Demise: Demise estate

[Matius Darkthorne]

Finishing his meal, and seeing his first attack do nothing more then mere superficial damge. The rage began to burn in his blood, some mage had been expecting them apparently. How nice, he had wanted a true fight, he had things to test out and he enjoyed playing with his prey before killing them. " Kamen bring me my bracers, I think we will have fun with Demise...." looking over Demise, he could see it would be tough to bring down, but not impossible. "

Set up defensive shielding along that line there, I want my men protected, we have little to expend here....." or did he, looking back to the gate, Matius remembered what Diago had said. " Our first efforts will be to both demorlize Demise and bring down it's walls. Load the catapults...." Matius smiled, for they had chopped up the bodies of those he killed. Now they were going to deliver the body parts back to Demise.

" Send them home boys.." the catapults were launched sending the body parts and guts flying over the Demise walls. " Almost reminds you of home doesn't it, blood and gore raining from the skies..." Matius was enjoying this more so then had thought he would. " Kamen bring me my sword as well.." Kamen came running back with both sword and bracers, placing them on his lord.

Matius walked over to the gate not sure how to use it. He touched the necklace to the gate and a loud hum was heard as the stone rippled becoming a liquid like substance as black as pitch. Almost instantly shadowy figures began to emerge from the gate, kneeling before Matius. He at first stepped back, but after they kneeled, he smiled and stood tall. More slaves to feed the maggots, Matius would command his own army this day.

The figures were pale, they had no eyes, and they wore strange black armor. The beings also seemed to be able to walk through the shadows, their blades reaked of disease. " You serve me now, find me a way for my army to get into Demise, now go!!" The figures departed, sinking into their own shadows, Matius turned and looked on Demise again. " Artuk go poison whatever water supplies you can find leading into Demise, Cel get the goblins, we'll send them in first, their expendable."

Matius laid out a map of the territory of Demise, he began to set markers for each of his leiutenants to take their divisions. " Have the orc slaves we brought take the battering ram to the gates, archers cover them, fire mages cover them as well. Sappers locate a weak point in the wall and blow it up, start setting up the siege towers, get the springals and arbalest, we'll speed up this war of attrition."

" Assassins I want that mage's head and bring me some Demise heads while your at it, see if you can get those gates open. Let loose another volley of arrows, launch the catapults as well, let's make as much noise as we can while they try to organize a defense." Matius was anxious to attack, but he needed a way in, the wall would not take long to destroy, but he wanted the streets to run red with blood now.

" I hate waiting" Matius knew the longer he waited the closer Prasutagus's army could be to marching up behind him, he didn't want to be tried for treason, not when he could capture all the glory for himself. There had to be a quicker way in, one that had to be right in front of his face, but he just wasn't seeing it.

The assassins put on their cloaks of invisibility as they headed off into the shadows towards the wall. They were skilled climbers so they could get in and find a to open the gates if possible. There was ten assassins in all, each were trained and skilled at what they did. They each carried their own little arsenal. The archers and catapults starting letting loose barrage after barrage. Matius would bury Demise beneath stone and wood if he had to, he knew how hard it was to work with such attacks going on around you. It would aid in their attack in various ways, the Darkthornes didn't have to sleep, but many of Demise's defenders did.

The sappers would look for the points where the wall connected to something, perhaps defense posts or around the gate itself. The more the wall was spread out the various weak points it had, it would be a center part they'd have to attack, they began to look for grates or waterways, sewage, anything that could possibly weaken the wall enough for an explosive charge to break it.

The goblins would simply act as a meat shield for the orcs, they used ladders to try to climb the wall. It was best to keep the defenders busy in multiple areas so they couldn't focus all their defense in one position. That way it allowed for a way in and a way in was a way to bring the house of cards down around them.

Matius had studied the various battle tactics of his ancestors, this situation had been encountered many times and it usually took three massive attacks before the defensive structures were overrun.

[Cebreese]

The portal opened revealing to Cebreese's prison army, the landscape of Demise in all it's splendor. His group were a rag-tag group of various criminals inprisoned for various reasons. They had all been enemies to the kingdom, or various city-states, and they were all high risks. They finally had to be sent to Latern's hold since it was the only prison that could hold them. It looked almost like some sick circus arriving. Cebreese didn't mind that he was the ringleader of a freak show. Appearing at the head of this legion of escaped criminals was Cebreese, the former Darkthorne lord. He alerted the Darkthornes that he'd been sent to help them, he knew they wouldn't turn down one who once led them to glory.

Cebreese walked through the Darkthornes who looked upon him, parting to give him way to their leader. He wasn't here to take command, he was here to aid, since it was part of his deal with the curator. He knew how deals with Darkthornes went, to betray the deal would no doubt send him back to the prison. Rotting in a dungeon was the last thing he wanted, even if he wouldn't be rotting outside. " My name is Cebreese Enroht formerly of Darkthorne, I've been sent to lend you aid if you should need it..I have with me a small force, mostly criminals and murderers, but all enemies to Velusia and the Blackthrones. I think they should come in useful, I'll keep to myself however, I'm not a very social person, so I'll leave you to leading your...army..while mine simply backs your's up."

Cebreese walked off not giving the general any time to reply to him, he didn't care anyway. He went back to his little group and told them to start getting their gear ready. He'd freed them so they could take their revenge on the kingdom which had taken away their freedom. If they wanted to rape and murder they could do it once they were in Demise, he didn't care. He wanted to leave, but he had no other choice, besides he wanted inside Demise just as bad as Matius. The chance to find someone he had fought before and see just how strong they'd become, to maybe find his end. His eyes scanned over the walls of Demise, it was almost like a flashback, back to the capital he'd taken years ago.

Cebreese would wait and see how this general worked before lending him any help. If he proved to be like most Darkthornes he'd let his ambition drive him all the way through.

[Eduardo DeLioncourt]

Eduardo jumped down from the city walls, his shoulder burned, but it was nothing major. How could he have been an idiot and he should have had his kinetic barrier up. Blast it all, he'd learned the damned thing and had not used it in so long he'd forgotten it was the first measure of defense. He had some other tricks up his sleeves, but he remembered the Darkthorne's enchanted armor. It prevented massive attacks, he'd have to use his minor spells against them, for anything too powerful would be absorbed by the armor. The Darkthornes also had two or three generals at the head of seperate armies, this confused their enemies. He also remembered to never think the army you were fighting was it with the Darkthornes. They always saved a few more armies to come rushing in when they started losing. He hoped these Darkthornes were different or they'd have to evacuate the city.

Eduardo didn't dare clone himself with the Darkthornes around either, for their technique of corruption was made him a liability. He one of him was tainted then he'd have to fight an army of himself with an army of himself. This was another reason why Eduardo had left Velusia long ago, he knew the Darkthornes would come back some day. He didn't want to be around when they did because of what happened last time. Still he was here now fighting yet again, he noticed a woman being brought in by one of the guards. She seemed to be a fighter, from her eyes, her stance, maybe an assassin by the way she used intimidation. Either way he was glade to have some reinforcements, he just hoped his other selves could warn the rest of Velusia in time. They'd need reinforcements bad if they were going to defend Demise, it was limited in defenders as it was.

Also the Darkthornes were known to attack, by land,sea, and air, so far they were attacking by land. This was a good thing, if a sky force came they'd be cooked for sure. He could use some of his more powerful spells in defense, but he was limited in using them for attack. That blasted armor kept him to having to use his weaker spells in mass just to do enough damage. He hoped the Demise rulers knew alot of about the Darkthorne or else they'd be out on a limb as well. Physical damage was one of the keys to defeating Darkthornes as well as turning back every different attack they applied. They were an evolving army, when one thing didn't work they'd try another almost instantly. This is why they were feared in the lands for they were hard as hell to hold off once they set their mind to an attack.

Eventually they'd take Demise, it had happened with every city the Darkthornes had attacked in the past. Perhpas leading them further into Velusia would be a good thing though. It'd be easier for reinforcements to arrive, also if they cut off the Darkthorne army then they could contain them and slowly wear them down. At least the Darkthornes were not attacking with a tarasque this time. They'd left a destroyed ruin of the last town he was in when they attacked. They'd found the town had many powerful defenders, so they attacked every which way, and unleashed a tarasque on the city. When the defenders had finally defeated the monster and pushed back the army enough, four other armies came in to reinforce the Darkthornes. They were nasty, but worthy opponents all the same, still they gave him a headache.

As the catapults ammunition came down, Eduardo began to cast a spell to thicken the air above the main city. This would slow the balls down, he could blast them out of the air now or simply let them roll off whatever buildings they touched. This spell was a simple spell nothing major, but it wouldn't last long either. He added a little buoyancy into the spell as well to make the balls seem lighter then they were. The spell would also pretty much stop arrows, it would buy them some time. His mind began to work a speed not many could match already preparing ten spells in case they should try anything different. He was lucky he was an alien to this realm, otherwise he might be limited in what he could do magically and psionically. He pulled the arrow out, and looked to the purplish blood on it's tip, thank god the arrows were not tainted.

His wound began to heal itself, hopefully they wouldn't use any kind of darkness magic either. That weaken his spells greatly, and cold magic that'd pretty much stop him in his tracks. They didn't use those so he had little to worry about in that area. However enough damage and he could fall just like the rest in this town. He'd stay close to this woman for now, it was best to pair up with someone when fighting the Darkthornes. Course why couldn't it have been drows...or simply orcs, why Darkthornes? He hated Darkthornes...he mumbled under his breath as he jumped back up onto the city walls above the woman. " Hey you better watch outh these Darkthornes are not your run of the mill warriors, their pretty tenacious." He said down towards the lady and the guards, he hoped they all listened to him.

[Reinne Blackthorne]

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..."

( Posted in Belgada as well. )

[Honor Demise]

Cordelia gasped at the Blackthorne's reaction, immediately standing over her, she waved her handkerchief back and forth to give Reinne a small breeze. "My Lady!" she exclaimed.

"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..."

Honor only nodded. At the moment there was still balance in the universe; when it finally comes, she would have to attend matters as a Gregori, not a queen. Vahn would have to take the reigns of leadership.

"Your majesty, I highly suggest crossing the Criex into the veil, you can be afforded better protection there." Her minister of finance urged, a twitchy fellow was alway fidgeting with the cuff of his sleeve or something in his pocket.

"Minister Aronnax, your concern is touching but we refuse to abandon Cazeneuve so early in the game."

A courier stepped through the door as the Shard closed it behind him, he kneeled in front of the assembly and lowered his gaze to the floor. "Madame, Captain Alonzo has moblized the infantry. Vitus has the Orek going east. General Blackshear has just reported that he is taking his men on the westside of the providence."

One of generals bristled in indignation. "Running away?! That is in opposite direction of the seige. Why in heaven's name would they do that?"

"It is brilliant," Cordelia giggled, then covered her mouth realizing that she spoke out of place.

"Go ahead," Honor smiled at Cordelia urging her to continue. "Explain to my venerated counselors what you mean."

Cordelia bobbed politely, scooted Minister Aronnax out of his chair forcing him to stand as she took a seat and waved her hand over the projection to move out to an overview of the whole kingdom. "Yes, my liege, with pleasure. General Blackshear and Vitus must have the same idea as her majesty." Nodding at Reinne. "Since the Darkthorne general has not been subtle about his approach and has spead his forces to cover most of the wall that is not inside the veil. It has left his forces venerable. If I know Vitus half as well as you do, my lady, I would speculate that the Ortek and Shard are coming out the otherside of the veil to flank the enemy and engage them with overwhelming force." The lady-in-waiting leaned back in the chair stretching out her legs underneath the table crossed her ankles and arms looking rather smug. "What you mean that you did not recognize that strategy, Lord Trenchard?"

The financial minister tapped Cordelia on her shoulder. "May I have my seat back?"

"Yes of course, Minister Aronnax." Cordelia hid her disappointment rising from the table, resuming her place at Honor's shoulder.

"Merci, Cordelia. You explaination has been most entertaining," Honor said with amusement then expression turned serious, her attention back to the messenger. "You may rise, young man. What is your name?"

The young man was speechless and started stammering unable to believe that he had the complete attention of the goddess with stars in her eyes. "I...Ia..Ian, my lady."

"Ian, please rise. Thank you for the information."

He was nearly swooning, somehow he made it to his feet. "Th..th..thank you." The boy bowed and scraped repeatedly before backing into the door.

Honor raised her hand to her lips, smiling, sharing a look with the Blackthorne queen. "Poor boy." As quick as it came, her expression grew sober once again watching the rain of blood and body parts rain over the walls. "Queen Reinne. Your cousel is very prudent. General Trechard have all troupes employ fire setting up the seige weapons where my lady suggested. Forwat please send out salamanders and other elementals to protect our rivers and dam the Chiron and the Criex to prevent tainting of our water supply, take care of any other loose ends I might have forgotten."

The two advisors rose from their chairs and bowed deeply to their sovereign before taking their leave, brooding with the horrible future that lay ahead.

"I had forgotten war was so tedious," Honor muttered with a sigh, on one level she was already bored with the whole affair. She left the warmongering up to the warmongers. "I need by brother's counsel."

 She tapped on the table, "Le Comte...Vahn..are you there?" The table changed to view the desolate landscape of the Darkthorne lands, focusing on her brother. "Ah there you are my darling brother..." Her voice trailed off watching him in his manic state. Honor sat up ramrod straight. Dash the kingdom or the rest of the world, her precious brother was in immediate danger. Rising from her chair, she was poised for action, "I must go to him."

[Reinne Blackthorne]

Reinne could barely restrain the smirk that threatened to ease across her face. Despite her dis - ease with certain aspects of Honor Demise's persona, she found she was beginning to like the woman and respect her as an equal. Cordelia was the perfect companion, she was almost jealous. ....Almost. As Honor brought up the image of Vahn and the others Reinne leaned forward watching intently and seeing nothing but Vahn fighting something unseen.  

Upon Honor's declaration that she must go to him Reinne stood up and in a tone she did not mean to be so harsh exclaimed, " No!"

The look on Honor's face caused her to wince at the harshness of her tone. Quickly she explained.

" There is nothing you can do to aid him. In my studies of the ancient tomes, I read about the defenses of the Darkthorne lands against those not of thier kind. These defenses are tricky and set to attack each individual differently. Your brother is caught by one that is nothing more than an illusion. His own nightmares come to life in his own mind. If you were to enter, you would be caught as well. This would prove to be foolhardy. Is there anyway you can reach him mentally? If you can reach his mind you may be able to aid him in defeating his own worst fears. By doing so he would be immune to such an attack as that again."

She paused gauging Honor's reaction to her words before adding a bit of fuel to the fire..so to speak.

" Besides, I am almost certain your brother would not have Demise fall so soon after being revived. I think it would be best if you aided him from here while we crush this first wave of invasion. I have faith that Einar and he will make it out of there alive and successful."

[Honor Demise]

Reinne's harsh 'no' snapped Honor into a more rational mind. For a second she was young again standing between Reagan, Reagan with a bottle in his hand ready to cut his younger, beaten brother to pieces. Games in the Demise household had always had darker connotations.

She blinked, weighing Reinne's advice and frowned. "We have no telepathic connection. I cannot stand idly by and watch my brother be attacked -illusion or not."

[Reinne Blackthorne]

Reinne blanched at Honor's admission that she and Vahn did not have such an ability. Mentally she chastised herself for not thinking before speaking, not everyone had the ability as she and Shamus had.  Running a hand through her curls she chewed on the side of her nail while pondering what to do. An idea spawned in her head, but would it work? Turning to Honor once more she murmured.

" Get everyone out...except Cordelia. I have an idea."

She would wait for Honor to rid the room of all other presence except Cordelia before she spoke more freely of her idea.

" What I am about to suggest will be very taxing not only on myself but you as well mentally. My telepathic ability is strong..I think I have a good chance of opening a two way channel between yourself and Vahn, but I must have absolute silence. Cordelia..I will need you to make sure no one interrupts us. Please gaurd the door."

Moving towards Honor she took her hands within her own.

" Do you trust me?"

It was the question of all questions to ask someone who barely knew you..but it was necessary for this to work.

[Honor Demise]

" Get everyone out...except Cordelia. I have an idea."

The generals and advisors did not move. Honor was running out of patience, "Are you deaf? Get OUT."

She would wait for Honor to rid the room of all other presence except Cordelia before she spoke more freely of her idea.

" What I am about to suggest will be very taxing not only on myself but you as well mentally. My telepathic ability is strong..I think I have a good chance of opening a two way channel between yourself and Vahn, but I must have absolute silence. Cordelia..I will need you to make sure no one interrupts us. Please gaurd the door."

The confidante scurried over to the door and bolted it. "Oui, Madame Blackthorne with my life."

Moving towards Honor she took her hands within her own.

" Do you trust me?"

What choice did she have? There was not a moment to waste. Inhaling deeply, the Demise queen nodded her head affirmatively.

"Oh mistress please be careful."

Honor laughed humorlessly, "Of course I will, Cordelia, do not fret...I am ready, Reinne. Let us begin."

[Matius Darkthorne]

Matius had heard the words of Cebreese, he didn't mind having Cebreese on his side, it boosted moral for his men. However to have to share the glory with Cebreese was something he did not like. He wouldn't share the glory with Cebreese, so he would have to dispatch him after they took Demise. Or he could get Cebreese killed in battle, which would boost the moral even more. " Natilom send word to Cebreese to march his army to the right around Demise and begin an attack on their flank. We'll pin Demise from from both sides and force them to flee or die. General Othe take part of our forces and go around their left, meet Cebreese at their flank. Sappers...new mission...load the catapults with explosives." Matius turned to the gate and summoned up more creatures to fight for him. He gave on a special set of arrows and said, " Your first mission is to hit that mage with this null shard, then I want you to take out Cebreese and make sure with Cebreese you cover all evidence of how and who killed him understand?"

The creature shook it's head and began to shadow walk towards Demise. The null shard would prevent the mage from using his magic, this would help his effort in preventing Demise from defending itself. Without the aid of the mage's magic, Demise might just fall within a few hours. It was time to step up the game, no holding back now, he had seen what Demise was capable of so far. It lacked the dedication to battle as the Darkthorne forces did, they were too busy coming up with a way to out smart him no doubt. So he would continue to change his tactics, make it hard for them to figure him out. " Let's throw them some tainted animal parts, I want to see how many we can turn to our side." The catapults were armed with explosives attachted to Darkthorne infected animal corpses. The resulting explosions would splatter those present in the blood of Darkthorne, and begin to change them into their own enemies.

" For the glory of Darkthorne let us crush Demise once and for all.."

[Reinne Blackthorne]

Reinne nodded and continued to hold Honor's hands within her own. Soon those eyes closed as she worked to find that hidden passage within Honor's mind hoping to unlock it. She never got that far. Cordelia suddenly gasped causing Reinne to stumble a bit dragging Honor with her. Shooting a look to Cordelia , she glowered

" I said.."

" But Your highness...look!"

Reinne's eyes followed the path of the pointing digit just in time to see Einar tackle Vahn and tumble out of the crystallis's grasp.  A weary smile touched her lips as she looked to Honor and murmured.

" Seems we are not needed afterall. I feel that they will do well together."

Her head pounded form the sudden jolt back into her own mind but she refused to show the pain caused and merely continued to smile as she finally released Honor's hands. Turning back to the table she glanced at Honor and grinned before murmuring to the projection.

"Show me the Darkthorne army outside the gates."

The projectin blinked, fading to black then coming back to the scene just outside Demise city. Reinne made a quick study of the scene and growled.

" They are loading up dead animal parts in the catapults. Something tells me those are not -just- animal parts anymore."

Without further words she burst from the table and ran to the window literally throwing open the shutters. Without further ado she climbed into the sill and glanced back to Honor and Cordelia.

" Meet me on the Battlements!"

Then she leapt from the window, likely, much to their surprise. In mid fall her form mutated, arms taking on feathers, feet developing talons, a beak replacing the nose, her entire being taking on the form a large golden eagle seconds before colliding with the ground. Taking to the air, while remaining low enough her form could not be seen from the other side of the sity walls she navigated, dipping to and fro between the buildings until she was at the mid height of the stairs of the battlements. Landing she quickly transformed back, revealing her human form crouched on the stairs.

Throwing her head up she dashed up the stone steps and slid to a halt just above the gates. Those doe brown eyes glowed suddenly, a power deep within her form coming to life instaneously. With naught but a mere push of will she called up a wall of wind which started at the wall's edge, that was the force of four hurricanes. Winds thrashed and beat down on the catapults minions, and anything else there at speed of up to threehundred miles per hour. It would be like being stuck inside an F5 tornado. Trees were being uprooted and hurled at the denzions. Tents would shread as the stakes would lose their grip on the ground taking flight like kites out of control. But the most important thing was, that if they did not do something to counter it, the catapults would flip backwards and members of the army would be lifted from the ground and hurled for miles backwards driving them away from Demise.

Even if they did manage to keep the catapults put, the tainted animal parts would not make it past the wall as the winds would merely send them back from whence they came or force them to drop right there at the base of the city walls.

In all of this, one thing was certain, the warrior in the Queen of Velusia had just ben rudely awakened...and hell hath no fury like a warrior woman scorned.

" You want a war? Well you just got one you miserable excuses for living beings!"

[Matius Darkthorne]

Matius watched the tornado like wall do damage to his troops, he decided it was time. Matius's eyes became black as his form changed to a evil reflection of what he once was. Bones jutted out of his shoulders, an eye opened within the armor on his chest. Black blood poured down from his eyes, rows of sharp teeth revealed themselves in his grin. His skin went grey as black veins traveled down through out his form. He touched the ground and with his own will summoned up a reflection of her wall of wind, only spinning in an opposite fashion to cancel out her's. As he finished this, his form reverted back to normal and he ordered a soldier to hand him the spyglass. Looking up to the woman standing there he smirked, " So we have a Blackthorne in Demise...whoever she is I shall teached her to spoil my fun."

Matius began to pop his fingers as he closed his eyes, almost as soon as he did this, snow began to fall over Demise. The air became chilled, and ice started to form over the water. A black wind howled past the Darkthorne army, Matius was there over them, his body a mere focus. This form was one which took a great deal of his power to perfect, it would however be one of his most powerful attacks. " Omega Fireball " was the spell he was preparing, he began to become a living conduit, energy flowing through him into one massive spot just over Demise. The large vortex this spell caused would make the clouds over head seem to twirl about into a center mass. He began to manipulate the energy forcing it to change into what he wanted. A large red dot appeared in the sky overhead, slowly that dot formed into a fiery sun that began it's decent towards Demise.

Placing his force of will behind the ball, he guided it towards the form of Reinne. This attack wasn't even aimed at Demise, even though it could destroy it. He was aiming this attack squarely at Reinne for the simple action of attacking his troops. No one defied Matius, especially not an enemy, a blood enemy at that. Matius's eyes opened as he was able to released his grip upon the fireball, for it was falling in the right direction. Matius smiled, and ordered his mages to place the psionic shields over their army, if she deflected it, he would not have his army wiped out merely because of his anger. The psi-mages gave him the okay and he ordered a halt in the attack so that he could watch the event unfold. Death by fire, the Darkthornes were known as destroyers, they'd crushed many cities into oblivion. This is how they did it, by bringing forth the flame of hate from the stronghold's heart.

" Burn, burn, burn..." Matius sat there rubbing his black, gloved hands together awaiting the response. If she successfully defended against this attack he would simply order a full on assualt on the city of Demise. For he would want her head himself, he'd even go after it.

[Adrian]

The war was engaged on what some could have called an almost epic scale. But it wasn't really... Not to those who knew what real horror could look like, who knew what powers could really be mustered. Did Cebreese find this war over the Demise estate to be such a thing? A mere specticle of blood and gore for the entertainment of not only himself but of all Darkthornes in general? To think that Cebreese had come to this war to fight along side the Darkthornes fueled him a bit.

But what was fueled? His anger, his hate, his evil intentions against the man? Hardly... Those werent the thoughts that prevailed over him now, but rather the thoughts of sherely fighting. Not for glory, not for power. Nor was it for the sake of killing needlessly. He wasn't here for revenge, he wasn't here to be a hero. He was simply here to fight. A fight of willpower, of heart and soul. His fight he wanted was simply for the mere sake of a challenge. And thats exactly what he saw in Cebreese, a challenge.. A man so unlike himself that it was nearly sickening, All men portrayed good and evil in some ways, but here there was to be a better good fighting against a darker evil... Adrian wanted Cebreese in battle, that was the pure hard truth.

Stepping fully into the middle of the battle now, he was halfway into the Darkthorne territory of warriors. a veil dropping from the man as he came from practically nowhere. That alone was not a spectacular feat to endeavor upon as so many here could do the same thing. But the thought that he came alone, despite Reese' plees for him to bring soldiers with him. That had to be the ultimately lunacy to step head on into battle without any sort of backup. Perhaps an obligation to try and protect as many as he could for as long as he could, so that those in Lochland had a better chance for preparations? Wouldn't they all need to be prepared if these foul creatures were to get past them at this point.  This was the stepping stone for the Darkthornes to take over the entire land.

Dark emerald eyes peered out from beneath an emerald green helmet, golden horns coming from the temples of the helms to curve inwards and out a bit. His armor was of medium grade, all of it gold and emerald, the gold just accenting the edges of the armor, while the green caught what light was allowed and refracted it slightly to create shadows about more of his demeanor. The armor upon full inspection was strange to say the least, since it really wasnt that of either Demise nor Blackthorne. But rather looked like something that should have been worn by a Darkthorne, as the legs of the armor were plated on the sides, a green drape hanging in the front. The knuckles of the gauntlets wore spikes upon them, while the knee of the greaves did the same.

A rather strange spear was held in his right hand, as it wasn't a spear of modern standards.. The spear appeared to be the length of a longsword, skinny at the handle, while  bulging out as an array of multicolored prism of gems manifested a circle within the center, before the cotaining spear would then become long and pointed, thus giving it a spear-like visage. Indeed, he was strange among the battle, looking upon either side.. But would either side know who this man truly was. Better yet, would Cebreese know who he was in this concealing armor which only let those eyes.. Those dark emeralds fabricated so brightly in the darkness...

The Darkthornes, slightly disorientated from Reinne's attack not started to regain their understanding of what was going on again as few took notice of this new figure hiding within their own numbers... A goblin came charging him first, his shrieks irritating to the ears as Adrian's emerald eyes began to scowl the battlefield for Cebreese. It was as though he was paying no heed to the goblin that was charging him with axe held high. The goblin having drawn near swung his axe in a downwards arc towards the left shoulder of Adrian from behind, and without so much as glimpsing back to look for the attack, Adrian leaned slightly right and rolled his left shoulder backwards, watching the axe come down to hit the ground as the goblin turned his head to look up. The goblins eyes went wide in gastly horror as Adrians left hand palmed the goblins face, and began to squeeze.

Blood gushed into the air as the sound of bones cracking and brains spurting hung out into the air. The blood of the goblin layed itself over the left side of his body, as he dropped the cadeaver to the floor, finally spotting Cebreese on this field... He shifted his body and began to walk in that general direction, few of the goblins who had noticed him becoming wary of approaching so hastely. But those monsters had to attack him didn't they? Save a Darkthorne would come kill them... Another goblin came charging head on towards this green and gold knight, only to have the figures left hand come down against the figures left side of his neck, in a backhand of sorts that instantly broke the neck of the creature, sending it too to the ground to embrace death.

But their death wasn't to be such a peicefull one, as when the figure passed the corpses the souls were being tugged at, literally ripped from their body, pouring straight into the spear that he held in his hand. With each death that was layed claim on the battlefield, this spear would devour the souls, devour them to do what though? That would remain a mystery for now.

One hushed step after another, he kept his eyes focused on Cebreese, emerald orbs beginning to radiate with his anticipation and eagerness to face the man... A green miasma of sorts began to trail itself at the corner of his eyes, psionic attributes beginning to soar as the man would now roar, "Cebreese!" His psionic avatar became brighter by the second, but only to those who knew psionics.. Those who could see what some would call a mental aura. How had he known Cebreese name? He was one of the damndable being who had locked him away in that dungeon.. He was the one who had killed his wife and child... And while one would have sought revenge, he just sought closure... Who was to be the stronger of the two.
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Elsewhere a soldier of Blackthorne came running into the room where Honor Demise was, panting heavily as he was a rather rotund man of what some could consider jolly stature. He rested his hands on his knees, bent over a bit as he gasped for bits of air.. He didn't bother to introduce himself, nor say what station he was with, but rather just began to tell her what she and Reinne must know.

"My Lady..." He paused a bit, standing up completely and saluting as he looker more composed now. He continued. "My Lady. The gentlemen vested within Darkthorne territory came via Reese. He has stationed men of the Blackthorne ranks on both flanks of the Darkthorne ranks. The Knight has said that once Darkthornes get close to the wall, blow the horn thrice and they shall attack the Darkthornes from the sides, putting the Darkthornes at odds against a three front battle." The portly man then placed out his hand, holding out a horn to the woman.

So all had not been as it had seamed now? Adrian hadm't  come alone, he hadn't left an army behind to fight them alone, he wouldn't. They were  hidden beanth a veil of their own, ready to attack at whim. But first... The heads of Darkthornes needed to be cut off...

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[Cebreese]

Cebreese's boots were made from what was known as vibranium, each and every part of his amor was made from a different metal. Each metal had it's purpose to increase his already powerful skills. Taking up his halbred, Cebreese looked over the battlefield, sending out a wave of lightning towards some of the defenders running up to the top of the wall. Cebreese received word from the Darkthorne leader for him to move his army around and attack them from behind. Cebreese tossed the letter aside and pushed the messenger back off his feet into the mud. " Fool...fine." Cebreese turned to his army and said, " we move.." he began to lead them towards the direction he'd been given. Summoning up a kinetic shield about him, he would let his attacker's energy be absorbed and redirected to him. Their energy would become his, he would use their own strength against them.

Cebreese's force began their march, casting their spells as they moved and launching various types of projectiles at their enemy. They truly were a unique army, each had their own history and skils, each deemed dangerous to society. As Cebreese's force moved a nimbus began to form about Cebreese, that could only signal one thing. That blasted Blackthorne had somehow escaped his prison, Cebreese smirked. The two had both endured a lot and both been placed in prison after prison, life was not easy for either of them. They were almost like brothers, Adrian, he'd come all this way to fight Cebreese. Cebreese formed a psionic avatar of himself to seek out Adrian, he could hear him calling.

" Adrian, I see you've escaped your prison, next time I'll have to make sure your placed in another realm as well so that you have no chance of escaping." Cebreese's voice carried out across the airwaves, it's signature was meant for one mind and one only.

[Honor Demise]

" Seems we are not needed afterall. I feel that they will do well together."

Feeling Reinne on verge of opening the door to her psyche, Honor tensed as the unconsceince defenses froze over the door locking her most private self behind sheets of cold black ice. Cordelia's voice was a welcome reprieve, not wanting to probe in her own mind fearing old demons safely under lock and key. Honor heaved a sigh of relief and open her eyes, gilding back over to the table she listened for a moment before turning back to Reinne, "You are right. I cannot be expected to rescue him every time that he gets into trouble. Old habits die hard."


Her head pounded form the sudden jolt back into her own mind but she refused to show the pain caused and merely continued to smile as she finally released Honor's hands. Turning back to the table she glanced at Honor and grinned before murmuring to the projection.

"Show me the Darkthorne army outside the gates."

Cordelia opened the liquor cabinet and mixed wine with a measure of contents from a blue medicine bottle handing one respectively to her mistress and the other to the Blackthorne queen. The Demise queen drained the glass and handed back to the confidante.

The projectin blinked, fading to black then coming back to the scene just outside Demise city. Reinne made a quick study of the scene and growled.

" They are loading up dead animal parts in the catapults. Something tells me those are not -just- animal parts anymore."

Without further words she burst from the table and ran to the window literally throwing open the shutters. Without further ado she climbed into the sill and glanced back to Honor and Cordelia.

" Meet me on the Battlements!"

Then she leapt from the window, likely, much to their surprise. In mid fall her form mutated, arms taking on feathers, feet developing talons, a beak replacing the nose, her entire being taking on the form a large golden eagle seconds before colliding with the ground. Taking to the air, while remaining low enough her form could not be seen from the other side of the sity walls she navigated, dipping to and fro between the buildings until she was at the mid height of the stairs of the battlements. Landing she quickly transformed back, revealing her human form crouched on the stairs.

The lady-in-waiting gasped and observed the Blackthorne behave with reckless abandon for her own person. "Madame Blackthorne!"

Honor laughed. "Excitable sort isn't she? I had better go with her to make sure that her enthusiasm does not threaten to undo her. Do not join me upon the battlements. Bring the advisors back in and oversee the execution of my directives until Vitus, Vahn or myself return."

"Oui, mistress." If Cordelia had any knowledge of what dangerous thoughts were swimming through her mistress's head, she would have pitied the Darkthornes. Cordelia obediently attended Queen Honor placing her black riding coat of her queen's royal shoulders studying her soveriegn's beautiful zen expression as Honor prepared.

Elsewhere a soldier of Blackthorne came running into the room where Honor Demise was, panting heavily as he was a rather rotund man of what some could consider jolly stature. He rested his hands on his knees, bent over a bit as he gasped for bits of air.. He didn't bother to introduce himself, nor say what station he was with, but rather just began to tell her what she and Reinne must know.

Shard and her generals came in behind the man with repeating crossbows and swords at the ready. Since he did not give the necessary courtsey of introductions they were unwilling to risk the safety of their sovereign to someone even as non-threatening as this little man. Coredia frowned grimly at the uninvited guest and stepped in front of her mistress.

"My Lady..." He paused a bit, standing up completely and saluting as he looker more composed now. He continued. "My Lady. The gentlemen vested within Darkthorne territory came via Reese. He has stationed men of the Blackthorne ranks on both flanks of the Darkthorne ranks. The Knight has said that once Darkthornes get close to the wall, blow the horn thrice and they shall attack the Darkthornes from the sides, putting the Darkthornes at odds against a three front battle." The portly man then placed out his hand, holding out a horn to the woman.

Cordelia snatched it from his hands inspecting the horn. "Merci," she replied snippily bobbing her mass of white blonde hair effectively dismissing the man. The lady-in-waiting looked past the gentleman to a severe looking man with angluar features.

"He is telling the truth in his preception. I sense no obfuscation."

"Merci, Master Arnica. Everyone please retire into the hallway." Of course, everyone except Cordelia.

Honor took one last appraisal over the battlefield on the table. Darkthorne's armies had no idea they were running straight into the Demise and Blackthorne armies. "Excellent," She smiled, yet the light never seemed to reach her stormy eyes. Honor's eyes are not the window into her soul. The Demise queen's preternatural calculation was a stark contrast to the Blackthorne queen's implusiveness. Strolling over to the window, Honor put on her gloves and stepped up on the window's edge, motioning for the horn and attached it to her belt.  

"Oh Cordelia, when you get a chance, please put my hat away. I don't want some stupid fool sitting on it." With that, Honor levitated out the window. Cordelia smiled and waved. The court would be scandalized at the thought of their Queen was going into the middle of danger unchaperoned.

Honor floated down gracefully never touching the ground. She moved past the Church of the Divine Resurrection. The large doors burst open, men in black cassocks poured out. An unexpected but necessary delay, the priest could be useful. She rose high enough for the gathering to see her unobstructed, light burst forth from her fingertips trailing them across her head and over  the assembly. The light served two purposes: a little psycho-pomp securing her image as goddess incarnate to the holy men, and ward of protection.

"These filthy heretics are trying to poison the good people of Demise. Go forth and cleanse our consencrated city. Your Lady blesses you."

Honor called down the corners and summon two of her astral protectors on the material plane. The first emerged from the plane with a crack of thunder, intimidating to behold. He was a tall being wearing a black robe. On his head he wore a nemyss and around his neck, a red amulet that reflected the heat of the sun. He carried a dark rod in his right hand and glowing cup in his left, his full wings bright silver.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

The other's head was hard to make out because it was surrounded by a glowing saffon aura. An incredible figure to behold, the being appeared to glow brighter until its whole body was engulfed in radiance. His features were hard to distiguish due ot his luminosity, in his hand held a flaming sword.

The church officals prostrated themselves in from of the Demise Queen praising and worshipping her as the Queen of Heaven, reborn to lead them into another Age. She motioned for the Archbishop to step forward. He approached kissing the hem of her cloak exclaiming passionately, "Merciful Lady, thank you for visiting this unworthy parrish!"

Honor favored them with smile and reached out to touch his hand. "No, your Eminence. Thank you for your unwaivering devotion. I charge your Church with cleansing the streets of disease, keeping the dead in their place and unpunishing the heretics that would destroy the sacrosanct."

"By our troth it will be done," the Archbishop kneeled in devotion before their revered Queen.  The ecclesiastical assembly broke ranks and retreated into the church to prepare to deliver their goddess's will. Priests, monks and flagelets would heal, purify, fight, torture and die in her service and now that she has given her sacred favor their efforts would be nothing if fanatical.

Rather than dispelling her golden circle of protection, she exhaled, her breath forming steam in the cold air concentrating on extending the magic like a golden disc, with every exhalation it grew bigger, bigger than the district around the royal manor, one more breath and it enlarged to encompass Le Academe, larger and larger as she closed her eyes reaching out to the heaven in concentration. Her protectors flew swirling and diving around  her while she levatated in the middled like a primordal atom. Honor fed off her guardian's power, she could feed of any magicks --negative, positive to a Chaos mage the nature of magic was inconsquential, all was fuel to be warped, shaped by the Chaos wizard. The astral protectors guided her safely to Reinne's side just as Cordelia bounded up the steps.

She knew that she had disobeyed her mistress's will, however she knew that Honor's singular focus would keep her from conveying the Blackthorne emissary's message. "MADAME BLACKTHORNE!" Cordeia exclaimed jumping to unhook the horn from Honor's belt and tossed it to Reinne, crossing the space between them she shivered.

"The Mistress will handle the Darkthorn defenses. An Emassary from a Blackthrone Knight has said that once Darkthornes get close to the wall, blow the horn thrice and they shall attack the Darkthornes from the sides, putting the Darkthornes at odds against a three front battle. The Shard and Ortek have engaged the enemy with fire as you requested."

The protective disc curved concave upwards the fireball. The wind tore at Honor's ribbon, pulling her long ebony tresses free. The Darkthorne general was kind enough to be her living conduit. She feed freely from the magic that he created, the fireball, engulfing the fiery ball with white-hot intensity, unmaking it. The snow stopped. The air warmed uncomfortably as the sphere hovered above Demise like a young sun.  As quick as the sphere had been shaped the magic poured into the aristocrat, Honor screamed lashing out a massive attack on the very heart of Darkthorne psi-mages and magical practioners, perverting their casting ability, stripping them of magics. Fire leapt from her fingertips, if uncheck the army at the gates would truly be cleansed by fire. Opening her eyes, Honor's eyes glowed bright blue, her face was flush with excitement as full lips curved into a smile pure of sadistic pleasure. Their pain was her pleasure. "This is MY realm, Darkthorne, MY rules."