ordinarily, power lines are held in the air above the streets on poles. Janazheim, however, has developed a system where the power lines are kept under the streets. The entire city is powered by 58 connected stones scattered throughout the catacombs beneath our feet. These catacombs have also been renovated into a shelter for the civilians to retreat into should an attack occur. And yes, this area is kept separate from the sewer system, which is located further underground."

"58 stones, holy shit!" Cirris exclaimed. "Five or six is enough for a town like Bridgecross! Those things are the size of boulders!"

"Janazheim has a great demand for it, obviously." Vasati continued. "As the other towns in Gashua grow and expand, their need for stones will increase. Luckily, we have only scratched the surface of the lightning stones that can be mined. After mining, mages charge every stone using electric magic. Two fully powered stones will keep each other charged for decades. It is but one example of the union of magic and science, both of which are instrumental to our kingdom's growth. In my time here, I have studied both fields extensively and became a mage and a scientist myself."

Normally, Tiafell would have been excited to hear what Vasati was explaining, but his heart was heavy. He listened to her but did not engage in the conversation. Despite that, he was proud of what his friend had accomplished.

"If I may, how did you end up becoming Chief Advisor?" Nadia asked.

"It's still a mystery to me really, but King Escandar was interested in my thoughts as I learned more about Gashua and how its economy and government works. I think it also had a lot to do with my being an elf. At some point, I was able to find solutions to problems that the King and his other advisors spent years struggling with. Apparently, it was enough for him to give me the job after my predecessor retired."

"You were always a genius," Tiafell finally spoke, "the smartest person I've ever known." He managed to smile.

Vasati blushed, moving her long blonde hair away from her face. "Thanks, you're as sweet as ever." Hearing him speak was a relief, but she felt that his heart was still in turmoil. Two hours of walking later, they arrived at a district undergoing renovation.

"We are about to board a trolly that will take us to the castle. But first, I want to show you something." Vasati gestured toward a fenced off area. "A statue of the late Marlon is currently under construction and will be placed here. This entire district has been renamed 'Marlon Memoria' in his honor."

"That means a lot, Mom will love it." Cirris was moved.

"I can't wait to see the statue!" Mirya added.

"It was King Escandar's idea." Vasati replied. "Your grandfather was an important man to the entire kingdom. In fact, we wouldn't be here without him. It's the least we can do. Anyway, there isn't much else to see right now, so let us head to the trolly." The Chief Advisor took them to a station housing many trollies that were entering and leaving.

"Ah, Vasati! Are these the King's guests?" A conductor asked.

"Yes, we are going to the castle."

"Good, good. That one coming in now will take you there."

A trolly stopped at the end of the tracks. The doors opened, letting its passengers exit. Once emptied, the group entered, taking their seats together on one side. When all the other seats were filled, the doors closed, and the vehicle began to move.

"So, um, people don't get sick riding these things, do they?" Nadia was nervous.

"It happens, but it's rare. Are you prone to motion sickness?" Vasati inquired.

"Oh, we rode a teleportation cycle to Steelweld, and she projectile vomited!" Cirris laughed.

"No one needs to hear about that, Dickhead!!!" Nadia fumed.

"Oh my! These trollies move faster than horses do, but you should be alright. But please let me know if you feel sick, I know some magic that can help." Vasati offered.

"Thank you!" Nadia was relieved.

Everyone observed the city passing by, asking Vasati questions. Tiafell was quiet the entire trip, simply taking in the sights from the window. The ride lasted a little over half an hour, the vehicle coming to a stop outside the gates of the castle. The stone and steel walls surrounding it were not as tall as the one around the city, but the castle's keep was the tallest and most imposing structure in the Capital, it was made entirely of stone. Towers were spread throughout the wall with large canons and guns housed in each like the one protecting the city. Inside was another group of buildings, housing businesses and restaurants with the keep in the middle of it all.

"Here we are: Janazheim Castle!" Vasati extended her arm to showcase the grandeur of the impressive structure before them.

"Nadi was right! This place IS like a village to itself!" Mirya shielded her eyes from the sun above to look around.

"I have visited the city before, but I've never been to the castle. It's something else!" Nadia said, feeling no motion sickness from the ride.

"Yes, it is quite large. Not even I have visited every area yet, it's been hard to find the time since becoming Chief Advisor." Vasati told them.

"Damn, must be tough." Cirris said.

"I enjoy my job, don't get me wrong. But helping a king run his kingdom is demanding." The Escort led the group through the bustling courtyard before stopping in front of a small establishment. "This is it! I present 'Crown Crust Pizzeria'! Have any of you ever had pizza before?"

"Mom used to make some every once in a while. It was alright, but it wasn't her specialty." Cirris answered.

"Never heard of it." Brion responded.

"Me neither, I would remember food that smelled like THIS!!!" Kanah was drooling.

"I have not." Tiafell answered.

"It's been a while." Nadia added.

"Then you are in for a treat! Let's go inside!" Vasati invited, leading them in.

Inside, most of the tables were full of groups enjoying different styles of pizza and having lively conversations. In the back, chefs were tossing flat pieces of dough into the air and catching them.

"Vasati!" A waitress with black hair braided into a ponytail approached. "You have a lot of guests with you today! So, a table of.. seven?"

"Yes, if there are any tables available."

"I believe we have one big enough, follow me." The waitress led them to a long booth along the left wall. She passed out menus after everyone was seated. "Can I get you anything to drink, or do you need a moment?"

"We'll need to look for a bit."

"Okay, I'll be back soon."

"Thank you, Monica." Monica left to tend to another group. "Take your time and look."

"Tiafell!" Nadia nudged him. "You can get chocolate milk to drink here! You have GOT to get it!!"

"Woah! You can finally try it out and see what we're talking about when we swallow your 'you know what'!" Mirya squealed.

"Oh? Yes, I have been wanting to." Tiafell was trying his best to enjoy himself.

"Oh my, I've never thought of it, but it really DOES taste like chocolate milk!" Vasati's eyes widened, then she blushed when she realized what she had admitted to out loud, causing everyone to laugh.

"Honestly, who hasn't swallowed his load by now?" Nadia wrapped her arm around Tiafell's neck, pulling him close. "We love this pervy elf to death!"

"H-Hey!! Don't talk about that kind of thing in public!" Tiafell resisted. Vasati smiled warmly, pleased to see that he had formed close bonds since leaving Elfandall. Monica returned to take their drink orders, then returned with them minutes later. Tiafell took a sip of his beverage. "It really DOES taste like my..." the hybrid elf blushed, with his friends smirking at him. "... cum." He said quietly, then took another sip.

They had a fun-filled lunch, each of them trying various types of pizza. Most of them ordered personal pizzas while Kanah ordered and ate a whole large meat lovers by herself. Vasati paid for the sizeable meal and with their bellies full, they left the establishment.

"Holy shit, I never knew pizza could be so tasty!" Cirris stretched.

"I want it every day!!" Kanah patted her stomach, then belched loudly.

"Are you ever going to learn some manners?" Brion shook his head.

"When Hell freezes over!" Kanah winked.

"I want to bring Trista here." Tiafell said, smiling slightly.

"Yes! Tristy will love it, you totally should!!" Mirya chirped, wanting to encourage him.

Vasati put her hand on Tiafell's arm. "Your sister, correct? She and Samora should arrive the day after tomorrow, feel free to invite them both that evening. I'll treat all of you again, that was the most fun I've had in a while! As for right now though, we must not keep His Majesty waiting any longer."

Walking by the remaining shops, she took them into the grand hall of the keep, a massive three-story room with gigantic silver suits of armor made for decoration. A thick red carpet ran through the middle of the hall, going upstairs to the second floor. In front of the stairs was a golden statue of a lion, standing proudly as if it was surveying its domain. There were many branching paths leading to different parts of the main building of the castle. Soldiers, nobles, and other members of Gashua's wealthiest strolled across the floor from one end to the other, many of them without a care in the world.

"Gashua never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think I've seen it all, it surprises me again." Tiafell was becoming more talkative.

"Janazheim is certainly a leap up from Elfandall, yes?" Vasati asked.

"I'd say it's several leaps up!" His awe was overtaking his grief.

They ascended the grand stairs to the second floor, went around the balcony to another set of stairs, up to the third, and into a long hallway with paintings on the walls.

"These are paintings of the past Kings and Queens of Gashua. The first one on the left was the first King, who fought with Marlon against Dred 800 years ago." Their escort explained while walking with them.

"And Grandfather knew them all..." Cirris struggled to wrap his head around that fact.

Eventually, they reached a point where there were no paintings. Vasati stood under the most recent one.

"This fellow here is Escandar, our current King! And across from him, Princess Ingra's painting will be hung when she eventually becomes Queen."

"Oh, that's right! I had forgotten the King had a daughter." Nadia admitted.

"She is only four years old, so it will be a while. Although it's not one of my official duties, I have been teaching her how to read. She is so smart and sweet; spending time with her makes me want a child of my own." Saying that tore at Vasati's heart. "It's only a little further to the throne room, but we must ride an elevator to the top floor."

"An elevator?" Tiafell raised an eyebrow.

"Think of it as a small trolly that goes up and down." The advisor escorted them to a circular hallway, and a gate in the outer interior wall. She pressed a button that opened it. "Please step inside."

The elevator was cramped, but everyone was able to enter. Vasati pressed the button to the 22nd floor. The gate closed, then the group jumped as they felt the device lift them upward. Coming to a halt on the top floor, there was a ding, then the gate opened. Before them was a huge set of double doors.

"This is it; King Escandar awaits inside this room. Are you all ready to meet him?" Everyone nodded. "Good. Oh, before we enter, I should warn you that the King has a lion." Vasati turned the knobs to open the doors.

"A lion? You've got to be kidding." Cirris didn't believe what he had heard.

"As in a living, breathing one?" Tiafell asked. He got his answer immediately, as when the doors opened, Scepter greeted them with an intimidating roar, bearing his fangs. The big cat's aggressive call frightened the visitors, Tiafell let out a girly yelp. When the lion was silent, they heard loud boisterous laughter.

"Do not be afraid of Scepter! If he wanted to hurt you, he would already be ripping your throats out! He is an excellent judge of character; you've proven yourselves worthy of meeting with me. Come!" Escandar gestured them to enter.

Scepter turned to walk toward the throne. Looking anxiously at each other, they entered the room. Vasati closed the door behind them, then walked by to join the King and all four members of the Elite Royal Guard. Rhydra and Oletta stood by his left, with Serin and Hinako on his right.

"Welcome, travelers! I am Escandar, King of Gashua!" The king was sitting on his throne and wearing his crown, which he rarely wore. Tiafell and his friends dropped to a knee to pay their respects.

"It is an honor to finally meet you, Your Grace." Nadia spoke for the group. "I am Nadia Del Lenzo, I was chosen by Samora to lead us on our expedition. With me are Tiafell of Elfandall, Cirris and Mirya of Gatharham, and Brion and Kanah of Steelweld."

"Cirris and Mirya, we were all saddened to hear of Marlon's death. He was important to the Royal Family."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Cirris responded.

"We miss him terribly, so does Mother." Mirya added.

"I have no doubt." Escandar addressed Brion and Kanah next. "Amazonian warriors of Steelweld, I am pleased to inform you that the reconstruction of your home is going well. A new and improved wall is being built as we speak. Lady Cleyene has agreed to let my engineers build it to match the ones surrounding the city and castle."

Kanah lifted her head. "That's good to hear, this is the first time we have heard anything!"

"As you may know, I am Cleyene's son. She sent us to represent Steelweld in the coming war. It is our hope that you will align with us." Brion proposed.

"Samora said as much in her letter." The King confirmed. "Rhydra and Hinako informed me that all of you fought well during the attack on Steelweld. However, I have some concerns."

"Concerns?" Nadia raised an eyebrow.

"For starters, I was informed that while your fighting skills are not to be taken lightly, your inexperience in war was apparent. Many of the amazonian fighters lost their lives, not to mention the fact that most of the enemy generals got away. I understand that everyone has to start from somewhere, but the kind of warriors that Marlon described sounded like seasoned professionals, not amateurs like what I see before me."

"My Lord, with all due respect-" Nadia began.

"Silence! You will not interrupt the King!!" Serin berated her. However, Escandar lifted his hand to silence her.

"Please, continue." The King encouraged Nadia to finish her argument.

"We, along with the warriors of Steelweld, held off the initial attack quite soundly! It wasn't until enemy reinforcements arrived that we began to lose ground. While it is true that the generals escaped, Cirris severely wounded Esteban Lenzo. He narrowly escaped before being dealt a finishing blow."

"'Almost' finishing an opponent is not good enough in war. The entire point is to kill your enemy so they cannot return and become a larger threat later! Do you really expect me to allow novices like all of you to fight alongside me and these four warriors, especially against an enemy that killed Marlon? I'm beginning to believe the old man may have become senile in his final years if YOU are the ones he felt would help save the world."

Cirris and Mirya took that comment personally. The female mage was appalled but did nothing. However, her brother rose to his feet in anger.

"He was NOT senile! We spent the last few months of his life with him, his mind was as clear as ever! And for your information, 'Your Grace', we managed to free one of Dred's generals from his control and she is on our side now!"

"Oh yes, the half-succubus sorceress." Escandar scoffed. "Has it not occurred to you that she could be fooling you, tugging at your heartstrings while waiting for a chance to strike you all down while you are at your most vulnerable?"

"Her name is Trista, and she is MY sister who was being controlled like a puppet!!" Tiafell stepped forward, his emotions already running high due to the news about Alto. "Marlon and our father sacrificed their lives to free her from Dred's control!! By now, she has been cleansed of Dred's energy, she is no longer our foe!!" A light red mist formed around the demon/elf hybrid. All four members of the Elite Royal Guard prepared to attack the elf. Scepter stood, growling and bearing his fangs.

"Take one more step, and your life will end before you see us move!!!" Rhydra threatened.

"Tiafell!! Stop!!!" Vasati dashed in front of him. "You're about to get you and your friends in very serious trouble!!!"

"EVERYONE CALM DOWN!!!!!" Escandar screamed, then spoke with his voice lowered. "I know all about you, Tiafell. How you lost control of your demonic side and went berserk at the sight of Dred. It was only after sustaining a substantial beating from your father that you snapped out of it. While I commend your great strength and skill in battle, I have a hard time believing you are anything but a liability. What guarantee do I have that you won't be a danger to all of us when we attack Basilix Castle?"

Tiafell struggled to control his anger, but after taking some deep breaths, the red mist vanished. "Please, Your Majesty." Now calm, he dropped to both knees and placed his palms on the floor. "I'm sorry we haven't impressed you. But I beg you, give us a chance to prove ourselves. Marlon insisted that we align with you against Dred, he felt that the war against him would be impossible without our union. Please, fulfill his final wish and let us help. You will lead the charge, of course, but don't cast us away..."

"Why should I? What reason do I have to not send you out of my throne room in chains?"

"What do you have to lose by testing us? Your strength is renowned throughout the kingdom. I would think you'd enjoy beating us into submission and making an example out of us." Tiafell offered, sending a cold chill down the spines of his friends.

"Is Tiafell inviting him to kick our asses...?" Kanah gulped.

Escandar was silent for a few moments. "Fine, you make an excellent argument, I shall grant your wish." The members of his guard looked at him in disbelief. "Your roles in Steelweld were noteworthy but not without due criticism. However, you stood up to me honorably and truthfully. That being said, I need further proof of your resolve. Therefore, your request is granted. The six of you will face me and my Elite Royal Guard in combat! If you prove yourselves worthy, you will join us in ridding our world of Dred and his forces. Fail, and all of you shall spend the next three years in cells for wasting our time!"

Tiafell looked up at him, then held his fist over his heart. "Thank you, we will without a doubt prove ourselves. I swear it on my honor!" The elf had a fiercely determined expression on his face.

"I like that look, boy. Maybe you'll live up to Marlon's hype after all." The King stood, showing everyone how tall and massive he was. "We find out in one hour! Vasati, you know what to do."

"Understood." Vasati bowed her head, then faced the group. "Everyone, come with me." Everyone followed her out of the throne room.

"Geez! He didn't have to be such a dick!" Cirris growled.

"SHHHHHH!!!!!" Vasati shushed him. "Your outbursts nearly got all of you killed! Those four with the King were ready to strike you down without hesitation! And now that they have agreed to fight you, they will want to make you pay for your insolence!"

"Wait, we're not using real weapons, right? Are you saying they'll try to kill us??" Kanah gulped.

"No, but they won't avoid it either! They feel the need to 'put you in your place' with no concern over whether or not you survive! The king is another matter. He may be more amiable than his guard, but he is excited now. I could feel the thrill of battle growing in his heart, he is incapable of holding anything back when he is like this!"

"And he's the strongest of the five, oh shit..." A drop of sweat fell from Brion's face.

"But still! That crap he was saying was totally unfair! He was unjustly attacking us!" Nadia protested.

"I know, I know..." Vasati sighed. "Anyway, what's done is done. I am supposed to take you to the arena to prepare for the battle. You will face them in an empty arena usually reserved for training troops. All of you are capable fighters, but you have no idea what you are up against."

"We're aware of their reputation as "The Army of Five", they're tough!" Kanah commented.

"'Tough' doesn't begin to describe it. Just be careful, okay?" Vasati pleaded. "I've finally reunited with Tiafell and met the wonderful friends he has made. The last thing I want is to see any of you get hurt, or worse..."

"We will, but we're not holding back either." Tiafell stated, turning toward the group with the same look of sheer determination in his face. "I do not fear them, nor do I care how strong they are!! Our goal is not victory, it's proving our worth whether they like it or not! They're going to BEG us to join their side after we're done!!!" The demon/elf's spirit burned like an inferno. His friends felt surges of adrenaline coursing through their veins, ignited by his declaration.

"Yeah, we've got this!! FUCK I'm getting pumped!!" Cirris balled his fist, grinning.

Nadia punched the palm of her left hand. "I feel it too! They'll regret underestimating US!!"

One by one, Tiafell's friends expressed newfound grit. Vasati could feel their resolve strengthening.

"Incredible! Tiafell has inspired his friends to fight alongside him against opponents they have no hope of winning against, a sign of a true leader. He has grown so much since leaving Elfandall, I'm proud of him!" She thought to herself, wiping her eyes. "Very well, follow me. When we arrive, you will change into battle uniforms and then select your weapons of choice. The King and the others will be wearing the same outfits. They offer no protection so very hit will hurt, keep that in mind."

They took the elevator back down to the third floor. Vasati led them to a building behind the castle. After being taken to a changing room, they changed into thin form-fitting battle suits of various colors. Tiafell wore green, Nadia black, Cirris blue, Mirya pink, Brion silver, and Kanah bronze. Each suit bore the lion emblem seen on the clothes of everyone in the castle and the soldiers throughout the city. Next, she took them to choose their weapons.

"We have a variety of wooden replicas for you to choose from. Note that the magic users among you will use your actual staves instead, as your magic cannot be used to its fullest without them. However, because you also wield a sword, Cirris, you may use a wooden one."

"So, the magic is going to be real. Alright then." Cirris chose a broadsword replica.

"I fight best with my bare hands, I'm good." Nadia was warming up by stretching her limbs. The rest chose their weapons. Tiafell took a sword like Cirris', Brion a claymore, and Kanah a battleaxe.

Wearing their suits and with weapons in hand, the group were led to the arena. The sizeable structure surrounded an open dirt field with bright lights further illuminating the area. Built into the walls were booths for participants not currently on the field to remain on standby. In front of them stood the Army of Five, dressed in their battle suits and ready for combat. King Escandar wore a red suit with a golden crown design on the back, he held a claymore-like weapon with one hand. Serin wore burgundy and carried a weapon like the King's but required both hands to hold it. Rhydra wore purple and wielded a wooden javelin. Oletta wore gray and was unarmed like Nadia. And finally, Hinako wore white and carried her staff.

"Here we are, about to face 'The Army of Five' in battle." Brion nervously gripped his weapon, taking a deep breath.

"Good! I'm happy to see that you have not pussed out!" Escandar chuckled. "I commend your courage; most would not have made it to the locker room. This will not be a battle royale with all of us fighting each other at random. Instead, we will choose partners, and each pair will fight all at once. This is the best way for us to accurately measure your skill and determination. Seeing as how I am the King, I get the first choice." Escandar pointed the tip of his weapon at Tiafell, who was looking at him with a piercing gaze. "You shall be my opponent, Tiafell! The way you stood up to me in the throne room, along with the look in your eyes right now, has gotten me fired up in a way I have not experienced in years! We're going to have one HELL of a fight!"

"That's fine with me; I wouldn't have it any other way." The hybrid elf held his sword with both hands. His focus on Escandar was razor sharp. There was no fear or anger, only the drive to prove himself and his friends worthy of the King's acceptance.

"Warriors of Steelweld," Rhydra addressed Brion and Kanah. "I have been informed that the two of you to fight best as a duo, Serin and I share a similar synergy. You will be facing us!"

"I accept!" Kanah brandished her weapon.

"As do I!" Brion returned the sentiment.

"You look like you can handle yourself in a brawl, wanna square off with me?" Oletta proposed to Nadia.

"Sure, I was thinking the same about you." The vampire answered.

"Hell yeah! Hinako, block out the sun, will ya? I wanna face this vampire girl at her best!"

"Of course." The Oriental mage pointed her staff upward, creating a black dome in the sky surrounding the arena. Nadia felt her vampiric powers activate, her eyes glowing red.

"Now you can come at me with all you've got! Feel free to use your magic too if you want!" Oletta pounded her fists together, grinning.

"Better hope you won't regret this, chica!" The dhampir smirked. Both fist fighters took their stances.

"I suppose that leaves me with Marlon's grandchildren." Hinako brushed dirt off her thigh with her free hand. The mage twins called forth their staves.

"Think you can handle fighting us by yourself?" Cirris warned.

"We work very well as a team ourselves!" Mirya added.

"Oh, I know, but I'm not worried. I look forward to seeing his legacy in action!" Hinako giggled. "Ours will be a contest of magic!"

With opponents chosen, Tiafell and his friends stood before the Army of Five with weapons raised, their opponents reacting in kind. Standing at a safe distance, Vasati held her right arm in the air.

"The rules are as follows: the match has no time limit, and an opponent is defeated in the event they are unable to continue fighting or if they concede. If everyone is ready, then let the exhibition match..." She swiftly brought her straightened arm down.

"BEGIN!!!!!!"