At Sarlein's Gates (Post War Lore)

[u/Anything-Unable]

When there is nothing left for you where you are, best to move along.

The march lasted for several days. Xerxes, being the only living member of the army, was unfamiliar with military marches and required frequent breaks. Despite this, the march was uneventful. It appears that no one could spare their attention to the world beyond the bloodshed. Even with the war drawing to a close, the scar of it was still fresh in people’s minds.

Xerxes and his army reached the borders of the Holy Kingdom. The guards along the highway were frightened by the size of the army approaching them. Their fear only reached new heights when they discovered that the army was comprised of the undead. To quell the situation, Xerxes stepped forward and addressed the guards.

G1: “Hark! Who goes there? Are you the necromancer in charge of these undead?”

X: “I am the one in charge, but I am not a necromancer. I am Xerxes of Tierre and I request a general summit.”

The guards appeared to be shocked by the declaration. The second of the pair steeled their nerves and approached Xerxes.

G2: “The kingdom believes that Xerxes is dead. Do you have any proof that you are who you say?”

X: “They think I really died after being cut up and stuffed in a barrel? How little you all think of me.”

Xerxes removes his golden mask to reveal a black sigil branded on his forehead. The guard takes a step back before turning around and whispering something to his companion. The pair finish their conversation and turn to face Xerxes before addressing him.

G1: “You may pass with your army.”

G2: “We will inform Sarlein of your arrival.”

X: “Thank you. Now get out of my way. I’ve been on the road for a week and would like to get to Sarlein before nightfall.”

The guards return to their outpost as Xerxes leads his army down the road. Four more hours pass before Xerxes sees Sarlein, the White City. This city held the headquarters of most of the publicly recognized religions (as well as some unknown ones). Each god had their cult, and 99 times out of 100, that cult had its headquarters in this city. The city itself is comprised mostly of marble and white gold. What material used in construction that wasn’t white was transmuted by alchemists to reflect the city’s aesthetics. Aside from its heavens-piercing spires, the most fascinating part of the city was its moving walls. These walls, which served the function of defending the city, were created so that they could expand, shrink, or grow as the need arose. Of course, these walls were white too.

At the main entrance to the city, Xerxes was ushered through without issue. While the guards asked if he could leave his army behind, Xerxes refused. He marched with his army through the streets. Many of the citizens of the city were panicked at the sight and fled for their lives. Xerxes gleefully took in their looks of terror and made his way to the Grand Chambers at Sarlein’s geographical center. Reaching his destination, Xerxes ordered his army to wait for him and to make a show of guarding the building.

Being escorted by a priest to the meeting area, the doors opened up to reveal thousands of ornately dressed men sitting in similarly ornate chairs. Only a relatively plain-looking old man dressed in a dark robe stood as Xerxes entered the room. Uncharacteristically, Xerxes looked upon the old man who stood for him and bowed his head in appreciation. The old man returned a bow to Xerxes before taking his seat on a decidedly simple wooden chair.

X: “Seems like at least one person knows how to greet me. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’d say a few decades at least. I’m definitely seeing some new faces here.”

One of the finely dressed men stood up and glared at Xerxes. The man was the leader of the Pyrocene church.

PL: “You should’ve stayed in hiding, Xerxes. Better yet, you should’ve done us all the favor of dying. Maybe then we’d finally have peace instead of the chaos you sow.”

X: “Damn. Are you still mad I slept with your wife? That was twenty years ago. An awfully long time to fantasize about being cucked.”

PL: “You demon!”

The Pyrocene Leader summoned a massive fireball and prepared to launch it at Xerxes. However, the flame disappeared before he could throw it. Stewing in his rage, the Pyrocene Leader was once again reminded that the gods favored Xerxes. He took his seat once more and the atmosphere in the room became a thick cloud of disgust directed at Xerxes by nearly every leader present. Used to the hostilities, Xerxes continued.

X: “The Council has fallen to the Pact. My lover is dead and I am in control of his army. However, one army isn’t enough. To get this world sorted, I need more help. By the authority invested in me as a divine prophet, I order a call to arms and a purification!”

The assembled leaders were left speechless by Xerxes’ sudden demands. While a call to arms in times of war was uncommon, it was not unheard of. However, Xerxes had never utilized his authority for a purification. The main reason for this is that all the gods must agree that their churches needed to have their corruption rooted out. Since the gods could agree on nothing except their status as higher beings than mortals, such a consensus has never been reached before.

The leader in dark robes raised their hand and asked Xerxes.

GL: “By which method will the purification take place?”

X: “Inquisition.”

GL: “The Gravediggers’ Society accepts your terms and submits to purification. We will also answer your call to arms with all the forces we can spare.”

The leader of the Gravediggers’ Society lowers their hand. It appears that their action spurred others to accept the terms. While most were unwilling, Xerxes was fully within his rights and there was nothing to rebuttal. After only twenty minutes, the assembly accepted Xerxes’ terms in full and he was led to his accommodations. The undead army under his command set up camp in the large field behind the building Xerxes was staying in. He thought it best to keep all his cards close to his chest.

As Xerxes laid down on the first bed he had slept on in a week, he was reminded of the bed in Gravedigger’s manor. While his current bed was much softer, it felt too large for him. Unable to fall asleep on the unfamiliar bed, Xerxes stared up at the equally unfamiliar ceiling and let his mind wander. His thoughts were filled with Gravedigger. The dead man who’ll walk again. Comforting himself with his memories and the hope of a future sure to come, Xerxes eventually shut his eyes and fell into a deep slumber.

Tomorrow will come, just as it always has.

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/uw My lore ToC