[ALTARUS:] You must learn to control your spirit-form, Xerxes... for by
mastering the art of traversing the mists you may effortlessly travel to many
places, and many times. Countless secrets will be unlocked for you, and great
enlightenment shall be yours.
[XERXES:] Yes, master... and yet, there is one realm which intrigues me above
all others, one era which occupies my thoughts unceasingly... What of the
clash between the Royal Army of Hyperborea and the Wraiths of the Chaos-Liege?
[ALTARUS:] Ah, yes... command the mists, Xerxes... gaze into their limitless
depths... compel them to show you that martial vista which you so fervently
seek.
[XERXES:] Yes... I see the massing forces, the battle is imminent! How splendid
the Imperial Army looks as it fronts the foe... into the fray they ride!
[Chapter 1: The Bloodying of the King]
[(The Armies of the Hyperborean Empire steadfastly engage the Horde of Wraiths)]
[THE KING:]
Imperial Cavalry... advance! RIDE THEM DOWN!
In to the fray! Demonstrate unforgettably the art of Hyperborean warcraft!
Spearmen, form into Omega Phalanx.
Archers, notch arrows, prepare to loose.
Warriors, stand ready... Sound the clarion!
Hearken, sons of the glorious Empire...
Here we stand upon the Field of Blood...
Though this day we may die,
Our legend shall live forever.
[ALTARUS:] And the armies met upon the Field of Blood which stretched lifeless
before the aeon-veiled citadel which men called the Shrine of A'zura-Kai, a
mysterious and foreboding place steeped in ireful omens and legendary dread...
Aye, the carnage of that first clash was phenomenal. The Hyperborean Cavalry
tore gloriously into the foremost rank of the shadow-warriors, the enchantment
of the Crystal of Mera rendering the squamous pseudo-flesh of the wraiths
fully vulnerable to the steel of the royal legions. The king himself rode at
the forefront of the onslaught, his ensorcelled ebon blade hewing ten to the
left and cleaving ten to the
