Legend of the Ancient Kingdoms

 

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Back at Carthage the command centre was buzzing with activity, reinforcements had reached the border bolstering the defensive lines. Seleukos still had not made a move and it was clear he was waiting expecting the defence to weaken.

Athanas was being briefed by Adrastus.

“Your highness, Seleukos is still holding position but there appears to be some activity.”

“Do you suspect he is readying to make his move?” asked Athanas as he looked over the reports Adrastus had handed him.

As Adrastus talked to the prince Aella was still at her station monitoring several battle groups when she suddenly froze as General Kephos voice came through to her comms channel.

“Say that again General?”

“We have just lost contact with the princess as she engaged 2 heavy mecha’s in a narrow pass,” stated Kephos with concern.

“Can you send any forces to the location?” asked Aella.

“Not at this time, the princess strategy is working in that the south pass is being secured as we speak. However we cannot risk moving our forces from there yet until we are sure there are no more forces in the area. The team to the north are still encountering resistance and we estimate at least another 40 minutes before we have control and can secure the area,” said Kephos.

“How are the teams sent to apprehend princess Apollonia doing?” asked Aella.

“They have met heavy resistance; it seems the princess had anticipated our move to capture her but I am confident we will have her in custody within a few hours.”

“Okay as soon as you can send a team to princess Natasa’s last know position to search for any sign of her.”

“Understood, Kephos out.”

Aella sighed the prince was not going to like this news and Aella wished she did not have to deliver it. Aella quickly made her way across the room to where the prince was still in deep conversation with Adrastus.

“Your highness”

“Yes Aella.”

“I have news on the princess, I that is,” Aella faltered.

“What has happened Aella?” asked Athanas with concern.

“Communication has been lost with Ishtar, General Kephos has informed me that the princess was engaging 2 heavy mecha’s in a narrow pass when communication was lost.”

“Have search teams been sent?” the edge to his voice was unmistakable.

“No your highness, the General does not have the manpower to send any teams at present without risk, the teams to the south are cleaning up and securing the area, the teams to the north are still in heavy fighting and at best estimate it will be near an hour before they succeed and can begin to secure the north pass.”

“Should I send a team from here your highness?” asked Adrastus.

“No, doing that could leave us vulnerable, I am sure the princess will be fine. Continue monitoring efforts around Dougga and keep me posted.”

Aella nodded and went back to her post.

Back in Dougga General Kephos was not happy, the princess strategy had so far worked in the south pass and the area was nearly secure but the north was still struggling to defend against Apollonia’s forces.

The Generals thoughts were put on hold as one of his men approached.

“General we need to reinforce the north teams, princess Apollonia’s forces have just been reinforced there and it appears they intend to throw everything into breaching our defence in that area.”

“We cannot spare the men at this time, how many reinforcements have they received?” asked the General.

“Approximately 10 medium mecha’s and 5 heavy mecha’s have just moved into the pass, our teams are still holding for now but it is only a matter of time before they have to fall back further.”

Before he could go on another officer ran over “Sir, the 3 RARV’s we had outside have just powered up and left,” said the man looking flustered.

“Who is piloting them, get them on the comms NOW!” demanded the general.

“We can’t general.”

“Why not?”

“They have no pilot’s sir,” the officer said nervously.

“That’s impossible,” spluttered Kephos “Are we tracking them?”

“Yes sir, they have split up.”

“Bring them on the display, where are they heading?”

As the display came to life showing the three war wolves the officer continued.

“One is heading towards the pass the princess entered the other two appear to be heading towards the northern pass.”

“Contact Captain Melantha inform her to expect the war wolves but not to attack unless provoked.”

The officer nodded and went back to his post to begin relaying the info.

“Petros keep an eye on those three war wolves I want to know if they do anything more suspicious,” said Kephos as he went back to his desk.

Back in the pass, Natasa had her eyes closed and a look of intense concentration on her face.

“Princess keep focused once I am free I can take control of the war wolves,” came the calm voice of Ishtar.

Natasa nodded as she continued to concentrate.

“Nearly there princess I can sense the war wolf near.”

Minute’s later noise could be heard from the outside of the mecha, the noise got louder and louder as time went on.

Back in the command post Kephos was still at his desk when Captain Melantha’s voice came over the comms.

“General the war wolves you sent are attacking the enemy position, it is incredible I have never seen war wolves in battle like this,” her voice full of surprise and respect.

“What do you mean captain?”

“Sir patching video feed directly.”

The large screen in the centre of the room changed and began displaying live video footage from captain Melantha’s mecha. The room seemed to come to a halt as they watched the war wolves as they pounced on the enemy tearing into them.

“Sir who are the pilots of those wolves?” asked Melantha.

“There are no pilots captain,” stated Kephos “It’s why we never sent them as reinforcements, there were no pilots available.”

“Then how…”

“I don’t know but be thankful they are on our side by the looks of it, keep me informed, Kephos out.”

Kephos leaned back in his chair wondering what in the world was happening.

Back in the pass Natasa was broken from her concentration as Ishtar spoke.

“Princess the war wolf has finally freed me from the rockslide, I have taken control of it but I need you to keep controlling the other two until we are in closer range.”

“Understood Ishtar.”

Back outside Ishtar’s, massive form stood and began to make its way towards the rear exit of the pass to where the two enemy mecha’s had entered. After about ten minutes they were finally out and Ishtar spread her wings taking to the air, the war wolf that had dug them out bound after them as they made their way towards the northern battle.

“Princess, we are close enough now for me to assume full command of the three wolf units however, you will need to take full control of me so that I can divert my resources to controlling them, shielding and tracking suppression are online” came Ishtar’s soft voice.

“Okay Ishtar I’m ready.”

“Connection established…control function transferred.”

Natasa could suddenly feel Ishtar as if she were the mecha itself, as she moved her hand she realized she was not looking at her own hand she was looking at Ishtar’s. Natasa realized she was now Ishtar, Ishtar was still there but Natasa was now in full control of the great machine.

Natasa put those thought to the back of her mind and continued heading for the battle zone, not far from the enemy positions Natasa set down and began to run towards the enemy positions. Moments later, she jumped a rock outcrop and landed in the middle of the enemy position.

Before they could respond, Natasa had used Ishtar’s sword to dismember the two nearest heavy mecha’s. A third mecha was about to attack from behind until a war wolf suddenly sprang from nowhere ripping the mecha’s head off, the mecha stumbled back knocking another mecha flying before collapsing on top of it.

Natasa meanwhile had sprinted forward before jump kicking another mecha over and thrusting her sword into a second. Reversing the blade she thrust backward into the power plant of the third heavy mecha.

Meanwhile all 3 war wolves sprang at nearby mecha creating chaos in the enemies ranks.

Watching the battle was captain Melantha and her teams.

“Don’t just stand there gawking, start providing cover fire,” she spat into the comms to her team.

Immediately her teams began to move firing on the nearest enemy mecha and effectively trapping them in a pincer situation. Should the enemy hold their ground Melantha and her units could just pick them off and take their time. If they made a break to fall back the three war wolves and Ishtar would tear them to shreds.

Either way the situation looked grim for Apollonia’s forces. In a matter of minutes Apollonia’s forces were cut by almost half and all seven heavy mecha’s had been obliterated. Half of the remaining force tried a last gamble to retreat and regroup but their command structure had collapsed leaving them in total disarray.

Natasa meanwhile was still throwing herself into the thick of the battle felling enemies left right and centre supported by the three now battle damaged war wolves. After another twenty minutes of fierce battle Natasa was running on nothing but adrenalin.

The remaining enemy mecha’s seeing their lines decimated began dropping their weapons and surrendering to captain Melantha’s teams who quickly began gathering the prisoners and securing the enemy mecha’s. Natasa saw this and after taking care of the last remaining aggressive mecha she stopped amidst the wreckage to catch her breath.

“Ishtar,” said a tired voice.

“Yes princess?”

“It’s over; I think it’s safe for you to take control back now.”

“As you wish princess, Accessing control system…control reestablished…accessing system status…minor damage to external armour plating and right arm elbow servos…accessing repair sub system…repairs begun…incoming comms channel…channel open.”

“Mecha unit state your name and rank,” spoke a commanding female voice.

“Mecha is designated Ishtar Goddess of war pilot designated Princess Natasa of the kingdom of Ur,” replied Ishtar as Natasa had already fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion.

“Princess it is an honor I am captain Melantha, please allow me to escort you back to the command centre, the general has been rather concerned about you.”

“Captain the princess is currently asleep, I am afraid she has been rather busy of late and I had to transfer full control of my systems to the princess during the battle so that I could control the war wolves. An escort will not be necessary as I intend to take the princess directly to Carthage.”

“I assume you will be able to continue the cleanup operation here now that this area is under your control?”

“Yes,” answered the captain a little unsure “Wait you said you are Ishtar, does that mean you are sentient?”

“Yes I am, by the way you might want to send a cleanup crew to the narrow pass we first attended, there you will find 2 heavy mecha’s covered by a rock slide.”

The captains video image had a shocked look at the thought of a mecha with sentience but before she could ask anything further Ishtar unfolded her wings and took to the air before heading towards Carthage.

“Accessing.... connection established command centre Carthage.”

“Hello princess?” Aella’s voice sounded relieved.

“This is Ishtar, I am currently on route back to Carthage, the princess is currently asleep due to the battle, please have her maids standing by in a little under 2 standard hours, I will contact you when I am on final approach to the city so that you can open the hanger.”

With that, Ishtar closed the comms channel.

Back in Carthage Aella sat stunned, Ishtar had spoken as though it was alive. Aella quickly shook her head to clear it.

“General Kephos please provide a status report,” asked Aella sternly.

Seconds later the comms channel opened “General Aella I am happy to report that the situation is under control, the south pass is now completely under our control and the north has also now been taken, the north team are currently securing the prisoners. I have to admit though I have a rather strange report from Captain Melantha.”

“Please send the report as soon as possible but in the meantime please give me an overview,” asked Aella sure the prince would want to know.

General Kephos quickly gave an overview and Aella went over to her prince to inform him of the situation as best she could until the full report was sent.

“Your highness I have had word from Dougga and from Ishtar.”

The prince raised an eyebrow.

“Well shortly after our last communication 3 pilotless war wolves left the Dougga command post, 2 heading to the north battle and 1 heading to the narrow passage princess Natasa was last heard from. It seems something happened there and after the wolf attended the princess’s signal was once again picked up heading around the back of the mountains towards the enemy.”

“The enemy had just received reinforcements and things were looking dire before suddenly Ishtar and the war wolves appeared and began to decimate the enemy cutting off any retreat and catching the enemy mecha’s in crossfire. General Kephos is sending a full report as we speak but I thought I should let you know.”

“Ishtar has been in contact and stated that she is bringing the princess back and should arrive in a couple of standard hours, she also said the princess is okay but sleeping due to battle fatigue and that the princess’s maids should be ready to attend her when she arrives.”

“Ishtar said this?” asked Athanas. “wait you said pilotless war wolves?” asked Athanas looking confused.

“Yes your highness, I am not sure about them being pilotless and I have a feeling only Princess Natasa can answer what that means. As for Ishtar I know what you are thinking and I think so too. Ishtar is more than a machine she is a sentient machine.”

Just then Adrastus came over “My prince Seleukos is withdrawing his forces from our border, I have scouts tracking their movements, it appears they are heading south east towards Lagash.”

“Have we warned Lagash?” asked Athanas.

“We tried but as yet we have been unable to contact them.”

“What about Kish?”

“We have been in contact with Kish and they also report that they are unable to contact Lagash, do you think Lagash has been infiltrated?”

“It stands a good chance although there is little we can do about it from here; we need our own Mecha’s to continue defending the border in case their withdrawal is a rouse.”

“I agree my prince; do you have any immediate orders?”

“Yes have the soldiers stand down in shifts so they can eat and sleep, we need them rested and alert.”

“As you wish your highness,” said Adrastus as he headed back to his station.

“It has finally begun hasn’t it?” asked Aella.

“Yes it seems Seleukos is determined to take control of anywhere he can, we need to finish securing the east region so we can get forces from there to help Lagash to defend themselves, I just hope we will be in time. Lagash is pretty strong and they have been building their defences up recently in anticipation that this might happen.”

“I estimate they may be able to hold a week or 2 before Seleukos breaks through their lines and gets a foothold.”

“I agree your highness, I will get back onto General Kephos and find out what is happening with the teams sent to capture princess Apollonia, it needs to be done before we can take command of the Eastern forces.”

Athanas nodded as his general left to head back to her station.

On the journey back Natasa slept, the chair she was resting in had changed and was now leant back like a recliner. Although Natasa was asleep in the real world she was wide awake in her dreams.

As usual when asleep Natasa found herself in the garden she had visited for so many years, however she was not alone. The shocked expression on her face spoke volumes of her turmoil. There in front of her stood her mother looking as alive as the day Natasa had last seen her before school the day of the accident.

“M m mom?”

The woman smiled at her daughter “Yes sweetie it is me.”

“But how, you...you died they said you were de... dead, dad too,” tears flowed down Natasa’s cheeks at the sight of her mother.

“I am sorry for that sweetie; I could not stop you going through that.”

“But this is just a dream,” mumbled Natasa.

“Yes this is a dream that doesn’t mean we can’t be near you.”

“But...”

“No buts young lady, we are all proud of you, Ishtar has told us what has been happening with you, I am glad to finally see you as you were always meant to be.”

“You mean I was always supposed to be a girl?”

“Yes, I am sorry but things were getting dangerous for our family those who wanted Inanna’s power were close to finding us and I agreed with Ishtar that you should be disguised.”

Natasa hung her head “I’m sorry,” wept Natasa.

“What for, you have nothing to be sorry about.”

“The dreams, I never knew that it was the real me in those dreams, I pushed you away because I was trying to be a manly son for you and dad, I had no idea I was really a girl and because of that I rejected our time together in the dreams.”

“I am the one who is sorry for hiding the truth from you for so long. I should have explained it but I didn’t know how. Come sit with me and let’s have some mother daughter time,” said Natasa’s mother with a smile.

Natasa couldn’t restrain herself any longer flinging herself into her mother’s embrace she fully broke down crying as her mother hugged her tight.

“Its okay sweetie, everything will work out,” cooed Natasa’s mother.

When Natasa finally calmed down her mother looked at Natasa with a bright smile, “so are you going to tell me about this hunk of a prince who asked you to marry him?”

Natasa blushed “Mommm!”

Natasa’s mother let out a laugh.

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Back in Carthage the command centre was still on alert and people were rushing about making plans and gathering Intel. Aella had already advised Frato and the others that Natasa was on the way back but that she might be asleep.

They spent the time between Natasa’s chambers and the command centre, all 3 were impatient to see their princess safe, they trusted Aella but none could relax until they could see with their own eyes that she was safe.

The area around Dougga was now completely secure thanks to Natasa’s efforts, the full report from General Kephos had been received although it answered some questions there were still a lot that made no sense to anyone and Aella more than anyone hoped the princess would be awake enough to answer those questions.

The main question was what had happened in the narrow mountain pass, how were three pilotless war wolves able to move and for that matter fight so effectively. For Aella though there was one question she wanted answered more than anything, what did the princess mean when she had said she had been trained from birth in the art of warfare.

Unfortunately the answers would have to wait until Natasa was back and awake enough to answer them. Aella sighed as she considered how frantic everything had been recently, and as she considered that even though Seleukos had gone elsewhere to invade she knew he would be back and in greater force should he succeed against Lagash.

Not far from the city Natasa was stirring from her sudden nap.

“Ishtar?”

“Yes princess?”

“Where are we?”

“Just approaching Carthage your highness.”

Natasa let out a yawn “what happened after the battle and how did we get here?” asked Natasa as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“I informed them I was bringing you back to Carthage whilst you slept.”

Natasa pondered for a moment as her sleepy haze lifted “That’s right I slept and had a dream about my mother,” said Natasa with a smile. “Ishtar, how is it possible that I saw mother in my dream when she’s no longer alive?”

“I cannot answer that question; it is not time for you to know. Don’t worry princess all will be revealed when the time is right, in the meantime if you see your mother in your dreams again as I am sure you will just enjoy spending time with her. ” said Ishtar cryptically.

“I will,” Natasa almost whispered then in a more normal volume Natasa spoke again “Ishtar how long till we reach Carthage?”

“We are just minutes away,”

“Can you contact Aella?”

“As you wish princess, I was about to contact them to let them know we are nearly there, Accessing.... connection established command centre Carthage.”

“Princess?” came Aella’s tired voice.

“Hi Aella,”

“It’s good to hear your voice, you had is all worried when we lost contact,” The relief in Aella’s voice was unmistakeable.

“Sorry about that Aella we were a bit weighed down at the time,” said Natasa with a giggle.

“You will have to tell me about it when you get back,”

“We should be back in a few minutes,”

“Okay I will get the hanger doors open and your maids are standing ready as I am sure your tired and hungry,”

“You bet I am Aella, I was supposed to have a meal with Athanas but it sort of got put on hold and I didn’t get chance to eat anything at Dougga,”

“Well I will make sure the maids know to have something ready for your arrival,”

“Okay Aella thanks, how’s it going with Seleukos?”

“He has withdrawn his forces but it appears he is heading to Lagash and we suspect he is going to make a bid to invade them, I will brief you when you get back,”

“Okay Aella thanks,”

With that the Ishtar closed the comms channel.

Back in the control room Aella quickly informed Athanas and Natasa’s maids, Athanas left Adrastus in charge before following Aella and the maids to the hanger to await Natasa’s arrival. The group were barely in the hanger as Ishtar’s mighty form literally dropped into the hanger.

Moments later Ishtar’s cockpit opened and a tired but healthy princess stepped out onto the raised platform. The minute the platform reached the ground Natasa found herself swept up by the prince. Before she could utter a single word Natasa found Athanas’s lips firmly planted on her own.

Natasa found herself sliding her arms around the prince’s neck and responding to his passionate kiss with her own passion completely unaware of the smiles on Aella and the maids faces. In fact the couple seemed to forget the world even existed until Aella let out a small cough.

Athanas withdrew from the kiss and looked at Natasa’s flushed cheeks “Welcome back princess,” Athanas said with a smile.

Natasa gazed into Athanas’s eyes feeling as though she would drown in their blue depths.

“It’s good to be back,” Natasa blushed as she looked around the hanger and caught sight of Aella and her maids.

“Princess it’s good to have you back, we have a bath prepared for you and once bathed your meal should be ready,” said Frato.

Natasa nodded and taking Athanas’s offered arm allowed herself to be led out and towards her chambers.

As they walked to corridors towards Natasa’s chambers Adrastus came running up to them and addressed Athanas.

“Your highness I have just received word from Dougga, the assault teams sent to capture Princess Apollonia have just sent word the princess wasn’t responsible for the attacks,” said Adrastus as he tried to recover his breath.

The prince regarded Adrastus for a moment “what do you mean Adrastus?”

“The assault team thought they had killed the princess during the assault but as they secured the palace they found the princess prisoner in the dungeons, it appeared an imposter had imprisoned her 5 months ago and has been planning and plotting ever since.”

The prince’s voice cracked as he spoke “how is my sister?”

Adrastus hesitated before replying “she is alive but very malnourished, the healers do expect a full recovery. However, she is also very quiet; I suspect she was tortured for information before being imprisoned,”

“Arrange for her to be brought to Carthage immediately, I want her here safe,” Athanas turned to Natasa with sadness evident in his eyes. “Princess when my sister arrives would you mind her staying with you in your chambers?”

Natasa spluttered and blushed but nodded.

“Thank you, I know she will be safe with you and you may be able to offer her comfort she might need,” turning back to Adrastus “make it happen.”

Adrastus nodded and left as Athanas turned back to Natasa “princess I need to go and inform the king and queen of what has happened, I will see you later.” With that the prince lent and gave Natasa a toe curling kiss that not only left her blushing but also short of breath.

“Aella continue to escort the princess to her chambers and debrief her, I will see you later,” with that Athanas left as the group continued to escort Natasa to her chambers.

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Authors Note: My sincere apologies for the long delay, I am still having problems with my left arm and both hands, I will try to post when I can but chapters will be posted when able. Please bare with me.

Megumi-chan :)