Belgada Remorium: Outside the Veil

[Merlindria Darkthorne]

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 Darkthorne]

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 Rynn]

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 Darkthorne]

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.

[Sigonus Erewyn]

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 Darkthorne]

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.

[Longinus]

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 Rynn]

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]

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.

[Tempest Rynn]

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?"

[Longinus]

" 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 Rynn]

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.

[Einar Blackthorne]

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 Demise]

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]

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.