AN: There seems to have been some misunderstanding last chapter. I said that this story would take place during Darksiders 2 but people seem to think that by Death saying they would look for the other riders then that invalidated all of the game canon. War is there because of the stunt the Council pulled (as all fans of the game already know), Death is there because he was there to meet Harry. The others wouldn't have known about the fake apocalypse according to the games' canon. Also, question, would it count as a fake apocalypse since, while the seals weren't fully broken, the world did still pretty much end?

AN2: I put that War's story, both his prologue and the game of Darksiders one, happens in America because they showed major cities, the cop cars had English lettering on them, and the steering wheels were on the left side of the car if you look inside them. I'm not sure what countries besides America and England would write 'Police' on the cars in English and given the wheel placement I'm going with the States for Darksiders one.

AN3: Again, I'm sorry about how long it's been. New job is killer with the hours right now.

Master of the Horseman

Chapter 3

-Harry-

Silently, Harry stroked Hedwig's feathers as they looked out over the ash filled wasteland where Death made his home. It had been ten years since he saw the rest of the British Magical world get slaughtered by the Angels and Demons of the first two kingdoms. After Death had found him they had tried to find the rest of the riders. Harry and Death had rode on Despair, using magic to go from country to country as they desperately searched for the horseman. They got to America last and saw War fall into a portal, thrashing in pain as the largest demon Harry had ever seen laughed with a gaping bleeding eye socket.

After that they had left Earth, going back to the realm where Death made his home. There Harry had remained, reliving the memories of that day again and again for the first couple years before they became almost num, Death meanwhile would search for War, Strife and Fury helping with the search as well when they could. After the first couple years even Harry's aging had stopped, left with nothing but to train himself in the ashen lands where he was often alone.

"Harry, pack your bags." Looking up from his spot beside Hedwig he saw Death return again, the eldest horseman coming back to give him an update and bring food whenever he could.

"Did you find War?" letharga and apathy vanishing in the possibility of his friend, one of the few ones he had left, being safe.

"He is tethered in the void, the Council blaming him for the destruction of the Kingdom of Man." Death growled out, "We need to prove his innocence and get him back."

"The same bastards who made the Hallows?" he scowled, not the largest fan of the Charred Council and their machinations.

"Yes, the same bastards." Death didn't even bat an eye at the term for one of the strongest forces in existence.

"So where exactly are we supposed to find evidence?" he asked, grabbing what few possessions he had and stowing them in a bag as Death grabbed what would be needed for whatever journey lay before them.

"The Crowfather," Death finished preparing and put his scythes at his hip, "he is the keeper of Secrets. If anyone would have the knowledge and ability to prove War's innocence then it would be him. But first you need a mount of your own. We need to get to the Horsemaster, custodian of the Far Fields."

Frowning, Harry slung his bag over his shoulder as Hedwig and Dust rested on the rafters above the door, "Why?" he asked, having never heard of the Horsemaster from the riders.

"We need to get you a horse." The rider of Death said seriously, "We have to save War and when we ride we're bringing chaos with us."

-Watcher-

"Speak worm," the center head of the Charred council spoke in its booming guttural voice "why have you come before us uncalled?"

"Death has learned of War's location," the multi eyed creature simpered out, forcing down his rage at being looked down upon by the council "he took off for his home after learning of this from the Warden."

"The rest of the four were not to learn of War's location!" the right head roared out in outrage, the furious gaze of all three stone heads bored into the Watcher who recoiled, his kind having been formed for the sole purpose of serving the council, no matter how much they detested their chains.

"It was not I who revealed it." The Watcher spoke quickly, eager to save his own life. He was meant to be tethered to War when the time had come, and he looked forward to making the rider of the red horse suffer. The horsemen had cost his kind their chance at freedom and the memory of a Watcher was long.

"It would seem the idea of secrecy from all was a less than perfect defense." The left head mused, it's anger more controlled than its kin "Either way, we shall have to keep a closer eye upon the Warden, he always was close to the pale rider."

"Where does Death go now?" the middle head asked, "I'm rather surprised he did not venture into the void itself to pull War out."

"The warden would not allow it." The Watcher couldn't keep the smirk from his voice, always enjoying seeing one refuse a rider "Friendship or not, the Warden has never refused your direct commands."

"That is true enough," the right head growled out, fire and lava bursting forth from its maw "but it doesn't answer where Death has gone!"

"I sent one of my siblings to follow him." The watcher answered quickly. When it came to the council, if one did not answer fast enough or if their answer displeased the trio of ancient stone heads then death was often the preferred punishment the victim could receive, lest the council seek to become creative. "They should be back any moment." Almost as if summoned, the Watcher saw one of his sisters fly into the chamber, her presence bringing a wave of relief as he knew the council wouldn't have to wait, and now he had a scapegoat to focus their anger upon if needed.

"Honored council," his sister bowed low to the flaming heads "Death returned to his home in the ashen wastelands. There was another at his home there and they intend to find a way to free War."

"How?" the three heads demanded in tandem, the Watcher's sister wincing at their wrath, not as used to facing it as he was.

"H-he said that they would go to the Crowfather," she whimpered, "that the ancient Maker's secrets would be able to prove War was innocent and therefor assure his freedom. First though they are going to the Far Fields to get a horse for the man who was at Death's home."

"Who was this man?" the right head asked, voicing the question that the Watcher wondered himself.

"He looked and felt…human." His sister answered hesitantly before screaming as the fires from the mouths of the three heads flare up and consume her in the shock of the Charred Council.

"A survivor of the third kingdom." The right head's voice is filled with shock, not caring that their surprise had killed his sister.

"It would be wise to reclaim him," the left head spoke up "it would be the most viable way to revive their species. They may yet have a purpose to fulfill."

"Watcher." the center head turned its burning gaze onto him as he worked to remain calm. With their focus on him "Send out those we have to reclaim Death's mortal. If they are going to the Far Fields first then we merely need to have them wait near the Horsemaster."

"Of course Honored Council, it will be done." He bowed and slipped away, relieved that he still breathed.