The Dark Realmz
IC Central [RPG ONLY] => "Ayenee Nexus: Where Imagination Knows No Bounds => RP Archives 2005-2019 => Topic started by: Prasutagus Darkthorne on February 05, 2006, 10:55:15 PM
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The Darkthorne Territory
Through the heavy fog and smoke the clang of anvils and the puffs of volcanic fire. Over the den of the dead and living which worked day and night in the mud to build the siege engines and armaments. There was one whom above all had come to hate his position. For he was the leader of the Darkthornes whom served another that was not of their blood. Prasutagus son of Kebald Darkthorne who reigned as the fourth leader of the Darkthornes many years ago. He served the one whom defeated the recent leader under promises of ending their war with Blackthorne. However the man whom he served could not be trusted this he knew as no Darkthorne could ever be trusted. Prasutagus sat upon a throne of bone clothed in red robes with long black hair. He still bore some of his human like looks however he could change that.
The illusion of normality was something the Darkthornes used as a trick the same as hunters used traps. There was no such thing as normal in the Darkthorne's eyes, everything was the same. Just because someone fought evil did not mean they were not evil themselves. Or that they did not have a sliver of evil in them somewhere. Something which given the right care could fester like a wound. A wound which every Darkthorne carried and wore proudly for to be evil was to be free. Nothing could stop someone who only cared for themself and their own pleasures. In all the time of the Darkthornes only one had unified them under one rule. That was Eseer and ever since his demise the Darkthornes had been split up into four clans each trying for the same goal and yet fighting against one another.
Truly the great legacy which Eseer was trying to create was only his dream. Prasutagus however had studied the life of Eseer and held a slight respect for the former leader. For he had conquered and achieved more then any other ruler had. If one could unify the now tribes back into one clan they could again lead Darkthorne into greatness. This mysterious man whom Prasutagus worked with said he could do such a thing, and for some reason Prasutagus listened. The man seemed to have a charisma or charm about him that overwhelmed one's natural thoughts. Perhaps using this power he could unify the tribes again and then lead them against Blackthorne and take the veiled lands for his own.
Prasutagus stepped down from his throne and began to put on his battle armor, taking up his battle axes the tall figure loomed like a shadow over the nearby map of Blackthorne. " You shall fall Blackthorne and I shall bath in the blood of your nobles and eat the hearts of your rulers." Prasutagus walked out on the stone dais in front of his castle and stood before his army and raised his axes high shouting, " For the might of the Darkthorne clan we shall crush our foes under foot and grind bone to dust!" Prasutagus was of a line of Darkthorne called " The Necroloris" meaning with death he changed. Prasutagus would gain more power each time he died, changing forms until finally reaching a final form of evolution. The Darkthorne blood was deeply tainted with the dark races.
They could not die like mortals for their bodies were mere vessel which they used like shells. Each time they grew their shell changed to accommodate the spirit within. His army began to prepare to embark on another campaign against Blackthorne meaning to strike it's heart. With the funeral of the queen's husband there would be a chance for them to wipe their enemy out once and for all.
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The younger of the Erewyn family had made a slight mistake as he always did. Having ventured out earlier with the army against the Darkthornes he'd found himself in the middle of battle. His magic tearing through foes left and right when sir Luthor had approached him. " Sigonus we are lost, they have joined forces with the other tribes. You must escape to tell the others of this knowledge. Tell my queen I love her and that I shall not leave our men here to die alone." Sigonus ran towards Luthor, " m'lord I will not leave you here alone I can fight, we can still win this battle." Even as Sigonus said this he looked up to see his own personal elven guards being cut down by a large warlord of the Darkthornes. Syn Darkthorne the leader of the half breeds which were the tribe to the east.
Lord Luthor pushed Sigonus aside as the heads of some of Luthor's most loyal knights came into view. They'd been beheaded and mounted atop of stakes. Then Sigonus saw someone whom he'd not heard of before a man with long golden hair. The man carried a spear with him and smiled evilly as he walked out to meet Luthor on the field of battle. " M'lord do not give into it, they are trying to prey upon your honor as a knight. You are the QUEEN'S CHAMPION M'LORD DO NOT GIVE IN!!!" Luthor was not listening to Sigonus as he and this golden haired man began to circle one another. Sigonus watched as each took turns in attacking and in the end he saw the spear pierce the heart of lord Luthor. The Blackthorne knights rushed in after breaking the lines of the Darkthornes.
They found their leader dead and the golden haired man had disappeared. Sigonus went and cast a barrier spell around the body of Luthor the Darkthornes shied back as he cast his magic. " Back dogs of hell and darkness back or I shall slay you all for what you have done this day." The elf's hair floated in the magical breeze which surrounded his form. " You men get lord Luthor's body back beyond the veil I'll hold them off and cover your retreat." The knights shook their heads and went to retreat, one insisted that lord Sigonus come with them, but he would not listen. " Luthor I told you not to fight...I told you not to.." Lord Sigonus's eyes looked down to the ground. He drew his sword and held his staff, his green and white robes fluttering about in the magic aura about him.
" Xal l' ilhar lu' l' ilharn kyorl phor dosst dalharuk's 'zil nind morfeth ninta i'dol, belbau z'ress ulu dosst wanre whol uk z'hins xuil l' ssussun wun l' thac'zil d'lil olath sslig'ne uns'aa dal l' verin vel'bolen befouls l' thac'zil dosst delmah wun l' kaas d' gaia amen." Signous cleric to Gaia and Lord of the house of Erewyn, younger brother to Gallen. This was his darkest hour for before him was the mouths of hell itself. Even as he cast the warding spell he knew it was too late. Behind him he felt a presence out of the reach of his spell. He turned to see the blonde haired man wearing the armor of Blackthorne? Before he could do anything the butt of the man's spear hit him soundly in the middle of his head.
The lights grew dim as almost in slow motion he went falling back, a sweet elven lullaby reaching his ears as the darkness claimed him.
The cold feel of water on his skin brought him back to the waking world as he looked through blurred vision. " What...where am I?" The sounds of evil laughter made him aware of what he'd been in the middle of before he fell unconscious. The Darkthornes...they must have captured me damn...I was just as foolish as Luthor. I let my emotions get the best of me and I should have been of better character, he thought. " You'll make a fine treat elven sweet meats.." he looked up at the voice to see a hideous mishappen gnoll. " Foul beast get back from me I am a priest of Gaia and the earth goddess shall punish you if you lay one filthy paw or whatever upon me again.." he spat at the gnoll. This earned him a hard slap across the face which nearly sent him back into unconsciousness. His jaw was broken, he spat blood onto the ground and found he could not make a coherent word.
" No you shall serve lord Prasutagus now little elf, you will be a slave to our master." The gnoll smiled at Sigonus who frowned, he was up to his neck in trouble here. " The master wants the elf brought to his court for torture and questioning bring me the shackles" the gnoll spoke to a shrouded figure whom reeked of Darkthorne taint. Sigonus only hoped he could survive to tell the others of the danger he'd seen. The blonde man in armor, the tribes united, and the numbers which awaited outside the veil. His elven pendant began to glow at the amount of evil which surrounded him. Somehow he had to survive the others needed to know what he had seen.
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A mysterious female figure walked out from behind Prasutagus's throne as he walked back in. The female wore a black hooded robe which hid her face from view. " my son you seemed troubled.." Prasutagus ignored her for the moment and walked over to his throne. " I am not troubled hag I am merely heavy with thought, this man whom brings our clan back together...what purpose does he do this for? I do not trust him nor do I trust anyone as you taught me to do. No one can be trusted this is the way of the Darkthornes.." Prasutagus looked to his mother whom had been a shadowy figure all his life. Never once had she revealed her face to him this made him distrust her as well. Something about her told him that she would betray him in his glory.
" I shall see what knowledge this elf has for us before I kill him..perhaps he knows of a weakness in the Blackthorne's defenses we have yet to exploit." Prasutagus leaned back in his throne and brought his hand to his chin in thought. His axes lay on his lap now as he awaited the prisoner to be brought before him and broken as all the others had. " Though perhaps I have a better plan for him. I shall infect him with the Darkthorne blood and make him my spy. I shall have him keep an eye on that blonde haired stranger." Prasutagus smiled at the thought of watching the elf fight the taint of Darkthorne as it infected him. " No my son you must not kill this elf, he is a priest to Gaia...and I sense he has some tie to your great destiny."
Prasutagus laughed loudly, " how could he help in my destiny, he will not turn on the Blackthornes as he is mother are you a fool as well as old?" At that moment something told him not to say anymore. She walked up in front of his throne and spoke beneath her hood, " I sense some great hand of fate playing in this battle, you are all pawns in fates game my son. This elf has some role to play in this and even though he may not turn on Blackthorne he will turn on your other enemy, the one you do not trust." Prasutagus realized who she spoke of the stranger from another world, perhaps the elf would have his uses then. " Then I shall leave him in your charge mother even the lowly goblins seem to fear you maybe you can keep the minions of my great army from feeding on the morrow from his bones heh"
Prasutagus had already planned out a great campaign against Blackthorne and now he plotted against his so called ally. If he could kill this man and take that spear for his own then he could unify the tribes under his rule. Then he could crush Blackthorne and move on to the other kingdoms of the realm. For now he'd entertain his mother's notion of this elf's part in his destiny, but when the elf had served his purpose he would be of no use to Prasutagus as he was.
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Sigonus was dragged by the arms from the building his was being held in. The land was covered in a smoky darkness which hid the sun's warm light. The loud sounds of a drum beat could be heard coming from what seemed every direction. Sigonus's jaw was healing, thanks to the aid of some of their healing salve. Though the pain made it hard for him to speak or even make a word he could understand. His staff was taking from him when he was capture as was his other items. Everywhere his eyes saw a bit of hell on earth, skulls heaped in piles with fires burning high above them. Bodies impaled and crucified rotting with vacant stares. Signous felt himself becoming ill at the sites he was seeing. It was like being led through the levels of the abyss by the demons who lived there.
He looked to the skull cobbled road he was being dragged upon he wished he hadn't. Just as he looked down he was dragged through a small creek of blood and guts, what looked like hair and teeth, maybe an eye or two. He lurched forward slightly and voided his stomach onto the road. The gnolls dragging him began to laugh as the elf turned slightly greenish pale. Dancing women were outside a building snakes craddled in their arms and torches burning around them. Their chant was haunting and for some reason it made him think of sexual thoughts. Though he resisted enchantment well, here in this land it seemed it was apart of the enviroment.
Already his trousers were torn at the knees where he was dragged and now his knees were bruised. Vultures hung about the scene landing here and there upon a corpse still fresh with rot. Maggots crawled all over the ground and they made a noise that the elf could hear. His skin crawled at the noise and now he wished they'd killed him rather captured him. To suffer living in a land like this was worse then death in his thoughts. Signous's eyes were wanting to roll back in his head and the darkness of sleep wanted his embrace. He struggled through this for closing one's eyes here might be the worst thing they could do.
As he was brought up through the ranks of an army he caught the gaze of many unholy creatures. They were preparing for a war on a large scale and the thoughts of Velusia came to him. Why had he let Luthor go into battle? Had he not discussed with him that it could be a trap...no he had told Luthor he'd stand by him no matter what. And now Luthor was dead and he was captured with no one knowing he'd gone off with Luthor. His hopes of rescue at this point was diminished greatly. If he could even live and escape at the sametime, the chance of forgetting this place might be possible. Though he was sure it would haunt his dreams for a good many years to come.
The thought of escape right now was set aside, it was not possible at this moment he knew. The huge castle looked more like it had one time been a temple and then added on to making it a castle. The large stained glass windows and sculptures made him even more gloomy about being dragged here. " The dark lord wants to speak with you elf, though you will no doubt be killed remember to bow before your new master or you might become lunch...mmm" the gnoll began to lick his lips. The inside of the castle was vastly different then the outside. Everything in here had been made from the bones of the dead and a lot of it was enchanted.
The pulse of magic in here was overwhelming even to an elf, it was almost like being thrown into a magical ocean. One could drown beneath the waves and never reach the surfaces. He looked up and over the archway leading into the throne room was a sculpture of a winged man with a blindfold with a sword. Sigonus figured even angels feared to tread within these dark halls. The man before his was very pale, and muscled, with a long black mane and bits and pieces of armor on his form. Two battle axes lay in his lap, to the left of the throne a shrouded figure stood. The figure almost resembled a sculpture rather then a living being.
Though could one really call a being here living and not be mistaken? Sigonus was thrown down before the throne, the harsh cold floor giving him more bruises to the ones he already had from the trip here. The action of being thrown down caused his jaw to ache more. Sigonus slowly looked up at the man on the throne, his spirit would not be broken here. Nor would he allow himself to fear death and become broken. His honor and pride were not at stake, it was his soul which was a stake and the Velusian kingdom. He owed it to Gallen and the others to be strong in this time of fear and lonliness. He wouldn't tell the Darkthorne king anything at least nothing he could use. Sigonus turned and spit at the feet of the Darkthorne king.
Here he was thrown to the wolves, he had to be strong for the kingdom.
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Across the sky glided a red dragon with a feamale upon its back. The deep eyes looked upon what was goingon before. Looked like something that would be better close up. Slowly the dragon came to a spot little ways from where the action was taking place. Just as it touched the ground she had leaped from it's back. She readjusted her clothes along with the blade at her side. Making sure to keep watch upon those that were in the area. For it did not take a genius to know that she was out numbered by those already there. Coming to a stop a couple feet from the man sitting before all of them.
She took a moment to look to the one that pretty much layed before him. It seemed that the man had seen better days, this day may just get worse. It had been some time since she had seen a elf for she had been staying more to herself that last few months.
As she turned her eyes back tot he one that she believed that was the king or at least leader. She feel to one knee and knelt before waiting for her turn with him. So not to look a threat she kept the her in front of her away from the hilt of her sword.
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The task was done, yet she was unsatisfied with the results. Who did they think they were to give her such menial things to take care of? Was she not the daughter of Eseer once the mos feared of Darkthornes, deserving of more respect? Rage boiled in those dark pits as she manifested her form from the very air particles about her. The gnolls and ogres were immediately scampering about to grab various weapons at this new proposed threat as her ethereal form took on physical state. Merlindria was in no mood to deal with such...primitive beings.
Finding herself surrounded almost immediately by armed beast she merely smiled snidely as both hands lifted fingers pinching together is if she were attempting to choke the air itself. This was not her target, nay, as soon as her finger began to apply pressure to the air molecules several of the dark beasts began to choke, their mouths gaping as throats gurgled and gagged gasping for air. The unique psioncist had taken hold of the liquid molecules of their blood using it to strangle them with physical contact. Her hands suddenly whipped outwards in a symbolic toss as she used the atmosphere to pick up and hurl her obstacles from her path.
" Out of my way fools. You are no match for me. Hells..you were no match for the wench who came before me."
Upon her words and actions those left standing immediately backed away not wishing to meet thier demise at the hands of this crimson haired witch. Haughty chin lifted as she marched past them with a great amount of authority heading for the throne room that no doubt contained the presence of her cousin, Prasutagus. At the great doors she once again found her path blocked by large gruesome looking orcs.
" He is busy. None may pass."
" None?"
To this she would merely smirk once again reaching into the dark passages of her mind unlocking those nefarious abilities upon thse two whom thought to keep her from her goal. Hands would be brought before her palms thrust outwards as she shoved the air with the force of five hurricanes against their forms rocketing them backwards explosively through the double frame doors. Wooden debris would shatter into the throne room with grand display, skipping and skidding across the dark floors. As the dust cleared she would waltz in eyes ablaze with the indignance she felt at being delayed.
" Has anyone ever told you it is rude to keep your family waiting while you deal with peons?"
If the woman and elf were insulted, she cared not. After all, she had only spoken truth in the eyes of any and all Darkthornes.
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Prasutagus glared at the elf who spit at his feet in defiance of him. Raising up swiftly as the woman (Tempest) entered and knelt, he backhanded the elf again.
" Mind you I could kill you if I wish, but I have other uses for you now for one I want to know how many Blackthornes are currently residing in Lochland? What is the size of their army and how well are they prepared?"
Prasutagus looked to the woman whom entered his castle as though invited. He seemed grow in size, his pale skin growing in veins which pulsed black. A slight toss of his head and the long black mane waved about as he sat back upon his throne.
" Guards sieze her! I shall ask mine questions of her once I am through with this retched elf!"
As he said this five orc and two gnoll guards came running into the chamber approaching the woman who was kneeled before him. They'd be cautious about siezing her since they knew nothing about her. Though they would sieze her because they feared more of their ruler's anger which would be instant death. They knew he could control the earth itself to simply rise up and inprison her in it's grasp, but he was being impartial towards the woman for the sake she may be on his side, though she may not.
Either the woman was brave or stupid for the Darkthornes normally killed any whom came unannouced into their lands. However should she be a willing recruit he would not have to kill her. No he did not kill recruits for the Darkthorne legions, but she would have to prove her worth to him. Also she was an unknown factor in a game in which he needed to know the players. However on that same note she might prove useful to him as a spy.
" Longinus has not sent any word on the funeral of Luther and should he have been captured I may be in need of a spy as well as someone to reclaim the spear of destiny. I won't allow that pompous fool to run around with an item that can give me the glory of banding all the Darkthorne tribes beneath me as Eseer once did..."
Upon his mention of Eseer a disturbance at the entrance of his throne room caught his attention as Merlindria came bursting in. It was rare to see another leader so set in her ways that she didn't care whose house she walked into. Prasutagus was raging mad now as his cousin came in like she owned the place. For the sake of possible alliance Prasutagus gave a courtly smile and nod to his cousin.
" I did not expect you to visit me Merlindria...did you give any thought about ruling beside me as my queen? Or are you still so arrogant that you would deny I am the next in line to rule over our clan?"
He motioned to an empty area next to his throne which could be her's should she ever accept his offer.
" Our two houses united would make a fearsome combination..don't you agree. After all my legion are the soldiers which your ancester Eseer led across the lands conqurering all in his way."
Prasutagus leaned back in his throne and laid his hands upon his battle axes should the stranger decide to attack him, he was ready. The glint of madness lightly hinting in his eyes as he smiled to his cousin.
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She watched the man on his knees be dealt with as she waited to speak withthe leader. Only to hear people called to deal with her, only to look behind her. As they closed in on her she stood up and looked to their ugly faces. She did not want their slimey hand on her but there was little choice. Gritting her teeth she let them do what they what was told of them. Glancing back at them out the corner of her eye she spoke to them under her breath.
"If it were not for the fact that I wish to speak to your leader you all would be dead. "
She stood there and watched what was going on between the two men. It did not seem to be going well for the elf. Only to turn her head quickly as she heard someone come through the door behind them. Looked as if her time there was going to get even more interesting before it was her time to talk. She gave the elf a smirk as she imagined what was to come for him.
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Sigonus reeled in pain once more from the swift blow to his face by the tryant Prasutagus. Anymore and he'd more then likely fall unconscious which would make him as good as dead. The dark hooded figure beside Prasutagus's throne continued to catch Sigonus's eyes. As the stranger who'd come in was held in captivity by Prasutagus's men, Sigonus looked for some form of escape. Nothing, he'd have to wait his time here until the opportunity presented itself to him. The noble elf peered over to his left as the female Darkthorne made her entrance. Though the noise of her entrance was enough to make Sigonus wonder as to her intentions. When she called him a peon he felt even more worse for wear.
They were all insane he was sure of it, for this was madness. The elf had one reply for Prasutagus, " You'll get nothing from me..." he knew this may serve as his death warrant, but oh well. The elf would not be broken for the amusement of some mad self proclaimed king. Nor would he suffer the slings and arrows of being insulted as well. Sigonus gave a hateful glance to both Prasutagus and Merlindria. They could both go to hell for what is was worth, he would not sell his soul to these devils out of fear. The elf could only hope he escaped soon or he would go mad from the depths of insanity which floated like air within this place. The darkness was only now becoming clear to Sigonus.
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Dropping her eyes to the ground out of respect of the leader of the place. She took a deep breath and let out the words that she had.
"I do not mean to interupt your majesty but he may need worse punishment to get those words you want. Maybe he needs some of his blood spilled so that ne knows that you are serious. For he seems to take you for a jokester. If you like I would be glad to spill some of his blood so that your hands are free to better work. "
She stood there her eyes upon the leader in hopes of proving herself to him. By what she saw could tell he was a great man not to be fooled with.
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A dark smile slithered across her lips as he bestowed upon a gruesome facade of courlty manners and affection. It was always amusing these games they played. She knew well he would be angry with her for merely walking in unannounced but she cared not, after all who here would stop her? she could feel the laughter bubbling up inside like a demon trying to crawl out. Slowly her lips curled into a cruel smirk as her gaze cast itself casually over the form of the kneeling elf and the wench who had madeher presence known there.
" Tch. Now now cousin, we both know that you did not mean rule 'beside' you. It is not in your nature to share power, nor is it in mine. Though...the thought is amusing enough to ponder upon. After all if we wre to unite who could stand against us? That bufoon who fancies himself like my father thinks he has our loyalty. Frankly I tire of such--"
Her words were cut short at the words of the maiden who dared to interrupt her. Immediately those fathomless poosl narrowed pinning her with a venomous gaze as she hissed stalking forward.
" How DARE you interrupt me when I am speaking you vile excuse of mortal flesh! I will have the skin peeled from your skeleton and stretched to make a new tapestry upon my walls!"
As she lifted her hands with thoughts of ending the bitch's existence, common courtesy actually managed to stop her as another thought crossed that nefarious mind. Turning that onyx gaze back to Prasutagus she grinned in a way that could make most people's blood run cold with morbid fear.
" I say Prasutagus...I have changed my mind about that marriage. But I have conditions. One I want your blood oath I will rule beside you as your equal. Two...should we...produce an heir They would gain control of both of our clans upon our..demise. Three..I demand a wedding present", sliding her gaze slyly over the form of the woman," Befitting of one of my station."
Turning her gaze back to him a knowing grin lit upon her suddenly soft and alluring features.
" So what say you?"
-
Prasutagus leaned forward as Merlindria raised a hand. Would she? He thought to himself now becoming excited at the thrill of watching her slay the woman. When she stayed her hand he leaned back disappointed. When Merlindria turned back to him and spoke he listened. A blood oath...of all the things she could ask for. Perhaps he could get her to look past the blood oath. And when she spoke of ruling as his equal he smiled for she was indeed an equal in evil. Had anyone else said that word he would have laughed at them.
An heir to the future throne, ahhh such a powerful being he would be. If they produced one successfully then it would be a sight to see. When she spoke of a wedding present and looked to the woman he almost stood up. A large toothy smile produced across his lips. A hand went to his mouth as the thoughts rolled around fermenting.
" Ahhh " he slapped his hands together rubbing them eagerly, " the woman is yours Merlindria, I was going to have her imprisoned and corrupted to the point of being another grunt in my army, but I can think of more interesting things you would do with her. Her dragon however will be mine once it meets my black dragons." Prasutagus smiled another toothy grin at the thoughts of adding another dragon to his army. The ones which he had now hid themselves above the cloud cover awaiting his command. The clouds forced anything else to fly low which was the point. " As for this blood oath...must we Merlindria?" he gave a pleading face." Do you not...trust me Merlindria? I'm shocked I thought we were so close you and I..."
Prasutagus raised his hand up forcing the very molecules within the earthen stone floor to react. Besides him rose a throne made for a queen, with skulls and a giant hand as the seat. He spoke a single word summoning the tainted earth elemental which he'd bound to his lands. A large golem like creature rose up from the floor the rocks falling upward as it assembled itself. " Dakkon here can do the honors my soon to be queen. Guards fetch me my good clothes...we have a wedding to get underway.." He slammed down a mighty fist causing the ground to shake slightly.
" Matron send out letters to the other two house leaders I want them here to witness two great houses marrying maybe then they'll recognize me as being fit to lead our great clan into glory." As was custom he was required to present her with a head as a present to wish her a long life. Prasutagus looked around, looking down to the elf he narrowed his eyes. If only he did not still serve a purpose, Prasutagus turned then to his mother and smiled. He stood up holding his axes in each hand. " Motherrr...my dear dear sweet mother..." Just then she vanished as if knowing his thoughts, Prasutagus raised his axes up and yelled, " OOOHhhh come on you old hag you've lived long enough...besides I doubt you would have missed your head very much..."
Prasutagus gave a disappointed look, " Oh well the hell with tradition, we'll make a new tradition haha..."
-
Her heart races her what he said to the lady that had walked in. Thought of another laying their hands on her dragon angered her. She would have to try and keep him from taking the dragon from her. That ment that she wol dhave to do all she could to stay alive. At this moment she was not all sure who held her life in their hands. If any were to die at this moment it wold be the elf for she had plans to fulfill. Best thing to do at this moment was wach and learn form what was said and go form there. At this time she sided with the leader for at least then she would be alive. After she knew that her sister was dead then all did not matter much.
-
These things were definately out of their minds, if they had ever been in them to begin with. Sigonus thought of the offspring of the two Darkthornes and began to feel sick again. But he noticed that Prasutagus was now distracted, Sigonus looked each and everyway. Finally he spotted with his keen sight what appeared to be a hidden door just through the exit behind the throne. He took in more of the dark corridor finally spotting a rather odd looking stone. Perfect, he could make his escape, go back to Blackthorne and warn them. And by Gaia there would be hell to pay once the Blackthornes heard of the treachery and murderous plots here. Sigonus rose to his feet slowly whil Prasutagus kept his eyes on the female Darkthorne.
Almost stopping to think about saving the woman whom had entered into all this. However she seemed just as deadly as these Darkthornes and he wanted to live. He doubted she'd die since in this land death was only a portal for a new life. If she'd come to join the Darkthornes then she probably would be either by choice or force. Well can't save every soul, not when they'd kill you when your back was turned anyway. Jumping forward into a fast run, he made it through the corridor just as they noticed. Before they could call in more guards to get him however he was gone. Having kicked the rock with his foot and jumped behind the spinning wall.
Turning around he almost jumped out of his skin, a statue of a face stared at him. The statue had an enscription just below which he read, " all hail Reese Darkthorne, master of us all". The secret tunnel was in some disuse, with cobwebs and dust from wall to wall. Sigonus made his way into the tunnel hoping to find something to remove his retraints with. As he went deeper the tunnel become more elaborate. It finally ended in a well decorated room, in the center of the room there was a tomb, which looked out of place. It looked to have been moved there by someone, walking over to it he noticed the image of a beautiful woman carved on the lid.
There was another enscription on this that said, " rest well Malmora and awake to seek the revenge you wanted in life." Now he was getting somewhere, Malmora was a evil witch which took over the Darkthornes at the expense of the other leaders and then set about working with Mythocles to strengthen their rule over Blackthorne. However she killed Mythocles in the end, only to die herself yet again. Sigonus looked about and suddenly jumped yelping, there was that hooded figure standing in front of him. The purple female hands reached up and drew back the hood to reveal an image resembling that on the tomb. It was Malmora, she was still alive and that meant...Sigonus's jaw ached as he tried to speak. Malmora lifted a hand to his jaw, he went to pull away, but felt a soothing healing magic courses into his face.
" wh..what are you doing foul witch?" but before he could say anymore she waved a hand revealing a secret doorway to his right behind a large picture of Reese. There was a new tunnel full of crystal balls, at the end of it was a man with an iron mask chained to the wall. At the entrace of this tunnel was a reflectin pool which had a thin layer of fog over it. Sigonus was urged by her to walk towards it. So he did even though he was regreting every step. When he looked down into the pool he could see images passing before him. They seemed to be images of the future, he saw the queen, the darkthornes, blackthornes, some other people whom he wasn't sure who they were. It showed a grim and deadly future for everyone with the Darkthornes winning finally.
However it was not Malmora who rose over the Darkthornes....it was...no he thought was the impossible she wouldn't. Sigonus looked to Malmore who nodded with a dark smile. " There is a way for you to take leadership here elf, the armor over there was that of Manece, the sword that of Diago, those robes were mine, the ring that of Smog, and the crown was Eseer's. However they were all tied to a greater power which none of them even knew, if you can take the other ring you can be a Darkthorne without becoming a Darkthorne. The ring was that of Reese and it shielded one from the effects of the taint and embrace allowing one to retain their former self." Sigonus looked to her confused, why was she telling him this, he didn't want to become a Darkthorne.
He was about to refuse when suddenly something struck him from behind. A tall mummy stood there in armor with a now bloody club in it's hand, it looked to Malmora and went to one knee. " Dress him in the wondermants I shall have my new chosen one for my new era of dominance. He will be easier to control without the taint running through his blood...with him I shall overthrow that brat of a son of mine, by challenge. He will have to answer the challenge for the elf will hold the sacred items of the leaders. And so the rule here shall be torn and they will have to compete for it, while they do this I shall undermine the others and bring the clans under my rule. Now do as I said slave!" Malmora pointed a thin finger towards the elf who lay unconscious upon the floor.
-
A sadistic smile twisted that decievingly beautiful visage as he offered her the woman as a wedding gift. Dark pleasures coursed through that frame at the thoughts of the things she would do to this female, forvering contorting her mind, tainting her spirit and poisoning the very blood that ran in her veins. She would be her greatest prize..her puppet to be controlled in whatever fashion she wished. Her thoughts were interrupted by the next words of Prasutagus.
"As for this blood oath...must we Merlindria? Do you not...trust me Merlindria? I'm shocked I thought we were so close you and I..."
To this she would outright laugh the sound lilting, inticing even as she shook her head and waltzed up to the edge of the throne laying both hands on either side of him fingers curling into the throne arms. Slowly that head would cock to one sides as her gaze raked over his form a dark sensualism evident in those glittering orbs as they trailed from his feet alllllll the way up to his handsome face.
" Do you honestly think me fool enough to agree to marry you without a blood oath? Close? We are as close as a serpent is with an eagle who has it in its clutches. The blood oath is part of the bargain..let us call it an absolute insurance that you can not betray me in ~any~ fashion nor could I betray you. It goes both ways my dear. Now...do we have an arrangement..or shall we go to war over such a trivial matter?"
She backed away her hands demurely folding together before her to rest at the junction of her thighs as she awaited his response only to find him more excied at the prospect of giving her a traditional gift for thier wedding day. The head of another. It was with great amusement that she listen to his voice take on that sing song tone as he called for his mother. It was with even greater pleasure that she watched the woman vanish as he threw a tantrum about the ordeal.
Chuckling she murmured in seductively evil purr.
" Seems you are losing your touch. Perhaps you need my at your side more than previously thought."
Casting a glance back at the woman and to where the elf had been she grinned turning back to him.
" Much more than previously thought. Seems your prisoner has slipped your grasp along with that of your mother."
-
She glared at the elf as he got away leaving her their, her fate in their hands. If she lived long enough to cross his path he would die a painful death. Her eyes went back to the couple few feet from from her discussing their future and her fate. She wiggled some in the hands of her captures. There had to be something that she could do to keep her walkingon this plane. As long as they talked she had plenty of time to think this over. But they would not be talking forever so she had to still think fast. Being the females slave was better then passing to a different plane.
-
Prasutagus turned to look for the elf which she mentioned. Only to see he'd fled, anger rose up in Prasutagus's veins. Though he remembered there would be little if any place for the elf to run too. And his holy magic would not work this far deep into the Darkthorne's lands. Prasutagus turned back to Merlindria and spoke in a deep voice.
"Perhaps this blood oath is best for us both then. However if you doubt me again....I did not let the elf get away nor am I losing my touch. You distracted me, perhaps your secretly working against me and you did this on purpose? No I doubt even you would side with good no matter how desperate you might get."
Prasutagus could sense something deep within the bowels of the Stronghold. Prasutagus could sense something dark and from the past, something powerful. Something which he personally did not know, but the blood and his mind seemed to remember. As if some ancient thing from the past had embedded this memory in his Darkthorne blood. What was this strange power he sensed awakening in the midst of his own Stronghold. And who could be behind it's awakening, he looked to Merlindria with a accusing glare.
Prasutagus raised up one axe towards the floor beneath him summoning up a protective barrier. He could already hear the symphony of screams from some dark forbidden being awakening. Not many things made a Darkthrone fearful, except a Darkthorne whom was really powerful. This one made Prasutagus slightly shake in his boots. All he could do was wait for the appearance of this great evil.
Prasutagus looked about and thought about his mother, that witch, what had she dragged up from the depths of hell? She had always been a shadowy figure in his life, never had he seen her face nor heard her name. She was a mystery, which made her a threat in his eyes, for he could not judge her. Now more then ever he wished he had taken her out when he had the chance rather then leaving her alive. She was always working in the dark with the female cults of Malmora that still hung about the Darkthorne lands.
Now her dark magic had summoned up something he doubted she could control. Already he could tell that this entity she summoned was chaotic in nature, which meant he too was a threat. However he sensed something wierd about this entity, almost like a distortion of the Darkthorne taint as if his taint had mutated or become disturbed in a way. The sickness within this entity was far beyond anything Prasutagus had ever seen and he was not prepared for it. Prasutagus tried to deny that such a being of power and chaos could exist here within the Stronghold, right beneath his feet. How could he have never found such a being, for such a being would have been a useful tool if controled properly.
The entity was slowly changing Prasutagus could feel this and he knew it only meant there was worse to come.
-
Awakening to a fog, Sigonus looked out on the world with eyes changing. Slowly the room around him began to distort almost as if he were viewing it through someone's eyes. A deep laughter arose from his throat, a laughter not his own. As he began to speak he realized he could not hear his voice, rather his voice was simply a voice in the back of his head. What had happened, becoming fearful he tried to run, but found he could no longer control his body. The view of the room changed as his body looked down to it's hands. The image terrified him, for those were not his hands, something had happened to his body. Not only could he no longer control it, but it no longer resembled him. Suddenly he became aware of a smell, he couldn't identify it, but something told him it was fear.
A slight jerk of his body's head as he could feel tendrils moving through his veins. Darkness was coursing it's way through his veins and something was risen from the deep darkness. The land within the Darkthorne territory would shake with fear from this entity which demanded it's loyalty. Sigonus could feel his body risen up in the air as seals of powerful banishment began to break one by one. Fiery explosions appeared about his body, yet they did not harm him. Something evil was coming back to life and it was Sigonus's body it was inhabiting. His body looked down to see Malmora's form standing there laughing and celebrating a triumph. In his mind he heard a voice not his own speak towards him, " see her...even though she hides behind strength I can smell the fear oozing from her pores..." the sound of a deep breath could be heard.
The voice said to Sigonus, " can you smell her fear, it tempts me, torments me to make my hand do what I do best. She shall suffer and her fear shall make us stronger, or rather me hahahahahahaha" Sigonus was losing his focus on everything. The chorus of females voices sighing and moaning could be heard as Sigonus's body began to thrash about. Slowly the image of Cebreese became overlaid over that of Sigonus, the room's wall cracking from the sheer power. The whole stronghold would shake and rubble would fall from it as it was literally being torn apart. Cebreese raised up one hand wanting to test his powers, feeling them to be stronger then before. In Sigonus's mind he heard the word Spitfire, and watched Cebreese's hand extend becoming engulfed in flames.
The flames were hotter then the sun's and Sigonus could feel them as a personality. He could feel the flame's power to burn mind,soul, and body and watched as Cebreese shot them at Malmora's attendants incinerating them instantly. Malmora turned to her attendants and began to doubt her ability to control this entity she had summoned up. For the first time in her life the Darkthorne mother felt fear. The volcannos in the land would begin to erupt as the screams of his soul's song rang out over the land. Cebreese the angel of destruction and madness was once again awake within the land and both darkness and light would fear him. Long spearheaded chains came into view to Sigonus they were attached as Cebreese's waist and extensions of him.
Long ethereal wings emerged from his back cascading through the room like long floating ribbons. Turning the body looked to a mirror and the scarred, muscular upper body of Cebreese came into view. The being has short white hair, green eyes like a cat, black leather pants and boots. Energy crackled about his head like a crown, the psionic energy which filled the room nearly drained it of air, pushing the air out of the room. Cebreese admired himself in the mirror before looking back to Malmora, how could she not fear him? How could they not fear him, but the entities which had held his items were still alive. Banished to other dimensions, Cebreese now reached into himself, reaching into those dimensions and plucking their taint and power from them leaving them mere mortals.
Cebreese would have their power for his own, rather be parts of each of them he would again be whole. The chains whipped about the room as Cebreese looked up. Sigonus thought to himself that surely Cebreese wouldn't, but before he could finish the thought. Cebreese went soaring upwards crashing through the hard marbled floor up into the throne room above. Through the dust Cebreese looked upon those gathered in the room, his hand stretched out towards the Darkthorne guards. Slowly he removed the taint and power from them reverting them back to their original forms. Now they feared him even more, he stretched his hand out again raising them up and then sending them into the ceiling. Their heads splattering against the marbled top, he smeared the blood on the ceiling laughing.
Finally he dropped the bodies back to the floor and landed, the floor cracking beneath his feet. A cloud of dust was sent flying out from around him as his energy waves forced the slightest particles away from him. How long had it been since the angel of the Darkthornes had set foot on this soil? Two centuries perhaps or maybe more, he opened his mouth and let out a sonic wave which shattered the thrones before him. The fear in this land was great, he could feel it oozing into him giving him infinite power. " Cebreese has returned to claim challenge for the throne of Darkthorne, but first I have something I must do...." with that he lowered his hand to the hole in the floor raising his hand sending Malmore up into the throne room.
Cebreese reached to his side and griped a whip, it's ability to phase-shift allowing it to move through conventional energies and people. It held within it the signatures of each and every pain imaginable, it would draw the fear up. Like drawing up poison from a snake bite he would draw her fear up. Lashing out with the whip Malmora's hooded robe was torn asunder into various pieces. " Kneel before your master witch!" Malmora went to teleport, but before she could Cebreese sealed the room from transplanar travel. " I don't think so...not that easily" a wicked grin rose up to his mouth. Cebreese looked to those about the room and laughed, before looking back to Malmora. He was mad with power, like a child god unleashed on a world defenseless.
His whip shifted to various deadly forms, some able to suck energy, some matter, other's life energy. Oh it was a nasty weapon crafted in the darkest pits of the hells. Cebreese summoned one of his most powerful powers into hand, the radioactive energy of a nuclear bomb formed in his palm. He sent it flying out the throne room doors causing an explosion the likes none here had probably ever seen. But in his days, such things were common for in his days gods walked the earth making man and any other weak being quake in fear of their powers. He held the explosion to a confined space, sucking up the energy causing it to merely create a nice crater. He could have let it lose and destroyed all of the Darkthorne territory, but that was not his wish.
Malmora turned now in full view, her black wings extending out and her horns growing upon her head. She was the vision of beauty and evil twisted and made one. She defied him even though she feared him, her fear making him stronger against her. Already she would be bombarded by images of her worst fears, for his natural aura produced such. Malmora turned towards him extending her hands which sent out ethereal psionic tendrils towards him seeking out his weak points. Unfortunately for her there were none for her, so she altered her attack to try to crush him with a force equal to two planets colliding. Yet again he turned that back on her, by exceeding the force she placed on him against her. She seemed to have become more powerful then he remembered, but it was not enough to deal with him.
She now felt the fear rising up in her, his form took on a more regal and godly appearance. He could feel the strength flowing through him from one end of the realms to the other, like a line drawn through him. " hahahahaha" giving a light wave towards Malmora, the kinetic force sent her flying back through a pillar to land against the wall. Cebreese moved with such speed he seemed to vanish from the air and appear next to her. Grabbing some of her hair in his hand he leaned her head back and whispered, " I can taste your fear Malmora, it's bitter sweet and it makes me stronger..." the very resonance around Malmora would respond to him now as he sucked the taint from her as well.
There stood a beautiful woman in her thirties, thin, and graceful, but weak in power and confused by what just happened. Before she had time to think, his whip cut through her, her form fell in two halves with a look of disbelief upon her face. In only mere moments Cebreese had taken down all the legendary leaders, leaving only him now. This would leave a power vacuum he knew, one which the current leaders would want to fill. Cebreese however was a sadistic bastard and would empower those leaders only so they could equal him and challenge him. Cebreese believed in one thing above all, chaos for it defied everything and always presented itself no matter the control of an environment.
Cebreese raised a hand towards the area the two thrones had been and walked up sitting himself down. " Now who are the rulers here, for I wish to meet with them and discuss why I'm here and what I plan on doing here. I've decided not to challenge for rule, but instead purge the lands of good so that evil can thrive and destroy itself at it's own hands..." Cebreese sat there with a twisted smile.
-
All seemed to be going well as she stood the running different way to get through this alive. before she knew it the ground beneath here move for a bit. Oh great another to worry about that could end my lide she thought. Thou he seemed to be more of amatch then the two that had been there all along. Gasp came from her as she watched him wreck havic before her eyes. Maybe she would have to rethink her plan out a little better. He may be able to give her what it would take to see to her sister's death. Wether he gave her new power or he offered her self in payment of Raven's death. She watched looking for the right time to speak or it could be the end for her.
-
Even as Cebreese thought himself victorious he could feel it. The remains of Malmora began to rise and form once more, he could have sworn his pull would have taken the taint from her. Or had the Darkthornes evolved even further in his years of exile? There was something darker at work here something beyond even his powers to defeat. As Malmora's form appeared once more she gave out a laugh, more like a cackle.
" So the prophecy is upon us.." she said as she vanished from sight.
Cebreese could no longer keep up with her signature pattern which seem to flood the room. Before he could act he felt himself drawn out of the body which he inhabited. Malmora stood there removing the crown from Sigonus's head, but before she could complete this act. Cebreese's hand reached up grabbing her's and whispered a forbidden word. This act sent her and him into the realm she had created to hold the others. As this was done the wall behind the throne cracked and broke like dried mud on a smooth surface. A black mirror could now be seen and in it was a portal to the realm of imprisonment. The realm where all the mysterious of the Darkthornes were hidden within the undying forms of their former leaders.
Malmora and Cebreese were thrust into this realm, the artifacts scattered on the floor and were greedly collected up by their former owners. Malmora rose a hand to halt them even as they turned to look upon her with hate. Eseer, Smog, Diago, Manece, and Cebreese all turned to Malmora with the intent to kill her as they took up their items. She tried to speak a warning to them as they touched the items for should they then the prophecy would be fulfilled.
For Malmora had imprisoned them here to keep the legacy of Darkthorne alive and to ensure the prophecy to never be fulfilled. Now it seemed even her hand could not stop the fates from driving this prophecy forward. The forms began to pulse with energy as they all split apart, even Malmora's the mirror in the Darkthorne territory began to buckle and pulse with energy as the Darkthrone scourge sought out the new rulers of Darkthorne. It would make any Darkthorne in the room the new ruler giving them the power of the elders as things should be. Malmora had broken this cycle years ago by imprisoning the former rulers in this realm and now destiny would not be stopped.
Sigonus fell in front of the throne and felt of himself making sure he was still alive. Whatever had happened he was glad it was over, for he felt like a slave to Cebreese's will.
The mirror could not choose between the two Darkthornes there, so it sought out other actions. Sensing another present and close it would bestow upon him it's conscious in order to elect the new leader. Sigonus stood up and was hit by a blast of black ethereal smoke which seemed to move over him and into his mouth.
When he fell it almost seemed he'd died, but then he rose and turned to the two Darkthornes present.
" I have been ordered to determine which one of you is suitable to inherit the majesty of the Darkthorne legacy. As it's curator I shall watch you two and any other whom comes along and is deemed worthy enough to hold such prestige. You can not take this power from me, don't even think of trying or your life will be over completely."
Sigonus could feel knowledge from years beyond years surging into his mind as the power tied itself to him. Why was he made it's avatar for the choosing of the one who would lead the Darkthornes to kill his friends and family. Sigonus had nothing but torture and misery since he'd come to the Darkthorne lands. It seemed it would not end only grow worse and worse.
-
At the first inkling of ancient power surging in the air she hissed as her mind erupted to full waking erecting a psionic barrier shield about her form. Glittering eyes blazed red with anger for only a second upon Prasutagus before the arrival of 'Cebreese' had those hardened globes falling on him with Malmora in his grasp. The moment the hood was lowered thse eyes widened in recognition of the woman long thought dead shooting to her soon to be husband only a moment as if to say..'so that is who your mother is.." before falling back to the scene in the midst of unfolding.
History so to speak.
Malmora was frightened. The revelation of that knowledge caused even Merlindria to shudder with a tinge of fear before she recovered her witts and moved to Pras's side.
" What sorcery is this?"
It was but a whispered hiss to him as she watched Cebreese/Sigonus fight Malmora winning easily so it appeared. Her remains did not remain as thus for long as they rose and re attached revealing the beautiful woman once again...
" So the prophecy is upon us.."
Malmora moved lightnening quick attempting to remove a crown only to find herself trapped as he gripped her hand and whispered a powerful archiac word,opening a dark portal and vanishing with the trapped Malmora to the other side. At that moment she realized what the objects that the elf wore were and suddenly knew that long stalemate within the clan was about to come to an abrupt end. It was the reason Malmora had tried to take the crown. The true power of the clan rested in those ancient tools. A step would be taken forward as she dared to get closer to the portal her greed for power and knowledge urging her past her fear of what could lay on the other side.
The elf fell before the throne, his physical body having been left behind with his soul intact. Merlindria watched as he stood only to see his body contort as it was pummeled by the darkest energy she had ever had the privelege to encounter sending him barreling to the floor once more. The very air grew still holding its breath as her head cocked to glance at Prasutagus with a bewildered gaze then looked back to the elf who appeared to rise from the dead and speak.
" I have been ordered to determine which one of you is suitable to inherit the majesty of the Darkthorne legacy. As it's curator I shall watch you two and any other whom comes along and is deemed worthy enough to hold such prestige. You can not take this power from me, don't even think of trying or your life will be over completely."
Merlindria was smiling. She was smiling at the fact that finally after all these years, the true heritage of Darkthorne was being restored. Her chance for power was at hand and she would not waste it. Slowly she turned to Prasutagus.
" I believe we have an oath to perform and a wedding to plan. Let us make it a grand affair, in celebration of that which was lost to us being returned."
-
Prasutagus watched the events unfold before him, knowing that something imprtant was unfolding before him. The lost vesitages of the Darkthorne power were finally restored and awaiting to be gained. His greedy mind latched on to various ways for him to gain that glory. For too long had the Darkthorne might been a body without a head. It was time for it to be unified again and return to it's dark glory. As Merlindria spoke to him of the oath he smiled, for suddenly sharing such power didn't seem so bad. If it was what had to be done so their clan could be unified again then so be it. For the sooner it was brought back to it's former glory the sooner the conquest of all the realm's lands could begin.
" This is a time of joy for us Merlindria, I shall have one hundred slaves impaled upon pikes for this event. We can be wed in a field of one hundred screaming, dying, souls begging us to end their suffering. We shall have a road covered in blood to walk upon to the altar of Darkthorne. And together hand in hand we shall plunge our daggers into the heart of a virgin to seal the marrige. But first we must undergo the blood oath, which we can do here before the eyes of the curator of the Darkthorne power."
Prasutagus smiled with delight at the thought of finally getting the glory he had so long sought after. The thoughts of his mother finally being dead gave him some comfort. Had she lived she would have surely undermined him and ursurped his power once gained. One of his more deadlier enemies was now gone thanks to the curator of power. So in otherwords he was happy which was something he didn't even label. Taking Merlindria's hand in his, eyes would examine those dark hands which could deal such cruel deaths to her victims. Ethereal tendrils flowed from Prasutagus's shoulders reaching down towards the earth. A momentary shudder of the earth was all that was felt as he prepared things for their soon to be wedding. Rising a high two statues before the stronghold, one of him and one of her.
This way all of Darkthorne could know of their union and what was to come.
All through out the Darkthorne territories Prasutagus's minions would stop what they were doing and look up to the statues. The deep darkness within all of them would answer the call. Like a thousand souls crying out their echoing song would wash over the land. And one by one they would each turn and began to make their way towards the stronghold. Already the prisoners were being dragged out along with the slaves and causally they were tossed high up landing upon the jagged portrusions of rock just outside the stronghold at the feet of those mammoth statues.
Heads were chopped off, people were hung, families burned, flesh and blood collected for a great feast to be had in honor of the union. Murder took over the land as a celebration began already, death would fall like rice for the two. Already it's aura flooded into the stronghold the ancient home of the Darkthorne rulers and the seat of power for the territory.
-
The curator watched with interested eyes at the display before him. A wedding of two houses, part of the prophecy was already coming true. With a simple wave of his hand, the curator summoned up some of the ancient darkthorne elites. Hybrids of organics and magical machine, the Darkthorne legacy. For when it was at it's height before the last war they had found a way to harness the flesh of the dead and create life from death. To take the strength of their enemies and merge it with their dark order by removing life's warm through machinary. By removing free thought through machines and dark magic. It was once so glorious for they could take everything which fell before them and use it. Murder was free to be practiced for the victims of this pleasure were still usable in the dark order.
The Darkthorne cranial, spinal unit had been mass produced in those days, able to make the dead walk as Darkthornes. Able to bestow strength upon those allied to the Darkthorne legion and place control over them. Once again this would be so and the Darkthornes would be feared and powerful once again. The curator watched for that was his purpose to watch and decide who would be bestowed with the mark of leadership. For the mark would give them use of all the powers of those who ruled before them. The curator listened for there was the voice, the dark effigy who watched from time beyond this instructing him. The voice which would aid him in his decision of whom should be elected the next leader.
The voice was that of god, or what could be considered a god to the Darkthornes whom worshiped all that was dark in the world. The dark christ which watched those of Darkthorne, Caine Darkthorne the first of their blood, the first to embrace the darkness, for in the power of leadership his conscious still lingered. As did all of the leader's of the past giving their advice and knowledge to the leaders of the present.
" Then let the wedding ceremony begin, I think that perhaps for this event however the bride and groom should be given away by none other then their mother and father. Though they shall be retrained for I will not let them cause problems with the prophecy."
With a dark smile the curator waved his hand again and Malmora and Eseer appeared there with confused looks. Their eyes fell upon their children and they knew what their purpose was. They were merely here to impart knowledge and to aid in the celebration as ghosts of the past. The curator leaned back in the throne as a swirling shadowy vortex appeared around him. He'd view everything from here protected by the power and will of Darkthorne.
-
Something within the beast surged, eyes of pale silver snapping open as that tainted heart began to beat faster. Digits adorned with steel gauntlets closed in, the sharpened metal cutting deep into the ground beneath him. Energy seemed to flow all about him, the air felt electric ... Dark brows, laced with the silver of age, knit together in confusion, in wonder ... and then that mouth arched into a grin, a grin of recognition. A grin of victory. The very world around the beast changed in but an instant, the fabric of his entire being rejuvenated by this surge - a surge quickly dying out, but never gone. It was something he'd not felt in a long, long time ...
With grace belied by the beast's age, the armoured monster rose from his haunches, black and silver beard glistening in the moonlight. Nose rose to the winds, and the beast sniffed once, and then again. Yes, yes that was it ... he remembered that scent. An old scent, faint but potent nonetheless. Gauntlets began to close in, the interlocking steel plates clinking together as hands formed fists. Head was then thrown back, wild locks of ebony and silver waving through the chilly night's air as lips parted and the beast let out a mighty howl! AAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOO!! The very sound of that howl causing the animals of the wood to scatter to the four winds. The howl was old, but strong nonetheless. Coarse, brutal, weathered and seasoned ... but malicious and full of ferocious fury.
The beast let out his howl, roaring to the moon until the very forest around him seemed to shudder. And then, the beast dropped down to his haunches once more, and he waited. In deep, dark, silent thought, the beast waited ... and slowly, creatures began to form in the wilds about him. Ragged, filthy, malignant and savage ... beings in which smelled of rage, of hatred ... Beings in which the beast called kin. For minutes, these creatures approached, scores upon scores of these fairytale monsters appearing from the dark reaches of the wood, until finally the beast rose to address them all.
" ... The powers of old have returned," the beast spoke, his voice raspy but commanding, causing a few of his creatures of shudder in fear and awe, "It can be felt in the air ... the very world is changing around us, so now it is time ..." the beast stepped forwards into a ray of pale moonlight, the gentle gold washing over the ruin of his scarred face, " ... Time to join with our brethern, to unite with all our strength as we once did so long ago ...
" ... To conquer all that lay before us ..."
And with that, the beast - Magnus Darkthorne - strode forth through the wood, his creatures falling in behind him. There was a long journey before them, as the beast led them towards the epicenter of the surge. Towards Belgada Remorium, where the destiny of the Darkthornes lay. Those pale silver eyes twinkled but slightly in the pale moonlight as the beast grinned ... Years, he had waited for this moment, years he had prepared for the time when the Darkthornes would join again in all their power ... years had he dreamt of the day the last Blackthorne would lay dead at his feet.
-
Seeing that they were occupied by other things she looked about for anyone watcing her. Slowly she moved backwards watching the others as she moved away. Her breathing slowed as she made her get away. With any luck she would get back to her dragon and get out of there. She stopped when she bumped into something.
-
One look at the change of demeanor upon his face and she knew he had accepted her words. A small smirk would arise on succulent decieving lips as he spoke of the celebration to come and that which he would do in honor of her station. Delicious thoughts of the carnage that would commence on her account sent a shiver of malevolent pleasures up that slender spine. Slaves impaled on pikes, people being slaughtered and thier blood spilling over the dead soil as they said their wedding vows to one another...this is what their clan loved. This was how a wedding should be performed.
Penetrating gaze watched as her soon to be husband walked forward and took up a slender hand. Feiry tressed head would tilt to one side as she watched him examine her hand with some deep...almost awe struck interest. Already he was making the changes. The ground trembled and groaned in pain as he forced it to his will summoning up statues in their likeness which overshadowed the dark gates of -thier- city. Minions were already fading into shadows, and dark mists swiftly traveling over the Darkthorne territories to spread the news of the monumentous event to take place. And with that knowledge whatever apprehension she may have held due to distrust seemed to ebb away to but a tiny voice among the roaring crowd within her mind.
Slowly she removed her hand only to take his within her own and turn it palm up to lay a tender kiss upon his wrist a moment before sinking her fanged teeth within the skin in order to taste of his blood to begin the blood pact/oath. After a moment of savoring his taint she would remove her teeth from his wrist only to sink them into her own and lift that bleeding treat toward his lips so that he may have the same pleasure..thereby sealing their oath to one another.
" Drink my 'love'. Let us seal this pact between us as we prepare to exchange vows. With the exchanging of vows, we shall once again restore Darkthorne to its former glory and crush our enemies beneath foot. Let our leadership surpass that of even our parents."
No sooner had the words come out of her mouth than she had seen the confused appearance of her father only a few feet away. A sly smirk etching a cruel path along those lips.
" Drink...and then let us greet our dearly departed kin..."
-
Prasutagus drank deeply and then noticed his newly dead mother's ghost. A smirk crossed his face as well, for the dark prince had some questions. After all his mother had risen to power so fast and survived so long. He was sure she would be a treasure trove of information for him. Prasutagus raised his arms up summoning forth his tie to the lands of Darkthorne. Black clouds rolled in as thunder rolled in the halls. Blood rained down from the sky as the fires rose in their heat and glow.
" Let nothing stand before us, for a new day comes to Darkthorne. Soon we shall become legends in our own time. I already sense Longinus carrying out my plans if he is triumphant then we shall have the hold we need over Blackthorne. Tomorrow I shall send a small legion to invade Demise I'm sure if there are any living members of that house they can be persuaded to join our efforts against Blackthorne. If there are none available then it shall simply fall for it's both in and out of the veil which makes it the perfect staging point for our armies."
Prasutagus walked off towards his mother's ghost and sought council with the dreaded spirit. Before he engaged too deeply into the conversation he summoned forth his dark elites to guard the stronghold doors. Tomorrow would be a victorious day for the Darkthornes as they began their invasion in full force.
-
She could not help but hiss with pleasure at the feeling of thier oath taking hold on each of them..not to mention the sensuality she felt stirring deep in her womb at such a barbaric act. Once his lips fled the taint of her silken tarnish she would raise her wrist to sanguine lips and lick the wound sealing it shut. Quietly she stood observing her soon to be husband as he called upon his ties to their lands and brought upon them a dark storm. The black cloud rolled in and began to spill blood over the land much like one would see it spilled in a great battle....perhaps even in the battles soon to come.
His proclaimation of invasion on the morrow stirred her bloodlust. A dark smile would besmirk those poisonous tiers as she watched him walk toward his mother to seek council. An idle glance was set upon the figure of her father noting the almost sour look upon his face. He was not pleased..which ultimately pleased her. A sly giggle wafted between her lips as she decided to rub a bit of salt into the apparent wound.
Walking toward him she spoke coyly.
" Why father...you look a bit disgruntled. Not happy for me?"
He leveled a stern gaze on his child.
" I thought I taught you never to share the wealth of power. It all could have been yours and yet you throw it away to 'share' power with that of Malmora's maggot infested loins."
She chuckled.
" You are looking at this all wrong. Though I will indeed being sharing the position of power with Prasutagus...we will have equal pull. Essentially giving us both the ultimate power over Darkthorne. IF you can't beat them father...you join them. Besides..." glancing over to Prasutagus's profile," He is a most delicious morsel of darkness. I could not have asked for a better husband.."
" You disappoint me Merlindria."
She gave him a snide smirk.
" Haven't I always?"
-
Prasutagus stroked his chin as he looked over to the form of Merlindria before turning back to his mother.
" I won't question your choice son, nor will I feel joy for you. I have lost a lot which I have worked hard for so you can have this. That shows me you deserve it, however I do ask one thing of you. I must ask this now... There is a being known as Cebreese he is responsible for all this and a threat to you and your would-be wife. There is a spell prepared to strike down this threat to you in my chamber room in my tomb of spells. The page is marked just remember this threat is one to both home and hearth."
" I guess I could grant you this one thing mother and I already know your not happy about losing. I can't say I'm not happy that your dead for you would have betrayed me in the end. Besides I've known her longer then I've known you mother, hiding your true identity from me your own flesh and blood. Had you told me of my true lineage you might still be alive..though it would have been a momentary thing for even I would have killed you eventually."
Prasutagus went to his mother's bed chambers and laughed, taking the spell tomb and reading the spell. When nothing visible happened he walked back down to her spector and merely gave her a glance. " We shall wed tonight and march forth tomorrow to Demise. I am expecting a guest" Prasutagus ordered some of his minions to go to the chapel and fetch Longinus. It was time to deal with Longinus now and settle things once and for all. Prasutagus would use Reinne's child Lucan as bait for the queen to come alone. Together he and Merlindria would rule over not just Velusia, but the rest of the lands around it.
The jungle kingdom has long been a thorn in their side it would have to be eradicated as would the nomadic desert kingdom beyond it. If there were to march from Velusia in the future then they could not be caged in by the surrounding lands. Once Velusia was taking they could rebuild their naval army and yet again become the superior army in the realm.
-
Longinus looked about the chapel a moment or two and then stood. The nameless entity Longinus simply knew as the spear laughed. Longinus cursed his luck for a moment he thought himself free of the spear. However freedom seemed to merely be a dream. Longinus began to argue with the spear finally feeling a small space for him to extend his own conscious. Longinus's form began to move back and forth argueing with himself. To many it would look as though he were just a mad man. Longinus used some of the spear's power despite the spear's protest. Longinus had done it finally he had a chance to be free. The form of Longinus began to distort as the human appearance of Longinus went flying down against the floor. He looked around noticing that the spear was no longer in his hands.
When Longinus turned around he saw the white haired, grey skinned, black eyed version of himself. Standing there holding the spear the other half of him look more like a nightmare. It's face was slightly distorted to where it's nose was not fully formed. It's features so pale they seemed almost like that of a ghost. Longinus stood as the dust from his falling began to slowly move in a slight breeze. The evil Longinus tilted it's head and looked over it's form before slowly rising it's head. It was then Longinus realized he had made a mistake for he was merely human. The evil Longinus began to pat around it's pockets looking for the orb holding Lucan. Longinus opened his right hand to see the orb and swallowed for he knew he couldn't let it have it.
" Not much of a talker are you...course you wouldn't be without someone to talk through." The evil Longinus held out it's hand and nodded it's head toward it's hand. Longinus shook his head no and began to walk towards the door of the chapel. The evil Longinus walked up behind Longinus quickly gripping him by the shoulder and pulling him back. Longinus went flying back onto the floor causing more dust to float up. He was bruised, but that was the extent of his injuries. The torches that lit the inside of the chapel gave such a low light that he could barely see the other him. Longinus slowly began to stand and dust himself off, " I don't have anything more to do with you, just let me be on my way." The other him held out it's hand again wanting the orb.
" No I'm returning it to Velusia, I will make amends for all the evil you have made me do while your slave." The other Longinus's mouth slowly opened and the raspy word " die.." came out. Longinus felt truly disturbed with having to look upon the distorted, evil form of himself. It was like looking into the mirror of hell to see your own demon starring back. Before he could move the other Longinus was on him, throwing a punch that sent him flying back. Longinus looked to his right to see the sword the Blackthorne guard had thrown laying on the ground next to him. It might be his only hope, he would no longer wait and bleed under the spear's command. This was his chance to settle their difference, as the evil form tried to lunge his spear into Longinus's form. It hoped to pin him while he lay on the ground, but the loud ring of metal against metal made it's eyes look down to Longinus.
The sword caught the tip of the spear and it somehow prevented it from moving any further. The blade must be enchanted, which Longinus thanked the Blackthornes for. Longinus rolled causing the spear to strike the ground sending sparks up. Getting back to his feet he noticed that his other half was slower in noticing things. For it's head slowly turned around as if beind commanded from a distance. Longinus would not let himself falter now that he had his freedom. Running out the chapel he came face to face with a Darkthorne soldier. The Darkthorne spit some sort of corrosive acid towards Longinus. Longinus lifted up his sword and was amazed at the barrier it created protecting him.
The Darkthorne looked on with confusion as well just before Longinus chopped off it's head. The body twisted and turned as a new head grew, and the former head began to change as well. Longinus knew he did not want to die here in this land. The bloody rain coming down gave Longinus an ill feeling. Turning he saw the evil form of himself come walking out and throw it's spear at Longinus. Moving to the side he quickly turned around knowing the spear's ability. As it turned to come back at him, he blocked it sending it stabbing into a pile of skulls. It wiggled back and forth for a moment as the evil Longinus walked over slowly plucking it out.
Longinus ran over to some nearby ruins getting to them just as the spear pierced his left shoulder. He was pinned to the ruins as the sound of it's weak supports could be heard. The spear was removed from Longinus's shoulder just in time for the brick structure to come crashing down on both Longinus's. The mound of rubble was covered in dust as the blood rain fell down making the dust slowly fade. Finally some of the rubble began to move as the form of the evil Longinus rose up. It shook some of the rubble off it's form and looked over to see the hand of Longinus sticking out of the rubble and the orb near it. Some of Prasutagus's minions appeared just at that moment and told him Prasutagus was awaiting him. The evil Longinus took one look back at the hand which did not move before walking off with the Darkthornes.
It seemed that the humanity had finally been killed and now the spear could be free of the conscious of Longinus. It's new form was human without a soul or conscious so it was easy to extend it's control over it. However it did not get around like the old form did, it moved slower in reaction to the spear's commands merely because it was a vegetable.
-
Merlindria knew that if he could Eseer would like had killed her in that moment. The look in his eyes was enough evidence of such espeically when he looked upon the form of Prasutagus. Perking a brow of feigned innocence she spoke again.
" Come father, you are here to impart some wisdom and give me away. So what wisdom do you have for me? Other than the bit you just made known a moment ago?"
His gaze snapped back to her beguiling image a look of pensiveness crossing his features. Another glance to Prasutagus and finally he was gripping her arm to pull her further away for a bit of privacy.
" If you are determined to do this then you must always watch your back. You can not trust him. Now...there is something else I am going to give you. This must remain a secret..at all costs. At the center of the Darkthorne lands forever cloaked in mist and surrounded by mountains there lies a pyramid...my pyramid. This is my greatest creation. It is nothing like you have ever seen. Only one of my loins would be able to find it. It was created as a mobile fortress-"
Merlindria cut him off.
" Move?"
" Aye..move. I created it so that we culd conquer lands without having to march everywhere. Inside it a great maze..constantly changing. Only you will be able to navigate it successfully. If ever you wish to be rid of someone..merely lure them there and leave them to their own devices. Any who have entered before have never returned."
To say she was interested would be a slight error..she was completely fascinated. A thrill rushed through her form at the exact moment that screams would rise into the air as slaves were impaled on stakes as promised by her fiancee'. With thoughts of Prasutagus her eyes would drift back to his form as he reentered the thrown room and proclaimed the beginning of the invasion of Demise. A dark smile would creep over her lips as her gaze would drift back to Eseer.
" Come father help your daughter get properly dressed for her wedding day."
-
Malmora looked upon her son now that he had done what she asked. Revenge even in the after life felt good, she could not help, but wish she could see Cebreese's face when he felt his powers weaken. Turning to Prasutagus she moved close her ethereal tresses flowing about his face.
" Listen oh son of mine, deep within this stronghold is the lost prophet of Blackthorne, he is connected to a arcane device so that his visions can be viewed and recorded. Use this secret well for in the future you shall find that knowing your enemy's next move may give you the win over a defeat. I feel you shall use this information to your own devices, it will be a vaulable tool to ensure your would-be wife is loyal and does not seek to betray you in many areas of service."
Prasutagus smiled at his mother, knowing what she meant, but not caring. For he could feel her jealousy even though she was dead to the world. Malmora seemed to have some trouble in saying what she was about to say.
" There is....another...item I wish to...pass on to you...though not by choice, but because the curator wills it. You've heard the legends of Arkmal's dragon? How it was said to have sunk to the bottom of the Ashmir ocean. Well the rumor is partly true, after it sank it rest on the bottom of the ocean floor for years before even my birth. When I heard of it's power and the rumors of it's location I sought it out. The machine had become covered in coral and sand, but I was able to use my magic to lift it from the ocean floor and bring it here. I enlisted many inventors and mages in restoring it and fixing the mistakes that Arkmal had made in his design. I installed vents within it to vent out the smoke from it's magic turbines so as not to suffocate my ownself. Arkmal's corpse was even still seated at the controls."
" The dragon is an armored weapon which breaths out all of the breath attacks of the various dragons. It can also fly, and it's controls are not hard to master with practice. I only wish I'd had been given the chance to use, my plans now are in ruin and I am finally defeated. You my son shall be the lasting legacy I leave to this world. Do not follow in my foot steps exceed my footsteps and accomplish where I have failed. If I am to be laid to rest then I shall find peace in knowing that the name Prasutagus Darkthorne stands for evil incarnate."
Prasutagus had not felt an emotional tie to his mother before, but now he felt closer to her then ever. If only she had been this way in life maybe they could have plotted and conquered together. The thought of slaying innocents beside his mother was a romantic daydream, one that almost brought a tear to his eyes. " Come mother help me in preparing myself for my day of honor. I now feel proud to call you "mother" for you have given me two gifts by which I shall bring the land under one rule, the rule of Darkthorne." Prasutagus and Malmora walked off to prepare for the wedding ahead.
-
The curator watched as both families united and made their peace in what ways possible. It was as it should be for the new must find strength from the old. Strength by which to bring Darkthorne back to it's former glory, once before the leaders of the clan had worked in harmony with one another. They had made all those in the land fear them, the name Darkthorne was whispered on the tongues of many. The name was cursed on the tongues of those who fell before the legion of Darkthorne. The destiny of Darkthorne was set into motion and only halted by the actions of one of it's own members. Malmora could be treacherous in her desire for power, but she had served well in her time. It was her rule that defined the Darkthornes as a clan and Eseer's that had defined them as a world power.
The other leaders had each done their part as well, without leadership there was no Darkthorne. But that leadership had to be strong and powerful, it had to be willing to adapt to the obstacles which would rise in it's path. This is why the curator's master had sought out Cebreese to restore the order in the chaos wheels. For too long those wheels had sat there rusting away while the power of Darkthorne had been bound to a stalemate of wills. With things moving now the curator had two canidates for the powers of old. Two leaders to face those represented in Velusia, but the curator could sense another powerful Darkthorne. One of much reknown making his way to the stronghold. The curator could not wait to meet this other Darkthorne whose howl echoed the night.
Just then the form of Longinus entered with the minions of Prasutagus. The curator looked over the form of Longinus and saw someone who was not of Darkthorne blood. However he saw someone who might make a good choice to pit against the others. Perhaps he could use this Longinus person for his test of the would-be leaders. The curator would do this, but he wanted to know more about Longinus first. So he sought out the visions of the lost prophet. He saw everything there was to know about Longinus and decided that he would serve as a useful tool for his testing process. It would do well for the soon to be couple to have a little competition.
-
Longinus thought back on the motionless hand of the other Longinus. Of how he reached down and picked up the orb without any defiance. Could it have been so easy to destroy a human of such spirit? Or was Longinus not like the Blackthornes in their spirit to live. Had he been broken to the point where even death was a freedom from the spear. Longinus thought this over as he entered the Stronghold. He did not care whether the other Longinus lived, but to overcome someone he'd been struggling to control for years so easy. Longinus laughed perhaps he should have done this sooner, for this new vessel was perfect almost. It did not resist his influence over it for it have none to offer.
Longinus entered the throne room and knelt down as was expected. When he noticed that Prasutagus was not around he looked to the curator. Who was this person sitting on Prasutagus's throne, had the Darkthornes been taken over by a new ruler in his leave? As if his question were already known, the voice of the curator echoed within his head. Longinus looked up and handed the orb to one of the minions, " take this to Prasutagus..." Longinus walked up to the curator. " So you know who and what I am, and what I intend to do with both Blackthorne and Darkthorne." The voice of the curator echoed within his head once again and he stepped back. Perhaps involving itself with the war between Blackthorne and Darkthorne had not been a wise choice. Longinus had been given a new mission or a choice.
The mission would have to be done then, for the only other alternative was...death...
-
She had gotten free form those that had her held by their minions. Only thing on her mind other then getting to her dragon was to work into their minds. There had to be some way that she could gett hier help and live through all of this. She quickened her steps as she moved through the hallway. She hid any time that she heard others coming or saw chadow that was not her's. When she would her voices in rooms she would stop and take a listen. She had to confront only those that would be of great help to her, any others would be a waste of time. With each room that was not right ths eshook her head getting disappointed with each that she moved from.
Then she frooze at a room when she heard the word 'dragon'. A big grin crossed her lips knowing this would be the one to speak with. Taking a deep breath she moved into the room where Prasutagus was. She took a good glance over him so to recall his face later.
"I do not mean to interupt but i could not help that you spoke of dragons. They so happen to be my life and speciality. Since the day I could walk I was taught to ride and tame them. But there is only one thing that I ask for my services.
-
Prasutagus was putting on his battle armor when a voice came to his ears from behind. Turning and grasping the axe which lay on the table near him. Prasutagus looked to the one whom he'd met earlier, had she not died? Not many survived running around in the Darkthorne stronghold. It had various traps and guardians, to venture without permission was a death sentance. The blood chamber was behind Prasutagus, a holy place where the owner of the stonghold could bath in the blood of slain virgins. It was a revitalizing bath which increased their clarity in the ways of Darkthorne. Malmora's ghost moved into the room through the wall, her eyes falling on Tempest. Malmora smiled to Prasutagus, he knew what she had in mind.
" Yes dragons, but this dragon is a magical construction a war machine. Our other dragons are either vampiric, dracoliches, or simply zombie dragons. Only the vilest dragons dare to venture into these lands." On one table near Prasutagus was the cooked remains of young elf. He'd been eating here and there as he dressed. Malmora had question this since he would ruin his appetite for later. Prasutagus's left hand went behind his back as he plucked up some of the tender meat with his right hand. Slowly his left hand began to form tiny black tendrils from each finger tip. The taint of Darkthorne was in his hand, awaiting it's target. " What is your request for your services, please indulge me?" One of his minions entered the room and said, " Loginus has returned Lord Prasutagus he instructed me to deliver this to you."
Prasutagus reached out and took the orb and returned his gaze to Tempest, dismissing the minion. Prasutagus raised the orb and looked deeply into it seeing the form of the boy. " heheha.." he placed the orb into his pocket, he would offer it to his wife as a wedding gift. What a splendid gift Reinne's son would be, he could already see her shedding blood tears at the thought. Her own personal little blood pet, locked up in a orb and of such noble blood. If Prasutagus's heart beat it would, beat with excitement for this thought. " I'm sorry for the interruption please continue." Prasutagus wanted to hear this person who dared to give him restrictions for service.
-
She moved some about the area near the door listening to his words. Seemed that she had caught his ear by her words when she entered. So far that was a good sign for her.
"My only request in giving my services is the death of my sister. By what my dragon tells me she is living with the Blackthornes. She has couple of things that I want her death is a great bonus."
Moving quickly to one side as a man moved into the room.
"I may have only one dragon but with luck I may get her dragons to join us. Then I would be more strength above so to keep your men covered from above."
She would look away so not to give a feeling that she was trying to take over. But she made sure to look to his face to show that she had some authority in her
-
It was time to awaken the darkness of the Darkthorne lands. The curator stood up from the throne and raised his hands. The key of Darkthorne appeared there within those soft, powerful hands. It's call rang out like a banshee across the lands, from the stronghold a great gust and pulse flooded over the land. A great wave washed out from the stronghold, the earth flaked and those flakes were thrown back. A strong wind swept over the lands, ethereal flames covered the landscape. The clouds above became like smoke, rolling and turning. Black lightning struck down from them as the blood rain continued. The earth was littered in skulls and bones, the ruins of old were returned from beyond the Darkthorne veil. The monstrous skull tower, the black castle with its golden spires. The volcano on which the stronghold stood awoke and the thermal harvester began it's work.
A loud hum was heard first as the stronghold began it's awakening. Slowly the factory sites located around the volcano awoke as well. Siege weapons, armor, weapons, and various other items one would need for a war began to be produced. The slave pits were emptied as the curator commanded the Darkthorne soldiers to force the workers to supply the stronghold with what it needed to continue its creation process. The black gate was opened and the orb like creatures, covered in mouths were brought out. The deep spawn, they were fed the strongest of the Darkthorne elite, they began to glow as they began to produce more Darkthorne elite from the templates fed to them. Deep red veins spread out over the land, showing the glowing red magma beneath the earth's crust. The rivers ran dry, some ran red, while others becoming steaming magma beds.
Angels that had been caught and held prisoner for this glorious day where executed having been thrown on stakes. Their golden blood poured onto the soil as it became corrupted strengthen all evil beings within the lands. The very land was used to harness evil and increase it in the lands. From within the sky came down tornados which rolled about the landscape seeking out trespassers into the land of Darkthorne. Large red eyes slowly emerged from the clouds and began to scour the land in assistance with the tornados. Large bone like spears rose from beneath the ground rising up as high as the eye could see. They looked more like towers reaching up to the heavens. Eseer's dark tower rose up high above the stronghold, Malmora's wall began to reappear surrounding the lands.
Manece's chains shout out from within the earth reaching up to the heavens. They disappeared in the clouds, slowly they began to retract as a large floating island came from the sky. On it was Manece's Solarium the device that harnesses the energy the stronghold absorbed and shot out attack spells at those who came to intrude on the Darkthorne lands. Smog's war beast reappeared in the land their slimy black skin, and sharp fangs hungering for trespasser's flesh. The flesh vats of Diago appeared once more as the clockwork smith's awoke from ash and rust, the began work on throwing the prisoner's into the vats. The flesh and other organs were harvested and used in the creation of half clockwork, half organic beings. These were the Darkthorne soldiers, they were the absolute balance of machinery and magic.
Their only purpose was that which was commanded of them by the leader of the Darkthornes. They would be useful against the spells of the Blackthornes as well as their swords. The curator sat back down upon the throne and looked out over the landscape now as the ancient ships of Lord Mariner began to sail home on the horizon. " It is done, now after the wedding I shall proclaim the new leader and the war shall begin".
-
Prasutagus looked to Tempest and decided she could be used. " With it being my wedding day and everything going so perfectly. I am feeling generous and cruel, your services shall be welcomed, however should you betray me, or should you even think of fleeing the battlefield, the darkest, most cruelest, creatures of the inumbra shall be released to hunt you to the ends of the world. You can find a room at the fort with the human mercenaries, those who have been allowed to live without the taint. They'll provide you with a room..." Prasutagus walked over to a desk and opened a drawer, he pulled out a piece of paper and wrote something upon it. " give them these papers, now go before I come to my right mind."
Prasutagus decided since this woman wanted her sister dead so much that she had a place in Darkthorne. He would send some assassins to take care of the woman's sister. However he'd rather see Tempest kill her sister with her own hands. She had potentional to become a evil ally, her evil just needed to be nutured a little. Prasutagus walked out of the room, orb in his pocket, it was time to wed his beautiful bride and launch his war against Blackthorne.
-
A smirk crossed her lips hearing his words knowing that step one was donw in getting what belonged to her. "I do not plan to leave the battle field til either she or I are dead. Til then I am in your service til then, thank you for this."
She took the paper that he handed to her and left. This was not the time to challenge him or any. With the paper in hand she had no fear of those that she passed. Any that she got stopped by she showed the paper that was given to her.
Once she got to the camp she handed a man the paper then went to the room they gave her. There was only the payment for her sister's death that she had to do then she would be free of them. She glanced to her dragon with a smile upon her face.
-
Between the two pillars of Ogma, the altar had been set up. The priest had been captured specifically for this event. His beating and bloody form, was chained there to prevent his escape. A stairway of skulls have been made as the minions of both groom and bride were gathered, as were all those near the Stronghold. Prasutagus stood there with his mother's ghost, as black rose petals were thrown out upon the red carpet leading up to the altar. Angel feathers were tossed out, having been gathered from recently slain angels. All through the lands a silence fell as this one moment of unification was about to begin. A huge feast of various races, blood wines, and other dark culinary delights were placed upon a long table.
Looking to his mother, Prasutagus smiled, for this day would go down in the history of the Darkthornes. It would be a prelude to their victory over the Blackthornes, the conquest of Velusia, and the begining of their reign of terror over the whole realm. A wedding theme, dark and dramatic was played echoing over the ceremony. Prasutagus looked over the orb once more, he fashioned a chain upon it. He would give it to his wife as a gift to wear upon her neck. It would be well protected there since she would wear it upon her person. Already the crowd gathered cheered their names, slaves were on hand to be slain the moment the "I do's" were said. Their wedding would be bathed in blood, and nothing could stand in the way of the two united houses. The houses of the dead would unite and move on Velusia with a vengance straight from hell.
" I never thought in all my darkest dreams that this day would finally come. The day of reckoning is upon us mother, soon everything shall fall into place and Velusia will know fear once more. The world will know fear again..." Prasutagus tore the hand off a corpse that had been plundered from the desert kingdom's tombs far east of their land. Upon the skeletal digit was a ring with a large ruby. " A crimson ruby for my crimson witch.." he poured the blood of a Blackthorne over the ring. Shaking the ring, he know looked on it with facination. " Ahh it's perfect, just like my bride..." his mother rolled her eyes, for her son had been obsessed with Merlindria for many years now. The fact she had said yes only fed his obsession for the crimson witch. Even a cold-hearted bastard like her son seemed to encounter the emotion love. It made her ghostly form cringe in it's seemingly unstopable power.
" Now let us begin..." Prasutagus moved the black curtains aside and stepped out, along side his mother's ghost. His black battle armor shined, his black cloak swayed in the hellish breeze. His dark eyes looked up to the altar ahead, as he made his way to await his bride to be.
-
The good Longinus clawed his way out from beneath the rubble. His form was covered in bruises and he bled, the pain was terrible. Finding strength to stand, was a task that seemed impossible. The hellish ethereal flames flowed behind him, making him seem a visage of hell itself. He pushed aside the remains of his blonde hair and looked around. Playing dead was a skill he'd learned all too well, and it was one he hated using. However had he not, he would have surely found death at the hands of his evil half. The spear wound burned and the blood seemed to flow so freely that he feared he'd only survived to die by bleeding to death. Somehow he had to get the orb back and return it to Velusia. He had to atone for the sins he'd done while under the spear's influence.
Longinus saw the lands of Darkthorne had changed since he had become buried by the rubble. They now mimiced the hell which lurked in the hearts of those that called this place home. Reaching down to pick up the Blackthorne sword, he looked up to see a Darkthorne soldier. So far the Darkthornes had been easy to defeat, despite their reputation of evil. Longinus however did not know if he could still hold his own against one in his current state. However upon looking on the Darkthorne he noticed a difference, a change in them that had not been present before. Longinus looked down, he knew his situation was grim beyond grim. Wiping away some of the blood from his face, he smiled towards the Darkthorne.
The Darkthorne placed it's hands on the hilt of it's blade, a challenge Longinus knew all too well. It was the warrior's code to answer steel with steel, an answer only those of the warrior's code knew. Longinus staggered, using his blade as a crutch for a moment as he pushed his hair from his face. " So you know the code..." he muttered, the Darkthorne's eyes were black as night, they held a dark intelligence within them. There was nothing left for Longinus to live for except to clear his name, to clear his soul of all the evil he'd done. He had to be free of the shadow of the spear, the Darkthorne drew it's blade. The rasp of metal being drawn caused Longinus to snap from his thought and turn and eye back towards the Darkthorne. As the Darkthorne came running towards Longinus with it's sword aimed for a downward slash, Longinus responded with the same attack.
Their blades locked together as Longinus looked into the eyes of the Darkthorne. Defiance met with malice as the two forms began a dance of death and metal, the wind swept over the battlefield, howling at the two warriors. Longinus pushed against the opponent's blade and jumped back, the Darkthorne dropped it's sword and began to pace around Longinus. It shooks it head in anger at Longinus's defiance, his will to live, to fight for what he believed to be just. The Darkthorne seemed to smell the sweet repentance in Longinus's soul, it drove it into a berserker's rage. Longinus watched, unable to do more then that, for the weakness of mortality griped his form. If he was to die here, then let it be fighting the evil he was once forced to serve. Let his death not be in vain, there was someone back in Velusia waiting for him, this he knew.
If she was anything like him, then she would be coming for him, if only he could hold on till then. The life's blood dripped out of him, it splattered on the ground beneath him. His eyes were heavy, his form barely hanging on to the mortal coil. Smoke rolled over the area they stood upon, as the Darkthorne halted in it's pace and turned charging at Longinus again. It thrust it's sword at Longinus, who swatted the blade away from his form with his own, moving back again as the Darkthorne moved back to avoid a counter attack. This Darkthorne was truly different then the others for it fought with a skill and a focused thought. The sound of fire, of rain, and of the storm were all around Longinus. Confronted with hell itself, how could a man as insignificant as him hope to survive, what did he had to fight for.
The thought entered his head, causing a stillness in his mind as he fought off another attack by the Darkthorne. It was as if he were watching himself fight the battle, while he sat in thought. What did he have to hope for, what could a life knowing all he'd done, bring him? He thought of Velusia, of Raven, of the evil of Darkthorne. Life had been given to him again, a second chance to be free, to seperate himself from the darkness that was not him. He struck back at the Darkthorne with a blow stronger then those he'd been using. The Darkthorne seemed to notice it's prey searching for it's strength. He redoubled it's attacks on Longinus, the blade nearly cut into his arm as he moved to the side. Both he and the Darkthorne shared a glance there in that moment. For the Darkthorne had left himself open, it looked to Longinus in that instant as if questioning what he would do. Longinus looked up towards the Darkthorne, he answered that question with his sword.
Plunging the sword into the chest of the Darkthorne he twisted the blade in it's heart. The Darkthorne fell to the ground, Longinus stood over it with his blade, he looked down on the form. It's eyes still held that malice, " this is what seperates us, I fight to live, for living is all I can do, you fight to kill life, even now you serve the darkness in you heart. " Longinus brought the blade down on the Darkthorne's neck, the head rolled down the slight incline, " your nothing more then an animal...thats what seperates us..." Longinus fell to his knees, plunging his sword into the ground. He just needed to rest for a moment, just one moment...his form slumped down to the ground next to the body of the Darkthorne. The sky above him began to spin around, his mind was clouded and dizzy.
Was it his destiny to die here alone in the lands of the Darkthorne?
-
The time had finally come. Dark melodies played in prelude to her arrival and walk down the gore encrusted aisle. Merlindria, the Crimson Witch, stepped through the great double doors. All eyes would turn to peer at the daughter of Eseer as her ghastly father began to escort her down the aisle. Upon that lithe figure made for sinning was a gown of pure white. Delicate was the make, perfected was each cut and tuck of the material...and it was decorated in the splattered blood of a virgin. For this occasion her hair was left down, free to sway across a softly curved back while her bangs were held at bay by a wreath of dead roses complete with thorns.
She was a vision of dark decadence. As the pair entered the approach of the alter her eyes fell to Prasutagus with a bit of fire in those depths. For years she had played this game of cat and mouse with him, forver denying him the one thing he had wanted knowing that she would agree to give it to him when te time was right - herself. She might have agreed to the match earlier if it had not been for the glee she took in torturing him without having to lift a finger. While obsession was a dangerous thing, she found it to be a tool in order to mold her future husband into the man she wanted him to be..before the union. Her plan had worked beautifully. Prasutagus was stronger than ever, and the lust in his eyes for her had no fear of dying out anytime soon.
" I will ask you one last time Merlindria. Are you certain you wish to share everything with him?"
A sharp glance was afforded her father before she quietly snapped.
" I have spent the last few years testing his want of me. The lengths he would go to in order to have me. There is no other for me, save Prasutagus. Now do your duty and give me to him. All will work out in the end. You shall see...oh wait..you won't see. All's more the pity."
His soft growl of warning only caused her smile to broaden as they took the first of the skull steps to what would be her future....Prasutagus and leading the Darkthorne clan into an era of terror.
-
As the tormentor of his heart came into view, Prasutagus took in a breath. She was by all means the perfect choice, he had spent years watching her become stronger. Out of all the willing Darkthorne females he'd had lined up, she was the only one whom survived. It proved she was strong, proved she would be able to stand beside him. He'd almost forgotten all about those assassins he'd have ready in case she declined his offer once more. It was final, now they could lead the Darkthornes into a decade of darkness. The land had awoken, the old powers had returned, their lost war machines were once again pumping out an endless supply of soldiers. If Prasutagus could cry, he would, but he thanked the demons below he could not. As Merlindria reached the top of the stone steps, Prasutagus watched his mother turn her head.
He could already tell Merlindria would bring him much pleasure, for already she tortured his mother in her grave. The priest was given the order to conduct the ceremony which would tie these two houses together, forever. " Do you Prasutagus, agree to honor..." Prasutagus waved a hand at the priest, " Yes yes on with the I do's or I shall have your spine fashioned for my new axe.." The priest looked hurt, he even looked as though he were going to cry. " Prasutagus do you take Merlindria to be your betrothed for the rest of your evil reign and lives?" Prasutagus smiled and glanced to Merlindria, " Ohhhh I do...by all that is dark and unholy, with my black heart." Prasutagus took out the orb with the child Lucan in it. " This my dear is an early present, the child of our enemy Reinne Blackthorne is trapped within this orb. I had him captured to offer to you as a gift to sway you off your feet. I hadn' expected you would say yes to my offer today. So I give him to you as a present, along with this ring, by which I thee wed. Until we die and die, and are reborn again..."
Prasutagus placed the orb around her pale neck, and slowly slid the thorny ring upon her finger. It drew blood as it slid along her skin raking it , only to have it heal over and seal the ring to her finger. " I also got you this..." Prasutagus looked to Malmora with a evil grin, he reached out as one of his minions brought him a bag, which dripped with blood. He slowly opened the bag and reached inside, pulling out the head of his twin sister Sage. Malmora's eyes grew as she saw her only daughter's head lifeless, hanging by the hair from Prasutagus's hand. " My dear sister's head..she was always mother's favorite, but the bitch just couldn't keep her mouth shut..so I had it closed for her..." he pointed to the stitches along his sister's mouth. " She starved to death before I had her beheaded...hahahahhehhheee...." he dropped the head at the feet of Merlindria.
" She told me all about your little scheme mother...I knew who you were years ago..it's what drove me to become even more powerful then I was.." Prasutagus spat upon his sister's head, " rot in hell bitch!"
-
His dark, mysterious eyes, glared on her with anger, his whip lashed out striking her back once more. " You will tell me where Vahn has gone, or..." Matius looked over to the woman's children. His men held them tight, the children's eyes were full of tears. At the children's feet lay their father, gutted like a fish, his head cocked to the side. The man's neck had broken while hanging from the rafters, Matius's whip left it's mark around the man's neck. Matius smiled with childlike delight, he was enjoying the woman's defiance for it offered him a chance to expend his cruelty. " Your children shall be kept to a ripe age. Then at let's say sixteen, they'll be sold to the slave markets of Gohme. Sold as sex slaves so that vile men may do as they wish with them." The woman cried and sobbed that she only saw lord Vahn in the town and that she knew not where he went.
Matius, gripped the woman by the hair and threw her over the table, his eyes were full of rage and madness. Lifting up her skirt, and undoing his buckle, he began to violently rape the woman. His whip wrapped around her neck, as he practically ground her face against the wooden table. Upon finishing, he casually turned around and began to straighten his clothing, taking time to look in a mirror to make sure his hair was perfect. He looked to his men and snapped his fingers for them to release the children. The children went running towards their mother, Matius exited followed by his men. The woman came running up behind him turning him around. She said, " Vile scum, I hope your manhood rots off!!" she slapped him.
Matius pushed her away, he rubbed his face with a smile and turned away from her. She spat upon the ground behind him, his whip unfolded to the ground and quickly he turned lashing it at her. The woman's lips were kissed by his whip, splitting her face in a messy, red, gash. She would be forever disfigured, she fell to the floor of the house screaming in pain. Her children came running up to her crying out as well. Matius walked outside taking in a deep breath as he shut the only door to the home. " Push the cart up against the door and bring me my torch." His soldiers smiled as they obeyed is orders, general Matius was well liked in the Darkthorne ranks. As his men stepped away from the cart, Matius held out the unlit torch, " light me boys.." one of his men came up and lit the torch.
Matius tossed the torch atop the thatch roof of the hovel, the screaming inside hadn't even stopped yet. As he and his men walked off, the flames of the roof lit the background behind them. Matius walked up to one of his men and said, " make a sign, let everyone know these lands belong to Darkthorne now..." Matius walked over to one of the other peasents they caught. " Why are we holding this man?" the man he spoke of hung by his hands from a tree branch. " I don't know sir, you wanted us to keep all captives, even ones without any important information..." Matius smiled, " oh yes, now I remember..." he reached over to a sconce taking up a hot poker. He plunged it into the man's stomach, as the man screamed, Matius twisted and plunged the poker even deeper.
The man's guts spilled out, the wet meaty sound was music to Matius's ears. " Get this carcass out of my sight...bring the twin captives to my tent...I have yet to find any worthy satisfaction..." Matius walked over to his tent and took off his outer coat. He lay down upon the many pillows strown about in his tent, while pouring himself a goblet of wine. Two female sisters, were thrown into the entrance of his tent, they were bound tightly, they were gagged. Matius reached over gripping up a device which looked like it was made more for torture, then anything else. " Come girls, lets enjoy each other's company..." all night long the screams lasted until finally he broke them and all was silent. Matius lay there next to the two dead, twin, girls a dark smile upon his sleeping face.
-
She was not blind to the turning of Malmora's head. His mother was disgusted with the match, which made it all the sweeter in her eyes. The old bag could rot in hell for all she cared. Her time was over, it was the era of Merlindria and Prasutagus now. A sly smile would creep over lush sanguine stained lips as she came to his side. A soft chuckle would commence as he snapped at the priest to get one with it already. He must be eager for the wedding night and then the 'honeymoon' in Velusia. And what a honey moon it would be as well. Death, mayhem and chaos everywhere they went. It would be divine.
" Do you Prasutagus, agree to honor..." Prasutagus waved a hand at the priest, " Yes yes on with the I do's or I shall have your spine fashioned for my new axe.." The priest looked hurt, he even looked as though he were going to cry. " Prasutagus do you take Merlindria to be your betrothed for the rest of your evil reign and lives?" Prasutagus smiled and glanced to Merlindria, " Ohhhh I do...by all that is dark and unholy, with my black heart." Prasutagus took out the orb with the child Lucan in it. " This my dear is an early present, the child of our enemy Reinne Blackthorne is trapped within this orb. I had him captured to offer to you as a gift to sway you off your feet. I hadn' expected you would say yes to my offer today. So I give him to you as a present, along with this ring, by which I thee wed. Until we die and die, and are reborn again..."
She idly toyed with the rob spinning it as it was placed about her neck. It was the perfect gift. The pain of another. Looking up to him she grinned maliciously. As he took her hand and slid the thorned ring about that finger she hissed with the exquisite pain it shot throughout her form only to sigh as it adhereed itself to her finger permanently. It was a marriage that would last forever with the bearing of that ring. Her eyes gazed into the ruby gem center on the band. It was gaudy and huge, she loved it. The surprises didn't stop there. When he summoned for the bag her gaze fell to it eyeing the blood trail it left behind with a devious smirk. What was a Darkthorne wedding without the presentation of a severed head to the bride?
Who was it she wondered. The answer was a the most pleasant of surprises. To have the head of a Darkthorne presented was a great honor..but to have the head of a family member presented was even more so an honor. Despite all of that, it was the look on Malmora's face that truly lit a spark of dark love for her husband in that decieving black little heart.
" Why Prasutagus, you have outdone yourself, my darkest love.I do believe your mother just managed to turn three shades whiter than she already was."
A small cough from her father just behind him had that head turning to see the slight smirk on his lips as he tried to cover up his glee. Apparently Prasutagus had done something right, fo Eseer was as pleased as she was. Finally her gaze turned back to the priest who stood there gaping in terror at the severed head and she snapped.
" Get on with it before I rip your entrails out and wear them as my scarf."
Stammering he continued.
" Do you Merlindria take Prasutagus as your hsuband for the rest of your undying days?"
" I do, with all my dark soul." Slender fingers would reach between the rise of her cleavage to retract a long black chain on the end of it dangled a tear drop shaped gem..a blood red one. " This is a drop of my own blood frozen forever in time as a symbol of my devotion to my new husband." She reached up placing the chain about his neck with a deceptively soft smile. " Where it proudly my love." Again she reached into her bosom and, this time, retrieved a ring much like the one he had given her. Tarnished gold with an overly large onyx gem in the center, the thing had barbs along the sides and inside. Taking his finger she slide the piece into place and watched with fascination as his blood began to dribble to the floor before the wounds sealed and the ring literally seared itself into place upon his skin.
Smiling she looked up to his face once more. " Your other wedding present will have to wait until tonight..when we are alone."
Both of them turned to the priest as he quickly finished the ceremony pronouncing them husband and wife. No sooner had the words spilled from his mouth than Mer's hand was hurling forward to sink that small fist deep into his chest cavity. His eyes bulged as his fingers gripped at her wrist. With a sneer she yanked her hand back with a sickening 'twuack' his still beating heart within her grasp. Tiny pearlesque teeth sank deeply into the muscle as she fed hungrily upon its essence then turned to Prasutagus so that he may kiss his morbid bride.
" You may kiss your bride...husband."
-
Matius awoke early as always, his men were being loud which made him angry. As he threw back the fold to his tent to yell at them, he went silent. The siege engines have arrived one of his men yelled to him, a large catapult was being pulled from the woods by elephants. " Have Riven sent to the meeting tent, we have business to conduct." Matius threw on his clothes and made his way to the meeting tent. There he sat upon a throne eating grapes while he waited, as Riven came in, Matius invited him to sit down and eat with him. Riven did as he was asked, and as they ate Matius began to speak to Riven. " The woman denied ever seeing Vahn in Demise, she also told me of the rude insults you made about his majesty Prasutagus. After we finish our meal I shall have you tried for treachery and unbecoming conduct. You shall be slain and your soul shall be removed."
Riven stopped eating and looked up to Matius, " she was there when I saw him m'lord, and I never said anything about Prasutagus, she lied to you, or perhaps you are just making this up. Prasutagus sent me along with you to keep an eye on you, to make sure your ambition did not cause anymore mishaps. This is just a plot by you to make me look bad and cut me out of the picture you little runt. The Darkbane and Darkthorne that produced such a spawn should have learned to keep it in their pants and not allow such a ugly, treacherous, vermin like yourself to be born.." Matius had enough of Riven's little tantrum, " Guards sieze him.." Riven looked to Matius, " besides a general is not allowed to capture the souls of his victims that pleasure is only reserved for his majesty Prasutagus.."
Matius smiled as he walked up towards Riven, " yes well Prasutagus is not here, nor does he really deserve to be called his majesty, he is merely an upstart who was lucky enough to grasp the power to lead Darkthorne, but after I prove myself here who do you think the army shall follow? Prasutagus who is off being wed as we speak or Matius the dark who led Darkthorne into Velusia?" Riven now understood, " I see where you loyaty lies now...it lies with yourself..Unhand me you fools, he is a traitor!" The men simply looked to Riven with uncaring eyes, Matius plunged his hand into Riven's chest, black smoke rolled out as he absorbed the half-drow's soul. " Traitors arn't we all..." Matius walked over to his meal and with his bloody hand casually plucked up a grape and plopped it in his mouth.
" Prepare the men, for in a few hours we march on Demise.."
-
Tempest tried to lay there knowing that it was just time now that Raven would be dead at her feet. She had found those that could help to see that it would happen. Raven should not have been the one to get their father's sword and glove. For she had been taught from him how to fight strong and dominately.
She got up heading outside and stood beside her dragon that made home close by. Her eyes rested in the direction she felt Raven was as a hand moved over the side of the dragon. Smirk crossed her lips as she held on the sight of Raven's head lying before her lifeless.
-
Prasutagus leaned into to Merlindria and gave her a deep kiss, tasting the blood of the dead priest upon her lips. The gathered minions roared with delight at the conclusion of the wedding. It was indeed a wedding to be remembered, for much had been revealed and shared in this one moment. Deaths had occured and family members were both pleased and insulted, a priest died. Oh yes it was such a wedding like no other, the sacrifical victims were impaled upon stakes to signify the delight that their two houses shared at this dark union. Prasutagus turned to look upon the gathered crowd, " let us feast for tonight we march to Velusia to end the war with the Blackthornes once and for all. Eat and drink your fill and tonight as you slumber this day, awaiting the night, have dreams of murder and mayhem in your dreams." Prasutagus's hands lightly danced along the slinder form of his lovely wife, her gown was absolutly beautiful.
" You choice of wedding gowns my love is truly impressive, now tell me Merlindria are you excited about the march to Velusia? For with our army as strong as it is now, we shall accomplish were our ancestors have failed time and time again. This time I shall make sure, along with you of course, that no Blackthorne is left alive to revive the clan from it's ashes. We shall destroy, we shall kill, and we shall make love upon the ashes of our enemies and bath in their salty blood." His face moved close to her's as he took in her scent, his lustful eyes gazing upon the dark beauty of his queen. The thought of sharing his power with her, becoming vulnerable to her made him excited. " You are truly the greatest treasure I have, and if anyone looks at you the way I do I shall have their heads." The crowd grew quiet, Prasutagus turned to them and raised his hands.
" Enough let us celebrate, satisfy your dark desires my minions, and think of the carnage we shall bring to Velusia." They roared yet again and went back to the rioting festivities they were enjoying before. Prasutagus looked to Merlindria and said softly, " but I will have their heads should they look at you as I do." Walking over to his newly created throne, he sat down, hanging his leg over the side and waved towards her. " Come sit with me my dark queen and let us eat and watch the destruction our minions create before us. There shall be no work now, not until tonight for then we shall strike like a dagger into the beating heart of our enemies." Prasutagus was greeted by a messenger, bringing news of Sir Riven's death at Matius's hands. " Sieze and kill the messenger.." Prasutagus said as he crumbled up the parchment and tossed it into a nearby fire.
" Blast it all I knew that young up start was nothing, but trouble....he's going to cost us everything...." Prasutagus stood up and raised his hands to quiet everyone. " New news arrives from the forefront, we must strike Velusia now, for she is ripe for the picking, prepare the armies to march, you fetch the curator and tell him that Prasutagus and Merlindria wish to meet him in private." Prasutagus would leave a large army here in the lands of Darkthorne to protect it while the other half was away conquering Velusia. It would not be wise to leave the home front abandoned so the enemy could come snooping about. Should they need to retreat which he hoped would not happen, they'd need their rear protected.
The small scouting army he had sent ahead was only enough to take a city-state maybe and that was pushing it. After all he would not send a force large enough to confront him in treachery. Darkthornes had their battle tactics and he was following them by the book. This strategy had been used effectively by Diago many years ago and the scouting armies had been used by Eseer, having seen them as being able to strike or weaken and enemy into a false sense of victory. If Matius was going to attack then Prasutagus would be there when he lost, to both profit from Matius's loss and kill him should he survive. " It seems our celebration has been cut short my dark queen, but we can still spend some quality time together on the trip to Demise." Prasutagus gave her an evil smile he eyed her like a wolf would a sheep.
They would go and talk with the curator before leaving to see if he had anything to add about this.
-
The curator had come to a decision, a very evil one, one which would prove just who could and would lead Darkthorne. He'd set up a back up plan should the two he had chosen fail, while finding a third to prove a good challenge and canidate for a leader. Extending his dark mind to the outskirts of the Darkthorne's land he found Matius, who had been raised by a being named Coldheart. This young dynamo was ready to step up to serve Darkthorne and himself. Both were traits which made the curator admire the young lad, he also displayed treachery and torture very well. These to were defining traits of a leader of Darkthorne. However for now he would have to have Prasutagus and Merlindria become the new leaders of Darkthorne. It would be the first time two shared the rule of the clan, but it would strengthen the clan in the long run.
The had reached Matius and he left him this message within his mind, " the old powers have awakened young Matius, should you prove yourself in taking Demise, you shall be granted the powers of leadership of Darkthorne. However should you fail then the powers shall remain in the hands of Prasutagus and Merlindria and your life shall become forfeit. You have desired these powers for so long, desired this position to gain the attention of your adopted father Coldheart. This is the way so do what you must to ensure that you are victorious over Demise. Leave no building standing, no woman or child to produce a future enemy, and ravish the lands like no one before you has."
The curator lend back on the throne and smiled for this was by far the greatest power struggle ever created in Darkthorne. It would test those he'd chosen even after he had left, he could already feel that time coming. His mind reached out to the lost prophet of the Darkthornes and with sinister delight he broke all the madman's chains. Freeing the beast which lurked behind the iron mask, freeing it to leave the stronghold and prevent Prasutagus and Merlindria from seeing his deception. He could already hear the chains clattering down the hall and mad scream of a man whose mind was on the verge of being lost completely.
The curator turned to Longinus and said, " now go and wait if they fail, as I have said the powers of Darkthorne are your's." Having already viewed the crystal pools visions and seen the things to come, the curator reached out his mind to the one known as Magnus's mind and left this simple message. " The powers of old can be your's should you pass two test, do not fear me, I am merely the curator of the powers, he who holds them for those who can prove themselves." the curator paused as Longinus exited the throne room. " If you can kill your son Einar and his companions who are heading to the lands of Darkthorne, and lend Prasutagus your house's strength then the powers of old are your's, but upon their gaining you must order the deaths of Merlindria and Prastuagus and go straight to Velusia to take what shall be rightfully yours."
The curator was almost giddy with enjoyment over this little web he had spun. Oh what fun it would be to watch it play itself out, and when they had all killed one another's rivals there would only be one left to rule and they shall be so dark that it shall be their right to rule. This would ensure not only that the Darkthorne powers were handed down, but that the leader who gained them, would be the avatar of all of Darkthorne. The curator sighed almost not wanting to give up these powers. He sent Matius the ghost of Diago to instruct him the sercet knowledge and he sent Magnus the ghost of Manece to guide him. While Longinus had his instructions on what to do and needed no further help from the curator. Nor would Longinus earn any help for he was not of Darkthorne blood and therefore not deserving. However the evil within him made him a canidate and contengancy plan.
The curator was visited by one of Prasutagus's minions declaring that he was to go to Prasutagus and Merlindria at once. The curator extended a hand, picking up the minion and psionicly throwing him against the wall until there was nothing, but a pile of meat and bone left. " No one orders me..." the curator stood up and began to make his way to the would-be leader's location.
-
Matius's men were gathered there at the edge of the wood bordering the Darkthorne lands. They had come three and a half days march across Belgada and now only had a few hours march left to reach Demise via the newly constructed bridge. Matius stood there before his men ready to give them a speech of encouragement before they began their march.
" As you all know I was born from a Darkthorne and a Darkbane, I was orphaned as a child at five and was raised by the Overlord Coldheart, whom many believe to not exist. I came back to Darkthorne at an early age and displayed great tactical knowledge. It wasn't long after Prasutagus took the throne of the stronghold that I was elected general for my part in getting him that throne. However all of you here have been hand selected by me, because you all know that it is I who deserves that throne. I am the one who should be leading not only you, but all of Darkthorne into dark glory!! Today we shall show all of Darkthorne who should be the true leader of Darkthorne for when we reache Demise we shall purge the city of life.." suddenly a voice entered into Matius's head detailing him the means to gain the power of leadership.
Out of thin air, a ghostly image appeared, the form of Diago Darkthorne, Matius's men gasped. " As you can see the Darkthorne ancient's see that the only way to improve upon my perfection is to lend me the guidance of one of the most infamous of our clan.. let me introduce to you Diago Darkthorne, but I think he needs no introduction for all of you here had heard of his legend. I unfortunately have to still Diago's moment of fame to tell you that he is a legend of the past, for before you stands the legend of the future. And it is here, today, with you that I shall become that legend and end all other legends before me."
" When we march to Demise think about how you will tell your offspring about how you helped Matius Darkthorne gain what was rightful his by reputation and destiny alone. It's not about my birthrite, it's not about the fact I have the last name Darkthorne. It's about the fact that I am the most trained and evil to step up and take that throne for my own. Now I have only one question to ask you, to ask each and every pitiful one of you....are you with me?"
The men yelled as one, " YAY!!!" Matius turned and smiled, before turning back to the crowd, " then to Demise!!" he pointed in the direction of Demise as his men started their march. " So the curator of the legacy has sent you to give me some insights into the powers of the past...well then shade share your secrets and be gone. I don't need you taking away from the admiration of me, from my men." Diago's hulking spector seemed to waver, his eyes spoke of murder and how he wanted to crush Matius's thin neck in his large hands. But he did as he was instructed, " I have placed in your tent the blackstone gate, from it you can summon up the Etherwynn a race of shadow-affinity beings whom will serve he who wears this..." the ghost raised it's hand and caused a bright red jewel to appear, it was connected to a chain, so it could be worn as a necklace.
" They are your's now Matius do with them as you please for they are stealthy and skilled murders. I have tired of your yapping and wish to return to my rest. By the way Matius, if you should fail and die in this battle I will be waiting for you on the otherside and I think you'll find me less docile there." Diago gave a grin, revealing rows upon rows of sharp vampiric fangs. His image slowly began to fade away, and after it did Matius blinked. He walked off to his tent and took a look up this gate Diago spoke of. So he could summon creatures to follow his command from it could he? This might prove useful in the battle to come, he ordered his servants to quickly pack his belongings and to have the gate wrapped in cloth and placed upon the beast of burden.
Exiting the tent as his army slowly made their progress towards the bridge to await him, he whistled. A black elephant come slowly stalking out from the woods, it's red eyes looked down upon Matius. This elephant had been infused with Darkthorne blood, it's twisted tusks were proof enough. Matius climbed up and sat upon the saddle, he ushered the elephant to move forward, towards his army, towards Demise.
-
The evil Longinus made his way towards the fort not far from the stronghold. There all the non-tainted, non-Darkthorne blooded beings, made their home. He had heard of a recent arrival to these lands, one called Tempest, the evil Longinus had to go see this new arrival. For she sounded familiar, she came with a dragon and he'd already seen one person who had a love for dragons. This might even be the sister Raven had spoke of while he was forced to let the real Longinus play the part of a human for him. He could sense the real Longinus's life force awaken and then fall to where he could no longer sense it. Perhaps he would go looking for Longinus and finish the pathetic human off once and for all? Or just maybe he'd find out more about this Tempest person and her connection to Raven.
After all, he could only wait now, for his plan to kill Prasutagus on his return, was dashed by the arrival of Merlindria and the wedding. He could take one Darkthorne noble, but to try and take two would be completely suicidal. Longinus arrived at the fort and entered asking around which room Tempest was stationed in. After killing one man for giving him the wrong directions, he finally found his way. Longinus stood outside the door of Tempest's room and knocked.
-
Tempest laid there on the bed lettig all the ways that she could kill raven move through her mind. They seemed so real that she could have reached out to touch them. The great joy that went over her would be even more when it really happened.
The images went away as there was a knock at the door. Guess it was time to get down to business. So as she got up she tossed on her cloak and grabbed her blades that had been leaning against the wall.
As she opened the door she came face to face with Longinus. He was quite handsome like the other men she had passed to her room. "Good day sir what may I do for you?"
-
Longinus looked to Tempest and stated plainly, " while venturing in Velusia I came across a woman with two dragons. She was named Raven Dragonheart, the men here tell me you have a dragon as well. While talking with Raven she told me she had a sister, forgive me, but I'm taking a stab in the dark here at thinking you are that sister." Longinus leaned up against the door into Tempest's room as he talked with her.
He resembled the other Longinus except for his pale skin and white hair, and the dark eyes. The spear was in his left hand and it spoke through the evil Longinus as though it were the old Longinus. Yet in this new form the spear's aura showed through, a defect of the souless body perhaps.
-
She listened to Longinus' words as he spoke them. Her breath seeming to be taken when he spoke of Raven, her heart raced with rage. Taking a deep breath she pulled herself together some.
"Yes i am the sister of this wench that you speak of. Thou here in due time she shall not be breathing any more. Her blood shall be spilled upon the land as I claim what is mine. "
She looked him over wondering just what it was that he wanted from her. Or just maybe he was there to kill her and was waiting for some strange reason. Quietly she laid one of her blades against the door keeping tight upon the other. If he was there to kill her she would not go down with out a fight.
"Is there anything else that I can do for you?"
-
" Yes actually there is...you see" Longinus thought long and hard on how he should say this. If she was anything like her sister, then she would serve his purpose just fine. " I have a brother as well, he looks much like I do, and he is here in the Darkthorne lands. I know for a fact, say it is a gut feeling that Raven may try to come find him, for he is here against his will. I can't kill my brother however, let's just say for personal reasons. However there is nothing which would stop you from killing him for me, all you have to do is twist your blade in his heart and kill someone whom Raven has a connection to." Longinus smiled as he began his little plot against both Longinus and Raven, by having Tempest kill Longinus, he would no longer have to worry about the real Longinus running around, it would also be interesting to watch the two sisters fight over the dead body of his former slave.
He knew Raven would come for Longinus, she was a warrior and a warrior's code called for not leaving a commrade in enemy territory. Besides Longinus needed something to do while he waited for his moment. And making new allies was always something worth his idle time, he also had to think of a way to get Prasutagus and Merlindria to fail in their way to Lochland. He knew the curator's scheming, he wanted to pit them all against each other to mold someone into a perfect leader. He could tell by the way he waved him off as though he were not worth his time. The curator had crossed Longinus and made a deal with him all in one moment. Yet Longinus had bigger fish to catch, for he could do little until the real Longinus lay dead before him.
-
Tempest's head lifted hearing there was more that he wanted. His words brought great pleasure to her heart. Not only would she do something for this man but it would hit Raven hard. Smirk crossed her lips as she stood there.
"It would be great pleasure to see the man my siser's comes to rescue dead at my feet. I have none that can cover my back if she comes during the battle. With her coming on enemy land she will not be coming alone."
She leaned the other blade against the wall with the other. Knowing that he ment no harm to her. Longinus was a male version of her and was loving it.
-
The circle fell down around the three, and suddenly they found themselves standing outside the borders of the Darkthorne territory. Grey hues narrowed and Einar found himself reaching for Fenrir out of reflex. Everything about this land seemed hostile, the very air around them thick with malice. Jaw tightened, and the Knight-Protector stepped forwards, out of the circle, moving towards the black wall. The wall ... Never before had Einar lain eyes upon such. Never, save for his mind's eye ... Magnus had spoken of such to him, so long ago, far back into the days when the Warlord himself was but a pup. If this wall stood once more, that meant only one horrible fact ... The Darkthornes were unifying. The powers of old were returning to the folds. War would strike once more ... and Velusia would be in more peril than any of them had thought before.
The large warrior turned towards Vahn, his eyes hard. Although the Lord Demise hid it well, Einar could tell he was just as surprised as the White Wolf was. "You know what this means?" Einar spoke, lofting a pale brow, "Do you know what this means for Velusia and ..." Einar looked to the tracks left by the departing army from Darkthorne. Looked and saw where they led. " ... Demise."
The warrior turned to Raven, watching as the woman changed her form. Such would not be neccessary for Einar - or rather, such would not protect Einar from being recognized. The scent of Velusia was on the Knight, the scent of the White Wolf forever on his flesh. The Lycal would know the infamous Einar for whom he was ... Einar the Betrayer. That, however, didn't matter now. None of it did. All that mattered was getting to Lucan, rescuing the child, and getting a warning back to Velusia before it was too late. " This might prove to be the death of us all, but only if we do not work together. Einar and I are here to rescue Lucan, Raven your here to rescue Longinus. We have lives depending on us, we have obligations to keep..." The Knight nodded sternly, "And quickly. For I fear that the very fate of Velusia rests on our return ... they must know that the might of the Darkthornes is being mustered in full, even now." Einar began to stalk towards the archway, following behind Vahn.
And then, the White Wolf stepped into the lands of his father, into the lands of darkness where he had been born ... The Half-Blood had returned.
-
Vahn's vintage eyes looked out on a landscape that reflected a waking nightmare. The stench of this land even made Vahn unsettled, if this was the fate of his lands, then he had something to fight for. A believer in the darkness, he knew all to well it's gentle caress, it's cold kiss. Like the sweet perfume of a rare flower, the thrill of youth, it was something so addictive. Pulling back the hood, the black fur, with sharp jutting spikes of his collar, made him out as he once was. He wore the black half mask upon his face, his gloves, black and silky, with jewels upon each knuckle. The old Vahn had returned, but he had a new mission, a new goal even if it were only temporary. The shadows were a wonderful thing, but with everything they were only good in moderation.
To have the shadow of Darkthorne flood over the land, killing it, and leaving no hope for one to carve their own destiny. That was not a future that was an end to all things. Even Vahn had a hatred for those who worshipped such a fate, those who had lost their control. The sun no longer shown down, the peach colored sky with patches of brown and black now made up the world above. It was disorienting to say the least, Vahn removed his sword for it's scabbard and looked over the black blade, it's ornately carved gaurd covering his hand above the wrist. " We will need a guide...a guide like none other..." Vahn held out his left hand and with his sword, he cut his own hand. The deep reflective blood that fell with it's chrome color looked alien.
The sand on which the blood had fallen began to shift, slowly a shadowy figure arose from the sand. It haunched down and turned looking on the group with an eyeless face. " Where shadows roam, I leave my home, to go where the dark is forever known..." the shadow looked to Vahn as he spoke these words and replied, " Where the light fades, I spend my days, to go where the sun shines it's rays.." Vahn smiled as the shadow turned and began to crawl up the sand dune, leading them to their darkest nightmare. The thought of never returning crossed his mind, the thought of failing in their quest. This thought gave rise to excitement, for if it was his time to die, then he would know what it felt to be real again. The road ahead of them had black, segmented poles coming from the ground, the tattered banners of Darkthorne flapped violently in the raging winds.
The shadow would know where Vahn wanted to go, though it walked in both this realm and that of the shadows. It could perceive any danger that lay ahead of them and give fair warning. Vahn staggered to the top of the dune, pulling up his hood once more, his robe flowed in the breeze, it was warm and full of harsh sand. It carried on it the smell of sulphur, brimstone, death, and various of unpleasent smells. He looked off into the distance seeing the large volcano rising up to a swirling black mass of clouds, the stronghold was there...he was sure that Lucan would be there as well. There were many other structures in the distance ones that Vahn had no knowledge of. " Follow me, but be on guard, there is no telling what we shall find in this land...." Vahn walked off down the road keeping to the ruined buildings in case they should have to hide.
-
Longinus knew that others were probably on their way as well, to save Lucan. However Longinus had betrayed even the one he served, for the orb he gave Prasutagus was a mirror orb. It only showed what was within the orb Longinus had, he touched it's surface once more. Smiling evily he gave a look to Tempest, " This man is not far from here, I say the sooner he is dead the better, we can use him as bait for your sister anyway. Besides I have a fear that soon I shall be sought out as well." He didn't tell her that he feared he would be sought out by both Blackthorne and Darkthorne. He knew the curator and that the curator knew about his treachery. If the curator was the holder of the Darkthorne powers he would also devulge the secret of the orb to Prasutagus. And since he'd heard Prasutagus offered the orb as a wedding gift, Longinus knew his head would be sought after.
Longinus held the Darkthornes no loyalty however, he hated them in fact just as much as he hated the Blackthornes. His only goal was that of his own, his own dream of what he had for this realm. The destiny he had would not be controled by others, he served no one. Longinus stood beside the door and said, " we should go be done with him before those who shall came to rescue him arrive. I prefer to be ahead of schedule, after all better early then late. At least when battle and destiny are concerned, you are much more beautfiul then your sister. I think evil has done wonders for you..." Longinus laughed and tightened his grip on the spear of destiny. He was starting to have fun now, and it was only just begining for the war against Velusia had just begun.
-
The thrill of dark celebrations had been cut short by news that was not all together surprising for Merlindria, nor should it have been for her newly acquired husband. After all, it was in their very genetic make up to be devious, decieving and down right treacherous. As Prasutagus offered his apologies to her for cutting the feast short she merely waved him off and smiled malevolently.
" What better way to spend our honeymoon than to be in the midst of war? Death, mayhem, the screams of terror..these are all things I revel in..things I crave. As for quality time, any moment spent with you be it killing or in bed is quality enough for the likes of me. The sooner we leave the better.."
As Prasutagus took her hand, the pair quickly made way to the chambers in which they would meet with the curator. A tremor of black excitement trailed up her spine as they entered the room and waited for his arrival...none to impatiently. After a few moments her dangerous temper began to rise.
" Blast this curator and his ways. I can not wait for this meeting to be concluded so that we may move on to more....interesting adventures."
Slowly the crimson orbs would rise to peer sidelongs at Prasutagus as he paced the room like a caged animal. Each movement would be burned to memory. He had the look of a predator and it did wonders for her imagination as to what he could achieve in private moments. A salacious smile would light the decievingly innocent face as she moved into his path cutting his trail short and purred.
" When we are rid of the Demise and have a foothold into the lands of Velusia I want to bathe in the blood of the Demise nobles and make love on the rotting carcasses of thier mangled flesh. Twould be a most fitting way to consumate our wedded bliss don't you think?"
-
Prasutagus could feel something within the Darkthorne lands, something caused it to ripple. Looking to his new bride, Prasutagus could see how she enjoyed the idea of war as much as he did. He already knew what he was going to do, what they would do. Now it was a matter of getting a stronger foothold over the Darkthornes that served under him. The army was once again strong, the war machine was sucking up what energy remained in the land and rebuilding their lost empire. Prasutagus walked over taking up a bottle of bloodwyne and pouring himself a goblet. He drank heavily of it's liquids, his thirst could never be satisfied. He threw the goblet down listening to it clank across the floor. " Blackthornes....they'll fall like toy soldiers before our army, I shall show them no mercy."
The ghost of his mother still lingered as if she would never let go of her home here. Prasutagus waited for the curator to enter the chambers, and as he did, he decided it was now or never. " We've both waited long enough for you to decide, we are already leading the Darkthornes into war against Velusia. The land has awakened and the horde of darkness has been recreated, it's time curator for you to announce who shall unify the Darkthornes under their banner." Prasutagus looked over to Merlindria, he wanted to be the one that held that power. He would share it with her, of course, but he wanted the glory, the title. After all who deserved it more then he, for he had worked for years to rebuild the Darkthrones for the scattered remains left by the last great war. This time it would be different they had the scales in their favor this time.
-
The curator smiled having created a patchwork masterpiece, the chaos would be glorious. And in the end one would rise above all others leading the Darkthornes from Velusia to glory in far away lands. Ahhh the curator could almost hear their tortured screams now. As Prasutagus spoke his words, the curator barely paid any attention, kicking the goblet on the floor. He looked up his eyes glowing, " I've come to a decision, and I think you both shall enjoy it as much as hate it. The two of you are the new leaders, but should you turn on the other you shall lose all claim to those powers." The curator gave a dark smile as he extended his hands, black orbs shot out at both Prasutagus and Merlindria, blue electical currents flowed around each. The pain would be unimaginable, but the sudden rush of power would wash away all that pain. They would gain a fearsome appearance, a new form to change into when the time was needed. As well as a head full of ancient knowledge that had been long forgotten.
The curator would not stay now, for his task was done, he left the chambers walking out of the stronghold. Climbing down the long steps to the bottom of the volcano, as he descended his transformation began. By the time he reached the bottom, he was no longer the curator, but the simple elf Sigonus once more. Feeling dizzy Sigonus walked over to a nearby stone and fell limp against it. His eyes had seen so much, his head had been filled with so much. He knew the Darkthornes better then he would like to now. Knew so much of his enemy that it was hard to tell if he was not the enemy himself. He slid from the stone, rolling down a hill of sand, his mind cast into the darkness. For now he would sleep, and pray that he not die before he could wake again. He also prayed that nothing else took over his body while he slept a forced slumber.
His dreams were dark and fearsome, he saw things that no living creature should ever had to see and live to tell.
-
It seemed that ones sibling only got in the way of the others greatness. With her swift blade she would bringhis brother down, only to take her sister down later. Then she would be able to live with not having Raven hold her back.
"Why would one want to hunt one evil like yourself down in these lands. You have such a great mind on getting back at those in your way."
Tempest placed the blades upon her back then tossed the cloak over them. Her plan was to give his brother false hope in thinking that she wanted to be friends.
"Let us go so that i may spill your brother's blood upon this land. For not only will you then be free of him. But it shall ruin and crush Raven within."
She smiled at him for the compliment that he gace her. No one had told her that before and it felt great. "Evil fits you well for a dark mind is the best mind."
-
Raven fleet as if she was walking through a nightmare that had come to life. The land looked as if ravaged by dragon flame and no trees that she could see. Any that lived here had to be evil of very sick, for one with good sense couldn't. She needed to get Longinus out of there quickly.
She glanced to see what Vahn was up to thinking that he belonged with the crazy. But she would keep her peace with him while they were among the enemy. It was the least that she could do being that Reinne let her go with.
Raven checked on her link with her dragons, for if things got to bad once she had Longinus they would be called upon. She would do what it took to keep on guard til then.
-
Oh what dark joys were to hers upon this day! First a husband suitable for one with her definitive tastes and now this. A decision made that not one..but two shall bare all the power that was Darkthorne. A quick glance was afforded her husband with black glee evident in those crimson globes. Oh yes....their day was at hand. Betrayal by either of them was neigh impossible with the kind of pact which sealed their fates, forever intertwining one with the other. She had no chance to speak her overwhelming delight as the Curator suddenly flung the twin black orbs at both she and Prasutagus.
A hiss escaped her lips. As electricity surrounded her form clashing with the many parts of her being she would have cried out from the exquisite pain of it all if not for the fact she felt almost paralyzed from the force of it all. Eons of ancient knowledge and dark archiac powers wree forced into her genetic make up within seconds. She felt as if she might explode or perhaps simply fall to peices, but that only lasted a second before the thrill of the rush of power surged in her veins.
Fascinated, she lifted her hands to peer at those finger tips as tiny bolts of black lightning leapt from digit to digit. Never before has she felt such power..such....invincible strength. Slowly a laugh began to bubble from the pits of her stomach. The harsh melody of her pleasure slowly but surely rising in crescendo as it soon began to echo through the halls signaling to others the decision had been made and the cards had been dealt. She and Prasutagus would forge a new reign of terror and destruction together. And together they would own the world.
So intent was she on this sudden reinforcment of her spirit and being, she barely noticed the curator's shoulders sag a bit as he took his leave exiting the room. For a moment she pondered ending his miserable existence but thought twice about that. Why not allow him the luxry to live long enough to gain false hope in the arms of his companions? ' Yes, run little man...return to your wretched home only to taste the bitter defeat and sweet death by my hand', she thought to herself.
Turning to Prasutagus she grinned nefariously.
" NOW...we can march my love. Let us crush anything and everything that is foolish enough to stand in our way..be it 'friend' or foe..."
-
Prasutagus felt the rush of power and pain, the bitter and the sweet. He could feel power running through his blood, amplifing his ablities. A black aura covered his skin, he felt invincible. He dropped to the floor, keeping himself up with one hand. Looking down at the hand, how the mere impact cracked the marble floor. With strength like this he could carve the new Darkthorne destiny with his bare hands. He began to laugh as the pain began to fade from his being. Looking up to see the curator leave the room, he almost wished he could crush the curator's throat for keeping this power from him.
It was time, time for the might of Darkthorne to march from Balgada into the lands of Velusia. It was time to end this fued with the Blackthornes once and for all. Time to prove which family held the right to be the one, the one who could claim it's destiny. Pragustagus slowly stood up, dusting off his form and looked to Merlindria. " Your right, it is time for us to march.." Prasutagus let loose a mighty war cry, one that echoed through out the halls. Over the lands it called to every Darkthorne of blood to come and march to war. He knew they would answer the call of leadership, it was the one thing they knew well. The ability to follow a leader of dark and evil, with the ability to lead them to glory.
" Let us leave for Demise, it will fall before our new found might, and then we shall carve our way through Velusia to Lochland and end this once and for all. With the blood of our enemies flowing like a river across the streets, their people begging for mercy and their lives. We shall bring ruin to the kingdom of Velusia and then..the world.." Prasutagus gave her a dark smile and walked out of the room to start the armies march towards Demise.
-
Longinus smiled as he went to lead Tempest to the real Longinus, soon he would be rid of that half of him. Once he had his other half dead, there would be nothing troubling him. He could hear the armies of Darkthorne preparing for the war ahead. So the war had began, soon the destinies of many would come about. " There should be nothing standing in our way to my brother, he is an enemy of the Darkthornes so it should also earn you great honor in killing him.
I'm sure you could offer his head as a gift to Prasutagus..." as well as make it look as though he were dead. With Prasutagus and Merlindria thinking Longinus dead, he could work in the shadows. The curator did not say that he could not make them fail in their journey to Darkthorne. If he could cause them to fail, then he would gain the powers and he could crush both clans. For he still had Reinne's son and if he held the powers of Darkthorne he could command it's army and keep the Blackthornes from attacking him in full strength.
-
The Knight watched in silence as Vahn summoned his shadow, beckoning the shade to be their guide through the lands of darkness. Looking upon the Lord Demise, witnessing the change in his attire, the subtle shift of his attitude and aura, the White Wolf wondered - for but a moment - exactly where Vahn's allegiances laid. However, it was only for a moment, as Einar thought then of himself. Only years ago, Einar had been a product of darkness, only years ago he had been a monster ... And, even now, he called upon the strengths the darkness held for him ... For it was the monsters than won wars, not men. Ruthlessness, not compassion ... and in these lands of darkness, mercy did not exist. Thus, a subtle nod was afforded Vahn as the man began to head off down the road, heading deeper and deeper into the lands of Darkthorne.
The band of three moved shiftly and silently, yes, unnoticed for a time as they stalked amongst the ruins, hidden from prying eyes of the dark. Yet, that would change, sooner than any of them cared to think. Warning came, however, to the White Wolf.
Grey hues flashed, the blood running through his veins seeming to pulsate. Digits drew in on eachother, forming tight fists as Einar stopped, a menacing growl dripping from his lips as he threw his head back, pale blonde cascading down upon his battered armor. Jaw tightened to still the howl that the warrior felt growing within his breast, and the Knight fell to one knee. Deep within him, the Half-Breed's blood - the Darkthorne blood - was calling out with Prasutagus' command. Blood began to drip from the palms of the warrior as he fought against Prasutagus' rule, as he fought to keep himself quiet. His blood boiled, within him a battle raged until finally ... finally Einar felt himself fall to the ground, breathing heavily into the dirt.
For moments, all was still, all was silent ... and then Einar's head snapped up, eyes fixed on Vahn and Raven. " ... The Darkthornes have a new leader ... their strength has been mustered ..." The warrior struggled with breath, " ... and they are marching on Demise ..." It was an effort of will, but the warrior struggled to his feet. The assault on his body, the battle to deny Prasutagus' command, had been costly.
"Someone must go and warn them."
-
As they walked she thought how great it would be if Longinus lost his life just as raven saw him. The look of shock that would be upon her face seeing the man that she came to rescue die moments before getting to him. Tempest's body seemed to warm with that great thought playing over and over.
"I care only to see my sister's lifeless body and get what is due to me. If something does get in our way I hope that there is help. For something tells me that my sister is not to far from here."
Smile grew across her lips knowing that both of their problems would be dealt with. While the death of his brother would bring him joy Raven would feel great pain.
-
( Repost from Demise)
No sooner had those words fled her lips than, suddenly, the Queen of Velusia was overcome by a bout of dizziness. Gasping, her leaned forward a hand clasping the table for dear life as the room faded away and before her lay the scene of Vahn, Einar and Raven. Confused she watched as Einar struggled with some unseen thing. First he collapsed to one knee, and finally he fell all together. Mentally she cried out, the realization he may be under attack causing her great concern. She wanted to reach for him, to bring him back his strength but she could do no more than simply stare helplessly as he fought his own battle.
When finally his words came free, those bloody hands helping him to rise once again she knew what it was that was happening. The Darkthornes had regained something lost and with that renewed power they would be far more difficult to repel much less, defeat. But how was she witness to this scene? Those visionary eyes moved to the small amulet glittering about his neck. She had known it to be enchanted, weaving her mind and soul with that of the bearer she gifted it too. If she could see him..then perhaps he could see or hear her as well?
' Einar, the amulet...remember the amulet. Grip it whenever you have need of me....grip it and I will never be far away..'
She could only pray he could hear her or even feel her presence. Her light would be his greatest strength while in the lands of Darkthorne. She only hoped he would realize this sooner...rather than later.
Just as quickly as the scene came on it faded away the room slowly coming back into view. Ever so slowly her hand would release its death grip on the table's edge as her eyes moved to the hand on her shoulder asking if she were alright. turning her gaze up the arm she met with the concerned gaze of Cordelia and nodded.
" Aye, I am fine but, " turning to look at Honor with a grim look, " What we are facing now is nothing compared to what is coming Honor. Darkthorne is coming...and they bring the old magics with them. "
The room suddenly went deathly quiet as all the general eyes widened at this news. The old magics? There were few who have not heard the stories and even fewer who did not dread the day that ancient power would come back within thier grasp. This would not be a war about power...it was now a war of survival. Quietly she bent her head and murmured a soft prayer to Gaia.
" Gaia..give us strength..."
-
Raven kept an eye to the sides of them and especially to the air. She was so used to being in the air then on the ground. Guess one could say that she felt defenseless. Her heart seemed to race with every few feet that they went in. Quietly she prayed that Lucan and Longinus would both be brought back safely.
Rest of the time she would just stayed close to Van and making sure that Einar stayed close. Thou none of them cared for either of the other two, others were depending on them. She would remind herself that those in need of help were what mattered.
Hearing the Einar speak she turned quickly and looked to him taking in his words. Raven know that what he said was true and was a dire emergancy. She bit her lip as she closed her eyes knowing that one of them had to go. Opening her eyes she wen to Einar and knelt by him looking to his eyes.
"I will go and tell them what you have spoken. If I am not able to get back I hpoe that you can do something for me. Please put your differences behind you and bring Longinus back and possibly the spear."
With great force she arched her back bringing out a pair of black wings, like those of a dragon. Carefully she stretched them letting them prepare for flight.
-
Vahn stopped in his tracks watching Einar, something about Einar unnerved Vahn. It wasn't a moment later when Einar told them of the Darkthorne's having a new leader he knew. Einar had been tainted, or he was of both bloods, he was traveling with a Darkthorne in Darkthorne lands. No one had told him of this or the risk it put them all in. Vahn was very displeased, " You mean to tell me, you have Darkthorne blood in your veins and you didn't tell me....Do you know what risk you've placed us all in Einar, or where you to busy thinking about your precious queen's affections? If you'd failed to resist the call of Darkthorne, not only would Raven and I have our life's forfeited, but Lucan's, Longinus's, and gods only know who else would have been for nothing!"
Vahn turned and stalked off over the dune, his sight fell on a wandering band of elves. He dropped down and summoned his shadow to hide, the elves were about to be ambushed by Darkthornes. They'd have to go around, as the Darkthornes fell upon the elves, their screams echoed over the dune. " We have to go around, that ways taken.." Vahn whispered to the other two. He didn't want to tell them of the familiar presence he sensed, not only had Darkthorne awoken in ancient power. It's dead were begining to wake, foes he'd known to sleep in death's slumber were now awakening. Vahn didn't want to stay in Darkthorne very much longer, he was even begining to doubt his capabilities in rescueing the stolen prince. Things were becoming complicated too fast, and Vahn did not like it when things stack against him in such a way.
Vahn began to wind a new way through the ruins with his shadow leading in a alternate direction to go around the fighting elves and darkthornes. After all he didn't come to save any elves, and it was their foolishness for being in Belgada in the first place. Vahn had no pity for the idiots of the world, a smart man would have stayed out of Bel...Vahn caught himself, for they were in Belgada. " I don't know why they sent a half-breed with me, after all I have enough problems wit..." Vahn stopped mid-sentance as he stepped into an aura of some sort. The Crystallis, the crystal which made your worst fears come to life, had found and targeted the area in front of them. Vahn blinded by his anger at Einar had foolishly stepped into it.
Already his mind was probbed and his fears becoming reality, he looked ahead to see his family rising from the sands. Vahn didn't know where Einar or Raven were any longer, but his only words to them was, " stay back!" Vahn's feet where grasped by skeletal hands of those he'd killed, their boney hands continued to emerged and grab at his legs. He felt his immortality draining, as his dead family looked on him with death's grin, daggers each held. He was stuck, his mind racing for some solution to his situation, he launched a spell at them, it faded on them as it was absorded. " No your dead, this is a trick...it has to be..." Einar and Raven would see none of this, for it was all Vahn's nightmare. They would only see Vahn drop to the sand and throw a spell at the air ahead of him. It crashed into one of the ruins, if the Darkthornes didn't know they were here before, they sure would now.
-
The evil Longinus smiled leading her out into the desert, he'd found something near the chapel that had interested him. When he plucked the orb from Longinus's hand, he saw a tomb which read, " Here lies the Duke" his study of Darkthorne history, had told him of the Duke of Darkthorne. A juggernaut of a being, a possessed paladin, who could not die, the demon that possessed him was removed and the body remained. The body which could not die even in defeat, it remained in the tomb a silent reminder of a Darkthorne tragedy. Many attempts to bring back the demon had failed, and the Duke lay in eternal rest. " Mock me, tell me I'm not good enough because I do not have Darkthorne blood will they....let's see what they think when I do have Darkthorne blood running through my veins..." Longinus stopped leading Tempest as he made his way over to the monolithic tomb.
" I have to do something right fast, you see if I'm to help you in your goals, I'll need a new form to inhabit. One which will earn me respect here in Darkthorne as well as hide my true identity." He put the spear in between the lid of the tomb and the tomb itself, prying it open. The loud resounding thud of the tomb door on the sand, caused him to stop and look about. Who would stop a grave robber in Darkthorne, after all the graves here were merely beds for rest, rest that never lasted. The eight foot tall, armor clad, figure of the Duke lay there in the tomb, still as it was when he fell to the Blackthornes. Thank god for Eseer's liking for the Duke, to have had the body dragged back to Belgada. Longinus turned to Tempest, " you are about to witness my transformation, my rise to power, this form here shall be my new vessel. And with it I shall take not only Velusia, but Belgada as well, and then the rest of the realm shall fall before me, kneel at my feet, beg me for mercy."
Longinus thrust the spear into the hands of the Duke, Longinus's form slowly began to disappear as the enchantment of him was undone. He moved through out the Duke, oh yes this form was strong. He extended to each and every muscle, cell, organ, in the body of the sleeping giant. Slowly the eyes opened, dark and red like hell themself, the huge form stepped out of the tomb, gripping the spear in it's massive hand. " The powerrr...this forrm is so strong..I can feel it, the blood of Darkthorne, it's like the sweetest wine." He felt alive for the first time, the spear sensed what it was to be alive, to be it's own entity, it's own lifeforce. The spear easily took over the sleeping hulk, awakening the dark tortured mind.
" Nowww let uss go finish this play, and exit the stage.." The Duke walked off towards where Longinus should be.
-
Looking about the desert she knew there was no way Raven could sneek up on them. It would also be easy to dispose of her body when all was done. Maybe she would have a heart and bury the two bodies together when all done.
She looked to him thinking that he may have lost it being that he was not really talk ing to her. "One can not change the blood that runs through their veins."
If we wait to long not only will we have your btother to deal with but Raven and any that come with her. What do you mean a new form to inhabit? Just what are you that you can changwe your form pretty much at will?" She followed him into the tomb wondering just what he would do with a dead body. After all they would be stinking real bad by now unless freshly buried.
She stepped back as he laid the spear on top and moved the lid thining he was quit sick to deal with a dead body. None the less by doing him a favor she was getting at her sister. She took a few steps away from him taking a look about the place as he did his thing. He seemed very deep in wanting power to do stuff to others. Just hoped that he would let her be after the siblings were dealt with.
Tempest turned around to see how he was doing just as the body stepped from the tomb behind it. She took a deep a deep breath as she pulled both blades from their sheaths. Glancing about wondering just where he had gone. First thought he was laying upon the floor near the body that stood near the tomb. Only to stare at it as the voice was that of the man that she had been with. Slowly her arms came to rest at her sides.
"You are the same person that I cam here with right, just different body." Tempest followed him in awe at the power that he held. Being that he had changed bodies, he would probably take his brother out by snapping.
-
The Duke looked to Tempest, the half-demon half-thorne body had a covering over it's face. But if she could see his face, she'd see him smiling, for he knew she had questions. " I am the same person only in a different body, if I can even be considered a person that is...I wear bodies like you wear your clothing, they are nothing more then new faces for me. Don't fear me though, for I have no intentions of harming you, alone in this land I would wonder aimlessly in my mission, but with a guide I can be led to the ends of this realm."
"I only need this form for a short time, for you see, I've made deals with various Darkthornes. In order to get the power that has been offered, I shall kill my twin, thereby making it seem I am dead. Use this body which is of Darkthorne blood and a rightful claim to the throne now. Gain the powers of the ancients, all the while fooling my enemies into thinking me one of them. As well as earning the chance by now being a Darkthorne to claim certain things I could not before."
" No longer and I one of the pawns, I am now one of the knights in search of his chance to wear the crown. Now enough talk, even though I enjoy hearing my new voice, let us proceed to meet our destiny in the desert. I'm sure your sister will tremble in fear once she has seen you coming with a Darkthorne of such rank and power following. Not only that, but the beautiful look of loss on her face as she watches someone she's taken a liking to, killed by her own sister." The Duke looked to the orb in his hands, and perhaps I'll have some fun testing my new powers, he thought. The Duke made his way towards the last place he saw Longinus, they were so close now.
-
Tempest realized that the tales the drunks spoke of were true. Being that the guys were drunk she did not take then serious. Next time she would not be so naive about them. None the less she had nothing to fear from him for it seemed that he needed her.
She ran thoughts through her mind knowing that he could do so much on his own with a body like that. His brother and Raven were no match for a body as his. Thou she was not sure about the one that held the crown. As of now she was not going to let those thoughts bother her.
When all that was down with the siblings then she would talk to him more about his venture toward the crown. For thou he had great intentions for then right now. There was no idea what would come of her when he got the crown.
It would be great luck if she did not end up dead shortly after Raven. For she offered her abilities to another in exchange for her sister's death. Now she was out here helping this man take out his brother who seemed to possibly got close to Raven. With that she told the dragon to be ready in the chance she would need him.
-
Raven moved some seeing to where Vahn had gone, upon spotting him she heard an expoltion on the wall. From what she saw he was having a battle with himself. It seemed that he was fighting someone or something but there was nothing to see. She turned her eyes to Einar just a one of the dragons sent her a message.
Quietly she made her way closer to Einar to speak of the news that she had dealing with Lochland. It might even be best if she kept it to herself but he may call her a trader if she didn't. "I just got a message form one of my dragons. It seems there was an attack near the castle in one of the towns. It was not able to give me mush more then that unfortunely."
There had to be something drasticly done so that Shamus and Reinne would live through this all. Maybe one of the dragons could look after each of them so not to be alone all the time. To bad she had no babies at this time then they could follow them about the castle. They may not be very big but they could fight just as well.
Shaking her head Raven brought herself back to the moment in hand. Vahn seemed to being having a crisis with himself where Einar feared for Demise due to the crowning of a new leader of the Darkthorne. With that expoltion they could have company at any moment. It seemd to be up to her and Einar to deal with any that showed up.
-
Grey hues narrowed upon the figure of the Lord Demise, brows knitting in a mixture of subtle anger and disgust. "Reinne chose me for a reason, Demise." Those words were cold and menacing, even as the Blackthorne Warrior struggled to regain his composure, " ... If she did not believe I could walk through the lands of darkness and bring back her son, she would not have sent me." Einar watched as Vahn stalked away, his head shaking but slightly at the arrogant foolishness of the man. How many Blackthorne soldiers could navigate through Darkthorne territory? How many knew how to act, what to say, and where to go while in the lion's den? And who, Einar thought, would fight through Hell itself to bring back Reinne's child? The warrior knew the answers, and knew the reasons for Reinne's decision.
' Einar, the amulet...remember the amulet. Grip it whenever you have need of me....grip it and I will never be far away..'
The warrior's eyes widened in recognition and surprise, the voice of his Queen whispering ever so softly in his ear. The Knight looked down, a gauntlet-kissed hand rising up to grip the amulet around his neck. As he did, he closed his eyes and the presence of his Queen washed over him. The slightest of smiles lighted the Knight's lips, the aura of Reinne offering the Knight strength.
"I will go and tell them what you have spoken ..."
"Wait." Einar spoke, taking a step towards the Lady Dragonheart. "That won't be necessary ... not anymore." For, even as Einar savored the presence of his Queen, he could sense the dread she experienced. He could sense the fear and the horror of recognition; she too had felt the surge within Darkthorne. She too had witnessed the effects of their returned might. She knew what was coming at her, she knew what evils she was about to face ...
T'was then that Vahn's cry reached the Knight-Protector's ears and the warrior's eyes flashed up to see Lord Demise thrashing about this way and that, fighting an unseen enemy. Softly, the warrior cursed as he looked about, trying desperately to find the reason for Vahn's reaction. It only took moments for Einar to realize what it was, only moments for a life full of memories to return to him and give him the answer. The Crystallis. Another curse fell from those lips, and for a moment Einar considered leaving Vahn behind. The man was already proving foolhardy in his anger and in his conclusions about the warriors alongside him. However, Einar was not the man to leave a fallen comrade behind.
Orbs of grey flashed to Raven, "Watch my back - this must be done quickly." And with that, black lines began to spider-web over the pale flesh of the warrior, his body growing in size as claws and canines extended from his flesh, blood trickling from the growing wounds. Hair began to protrude from face and knuckles, jaw grew larger - in moments, Einar was the White Wolf once more, the savage and fearless warrior who was relentless in battle. One large hand rose up, gripping the amulet around his neck, the compassion and courage of Reinne comforting the warrior as he charged forwards into the epicenter of the Crystallis' assault. Eyes, now turned brilliant silver, flared in pain and anger as the crystal attacked his mind, forcing images of the mangled and torn bodies of Einar's victims to rise up around him, of Magnus Darkthorne striding towards him.
" ... AAAAAAAAAARGH!"
The beastial, savage howl ripped from Einar's lips as the Wolf charged ahead, fighting the crystal with every stride - and then the White Wolf would thrus himself forwards, headed towards Vahn, all in order to tackle the Lord Demise and send both Wolf and Man stumbling away from the crystal's range.
-
Moving in the direction of Demise at a hasty speed, where the gnoll army lead by Zerha Corpsegutter, they moved to strike from the left of Demise, to move from there into the veil to come around and attack it's flank. While moving to the right was the orc army led by Fendric Darkeye, his orcs would do the same as the gnolls only attack the right rather then the left. Flying over head was the black dragons, Darkthorne riders upon their backs, along the coast line sailed the ships of Lord Mariner. Then came Prasutagus's horde, Prasutagus was within the gold dragon machine, leading his army, an army that seemed to never end. They chanted the name Darkthorne as they marched, their dark legion a nightmare only hell could produce.
Prasutagus sent word to Merlindria, " Bring your army my queen, attack them from the left side after the gnolls and orcs attack. Then the might of Darkthorne will strike and deliver the death blow to Demise." An army of mercenaries led by Modach, brother of Memnoch marched to attack the right after the orcs attacked. Their army was once again the fearsome might of old, the city-state Demise would tremble before Darkthorne. Necromancers called up the dead to march along side their masters, those who fell before Darkthorne would risk either service in undeath, or tainted service. Prasutagus was slowly mastering the controls of the strange war machine he piloted, it was not hard, for his mother's ghost stood beside him explaining each and every control in detail.
The cult of the bleeding maiden, Malmora's own cult, even marched with Darkthorne. His mother having given in to her son being her only heir and joy now. Everything was working according to plan, and nothing could prevent his joy at the carnage which lay ahead. The might of Darkthorne marched, but a large force was left behind to guard the lands while they were gone. The Darkthorne army had many different ranks within it, each served a purpose in weakening the defenses of whatever city they attacked. Never before had a city repelled Darkthorne completely, never before, but perhaps this time one would. The darkspawns as they were now called stayed behind producing more warriors for Darkthorne, while the flesh factory was working, it's dark magic making half organic, half golem soldiers to march out to reinforce the Darkthorne army as it's next phase of attack.
Meanwhile the dark mages worked hard to awaken the juggernaut, the statue which stood far to the north of the Darkthorne lands. They could use it to crush any defense once it's form was animated again. Marching with the army of Darkthorne were the ghost of the dead, those Darkthornes who had fallen in battle many years past. They wanted to see Darkthorne gain the glory they all had died for.
-
Raven folded her wings upon her back as Einar spoke to her. Only to turn her eyes to Vahn fighting with what seemed to be himself. For there was nothing that she could see he could be fighting.
Her eyes went to Einar when he asked her to cover his back. She pulled her blade and turned her back to him. Slowly and carefully she scanned the area about them hoping that none came. For she knew that Einar was busy dealing with the trouble that Vahn was in.
Just as she was about to look in a different direction she noticed some dust. Her eyes remained locked while her ears listened. It seemed that the dust may be coming their way. Taking a deep breaths she took a few steps toward the direction that it was coming from. Shaking her head hoping that it was just something that lived out there or a mire mistake.
She glances back to Einar to see how he is doing hoping that he resolves it before the company gets there. "Not to pressure you any Einar but we have company heading our way. And it does not seem that they are not taking their time to get here."
Raven turned her eyes back to where the dust building up. Taking a deep breath she opened her wings ready to take tot he sky if needed. For she was used to fighting from above then on the ground. She made sure that one ear listened for any other company the other ear on anything that Einar or Vahn may say.
-
Sigonus awoke from his sleep, he struggled over the harsh sands to the top of a dune. He looked over to a nearby ruined building, spotting a man laying there covered in blood. Another form next to him, a Darkthorne, slowly began to revive itself and rise. It turned and looked down to the man, kicking him once, then raising his sword to bring down a death blow. Sigonus didn't have to know the man, for if a Darkthorne was about to kill him, he was an ally. Sigonus raised his hand and concentrated, drawing in a breath, his heart went still and his mind flooded with Gaia's blessing. From his out stretched hand formed a holy symbol to the nature goddess. It glowed bright blue and he said the words, " Holy Flame". A serpent of white fire shot from his hand moving this way and that in the direction of the Darkthorne, whom turned towards Sigonus now. It turned just in time to be hit by the holy fire which caused it to flail about, running off towards Sigonus with it's sword.
The Darkthorne dropped in between him and the fallen figure of Longinus, smoke rising up from the dead form. Sigonus looked down to the Darkthorne, kicking it a few times violently. He was angry at the Darkthornes for everything that had happened in his time here. Seeing an army in the distance, he walked over to Longinus's fallen body. He noticed the Blackthorne sword, a Blackthorne blade, so this man must be from Blackthorne he thought. Taking the sword and the grabbing the man's hand, he began to drag the heavy form off into the desert. They had to get away from the army or they'd be slaughtered without any second thoughts. The man was barely hanging on to life, but Sigonus couldn't heal him until they had gotten to safety. Hiding behind some rocks, Sigonus placed his hands on Longinus's chest and did the same as before, only this time he said the words, " Healing light" his hands began to glow with the same light as before.
The light washed over Longinus in a quick pulse, his wounds would begin to instantly heal and he would be infuse with a sudden rush of strength and vitality. Sigonus looked to the sleeping man and sighed, " I guess your the only one thats left...I had hoped Velusia would find out of my misfortune and send me help, but apparently even help is hard to get in these lands..." Sigonus leaned up against the rocks and tried to think of other things as the army made it's way a few miles away from them. Sigonus had suffered much since he came to Belgada and now he was ready to leave as soon as possible. He knew that with the stranger he had a better chance of surviving in these lands, then alone.
-
Longinus felt a little better, though within his dreams he suffered still, the spear haunted his dreams. When he awoke, he noticed a elf beside him, he also heard in the distance the sounds of an army. Leaning over one of the rocks he looked into the distance to see the force of Darkthorne marching off into the desert. He looked upon each formation, they were well prepared for whatever they might encounter. Looking to the air he saw the dragons with their riders upon them. He leaned back over the rocks, hoping the sky units did not spot them. If they did, then all would be lost, for they could not defend against an air attack and being spotted now, this close.... He banished the thought, for to lose hope now after enduring so much only served defeat.
Looking to his wounds which were now gone, he looked back to the elf, apparently his new comrade had healed him. " Thanks for healing me, but we have to find a way into the stronghold, my evil half has queen Reinne's son, Lucan, I have to save him, even if I die trying I have to at least try." Longinus didn't want to go into detail about everything that had happened. He grasped the Darkthorne sword and looked towards the stronghold, they were close enough they could perhaps sneak into it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Duke brought Tempest to where he last saw Longinus, he noticed the blood which covered the ground. The form of a dead Darkthorne lay in the distance, and behind them a few miles marched the army of Darkthorne. He scanned the desert, looking for a trail, he saw there where someone had dragged a body off into the desert. " Someone has moved him, he was badly injured from the looks of it. Whoever this person that helped is, he has killed a Darkthorne, from the looks of it, it was done with magic." The Duke's form did not use magic, his form was simply indestructable as long as evil existed in the realm. This was the only thing he had beside his enhanced strength and regeneration ability. This was enough though for he knew Longinus had no powers, and as for magic, he had the spear. The spear would allow him to use magic so he could deal with a foe that used magic.
Even however there was something in this magic that had been used on the Darkthorne that made the Duke's soul start to awaken. The spear began to fight with the soul to subdue it and keeps it's control over the body. However this soul was not like any other it had encountered, it held a strength in it that was unimaginable. The spear slowly regained it's control, and it was thankful for the soul of the Duke giving up. The spear had not realized the Duke's inner strength, it was more then his physical strength. The spear began to think of choosing another body to control, but it wasn't ready just yet to give up the strength of the Duke and the blood lineage he held. " They've gone in that direction, it shouldn't be hard to catch up to them."
-
Vahn was hit from behind by Einar, sending him sprawling down behind another ruined building. When Vahn last remembered his brother Reagan was telling him that soon he'd be reborn because of Vahn's nightmare. The next thing Vahn knew he was hit by Einar from behind and sent forward. Standing up and dusting himself off, spitting out some sand, he looked to Einar. " I knew it...you tried to attack me." Vahn looked around, looking up to the top of the stronghold in the distance. His eyes fell on the blinking crystallis, Vahn would not lower himself, not like that. He extended his hand to Einar and said, " I'm sorry about that, thank you for saving me, but I think we better run now or start digging our graves." Vahn would only help Einar up, then he'd move off in another direction opposite of both the army and the wandering band of Darkthornes.
Vahn thought over what the illusion had said, he didn't know that the crystallis could do such a thing as bring his brother back. If it did, then Vahn would simply have to kill his brother, but he failed at that last time. Honor had done what he could not do and slain their sibling, perhaps Vahn was weak somewhere in his black heart. Vahn led them to a ruined building that had a shard of a mirror outside it, almost buried in the sand. " Come on this way.." Vahn said as he went into the door of the ruins. Vahn walked to the back of the ruins, debri and former house furnishings littered the building. In the back of the ruined building was a mirror upon the wall, Vahn leaned towards the mirror. His face sinking into it, he looked behind the mirror, which was an illusion, to the cave tunnels that would take them to the stronghold.
" These tunnels come out near the stronghold, we can travel safely through here." Vahn looked to the two corpses that littered the cave tunnel, the Blackthorne insignia still upon their chest. He remembered the last time he was here, he hoped no one asked any questions. Vahn walked off down the tunnels, he spoke as he walked, " Einar...I'm not what everybody thinks, I'm no hero, and I'm far from being a warrior, but I'm not as much a villain as everyone might paint me out to be. I'm complicated, theres a lot of things I do merely to distract people from seeing me for what I truly am. I'm only telling you this cause you risked yourself to save me. That was honorable of you, so know that your risk was not in vain, nor will it come back to haunt you." Vahn smiled as he moved down the tunnels, to think that a Blackthorne would save him.
-
Tempest looked over the area as they moved over the sandy land. Wondering where her sister was, hoping that she would see Longinus' death. The pain that she felt would be a plus in defeating her.
"Seeing there is another withyour brother think i may call in my friend."
Giving him a smile as she went a message to her dragon to come meet them. Seemed that it would have a good meal, not only of Longinus but his companion.
Tempest kept her eyes open as they followed the blood trail. Smirk crossed her lips when a message arrived form the dragon telling of Longinus and his companion.
"Seems that what ever injuries your brother had he has been healed of them by the man the is with him. It shall be meer seconds before you lay eyes upon him. Seeing what came of the man back there I fear what the companion can do."
Quietly she pulled the blades from their sheaths so to be ready when they came upon the two. She had the dragon land a few feet from the two and keep an eye on them. For they would meet their fate this day as would her sister feel great pain when Longinus was dead.
-
Raven's eyes remained on the dust that was getting biger as time went on. Shaking her ehad when she heard Vahn yell at Einar for attacking him. She would have liked to said someting but they were big boys. Only to be glad that Vahn realized his wrong when he saw what Einar has rescued him from.
Hearing their feet move over the sand once more, Raven quickly turned following them. She made sure to glance on the occassion to make sure none followed them. Her blade remainedin her grip as she stayed close.
Raven's eyes fell to the ground hearing what seemed to be a dragon. If so that meant that Tempest was closer then she cared at this time. Right now she just wanted to get Lucan and Longinus out of there. Then if Tempest wanted to figiht she was more then willing to reach her a few things.
Her eyes ran over the two dead bodies that laid in the tunnel, in no way did she plan to join them. She took a deep breath knowing that all was going to end as they wanted it to. Lucan and Longinus would be rescues and returned back to Lochland. And the Darkthornes were going to pay for all that thy have done.
-
The accusations that were spewed from Lord Demise's lips were, for the most part, unheard - a lingering voice as if off in the distance as the pounding of the Half-Breed's heart captured the warrior's senses like a beating drum. Hands reached out, and those silver eyes saw the black veins sticking out from pale flesh through the armoured plates of his gauntlets. Fingers drew in hard, the steel moaning as the Knight's body grew rigid. Then, out of instinct, one of those hands came up to reach for the amulet around his neck. Instantly, the warmth, the love and the strength of Reinne filled the empty void of Einar's breast, and slowly the Beast began to calm and the Man began to resurface. The violent changes to the White Wolf's body began to disappear, the black veins of the taint retreating from view, until all that lay there was the body of Einar the Man.
Eyes, now grey rather than the preternatural silver which came upon him as the Beast, rose up to Vahn, watchng as the man offered his hand. The most brief of smiles would be afforded the Lord Demise, and Einar would grip the man's forearm in the warrior's grip, pulling himself up to his feet. "Indeed." Einar started off, stalking behind the form of Lord Demise, heading towards the ruins where something seemed to have captured Vahn's attention. " These tunnels come out near the stronghold, we can travel safely through here." A stoic nod was given in response, and the warrior's sword-hand came up to the hilt of Fenrir - for who knew what terrors lurked within the darkness? The great sword was unsheathed, the primal strength of Fenris-Wolf invigorating Einar's form ... A god-send for the Knight whom felt so very weary, fighting the taint at every turn of this journey.
" Einar...I'm not what everybody thinks, I'm no hero, and I'm far from being a warrior, but I'm not as much a villain as everyone might paint me out to be. I'm complicated, theres a lot of things I do merely to distract people from seeing me for what I truly am. I'm only telling you this cause you risked yourself to save me. That was honorable of you, so know that your risk was not in vain, nor will it come back to haunt you."
Einar nodded to Vahn, "Few men are what others think them to be ... You see me, and you see a Half-Breed. A monster." The warrior found himself offering the Lord Demise a half smile, "I am that, but I am more. I am forever loyal to Reinne, Vahn - I would never betray her, nor fail any mission she would lay before me." Einar headed down into the tunnels, descending into the dark, " ... for she was the one who released me from the darkness ..."
-
Prasutagus was leading the mass of Darkthorne towards Demise, when one of his scouts came running up. He spoke towards the dragon machine, " Lord Prasutagus, a disturbance was reported in the ruins, tracks were spotted there as well." Tracks, so it would appear the Blackthornes had sent a rescue party to get Lucan back. How predictable, they wouldn't be able to rescue the boy, but if they wanted to die then so be it. " Send some of our Darkthorne elites after them....but make sure to use your "true form" don't hold back for anyone anymore, today we reveal our true strength once again. I want them killed and their heads sent to me in Lochland." Prasutagus smiled as he watched the scout run off getting a few men. He watched as their forms began to chance into twisted demonic images of their former selves.
Prasutagus sent a mental message to his queen, " we have intruders in our lands, it would appear they've come after my wedding gift to you. I've sent them our warmest welcome, I hope they like it." Malmora stepped out, her ethereal form like smoke. " You should be careful with this machine, the sand will clog it's machinary if you keep stopping to glot and plot Prasutagus.." Prasutagus turned and looked to his dead mother, " if you were not dead already, you would be.." Prasutagus turned back to the controls, if Matius weakened Demise for him, then he would earn his life. However if he arrived there to find that Matius had done nothing, but warn their enemy of their intentions, then he would be given eternal death.
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It was a wonderful thing..this new power..this new title..but most of all...the fear and dread. She loved how her minions seemed to walk around her as if they were on eggshells, fearing one wrong move and she would smite them. How right they were. A decadent smile wafted at the edge of her lips as her army marched at double pace to catch up with her 'beloved' husband. Twisted souls of former paladins turned dread knights rode in two columns behind her leading the pack. Lichs, the former great mages of many lands floated about keeping pace. Beasts that could only be described as mutated wendigos or werewolves marched along, their jaws salivating, acidic drool hitting the ground beneath in a puff of smoke.( see pic below)
Yes her army was a myraid of minions, and it was coming to Demise.
When the second message of Prasutagus hit his queen's mind she merely sneered and replied.
" Fools. They think they can survive in Darkthorne lands? They think they can claim what is rightfully mine? Let them come my love. Together we will feast upon their rotting flesh and copulate on their bloody carcasses when we are satisified."
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/xlaynai/MonFaePG59.jpg)
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Vahn halted in his movement through the tunnels, spotting a form which looked to have been bathed in flames. The figure disappeared into the darkness as if not wanting to be seen. It had been however, Vahn had seen those eyes so familiar, yet something different lurked within them. He couldn't see it any longer, perhaps it was just a illusion left over from the crystallis. Vahn's eyes could see within the dark as though it were day, and he only saw a wall where the figure once stood. Vahn hated himself for letting himself fall into the trap. Now he might have cost them their cover with his wild spell. Vahn could see the outline of something moving ahead of them, these tunnels were no secret, not anymore. Yet he knew that if one end was blocked the only way out was to go back. Whatever it was, had the use of invisibility, but Vahn could see it. " We have company, rather unpleasent looking company at that."
Vahn drew his sword, and extended it out towards the form, the form lept to the ceiling, but Vahn altered the blade sending the point following the creature up. It plunged into the creature's back, pinning it to the ceiling, Vahn retracted his sword. The creature's invisibility lifted and the mutated Darkthorne lay there bleeding, it was quickly regenerating and getting back up. Vahn knew what it was, it was a Darkthorne in their true form, which made it all the more dangerous. Having dealings with them in the past he knew that they were more powerful in this form. Not to mention they were practically insane in this form. The creature spit out a corrosive ooze at Vahn, who raised his arm to block it. The ooze burned through his clothing and sizzled on his bare flesh, however it did not burn him.
He slung the stuff off carefully, " nasty little demon.." Vahn's sword produced multiple blades which all flowed through the air like it was water. Each one aiming at a different part of the creature, it went to dodge, but there was too many blades. It was impaled and Vahn slowly brought the blade back together, cutting through the creature's body to do so. Guts and blood splattered the tunnel floor, Vahn smiled a cruel grin. Vahn extended a spell of spectral flame out along the blades, the creature's form became lit ablaze with white fire. It's part fell to the floor of the tunnel slowly, reverting back to what it once was as the flames slowly died out. " Theres more, far more then I can handle up ahead, their guarding the exit, which is where we need to go.." Vahn turned to Einar, " be careful these are not your typical Darkthorne, attacking them in a single manner will not do. You have to find a way to get them to leave themselves open, otherwise, they'll use their speed and relfexes to dodge."
Vahn had learned most of what he just knew, playing with the one he killed. They were something much like a beast and a man, given enhanced stats, and having a dark mind. " If we guard each other's back we should have less of a chance of being swarmed by them. I'm sure their planning on attacking one being at a time, we're easier to pick off that way."
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" We have company, rather unpleasent looking company at that." A pale brow lofted at such, the lean warrior noticing the Lord Demise's attentions directed ahead to the darkness of the tunnels. A simple nod, and Fenrir was at the ready before the Knight-Protector's breast, the sharp steel blade shimmering in the darkness. The sentient sword was pulsating, baying for the blood of whatever lurked ahead, wishing to taste the life flow of whatever creature would stand before Einar. Forth, the Knight went, moving slowly and carefully but with purpose nonetheless, ever wary of the enemy. And then it came, the creature leaping through the air and heading towards Vahn ... yet, as Einar discovered with a wolfish grin, the man was able to handle himself well.
The warrior stalked towards Vahn and the corpse, grey hues gazing down 'pon the charred flesh of what Once Was and softly the Blackthorne Knight shook his head, his lips tightening in a grim line. "Theres more, far more then I can handle up ahead, their guarding the exit, which is where we need to go.." The Knight nodded, understanding the situation in which was unfolding before the fellowship. Peril lurked ahead, around every corner and in every crevace ... And it most likely knew who was coming. Gauntlets tightened their grip around the handle of Fenrir, and the warrior began to stalk down the tunnels once more, positioning himself so that his back was pointing inwards towards Vahn and Raven - if ever there was a time for the fellowship to form the bonds of trust, it was now.
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Sigonus knew that it was not safe where they were, nor would it be safe if they went into the stronghold. Though his new found ally seemed to have a very important mission. " If they have Reinne's son then we have to save him, however, it's too dangerous to expose ourselves right now. Darkthorne is moving it's armies out towards Demise. Prasutagus gave Merlindria the boy in the orb, or so I think, something seems a bit deceiving about it though. The last great war I witnessed in Demise was between the Demise and the Deceits, the two houses unable to live with one another. Much like the Blackthornes and Darkthornes...hmm...it seems theres been conflict between many clans and families in Velusia...as if the land is without it's balance.."
Perhaps Gaia had a hand in this, or knew something about it, " Goddess Gaia watch over your servent in these dark lands. Protect him and his new companion so that they may warn Velusia of what is coming." Sigonus tapped Longinus on the shoulder, pointing to some nearby rocks. A small force of Darkthornes were concentrating there, they seemed to be guarding something or someone. " Come I think someone needs our help, perhaps some more allies." Sigonus stood up and carefully began to make his way through the sand towards the Darkthornes. He saw another large group of rocks which they could hide behind.
" I don't know what their up to, but I can tell it's important, their using their invisibility and true forms." Sigonus picked up some stones from the sand, he could turn them into weapons. He hoped his new found ally was strong enough to walk again, for he needed his help.
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Longinus listening to the elf, he didn't want to wander off away from the stronghold, not with the possibility of Lucan being within. " I know you wish to stay alive elf, but I have to save Lucan and return him to Velusia. I'd give my life if it returned the boy to his mother..." Longinus was nothing more then a human, but he still remembered the spear's call. It was close, he looked to the elf, he couldn't allow harm to come to this elf over him. He would try to put some distance between them, if there was help there then he could leave the elf there. Then he could deal with the spear and it's new form, and then he could go get Lucan, even if he had to fight the whole Darkthorne legion. " Perhaps you are right elf, maybe we could chance that there is help there. Besides I feel something dark moving this way and it's not of Darkthorne, it's the one responsible for kidnapping Lucan, if we lead him away from the army we have a better chance and defeating him without drawing too much attention."
" If we attack the Darkthornes there, we must be quick and stealthy otherwise, we're only endangering the lives of whoever or whatever it is their going to kill." Longinus followed the elf across the desert towards the rocks, he kept a sharp look out over his shoulder. He knew the spear was coming for him, but why he did not know.
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The Duke could smell Longinus now, he knew that his enemy was lurking somewhere along the rocks of at the base of the stronghold. As he and Tempest turned around some more rocks he spotted two forms off in the distance. Beyond them were a small force of Darkthornes around a dark circle in the stone wall, a tunnel? The Duke looked to Tempest, " our enemy lies just over there almost close enough to kill already. I'll enjoy killing whoever helped him from his place of death." The Duke's form was already his true form, the Duke had no other form, besides his human side. The spear could sense the Duke's soul trying to awaken once again, it fought with the presence. For the spear had claimed this body as it's own now, and to have this strange soul take back the body would make the spear a useless object in the hands of someone else. The spear would become the tool rather then the body, never in it's existance had it served the one who held it.
The Duke's form began to walk towards the elf and human, it's goal simple, kill everything.
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Tempest did not move to far from the Duke being that he had the targets in sight. Quietly she moved to little ahead of him to the left, wanting a better look at her target. By what Tempest saw Longinus was not back to normal. But the elf did not seem such an easy target as Longinus was.
She glanced back seeing that the Duke was coming which ment only in secs the two would be dead. The duke could take his steps toward his goal and Raven was only a thought from death.
Quietly Tempest placed the blades in position for a quick death for Longinus. Thou in any way his death would be quick for he was unarmed which gave him no defense. But first she had to make sure that the elf was being dealt with.
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After hearing Vahn's words Raven placed herself right in the middle of the two guys. She wanted to make sure there was plenty of distance between so to give plenty of room to fight. Not only that she did not want any of them to get hurt accidently.
Raven kept eyes open to what was happening about them while knowing that Tempest was near. Feeling that she was here with those that were attacking them. If so this would be the last day that she gave breath on this plane.
Her blade rested comforably in her right hand while following Vahn.
(Sorry guys been a while since i have fought so please bear with me.)
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Vahn thought long and hard about what he could do, to take out these Darkthornes. There was one way, a way which was dangerous for him, for it made him mortal for a short time. Could he, dare he, perhaps the mere fact of daring his fate pushed his decision. " Guard me while I try to do something..." Vahn reached into his pocket and took out some of the substance his sword was made from. He placed it against his hand and pressed it deeply against his skin. The skin, cracked, and more of the liquid, reflective substance poured from his hand, falling to the ground. He quickly placed his other hand under the dripping blood and began to smear it upon his blade. Covering it in the substance, he closed his eyes and began to draw in the power from beyond the veils. The power from the mirror world, his quasi-magic, part illusion, part reality, it was hard to fully focus this energy.
Thats why he needed them to guard him, else he become distracted and lose his focus. He was going to enchant his blade with the spell of mirror's reflection, which meant, those it stabbed would become exact copies of Vahn himself. That fact he was calling on such a powerful spell showed the desperate situation they were in. Were it merely a single Darkthorne or a few he was sure they'd be able to handle them with no probelms, but a band of them. Slowly the energy began to build, much like sands in an hourglass, this would take some time to complete. The grey mist of the mirror world washed over Vahn's form, sending out a slight reflective light. The light began to build in it's glow as the energy began to build up, once he had what he needed he could cast the spell. If he was distracted while casting it he'd get feedback and risk being sent unconscious.
Being out cold in the middle of Belgada was not something Vahn wanted to happen to him.
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Prasutagus's army were near the wall now, soon they'd be on the road to Demise and then the rest of Velusia. He looked to the large metal container in the dragon machine. He smiled, for he had a present for the Blackthornes, having purchased the "red dust" from the blood hand, he had debated on how to use it. However after Malmora gave him the dragon engine, he found a way to distribute the dust in a interesting manner. The dust was currently tied into the dragon machine's breath weapon, meaning it could send out an attack and spread the red dust at the sametime. Thus weakening the Blackthornes and submitting them to an attack at the sametime. The dragon machine would win him the war against Velusia and Blackthorne, once and for all. The nearby elven kingdom Ninvar had began to invade Belgada, only to fall victim to the taint. Those elves would be Prasutagus's next target, he had grown tired of the elves trying to undermine his empire in Belgada. Even if they saw it as an atrocity to Gaia, it was his land.
Prasutagus hoped that the Blood Hand kept the rest of their baragin, and assisted Darkthorne upon request. For he'd already sent messengers to the Blood Hand's citadel in the dark regions of Velusia. He wanted them to attack Demise from behind as soon as his army arrived to crush it quickly so he could then move on to Zalentra and crush it before the knights could rally a defense or army to go out and meet him after Demise. For a long war with the knights of Zalentra would pause his forces for too long and give Velusia time to move against him. He'd already had the knights tested to see just how strong they were, and so far they had all proven themselves to be foes capable of holding off a Darkthorne. However Prasutagus was unleashing the Darkthorne Vanguard, the deadlist and most ancient of their soldiers.
They marched in the middle of his army right behind the dragon engine, their forms clearly standing out from the rest of the pack.
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The Darkthornes attacking Vahn,Einar, and Raven would begin to assemble together. In mass they would rush the group revealing themselves for they hoped to strike fear into the hearts of their enemy. They would fling three to four barbs each, all aimed at the group and each barb holding a venom in it that would cause it's victim to become gripped in fear. There were three Darkthornes rushing at that point slinging the barbs, while five others followed the rush into the tunnel, and two remained outside.
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Sigonus saw some elves hiding near the rocks they were heading to, Sigonus said, " Vedui' dalninuk darthien, xal xal udos valm wun dosst tah d'lil Darkthornes?"
Elf 1: " Ilkalik, vel'uss tlu dos abbil xor mua?"
Sigonus: " Abbil uss vel'uss ssinssrinen ulu inbau doeb d'lil Darkthorne thac'zilen lu' duul'sso abbilen trapped."
Elf 2: " Gaer ph' ichl mzil, ph' m'elzar zhahus elggen."
Sigonus: " T'yin ori'gato uns'aa dortho dos whol Usstan tlun natha cleric lu' shlu'ta kl'ae faer."
Elf 1: " Tenu, dos luth folbol, udos chath b'luth'olen, l' rivvil...vel'bol shlu'ta uk xun?"
Sigonus turned to Longinus and turned back to the elves, " uk zhah natha s'lat'halin lu' shlu'ta xxizz udossa malar mina, nindelen jal." Sigonus rolled up his sleeves and began to intone the sacred proverbs of Gaia, using their basic words of power to summon the holy seals he needed. Transparent blue scrolls appeared before Sigonus, they moved about him in fashion as if they were underwater. Their ethereal quality caused them to do so, but they were also growing in length. " I'll do more then distract them friends, I'll banish their power now that I know how to." If they were truly concepts created by imbalance, then the key component of taking their power away, was to clense them of their taint.
He'd been thinking over this since he'd witnessed Cebreese do it through his form. He found the key in that method, there was a way to weaken the Darkthornes as there was a way to weaken Blackthornes. The scrolls dived into the sand of the desert and began to travel towards the two Darkthornes standing outside the tunnel entrance. Once they reached their destination, they would come up and ensnare the Darkthornes, sealing away their powers, clensing them of their taint, and banishing their demonic souls form this plane. The scrolls emerged from the sand and did as so, the forms of the Darkthornes paused in their struggle and slowly began to fade away. The release of this spell caused Sigonus to feel fatigued, he'd over extended himself in using that spell, but it worked.
The two elves with Sigonus began to run towards the tunnel, with Sigonus close behind them. Three more Darkthornes came down from the rocks above the tunnel, they had not been seen until now. The elves fired their arrows on one of them causing it to fall to the ground in a death like state. The other Darkthorne came charging at them, it flung it's barbs out hitting one of the elves which seemed immune to the venomous attack. However it did cause him to drop his guard long enough for the Darkthorne to get right on top of him. The elf fell screaming beneath the claws of a nightmarish creature. Sigonus turned away not wanting to see the remains, he began to cast another spell, one of protection. " May the goddess bless her servent with the power to protect those who need his protection." As the Darkthorne lept at the other elf who was already drawing back his bow again, it met with an invisible force barrier.
The Darkthorne fell back and was shot three times in the head by the elf archer. The elf ran over to his companion who was still alive barely, Sigonus ran up to him as well. " Usstan ssrig'luin ulu cure ukta d'lil elg'cahl p'los ol plynnen ukta." Sigonus began to purge the elf of the taint, healing him with Gaia's touch as well. This woudl prevent him from becoming a Darkthorne, Sigonus had discovered much while in the lands of Darkthorne, enough to know how to combat his foe now.
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Longinus followed the elf Sigonus across the desert, the hot sun coming down on the duo. There was little time to rest here in the lands of Belgada, the lands were rest was never eternal. Halting as the elf began to talk to two more of his kind, Longinus felt ill at ease. He knew that the spear was coming, coming to finish him off once and for all. As the elves talked in a language he could not understand, Longinus watched the desert dunes. He knew that the spear still held a great amount of power, power that could still be very deadly. Longinus had a feeling that the spear could not harm him though, not him, but those around him. Perhaps he was immune or protected from the spear's vengance. Either way he didn't want his new found companion becoming harmed because of something he let lose on this realm. The spear would have to be defeated here and now somehow, there had to be a way.
When the elves finished talking to one another, they launched an attack on the Darkthornes ahead of them, Longinus watched, feeling somewhat useless. He had no ranged weaponry, he could only fight in close quarters, therefore he was useless in this situation. After one elf went down, Longinus came running over the sand, almost falling as he jumped over a dune just in time for another Darkthorne to fall. Longinus watched Sigonus heal the elf that fell, when he saw the dark image on the horizon.
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The Duke had finally found him, mere feet away was the being known as Longinus. The Duke raised the spear, knowing that he could not deal the deathblow, but he could kill those with Longinus. Extending the spear towards the group, the Duke howled a demonic roar, as lightning shot from the spear towards the sand near Longinus. He would make the human fear him, before he killed his companions.
" Your time has come Longinus, nothing can stop me now. I think I have something you want badly enough to come get."
The Duke raised the orb up so that Longinus could see it.
" Yes I have Reinne's son Lucan, still trapped within the orb, but I never intended on setting him free. As he's been trapped in the orb, he has slowly been losing more and more time. His freedom, means his life, for if he is not freed before the sunsets, he shall perish and I shall be born on this world, no longer bound by being a mere weapon, I shall be just as you. No one will stop me in that form, nothing will prevent me from crossing the land laying waist to all kingdoms and empires before me. Yes thats right Longinus...soon I shall be Lucan and the world will tremble before the true power of the spear of destiny."
The Duke stabbed the spear into the ground, causing the sand to tremble as he unleashed a large amount of raw energy directly into the earth, causing a fissure to spread towards Longinus's commrades. The sand began to fall into the large crack, down into the dark abyss below. Who knew what dangers could lurk beneath Belgada? Deep down in the darkness a tomb forgotten by the world of man cracked. It's ancient ward of protection no longer stable enough to hold against the power the spear released.
" Come Longinus, come and try to take back what you stole in the first place haha!!!" The Duke taunted Longinus.
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Tempest slowly stood from the position that she had taken, one between Longinus and the Duke. Slowly a smirk crossed her lips as she stared to Longinus knowing his blood would color her blade. Only thought that she has was to make it swift or make him suffer for a bit first.
Tempest turned looking to the Duke seeing of what he spoke of to Longinus. If this man that she was helping was working on a plan to become real once again. Then what would her fate be when it was fulfilled.
Lowering her blades Tempest stood tall as she looked to the Duke. "What comes of me after your goal is fulfilled? For after that happens you would have no need of me."
She kept her position so to keep both men in her sight, for neither would catch her off guard. Tempest sent out a message to her dragon that laid only a few feet from them waiting for its moment to help. Within moments it was looking upon the scene that she was part of. It could be seem looking from each form that stood there.
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"Guard me while I try to do something..."
A pale brow lofted and a glance was afforded the Lord Demise, however, the warrior stepped forwards nonetheless, Fenrir flashing in the darkness as the blade was brandished, warding away any potential threats as the Knight-Protector took up position at the head. From there, Einar could tell Vahn was preforming some manner of magical task, however he could not tell what exactly it was, his grey eyes fixed upon the tunnel ahead. It would only be moments, however, that Einar would need to wait for a task of his own as the Darkthornes - in their true forms - charged forwards, hurling poisoned barbs down the black tunnel towards the band.
Fenrir flashed up, blocking post of the Knight's face, the vambraces on his forearms aiding in the effort - barbs slicing through the air, many of them striking the armor of the Knight, the poison splattering upon the steel but sparing the warrior the effects of the barbs. Yet, despite the wolf-like reflexes of the warrior, one of the barbs glanced past Einar's neck, just enough so that a cut formed and some of the poison leaked into the White Wolf's body.
Grey hues widened in alarm as the warrior felt the cut and the seeping of the poison, knowing full well that the Darkthorne poisons would pass into his blood system and body quickly, the effects coming on in a manner of moments. And thus, Einar released his hold upon the primal urge within himself, he released the Man and allowed himself to become the Beast once more.
Those tell-tale black veins began to criss-cross across the pale flesh of the giant warrior, and a savage battle cry ripped through the tunnel as Einar rushed forwards, his body changing even as he charged. Claws extended, muscles grew, and all the while the White Wolf howled with all his might, the rage taking over. The warrior would crash into the initial three Darkthornes in a manner of moments, all disregard for his own safety forgotten as the berserker unleashed his rage and hatred upon the foes of Velusia. Fenrir slashed this way and that, the shimmering steel of the Apocalypse-Wolf rending flesh and spilling blood. The armor of the Knight was well made and would protect the warrior well, the steel of normal men unable to penetrate the finely made breastplate and plate-mail. And whatever wounds the warrior might sustain, few would stop the savage warrior and his berserk rage.
Einar was out for blood, and as soon as the first three Darkthornes were cut to ribbons and falling to the tunnel floor, the warrior of Velusia would howl in bloodlust and then charge once more, heading towards the next five of the Darkthorne brood.
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Raven moved to the side letting Einar move by so to take the lead. She would have but this be her first time on the enemy lands. As he went by she turned her back to the guys keeping careful watch upon the way they came. There seemed to be of equal moise coming from the direction as what was before them. Raven's eyes fell to the ground to see if she could make out any of the voices.
Turning her head some "There seems to be lot going on from the way we came. I am going to creep back to get a small look then be back. Have a feeling that there be help and enemy that way."
Quietly she stepped heading back the way they came, with each step her heart beat faster. Raven spotted a few Darkthorne near the opening, quickly she aimed her blade speaking "dragon's breath". A long flame of fire shot out towards the enemy standing there. She hoped that if allies stood near by they were out of the way of the flame. Raven stood there making sure that all was taken care of before heading back to Einar and Vahn.
Seeing that those that had stood there were gone she turned and went back to where the guys stood. At least now they had only one direction to worry about, at least she hoped. Raven moved side ways toward the guys so to have a view of both ways.
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Vahn had to keep his concentration, which was not easy with all the talking and yelling going on. He had to put his trust in those whom he traveled with to keep him guarded. It was hard, the hardest thing he'd had to do on this journey. As he finished what he needed for the spell, he looked up ready to cast. Einar, had engaged the Darkthornes, he was in the way, but Vahn didn't care. He knew he could hit his marks even if the wolf wanted to shed some blood along the way. Vahn cast the enchantment upon his sword, getting ready to throw it. He then realized how much easier his aim could be if he were to teleport it. Not that hard, a mere shadow walk and he'd be on the other side of the battle. Vahn's form began to sink into the shadows, their surface rippling like a pool. He was gone, Vahn stepped into the space in between moving along to where he needed to be.
Once there he came back sliding up from the shadows on the other side of Einar's battle. As the Darkthornes looked upon Vahn with surprise, he unleashed his spell sword. Pointing the sword towards the Darkthornes he said the words, " May my reflection mirror my foes!" the sword began to become like liquid. It shot out at the remaining Darkthornes, snaking after each of them. As it touched them, a liquid reflective substance began to creep over them. They jerked as the spell began to change every single molecule of their being. As their bodies became consumed by the mirror substance, they fell. Their forms distorting as they took on a more human form. Rising, the substance slowly began to flow off of them, revealing exact copies of Vahn Demise. They took one look at him and all smiled, they still held whatever weapons they had before.
Turning they ran down the tunnel to aid Einar in dispatching the rest of the Darkthornes. They now had four more allies in their fight, though they would only exist for a period of ten hours. Then they would fade into nothing, Vahn took time to collect himself. Watching his reflections come up behind the Darkthornes and back stab them. As he stood there at the tunnel entrance, he noticed two more Darkthorne bodies laying outside. As well as three elves, and Longinus, looking at the figure of a very large Darkthorne. Vahn noticed the orb in the Darkthornes hand as he spoke to Longinus. Fates be praised, they had the luck of the shadow, Vahn's shadow had led them in the right direction.
Vahn wouldn't wait for the others, he emerged from the tunnel ready to claim his prize. It didn't matter how big the Darkthorne was, or who his lady friend might be. Vahn would have the orb, after all this trouble he would not let it escape him again. Vahn began to walk towards the Darkthorne, he looked to the large crack in the desert sand. It gave him an idea, if he could get the Darkthorne in front of him and the crack, he could send him over the edge. However he had to get the orb before knocking the Darkthorne over. Vahn heard nothing about how Lucan would be lost by the next sunset, he only saw the orb.
He did however hear the remarks the Darkthorne made towards Longinus. It seemed Longinus and this Darkthorne had bad blood between them, Vahn smirked. " I can trade you Longinus's head for the orb if your up for a trade that is!" Vahn said towards the Darkthorne. He would trade Longinus for the orb if he could, but he knew not to trust Darkthornes. Vahn began to call upon his telepathic link to his reflections, bidding them to take on their invisibility. He knew he had to distract the Darkthorne, else he would notice something that would betray his reflection's path towards him.
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Fenrir flashed this way and that, blood splattering the walls of the tunnel as the Beast howled in his savage fury. Before him, the Darkthornes even began to break, one or two of the creatures of Darkness turning away to retreat down the tunnel before the White Wolf was able to cut them down. Those silver eyes were incensed, almost glowing within the darkness as Einar's entire world turned to scarlet red. All the White Wolf wanted to do was kill, and the Beast was beginning to not care exactly whose blood he spilt. Perhaps it was the poison of the Darkthornes that aided the Wolf, then, as it began to take effect. Fear crawled up the spine of the White Wolf, even as the ferocious wolf slashed and tore, that wolf-like maw biting and thrashing at whatever came near, and that fear began to embed itself within Einar's breast.
Silver eyes widened, and the White Wolf seemed to realize in absolute clarity what he was doing ... what he had become. Brow knit in pain, and the rage began to subside - luckily, the few Darkthornes that remained were now being dispatched by the Reflections of Vahn. Einar fell to his knees, tendrils of blonde - now soiled by dirt and carnage - dripping over his blood-splattered face. The fear the poison created was sobering, bringing Einar away from the Darkthorne taint rather than towards it. Instinctively, the warrior's left hand rose and gripped the amulet around his neck, the spirit and presence of Reinne surrounding the tormented Wolf and slowly calming his enraged and tortured soul. The rage was gone now, with only the fear remaining - however, with the strength of his Queen, Einar knew he had to expel the poison. Eyes closed, and slowly the warrior began to focus on the poison that lingered within his body, and by strength of will the warrior began to force it out, purging him of the Darkthorne's poison.
When all was done, Einar knelt there on his knees, the blood dripping from his face as grey hues looked wearily up to the end of the tunnel. Vahn had not reappeared, and no trace of his Reflections were near Einar any longer. Chest heaved, as one would under extensive physical stress, however the Knight of Velusia rose nonetheless, stalking down the dark tunnel, Fenrir dripping with the tainted blood of the enemy. Vahn still needed Einar, Lucan still needed Einar ... Reinne still needed him. And Einar would not fail them.
-
Raven turned just as she heard Einar give out a howl to see what was going on. She walked back up the tunnel to see what help she could be. Her eyes watched as a couple of Blackthorne turned and ran from Einar. She saw him keep slashing even after they ran from him, her steps slowed not wanting to get hit. Her eyes watched him fall to his knees with worry thinking that maybe he had been hit. Only to see him stand just as she closed the space between them. Raven hide a smile as she followed him to the opening of the tunel to where she felt Vahn was.
As Raven stepped out to the fresh air to be with the guys only to see Longinus standing there. She moved out bit farther getting from behind Einar. It seemed that they had found Tempest and possibly a companion that she made along the way. Raven moved to the side of Longinus glad that he was alive. She hide the joy til all was done here and heading back with Lucan.
Raven kept her eyes upon that of Tempest, knowing that she was not able to be trusted. She left all the talking to Vahn and Einar being they were here for Lucan. Thou she would help if it were needed, which it might being that Tempest was standing here among them. She turned her eyes some to Vahn "Becareful of the female that is here with the man for she can be a bit sneaky. She so happens to be my older sister Tempest."
Raven positioned her body between Longinus and Tempest not sure what was her plan.
-
Longinus began to feel a little more at ease when he noticed the reinforcements arrive from the tunnel. He noticed Lady Raven, had she come all this way for him. Or had she come to kill him for kidnapping Lucan while under the spear's influence? Longinus knew the answer when she came to stand near him. So she had come all this way for him, he felt his heart begin to warm at the thought of someone caring about him. It'd been years since anyone had cared about Longinus, many wanted him dead for things the spear had made him do. When he saw Vahn step forward and suggest giving over his head in trade for Lucan, Longinus knew Vahn still held the spear's actions against him. Longinus would fight Vahn if he did try to take his head, because he needed to be alive in order to save Lucan. That and now that he had someone who cared that he was alive, he would not let them down. " If my head will get Lucan back then I would have already given it. The spear will make no deals with you, for it is more concerned about it's own goals. That Darkthorne is being used like a puppet by the spear, do not be fooled into thinking that Darkthorne is acting on his own accord."
Longinus knew all to well how the spear worked and what it's true intentions were. The spear would only do what was in the best interests of it's own goals. Longinus turned to Lady Raven and said, " I'm glad you came, somehow I knew you would, I am sorry for what I've done, but the spear was in control of me, it made do things. It's a foul and dangerous artifact that the world would be best without." Longinus turned back to face the Darkthorne that the spear was controling, surely this Darkthorne had a weakness that could be exploited. Years of being in the spear's service had taught Longinus that everyone had a weakness that could be used against them.
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The Duke smiled at the offer of Longinus's head, but once Longinus began to tell them of it's nature, the smiled changed. The Duke lept with a force that caused the sand to come up around him. He landed in the middle of the group with the spear in hand. " I would accept the offer, if I didn't want all your heads at trophies!" The Duke thrust his spear towards Vahn, unware of Vahn's reflections hiding behind invisibility. " I shall spill your blood upon the sand and let your bones bleach in the sun!" The spear was in complete control, though it could feel the soul of the Duke starting to rise with more strength. The thrill of battle seemed to awaken the Duke's soul completely. The spear then knew it's weakness, the Duke had been bred for battle and it was battle that called out to his soul. The spear began to fight the Duke's soul, but he soon realized his error in selection, the Duke was a battle saint. He had misjudged the Duke's vocation as just being a fallen paladin, he knew now that if he were to engage in battle it would only lend strength to the spirit of the Duke.
-
Vahn watched the reaction that Longinus had to his suggestion of selling his head for Lucan. He also noticed Einar and Raven, Vahn couldn't let Einar fall just yet. He silently spoke to one of his reflections telling it to watch and guard Einar. Einar would feel and invisible force curing the poison and making sure the warrior's wounds would not kill him. Vahn had too much at stake here to let a simple mistake as in ignoring the warrior's condition. Vahn turned back to listen to Longinus as he spoke to Raven. Longinus was lucky that he happened to be the bait that led them to Lucan, or Vahn wouldn't have a use for him. Vahn half considered throwing Longinus over the edge of the crevise and down into the dark depths below. The man may have been controled by the spear, but he was still partly responsible for letting the spear control him. The Darkthorne before them looked slightly familiar to Vahn, he began to reflect on his memories of the past. It was then he remembered the Darkthorne as being the one who once led the Darkthorne forces into battle. The Darkthorne had never been one for words, so Vahn did consider the idea that the spear might be controling the Darkthorne. Now all he had to do was think of a way to get the spear near him and the crevise so he could get his reflections to sacrifice themselves and push the Darkthorne over the edge into oblivion. If there was a way he could get the spear's control over the Darkthorne to weaken that would be a plus. After if the spear had no wielder then wouldn't it be greatly weakened?
Vahn had only a moment to contemplate all this as the Darkthorne lept into the air and came down near him. The Darkthorne thrust his spear towards Vahn, whose form seemed to split into small particles of dust and reform behind the Darkthorne. The Darkthorne would have to do better then that to injure Vahn in such a crude manner. He knew his moment was now, the Darkthorne was near the ledge and Lucan was close enough to be within his grasp. Vahn's hand began to fade as it began to shadow appear where the orb was, within the Darkthorne's hand. Vahn was known for his pickpocketing, and this skill alllowed him to do so with great ease. He turned and spoke lightly to his reflections, " now.." they came forward to grab the Darkthorne and use their powers of teleportation to get him over the crevise. He didn't have to push when he could transport the Darkhtorne's form completely over the crevise. " I wish we could have come to some sort of agreement.." Vahn spoke coldly towards the Darkthorne as he began to step back and weave. He would weave a spell to vastly limit any outside influence over the form of the Darkthorne, in an attempt to cut off the spear's link to it's puppet. A simple relic seal spell greatly magnified for the spear's potency
-
Sigonus watched what was going on with some interest, for these were the rescue party sent from Velusia? They were a rag tag lot, Signous listened to the exchange that was going on between Longins,Vahn,Raven, and The Darkthorne. He couldn't help, but wonder if they truly were from Velusia, or if they were merely pretending to be so. After all not everything in Belgada was as it seemed, many things pretended to be something they weren't. When the Darkthorne lept up in the air and came down in the midst of the group, Sigonus knew this was not good. " Gaia grant me your strength, lend me the power I shall need to vanquish this foe." Sigonus nodded to his two fellow elves, they began to fire arrows at the Darkthorne, Sigonus stretched out his hands blessing the arrows with holy magic. The arrows began to glow with a white light as they soared threw the air towards the Darkthorne. His next action was to bless the very ground which the Darkthorne stood upon, a task not as easy as one might think. For the land of Belgada was deeply drowned in evil and darkness, a type strange to Sigonus. He found however one simple flaw in it's being, that it was easily manipulated into change, he played upon that opening. Slowly white cracks began to spread from where his hand touched the sands, the sand began to become a bright white as the cracks raced towards the Darkthorne's feet.
Sigonus could only hope that his magic helped those fighting the Darkthorne, for if they failed, his life would be cut short. He couldn't let himself die, not when the hope of returning home to his family was within his reach. That hope fed his powers of faith, for surely Gaia had smiled upon him, to deliver help in his time of need. Everything had a purpose for something greater, and perhaps he had to endure the pain in order to gain some enlightenment.
-
Her cold eyes looked Raven knowing the right move would catch her off guard. But there stood Longinus behind her, he could step in during the fight and interfer. So her move would have to be good enough to possibly take out at least one of them.
Seeing that Longinus was speaking to Raven she took advantage of the moment. Stepping in quickly she brought the blades up, then down hard as she closed the space between them. Smirk crossed her lips picturing the head of Raven laying upon the ground at her feet. Even the joy of the look that Longinus would bring more to the moment.
She felt the movement of the ground as the Duke landed from leaping through the air. He would deal with the men as she took the life from Raven and Longinus.
-
Raven stood there eyes locked upon her sister only relaxing some hearing Longinus' voice. Each word came and warmed her knowing he was ok. But anger came when he said something about giving his head in exchange for Lucan. Her eyes went and fell upon Vahn with rage inside of her. Raven would not have let Vahn close enough to put a slice in Longinus.
Slowly her eyes turned back to her sister not wanting to be caught off guard. For she knew that Tempest would take advantage of any moment that her guard went down.
Her head shook some hearing Longinus' words to her. "There is no way that I could have left you here. You kept me company while I waited to speak with Shamus even thou you did not have to. As for the spear, I had a feeling that it was controling you. It was the moment that when you were pinned that I saw something in you. As for what you did is just a bad dream and shall be righted. a new life you shall have after all is done here."
Just as she spoke her last words Raven felt a breeze come her way. brown eyes opened wide to see two blades coming her way.Raven brought up her blade to block, hit of the blades knocked her body backwards into Longinus. As she took a deep breath Raven pushed back upon Tempest, eyes burning into the very being of Tempest.
-
As Einar neared the mouth of the cave, Raven rushed out past him, running out into the middle of the soon-to-be-fray - a gauntlet'd hand stretched out, steel entrapped digits reaching out to try and grab the woman and keep her back, but before the warrior could do so the Lady Dragonheart was gone, foolishly exposing her presence and jeopardizing any plans Vahn might have been forming as he approached the Behemoth of a warrior. Softly, the White Wolf cursed as he moved forwards silently, making sure the shadows of the tunnel kept him from the sights of the various combatants outside.
It was then that Einar felt the invisible force around him - at first, the warrior would have slashed with Fenrir and rended whatever being was near him to pieces ... yet, Einar stayed his blade. The presence didn't feel hostile. Infact, it seemed to be aiding the wounded warrior, his wounds slowly knitting - the remnants of the poison being drawn out. Although he could not be sure, the warrior could have sworn that this was an act of Lord Demise.
The Knight-Protector then reached up, triggering the fast-release of his pack, the bag falling to the ground with a thud. The warrior then knelt down, opened the back and reached inside. Any moment now, Einar knew that he would be needed, and the warrior would be ready. Various objects were lifted from the bag, and once satisfied Einar would rise, casting his grey eyes to the various warriors ... It was then that the warrior witnessed the Behemoth Darkthorne leap and attack Vahn - the Lord Demise evading the attack with an ingenious form of magic. Einar couldn't help but grin slightly at the man before he too, charged forwards. Right arm drew back, and then whipped forwards, a few small spheres leaving his hand as he did so, slicing through the sky to land at the epicenter of the upcoming battle.
Once those objects hit the sand, the spheres would burst open with a small explosion, a dense, black smoke rising up from the metallic spheres to encompass the combatants and - hopefully - disorient the Behemoth of the Darkthorne enough to send him soaring over the crevace Vahn seemed to be guiding him to. Even as those spheres flew, Einar himself would be charging forwards - his onslaught presided not by a mighty battle cry or a savage howl, but rather by silence. The warrior of Velusia would take his enemies by surprise. Legs pumped, and Fenrir pulsated but Einar did not release himself to the darkness, did not allow himself to become the Half-Lycal form that ripped and tore and slaughtered. Einar would not become that beast, unless the situation grew too dire.
Fenrir flashed up, and then the sword came down - the mighty steel of Fenris-Wolf slashing down to cleave the only threat left in two ... Tempest.
-
Tempest turned one of her feet so to ground herself, feeling the push of Raven. Her breathing got harder as she pushed back towards Raven. She was trying to get her to off balance and fall. With that she would be able to possibly do the killing move.
Some movement caught Tempest's eye as she fought her sister. Turning her head some saw Einar bringing him blade down upon her. Tempest took a deep breath pushing upon Raven with all she had. Only to step forward as Tempest quickly brought her blades up above her head. She moved a foot back to brace herself for the connection of blades. Tempest kept her ear open listenig for what Raven may do. Her heart racing as she waited upon her fate.
-
Longinus was slightly caught off guard when Raven pushed into him, as Tempest began her attack. Raven handled herself well in battle as did her sister, but as his eyes fell to the fray in front of him, he caught the sight of something interesting. The spear's tiny jewel was glowing brightly, meaning it was straining itself in keeping control. Perhaps the soul of the Darkthorne was too much for even the spear to handle. This might be his chance, as he saw Einar coming to help Raven, he spoke quickly to Raven, " Hold her as long as you can, I'm going to send that spear somewhere the sun don't shine, and I don't mean that Darkthorne's ass. I'll be back as quickly as possible, I won't leave you trust me, but I think we'll have a better chance if I take out the spear before it decides to start using it's magic to turn the tide of battle." With that Longinus ran foward as holy arrows thudded against the armor of the Duke, the arrows fell to the ground, as the Duke began to swat off the reflections of Vahn. One reflection cut off the hand holding the orb allowing Vahn's magic to collect the orb.
Just in that moment the hand lifted back up and reconnected with the wrist as if it had never been cut. This was not the power of the spear, this was the power of the Darkthorne the spear possessed. Longinus realized just how much a threat this Darkthorne could be and was already. He ducked used the explosions thrown by Einar to be his distraction as he cut off the hand holding the spear. The hand's grasp released and he gave the spear a quick kick off the side and down the crack into the darkness below. Just then the Duke began to gain control and the spear's link to him was broken. The ground beneath him began to become absorbed in holy magic as the earth began to break and slide towards the gaping maw of the earth. The Duke lept again causing the ground to fall beneath him as he repelled the magic of the reflections with his armor.
Now in full control the Duke's mind awake, he turned on the group gathered. " RAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR" a gapping maw of teeth opening up to roar at the group which had began their attack on him. Chains emerged from the Duke's back, each had the head of a spear at their end. They dove beneath the sand and began to head in every direction as one grounded him to prevent the reflection's magic from trying to send him over what was left of where he was standing. The spear chains would seek out each and every threat to him and emerge from the sand to strike a death blow to his enemies. The duke had a high regenative property about him which made this killing machine even more deadly. For he could not be killed like many of the Darkthornes could, he could be contained and a massive form of destruction upon his frame would slow his coming back. Yet the strength and size of him and the lust for battle made him a slaughter house on legs.
It turned to see Vahn holding the orb, it had no real clue what the orb was, but form some reason it had been holding it before. The duke would have the glowing object back, one way or another. It turned to see Tempest fighting against Raven and Einar coming up from behind. The Duke did not know this Tempest, but for some reason it had been traveling with her. She had the signature of Darkthorne service about her, so it considered her a soldier of Darkthorne. It would send chains out in the sand to try to entangle her foe's feet so that she could deliver the death blow to them. Meanwhile Longinus headed back towards Raven and Tempest, he came up beside Raven in order to help her defend against her sister. Leaving Vahn and Sigonus and Vahn's reflections and the elves to deal with the Duke. He hoped they could get Tempest out of the way fast so they could focus on the big guy next. Longinus had no idea what Tempest might be capable of doing, nor did he want to see since they already had a big threat behind them.
Normally he felt it dishonorable to attack a foe with numbers, but at this point and time, it was becoming clear they had to. " That....things looks really pissed off!"
-
Einar felt his lips arching in a grin as the woman (Tempest) caught sight of the charging warrior, even as the metallic spheres exploded and chaos ensued, her body pivoting and her blades flashing up to deflect the Knight-Protector's slash. However, that momentary appreciation for a warrior well-honed skills was quickly pushed aside as the White Wolf reminded himself of what was at stake here; Lucan. And this woman stood in the way of Lucan's safe return. The lean muscles of the warrior tensed, and Einar pushed down upon Tempest's blades with Fenrir in attempts to push her off balance and render her unable to attack as he backed off, taking a few steps away to widen the area between himself and Tempest.
Why? Because the roar of the Behemoth Darkthorne sounded, and even as the battle cry of that Darkthorne rung in Einar's ears, the White Wolf was flashing a glance towards the immense warrior - to see the brute sending forth chains heralded by spear-heads, slicing through the air at all manner of foes ... And then to see them slicing towards Einar and Raven. " ... JUMP!" Einar roared towards the Lady Dragonheart, before he himself did so, leaping up into the air as the spiked chain thrust through the sand, embedding itself where the White Wolf has been standing a moment earlier.
Primal instincts took over from there, as the Knight began to descend from his jump. Fenrir flashed, the steel slashing at the sand beneath him ... and the chain that had attacked. Einar did not know what the chains were made of, but that didn't matter. If Fenrir could not cleave the chain in two, then little else would be able too. And, if Fenrir could not, then Einar and the other warriors were surely doomed.
-
Raven never taking eyes off Tempest even thou she noticed Einar attacking her. Her ears were listenig to Longinus'words, he was gone right after the last word was said. Shaking her head she stepped forward toward Tempest in hopes of catching her off guard. Only to hear Einar yell at her to jump, seeing chains come after as he jumped. Raven jumped up just as one got her foot, making the best of the moment. She kicked the other leg out at Tempest, her blade was pointed down. Raven's blade sunk in the sand as she hit the ground.
Getting her breath back from hitting the ground, reached down and freed her foot. moving Quickly back on to her feet so to avoid anymore chains or Tempest. Raven also made sure that she knew where her sister was, so not to be surprised.
-
Just as Tempest saw the blade close in Einar jumped into the sky. It seemd odd to her but then saw the chains that came after him. She had no idea if any would come after her. That was set to rest turning her eyes back to Raven, just as a foot came to the side of her head. Tempest's eyes caught Raven hitting the ground as she fell to her knees.
Out the corner of her eyes she watched Raven get back to her feet. Tempest looked up towards Einar seeing that he was dealing with the chains. She was angery at Raven for for getting her off guard. Leaning back she got back to her feet facing Raven. With the back of a hand she pushed back the hood of her cloak.
"You have been lucky so far my sister but your time has come to an end. I shall give you a few moments to say good bye to those here. Then off to join our parents you go"
A smirk could be seen upon her lips looking to Raven. There was no doubt that her sister would not go down easy, she would fight to the last breath. Tempest made sure as she kept eyes upon Raven, her ears told her where Einar was to her.
-
Vahn had gained the orb holding Lucan, he held it for a moment and let out a sigh of relief. Just as he did so the thundering thud, of the huge Darkthorne came from behind him. He turned just in time to have a spear thrust itself up out of the sand, no not a spear, a chain with a spear head. It struck Vahn in the shoulder, causing cracks to spread out from the wound. It sounded much like glass being pressed upon by a heavy foot. Vahn's secret threatened to be exposed in that moment, as his hand accidently dropped the orb. It rolled towards the edge of the black crack, as it came close to the edge. Vahn dived grasping the orb just in time, as well as freeing himself from the spear head. The wound slowly began to heal up as he lay there on the sand, turning with the orb and a smile. " I almost lost you again little Lucan, now best to put you some place safe."
Vahn slide the orb under the clasped top of his backpack and began to stand up. Each of his reflections were picking themselves up off the ground, the Darkthorne was not playing around, nor was he making this easy. This is why Vahn had dreaded to embark on a journey into the Darkthorne lands of Belgada. For the foes here were not so easily dispatched as those sent to simply assassinate, or cause havoc. In that split moment, time seemed to still itself around Vahn. He turned to see Einar and the other's fighting while he confronted the Darkthorne. Vahn seemed to remember this happening before, when Mythocles and the Darkthornes turned on him.
He could hear a voice coming from the distance a voice so familiar, Reagan? He turned to scan the desert looking for his dead brother, his tormenter. Vahn didn't see him, but he feared the Crystallis had already done it's work in bringing his dead brother's soul from whatever hell he'd been cast to. " I will not let fear weaken me, Reinne is counting on us to bring her son back, I will not give in." Vahn reached down to pick up his sword so he could attempt to slay the Darkthorne somehow.
-
Sigonus watched as the Darkthorne reacted to his attack, the holy magic was not working. This Darkthorne was stronger then the others he'd encountered, this caused a slight fear. The two elves with Sigonus were suddenly impaled by spears, Sigonus turned to move, just as a spear came through his shoulder. He let out a yell, and fell to his knees, his blood spilling out on the sand. The spear jerked itself out and went after one of the reflections, Sigonus lay there, keeping himself up with one hand. His other hand was held against the wound which let his blood flow freely. Such a creature as this Darkthorne could not be let lose on this world, it was too destructive and evil. Sigonus began to stand up on legs that trembeled with both fear and pain. He turned to extend his hand at the Darkthorne again and cast another spell just, as another spear, came from the sand through his leg. It lift him up in the air and sent him flying to the sand near the tunnel entrance. He saw the two Darkthorne he and the other elves had killed starting to shutter with renewed life. His fellow elves lay there dead, but he still lived, perhaps luck or his desire to live and escape Belgada.
Sigonus cast began to speak words of holy power, not aimed at the Darkthorne, but all those gathered here fighting the Darkthorne and those allied with him. It was a spell to give strength and conviction to Sigonus's allies so that they could make the best decision, be fearless, and strike true. Sigonus began to try to get up, his leg was useless, he laid his hands on it and began to heal it.. The healing magic came slowly fighting off the unholy magic enchanted in the Darkthorne's spear heads.
-
Longinus heard Einar call for them to jump, but he was but a second to late, as the spear headed chain came gliding across his leg. He fell back to the ground, a minor wound nothing more, but still he was close to have being injured enough to be crippled from battle. He turned seeing the orb that held Lucan go rolling towards the edge, Vahn caught it just in time. At that same moment he saw the elves get taking out of battle, the Darkthorne was keeping his enemies at a distance with his chains. Longinus made his way over to where Vahn stood saying, " we have to find some way of getting in close, otherwise he'll cut us apart, those other Darkthornes are starting to rise up again." Longinus turned to look over at Einar and Raven holding Tempest off, he looked to the elf Sigonus. " Can you take out those Darkthornes before they join the big guy here in battle!?"
Even as Longinus yelled this to the elf, the Duke began his mad charge, rushing with a devilish speed towards Vahn and Longinus. Longinus had no time to react for it was what seemed only three or four steps that carried the Duke to their location. Such speed in a large figure was something Longinus had not seen before, nor could he have guessed at. The darkness of the crevace was closing in before he could scramble off of the Duke. The Duke decided it would take these two foes over the edge and then climb it's way back up with it's chains to finish off the others. It let out a calling cry " RAAAARRRRRRRRRR!!" to summon more Darkthornes to the area. As the form of the Duke would go over the edge, the chains would go flying in all directions, one in paticular still remaining firmly stabbed into the ground to give the Duke and anchor on his way back up.
The chains were easily cut by Einar, they were thick and made of a dense metal, but not anything that could not be cut through with a proper cleave. However the chains did regenerate just as the Duke's own limbs could, which made cleaving them only an effort of defense.
-
Vahn listened to Longinus's words now considering keeping the man around, after all this Darkthorne was proving to be a problem. When the Darkthorne let out it's charge and cry, Vahn disappeared into his shadow and reappeared behind the Duke seeing Longinus get taken over. Vahn sighed, such was the loss of battle, he saw the anchoring chain and made his way over to it. If he cut this it would take the Dakrthorne some time to climb back up, he raised his blade, just as two chains came over the edge, wrapping around him and pulling him back and over. He had little time to prepare a proper evasion as the darkness of the crevace came up to greet him. Vahn was pulled to the form of the Duke, who held Longinus's throat in one of his huge fist. The duke let out a yell in Vahn's face as he applied the same grasp on Vahn's throat.
Vahn reached his free hand out, letting his sword go tumbling down into the darkness. He clasped his hand on Longinus's shoulder and shadow walked them out of the crevace, much to the Duke's despise. The only shadows he could think of that they could arrive in where the tunnel's. They both began to reappear from the shadows inside the tunnel as Vahn fell to his knees. The strain of all his teleportating magic was starting to take a toll on him. He could only do it so much before he felt a fatigue like no other. Struggling to stand Vahn regained his composure and slowly made his way out of the tunnel with Longinus.
-
Sigonus heard Longinus ask him to dispose of the other Darkthornes that were rising again. He stoped healing his leg and began to cast another holy spell, summoning up the holy flame snakes to strike his enemies. The whitish-blue fire began to snake it's way in the air towards the forms of the Darkthornes that were rising from the dead. It paused just before it thrust at them covering their forms in a white flame that burned the unholy. Sigonus fell back to his knees in the sand, breathing heavily as the wound on his shoulder began to take it's toll. His eyes looked up just in time to see the Duke take Longinus over the edge of the crevace. Sigonus quickly stood and began to run towards the crevace.
He saw Vahn turn and then make his way to the chain anchoring the Duke. As Vahn raised his blade to strike the chain, chains came up from the dark below and pulled Vahn over the edge as well. Two lost now, two lost over the edge of the dark crevace with the evil beast. Sigonus decided that perhaps moving to close to the edge would be foolish since chains could come up for him as well. He ran over to one of the elve's bodies and drew the fallen elve's blade and went back to the anchoring chain. He struck it once and then again, but he lacked the strength to properly cleave the chain through. He plunged the blade into the sand given in to desperation and frustration. It was useless, he couldn't do it, but perhaps Gaia could give him the strength.
He whispered more words of holy meaning as the blade began to glow blue, he brought it down on the chain as a loud crack was heard. A flash of bright light and Sigonus was sent flying back into the sand, the Duke had some sort of protection from holy magic. Sigonus's spell had backlashed and fizzled as the two magics met. He looked to his hands which were now bleeding from shrapnel created by the sword's destruction, his spell casting relied on his hands and words, with one of the two taken out, he was useless. He gritted his teeth and gave a look of anger towards the chain, he went and drew the other elve's blade and went back to the chain. He struck it again and again in a mad rage, yelling at all the while, he would not let their sacrifice be in vain. The chain was slowly giving way under Sigonus's repeat attacks as the chain seemed to draw tight, as the weight of the Duke was placed upon it.
The duke was climbing back up, Sigonus had to act fast if he were to cut the chain.
-
Raven looked her sister dead in the eyes hearing her words, letting out a laugh.
"I have no need to say my good byes to those here with me. For it is not I that shall be leaving this plane. You have brought death to many for no reason, it is time to pay for your crimes.'
Just as she got done speaking her words the Darkthorne went over with Vahn and Longinus. Raven let out a bloody scream seeing her whole purpose, other then the boy, fall down the crevace. Her thoughts went to taking down her sister so to recover Longinus and Vahn from the crevace. The rage within brought forth dark red wings form her back.
Quickly her eyes went back to Tempest seeing the one that stood in her way. Bringing her blade back as the free hand went out towards Tempest's throat. Raven's blade came quickly around, point of the blade going for Tempest's side.
-
Tempest did not like the words that Raven spoke but knowing what she had done through the years. But those were just a start it would be lot worse once she got the blade and glove that were once their father's.
She saw Raven's eyes go to a place beyond her, probably one of those that had come with her.Tempest fed off the pain that crossed over her sister's face. Bringing the two blades before her prepared for what may be dealt.
Soft brown eyes went to Raven's back seeing movement. Tempest had only heard what the abilities of the gloves could do. Now she would find out just what they were able to do, hopefully she live thorugh it.
Tempest brought a blade down blocking Raven's coming to her side. Just as she felt a hand about her throat. She looked into Raven's eyes while bringing the other blade up and across her gut.
-
Longinus exited the tunnel behind Vahn not sure how he got there. He could see Raven and Tempest in the distance. He began a run towards them now that the holy spell gave him renewed strenght, he was able to bite back the pain of his injured leg. The cut had been deep enough to cause blood to pour out with every painful move. Longinus stopped seeing the bows and arrows of one of the fallen elves. He took them up and placed the Blackthorne sword at his waist, through the belt. He took one of the arrows from the quiver and drew it with the bow. He took carefull aim for Raven was too close as well as Einar in the background. If he messed up he might hit either one of them, but right now he was only concerned about Rave's well being. He aimed low towards Tempest's foot. If he could cripple her they could simply take her back as a prisoner. After all he was sure Raven had questions for her sister, questions that death would not simply answer.
He let lose the arrow towards Tempest's right foot since it was the furtherest in view and the less likely to miss due to cover.
-
Smile crossed Raven's lips as her fingers wrapped about her sister's throat, grip tighting. The clang of swords hitting rang in her ear as the two hit.
All of a sudden Raven's mouth opened wide as she felt a cut across her gut. Tempest had gotten her blade at the right angle to get under Raven's armour. She felt warmth run down along her body, eyes going to Tempest's face. Pulling her blade back she stepped back and plunged the blade forward at Tempest's gut.
For she would see that Tempest was dead before giving into the darkness.
-
The smirk on Tempest's face grew knowing seeing the look upon Raven's face. It was only time before she would claim what was rightfully her's. Feeling the grip tighten she slowed her breathing so not to black out.
She felt the movement of Raven's blade moving form where it was, knowing that shortly it would be coming. Tempest brought up a blade blocking it from connecting with her neck. She got a shallow slice from Raven's blade that had slide some down her's. Having Raven's blade held above them she brought the other blade around sending the point towards Raven's side for the death blow. Only to scream out as Longinus's arrow went through her foot and into the ground.
Tempest turned her head looking to Longinus with rage in her eyes. "You shall be next to feel my blades take your life."
-
Come out come out where ever you are....the call came not long after the first call of the leaders. Ion's form began to live once again within the ruins of his airship. The desert threatened to erase all memory of his existance and his defeat from the lands of Belgada. His wife Orianna long betrayed him to her family the Blackthornes. Lord Ion's lands were now his burial grounds, only a short distance away from the fight. The dried form slowly began to crack with life within as blood poured out of his heart. As it touched the dried muscles long dead, they slowly began to resemble a living being once more. Within moments he lifted up in his armor, his eyes once again looking on the world he left behind. He removed the holy spear that pinned him to the deck of his ship. He reached around and began to dig through the sand, until his hands found the hilt of the " Lunar Scar" a cresent blade vastly enchanted.
His second death had only been some sixty odd years ago, but he could still feel the hated presence of a Blackthorne. He scanned the distance spotting the battle near the crevace, he smiled picking up a plank from his airship. He tossed it down towards the ground, it stoped a few feet from the desert sand. He stepped up on it and called up a wind to sweep him across the desert. He carefully balanced upon the old wooden plank as it glide with speed towards the enemies ahead. He spotted the Blackthorne almost instantly and smiled. He held the holy spear in his left hand and the cresent blade in his right. He threw the spear with some effort towards the Blackthorne while he jumped off the plank and gave another call.
" Who dares to think they can intrude upon Darkthorne lands. I smell the blood of a Blackthorne, soon I shall have your head!" He prepared to engage the Blackthorne to kill his hated enemy.
-
Grey hues widened slightly in satisfaction as Fenrir cleaved through the chain of the Behemoth Darkthorne, rending the weapon useless ... until, of course, it began to slowly regenerate. The White Wolf cursed under his breath and hefted the greatsword in his hands high up over his head - yet, before the weapon could come crashing down to slice the chain, it was snaking away as the immense Darkthorne fell down into the crevace, bellowing and roaring as he went. Sights flashed upwards to see the Darkthorne capturing and taking Vahn down into the depths with him.
"NO!"
The enraged yell of the White Wolf ripped through the battlefield, and the warrior began to run through the fray, heading towards the crevace - all thoughts of defeating Tempest gone. She didn't matter anymore. Einar had to save him comrade ... and the orb that held Lucan. The warrior then noticed one of the Darkthornes chains still embedded in the earth ... and it was tight. The warrior's jaw clenched ... even if the Darkthorne hadn't fallen to his doom, he had undoubtedly released Vahn to fall into the black. And so, with bloody vengeance, Fenrir was brandished high and then sliced down, chopping away at the chain even as Sigonus did farther away.
Whether Einar would be able to slice the chains apart again or not would be later seen, as something struck the warrior's armoured spalder, a spear deflecting away off the steel but pushing Einar forwards nonetheless. " Who dares to think they can intrude upon Darkthorne lands. I smell the blood of a Blackthorne, soon I shall have your head!" The White Wolf whipped around, his grey eyes falling upon the form of a new combatant, evidently a Darkthorne. Fenrir flashed up as the Darkthorne began to walk towards the Warrior of Velusia, " ... We shall see ..."
And with that, Einar began to stalk over the sands towards the newest Darkthorne, and as he did so those black veins began to rise upon his pale flesh ...
-
His left hand now free, began to shift, as his gauntlet tightened to reveal the grey fur of the " Grey Wolf". Ion had once earned the title of master of the hunt after bringing to justice five terrible beast that threatened Velusia. But then, even in the darkness of his mind he could still see her. That black witch Morgana Darkthorne had swayed him to the side of the Darkthornes. When his daughter had been slain, that hate he held for his enemy became his guiding light to the Darkthorne's way of thinking. Now he could still see Velusia in it's glory, back when he could walk it's city streets with honor. Back when people all around knew him as the greatest hunter to ever grace Velusia's woods. That same desire for hunting brought about his curse, for when he came to Belgada to slay Morgana, she bit him, tainting him with the Darkthorne curse.
Fangs showed in his mouth as he noticed the veins upon Einar's body. He howled out at a kindred spirit in this Blackthorne. " I see you are not just of Blackthorne blood, your a half breed. Why weaken yourself by following the ways of honor and peace, that the Blackthorne's so cherish? Why not give in to your rage, let go, I know it's such a heavy burden...give in. Join me and together we two wolves can hunt down our family's enemies. Hunt them down and rend them apart, I know you can feel it. That same call, that pulse in the land itself, it remembers you Darkthorne. Just as it remembers me....tell me your name." Ion stood there a grin upon his face, for he had discovered a turn coat, a half breed.
This lost soul had somehow found it's way to Velusia and been taken in by the Blackthornes. An old dog couldn't be taught new tricks, Ion knew that this Blackthorne still held that Darkthorne blood within him. Still held the memory of what he was, all Ion had to do was find a way to drag that memory up. Sniffing the air Ion could smell a familiar presence, the Duke, the two of them didn't get along very well. He also saw a familiar foe, Vahn Demise, he was one of the fools that aided Reese in destroying his ship the Eclipse. Ion would enjoy making that one scream, but first he wasn't done playing with the Blackthorne. A fellow Lycal should not be left to the ways of the Blackthorne, he should be here with his pack.
Ion brandished the lunar scar, it glinted in the bright desert sun as he began to walk around Einar, keeping his distance. A black image appeared to his left, while a white image appeared to his right, the lunar scar's enchantment. The ability to create two identical selves that fought with all the knowledge of the original. It had won him many a melee battle, for when one foe thought he could beat one man, he was quickly demoralized to find three instead. Ion wore mostly scale armor, with bits and pieces of plate here and there, a grey furred collar about the back of his neck. He was covered in scars from battle, battles fought long ago, in a time when a man could carve his destiny in his foe's flesh.
" You and I are not so different, Blackthorne...look about you, you know it's true. We are much greater then these who travel with you, and those that ally with me. We are a spirit that can never be broken, a thirst that will never be forgotten. We are one of a kind you and I, for I too am an outcast. I too once held on to the beliefs of Velusia, beliefs that peace could exist, that my enemy would die like any other and time would heal my wounds. But time doesn't heal what you can't forget, that knowledge in your mind that you failed. Failure is a lure back to Darkthorne, it's what brought me back to Belgada and from the dead. I was once a warrior, a master hunter, and a loving husband, but we all have our darkness...lurking behind those eyes, waiting for the moon to shine down upon them, turn them silver as we give into our instincts."
Ion changed his stance and began to walk in the opposite direction, still trying to read more into the Blackthorne before him.
-
Vahn saw the arrival of another Darkthorne, this one he knew all too well. The fallen knight and hunter, he remembered coming out here with Reese many years ago to defeat this foe. After all the man had killed Reese's beloved right in front of his eyes. Vahn only saw an old dog in need of another defeat to send him back to his grave. Walking up near Einar, Vahn decided to try the more direct approach to this matter.
" Didn't you learn you lesson when you failed to serve Velusia all those years ago? When your service to the king ended with your life and you became corrupted by what was once your love of the kingdom, turned to hate? Are you not a pathetic example of even a Darkthorne, that you would even dare show your face is a travesty. He is nothing more then an exiled Darkthorne, even his fellow Darkthornes hate him. Leave him to their idea of justice for traitors after all he will not find peace when he denies who HE truly is. The taint in you Einar is stronger then the taint in him, do yourself justice Einar and render him unconscious, leave him for the vultures. I'm sure they haven't got enough of your flesh after all Ion, rest well..."
Vahn turned to look over at Sigonus, then to Raven still fighting Tempest, he called for his reflections. Ordering them to circle the combatants and keep them from killing one another. They had to get out of Belgada before more Darkthornes arrived to fight them and keep them from leaving. Ion was an unexpected surprise however, Vahn was sure that he had died for the last time.
-
Hearing Tempest yell out in pain brought Raven's eyes looking for the one that sot the arrow. Small smile went to Longinus seeing him hold the bow. Bringing her eyes back to Tempest, Raven saw that she was looking to Longinus. She kept her blade holding one of Tempest's where it was by her neck. She brought a foot behind one of Tempest's using the hand about her neck to help take her off balance.
Raven's eyes watch Tempest all the time that she was dealing with him. There was no way that she was going to let Tempest harm another person, is she could help it.
As she dealet withher sister she took notice on figures nearing her and Tempest but they did nothing to help one or the other. Thou she understood why when she looked up to their faces. The being that stood near them looked just like Vahn.
-
Shortly after looking towards Longinus she felt her body going down. There was nothing that she could do to stay upon her feet. Tempest accidently tossed one of her blades as her body hit the ground. The other blade was pinned by Raven's near her neck. Tempest noticed thou as her body hit the ground there were people around them. They all had the same face as the one next to them.
Tempest laid there turning her eyes to Raven waiting for the death blow that was to come. Her sister had right where she needed her to take her life.
"Go ahead Raven do what you know must be done to ensure your life. We both know that you let me go that I shall find you. And when I do you shall be where I am."
-
Raven kept the right arm steady keeping Tempest's remaining blade where she wanted it. Her eyes looked around making sure they all were doing well. Turning her eyes to Longinus saw that he had been hurt during all of this. Raven was indebted to him for making a move that may have saved her life.
She looked to Tempest as she listened to what was being said to her. There was much truth to what was said in that moment. That is Tempest was let go she would just come after Raven again. They both knew that Raven was going to end Tempest's life. Not only for her sake but those around the land.
The dark eyes of Raven went to the skies above them. Within she asked for her parent's forgives for what she had to do. Tears that rolled down her cheeks for that of her parent's and for what Tempest had become. Raven looked to her sister with peace in her heart.
She brought back the blade that had been pinniing the only blade of Tempest. Raven twisted her body to the left bring the blade with. Using all the power within her she sent the blade going for Tempest's throat. Raven's heart pounding hard in her chest as she went through with it.
-
Longinus watched as the reflections gathered round the two fighters. Raven had been fighting her inner demons while fighting her sister as well. Longinus knew that if Raven killed her sister it might haunt her the rest of her life. Running up to the two, he kicked away one of the blades that lay in the sand. Longinus arrived just as Raven started to rise the sword to deliver the death blow. Longinus brought his blade up against Raven's and said, " If you kill your sister, you will remember it for the rest of your life Raven. You might even become your sister should you do this. Your sister is evil there is no doubt about that, but why is she evil? It's because she has been able to kill those she loves and those she hates. I'm sure you both love and hate your sister. So by killing her won't you be becoming just as low as she became? Low enough that you open your heart to the evil she has let in." Longinus kept his eyes on Tempest in case she made any kind of wrong moves.
-
Tempest laid there looking upto Raven waiting for the one last blow. Her eyes watched Longinus move along side her sister. Guessing that he came to watch watch the end of her life. After all she had threatened his life not long ago.
She was suprised by the words that he spoke but knew it was the feeling that he felt for Raven talking. Seemed that she had captured a man's heart once again.
Tempest moved her eyes back and forth beween Raven and Longinus. Just who would win at this moment, would Raven kill her or would Longinus win her over with words. She was hoping that Longinus would win so that she would have another chance at Raven. Thou if Raven did as she wanted then all would be over and she would be happy.
Slowly leaning her head to one side, looked deep into Raven's eyes wondering what was going on in her mind as she stood there.
-
Sigonus watched Einar slice through the blade with ease and finally he stopped his own chopping. He fell to his knees there looking on his hands, which needed healing. They bled, but the the wounds he'd suffered were not altogether fatal. He was becoming light headed, from blood loss, but he'd live to tell the tale. He tried to stand up, finding it very hard, just as another enemy came into the area. Sigonus could not fight anymore, his strength was leaving him from all he'd already done. Standing finally he realized he had nothing he'd brought with him, on him. It had all been confiscated when he was captured and was now in Belgada somewhere. If only he had his flask of healing water, he could restore himself and be ready for battle yet again.
He looked to the elves that lay dead in the sand, vultures already tested whether they could eat them or if they'd have to wait longer. Sigonus shooed the vultures away, he would not let them have them. He looked back to the new enemy and walked over to the dented sword, picking it up just in case. He could barely lift it, but he wouldn't let anyone kill another companion of his.
-
Just as Raven was about to take the swing down and end Tempest's life a blade got in the way of her's. Her eyes had caught the kicking of the blade that laid in the sand. She had figured that it was one of the figures that stood around them.
Before she knew it she was listening to thecaring voice of Longinus. Raven let the words soak in as he spoke them, eyes remaining upon Tempest's face. Taking a deep breath as the anger built within her looking down at her sister. As Raven let out the breath her right arm relaxed, coming to rest at her side. she glared at her sister for a moment or so.
"You need to thank him for the fact that you are going to live. I would rather see your blood spilled for those that you have and were going to hurt. Til we figure what to do with you, your a prisoner of the Blackthorne family."
Raven turned looking to Longinus with confusion on her face. Careful she brought her left arm about and laying it over her gut.
"I came here to save you from the hell that y ou may be going through. Only to turn around and have you save my sister from the fate that she deserves."
-
" I see you are not just of Blackthorne blood, your a half breed. Why weaken yourself by following the ways of honor and peace, that the Blackthorne's so cherish? Why not give in to your rage, let go, I know it's such a heavy burden...give in. Join me and together we two wolves can hunt down our family's enemies. Hunt them down and rend them apart, I know you can feel it. That same call, that pulse in the land itself, it remembers you Darkthorne. Just as it remembers me....tell me your name." The White Wolf continued to press onwards towards the Darkthorne, now recognizing him as being one of the Lycal brood. Such seemed fitting, as Einar felt the rage rising up within him, slowly coming to a boil. Let the Devil tempt him ... Einar wasn't about to let himself return to the darkness.
"Einar ..." The warrior spoke, and then, as the Knight began to circle around Ion as the Darkthorne did the same, the warrior of Velusia would add, " ... the Betrayer." A grin would rise upon those hardened features, even as the black veins upon his pale facade seemed to pulse. If this Lycal wanted to fight with both words and brawn, Einar was more than happy to oblige. "I am he whom was once called the White Wolf, son of Magnus Darkthorne." The name of that Chieftain would undoubtedly bring about some stirring - a Thane of the North, with many a beast under his banner was sure to have his name spread across the lands of darkness. "I am Einar, Knight-Protector of the Queen of Velusia ..." At that moment, Einar brandished Fenrir up before him - a mighty weapon, the sentient sword of Fenris-Wolf, another notch in the belt of the Betrayer. And well enough, as Ion brought up 'Lunar Scar', copies of him appearing at either side.
" ... Failure is a lure back to Darkthorne, it's what brought me back to Belgada and from the dead. I was once a warrior, a master hunter, and a loving husband, but we all have our darkness...lurking behind those eyes, waiting for the moon to shine down upon them, turn them silver as we give into our instincts."
A glimmer of a smile - grim as it was - came to the lips of the Knight-Protector. While trying to sway Einar to return to the darkness through words, Ion had betrayed himself. It was then that Einar came to understand the nature of this Darkthorne - came to realize the weakness and strength of the Lycal. Standing before Einar there was no Enemy - no ill-fated and evil foe ... but rather, a tormented soul. A spirit opressed by the violence and carnage about him. Ion was correct that he and Einar were alike ... far more than even Ion could have thought.
It was then that Vahn came up beside Einar, a wave of relief coming over the Warrior as he saw the Lord Demise alive. " ... He is nothing more then an exiled Darkthorne, even his fellow Darkthornes hate him. Leave him to their idea of justice for traitors after all he will not find peace when he denies who HE truly is. The taint in you Einar is stronger then the taint in him, do yourself justice Einar and render him unconscious, leave him for the vultures. I'm sure they haven't got enough of your flesh after all Ion, rest well..."
The Warrior of Velusia found himself shaking his head to Vahn, "No ... " One simple word, and then Einar was moving forwards towards Ion, his muscles beginning to pulsate and grow, his claws and canines extending ... Ion would not be won with mere words. Einar would need to prove himself in battle, would need to throw his opponent down and show the Grey Wolf who was the Alpha here ... And then. Then Einar would offer Ion a chance at redemption. Redemption, like Reinne had once given to him ...
As grey hues turned to silver, and the White Wolf pressed in on Ion, Einar would challenge his Darkthorne brother, " ... It's time for you to show me just how much greater you Darkthornes are ..." Lips curled back in a smirk, the White Wolf's canines gleaming, " ... C'mon ... Show me what you've got ..." And with that, the White Wolf leapt in, Fenrir slashing viciously towards Ion's chest.
-
Ion looked upon Lord Demise with disdain, he had killed Reese's wife because of one reason. That wife happened to be the she-wolf in disguise, Ion had thought his curse would end with her death. A death only he knew of for she had hid her trail in both Belgada and Velusia well. The Darkthorne's judgement in making Ion a Darkthorne was poor, for he had little darkness to feed upon. The only thing that kept him a Darkthorne, was the idea that he had failed those he served in Velusia. That he had failed his family, his love, and everyone else that counted on him. The master hunter was caught in his own trap of sorts, for his soul would not let him free of the dark taint. Not until he could forgive himself for something he really did not do. As Einar began to come towards him taunting him, Ion smiled for this was his only escape now.
Battle was the only thing that brought the old knight within him any peace, for it reminded him. Reminded him of a time long ago when he was something better then he was now. As Fenrir came slashing towards his chest, Ion brought up his own blade, the clash of metal against metal, as a test of strength ensued. His might against Einar's.
" Aye I have heard of Magnus, for it's he who took the she-wolf's place, the she-wolf Mavina, who was Reese's wife in disguise. She was my tormenter and I killed her in hopes to end my curse, only to fall further. So you are the son of the great Magnus, then defeating you will be a great challenge indeed."
Ion blinked his left eye as the white colored image of him moved in slashing with it's mimic of his lunar scar towards Einar's left side. It was a ploy to get the white wolf off him, and get him to move back so he could further study his movements.
-
Longinus looked to Raven and simply smiled, " sometimes the option we are given is not the best course to follow. I know that best of all, for I had could have died rather then take up the spear in the begining. The spear has taught me one thing, that is we all have a choice on what destiny we choose. Some are worse then others, but thats just it, the easy way is the way to corruption, while the hardest path to follow is usually the best course to take." He looked to the wound on her gut, tearing off some of his shirt he bound the wound tight. " that won't do anything for the pain, but it'll slowly stop the bleeding. We need to get Lucan to his mother, we need to get to Demise and warn them. We also need to make sure that Tempest is restrained until we can do otherwise with her. I'm sure the reflections of Vahn can aid us in that undertaking. Perhaps some unbreakable chains, although I'm not sure what will become of your sister."
Longinus slung the quiver over his shoulder along with the bow, he put the sword into his belt. He walked over to where the spear Ion had thrown was and picked it up. " You would think I would hate spears now, but I find them to be a sturdy weapon in keeping a foe at their distance." He pointed the holy spear at Tempest, while looking over to Einar and Ion. " I don't think anymore Darkthornes are coming, I think they've for the most part, all left Belgada to head towards Demise. I saw a small force gathered at the Stronghold, they left it well guarded, but I don't think they are allowed to leave. We shouldn't find too much trouble in getting out of Belgada now, but where are we going? If we go to Demise, we'll come right up behind the Darkthorne forces, and we'd be out numbered."
He looked over to Vahn, knowing the lord of Demise surely had a way to get home.
-
Raven hung her head as she took in his words knowing that Longinus was right. She had seen so many other girls look up to their older sister where she looked down upon Tempest. Instead of following Tempest in her evil ways she had found the path that lead to the good and righteous way. Raven would try and do what it took to stay on that path so not to turn into her sister.
She took a deep breath as she felt Longinus tie some of his shirt about her wounds. Raven felt tears well up in her eyes but fought them back so not to please Tempest. Slowly the breath was released, the intesity of the pain leaving with the air.
"If nothing else we can use my belt to bind her hands, I can carry my sword. There may be even something on one of the dead Darkthornes we can use. As for travel there are more leaving then what came. My dragons can be here shortly if need be."
It was getting to a point that breathing hurt for the blood was starting to slow and dry, which tightened the skin too. Slowly she knelt beside Tempest, her blade resting in the sand between them. Raven felt that she needed to thank Einar and Vahn for not killing Longinus. It would have been so easy for Vahn to let Longinus go down with the Duke.
-
Those silver eyes widened, almost as if incensed, as Fenrir came crashing down against Ion's 'Lunar Scar'. Muscles strained as Einar pushed against the Darkthorne Lycal, the strength of the two Wolves near matched. " Aye I have heard of Magnus, for it's he who took the she-wolf's place, the she-wolf Mavina, who was Reese's wife in disguise. She was my tormenter and I killed her in hopes to end my curse, only to fall further. So you are the son of the great Magnus, then defeating you will be a great challenge indeed." Before the White Wolf could say anything in return however, Ion blinked his eye and the white copy of the Darkthorne came in, slashing at the White Wolf's side. Einar did not know if the copy was simpkly an illusion or a true threat, but he wasn't about to take any chances - the White Wolf quickly threw himself backwards, his animal-like balance and grace seeming almost unnatural for a man ... especially for a man of his size. The tip of 'Lunar Scar' would then simply glance of the plate mail in which adorned the Knight-Protector's torso, leaving him unscathed.
Silver eyes shot up, staring through tendrils of pale blonde ... and then the warrior would smirk. "The great Magnus?" Einar questioned, "If the meaningless slaughter of helpless beings makes one great ..." Slowly, Einar began to circle around Ion ... with the Lycal's twin copies, it would prove difficult to battle the old Knight. "For one whom was once a Knight of Velusia, I'm surprised you would view such as great." Fenrir was ever ready within the warrior's grasp, the blade pulsated ... baying for blood. "It almost sounds like you lament your status as a Darkthorne ..." Einar began to press inwards, "Almost as if you despised the taint within you."
And with that last word, the warrior would strike forwards, Fenrir coming in from the right side (Ion's left), the blade slashing not at Ion, but rather, at the throat of the white copy of the Darkthorne. In order to battle his opponent, Einar needed to discern whether his copies were real, or an illusion.
-
Ion listened to Einar as he stalked around him, a sneer crossed his lips. " Great as in a great pelt to adorn my mantle, I have no love for Darkthorne. I was made a Darkthorne not by choice, my heart holds no secrets. I was also a great hunter in Velusia, back when much of the land you stand on was Velusia. I used to hunt the lycal Darkthornes as sport, ironic I am now cursed as they are." He had watched Einar's movements, a man his size was not hindered in speed and agility. That made Einar a true fight of skill not sheer power and luck. If he was going to get the upper hand on Einar he'd have to find some way of hindering his movements. If only there was some water, or even a forest, he could slow down Einar then. But Belgada was cursed as those who lived within it's lands.
"Almost as if you despised the taint within you."
" I never wanted this cursed existance...errrr" Einar came closing in with a great deal of speed. The lunar scar had it's draw backs, the white image delt no damage yet gave some of it's damage to the owner. While the black image could deal damage, yet did not deal any damage to it's owner. Ion usually kept his right side forward and his left side guarded, but Einar had launched his attack while conversing, he had now chance to turn. The image's throat was cut, the image wavered and vanished as Ion grasped his throat as a thin red line crossed it. It was only a flesh wound, but had Einar put any more power behind that slash it would have been more. Ion's guard was down while he checked the damage making sure he was judging it right. " Not bad for warrior from Velusia...you could give this old man an even match with blades." Ion fell to his knees in a feint, as he hit the sand, the black image came forward slashing at Einar's right side.
Ion could feel his body slowly starting to heal the wound, years of sleeping had made his abilities slightly rusty.
-
Longinus walked over to the dead elves and looked over their supplies. " Don't be offended elf, but their supplies could be useful for us now." He found some bandages and healing slaves, some trail rations, one of the elves wore a odd cloak, he took it off the elf and put it on. He reached into it to find more supplies, they had been preparing for a long journey apparently. He bandaged up his leg, applying some of salve, and then went over to bandage up Sigonus's wounds. All the while in the background the fight between Ion and Einar raged on, Longinus didn't know what to think of this Ion person. He seemed to hate being a Darkthorne rather then embracing the darkness like the others they'd encountered. A few beastial roars came from the crevace the Duke was apparently finding it hard to make his way back up. Longinus didn't want to be here when he did, they'd all been injured enough and they still had to warn Demise of the army pressing in. The afternoon had already gone by and evening was drawng close. They had to get Lucan out of the orb before sunset, Longinus walked over to where Lord Demise was. He would unfortunately have to guard the Lord sine he was the one carring Lucan.
-
Silver hues watched as the White Copy shimmered and then vanished as Fenrir sliced through it's throat - a brow lofted, however, as Einar noticed a red line etching itself over Ion's throat, lips etching themselves into a grim line as the Darkthorne grasped at his throat and fell to the sand. " Not bad for warrior from Velusia...you could give this old man an even match with blades." Yet, before Einar could reply, the Black Image was coming in, it's blade slashing towards the warrior's side. Silver eyes widened, and Einar's instincts took over. Rather than backing off, the Warrior of Velusia pressed forwards, charging in towards the Black Image. The sword of the Black struck the warrior's side, but the power behind it would be limited due to the close proximity of it's target - the base, rather than the tip, of the sword striking against Einar's armoured form.
Being this close, Fenrir was rendered useless - however, many were the years when Einar stalked the lands with no weapons, save for his own hands and maw. As Einar came in, his left arm rose, elbow bending ... and then thrusting towards the face of the Black Image. The steel of Einar's armour was strong, and should the warrior strike true, it would send most men sprawling to the ground. And if so, then good ... The band needed to leave Belgada and travel to Demise. By now, the battle would have started ... and Reinne would need every sword she could muster.
But, Einar was not leaving Ion behind.
-
Ion watched as Einar through his own safety to the winds and rushed in. Ion began to realize that the warrior was intent, but something more. Einar had plenty chance to slay Ion in that one moment when he injured his image. Einar had been pushing Ion, making him delve into his own soul. Ion realized that Einar was intent on reforming the fallen lord, in bringing him back. Ion called off the black image and began to stand.
He smiled as a great weight seemed to leave his shoulders, a deep breath of air. Air that tasted so fresh, as if it were the first time he had ever breathed it. He had over heard something about a battle, and Demise, were the Darkthornes actually marching on Velusia? He had done nothing, but delay Einar and his group from going home to aid in battle. Yet Einar stayed, he seemed to fight his duty in order to try and save a lost soul.
Ion saw things now, as if seeing for the first time in years, how long had he stayed in that blindness. That doubt that he could not change his fate, yet here a warrior stood willing save him. Ion held up a hand, wanting Einar to halt as he thought over what he was about to do.
" I see now, you seek to fight for my soul, to redeem me, you have shown great honor here. More so then I think I am worthy of witness, you must go back to Demise. But they have awoken the three remaining elders, by now they have sealed off any and all outside intervention. You will not be able to travel there through magic..."
Ion turned towards the ruins of his ship, " remember the sayings that one should not trust what they see in Belgada..." Ion whislted, the sand around those ruins began to bulge as something rose from beneath the sands. A glowing white ship emerged from the sand, as sand poured from it's decks. " We will take my ship the eclispe, it is the fastes airship ever built. I shall accompany you to Demise and I shall face the Darkthornes alongside you as your ally. You have proven yourself worthy of respect and honor Einar Blackthorne. Whatever heritage you claim, it is your actions that will prove you to others. Now come there is not much time, for the battle has no doubt begun!"
Ion made his way to the ship and boarded it running his hands along it's rails. He spoke to the ship, " aye girl, it seems there is still honor to be had for us. Guide us true oh goddess of the hunt, let the arrow of the gods , the eclipse sail once more." The ship began to react as the sails raised and it began to turn towards the direction of Demise. Ion awaited Einar and his group, for his own redeemption was at stake here. Einar had merely given him hope when all else was lost.
-
The Warrior of Velusia sent his elbow towards the face of the Black Image, the steel ready to smash into the Image and send it reeling backwards - yet before the elbow struck, the Image winked away. Brow creased, and silver eyes shot towards the Darkthorne - for a moment, fearing the Old Knight to be dead. Yet, as the White Wolf recognized the sight of the Grey Wolf's breathing, a small bit of relief came over the Knight. Relief, and a wary curiousness as to why the Darkthorne had ended his attack ... Was he surrendering, or simply trying to deceive the warrior? Whatever the case was, Fenrir was brandished before the Knight's breast and - fearlessly - Einar began to stalk over the sands towards the downed Darkthorne ... the Old Knight was either about to submit, or about to die.
Silver eyes began to narrow as the Darkthorne rose to his feet, stretching out a hand to halt Einar's approach. The Warrior found this interesting, and a small part within him hoped that the Old Knight was going to do as Einar had done so many years ago ...
"I see now, you seek to fight for my soul, to redeem me, you have shown great honor here. More so then I think I am worthy of witness, you must go back to Demise. But they have awoken the three remaining elders, by now they have sealed off any and all outside intervention. You will not be able to travel there through magic..."
To this, the White Wolf nodded, even as his body began to shift back to that of his human form. "Indeed," Einar spoke, his silver eyes darkening into their natural grey, "Every man is worthy of honor, and every man is worthy of redemption ... You had proven yourself to be of equal honor here, Knight, for you are willing to redeem your wrongs." Einar brought Fenrir up and sheathed the blade in it's back scabbard, knowing now that Ion was no longer a threat ... he had begun the path to redemption. The warrior then stepped forwards in order to grip Ion's forearm in the warrior's grip. " ... Within your breast, as black as you may believe it to be, there is a heart of gold. I can see it. Now ..." Einar spoke, a subtle smile on his lips as he looked to the Airship rising from the sands, " ... it's time to show the rest of the world."
The warrior then walked over the sands towards the airship, following after the reformed-Darkthorne. If what Ion spoke was true, then Reinne and Shamus would need every sword at their disposal ... Einar boarded the 'Eclipse', his grey eyes moving along the beauty of the ship. "An impressive vessel," the warrior spoke, and then moved to stand beside the Old Knight, " ... I would know your name, Knight, if you would be so kind as to give it to me." The White Wolf grinned ever so slightly, " ... for I owe that man my thanks."
-
Ion waited for the others as Einar boarded, he knew that the Darkthornes had rose back to a state of power. He had never taken part in their quest for glory, he was the one apple that did not fall near the tree. As Einar asked for Ion's name the old knight seemed almost ashamed to give it.
" It has been long since anyone has called me by name, but if you must have it. My name is Ion, as to my last name it is the same as your's or theirs, it matters not anymore. My mother on her death bed told me that my father was not whom I thought him to be. So until I have found him out, my name is simply Ion. My mother was a Blackthorne, of that I'm certain, as for my father who knows save the gods whom keep their secrets."
Ion went over to the mast checking some of the ropes for years of disuse may have ruined them. He found the enchantment upon his ship to still hold strong, the ropes were just fine.
" We shall have to fly low, near the sands until we leave Belgada, else we get struck down before we ascend. I'm not sure how well I'll be received by the Blackthornes, I may be heading to my own execution. That matters not now, there are lives in the balance here. If I die only to save a few hundred lives even, then at least I died with honor. The Darkthornes won't accept my helping you as well as the Blackthornes. Then again I've killed more Darkthornes then I have Blackthornes so it's best they not like me."
Ion went to the wheel of the vessel and waited for the others to board. He was glad he met Einar, for he could tell Einar would inspire many more warriors. Velusia would need Einar now, need him to inspire the warriors who even now fought to keep Velusia free and bring peace.
-
Vahn did not like them putting trust in a Darkthorne, especially Ion, for Vahn had delt with him much like he did Einar. Except with Ion, Vahn did not have to hide his dislike for the old knight had earned the king's fury at the time. Vahn had been able to rid himself of Ion openly, for it was Ion who had openly stated he thought Vahn could not be trusted. It was Ion that almost ruined Vahn's plans when he reunited the Darkthornes and respawned the war between the two clans. Vahn was working for a different purpose now, but all the same having two knights he knew would oppose him was not pleasing. Vahn stalked off through the desert towards the ship, not thinking of this anymore. For now all that concerned Vahn, was the state of his lands. His home was under attack, it was not a matter for questioning. It was his home, not just Velusia that had come under attack from the Darkthornes.
Vahn held no mercy for those who chose to become enemies of the house Demise. Once on the ship, Vahn began to undo the magic Longinus had used to seal away Lucan in the orb. Leaving the boy in the orb was too risky with what Longinus had said. Slowly the buzzing of magic being undone could be heard as the boy appeared where the orb once sat on the deck. Vahn would make sure Lucan was returned unharmed, he would stay with Lucan until he was delivered back to his mother.
" I would not put so much trust in a Darkthorne, it's in their nature to stab their allies in the back..." Vahn walked off to be alone, yet not far enough so he couldn't keep an eye on Lucan. The boy had been through a lot and was confused as to where he was. Vahn explained to him everything that had happened and that he would take him back to his mother safely.
-
Sigonus thanked Longinus before heading off towards the vessel in the distance. He couldn't wait to get back to Velusia and to his own home, which seemed like a distant heaven now.
" I don't care about trusting the Darkthorne, if he is willingly to take us out of Belgada then by all means let him do so. I have had my fill of this place and after such I am in need of a long bath and much sleep. I've lost my things, I've been possessed two times, I've been beaten, captured, tortured, and hunted as well as attacked. I've seen my fellow elves die, seen horrors which I will no doubt have nightmares about for the rest of my days. For the love of Gaia let us leave this place post haste!"
Sigonus moved over to rest next to the rail, not far from the newly arrived Lucan. He wasn't a warrior like many of those gathered here, he was a cleric, who fought when it was required. He didn't actively go seeking battle, which is what got him in this situation in the first place. If only Lord Luther had listened to Sigonus and not gone into battle, he wouldn't let Lord Luther go alone. And even though he tried, he could do nothing to save Lord Luther...from the very man whom he saved in the desert. Yet it wasn't that man's fault was it, Sigonus had sensed something different about Longinus when he found him. He could feel a change even in Ion as he and Einar fought.
He however couldn't sense anything from Vahn, the lord of Demise had a strong ability to hide his alignment.
-
Einar nodded in response to Ion, even as the warrior gripped the Old Knight's forearm, "Well met, Ion." Then, as Ion began moving about the ship, inspecting the state of the vessel , the Warrior of Velusia turned to the other members of the band as they began to board the ship. Einar watched as the Lord Demise began working on the orb, and moved to stand beside him. The Knight-Protector was a familiar face to the boy, Lucan, an almost ever-present figure around the Queen Reinne. While Einar shared a fondness for the boy, however, he was rarely able to express as much. He came off as a silent, brooding warrior ... and to a child, that was perhaps menacing. Nevertheless, in these times of darkness, after what Lucan had gone through, Lucan would no doubt need a familiar face ... and a good sword to defend him.
"I would not put so much trust in a Darkthorne, it's in their nature to stab their allies in the back..."
A brow lofted at Vahn's words, and Einar stalked across the planks of the 'Eclipse' to come to the Lord Demise's side. "I recall men saying the same of you, Vahn, before we left on this journey ... I know what it is to be Darkthorne, forget that not. And I also know what it is to walk the path of redemption ... Ion will prove valuable and honorable, of this I am sure. And considering what it is we are about to face, we will need every sword we can get."
With that, Einar would walk off towards the bow of the 'Eclipse', his grey eyes looking out towards the vast sands of the Darkthorne Territory, his hand rising up to his chest, fingers wrapping around the amulet at his throat. I am coming, Reinne, I am coming ...
-
Once Tempest was properly bound, Longinus would accompany Lady Raven to the ship.
Longinus would look upon the ship with marvel at it's beauty and power. Never before had he been upon an airship, nor had he ever seen one. To think that men could soar to the skies like eagles, something Longinus had always dreamed of. Flying high above the world, away from the problems below, away from the noise, and people. He touched the ship, feeling the smooth surface of the rails, the hot wind blowing over it. Yet the ship seemed almost cool as though it held a tie to the sea itself. The flapping of the sails and ropes, he looked out at the sand gliding over sand. They would sail upon the sand as though it were a sea. Longinus could not wait to see this, for it would be something he would never forget.
The dark clouds over Belgada were slowly fading back to hang over the stronghold. As the forces which looked up to them had all but completely left Belgada. With a ship like this, one could travel anywhere they wanted, it was a true work of art as well as transportation.
" This ship is marvelous, I've never seen anything like it before...to think we will soar over the desert like birds...I can't contain my excitement to see such a sight."
He moved to the front of the ship to get a better look, he was eager to set sail. Eager to arrive in Demise and clear his name, eager to live his life free of a dominating force.
-
Raven stood quietly looking over the side of the ship staring at the sand below. She had wondered why Tempest had turned out like she did. By what she could recall they were raised the same. About as quick as she had changed after getting to Belgada, she became herself. Gently she hooked the glove on the belt and placed her blade in its sheath. Carefully Raven laid the bag on her back upon the deck of the ship.
She sent out a message to Phantom and Godiva that she was ok. That she needed to meet up with them. All the while her arm rested across the wound on her gut.
All had gone well for them here in Belgada, some may be injured but all were alive. Now they had to go help the others that were in trouble. it should not be any worse then what they went through. For she would have the flying duo helping out from the air.
Slowly Raven glanced over the others that she had fought along side. She went with Einar and Vahn into Belgada thinking they would not look after her. Even thou she never said a word to either of them Raven would apologize later to them both.
As she took a seat upon the bag Raven realized that Tempest's dragon was being left behind. Shortly Rycore could be seen flying along side the ship. Her eyes watched the movement of his wings knowing that he would be under her care. There would be no way that she would turn him back over to her sister.
-
Continued in Demise: Demise Estate thread