>>5322718>Epilogue>Location: Castle RusalkaRex d’Rusalka soared high in the sky as he led his personal elite battalion, the Hellwings, towards Castle Rusalka. 2000 men strong, the company saw heavy fighting at the Siege of Garreg Mach, though suffered few casualties. Part of their luck was due to the overwhelming skill and ability of the Hellwings. Each one was a decorated veteran, having served in either the Dagda and Brigid War, or in Rex’s own personal campaign in Almyra. Each one of them was a man or woman worthy of serving within the Sky Shadow’s personal army. The other reason for their success, was due to the overwhelming advantage afforded to the very woman clinging to his back.
“My lord, shall I stay behind with the troops while you meet with your father?””
Winona Argyros. The brains of the Hellwings. Rex himself had little passion for strategy. All he desired was to fight powerful opponents worthy of his attention. But Winona was different. She had an otherworldly gift for seeing the flow of the battlefield. With her input, the Hellwings had no trouble cutting through the Knights of Seiros once they had arrived onto the battlefield. The enemy buckled under their relentless assault and formation, and the next thing Rex knew, the Empire had overrun the monastery. Rex thought the woman was remarkable. Unlike any other he had been with. Her brain was the perfect complement to his power. Together, they would make an excellent child. One worthy of carrying on his name and legacy. But that would have to wait. Rex still had need of her full faculties.
“Yes. Ensure the men are given rest and provisions. This will not take long.”
Rex bid his faithful wyvern companion, Ashnard, towards the courtyard of Castle Rusalka. The castle was far more active than usual. Soldiers and officers alike were running around, barking orders, and making the final preparations for the long march north. A war to unify Fodlan was on the horizon, and Rusalka would play its part. In just a few short days, the Rusalkan Army would move out to unite with the greater Imperial Army. But first, everything must be accounted for. Weapons must be sharpened, armor polished, food well provisioned.
And most chiefly of all, a new commander for Rusalka’s army must be found.
Rex walked through the halls of the castle, barely acknowledging anyone who saluted or bowed before him. They were beneath his notice. Weak. Boring. Meager. A serving maid turning around the corner nearly bumps into him. He deftly steps to the side, avoiding her. The girl nearly loses her balance, though before she topples onto her face, Rex snatches a tankard of ale off her platter. He continues walking towards his destination as the girl flounders on the floor, spilling drink across the stones.
The inner sanctum of Castle Rusalka. The guards standing outside clutch their spears to their chests and salute the Sky Shadow. The door opens, and the Count’s minister emerges.
