Chapter 2
Ka stood in the throne room of her fortress pouring over a map of the surrounding countryside. She had most of the land under her control, but there was still some resistance in the outlying areas. Ka was not too concerned; her army would easily quash what resistance was left. That she was sure of.
The first part of her plan, to become the ultimate supreme power was almost complete and she was ready to start with the next. She would enslave all those that followed the Goddess Talsia. An evil smile crossed Ka's face as she thought about all the Goddess' followers as slaves.
Many years before, Talsia had forsaken Ka's people and left them to fend for themselves. They were a violent people who did not take to the idea of peace lightly. Ka's ancestor had led a revolt against the leaders and against the Goddess. Unable to dissuade the man from his course, and seeing that her people would be destroyed if she did not do something, Talsia cast them out. Cursing them to wander the land with no guidance and no hope till the end of time.
Many years they wandered the lands till the great God Shadar came to them. Shadar was the God of war and power ... and of darkness. He told the cast outs that he would take them in and they would prosper, but in return they would have to seal their allegiance to him forever. Some of the cast-outs refused, not wanting to ally themselves with the Dark God, but most agreed.
Ka looked down at the scar on her right hand. It would not be hard to tell the difference between the followers of Shadar and those of Talsia. When they came of age, the followers of Shadar would all seal their allegiance to him by slicing their right hand and offering a blood oath. All the Shadarians had the same scar as the one that Ka bore.
As Ka continued to study the map trying to decide which area to make her next move in, the door to her throne room burst open and in walked an armored clad woman. Her armor was dirty and battle stained and her drawn sword was covered in blood. She marched up to Ka, her long black hair flowing behind her, and fell down to one knee.
"It is done mistress. You have complete control now."
"And the resistance Lady Rose? What of them?"
"There are a few pockets of resistance left in the forest, but they will not last long. I have men following them even now. They are tired and have no provisions, they will give up soon." The General of Ka's army answered confidently.
"Good. See that they do. I do not want a rebel force building against me as we proceed with my plans." Ka said with a tight smile.
"Yes Mistress. And what is it you plan next?" Asked Lady Rose with eagerness.
"The followers of Talsia will be enslaved and the Holy Ones of the villages will be put to death." Ka's smile turn to an evil grin.
"Enslaved?" Lady Rose repeated, her eyes glimmering at the prospect.
"Yes. I will have them all bow down to me ... and to Shadar, or they will be put to death. Now we must make preparations. We will begin the new campaign before nightfall"
"YES MISTRESS!" Lady Rose yelled in excitement as she slammed her fist into her hand.
Chapter 3