-------------------
Ch 11 The Long March
-------------------
"This isn't a very good report Karasir."
"I am sorry M'lord. Raziel's progress is outstanding, but it is that progress which could hurt us. Our runners indicate he has gained a following of around 12,000. But he has been plagued by attacks by the ever- increasing numbers of the undead. If they're not against him they are against a nearby city or village, all these factors are detaining him from returning. Which is distarous, for the Selquinox is only 3 days away." "How about your own troops, Karasir?"
"What is left of the battalions and the locals that have joined us number 20,000. But the number is falling. The longer we wait and patrol the areas, the more number we lose and the more the undead gain. I believe we should attack now and keep the Dark Elves from completing the ritual."
" I wish we had more time to wait for Raziel's mercenaries, but your right Karasir. March for Dagnor's Cauldron"
"Yes M'lord"
-----------------------
Unaware of the mounting forces in the northern lands, Raziel's mercenary army, now called by locals The Grudgebringers, defends a small trading post from an attack by goblins.
"Attack! Move up the western flank! Don't let a greenskin survive!"
Arrows flew swiftly through the air, carving through the fleeing goblins.
"Charge!"
Springing forward the main section of the battle column chased in pursuit of the goblins. The goblins fell quickly under the oncoming blades of the horsed Calvary. With in a few moments the battle was over. The trading post was lightly damaged, several buildings had been lit aflame by the goblins others had dozens of arrows and blood splattered over them.
"Thank you so much you have saved us all. How can we ever repay you?"
"Ill give you hint, they are small, round, and have a nice sound to them in a chest."
"...? I don't understand."
"Think about it..Think hard."
"O! Yes of course your army will be well compensated."
"Good." Raziel turned towards the army. "Men rest and enjoy yourself while you can. We
march in 3 hours."
--------------------------
"Hey what's wrong Ar? Why the long face?......"
"Nothing.......sigh....."
"OOO. I know what's wrong. Ar's got a crush! Ar's got a crush! Ar's got a crush!"
"I do not!!.......no...your right....."
"Name a time I have been wrong."
"We.."
"Don't answer that. So...who is it?"
"Like Im going to you Mia, miss blabber mouth."
"UH! That hurts. I'm feel so hurt that you don't trust me. O well I can guess...O I know it's Karasir. Well who wouldnt like him?"
"nope."
"Morgann?"
"no"
"Raziel?"
"......no"
"AH HAH!!! I knew it! When did you fall for him?"
"...I guess I've always ...but I didnt realize it until 2 weeks ago, just before he left to gather the merc army"
---------------
"So when are we leaving for the southern lands?"
"We are not. I am going to the southern territory."
"Why are you leaving me?"
"I have my reasons. Now go inside."
"No."
"Dont be stubborn. Go inside and go practice your sword skills"
"Is that why your leaving me behind, because you think I am too weak?"
Arorua quickly punches in the shoulder.
"OW! Stop that!" He rubs his sore shoulder. "That's not the reason, though one reason is
that you keep beating on me. "
"O your such a wimp, I don't hit you that hard."
"Tell my bruises that."
"Such a big baby"
"Yep. C'ya later" He turns to leave.
"HEY! Come back here and tell me why."
"Alright, alright. The reason is... the upcoming battles we are going to be facin will result in the deaths of hundreds...I don't want you to join them.. Intelligence, skill, and beauty are rare comidities in this world. It's even more precious when one person is imbued with all of them."
"...."
He steps back toward her and holds her tight in his arms. " I dont want any harm to come to you." He kisses her for a few precious moments, then lets go and heads out the gates.
"Raziel........"
-------------------------
"Wow."
"Yeah. I know."
A page enters the castle village and begins to annouce a message.
"Attention all those enlisted in the ranks of Felwithe! You are to report to the castle immediatly! The King has decreed that we will stand still no longer, the troops are marching to destroy the undead threat. Once again, if you have enlisted report to the castle at once for arming!"
"So the time has come."
"Yeah. Lets head to the castle."
----------------------------
"You wished to see me M'lord Karasir?"
"Yes, Arorua. I have summoned you here, to answer a few questions for me."
"Yes sir"
"Please skip the formalities. Now the first question. You have been assisting Raziel since he has arrived in this area, what do you think of his character?"
"I feel that he is good man, he has done so much for us and is continuing to do so much for us. I feel that he is a valuable asset to us."
"Good. That is all I wanted to here then. I just wanted to be sure your heart and your head were in line."
"Sir?"
"You should know better, Mia is a terrible gossip."
"She didnt!!"
"she did."
"Why i ought to..."
He chuckled, then stepped over to the side and picked up a sheathed sword. Waiting a moment, he unsheathed it. It was finely crafted sword, it shimmered slightly. Karasir tighten his grip on the hilt and the sword ignited with bluish white flames encirvling it.
"Is that.."
"Yes, it the Masamune, one of the 3 holy blades of Tunare. Commander Bernheardt wields the Fiery Avenger, and King Tearis Thex wields the Essence Flare. Each one was forged by the goddess herself."
"It is impressive."
"Yes it is. It still awes me even after all these years. But how i go it impresses me even more, who would have thought that a blade, enchanted or not could chose it's owner. Maybe some day, I will tell you that story. Well enough remencing we must join the army and march for Dagnor's Cauldron"
"His tomb is there?"
"Yes. If only he had been destroyed all those years ago. I guess we will just have to finish what the ancient ones started." ------------------------ ------
The next 3 days blurred together as the three great armies marched towards each other. In the Northern lands, the last of the great army of Felwithe faced little opposition as it made its way to the entrance of Dagnor's Cauldron. But they were soon stopped when a massive counter strike of the undead pinned them against the Butcher Block mountains.
In the Southern tip of Faydwer Raziel's Army, The Grudgebringers continued on constantly plagued by any and everything that could fight, monster and and undead alike. They continued on through the next 2 days making little progress. His army was exhausted from all the constant engagements and the horrendous pace that they were forced to march in order to make make it to Dagnor's Cauldron in time. Then just before daybreak on the second day.
"Undead forces up ahead Sir!"
"Nothing new. Charge! Hack them to peices!"
His battered army once again sprung like a cat upon the waves of the undead, but sooner then any one suspected the undead forces went down. And what lie ahead of them was what they had been praying for. Clear open territory, not a living dead in sight. With great happiness, they resumed there march unhalted and by nightfall had finally made it too within 1 hours march of Dagnor's Cauldron.
"Rest well. And ready yourelves for tommorrow."
The worn troops slept soundly, weeks of marching and battles had given them a good apetitte for sleep. They slept and slept until midday. Woken not by raziel's orders but by the famaliar sounds of battle. The army of Felwithe had broken through and was nowengaged with the hordes of the undead that guarded the entrance to Dagnor's. They readied themselves and soon were in formation and prepared to join the fight. But for the first time in weeks they were afraid, the undead they had fought before had never been so numerous. This time the undead outnumbered them 7-1. And the undead had never been so close to their sourcee of strength, The Dread King. High above, in the sky the two moons were beginning to eclispe the sun and it was quickly getting dark, he would be arriving soon.
/So Raziel, this is it. The Dread King, the whole dead damned army. What are we doing here? It certainly isn't for the platinum or the women that's for sure. Is it for the glory?/
I dont give a damn about glory. I do what I must
/That's no answer, why must you do it?/
I don't know, I honestly don't know. You would think that after coming all this way and with all these men at my back, that I would have some reason. Well, maybe there is one reason, just one.
/And what is it?/
I live to cheat death.
/A good enough reason for anybody/
Raziel circles his horse around faces his troops.
"Men ready yourselves, in a few moments, we face The Dread King and all his legions and the taste of fear is upon your lips. I say spit out the fear, drive out the dread with bloodlust, wage war on horror. Slay and slay again, and you might live. ........ATTTACK! DESTROY!!!!! SLAUGHTER!!!!"
-----------------------
End Chapter 11
-------------------------
Ch 11 The Long March
-------------------
"This isn't a very good report Karasir."
"I am sorry M'lord. Raziel's progress is outstanding, but it is that progress which could hurt us. Our runners indicate he has gained a following of around 12,000. But he has been plagued by attacks by the ever- increasing numbers of the undead. If they're not against him they are against a nearby city or village, all these factors are detaining him from returning. Which is distarous, for the Selquinox is only 3 days away." "How about your own troops, Karasir?"
"What is left of the battalions and the locals that have joined us number 20,000. But the number is falling. The longer we wait and patrol the areas, the more number we lose and the more the undead gain. I believe we should attack now and keep the Dark Elves from completing the ritual."
" I wish we had more time to wait for Raziel's mercenaries, but your right Karasir. March for Dagnor's Cauldron"
"Yes M'lord"
-----------------------
Unaware of the mounting forces in the northern lands, Raziel's mercenary army, now called by locals The Grudgebringers, defends a small trading post from an attack by goblins.
"Attack! Move up the western flank! Don't let a greenskin survive!"
Arrows flew swiftly through the air, carving through the fleeing goblins.
"Charge!"
Springing forward the main section of the battle column chased in pursuit of the goblins. The goblins fell quickly under the oncoming blades of the horsed Calvary. With in a few moments the battle was over. The trading post was lightly damaged, several buildings had been lit aflame by the goblins others had dozens of arrows and blood splattered over them.
"Thank you so much you have saved us all. How can we ever repay you?"
"Ill give you hint, they are small, round, and have a nice sound to them in a chest."
"...? I don't understand."
"Think about it..Think hard."
"O! Yes of course your army will be well compensated."
"Good." Raziel turned towards the army. "Men rest and enjoy yourself while you can. We
march in 3 hours."
--------------------------
"Hey what's wrong Ar? Why the long face?......"
"Nothing.......sigh....."
"OOO. I know what's wrong. Ar's got a crush! Ar's got a crush! Ar's got a crush!"
"I do not!!.......no...your right....."
"Name a time I have been wrong."
"We.."
"Don't answer that. So...who is it?"
"Like Im going to you Mia, miss blabber mouth."
"UH! That hurts. I'm feel so hurt that you don't trust me. O well I can guess...O I know it's Karasir. Well who wouldnt like him?"
"nope."
"Morgann?"
"no"
"Raziel?"
"......no"
"AH HAH!!! I knew it! When did you fall for him?"
"...I guess I've always ...but I didnt realize it until 2 weeks ago, just before he left to gather the merc army"
---------------
"So when are we leaving for the southern lands?"
"We are not. I am going to the southern territory."
"Why are you leaving me?"
"I have my reasons. Now go inside."
"No."
"Dont be stubborn. Go inside and go practice your sword skills"
"Is that why your leaving me behind, because you think I am too weak?"
Arorua quickly punches in the shoulder.
"OW! Stop that!" He rubs his sore shoulder. "That's not the reason, though one reason is
that you keep beating on me. "
"O your such a wimp, I don't hit you that hard."
"Tell my bruises that."
"Such a big baby"
"Yep. C'ya later" He turns to leave.
"HEY! Come back here and tell me why."
"Alright, alright. The reason is... the upcoming battles we are going to be facin will result in the deaths of hundreds...I don't want you to join them.. Intelligence, skill, and beauty are rare comidities in this world. It's even more precious when one person is imbued with all of them."
"...."
He steps back toward her and holds her tight in his arms. " I dont want any harm to come to you." He kisses her for a few precious moments, then lets go and heads out the gates.
"Raziel........"
-------------------------
"Wow."
"Yeah. I know."
A page enters the castle village and begins to annouce a message.
"Attention all those enlisted in the ranks of Felwithe! You are to report to the castle immediatly! The King has decreed that we will stand still no longer, the troops are marching to destroy the undead threat. Once again, if you have enlisted report to the castle at once for arming!"
"So the time has come."
"Yeah. Lets head to the castle."
----------------------------
"You wished to see me M'lord Karasir?"
"Yes, Arorua. I have summoned you here, to answer a few questions for me."
"Yes sir"
"Please skip the formalities. Now the first question. You have been assisting Raziel since he has arrived in this area, what do you think of his character?"
"I feel that he is good man, he has done so much for us and is continuing to do so much for us. I feel that he is a valuable asset to us."
"Good. That is all I wanted to here then. I just wanted to be sure your heart and your head were in line."
"Sir?"
"You should know better, Mia is a terrible gossip."
"She didnt!!"
"she did."
"Why i ought to..."
He chuckled, then stepped over to the side and picked up a sheathed sword. Waiting a moment, he unsheathed it. It was finely crafted sword, it shimmered slightly. Karasir tighten his grip on the hilt and the sword ignited with bluish white flames encirvling it.
"Is that.."
"Yes, it the Masamune, one of the 3 holy blades of Tunare. Commander Bernheardt wields the Fiery Avenger, and King Tearis Thex wields the Essence Flare. Each one was forged by the goddess herself."
"It is impressive."
"Yes it is. It still awes me even after all these years. But how i go it impresses me even more, who would have thought that a blade, enchanted or not could chose it's owner. Maybe some day, I will tell you that story. Well enough remencing we must join the army and march for Dagnor's Cauldron"
"His tomb is there?"
"Yes. If only he had been destroyed all those years ago. I guess we will just have to finish what the ancient ones started." ------------------------ ------
The next 3 days blurred together as the three great armies marched towards each other. In the Northern lands, the last of the great army of Felwithe faced little opposition as it made its way to the entrance of Dagnor's Cauldron. But they were soon stopped when a massive counter strike of the undead pinned them against the Butcher Block mountains.
In the Southern tip of Faydwer Raziel's Army, The Grudgebringers continued on constantly plagued by any and everything that could fight, monster and and undead alike. They continued on through the next 2 days making little progress. His army was exhausted from all the constant engagements and the horrendous pace that they were forced to march in order to make make it to Dagnor's Cauldron in time. Then just before daybreak on the second day.
"Undead forces up ahead Sir!"
"Nothing new. Charge! Hack them to peices!"
His battered army once again sprung like a cat upon the waves of the undead, but sooner then any one suspected the undead forces went down. And what lie ahead of them was what they had been praying for. Clear open territory, not a living dead in sight. With great happiness, they resumed there march unhalted and by nightfall had finally made it too within 1 hours march of Dagnor's Cauldron.
"Rest well. And ready yourelves for tommorrow."
The worn troops slept soundly, weeks of marching and battles had given them a good apetitte for sleep. They slept and slept until midday. Woken not by raziel's orders but by the famaliar sounds of battle. The army of Felwithe had broken through and was nowengaged with the hordes of the undead that guarded the entrance to Dagnor's. They readied themselves and soon were in formation and prepared to join the fight. But for the first time in weeks they were afraid, the undead they had fought before had never been so numerous. This time the undead outnumbered them 7-1. And the undead had never been so close to their sourcee of strength, The Dread King. High above, in the sky the two moons were beginning to eclispe the sun and it was quickly getting dark, he would be arriving soon.
/So Raziel, this is it. The Dread King, the whole dead damned army. What are we doing here? It certainly isn't for the platinum or the women that's for sure. Is it for the glory?/
I dont give a damn about glory. I do what I must
/That's no answer, why must you do it?/
I don't know, I honestly don't know. You would think that after coming all this way and with all these men at my back, that I would have some reason. Well, maybe there is one reason, just one.
/And what is it?/
I live to cheat death.
/A good enough reason for anybody/
Raziel circles his horse around faces his troops.
"Men ready yourselves, in a few moments, we face The Dread King and all his legions and the taste of fear is upon your lips. I say spit out the fear, drive out the dread with bloodlust, wage war on horror. Slay and slay again, and you might live. ........ATTTACK! DESTROY!!!!! SLAUGHTER!!!!"
-----------------------
End Chapter 11
-------------------------