Chapter Four- End of An Age
Iron Maiden The Trooper
Steve Harris You'll take my life but I'll take yours too You'll fire your musket but I'll run you through So when you're waiting for the next attack You'd better stand there's no turning back.
The bugle sounds and the charge begins But on this battlefield no one wins The smell of acrid smoke and horses breath As I plunge on into certain death.
The horse he sweats with fear we break to run The mighty roar of the Russian guns And as we race towards the human wall The screams of pain as my comrades fall
We hurdle bodies that lay on the ground And the Russians fire another round We get so near yet so far away We won't live to fight another day.
We get so close near enough to fight When a Russian gets me in his sights He pulls the trigger and I feel the blow A burst of rounds take my horse below.
And as I lay there gazing at the sky My body's numb and my throat is dry And as I lay forgotten and alone Without a tear I draw my parting groan
The elven army eagerly road off into the forest to hunt their prey, with an army including several clerics of the Seldarine, fighters, psions, psychic warriors, rangers, and finally their wizards- all of them. Indeed anyone who had could channel arcane or divine magic, had psionic abilities, or could wield a weapon was among them. In their minds numbers were the key to proving Laura's "prophecy" wrong.
A light breeze blew through the trees, its song mingling with those of the birds' creating a beautiful chorus of sound. How innocent this forest seemed, little did it know that its roots would drink the blood of elf and orc alike before this day is done.
But the crows were always happy, happy to have their fill of flesh. No matter how a war would end. No matter the victor the day would choose. The crows would always be well fed. And that was how war was, the warriors would die and the crows would feast.
The army continued to ride until the orcish village was in sight. Like a sore on the land, fell haphazard structures were chaotically built throughout the clearing. Remains of sacrificial victims lay scattered like trash throughout the twisting turns of their maze like "streets".
Their women and children, whom the men treated as possessions walked casually through the village. The whole of the orcish army was here as well, totally unaware of the elves that watched from the forest.
Heian, the scarred general spoke in a powerful whisper. "Destroy them all. Teach them the power of the elves!" And with a loud yell, he and the others charged into the city slaying orc men, women, and children with unimaginable ease.
As the orc army ran hurriedly to their battle-axes, the elven psions and wizards were already deep in the work of death. Orcs ran screaming, cursing, and burning before the might of the elven psion pyrokineticists- masters of fire. Like humanoid torches, their flesh gradually burned away from the burning orcs, leaving nothing behind but charred bones.
Terrible is the work of death, and how good the elves were at it. "Laura is a coward." many thought. "And her 'prophecy' was just a weak attempt at getting out of fighting the orcs!" They cursed her for her cowardice, as they continued to slay the ill prepared orcs.
Had this been on equal terms, meeting together to war, this scene would be much different. The orcs are a terrible race of monstrously powerful and well-trained warriors, the work of death would have fallen heavily on both sides.
But it would not be destined this day. The orcs were dwindling, and with each swing of the sword, each spell cast, or psionic power manifested they came closer to extinction. All of this Laura said would happen, but the elves were to caught up in their own pride to remember the whole prophecy.
As the work of death slowed to a halt, they look round about at the strewn about corpses of the now extinct orcish race. The once dry dusty earth was now no more than foul muddy mire, a mixture of blood and dirt. The crows would feed well today, as they always have.
"Let us return to the Queen!" exclaimed Aramil, the old archmage, victoriously. "Let us tell her that we have accomplished our task!" As he finished speaking the elven army let out a loud victory yell, and prayers of thanksgiving to the Seldarine could be heard echoing through the forest.
Bel, ruler of Avernus the top most lay of Baator, laughed as his hellish army of baatezu charged into the defenseless elven city. He laughed at their stupidity; everything had worked just as he had planned it. The scion pit fiend grinned at the thought of the elven army returning after their "victory". He knew that his strangely bent Flaming Greatsword would drink deep of elven blood today.
Bel, Lord of the First, looks much like other pit fiends only larger. The average pit fiend stands twelve feet tall. Deep red scales cover their hulking humanoid bodies and vast bat wings, which they often wrap around themselves like a grotesque cloak, emerge from their muscular backs. Four horns protrude from their fearsome heads; two from their foreheads, and two from their cheeks, while two extremely large fangs that drip a vile green substance dominate its mouth. To complete their menacing appearance a snaking prehensile tail whips about, looking for enemies to destroy.
As the devils began their easy slaughter, the elves' prayers to Corellon Larethian went unheard. Finally, they began to realize, it was Corellon Larethian that had sent that prophecy and they ignored it. Their gods wished them to live, but the elves' pride denied them. And now each wished they had followed Laura, but it was too late.
Elderly men and women, men and women who knew not how to fight, and little children fell dead in piles at Bel's feet. Though he was following a lawful agreement, it was a nice diversion from the Blood War that he often fought in. He, alone, had slain thousands of tanar'ri, as suits a general of his caliber.
"Sire," a wingless pit fiend named Hash 'ak gik stood before his master, a struggling woman in his strong clawed hands. "This is the elven queen, what are your wishes for her?"
Bel looked down on the elven women, she was brave others would be mad with fear. "Nail her to the palace walls. When the elven army gets here, disembowel her."
The wingless pit fiend laughed, "Yes, my Lord." He turned leaving to do as commanded.
As the last elf fell, a little girl, the baatezu "disappeared". In actuality they were all under the effects of the improved invisibility spell, and were simply waiting to ambush the elven army as soon as they arrive. Bel chuckled to himself, oh the sweet terror their army would feel to see their people dismembered, impaled, and their queen nailed to the palace walls! He laughed again at his own cruelty, saving the queen's death for their eyes seemed a nice touch.
Dusk came, and so did the elven army. Their spirits dropped as they crossed into the clearing that surrounded the city. They watched as the crows fed upon the fresh corpses of their families. Laura was right, or so it seemed, they were still alive.
They continued to ride into the city center, towards the palace where their queen greeted them. "It's a trap!" was all she was able to say before her entrails spilled a crossed the ground. She screamed out in pain, before the blackness of death took her. The last thing she saw was her intestine gathered at her feet.
But it was too late; the baatezu army had surrounded them. As the devils reappeared they took to the work of death with beautiful ease. Fire and unholy magic filled the air in a dark rainbow. Above all the destruction and screams of death rang the laughter of Bel.
From the forest Saul watched. The solar's noble heart broken. His sad commanding voice spoke softly, "O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of Corellon Larethian! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that god who stood with open arms to receive you!
"Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss. O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen! But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return." Tears fell heavily from his eyes, he could see no more, he plane sifted to Celestia in bitter sorrow.
Death continued. Blood and body parts covered the land like the humus of the surrounding forest. With each slash of a baatezu weapon, an arm or head would come tumbling from its owner's body, and blood would fall like rain.
Intestines strewn about tangled with the nearest slain bodies. The gore was impossible for a mortal mind to imagine, so grizzly the scene that each baatezu was covered from head to toe in blood and gore.
Soon it was over, only the sound of the crows remained. Bel raised his hands and a terrible earthquake shook the land. As the earth shook it began to break from the surrounding continent. Eventually this land would become apart of the western continent with such a notable city as Willendorf.
"I rename this fallen city Avernus!" Bel turned to his lieutenant. "Hash 'ak gik, you are to be this city's ruler, you are worthy."
The wingless pit fiend smiled, "I will one day rule this world." he promised himself.
With such an act of genocide, this land would be forever tainted with evil. Nothing good or righteous could ever come from this place. This would be the perfect place for Hash 'ak gik's corrupting influence. The Hells would swell with petitioners, not just from this place but the entire world, and it would all be the Wingless One's doing- he could already taste the hellish promotion.
Bel and his army left, only Hash 'ak gik and ten gelugons remained. The gelugons, or ice devils, resemble white, twelve-foot tall, alien insects- only with two arms and legs instead of six. They have powerful and deadly mandibles, clawed hands and feet, and a long thick tail covered in razor-sharp spikes.
The Unspoken smiled, "I believe I will make the temple of Corellon Larethian my personal home."
Moebius sat uneasily in his chair as Bel entered the room. "The contract is fulfilled, Time Streamer, the elves are no more. I would hope, for your sake, that you have lived up to your part of the bargain."
"Of course, my lord." Moebius said meekly. "It is my pleasure to serve you."
Bel's eyes grew even colder as he gazed at the Guardian. "Your feeble attempt at flattery sickens me, human."
"Very well." the Time Streamer spoke. His continence completely changed. Gone was the fidgeting cowering human, now he was completely collected. "The city of archonites has been difficult in taking. The archons they follow have been very eager in protect them."
"I don't care if all of Celestia comes to their aid, I want them fighting in the Blood War this time next week! Do I make myself clear? Or do I need to show you what happened to the last human that failed to fulfill an agreement?"
Moebius flashed him a hateful look. "The Tome Archons won't allow the last beacon of holiness go so easily, and you give us one week? You're a damned fool, no army can pull that off."
"What did you say?" Bel growled tossing Moebius a crossed the room like a rag doll. "I've killed for less."
"But you won't, arch devil." he said lifting himself up with his staff. "Or have you forgotten who I am? Time works for me, and me alone. You imbecile."
Bel let out a deep rumbling growl as he slammed his fist into the stonewall- pieces of stone and dust flying through the air. "Your time will come, Time Streamer. And when it does, I'll make it my business to make sure you are never promoted above the lemure station. Just get me those slaves." And he disappeared in a flash of putrid purple light, returning to his Bronze Citadel in Baator's Avernus.
"You'll get your damned slaves, devil. Its only takes me one-step closer to my goal. Today the archonites, tomorrow that prismatic dragon."
Deep within the monastery of the besieged city of Zartent the monk Sarah, a devoted worshiper of the god Rao and follower of Pistis Sophia one of the Tome Archons, sat deep in prayer. "Oh Rao, please hear the prayers of your humble servant. I humbly thank thee for the angels and archons that have come to our aid, against the unholy ones. We wish only to live in peace with our neighbors, but if it is your will for us to fight and die, then we will fight to the death for our homes, our liberty, and our religions.
"Wise Rao, we trust in your hope. As well as the resurrection of our souls, that we might be one with you in Celestia's holy mount." Her prayer was interrupted as a beautiful angelic creature roused her from her supplications.
The beautiful trumpet archon smiled at her. Trumpet archons the messengers of Celestia, they resemble emerald green elves with eyes resembling silver globes, hairless heads, beautiful white feathered wings hang elegantly from their backs, and each carries a six foot long gleaming silver trumpet. She laid her angelic hand on the priestess's should and spoke in beautiful soothing voice. "Good Sarah, the Tome Archons have heard your prayers, and you have found favor in their hearts. They wish that you leave this city this night, that the archonite fellowship be not destroyed as so many good and honorable fellowships have at the hands puppets."
"But my people, I can't leave them!"
"They will be fine. Not one will fight in the Blood War, nor will they be carried off as slaves. Now, good Sarah, escape over the eastern wall. The Tome Archons will make your escape possible."
"I believe you. I will do as you say. My fiancé..." she said looking down sadly.
"The psychic warrior waits for you outside the walls." Sarah rose quickly embracing the archon warmly, tears streaming down her face. A moment passed and she released the "captured" archon, bid her fair well and left empty handed, trusting fully in the Hebdomad to support her.
Sarah ran quickly through the streets, the noise of guards was strangely silenced, causing her footsteps to echo loudly through the boulevard. And at last reaching the eastern wall, she looked left, and then right- no one was around. She laid her hand softly on the wall, and her surroundings whirled sickeningly. As the scenery righted itself she found herself deep in a swamp.
"I was thinking. This just might be a good spot for a summer home." Sarah rounded quickly to embrace her lover's strong body.
Shortly after her escape the soldiers of Moebius army broke through the main gate unmolested. What they found was an empty city. Burning candles and lanterns lit up homes, and half eaten food cluttered dinner tables.
A monster of a man yelled out, his voice echoing loudly throughout the streets. "Burn everything! Torch every building. We'll smoke the vermin from their holes."
As the burning city lit up the night sky, the soldiers watched for fleeing archonites but found none. The city was truly empty.
The Tome Archons had welcomed the city's residents into the loving arms of Lunia- Celestia's lowest layer. That was why the streets were silent as Sarah ran through them. As Sarah was receiving her visit every household and warrior was receiving one similar to hers. As the citizens were being warned, portals opened in their homes, businesses, and posts, each portal leading to the surf of the Silver Sea- a vast ocean of salt less holy water. On the other side it was like a horde of sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs- angel and archon alike offering aid to the grateful refugees.
Moebius watched it all from his scrying pool, his face stern. "You won this battle archons, but that will be the last victory you get. I promise you that."
*Well, I had to redo some of this chapter. So here it is again! The Hebdomad is a group of Tome Archons while a Tome Archon is the kind of archon they are. This story will have a lot to do with the ruling celestials. Well, there you go kids chapter four is done. What Saul, the solar, says is taken from the Book of Mormon, I changed some of it obviously the book doesn't talk about elven gods! I made Hash ak' gik a pit fiend, even though Hash is really Turel. Later on I will tell you why I did not change the pit fiend's name. If you ever want to see pictures of the creatures I mention go to wizard of the coast's website- the d and d part, then go to their artwork and check it out. They have the legend of Sardior in the Mind's Eye section. You can see pictures of D and D gods and monsters. It may help out my description and make my story a little more "real". Future parts may deal with both the greyhawk and forgotten realms setting. Balder's Gate, Icewind Dale, and such games are of the Forgotten Realms setting. If you read the planes appendix tell me if I should have Neth in it, could be fun.
Iron Maiden The Trooper
Steve Harris You'll take my life but I'll take yours too You'll fire your musket but I'll run you through So when you're waiting for the next attack You'd better stand there's no turning back.
The bugle sounds and the charge begins But on this battlefield no one wins The smell of acrid smoke and horses breath As I plunge on into certain death.
The horse he sweats with fear we break to run The mighty roar of the Russian guns And as we race towards the human wall The screams of pain as my comrades fall
We hurdle bodies that lay on the ground And the Russians fire another round We get so near yet so far away We won't live to fight another day.
We get so close near enough to fight When a Russian gets me in his sights He pulls the trigger and I feel the blow A burst of rounds take my horse below.
And as I lay there gazing at the sky My body's numb and my throat is dry And as I lay forgotten and alone Without a tear I draw my parting groan
The elven army eagerly road off into the forest to hunt their prey, with an army including several clerics of the Seldarine, fighters, psions, psychic warriors, rangers, and finally their wizards- all of them. Indeed anyone who had could channel arcane or divine magic, had psionic abilities, or could wield a weapon was among them. In their minds numbers were the key to proving Laura's "prophecy" wrong.
A light breeze blew through the trees, its song mingling with those of the birds' creating a beautiful chorus of sound. How innocent this forest seemed, little did it know that its roots would drink the blood of elf and orc alike before this day is done.
But the crows were always happy, happy to have their fill of flesh. No matter how a war would end. No matter the victor the day would choose. The crows would always be well fed. And that was how war was, the warriors would die and the crows would feast.
The army continued to ride until the orcish village was in sight. Like a sore on the land, fell haphazard structures were chaotically built throughout the clearing. Remains of sacrificial victims lay scattered like trash throughout the twisting turns of their maze like "streets".
Their women and children, whom the men treated as possessions walked casually through the village. The whole of the orcish army was here as well, totally unaware of the elves that watched from the forest.
Heian, the scarred general spoke in a powerful whisper. "Destroy them all. Teach them the power of the elves!" And with a loud yell, he and the others charged into the city slaying orc men, women, and children with unimaginable ease.
As the orc army ran hurriedly to their battle-axes, the elven psions and wizards were already deep in the work of death. Orcs ran screaming, cursing, and burning before the might of the elven psion pyrokineticists- masters of fire. Like humanoid torches, their flesh gradually burned away from the burning orcs, leaving nothing behind but charred bones.
Terrible is the work of death, and how good the elves were at it. "Laura is a coward." many thought. "And her 'prophecy' was just a weak attempt at getting out of fighting the orcs!" They cursed her for her cowardice, as they continued to slay the ill prepared orcs.
Had this been on equal terms, meeting together to war, this scene would be much different. The orcs are a terrible race of monstrously powerful and well-trained warriors, the work of death would have fallen heavily on both sides.
But it would not be destined this day. The orcs were dwindling, and with each swing of the sword, each spell cast, or psionic power manifested they came closer to extinction. All of this Laura said would happen, but the elves were to caught up in their own pride to remember the whole prophecy.
As the work of death slowed to a halt, they look round about at the strewn about corpses of the now extinct orcish race. The once dry dusty earth was now no more than foul muddy mire, a mixture of blood and dirt. The crows would feed well today, as they always have.
"Let us return to the Queen!" exclaimed Aramil, the old archmage, victoriously. "Let us tell her that we have accomplished our task!" As he finished speaking the elven army let out a loud victory yell, and prayers of thanksgiving to the Seldarine could be heard echoing through the forest.
Bel, ruler of Avernus the top most lay of Baator, laughed as his hellish army of baatezu charged into the defenseless elven city. He laughed at their stupidity; everything had worked just as he had planned it. The scion pit fiend grinned at the thought of the elven army returning after their "victory". He knew that his strangely bent Flaming Greatsword would drink deep of elven blood today.
Bel, Lord of the First, looks much like other pit fiends only larger. The average pit fiend stands twelve feet tall. Deep red scales cover their hulking humanoid bodies and vast bat wings, which they often wrap around themselves like a grotesque cloak, emerge from their muscular backs. Four horns protrude from their fearsome heads; two from their foreheads, and two from their cheeks, while two extremely large fangs that drip a vile green substance dominate its mouth. To complete their menacing appearance a snaking prehensile tail whips about, looking for enemies to destroy.
As the devils began their easy slaughter, the elves' prayers to Corellon Larethian went unheard. Finally, they began to realize, it was Corellon Larethian that had sent that prophecy and they ignored it. Their gods wished them to live, but the elves' pride denied them. And now each wished they had followed Laura, but it was too late.
Elderly men and women, men and women who knew not how to fight, and little children fell dead in piles at Bel's feet. Though he was following a lawful agreement, it was a nice diversion from the Blood War that he often fought in. He, alone, had slain thousands of tanar'ri, as suits a general of his caliber.
"Sire," a wingless pit fiend named Hash 'ak gik stood before his master, a struggling woman in his strong clawed hands. "This is the elven queen, what are your wishes for her?"
Bel looked down on the elven women, she was brave others would be mad with fear. "Nail her to the palace walls. When the elven army gets here, disembowel her."
The wingless pit fiend laughed, "Yes, my Lord." He turned leaving to do as commanded.
As the last elf fell, a little girl, the baatezu "disappeared". In actuality they were all under the effects of the improved invisibility spell, and were simply waiting to ambush the elven army as soon as they arrive. Bel chuckled to himself, oh the sweet terror their army would feel to see their people dismembered, impaled, and their queen nailed to the palace walls! He laughed again at his own cruelty, saving the queen's death for their eyes seemed a nice touch.
Dusk came, and so did the elven army. Their spirits dropped as they crossed into the clearing that surrounded the city. They watched as the crows fed upon the fresh corpses of their families. Laura was right, or so it seemed, they were still alive.
They continued to ride into the city center, towards the palace where their queen greeted them. "It's a trap!" was all she was able to say before her entrails spilled a crossed the ground. She screamed out in pain, before the blackness of death took her. The last thing she saw was her intestine gathered at her feet.
But it was too late; the baatezu army had surrounded them. As the devils reappeared they took to the work of death with beautiful ease. Fire and unholy magic filled the air in a dark rainbow. Above all the destruction and screams of death rang the laughter of Bel.
From the forest Saul watched. The solar's noble heart broken. His sad commanding voice spoke softly, "O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of Corellon Larethian! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that god who stood with open arms to receive you!
"Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss. O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen! But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return." Tears fell heavily from his eyes, he could see no more, he plane sifted to Celestia in bitter sorrow.
Death continued. Blood and body parts covered the land like the humus of the surrounding forest. With each slash of a baatezu weapon, an arm or head would come tumbling from its owner's body, and blood would fall like rain.
Intestines strewn about tangled with the nearest slain bodies. The gore was impossible for a mortal mind to imagine, so grizzly the scene that each baatezu was covered from head to toe in blood and gore.
Soon it was over, only the sound of the crows remained. Bel raised his hands and a terrible earthquake shook the land. As the earth shook it began to break from the surrounding continent. Eventually this land would become apart of the western continent with such a notable city as Willendorf.
"I rename this fallen city Avernus!" Bel turned to his lieutenant. "Hash 'ak gik, you are to be this city's ruler, you are worthy."
The wingless pit fiend smiled, "I will one day rule this world." he promised himself.
With such an act of genocide, this land would be forever tainted with evil. Nothing good or righteous could ever come from this place. This would be the perfect place for Hash 'ak gik's corrupting influence. The Hells would swell with petitioners, not just from this place but the entire world, and it would all be the Wingless One's doing- he could already taste the hellish promotion.
Bel and his army left, only Hash 'ak gik and ten gelugons remained. The gelugons, or ice devils, resemble white, twelve-foot tall, alien insects- only with two arms and legs instead of six. They have powerful and deadly mandibles, clawed hands and feet, and a long thick tail covered in razor-sharp spikes.
The Unspoken smiled, "I believe I will make the temple of Corellon Larethian my personal home."
Moebius sat uneasily in his chair as Bel entered the room. "The contract is fulfilled, Time Streamer, the elves are no more. I would hope, for your sake, that you have lived up to your part of the bargain."
"Of course, my lord." Moebius said meekly. "It is my pleasure to serve you."
Bel's eyes grew even colder as he gazed at the Guardian. "Your feeble attempt at flattery sickens me, human."
"Very well." the Time Streamer spoke. His continence completely changed. Gone was the fidgeting cowering human, now he was completely collected. "The city of archonites has been difficult in taking. The archons they follow have been very eager in protect them."
"I don't care if all of Celestia comes to their aid, I want them fighting in the Blood War this time next week! Do I make myself clear? Or do I need to show you what happened to the last human that failed to fulfill an agreement?"
Moebius flashed him a hateful look. "The Tome Archons won't allow the last beacon of holiness go so easily, and you give us one week? You're a damned fool, no army can pull that off."
"What did you say?" Bel growled tossing Moebius a crossed the room like a rag doll. "I've killed for less."
"But you won't, arch devil." he said lifting himself up with his staff. "Or have you forgotten who I am? Time works for me, and me alone. You imbecile."
Bel let out a deep rumbling growl as he slammed his fist into the stonewall- pieces of stone and dust flying through the air. "Your time will come, Time Streamer. And when it does, I'll make it my business to make sure you are never promoted above the lemure station. Just get me those slaves." And he disappeared in a flash of putrid purple light, returning to his Bronze Citadel in Baator's Avernus.
"You'll get your damned slaves, devil. Its only takes me one-step closer to my goal. Today the archonites, tomorrow that prismatic dragon."
Deep within the monastery of the besieged city of Zartent the monk Sarah, a devoted worshiper of the god Rao and follower of Pistis Sophia one of the Tome Archons, sat deep in prayer. "Oh Rao, please hear the prayers of your humble servant. I humbly thank thee for the angels and archons that have come to our aid, against the unholy ones. We wish only to live in peace with our neighbors, but if it is your will for us to fight and die, then we will fight to the death for our homes, our liberty, and our religions.
"Wise Rao, we trust in your hope. As well as the resurrection of our souls, that we might be one with you in Celestia's holy mount." Her prayer was interrupted as a beautiful angelic creature roused her from her supplications.
The beautiful trumpet archon smiled at her. Trumpet archons the messengers of Celestia, they resemble emerald green elves with eyes resembling silver globes, hairless heads, beautiful white feathered wings hang elegantly from their backs, and each carries a six foot long gleaming silver trumpet. She laid her angelic hand on the priestess's should and spoke in beautiful soothing voice. "Good Sarah, the Tome Archons have heard your prayers, and you have found favor in their hearts. They wish that you leave this city this night, that the archonite fellowship be not destroyed as so many good and honorable fellowships have at the hands puppets."
"But my people, I can't leave them!"
"They will be fine. Not one will fight in the Blood War, nor will they be carried off as slaves. Now, good Sarah, escape over the eastern wall. The Tome Archons will make your escape possible."
"I believe you. I will do as you say. My fiancé..." she said looking down sadly.
"The psychic warrior waits for you outside the walls." Sarah rose quickly embracing the archon warmly, tears streaming down her face. A moment passed and she released the "captured" archon, bid her fair well and left empty handed, trusting fully in the Hebdomad to support her.
Sarah ran quickly through the streets, the noise of guards was strangely silenced, causing her footsteps to echo loudly through the boulevard. And at last reaching the eastern wall, she looked left, and then right- no one was around. She laid her hand softly on the wall, and her surroundings whirled sickeningly. As the scenery righted itself she found herself deep in a swamp.
"I was thinking. This just might be a good spot for a summer home." Sarah rounded quickly to embrace her lover's strong body.
Shortly after her escape the soldiers of Moebius army broke through the main gate unmolested. What they found was an empty city. Burning candles and lanterns lit up homes, and half eaten food cluttered dinner tables.
A monster of a man yelled out, his voice echoing loudly throughout the streets. "Burn everything! Torch every building. We'll smoke the vermin from their holes."
As the burning city lit up the night sky, the soldiers watched for fleeing archonites but found none. The city was truly empty.
The Tome Archons had welcomed the city's residents into the loving arms of Lunia- Celestia's lowest layer. That was why the streets were silent as Sarah ran through them. As Sarah was receiving her visit every household and warrior was receiving one similar to hers. As the citizens were being warned, portals opened in their homes, businesses, and posts, each portal leading to the surf of the Silver Sea- a vast ocean of salt less holy water. On the other side it was like a horde of sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs- angel and archon alike offering aid to the grateful refugees.
Moebius watched it all from his scrying pool, his face stern. "You won this battle archons, but that will be the last victory you get. I promise you that."
*Well, I had to redo some of this chapter. So here it is again! The Hebdomad is a group of Tome Archons while a Tome Archon is the kind of archon they are. This story will have a lot to do with the ruling celestials. Well, there you go kids chapter four is done. What Saul, the solar, says is taken from the Book of Mormon, I changed some of it obviously the book doesn't talk about elven gods! I made Hash ak' gik a pit fiend, even though Hash is really Turel. Later on I will tell you why I did not change the pit fiend's name. If you ever want to see pictures of the creatures I mention go to wizard of the coast's website- the d and d part, then go to their artwork and check it out. They have the legend of Sardior in the Mind's Eye section. You can see pictures of D and D gods and monsters. It may help out my description and make my story a little more "real". Future parts may deal with both the greyhawk and forgotten realms setting. Balder's Gate, Icewind Dale, and such games are of the Forgotten Realms setting. If you read the planes appendix tell me if I should have Neth in it, could be fun.
