This stoy is happening some 200 years after the defeat of Kardis. Given the time most of the original casts are dead and only three will show here. First beeing Deedlit, second Mycen ad third is a little suprise. For those who watched only OAV here is some info. All ancient dragons except Mycen are killed. Ashram and Pirotess are on Crystandia. Flaim claims Marmo as his teritory. More or less it claims all the previously unclaimed teritory of Lodoss except Raiden. Leaf is who knows where and dwarfs are on Alecrast. Now on to the story.
THE NEW RISING
PROLOGUE: BLACK IN SOUL AS IN BODY
The hill was soaked with blood that formed small streams and covered with bodies lying lifeless on the ground. The battle has ended and survivors were returning down the hill to their camp. Only one figure stands on hill. Man who was looking down in disbelief while spasmodically holding onto his two swords. Grip was so hard one would think bones in hand wiwoild shatter. He was covered with some rag, now almost completely soaked in blood under which a black clothes and black scale mail could be seen, as they shyly show in red glow of sun coming through blooded rag. His long black hair, which reached halfway over his back dancing in summer breeze, and his uncut beard are hiding his face. His body is trembling for some unknown reason. Slowly raising his hands, still holding swords, and then jerking them back down while raising his head towards sky. He let out unbelievably loud and desperate cry that shattered silence of this valley
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
At the bottom of the hill rest of the army already started getting ready to move. Slowly removing that rag from his shoulders he looked on bodies scattered around and slowly walked towards camp. That revealed more of him and his clothes. He didn't give impression of being a strong man. If you compared him with ones that left some time ago he seems even skinny. Also he wasn't that high. Maybe somewhat over the average. It was true such body could not give great strength but you would be surprised that he is strong as he truly is. And that body gave him great speed.
When the rag was completely removed it could be seen that he is dressed black from head to toe. Scale mail was not painted over but coated with some dark metal. Few scratches could be seen on it in which steel would show its shine. Rest of clothes was mostly spotless thanks to that rag. Under mail was black jacket made of soft processed leather. Right sleeve was covering its arm completely but left one reached only to elbow. Warped around left wrist was black silk ribbon. It was done in such a fashion to resemble bracer. Area between ribbon and elbow was cowered with many scars, going one over other. Black pants made of hard wool covered legs. Black leather boots that reached almost to knees were on end of those legs. Fingers and toes of those boots were reinforced by metal for adding more power to a kick. There metal parts were also coated in same way as mail. Around waist was narrow black leather belt on which sides were attached two scabbards with swords in them. Swords were with blade around 80cm long and slightly wider than rapier. Hilts were made of steel painted black in shape of a half of a ball, flat part out, and protectors were left in its natural color as blades were. Grips itself were made of some dark wood. On the back of belt were two sheaths. One was horizontally placed and as long as the man's back. Its shape was telling nothing of a weapon in it; only grip made of dark wood was showing itself. The other one was usually placed and showed that in it was an extremely thin dagger with blade some 25 cm long. Its grip was made of blue steel, grip warped in black leather. Across chest was a wide black leather belt with two metal ring connected with hard leather. Those rings looked as a sheath for heavy two-handed sword but now they stand empty. On rings there were no fresh scratches, which indicated it wasn't used for some time.
As he walked down he was going against the wind. Breese was blowing his long hair back revealing until now hidden face. It was rough but nothing more than what one would expect of a mercenary. Lower half of his face was hidden by large uncut beard black as a moonless night. His nose was little wider than usual but his eyes just too wide cutting themselves deep in nose bone. They were half-closed so only thing could be seen about them is that whites were blood red right now. With that beard and hair face looked extremely long and skinny. But that was only the deception.
"Again I have survived" he thought, "Again I have survived and so many died here. And I was the one who laughed at a face of a death daring it to come and get me. Is this eternal struggle how I pay for my sin? Is this life lived to compensate for hers?" Deeply in his thoughts he arrived at the camp. Many eyes followed him in disbelief, anger and disgust. Many were feeling need to say something to him, to hurt him but they did not dare.
"Gaof! Come here!" he heard loud voice of his commander filled with anger.
At first he ignored it and continued towards some clothes, which were lying on the ground just a little further. After short search, finally finding his cloak, he went to meet him. He knew this is not going to be pleasant talk.
"Do you understand what you did? You led my whole scouting party straight to death! You led a charge onto their main force!" yelled commander.
Commander was truly a figure that radiated with power. Short but bulky statue gave him almost the appearance of the dwarf. His arms and legs were disproportioned by the shear size of his muscles and his neck hidden under them. Chest and back was covered with pale yellowish, fine crafted plate at which shoulder pads were attached. Lower part of his arm was left uncovered while upper had an arm plate on outer sides. Metal was applied directly to skin giving the chills of cold to everyone who looked at it. On his legs he had leg plates covering them with high metal boots with kneecaps as addition. In his left hand he was holding helmet. Front size reached to eyebrows with additional movable eye cover. Back of helmet was unusually long and overlapped with breastplate. Where his ears should come helmet was somewhat widened. Also on back of that part large holes could be seen. After all since he was mostly working as commander of his group hearing was essential. Broadsword that hanged on his side was not attached to present belt but to breastplate itself somewhat higher. Even putted so unusually high it still dragged along the ground. The wooden scabbard was almost totally covered in steel. Hilt and grip of sword were left in plain color of metal.
The whole armor was in same pale yellowish color and unusually thick. Looking extremely heavy like his sword it suited his oversized body perfectly. His head was round. On top there was short brown hair with few grays here and there. Forehead being as ruff as oak's bark showed that he had little time for pleasure in his life. His eyes were small and intelligent and now are half closed showing anger in such amount that no one would be surprised if lightning came out of them. Nose suited face and mouth were just a bit larger than what you would expect. Since they were open teeth could be saw. They were all there but showed lack of care for them, being in all shades of yellowish-gray. His whole face was red as boiled lobster and slightly puffed as his anger was at its peak.
His name was Yestller but they called him yeller because of his name and his armor even when he proved himself in battles. Quite a few were bashed up terribly until he putted that name out of their heads. Despite all that he was honorable man with great sense of duty. Intelligent as skilled now he was almost a living legend among mercenaries.
"Nobody forced them to follow, besides I warned you what I seek in combat" was answer in perfectly calm and emotionless voice.
Being pushed over his limit with Gaof calmness that looked mocking, he exploded. "Aaaaargh" was the only thing that came out of his mouth before stream of swears started flowing. Ending his curses he stopped to breed a little and then continued "I heard you are not nearly normal but I didn't know that you're completely insane. Why? Just tell me why you rotten dog" continued Yestller trying to control his anger but not doing a good job.
While thinking "What would be a point of explaining that to you? What could Katala possibly mean to you?" he turned his head aside adding simple HMPH.
Managing to get his anger somewhat under control since his anger left no effect on Gaof he said "It is my duty to bring you back alive. I don't like it but it has to be so. Until that time you will stay alive so enjoy it. When that time ends if I meet you again I will not be so forgiving.
For that I need you to watch yourself. They want to kill you but since they saw how fast bodies pile up along your path in battle they know it would take someone of Parn's skill and fame to bring you down. For that they will not challenge you. On the other hand not all here are mercenaries and for some of them challenge is not the only way to kill a man. Honor is not the same for all.
Lots of good people died here today because of you. I know you'll say that you ordered them to stay back but hell, you knew they will follow you, you were their leader. You have no excuse so remove yourself from my presence" His face was still red and his eyes still glaring but he was under control. Turning around he let himself go again and started swearing and cursing again and again until his inner pain become bearable. Then just as Gaof started walking away he turned to add one last thing.
"I have one more thing to tell you. I'll make sure you don't get any job anywhere I have some influence. And that cowers a lot" After saying that he felt a little better. At the end he was the one who was laughing last.
Nodding his head lightly Gaof turned his back on him and removed himself from his presence. Yestller's words annoyed him a bit but nothing more. Keeping his insensitive face he proceeded towards fires on which large pots were filled with some food that did not smell too good. To tell the truth it smelled quite bad but it was food nevertheless and his body demanded some. While he was walking towards fires everyone was getting out of his way, way out of his way. Finally reaching the short line for food he could hear some mumblings that couldn't be understood but didn't sound very friendly. Eyes were glaring at him but no one spoke openly near him. There were some swears, insults and things like that but all said from a safe distance. Getting his food he saw that it didn't really looked like anything recognizable except a piece of meat he got. It tasted as bad as it smelled but it filled the stomach and felt even satisfying. After grabbing a bite, and listening to some insults on his account as well as some wild rumors abut his reasons for his death wish he went for his horse. While he was saddling it most of mercenaries already left since they didn't even have time to put up their tents. Mounting that beautiful animal he slowly started following long column.
"Another job ended. I'm still alive which means that I must find next one. My reputation is getting worse by the minute, and that will not help me. And the war between Flaim and Allania has come to an end so no more work here. Well most probably came to an end. That king is as weird as Duke Raster was so who knows. Anyway commander won't take me in his ranks again, Lord Dorric is not likely to enlist me in his special squads, and regular army is out of question. With Yestller on my back Flaim's guilds are off limits.
Maybe Raiden? There is a rumor that merchant guild is planning an expedition to Chaos Lands. Since they even included thieves from thieves' guild they won't be picky about mercenaries they hire for protection. But there won't be really decent battles. It sounds more like a plundering expedition. Is that what I'm come to? I don't think so. But still what work can I get now? Well Raiden sounds like only place where I would get job anyway. Or Kanon maybe? I still haven't been there."
After much more thinking he lifted his head and looked west. It was sunset. Over the forest sky was deep red and clouds looked unreal in their beauty as they were floating through air like white petals in short lived spring stream. It was like whole forest was on fire, not a fire of destruction but beautiful fire of creation. It looked like that evening when for the last time... Feeling of emptiness and than confusion started to fill his head. Another one was coming. Quickly his right hand disappeared under cloak reappearing with wicked looking blunt and jagged weapon in it. After the blade was pressed on other arm it slowly started tearing flesh. Blood started small stream down the hand and over the horse under Gaof. Wound was calculated to be deep and most painful but not serious. His face was now grotesque mask of pain and control over it. That did the trick and head was cleared of confusion as primal instincts took over but emptiness still stood. This time blade went in a little too much and all of this is going out of control. Trying to ignore oncoming lack of consciousness he returned blade in its place and started to dress new would with ribbon that is always on that hand. That is when he fell on his horse.
THE NEW RISING
PROLOGUE: BLACK IN SOUL AS IN BODY
The hill was soaked with blood that formed small streams and covered with bodies lying lifeless on the ground. The battle has ended and survivors were returning down the hill to their camp. Only one figure stands on hill. Man who was looking down in disbelief while spasmodically holding onto his two swords. Grip was so hard one would think bones in hand wiwoild shatter. He was covered with some rag, now almost completely soaked in blood under which a black clothes and black scale mail could be seen, as they shyly show in red glow of sun coming through blooded rag. His long black hair, which reached halfway over his back dancing in summer breeze, and his uncut beard are hiding his face. His body is trembling for some unknown reason. Slowly raising his hands, still holding swords, and then jerking them back down while raising his head towards sky. He let out unbelievably loud and desperate cry that shattered silence of this valley
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
At the bottom of the hill rest of the army already started getting ready to move. Slowly removing that rag from his shoulders he looked on bodies scattered around and slowly walked towards camp. That revealed more of him and his clothes. He didn't give impression of being a strong man. If you compared him with ones that left some time ago he seems even skinny. Also he wasn't that high. Maybe somewhat over the average. It was true such body could not give great strength but you would be surprised that he is strong as he truly is. And that body gave him great speed.
When the rag was completely removed it could be seen that he is dressed black from head to toe. Scale mail was not painted over but coated with some dark metal. Few scratches could be seen on it in which steel would show its shine. Rest of clothes was mostly spotless thanks to that rag. Under mail was black jacket made of soft processed leather. Right sleeve was covering its arm completely but left one reached only to elbow. Warped around left wrist was black silk ribbon. It was done in such a fashion to resemble bracer. Area between ribbon and elbow was cowered with many scars, going one over other. Black pants made of hard wool covered legs. Black leather boots that reached almost to knees were on end of those legs. Fingers and toes of those boots were reinforced by metal for adding more power to a kick. There metal parts were also coated in same way as mail. Around waist was narrow black leather belt on which sides were attached two scabbards with swords in them. Swords were with blade around 80cm long and slightly wider than rapier. Hilts were made of steel painted black in shape of a half of a ball, flat part out, and protectors were left in its natural color as blades were. Grips itself were made of some dark wood. On the back of belt were two sheaths. One was horizontally placed and as long as the man's back. Its shape was telling nothing of a weapon in it; only grip made of dark wood was showing itself. The other one was usually placed and showed that in it was an extremely thin dagger with blade some 25 cm long. Its grip was made of blue steel, grip warped in black leather. Across chest was a wide black leather belt with two metal ring connected with hard leather. Those rings looked as a sheath for heavy two-handed sword but now they stand empty. On rings there were no fresh scratches, which indicated it wasn't used for some time.
As he walked down he was going against the wind. Breese was blowing his long hair back revealing until now hidden face. It was rough but nothing more than what one would expect of a mercenary. Lower half of his face was hidden by large uncut beard black as a moonless night. His nose was little wider than usual but his eyes just too wide cutting themselves deep in nose bone. They were half-closed so only thing could be seen about them is that whites were blood red right now. With that beard and hair face looked extremely long and skinny. But that was only the deception.
"Again I have survived" he thought, "Again I have survived and so many died here. And I was the one who laughed at a face of a death daring it to come and get me. Is this eternal struggle how I pay for my sin? Is this life lived to compensate for hers?" Deeply in his thoughts he arrived at the camp. Many eyes followed him in disbelief, anger and disgust. Many were feeling need to say something to him, to hurt him but they did not dare.
"Gaof! Come here!" he heard loud voice of his commander filled with anger.
At first he ignored it and continued towards some clothes, which were lying on the ground just a little further. After short search, finally finding his cloak, he went to meet him. He knew this is not going to be pleasant talk.
"Do you understand what you did? You led my whole scouting party straight to death! You led a charge onto their main force!" yelled commander.
Commander was truly a figure that radiated with power. Short but bulky statue gave him almost the appearance of the dwarf. His arms and legs were disproportioned by the shear size of his muscles and his neck hidden under them. Chest and back was covered with pale yellowish, fine crafted plate at which shoulder pads were attached. Lower part of his arm was left uncovered while upper had an arm plate on outer sides. Metal was applied directly to skin giving the chills of cold to everyone who looked at it. On his legs he had leg plates covering them with high metal boots with kneecaps as addition. In his left hand he was holding helmet. Front size reached to eyebrows with additional movable eye cover. Back of helmet was unusually long and overlapped with breastplate. Where his ears should come helmet was somewhat widened. Also on back of that part large holes could be seen. After all since he was mostly working as commander of his group hearing was essential. Broadsword that hanged on his side was not attached to present belt but to breastplate itself somewhat higher. Even putted so unusually high it still dragged along the ground. The wooden scabbard was almost totally covered in steel. Hilt and grip of sword were left in plain color of metal.
The whole armor was in same pale yellowish color and unusually thick. Looking extremely heavy like his sword it suited his oversized body perfectly. His head was round. On top there was short brown hair with few grays here and there. Forehead being as ruff as oak's bark showed that he had little time for pleasure in his life. His eyes were small and intelligent and now are half closed showing anger in such amount that no one would be surprised if lightning came out of them. Nose suited face and mouth were just a bit larger than what you would expect. Since they were open teeth could be saw. They were all there but showed lack of care for them, being in all shades of yellowish-gray. His whole face was red as boiled lobster and slightly puffed as his anger was at its peak.
His name was Yestller but they called him yeller because of his name and his armor even when he proved himself in battles. Quite a few were bashed up terribly until he putted that name out of their heads. Despite all that he was honorable man with great sense of duty. Intelligent as skilled now he was almost a living legend among mercenaries.
"Nobody forced them to follow, besides I warned you what I seek in combat" was answer in perfectly calm and emotionless voice.
Being pushed over his limit with Gaof calmness that looked mocking, he exploded. "Aaaaargh" was the only thing that came out of his mouth before stream of swears started flowing. Ending his curses he stopped to breed a little and then continued "I heard you are not nearly normal but I didn't know that you're completely insane. Why? Just tell me why you rotten dog" continued Yestller trying to control his anger but not doing a good job.
While thinking "What would be a point of explaining that to you? What could Katala possibly mean to you?" he turned his head aside adding simple HMPH.
Managing to get his anger somewhat under control since his anger left no effect on Gaof he said "It is my duty to bring you back alive. I don't like it but it has to be so. Until that time you will stay alive so enjoy it. When that time ends if I meet you again I will not be so forgiving.
For that I need you to watch yourself. They want to kill you but since they saw how fast bodies pile up along your path in battle they know it would take someone of Parn's skill and fame to bring you down. For that they will not challenge you. On the other hand not all here are mercenaries and for some of them challenge is not the only way to kill a man. Honor is not the same for all.
Lots of good people died here today because of you. I know you'll say that you ordered them to stay back but hell, you knew they will follow you, you were their leader. You have no excuse so remove yourself from my presence" His face was still red and his eyes still glaring but he was under control. Turning around he let himself go again and started swearing and cursing again and again until his inner pain become bearable. Then just as Gaof started walking away he turned to add one last thing.
"I have one more thing to tell you. I'll make sure you don't get any job anywhere I have some influence. And that cowers a lot" After saying that he felt a little better. At the end he was the one who was laughing last.
Nodding his head lightly Gaof turned his back on him and removed himself from his presence. Yestller's words annoyed him a bit but nothing more. Keeping his insensitive face he proceeded towards fires on which large pots were filled with some food that did not smell too good. To tell the truth it smelled quite bad but it was food nevertheless and his body demanded some. While he was walking towards fires everyone was getting out of his way, way out of his way. Finally reaching the short line for food he could hear some mumblings that couldn't be understood but didn't sound very friendly. Eyes were glaring at him but no one spoke openly near him. There were some swears, insults and things like that but all said from a safe distance. Getting his food he saw that it didn't really looked like anything recognizable except a piece of meat he got. It tasted as bad as it smelled but it filled the stomach and felt even satisfying. After grabbing a bite, and listening to some insults on his account as well as some wild rumors abut his reasons for his death wish he went for his horse. While he was saddling it most of mercenaries already left since they didn't even have time to put up their tents. Mounting that beautiful animal he slowly started following long column.
"Another job ended. I'm still alive which means that I must find next one. My reputation is getting worse by the minute, and that will not help me. And the war between Flaim and Allania has come to an end so no more work here. Well most probably came to an end. That king is as weird as Duke Raster was so who knows. Anyway commander won't take me in his ranks again, Lord Dorric is not likely to enlist me in his special squads, and regular army is out of question. With Yestller on my back Flaim's guilds are off limits.
Maybe Raiden? There is a rumor that merchant guild is planning an expedition to Chaos Lands. Since they even included thieves from thieves' guild they won't be picky about mercenaries they hire for protection. But there won't be really decent battles. It sounds more like a plundering expedition. Is that what I'm come to? I don't think so. But still what work can I get now? Well Raiden sounds like only place where I would get job anyway. Or Kanon maybe? I still haven't been there."
After much more thinking he lifted his head and looked west. It was sunset. Over the forest sky was deep red and clouds looked unreal in their beauty as they were floating through air like white petals in short lived spring stream. It was like whole forest was on fire, not a fire of destruction but beautiful fire of creation. It looked like that evening when for the last time... Feeling of emptiness and than confusion started to fill his head. Another one was coming. Quickly his right hand disappeared under cloak reappearing with wicked looking blunt and jagged weapon in it. After the blade was pressed on other arm it slowly started tearing flesh. Blood started small stream down the hand and over the horse under Gaof. Wound was calculated to be deep and most painful but not serious. His face was now grotesque mask of pain and control over it. That did the trick and head was cleared of confusion as primal instincts took over but emptiness still stood. This time blade went in a little too much and all of this is going out of control. Trying to ignore oncoming lack of consciousness he returned blade in its place and started to dress new would with ribbon that is always on that hand. That is when he fell on his horse.