Julius becomes 'The Unifier'

Chapter 1
Times have changed for the worst once again with the return of the red riders, already inspiring fear in every exile out there, for they pose a bigger threat to everyone than even they themselves know. During the rebuilding of Heimsgarar for the fourth time, Julius struggles to go about his work feeling terribly uneasy about what might happen. Not long ago he had given up on his misery as a soldier and became a tailor, he could never prosper in his fights. His love and devoted wife Syvea sees his apparent dismay and asks him what is on his mind. With some hesitation in his voice, he explains how he believes he has to do something to protect her rather than wait for the riders to show up and witness them behead her. Going on to say that it may be possible to unite the large tribes against the riders, The cimmerians of the mounds, The nords of Asagarth, The Dafari of the summoning place and any others that could be swayed. Syvea began to feel like her heart was breaking, terrified of him getting killed and all the things that could go wrong. Julius knows precisely what she’s feeling and doesn’t fall short on comforting her as much as he can, cuddling her tightly and telling her he’s not going alone and that he will write to her every single day detailing his progress and how much he loves her. The two lovers spend the rest of the night together as if it is their last, never letting go of each other even as they slept. Soon after as the morning sun has shone, they share one last embrace before he sets off with his trusted Cimmerian Berserker Romios. Telling her he loves her and kissing her for a short while. When his departure comes, he sees how tortured she looks to let him go like this but gives her an encouragement smile as if to say to her “Don’t lose hope”

Chapter 2
Starting with the Mounds of the dead inhabited by the Cimmerian faction, Julius intends to utilise Romios' influence and knowledge of the main settlement especially in what he predicts will become a lengthy task to get through to them. As they approach the large camp infested with Wights, A cimmerian berserker just like Romios spots them. Rather than interrogating the two men for their purpose here, the berserker charges them in an attack, perceiving them to be invaders. Romios however comes out with the better hand and manages to disarm the berserker. "I have not come back to rob our people nor slaughter them for goods! We are not your enemies anymore!" Julius watches with a small smile, impressed with Romios' efforts as he helps the berserker back up on his feet. Julius takes some time to explain their purposes and the bigger picture. At first, the berserker isn't captivated by what he says but slowly becomes more intrigued the more he listens. Eventually agreeing to bring the two men into the camp where the rest of the people will be gathered to listen. Julius finds himself a little nervous, considering the fact that this may be an elaborate trap. He quietly gazes around the area for ways out of a potentially volatile situation. To his surprise, the cimmerians gather in the dwelling seemingly unarmed. He looked at Romios to see that he is also quite surprised, there didn't seem to be a leader amongst these people. Nevertheless, the two men give the Cimmerians their full attention. One of them tells Julius that the description he provided about the riders matches something they had seen before, however they don't intend on trusting him with any sort of treaty or alliance just based on a common foe. They pressed to know everything about him, including why he seemed so unusual in comparison many exiles out there.

Julius stands up taking a few mild physical steps forward to show his determination in the matter as evident too by his choice of words. "This bracelet...is not a mark of my privilege here in these lands, it's not a symbol of being a selfish tumor to all human life that surrounds me...it doesn't define me at all in fact. That is the big difference between me and most exiles that come through the green wall. I'm not a man that lives under a god or faith, the roots of my blood do not dominate my mind in the slightest, you'd hardly know what race I truly am...but don't you see? that's the point. It. really. doesn't. matter...” he points to Romios “He doesn’t seem to think it matters either, he wouldn’t have chosen me as his master if he was as stubborn as the mitrans. A common foe is one thing, but it’s another to realize that we’ll all perish if the riders succeed in wiping out all those who heal the wounded. The wars you fought for your kingdom will be a total waste and forgotten under the deep layers of history, Your people will die out from constant invasions because all your healers will have been slaughtered by the riders unless you are willing to protect the people that can stop all of that from happening! Lest this land continue to house those who apparently do not deserve to live!!" A long silence fills the air as the cimmerians find themselves stunned by such sentiments. One speaks up; "You have an ulterior motive to this, don't you?" to which Julius ominously responds "We all live to escape one day...we can't if we all die" Another long silence creeps in. Julius and Romios can see that the cimmerians are all carefully considering their stance on this, then they all begin to look at one another. Some gently nodding, others sighing as if to say 'What choice do we have?' then they all look to Julius again. One says "What do you propose?".

Chapter 3
With the success of gaining the Cimmerian faction as temporary allies, Julius lay awake for hours when night fell. He hated trying to sleep without his wife, even with the comfort of sending her a letter to her through Udyr's kindness. Under normal circumstances, this victory would have been worthy of celebration as it is remarkably rare that an outsider could appeal to a faction known for their stubbornness and pride. But the work had only just begun. Next morning, Julius and Romios managed to convince the Cimmerians to have some people raid the pirates aboard the black galleon for extra supplies and ample combat practice. Julius does at one point notice that not all the Cimmerians seem pleased about this alliance but their expressions also shed light on what seems to be going through their minds. It's like they are thinking 'I don't like dealing with outsiders but I don't want my people to die either'. With that, Julius reminds himself in his head not to overstep with his directions, but does give them one last little notice before their departure. "A few days from now, we will be meeting again by the lake under the aqueduct. With or without the other factions, I only ask that you remember your civility and that enemies are only your enemies if you make them so. I will make doubly sure that they too will understand that. Good luck". The Cimmerians take off after hearing that. Romios approaches Julius as they watch. "You do realize...that as soon as the riders are dead and they have what they want, they'll just go back to fighting against any invaders that come by?" He said. Julius responds with consideration but assurance at the same time "I'm not concerned about their way of life so much as I am about them fulfilling their agreement. Even if they learn nothing from all of this...at least all of us will be far safer with the death of all red riders. Anyway, let's get moving, we need to get to the Summoning Place where the Darfari are." The journey takes longer than they both expect, but at last the summoning place blurs into view. Julius and Romios make their cautious approach, The Darfari along the perimeter stare at the two men. Their gaze is frightening as some bare plotful grins, making grunts and sounds of lust. Julius tries to take no note of it and carries on, mapping out the structure in front of them for any alternate exits. They eventually reach the center where they can see a priest of Yog lighting a fire, many Darfari have followed the two men and stay close behind them. They look as if they are ready to feast on them at a moment’s notice, the priest speaks up. “Ahh at last, some party favors…” Julius isn’t intimidated and responds as such. “A dish served cold I’m afraid...unless your sacrifices have little meaning anymore” The Priest finds himself a little taken back by that retort and says “What do you mean human?” Julius decides to start by hitting the priest where it will hurt. “There is a bigger threat out there than us that will rob you of any further sacrifices. If that threat prevails, there will be none left alive for you to sustain yourselves and all your devotion to your god will be for nothing! I’m sure you can’t expect to please Yog by giving him an empty pit of fire...can you?”

The Darfari react to his warning with grunts of surprise and almost shock, looking at each other to see the same faces. The Priest glares at Julius "An outsider who speaks of Yog's commandments to his worshipers? You know nothing of his wishes foolish human!" Julius knows by this point he must be more aggressive with his logic if he is to break the priest's stubborn nature.

"And how will you answer to Yog if you do bring him nothing? how will you answer to him through the depths of hell where he won't help you? Can you imagine a world without humans out there? Surely human remains aren't good enough...are they? Well I may tell you this; I have no intention of letting that happen...to us nor to you. If you and your people help us destroy those who will take everything away from you indirectly or otherwise. You'll still have many to capture out there for sacrifices...and maybe you shall have the pleasure of sacrificing the threat if we succeed" The Darfari grow silent, unsure of how to react to what he said. The silence in the area is only broken by the soft breezes and the crackling fires around them. Julius and Romios look at each other, Julius nods his head in the direction of the exit behind them which at this moment is simply an indication that if this doesn't work, they go out that way. The Priest after some time breaks his deep thought and in the end isn't convinced. "BAH! I will not be swayed by a couple of outlanders to speak ill of the great yog! Your lies will be burned while your skin cooks. We fear no such threats humans, TAKE THEM!" As soon as Julius and Romios hear those two words, they draw their great swords and almost in unison strike the Darfari behind them, severing their bodies in half and bolting out of the summoning place as quickly as possible. The Darfari persist the two men as they run as fast as they can away, dodging fired arrows. Julius can feel his energy rapidly depleting but to his mild relief, they come to a cliff with a deep river below it. He and Romios daringly jump all the way down and into the river, The Darfari stop in their tracks and break off pursuit. Julius and Romios emerge from the river and exhaustively lay on the shore in defeat, trying to catch their breath. After some time, their failure sinks in and Julius thunders the sand with his clenched fist. Romios regains enough energy to look at Julius with a consideration "Master...they didn't seem particularly battle hardened anyway, The riders probably will have wiped them out with a flick of their fingers"

Julius sighs and replies "Everyone has their uses...they could have made for productive distractions...or cannon fodder. I don't even know anymore..."

Romios still breathes heavily as he then says "Perhaps the nordheimers will be a little more understanding of this plight, but your choice to try and include them is curious. I was led to believe you hated them" Julius replies with a still defeated tone.

"It's just a personality clash at the very worst, Even if they are too drunk to understand it, they have as much to lose as we do. We should go to Sepermaru first though...I need to write another letter". The two men then begin their journey to the west toward Sepermaru, their clothes still drenched in river water cover their tracks in the sand quite nicely.

Chapter 4
New Asagarth slips into view over the hills of Godsclaw, The weather is slowly turning. Romios looks out at it and asks Julius "Is it true that they are known for being wayward and fierce?" Julius almost chuckles at the question and responds "The stereotypes perhaps, but one could argue they're better known for promiscuous life styles such as the three Fs" Romios looks puzzled "The three Fs?". Julius simply replies "You probably don't want to know what they are, lets go before the rain arrives and keep an eye out for wildlife". The two men navigate to the front entrance of New Asagarth where they can see two nords and a tamed wolf between them, growling as they come closer. Julius whispers to Romios "Eyes sharp, these people aren't stupid". The female nord addresses their presence first. "Ye gat a latta guts comin here, have ye come ta steal ar' shite?" Julius maintains composure even as his blood boils from the accent. "No...but I want to stop the threat that probably will steal from you in a manner of speaking" The nords appear confused "Eh? what ye talkin aboot?" Julius internally sighs then asks in his most patient tone "May I speak to your current chieftain?". The two nords remain understandably cautious. "Hol' on ther laddie. I gotta take yer weapons an' bind ye hands if ye gon see de chief" Romios and Julius look at each other and nod with a degree of hesitation in their faces, giving up their weapons and hold their hands out to be tied with light wraps before being led into Asagarth. As they walk by, they see some other nords in a brutal fist fight for what appears to be training, but looking to the other side they see a group cheering on one nord chugging beverages. All Julius can think is "I better not regret this..."

The two men are brought into a small hut where the Chieftain is sitting on a stone throne. They are pushed down onto their knees with their hands still bound in front of them. The Chieftain looks at the two men with many questions but starts with the obvious. "You look neither dead nor dying, what is your purpose comin here?" To Julius' relief, the chieftain's accent seems much more coherent than the rest of the nords but finds his relief short-lived when the nord that brought them in answers for them. "Dis one said sometin else is comin ta steal from us chief, buncha shite probably" The chieftain looks at Julius with an expression as if to say 'explain yourself' in which Julius obliges. "The Exiled lands has a new danger that indirectly threatens the lives of all who live in it, including villages like yours. A band of warriors out there known as the Red Riders, hunting Mystics and Healers, they may not sound like much of a threat and I wish I had proof...but these riders are not to be underestimated."

The nord behind them scoffs "HA! I bet they be no bigger than de size of a joke! fockin red riders!" Julius begins stretching the wraps holdings his hands together with full force as he continues. "They can be defeated...but not by the will of one person or even the will of one clan. If they succeed, there will be no one to heal wounds and all who become injured will simply die from them. We've come to help stop that from happening to your people...if you'll agree to the same in return." The nord behind him chimes in again before the chief can respond. "Jus' sounds like a bunch o' bedtime storeh boolshite, are ye finashed borin us?" the chieftain finally speaks up; "Shut it! I know what it's like to have a common foe, but I never had one that wasn't an outsider. Tell me lad, why do you think it be impossible to defend ourselves if these...riders show up at our gates?"

Julius feels the wraps begin to rip a little bit and keeps privately applying force to them while responding "Because drinks are not going to solve this problem...even if your people are known for brute force. Alone, you are no match for the riders, even the frost giants. The Cimmerians understand this, which is why they've agreed to be part of the bigger picture; an alliance to help all." A quiet snap can be heard from the wraps holding his hands in place, but Julius remains seemingly composed before acting on his hands becoming free until behind him he hears "Oi! This boy be talkin shite! dose cimmerian twats wouldn't agree to- '' before the nord's sentence could be finished, Julius quickly gets up and lunges a powerful punch into the nord's jaw line, knocking him down then turning back to the Chief with no further physical antagonism. The nord shouts in pain and agony before being taken out of the hut. The Chief holds his hand up to the other nords in the hut, signaling them not to jump on Julius for restraining. The chief meets Julius' eye contact with the look of intent as he says;

"Okay lad...you're askin us to join your 'alliance' alongside the Cimmerians to protect our healers against a couple of dangerous warriors all while not knowing what in the hell you are and why you're doin this? Where is the sense in trustin you?" Julius' tone is composed but does grow intense "Why does it matter what I am? Am I not simply a human just like you? Am I supposed to be plagued with systemic racism in my blood? am I supposed to blindly be shouting god every time I don't get my way? No...I just don't want us all to die. Is that so out of the realm of understatement?" For no particular reason, the Chieftain looks down at Julius' left hand to see that he has a wedding ring on his finger and begins to understand his real motivations. He looks back up at Julius with a small grin. "You wanna protect yer wife...don't ya lad?"

Julius looks at the floor as he suddenly gets a little nervous but replies "and what if I was?...does that make me selfish?" The Chief stands up from his throne and grabs Julius' cheeks to get him to look up but does so encouragingly.

"No...I believe ye son. I ain 't met an outsider like you before. What's yer name?" Julius hesitates for a moment but answers "Let's just say I'm The Unifier'' The Chief pats Julius' shoulder and says "Alright...we'll join ye too then Unifier. But ye gotta make sure them Cimmerians aren't gonna take this opportunity to take us on ok?" Julius nods and replies "They are already aware we are searching for more allies...and have agreed all the same." The Chief sits back on his throne "Aye, do ye have a plan my boy?" Julius gives him a firm look and replies "We gather beneath the aqueduct by the lake in a couple of days from now where I' ll address everyone on the matter, from there we will coordinate the defence efforts across the exiled lands. Whatever you and your people do until then is entirely up to you." The Chief nods happily and says "Aye, sounds good. Good luck to you Unifier. *To a nord in the room* ey, untie his boy would ya?" The nords then take off the wraps binding Romios ' hands then return their weapons to them. Julius turns to the Chief ”Thank you...from the bottom of my heart I'm grateful for this" The Chief smiles back at him and says "Ah save the flattery till the bastards are dead eh? See yas in a couple days" with that, both Julius and Romios bow to the Chief before they exit Asagarth. Romios whispers to Julius "Well done Master...whose next?" Julius thinks for a moment as the walk back up the hill then says "The People of Skelos''

Chapter 5
Julius and Romios arrive at the Volcano, almost half exhausted already from the scorching heat knowing even the desert does not reach these sorts of temperatures even on the driest of days. They reach what looks like a religious sight where they see several devotees gathered in a coordinated circle beneath a large stature of a serpent being. Julius quietly instructs Romios “Stay down here and keep your eyes sharp for the fleshtearer”. Romios nods in acknowledgement and keeps a hand on the grip of his sword, ready to unsheathe at a moment's notice.

Julius walks up to who appears to be representing the circle and asks him “Are you the leader of this cult?” The man turns around to acknowledge Julius and replies “That all depends on your definition of leader, have you come seeking knowledge as we have?”. For one brief moment in his head, Julius thinks twice about whether or not he has come to the right place, but the thought doesn’t manifest into his response. “Not exactly, I’ve come seeking help from the people of Skelos, in a fight to ensure life as we know it is not cut short by the will of beings that no god can protect us against.” The cultist shrugs off Julius’ remark and says “You are likely to find that we have no such desires to abandon our life’s work to ensure the survival of those on the ground my dear boy...the only possible threat we show are to those who pose a blind spot for what we seek.” Julius’ expression is grim as he glances at the floor but the cultist has more to say “But do not fret, your search isn’t without hope. I suggest you seek out the Chosen of Sobek in the cave of Xalthar, his followers are comprised of fighters with many things to prove. But beware, you may find yourself fighting your way through to him before being able to convince him to join your fight.” Julius is intrigued and to some degree annoyed that he hadn’t thought about the followers of Sobek for a long time.

“Thank you for this generous knowledge, I wish your people well” Julius says as he begins walking down the stairs to Romios. “Change of plans; we need to go to Xalthar’s Refuge”

Many hours later, the two men arrive at Xalthar’s Refuge. They can see that the sun is beginning to set and that they don’t have much time left before the great gathering tomorrow. Julius whispers to Romios before they enter the cave; “Remember, try to only knock them down and only kill them if you have to. Stay close together and we’ll get to the Chosen without a scratch.” They enter the cave and immediately see two followers of Sobek react to their sudden appearance with attacks. Julius and Romios use the brunt end of their weapons to knock them down either by legs or the spaces between their helmets and practically bum rush them all the way to the stage. They get there quicker than they thought and don’t see as many as they expect, but when the Chosen spots the two men approaching him, he holds his hand up to signal his followers to withdraw. Before drawing his weapon ready to defend himself. Romios says “He’s all yours master” Julius sighs and walks up the steps of the stage to engage the Chosen. The sounds of their swords piercing the air with each swing and the loud clashing echoes throughout the cave. Julius does his best but endures a small slash to his arm, throwing him off balance and falling to the floor. The chosen laughs triumphantly but Julius doesn’t oblige the traditions of dueling and maneuvers his feet around the Chosen’s leg, catching him off guard and falling on his back.

Julius presses a leg on his chest and throws the Chosen’s weapon away beyond reach while pointing his weapon at his face. “You cheated…” Julius isn’t phased by the Chosen’s remark and replies “I didn’t come here to take your place nor to kill you. Soon there will be no one to do so unless you help us” Julius withdraws and helps the Chosen get back on his feet. “Well...you have my attention, what could you possibly mean by that?” Julius wastes no time in his response “There are beings out there known as the Red Riders looking to hunt down and slaughter healers and Mystics, if they succeed, no one can be treated for their wounds and they’ll die as a result” The Chosen’s eyebrows lower with anger. “I know the Red Riders...they killed many of my followers, why should we go out there and let them kill the rest of us!?” Julius uses all he knows about the Sobeks to make his convincing point. “Because the alliance I’ve built is founded on the mutual goal of their defeat. If we succeed, you need not worry about your followers meeting an unjustly demise and you may find more followers as a result of this alliance. The only price you pay is that you set aside your traditions...for now” The Chosen looks at the ground in deep thought and doesn’t get the chance to give Julius an answer in time as Julius finishes by saying. “If you wish to join us and take the chance, Tomorrow we all meet beneath the aqueduct by the lake.”

With that, Julius and Romios begin to depart the cave. Each follower takes a step or two out of their way along their path. The two men emerge from the cave and see that it is now night time. “We need to find a settlement that can bring us to Udyr quickly, we don’t have much time left.”

Final Chapter
Dawn breaks over the site of his first home in the exiled lands as Julius prepares the stage where he will address his alliance. Privately he is quite nervous as there is a lot leaning on this moment, but eventually creates a clear picture of what needs to be said. Romios chimes in “Look master!” The two men spot the nordheimers arrive first, their numbers are large and some of them wave to Julius as they approach. Sometime later, the Cimmerians also arrive from the other side. Julius offers them a humble bow, Romios smiles seeing his people. They wait patiently if the followers of Sobek will show up and just when it seems that they won’t, they are spotted approaching over the hill. Julius smiles proudly and nods his head to the Chosen. With everyone here, Romios calls to order. “This gathering is called to order! The Unifier speaks!” Julius steps forward and starts delivering the most important speech of his life since his wedding.

"Welcome Allies, it's a great honor to see you all together for what I hope brings an end to the real enemies of our home! I understand the discomfort among many of you, to be standing with others that you've looked upon with hate for the longest time, to be defying your ancestral roots to ensure your survival. But be sure that you count yourselves worthy of that survival, because you've all stood up and took that chance! This force of defense will not be known by who the people follow or the family trees in which your blood was born from. This is a time where our gods must stay back and observe your efforts! Because it may sound arrogant, it may sound like blasphemy...but no amount of worshiping will make our enemies disappear, they come from a hell where their sole purpose is to defy you...wipe you out if necessary! But the combined efforts of each and everyone of you will pave the way for their brutal return to the fires of that realm! Now I will be blunt, I do not expect each of you to become allied factions even after the riders are defeated. I have no place telling you how to live, but it is worth remembering...that you put aside your differences at least once and that an alliance of this magnitude has been made possible for the first time in recent history, perhaps in history itself! It proves to me and the rest of the exiled lands...that you are not solely dominated by the systemic racisms in your blood, that religious supremacy isn't always the answer! Don't forget that...because this bracelet here on my arm isn't the symbolism of selfishness or greed! It's a mark of my will to live in a land that tries to destroy us. Even this ring! I didn't need a god to marry my love within these green walls! Neither do you! Remember this moment, for you may not live another like it. Go forth into the lands and spread your protection and savor your victory when we succeed! and may peace and love be granted to all!"

The entire gathering erupts into cheers and warcries as they disperse and head out into the world. Julius is almost out of breath but at the same time feels the adrenaline rush from his words. He and Romios exchange proud smiles, Romios says to him “I think it’s time you returned home old friend.” Julius blushes knowing what he really means by that and places his hand on his shoulder to try and prepare himself for what will be a happy reunion with the love of his life. He thinks to himself that he’s only considered a ‘unifier’ if he unites his heart with his wife’s.