[b]Episode Two[/b] [b][url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/103939962/0/0/1]Episode One[/url][/b] “Forward!” Radegast’s voice struck the air like a commandment. His forces moved across the plain to meet the legions of Fallen that had once again encroached upon the last city. With the Wall nearly finished, the pirates knew this was their last attempt at seizing humanity’s haven before their sliver of fortune was sealed, utterly and completely. However, they didn’t seem to understand what they were up against. “Where are the rest of your soldiers?” asked Radegast, turning a scarred eye to Timur beside him. “You’re not known for letting me take all the glory for myself.” Timur grinned a response and Saladin followed the arrow of his gaze. Near an exposed flank of the Fallen horde, the army seemed to bow under some invisible pressure. The pirates ran and stumbled over each other, like thick mud swept away in folds. Fire and smoke began to fill the sky. A burning wind of bullets struck the aliens, blowing their remains away into the air like a dissemination of dandelion seeds. A legion of Gunslingers rounded a hillside at the edge of the plains. This was why Timur was known as a supreme commander in some circles, and in others, a slave master. The Lord was the only one so far to have tamed the gun-toting drifters, wrapping and shackling them into his army. He even dragged the Warlock intellectuals out from their libraries and into the field of battle. Everyone took part. Everyone wore the same outfit. No one was allowed to leave lest they be executed for desertion. Lord Timur was no exception. He had been reborn as a Gunslinger, but had never worn a hood. “Not so fast,” rumbled Radegast. An officer spoke into his headset. On the other side of the pirate horde, a rippling shadow moved across the ground. A rain of flaming grenades fell upon the Vandals and Dregs and a wave of explosions rocked the battlefield. Hundreds of Sunsingers rounded the opposite hillside. The Guardians worked in relative unison, slicing the Fallen army in two with their pincer maneuver. Snipers picked off the Captains and Barons in the midst of their confusion. Finally, Titans moved to destroy the enemy at the front. It was an impressive show of force, Saladin decided. The other Iron Lords didn’t even need to contribute to the defense, for Timur and Radegast had two of the largest military forces in the City. With talks breaking down and the lords wary of violence, Radegast suggested this joint battle to keep up appearances. So far, it looked to be working. “The battle is already done,” said Timur. Radegast nodded. “Indeed.” He began walking away. “If you’ll excuse me, Lord Efrideet requires my immediate presence.” His gaze passed over Saladin. “My retainer will remain with you until the battle is concluded.” “As you wish.” Wards of Dawn materialized like a violet dam that held off the sudden storm of spider tank shells. Saladin caught movement at the corner of his eye. The grass rustled and flattened. The light before him twisted slightly, disturbed. Timur caught the same invisible figures. “Who let the pigs through?!” he bellowed. “Kill them!” Before other Guardians could react, Saladin leapt forward and slammed his Arc-infused fist into the ground, disintegrating the first several Stealth Vandals in his path and decloaking the rest with a wave of static. He rose, striking his humming hands through blade and armor, flesh and bone. The last pair of Vandals rushed into his space. They swung their shock blades as one and Saladin caught both in his hands. Warm blood filled the cups of his palms as the metal bit against bone. He roared. A surge of electricity ran across the pirates’ bodies until they turned black and ether pockets burst from their necks. Saladin heard Timur laugh and he turned around to find the short, bald ruler showing the whites of his teeth. “What a grand show of power, Saladin,” he said. “Well done.” “Thank you, my lord,” said Saladin, an edge creeping into his voice. They might have been working together now, but Timur was Radegast’s unspoken rival from the very first time they entered the City. Having two complete ideologies and two of the largest forces would do that to people. To kings. “It would be my honor to have you join my ranks.” “That’s very kind of you to say, but my loyalties lie with Radegast,” he replied, cringing, thankfully behind his helmet’s visor. “He is a good man and a good ruler. There is [i]no[/i] one better.” Timur gave his temporary ally a severe look. “I’ll be honest with you, Titan, this little coalition we have going on here will not last. It will not [i]last[/i],” he repeated. “I already have the backing of Lord Felwinter. I am going to take Gheleon’s territory from Perun, and Silimar is too weak of an imbecile to try the same. Skorri is quiet in her Tower from her…lover’s death. Jolder is a pacifist and too busy working on finishing the Wall, and Radegast does not wish to rule. My only rival is Efrideet, who is using her time rallying the useless masses in the Inner City. She is my only concern.” The Lord smiled. “Make no mistake, I will complete my kingdom here. You’d be wise to join me.” Saladin turned away. His words did not deserve a response. “I will make you an Iron Lord,” said Timur. “I will build you your own Tower. Grant you land. I see greatness in you, Saladin. Radegast is not cultivating your leadership abilities, unfortunately, so I will.” Saladin looked at the man. He would make him a ruler? He inwardly shook his head. He would not be deserving of the title, having received it out of being poached like livestock. Especially out of the betrayal of his master. That would [i]not[/i] make an Iron Lord out of him. A distant explosion emanating from the City rolled across the plains. Saladin looked back and he could see the sky purpling into dusk. Fire and smoke rose behind the Wall. Based on the position, it was coming from Gheleon’s territory once again. However, this time, the fire was unnatural. It was brighter and burned fiercer. Saladin was far, though he could still see the ethereal flames crackle gold and red. It was Perun’s fire. Timur had a malicious glitter in his eye. “So it begins.” [b][url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/106570331/0/0/1]EPISODE THREE[/url][/b] [b][url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/109058736/0/0/1]EPISODE FOUR[/url][/b] [b][url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/100362914]DESTINY FAN FICTION ARCHIVE[/url][/b] [b][url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Forum/823422]JOIN GROUP FOR FAN FICTION UPDATES[/url][/b]