Chronicles of Zion

Chapter 1 - The Beginning of the End

Emperor Valor sat in his castle waiting for the reports of his scouts. Zion was being attacked by creatures that came out of the forests, deserts, mountains and water. He paced around his office, hoping for the best news. Though the attacks have been scarce, there had been a dramatic increase in the number of attacks in the last month.

A scout came bursting the doors breathing heavily. Once he caught his breath he said, "Elves are attacking. Most of your scouts have been killed. I managed to get in here safely to bring you this report." Elves had always fought with man because men cut down the elves' forests for themselves.

"Why was I not alerted of this earlier?"

"Everyone is trying to fight them off."

"The elves are insane. If they kill me and try to take over they'll just be defeated by all the independent tribes around Zion. Get my horse ready. I want fifty knights to ride out with me. I'll seek shelter in Barbarous." The scout ran out to get the knights and horses ready. Emperor Valor looked out his window at the battle taking place. There were not so many elves, but they were firing their bows at such a long range.

The scout came back a few minutes later. "Everything's ready. Shall I stay here and fight?"

"No, come riding with us. You've been my best scout and I'd hate to lose you." As Valor was walking out of his throne room, he patted the scout on the shoulder. "Thank you for your speed." The scout followed him to the horses. The knights were all waiting for the emperor's arrival.

When he got there, they left immediately. Valor didn't want to risk being seen by the elves that were closing in on his castle. They rode away, trying to make it safely to Barbarous. It would only be an hour ride to there.

When he arrived, he immediately went to talk with the town leader. "My castle has been overrun by elves. I would like to stay here until that problem is over. Do you have a vacant home I can stay in?"

The town leader, Ethan, looked at Emperor Valor and said, "For the emperor, yes."

"I'm also looking to rally more forces to help aid me against our enemies. Is there anyone in this town that is a good fighter?"

"There is one man who lives near the center of the town. Everyone just calls him Hero. Whenever there's trouble in my town, he's always there. We've had robbers, murderers and everyone in between captured by him. I think he's worthy of fighting beside you."

"I'd like an escort to his home." Emperor Valor and one of his guards were led to Hero's home. Valor knocked on the door and a man answered. "Are you Hero?" The man nodded. "I'm Emperor Valor and I come to ask your assistance in fighting for our great land. Will you go with me?"

A woman ran up to Valor and said, "No, he can't go with you. Our mother is ill and we need his help here. Me and my father cannot do it alone."

Emperor Valor motioned to his guard and his guard grabbed the woman and held a crossbow to the side of her head. Valor said, "We need him to help us. If he doesn't help us you might all die."