CHAPTER 3: A Battle With the Unseen.
Arclight awoke to a pounding on his door. Who ever it was, they were hitting the door so hard the room shook with each knock. Throwing off the blankets Arclight got up and opened the door to find it was Moorg.
"Geez Moorg what is it?" asked Arclight. "You were bashing the door so hard, it's a wonder it didn't break."
"Moorg is sorry about the door but need Arc to come fast. Aenau is in trouble. Ckorik wants everyone in the hall now," explained the troll. Arclight rushed and threw on his armor and gear. Snatching up his giant war hammer, he hurried into the hall where everyone was gathered.
"I'll make this short folks cause we need to hurry," explained Ckorik. "Aenau was researching the Night of Darkness in Neriak. Berit took Chielings and a few others to protect her. When they left Neriak they were ambushed at the portal. Aenau managed to tell me that what ever is attacking them is something that has never been in Nektulos forest before. Now lets get to the portals and GO."
But as everyone entered the Hall of Portals they saw that something was very wrong with the gateways. The entrance to the portals looked distorted and warped. Each of the portals was flashing with blazing energy. Every now and then one of the portals would spit out a tiny bolt of fire or electricity.
"What the hell is going on with the portals Qasar?" Ckorik demanded.
"I'm not sure, they appear functional but just barely," replied Qasar.
"Its like some outside force is tampering with them," observed Siznitch.
"We don't have time for this crap!" Maecbeth shouted. "We need those portals NOW!"
"Well there is only one way to find out," said Speedi. Much to everyone's alarm Speedi ran up to one of the malfunctioning portals and jumped through it. A few seconds later Speedi contacted them telepathically, Its alright guys the portals still work.
DAMMIT SPEEDI, don't ever do that again ya scared the hell out of us! cursed Seek.
Heh sorry Seek, apologized Speedi.
With some reluctance the rest of the guild entered the portal. The portal dropped them off on the east part of the Nektulos Forest.
"Ok everyone, Berit and the others are holding their ground in the ruins to the west. Chielings says the creatures seem to be coming out of a portal north of the ruins near an obelisk. For every creature they kill another takes its place."
"Damn forest, I swear nothing good comes of this place. I should just torch the whole thing," snarled Iniaman.
"If things were different I would have let you, but we need to get Aen and the others out first." said Ckorik.
"Well lets get to it," said Arclight as he began to run to the west.
Wait Arclight! I'm positive we're being set up for another ambush! I bet you good platinum that the moment we attack, that portal spits out an army of those things! Ckorik shouted telepathically.
I agree I think the sneaky bastards are holding back. responded Berit.
"Whose ever behind isn't holding, They really want all of us dead," observed Arclight.
"Even so put yourself in their shoes for moment Arc and ask what you would do. Learning to think as they do is the key to finding them out," said Ckorik.
Berit how are you and the others holding up? asked Maecbeth.
It's a stand off so far. Do what you have to Ckorik we'll hold out as long as we can, Berit replied.
"How the hell do we get them out of there?" asked Ilyeana.
"Simple we're gonna walk right into the ambush," Ckorik answered. "We'll just do it on our terms. Ilyeana I want you to teleport Qasar, Iniaman, Blaizzen and Bloodwolfe to the mountains north of here. Spell casters, stop that portal. Bloodwolfe and Ilyeana watch their backs. You have five minutes, then we rush the ruins." Magic spun around Ilyeana and the others as they were teleported away. The rest of the ring began to form
a battle line.
"It'll be hard to keep from getting separated and to far spread out in this forest," pointed out Arnwolf as everyone got into position.
"We'll have to make do. Everyone look at the person next to you, don't stray to far from them." ordered Ckorik. "Watch each others back and we'll come out of this fine."
Guys I think they've figured out we're up to. There is a lot more of them, we're starting to get over whelmed! shouted Aenau telepathically.
"We can't wait any longer. Everyone CHARGE NOW!" ordered Ckorik.
There was little time lost in carrying out Ckorik's order. The Ring's fighters surged forward with the spell casters close behind them. Dayzd was the first to stumble on to one of the creatures. It appeared to be a giant set of animated armor made from blood soaked bone. Nothing like that had ever existed in Nektulos forest before so Dayzd attacked. His weapons hacked into the bone armor sending chips flying everywhere but it only seemed to make the thing angry. As Dayzd dodged the creatures fists, a hail of arrows from Echelon rained down on the gory foe. A fireball from Akirrah staggered the creature stopping its advance and Dayzd's weapons finally shattered it into a pile of bones.
"What a wuss I can't be….." Dayzd started to say when the blazing out line of a ghost made of fire rose up from the bone pile and attacked. "What the hell!" cursed Dayzd as the ghost's phantasmal claws burned into his armor. The heat radiating of the ghost was almost unbearable, and was leaving a trail of flame behind it as it hovered. Xanhechi quickly cast a spell deadly to undead. The creature let out a hellish scream as the dark energies pierced it. As a holy light fell from his blade Nusbak charged forward. His sword cleansed and tore the spirit from the world.
Ilyeana how's that portal coming? asked Ckorik I really do not want to face an army of these things.
We're having some trouble affecting the portal with our spells! called back Ilyeana.
Do what ever you got to do but get the damn thing closed, ordered Ckorik.
South of the fighting, a single spectator watched the battle unfold from the top of a hill. His armor was as black as night and it covered every inch of him. The spikes coming out of his armor and the mask on his helm, made him look more demon then man. He did not react, much less seem the least bit concerned as several tree roots sprang from the ground and seized his feet.
"I should have guessed one of the Ring's bloodhound rangers would sniff me out," said armored man his voice muffled by his mask.
Voltamor stepped out from behind the tree that had concealed him. "I decided I wanted to see the one who caused all this," Voltamor replied. Then with a look of utter contempt the ranger ripped his blades from their sheath's. "I also decided I was gonna cut you into…very…tiny…pieces."
The man drew his own blade, a two handed sword that shed an evil green light. With one swing he cut the roots holding him. Stepping towards the ranger he leveled his glowing blade at Voltamor. "I'll give you this, the Ring is proving a little harder to kill then expected. Your leader was able to see through the ambush. I'll have to deal with that interfering fool later. But since you are so eager to join your friends then I'll be overjoyed to send you to the abyss."
Far north from all of this, Iniaman was rapidly losing his temper. None of the spells he or Qasar were casting had any affect on the portal and more of those armor creatures were coming through.
"Guys we need to think of something fast or we're the ones that are gonna need saving." Ilyeana said with more then just a touch of concern in her voice.
"Well I got an idea, I just hope it's a good one," replied Qasar.
We can't hold out any longer. We'll have to make a run for it. Aenau shouted desperately.
Rangers find them. Spell casters burn those damn bone armors to the ground. ordered Ckorik.
Their armor seems to resist a lot of our spells, reported Xanhechi.
Fighters use what ever techniques you can to crack that armor. We must hurry! shouted Arnwolf.
Voltamor's blades practically spun as they cut and weaved trying to pierce the dark swordsman's armor. At the same time Volt was careful to avoid that glowing sword. Volt didn't know what his opponents sword could do and he no intention of finding out. But the black armored fighter continued his advance, heedless of Voltamor's deadly attack.
Finally Qasar telepathically called out to the others, The portal is sealed Ckorik. There won't be any more to stop us now.
Not a moment too soon. Get down here help us finish the rest. ordered Ckorik.
I can sense Aenau's presence! Come on Janlail lets GO! Grizlycub shouted. Running through the forest as fast as he could Grizlycub saw Aenau being pursued by one of the monsters. The creature finally punched through Aenau's protective spells and sent her crashing to the ground. As the creature stood over her Janlail slammed into it driving it back. Grizlycub began firing arrows at it to distract it while Janlail scooped up Aenau and began running back to the others.
The enchanted blade continued to get closer and closer to Voltamor with each swing. Who ever this guy is, he's relentless the ranger decided. Still attempting to dodge as fast as he could, Voltamor never passed up a chance to swipe at the fighter with his blades. With a roar of anger the swordsman released an over head slash at Voltamor that just barely missed him. The green glowing blade bit deep into the tree behind him becoming stuck. Taking the advantage Voltamor lunged forward with his blades. The armored fighter knocked the blades aside with his gauntlet and seized the ranger by the throat. Slamming Voltamor into the tree to stun him, the swordsman tossed the ranger down the hill. Rolling to his feet Voltamor used his magically enhanced speed to race back to the top of the hill. But when he reached the top the black armored man was gone.
As Meiera's magic restored and healed Aenau, Ckorik helped her get to her feet. "What about the others?" asked Aenau as she wiped some blood off her forehead with her hand.
"We haven't found anyone else yet." Ckorik answered slowly.
There is only a few left. Tear em apart and get to the ruins! ordered Maecbeth. The moment the last one of those creatures was killed, the Ring raced towards the ruins.
They were much to their despair, too late. The bodies of their friends were hung like a display from the walls of the ruins. Who ever was behind this taunting them by using such a cruel show of power. For a moment the Ring could only look in horror at what had befallen their companions.
"By the gods, Dayzd cut them down." Ckorik ordered with a pained hiss.
The bodies were laid out and resurrection spells were cast again. As before they had no effect. Trying to ignore the sight of more of his companions laid out, Voltamor walked up to Ckorik.
"There is something you and the remaining officers should see," explained Voltamor. Ckorik and the other officers followed Voltamor back to the hill where he had fought the black armored swordsman. "He was gone when I got back up the hill. I wasn't even able to sense him with my powers."
"You fought him Volt, what did he fight like. Would you say he's a warrior, a berserker, or maybe even a shadow knight?" asked Ckorik as he examined the sword still stuck in the tree.
"I don't know. He didn't use any spells but he fought like he thought he was unstoppable. More a butcher then a swordsman," explained Voltamor slowly as he recalled the fight.
"He was a knight," a voice from behind them called out.
"Geez Arclight you startled the hell out of us," said Ilyeana.
"Sorry my curiosity got the better of me," replied Arclight.
"Well paladin, what makes you say he was a knight?" asked Aenau.
"I recognize the sword, its called a Chaos Sword. They are forged in the Plane of Time. Only a shadow knight or a paladin may unlock its power," explained Arclight.
"Are you sure Arc?" asked Ckorik.
"Was the sword doing this while you were fighting him Volt?" Arclight grabbed the hilt and the sword began to glow green again.
"Yes it was," replied Voltamor.
"It was a knight then. Whether it was a knight of light or darkness I wouldn't be able to say," Arclight answered. The officers recalled Arclight's words from before, "Even a paladin may fall from grace."
"Now that Voltamor has given us an enemy to watch out for we should return to guild keep before he strikes again. Lets go get the others," ordered Ckorik.
As they began to walk back Arclight turned to Qasar and asked, "Just how did you guys get that portal closed?"
"Oh that," answered Qasar. "All I did was tell Iniaman he could burn the forest down."
"YOU TOLD HIM WHAT!" everyone shouted. Instantly everyone's gaze swung to the north, expecting to see a roaring forest fire headed their way.
"Easy guys he didn't burn the whole forest down," explained Ilyeana quickly. "He just blew up a few select trees to bury the portal so nothing could get out of it."
"…………………….I need a beer," decided Arclight. He was not alone on that decision.
Once everyone was back at the keep Arclight went into the store room to get a few bottles for everyone. Arclight you need to come to the north tower now! On the balcony hurry! Meiera's panicked voice sounded in Arc's mind. Startled the bottle slipped from Arclight's grasp and shattered on the floor. With a curse Arclight raced over to the north tower's balcony. Meiera and several of the others were there staring at the sky.
"What's going on Mei?" Arclight asked as the wind began to toss his cloak around.
"The sun is setting," Meiera answered pointing to the sun as it began to disappear beneath the hills. "Its only noon and yet the sun is setting."
"I've never seen anything like that," remarked Vixenne. The already dark and cloudy sky around the keep grew even darker as night began.
"It's the Night of Darkness," Arclight finally spoke.
"It can't be the Night of Darkness! It's still three days away before that damn thing is suppose to be!" Kenlain protested.
"I know Ken. But I also know this is the Night. Its here I can feel it!" insisted Arclight. The wind increased and the forest that surrounded and hid the castle began to shake and tremble. The clouded night sky had turned an ominous dark pink color as if it was going to snow, yet it remained an unusually hot. Even with the wind that now tore at the keep.
"The paladin is correct." Aenau spoke as she and Ckorik walked out on to the balcony carrying torches. "The night is early…but it is here."
The onyx crescent pendant Meiera wore began to glow dark green as an image of Erudin's head enchanter appeared before them. "Greetings to the Ring of Destiny," said Morganel Yaf. "I fear the dark night is upon us far sooner then we were ready for. What ever god or deity is behind this we have been unable to determine. But the tranquil oceans around our city have become angry and turbulent with the night. Who ever it is will use this power soon. It's to early for us to know where the first disaster will take place but we'll contact you when we know. I'm sorry "
As her image faded away Ckorik telepathically spoke to the rest of the Ring through out the keep. Well the Night of Darkness is here. No one should leave the sanctuary of the keep till we know what we are up against. Clerics keep trying the occasional spell to see if you can bring our comrades back. Spell casters get together in the courtyard. Try and come up with some solutions. Fighters…keep your blades and your wits sharp and be ready to go at any time.
Arclight immediately turned away from the dark skies and entered the keep. With out pausing to gather supplies or stock up on food he went directly to his room where he retrieved his war hammer. Taking only a moment to inspect the glowing holy weapon, he swung the hammer over his shoulder and headed straight for the portals. Upon entering the room he saw that the energy flaring from the portals had increased. Arclight only hoped that they still functioned as he found the portal he was looking for.
"Need some company Arc?" a voice behind him asked.
Arclight was startled for a moment. Carefully keeping a neutral and innocent look on his face he turned and faced Uudy.
"No, but thank you hun. You should probably stay here. Its too dangerous to go out on a night like this," explained Arclight.
"It's no safer for you knight. Ckorik thinks it's a bad idea for anyone to venture out into the night," Uudy replied.
Mentally wincing at the ice in her voice, Arclight tried to give a better explanation. "He's right I know, but I have something quick I should take care of. It shouldn't be anything dangerous I should be fine but on the odd chance it isn't…."
"On the odd chance it isn't, you should have help," interrupted Uudy.
Arclight groaned and struggled to find the right words. "Any other time you'd be right. Any other time I'd be overjoyed to have you by my side. But this is something only I can do. I have to be alone to do it."
Not liking his hasty explanation one bit Uudy scowled. "……Just promise me you'll be careful Arc," she requested.
Arclight gave her a quick hug. "I promise hun, I really do. Now I should be going." Arclight turned back to the portal. Pausing a moment before he jumped in he said, "And don't send Seek or Kayote to keep an eye on me either."
"Damn knight must be a mind reader," scowled Uudy as she watched him leave.
The portal dropped Arclight off in the Plane of Tranquility. Instead of the usual stars the night sky was clouded and stormy. The Plane of Tranquility never had a cloudy day in its existence yet on this night wind tore through the peaceful land and waves slashed at the shore. Increasing his pace Arclight made his way into a cave which finally took him to his goal. The portal to the Bastion of Thunder lay before him.
Back at the castle Ckorik was wandering through the hallways trying to sort out the pieces of the puzzle that plagued the Ring. Having contacted Mizr N'Mar to make sure the Temple of Hate was not involved this time, he found himself running low on suspects.
Opening the door to his study he walked over the rune covered floor to his desk. Sitting down Ckorik rested his forehead against his clawed hand as he tried to find clues and hints to the identity of the on who threatened the Ring. The attacks, the swordsman, the enemies ability, knowledge, all had to connect some how. They all had to fit some how. I am so close he thought to himself. I can almost make sense of it all. If only pieces of the puzzle would come together. It was then with an almost frightening clarity, he instinctively knew he was not alone in his study.
"Hail the Master Necromancer of the Ring of Destiny." A voice spoke from shadows behind his bookshelves. Stepping out from the shadows, a knight in black armor approached Ckorik
Ckorik stood with an angry hiss, "I take it you are the one Voltamor fought in Nektulos. The one who is responsible for all this." Ckorik raised one of his claws to gather magic for a spell, but the energy fizzled and refused to obey. Four tiny blue statues in each corner of the room glowed absorbing the spell.
"It cost us a small fortune in blue diamond dust but we felt you were to much of a threat for us to leave your spells intact," the black knight explained.
"Us? We? So you are not the only one we shall punish for this atrocity?" Ckorik asked calmly.
"I fail to see how you will punish us," the knight told Ckorik. "Your spells have been taken from you and the one I serve has power over death and the darkness. Unfortunately we can not allow ourselves to be revealed to the Ring yet, so your fate has been decided. You should feel honored. Typically we would not have gone to all this trouble, but you've proven too risky to be left alive." Drawing his blade he leveled it at Ckorik's scaled face.
Without even taking his eyes off the knight, Ckorik snatched up a potion off his desk and threw it. The potion shattered off the knight's black breastplate and burst in to purple flames that covered the knight. With a lizard like snarl Ckorik seized the knight by the throat. Throwing him against the wall Ckorik squeezed as hard as he could to kill the knight, not caring about the burns his claws received.
"The Ring would have buried you sooner or later, I'm just going to save them the trouble." Hissed Ckorik. A bolt of magic struck Ckorik from behind. Letting go of the burning knight he turned to face this new threat. "YOU," was all he had time to say before another bolt struck him.