Storm Bringer
The New Year had come to Solace with great celebration. There had been a massive bonfire just outside of town, safely away from the trees. There had been dancing that night, music, more food than you could possibly eat, ale, wine, and spiced cider for the children. Will and Allan had provided a magic show and stunning illusions for the delight of the crowd. At midnight it had begun to snow and everyone toasted the New Year. That night Lance had danced with Solana that night, much to the teasing of his cousins and Luca. It had been a wondrous night and like all such night it was over far too soon.
In the days that followed Luca was called away from Solace more and more frequently, sometimes with his father and other times without. He would not talk much about where he was going or why but Lance knew. Rumours had come into town in the waggons of merchants, they wafted up from clouds of pipe smoke to fill every room in every house. Neraka it seemed was home again to the followers of the Dark Queen, even in death she had power. They were as of yet small in number but enough to cause worry. Khurn had come to Solace in the company of members of the Imperial League from Taladas along with Paladins from the Order, there was talk that the Imperial League was heading negotiations with the Army of Mithas so that the two factions might fight side by side without killing one another first. The Phoenixes had been recalled to Solace, much to Lances displeasure but thankfully he was able to avoid them and they knew better than to come to his black smiths shop for anything.
Lance passed the days mostly working. He met with Luca whenever he could and asked him about the latest news. Uncharacteristically for his Blood Brother Luca was tight lipped about the situation at large. He had a plan he said but did not wish for it to get out, not that he believed Lance would betray his trust but at times such as these he said it paid to be cautious so Lance never pressed him, in later years Lance would come to wish that he had.
Lances Day of Life Gift was marked by a small party at the Inn of the Last Home, Luca had come home again for it just in time. He was nineteen now a young man in his prime years but still in some ways very much a child and of that he was well aware, mostly because Jarrin and the others would not allow him to forget it. There had been drink, food and music, Solana had even danced for them much to Lances surprise and even pleasure, not that he would admit that in a hurry. Luca remained in Solace for a week and he and Lance enjoyed fishing together as they had not done so for a long time. Luca had departed soon there after. Autumn was coming to an end and winter was fast approaching by the time a message arrived at Lances door. It had been brief, asking him only to come with all speed to Haven and to be prepared for a long journey. Having discussed the message with his father Lance had hurried to prepare and had ridden out of Solace at all speed.
Finding the Inn described in the message Lance was surprised to discover Jarrin, Aldemere and Will seated outside and in wait for him. Jarrin was the first to greet him, rising from his chair to give his cousin a hug and was soon followed by the other two.
"It has been a long time cousin" said Jarrin.
"Not so long that you all needs squeeze me half to death. What is this all about? Did you all receive messages from Luca?"
"Just the same as you" said Will.
"Where is he?"
"Here" Lance looked up to the Luca in the doorway of the Inn with a smile on his face, "I am glad that you arrived in good time Brother"
"Of course. Now maybe you might tell me what it is we are all doing here?"
"Not just yet. Patience Brother, we wait upon two more" confused but curious Lance took a seat at the table that his kin had recently risen from. As the others retook their seats Lance turned to Will.
"I am surprised that you made it here before me Will, what with your terrible sense of direction"
"Well you must remember that we were with him Lance" said Aldemere with a grin.
"Ah yes so then that is how you managed not to get lost. I hope that you thanked them Will"
"I did. Need I remind you Lance that I am older than you, if only by a year, and that I am also your uncle since I am the son of your mothers father so I would hope that you might treat me better"
"Why? Aldemere is older than the both of us and we still treat him like a little brother"
"Thats because he is one" this from Jarrin who laughed and threw his arm around his brothers shoulders. Lance laughed and Will shook his head, smiling in spite of himself. In a short time Lance heard hoof beats and turned to look over his shoulder. Approaching on a white horse was a woman in a green cloak. The sun danced on golden hair and Lance rose slowly to greet the rider as she slowed and dismounted before the Inn.
"Solana" Lance breathed her name and she smiled at him.
"Surprised?" she asked.
"Very much so. Why did you not tell me you were coming here? We could have ridden together. Come to think of it though why are you here?"
"She was called here the same as yourself and the same as me" the joy and surprise Lance had felt at seeing Solana vanished to be replaced by a simmering in his blood, that voice went through him like poison. Lance turned back around and saw Vallan now approaching. He was dressed in his armour and red cloak of the Phoenixes.
"Luca what is He doing here?"
"I said"
"I did not ask You!" shouted Lance, cutting off Vallans reply. Luca shifted slightly in his chair.
"I sent for him Lance the same as I did with you and everyone else here"
"You sent for him even knowing I was coming?"
"Yes. Lance he is a good sword we need him"
"You might I don't If he stays I am leaving"
"Lance" Luca half rose but Lance had already turned away and had started to walk toward his horse.
"Lance" Solana placed a hand upon Lances shoulder and stood close to him, "At least hear Luca`s plan. Isn't that the least you can do after coming all the way here?" Lance was silent for a few moments looking at her. At last he sighed, returned to the table and sat with Solana still close by him. Luca nodded and also retook his seat. Vallan remained standing, his gaze set upon Solana.
"What did you call us here for Luca? What has happened?"
"Nothing as of yet and we are here to prevent that from changing" Luca paused and Lance nodded.
"Go on"
"As you know the followers of the Dark Queen have been gathering again in Neraka. Even with the death of their Queen they are loyal and they are powerful"
"How many are they?"
"Not enough to realize their full plans but enough to pose a substantial threat if they decide to move. There are also three dragons there. One red female, one black male and one black female"
"They have broken the oath not to return" said Solana.
"And they will be at the head of the army when it sets forth at full strength"
"And we are to prevent that from happening? How?" this from Aldemere who was now leaning forward on the table.
"We've been slowly gathering as much strength as we can in Solace. Your own father arrived last night at our request if I am not mistaken" Luca`s gaze went to Jarrin and Aldemere. Lance nodded confirmation, he had seen Marz in town that morning before riding for Haven. "Tomorrow morning that army will march on Neraka"
"They'll never make it" said Jarrin, "If there are dragons as you say they will ride out before their army and destroy us before we can get close"
"I think this is the part of the plan where we come in" said Vallan.
"We will pose as mercenaries and infiltrate Neraka. We will no doubt be taken before the dragons to test our loyalty to the Dark Queen"
"In other words we are a distraction" said Lance. Luca nodded.
"The key to success will be surprise If we can keep the attention of the dragons till the battle is well underway the damage they could cause will be lessened and our army will have time to prepare for them"
"But what of the opposing army? We wont take the enemy by surprise, they will see us coming a mile off" said Jarrin.
"Maybe but they will still be unprepared and have to scramble to meet us on the field"
"And what happens when the dragons discover that we have fooled them, if we manage to do that much" said Lance.
"We will have to flee and make are way through Neraka to join with our army"
"Fight through an entire city on our own and from three dragons no less. Are you mad?"
"The city will be mostly deserted, its troops rushing to meet ours and at that point I doubt the dragons will have much of a care for us"
"I think it a sound plan" said Vallan. Lance sniffed,
"You would" Vallan glared at Lance then turned his attention to Solana.
"Solana is this honestly what you think of when you think of a man? I think I might have done well to improve your education" that was the final blow. Lance slammed his fists on the table and rose swiftly to his feet.
"Luca, I am leaving"
"Lance"
"No, that is the end of it" Lances expression softened for a moment, "I have not lost faith or trust in you Brother, that will never happen" his expression hardened again, "But I refuse to take part in anything which involves him" Lance pointed to Vallan who remained in his seat, "I am going back to Solace. I will march with the army unless Vallan goes back instead"
"Lance" Luca tried again, his eyes almost pleading. Lance shook his head.
"Either he goes or I do, it is that simple" Luca sighed and bowed his head. Lance nodded, "Fine. I am leaving" Lance turned and began to walk away.
"Lance!" it was Aldemeres voice this time and Lance heard the young Minotaur rise from his chair to follow him, grasping one of his shoulders once he caught up, "Lance wait a moment"
"Get off me!" Lance shook off his cousin with ease and continued walking. Aldemere would have continued his pursuit if not for the hands of his brother suddenly placed upon his shoulders.
"Let him go Aldemere" said Jarrin.
"We don't need him anyway" said Vallan. Jarrin growled but didn't say a word. Solana however rose from her seat and ran after Lance, catching up with him as he reached where he had left his horse.
"Wait Lance please"
"What for? I cannot stay here Solana, I will end up killing Vallan if I do. The way he talks to you I cannot listen to it anymore and I cannot possibly work together with him"
"No one, not even Luca, is asking you to work with him only to tolerate his presence"
"That too might be far too much to ask"
"What if the two of us rode on ahead together. Then you needn't even be around Vallan until it is time and then you will both be far too focused upon the plan and the coming battle to quarrel or dwell upon the others company. How does that sound?" Lance thought for a few moments. He wanted to help Luca, wanted to fight to ensure that the world would be free of the stain of evil if only for a while longer till it rose up again inevitably.
"Alright, lets go then" Solana smiled and went to retrieve her own horse as Lance mounted up.
It was a long ride to Neraka but keeping a good pace allowed them to arrive in the late afternoon of the second day. It seemed to Lance as they rode through the ruined gate that any and all decent citizens had been run off. The streets were filled with professional soldiers and mercenaries, discernible from one another through the quality of their armour and weapons. Many of the residential buildings had been broken in to and raided for supplies while others had been boarded up and burned, likely with their occupants still inside. Trades people and merchants had remained in order to keep shops, inns and taverns open, the blackness of ones heart did not effect the quality of their steel. Upon enquiring after a place to stay they were directed to an inn where it seemed most of the new comers to town were being placed. They found rooms for themselves then paid a substantial amount to keep three rooms free for the others.
"When do you think they will arrive?" asked Solana.
"Tonight at the latest I should imagine, if they left soon after we did"
"What should we do till then?"
"Well I don't care much for sight seeing but I think we might walk around and see what we can see, report anything interesting to the others when they arrive. What do you think?
"Its as good an idea as any" Lance nodded and led the way back out into the street. As they wandered the streets Lance tried to keep track of the number of soldiers but soon lost count and was forced to give up and instead focused upon the number of dark priests. There were not many out in the streets, though that meant very little. The rest were likely off somewhere preforming their dark rites. Thinking of them drew Lances attention and foot steps to the citadel. It was oddly structured, as if it had been formed of molten stone and then left to cool in sinister and twisted shapes. The main entrance was impossibly large, in fact the size could even be called ludicrous unless...
"It was built so the dragons could use it" Solana echoed his own thoughts.
"That would be the only way for the size to make any sense. Its likely that there are shafts leading up into the open air also so they can gain quick access to the sky"
"Might be trouble" Lance nodded and turned his attention to the guards on patrol, specifically the one who had just detached himself from the rest and was now regarding the two of them steadily.
"We have lingered too long it seems. Come on" Lance turned smoothly and began back down the street they had come from. When they arrived back at the inn they ordered some drinks and a light meal. An hour or so after the fall of night Jarrin, Aldemere, Will and Vallan walked in. Discreetly as possible Lance waved them over to the table.
"Where is Luca?" asked Lance.
"Here brother" Lance turned to find Luca standing behind him, the open window beyond told its own story.
"Is there some reason you couldn't use the door?"
"Well when the rest of you get called before dragons I wont be with you. I plan to follow but to enter the citadel alone so I can provide covering fire when the time comes"
"I see. Good plan" Luca nodded and seated himself. Lance ordered more drinks and food to the table.
"Did you two find anything out while you were here?" asked Aldemere.
"Alone" Vallan jeered. Lance ignored him and addressed his cousin.
"No more than what Luca had told us already. The city has been almost emptied of its population, Gods know where they might have gone. Anyone that might have resisted or even made the attempt seems to have been killed. Those with useful jobs in town have stayed of their own will or been forced to. That citadel was constructed by the dragons and so contains structural features that would be beneficial to them. It is also guarded so we could not get a close look without drawing attention"
"You'll get a closer look soon enough"
"Speaking of how exactly do you know that we will even be called to the citadel? What for?" asked Vallan.
"Think about it. All of the new mercenaries have been placed here in this inn for a reason. The other mercenaries are likely well known and there for trusted, at least as far as good gold can go. They have no idea who we are or how loyal we will be so it only makes sense for them to call upon us to get a better idea" Jarrin and Aldemere nodded as one and Lance smiled at his brother. Seeming satisfied Vallan said nothing else. It was late in the night before they all made their way upstairs to their beds. The morning would prove very interesting.
Marz had been surprised reading the letter that Luca had sent to him. It was brief and so details about the looming battle where limited. He was asked to report to Solace and to aid in the command of the armies. It had been many many years since he had served in any army let alone seen combat but if there was trouble he wanted to be of help. Mara had needed no convincing as to why he had to go. She wished him well and made him promise to return home safely before seeing him off. Upon arriving in Solace Marz wondered if he should go and call on his brothers in law first but the letter had said for him to report to the Temple and the Paladin headquarters first and without delay and so that visit could wait. The small city was alive with activity. By the looks of things the Paladins of the Order had assembled all of their available warriors and the Imperial League had sent some of their own. Once again he would be the only representative for the army of Mithas, there would be no time to get word to his Uncle Orin. The citizens all seemed about their usual business save for the ones who were vital to attaining supplies and equipment for the armies who had assembled mostly upon the expansive grounds which belonged to the Order. A lieutenant was barking orders near the main headquarters building, Marz approached him,
"Captain Marz Stoneshield reporting, who is the commanding officer here?"
"That would be you Captain. Commander Luca`s orders"
"And how do you and your men feel about that?"
"Most of us are in agreement, we could benefit greatly from you military experience and skills. Those of us that do not agree, and there are few, are disciplined enough not to cause trouble"
"With all respect I am sure that you have officers here who are just as skilled as I and certainly with more recent combat experience"
"That is just the case that some put to Commander Luca before he left but as he said himself not only are you senior to most of them but you are a battle hardened veteran with a stainless record. In addition sir you have the most experience with campaigns of this scale" Marz felt his heart swell with pride to have been recommended so highly by a young man that he had known since boyhood but whom he was no relation to.
"In that case I am honoured"
"Shall I show you to your room Captain?" Marz nodded and followed the lieutenant into the Paladin headquarters. The room he was shown to was far larger than any he had ever had while in the army on Mithas. He had had an office befitting his station in the military headquarters but had only been there during times when he had been either required to oversee the training of his men or during times of action for which he had needed to be close at hand to plan and hold council with his other officers. During campaigns he had had a tent of his own of course which was larger than those belonging to the men under his command but nothing like this. The room was twice the size of his old, surely long gone, office and was furnished far better with a large desk for planning and writing as well as a sensible sized bed, washing table and a weapons rack. Marz deposited his pack and war scythe upon the bed before going to the wash table. Once clean he went back to his pack and pulled from it his military gear. Thick black leather armour with shining platinum spikes at the shoulders over which he pulled a black tunic and then buckled on a dark steel breast plate. A kilt of black leather completed his uniform. Once satisfied with his attire he strapped his war scythe to his back and walked out into the hall where he found the lieutenant still waiting.
"I would like to inspect our troops, see that they are ready"
"Sir!" the Paladin hurried off to follow his orders. Marz waited for a few moments before following. Just outside the doors of the headquarters Marz was met by Kalas and Khurn who were also dressed in their full Imperial League army uniforms and carrying their weapons. Both minotaur smiled at him and he returned it.
"Been called to the service also have you?" asked Marz.
"They wouldn't survive without us brother" said Khurn which caused Kalas to laugh.
"And do not forget that Lance left this morning to meet with Luca, something tells me that he will be in Neraka ahead of us. I would be there to meet him"
"You already know more about this than I do Kalas. They ought to have made you commanding officer" said Marz.
"No I would say Luca made the right choice"
"You've both had more experience in the military than I have though, after all you were in service longer"
"Never the less we will stand with you brother and support Luca`s decision" Khurn nodded agreement with his other brother and Marz felt himself bolstered up to know that he had their support. Nodding firmly Marz continued on to where the troops were being made ready for inspection, Kalas and Khurn followed close behind on either side of him. A line of officers greeted the three Minotaur and among them stood the shape shifters Moon, Kalowen, Tyran and Linara, Kalowens daughter. The shape shifters, all in their elfin forms, were accompanied by their wolf friends. Standing next to Linara was Juspar, the former mage killer and her husband. Marz`s gaze settled most heavily upon Juspar. The half elf's long cherry blond hair was pulled back tight and was dressed in light leather armour over which he wore his old mage killer clothes which consisted of a loose fitting black shirt, black pants, high black boots and a red sash at his waist. He carried and elfin short sword and two belts of throwing knifes. All the rings upon his left hand were absent save for one, a thick silver band with a large black stone. The black minotaur approached Juspar and Lin and stood before them.
"Dont you two have small children that you should remain at home for?"
"They are safe at the temple where they will be well looked after" replied Juspar.
"And if something should happen to the both of you?"
"Then they will still be safe and will be welcome to remain at the Temple" said Linara. "We both want to fight to ensure that the world our sons grow up in will remain free of evil"
"Were you not in league with this same evil at one time yourself Juspar?"
"I was a mage killer sir Marz I held allegiance to no God or Goddess. The one time when I did it was to the son and not the mother"
"He is a different man now sir Marz" said Linara, coming to her husbands defence. Marz was silent for a few moments before turning away at last.
"We shall see" coming at last to the place where the troops had been gathered Marz was pleased to see that orderly and silent ranks had been formed. However his mood soured when he caught sight of the Phoenix banner. He had never yet had a run in with the Phoenixes personally but he had heard enough from Lance to develop an opinion and it was not good. He could see his dislike manifest before him. Rather than standing in ordered ranks the members, he would not call them soldiers, of the force were standing in a group around one of their officers seeming to take no interest in what was going on mere feet from them and certainly showing little respect for orders. Marz growled and walked over to them.
"I believe that I gave orders to assemble into ranks"
"We are assembled" this from the officer in the middle of the group, a man not even into his twenties and with the air of someone who felt they were above rules.
"I said, into ranks"
"We don't take orders from you cow man. The Phoenixes are the best fighters in this land and only the son of our founder can order us" the man was talking about Vallan, who obviously was not there. Now Marz was angry. Squaring his shoulders Marz let out a deafening roar which cracked over the heads of the Phoenixes like a thunder clap. Once their was silence Marz spoke,
"I don't care if you think you're the best fighters in this land, I can tell you now that you most absolutely are not. If any of you were in the Imperial Army of Mithas the only battle you would be seeing would be against the muck in the stables. Disrespect me again and I promise you that you will face a worse punishment than the lash. I will not have anyone jeopardizing the battle to come. Now you will form ranks or you will find yourselves stationed here at home. Do I make myself clear?" there was no response as silently the Phoenixes moved to form ranks. Marz watched them till they were formed up properly before walking back to his previous position. The lieutenant he had met before was waiting for him and his brothers in law as well as the others had also moved to join him.
"Proceed with the briefing Lieutenant"
"Sir!" finally I'll get the full details thought Marz as the Lieutenant moved forward to address the troops. In the most direct way possible the lieutenant outlined what what currently happening in Neraka in accordance to intelligence gathered by the Orders spies. They could expect to face a large army of soldiers dedicated to Takhisis as well as loyal mercenaries. There would also be three dragons to contend with, two blacks one male and one female and one large female red. That knowledge made even Marz bristle and he suddenly felt fear for the safety of his two sons.
"The decision to place command into the hands of Captain Marz Stonesheild was approved by the council in the absence of Sir Luca and also that of his father Sir Lucius. Furthermore Sir Kalas Dasrenvair and Sir Khurn, as well as Ladies Moon and Kalowen shall also hold authority in this coming battle. Look to them for your orders if Captain Marz is not directly available to give them himself. We have fought together many times to defend not just this city that we call home but also Ansalon and Krynn, we have been victorious and so we shall be again" a roar of approval met the Lieutenants last words and he turned to Marz. "Is there anything that you wish to add Captain?"
"No and that will be all. Order the men to return to their preparations and training. We march come tomorrow morning so if anyone is caught drinking I want them lashed and detained so that I can deal with them personally"
"Sir!" the Lieutenant saluted and went to relay Marz`s orders. Marz turned to face his brothers in law.
"Those Phoenixes might be the sorriest bunch of so called warriors I have ever seen"
"They are undisciplined I grant you but they are good fighters brother" said Kalas.
"They had better be. I don't want anyone dying because of their ignorance of respect due to rank"
"Well you wont have to worry about that from us" all three minotaur looked down to see Vallen and Thorn, Gremelkins two sons now grown and wearing similar battle armour to that of their fathers which had been hand crafted for them by Marz himself. Marz smiled at them.
"At last some real soldiers. Welcome sons of Gremelkin"
"We would not have missed this Sir Marz" said Vallen.
"Yes, couldn't stay behind and let the rest of you have all the glory" said Thorn.
"Your father would be proud of you"
"Agreed" said Khurn. The two felines beamed and went to join in the training exorcises. A few moments of silence past and Marz cracked his shoulders.
"Well it seems that there is little for us to do here at the moment"
"Indeed" said Kalas.
"What do you suggest brothers?" asked Khurn.
"Well we could get some training in ourselves then head over to the Inn for a drink. How does that sound?" said Kalas.
"Just fine by me brother but perhaps we might all get into something more comfortable than our military garb first. You cant train properly in it" this from Khurn as he swung his arms to loosen them up. Kalas and Marz both nodded in agreement and the three minotaur moved off on their own. As they walked Kalas placed a hand upon Marzs shoulder.
"I know you are worried about the boys, yours as well as mine, I am worried also but we must remember that they are not boys anymore. They are young men now and can take care of themselves and each other. We will see them in Neraka and they will be alright"
"I hope that you are right about that brother" Khurn dared not to tell either of them the feeling of dread that had been creeping into his guts all day, or that he was certain it would grow worse and that he feared what it might mean.
Captain Torpel was terrified of Dragons not that that was unnatural. To be completely unaffected by dragon fear was to be either without sense or a Draconian...it was interesting how often those two went together. At the same time he knew that they were essential to the success of the Dark Queens army just as they had been before. Defeat it seemed always shadowed the Queen no matter how close to complete victory she came but that was not likely to stop her still loyal followers. Her priests had come to him with the idea of raising a new army in the city which was historically loyal to her dark majesty. That he had been seduced by their tales of reward, power and glory was without question but he still had the good sense to fear dragons.
Raising the army had been easy, especially with the aid of the priests and dark mages that had arrived first. Word had spread quickly but only to the ears that it had been meant to find, secrecy he had decided was the key. Many of the men that had arrived knew him by his reputation and were willing and ready to follow him no matter what might happen next. He felt pride at that but was not foolish enough to feel indispensable. To the dragons he was as all humans were, nothing, perhaps even less. So as he waited to be shown in to their audience hall he could not help but wish that he were anywhere else. A door slightly taller than himself opened in the massive ones that had been built to accommodate the dragons and he entered through it.
Though the room it self was exceedingly large the air in it was heavy and grey. The combined breath of the three dragons, currently seated upon their perches in the centre of the chamber added not only smoke and a inescapable stench but also a near stifling heat that caused Torpel to break out instantly into a sweat. He bowed before them before coming to attention and waited to be addressed. The two blacks were Valrexor and Quella who was the female of the two, the big female red was Vlasta. It was the female red that addressed him first.
"What is your assessment of the new mercenaries that we had arrive last night Captain Torpel?"
"The two male minotaur joined with the first minotaur and the young elf woman who arrived that same day. They were accompanied by a red robed human mage and a human warrior"
"Have you ever seen them before?"
"Never though that would be the same for many of the mercenaries that have come to join us"
"You will bring them here then so that we might question them. We would know exactly who it is who comes to fight for the Dark Queen"
"It shall be done my ladies and lord" Torpel bowed and made to exit the room when the voice of Valrexor stopped him cold.
"We did not dismiss you Captain. You forget your place. Do so again and we shall find your replacement. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes my lord" Torpel suppressed a shiver.
"You may go" Gladly. Torpel quickened his step and made haste in finding four men to accompany him.
Lance and Luca stood together outside of the Inn where they had all been placed. Both had finished breakfast before the others and had elected to stand outside and watch for the soldiers they were sure would come and soon. Suddenly, and out of character for the situation, Luca smiled and looked over at his blood brother.
"So what happened with Solana? After all you were all alone here for a while"
"You sound like Vallan. It was and is still hardly the time for such things. I am surprised at you brother"
"You mean to say you didn't even talk about anything?"
"Should we have?" Lance was growing annoyed. Luca frowned.
"You do feel for her don't you?"
"As a friend yes and as a valuable companion"
"Nothing else?"
"Must we really talk about this now?" before he could reply Luca spied the five soldiers they had been waiting for and pulled the hood of his cloak close about his face.
"Its time, I must go. You go to the citadel with the others. I will be near" Luca squeezed Lances shoulder before vanishing into the Inn and rushing up the stairs to sneak out of one of the second story windows. Lance remained in the door to meet the soldiers. The one at the head of the line was obviously the one in charge. Slightly taller than average the man was human and had long black hair, pulled back into a tail. He was broad on the shoulder and walked with a confidence one would expect of a leader of men. He came to a halt before Lance, his men a few paces behind him.
"I am Captain Torpel of the New Knights of Neraka. You and your companions are ordered to come to the citadel to meet with my Ladies and Lord"
"Companions? How do you know I did not travel alone?"
"Firstly because my own men saw you ride in yesterday and directed you her as they did with the group that arrived in the night after you. Second the proprietor of this Inn is obligated to report to me regarding the new arrivals which are sent here. He could not fail to notice that you and the woman were joined by these new comers when they arrived and that you were familiar with them"
"I see. Well I shall fetch them then shall I?"
"I will make sure of it" Torpel gestured to two of his men who followed Lance back into the Inn. Thankfully the soldiers remained near the door so Lance could lean in to Jarrin as he arrived that the table.
"I want you to lead us Jarrin"
"What? Why me?"
"Because you are the most intimidating and you are also the oldest" Lance smiled.
"You will also be the most convincing brother" put in Aldemere.
"Very well"
"Once we reach the citadel just answer any questions the way you feel they expect them to be answered. Luca will be near. No hostilities until it is absolutely necessary" Lance looked directly at Vallan as he said this last who shrugged but showed that he understood by not saying anything. "Lets go" Lance straightened and waited for Jarrin to pass him before walking back toward the door.
Torpel led the way back to the citadel with two of his men behind him and the other two bringing up the rear. At the entrance they were stripped of their weapons and Jarrin could not help thinking that if it came to a fight or they were sentenced to execution they would be in trouble. He tried not to dwell on that and tried also to remember that there was a plan in place. The entire building carried the stench of dragon but it was the heaviest in the audience hall into which they were led. Jarrin had felt the dragon fear begin to effect him as soon as he had set foot inside the building but now it came near to crippling him and it might well have done if he had not been aware of how much depended upon him standing strong against it. He came to a halt behind Torpel and his men who bowed and then dispersed to the perimeter of the chamber. The large female red spoke first.
"So you claim to be mercenaries" the words hissed between her teeth along with thin tendrils of smoke.
"We do not claim my lady, we are" replied Jarrin, taking a step forward to stand apart from the others.
"Correct me if I am wrong but mercenaries fight for riches and for that wealth they will do anything will they not?"
"Generally that is correct my lady but I might say that all mercenaries are not cut from the same cloth as every man and woman regardless of race is not like onto the other"
"I see" Vlasta`s eyes narrowed as she motioned to two guards that stood closest to her. The two departed and returned with a large chest full of gold which they set before Jarrin. "And what would that buy from you?" Jarrin hesitated. He understood the importance of keeping up the charade but to swear loyalty to them, he steeled himself, it was acting and nothing more.
"Our swords, our loyalty and our lives my lady" his voice was strong and hopefully convincing. Vlasta appeared less than so and motioned to another guard, perhaps the largest in the room who left and returned dragging a half naked women with him. She had been visibly beaten and the eyes that she fixed upon Jarrin were pleading.
"This one has proven herself unworthy and not one of us. She was caught attempting to cite the people against us. That is treason and the punishment is death. Prove your words and carry out her sentence" Valrexor and Quella chortled and shifted in their places. Jarrin found himself frozen and barely able to breathe. What had he done? What was he supposed to do? If he refused they were all dead but the alternative made his stomach turn. Was the army from Solace near the city as it was supposed to be? Had Luca found a way to gain access to the citadel to aid them as he said he would? He could not help doubting it the way things looked now. Slowly he raised his sword, which had been handed to him by another guard, to take one life and save those that stood with him for a few moments more. A small price to pay...but one he found himself unable to pay. He lowered his sword again and looked up defiantly at the three dragon lords.
"I cannot. I know what I said but I will not sacrifice an unarmed woman for money. I shall not sully my honour" Vlasta hissed and the dark knights drew back in terror of what was to come. The inhale of breath heralded flaming hell that was about to befall the would be mercenaries and none of them wanted to be caught up in it. Before it could be unleashed however the doors of the audience chamber burst open and another soldier rushed in.
"My Lords! We ware under attack!" an arrow to the throat cut off anything else the man might have said and dropped him like a sack of coal.
Marz had woken that morning to familiar camp sounds. From Solace the previous morning they had marched and arrived outside of Neraka under the cover of darkness. They had set up camp, satisfied their needs and then bedded down. The sun had just risen and Marz moved slowly from his cot as a camp retainer entered his tent with a bowl of cold water and a towel. Gratefully Marz submerged his head in the water and dried off with the towel. Fully awake he called for some breakfast before pulling on his battle dressings and inspecting his war scythe. After washing is breakfast down with two mugs of coffee Marz walked out into the slowly brightening day. There were storm clouds brewing off to the West, black and roiling, but they were far enough away that they would be of little consequence. The camp was alive with activity, preparations for battle fast replacing meal time camaraderie. His eyes eventually settled upon Juspar who was tending to a rather interesting looking horse. The animal was black enough to have been cut from darkness itself and its eyes were an odd colour of green. Marz finished the last of his coffee and approached the former mage killer. Juspar turned upon hearing his steps. The half elf smiled.
"Good morning Captain"
"Morning. That is a fine horse there, yours?"
"Yes. Her name is Abyss, named such because at one time I was told by many that I ought to go there"
"Indeed" Marz regarded the horse for a few long moments before looking back at Juspar. "And where is your lady wife?"
"Gone to converse with her mother and aunt, something about the battle plans"
"Well then perhaps I should join them. If you would be kind enough to point out the direction?" Juspar nodded and pointed to two large tents under which a large wooden table could be seen because the tent flaps had been tied back. "Thank you and good luck" Marz turned and started toward the tents. He was joined by Kalas and Khurn as he did so.
"Morning brothers" said Marz.
"Morning Marz" replied Kalas. The three minotaur entered the tent together and gathered about the table which had a map of Neraka upon it. Moon. Kalowen, and Linara were all present an they welcomed Marz and the brothers with a bow. The two warrior felines were also there seated upon the table and nodded their own greeting.
"Good of you to join us" said Moon.
"I hope that we are not late"
"Not at all though the three of us have come up with a battle plan that we think should work quite well"
"Lets hear it" Moon nodded and turned their attention to the map, which consisted of a proper map of the city and the surrounding land and a hastily drawn up one of the battle area which included roughly sketched out ranks both of their own army and the enemies.
"Now according to the men we had put on watch the enemy has yet to fully register our being here, thanks to your suggestion about having no cook fires as we arrived last night Marz, but that should change within the next few minuets unless their city guard is blind. By the time they form ranks we should be ready to make our attack. Kalowen, Linara, Tyran and myself will take to the air in our dragon forms to meet the three dragon lords when they show themselves. We will try to occupy and draw their attacks as much as we can. Juspar will join us if necessary but we have given him the freedom to fight as he chooses as he seems to work best that way. Marz I would like for you to take charge of the Phoenixes as you seem to be able to handle them in a way that no one else can in the absence of their leader. Is that agreeable?" Marz nodded so Moon continued, "Kalas, Khurn I would like for at least one of you to be with Marz while the other remains with the Paladin forces"
"I will stay with the Paladins" said Kalas.
"Then we go with Sir Kalas" said Vallen, his brother Thorn nodded his agreement. Moon smiled.
"Of course"
"What of attack formations?" asked Marz.
"We will have the archers open fire before the charge and offer support fire through out the battle. We will be relying upon your strength as well as that of Kalas and Khurn to punch through the enemy lines as quickly as possible and divide them"
"Thats fine for a start but we will need more. Its best to go into battle with as many options as possible and I believe I have one"
"Share it please"
"In my experience there is one tactic that has never failed me. At some point during the battle, depending upon the state of things, I will attempt to pull my men into a false retreat and then turn about to attack from the right flank. On a signal the Paladin forces could be coordinated to do the same on the left flank creating a pincer attack"
"I shall leave that signal up to you then"
"You shall know it when you hear it" Marz grinned. "We will also need a distraction for when that time comes so that we are not too heavily pursued"
"You shall have it" Just then the sound of horns coming from a distance told them that they had been sighted at last.
"That is what we were waiting for" said Kalowen.
"Indeed"
"So it begins" said Marz, placing his right fist over his heart, "May the Gods watch over us all" he departed from the tent then with Khurn fast behind him. Arriving at the section of the camp that the Phoenixes had cordoned off for themselves Marz drew himself up to his full height and bellowed. "Battle is upon us! Form ranks and prepare yourselves. Any man seen to break rank will answer to me. It is time to prove that you are not just a band of marauders, that you are soldiers. To arms!"
"Sir!" Marz watched as the men scrambled quickly to form ranks and marched to join with the Paladin forces. Marz marched next to them and moved to stand at their head once they came to a halt, Khurn at his side and seemingly in awe of the order he had bestowed upon this famously reckless and rambunctious group of fighting men. Drums followed the hordes as the enemy ranks formed, soldiers swarmed through the ruined walls of Neraka that would have been useless in a siege. Arrows filled the air, coming from both sides, at the start of battle to greater or lesser effect depending upon the quickness of the men to raise their shields and the tightness of them. A chorus of earth shaking roars cracked the air sounding the pending arrival of the three dragons they had been warned of. In answer Moon, Kalowen, Linara and Tyran issued calls of their own and took to the skies in their dragon forms, slashes of colour staining their pale and silver scales. Marz roared and raised is war scythe as the Phoenixes behind him took up their own battle cry of Fan the Flames. Battle was joined on the ground in a rush of flesh and steel.
In the confusion that followed Aldemere, Lance, Will, Vallan and Solana retrieved their weapons. Jarrin smiled at Luca as the elf joined them and helped the stricken woman to her feet.
"You don't know how glad I am to see you"
"As am I brother" said Lance. Before Luca could reply to either of them Vlasta howled,
"Fools! You will burn for this!" the large red inhaled again and prepared to unleash her fire when suddenly a massive tree root sprang from below the citadel, shattering the floor in great shards that jutted skyward and causing the walls to crack alarmingly, slamming into Vlasta and knocking her to the ground.
"Not today you great bitch!" cried Solana. Momentarily stunned Lance looked wide eyed at Solana before shaking his head and laughing softly.
"We had better get out of here. She wont stay down for long and we will have a better chance of surviving out in the open"
"I agree, lets go" said Aldemere who was already making his way toward the door. The others followed, Luca carrying the woman with them with the intent of depositing her in some spot he deemed safe. Outside of the citadel the streets were chaos, soldiers and mercenaries that had not yet joined the main battle were milling about for orders and quite unprepared for a group of enemy warriors to come bursting out of their headquarters. Luca fired upon the first and dropped him while Lance charged forward with his cousins and Vallan, Will and Solana hung back, the mage preparing a spell and the child of nature conserving her strength.
The earth shuddered violently as behind them Vlasta freed her self at last from the tree root which had trapped her simultaneously setting the entire citadel complex ablaze, turning it to rubble as she shook her massive body and briefly gained the sky before coming back down to servery her city. In the sky above her partners fought strange new dragons that she had never seen before. A massive boom caused the ground to violently shift as Valrexor collided with and destroyed a section of the city. Quella was also brought to ground and was fighting with tooth and claw one of the strange dragons. The large red growled and found the false mercenary group that had stood before her moments before. They would pay.
A shadow loomed up over where Lance and the others were still fighting their way toward the battle beyond the city walls. Lance felled the enemy soldier before him and looked over his shoulder to see Vlasta rearing up to breath her fire upon them.
"Run!" he shouted before heeding his own warning and running for a near by ally which would provide cover. Aldemere ran but was struggling to keep up with his brother. Without warning one of his feet twisted beneath him and he fell. As he lifted himself his eyes fell upon his great mace, which had been forged by his father for a Paladin named Nabzif and then given to him on his sixteenth birthday, it had begun to glow white. As he made it to his knees Vlasta unleashed her breath weapon. The light of the mace enveloped Aldemere as he lifted it above his head in a feeble attempt to shield himself and then everything went dark.
Luca was the last to gain the safety of the ally, the woman he had saved had long ago lost consciousness and was limp in his arms when he set her down, he prayed that she would be safe here in the midst of the confusion. When the fire came the heat was enough to force everyone to flatten themselves to the ground for extra cover. The stone of the buildings around them melted but thankfully they remained standing. It was only when they were sure Vlasta had moved on that they noticed Aldemere was missing. Jarrin ran out of the ally ignoring the still intense heat, Lance followed him. Flames greeted them and the heat made it hard to see anything, ashes wafted up into clouds.
"Aldemere!" Jarrin made to plunge into the devastation but Lance caught hold of him.
"Dont be a fool"
"My brother!"
"He`s gone!"
"Let me go" Jarrin strained to break Lances hold but his cousin would not let go.
"Nothing could have survived that and you know it. I wont lose you too" Jarrin tried once more to break free of Lances grip and then gave up as a shuddering sob escaped him. He stood and watched the flames with Lance at his side, not yet ready to accept that his brother was dead. At last though he was forced to acknowledge that Lance was right, nothing could have survived that. Jarrin nodded and after a few too long moments braced himself up, softly he bade his brother farewell then turned to face his cousin.
"Lets make those bastards pay"
"Right behind you" side by side Lance and Jarrin rejoined the others and continued resolutely on to join the battle already in progress.
Though grounded for the time being Quella and Valrexor had done their share of damage so that the army from Solace had suffered considerable loss already though not enough to break them. In the thick of the battle Marz made the decision to signal the pincer formation. Letting loose a roar he hoped would be unmistakable as the signal he moved his men into formation and began a strategic retreat as from above their distraction came curtsey of Kalowen and her kin. After fleeing only a short distance Marz turned his men about and they smashed into the enemy right flank, Kalas led an identical charge with some Paladins on the left flank successfully dividing the enemy forces. Marz let out another roar, this one of triumph as he joined his brothers in law to continue the fight.
Elsewhere on the field of battle Juspar sat upon Abyss who strained beneath him in her eagerness to take to the sky. However the battle in the air was still best left to the dragons as the three enemy dragons from before had somehow summoned more of their kin into the fray. Juspar found himself smiling as the black cord whistled in and out of the enemy lines causing death and confusion, the thrill of this sort of battle was new to him and he found that he enjoyed it. Abyss suddenly jerked to the side and the butt end of a poll arm found his side knocking him to the ground. The dark knight was set to seize the opportunity to finish the half elf off when his head was swept from his shoulders. Juspar shook his head to clear it and looked up to behold his rescuer.
"You will never face a battle without me at your back little brother" Kyra, his sister who looked so like their full elf mother, smiled down at him and offered him a hand. He returned her smile and took her hand allowing her to pull him to his feet. He crossed his short sword with her own to show thanks before securing Abyss and returning to the battle.
Valrexor extracted himself from the rubble he had created with his fall and began burning anything and everything near by, mirroring the actions of his leader Vlasta. The great red had regained the sky now and was continuing the battle with the strange dragons. He tested his wings with the intention of joining her but not before letting loose a screech and calling forth two of his brood siblings who were nesting near by to rain down hell upon the army from Solace. The two smaller blacks screamed through the sky, their lithe bodies gifting them with a speed that Valrexor himself had out grown, unleashing their deadly breath weapons upon the hapless would be hero's below. Valrexor laughed as he propelled himself into the air to rejoin the fight. It was time to finish this.
Men under Marz`s command cried out in agony as the acid breath of one of the new black dragons struck them and they fell to the ground almost unrecognizable. Seeing their fellows fall some of the other Phoenixes began to rally to face down the dragon as it wheeled about preparing for a second pass. Marz shouted at them waving one arm above his head to give emphasis to his words.
"Disperse! Disperse you fools! You cannot stand against them!" seconds later Marz was forced to dash to one side to avoid being caught in the dragons second deadly attack himself. An idea occurred to him as he watched the dragon fly past. They couldn't but perhaps he could. Marz rose to his feet and straightened to his full height, war scythe clutched tightly in both hands. "Beast! Come down here and face me. You flying coward!" he had no way of knowing if his taunt would have any effect but the dragon came to ground a few feet away facing him directly while its tail swatted enemy and ally soldiers like flies.
"Say our prayers Minotaur. I am about to send you to the Abyss!"
"Not if I send you there first!" cried Marz as he raised his war scythe over his head and charged. He had little confidence that this would work, he and the God of War had not been on the best of terms since that time he had refused to take a place at his right hand so many years gone, but there was a chance that he would be looked favourably upon for this and it was a chance he was willing to take. As he neared the dragon and the beast prepared to breath his acid, he shouted a prayer to Sargonnas. Red light blazed around him as he leaped toward the dragon and swung is war scythe in a sweeping arch to claim the beasts head. Marz landed squarely upon the fallen dragons shoulders and lifted his scythe above his head as a cry of might tore from his throat. Once the rush of victory had passed he lowered his weapon to look about him. Some of the enemy soldiers fled at the sight of the dead dragon, taken down by a single Minotaur warrior. Others were unfazed and continued to fight but their numbers were dropping. Eventually Marz`s eyes settled upon the blackness that had been caused by the dragons acid breath. Among the bodies there was one that was larger than the others, a double bladed war axe lay next to it. It could not be...
Still on the ground Quella and Linara circled one another. Both were wounded but not mortally, the slow dance they did now was so they could catch their breath for the next clash. This creature perplexed Quella. Her scales were of such a colour that she could have been a Metallic but it was the streaks of orange and blue that eliminated that possibility. Her size and the shape of her head were also strange and unlike anything Quella had ever seen.
"What are you?" she hissed. In response Linara surged forward pinning the other dragon beneath her.
"I was born in Solace of a race which transcends this world and you threatened my children" Linara snapped her jaws and Quella snarled.
"Oh I will do far more than threaten" Quella struck out with her hind legs and shifted her weight, forcing the other dragon off before using her tail to sweep her legs out from under her, sending her crashing to the ground. "Whatever you are you are about to die and once you are gone your children shall follow you" as she was about to unleash her flames a darkness which could have only been caused by magic blinded her and something which felt like strong cord wrapped tight around her snout holding her jaws shut.
"Choke on your flames you great bitch!" a male voice shouted from somewhere close. Quella thrashed but the cord held firm and even pulled tighter. Inwardly she screamed and launched into the sky, using her own magic to dispel the darkness and her claws to rip the cord away. Back on the ground Linara was dazed from the attack and slow to rise. Quella growled and prepared to dive. "Abyss!" called Juspar and the black mare was at her masters side in an instant and did not need to be told what to do next. Two great black feathered wings sprouted from her back, just below her shoulder blades. Juspar mounted and the pair rose up to meet the descending dragon. Juspar muttered the words of a spell, one of the few that he still remembered, and a great ball of blue flame formed around his hand. As Quella roared the ball of flame flew from Juspars hand to fill her gaping maw. The dragon snapped her jaws and the flame vanished without having done much damage at all. Bellowing in rage Quella lashed out at Juspar with her claws, catching him in the back as she continued her dive toward her target. Juspar cried out in pain and the force of the blow forced Abyss into a barrel roll but she soon righted herself and her master still had enough of his strength to hold on. Abyss turned and flew for the black dragons unprotected back. One more time thought Juspar as lighting filled the air between him and the dragon crashing down upon her scales. He smiled with satisfaction to see them blacken. Quella roared in pain and pulled up from her dive, seemingly giving up upon Linara at last.
Not far away Valrexor met his end as Kalowen and Tyran drove him into the ground and ripped out his throat. Grieved and surprised by the death of her eldest brood sibling Quella made the decision to call her two remaining kin to her and retreat, if Vlasta lived and did the same she would answer to her later. The battle was lost. She spared a glance over one shoulder to see if the half elf and his strange mount would follow. They would not. With one last roar, which was answered by the remaining dragons, Quella retreated from the sky over Neraka.
Juspar glared after her and considered his chances. Linara was out of danger for now so he decided to let the three dragons retreat besides that he was beginning to grow dizzy from loss of blood. He guided Abyss back down and landed next to Linara. He slid weakly from the saddle and used Abyss to keep himself upright. If he fell he wouldn't get back up. Linara growled low in her throat once she saw that he was injured and took to the sky after her kin who where already in persute of the fleeing Chromatic dragons. They would either chase them until sure they would not return or attempt to kill them. Either way Juspar could not follow. He sheathed his sword and remained near Abyss to await his wife's return.
"Dear Gods...Kalas!" Marz leaped from the dragon and ran to the brother in law, kneeling down next to him. The entire left half of his brother in laws body was burned, blacked unrecognizable, and under a great hole that had been burned in his side his vitals pulsed red. In other places bone was visible. The stench of cooked meat lay about him and was almost strong enough to make Marz sick. How could this have happened? He was sure that Kalas had been out of the way of the dragon attack and he had killed it before...there had been another one, that's how. Marz cursed and rose to his feet to stand protectively over Kalas`s body. "Someone help us over here! Dont you die now Kalas don't you dare" Khurn had reached them by then and was on his knees at his brothers side. A weak and thready voice somehow found its way from Kalas ruined body.
"Do not...worry my brothers...my time is...come"
"Shut up! Dont talk nonsense, don't talk at all. You're not going to die. Hold on, Khurn stay with him. I'm going to get help" with that Marz turned and hurried off in search of Luca and the Paladin forces that were still fighting. Khurn watched Marz go then reached out to take hold of his brothers unburned hands, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Brother don't do this. Dont go. Lance and I we need you. Please" Kalas half smiled but did not reply. Marz returned with Luca and his sister Muriella, whom Khurn had not even known was there, followed by Lance who knelt across from Khurn regarding his father with a mix of shock and grief.
"No, not yet, please father not yet" his nephews please were an echo of his own as Muriella began her work. As a cleric of Mishcall the young woman was highly skilled. She called upon the power of her Goddess and her hands glowed with blue light which she channelled into Kalas to heal his wounds and to assess the extent of the damage, though a look might already have told her that.
"A lot of damage to internal organs...might be too much for you" Kalas managed before a shiver passed through him, causing a thin line of blood to drip from the unburned corner of his mouth. "My son...I am so proud of you"
"Brother save your strength let Muriella help you" Kalas nodded weakly and lay still. Lance watched as Muriella worked silently, her brow furrowing occasionally. As the moments past Lance began to loose hope. He closed his eyes and bowed his head.
"I love you father"
"And I love you too, my son" Lance clenched his teeth to choke back a sob before opening his eyes to look at Muriella.
"If you cannot save him...then..." he could not bring himself to say it but if he was beyond help then what more was there to do? Muriella continued to work for a few moments more before looking up and meeting Lances gaze. He could tell my the look in her eyes that there was no hope or perhaps there was some, she could make it so he would live but he would never wield a weapon again and likely would remain in his bed for the remainder of his days. That was not a life, certainly no life for a man such as his father. Tears ran freely down Lances face as he gently took his fathers hand from his uncle and held it in both of his own.
"Can you see her father? Can you see mother?" Kalas struggled to reply and when he did his voice was faint.
"My son I...oh she is...just as beautiful as when I first saw her"
"Go to her then, be at peace father" Lances voice shook as he clasped his fathers hand tightly, "And give my...my love to mother" Kalas smiled and his one good eye roamed over those gathered around him before settling on Khurn.
"Khurn my brother you are the head of the family now. Our parents home back on Taladas is yours and all that is in it. Lance...my beloved son, all that was hers and mine in Solace is yours now. I love you both so much" Kalas`s smile grew wider even as the light in his eye began to fade, "My Rose you are...so beautiful" in that moment Lance saw an image of his mother kneel down next to his father. She smiled at him and said,
"I will take care of him son. He is home now" she vanished then and when she did Kalas`s last breath fled from him. Still grasping his fathers hand Lance bowed his head and began to sob. Khurn let out an anguished roar and threw his head back. Marz shook his head, tears where there but refused to show themselves.
"Forgive me Lance. I should have been watching. This is my fault"
"No. Do not say that uncle. It isn't true" Lance managed between his sobs. Marz didn't reply, his thoughts were occupied with how he was going to tell Mara. Gradually Lances sobs quieted and he lowered his fathers hand, placing it back upon the burned chest it belonged to and then moving the axe so that it was clasped back in that same hand before rising to his feet and taking his sword with him. First Aldemere and now this...Lance turned his head to look out over the battle field. New soldiers from the burning city of Neraka had joined their comrades but they were too few to make a great difference. Regardless there was still a fight to be had and Lance needed it. "This battle is not over yet. I'm going back. Are you coming with me uncles?" Lance looked from Khurn to Marz. Marz nodded, holding his war scythe firmly in both hands once again.
"I'm with you nephew" Luca, who had been comforting his sister, left her side to place a hand upon Lances shoulder.
"As am I brother, always"
"Uncle Khurn?" the white Minotaur remained at his brothers side for a few moments more before rising to his feet, sword in hand.
"Yes my nephew I am and woe to them who come within my reach" Lance nodded and lifted his grandfathers sword high over his head, charging back into the thick of the battle. For his father and Aldemere they would all Pay.
It was all over in what seemed like moments. Those enemies who were not dead fled the field and were not followed. Lance felled his last opponent and looked around. The last remaining enemy fighters, seeing their comrades flee, surrendered. Lance nodded and wiped the blood from his grandfathers sword with a fallen enemies cloak before placing it back in its sheathe. He walked over to Khurn and placed a hand upon his shoulder.
"Its over uncle" Khurn nodded then turned his head to look at Lance before wrapping one arm up and around his nephews neck.
"So long as we remember and keep him in our hearts nephew he will always be alive" Lance nodded and leaned in as his uncle embraced him.
"I know uncle. He is at peace now, with mother again as he had wished for so long" Lance hung his head as fresh tears filled his eyes. He dreaded the news he now had to impart, "But uncle we lost Aldemere too" shock filled Khurns face and was soon replaced by greater sadness.
"Gods no! Not him too...he was so young still. Does Marz know?"
"No. I'm leaving that task to Jarrin" Khurn nodded again and held his nephew closer. Not far way Jarrin found his father and the two embraced. Marz stepped back after a few moments to regard his oldest son at arms length.
"Where is Aldemere?" Jarrin swallowed hard.
"He's gone father" his voice wavered but he did not move his eyes from his fathers stricken face.
"How?"
"Dragon fire. The alert was given in time. Lance and I and the others made it to safety. Aldemere must have fallen and I didn't notice until it was too late" Jarrin bowed his head and buried his face in his hands, "Father I'm sorry. I'm so sorry" his voice became lost in a sobbing. Marz took his hands from his eldest sons now quivering shoulders and turned away from him as grief twisted his features. Moments later the black Minotaur was on his knees roaring vengefully at the heaves before falling forward onto his hands which balled into fists as he sobbed. Lance lifted his shoulder and looked over to where Marz remained on the ground, but now his sobs had turned to screams of pure anguish.
"I wish we had all never come here" he muttered his heart full to bursting with the unfairness and the pain. In the midst of all the sorrow no one took notice of Moon, who was now back in her elfish form, as she slipped away into the ruined city.
He aught to be dead. By all rights and reason he should be dead and yet he was not, though he did not understand how. As he lay still as possible he tried to piece together what had happened. He remembered the dragon and the fire. He remembered thinking as he raised the mace over his head that he was dead, there was no way that he could survive. When he opened his eyes however he found that the flames had not even touched him. The mace, somehow it had protected him. The flames had died down but he was alone and so he had tried to make his way to the field of battle where his brother and Lance surely were. He had not gotten far however when the wall of a building close to the street had suddenly given way and fallen on top of him. The mace had saved him from being crushed but he would run out of air soon if help didn't come.
"Hey! Can anyone hear me? I need help!"
"I am here Aldemere, hold on and don't move"
"Moon?" in response the rock above him began to shift a piece at a time until Aldemere could crawl out from under the rest of the rubble. Moon was back in her dragon form. Aldemere smiled at her.
"Well hello there" she said and Aldemere laughed.
"Hello yourself and thanks"
"You should find your father and brother, they are convinced that you're dead"
"Lead me to them" Aldemere quickly strapped his mace to his back and hurried after Moon, who changed back into her other form, out toward the now quiet field beyond the ruined city walls.
"Marz! Marz!" at the sound of his name being called Marz lifted his head. He saw Moon running toward him with his youngest son close behind her. For a moment he was sure that his grief stricken mind was playing tricks on his eyes but as there neared there could be no mistaking the truth. It was Aldemere and he was alive. Marz gave a strangled cry and lept to his feet to run toward his son, catching him up in a strong embrace as if he would melt away in the next instant.
"Aldemere...my son" Marz`s voice shook and Aldemere placed his arms around him.
"Yes father I'm here. I'm sorry" Jarrin moved slowly to stand next to his father and the younger brother the thought he had lost. Seeing him Aldemere said, "I am sorry to you as well brother" Jarrin didn't say a word as he too placed his arms around Aldemere. Lance smiled at this happy and unbelievable sight.
"Thank the Gods" Khurn nodded and the two made their way over to stand with their family. Luca and Will joined them while Solana moved to stand with Moon. After a few long moments Marz stepped away to regard his youngest son.
"How is this possible?" he asked, "Jarrin said that you were consumed by dragon fire"
"I was but...I don't know somehow the mace protected me. When I tried to find my way here and join the battle a wall fell on top of me and it must have saved me again. Do you know how that is possible father?" had it not come from his sons own mouth he would not have believed it. He had made that mace and remembered it well but he also remembered...Marz nodded slowly.
"I think that I might but first there is something else that I must tell you son. Your uncle Kalas...he was badly burned, he didn't make it" Aldemere was stunned and momentarily without voice. When he found it again it still carried a note of disbelief.
"Dear Gods...where is Lance? Uncle Khurn?"
"Here Aldemere" said Lance, stepping into his cousins line of sight and smiling in spite of what had been said, "Damn its good to see you"
"And I you but Lance is it true? Uncle Kalas, is he" Lance nodded.
"Yes its true" Aldemere bowed his head and Marz placed an arm around his shoulders before looking to Lance and Khurn.
"You will postpone the funeral until we arrive in Solace with Mara, wont you?"
"Of course, his body will remain at the Temple until you arrive. We could not possibly have it without you. Right uncle?" Lance looked to Khurn who nodded.
"Yes nephew we will wait until everyone has arrived, there will be many who will wish to pay their last respects to him. Muriella has said that she will take care of him for us" Marz nodded his thanks and was about to make his farewells and depart with his sons when Aldemeres mace began to ring. Startled Aldemere removed the mace from his belt and held it up at eye level. Upon its surface an image of the Paladin who had originally commissioned its creation appeared. The head of the Paladin turned as if he were regarding all that stood there and then he began to speak,
"Marz my friend if you are hearing this I am sorry and I grieve for your loss. I wonder if you recall the conversation we had regarding the creation of this mace and my decision to give it as a gift to Aldemere once he came of age. You asked me why I would finance such a project and I told you that I had hope that it would one day save his life. That was the truth but not all of it, I admit now to keeping some details from you which included the identity of who's idea it actually was. I intend to reveal all to you now but someone else shall tell it" the image of Nabzif dissolved to reveal Kalas, whole and well but also looking profoundly sad,
"To my son, Khurn, Marz, Jarrin and Aldemere and also my many friends that I have known for a good portion of my life, I would like to say first that I am very sorry to have caused you such pain but I hope that you will allow me to explain.
Nabzif came to me one day with a very interesting story. Some of it I knew already because I was there. The day you almost died Marz, so many many years ago now and at the hands of one I had once called friend, you met the God of War Sargonnas who offered you a place at his side, he also told you that you could return, as he was inclined at the time to grant your own uncle, General Orin`s, wish. You chose to return to be with my sister Mara. It seems however that when you left Mithas with your young family that Sargonnas became angry and decided to take his revenge upon you. He waited until you had a second son and decided to take him from you. Nabzif was able to strike a deal which would spare Aldemere but another family member would have to take his place. I volunteered myself and the mace was made to make it final.
I am sorry for never telling you any of this my son but I feared that if you did not think me mad that you would try to stop me. I was promised that you would be a grown man when the time came. I love and will miss you, all of you, and will be waiting for you" Nabzif appeared again this time at Kalas`s side,
"Marz my friend if you or anyone else ever wishes to hear this message again you need only say so" both images faded then and Aldemere turned the mace over slowly in his hands. Marz sighed and shook his head as he placed his other arm around Jarrin.
"So it is my fault, gods damn me. If I had died when I was meant to and gone to stand at Sargonnas`s right hand this would not have had to happen"
"That is not a very wise thing to say sir Marz" this from Will, who had joined them shortly before Kalas`s message.
"Will is right father. If you had died you would have made mother very sad and neither Aldemere or I would have been born. You had no way of knowing this would happen"
"Jarrin is right uncle, do not blame yourself" said Lance. A few moments of silence past before Khurn moved to stand before his brother in law, placing a hand over Marz`s heart.
"Do not lay this on yourself brother. You heard what was said the same as the rest of us. It was Kalas`s choice, if I had known I would have done the same. That is what family does" Khurn surprised of them then by placing his arms around Marz and squeezing tight. Marz took his arms from around his sons to return Khurns embrace.
"Thank you Khurn. You always did know what to say" Khurn stepped back, placing his hands upon Marz`s shoulders.
"Even though the two of you fought often he loved you brother" Marz nodded,
"I know, there were times when I did forget that but I always remembered eventually" he chuckled "You know its only at times like these when I seem to remember that you're older than me" Khurn chuckled also then squeezed Marz`s shoulders.
"Lets say we all head home"
"Agreed. The three of us will return to Palanthas from here. Coming Will?" the red robed mage shook his head,
"No. I will go to Solace with Lance and the others. Will you tell my mother that I will meet her there?"
"Very well and yes I will" Marz looked at Khurn again, "Take care brother"
"You do the same. We shall see you in two to three days?"
"That should be about right" the two embraced again and then spoke other farewells before parting ways. The road home was long, longer still with hearts so heavy. Briefly next to Kalas`s body there appeared an old mage in grey robes with a misshapen hat upon his head and a pipe in his mouth. The mage bowed his head and then was gone.