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In the massacre, all of Lirina’s kin died. Her father, clutching a kitchen knife, tried to protect his younger daughters. «Get out, scum, or I’ll fight to the last man!» – he shouted. But the baats only laughed angrily. One of them threw a tomahawk – and cracked Lyra’s father’s skull open. Blood splattered the patterned carpet, the carved table, and the old «war» books from which the poor peasant had drawn inspiration…

Lyra herself had managed to survive, though she had suffered several wounds – and there were deep marks in her soul. In keeping with Nordic tradition, everyone who could hold a gun participated in the defense of the village: the elderly, women, the sick, and teenagers. Lyra fought alongside her friends-but the forces were unequal. The village and its inhabitants were destroyed. The next day, the few survivors began to band together… And Lyra found her friends again – wounded but alive.

Chapter 2: The Ghost Mistress

Sitting on the ashes, a weeping Laira pondered over lofty matters… For the first time in her life! She had done this before, but usually in jest, to keep her entertained. Now her thoughts were burning her from within. «Why do people fight? Why do they kill each other? My father used to tell me as if it were very beautiful and heroic and interesting. And where is he now? But… Isn’t it Destiny? Father! Eh, Father… You wanted me to grow up to be a warrior. I will. But I will fight for one purpose, to end the wars once and for all. I will seize power in the Capital, unify the Empire, and personally kill all the troublemakers who call for civil strife. And I will build a great wall along the borders so that foreigners cannot attack. No, I would rather conquer the whole world and annihilate the borders! There will only be one Cusuni Empire. The peoples cannot live in peace, for they are ruled by men. It’s time to put an end to that! After me, my direct descendants in the female line – daughters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters – will rule, and people will forget what war is. There will be eternal peace. I will be recognized by all as Great! In this way, I will fulfill my father’s will. And I will avenge you, my village and my clan. I will be the warrior who puts an end to war… But… Oh, Gods! How will all this come to pass!?» Her eyes were red with tears, but she could already see the determination in them.