Eptian LXXIII

As the Sonimian Overlords returned to the Great Chasm Fortress they where confronted with a large entrenched Pan Mortal force that was waiting for them. Upon returning these Sonimian forces smashed against these battlements and broke apart like sparks fly off the anvil with each successive hammer blow. The Overlords, once defeated, would flee into the surrounding landscape with what remained of their forces, now powerless to turn the tide. The Sonimi themselves could not be captured but a majority of their forces were. It was assumed that the Sonimi wandered around looking for Velid but none of the Mortals knew for sure.

Ebrel was eventually brought before Eptih and he would not reveal much, he did however have a story to tell Eptih. He explained how Eptih was the son of Velid, the twin brother of Rhosrc and that his mother had been the wife of Velid and mother of the two boys. He told Eptih how his father had tried to kill both him and his brother and how his mother had gone into the Great Chasm, where he had been tossed, in order to retrieve him and that there she had perished or at least that was what was believed by everyone else. Eptih was astonished by the tale and yet it all fit all together that is except for one glaring thing which he asked Ebrel about. If he knew all of this why did it seem no one else did, why did he not direct Velid to capture him when he was a youth and thus avoid conflict altogether? And to this Ebrel replied that being the only one of  two who knew the truth he felt that holding the knowledge of the true events could save him from some future miserable fate, meaning he could persuade Velid with the info should he ever come into opposition with him. Eptih did not believe Ebrel’s reason for concealing the information and wondered if he knew his mother was in fact still alive. This caused Eptih to fear the repercussions of Ebrel continuing to live for he seemed to hold Derram’s fate in his hands. Discussing the intricacies of being of the Norstilam race which both Ebrel and Eptih where, Eptih realized that Ebrel was in fact the son of Orendun. Eptih though did not reveal this to Ebrel.

After listening to Ebrel, Eptih wanted to know if the story was true and so he decided to visit his mother and ask her. Eptih left the army in the hands of “____” and by himself went off to visit his mother who was quite far from the Great Chasm Fortress. When Eptih arrived Derram was happy to see her son but she could see that he was distressed and when she asked what was the matter he told her the story Ebrel had told him. Derram was disappointed and told Eptih that the story was true and with that Eptih questioned her as to why she had withheld so much important information from him. She explained how they where in danger of being found by Velid and that she did what she did to save him. Eptih asked her how she could leave Rhosrc behind with Velid and she told him she had though he was dead having seen him so mangled. Eptih was in a sense relived knowing the truth because for so long he had questioned his ancestry and had never been able to coalesce all of his thoughts about himself, his mother, Thiaraceph and Thmascuid into one logical account. Now all was revealed and all of his questions where answered. Although Eptih knew Derram had done what she had for his and her welfare he still had some animosity toward her for deceiving him and thus left without accepting her apology, leaving the situation with her unresolved.

Before departing back to the army Eptih went to Reyam, who was in the same town as his mother, and took her with him on his way. From there Eptih made his way back to the army at the Great Chasm Fortress slowly taking time to consider all that he had learned and spending time with Reyam. Although Eptih’s mind was at first occupied with all the new revelations he quickly became unburdened by the truth and was able to focus his attention on the celebration of his recent victory and his beautiful wife. Nevertheless after many days of travel as Eptih came closer to the Great Chasm Fortress he began to debate with himself what to do with Ebrel and what path to take now that his purpose of freeing the race of Mortals was fulfilled.

Eptian LXXII

Word quickly spread throughout most of Existence of the change in fortune for the Pan Mortal Army and upon confirmation of the rumors most of the Sonimian Overlords withdrew from their provinces in order to return to the Great Chasm Fortress. They hoped to fortify the Great Chasm and make a stand against the intensifying resistance.

The Mortal populations, in reaction to their newly acquired freedom, and on learning of what appeared to be the forthcoming collapse of Velidian rule began attacking any member of the Velidian government they could. Wherever they could they fell upon any Velidian tearing them to pieces, many also destroyed whatever monuments and icons of Velidian rule they could. Many buildings, once having been abandoned by the Velidians, were put to fire and ruined. This left the Mortals free but also without system of governing, all the old systems that had been established under the Vethrians had been swept away by the Velidians and before that the Mortal populations had never really governed over their own destiny. This was the first time since being placed within existence that they could rule over themselves without there being any outside influence. Initially however it was chaos.

Eventually Eptih, who had followed a large part of the army to the Great Chasm Fortress, was nearly at the gates of the city. At this point Velid, his retinue and Rhosrc, who had been released from confinement, fled the place leaving behind all those that had come there looking for salvation and even before many of the Sonimian Overlords had managed to make their way back.

Rhosrc berated his father for their situation, and was not in agreement that leaving was the proper course. He wanted to stay and fight, he believed that the situation could be rectified if they could survive the initial coming assault and reorganize all the survivors.  Velid was more concerned with maintaining his power and feared being a captive of the Mortals and thus felt that if they could escape the situation and reach safety he may be able to heal his wounds and eventually return to his former glory.

Eptih laid siege to the Great Chasm Fortress but once the Velidians inside learned that Velid and Rhosrc had fled they relented and used the opportunity to flee into the surrounding landscape. Most of these however where killed by the Mortals that pursued them. Eptih entered the city victorious and took possession of it. Once inside Eptih was dumfounded, this was the place from where so much pain had emanated, a place that so many had feared and now it was desolate and impotent, just a geographical location and empty infrastructure. It was as if Eptih and many others thought the place itself had been the cause of their pain and now that they stood there they realized it was Velid and his army of slaves not the place itself. Nevertheless, to take the place from Velid was a victory and as such Eptih savored the moment.

Attempts where made to try and find Velid but to no avail, and this fact caused Eptih great consternation. He knew that to capture Velid was the ultimate prize and that with him in custody he could be assured that Velid would never reign over mankind again. Until he was captured the Mortals would never be truly safe nor would they be able to fully enjoy their victory.

Eptih’s forces moved in and occupied the capital taking over the buildings and finding the foodstuffs. Soon after, word was brought to Eptih that Ebrel had been captured by his forces that had pursued the other half of the Velidian army to the east. Eptih immediately sent word back to bring Ebrel to the Great Chasm Fortress so that he could interrogate him. Eptih was sure Ebrel would be able to tell him where Velid was likely to be hiding and he wanted the information as soon as possible.

[ Eptian LXX ]

[ Eptian LXX ] 70

The Pan Mortal Army’s assault on the Velidians was soon resisted and then began to be pushed back and as such the growing strength of the Velidians became evident. As the Velidians slowly closed in on the Pan mortal Army and once again Eptih’s fortunes looked bleak a furious storm arose that brought with it a deep snow which was a precursor to a tremendous cold that froze everything and stopped the fighting dead. The two armies entrenched themselves where they were and tried to cope with the cold and snow.

As the cold continued more recently created Queid divisions arrived to reinforce those already there and as such the Velidian army grew more and more massive making it possible for them to wrap their lines around the Pan Mortal position. Although there was no fighting Eptih could see how the situation was deteriorating for his cause. He knew that as more Queid arrived if the cold miraculously subsided his forces would be quickly surrounded and defeated. The Pan Mortal Army began to have other pressing problems as well, the men started to get sick as they had not been prepared for the cold and where now suffering from its affects.

Eptih could see that his army was withering away, each new day brought some new disaster and as they froze there their situation began to look hopeless. At this moment Eptih struck upon a brilliant idea, that of single combats. With single combats Eptih could hope to exhibit the strength of his army to the Velidians and also give his forces something to put their faith in. But Eptih had other reasons behind the single combats as well. Eptih hoped that as all where occupied with the spectacle he would be able to extricate his army from its situation, the only problem was Eptih had no idea how he would do this and he had even less time to come up with one.

Eptih immediately sent messengers to many of the surrounding Mortal towns asking to send as many conscripts as possible. These messengers did not find the various townspeople very willing to comply. However when they displayed a willingness to use force and made many threats many families relented and decided to send some of their available young men, boys actually who were typically fourteen to eighteen. These where brought to Eptih and integrated into the army.

As this was taking place the Pan Mortal Army sent a messenger to the Velidians challenging them to single combats, ten men from each side fighting one fight per day, and the challenge was accepted. Eptih had “____” choose the ten men and as this was going on Eptih met with his Generals to decide on a plan to save the army.

Within two days The single combats began, both sides having selected their best fighters and just as Eptih had figured the Velidians where wholly engrossed in seeing their best win and thus took their eyes off the force facing them. Eptih now had ten days to save his army and he initially planned on withdrawing a large portion of his army to safety but as he was pulling his men out he changed his mind and commanded them to be flung far around the Velidian lines. There they would set themselves up and ready in a position behind and to the side of the Velidian force. Eptih kept a large contingent up on the line facing the Velidians so that they would not be aware that so many troops had moved out.

The single combats continued for ten days and all the while Eptih was setting his trap. <The Story of the single combats will be a side story told elsewhere>

Miraculously, as the single combats began Rhosrc was called back by Velid to be punished for killing the Queid General. Rhosrc had served his purpose of reinforcing the Velidians, who where now under the command of Ebrel, and therefore Velid felt he was not needed at the front and wanted to set an example by punishing Rhosrc for his past insurrection. Velid wanted to show his other Generals how serious he was, so much so that he would punish his own son, the man all knew was most skilled to lead an army. Whether or not Eptih’s plan would have worked if Rhosrc had remained can not be known, but what is known is that Eptih’s odds of success increased dramatically once Rhosrc was gone.

The Pan Mortal Army’s assault on the Velidians was soon resisted and then began to be pushed back and as such the growing strength of the Velidians became evident. As the Velidians slowly closed in on the Pan mortal Army and once again Eptih’s fortunes looked bleak a furious storm arose that brought with it a deep snow which was a precursor to a tremendous cold that froze everything and stopped the fighting dead. The two armies entrenched themselves where they were and tried to cope with the cold and snow.

As the cold continued more recently created Queid divisions arrived to reinforce those already there and as such the Velidian army grew more and more massive making it possible for them to wrap their lines around the Pan Mortal position. Although there was no fighting Eptih could see how the situation was deteriorating for his cause. He knew that as more Queid arrived if the cold miraculously subsided his forces would be quickly surrounded and defeated. The Pan Mortal Army began to have other pressing problems as well, the men started to get sick as they had not been prepared for the cold and where now suffering from its affects.

Eptih could see that his army was withering away, each new day brought some new disaster and as they froze there their situation began to look hopeless. At this moment Eptih struck upon a brilliant idea, that of single combats. With single combats Eptih could hope to exhibit the strength of his army to the Velidians and also give his forces something to put their faith in. But Eptih had other reasons behind the single combats as well. Eptih hoped that as all where occupied with the spectacle he would be able to extricate his army from its situation, the only problem was Eptih had no idea how he would do this and he had even less time to come up with one.

Eptih immediately sent messengers to many of the surrounding Mortal towns asking to send as many conscripts as possible. These messengers did not find the various townspeople very willing to comply. However when they displayed a willingness to use force and made many threats many families relented and decided to send some of their available young men, boys actually who were typically fourteen to eighteen. These where brought to Eptih and integrated into the army.

As this was taking place the Pan Mortal Army sent a messenger to the Velidians challenging them to single combats, ten men from each side fighting one fight per day, and the challenge was accepted. Eptih had “____” choose the ten men and as this was going on Eptih met with his Generals to decide on a plan to save the army.

Within two days The single combats began, both sides having selected their best fighters and just as Eptih had figured the Velidians where wholly engrossed in seeing their best win and thus took their eyes off the force facing them. Eptih now had ten days to save his army and he initially planned on withdrawing a large portion of his army to safety but as he was pulling his men out he changed his mind and commanded them to be flung far around the Velidian lines. There they would set themselves up and ready in a position behind and to the side of the Velidian force. Eptih kept a large contingent up on the line facing the Velidians so that they would not be aware that so many troops had moved out.

The single combats continued for ten days and all the while Eptih was setting his trap. <The Story of the single combats will be a side story told elsewhere>

Miraculously, as the single combats began Rhosrc was called back by Velid to be punished for killing the Queid General. Rhosrc had served his purpose of reinforcing the Velidians, who where now under the command of Ebrel, and therefore Velid felt he was not needed at the front and wanted to set an example by punishing Rhosrc for his past insurrection. Velid wanted to show his other Generals how serious he was, so much so that he would punish his own son, the man all knew was most skilled to lead an army. Whether or not Eptih’s plan would have worked if Rhosrc had remained can not be known, but what is known is that Eptih’s odds of success increased dramatically once Rhosrc was gone.

[ Eptian LXIX ]

[ Eptian LXIX ] 69

Meanwhile as the battle was being waged, Velid’s plan of unleashing the embedded Narcirogen against the Mortal population had reaped great success. The Narciogen where by this point numerous and within nearly every strategically important town. As the Mortal populations dealt with the Narcirogen threat that grew daily they had little time to consider the fate of Pan Mortal Army, they just wanted to be free from the Narcirogen menace and as a result support for the Pan Mortal dwindled. Many of the Mortal sects throughout existence had never supported the Hetharcyp in the first place and where equally unsupportive of the Pan Mortal Army now believing that only because of the Pan Mortal Army were they suffering the Narcirogen.

On the battlefield the attack from the front continued even though the Queid General was dead, Eptih however could sense the attack was not coordinated and considered taking advantage of this seeming weakness. He did however fear it was a trap, the Velidians hoping to draw his forces into the center then using the opportunity to envelop and cut his forces down. As the battle continued the opportunity seemed too perfect to ignore and Eptih prepared a plan of attack but giving himself more of an opportunity to asses the situation.   

By this time Rhosrc had managed to withdrawal his surviving forces and proceeded to make his way back to the Great Chasm Fortress. He initially planned to return and subdue Velid, taking power of the Velidian Empire himself but as he approached the city he realized what a flawed and unrealistic plan he had concocted. When he arrived he told Velid that the Fortress must be prepared to survive a siege and that he could take what Queid remained into the field and meet the coming Pan Mortal Army. Velid was outraged and demanded to know what had happened to his army and Rhosrc told him that his own forces had been led into a death trap by the Queid General and that he had only recognized this situation at the last possible minute. Upon seeing this act as an attempt to destroy the army he told Velid that he had destroyed the Queid General. Velid admonished Rhosrc for destroying his Queid General and leaving the army leaderless. Velid next called Ebrel to prepare himself to proceed to the front in order to take control of the Army if it had not yet been annihilated. Velid ordered Rhosrc to smash all the Sarcoph remaining that he could find and thereby release more spiritforms in order to create reserve forces. 

Ebrel made his way to join the army and take command while Rhosrc and his troops went throughout existence smashing sarcoph and releasing every spiritform they possibly could, and although the Mortals where outraged by these acts they could do nothing.

Ebrel made it to the army in time to take command just as Eptih was beginning his attack on the center of the Velidian lines. The battle was between a diminished Velidian force and a reorganized Pan Mortal Army force and as such the Velidian force was in danger of being completely destroyed. Ebrel’s brilliant command however managed to hold the center. Eptih kept his men advancing in hopes of breaking the Velidian lines as it seemed at every moment as if he was about to break through but he was never able to do so.

Eventually Rhosrc arrived with the newly completed divisions of Queid, a new kind of Queid, that where a hybrid between organic material and machinery. These hybrid Queid had come about due to lack of corpses and what Rhosrc brought with him was only a small part because as more Queid where being created at the Great Chasm Fortress they where being sent up to the front to fight. 

Meanwhile as the battle was being waged, Velid’s plan of unleashing the embedded Narcirogen against the Mortal population had reaped great success. The Narciogen where by this point numerous and within nearly every strategically important town. As the Mortal populations dealt with the Narcirogen threat that grew daily they had little time to consider the fate of Pan Mortal Army, they just wanted to be free from the Narcirogen menace and as a result support for the Pan Mortal dwindled. Many of the Mortal sects throughout existence had never supported the Hetharcyp in the first place and where equally unsupportive of the Pan Mortal Army now believing that only because of the Pan Mortal Army were they suffering the Narcirogen.

On the battlefield the attack from the front continued even though the Queid General was dead, Eptih however could sense the attack was not coordinated and considered taking advantage of this seeming weakness. He did however fear it was a trap, the Velidians hoping to draw his forces into the center then using the opportunity to envelop and cut his forces down. As the battle continued the opportunity seemed too perfect to ignore and Eptih prepared a plan of attack but giving himself more of an opportunity to asses the situation.

By this time Rhosrc had managed to withdrawal his surviving forces and proceeded to make his way back to the Great Chasm Fortress. He initially planned to return and subdue Velid, taking power of the Velidian Empire himself but as he approached the city he realized what a flawed and unrealistic plan he had concocted. When he arrived he told Velid that the Fortress must be prepared to survive a siege and that he could take what Queid remained into the field and meet the coming Pan Mortal Army. Velid was outraged and demanded to know what had happened to his army and Rhosrc told him that his own forces had been led into a death trap by the Queid General and that he had only recognized this situation at the last possible minute. Upon seeing this act as an attempt to destroy the army he told Velid that he had destroyed the Queid General. Velid admonished Rhosrc for destroying his Queid General and leaving the army leaderless. Velid next called Ebrel to prepare himself to proceed to the front in order to take control of the Army if it had not yet been annihilated. Velid ordered Rhosrc to smash all the Sarcoph remaining that he could find and thereby release more spiritforms in order to create reserve forces. 

Ebrel made his way to join the army and take command while Rhosrc and his troops went throughout existence smashing sarcoph and releasing every spiritform they possibly could, and although the Mortals where outraged by these acts they could do nothing.

Ebrel made it to the army in time to take command just as Eptih was beginning his attack on the center of the Velidian lines. The battle was between a diminished Velidian force and a reorganized Pan Mortal Army force and as such the Velidian force was in danger of being completely destroyed. Ebrel’s brilliant command however managed to hold the center. Eptih kept his men advancing in hopes of breaking the Velidian lines as it seemed at every moment as if he was about to break through but he was never able to do so.

Eventually Rhosrc arrived with the newly completed divisions of Queid, a new kind of Queid, that where a hybrid between organic material and machinery. These hybrid Queid had come about due to lack of corpses and what Rhosrc brought with him was only a small part because as more Queid where being created at the Great Chasm Fortress they where being sent up to the front to fight.

[ Eptian LXVIII ]

Velid was outraged that his army had been checked by the rebels, he was expected to be receiving word of his armies victory and the slaughter of the enemy not that they had been bested in their confrontation and where on the verge of destruction. Velid as a result of the news directed his secret weapon the Queid general, the same one Eptih had briefly seen before, and his son Rhosrc as an auxiliary force to bring their forces to bear on the Pan Mortal Army. He further instructed them to destroy every last vestige of the Mortal rebellion and to not leave a single living being behind alive.

Rhosrc, for his part, was not happy that the Queid general has been chosen to lead this assault on the Mortal rebellion after all he has done to prove himself as the most capable second to Velid. Rhosrc at this instance was done trying to prove his validity and now decided to take power with his own hand, he just needed the opportunity to neutralize his opposition. Rhosrc’s hunger for power was a good harbinger for the Pan Mortal Army, although they did not know it Rhosrc was more concerned with establishing himself in power then defeating the mortal rebellion.

The Queid general that Velid directed to attack Eptih and his army and who Eptih had seen before was in fact Thmascuid, his head having been placed upon the body of another in the Velidian’s belief that the war knowledge Thmascuid had in life might be retained in death. This shadow of the living Thmascuid was not the same man who was the greatest of the Mortal heroes but he was a cunning leader still, even as a lowly Queid. Having been not far from the action Queid Thmascuid and his army arrived in time to reinforce the Velidian army before the Pan Mortal Army could attack and destroy it in its weakened state.

Eptih was disappointed that his army had not been able to neutralize the Velidians before they could be reinforced. He knew that now the Velidians would be enlivened and as a result the fighing would be much harder and especially violent as the Pan Mortal Army had recently been reinforced and was invigorated as well. Both sides confident of their victory.

The Velidians, now under command of Queid Thmascuid, commenced the attack and the fighting was viscous. Soon after the main attack began Rhosrc arrived with his army and he was upset to see that the battle had begun, he expected Queid Thmascuid would wait for his arrival if at all possible before commencing. With his army still out of view of the Mortals Rhosrc sent a messenger to Queid Thmascuid and the messenger returned with orders for Rhosrc to direct his force to the rear of the Mortals and attack. Rhosrc did not like this idea and hesitated to consider his options but eventually saw no clear move other then to follow the orders and therefore he proceeded to march his army toward the rear of the Mortals and once there began the attack.

Eptih now being attacked from two sides called in the 3rd Division he had placed in reserve and the 3rd moved quick and managed to sandwich in Rhosrcs forces. This enraged Rhosrc all the more as he felt he and his army had been used as a distraction. But what angered him most of all was that he expected that the Queid Thmascuid would have let him know if there was a Mortal reserve force and so he wondered if Queid Thmascuid was trying to get him killed. In his rage Rhosrc left his army in their tenuous position and made his way around the entire battlefield and reached the Queid general and his forces in secret. Upon confronting the Queid Thmascuid, who was surprised to see him, Rhosrc removed his sword from its sheath and cut the Queid general down. The Queid general’s troops tried to restrain Rhosrc but where unable to do so. With the Queid general dead and his spiritform released Rhosrc rejoined his army and began a withdrawal as best he could. He lost many of his soldiers but eventually managed to pull his forces out with a large remaining contingent.

[ Eptian LXIV ]

Eptih’s decision to place Fayareg at the head of the second unit stunned many of the other Hetharcyp. For his part Eptih had not chosen Fayareg in order to allow him the opportunity to repair his honor but because he saw in him the absolute desire to achieve victory at all costs. If the Hetharcyp were to be continually weakened by fulfilling their quota to the Pam Mortal Army and thereby be forced to fake strength in the hoe of disheartening the Velidians, Eptih knew he needed just the right man to do the job.  

Fayareg prepared himself for his new task. He knew he would have to be perfect and that if he failed he would lose everything. Within him was a animosity for Eptih but that would need to be placed aside, there was much before him that he would have to contend with. 

Eptih met with Fayareg many times while the preparations were being made for the seperation of the Hetharcy into two distinct force. Eptih used this time to convey exactly what he expected of Fayareg and to get Fayareg’s opinions on military issues. Eptih also at this time decided that his and Fayareg’s forces would alternate from their respective forces the necessary quota to the Pan Mortal Army, thus making the blow to either force less consistent and damaging. At least that was Eptih’s hope. Eventually the Hetarcyp had been successfully segmented and Fayareg took command and with that the two forces separated. Fayareg, after his fall from grace, was now the sole commander of the Second Hetharcyp, Eptih being in control of First Hetharcyp. Eptih was still commander of all Hetharcypian forces but communication with the Second Hetharcyp would be tenuous at best from this point on. 

As scheduled both Eptih and Fayareg made the necessary quota to the Pan Mortal Army weakening their own numbers while being pursued by the Velidians. The Pan Mortal army grew stronger and stronger and under the tutelage of the Hetharcyp grew more capable. Both First and Second Hetharcyp regularly came into contact and gave battle to Velidian detachments always avoiding large Velidian forces. The first time Eptih received word that Fayareg had managed to defeat a small Velidian force he was quite happy and hoped it was a sign of things to come. This scenario went on for some time and Eptih believed he had convinced the Velidians that the Hetharcyp had grown and were now more formidable then ever. 

Some time later a messenger arrived from the Pan Mortal army stating no Hetharcyp had been received in some time and Eptih sent a message to Fayareg asking him to send the necessary combatants. Eptih later received a message from Fayareg stating he could not make the quota at this time due to a growing presence of Velidians in his area of operation. This angered Eptih as he was forced to cover the quota with his own men. Eptih sent word again to Fayareg that he must meet his next scheduled delivery and received word back that he would do so. From this point on Fayareg would miss deliveries now and again causing Eptih to cover again. Eptih wanted to go to Fayareg himself and find out what the problem was but the situation was far too critical, the Pan Mortal Army was not ready for active duty and any unnecessary divergence from the plan could ignite a disaster.  

Eventually Eptih found himself with just over a thousand men remaining, knowing that Fayareg had at least twice that amount. At this moment a Vethrian force came dangerously close to where the Pan Mortal Army was training and a message was sent to Eptih to hurry on with his forces before the Pan Mortal Army was found. Eptih rallied to the scene and managed to cut the path of the Velidians to the Pan Mortal Army. Eptih was greatly out numbered but was close enough to the Pan Mortal Army to call up a large contingent of Hethrcyp, and with these man annihilated the Velidian force completely. 

Eptih was able at this time to check the progress of the Army and meet with all the principals. With Eptih’s force so completely depleted it was decided that it would coalesce into the Army and as such First Hetharcyp would cease to exist. Eptih sent messengers to Second Hetharcyp telling them to return and rendezvous to discuss disbandment. These messengers, upon meeting Fayareg, found him reluctant.

[ Eptian LXIII ]

Fayareg and his few remaining men eventually made their way back to the main Hetharcypian force, he had managed to beat Eptih back. When the other Hetharcyp saw how few were returning they were utterly shocked and many knew that heads would soon roll. Fayareg had little time to compose himself and was still dirt and blood spattered from the recent travails when Eptih returned. 

Fayareg made decision to confront Eptih with the situation first before anyone had the chance to use the information against him and when Eptih arrived Fayareg was the first to meet him, requesting they speak in private. Eptih agreed and the two stepped off into the surrounding forest. Fayareg told Eptih the story and Eptih quickly became enraged smiting Fayareg on the head causing him to fall to the ground and then yelled loudly at him, continually berating him for not following the very specific orders he had given. Fayareg knew that all the Hetharcyp were hearing the commotion and felt profound indignity. Eptih in his anger began to manhandle Fayareg in a more aggressive manner ready to land more blows but Eonan and Zimahnil convinced Eptih to let him be. With that Eptih stormed off to his tent. 

Feeling dishonored and ashamed, Fayareg fled into the night. 

Eptih was now in a rough position. He would soon need to start sending men away from his force to strengthen the Pan Mortal Army but at the same time he knew that, being exhilarated by their victory, the Velidians would be looking to strike the deathblow. The onslaught would now be relentless until the Hetharcyp ceased to exist. Eptih knew he needed to do something audacious but he did not know how much his reduced forces could withstand. A short time later Eptih called together a (council) of some of his best men and learned from them the true condition of the Hetharcyp. Morale, they conveyed, was not only damaged by the mistakes of Fayareg but also by Eptih’s treatment of him. Eptih complained to the men that he should have killed Fayareg however they responded that that would have been completely demoralizing for the men.  

After some time and cajoling the men convinced Eptih to bring Fayareg back and show his magnanimity and thereby restore confidence and brotherhood within the Hetharcyp. Eptih, although not being one for anything insincere, eventually agreed and so a small party was sent to find Fayareg led by Zimahnil.

The next day, Eptih sent off the first installment of Hetharcyp as trainers for the Pan Mortal Army. Now he needed to devise a plan to show his strength to the Velidians in order to check their enthusiasm. What he decided was indeed a bold plan. He decided to split the Hetharcyp into two separate forces each operating independent. This would give the impression to the Velidians that the Hetharcyp had grown so large that it was able to field two separate and fully active forces. This would be very tricky however because Eptih would need a commander he could trust completely to lead the other half of the Hetharcyp and all this would have to be done as more waves of Hetharcyp would be called to join the Pan Mortal Army (PAMOAR). Eptih watched over the men he had placed as leaders of the Hetharcyp and none seemed worthy of the position. 

It was at this time that the detachment sent out to recover Fayareg brought him back. When Eptih heard Fayareg was back he called him to a meeting at which he planned to further lay scorn on him. However in the midst of the meeting a feeling came over Eptih that Fayareg was the man to lead the other Hetharcypian force. Here before him was a man virtually ruined who would do anything to redeem himself. Fayareg would now be ruthless in his actions if given the opportunity, a man who would know if he failed he would die, a man for whom total victory was his only salvation. Eptih told Fayareg his plan and Fayareg was grateful for the opportunity. Eptih made the situation painfully clear though with no illusions, he told Fayareg what he expected and let him know what the consequence of failure would be. In Fayareg, Eptih was somewhat skeptical but yet hopeful. Eptih needed Fayareg to redeem himself otherwise they would all surely die at the hands of the Velidians. Eptih’s decision would either be insightful or ruinous and he knew it.

[ Eptian LXII ]

It was not long after the loss of Eptih’s home town that some Hetharcypian scouts found a contingent of Velidian soldiers lead by someone who was not familiar to them. Consisting of approximately one thousand Queid and fifty Siradyt Fayareg was informed and decided it was the perfect opportunity for his redemption. Fayareg Detached two thousand Hetharcyp, leaving the remainder in control of Eonan. With this detachment Fayareg went off to destroy the Velidian contingent. Fayareg felt he had sufficient resources to destroy the force he was going up against. 

Fayareg’s scouts led him directly to the Velidian force and while reconnoitering Fayareg was pleased to see his opponents, figuring them no match. They were also able to witness the commander of this force and although he was massive in size he was soaking in a tub of water and as such Fayareg and his scouts felt this man was effeminate. They were however unable to see the man from the front. After watching them for a short time Fayareg and his force began their attack. 

It so happened that this force was under the command of Rhosrc and when the attack began he calmly arose from his bath and suited his armor. 

Fayaregs attack managed to catch the Velidians off guard but quickly they were able to adjust and provide a stiff resistance, so stiff in fact that Fayareg was surprised when Hetharcyp began to die around him. Quickly Fayareg realized that he had attacked no regular band of Velidians but he was intent on achieving victory and therefore pressed his men hard. 

By this time Rhosrc had joined the battle and began to slay Hetharcyp with ease all the while directing his forces movements, movements that were achieved with a deadly precision. Fayareg now realized he was in over his head and had walked his force straight into a death trap, he was now resolved to save as many of his men as possible. As Fayareg began pulling his men back the Velidian force proceeded to encircle them, Fayareg’s command began to break down and discipline was lost as the noose tightened. With only seconds to spare Fayareg and fifteen of his man slipped through the reaming gap. As they ran they could hear the screams of the other men being cut to pieces.

Rhosrc told his force to give no quarter and as such all the trapped Hetharcyp were killed. Once all the Hetharcyp were dead Rhosrc sent a small detachment to chase those who had managed to escape. This chase lasted late into the night and Fayareg and his men were not able to rest nor, in their flight, were they aware of where they were headed. Scatterbrained they ran chased closely but eventually the pursuers turned and Fayareg and his men were able to reacquaint themselves with their surroundings. The whole event had been a disaster, nearly two thousand men killed and Fayareg’s reputation damaged beyond repair. Fayareg had taken the fall of Eptihs home village, a thing that Eptih himself had expected, and by overreacting created a horrendous disaster. Fayareg wondered what Eptih might do to him and he considered running away but alas he deemed that particular fate no more advantageous then that which Eptih would bring down on him. Fayareg and his men proceeded to find their way back to the Hetharcyp.

[ Eptian LX ]

On the night of his marriage to Reyam, Torquis appeared before Eptih when he was alone and she seemed determined to seduce Eptih asking him to go away with her but Eptih was confounded. He wanted to know where she had gone, he wanted to know if she was a part of his imprisonment on the island of the Three Beauties but Torquis deflected his questions with gestures of profound seduction and although he was tempted he knew she was wicked. He asked her to leave but she refused and then she mentioned his marriage to Reyam and he knew she had come to ruin his new marriage that had yet to be consummated, and again he asked her to leave which provoked her to laugh. This incensed Eptih and he struck her across the face causing her to whirl about from the force. As her back was to him he pushed her down to the ground and considered ending her life but relented when he heard the sound of Reyams wife. (Flee! Wicked creature).

Just as Reyam entered Eptih turned to look at her and when he turned back Torquis was gone. Reyam noticed was sweaty, uneasy and red in the face but when she asked why Eptih was silent. 

Later that night Eptih consummated his marriage to Reyam.

While Eptih was in bed with Reyam, Torquis reappeared awaking Eptih but not Reyam. Eptih was furious that Torquis would violate the sanctity of his marriage bedroom but could do little as he did not want to wake Reyam. Torquis noticed Eptih’s discomfort and made it clear that she did not wish to disturb him on such a night, she did however make it clear that Eptih, by striking her, was now her enemy. For his part, if he was not confined he would have murdered her right then and there. Torquis put her hand on Eptih’s forehead and with her other hand slowly scratched her nails deep into his chest from his clavicle to his belly button. Eptih took the pain in order to not awaken Reyam. After that Torquis left, leaving Eptih in pain and with the task of hiding his wounds from Reyam.

The next morning when they awoke Reyam was amorous but Eptih, needing to hide his wounds, told her he must return to the Hetharcyp at once and began preparing to leave. This saddened Reyam as she had expected him to stay with her for a few days at least. 

As Eptih was preparing to leave a messenger boy came with a message that Nolopan a local leader wanted to meet with him. Eptih told the boy he accepted the invitation and was then led to Nolopan’s house. Upon arrival Eptih was met with the great enthusiasm due a hero. Nolopan showed Eptih great respect for his Hetharcyp and their activities. Eventually Nolopan spoke of building an army to which Eptih laughed, knowing that there was no army other then his Hetharcyp. Nolopan further explained himself relating to Eptih that many local leaders where in agreement that the time was right to create an army and that it could be based off of the work the Hetharcyp had done. This pleased Eptih and he was enamored with the concept. Nolopan Asked Eptih if he would attend another meeting at a secret location where many of the other leaders would attend and Eptih agreed. Eptih also added that with so much that was important to him in Nolopan town he would hold him personally responsible for their safety. Nolopan assured Eptih he would do everything possible to guarantee their safety.  The two parted a short time later planning on meeting again soon.

Eptih was ecstatic at his current great fortune. A beautiful new wife, his Hetharcyp active in the field having just repulsed a Soniman advance and the proposition of creating a great army to challenge the Velidians, possibly freeing the Mortal populace from the Velidan yoke once and for all. Not only all that but those who were most important to him were safe. 

Eptih returned home to Reyam and said his good-byes then collected his men and began his journey to return to the Hetharcyp. As he rode away Reyam watched until she could see him no more.

[ Eptian LVII ]

Eptih had always been suspicious of Thiaraceph and now it seemed he was doing everything possible to harm Eptih’s reputation. Once Eptih was back with the Hetharcyp and continued on with their activities he began to become suspicious of Derram and he wondered what part she was playing in what seemed to Eptih to be unnecessary intrigues on the part of Thiaraceph.

After the loss of the town, the murder of Thmascuid, the intrigues of Thiaraeph and the nagging feeling that his own mother was plotting against him Eptih seemed more intent on causing the Narcirogen greater pain and his command of the Hetharcyp led them through rivers of blood. Being the good warriors they were they all did not disobey his orders no matter what he asked them to do. It was also during this time that the Hetharcyp along with their growing membership started to become more organized and therefore a true military force and not just a conglomeration of warriors or a paramilitary outfit. The majority of the original members were now holding positions of authority within the organization with the new recruits making up the enlisted. This more refined organization became necessary because they were being hunted and their certain demise lurked around every corner, the need to be extremely careful led directly to the development of standardized that better guaranteed survival. Authority and rank were also established as well as discipline. The men that had come to join would be beaten to death if they failed to follow the rules precisely, but even though the discipline was strict the Hetharcyp became much tighter force.

While the Hetharcyp were out doing their work the town was eventually overrun by the Velidians and the Queid held the town as they awaited the Sonimi overlord to take control of the town and transform it into the capital of a new province.

When the town was taken by the Velidians Thiaraceph was not killed even though he was the leader of what the Velidians should have considered a rebel town and Derram who had been expecting the annihilation of the town, Thiaraceph and quite possibly herself was shocked that none of that occurred. This is how Derram became suspicious of what Thiaraceph was planning.

When Eptih learned that the town had been taken he feared that his mother had been killed and he wished she had chosen to stay with him, but upon learning that not only was she spared but so to was Thiaraceph, Eptih came to the conclusion that the two had betrayed him and made a deal with the Velidians to give up the town and thus Eptih held them responsible for the death of Thiaraceph. Eptih began making plans to attack the town and seek his revenge for the sake of Thmascuid. But by shifting his efforts to the town Eptih left himself vulnerable to attack. He however was more focused on revenge then of the safety of his army.

The Hetharcyp were pulled out of various activities so that their full power could be put to the use of liberating the town. Many of Eptih’s generals, those men closest to Eptih who had been with him since the beginning, advised him to forget the town and continue inflicting pain on the Velidians the way they had been.