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    Valkyrie ? Chapter XX ? New Blood


    Deep were the scars of the civil war that had torn through the land, and through the Empire''s forces likewise. It was now time to replenish them. Though the Emperor''s reputation had suffered grave damage, the Empire remained a formidable war machine. New recruits poured into the military training grounds, their faces a blend of hope and apprehension. Young men, and also some women, eager yet na?ve, had journeyed from every corner of the continent—each carrying dreams of glory, ambition, and the faint shade of idealism.


    Upon their arrival at the Union Palace, every recruit stood in awe. The magnificent, fully restored architecture, the lush gardens, and the overall grace of the grounds enchanted them deeply. They found themselves in the same position as Seraphina once had—captivated by the fascination of what they saw. This wonder, combined with powerful whispers of propaganda, ignited within them a fervent sense of purpose that would soon make them loyal servants of the Emperor.


    Filling the ranks of the Valkyries, however, proved far more challenging. Even though there were plenty of potential candidates, the Emperor''s men had to exercise the utmost caution in their selection. Unlike the soldiers, becoming a Valkyrie was not just a job; it was a whole new existence. Selecting a woman to become a Valkyrie essentially meant destroying her civil life—transforming her wholly, forcing her to abandon everything she once knew and loved, just as Seraphina and all her sisters-in-arms once had done. And although many were willing, it was the rigor of the indoctrination and the training process that would reveal who among them was truly suitable. Failing it would mean death—the life of a good soul and lots of effort and time wasted. Something nobody wanted.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Still, the Emperor''s men understood the critical importance of the Valkyries and what it takes to forge them. And so, even if it took some time and unfortunately also some losses, the Valkyries came to be a complete sacred dozen again. For Seraphina, and surely also for some of the other Valkyries, it felt a little strange to see the remaining positions filled again. The new Valkyries would never be able to replace their fallen sisters, but that was not the point. What mattered was that the ranks themselves were filled, and that these new Valkyries could fight as bravely as their predecessors had before them—with the same unwavering zeal and dedication that was required from each one of them.


    The Empire was once more finding its footing, but the specter of treachery loomed large. The shadows of the civil war had risen from within, fueled by betrayal and corruption, and the hunt for the traitors was just beginning. The Empire had not forgotten, and it would not forgive. The enemy’s spy network was a festering wound that, if left untreated, would hinder any hope for lasting peace. Only by uprooting this insidious corruption could the Empire hope to secure its future.