Highlighted in this excerpt. A pivotal point; Where the Mantis Force and their allies, begin to see and experience the first signs of, "the time of deaths shadow", as foretold in the Quintastraya, prophesies. Ba'helkevek, God of darkness and death, begins unleashing unimaginably, ferocious beings, never seen before. Including a myriad of armies from the first age of Quintastraya. Known as the age of Kelkemek.

After years of defeats at the hands of his enemies, Emperor Mualvattas, prepares to make pilgrimage to the nearest holy Vurdracka temple, located on the planet Ashtar, in the Ya'ron Phyn system.

Mantis Force: House Riizinar, Deaths Shadow
Author: Ramiro J. Amzcua Jr.

The Imperial fleet arrived, and orbited above the planet Ashstar. Shortly after announcing their arrival, more than sixty ships descended into Ashtar's atmosphere, and emerged through dark cumulus clouds over the sea of Harathue. Soon, the majestic sea cliffs of Tlex-Ven, appeared in the horizon. They marked the sea's boundaries and the landing approach vector. The armada of ships flew along the sea cliffs, approaching the temple's northern region. They hovered just outside the temple walls. In groups of six, they touched down on the barren expanse of the temple's parade grounds.

Emperor Mualvattas and a small contingent of Imperial body guards, disembarked the Imperial capital ship, Gorgo, on three heavily armored Imperial class skimmers.. And proceeded to head toward the main temple complex . . . Plumes of dust marked their path, as they zipped across the copper and silver surface. The trio of ships slowed as they entered the center of a massive field of Tanzanite obelisks, covered with ancient enigmatic hieroglyphic inscriptions. Casting striped shadows upon the convoy as they made their way through the first set of copper colored ziggurats, (of a thousand steps), as legend has it?. Reaching the main entrance gates, the three skimmers came to rest at base of the temple's wall, near one of golden gates. The Emperor and one thousand Imperial body guards ceremoniously filed out of the Imperial skimmers.

Through his de-activated visor shielding, Emperor Mualvattas, briefly gazed at the hypnotic heat waves that emanated off the temple's metal floor, caused by the mid-day sun. He didn't feel any of the suns heat, "The benefits of having body armor", the Emperor mused. The sounds of moving metal, signaled the opening of the massive temple gates. Standing between the opened gates. Thousands of equally impressive Sadit Garba-grha guards (three meters tall, bi-pedal, humanoid beast’s, with a crown of horns), arrayed in traditional temple armor, stood at attention.

The captain of the guard approached the Emperor. "Greetings Emperor Mualvattas, "May God bless your life," He said, as he bowed his horned head. "You are blessed to serve God in his temple," the Emperor properly replied, in holy Order of Vurrocathic etiquette. "God awaits you Emperor" With that, said, the Sedit pivoted his body ninety degrees, perpendicular to the Mualvattas's left shoulder. Signaling the legions of Sadit's behind the gates to split evenly in two, flanking both sides of the gates. The Emperor proceeded to enter . . , alone.

After passing through a labyrinth of passageways, the Emperor arrived at the last series of gates leading into the sanctum sanctorum of the Vurdracka temple. The emperor slowed his pace as he entered the through the last gate. Several meters past the gate, inside the vast chamber, the emperor stood still, as he gazed upon a tall plateau, with access to the top via a stairway that wrapped itself around the plateau. He proceeded onward.

As the emperor reached the bottom of the stairway, looked up, and began his ascent up the dimly lite steps, to the top of a large metal plateau . . . From the edge of the stairway, the emperor stepped onto the platform, activating the chambers lighting, enabling him to see thick, ten-meter long, white crystals, equally spaced through out the top of the chamber.

Removing his Imperial battle helmet, Emperor Mualvattas proceeded to kneel. Leaning forward ever so slightly, with his helmet held firmly in his left arm, he reverently bowed his head. Clearing his mind, Emperor Mualvattas focused at the task at hand. His black eyes gazing upon the octagon shaped platform beneath him, he drew in several large breaths. And began his prayers.

In a booming and foreboding voice he said." Ba’helkevek!, my God!" “My empire has been losing battles and territories to our enemies for too many years. I know that you are aware of this." He waited for a moment. In dead silence, like before---, no answer. "I demand that you fulfill our blood covenant that you made with my forefathers!” He shouted in frustration.

Anger, mingled with hate swelled within him. Mualvattas could not control the expressed out-burst of frustration. He is a devoted worshiper, and more importantly, heir to the royal families blood covenant of Ba'helkevek. His right hand clinched tightly into a fist. " God, assist me now to crush our enemies!” The hate for his enemies was almost blinding as it burned his soul like an inferno of Hades fire.

Mualvattas replayed his previous attempts to communicate with God. Maybe this time, by demanding and not asking, God would respond. His train of thought was disrupted by a sound. He lifted his head to canvass the chamber in the attempt to pinpoint the sounds origin. Which increased in volume, while it transitioned into pulsating thrums so powerful, caused his body to reverberate.

The crystals smilingly came to life. Their dim glow, replaced by high intensity bursts of light, resembling the stroboscopic beacons of large ship landing zones---. the crystals grew with each burst of light, in perfect unison with the rhythmic beat within the chamber.

When the crystals reached a length of over sixty meters, they ceased to grow, along with their strobe effect. The crystals retained their almost blinding brightness. There was a pro-longed thrum . . . Then an eerie silence.

Emperor Mualvattas captivated by the unfolding events before him remained kneeling. Tendrils of fear pricked at his soul. "I have the royal blood of my forefathers, I have ascended to the throne of Levysheen Empires as Emperor. I have been trained to meet any challenges set before me," Mualvattas replays some of his accomplishments in the attempt to dissipate his fears. He recalled two of the most important.

He’d survived twelve years of Imperial training. And had ascended to the Imperial throne of Levysheen Empires. Where he had traversed through hierarchical treacheries, greed, and ensnaring webs of family intrigue. Which had devoured so many before him. By comparison, is a far more dangerous task. So is the way of life in the Imperial courts of the Levysheen empires.

A sparkle gleaned from the corner of the emperor's eye. Instinctively, he redirected his attention from the crystals, back to the grayish floor. In the middle of the chambers floor, was a pool of silver liquid metal. Its smooth flat surface reflected the crystals light. It expanded, forming an oblong shape, which came within two meters of the pedestal.

“Its, God!,” Mualvattas said awe-struck. The emperor’s heart beat faster, as anticipation gripped him. From the center of the pool, a ripple raced toward him, nearly touching the pedestal, followed by more ripples . . .

From the ripples epicenter, rose a large pillar. Its composition was of a dark viscous substance. Measuring close to thirty meters, in height, six meters wide. The surface was completely covered with large scales. It moved in whip-like motion. Reminding the emperor of a dragon's neck. With fluid like smoothness, the pillar re-shaped itself into a male humanoid form. A spherical cloud of high intensity descended, from the top of the chamber, enveloping the being in white luminescence.

Mualvattas's soul sensing his mortality and danger recoiled. But he dare not flinch. "It could mean, his instant death." He thought, “Do not fear, it's Ba’helkevek, the God of my ancestors. The one who had saved us from total destruction during the Kelkemek wars." He said in a whispered tone. He said it repetitiously in mantra fashion. In the attempt to re-assure him self, that no harm would befall him.

Directly in front of the emperor, a being of light, emerged from the bright cloud. Its black eyes stared directly at the emperor. As the being of light, floated toward him.

"I am Ba’helkevek," The being of light boomed. “I have come to fulfill my blood covenant that I have mad with your fathers”.

For a moment, Emperor Mualvattas was speechless. He'd never seen God before, let alone speak directly to him. The emperor was honored beyond measure. God appeared and spoke directly to him!. His soul was bursting with pride.a

Mualvattas glanced into the eyes of god---. The color was the same as his, but somehow, the blackness seemed colder---timeless--- and deadly.a

“The time has come, emperor to fulfill your destiny.” Ba’helkevek said, as the chamber shook. “Thank you—, Ba’helkevek--,” Mualvattas replied. Ba’helkevek extended his right hand over the head of the kneeling Emperor. “For your worship and loyalty, I will grant you extended life, and great powers as I had given to your forefathers." Ba’helkevek said. The Emperor bowed his head, replied “ Thank you God for your generous gifts.”

Ba’helkevek right index finger vanished . . . re-appearing in the shape of a dark fang, directly above the emperors head. “By my power, and the strength of my arm.” Ba’helkevek said, in an omniscient sounding voice.

Tilting down the fang with the tip positioned at the back of the Emperors skull. its tip was so sharp that the emperor didn’t feel it penetrating his skin, until it was to late. Suddenly, a pain so excruciating, chocked off his vocal cord. While close to losing consciousness, his eyes closed shut tightly, explosions bursting across the canopy of darkness. Mualvattas felt something cold enter his body. His pain ebbed slightly.

Like prey, when struck by a poisonous snake. The sting immobilized the emperor---. His body shuddered, as the dark venomous essence coursed through his veins, exchanging his warm blood with near freezing necronos-plasma. His skin was being transformed into something vastly superior from its former state. The venomous dark essence continued it's relentless assault--. Mualvattas soul sensed the approaching death. He tried to resist, but to no avail. The venomous dark essence began killing his moralistic subconscious ingrained into every soul that is born. Like a sword used in battle, the dark essence slashed with unbridled ferocity at the pillars of his morality. Murdering compassion, then mercy, and love. The sword continued it deathly thrusts until all vintages of moralistic thought were completely destroyed---. The sword of Ba’helkevek spared none. The will of Ba’helkevek, be done.

Mualvattas was keenly aware of his physical change. He also sensed his incredible new powers growing inside him---. Momentarily blinded, he feared nothing; being self-assured his sight would return at any given moment . . . He felt the chamber continue to vibrate in sporadic intervals. Some how, it felt as though the entire temple was moving.

Ba’helkevek, aware of the Quintastraya prophecies, launched a preemptive strike.

Q1 verse 4:
from the gates of blue, two noble houses will vanquish the armies of the first ones.

Q3 verse 5:
from the gates of gold, fierce battles rage, alliances gained, a great house is born.

"Emperor Mualvattas," Ba’helkevek said. Addressing the emperor with concise orders on what must be done.

"You will go to the Fieronoos system and awaken the Qrawvasha."
"You will assist the Levysheen Empires of the golden gates."
"You shall begin the blood covenant ceremonies when you return."
" I will contact you at the appointed time," Ba’helkevek said, and vanished. .

Mualvattas felt heat from what he thought for certain, was from the Ashtar's sun . . . at that moment, he realized that the structure had transformed itself. He smelled the cool ionized breeze coming from his right. He remembered the storm clouds approaching from the sea. “The structure had changed dramatically” Mualvattas thought!.

The emperor faced due north. When he entered the temple, it was south. His searched his memory, and found a possible answer. If his interpretation of prophecies was correct. This transformation would be the fulcrum of a glorious new age of the Levysheen empires . . . Mualvattas’s eyes began to recovery from sting of death, only a bright haze was visible. He stood up, almost losing his balance. Mualvattas heard a series of thunder claps in the distance . . . As his sight returned.

Emperor Mualvattas excelled in understanding of the Quintastraya prophecies. Studying ancient prophecies are a required course for all royal and military personnel. The emperor prided himself of having the spiritual insight of prophecies and of other holy scriptures, equal to the priest's in the holy Order of Vurrocathic. The emperor had indeed interpreted the prophecies correctly.

The new Vurdracka had transformed itself into a likeness of a first age Nekrovothom fortress . . . Mualvattas was in awe of the magnitude of the change---. Soon pride swelled within him. For he, was chosen to lead the Levysheen empires to a glorious new age---. He alone was chosen to awaken the legendary sorcerers of Qrawvasha. And he alone was the one chosen to recommence the blood covenant practiced by his forefathers during the first age of Kelkemek . . .

From the depths of the Emperor's subconscious, surfaced the instruments by which he would establish his reign for fifteen hundred years, as the rulers of legend had done, in the previous age. Empress Drahalla, Pregnant with twins, would be used to commence the holy ceremonies of Vurrocathic . . .

Emperor Mualvattas had a vision---. Written in blood, two prophetic verses!.

Q1 verse 5:
The wombs have turned to graves, many are deceived most deceptively.

Q1 verse 7:
The tongue of death laps the blood of the unborn, darkness is strengthened.

Then, in the manner in which the verses appeared. . ., evaporated like mist.

Emperor Mualvattas dwelled on the significance of being the chosen one. Self-importance swelled within him. For he was the tip of the spear that pierced the threshold of life and power of mere mortal men. No power in the known universe will stand in the way of his destiny. The will of Ba’helkevek be done.

Mualvattas stood on a platform above the vast parade grounds of the Nekrovothic fortress. To his left, one hundred meters away, stood three hundred dracka-bots in a semi-circle formation. In the center of the formation. . . two small orbs hovered just above an orb transportion pod.

One of the silver dracka-bots glided toward the emperor.

" Emperor Mualvattas," the dracka-bot said, in a monotone voice." we are the guard detail for the orbs,"

The emperor didn't make a remark to the stated obvious. "Where are the Imperial guards and other personnel?" Emperor Mualvattas asked in a tone of impatience.

"They will appear shortly, my Emperor," responded the dracka-bot , twisting his metal torso away from the emperor, and pointing towards the rows of new ships, ascending from the floor of the fortress.

Emperor Mualvattas's imperial bodyguards and escort personnel had been transported to the Nekrovothic transformation chambers, deep under the fortress. The emperor’s, escort ships. Were replaced by new ships. These new ships were superior in every aspect, including advanced weapons and shield technologies. The new ships were evenly spaced, six across, thirteen deep---. Shined like sharpened blades in the days remaining sunlight.

In sequential order, front to back, multiple platforms near the ships descended into the fortresses floor. Ascending seconds later, where the new race of Levysheen Imperial military. They were wearing various types of new body armor, and brandishing menacing new weapons. These Levysheen warriors are stronger, faster, with an increased life span to well over two hundred years.

The dracka-bot headed back to the diamond formation. A podium that rose up in front of him blocked the emperor’s view of the new ships. As the Mualvattas looked to the top, something glimmered atop of it.

Emperor Mualvattas looked up and down the length of the podium, looking for the way to the top. Puzzled at first, Mualvattas remembered, he had new powers. " Do I have the power to manipulate gravity?.

The emperor closed his eyes. Focused on the top of the podium. Willing him-self upward. He looked down toward his feet. He was off the ground!. With confidence he continued to ascend upward. What the emperor saw glitter atop the podium was his new Imperial battle helmet. The emperor landed on the podium, took a few steps, and lay hold of his new battle helmet. After he donned his new helmet, he stepped forward. Sparks of dark blue energy crackled off his armor. He felt invincible!.

Amplified by the podium, Emperor Mualvattas's voice boomed across the parade deck, as he addressed his troops.

" The dawn of a new age has arrived for the Levysheen Empires. We have been given the honor of receiving the promise of the blood covenant between God Bahelkevek, and our forefathers. We are the instruments, by which destruction of our enemies will come. We are the first of a new race of Levysheen.”.

The troops erupted into a roar. The emperor intoxicated with power, lifted his hands in victory toward the sky, and shouted " The Levysheen Empires stand forever!" The air tore asunder, causing a thunderclap, blue energy bolts lashed out from his mighty hands. The darkened skies above responded in kind, as bolts of lighting danced across the skies.

"Admiral Iblis, and command staff, present yourselves before me." Immediately a small group near the podium stepped forward. Mualvattas descended to a height above the heads of the group. "Supreme Admiral Iblis, I want you and your commanders to re-deploy several fleets to the Fieronoos system immediately." . . " Yes Emperor, as you wish,” Supreme Admiral Iblis said, bowing his head quickly. The Emperor looked to the Supreme Admiral's left.

"Commander Thraxx, you will be in charge of assigning a new commander for this fortress. I want to make it clear that I expect this fortress fully manned when I return." Mualvattas said, all the while bluish energy sparked off his armor, emphasizing the dire consequences if he were to fail. "Thank you for the honor, Emperor ", Commander Thraxx replied quickly. The emperor turned back to the Admiral Iblis---, "Admiral---, prepare to launch. Our destination is the Fieronoos system. . . you're dismissed, " Mualvattas commanded. The command group comes to attention, gave an Imperial salute, and then left Emperor's presence.

The emperor tentatively explored his new powers further before leaving. A faint blue glow flashed around his new armor, as he activated his new force field. He stretched out his arms, observing dark-blue star bursts, caused by natures choreographed randomness of rain. He grinned, with pleasure, and glided toward his new capital battle cruiser.