Chapter 4: The buried temple

The knight gently taps the Rook, causing it to crash to the large wooden board.

" A careless mistake," A bald, elderly man clad in white robes chuckled as he picked up the rook, "never underestimate players in a game, no matter it's rank,"

His opponent glanced up, and reached for his queen, bringing it across the board where he tapped the white queen so it fell.

" Dont blindly send men into battle," He spat victoriously, rolling up his red robes as he brought his hand back to his side of the board.

There was a momentary silence.

" And don't always take instant gratification, for sometimes you can achieve greater results," A purple tendril reached out, designating a space on the board which would have placed white in checkmate had black not have disposed of the queen.

"Ho ho, aggresiveness can indeed be ones downfall, though I do admit I made the far more foolish move, although..." He moved his rook diagonally so it blocked the queens escape, while placing blacks king in check," Now you must take my Rook with your queen, but that will place you directly in a position for it to be taken by my knight," He vaugely gestured at his knight.

He grinned broadly," Your move brother,"

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Minutes seemed as if they were days as Peter awaited to discover Khyren's fate, thought he had a sinking feeling he knew. Both their fates would have been sealed had Kollodin not have been crushed by Vannaka. The legendary warrior had arrived just in time to sever Kollodin's head. The hero claimed that he had been notified of Zaff's treachery by Merlin and had departed to find Kollodin laying waste to Seer's village. Peter was thankful for this at least but still would not be able to face Khyren's death.

" May Guthix give him life," Peter prayed softly, gazing past maple trees and at the lake sparkling in the sunset.

" The Gods listen not to prayers from one such as yourself," Vannaka took a swig from his flask," They are far to occupied with other matters, far more important than his life,"

" What matters are those?" Peter asked," Why would our Gods forsake us?"

" To protect us fr-" Vannaka stopped himself," All I can tell you is the orgin is Digsite, something not meant to be found was found," He waved his hand at the destruction surrounding them," This is nothing compared to what happens if this foolish discovery is not contained,"

Peter glanced to his left where medics were treating Khyren for his critical wounds.

" Could I assist in containing it then?" Peter asked softly.

" I suppose...But from what I have learned little hope exists in this dying world," He weakly smiled and cocked his head back as he took a long drink.

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" My son; please do not leave your family for a matter that will only take your life," Mezoin, and Al-Kharid buisnessman pleaded to his son.

" I am sorry but whether I go to face this enemy or wait here eventually I would have to face it. What honor would there be in my death coming to me? I must use my skills for a noble cause rather then let others die," Me-drok, Mezoin's son replied.

Me-drok was the greatest swordsman in Al-Kharid. He fought with a red blade he acquired from a shady warrior he defeated in the duel arena and the rusty bronze sword he used as a child. He had become well known when he crushed a vicious nomadic leader who had been considered the greatest swordsman prior to the defeat.

" I understand my son, I will not stop you from pursuing your destiny," Mezoin stepped from Me-droks path and nodded to his son, but letting his head hang low.

" Father, should this challenge should claim my life I ask that you do not grieve but rather enjoy the last days of your life," Me-drok stated selflessly.

" What enemy will you be facing son?" Mezoin asked with curiosity and care in his voice.

Me-drok shuddered.

" I speak not his name, hearing it was burden enough for me. Just the whisper of his name strikes fear into the Gods, even more than it terrifies us, for they have heard from their ancient brothers the extent of his wickedness," Me-drok paused," But please do not bother yourself with these thoughts, pray for my victory instead,"

And with that he pushed through the door into the searing heat of the desert.

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Darkness covered the cold, damp room. In the shadows a small wretched creature crawled, stuggling to breathe. The musty air entered its lungs and it began to cough,a blessing compared to it's usual ailments. A beam of light shown from a crack in the temples roof, just enough for the being to look down at its torn and weathered hands. It let out a cry of agony and burst into a fit of coughing, tears mingling with it's saliva. A small spider scammpered by catching its attention. Its hand shot out and grasped the minute arachnid. It licked its dry, crusty lips and swallowed the eight legged creature. With a gurgle of glee it hobbled away into the temples deeper chambers.

A rock suddenly shattered drawing the creatures gaze. It had fallen from the area where the light shined. It hastily drew out a primitive dagger, more like a pointed stone. Voices echoed down from above.

" I think we should await the others to proceed any further," A quiet voice said.

"Fool, there will be treasure below if indeed it is a lost temple of God," A louder voice boomed.

"But even so! No doubt there are dangers, " The weaker voice spoke.

Below the disgruntled creature gave a nervous grunt and began banging its dagger against a rock causing a tremendous noise.

The two men above yelled in fear and sprinted off. A roar of victory boomed from the underground temple.

Above the two men were running from the ruins above the temple. A gust impacted them knocking them down.

A figure wielding a long steel sword and a red shield appeared.

"Mercy!" yelled the smaller man as he shielded his face.

The ominous being let out a laugh and helped the man up.As they drew closer the man realized he was none other than Vannaka.

" I supose you were investigating the ruins? I advise against doing such, there are many wicked things there, ancient demons, high priests, many evils no doubt," Vannaka muttered something to the man who winced and began to shake.

" Forgive me! I meant to help the greater good," He bowed his head.

"We have nothing to be sorry for! Let this old warrior go, obviously he is headed to the temple, one should practice what he preaches!" The bulkier man yelled at Vannaka.

Vannaka shook his head and brushed by them.

"Idiot, he should die sooner instead of later and do us a favor!" The man yelled after Vannaka intending for him to hear.

Vannaka let out a laugh and walked to the crack leading into the temple. With a mighty swing of his sword the temple's roof was split open revealing a disgusting chamber. A hideous creature vanished from his sight emitting a screeching noise. Vannaka dropped down and began his pursuit.

"Heh, my last hunt,"