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Eternal Mortality

Chapter 1

End of a Nightmare

The longer this war continued, the more the Scales realized that this war was to be their future. It was a defining moment in all of their histories. None could deny it now. Slowly, all of their attacks were becoming more organized. Much to the dismay of those from Drothar. The Scales were striking under cover of darkness and mists, never taking chances in open daylight. Soon their reputation started to precede them. Wraiths was what the Drotharians called them. Nearly undetectable and invincible. Tiralin laughed at this when she first heard of it.

"Let them wallow in their delusions, I'll be more than happy to oblige." She said.

Olav continued his campaign in fury. Eager to have the Savage Queens head once and for all.

"I will have no more talk of the Wraiths!" He yelled at his commanders over the radio. "They are nothing more than savages using the land to their advantage! Now find me their Queen and quit babbling like the bunch of fools you are!"

Tiralin was not their queen, but she showed her capabilities as a leader in every battle. She was becoming ever more the face Olav wished to see writhing in pain and begging for mercy. But every day he had spent focused on the wildlands of Wiroch, Valtovka was pounding on his door. Threatening to distract him from his personal desires.

"Damned Fastolfs, They will not take this from me!" He cursed to himself.

The more Tiralin and those who followed her fought, the more they began to see hope. The endless flow from Drothar was finally beginning to slow. With every victory came a blow to morale that wouldn't recover. The soldiers were succumbing to an ancient fear, one of monsters that would come and take them in the night. Another weakness that Wiroch was all to eager to exploit. Fear was running rampant, fortifications set up to last even the strongest assaults fell overnight. Hope was fading, Pride was fading, Will was fading. The Scales did everything except break their spirits completely. They did not mutilate bodies, rather, they simply left them along with their own kind. A little dirt sprinkled over every body. Armor and weapons all scavenged.

Journal of Pvt. Hasting Kullas

Soldier of Drothar

I find myself in awe of these battles we've survived, or more appropriately, escaped. These Scales of the country we seek have an immense sense of honor. One that we seemed to have lost long ago. They leave their comrades after what seems like a short prayer, they even pray over Drothar soldiers. I can't help but feel that maybe these creatures are civilized, maybe even intelligent. At least, compared to us. Some would say that it is unlikely considering how they fight. It seems that they only do what is necessary. They defend their land, would we not do the same? They speak our tongue and come up with, dare I say, brilliant tactical maneuvers. My superior officers suggest otherwise, but it will be deadly to underestimate them. As my former comrades have shown me.

Final entry before the Forlorn Battle

The Forlorn Battle is considered the turning point of the campaign against Wiroch. For years the Drotharian army marched nearly without any resistance, besides those of the Tempest Dragons. Now they were fighting all the peoples within these wildlands. The juggernaut of Drothar was brought to a halt before the might of the unified Scales. All the Furs had claimed these past several years was now threatened. More furpower was being diverted to defend against Valtovka's incursions. Less reinforcements gave the counterattack all the more headway they needed. Mercilessly the Scales fought, never retreating from a fight they had chosen. The same could not be said of Drothar. Their attacks were becoming increasingly vain.

Report of Drothar Strike Team

of one Capt. Sietiv Losc

Our attack I'm afraid, was a total failure. We fought for several hours. We launched mortars, set up heavy machine guns, and even a Damned tank. I cannot stress enough how ineffective our small arms fire was. It is unclear whether our mortars were inaccurate or just plain ineffective. And our tank killed only a small fraction. I'm afraid our situation was quite dire. Even after I ordered a full retreat... The bastards just kept coming. We have not been trained to deal with such tactics. This enemy is crafty, and I fear our defeat is imminent lest we can focus our power on them. Though the war to the east now consumes our minds, making it near impossible to focus. May our King lead us through these trying times with grace and wisdom... We are going to need it.

Drothar was withering in Wiroch. The King of Drothar no longer spoke to those who struggled against the scales, for their weakness was embarrassing to him. Only a few weeks after that, a withdrawal was ordered. All troops were to abandon the campaign immediately, to focus on the Valtovkan invasion. The Scales were unaware for some time. They continued to strike the emptying fortresses and encampments until none were left. At first there was confusion, then, there was celebration. This nightmare finally woke into a bright new day.

The name of Tiralin Nuva spread like wildfire within the borders of Wiroch. Tales of her fights had grown to legend. She lead without being asked to and fought when odds were clearly not in her favor. Retreat was never her option, mercy, was never given. She was always the first one in the fray. She was also rumored to be the final Tempest Dragon. One that Tiralin wished wasn't true. The scales began to fall back, leaving few to scout the border. There was much to be discussed.

Chapter 2

The First Assembly

They began to set up a large camp at the base of the Tempest mountains. Scales of all kinds began to gather in this area. Three days were spent on growing alliances between certain tribes. Until Tiralin and Kusedh finally arrived with the soldiers under their command. Both still donning their battle armor in full. They were welcomed with cheers and congratulations. Kusedh shared their enthusiasm, Tiralin however, only managed small smiles as they made their way to the head tent.

"Something bothering you?" Kusedh asked Tiralin.

She let out a deep sigh. "Just thinking." She replied coolly.

He walked a bit closer to her. "Care to elaborate?"

"We still have a lot of work to do. It won't be long before something like this happens again."

Kusedh shrugged. "Don't you think they've at least earned this?"

"Of course they have. I just don't think they're ready for it."

They walked into the largest tent, there was a large table with many elders sitting at it and a few chieftains. Tiralin took the first empty seat she came to, Kusedh took his place in the seat next to her. It was several minutes before the final leaders moved to their places and took their seats.

A very old woman took her place at the head of the table, she was a lowlander. Everyone stood and bowed in respect. She had many rings pierced on her head, symbolizing every lesson she had learned. There were well over a thousand. A very respectable woman.

"My siblings!" She began. "Let us speak with our mother." Her seasoned voice commanded.

The entire room fell dead silent.

"Sekra ney medishir, hollo!" the entire room repeated after the elder. "Tus' tus, sli'n aji li'horinon." Everyone in the room seated themselves and looked to the elder.

"I am very pleased to see all of you together at last. It brings me peace." She said as she took her seat. "Though the circumstances grieve my heart."

All of the Scales nodded, agreeing with her.

"Tonight is a night of celebration for most, but for us, it is our responsibility to see what lies in the future. We shall start with Hueren."

A lowland Scale stood and thanked the elder. He was a little younger than the elder.

"I believe we should return to our own business. We have averted this threat. I have no desire to continue working here."

Kusedh looked to Tiralin. She still wore her helmet over her head so her expression was hard to read, but he could almost feel her anger.

"I agree. We should continue as we always have." Another chieftain agreed.

The elder looked hurt by these statements. Tiralin's fists clenched.

Another leader stood. "It is the way we have always been, it must continue."

Tiralin nearly stood up when one of the Turel Chieftains shot up.

"You are fools! This was just the first! What if someone else decides they want a stab at us!?" He yelled.

Tiralin couldn't have said it better herself.

"Calm, Vilnui." The elder pleaded. "Let us not fall to harsh words."

"I apologize." He said calmly. "The problem we should all be having is that these will likely not be the only outsiders to try to take our lives."

There was a murmur of approval. Only very few were shaking their heads.

"Well said. Perhaps there are others who feel the same way?" The elder said. Looking around at the faces along the table. Tiralin stood and removed her helmet, setting it on the table. Her golden eyes pierced everyone she looked at.

"Ah, the Tempests chosen leader." The elder noted. Tiralin bowed deeply. "You have something to add?"

"I have much to add." She looked to the scales around her. "My brothers and sisters. I am sad to hear that some of you wish to return to our simple ways. For the past couple years I have seen remarkable things. Most have been unimaginable until recently. An organized nation attacked us, and my people and I fought them. For the longest time I believed we were alone, doomed to be the first eliminated. Yet, even after I had lost hope for myself, you all showed up. I had never hoped to see Scales of all kinds fight to protect their lands or their families. I am proud to be part of the unified effort. It is my dearest wish to see us band together from here on. For this may not be an isolated incident."

The elder nodded.

One of the chieftains waved his hand dismissively. "We will not fall victim to your fear mongering, Tiralin. We have been ignored for hundreds of years."

Tiralin eyed him carefully and maintained her composure.

"Call me a pessimist if you wish. But ask yourself one question, What if we are attacked by... let's say... Valtovka?"

"And what reason would they have to attack us?" He challenged.

"The same reason Drothar did I would guess. If not that, use your imagination." She waited for her challenger to answer, but he remained silent. "My point is, if it was any other nation, they wouldn't have been beaten so easily."

All at the table were giving her an incredulous look, except for Kusedh, Vilnui, and the Elder.

"You're saying Drothar was a pushover?" One of the chieftains asked.

Tiralin laughed. "Relatively? Yes."

This sent the whole council into an uproar. Some screaming at Tiralin for insulting them. Others seeming to change their minds and demanding that they unite. The Elder pounded on the table with her staff. The whole room quieted down.

"Can anyone provide a second view?" She finally said.

Vilnui nodded. "Tiralin speaks the truth. We have observed the other nations long before this incident. They are far more formidable, and they do not have volcanoes deterring them. I believe as Tiralin does, we got lucky with Drothar. It would be better not to count on luck again."

Tiralin smiled grimly. "Drothar has been under siege from Valtovka for a long while, we would be fools to believe it was all on our own effort that they pulled out. We fought well enough. But if we hope to survive in this world, we must be willing to change. Or the next... will be our last." She said with cold sincerity.

Suddenly the whole table was silent. Reality had struck a low blow to the people of Wiroch, but it was a wake up call. It could still get much worse.

"So the decision remains. What do we do?" The Elder asked kindly.

Kusedh stood behind Tiralin. "For those who wish to unite, I move that we select one to lead us." He suggested. "My people wish to unite, and I stand by that decision. All those who wish to join with us please stand."

Just over half the Scales stood. Tiralin stood absolute, for she had no one else to make the decision for. Vilnui did not take his seat, so he was in. But the one that shocked everyone, was the Elder. She stood up and watched those who still sat.

"It saddens me to think that some of you will let old rivalries rob you of your future." She said with disdain. "It shames your ancestors to bicker like children."

After these words were spoken a few more stood, rather begrudgingly. Once it was clear that they were to have no more volunteers the Elder shook her head.

"Fine. Let those who wish to remain as they are be dismissed. We have nothing more to say to those who cannot see."

Those who were seated stood and began to make their way from the tent. They would leave first thing in the morning after the announcements.

After the room was cleared, all of those who were standing sat back down.

"Very good. Over half on our side, we might be able to get something done." The Elder explained. "Now to choose our first leader. I'm to old to lead something like this, so I will not be accepting nominations. It will require a younger eye to lead these people."

Conversations sprung up all along the table, all discussing possible choices.

A tribe leader stood. "I think I would be a competent leader. My people decided to fight before any others after we received the news."

Many at the table seemed to disagree. "Your people didn't make that choice, you did. I will not have my decisions made for me." One replied.

"And most of them didn't take kindly to it." Another added.

Tiralin stood. "I would like to throw my vote in with Kusedh!" Many looked to her questioningly. "It was by his hand all of you decided to fight together in the first place. He never backed down from a fight, not even this one." She sat back down.

Kusedh leaned over and whispered to her. "I don't think I'm the right choice."

"I couldn't think of anyone better." She replied.

One of the elders stood. "If I am not mistaken, hasn't your tribe been eliminated?" He said with a hint of arrogance. "Meaning you shouldn't have a vote at all."

Tiralin winced. Partly in anger and partly in shock. She wanted to kill this man.

The Elder stood and once again slammed her staff on the table. "You dishonor yourself, Hadrir. She is the Tempests Chosen! Her people were fighting and dying before we even realized the threat. You would be wise to show her due respect!" She spat. "Her vote should mean more than your petty wishes."

Hadrir sat, angry at the Elder for making him look like a fool.

Vilnui stood. "I would like to place my vote with Tiralin! Otherwise we dishonor the sacrifice her people made to give us ample time to prepare. Without her, we wouldn't be discussing this at all." He explained.

"Wise words indeed, Vilnui. I will vote with her also." The Elder declared. Much to the surprise of the entire room. "She has shown great strength and endurance these last years, and a surprising amount of patience with us for not responding to her pleads for help before Kusedh warned us. Her people paid a steep price for our mistakes, we owe them this at least." She sat down heavily after those words.

This struck up more conversation around the table. Many agreed with the words of the Elder, and very few disagreed.

Kusedh stood. "I will vote with her also." He stated. "She has an almost legendary status among our people, I would be a fool to disagree with my own brothers and sisters on this. She has shown all the qualities a just leader should have, and I would be honored to serve with her."

The Elder nodded. "I will let you all deliberate on this before we make a final decision." She stated. "This decision is not to be made lightly. May the wisdom of our mother shine down on us in this decision."

Chapter 3

The First Vote

Many hours of argument took place, but in the end, most came to the inevitable conclusion. Tiralin was the wise choice. She had no tribe to influence her decisions, meaning she would be, more or less, a neutral party. That is what influenced more people than anything. Any other choice would undoubtedly result in unforeseen consequences, and almost suddenly the conversations stopped.

"Have we all made a decision?" The Elder finally asked. Everyone at the table nodded. "Very well, We shall start with Tiralin. Would all who approve of her leadership please stand!"

Everyone at the table stood except for Tiralin. No one could believe their eyes, it was unanimous. Even the Elder stood slack-jawed. Tiralin couldn't help but smile, this was the first thing everyone had agreed on in hundreds of years, and she couldn't agree with it.