Part One
Lights in the Darkness
The shadows of the Old Ones stretch out across the land and as they grow, they gather their champions and their chosen. The Chosen of the Archons must rise for they are the lights in the darkness.
Seth, Jay, Rowan, and Sky
Seth
After the incident of Dusken, Seth began traveling with Jay, Rowan, and Sky for a time they went moved in the direction of the elven sanctuary in the north. Then a powerful feeling came over Seth, and he felt an overwhelming need to turn in a new direction. They turned south and began to wander the feeling growing more powerful as they continued. Within a few days they arrived at the foothills that bound Silverleaf Valley. As they arrived in the region of Silverleaf, Rowan and Sky chose not to go to the Valley, and Seth sent them to a nearby town to await their return.
Seth and Jay approached the Valley of Silverleaf and saw the lone fort tower that stood at the entrance into the Valley. They were hailed by a group of knights of the Order of the Sacred Flame. When Seth spoke and gave his name, the knights let them pass and they entered the Valley. They looked upon the valley in the year that had passed; the valley was filled with green grass and signs of new growth. Seth and Jay moved slowly though the valley working their way through to the ruins of the town of Silverleaf. There they made their camp and waited for what they did not know. For a time, they wandered the ruins of the town, remembering the evils that had occurred there. Then the night came and they retreated to their camp to sleep.
Seth spent some time pondering in the dark but could not get to sleep. He got out of bed and went outside to get some air. He stood out in the moonlight and looked around then he saw the figure. It stood on the edge of the camp. The figure was tall and wore a hood and cloak. The figure stared at Seth doing nothing else for a time and turned a walked into the dark. Seth stood transfixed while the figure stared and when he turned, Seth pursed him shouting for him to stop. Seth chased the figure through the moonlight passing into the edge of new wood growth. Seth knew this path the way to the grove that stood as the heart of corruption. He came to the edge of the grove and found that it new growth had started there too but it was twisted and warped. No new grass had grown there but the ground was filled with mushrooms and new trees were dark and deformed. In the moonlight Seth looked around for the figure but did not see him. He walked through the grove and saw the dark pool where Asher had fallen. The waters were no longer blood red but dark and fetid.
Then he saw movement a shadow detached from the darkness and moved to the pool. Seth knelt in the shadows and watched a new figure raise a hand and something bubbled out deep in the pool. Then a then stream of white material glinted in the moon light as it flowed towards the figure and the figure moved his head and the moon light revealed his face. Malik smiled as he watched the white material form a small white orb in his hand. Seth tensed prepared to move and put an end to Malik.
A voice barely heard but echoing through his consciousness came to him. “Stop, It is not yet time to attack” it said. Seth tensed again and looked around for the source of the voice. He looked back at the pool and found Malik taking the orb and staring in his direction. Malik smiled wickedly and waved at him before he retreated into the darkness. Seth rose, his sword drawn and moved towards the pool trying to get to Malik, but a hand touched his shoulder, and he turned to see the hooded figure standing behind him.
The figure was an old man his beard long and white. His eyes were a bright in the moonlight as his face was illuminated. “No Seth, the time is not right for you to face Malik again.” The man said. Seth broke away from the man “Who are you and What are you talking about?” Seth asked looking at the man warily. The man smiled and Seth relaxed as he looked at the man. The man did not seem like an enemy and the feeling he got was not one that was ominous. “I am a servant of the Archons. I have been sent out because the Abominations are stirring and through Malik, they are readying their champions and followers.” The man said “So the champions of the Archons must rise to meet them”. Seth looked at the old man with confusion “What does this have to do with me?” He asked. The old man smiled gently “Those and other questions must be answered later for I have little time” he said “For now I have come to tell you. You are not ready to face them”. Seth let his anger flare “Why do you say I am not ready. I wield great power.” Seth said, pulling out his seraphim blade the crystal brightening with golden light. The man looked at him kindly and he felt a measure of shame for his outburst. “I know you have great power Seth” He said “but until you unlock your full powers then you will not be able to challenge Malik.”
Seth looked at the Man “What do you mean my full power?” Seth asked. “I mean you have always relied on the pure power of your angel blood, but you have also been touched by corruption.” The man said pointing at Seth’s side. The place where the red giant claw had pierced his skin, and he had been infected by corruption. Seth looked at him “I have been cured of the corruption, and I could never control such power.” Seth said. The old man smiled again “Corruption cannot be cure it must be allowed to run its course so that what was corrupted can be renewed.” The old man said “You can control that power, Seth. Let me show you”. The old man moved his hand to Seth’s side, and a pulsing green power seemed to separate from Seth. The old man moved the pulsing green power, and it flowed into the crystal blade. The golden light soon turned a vivid emerald green. Seth looked at the blade in wonder and horror. “What?” He started to ask. “It is the power of corruption and decay Seth” The old man said, “If you concentrate you can bring back the angelic powers and If you practice with them, you can summon which ever power you need at will.” The old man said as he stepped back “This will give you greater power to stand against Malik and the Abominations”. Seth looked at his blade and the green light turned golden again. He looked up at the Old Man and he smiled Kindley. Then the Old man turned and moved back into the moonlight. “Wait” Seth said. The man did not turn back “We will see each other again Seth at the appointed time and all your questions will be answered. Just think about what I have told you and learn to utilize the powers of Corruption and Decay.” Then the man disappeared into the Darkness.
Jay
Jay stirred in his sleep. Something was not right, he did not feel Seth next to him and he did not feel him nearby. Jay got out of bed and went outside looking for Seth. He looked around seeing no one nearby. Then out of the corner of his eye he caught movement up on the great pile of rubble that was all that remained of the great fortress that stood in the heart of the town. Jay moved in that direction thinking Seth had gone into the ruins of the town.
Jay moved down the street the brunt out ruins of builds rising around him as he moved down the familiar paths to the fortress. He saw the figure standing atop the rubble silhouetted by the moon and a stream of silver seemed to stretch between the figure and the rubble. The silver stream disappeared and the figure moved.
“Seth” Jay shouted to the figure. The figure seemed to look in his direction and then moved quickly towards him. A sense of something terrible moving toward him came over Jay and he stepped back looking around for the source of the feeling. The figure moves quickly towards him, quickly moving down the ruined street. Then it stopped near him and Jay began moving slowly towards him before a shaft of moonlight showed the face of Malik. Malik smiled at him “Hello Jay” He said “I just recently saw Seth in the woods. He did not show himself like you. Perhaps I should play with you and leave a message for Seth.” Malik raised his hand and dark orbs appeared in his hand. Jay’s heart began to beat faster and he tensed to run from Malik. “Don’t worry I won’t kill you just maim you a little” Malik said smiling wider. “No” Jay said with a weak voice calling his own power to defend himself ”I won’t let you”. Malik laughed at Jay and lowered his hand. A cloaked and hooded figure appeared from behind Jay and strode towards Malik. His laugh died as he looked at he figure and his face went pale. “You?” Malik said “How?”.
The man’s voice rang out “Leave Malik”. Malik sneered and he moved to throw out the dark orb “You don’t command me” He said. The cloaked figure raised a hand and Malik’s dark power died. He looked down in shock and looked at the figure with a mix of hate and fear. “Begone Malik, you have no power here” he said again. Malik stepped back and disappeared into the darkness.
The cloaked figure turned and Jay saw the man was old and had a wise kindly look to him. “Are you okay Jay?” He asked. Jay nodded “who are you?” He asked. “I am just a servant; I am here to help you.” The old man said. “Thank you but do you know what happened to Seth? Malik said he saw him.” Jay asked. “Never fear Jay. Seth is safe and he will return to you soon but for now I have something to tell you and to give you.” The man said. Jay nodded and looked at the man and desperately wanted to go to Seth. “You have great power in the healing power but you have an eaqually great power with death.” the man said. Jay looked at the man “What do you mean?” he asked. “I mean that for all your power to heal you can kill just as easily.” The man said and rasied a hand as Jay’s eyes widened and his breath came faster. “Peace Jay, you must remember that life and death are different sides of the same power and sometime death is a greater mercy.” the man explained “To become powerful enough to stand against Malik and the Old Ones you must accept this power. To help you I have this” The man raised his hand and revealed a black stone. Jay looked at it and the stone flew to his staff and it settled itself in the cap near the fey stone. “That is a dark fey stone. It will help you master the power of death” the man said “I must take my leave now”. The man turned and moved away “Why?” Jay asked. The man turned and gave a kindly smile “I will be able to answer all your questions when we meet again Jay. Until then think on what I told you and practice”. The man stepped into the dark and disappeared.
Jay returned to the camp and met Seth returning. They recounted both their meetings with Malik and the strange man before going back to bed. The next day they broke camp and moved out of the valley of Silverleaf returning to Rowan and Sky.
Rowan
Part 1
Rowan stood in before the great oncoming darkness and watched the monsters advance towards him in waves. He had stood like this before fighting against the darkness for he did not know how long but each time he had been overcome for no matter how strong he was his blades could not touch the monsters. He drew his twin blades and prepared to fall fighting the darkness again and as the darkness flowed towards him something changed. A figure appeared and raised a hand the darkness and monsters freezing in their tracks. Rowan looked surprised that the figure could stop the darkness like that and raised his swords as the figure turned. Rowan looked and saw an old man he had a kindly face as he looked at Rowan. “Hello Rowan” the man said. Rowan tensed “How do you know me?” he asked. The man looked at Rowan kindly, I know many thing dreamer include your name. I am not free to tell you everything right now.
Rowan looked at the Old Man lowering his blades as he did not perceive a threat from him “Who are you?” Rowan asked. The old man smiled “That is not something that I can tell you now at this time.” The Old Man said “I am here to talk to you about your dreams”. Rowan looked confused at him “My dreams”. He thought back to his dreams that had led to finding Seth and those like this where he stood alone against the darkness. The Old Man smiled as if he could see the train of his thought. “Yes, your dreams” The Old Man said “I am sure you know that there is power in your dreams, but I do not think that you understand the full power of the dreams.” He look at the darkness and the monsters frozen and turned back to Rowan. “Why do you allow them to defeat you every knight?” the Old man asked. Rowan let his anger flare as he looked at the old man “I don’t let them but I cannot defeat them with my weapons” The Old Man looked at his blades. “You cannot defeat them because you are depending on your reality weapons and not calling on the power of the Dream.” Rowan looked lost and confused at this “What do you mean?” Rowan asked. The Old Man smiled kindly “here let this show you the way.” A strange sign appeared on his blades and Rowan noticed a strange power encase them. The Old Man stepped back and waved his hand and Rowan acted on instinct striking out at one of the Monsters and Rowan’s blade slice through the Monster. Rowan looked shock at the strange new power of his blades. Rowan looked around for the Old Man and found him gone. Then he heard the mans voice coming from all around him. “Your blades now carry a piece of the power of Dreams, seek out the one who can teach you to more of the Dream”. Rowan stood before the Darkness but now he held weapons that could defeat the monsters in the darkness. Rowan awoke from he dream with a gasp and looked around seeing Seth, Jay, and Sky sleeping nearby and then he looked at the blades he set nearby for sleep . He pulled the blade slightly out of the sheath and saw now glowing on the blade the same sign that he had seen placed on his blades by the Old Man in the dream.
Part 2
Rowan followed the others as they entered the sanctuary and were met by groups of elves and fey. Seth and Jay moved among them seeking their son. Sky moved to follow them but stopped as he noticed Rowan was moving in a different direction. “Where are you going Rowan?” Sky asked, looking at him. Rowan looked at his younger brother “I am going to see Master Anders, I have something I want to talk to him about” Rowan said “I will catch up with you later Sky”. Rowan moved down the flowered paths of the forest sanctuary and soon came to home of the master that had taught him how to fight. He approached the door and knocked. A older elf with a lean muscular build and lordly features. The elf smiled “Welcome back Rowan” he said and moved aside “Come in”. Rowan bowed quickly “Thank you Master” Rowan said as he entered master Anders home. They sat a table and Anders smiled at Rowan “So what bring you here young Rowan?” Anders asked. Rowan began to tell Anders about his strange dream and about the way the dream seemed to end with the strange symbol appearing on his blades.
Anders stared at rowan as he listened to the story and then seemed to think. “Well, I am not sure how much help I can be in this Rowan. I have little experience or knowledge of the realm of dreams or how to interpret them.” Anders said “You should seek out a master who has greater knowledge of these matters”. Rowan looked at Anders “I understand Master but who should I seek out? Rowan asked. Ander’s looked at him “There is a hermit that lives on the northern edge of the forest. He is a sage who is said to have great knowledge of dreams.” Anders said “But be careful if you seek him out. He is old even by our standards and he does not like visitors”. Rowan thanked Anders and after a time he left his home. He headed to the northern borders of the forest and looked out for the hermit's home. Then he saw the house set at the base of great tree. Rowan approached the door and raised his hand to knock but before he could a deep melodious voice spoke from within. “Enter young Rowan” the voice said. Rowan entered with a sense of trepidation and saw an elf sitting on the floor of an empty room. He had the ageless features of the elves and then he looked at Rowan. Rowan gasped the elf's eyes were white with blindness. The elf smiled “You did not expect me to be blind did you young Rowan.” The elf asked. Rowan shook his head and realizing he spoke “No I did not and how do you know my name?” he asked. The elf smiled again, casting his blind eyes down “I know many things about you Rowan, I have seen you coming to me in my dreams. You seek knowledge of the dream world, and I am supposed to teach you what I know” The elf said with some reductants “Know this the dream world is quite different from the physical world you know and the disciplines you must learn will be hard for you. If you will learn then sit and call me Master Sage. If not then turn around and pass back through the door”. Wist raised his eyes and Rowan felt like even through his blindness he could see. Rowan step forward and sat down “Very well lets begin” Wist said and began to instruct Rowan.
Part 3
For several days Rowan came to Sage’s home and learned what the sage could teach him. He learned that the power of Dreams was great. Those dreams could be used to get glimpses of the future or learn about faraway places. The one thing that was incredibly powerful was bringing things into and out of the dream. Taking things into a dream was easy for all that was needed was to hold it in his mind when he starts to sleep. It was bringing things out of the dream that proved difficult as the item could not linger in the physical world.
As he learned he was joined by a young woman named Kira. She was master Sage’s great granddaughter and was training to be a dream sage as he was. As the days of moving on, Rowan felt a connection to Kira. She was kind, funny, and skilled at dreaming. Rowan felt the connection grow as the days moved towards disaster.
Sky
Part 1
Sky stood in the deep woods of the elven sanctuary with his bow out. He had been practicing his skills and was competing with another ranger. He was perched in a tree and heard the rustling as the other ranger appeared. The ranger was looking around slowly trying to pick up a sign or Sky. Sky waited silently in the tree and slowly pulled out a practice arrow and drew it. The ranger must have heard the drawing of the bow for he tensed and ran. The ranger ran with elven speed, and normal elves would not be able to hit him easily, but Sky had a special skill. He was felt his power rise and time seemed to slow around him, and he began to perceive the route the other ranger would take. Sky picked a point along the route and loosed his arrow. Time seemed to move back at normal speed and the arrow whistled through the air and Sky heard the gasp as the arrow bounced off the ranger's leather vest. Sky smiled as the ranger surrendered “You're too good at this Sky, I wish I had your talent” he said. Sky smiled and approached the other ranger “Thanks Wist”. Wist was around the same age as Sky and was a skilled ranger with silver hair and etheric purple eyes. Sky and Wist had trained together when Sky was just learning to become a ranger.
They moved back towards the sanctuary “How is it you are able to hit me even when I am running?” Wist asked. Sky looked over at him “I am not sure exactly; I can slip into a meditative state that seems to slow time and allow me to perceive the path that you will take” he said. Wist kept walking and looked over at him “That’s amazing I would love to have such a skill” Wist said “Can you do anything else with this skill of your Sky”. Sky smiled “I have never tried doing anything else. I only in the last few months have tried to develop the skill” Sky said as they entered the sanctuary again. “Well, you should consider figuring out other things you can do with the skill” Wist said and stopped turning to Sky “Same time tomorrow?”. Sky nodded “Sure we can meet again tomorrow”. Sky left Wist then and headed back towards his home. Seth and Jay had been spending time together with their son. Rowan had been out most days studying with the dreamer hermit. Rowan had also been talking about a girl he had met while studying with the Dreamer. They had already been in the sanctuary several days and Sky did not know how much longer they could remain static here.
Part 2
Later that night Sky could not get to sleep. The house was quiet with the others in deep sleep but he could not sleep. Sky decided to take a walk in the wood to clear his mind and let him sleep. He left the house and headed down the well-trodden paths into the forest around the sanctuary. The forest was quiet in the night but still there were those creatures that moved around in the dark. Sky wandered through the dark woods and then he saw it the crackling light of a campfire. Sky moved in the direction of the light and came upon an old man sitting in front of a campfire.
The old man looked up “Welcome Sky, please come sit down” the old man said. Sky came and sat at the fire with some trepidation. The old man smiled “I suppose you have heard of me from the others?” the old man asked. Sky nodded “you're the old man who met Seth and Jay and had appeared in Rowan’s Dream”. The old man nodded and smiled “Very good Sky, can you also guess why I have come to speak to you?” he asked. Sky shook his head “I don’t know” Sky said. The old man smiled and looked at him “Well I am here to talk to you about you ability to manipulate time” He said “You have a great power at you control but so far you have only managed to affect you own time and senses. You can do so much more with that power if you desire”. Sky looked at him “Like what could I do?” he said “I do not understand how much more I could do with time. It is not like I could affect time across the world could I?”. The old man stared at the fire “No nothing that powerful but you could move along the currents and see things that might happen in the past or future. You can hold time still in a fixed area and push time that is still back into motion.” he said and pulled out an amulet shaped like an hourglass “This could help you further developing your power if you use it. It can hold and store your time power and allow you amplify it when you learn how to use it”. The old man handed the amulet to Sky and rose with a grave look “Things are starting to move here in the sanctuary, and you will soon need to start your journey with the others. Be ready Sky”. The man turned and moved into the darkness disappearing. Sky looked at the amulet as he rose and the fire went out as Sky began to move back into the darkness of the wood heading back to the sanctuary.
Part 3
The next day Sky met Wist near the edge of the sanctuary. Wist smiled “Hey Sky, how are you doing today”. Sky smiled “Pretty good but I had a strange experience last night” he began to tell Wist about his experience in the night with the strange old man. Wist looked shocked as he listened to the strange tale. “Wow that was a wild story and you are so lucky Sky” he said with an excited voice, Sky looked at Wist and thought he saw a flash of something angry and jealous on Wist face. He started and looked again and only saw the smiling face of his friend. “I don’t know about lucky by it is a wild story I guess. Should we get going?”. Wist nodded and followed Sky into the surrounding forest.
Rowan and Sky
Part 1
The group remained in the Sanctuary for more than a week when Rowan headed towards the home of his new mentor hit a strange and invisible wall that seemed to have appeared across the path. Rowan looked around and reached out and felt the invisible wall. He slowly moved around the perimeter of the strange wall, and he looked through it to what was inside. He quickly figured out that the strange wall seemed to form a dome and withing the dome nothing was moving he saw a number of birds that looked as if they had begun to fly and suddenly stopped it was as though time had stopped within the dome. Rowan stepped back and wondered at the strange dome when he heard a shout and saw Sky coming towards him. “Sky what are you doing here?” Rowan asked as Sky came closer. Sky stopped and panted “Someone said they had seen Wist moving in this direction earlier. I came to see if I could find him. What is going on?”. Rowan motioned towards the invisible dome “There is some power at work here. It has created a dome around the area and is stopping any entrance into the area. I was on my way to my mentor's house to meet Kira and my mentor”. Sky gave him a strange look and then approached the strange dome. Sky reached out his hand and felt a strange resonance with the wall. He touched the wall and pushed forward. The wall did not seem to resist him but allowed him to pass through. Sky reached back and held out a hand for his brother. Rowan moved forward and grabbed Sky’s hand, and he felt a strange aura cover him, and he moved forward joining Sky inside the dome. They moved together slowly as they moved through the strange dome and soon saw the hermit's house appear. As they moved, they saw animals standing still as stones and heard nothing of the natural forest sounds that they should have heard.
Part 2
They approached the hermit’s hut and prepared themselves for as they approached the door. Rowan pushed the door open and the sight that met them was shocking. Rowan and Sky saw the body of Rowans mentor sprawled on the floor of his home but that was not what shock them most. They also saw Malik standing in the home and kneeling before him was Wist and Kira. Malik saw Rowan and Sky enter, and he smiled wickedly “Welcome Rowan and Sky”. Wist and Kira looked around shocked and as they stared and Rowan and Sky, their looks began to change to arrogance and anger. “Well, you came like he said you would, now it looks like we will have to fight Sky” Wist said with a jealous gleam in his eyes. “Yes, why did you come now, Rowan? This would have been so much easier with you not here,” Kira said with an arrogant tone.
Rowan looked at them both and then at Malik who had stepped back into the shadows and was smiling wider his eyes bright. “What is this?” Rowan asked with an angry voice his eyes falling on the body of his Mentor. Kira smiled darkly “It is really rather simple, Lord Malik offered us power if we followed him and worshipped the old ones. We wanted power for our own reasons and so we accepted”. Wist nodded and looked at Sky “Know I have more power than you do Sky. I was always Jealous about how easy thing were for you and how lucky you were but now I can surpass you”. Sky had a hurt look on his face “Is that really how you felt Wist?”. Wist sneered and nodded. Rowan looked at Kira “Why?”. Kira got a sad look for a moment but it was quickly replaced by the arrogant look “I wanted to go deeper into the secret of dreams to be able to draw things from the dream world into the physical world in a more lasting way but great grandfather did not want me to try that so I was forced to find a new teacher and I was forced to kill my great grandfather”. She looked at Rowan and Sky “Now we have to end you both”.
Kira raised her hand and something around her simmered and monstrous creatures appeared around her. The monsters were creatures out of the darkest nightmares. They moved around Kira and she smiled darkly “Do you like my new pets Rowan? This is the kind of power The Old Ones offer”. Rowan looked at the creatures and recognized them as monsters from his dreams. Rowan felt a tingle of fear move up his spine as he gripped his blades and began to draw them. Then he felt himself freeze up and his body no longer responded to his commands. He could still hear but his body was frozen. He hoped Sky was not frozen in the same way he was. He heard Wist laugh and he could see him holding his hand out “I have stopped time around their bodies Kira. Your pets should be able to make short work of them”. Kira laughed “I was wondering if your powers actually worked since it was supposed to stop them from getting here” She smiled and motioned to the nightmare monsters “kill them” and the monsters began to move slowly towards them. Sky was frozen like his brother and watched Kira prepare to send her monsters. Sky called on his powers and felt it begin to come to his aid. The force holding time around him broke, and he could feel his body beginning to move again. He held his power and felt it begin to grow and he moved faster than thought grabbing his bow and an arrow. He fitted the bow and loosed the arrow at Wist. It whistled through the air, and Wist called on his power trying to freeze the arrow in the air. The arrow froze and Wist smiled as he looked at Sky. Sky holding his power reached out with it and touched his arrow. He felt the time around the arrow begin to move again slowly and Wist’s smile began to falter as his power faltered and his grip on time broke. The arrow finished its flight, taking Wist in the chest. Kira turned shocked as Wist fell and Rowan began to move with elven speed his blades out and advancing on the beast. Kira began to laugh as Rowan was among the monsters “no blade can kill these creatures fool”. Rowan lashed out with his blades, and the blades flashed with a strange power as it cut cleanly through the monsters. Kira’s laughter died as her monsters began to disappear as Rowan carved though them. Kira began to panic and tried to summon more when Rowan closed the distance with her. Kira’s eyes began to glaze, and a sad look came to her as she slumped. Rowan pulled his blade from her body and held her as he helped her to the floor.
Part 3
Malik moved from out of the shadows “It was too soon to send them against you then. Very well we will have to try again”. Rowan and Sky rose their weapons ready for an attack from him. Malik smiled wickedly and he raised his hand. A dark shadow launched itself against them slamming them against a wall. The slump to the ground and Malik knew they were unconscious. Malik advanced his smile widening at the thought of finishing them and then he felt his presence and he looked up out of a window. The old man stood outside and was watching him. Malik snarled and he knew that he could not win against the old man. “Not yet at least but soon I will finish you” Malik said in a whisper as he stared at the old man. Malik retreated into the darkness that grew around him and he moved the darkness to take the bodies of Wist and Kira as well before he disappeared.
Rowan and Sky awoke with throbbing heads to the sound of the forest outside. They looked around and the bodies of Kira and Wist were gone along with Malik. The body of Master Sage still lay sprawled, and Sky went to get aid from the other elves. The body of Master Sage was buried with due ceremony, and Seth, Jay, Rowan, and Sky knew that it was time for them to go. The set out after the funeral heading for the capital and to find the others.
Fenrir, Damien, and Shadow
Fenrir
Following the incident at Dusken, Damien moved towards the capital city with his brothers Fenrir and Shadow. They traveled in a Carriage that Damien had hired for traveling. As they traveled Fenrir began to feel the stirring of the beast. The beast had been growing stronger since he had called upon him in Darkveil. That time it had been Damien that had been able to call him back. Still in that situation he had been hurt and exhausted by his battle with Cobra and he feared that if the beast managed to overcome him again Damien would not be able to call him back. They traveled for several hours in the carriage when they stopped, and Fenrir stopped and approached Damien “I must leave for a while Damien”. Damien looked at Fenrir “Why Fenrir?”. Fenrir gave Damien a sad look “I have some things that I have to get a handle on Damien”. Damien smiled “I understand Fenrir. When you are ready join us in the capital okay. We will be waiting for you”. Fenrir nodded to Damien and Shadow and then turned towards the nearby woods. Fenrir began to shift his form and became the wolf and entered the woods.
For days, Fenrir remained in the woods and fought with the growing power of the beast. He could feel its wild and feral powers growing stronger. He spent much of his time in the wolf form since in that form the power of the beast did not feel so overwhelming. One night Fenrir wandered through the woods hunting for food. When he was a wolf, he ran on instinct and his instinct right now drove him to hunt. As he moved through the dark woods tracking his prey, he smelt something different. The smell of the forest was overwhelmed by the smell of meat cooking. His instinct drove him to locate the source of the cooking. He moved silently through the woods as only the wolf could. He came to a clearing and saw a camp set up there and a campfire over which an animal was cooking on a spit. Fenrir looked around as he approached the camp staying in the shadows. Then he saw the old man sitting near the fire. He reached out and turned the spit slowly as the meat sizzled. The Old Man looked into the darkness right where Fenrir was standing. The Old Man smiled “you don’t need to hide Fenrir. You are welcome by the fire”. Fenrir started his muzzle pulling back to bear his fangs. Then as the Old Man remained seated and only stared into the darkness he began to calm. Fenrir watched for a time then slowly moved into the light of the fire. He moved in his wolf form up to the Old Man smelling the strange scent of him and the stronger scent of the cooking meat. The Old Man smiled “You can change back to your human form Fenrir. There is nothing to fear here”
Fenrir hesitated for a moment before he let himself change, forming back to his human form. He looked at the Old Man who nodded at him and smiled. Fenrir did not smile back immediately “how do you know my name?”. The Old Man’s smile did not falter “I know your name because I was seeking you out Fenrir. I have things to tell you”. Fenrir looked at him curiously “Who are you, old man?”. The Old Man chuckled “It is to soon to reveal who I am but you will know it time. For now I would speak to you of your powers”. Fenrir cocked his head “You mean my transformations?”. The Old Man nodded “Yes, but more than that I want to speak to you of your power of over Order and Chaos”. Fenrir gave him a curious look “What do you mean?”. The Old Man chuckled “You mean you haven’t seen that when you in your human form or even in you wolf form you instill order around you? That is the power I am talking about”. Fenrir looked away a bit embarrassed “I have been told that I have the potential to be a leader but never heard of the power that you speak of”. The Old Man chuckled again “Exactly, but much like your transformation you have a power you have not tapped. What you call the beast is that part of you that is the embodiment of chaos.” Fenrir felt a shiver run through him and look at the Old Man with fear “How do you know about that? The beast is an uncontrollable monster”. The Old Man looked at him intently “You say that the beast is uncontrollable, but do you need to control it”. Fenrir gave him a curious look. The Old Man continued “Tell me how you control the wolf form?”. Fenrir considered “Well if run mostly on instinct when I am in the wolf form. I do not have to make any input from my human side. The wolf knows what to do for it to survive and I can just follow those instincts”. The Old Man nodded “How does it feel when you are the beast?”. Fenrir shivered “The beast is like the wolf accept, that his instincts are all violence and rage. I cannot control its instincts and cannot control who it might hurt on its rampage”. The Old Man nodded “When you are the wolf do you consciously direct the wolf instincts”. Fenrir looked unsure “No do not direct the wolf, but I can nudge it with my human mind”. The Old Man nodded “Have you tired that with the beast? Nudging or guiding it with the human mind”. Fenrir shook his head “I don’t know?”. The Old Man gave him a hard look “Try, change into the beast and let go of the desire for control”. Fenrir step away from the fire as he let his breath out. Fenrir let the beast come it he felt it rage fill him and it primal instincts grew in him. He did not try to control the beast instincts but instead tried to guide them. The beast let out a bestial howl and looked around it wanted something to attack and savage. The beast eyes fell on the old man but suddenly it felt something like a guiding voice stir in its mind. The beast understood that this was a friend and was not to be attacked. The beast looked around for prey and felt the guiding voice again. It spoke of safety and rest. The beast howled again as it began to change back. Fenrir gasped as he resumed his human form “That was the first time I managed to pull it back on my own”. The old man smiled “It was very good and you should keep practicing. The beast is a force of chaos, and you should learn to harness that power. To help with that I want you to take this”. He gave Fenrir an ornate band that seemed to be made of be made of two elements one element was ordered and symmetrical, and the other element was chaotic and asymmetrical. The way the two elements were woven together however made the whole seem balanced. This is the balance band. If you wear it you will find the balancing of the powers of chaos and order easier. Fenrir took the band and looked at it before placing it on his wrist.
The Old Man nodded and rose “Rest now in this place Fenrir and in the morning begin your journey to the capital. Your brothers are waiting for you”. Fenrir nodded sitting by the fire and the Old Man walked into the darkness and disappeared.
Damien
Damien considered the messages that he still had to send. He had already dispatched a number in the days since they left Dusken. They were within sight of the capital and his home within the city. The city was large and built up against the side of a lone moutain. The city was divided into terraced teirs with the least prosperous areas set near the ground at the lowest level and the most prosperous set high in the side of the mountain on terraced clearings. He looked over at Shadow “We are almost to the capital Shadow. When we arrive, we can go to my family's manse. I still have messages to send but you are free to do what you like?”. Shadow nodded and went back to looking out the window of the carriage. Damien did not mind Shadow still brooded over the events in DarkVale and in Dusken. Damien went back to the messages that he had to send. He was had still had contacts in his network that had to be informed of Malik and then he wanted to find more information on these old ones. He felt like he had seen histories that had spoken something of them.
The carriage rolled through the confined streets of the city traveling up the inclined paths to the high tiers set for the wealthy merchants and others of wealth but lesser nobility. The carriage moved up the streets of the city until it reached the manse carved into the stones of the mountain. It had a high wall surrounding the manse and terraced gardens inside the grounds of the manse. The manse its self was a sprawling castle containing multiple levels and wings with a number of towers rising out of it. Shadow looked around “This place could be a fortress all on it own”. Damien smiled “Perhaps it could, but I doubt the city would ever be so endangered”. They moved to the main doors, and the servants came out to meet Damien bowing they escorted Damien and Shadow into the Manse. Damien went quickly to his private study and began to draft more messages to be sent out. It was late in the day when he finished and he left his study and traveled to the library of his home. The library was a multi story complex containing thousands of books.
Damien began his search among the stacks of books in the library. He knew that he had seen information in the library relating to Malik and the Old Ones but he could not remember when or where he had seen the information. It was well into the night and several servants had come to light lamps in the library for Damien. Damien was tired and began to feel his eyes become heavy. He pulled a book to him and began to turn the pages of the book as he read. Then he heard someone enter the library. He thought it might be another servant coming to check on him but the person did not leave. “I see your seeking for knowledge that you can’t remember” The voice was deep and wise but not familiar and Damien looked up sharply. The Old Man stood before him staring at the great stack of books. “Who are you?” Damien asked sharply “How did you get in here?”. The Old Man chuckled “It is not time to reveal my Identify but you can probably discover it before any of the others Damien. I am here to give you something. Something to help you remember”. “What are you talking about?” Damien asked with curiosity. The Old Man smiled “I have been going to those chosen by the Archons to be their champion and to give them Items to help the on their paths. You know your power lies in knowledge, Damien, but you do not consider the power of oblivion”. Damien looked at him “in what power lies in oblivion?”. The Old Man smiled “Much power and knowledge has been lost in the mist of oblivion. The problem is in retrieving it from oblivion’s grasp. You have heard the legends that such knowledge and power can be retrieved by entering oblivion. It can also be retrieved by finding echoes that are left behind”. Damien looked at him, his curiosity rising “Where are you going with this?”. The Old Man smiled “Only this my friend”. The Old Man held out an ancient but well-preserved book. His voice became soft “This is the book of remembrance. It has the power to call forth any knowledge that you or one who touches it has ever known”. Damien’s eyes widened “Are you serious?”. He took the book and began to turn it’s pages but they were all blank. The Old Man smiled “Yes but if you want it to show anything then you need to concentrate on what you want to remember. The book is not all knowing, so it will only be able to retrieve what you or what someone else touching it remembers”. Damien nodded and closed the book and began to concentrate on the information that he was trying to recall and opened the book again. The Old Man nodded as Damien read and he moved out the door disappearing to his next meeting.
Shadow
Shadow wandered the halls and grounds of Damien’s Manse. He would often use his skills to hide from those who wanted to find him in his seclusion. It had not been long truly since his world had been shattered when his mentor had been killed and he had been forced to kill his brother. In the chaos surrounding the events at Dusken he had never really taken time to mourn his brother. Shadow sought the solitude because he had loved his brother even though his brother was in all respects a being of the dark. Together they had been a been a powerful duo of light and darkness.
Shadow wandered the halls in the darkness. He had seen Damien go into the large library and had seen some servants going in and out as the night advanced. He did not seek any companionship but instead wandered until he found a dusty room and found a place to sit near a window and waited and stared out into the Night. As we stared out the window he heard the door creak and he started feeling his power move stir. He stared at the door as an old man entered the room and looked around until his eyes fell on Shadow or at least were Shadow was even though the old man did not see him. The Old Man smiled “You don’t need to hide Shadow. You can release your power and reveal yourself”. Shadow felt his power release. The Old Man nodded “You are skilled at hiding with your power to bend light around yourself but you don’t tap into your power to manipulate the dark because of your brother”. Shadow did not move or respond but he felt multiple feeling surge through him as the strange Old Man spoke. The Old Man continued “You will only at your most powerful when you give up your guilt and fear and acknowledge the darkness within yourself. To help you I have this for you”. He held out two knives one was a deep black metal and the other was bright and glimmering. Shadow looked a the knives but did not reach for them. The Old Man smiled and placed the knives on a nearby table “You can take them when you are ready Shadow”. The Old Man turned and moved towards the door and Shadow finally spoke “Who are you Old Man?”. The man stopped and turned smiling “You will know in due course Shadow”. Shadow watched him in as he disappeared through the door and then he rose and ran a hand down the strange knives. He picked them up and then he moved towards the library he knew he needed to seek Damien. It was time to talk to someone.
Dante and Willow
Dante
Dante was delayed in setting out for each of his fallen comrades who had died in the events in Dusken had to be buried with the honors that were due to them They were buried with their armor on and weapon in their hands. Their names and sigils were taken to be brought back to the Legion so that they can remember on the roles of honor. Dante, Willow, and the other survivors set out several days after the other groups and began to travel towards the headquarters of the Black Legion. They rode quickly and came to the fortified encampment that served as the headquarters of the Black Legion. As Dante’s soldiers broke off to join the other Knights in the encampment, Dante rode into the heart of the encampment. He came to the central command pavilion of the Lord Commander of the Legion. Dante looked around and saw that Willow had followed him. Dante nodded to Willow “If you want to wait here while i report to the Lord commander. Then I can show you around the encampment”. Dante took a pack that contained the sigils of the fallen and entered the pavilion. Dante saw the Lord Commander sitting at a table covered in map and he was surrounded by his generals. Dante went into a bow going to one knee “Lord Commander, I am here to report on the events at Dusken”. The lord Commander looked up at him “Ah Dante, yes report”.
Dante began his report telling of the events that happened at Dusken and how several under his command had fallen. The Lord Commander watched him without reaction “You did well Dante. You destroyed the threat in Dusken and gave our fallen their honors”. The Lord commander took the pack and gave it to one of his generals “Take these and hang them with the others of our fallen brethren and then place their names on the rolls of the honored dead”. The general saluted and left the pavillion and then the Lord Commander turned back to Dante “I am concerned about this new threat. What does this Malik hope to gain by meddling with these dark powers?”. Dante looked up “I do not know Lord Commander”. The Lord Commander looked at Dante and smiled “Rise my friend, you have done well. Go rest you and your men need it and I will think on what actions we should take next”. Dante hesitated for a moment “Lord Commander, I think that it would be wise to investigate and stop Malik”. The Lord Commander thought for a moment “You might be right Dante but for now go and rest” he smiled “That is an order”. Dante smiled and rose, leaving the pavilion. Dante saw Willow waiting nearby, and Dante nodded motioning for Willow to follow. Dante showed willow around the encampment, and they rested from their travels for a while.
Later that night Dante sat alone beside a campfire. His personal tent was not far away with Willow asleep inside. Dante stared at the campfire for a while when he felt someone approaching. He looked up and saw an Old Man appear out of the Darkness. Dante rose and pull out his sword “Who are you and how did you get past the guard”. The Old Man smiled “Peace Dante, I am a friend and I came to speak to you”. Dante looked at the Old Man suspiciously “Why would you want to speak to me?”. The Old Man smiled and moved closer to the fire “I want to speak with you because you are the bearer of the void blade and you have been chosen”. Dante looked shock at the Old Man. The Old Man smiled “Yes, you have been chosen. You wield the powers of Space and Void best incapsulated by your blade. I know that your power is great already but you can still gain greater power if you learn how to better utilize the powers of Void”. Dante looked at him “What do you mean the power of the Void?”. The Old Man looked at him “I mean the power of your blade has of stealing power and even leaving a trace you can detect. There are more powers that you can call on if you have the will and power. To help you I will give you this the Old Man raised a hand and a rune appeared on his blade near the hilt. The blade shone with a dark aura that seemed to drink in the light of the fire”. Dante looked at his blade “What?”. The Old Man smiled “It is a rune that should help”. The Old Man turned and disappeared into the darkness. Dante still looked at his blade his mouth open to ask another question, but the Old Man was gone.
Willow
Willow woke up in the early dawn hours by Dante waking and pulling on his armor. Willow looked at Dante “Where are you going Dante?”. Dante looked at Willow and smiled “I am going to speak to the Lord Commander about dealing with Malik. We have no time to lose”. Willow rose and put dressed “I will go with you”. Dante nodded and together they walked through the camp to the Lord Commander’s Pavilion. The Lord Commander sat outside his Pavilion watching the rising of the Dawn as he saw Dante and Willow approach and he motioned for them to enter the Pavilion with him. When they entered Dante saluted and got onto one knee. Willow watching this followed getting on one knee. The Lord Commander smiled and told them both to stand and motioned them to spare seats in the pavilion “Well my friend you have come to talk to me about this problem with Malik”. Willow seemed shocked and he saw Dante smile “You know me to well Lord Commander”. Willow watched the Lord Commander as he studied Dante “Dante, I am concerned about this Malik character and what he is up to, so I want you and your new friend here to continue with your investigation into this matter. From your report, you have the aid of others in this investigation, including Seth. I will be expecting reports from you and if you need any more support, then send word to us and we will come”. Dante nodded and saluting he left the temple with willow following.
Willow followed Dante out of the encampment as they rode towards the capital and a meeting with the others. The first night out they stopped at a small village and Dante paid for a room in the inn. Willow slept poorly that night and deciding to take a walk left the room and headed towards the main room of the Inn. There were a few people out in the main room mainly sitting quietly or talking in soft voices. Willow looked around and his eyes were caught by an Old Man. He sat on a bench in front of a table. The Old Man spoke softly “Come join me Willow”. Willow hesitated and slowly approached the Old Man. The Old Man smiled “There is no need to fear me Willow. I have come to give you something”. Willow sat down across from the Old Man “Who are you?” he asked. The Old Man smiled “You will know soon enough Willow. For now I want you to take this”. The Old Man placed a ring on the table. Willow looked at the ring it seemed to be two bands one of some bright metal and the other of dark metal wound around each other and then back at the Old Man with curiosity. The Old Man smiled “It is the ring of renewal. It amplifies your powers of creation and destruction. It will prove useful in the struggle to come”. Willow looked surprised at the Old Man “How did you know about my powers”. The Old Man smiled “I know because you were chosen don’t worry you will understand soon enough”. The Old Man rose and left the inn disappearing into the night. Willow took the ring and wondered as he went back up to his bed and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
Part 2
The Chosen
The shadows deepen and the Chosen of the Old Ones emerge from the darkness. Will the chosen of the Archons stand against them or will they fall and the lights fail.
Prologue
Malik stood in front of a large window. He smiled stroking the cover of the book of the Old Ones “It is all going so well, my lords. Even with the reappearance of that meddler from before. I will deal with him soon enough”. He turned from the window and went to a second-floor balcony overlooking a large circular hall. His eyes pierced the gloom that shrouded the hall. He saw the women that he had taken and smiled they lay in shallow sleep. Their bellies were large and round with the chosen growing inside their wombs. Very soon they would give birth to the chosen and then would come the confrontation with the fools that would stand against them. One of his cultists approached him as he looked down into the hall “My lord the sacrifices are almost ready”. Malik looked at him “Very good”. The cultist did not move away, and Malik gave him a hard look “Is their more?”. He saw the cultist gulp “Yes my lord we have gotten word that those searching for us are getting closer to finding our hideout”. Malik smiled wickedly “I know you fool. It is as I intended, the sacrifices will give birth to the Chosen just in time for them to find us and when they come here The Chosen of our lords will destroy them”.
Malik looked down into the hall when the first cries began and saw one of the women moving around. The cries turned to screams as cultist rushed towards the woman and began to tend to her. Malik smiled wickedly and heard the whispers of pleasure rise from the book of the Old Ones “So it begins”.
Chapter 1
Lucian rode through the countryside. He had been searching for months for some sign or word of Malik and more importantly his wife. Thus far he had found nothing, and he was beyond desperate in his search. He was heading towards the capital now. He remembered the others that he had met in Dusken and he wanted to know if they had discovered anything. He was ragged and travel worn after so many months of traveling, often camping along the road. He desired a soft bed and a bath while he was in the city.
Lucian entered the city and immediately sought out the home of Damien. It took an hour of searching through the city and asking shopkeepers and inn keeps before he got directions to Damien’s Manse. He soon stood before the gates of the manse and a guard approached when Lucian gave his name the guard nodded and opened the gate for him. Lucian entered the manse and a servant appeared leading him to a large study. Lucian saw the others look up as he entered the study. Damien, Jay, and Willow sat in large chairs around a desk. Fenrir, Dante, and Seth stood in a huddle and looked to be talking. Rowan and Sky were sitting on a side couch listening to the conversation. Shadow stood by a window and was turning like he had been looking out of the window. Damien looked at him intently “We have been expecting you, Lucian”. Lucian nodded “I have been searching for signs of my wife or that monster. Have you found anything”. Damien shook his head “Not yet, I have been running my networks, and we have been investigating a number of leads. We have discovered a number of nests of the cultist trying to operate and expand their organization. The local guards have been dealing with those, but we have yet to find Malik. We have had signs Seth, Jay, Rowan, and Sky have all seen him but we have not found him again”. Lucian face became grave “You have nothing?”. Dante moved forward “We have leads that are being investigated. The one that we are looking at right now is a Lord who has not been seen for months. We have sent some scouts to his castle on the slopes of the southern mountains”. Lucian gave him a hard look “What does that matter? By the time that we hear anything, they will be gone. It will take days for a message to reach us”. Damien smiled “No, we will hear something within a few hours or a day at most”. He pointed at a mirror that sat on the desk “That is a magic mirror that will allow quick contact over a distance. We started using them weeks ago after it became apparent that we needed a better means of communication”.
Lucian looked at the mirror his face softening. Damien looked at him “You are weary and travel worn Lucian. My servants will take you to get a bath and then you can rest for a while”. Lucian opened his mouth intending to object and Damien smiled “I will make sure you are informed when we get any new information and before we make any decisions. Lucian hesitated and then nodded. A servant appeared and lead him out of the study.
Chapter 2
Lucian ran through the darkness, screaming his wife’s name. He heard her screaming in pain and fear, and Lucian felt his fear rising as he ran. The darkness seemed to press in on him as he heard her screams becoming distant like she was moving away from him. Then a malicious laugh began to ring through the darkness and Lucian screamed.
Lucian awoke with a shout and looked around the room. He lay in a feather bed and as he looked around, he saw the servant at the doorway “Sir Lucian, are you okay”. Lucian’s breath hitched at the aftermath of the nightmare “Yes it was just a nightmare”. The servant nodded “Master Damien sent me to inform you that they have gotten the report and to ask if you wanted to hear it”. Lucian looked at the servant, his mind and body calming “Yes, I want to hear it. I will be down shortly”. The servant bowed and left the room allowing Lucian to dress quickly and run down to the study where he had met Damien and the other before. When he entered, he saw the others sitting in chairs around Damien’s desk. Damien looked up as Lucian entered “Lucian we have the report. A large nest of cultist has taken residence in the castle and the rumor in the surrounding villages is that a leader has taken up residence there and he is performing some dark ritual”. Lucian looked at Damien with hope “It is Malik. Can we get there before they escape”. Damien smiled “There will be no escape. I have been able to convince the local lords to send soldiers and mages. They will stop anyone from trying to leave. Malik, if he is there has not been seen so I don’t think he is going to leave. He is most likely waiting for us to come to him”. Lucian nodded “When do we leave?”. Damien looked intently “I have everything prepared we can leave within an hour. I have arranged for fresh horses on the way so we can travel straight on without issues”.
The group left within the hour. Lucian rode ahead with Dante and Seth in a sort of vanguard. Behind them rode Damien, Jay, Willow, and Shadow. In the rear Rowan and Sky rode watching for followers around the group Fenrir ran in his wolf form he moved faster than the horses in that form. They rode quickly and managed to make good time stopping at certain villages to get fresh horses. Within a few days, they approached the southern border and the castle rose before them. The group stopped near the castle where the guard forces had created a perimeter around the castle. The guards saluted as Damien and Dante got off their horses to speak to them. Then they returned “We can walk from here, and it would be better to go in ready for a fight,” Damien said with a grave voice. The others nodded and gathered their weapons; they approached the great doors that lead towards the castle's courtyard.
Chapter 3
The group entered the castle on their guard for any sort of danger. As they moved through the courtyard towards the main door of the castle, they saw no other people. They came to the doors towards the interior of the castle. The doors swung open as they approached and they entered the dark gloom of the castle interior. They moved in slowly and weapons at the ready. The group entered the entrance hall looking at the various passages and stairs winding deeper into the castle interior. They began to debate about which passage to take when the shadows rose and swallowed them. Lucian felt the shadows pressing against him and the shouts of others. Then the shadows were gone and Lucian found himself alone. It was as though the shadows had swallowed the others up. Lucian hefted his blade and knew that he would have to keep going and hoped that he could find the others again.
Lucian felt himself drawn towards a passage. He moved down the passage watching for dangers as he moved slowly through the silent gloom. The passage was long, and the silence was unnerving, and Lucian felt his anxiety growing with each step. Then the passage ended and opened into a large circular hall. Lucian looked around trying to pierce the gloom and he saw a few what looked like beds situated around the circle. He approached the beds and saw the forms laying on them. He got closer and noticed they were women and that they were pale and still. As he looked at each woman's face and suddenly went still as he recognized her. His wife lay pale and still blood stained rags laying around her bed. He rushed towards her crying her name and felt tears running down his cheeks as he held her body. He looked at her pale face and felt his world falling around him when he heard the malicious laughter. At first, he thought it was his nightmare again when he realized it was real laughter and was coming from above him. He looked up and saw the sneering face of Malik. Lucian felt hatred and rage rush through him “Malik, what have you done?”. Malik’s wicked smile widened “These women have served as the sacrificial vessels of my lords chosen and the lords claimed them during the birth”. Lucian snarled “and what happened to the others?”. Malik looked down at him still smiling “They have their own meeting with old friends. You are mine to play with”. Lucian felt his rage building “I am going to kill you”. Malik moved and seemed to float down from the balcony. Malik face fell into a sneer “Try if you can”. Lucian raised his sword and rushed into an attack.
Chapter 4
When the shadows lifted, Seth found himself in a chamber. As they looked around, a cold dread began to settle on him. The chamber was covered in red corruption that grew and twined into the stone of the walls. The rancid smell of decay rose and lingered across the chamber. Seth looked around at the crimson corruption in horror, and he felt something twine around his waist and lift him up. He felt more corrupt vines twining around him and binding him tight. Then he heard the drawling voice “Did you miss me, Seth?”. Seth recognized the voice and saw him coming out of a corner darkened by a cocoon of corruption. Seth voice was weakened by shock and horror “Asher”. Asher moved forward with a dark smile on his face. His body was mottled by corruption, and his eyes were bright and crimson as he looked at Seth.
Asher smiled wider “What do you think, Seth? I think this form is much better for me, don’t you?”. Seth’s shock turned to anger “I killed you, Asher. How could you have survived?”. Asher looked at him the smile never twitching “Oh you did kill me Seth and my soul was claimed by the Old Ones. Then I was reborn in this place, and I waited for you to come”. Seth let the hate and dread wash over him “How?” Asher laughed “Malik and my new mother, managed to bring about my rebirth. He is the herald of the Old Ones, and I am the chosen of the Crimson King. Now Seth, I will break you and claim you as mine in the name of the Crimson King and don’t worry about your lover boy and son. I will take your son, and I might take your lover's boy and let you play with him sometimes”.
Seth felt the rage turn to fire and the golden aura appeared around him “You will never touch them, Asher. I will destroy you monster “. Asher laughed again “you cannot escape Seth. You are mine now forever”. Golden flames lashed out a the corrupt vines holding him and the flames only licked at the vines but it did not destroy them. They only shuttered and grew tighter. Asher watched with a sneering derision as Seth tried to escape. Seth saw the golden flames were not working, and he calmed himself. He thought about the power that the old man had shown him and felt the corrupting power begin to rise to his call. Suddenly the aura turned palest green and the flames turned to a mist the moved out from him and clung to red vines and they began to wither and turn black.
Ashers laughter died and he looked shocked and horror struck as his crimson corruption began to wither before the power of Seth. Seth felt the vines give way and fell to the ground and suddenly the seraphim blade was in his hand the crystal blade glowing green. Seth smiled and stabbed his blade into the crimson corruption consuming the room. The green energy pulsed, and the mist expanded into the room. The corruption began to blacken and wither from the point where the blade stabbed. Seth gave Asher a hard look “You will never threaten me ever again, Asher. Burn”. The light around Seth blazed gold an the golden flames raced outwards consuming everything. Seth saw Asher flee as the flames consumed the chamber and everything in it. Seth rose and followed Asher as the chamber burned.
Chapter 5
The shadow deposited Jay in another chamber full of mist and gloom. Jay looked around the room his staff held at the ready. Jay's eyes could not pierce the gloom, and he held his staff forward. A silver light appeared at the end of the staff, and the radiance lanced through the mist and gloom revealing the chamber. Around Jay lay corpses dressed in torn robes. Jay felt bile rise in his throat as he looked around at the corpses. Then he saw something move at the far side of the chamber. A figure walked into view and Jay felt his heart sink “Grandfather”. The figure revealed had all the features of Merrin only that he looked younger, and his features were pale and twisted. Merrin looked at Jay with a look of deep sadness. Jay’s stomach sank “How are you here Grandfather?”. Merrin did not say a word but raised a hand, and Jay saw the corpses begin to rise.
Jay cried out as the corpse shambled towards him, grabbing at him. It was just like Dusken and Jay began to lash out with silver lighting. The corpses were sent flying from the blast of lighting but they rose again and came on. Jay felt fear beginning to rise within him as the corpses continued to close in. Jay caught sight of Merrin through the shambling corpses “Grandfather please”. Merrin only looked deeply and profoundly sad as he watched Jay. One of the corpses grabbed onto Jay and he lashed out with more lightening. Jay was losing hope that the corpses could be stopped. Then a memory came to him the old man telling him of power of death. In desperation, Jay sought that power and channeled it. A bolt of black lightning lashed out, and bodies were sent flying. Jay lashed out again and only then began to notice that the bodies were no longer rising to resume the fight. Jay felt hope flame in him and he changed tactics no longer using lightening he channeled the death power and created a mist that began to radiate out from him at the center. The mist began to fill the chamber and the corpses dropped as the mist touched them. Jay watched them dropping like the force controlling them had been cut.
Jay looked around and saw that Merrin was moving away. He turned and looked back at Jay with the same sad look and then turned moving down a corridor at a quick pace. Jay moved quickly to follow him into the gloom.
Chapter 6
The shadows lifted and Damien saw an empty chamber. Damien looked around in interest at the chamber wondering why he had been brought there. Then he heard someone move in the shadows of a corridor across the room. Damien looked over a the source of the noise and saw a figure appear in the door. He felt his heart skip a beat as the figure was revealed “Luc?”. Luc smiled he was wearing dark robes, and he looked just as he had that day in DarkVale “Hey Damien, did you miss me”. Damien almost moved forward as a mix of Joy and Dread filled him. “How is this possible?” He said his voice hoarse. Luc gave him a disappointed look “I thought you would be able to figure it out, Damien” his voice carrying a malicious note “Well if you don’t know. I am here now because of the will of the Old Ones and the woman who gave birth to this new form”.
Damien felt his heart pounding as he looked closer at Luc and he began to see the difference. Luc’s blue eyes once full of wonder and kindness. Were now full of hatred and spit. His face so familiar to Damien was twisted into the sneering and hateful expression. Damien shook his head “I don’t know who you are but you are not Luc”.
Luc laughed “Well I can understand why you don’t want to believe me Damien. I am Luc”. Luc drew a long knife from his robe “Now I have to kill you Damien. Do not fear you will be taken by the Deceiver and you can be reborn to stand beside me like we were always meant too, Damien”. Damien felt a cold anger growing inside him and he pulled out his own knife “If you want this fight. Then so be it”. Luc smiled darkly and rushed in his blade flashing. Damien moved in to defend their blades clashing as they moved around the chamber in an elegant dance of death”. Damien moved dodging and weaving as his knife struck out seeking to end the false Luc. Damien’s anger was growing hot as he saw the false Luc’s sneer as he lashed out at Damien. Damien moved with Luc’s slash, but he felt it tough on a strap to a small bag and Damien saw the book of remembrance slide across he floor towards Luc. Luc sneered as he picked up the book “What is this?”. Luc opened the book and his face went pale as he read. Damien snarled and rushed in his blade flickering, and his offhand stretched out for the book. He felt his hand grasp the book as his blade slashed the false Luc’s hand. Luc screamed and moved away as Damien claimed the book. Damien saw the false Luc moving towards the door corridor and he looked at the book. Damien looked down at the book still open on the last page that Luc had read and he saw a message. Damien read the message quickly and felt his heart hammering in his chest and saw Luc disappearing down the passage. In a rush Damien followed after Luc into the darkness.
Chapter 7
Dante felt the shadows lift and found himself in a dark chamber. He looked around and heard laughter that echoed around the chamber. Dante looked for the source of the laughter and looking up, he saw the dark figure looking back down at him. Dante’s face hardened “Castor, so you came back?”. Castor smiled wide “You act like you expected me Dante”. Dante shook his head “I was not expecting you but like any parasite I know that your kind rarely stays dead”. Castor’s smile flickered “Parasite am I”. Castor leap down the chamber below and Dante got a good look at him. He was physically the same but his eyes once crimson are deep black and when Castor smiled his fangs were not those of a Vampire but of a demon.
Castor sneered and rushed at Dante. Dante moved with a swift effortless grace of his blade moving from it sheath as it clashes with Castor’s claws. Dante smiled “You never learned did you Castor. You can’t beat me”. Castor sneered “It is you who fails to understand Dante”. Castor moved as fast as thought and Dante felt claws sink into the flesh of his arm. Castor smiled wide as the he felt Dante’s strength being absorbed. Dante staggered as he felt strength leave his body. Dante was not helpless though he drew power from his blade and felt himself wreathed in void energy. Castor fell back in shock as the void energy lashed out at him. Castor smiled showing his fangs “Seems we both learned some new tricks”. Dante’s face hardened, and he drew deeper on the void power. He moved into an attack his blade flashing out in a storm of steel.
Castor’s smile faltered at the determined attack of Dante. He sought to strike out with his claws, but each time Dante’s blade was there to meet and repulse him. The feeling like this was like before began to settle over Castor. Castor began to retreat dodging the flash blade as he moved slowly back. Dante altered his attack fencing Castor in and driving him towards a wall and a final end. Castor fell back waiting for his opportunity and then he saw it. Dante overextended his reach by a small degree, and Castor struck slamming into Dante. Dante fell back several steps the worst of the blow being cushioned by armor and the void power. Dante got his bearings again and found Castor fleeing down a corridor. Dante rushed quickly into the dark corridor trying to catch Castor.
Chapter 8
Fenrir found himself in a dark chamber when the shadows lifted. He was in his near human form his ears moving seeking sounds. Then he heard loud hiss as a figure emerged from the shadows. Fenrir looked at the figure, his eyes piercing the darkness. “Cobra” Fenrir said with a deep snarl “Your Dead”. The hiss turned into hissing laughter “Not anymore, Fenrir”. Fenrir snarled again and he felt the beast raging inside his mind raring to get out. Cobra’s eyes flashed and hissed softly “Yes Fenrir let your beast rage. You might even kill me but you know you will be lost”. Fenrir felt the hiss enter his mind and felt his will fractur. Cobra hissed again “You know that you cannot defeat me now Fenrir”.
Fenrir snarled “I defeated you before”. Cobra hissed softly “That was before Fenrir. I am stronger now. You are weak, Fenrir”. Fenrir’s mind fractured more under the hissing whispers of Cobra. Fenrir felt the beast struggling against his will, and he feared that he would not be able to control or guide it. Cobra kept hissing his soft whispers, and the poison of his words entered Fenrir, breaking into his mind. Fenrir fell back from Cobra’s slow advance his mind roiling. Then he felt a warmth at his wrist and looking at the bracelet of balance then he felt his mind calm.
With his mind calmed Fenrir felt the beast ready and eager for battle but no longer raging. Cobra was almost on top of him; his claws glinting eager for blood. Cobra hissed “Die now Fenrir”. Fenrir smiled “Not today Cobra”. Fenrir felt the beast come and he transformed. Cobra fell back in fear at Fenrir’s burning red eye. Cobra knew that he could not survive a battle with the beast, and he attempted to flee. Fenrir pursued lashing out to try and grab Cobra and sink his fangs in. Cobra evaded and in a sudden action he spit a glob of poison at Fenrir’s face. Fenrir felt the poison splash on him, but he was able to protect his eyes.
Fenrir shook the poison off but still felt a burning from the spots the poison had settled. He saw Cobra fleeing into the darkness and quickly ran to pursue him into the darkness.
Chapter 9
Shadow found himself in another chamber and a figure in deep gray robes waiting for him. Shadow looked at the figure “Wraith, aren’t you supposed to be dead?”. His brother smiled and Shadow saw a manic look in Wraith’s eye. “My lords have resurrected me. Now brother kneel down and worship the Old Ones and I will not have to kill” Wraith said the manic look becoming that of a zealot. Shadow looked at his brother sadly “No I will never worship the abominations. Wraith, please come to your senses”. Wraith’s face set into hard contempt “So be it then I must use force to make you worship them”.
Wraith leapt forward his knife flashing in his hand, but shadow was ready. His own blade flashing to the defense. Wraith laughed as he struck out and Shadow saw a greyness moving out from Wraith as he moved. The greyness began to dull everything around them as they fought. Shadow’s blade flashed out as Wraith overextended, but his blade never struck home. The greyness seemed to empower Wraith and he moved faster than Shadow could see. Wraith laughed, a mad Zealous gleam growing brighter in his eye “You will worship the Old Ones brother. We will be together again working for the glory of the lords. Won’t that be wonderful”. Shadow looked at his brother horror and sadness growing in his heart.
Shadow fell back to a place where the greyness had not touched. He reached out with his powers gathered the flickering light around him and unleashed it in a blazing blast. Wraith fell back crying out as the light blazed out illuminating the grayness. The greyness did not disappear and Wraith laughed again as he readied for another attack. Shadow breathed and called upon his power again gathering darkness around him and lashing out with dark. Wraith cried out again as he was consumed by the darkness but the greyness stood firm. Wraith stood shocked as he looked at Shadow. Wraith became grimmer “Give it up you cannot win”. Shadow only smiled as he drew in the light and the dark but Wraith did not let him attack again. Wraith moved quickly his blade glowing in the pale greyness and he struck out at Shadow again. Shadow defended his blade shining with a mix of dark and light and their blades clashed. There was an eruption of power and a rush of light and darkness. The greyness shattered in the rush of power and Wraith screamed.
Shadow’s eye adjusted after the rush of power and he stood in the chamber alone. The greyness was gone and Shadow looked around trying to find where his brother had gone. He saw Wraith rushing down a corridor. “You won’t escape me Wraith” Shadow said in a whisper and he rushed to follow Wraith down the corridor.
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