Belgada Remorium: Outside the Veil

[Sigonus Erewyn]

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.

[Lady Raven Dragonheart]

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."

[Einar 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." 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 Darkthorne]

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]

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.

[Lady Raven Dragonheart]

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.

[Einar Blackthorne]

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 Darkthorne]

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]

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.

[Einar Blackthorne]

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 Darkthorne]

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.

[Einar Blackthorne]

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 Darkthorne]

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 Demise]

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 Erewyn]

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.