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Amphitheater

Exit to Lakelands

Although outnumbered I felt it necessary to attack to defend the peasants and farmers. Little did I know how
outnumbered I was. When I rushed the enemy, more of them broke from cover attempting to block my entrance to the hamlet. In keeping these evil creatures at bay we created an extreme amount of noise which brought my faithful Knight Midnight(DE) to my side. Side by side we began laying waste to the enemys of the Empire. It was a great battle that lasted many hours. I suspect both of us were concerned for our safety, but we were overwhelmed with concern for the citizenry. Just when I thought we didn't have any reserves to continue the battle we caught a band dragging a small child to an alter. That set both of us into blind rages which further decimated the enemy. As the sun rose the few remaining enemy returned to Westmarch. 

After telling Midnight not to reveal my identity we helped create some temporary shelters for those who had been burned out. I have dispatched carpenters to the site to help further. It seems Westmarch will have to
be watched more closely now. I will also be testing the armys preparadness. I also wish to thank Midnight again...It was a glorious battle. Until next time....

     Keep your sword sharp and
     keep your armor well tended.

     Gray_Eagle(DE)
     Duke of the Lakelands.
  
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Midnight's Tale: 
Chapter 1: The Awakening
  
Crying out in pain, I woke from a restless sleep disoriented by the extreme loss of blood I had suffered from my wounds. The nightmares and strange images that had plauged my sleep did not help my condition and for several minutes I stared blankly into the darkness struggling to remember not only where I was, but who I was.
  
Faint footsteps approaching drew me from the fog of memories, or lack of memories, and the flap of my tent was drawn open. The light of a campfire pushed back the darkness and the silouette of a woman entered my tent.
  
"I heard you cry out, m'lord, and thought you might be in need of some relief."
  
"The pain I feel is not of the body but of the mind and spirit," I heard myself say without thinking. "But I thank you for your concern."
  
"Aye, many of us have felt that pain of late, but you must not ignore the wounds you recieved while protecting us from the creatures that invaded our hamlet. 
If not for you and your friend we would all have fallen victim to their vile intentions not to mention the fact that you both prevented my grandson from becoming the sacraficial lamb of some dark ritual."
  
Images or the memories of the battle began to break through the fog. I could remember the figure of a Great Warrior superimposed with the image of an Eagle fighting beside me. Gray_Eagle! Yes, the Warrior's name was Gray_Eagle, Duke of the Lakelands. Though I could not remember exactly how I came to be fighting by his side his presence had given me the Courage to face an enemy that overwhelmed me. 
  
Covered in as much of my own blood as that of our enemy I had somehow survived, or perhaps it was some sort of divine intervention that sustained me.
  
After replacing my bandages with fresh ones, the woman brought me a steaming mug of tea. "Drink this, m'lord, it is a special blend of spices that is said will calm and sooth the soul. I will leave you now so you may get some restful sleep before the dawn."
  
I gratefully took the mug and sipped from it. It had a very unusual flavor that I could not discribe and the calming effect was almost immediate. The more I sipped the more of my recent memories returned though my distant past was no more than splintered images of another life and another realm. Then, as I began to drift into a restful sleep I remembered a name... Midnight. Wheither it is my real name or simply the name I know myself by I may never know. But I hope in time I will recall my origins though what I am today is really all that matters.
  
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Chapter 2: The Healing

I remained near the Hamlet on the borders of Westmarch for several days.  A few carpenters, dispatched by Gray_Eagle I presumed, had arrived to repair the damage the Raiders had done to the homes and businesses in the village, but I found it a bit disturbing that they had not been accompanied by any Knights or Soldiers.
  
I finally confided in Mardra, the old woman who had tended to my wounds, that my memories had somehow become clouded.  Without revealing just how extreme my memory loss was, I questioned her about the history of the Empire.
  
Much of the tale she told about the Dragons seemed vague and perhaps a bit distorted by the nature of Legends and song and did nothing to jog my memory, but the mention of the Northern Reaches and Dragonspire did.  I recalled being questioned and tested by a Knight known as Scorpion and being Knighted into the Empire of Draconia by Blooded_Wolf. When he had asked me which Duchy I would serve I asked to serve the one that was in most need of an Honorable Knight since I was not familiar with the Duchies.  That is how became a Knight of the Lakelands.
  
Mardra's description of the Coastlands did nothing to move me, but the mere mention of Enchantia brought forth dark images that threatened to consume my soul.  I also seemed to recollect fighting minor creatures and demons of the dark beside other Knights of the Empire, though their names still seem to escape me.
  
When she spoke of Nova Q'lynnesti and the City of Soliath I drew a deep breath as I remembered the grander of a great temple.  I knew I had visited Soliath and walked within the walls of the Great Library and the Temple of Kala.  I had sorted through the works of the Druids so I might better understand and serve this empire that had adopted me as its own.  I had even met a few of the Druids... Oneaus, the patriarch, as well as Drakar and Wulfgar and spoken about Honor, Valor and Virtue.  I knew the work of the Druids was an intricate tapestry woven with the fabric of history that not only preserved history with a connection to the past but also defined the identity of the Empire. But most importantly the work of the Druids was the gateway to the future and the Portal of Destiny for the spirit of generations to come.
  
When Mardra spoke of the history of the Lakelands her images were much more vivid and her voice much more emotional. It was apparent some of the history she had lived first hand, particularly the War against Westmarch in which she had lost her husband, brothers, and son.  Though the Empire had rallied and won the war by driving the forces of Westmarch back into their homelands, they had suffered great losses and the people of the Lakelands were still struggling to recover. They felt a great unease knowing that the Knights of the Lakeland were now few and far between with any defense they might have spread thin. In fact, many believed it was only by the Hand of Kala that Westmarch had not yet discovered how weakened the Lakeland borders of the Empire had become.
  
With this new and renewed knowledge I made a resolve to serve the Lakelands and the Empire as a whole, to patrol the borders, as Gray_Eagle had suggested. But as a single Knight I would be no match for more than a small raiding party. Though my past was uncertain, I could direct my future and I would wander this wilderness on the edge of Westmarch in search of other lost souls willing to stand with me against those that would steal the life of a wounded land.

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Chapter 3: The Departure

I repaired my armor and weapons in preparation to begin my patrol of the border.  Mardra provided me with a good supply of dried meats and bread as well as a small supply of medicines that could be used to temporarily boost my strength and stamina in case of emergency.
I knew stealth would be essential for a solitary Knight in potentially hostile territory so I chose to wear light armor and keep a ranged weapon equipped. 
Mardra convinced the stable owner to provide me with a horse that I could use to carry my supplies and heavy equipment which could also be used to make a hasty retreat and bring back an early warning in the event I ran into an overwhelming force. One must be careful not to let Courage and Valor turn into turn into folly... retreat is always a viable option and sometimes the best course of action.

Since the arrival of the carpenters, rumors of an abomination threatening Enchantia and the disappearance of Oneaus had begun circulating through the Hamlet. Apparently many of the Knights of Draconia had joined forces to fight this great evil which may have explained the absence of Knights in the Lakelands. In some ways I felt drawn to join them, but my conviction to strengthen the borders of the Lakelands prevailed. I knew a single Knight joining the ranks of the Empire's finest would not benefit the Empire as much as a single Knight on a mission such as the one I had set upon myself. I wrote a quick message of my intentions to Gray_Eagle which I entrusted to the Master Carpenter to deliver upon his return to the city.

With my Equipment and supplies packed and ready for travel, I thanked Mardra and the stable owner for their generosity and aid and bid them farewell.

"Good Luck, Midnight. May the Hand of Kala guide you and protect you.  
  
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Chapter 4: Tracking Trouble

I had only traveled a short distance before I came upon the site of my last battle.
The ground itself revealed that there had been a great struggle, but there were very few remains of the dead. What did remain had been picked clean by scavengers. 
I was surprised that the bones were human and not "creatures of unknown" origin as they had appeared to Gray_Eagle and myself during the fight.
I surmised that our foes had a sorcerer or conjure in their midst that had some how cast some sort of spell of illusion upon us.
Sifting through the debris I found nothing of any value except a few gold coins but decided that I would attempt to track the path of their retreat thinking it would most likely be the same route they might take if they decided to return.

Though the trail was almost a week old it was not difficult to follow since whoever it was that I was tracking had made no effort to conceal their passage.
I continued in a south-easterly direction through the rugged foothills of the Southern Range until the late evening when I came upon what appeared to be a large campsite or outpost.
It was currently unoccupied but had been recently.
A quick survey of the site led me to believe it had been prepared to be used again.
There were 3 fire pits and a modest supply of fire wood stacked nearby.
With the light fading I decided it would be best to find a more secluded spot above the campsite where I could set down for the night.

The night air was crisp with the coming of Autumn but an extra cloak was enough to keep me warm.  
I had no real need to build a fire and ate some of the dried meat and bread that I'd brought with me. 
I wasn't tired and did not sleep, but simply meditated as a way to relax and replenish the energies of my mind and body. The sky was crystal clear with a Harvest Moon illuminating the country side.

When the moon reached its zenith, I heard them, or sensed their approach. It did not surprise me and for some strange reason, intuition perhaps, I had expected it.

I found a vantage point overlooking the camp to assess the company of men that had arrived. They were very noisy and unorganized. I could even make out bits and pieces of an argument about who should be a lookout. It was obvious they were not a troop of soldiers from Westmarch. I estimated there were about two dozen men and saw a woman who appeared to have been beaten and abused.

A knot of disgust filled my belly but I controlled my outrage knowing it would be easier to dispatch these vermin with a calculated plan of attack.

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Chapter 5: The Raiders

The lookout was totally disgruntled that he was not part of the revelry around the fires and was totally unaware of my approach. I silently slit his throat and he slumped to the ground. With my bow readied and a sword and shield strapped to my back, I cautiously crept closer to the camp.

I was able to take down four more as they left the relative safety of the camp to relieve themselves before anyone was missed. I quickly put a little distance between myself and the camp and readied my bow. I picked off 2 more who were looking for the missing men before a cry to take up arms echoed through the camp.

I took down two more, who must have been drunk or extremely careless, before I was spotted. About a half dozen of them began to rush my position so I let loose as many arrows as I could in rapid succession before I retreated to higher ground where I intended to make my stand. I then abandoned my bow and quickly equipped my sword and shield.

The first one to reach me was swinging his sword wildly leaving himself vulnerable and became an easy kill. Then they came 2 and a time and 3 at a time, but I had been careful to position myself so that I could not be surrounded. I fought defensively waiting for the right moment to place a fatal strike upon each enemy and it wasn't long until I had reduced the number of foes I faced by more than half. These had more than likely been the most inexperienced and foolish of those I faced.

The atmosphere of the battle suddenly took a distinctive change as I saw a fare of light erupt from the camp and the shadows around me took on a life of their own. Vile creatures emerged from the underbrush and began clawing and biting at my boots with shrill cries and chattering. After kicking and swinging at them momentarily something within me realized I was being distracted by an illusion and need to focus on my real foes that had assumed the appearance of Knights born in Hell.

Feeling an urgency to finish the fight I charged my next opponent. I blocked his attack then took him down with three swift blows. Two more quickly moved in to take his place. The first blow stunned me and the next two tore through my hard leather armor. I'd lost my momentum in this battle and was wishing I'd worn my full plate. I could tell they both thought they had me as they attacked me from both sides racing to be the first to deliver the killing blow. I waited until the last moment before dodging their attacks and in an absurd almost comical fashion their blades cut deep into each other.

I only had a moment to catch my breath before the biggest and most threatening one stepped forward to confront me.

"Draconian Dog!" he bellowed. "Those you've cut down have never had any real experience in battle. The drunken fools knew only how to pillage and plunder the weak and defenseless. Their folly of thinking you but a worthless Nomad has brought them only death. But I was once a Warrior of Westmarch and know the ways of War! Prepare to meet your maker!"

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Chapter 6: A Warrior Possessed

The Warrior lunged at me, his eyes glowing with a sickly yellow hue. His sword flashed several times in rapid succession and though I was able to deflect most of them my armor had been reduced to rags. Though none of my wounds were critical yet, the blood had begun to flow freely.

Again he lunged at me and again I deflected most of his blows but now my shield was damaged almost to the point of uselessness. My strength was ebbing away and panic began to form as a thick lump in my throat making it difficult to breath.

It was then that I remembered the vials Mardra had given me stuffed inside my belt. In an act of desperation I hurled my shield at the Warrior which stunned and surprised him for a moment, but long enough for me to gulp down the bitter potion.

The effects were almost immediate as I felt a fire course through my blood and being. I gripped my sword with both hands and let out a Banshee cry. I charged at my opponent then side stepped one way and then another as he thrust and slashed at empty air. I began to circle him at a dizzying pace searching for any weakness or vulnerable spot in his armor. A quick jab and my sword tasted the flesh of his side. 

He did not cry out in pain, but continued to follow me as I raced around him, the predator had become the prey.

"Your Gods guide your sword Warrior," he said in a steady voice as if he sensed his fate. "Or else the Devil has come to claim his due..."

Then, as if his words were some sort of signal, my sword flashed and seemed to move of its own accord finding a small space between his helm and plate and sliced his head clean from his body. Before it even hit the ground the few who remained fled Southward into the darkness.

It was a good thing they had fled because as suddenly as I had been filled with the arcane energies to fight I was drained. It was all I could do to sheath my bloodied sword before I fell to my knees in exhaustion to utter a silent prayer of thanks.

I don't know how long I remained in that position but it wasn't until the the eastern sky began to show the first signs of dawn that I began to emerge from the trance I'd fallen into and became aware of the woman and the Druid that stood before me.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," spoke the Druid. He was familiar, I knew I had spent time talking with him before. I know not what had led him to me but sensed it had to be the Hand of Kala watching over me.

"This woman has told me how you have freed her from a band of Raiders from the lands of Westmarch and how you fought their leader like a man possessed."
"I can sense you have been touched by spirits, but I also sense a void of something that has been lost or forgotten. Though you may have rationalized venturing into the south alone as your duty to the Lakelands and Draconia, it is your emptiness that has drawn you here."

I was stunned at the Druid's perception. He seemed to be able to look into my soul and see a part of me that I could not see for myself.

"Though a man must often follow the calling of their spirit, I pray that you would return to the Lakelands at this time. Your hunger for knowledge and enlightenment is more valuable to Draconia at this time than a single blade in the Wilderness of Westmarch. Let the remains of those you have slain stand as a warning to those that would pillage and plunder the borders. It will not take much more than that to turn them back since they prey on the weak and in truth are but cowards. There is time yet before the Hordes of Westmarch regain their direction and leadership to move against us again."

There was an emptiness I still longed to fill and the Wastelands of Westmarch called me, but I felt the words of the Druid were wise and by embracing the History and Tradition of Draconia I might find another way to fill that emptiness.

I bid him farewell as he had pressing matters in the east to attend to and turned to the North with the woman on my horse and returned to the Heart of the Lakelands.  
  
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Epilouge

Upon my return to the Lakelands I left the young woman of Westmarch in the care of Mardra. I knew from experience she could heal not only her visible wounds, but the wounds within.
When I questioned her about the effects of the potions she had given me she was quite surprised and swore what she had given me would not produce the results that I described.
Perhaps I had truly been touched by the Spirit of Kala.

A few days later when I arrived in Drak Tauros I recieved confirmation of the rumors I had heard before. Indeed, a great evil was spreading through Enchantia and many of the Knights and Druids of Draconia, including Gray_Eagle and the Druid Derwen had gone to face it, perhaps never to return. While others had begun a desperate quest to find the Legendary Window of Souls.

Midnight{DE}
Knight of the Lakelands
Acolyte of the Draconian Circle