Phase 25 “The Generals”
The sun was blazing so brightly that he started to feel like a sting in his eyes. Covering his eyes with his palm, he strolled past the palace garden and halted when suddenly his name was called. He turned back with light feet as he was not wearing his armour like he would be when he was heading and leading a war. The individual that approached him was wearing a green robe, which stood out against the backdrop of his dark blue robe.
“General Julian,” the green robe man in his thirties, who was about the same age as him, approached. “I need to... Talk to... You...”
“Slow down, General Lance,” Julian smiled. “What’s wrong?”
“Can we get somewhere more private?”
Therefore, both generals made their way across the hallway and eventually arrived at Julian's private chamber. Both of them entered as Julian offered a gesture for Lance to get in. They had been friends for a long time, and their bond was strong thanks to the trust they had in one another, which allowed them to spend peaceful time together.
“What’s so important?” Julian asked as he poured a cup of tea and gave it to Lance.
“First, this,” Lance smiled as he returned a book to Julian. He borrowed it a few days ago. “I’ve finished reading it. Thanks for sharing this beautiful war art book with me.”
“You're very welcome, is there anything else I can do for you?” Julian enquired. “You wouldn’t bother talking to me in private just for this.”
“Oh! Would you mind lending me the other books I mentioned before?”
Julian got up without saying anything, looked through his bookcases and chose a few books to take with him. He handed it over to Lance as the man thanked him once again.
“Hmm, I think I forgot the most important reason I need to see you...”
Julian let out a sigh as he observed that Lance had never changed throughout the years. He was never able to determine whether or not his childhood friend was truly forgetful or simply so naive and ignorant.
“Lance, don’t joke around, I know the King has to send you here...”
“Oh! Forgive me, he wants us to escort him to the cave tonight. It’s because something big will happen.”
That was all that was necessary, as Julian was aware that he needed to prepare himself. After Lance had excused himself, the two of them got themselves ready. They were aware that their king had changed ever since the murder of their empress. The King requested the assistance of a shaman in his efforts to recover the empress. They believed the monarch had lost his mind, and that the experiment was doomed to fail regardless. Even though they believed the King had lost his mind and the experiment would fail, the King summoned them tonight, suggesting they may have been mistaken and the King had succeeded.
As the sun went down, Julian eventually went to the king's chamber to meet up with Lance. They led the man wearing a robe with crimson and gold embroidery to a cave close to the palace garden. They found the patients still present, laying or sitting on the stone bed. Although they were conscious, they appeared to have no feelings or emotions. Then they arrived at the tomb that was located in the midst of the altar. They were astounded when the monarch opened the container and showed them that the empress had been awakened; alive and breathing.
It was not long after that, the loving prince made his way and met his adoring mother who was waiting for him. It was nearly a scene that would make you cry, but everything turned into a nightmare when the queen abruptly bit the king on the neck, causing a pool of blood to spill and painting the chilly ground all over.
Julian raised his blade to cut through the empress's heart, but only to be powerfully knocked out in the process. In the meantime, Lance was doing everything he could to halt the King's bleeding but his efforts were in vain as the king passed away a few seconds later. Lance let out a frenzied scream as more zombie creatures came up behind him and assaulted him. He drew his sword, and Julian moved to stand beside him immediately. They put up a valiant fight, but they were just outnumbered.
As a last effort, they used themselves as bait in the cave in an attempt to lure the cave's monsters away from the prince so that he could escape safely. They were overcome with pain throughout their entire body as their flesh was violently torn apart little by little. Even with swords, they were completely defenceless. Both of the generals were knocked to the ground as an army of the undead enveloped them.