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The Wrath of the Gods

Ambrose walked throughout the streets of the city, observing the revelry. Once again, the army of Corina had returned, and it had conquered even more land. If only the people of Nova Corina worshipped their gods as much as they did their kings and soldiers.

Ambrose, as well as a much of the clergy in Nova Corina, were frustrated. They had heard from other lands how powerful the clergy was, how they controlled the land alongside the kings and nobles. This was not the case in Nova Corina. Its people were not very religious, and what religion they did have was varied. In fact, the king had discreetly sent out advertisements for foriegn missionaries to try to convert Nova Corina's people. They had no luck.

Ambrose went inside the small church, and got to work writing down copies of popular stories from the religion of Nova Corina. About an hour into his work, however, he was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Hello," Gregor said. "Greetings," Ambrose said. Gregor was a monk from a church on the other side of Corina, but they had become good friends in the seminary. Of course, assignments often kept them apart, and they hadn't spoken much over the years.

"So what are you here for?" Ambrose said. "I figured that I hadn't seen you in a while, and I'd check in, since I have business on this side of town," Gregor replied. "Of course, come in," Ambrose said. Gregor stepped in. "So, what do you think of the festivities?" Ambrose said. "I despise them. They're blasphemous. But what can we do to stop them?" Ambrose shook his head in sadness.

Suddenly, Gregor closed the door. "Ambrose, there's another reason why I came here." Ambrose looked up. "What is it?" "Peaceful methods have not worked. Foriegn missionaries try to spread their false gods throughout the nation." "Are you saying-" "We must use violence. It is our only choice." "Gregor, nothing's come of it. I'm sure the king isn't being serious. He'll never convert." "If he does, we must... replace him." "Are you saying-" "If he DARES to disrespect the gods of Nova Corina and the gods of our ancestors, then he is the blight on the world, and it is the gods' will that he be replaced." "Gregor, I'm not participating in any rebellion against the crown." "Then you are just as bad as the king," Gregor replied.

"Will you at least not divulge this plot to any authorities?" "I can at least do that," Ambrose replied. "I am sorry, friend. But heathen or not, he is still my king." Gregor closed the door and walked away.
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General Remus watched another barbarian village burn. This time it was empty. Its inhabitants had quickly fled when they saw the army of Nova Corina on the horizon. The barbarians were beginning to have common sense. He looked forward to another celebration of his achievements. And Remus had gotten another order from the king. Any male barbarians taken as slaves would from now on be forced to create a whole new way of roads to help connect Nova Corina even further. Of course, any barbarians that submitted to Nova Corina would be allowed to live out their existence peacefully, as long as they stayed within the confines of their villages, allowed soldiers from Corina to occupy their village, and paid a tribute to Nova Corina. Many tribes had opted to do this, and at this point the soldiers were doing less conquering than signing agreements. It was getting more boring, but not as many troops were dying, which did have a positive impact on morale.
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The young barbarian woman had been a slave for many moons. The men with iron swords called it a year. She was tired of being a slave, but she could do nothing. One day, while she was working, a young male barbarian cornered her in an empty hallway. "Have you heard the news?" the barbarian asked. "What?" "Our brethren are now being forced to build roads, like pack animals." She was shocked, but not surprised. "I will avenge this grave insult," she said. But not now.