Crackfoot's Final Kiss (Conquest of Noone)

For the last 8 years, Crackfoot had been the biggest thorn in Noone's side. Every battle had led to ten thousand dead on both sides. Yet Noone managed to gain territory, conquer another city, and push Crackfoot back every time. Every time this happened, Xera's (Crackfoot's wife) heart sank, her soul broke, and her hand trembled with each letter sent, never knowing which one would be the last. Then, after weeks of hearing nothing and seeing smoke from the burnt cities, Xera feared for the worse. After a couple more days, a weary army of halflings, undead, and rebels under Crackfoot found refuge in Xera's castle. They told her Crackfoot was alive and hiding they were sent to rest and get ready to fortify the castle. Crackfoot said to them that once he rallied his forces, he would bring them all here for one last battle to determine the fate of Kolora. Xera's heart fluttered hearing that he was alive. "Then fortify as much as you can. Upgrade every defense, heal the wounded as best you can, and start training everyone to fight. No matter the age, race, or sex. Everyone must do their part to stop the empire from taking this last vessel of the old times." commanded Xera. The tiny males bowed in respect and left to do what was commanded of them.

Over the next several weeks, more soldiers and villagers came. They slowly crowd the castle, taking over the courtyard and even having to set up camps outside of it. One day, another army, and this time, Crackfoot was with them. His beard was long and swirled in different directions, and his eyes were baggy and dark like he hadn't slept in days, his seemed to have been pushed far beyond what it was capable of. Trumpets sounded, and people cheered as they saw Crackfoot ride past them. Xera's heart started to beat wildly. She ran through her castle to greet her husband and knelt, grasped his face, and kissed him. "I'm so happy to see you alive. Your people are safe here. You're safe here." she said and kissed him again. "It's nice to see you again. I'm tired, and Noone is marching his armies here. I tried to lead them away, but nothing worked." before Crackfoot could continue, he was kissed again. "Now is not the time to worry about. You need rest. I've made sure the castle was as fortified as possible for you. You are safe." said Xera. She stood up and shouted, "I need a cleric, strength potions, and the finest bed in the kingdom for my husband." several people raced to complete the request, and soon a cleric was found, and strength potions were given. Some servants took Crackfoot's armor off, and Xera picked him up and carried him into the castle. Crackfoot looked like a child but didn't care at all. He fell asleep in Xera's arms.

Soon, a bed was made and delivered to where Crackfoot was. Clerics began casting healing spells and making potions for Crackfoot. After a couple of days of recovery, Crackfoot was back better than ever. He took charge and began to make battle plans. He took into account every possibility, every variable, every action Noone could come up with. This time, he was not going to lose. The fate of the continent was in his hands, and he was not about to let them down. The old ways were being attacked, and centuries of tradition being uprooted were not about to go to waste because of some prophecy. No, this would be a fight that generations would forever remember.

During one long night, Crackfoot was looking at maps with half-melted candles being his only light. Xera came in and sat on Crackfoot's lap. It was a very similar experience years ago when Xera's people were conquered by the armies of the Nocee Empire. This time, though, instead of trying to avenge the elves, he was going to free everyone from the empire. Xera kissed him on the forehead "Come to bed, dear, you can't lock yourself in here and lead the people at the same time." she said. "And if I don't, I won't have a people to lead," responded Crackfoot. His voice was rough and barely audible. "The Great Lion Gods have given you so much strength and wisdom. You will find a way so enough, and don't forget you have a son and soldiers who can help you see things you can't," said Xera. "I can't rely on them. They have no idea how to fight Noone, even if they had centuries to fight that monster, they would fail over and over again, just like I have," said Crackfoot, seeming to admit defeat. "You weren't there. Seeing all those bodies, dwarf, halfling, goblin, half-orc, human, gnome. All lifeless, torn apart, and killed with no remorse or mercy. Worse of all, it's all done so swiftly, as if every arrow and spell was fully calculated and taken into account. I don't understand Noone. I can understand everything else about the green skin, but when it comes to his tactics and strategies. I have a vague idea but can never understand until it's too late. I think even if the Great Lion Gods were given all their knowledge and wisdom, it still wouldn't be enough." said Crackfoot softly. "Don't say that. Our gods are stronger because the souls of their people are stronger. Their resilience makes them worthy of recognition. That is what you showed me time and time again. You will find a way, I know it." she then kissed him a few more times and then got up and grabbed his hand. "Now, since you're too stubborn to come to bed on your own. I guess I'll have to take there myself," she said, tugging at his arm. "Fine, but only because you ordered it," said Crackfoot, getting up and sleeping with her.

The next morning, Crackfoot woke up to his wife sleeping peacefully beside him. "I'm sorry, my love, but I have to leave." He gave her a kiss on the head and left. Xera didn't move; she just breathed calmly. Sadly, it would be the last kiss he would give her as he led his soldiers to fight Noone in a final battle. He and Noone would duel each other to the death, of which Noone would win and conquer the final cities and castles, thus uniting Kolora under one banner, the banner of the Nocee Empire.