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The Price of Power |
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| Entrance
Hall of Science Amphitheater |
Sword of Kala Saga: Prolouge From the days of the Purging of
Enchantica through the Last Days of Onaeus, the Draconian Empire experienced
a time of Peace and Prosperity.
The Saga is contained in 3 volumes
representing 3 perspectives to better illustrate the events that occured.
I woke in a cold sweat as the clock sounded the stroke of 12. I had done this many times since I was aware of being in Draconia, but it had been a months since the last time when Lord Gates had accompanied me to the site we built the Outpost, But this time the images created more of a real surreal paradox than ever before. Strange images I once thought were nightmares were more like surpressed memories that were trying to emerge. I stood before a shrine with an unusual bladed staff. Then pale blue light engulfed me, enchanting my blade with the power of ice. I began running as fast as I could fixed on my destination... the Arena. I swung my blade ripping at air to signal my opponent that I was ready and he echoed my signal with fire. What followed was a blur of motion forward, back.. side to side... a pirouette of fire and ice... hacking and slashing in blind abandon... until... I saw my blade arm separate from my body and my blade fly high into the air... Blood was flowing freely from my dismembered body, but I did not feel pain, anger, or fear... life seemed to have no meaning. I approached my opponent and knelt before him to acknowledge his victory and he in turn honored me with a swift and clean fatality. Then again I stood before the shrine...
The North meets the South
Gates had just finished writing up an inventory list of his city's armories and signed his name with a flourish when a messenger who appeared to be rather rushed came rushing into his office. Sparing formalities with little more than a panted gasp, the weary man presented the surprised Baron with a scroll which immediately upon glance appeared to be of capital origin. Gates uttered a quick word of thanks and dismissed the messenger with a wave of the hand, and spun back around to face his desk. He tore through the elegant red dragon seal signature of the Empire, and unraveled the parchment, It read: My friend, The Northlands are in crisis. Baron Wulfgar, who I'm not sure you've been formally introduced to, has uncovered a serious threat in the icy lands beyond our own, from whence Wulfgar came long ago. His people were mysteriously obliterated, and upon a recent trip back he and his party solved the mystery, although I am very serious when I say I wish he had not. A sorceress, who can only be described as omnipotent, seems to be stealing the souls of anyone she encounters. For the time being she remains at bay in the North, but it is only a matter of time before her hunger for souls brings her to the Northlands themselves. Lord Wulfgar has sent word with one of the knights he ordered to return that he wishes to remain until the threat is eliminated. I for one shall not stand by idly while my comrade is in peril, and although your company would mean leaving the Lakelands without a noble, I could certainly use your strong sword-arm with me. I will be blunt - this might mean your life should you follow. Do not feel obligated, the Emperor has yet to make a formal decision about military mobilization, but I shall go with or without his mandate. I am currently in Dragonspire Keep, and will be leaving for the North soon. Should your honor walk you down the same path as I, it had better move promptly. Godspeed, and may Kala keep you safe. Your friend, Midnight Gates leaned back in his chair, thoroughly shocked. He bit his lip, pondering his options. He didn't want to leave the Lakelands without at least a Baron, but at the same time he didn't want to abandon his friend. The choice was obvious - friendship over state, but to make the obvious choice might mean reprimand. He chuckled to himself at the thought. He had just arrived in Drak Tauros, and was now ready to leave it again. "Life as a warrior.. never easy," he muttered to himself. His thought was interrupted by one of his officers. "Lord Gates, excuse me for interrupting, but the training exercises are beginning soon." "Right, yes, sorry. I'm coming." Gates sighed, grabbed his sword, and left the note on the table, glazed with the light of the sun through the window. His mind was equally left, unresolved. -Gates Baron of Drak Tauros Druid of the Draconian Circle
Solstice Moon I woke again as so many other times before at the stroke of 12. My room was filled with light... Moonlight. I was drawn into the chill night to stand before a Moon brighter than any ever imagined or spoken of before. I had felt embraced or possessed by a Spirit so many times before and had always assumed it was Kala... But in this moment I knew what my Dreams had been trying to reveal... I was Nala the twin sister of Kala that watched over me. It was Nala, Godess of the Moon who touched my soul and guided my destiny. It was
Nala who had baptized me as Midnight!
Letter to Lupus My Dear Friend Lupus, Thou recent years have seen a steady increase in the Knights of Draconia and the military prowess and culture of the South has prospered a Shadow is Decending on us from the North. The Death of Mandolf and the attempt on His Magesty Pyros during the Solstice Gathering has shaken the Empire, not to mention the rumors from Enchantica that Kelenthi has not returned from his calling. Without Onaeus the Druidic Order has also been in turmoil. His predecesor the Patriarch Aldar Cain left wandering shortly after his death, though the details are vauge and I question them. The Temple and Soliath have fallen into disorder as well, thou I do not put any responsibility upon Calland for this to have happened. He is indeed a fine Warrior as well as a Duke but too often gets preoccupied with being a dignitary. Ha ha... If I looked that good in Uniform and all the women I might opt for that position too, and drink Ale... But I am in the same position in a way, I no longer have time or the acoyltes to maintain the Hall of Writings... somewhat of a Two-Edged Sword with putting so much emphasis on Drawing them into the Grand Arena... Some Fun Times there have been, but now the time has come to truly defend the Empire and I hope the trials and contest we have used to hone our strength will serve us well. I too have a calling I must follow that only you and Gates are aware of, but this time I cannot return until the calling is realized. It is imperative that you and Lady Velera rally the forces of the South and prepare to Defend The Emperor and Dragonspire Keep in the event the Darkness of the North Reaches is Unleashed. I can say no more. Take Good Care of the Children My Freind, May the warmth of Kala shine on You, And may Nala guide you through the Darkness, Midnight
Watching & Waiting It is always good to hear from trusted friends even in trying times. Apparently the winds of change are blowing. The Coastlands, though young and sometimes preoccupied with bringing itself into the "modern" world, is ready to respond as necessary in defense of those values that this empire was built on. We wait, we listen, we sharpen our weapons, we listen, we wait some more: but when it is time to act we shall unleash the dogs of war with a furry to shake the very roots of our land. Lupus[DE] Duke of the Coastlands
Letter to Recco: My friend our spirits were bonded long before this life I trust thou you are new to this world and this Empire I know you will gain the trust of those who are pure at heart. As Knight Captain it is your Duty to Guard the Lakelands from what I fear is a darkness from beyond the Northern Reaches as well as maintain the Security of the Westmarch Border... I have heard whispers that there must be more extreme screening of the influx of refugees from Westmarch. An Uneasiness is spreading throughout the Empire which must not shake the stability I have attained in the Lakelands. May Kala Guide You in the Light and Nala Shield You from the Night Duke Midnight
Note to Jondies Jondies, I cannot explain my actions, but it imperative that you staition yourself in Dragonspire alongside the Chancellor Valiant. Storm Clouds are brewing in the north. I trust you will serve Draconia Well! Long Live the Empire! Duke Midnight
Midnight Meditation I sat cross legged in the light of a waning moon meditating much like I had done in my early days in the empire at Dawn on the shores of the Lake of Visions facing the rising sun. But now I looked to the spirit of Nala, the twin of Kala, to strengthen me, guide me, and give me the power to touch the mind of my most trusted Knight, Lord Gates, across the great distance that separated us. My spirit could feel the rift that was growing across the Lands of Draconia. Lines were being drawn and I feared we might be facing a Civil War of brother against brother. What disturbed me most was that the basic intentions of Lycurgus were good but the means to achieve his end was the root of the corruption. I feared that the outrage of his acts had caused the Nobles of Draconia to loose site of primary purpose of his Quest and as much as I hated to admit it, it was imperative that our finest join him in his Quest to the Northlands. Wulfgar's warning about the great evil in the North that may have cut down the Keeper of the Ancients was most disturbing and Lycurgus commanding the Sword of Kala might be our only hope. Indeed Wulfgar and his people may have already perished and divided all of Draconia would easily fall as well. I gave my spirit to Nala and my spirit seemed to leave my flesh... and I spoke in whispers that flowed like thought. "Gates, my brother, it is imperative that you stand at the side of Lycurgus... though he may reak of corruption it is only through him that Draconia might survive the Darkness that is consuming the North... you must lead him into the Darkness post haste..." The surealistic moment hung in my mind as my conciousness returned... Then I quickly mounted my horse and resumed my journey to Drak Yardock.
Arrival in Enchantica I arrived in Drak Yardock in the late afternoon. I was relieved to see the tenseness and turmoil that was plauging the Northern Duchies had not infected Enchantica thou there was a prevailing sense of grieving and sorrow. Kelenthi, the late Duke of Enchantica, had been well liked and loved by all and his recent death had been very difficult for all to accept. Eldahir had taken the news the hardest as he had been closer to him than anyone and was indeed his brother as if they shared the blood that bonds ones spirit. He was standing strong as the new Duke of Enchantica with Tanis stepping into his role as the Baron of Drak Yardock. My reputation preceeded me as I was recognized by the Royal Guards (whom I had never met) and I was graciously escorted to the Duke's Chambers. I could see the pain of Kelenthi's death in Eldahir's face the moment I entered but Tanis was by his side supporting him with a spirit and determination that few could match. I feel to one knee, "Hail your Grace Kelinthi and Lord Tanis!" "Midnight," Kelinthi began, "There is no need for such formality. It is good to see you my friend. What news do you bring? We have heard many disturbing rumors of unrest." "Indeed, that is but one of the reasons I have come to Enchantica." Midnight-nt- The Series of Events Sun Jan 16 08:01:04 2000 The three of us sat together into the early hours of the next day as I related what I knew of the happenings in the Empire. They knew of the assasin's attempt on Emperor Pyros and the murder of Mandolf, which seemed to mark the beginnings of the breakdown. The messages and news from Wulfgar's quest into his homelands in the north had further aggravated the situation, but it was the mysterious Lycurgus (who had replaced Onaeus as the Draconian Archdruid) that had brought the tensions to a boil. Though his primary intent to assemble a force to aid Wulfgar against a sorcerous evil that was rumored to have defeated the Keeper of the Ancients was Honorable and Noble he had stepped out of line when he had called upon the Knights of the Empire to form a new order he called "The Sword of Kala". Then he went totally over the edge when he called for the death and destruction of anyone who was versed in the ways of magic and sorcery. To make matters worse, many of the uneducated citizens of the Empire began to believe that all Druids were targets for the purging that Lycurgus had begun and many of our people were senslessly cut down. Nova Q'lynnesti has since seen a total breakdown of order as there has been a siege on the Temple of Kala and a price placed on the head of Derwen, the Hand of Kala. Luckily he was able to escape and take many of the Druids in the Temple with him. The Temple is now in control of a misguided military and Soliath is under martial law. In addition Sir Calland has been stricken with an inexplicable illness which has prompted him to turn over his Dukedom to the son of Mandolf, Archen. I then began to speak of the measures both I and Lupus had taken in the southern Duchies and of the proposals we had for the actions that should be taken in Enchantica.
Late Night in Drak Yardock Eldahir, Tanis and I continued to discuss the situation of the Empire loosing all track of time. I outlined the measures I had taken in the Lakelands. First and foremost I realized there was a great danger in Wulfgar's homeland that needed to be addressed and Lord Gates had volunteered to join Lycurgus as a covert member of the Sword of Kala. His unspoken mission and duty was two fold. First to gain his trust and remain at his side and help him reach his destination at all cost. It was imperative that the threat in the North be stopped... in some ways the ends might justify the means but it was none the less very disturbing. Second, if they succeeded in thier quest and Lycurgus continued his mad crusade to rid the lands of those versed in magic, it would be Gate's duty to rid the world of Lycurgus no matter what his sacrifice might be. I prayed to the Godesses it would not come to this, but the stage had been set and no one could forsee how it might play out. Jondies, the recently appointed Guardian, I had sent to Dragonspire Keep to stand with Valiant and the Knights of Dragonspire to protect Emperor Pyros and the Heart of the Empire. Even though Pyros let the Dukes of the Empire rule the lands as they saw fit, the loss of the Emperor would surely result in total chaos and the fall of the Empire. I had left Recco, my Knight-Captain, with specific instructions to maintain the security of the Lakelands and to keep the military ready to move at a moments notice. He should also maintain constant contact with Lupus to coordinate any actions to defend the Empire with the Coastlands. Lupus, the Duke of the Coastlands and one of my closest friends, had remained very level headed during this crisis and had taken a stance similar to my own. He was maintaining the security of the Coastlands and keeping his Knights on guard in case the disturbances of the North escalated to infect the South. In addition he was keeping a close eye on all the ports of entry and discouraging travel to the north though he was reluctant to restrict it entirely. I now had concerns about Enchantica. Though the Duchy has made great strides in the years after the reclaiming and rebuilding of Drak Yardock following the cleansing of Enchantica its defenses have yet to fully recover to their full potential. Traditionally there have been many more magic users in Enchantica than the other Duchies so if the unrest that Lucurgus has begun continues unchecked Enchantica could well become a target for the fantics who would carry out his will. I fear using traditional means to defend Enchantica might not be enough so I have come to urge Lord Tanis to begin training the Knights of Enchantica as well as those Draconian Knights that are pure in heart and spirit. I have seen Lord Tanis's use of "unconventional" techniques to defeat overwhelming odds with minimal weapons and armor before his foes are even aware of his presence. With such skills as his even a handful of Knights could stand against an army of fantics. However, I must stress that only the purist of Knights should be instructed in these techniques because these skills turned against the Empire could be devastating. There was a long silence as Duke Eldahir and Lord Tanis weighed the news and proposals I had presented them. Then Tanis looked hard at me with a piercing stare and a raised brow. He could see beyond the words I had spoken... perhaps into my very soul. "What of you Midnight? There is something else you seem to be holding back. You know you may confide in us." "Aye, my friends, there is more that can only be spoken of in whispers for now...."
Midnight's Revelation Tanis knew I was hiding something, he had a way of seeing beyond the surface of a person and into their soul. As yet I had only confided in my two closest friends because I knew, especially in these trouble times, the calling I was following would be considered heresy. I had known Eldahir since I had found myself in the Empire and Tanis I trusted with my life. So I began to try and explain what it was that I was hiding and reveal as much as I could of what the calling was that was leading me on my secret journey. From the moment I found myself in the Empire my true origin has been a mystery. I have no memories of my life prior to that other than some vauge recollections of being associated with a group from beyond Westmarch known as the Obsidian Knights. A number of times over the years I have returned to the borders of Westmarch in search of my roots to no avail, but through these efforts I was able to establish The Outpost as a buffer between Draconia and Westmarch as both an early defense against invaders as well as a point of entry for those souls who were ready to abandon the ways of the Wild Wastelands and embrace the Virtues of Truth and Honor the people of Draconia hold dear. Following the very first time I ventured to the borders of Westmarch, when Gray_Eagle was the Duke of the Lakelands, I have felt that a spirit has touched me and watches over me. Until recently I had always assumed it was the spirit of Kala that had touched me since it had been Derwen, the Hand of Kala, who had found me after my first outing toward the Wastelands. Having been possessed by some nameless spirit at the time I had single handedly slaughtered a small army of brigands from Westmarch using moves and techniques I had never seen or used before or since... except in my Dream. Derwen had found me knelling amidst the dismembered bodies of my foes and in a trance that not even he could break until the first light of dawn. Ever since I have felt the spirit watching me and guiding me along with a dream of a shrine, a blade, and an arena where life and death have no meaning. Much of this has perplexed me for years, but I have never wavered from doing all I can to make the Empire strong and follow the ways of Truth and Honor and look to the Light of Kala. However, several weeks ago, on the night of the Winter Solstice the light of the moon shined brighter than any living soul could ever remember. On that night my eyes were opened to the spirit that has been watching over me for all these years. I has not been Kala, the Goddess of the Sun, that drives me, but her twin sister Nala, the Goddess of the Moon. It is Nala that is calling me to fully embrace her spirit and power. A calling I can not and must not resist. Though I may be branded a HERETIC by those that will not accept or understand what I must do or why, it is my Destiny! The light of dawn began to filter into the room where the three of us sat. We had talked through the night and the weight of what I had shared left us all exhausted... if not physically but mentally. I hoped this was the reason for the long silence that followed the revelations I had passed onto them of my calling. ========= I slept for several hours after which I gathered a few supplies and prepared to continue my secret journey without any futher discussion with Eldahir or Tanis. There was nothing left to be said and it would be best if I left before they began to question my acts. As the sun dipped over the western horizon I was well on my way. Once again my path was leading toward the Border of Westmarch, but this time my destination was much clearer in my own mind as I set my sites on the Ruins of Castle Estwaithe.
The Endless North From the Journal of Gates: Lycurgus, myself, and the few other members of the Sword of Kala had been travelling for what seemed like eternity, bounding endlessly northern. I had known Brother Wulfgar as both a knight and a druid, and had known him to be a rugged, enduring man, but the chilling winds and fierce cold of this drudgery I couldn't imagine even he sustaining, for I was harshly longing to return to the warm fire and cozy furs in my quarters in Drak Tauros. It wasn't only the physical ramifications present in this Endless North that were racking my soul, but Lycurgus too had begun to get to me. The more I see of him, the more I am aware that something is not right with that man. It striked me peculiar that Onaeus, a man of incredible wisdom and legend, would choose a man such as Lycurgus to continue his legacy. I hadn't the opportunity to meet the great Onaeus before his death, but from what I had heard amongst the other druids, he was truly great. What made it all the more unbearable was that Lycurgus had seemed to take a preference for me. I was bound by my loyalty to the Archdruid to be pleasant, but on the inside I was wincing as he conversed with great lengths the evils of wizards and their kin. He also grew increasingly denouncing of the administration of Calland and his baron in Nova Q'lynnesti, spouting various tales of treachery, largely untrue to my knowledge. His command of the Sword of Kala was particularly brutal. Despite my apparent favorable standing, Lycurgus barked orders at me like he did all of the others. One man complained of frostbie in his feet and a need to break our journey to warm up to which Lycurgus responded, "If you are unable to continue our crusade, then we shall leave your frozen corpse on the side of the road for the vagrants to pick." By the second week of journey, I began to think of Lycurgus more than that just perversely demented -- in my eyes, he was evil. It was Midnight's wish that I accompany Lycurgus to whatever destiny he may meet. I had joined this Sword of Kala organization as more of a means of espionage than of true belief in its cause, and I had begun to regret it. I couldn't be sure what we would find when we finally rendezvoused with Wulfgar, but the knot in my stomach became increasingly larger by the middle of the second week when Lycurgus started speaking about his "feelings." "We're getting close, I can feel it!" he would say. Over and over until I wanted to draw my sword and cut his tongue out of his head. Kala save me, this trip is making me mad. -Gates Druid of the Draconian Circle Baron of Drak Tauros
Full Moon Fury I had the distinct feeling that time was running short as I rode full gallop on the trail from Drak Yardock toward the Castle Eastwaithe. It would only be a few more hours until I arrived. The Full Moon was just rising above the horizon illuminating the countryside with a mystic glow that strangely enough seemed to energize me and my senses. Though it seemed like ages since the Winter Solstice, it had only been one cycle of the moon since I had left the Lakelands to follow the call of Nala. As I rounded a bend the trail was blocked by what appeared to be a pack of wolves, but the creatures were much larger and many stood on two legs like a man. A spine chilling howl echoed through the evening air and my horse came to an abrupt halt and reared. It would have appeared that I was thrown from my horse but in mid-air I twisted to draw my blade and landed on my feet near the head of the pack. Thier fangs and claws seemed to glow a sickly yellow in the moonlight and an inexplicable grin began to form on my face in anticipation of the battle I faced. I wore only light chain mail and my weapon of choice was a razor sharp sabre. I felt a spirit rush through my blood like it had years before near the border of Westmarch, but this time I knew it was the spirit of Nala that possessed me and freely let her guide my actions. Without hesitation I charged the lead wolf creature and with a spinning attack and flash of my sabre its head went flying as its body fell to the ground. Side stepping left and right my sabre flashed and bit into the flesh of the creatures. It was a nitemarish flurry of teeth, claws, fur, and blood as they tried to overwhelm me, but I ignored my wounds as I gave into the powers that controlled me and guided my blade. Though the battle seemed to rage for hours, it was over in a matter of minutes and I stood covered in the blackish blood of my attackers with their dismembered and decapitated bodies littering the ground at my feet. In the distance I could hear the angry howls of those that had run into the darkness and escaped the fury of my blade. I had not come out of the battle uninjured, but when I examined my wounds I was stunned to see that they seemed to be healing before my eyes. I did not wish to question what was happening but fell to one knee and thanked Nala. After a few moments of meditation, I moved away from the corpses of the wolf creatures and whistled sharply in the direction from which I had come. A few minutes later my black stallion, Nightshade, appeared by my side. I leaped upon his back and hastily continued my trek toward Castle Eastwaithe, my convictions stronger than ever before. For some reason I knew I would find what I was looking for nearby. Cloak & Dagger From the journal of Gates: We had
finally arrived at a place Lycurgus called Rundling at the close of the
fourth week of travel. I had been left in charge of the convene of soldiers
who had met our relatively small travel group during our traverse northward
while Lycurgus met presumably with the Lord Wulfgar of Tol Brandir. I was
surprised to see Lycurgus act in the state of personality which he had
donned since a few hours before our advent. He was much more polite to
me and the other soldiers, and it made me wonder why. A long bitter journey
broadcasting a crass attitude only to change when we appeared at our destination?
I realized as I sat around the fire with my dinner what Lycurgus was up
to, or at least what I guessed he was. I must have been a fool not to have
thought of his intentions the minute he began to change. This would be
the first time Lycurgus would meet Lord Wulfgar, so he would not be familiar
with his character. Lycurgus needed to make a good impression on the Baron
in order to gain his trust and more importantly his aide in battle. Little
did Lycurgus know, as I sat watching the warm glow of the blazing fire,
the fires of inspiration burnt within my soul. I began to plan my own meeting
with Wulfgar. Later that night, when the vast majority of the camp were
basking in the sweet world of Nala's dreamland, I was sneaking about looking
for a man who matched Wulfgar's description. It took me at least an hour
to locate him amongst the other men, but recognizing the token gold circlet,
of almost identical fashion to the one I wore myself, distinguished him
from his peers. I crouched next to him and nudged him awake. He jumped
up from his modest fur blanket with a noise of startle, which I quickly
encouraged to silence. With a dazed look in his weary eyes, he expectedly
asked, "What is it?" "Lord Wulfgar?" "Aye. What do you want?" "It is I,
Lord Gates of Drak Tauros." "It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm sure, but
I do sincerely hope your formal introduction was not purpose enough to
wake me at this hour in the evening." "No, of course not, my friend. It
is however a matter of utmost urgency. I need to discuss Lycurgus with
you." "What of him?" "He is not the man he appears to be. His pleasantries
have extended only as far as a few hours previous to our arrival. Since
prior he has been nothing but.. well, as I would put it, evil in most regards.
His treatment of myself and the other men in our party was brutal beyond
one would imagine from the predecessor of the great Onaeus. I tell you,
I don't trust him." "Although I honor your word, I've yet to see that side
of him. Perhaps he's more partial to barbarians?" At this point, Wulfgar
smiled. I wish he would listen! "I'm afraid you won't see that side of
him until it's too late. Too late for what, I do not know. I must assert
that in my mind his motives are questionable. I'm afraid that when we do
find out what his intentions are, we will regret not taking action." "Are
you suggesting mutiny, based on your dislike for the man?" "No, not mutiny,
of course not. I just wanted to warn you, that's all - if I were you, I
would keep my eyes open and my mind aware. I certainly plan to." "I'll
keep that in mind. Thank you." "You're welcome, brother. Enjoy your sleep.
May Nala's providence keep you safe." With that, I took my leave from his
make-shift quarters. It came to me that I had just asked Nala to bless
him, and not her sister, the Sun maiden, like usual. Although one would
think it to be trivial, it profoundly stood out in my mind as I made my
way back to my own ragged tent. As I was walking, I was suddenly grabbed
around the neck, fist clenched around my garment's collar. I reached for
my sword but stopped myself from drawing it when I saw who the perpetrator
of my restrain was. "I don't know what you're trying to do, but know this,
Gates. Interfere with my work and I will destroy you like the wizard you
pretend not to be," Lycurgus barked. He released me and I stumbled backward,
watching as he disappeared into the blackness of the night from whence
he came.
Forever Her servant, -Lord Gates
The Heretic Shrine The Full Moon had not quite reached it's zenith in the night sky when I reached the ruins of Castle Eastwaithe. Though I thought of it as a ruins, abandoned was a better discription. Those that had read the history of the Draconian Empire would recall it had fallen after a year of Siege and was where Onaeus had first become a part of Draconia. The castle itself wasn't my final destination but the most significant landmark in the area. It was the shrine of Nala that I was searching for and though there was no written record of where it might be or even if it existed, something had drawn me here. I followed a faint trail to the south and east of the castle that lead toward the rugged terain of the Southern Range and found a hot springs that fed into several cooling pools. Realizing I was still covered in the dried blood of the wolf creatures I had slain I stopped for a moment to clean myself up. I put on some leathers and a cloak I had hastily packed when I had left Drak Tauros and continued up the trail. Before long the trail ended at the base of a cliff, but when I looked closer I realized it was an illusion and there was an entrance into the mountain itself. I dismounted Nightshade and passed through the entrance to find the shrine that I had been seeking. An extreme sense of dejavu struck me. The shrine was the same image I had seen so many times before in the Dream that had haunted me for years. And like I had done so many times before in my dream I knelt before it. A pale blue light began to radiate from the shrine, increasing in intensity until it enveloped me. Then, she appeared before me with hair and eyes as black as night, skin as pale and soft as moonlight, wrapped in a robe of myst. Awestruck by her image i could not speak or move and could only watch and listen. "You have returned to me again, Midnight." She spoke to me without speaking. "Though you have not known me in this life, you have been a part of me since the beginning of time and have always found your way home. And each time I give you the same choice, to give yourself to me totally or follow the path of my sister, the Goddess of the Sun." "You have had a taste of the power I offer you in this life, but know with great power there is a price. If you give yourself to me you will be more than a man, enhanced by my presence. Both your strength and resistances to wounds will follow the cycles of the moon with the Full Moon the time when your power is it's greatest. During a Solar Eclipse that power will be increased 10 fold for a short time and death will have no meaning for if you recieve a fatal wound you will be reborn. However, during a Lunar Eclipse you will be at your weakest and if a fatal wound claims your life, your fate will be worse than death... banished to Limbo for all eternity." Without hesitation or fear the words spilled from my lips, "I give you my life, my spirit, and my soul!" A cold wind began to circle me increasing in strength until it lifted me off the ground. I felt the power of Nala surge through my blood and spirit as her power became a part of me. The light that enveloped me, engulfed me and a cold flame etched the symbol of a trident upon my back. My skin turned pale and my hair turned grey as the transformation was complete. I realized now that my fateful words to Tanis and Eldair had become reality. I had now been literally branded a Heretic. For a moment there was darkness, then suddenly it was over and I was racing toward the Northern Lights on the back of my stallion Nightshade. It was a very strange awakening and had it not been for the paleness of my skin I would have thought it had all been but a dream.
A message from Soliath
We had been biding our time in the Endless North at Lord Wulfgar's request, as he was intent on formulating a perfect battle plan before moving the troops. I was beginning to worry that our supplies we had brought would not last forever, and considering our environmental circumstances, procuring comestibles and other necesities would be impossible -- snow and ice do not yield these valuables, and Wulfgar knew it. He was without a doubt more capable of surviving the rigid frost than the rest of us, but not even his foraging skills could produce enough to feed our army. But nevertheless, plan we did. Lycurgus was intent on moving, whereas Wulfgar and I were more amenable to careful planning. Our scheming was interrupted by a messenger from surprisingly the Q'lynnesti city of Soliath. Again surprising was its recipient: me. The note read, Brother Gates, Following the rash of upset in Soliath, as you may have known many of our druids fled the city, escaping to other duchies. Many of them found their lands of refuge rather comfortable, and have taken up residences in other parts of Draconia. This leaves the problem of centralization left in Soliath. Previously all active non-noble Druids were here in our capital, but now they are scattered. The need for Druid Masters has arisen, someone who can afford a trip to Soliath occasionally with the works of other Druids, coordinate the efforts within respected duchies, et cetera. Midnight would of course be the logical choice for the Lakelands, but considering his lack of localized presence these days and his apparent constant state of business, the Order has chosen you as our first Druid Master for Soliath, the Master of the Lakelands. Congratulations, Master Gates. -The Hand of Kala I was unable
to bathe in my accomplished state of mind for more than the minute it took
for me to read the message, for back to the tactical tent it was.
-Gates
Midnightmares and Delusions
I had been on a constant trek Northward for almost 4 weeks when the nightmares and delusions began to emerge. I had avoided the most populated areas of Draconia and wore a cloak to conceal the paleness of my skin stopping only briefly when I had to along the way. I was sure it was just the energy I was drawing from the moon as it grew nearer to a full moon. Over the past 4 weeks Nightshade had seemed to transform also. It was as if the Goddess was in control of him as he knew where he was going and did not seem to tire. In fact, there were times when I would actually sleep as Nightshade carried me ever to the North. The Northern Horizon had had an orange and red glow for the past 2 nights and the smell of smoke and death began to linger in the air. At times I thought I could hear the crys of souls in pain and the howls of the souless.... The sound of swords clashing and the crunching of bones filled the air like a symphony as I topped the ridge and I was mesmerized by the site below. Bodies locked in combat and in constant motion, synchronized in a surreal dance accented by the crys and howls of the combating dancers. I could see a division between the Sword of Kala and the Army of the Soulless. The warriors of the Empire had formed a sort of wedge and were gradually moving into the sea of the soulless searching for the Heart and the Head of the Evil. I smiled as I marveled at the great number of Warriors Lycurgus had manage to recruit for the Sword of Kala. I was unusually calm as I tried to assess how to enter the fray and to what purpose I was to serve. I knew my appearance would create a disturbance amongst the men who had chosen to follow Lycurgus which would not only make it difficult for me but might break down the ranks of the Empire. I would wear my cloak as long as i would not hinder my fighting to an extreme or until it was torn from my body. I would use only the weapon of the Heretic, the Bladestaff and work my way along the division between armies with my goal to be the point of the wedge. I drew my Bladestaff from my belt and it expanded to it's full size as I held it up to the Full Moon. An Icy Blue Light flared around it as it drew energy from the spirit of Nala. Then Nightshade
bolted down the Ridge into the valley.
In the Valley Below
His white
stallion rearing on its hind legs, Lycurgus' sword fell in swift arcs of
doom upon the
Lycurgus'
pure white surcoat was stained with blood, some of it his. He hadn't noticed
Suddenly
his horse grunted, and shuddered in pain. Lycurgus quickly tore himself
from the
He joined
his men in their small wedge, growing ever smaller. The small pendants
of the sun
He breathed a silent prayer to Kala as his sword fell on another. Lycurgus
************
The Spirit of Gates In lieu of my greatest attempts to divert a direct confrontation with the horde of ill-fated warriors deemed by the masses as "the soul-less," the battle began in the late evening. I took the side of Lycurgus and Wulfgar at the front of the batallion, desperately unsure of my martial abilities. The soul-less for the most part lacked tactic and any real skill, driven by hunger if little else. Their fierce battle cries and screams of agony echoed through the moonlit night. Our fears were confirmed when the soul-less army began to show signs of improvement within their latter ranks as many of the Sword met death at their hands. I caught a blade in the side roughly, causing me to lose my balance and fall to the blood-soaked earth. My instict assessed it to be a flesh wound of non-severity, but my senses were literally knocked from my skull by the blinding pain. I managed to imbed my weapon in the chest of my wound's perpertrator, and took a brief second to rest before an incoming number of enemy warriors were in sight, rushing my way. As if guided by some external force, instead of picking my long sword from the cadaver of the fallen, I snatched up from the snowy turf a sturdy halberd, the equip of a dead soul-less. As I handled the weapon expertly in my hands, a feeling of shock overwhelmed me. My skill with staves was limited at best, but as I swirled the blade around in my hands, I felt as if divine hands were guiding me. That's when I thought of Midnight. I stared up at the full moon with the thought of my faraway friend on my mind. It was if time had stopped around me. The world fell silent, the agonizing sounds of war fading into my own heartbeat and nothing else. While I bathed in the glow of the luminescent orb in the sky my halberd sliced through a slew of mindless fanatics. My mind continued to ponder my eerie situation and suddenly I knew -- I knew Midnight was here, but also knew in the back of my mind I wouldn't recognize him when I saw him. I am unable to discern exactly how much time passed or even the outcome of the battle. As the last flank of the Sword of Kala raced by me, rushing to finish a retreating horde, I fell to my knees in exhaust. My new weapon which had served me so well clankered to the ground as I closed my eyes and listened to the blood flow through my veins. Suddenly the urge to look overwhelmed me in a single flashing instant. As I bent my head up and opened my eyes, an uncanny figure stood before me. Dressed in a cloak and blood-stained armor, a ghastly white man stood before me holding a weapon similiar to the one I had earlier found the impulse to equip, although this strange figure's staff was glowing an incandescent blue, the color of the full moon hanging brightly in the sky. Although I could have sworn I had never laid eyes on this man before, I had the undying notion that it was Midnight who stood before me. ***********
Soultaker
Nightshade charged into the perimeter of the battle, weaving through the ranks of the souless as I almost casually sliced them into pieces with my Bladestaff. My actions were disturbingly cold and emotionless. As the ranks of the souless thickened, Nightshade began to trample those that got in his way. I rode him into the melee until it became difficult to fight from his back, then I leaped to the ground to fight my way through the wake of bodies that he left behind. It did not take long until Nightshade fell to his death by the claws of the horde. Short burst of the bezerker rage propelled me as I sliced and diced my way through the melee. I was indiscriminant with my blade and cannot say for sure that I did not cut down some of the ranks of the Empire in my blind fury. I had lost all sense of reality and the entire scene was becoming more and more like a nightmare or delusion. My robe was nothing more than rags and my bare flesh was marked with many deep wounds that did not bleed. Suddenly, a shudder rippled across the battle field as bolts of lightning rocked the point of the Draconian forces. A sense of dread decended upon me when the moon began turning the color of blood as the shadow of the earth began to eclipse it. The souless took pause and looked toward the moon, then looked toward me and in a moment of horror they signaled their alliegance. A chilling realization shocked me as I remembered my vow, "I give you my life, my spirit, and my soul!" Then, of it's own accord I heard my voice shouting in the language of the souless to rally around the Queen. As the souless broke rank following my command, the Draconian fighters surged forward. At the head of the Warriors was Gates wielding a halberd in the style of a Heretic. I casually approached him as he sliced through the retreating souless until he took a pause to breath and then he saw me... Through all the insanity of the moment I was able to illict one final sane thought of my own and looked him hard in the eyes. I a raspy, rough, otherworldly voice I told him, "Do not forget, You must protect Lycurgus no matter what the cost!" In the next moment I turned toward the Queen and images flashed through my mind. She appeared as the Goddess Nala... then she appeared as the High Priestess that I had seen in the Hall of Images... then finally she appeared as a sillouete of darkness that consumed all light. As if the
scene had not already streached my senses beyond the scope of reality,
my view of the battle left my body as I watched the pale scarred body of
Midnight racing toward the heart of the battle and in moments he stood
between the horde of souless and Lycugus where the body of Wulfgar lay
still on the ground nearby....
The Price of Power Midnight waved his glowing bladestaff in challenge then stabbed it into the ground. He waited momentarily as Lycurgus nodded his readiness, then like a bezerker from hell charged. The first attack of Midnight did little more than draw blood from Lycurgus as the Sword of Kala deflected the brunt of his blow. Lycurgus's counter attack cut deep into the back of Midnight dividing the mark of the Heretic in two, but he felt no pain and no blood flowed from the wound. Midnight backflipped out of range of Lycugus then renewed his attack. Perhaps it was surprise that Midnight did not bleed or something else that caused Lycugus to hesitate, but in the next moment Midnight's blade cut a deep gouge across Lycurgus's face. Blinded in one eye and knocked back by the force of the blow Lycugus stumbled to the ground on one knee and cried out to Kala. Then as if his prayer was answered the blood red glow of the moon was blotted out by the shadow of the earth. An unearthly howl echoed through the night and the bladestaff of the Heretic blazed with fire. A pentagram of blood began to emerge on Midnight's pale chest and time seemed to stand still... Except for Gates. His halberd had transformed into the blazing bladestaff of the Heretic and he signaled to Midnight as Midnight had signaled to Lycugus. What followed was a dance of fire and fury as they dueled until a blade found its fatal mark through the heart of Midnight. As he knelled before Gates he looked up and whispered, "You have done well, my brother, now honor me and finish it!" With a downward thrust Gates granted Midnight his final wish obliterating his dying body without a trace. ......... The events of last night were still vivid in my mind when I awoke from a nightmare-laden unpeaceful sleep. I couldn't believe what I had done. Midnight had turned into something I couldn't recognize and attacked Lycurgus only moments after he commanded me to protect him at all costs. In the heat of battle I had sticken him dead with my halberd, a weapon I had no previous skill with. I had felt posessed by some strange spirit and Midnight had appeared the same way. I churned silently while I packed my gear up in the early hours of the morning. I could barely see straight and I was most definately in shock. However, my overt physical reactions were not enough to keep me from secretely mounting a steed and setting off for the Lakelands. I had no idea what I would meet when I arrived. How would the empire react to a Baron who had just returned from a battle in which he slew the Duke? Only time would tell as I hit a familiar road south to the Northern Reaches. -Lord Gates Into the Twilight The moon glowed red as it moved
from behind the shadow of the Earth.
From my vantage point I saw the souless loose cohesion and evaporate into the darkness, clawing blindly at anything and everything within thier reach. The Draconians forged onward to
victory and what remained of my spirit drifted into the twilight.
I drifted through twilight for what
seemed like an eternity my thoughts straining to comprehend what had happened
and what lay ahead or what may have happened had I not chosen the path
that I had followed.
Had I made a difference? To most, who may have recognized
me through my transformed appearance, it must have seemed as if I was a
traitor to the Empire and that I had sided with the enemy.
In trying to rationalize my other
actions, I believe attacking Lycurgus had two purposes.
The twilight turned to darkness.
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