Shadows of the Necromancer
Being the Fourth and Final Part to Redemption of the Lost
chapter 1 Northank Unleashed
It came to pass that in the days of Tails's and Sonic's journey into Nathelien that King Caradhras was deciding the next step in the war: should the rally and ride to the aid of the Chaos Chao of Xeros who did not aid them during their own recent plight, or should they focus on rebuilding and recovering their own lands.
King Caradhras decided to hold a meeting in his capital city of Dimrile with his generals as well as Shadow, Knuckles, and Silver. The meeting would decide their decision and perhaps the fate of the world.
"I call the meeting to begin. Each will get an opportunity to express their opinion on the matter. At the end we will take a vote and that will be my decision."
Nandian, the king's nephew spoke first.
"I believe it would be in our best interest to aid Xeros. Agumar draws his army within the walls of Nathelien and will no doubt begin his march upon Thrandyl, the capital city of Xeros. If we do not stop him there then Agumar will simply destroy us soon after. Better to die fighting with our Chaos Chao brethren than to die unknown and alone knowing that we were selfish cowards in our last days."
"Your thoughts have been put into consideration my nephew." King Caradhras said nodding for him to sit down.
One of the generals stood slowly arose from his chair.
"Sir, I believe I speak for all of your leading officials other than your heir."
He looked at the other generals and nodded to them all.
"We believe that we must withdraw our forces behind our borders so that we may grow and return everything to the normal state of things. Only then would we be prepared to fight Agumar and his army of the Dead. If we rush in now to fight then we could put all of Rathadur in severe danger. For Arawn and all the Lost are still dwelling in Northank, and he could see our weakness once we leave and strike then. If Arawn takes Rathadur then our people will die and we would surely die because we would not have sufficient resources to supply our army."
Shadow stood up in anger.
"Arawn will not attack you! Did you not learn from Maria that the Lost now are enemies of Agumar as well! If anything Arawn would join us in our plight, or are the Chao too content to hold their grudges that they would not welcome new allies?"
"I trust the Lost as much as I would you, Shadow. I know Maria was telling the truth about Arawn. I believe he has changed as well as the Lost itself, but I cannot change the feelings of my people. We have been at war with the Lost for over a thousand years. It is difficult to heal our enmity for we have suffered much at the hands of the Lost. Was it not Arawn that cursed us so that we would live such short lives and not be immortal like the Chaos Chao? We were very grateful for Maria's help, but she killed Arawn, her own leader. We all expected her to fight for our righteous cause against Agumar." Caradhras said sternly.
"Maria met Arawn in Northank. He has changed for the better. She told me that he has repented from his ways and realizes how wrong he was."
"Yes, I am aware of this Shadow, and I trust Maria's word but I cannot put all my people at risk. Most of us do not trust Arawn and think he said this to trick us."
At this Shadow sat down.
Caradhras was just about to call for a vote but the meeting was interrupted by a chao who came running through the door.
"My king," He shouted, "Our scouts have reported that a group of Lost soldiers have been spotted and are riding to Dimrile!"
Everyone in the room looked at Shadow suspiciously.
"We must ride out and meet them, and find out what they want." Caradhras said as he stood up.
Caradhras assembled a small host of chao and rode out. They traveled on the road until they met the Lost followers. There were around fifty of them all clad in heavy plate armor and mounted on tall steeds that had matching armor. Caradhras rode up to them first and spoke with them.
"Why is it you have entered into my lands without warning, friends of the Lost?"
"It is good to see someone hospitable here. We were afraid you would not heed Maria's council and attack us without question, but I see we were wrong to fear." One of the Lost followers said.
"Ah, it is good to know that we are no longer enemies. Please, tell us your errand so that we may assist you in it."
"Arawn sent us to aid you against Agumar's forces and to deliver a personal message to Maria."
"Your help is most welcome, but I am afraid that Maria is already three days out to Thrandyl."
"Then I must speak with her husband, Shadow."
Shadow rode forward to meet the Lost followers.
"Well met, Shadow the hedgehog! I must say that it is a pleasure to meet you, the hero who showed our king the path of righteousness through forgiveness and love!"
"Thanks, but what is this message you wanted me to deliver to Maria?"
The Lost follower handed Shadow a small scroll bound with a leather strap.
"It is most crucial that you give this to her, and even more so that you do not read it yourself. It is for her eyes only."
"I understand." Shadow said as he took the scroll.
"My riders and I will now aid you as best we may."
"We welcome any help that can be spared. Thank you!" Caradhras said.
On the road back to Dimrile, many of Rathadur's generals whispered quietly amongst themselves before they spoke to Caradhras making sure that the host of Lost riders was far away.
"My king, you cannot expect us to fight alongside these animals!" One said.
"We still don't even know if we will march to Xeros!" Said another.
"I'm going to Thrandyl no matter what! Agumar will most certainly strike there next and I'm not leaving Maria to die alone!" Shadow said angrily.
"We understand Shadow, but it would not be in the best interest of our people." The general said.
"I'm going with Shadow! We cannot abandon our brethren!" Nandian shouted.
"I choose to follow Shadow and my nephew. We must fight together. We will have a better chance of winning the war if we work together with the Chaos Chao. We will assemble our forces and ride to Thrandyl at dawn." Caradhras concluded.
ALL CHARACTERS ARE COPYRIGHT BY SEGA
Finally started book three. I believe that it will be really awesome!
