Chapter 1: The Two Spies
A long time ago, King Azaroth ruled over the powerful Parakshan Empire, stretching from India to Ethiopia, controlling 127 provinces under his command.
He sat on a black marble throne carved with fierce lions, his eyes calm but dangerous. Everyone in the room stood still, afraid of what he might say or do next. His name alone sent fear through the lands and neighboring kingdoms. He was a king that did not forgive easily, and today, something was clearly bothering him.
Azaroth had been thinking about the Assyrian kingdom lately. Their king, Zarhaddon, was growing stronger by the day. Assyria's influence was spreading fast, and Azaroth hated the idea of losing his grip on power. It made his blood boil.
In the third year of his reign, he summoned two of his best spies.
"Go to Assyria," he said. "Learn about their land and their people. Find their weakness, and strength and report back to me."
The men bowed, silent and focused, then disappeared into the night.
When the two spies got to Assyria, it was nothing like they expected.
The land was rich, alive and flourishing.
They saw golden fields watered by clever irrigation systems. Markets overflowed with spices, silk, and gold. People laughed, traded, and celebrated life without fear. They noticed the high walls and soldiers mounted at the city gates, but inside, the citizens lived freely and with joy. The spies blended in, observing and taking notes.
They quickly figured out Assyrian's strength came from agriculture and trade and their military successes brought in gold and goods from all directions.
Even more surprising, the people were educated. There were stone carvings that told stories of brave heroes and powerful gods. The spies read poetry written on walls and watched plays in the public squares. They were amazed, so much so that they started to feel too comfortable.
They ate, drank and wandered the cities, blending in more than they should have.
One night, their curiosity led them to a brothel lively with music and laughter.
"Hey, strangers!" a loud voice called out. "Drink whatever you like. It's on me!"
It was the king's brother, loud, confident, and clearly loved by the crowd. The room cheered, and without hesitation, the spies joined the party. They drank, danced, and were treated like honored guests.
The next day, they were brought to King Zarhaddon's palace. The sight was what they've never before, a demonstration of wealth and power. Tall pillars, golden statues, and walls covered in glowing paintings. The king welcomed them warmly, asking no questions. Before they left, he even gifted them four camels loaded with bread, wine, honey, and oats to make their journey easy.
As they got back in Parakshan, the spies stood before King Azaroth and shared all they had seen.
But then one of them feeling bold mentioned the king's generous gift.
The room went quiet.
Azaroth's expression changed.
"He gave you camels?" he repeated, slowly. "Bread? Wine? Honey?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the spy said. "He was kind to us."
Azaroth stood up. The hall became quite.
"I sent you to spy on my enemy," he said angrily. "Not to beg for food."
He drew out his sword. And everyone held their breath.
The blade slid out with a clean, sharp sound.
The spies fell to their knees, begging for mercy.
But Azaroth had no mercy left.
He struck them down where the knelt. Blood stained the palace floor, and the echo of their screams was heard all over the palace halls.
"Let this be a lesson to all of you," he said, his voice cold. "There is no kindness in conquest. Only power."
By morning, the drums of war began to beat.
By dawn messengers rode hard across the empire. Every warlord was summoned.
In the heart of the capital, General Latiff, commander of the Immortals, the deadliest warriors in the known world, put on his black armor. His eyes, dark as night, and assembles a great army.
King Azaroth stood above the palace gates, staring toward the west.
Assyria had no idea what was coming.
But it would soon.