Chapter 10
The tower of Malor & the riders of the north
For months the nine rider's road south, they crossed dangerous borders staying close to the mountains spine. They had reached the border crossing into the newly named Malor but as Pailor and his men knew it only as the sun tribe. The men rode across the border into Malor and noticed many bodies scattered about the plains they looked to be the forgotten peoples of the fire tribe.
"It would seem we have found what happened to the fire tribe" Pailor sighed as the men bowed their head as they rode through the destroyed villages and hundreds of bodies scattered about the land rotting into the soil.
The ground began to change as they rode closer to the tower of Malor for the land was cracked and dry. The sun's heat was tremendous and the men could hardly bear it but Pailor urged them on. For another two days the men rode through the dry lands of Malor and did not encounter any resistance.
"We could have marched an army into their lands they seem to be unprotected, save for the sun" Hamler laughed as Pailor halted.
"Look!" Pailor pointed across the plain to a small rocky area where a line of men, women and children where marching in a line and they where bound at the hands and feet.
"Prisoners" Luin squinted his eyes as he spoke.
The column of prisoners where guarded by many horseman who had black leather whips which they used to hit the prisoners with. The column of prisoners was long there seemed to be over a hunrdred of them.
"I recognise some of the men they are from the lands of the moon" Pailor raised his eyebrows as he spoke and became excited.
"Seems they are lightly protected this is indeed very strange they don't have many defences in their own land" Balier looked to the men who shrugged their shoulders.
The company of prisoners halted among the rocky area and seemed to be rested as the guards dismounted from their horses and began to talk among each other. Pailor yelled and rode his horse forth with great speed toward the guards as the other men rolled their eyes and followed him drawing their swords. Luin readied his bow and fired an arrow just missing one of the guards who gasped to see nine riders charging toward their position. The prisoners began to cheer and tried to fight the guards who mounted their horses and began to rally against the nine riders. Pailor engaged the first of the guards as he waved his sword toward them knocking them to the ground and he trampled his horse over them. The battle was short as the last of the guards fell to the ground and the nine riders dismounted from their horses and walked over to the prisoners. Pailor walked over to a small boy and smiled he then looked to the boys mother who had black hair and dark skin they seemed to be from the fire tribe. Pailor looked about the people and noticed many different tribes ranging from the moon tribe to the fire tribe to the mountain tribe.
"Where were the guards taking you?" Pailor knelt beside the women.
"To the mines and work camps of Malor far to the south. They took another column one day ago to the capital city and another to the tower of Malor" she sighed and wept "My husband was taken to the tower for he is one of a few soldiers left from the battle between my people and Malor, they will probably torture him" she wept as Pailor sighed and looked to his men.
"Release them" the men began to cut the bonds and as the prisoners smiled and where comforted by their rescuers.
The women from the fire tribe smiled to Pailor "We thank you but I warn you there are more terrible things farther south toward the tower of Malor" she stood beside Pailor and whispered into his ear "Do not wonder too close to the mines and slave camps to the south for the men who where captured have been tortured beyond regonition and they are evil men now mutilated and full of hatred" she paused "That is the way of the Malorians they turn everything they touch into evil" she smiled to Pailor and walked beside her son.
"I am sorry that we cannot guide you north but we have to reach the tower of Malor" Pailor smiled to the women and her son "The strongest of your men will take the swords from the fallen enemy's and protect the column do not falter stay to the road north and stick to the mountain's spine you should then take the road west and reach the city of Lurinien" he smiled as Luin stood next to him.
"Shouldn't we spare some of our men to go with them and guide them?" Luin looked up at Pailor who frowned.
"Perhaps your right forgive me, we will send two of Baliers knights" the knights nodded as they led the company of refugees north "Ride safe" Pailor spoke softly to the column as he smiled to them.
The seven men mounted their horses and began to ride farther south as they passed the rocky terrain. The men road through the day and noticed storms coming from the south it seemed to be some sort of sand storm as day began to turn to night.
"We must stop and find cover" Luin pointed south then looked about the area.
Hamler spotted a small cave to the men' west as they rode quickly as the sand storm began to spread northward toward their position. The men managed to reach the cave and dismounted their horses leading them into the cave slowly. The cave entrance was small and stuck out of the ground in a strange shape. The men entered the cave which had steps leading down.
"Balier you and your knights guard the entrance and the horses we will search the cave" Pailor nodded to Balier.
Hamler, Luin and Pailor descended the staircase as they passed many skeletons on the staircase and noticed strange writings on the walls. The men reached the bottom of the staircase as all about them began to get darker. Luin lit his torch he had in his bag as he guided the men along a straight corridor. The men walked for a while and noticed many more skeletons and noticed that they still wore brown robes. They reached a chamber filled with crystals which shone as Luin held his torch aloft and revealed the entire chamber.
"The crystals are similar to torch's" Hamler laughed as Pailor frowned.
The crystals where different colours and there where big and smaller crystals spread about the room which had writings on the walls and in the centre had some sort of altar. Hamler looked at the crystals and was amazed as was Luin who smiled but kept focused as Pailor stood in front of the altar. The altar was surrounded by four small pillars which seemed to keep the room aloft. At the base of the pillars was a square which was covered in dust. Pailor wiped away the dust using his green cloak he was given by Hamler and his people. In the centre of the square was a circle and inside the circle where the symbols of the tribes of Mia. The symbols where shining different colours, the circle seemed to be moving very slowly similar to the device in Linderon. Pailor looked up and noticed on the wall in front of him a picture of Linderon set atop clouds and he sighed. Beneath the picture was a dark doorway which was sealed it had a mark of each symbol across it and had the writings of Linderon across it.
"What is this place Pailor?" Luin looked to Pailor.
"I don't really know Luin but I feel it has something to do with Linderon" Pailor noticed a book half open on the floor beside the altar as he walked over to it.
Pailor opened the book and wiped away the dust, the book was titled 'Gateway to Linderon' Pailor frowned as he began to read the first few pages.
"What does it say?" Hamler became impatient as he tapped his feet.
"It states that this place is some sort of gateway between the worlds of the gods and this world of mortals" he frowned "It was once protected by great warriors but it would seem these warriors died out a long time ago. I would seem that these guardians are of a different race that we have not yet seen and a race that many do not know of" he sighed as they felt rumbling.
The room began to rumble as the men where knocked to the ground by a great force of wind as Pailor could see his father Kailor standing on the altar looking down at the men.
"Father" Pailor stood and smiled as Hamler and Luin where motionless.
"Your friends are fine they are sleeping for now" he laughed.
"Why have you come?" Pailor stood looking up at his father.
"You know why" he smiled "This place was once a gateway for our people to watch over the peoples of Mia to see their progress up close" he frowned "But Mailock used this gateway for his own personal benefits, he decided to influence the peoples of the sun tribe the newly formed Malorians. He used Pertopolis and Caira as an excuse they also came through this cave and killed the keepers of the gate" he sighed "As you can see the sand rots their bodies as do the other creatures which come to shelter here. Once Pertopolis and Caira had slain the keepers Mailock told me of this and in turn we exiled them but that is what they wanted. The rest you know of as both of the exiles arrived they began to train the peoples of Malor and build great fortress' and army's they then launched their assault upon Mia. Once you, Bethol and Eerma left I know choice but to follow so I followed using the boats to travel instead of using this gateway. When things began to go ill I decided to head to this gateway to travel back to Linderon but Pertopolis and his elite guard where here to greet us and slain my personal guards. I however fought Pertopolis but Mailock cast down a curse upon me banishing me to this form of shadow" he sighed.
"I see now father, my hatred for Mailock has grown even more" Pailor looked to the ground and squeezed his fist.
"No my son, do not give him the satisfaction not yet, you must confront him yes but not let your hatred for him take over because he is very powerful and will use this against you. You must travel to the fortress of Malor and draw out Mailock from his throne in Linderon" he smiled to his son "There is one more thing you should know, I was wrong about Aulor he has been tortured beyond repair mentally and physically he was captured by the new captain of the Malorians a powerful man known as Ruven he has turned Aulor to his side. Aulor now commands with Ruven as they lay waste to the northern lands. Aulor is planning to hunt the remaining peoples of the moon tribe I fear he will come looking for you eventually as will Ruven who was Pertopolis' apprentice and now is Mailock's apprentice he has learned many powerful skills" Kailor began to fade.
"Father!" Kailor vanished as Pailor looked to see a dark cloud covering the room and a laugh which is recognised.
"We meet again Pailor" Pertopolis stood in a cloud of darkness he was attire in black armour and his face was young again.
"I killed you!" Pailor gasped.
"Yes you did but I am not dead my soul resides in Linderon but Mailock has freed my soul and I will return soon to seek my revenge. You see if your father was in charge in Linderon he makes sure all souls go straight to the unknown where they belong but Mailock captured my soul" he laughed as the room began to shake as the smoke vanished into the dark doorway.
The dark doorway began to open as a dark cloud could be seen and small figures where running from the cloud toward the doorway. Pailor pulled out his sword he then noticed two creatures running toward him they looked like men but where grey and had red eyes they where bigger than men and their teeth where sharper and they had claws and where running with great speed.
"My master calls them Mahools they are your former council members" Pertopolis laughed.
Pailor struck the first of the Mahools as he cut its shoulder but it roared and threw him against the wall. Pailor shook his head and engaged the other Mahool who had a sword and began to battle Pailor. The Mahool was much taller than Pailor and wider as it swung its mighty dark sword toward Pailor who blocked its every move. Pailor struck the Mahool across its chest as it roared and swung again missing Pailor who rolled out of the way and quickly swung again cutting the creatures hand right off as it roared in pain. The other Mahool charged Pailor and knocked him over as it clawed at his armour. Pailor quickly grabbed his axe and swung at the Mahool slicing through its head as it fell to the ground. The injured Mahool roared and smiled it then picked up Pailor's sword which he had dropped and licked it smiling. The Mahool was more clear now to Pailor revealing its long brown hair which had blood stains in it, as for its teeth they where covered in green substance and the creature was drawling.
"I shall enjoy eating your flesh Pailor" the creature spoke viciously and it was hard to understand.
Pailor quickly stood and threw his axe which stuck in the Mahool's stomach as it fell to the ground roaring in pain. Pailor stood above the creature and removed his axe and swung chopping its head off. Pailor was sweating he knelt on one knee and gasped for air he then picked up his sword and placed it into his holder as he did with his axe. Luin and Hamler rose to their feet and yawned as they looked to the ground and noticed the two Mahool's lying motionless as they gasped.
"What are these things?" Hamler spoke loudly.
"They are Mahool's a little gift from Mailock, we must go I fear more of them will come" the men quickly ran up the stairs as Pailor looked back and sighed.
The men reached the top of the staircase exhausted and noticed that Balier and his knights where covered in sand and shaking.
"The sand and the coldness" Balier spoke mumbled words he was shaking and the horses had fallen to the ground not moving.
"Quickly get inside" Pailor sighed and helped the men into the cave.
Pailor looked out at the storm and noticed lighting striking various places in the land and a great storm engulfing the land.
"You said before that they had little defences but I think the natural defences of the world protect them, we where fortunate to find this place" Pailor frowned then sat on the staircase as did the men.
The men rested for a time as Pailor kept awake and protected the men during the night as he constantly went down into the chamber and watched the doorway but no one came through it. During the night Pailor read more of the book which was on the altar and he became fascinated it told of when the gate was first created and when Kailor came to power. Pailor walked back up the staircase and noticed the storm had died down now and it was morning he felt the sun shine on his face as he looked out of the cave. The men where awoken and they left the cave but their horses where no more and this was ill news to them.
"We will not survive walking in this heat Pailor" Luin spoke sharply.
Pailor looked south and notice in the distance a giant rock spouting out of the ground and atop it a great tower of black around the tower seemed to be great walls of rock.
"There is the tower of Malor it doesn't seem that far a walk, come" the men began their march south.
The seven men walked farther south but it seemed the tower wasn't getting any closer and it seemed the sun eluded them showing them false visions. Often the men rested but the sun shone down and burnt them so they could not rest as often. The men now reached another rocky plain but their where many pot holes in the ground and many paths leading down into canyons below. The men watched their step as they went jumping over various pot holes.
"No army could march straight to the tower, just look at the land here" Balier pointed to the ground and sighed.
The men carried on their relentless march but the land began to defeat them for two of the knights collapsed and all of the men's faces where burnt and their lips dry. Hamler pointed and noticed an oasis he quickly ran down a slope into a canyon below as did the other men but Pailor and Luin walked slowly with caution.
"Water!" Hamler yelled as he ran and the other knights overtook him and began to drink from the water.
Pailor quickly noticed that the pool was an illusion and quickly ran beside the men throwing them aside. Hamler pushed Pailor and frowned he then looked back at the pool which was now a pool of black thick substance which was bubbling he quickly spat to the ground and his hands where covered in it.
"It is the poison of this land" Pailor spoke to Hamler.
Two of the knights who drank it began to feel strange for the poison had travelled through their blood stream.
"What is wrong?" Balier spoke to his knights who held their throats and their eyes turned black and they fell to their knees coughing and yelling in pain.
"It is the poison it works away at their body" Pailor drew his sword and stood firm as Balier, Luin, Hamler and the other knight frowned.
"What are you doing!" Balier jumped in front of Pailor.
"Look!" Pailor pointed to the men who began to change their faces turning blacker and their veins turning black with the poision.
The men began to speak strangley and stood bowing their heads down they then drew their swords and smiled to the other men. The two poisoned men charged at Balier who fell to the ground and his knight interveined smashing into the now evil men. Pailor smashed one of the knights in the back of the head with sword as the other poisoned knight crashed into Pailor who fell to the ground as Luin shot an arrow into the poisoned man's shoulder knocking him to the ground.
"They are not dead" Luin spoke to Pailor who nodded.
Pailor then turned to Hamler who was not affected by the poision and frowned then looked to the black pool.
"Do not worry I am not poisioned I didn't have a chance to taste it" Hamler sighed.
Luin looked up and held his bow tight as he noticed many men clad in armour standing around the canyons edge looking down at the men.
"You are trespassing on our land men from the north" the voice spoke from behind the column of men "Lord Mailock wished you alive so we wish no confrontation" the voice fell silent as Pailor looked up.
Pailor nodded to Luin who fired killing one of the Malorians who fell into the pool of blackness as Pailor and his men quickly used the cover of the canyon as cover for the Malorians fired down killing the two poisioned knights. Balier sighed and drew his sword charging up the slope to meet five of the Malorian soldier's. Balier's loyal knight followed as did the rest of the men. A battle ensued as Balier and his loyal knight held the path leading down into the canyon as Luin fired arrows at the Malorians who began to climb down from the ledge. Pailor and Hamler climbed the canyon and met the Malorians at the top of the canyon as they fought relentlessly. Pailor and Hamler defeated the few soldiers as they charged down the slope and noticed Balier holding his knight on his leg as Balier spoke soflty to him. Pailor and Hamler sighed as did Luin who came behind Balier and placed his hand on his shoulder for comfort. The four men now headed off and noticed that the soldiers had left tracks leading southwest away from the pot holes of the plain. The four men headed along the path from which the Malorian soldiers had come which led down a slope and through a dark canyon. The men where very tired at this point as they marched through the canyon which protected them from the suns rays but they yearned for water. The men walked for a while and came to two giant statues which where of Caira and Pertopolis. The statues where almost like a gateway for behind the statues was a slope leading up and it was made of stone and led up to a gateway at the top. Pailor noticed four guards standing outside of the gate clad in heavy armour and they where not moving but holding great spears and standing firm looking down the slope. Pailor quickly pulled his sword from his belt and yelled to the guards who stood motionless but began to laugh.
"You fools none may enter" The guards slowly walked down the slope.
Luin fired an arrow but it did not penetrate the guards armour as they laughed and walked down the slope shutting their visors on their helmets. Pailor charged with his men following as they battled the guards on the slopes. The guards where powerful and hard to kill but Pailor managed to kill one of them as the men battled on. Suddenly out of the gate came riding many horsemen as they charged toward the men at great speed. Pailor lifted his great axe from his back and cut down the first horse which charged him as the horse fell to the ground and Pailor struck down the rider. As Pailor looked up he was struck by another horse as he fell to the ground in agony as Luin ran to help Pailor.
"There are too many my lord" Luin spoke down to Pailor who held his old wound tightly.
Balier and Hamler continued to fight the three remaining guards as they battled about the base of the statues. Balier managed to kill one of the guards as did Hamler who battled bravely. Luin protected Pailor who lay on the floor in pain as the horsemen encircled Luin and Pailor holding their swords down at them.
"Run!" Pailor shouted to Balier and Hamler who could see their friends where captured.
Balier and Hamler quickly ran from the statues down the same path they used to get to the statues as they where persued by many more riders. Balier quickly turned to face the riders as Hamler climbed up a rock to his left and readied himself as he dived onto the first horse which reached the men as he pushed the Malorian from the horse to the ground as Balier stabbed the soldier with his sword. Hamler steadied the horse which did not take to Hamler who fell from the horse banging his head on a nearby rock.
"Climb!" Hamler shouted to Balier trying to move his body but he was too weak as the evil riders surrounded him.
Balier began to climb as he could see Hamler being dragged off as the horsemen noticed Balier climbing and began to fire arrows. The arrows hit the rock face beside Balier who climbed with haste as he managed to reach the top but he fell into the sand atop the cliff for exhaustion had overwhelmed him. Balier crawled for a while then fell into darkness as the sun gazed down upon him. In this moment Balier dreamt of his friends and of Kailor the great as he felt a surge of energy through his body and he awoke from his dark dreams. Balier noticed that it was dark and slowly crept about the cliff edges as he could see many hosts of soldiers marching through the canyon below past the great statues and through the gates. Balier noticed that behind the gates their rested a vast array of camps and a dark city dwelled in the middle of the camps. Behind the city itself their resided a great tower which pierced the clouds themselves as Balier gazed in marvel at the tower of Malor. Balier sat atop the cliff and pondered his thoughts as he clutched his sword on his belt and sighed. The coldness of the land began to affect Balier as he quickly headed across the cliff and managed to climb down into a gap in the path beside the statues. There Balier waited for his moment to act as the army began to pass through the canyon and finally reaching the gate as he quickly marched to the rear of the column of soldiers who did not notice him. The army passed through the gate into the city as the gate closed behind Balier who quickly ran behind a small hut to his left. Balier looked about and noticed many villagers walking about the city many women and children resided here and they where covered in dirt. The people seemed arrogant and ferocious as the army spread out and rested among the camps. Balier noticed two great black horses which led the company of soldiers ride up the slope toward the tower away from the camp they where followed by four other riders. Balier used the shadows to his advantage and quickly found himself alongside the slope, he quickly crawled around the guards who where stood at the bottom of the slope. Balier quickly ran up the slope and found himself in another city which seemed more advanced than the camps down below for great black buildings could be seen and many of the towns people where cleaner and seemed more intelligent than the ones down in the camps. Balier quickly headed through the city avoiding the villagers as he followed the dark horsemen who where riding slowly toward the tower. Balier followed them down a dusty path leading straight to the tower through the city. The horsemen headed up a spiral slope which was heavily guarded and Balier noticed a bridge began to be drawn up as the horsemen passed across it leaving a gap. Balier stayed close to the shadows and noticed as he looked down the gap that there where spikes and many body's and skeletons lay down in the gap. Balier headed away from the bridge and followed the gap as he came to the edge of the city where great walls protected it but he also noticed a way across the gap. Balier began to climb a small rocky hill beside the wall which was positioned at the end of the gap to the east of the bridge. Balier almost fell as he climbed the rocky hill and found himself on the other side of the gap beneath the looming tower of black. The tower itself was covered by clouds of black and lighting often struck the land beside it, it was a cursed place and drove fear into Balier who halted for a moment pondering his next action. Balier climbed up another hill and found himself in a courtyard, he noticed many cages holding skeletons and there where also crows pecking the bodies inside the cages. Balier was almost sick due to the stence and the sight of these cages, he then noticed poles holding men on them who where hung and chained on the poles. Balier noticed two horses being watched in the courtyard by the four riders who where talking and sitting on a broken wall in the courtyard. Balier used the cages for cover as he headed for the doorway to the tower which had statues either side of the doorway of Pertopolis and Caira. Balier entered and emerged in a hall with a great statue at the centre of Mailock holding Mia in his hand and his other hand pointing toward the doorway from which Balier had entered. Balier noticed a great staircase leading up to another level of the tower as he quickly up this staircase and found himself in a corridor which over looked the hall room. Balier noticed many doors and another staircase leading up but it was steeper as Balier could see one of the doors half open. He quickly looked inside the doorway to a dark corridor filled with paintings of great battles. Balier headed down the corridor and emerged into another courtyard filled with many men. To his right was a path leading up and around to the courtyard as did the other path to his left and both where covered by a wall as he ducked down. Balier looked over the wall and noticed a great chair at the edge of the courtyard looking out over the city below and in front of the chair stood two men in black who Balier had followed. Balier noticed to the right of the courtyard tied to poles where, Hamler, Pailor and Luin who where covered in blood and bruises. The courtyard was also filled with other soldiers who where standing to the left of courtyard. Balier crept closer using the right path which brought him closer to the prisoners.
"My lord Mailock I have ridden far from the north to here your council and I have an apprentice to follow in my footsteps that I have brought with me" Ruven bowed as he spoke to his master.
Mailock never spoke but he wore a black robe which covered his face, his hands where firmly rested on the arms of the black chair.
"Excellent Ruven you have proved yourself worthy, I shall make you our main general" Mailock's voice was like poision his speech was almost like hissing "As for Caira she is still a general for her slow progress irritates me but she is loyal" he turned his head very quickly to Pailor "And as for my nephew I thought he may have reconsidered my offer and join with me but he is as stubborn as his father" Mailock now turned his attention to the man standing next to Ruven "Ah I know of you prince Aulor of the moon tribe, I feared you would become a thorn in my side but it would see you will make a worthy captain, you have an excellent teacher" Mailock looked to Ruven then turned his attention to the prisoners "I will ask you again Pailor son of Kailor, why would you be stupid enough to march into my land and try kill me?" Mailock laughed and it hurt Pailor's ears.
"I have succedded you old fool, I have drawn you out of Linderon as we speak my father is attacking Linderon to take back what is his" Pailor spat toward Mailock.
Mailocks head turned left and right he seemed to be distracted and his thoughts where elsewhere.
"Ruven dispose of these petty prisoners in whatever manner you like, I must go" Mailock stood and a great cloud of darkness covered the courtyard.
With a flash of lighting Mailock was gone and Ruven turned and looked toward the prisoner as he smiled.
"I will let my loyal captain choose" Ruven turned to Aulor who removed his hood and his face was different.
Aulor's face was scarred beyond recognition as was Ruven's but Aulor seemed more corrupt now and powerful.
"Why Aulor I believed in you as did my father" Pailor sighed.
"Yes but you are a fool Pailor do you not see the true power of Mailock why not embrace it" Aulor walked toward Pailor.
A Malorian heavy armoured soldier walked over to Ruven and whispered something in his ear as he nodded. Ruven walked beside Aulor staring at the prisoners he then turned and pointed to a small looking Malorian who was hunched over and had one eye. The man seemed to move like a snake and seemed untrustworthy he bowed to Ruven who rolled his eyes and pointed to the prisoners.
"Tuvete do not kill the prisoners and no playing with them ok" Ruven spoke down to Tuvete who smiled as his green teeth began to ooze.
The man's hair was tattered and grey covered in dirt and his clothes where ragged his foot was also turned inward.
"I will be good master" Tuvete voice was slippery.
"Very well Aulor let us depart we are needed elsewhere" Ruven and Aulor followed by the many Malorian soldiers headed through the doorway and out of the courtyard.
Tuvete quickly smiled and moved almost on all fours toward the prisoners walking around them laughing and licking his lips.
"Yes I will be good but your flesh smells so fresh and full of goodness" he laughed but began to cough heavily.
"How could a man become so low" Pailor looked down to Tuvete.
"Yes a man I am Tuvete I am" Tuvete smiled to Pailor.
"I think his mind is missing Pailor" Luin spoke to Pailor as he sat in his cage.
"Do you know much of your new master Ruven, Tuvete?" Pailor spoke softly to the strange man who halted and looked at him.
"My master Ruven showed me the power of this realm by sparing my life during a raid on my village to the north" Tuvete smiled but his face seemed sad.
"So you are a man of the north?" Pailor smiled to him standing in his cage now.
"I am of the fire tribe I was only a young man at the time of the attack they wiped us out too quickly led by Pertepolis but Ruven showed more potential he was powerful but he also had the tactial genious which Pertepolis lacked he was only interested in glory" Tuvete spoke proudly of his master.
"So Ruven was second in command to Pertepolis?" Pailor became intrigued now.
"Yes he helped Pertepolis make important decisions on the campaign north. He knew Pertepolis was a good commander but his obsession with you and your sister became his main priority and he became mad in the end" Tuvete spat on the floor and coughed again "When the north army turned toward the moon triber Ruven insisted they send a scout force ahead but Pertepolis wanted his glory by riding right into their land and driving them out. It would seem it worked his gamble but Ruven lost faith in his master and began to make terrible decisions for Pertepolis ultimately leading him to his death at Lurinien" Tuvete looked at the prisoners as Pailor raised his eyebrow he seemed very curious.
"So in turn Ruven took command?" Pailor looked directly to Tuvete.
"Yes, and as you rode south to this land he left plans for his commanders to carry on the attack for Mailock had questions for his new commander" Tuvete walked closer to Pailor and spoke quietly to him "But I fear my master is becoming to powerful he wishes to overthrow Lord Mailock and Caira that is why he has spared your lifes" Tuvete felt a sharp pain to his head as he fell to the ground.
Balier stood smiling to his companions as he stood over the fallen Tuvete who was still alive but in a deep sleep now.
"Balier I was so close to finding more answers about what is going on but I thank you for our rescue" Pailor laughed but sighed he wanted to know more.
Balier helped Pailor out of his cage as both men helped Luin and Hamler out of theirs as the men sighed and stretched their arms. As the men stood looking at around the courtyard they noticed the sky beginning to thunder as if some great battle was ensuing high above in the heavens.
"There isn't much time we must hurry" Pailor looked to his companions who where confused.
"No time for what Pailor?" Hamler stood looking at Pailor.
"I must reach the summit of the tower but I will need your help my friends" Pailor stood a proud man now as he frowned to his companions.
"I will follow you to whatever end my friend" Luin stood beside Pailor and smiled.
"You are a man of honour and defended my city with all your strength, of course I will follow you into battle one last time" Hamler laughed.
Balier nodded not speaking a word for he was loyal and respected Pailor as a king among men. The four companions headed through the doorway leading into the corridor as they emerged looking over the balacony to the hall below.
"We need weapons" Luin spoke softly to Pailor who nodded.
Below in the hall the men could see Ruven, Aulor and many Malorian soldiers talking and arguing. Pailor headed up the staircase which led to another corridor where two guards stood looking at Pailor. The corridor was filled with many rooms as the guards yelled and charged toward Pailor who ran toward them also yelling.
Pailor crashed into the guards knocking them to the ground and wrestling their weapons from them as Hamler helped him. Pailor and Hamler struck down the guards who lay motionless as they held the swords which they took from the guards.
"Quickly!" Pailor led the way as they ran down the corridor and up a small staircase.
The men followed a spiral stone staircase up to a round room filled with tables and chairs, atop the tables seemed to be many books and scrolls. The room had four doors and out of the door in front of the men walked three men attire in brown robes.
"Halt who are you" the three men in robes spoke softly and walked with grace.
"I am Pailor son of Kailer" Pailor stood proud as he spoke.
The men in the robes laughed and became evil now as there voices became more menacing and darker.
"Son of a fool, our lord Mailock will be pleased he awaits you" the men drew back their hoods and revealed their faces which were damaged severly and their hair was grey with black lines running through there hair "We where once guardians of the sacred entrance to this world but have succome to greater powers now, only Pailor may pass" the men drew swords and they seemed to speak in unisense with eachother.
Pailor handed Luin his sword as the men in robes attacked Hamler who defended himself against them as Luin helped him battle them. Balier also entered the battle grabbing one of the men from behind as he tried to strangle one of them. The men in robes where powerful indeed, they seemed to read every move which Luin and Hamler used. The men in robes seemed to use long swords which seemed to be curved and where black.
"Go Pailor!" Luin yelled to Pailor.
Pailor ran through the door which the men in robes came through, Pailor now entered a cold stoney room filled with statues of various men who Pailor did not recognise. Pailor moved past the statues and could see in the corner of the room many men in black robes laughing and watching him as he strode forth. Pailor marched up a staircase and found himself walking along a black marble floor as he could see another staircase in front of him leading up. The staircase was long as Pailor felt a gush of wind as he managed to reach the top and could see many statues about him in the room he now stood in. Pailor looked forward and could see another courtyard in front of him with another marble path leading his way. In the courtyard stood a dark figure looking up at the clouds, behind the figure was a chair of black marble and to the right of the chair attached to the edge of the courtyard was a black doorway.
"I knew you would come nephew" the figure spoke loudly and revealed himself to be Mailock as he turned to Pailor.
Mailock looked much like his former self he seemed untouched by evil as he smiled to Pailor. Mailock's face suddenly changed as his eyes turned black and his hair changed colour he seemed to age very quickly as his face became grey.
"Uncle I have come to challenge you and bring peace to this realm for you have caused much evil and tainted the lands with it" Pailor spoke softly but firmly.
"Indeed I have but do you think by defeating me you will bring peace" Mailock laughed and the tower thundered as Pailor fell to his knee "No it will not bring peace for others will take my place, as you say I have tainted the land" he paused "I have tainted it forever, there will always be hatred and evil" he laughed and sat atop his chair.
"I do not believe you, you are weak Mailock look at you the evil has drained you" Pailor walked to the chair and stood in front of his uncle.
"Yes I am weaker but it is your father you battles me" Mailock looked to the sky which was thundering.
"How can you be here and their at the same time" Pailor was surprised.
"I have powers you wouldn't believe, powers that your father didn't even know about" he smiled "That is why I have been using the guardians to help me, they possess knowledge of the ancient lords who created us all" Mailock stood now looking at his nephew.
"Father trusted you as did my mother why did you betray him" Pailor became sad and remembered his beloved mother.
"Your father was powerful but careless he trusted too many people, all my life I have lived in his shadow and had to defend him when others seeked his power. Pertepolis and Caira where planning on killing your father long ago I found out about them but decided to use them to my advantage. As you know it worked and now I have control of both worlds" he touched Pailor's shoulder.
Pailor fell to the ground and felt a surge of power through his body he felt mighty as he looked up at his uncle.
"This is but a taste of the power which I could offer you Pailor" Mailock smiled he had almost achieved in bringing Pailor to his side "Join with me embrace the power, you can have anything you desire even that women Savannah, ah yes I have watched you" Mailock laughed.
Pailor felt a sudden change he quickly stood knocking Mailock onto his chair as he stood now flowing with power and rage he glared at his uncle who seemed worried.
"What are you doing" Mailock looked into Pailor's eyes and saw only goodness.
"I am ending your reign of this world Mailock the weak" Pailor spoke with wrath.
"You fool you are indeed like your father and now you will be punished like he has" Mailock laughed and thrust his arm forward knocking Pailor across the floor as he crashed into the black gateway "Farewall Pailor son of Kailer may your torment be as painful as your fathers" with that Mailock walked over to Pailor and revealed a mighty black sword.
Pailor suddenly felt the gateway behind him open as Mailock fell to his knees he was suddenly caught in two minds. Pailor noticed through the black gate that Kailer his father was battling Mailock along a cloudy staircase beyond the gate. Kailer looked to his son urging him to strike down Mailock. Pailor quickly charged Mailock who fell back holding his head as he fought the spiritual battle with Kailer. Pailor lifted up Mailocks sword as his uncle lay on the floor like a child.
"Have mercy nephew?" Mailock spoke lovingly to Pailor.
Pailor struck the black sword down as it sliced through Mailocks chest as he yelled in pain. Pailor was thrust back smashing into a statue beside the marble path as Mailocks body vanished into a black cloud thundering the entire tower as it travelled through the black gate which shut behind it. Luin, Hamler and Balier headed up the staircase and found Pailor who was lying beside a statue.
"Pailor!" Luin yelled as he knelt beside Pailor who was bleeding from his mouth and his hair was grey as was his face.
The men quickly carried Pailor as the tower began to shake and the sky became clearer now. As the men decended the tower many of the men in black robes began to make strange noises and many where yelling and crying. The men quickly avoided the guards and left the tower using Baliers route as they rested among canyons just outside of the city surrounding the castle. Pailor lay motionless his body was broken as Hamler, Luin and Balier knelt beside him in his final moments.
"It is done my friends but I fear a greater evil will come and Mailock will return but when he does so will I" Pailor smiled to his friends as he could see the sky become lighter and could see his mother smiling down on him.
"Pailor do not struggle my friend" Luin spoke softly into his ear.
Pailor breathed his last as a great gush of wind swept from his body the saviour of the peoples of Mia but a new evil would come which they would have to defend against on their own for Caira was still at large.
Ruven strode with Aulor to the top of the tower as he sighed looking at the chair he then looked around the courtyard and looked to Aulor.
"We must unite the Malorians for they will be uneasy about their master parting with them but we must make examples" Ruven felt he must act and quick.
"What do you mean master" Aulor looked to Ruven who smiled.
"I want you to hunt down the only people who know of this and continue your search for the moon tribe decendants I will clear things up here" Ruven nodded to Aulor who smiled then walked off as Ruven looked out across the land.