The war had been going rather well, we had took a lot of territory thanks to our more mobile army. One thing that I ordered was battles in the open fields, if not possible lure the enemy into one or the previous open field. Our weapons work much better in open fields than in enclosed spaces such as forests and towns. While on talks about towns, we had managed to capture a lot of them, villages and even a city. The army was instructed not to kill the civilians and not to plunder too much, enough to keep them well fed. As for the general that we captured at the initial battle, his name is Cailu. A rather breath of fresh air, very enjoyable to speak to, to many he would be a traitor but the more he explained the situation of the kingdom the more I hated the royal family. Kahoda took over the main roll of commander, I stood in the back, planning out the next attacks. We had lost many men, it was bound to happen, but the looses would have been greater if we didn't have guns and cannons. The great dangerous magicians we took out by simply sniping them from a distance, of course, sometimes it was me, sometimes Kahoda. Time flew by as the war progressed, as we went deeper into the country, we lost the momentum somewhat but were still advancing. Our army staying more over the same, well trained soldiers and even took some deserters from the enemy and trained them, to fill our losses. What we did discover is that there appears not only be our danger, but the country itself is in inner turmoil. There appears to be a battle to take down the royal family so some of the enemy forces had to be diverted to that, making it easier for us. We know that resilience won't last long, with the trained soldiers dying by the thousands, you simply cannot train the new ones fast enough. 

One rather rainy day, as we were sitting in our tents, resting from a recent battle. The medics and healers tending to the wounded, soldiers resting and me and Kahoda with the help of Cailu planning our next moves. One of the soldiers runs inside. 

Soldier: S-Sir, there is a messenger. It comes straight from the royal family. 

Draven: Oh? Well, let them in. 

The soldier runs out. 

Draven: Probably a peace treaty. 

Kahoda: You think so?

Cailu: I doubt that it is because of the war itself but the problem of the inner turmoil might be more dire than I initially thought. This country is more divided than I thought at first. 

Draven: So they are trying to save their asses by making peace with us? 

Cailu: Exactly like that. 

Kahoda: Well, we ain't gonna do it, strike them when the enemy is the weakest. 

The messenger enters into our tents, covered by a hood. Taking off it reveals a young looking man, he looks tired but determined. 

Messenger: I am here to relay a message from the King himself. 

Draven: Speak. 

Messenger: He wishes to speak with you at the capital about a peace treaty. Saying that there is no need for war, no need for innocent lives to be lost. Your travels will be safe and your safety will be under the protection of Highness himself. 

I take a moment to think, this actually is better than I thought. The royal family must be desperate, really desperate. But I can use their 'hospitality' to my advantage. The others look at me, awaiting my answer, eager to know what I have to say next. 

Draven: Go and tell the King that we accept to talk and plan on heading over there. We are to have no resistance, have I made myself clear? 

Messenger: Of course sir. 

He runs out, getting on his horse and galloping away. 

Kahoda: Are you insane? Signing a peace treaty with them, after you planned everything out. 

Cailu: I must agree with Kahoda, you must be insane, you know that they will just kill you the moment they are able to recover. 

Draven: Hahaha. And who said we will sign it? 

Kahoda: What do you mean? 

Draven: Oh come on, can't you see it. We are heading straight into the heart of the enemy. Free of trouble. 

Kahoda eyes light up. 

Kahoda: A little scummy, but I like it. 

Cailu: I don't understand, what do you plan on doing? 

Draven: Well, once we are there, we kill the king and his family, with no leaders they will submit and let those that are not against us in power. Make a small colony of sorts, an autonomous one at that. 

Cailu: So, you plan on removing the current people at the top and put in those who are less against you?

Kahoda: Precisely that, kill two birds with one stone. 

Cailu: Cowardly, but in war, courage is not what wins, but the most lucrative, the smartest ones. 

Draven: Glad that we understand. Now, boys, go and rest, we move as soon as we gather our forces. 

The two nod and head out to their separate tents  and I, leaning over the table start laughing. This is going much better than I thought, this war will end rather quickly, quicker than I expected. But that is to be expected, especially from a country that appears to have a lot of problems, festering wounds in itself. A country is like a body, if it is fighting against a single disease, it is fine, but as soon as it has to fight many others, then it is too much without any help. The small festered wounds are those that oppose the royal family and we are the big disease that does the brunt of the work, weakening and forcing into submission. As I head to bed, I can't help but giggle in happiness, this war will end quick, to that I am glad, my people don't have to die all that much and we can all return to our loved ones sooner. In the morning as we all start to wake up, the first thing that is done is to gather all the men. Explaining them the situation they show some hesitancy, I do not blame them. We are heading straight into the heart, if this doesn't work out, it is dangerous, but if it does work out, then everyone gets to go home sooner. Once the entire camp had packed up we march on to the capital. A large line of soldiers marches forwards, through mud and dust, nothing stops us. It seems that they upheld their word as we safely pass by the forces we no doubt would have had to face against. The looks they gave us, it was of disdain but at the same time, fear. Each village we passed, each town we marched through, the people watched in fear and terror. A unknown army marches right through and the people that should protect them, not being able to do anything. Some of the locals do seem intrigued and each time we had stopped to rest, some would approach us and inquire about us. We travel for long, a couple weeks it seems, or even more but finally, we reach the capital. It is large and in no doubt beautiful.

I must admit, I am a little jealous but also glad that we didn't have to destroy it. It was well fortified and a tall castle towered over the valley, a city fit to be a capital. We marched into it slowly, the people looked at us, some running away, some more curious than others. We pass in between two whole lines of soldiers, it does make you feel powerful. There are shops, temples and even barracks scattered all across, some of the forces take the time to admire it all. I requested that a flag be ready immediately, to rise up above, to mark our victory. One thing about this damn city, is that it is so damn vertical. You just keep on climbing and climbing, it is a real pain in the ass. However, after a lengthy walk we finally reach the entrance to the castle where the same messenger waits for us but this time dressed in nicer clothes. The army is ordered to await outside, only a handful of soldiers are to head up with us, with Cailu overlooking the ones that stay. It is clear, the disdain that his former colleagues have for him, they don't even hide it. 

Messenger: Glad that you came, please, after me. His Highness awaits.  

We walk through the large halls, following after the messenger, Kahoda and me exchanging a look, both of us grin. Our pistols are fully loaded and one of the soldiers, in his backpack carries the rolled up flag. The residents of the castle look at us, in fear, worry, despair and curiosity. The maids and other noble ladies all giggle at the sight of Kahoda. For a damn elf, he is for sure pretty, damn him and his genetics. We finally walk into the throne room, it is filled with nobles and other filth, a table set up at the center. The nobles don't even try to hide their emotions, the looks of pure disgust and fear at the mere sight of me is enough to make them hate me and I do not care honestly. There I see the King, the Prince, Queen and the Princess and of course, Elonshe, my sweet Elonshe. She lights up immediately upon seeing me, but is forced to stay put by the prince. My fists clenched, I can't wait to kill him. The royal family takes a seat and we follows suite. 

Elron: Greetings Your Highness, Draven, my name is King Elron Dorhice, this my wife Gaelira, my daughter Nalaea and my son, Beluar. 

Draven: Greetings to you too Elron, as you know, I am Draven and next to me is Kahoda. We are truly grateful that you insisted on ending this war as soon as possible. 

Elron: There is no need for innocent lives to be lost, better to end it and make an alliance then to be needless enemies.

Draven: Of course. 

As the talks commence, it is your typical sweet talk, trying to appear all nice and sweet but neither me or Kahoda buy it for a minute. During the talk, I look at the Queen, she seems defeated and from Cailu's reports, if any of them are good, it is her. She is a victim too and does have a following so leaving her and putting her in charge might actually be a good idea. The King offers tempting deals, if not for any other outcome, I would have taken it, but no. I just nod, faking my interest in his words. 

Elron: Now that we have discussed all the details in full, shall we sign the treaty. 

Presenting me a piece of paper and a quill to sign with. I smile, resting my hands on the table, with a devilish grin I look at them, this shocks Elron. 

Draven: And who said we would accept it? 

Elron: But, you nodded and these are such tempting offers. Please, there is no need for needless war and death. 

I slowly rise up from the table and pull out my revolver and the first person I shoot is the daughter. The king and prince stare in shock while the queen is saddened but doesn't do anything. The other nobles scream, the king goes to cast a spell but is soon shot in the head. His lifeless corpse falling back, knocking down the chair. The guards are unsure what to do, my soldiers point their muskets and Kahoda his M1 Garand. I look at the prince who is scared and walk over to him. Putting a hand on his shoulder he twitches. 

Draven: You see, all of this happened because of you. 

I can see that he soiled himself, shaking in fear. Not so tough now is he. I laugh out loud before pulling back the chair causing him to fall down on the floor and get on top of him. 

Draven: This is payback, asshole. 

With the grip of the pistol I begin to hit him repeatedly in the face, his screams turn to incoherent noises before going silent. My vision goes dark, I just keep on smashing his face, laughing out loud while hearing that squelching sound of his skull and brain. After a good minute or two I finally regain my senses, his face completely destroyed, skull smashed inwards. I pant as I get up from the floor, covered in blood and pieces of flesh and bone I look around, the fear in everyone's eyes in addictive. Cleaning the handle with a dress of the princess I holster it. Looking back at the soldier carrying the flag I nod to him and he runs past me to the large balcony overlooking the city. Removing one of the hanging flags and replacing it with ours. Elonshe, despite me being covered in blood and having witnessed what I had just done, runs into me, embracing me in a tight hug. I hug her back, it had been so long since i had seen her and even when fully clothed, I can see scars, a sight that fuels my anger and resentment. 

Draven: Can you please release me, I have something to address to everyone here?

She nods and released me and I walk up to the throne and sit on it. 

Draven: Now, listen up here you bunch of scum and filth. From now and onwards, you are under new rule, if you do not wish to comply, everyone you love, everything you own, will be taken and destroyed and you personally will be put into labor camps. If anyone has something to say, by all means, please do. I won't hurt them.

The last words uttered with sarcasm and deception and they seem to pick it up quickly, nobody dares to utter a word. 

Draven: Perfect. Now, Lady Gaelira if I have remembered correctly? 

Gaelira: Y-Yes? 

Draven: I wish to talk to you in private about the future plans as you will be in charge of this whole territory. The borders you now have, you will keep, it is just that you will be under new rule, under new rules, you will be our colony, a part of Prussia. Understand? 

Gaelira: Yes, my Lord. 

Draven: Good. 

With a twitch of my fingers to Elonshe she runs up to me and jumps into my lap, resting herself on me. Everyone is slowly escorted out and all I can do is smile. This went perfectly, this will be like India was to the British but there will be differences in rule. I won't be like the assholes that were the Brits. I learnt from their mistakes. Kahoda is kicking in the kings skull and I can't help but smile at such a sight. Oh this life is great.