Chapter 42: The Darkness Re-emerges
Year 0002, XIII Month: The Imperium
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Preparations for the Grand Assembly and the Whispers of Great Evil
In the Empire of Elms-Arkanus, Emperor Janus Cornwall sat upon his imperial throne, carved from ancient moonstone that seemed to capture and reflect the very essence of his authority. Below him, arranged in their traditional semi-circle, his many advisors and grand advisors gathered, their ceremonial robes rustling softly in the cavernous throne room.
They had assembled for a special meeting concerning the upcoming Grand Assembly, a rare event that brought together the diverse leadership of the entire continent. The air was thick with anticipation as they discussed preparations for the arrival of kings, sovereigns, and nobles from across the Empire and its allies. Their voices echoed against the vaulted ceiling adorned with frescoes depicting the ancient victories of their forebears.
Yet beneath the surface of these seemingly mundane preparations lay a far more dire purpose. Whispers had reached the imperial court of an ancient darkness stirring once more—a malevolence that had been driven from the shores of the Arkanus Continent generations ago, now slithering back like a poisonous mist.
Though the Empire had defeated some manifestations of this Great Evil during their liberation of the People of Elms from the oppressive Fresco League of Kingdoms, the darkness had found new footholds. In territories beyond the Empire's influence—kingdoms that had resisted fealty, alleagance or conquest—the Great Evil and its Dark Forces had established strongholds, preparing for a more sinister and comprehensive invasion.
This ancient evil had once ravaged these lands with unimaginable horror until it was destroyed by the heroes of old. Its remnants were banished by the original Empire of Arkanus, cleansed from the continent through sacrifice and powerful forgotten magics. But the destruction of that ancient empire had created a vacuum, and from distant shores, the remnants of the Great Evil had regrown their power, plotting their return with patient malice.
For years, they had worked from the shadows, secretly supporting the Fresco League and its allies in their campaign against the descendants of Arkanus. Like a disease spreading through the body politic, the Great Evil had planted seeds of discord, destruction, and chaos throughout the continent, corrupting the minds of vulnerable rulers and transforming them into unwitting pawns. Now, with control over a quarter of the continent already in their grasp, the fate of Arkanus would hang in the balance at the upcoming Grand Assembly.
Emperor Janus and his advisors were not without resources in this looming conflict. The Great Elders of Elms had preserved ancient technologies, passed down in secrecy through generations even during their enslavement. These forgotten marvels had once sealed the continent against invasion, creating a protective barrier that no darkness could penetrate. Though much of this knowledge had been lost or sealed away by the encroaching evil, the Empire had begun reactivating these protections across the western and central regions.
Meanwhile, their eastern allies faced the brunt of the growing threat. Border skirmishes had erupted with increasing frequency as the darkness pushed westward, seeking to unify the eastern territories under its banner. If successful, a third of the continent would fall under its shadow.
The Grand Advisor, an elderly man whose lined face bore witness to decades of service, rose from his seat. As representative of the Great Elders of Elms, his words carried the weight of ancient wisdom. His voice, though soft, commanded the attention of all present as he addressed the Emperor.
"Your Imperial Majesty," he began, unrolling an ancient scroll whose parchment had yellowed with age, "these are the records kept by our wise ancestors during their war against the Great Evil. The Emperor of Arkanus, in his foresight, granted access to these records only to the most loyal Grand Noble Houses."
The Grand Advisor's fingers trembled slightly as they traced the faded script. "Our House of Elms was among those fortunate few entrusted with these documents. By imperial decree, we have safeguarded them through the long darkness."
His eyes, sharp despite his years, fixed on Janus with unexpected intensity. "The time has come, Majesty, for you to claim the remaining lands of this continent. The royal banners of your Imperial House must fly over those kingdoms that remain defiant, those sovereigns whose minds have been poisoned by the Forces of Darkness. Only you, the chosen one, can unite Arkanus once more."
Emperor Janus studied his advisors carefully, his gaze penetrating deep into their hearts. His gift for discerning hidden motives revealed only genuine concern for the continent's survival. They truly believed it was their sacred duty to confront this eastern threat before it consumed them all.
For now, the invasion remained contained by natural barriers—the Great Forests of Arkanus and its massive Caldera along with the rows of mountainous peaks that stretched from the southern end to northern most parts of the central continent. Has shielded the new capital region in the west from immediate danger. The former capital, that was located in the central subcontinent that was now known as the Great Caldera of Arkanus, had long been abandoned after it's untimely destruction millenias ago, sealed off by decree of the Ancient Dragon King and other mighty beings who had claimed it as their domain.
Janus knew this forbidden region intimately—it was where he had been cast as an infant, where he should have perished but instead was found by a group of tribal people (Arkons) who had achieved a rare harmony with the powerful entities that ruled there. They had adopted him, naming him Janus Cornwall, adopting the last name from those whom he called as parents and had raised him as their own. These experiences had formed an unbreakable bond between the Emperor and the mystical forces of the old capital, leading him to forbid any imperial expansion or allied encroachment into the forest region and beyond.
This prohibition was reinforced by his unusual friendship with the Dragon Prince Chronusfyre Solumbra, who had sought refuge in the Imperial Palace from his tyrannical father, the Dragon King. This alliance gave Janus a measure of confidence regarding the eastern threat—he would not march unless his allies directly requested aid, but when they did, the imperial response would be swift and decisive.
The Grand Assembly would provide the justification he needed for the coming campaign to unify the continent. There, before all the nobles and royals of the land, he would gauge their resolve and secure their support for the inevitable conflict.
"Very well," Janus declared, his voice resonating with authority. "If this eastern threat continues to expand its foothold in the eastern subcontinent, we shall march forth and destroy it, bringing unity once more to Arkanus." He leaned forward, his hands gripping the armrests of his throne. "But we move only at the request of our allies, as we require proper justification for such a campaign. At the Grand Assembly, I will personally assess their commitment to this cause."
He straightened, his decision made. "Now go and prepare for their arrival. Ensure all are ready to receive the leadership of our realm."
"We have received your orders!" his advisors shouted in unison, bowing deeply before hurrying from the throne room to execute his commands.
Alone on his throne, a smile of anticipation crossed Janus's face. "A new enemy worthy of my attention has emerged," he whispered to the empty hall. "An interesting battle approaches once more."
His smile turned sinister as he contemplated the darkness gathering on the horizon. Though outwardly he projected the careful restraint expected of an emperor, inwardly a part of him welcomed the coming conflict—a chance to test his mettle against a foe of legend, to write his name alongside the heroes of old who had banished this evil once before.
The ancient game of empires had begun anew, with the fate of an entire continent hanging in the balance.