The Foundations of the Erd Empire

Erd observed the vast expanse before him. It was a world apart, a space outside time and reality, shaped by the magic of Dune. This sub-dimension, known as Draconic Sanctuary, was a fertile land bathed in soft, soothing light. Lush forests stretched to the horizon, crystal-clear rivers meandered between the hills, and a pure sky stretched endlessly.

Yet, despite the beauty of the landscape, one thing immediately struck Erd: there wasn't a single building to be seen.

- It's... incredible," he murmured, spinning around. This world is huge... and yet it's completely untouched.

Beside him, Dune, in his human form, crossed his arms and watched his master with an amused smile.

- This sanctuary is a materialisation of my living space," she explained. Only those I authorise may enter. For the rest of the world, this place doesn't exist.

Erd frowned.

- So we could build something there without being worried by outside kingdoms...

Dune nodded.

- Exactly.

A silence fell, interrupted only by the whisper of wind and birdsong. Erd let his gaze drift over this infinite land. A smile spread across his face.

- Dune... I'm going to build my own empire here.

1. The birth of a dream

Dune raised an eyebrow.

- An empire?

Erd clenched his fist, his eyes shining with a new determination.

- Yes, an empire. An empire where all the races can live together, far from the wars and discrimination of the human kingdoms. I want a land where no-one is enslaved or hunted for their nature.

Dune stared longingly at her master before letting out an amused laugh.

- Quite an ambitious project... But I must admit I like it.

Erd didn't reply immediately. He just took a deep breath, letting his imagination take shape.

Here, he would build a capital.

Over there, villages for refugees.

Further on, fortifications to protect this new world.

An empire... A sanctuary for the oppressed.

But first, he had to build the foundations.

2. The first stone

- We need buildings," said Erd, turning to Dune.

- So get started," she smiled.

Without waiting, Erd held out his hands.

- Sanctuary.

Immediately, a magical wave spread through the air. All around them, the ground shook slightly as structures began to emerge from the void.

- I'm going to create the heart of the empire here.

Little by little, before Dune's fascinated eyes, buildings of stone and wood took shape. First to rise was a central palace, sober but imposing. Around it, houses with red-tiled roofs and cobbled roads appeared.

In a matter of minutes, a city was born from nothing.

Dune watched the result with an admiring whistle.

- Impressive. With this speed, we could soon rival the great human capitals.

But Erd shook his head.

- You can't build an empire with buildings alone. We need people.

Dune smirked.

- And I suppose you already have an idea of who to invite first?

Erd nodded.

- The oppressed of this world.

3. The first recruitment

They left the sub-dimension and returned to the outside world. Their destination? A market town, known for its slave market.

The sight they saw when they arrived in the main square was disgusting. Men, women and even children of various races were chained together, their faces scarred by fatigue and fear.

Erd felt anger welling up inside him.

- We're going to free these people," he whispered.

Dune put a hand on his shoulder.

- Do as you please, Master.

Erd didn't waste a second. He stepped forward and raised his hand.

- Sanctuary - Absolute Liberation.

A wave of energy spread and all the chains evaporated instantly. The slaves fell to the ground in disbelief.

The slave trader, a stocky, bald man, sat up angrily.

- WHAT?!

But before he could react, Dune disappeared. A moment later, she reappeared behind him and struck him on the back of the neck. The man collapsed, unconscious.

Erd addressed the freed slaves.

- You are free. But if you wish, I can offer you a new home.

They looked up at him, hesitant.

- A... home?" whispered an elf with long silver hair.

- A place where no one will hunt you because of your race.

There was a heavy silence, then a dark-skinned old man stepped forward.

- If... if what you say is true... then we will follow you.

A murmur of hope went through the crowd. One by one, the former slaves nodded in agreement.

Erd smiled.

- Follow me.

4. The first village

Back in the sub-dimension, Erd showed the new arrivals the dwellings he had created.

- This will be your new home.

The silver-haired elf, whose name was Lyssia, placed a trembling hand on the wall of a house.

- Is this... real? Are we really safe here?

Erd nodded.

- Yes, we are.

The old man knelt down and put a hand on the ground.

- Fertile soil... pure water... and safe shelter.

Tears welled up in his eyes.

- It sounds too good to be true.

Erd gave them a sincere smile.

- This is your new home.

One by one, the former slaves knelt before him.

- We swear fealty to you, Lord Erd.

Thus was born the first village of the Erd Empire.

5. First threats

But Erd knew this was only the beginning.

He turned to Dune.

- The human kingdoms won't ignore our existence for long.

Dune nodded.

- We should prepare ourselves for possible attacks.

Erd thought for a moment, then smiled.

- In that case, we'll need an army.

Dune smiled back.

- And we'll have to recruit even more races to strengthen our empire.

Erd stared at the horizon, determined.

- So let's start now.