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L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
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<blockquote data-quote="Laurel" data-source="post: 1873176" data-attributes="member: 17067"><p><strong>Chapter 3- “The Fall of the City of Forsaken Elves”</strong></p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Day Fourteen- Oceanus Continued</span></span></em></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">We raise our arms to shield our eyes from the sudden brilliant light that for seconds shone brighter then any light we had felt. As the light dims a figure now stands before us, each of us tenses waiting to see what the creature will do. The figure could easily fade into the night with his midnight black armor, but for the mark upon his chest- a pure white skull with two blazing blue eyes etched within. The eyes tell us all we need to know, this one was sent by the Bluestar. At his waist rest two swords, nimble fingers too comfortable with their weight rest upon the hilts. In the still air the royal purple cloak lays slack over his shoulders, but for the hood pulled round his head. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I hear a gasp and a snarl around me as we finally see his face. A scar over one eye shines with a blue power not normally seen upon our friends face. The face of Archonus Arendorr.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Still gaping at what is before us, he nods to my left a place I know holds… Archonus. The man who still now wears his crimson mask covering his mark. The same eyes, the same...</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The man’s face cringes with sadness and regret before his normal unfeeling face wipes it away. Turning to Arfin, </span></span><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I do not have much time." My heart clenches not understanding, it is his voice the same voice. His voice commands, "Arfin, do not speak! The world you would create is far more terrible than you can know." As he opens his mouth the go on, our Archonus steps forward pulling the mask down from his stunned face,</span></span><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> "Who in the name of the Light are you?"</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Remarkably the man’s face grimaces, "I am the Sword of the North, the last son of the True Line. My family's line is that which binds this red world of war and death to the blue star that ever hangs in the night sky. I am a servant of my blood, and no more. Though I was once you, I am now Archonus Bluestar, and you would do well to fear me." </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">With his normal grace he faces a confused Arfin swords drawn at the ready, "Arfin, promise me that you will utter no wishes, that you will not speak the desires as granted you by those infernal cards! Arfin, promise me, or I shall end your life to prevent you from bringing Hell itself to this world!"</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Arfin can only jerkily nod.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The apparition begins to fade, but his words hit us with more power then before, "It will serve you well to fear me, friends, for this is the last time that my words carry anything less than death! The force before you is not from the hand of my father, but he shall slumber no longer! The wings of the dark serpent shall encompass the earth, and on that day you shall beg for the light of a blue star! Beware! The western darkness has come, and soon the north shall fall upon you, as well! Beware! Beware..." The last words was uttered with such pain.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">They stand frozen gazing at the spot where he was. A soft feather brushes my ear startling me into motion. Still feeling a strange coldness inside, I swing into Farathier’s saddle. I send a belated prayer for the light to watch over my friends. I know they will do what needs to be done. They will alter the course of this city, what I do merely changes the course of one life. Leaving Archonus Arendorr to help them- they will need it more. With a single cry and nudge of my heels, the horse springs forward. <em>Hopefully I will be in time</em>! </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">As I round the first corner I hear hoof beats behind me, and with a glance I see Xath on a little gray pony charging after me. I hear screams and yelling in front of me in some harsh ancient language, it is the same as the creatures from the ship a few days ago. A draconic language then, but one I can not decipher. It takes no words however to take the meaning of the spears and stones the small lizard men point in my direction. The larger beast that issued the order opens his mouth and a vile air quickly envelops me. I quickly draw my bow, nock an arrow, and release it in one swift motion. As the tip enters his neck he seems stunned, I fear not by the arrow itself but by the fact that something was able to penetrate his scaly hide. He then turns his fury full towards me and charges. One of the small creatures manages to hit Farathier’s steed, a long mangled spear deeply imbedded in his side. I loose my seat, but rolling land in front of the beast on the balls of my feet. The large scaly creature continues to roar and race towards me. I see a flash as Xath not slowing down races up behind me. I knock two arrows trying to lay down cover fire against the smaller ones reaching for her. Hearing the heavy steps approach, I turn knocking more arrows and letting them fly seeing from the corner of my eye Xath charging down a side ally three of the small creatures following.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The creature continues to race towards me, but as I take a step back I hear the slithering of three more of his minions surrounding me. I rapidly shoot with two arrows knocked each time, watching as each penetrates the large beasts scales. He is the toughest, the leader. He must go down first. Before I can ready any more arrows I feel the first spear gash my leg from behind. I turn and fire. It is now simply who can last the longest, me with my arrows or them with their spears. As I turn the circle getting them systematically one at a time and trying to ignore the growing river of blood filling the street. It seems they keep coming, those were just the beginning as others came from around the alleyway. Three small bullet shapes dive in again and again digging sharp talons and beaks at the creatures, distracting them if nothing else. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Finally all but one lies dead. As my legs finally give out, I see my destroyer and his single remaining pike. It is already covered with my blood what is a little more, a strange smile tugs at my lips. He stands taunting me, knowing I can do little now. I try to hold on to a single arrow shaft, if he gets close enough… His mighty commander unable to stand crawls slowly on his one good side toward the alley Xath ran into.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Suddenly a warm spray of wetness hits my face, and turning I see Xath’s bloodied and weak form hack into the creature as it stands above me. The spear drops to the stone, and her sword quickly follows. She looks down at me with a concerned look, then helps me to stand. Quickly pulling out the spear in my leg, I take the potion from her large hand and drink till I can eventually stand on my own. I look down to see my once bright armor and cloth covered in the sticky blackness.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I barely notice Xath as she searches the bodies. Remembering the risen ship from Oceanus, I slowly walk to the closest one and draw my fathers Kurki. I slowly draw it across the first reptiles neck; oddly feeling nothing as I watch for a moment the blood start to poor from the new wound. I walk to each in turn, until I reach the large form of their commander. I can only carry one head and I will not see him reawaken as the undead, and can only hope that I can stop his return. So I take his own sword and with a scream of rage slice it through his neck to the ground below. I look to Xath and though she is just watching in understanding, I state simply "Thank you… for saving me. Let's push on."</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">We only get a few blocks when again the blast of the dread horn is heard, but this time an unnatural dark shadow descends on the city. Xath and I turn our heads to see a monstrous form towering above the buildings. It’s blood red leathery wings and scaly form stand barely moving as it issues death, “You have one hour. All that is left will belong to us.” A horrible laugh rumbles through the city. I grab Xath's arms saying, "We have our mission, and we will help defeat them later, with our friends at our side." Giving her a shaky smile, I push on listening with half an ear to the strange message the beast speaks. If I had gone to the port and stayed here those long months ago, I may have believed everything and simply fled as I see the towns people do, but I have lived and seen so much of life and debt that I know the words spoken are false. I know that these are just more lies and more betrayals added to this rising evil. Though they carry the Bluestar’s mark and banner, they do not come from him. Archonus told us so…</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">After a few more blocks of deserted streets, we finally can see the top of the Apectin temple around the next corner. I see two figures in the group outside. One seems to be the body of a small child and the other of an older adult. The black haired father slumps over his child, shoulders shaking in grief. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">That is until Xath and I get closer. The adult looks up and we know it is not grief. We see the blankness in his eyes and the bloody entrails of the child mixing with the dirt of the street. The blood on his hands and around his mouth tell us all we need to know. As I order my eagles to attack, more seem to come from the piles of refuse laying about. I quickly fire, and see one of my eagles rake his talons down a woman’s back. With startling speed the hand of the undead raise and strike the bird. At contact the small form stiffens and falls to the ground. I quickly knock more arrows and let them fly in as fast a movement I can. I can hear the thwap of Xath's bow string next to me, but they keep pushing onward. If we can only get past them, we are but feet from the steps. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Too soon they are within reach and we are backed into a corner, I keep firing knowing that I would rather go down fighting then running. I smell the stench grow as they get closer and with the brush of a hand I feel my legs and body stiffen. With nothing else to do my body falls to a heap on the ground. I can only see the feet of the undead as they move around me and the grunts and pants of Xath as she fights them alone. Soon I can move my finger and as the tingling slowly proceeds through my body I think '<em>we can do this, we will make it, we must.</em>' As I stand, strange words come unbidden into my head speaking them, I see my hand glow and feel a strange power rushing through me. I reach out and touch the back of the closest undead watching the fire reach out and quickly sear his flesh. Though I see Xath’s form lying unmoving on the ground, “She got touched. She is just paralyzed as I was.” Trapped with undead between us, I continue to fight. I will not leave a fallen behind. I feel the sting of tears in my eyes and with a scream fire arrows directly into the bellies of each undead standing. Only when they are all truly still do I cease firing and look upon Xath. My friend…</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I quickly grab her bulky frame, and awkwardly race to the temple doors. I find them locked and barred, “No! Open up!” I yell banging my bloodied fists against the door not noticing the deep red in print they make. The door creaks opens to a thin white haired human male. He reaches out with surprising strength and yanks me inside the temple. I put Xath on the ground, watching her form grow colder and ashen. Looking up I plead to the old cleric, "Please is there anything you can do to save my friend?" His eyes are unfocused as he stares at us, his lips moving in a strange sing-song tone. I stand up going to the small group of others that have entered the room. All wear a blue tunic with a full gold sun emblazoned across the front. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">They stand with swords and other weapons trying to look menacing, but as I lock my eyes on each they seem to tremble where they stand. A young boy, not more then nineteen approaches me, hand shaking as he lowers an ill-suited bastard sword warily, "Is she a warrior?" He points the blade in the direction of Xath. I use my bow tip to slap his blade away from her, "She is a warrior who gave her life for this city. What can you do to help her?" I feel the anger and frustration still riding high in my mind and body. The old man’s voice rises from behind me, "Something I saw... maybe .. the dead, the dead... yes it would.... long ago…. on the Isle of Mourning... but the dead, the dead." I turn just as the old man now kneeling reaches out and grabs Xath's bloodied head. He digs his fingers into her black hair hard while singing a nonsensical song. As I watch he seems to be pulling something from Xath’s body, and with his small muscles bulging from his arms he grapples the object pulling it from her. I take a step forward, “What is he doing? He must be crazy there is nothing there.” The young cleric holds my arm, "Wait and see" he warns. Pulling my arm from his gasp I slowly walk toward the two figures. The old man grapples the mirage from the body and seems to slam it down into another body close by. I see the body shake and then lay still. The old man looks around with his vacant eyes, standing with a smile a blade appears in his hand. The dagger rotates faster and faster in a strange and odd display of ability. I take a step forward and ask, "Xath?" He turns to me vacant eyes unseeing, “The dead don’t stay.” With a smirk he turns away continuing his fascinating twirling of the dagger blade. An elf maiden with soft brown hair and snow like skin begins to flutter her eyes. I slowly walk over, “Xath?” She looks up, a disturbingly familiar grimace etched on fine delicate lips, “Aye, whatcha doin’ there?” “Xath!” I can not help but smile and laugh, but Xath seems to be having trouble with basic movement and looks at me confused.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I hear the old cleric’s muttering behind me, my laughter dies as easily as it came. I whirl on the young man, "Where is the Duke's body?" He pauses unsure, but as I stand his eyes flash to my arm- the band. Luckily I still had it on. Looking at Xath as she turns her hands over and over just looking at them, I follow him to a dark corner lined with bodies. He points to a body wrapped in a fine red cloak and says shakily, "There he is." Dragging it from the pile, I quickly look it for other wounds, and seeing nothing bring him over to where Xath is still sitting. I ask her if she remembers what the mission was. Shaking her head, she says recognizes the Duke but seems unclear on pretty much anything else. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Hearing movement behind me, I whirl still crouched and moving in front of Xath. As I look up at the old man his eyes have taken on the vacant look of no memory, his body suddenly sags as if all the years suddenly caught up with him. As I stand catching his arm, he suddenly straightens and with a clear lively light in his eye shakes off my arm and moves to the door. He struggles to push up the bar and open the door. I can hear the sounds of the flesh eaters outside getting closer, but I have also seen his power. I quickly rush over and help him raise the bar. I am surprised when instead of using the sword or the blade in his hand he pulls out a pendent of the Apectin order. He says some words and makes a movement, and something tugs at my memory. The symbol brightens and then it issues forth a large cone of light. As the light dies down, I see some of the undead running. I know then that this is the same new talent Justice has. Could she know him? She was here earlier…. After re-closing and barring the door, I ask the old man his name to thank him, and he simple responds, "Katie was here today, she ships off tomorrow for the west gate. We are so proud of her." “Katie? Is she on the King's ship?" The man looks at me puzzled, "Of course she sails for Hawkson. That no good Joshua isn’t here yet to see her off." Then his eyes cloud over again.. Joshua- Preston- Justice’s grandfather he was married to a Katie... Katie must be Justice grandmother. But she was in the navy? Her mom then, but I thought she was a pirate or so Justice had said but days ago. The man speaks as if Preston is here, but I know him to be in or on his way to Sylvanus. And the King has been long out of Oceanus.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Turning in a wide circle I see only the vacant old cleric, a confused Xath, a confused young cleric, and three in motion dragging bodies into the yard to be burned to help me know. Aloud I mutter, “The next step is to get Xath and the Duke back to the others.” Touching Xath’s now slender arm, “Xath, you will need to fight. Can you borrow that warrior’s things?” She nods and walks to her old body and picking up the longbow, “Odd I remember that being mine.” Walking towards the young man, I ask where the highest point to look out of the temple is. He tells me there is a watch and bell tower above. I tell the cleric to watch my friend and the Duke, as I run up the stairs.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Once up in the tower, I pull tightly around me the clock that has served me so well. Using the shadows around, I look carefully over the top of the rail and see desolate rooftops and the huge beast still casting it’s shadow cross the city. The minions that had penetrated the city scurry and move slowly back to the docks. The docks now severed huge wholes where it lays in broken bits on the water below. I see the Duke's fortress like a beacon in the shadow, but the light is from an evil fire. Four dragons now perched on each corner of the fortress, and raised in place of the falcon flag and greyclaw banner is a hastily drawn flag bearing the blue eye and blue star of the North. I look out at the once peaceful and thought to be well protected city of Oceanus, and can see, taste and feel the death and fear coursing through the city. I see no sign of the figure in blue, either. Hearing a familiar metal clank, shouts and yells below, I shift to see Justice, Arfin and Farathier running toward the temple. I wait for a few seconds hoping to glimpse two more figures coming into view, but as the knock sounds below know with a sense of dread they will not be showing up.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">With one last look over the city I say a quick prayer under my breath "May the Light watch and protect you both, my friends, till we fight again." I turn and run back down to greet the others and with each step try to go through how to explain what has happened. As I grab the bell rope and swing down, I know the first battle for the Army of the Phoenix is at hand.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I hear Arfin’s disgruntled shout and Justice’s plea for us to open the doors. I look to the older Father and see that he is still lost in his own world, so I ask if he will help me open the door. He turns with a scowl, “Do they fight?” Drawing a sigh, “Yes, they fight and are trying to save the city.” As the old Father reaches around me to lift the heavy bar, I help and we open the door just enough to pull my friends through. I look with relief on Justice, Arfin, and Farathier. I ask where Archonus and Kareth are, but Justice brushes it aside only saying they slipped away to go searching for something. I can only hope that he will find it and know how to act when he does.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Arfin having looked around now, grabs my arm “Where be Xath, lass!?” I look over to the tall fair elf who seems to be drawing simple pictures on the wall in a daze. “She saved my life, and so I saved hers in the only way I could. They had taken her throat.” At my feet lay two forms, one cloaked in brown the other in red. I moved the brown cape aside to show them Xath’s broken and torn body, and as Arfin and Justice go for it I stop them with, “It is not her anymore. This is just the shell. The good Father here brought her back. I know not how, but he took her spirit and put it into… her.” I slowly raise my arm and point to the elf in the back of the room. As Afrin slowly goes to her, she turns swiftly standing with a sly grin, “Arfin, my you are getting shorter.” As if even that was too much for her, she again turns to the wall and her pictures. I turn back to Justice, “This Father knows Joshua, and I think you. He has that same power to move these undead creatures.” Seeing Justice make no move nor attempt any explanation, I continue, “but enough of that. Arfin now that I know we are able we must get the Duke back. I know you have the power.” Though Arfin seems still stunned by Xath he goes to the Duke’s body and mutters, “I wish the Duke were alive as he was.” The air seems to still, then gust slightly while with a fluttering of his eyes and the shake of a breath the Duke suddenly sits up. Farathier goes to help him stand, while Justice bowing low tells him of their plan to evacuate the city. At the end of her story I quietly tell him of the loss of Greyclaw. Xath pulls out a scroll and says, “This may lead us to it though. It was on the big one we killed.” I look to one of the priests, “You must quickly try to burn as many of these bodies as you can.” I throw the head I have been carry with the other bodies. As I turn back Xath is reading the scroll, at the end with eyes closed she pauses. Then utters, “It is toward the docks and moving quickly away.” “We can go there on Tain and get it back,” Justice says. I speak up, “We must get it back, I know it is imperative. I can not say why though.” The Duke’s dark eyes turn to me, “L’aurel, I will not have anyone die for it. If you can get it without death then go if not let’s leave.” Finishing the Duke looks for an answer only I can give. Sadly, “There is always risk, no I can not.” And so we leave the sword and its power to whatever may come.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Moments later we unbar the door and go into the church grounds. We gather what few stragglers we see tell them to head to Hywrl, shouting to others as they run by to head that way. We see a few more of the undead, but make quick work of them. Continuing we heading to the Barracks. At the walls we see men fighting from above, three large leathery skinned beast ram against the walls. Their massive muscled legs digging into the ground while their two tiny front claws merely claw at the air. As we approach, I yell to the others to leave the one at the gate. As they split and go after the other two, I stand within yards of the beast’s lined hide and raising my hand try order it to “Friend.” The blocky head swishes towards me, but otherwise stands still. “Attack!” I yell pointing at one of the other three. The one on my right goes down as it easily tares it’s teeth into the others back. The one on my left goes down as Justice begins ordering the guard to let us in. As the gate begins to open a few feet, we race inside. I climb to the top watching the new beast and keeping it safe, a strange balance. The others talk to the commander of the guard getting him to agree that the best course is to flee. Passing along to him as well, that all should go to Hywrl. Scant few more undead or scaly creatures are seen, but those few are quickly killed.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">As we pass through the gates we hear the drums beat. An hour has passed, the march into the city has begun. Justice seems to have acquired a strange beast while she was off with the others, and now flies on it high above us. I run my hand along the large dry skin of the beast beside me and think of all those lost. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">We race past scores of people trying to offer encouragement and help. We finally come across a strange group Archonus surrounded by children all varying in age from 6 to 16 and one adult male. “Randell is the head of the Red Mages of Oceanus,” Archonus offers as explanation. The more we got out the better, trudging onward the moonlight tries to filter through the dense canopy of the forest above. Archonus makes no move to ask about the beast at my side, the beast that Justice rides nor the missing dwarven Xath. But at one point I see Archonus stare at her slender back dazed, Arfin talking low beside him…. It will be hard for us all to adjust.</span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">As Justice lands a few miles away out of Oceanus, she tells us, “We should reach Hywrl before the main group, but it will still not be much before dawn.”</span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Laurel, post: 1873176, member: 17067"] [b]Chapter 3- “The Fall of the City of Forsaken Elves”[/b] [i][color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Day Fourteen- Oceanus Continued[/font][/color][/i] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]We raise our arms to shield our eyes from the sudden brilliant light that for seconds shone brighter then any light we had felt. As the light dims a figure now stands before us, each of us tenses waiting to see what the creature will do. The figure could easily fade into the night with his midnight black armor, but for the mark upon his chest- a pure white skull with two blazing blue eyes etched within. The eyes tell us all we need to know, this one was sent by the Bluestar. At his waist rest two swords, nimble fingers too comfortable with their weight rest upon the hilts. In the still air the royal purple cloak lays slack over his shoulders, but for the hood pulled round his head. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]I hear a gasp and a snarl around me as we finally see his face. A scar over one eye shines with a blue power not normally seen upon our friends face. The face of Archonus Arendorr.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Still gaping at what is before us, he nods to my left a place I know holds… Archonus. The man who still now wears his crimson mask covering his mark. The same eyes, the same...[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]The man’s face cringes with sadness and regret before his normal unfeeling face wipes it away. Turning to Arfin, [/font][/color][color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]"I do not have much time." My heart clenches not understanding, it is his voice the same voice. His voice commands, "Arfin, do not speak! The world you would create is far more terrible than you can know." As he opens his mouth the go on, our Archonus steps forward pulling the mask down from his stunned face,[/font][/color][color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] "Who in the name of the Light are you?"[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Remarkably the man’s face grimaces, "I am the Sword of the North, the last son of the True Line. My family's line is that which binds this red world of war and death to the blue star that ever hangs in the night sky. I am a servant of my blood, and no more. Though I was once you, I am now Archonus Bluestar, and you would do well to fear me." [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]With his normal grace he faces a confused Arfin swords drawn at the ready, "Arfin, promise me that you will utter no wishes, that you will not speak the desires as granted you by those infernal cards! Arfin, promise me, or I shall end your life to prevent you from bringing Hell itself to this world!"[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Arfin can only jerkily nod.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]The apparition begins to fade, but his words hit us with more power then before, "It will serve you well to fear me, friends, for this is the last time that my words carry anything less than death! The force before you is not from the hand of my father, but he shall slumber no longer! The wings of the dark serpent shall encompass the earth, and on that day you shall beg for the light of a blue star! Beware! The western darkness has come, and soon the north shall fall upon you, as well! Beware! Beware..." The last words was uttered with such pain.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]They stand frozen gazing at the spot where he was. A soft feather brushes my ear startling me into motion. Still feeling a strange coldness inside, I swing into Farathier’s saddle. I send a belated prayer for the light to watch over my friends. I know they will do what needs to be done. They will alter the course of this city, what I do merely changes the course of one life. Leaving Archonus Arendorr to help them- they will need it more. With a single cry and nudge of my heels, the horse springs forward. [i]Hopefully I will be in time[/i]! [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]As I round the first corner I hear hoof beats behind me, and with a glance I see Xath on a little gray pony charging after me. I hear screams and yelling in front of me in some harsh ancient language, it is the same as the creatures from the ship a few days ago. A draconic language then, but one I can not decipher. It takes no words however to take the meaning of the spears and stones the small lizard men point in my direction. The larger beast that issued the order opens his mouth and a vile air quickly envelops me. I quickly draw my bow, nock an arrow, and release it in one swift motion. As the tip enters his neck he seems stunned, I fear not by the arrow itself but by the fact that something was able to penetrate his scaly hide. He then turns his fury full towards me and charges. One of the small creatures manages to hit Farathier’s steed, a long mangled spear deeply imbedded in his side. I loose my seat, but rolling land in front of the beast on the balls of my feet. The large scaly creature continues to roar and race towards me. I see a flash as Xath not slowing down races up behind me. I knock two arrows trying to lay down cover fire against the smaller ones reaching for her. Hearing the heavy steps approach, I turn knocking more arrows and letting them fly seeing from the corner of my eye Xath charging down a side ally three of the small creatures following.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]The creature continues to race towards me, but as I take a step back I hear the slithering of three more of his minions surrounding me. I rapidly shoot with two arrows knocked each time, watching as each penetrates the large beasts scales. He is the toughest, the leader. He must go down first. Before I can ready any more arrows I feel the first spear gash my leg from behind. I turn and fire. It is now simply who can last the longest, me with my arrows or them with their spears. As I turn the circle getting them systematically one at a time and trying to ignore the growing river of blood filling the street. It seems they keep coming, those were just the beginning as others came from around the alleyway. Three small bullet shapes dive in again and again digging sharp talons and beaks at the creatures, distracting them if nothing else. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Finally all but one lies dead. As my legs finally give out, I see my destroyer and his single remaining pike. It is already covered with my blood what is a little more, a strange smile tugs at my lips. He stands taunting me, knowing I can do little now. I try to hold on to a single arrow shaft, if he gets close enough… His mighty commander unable to stand crawls slowly on his one good side toward the alley Xath ran into.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Suddenly a warm spray of wetness hits my face, and turning I see Xath’s bloodied and weak form hack into the creature as it stands above me. The spear drops to the stone, and her sword quickly follows. She looks down at me with a concerned look, then helps me to stand. Quickly pulling out the spear in my leg, I take the potion from her large hand and drink till I can eventually stand on my own. I look down to see my once bright armor and cloth covered in the sticky blackness.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]I barely notice Xath as she searches the bodies. Remembering the risen ship from Oceanus, I slowly walk to the closest one and draw my fathers Kurki. I slowly draw it across the first reptiles neck; oddly feeling nothing as I watch for a moment the blood start to poor from the new wound. I walk to each in turn, until I reach the large form of their commander. I can only carry one head and I will not see him reawaken as the undead, and can only hope that I can stop his return. So I take his own sword and with a scream of rage slice it through his neck to the ground below. I look to Xath and though she is just watching in understanding, I state simply "Thank you… for saving me. Let's push on."[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]We only get a few blocks when again the blast of the dread horn is heard, but this time an unnatural dark shadow descends on the city. Xath and I turn our heads to see a monstrous form towering above the buildings. It’s blood red leathery wings and scaly form stand barely moving as it issues death, “You have one hour. All that is left will belong to us.” A horrible laugh rumbles through the city. I grab Xath's arms saying, "We have our mission, and we will help defeat them later, with our friends at our side." Giving her a shaky smile, I push on listening with half an ear to the strange message the beast speaks. If I had gone to the port and stayed here those long months ago, I may have believed everything and simply fled as I see the towns people do, but I have lived and seen so much of life and debt that I know the words spoken are false. I know that these are just more lies and more betrayals added to this rising evil. Though they carry the Bluestar’s mark and banner, they do not come from him. Archonus told us so…[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]After a few more blocks of deserted streets, we finally can see the top of the Apectin temple around the next corner. I see two figures in the group outside. One seems to be the body of a small child and the other of an older adult. The black haired father slumps over his child, shoulders shaking in grief. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]That is until Xath and I get closer. The adult looks up and we know it is not grief. We see the blankness in his eyes and the bloody entrails of the child mixing with the dirt of the street. The blood on his hands and around his mouth tell us all we need to know. As I order my eagles to attack, more seem to come from the piles of refuse laying about. I quickly fire, and see one of my eagles rake his talons down a woman’s back. With startling speed the hand of the undead raise and strike the bird. At contact the small form stiffens and falls to the ground. I quickly knock more arrows and let them fly in as fast a movement I can. I can hear the thwap of Xath's bow string next to me, but they keep pushing onward. If we can only get past them, we are but feet from the steps. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Too soon they are within reach and we are backed into a corner, I keep firing knowing that I would rather go down fighting then running. I smell the stench grow as they get closer and with the brush of a hand I feel my legs and body stiffen. With nothing else to do my body falls to a heap on the ground. I can only see the feet of the undead as they move around me and the grunts and pants of Xath as she fights them alone. Soon I can move my finger and as the tingling slowly proceeds through my body I think '[i]we can do this, we will make it, we must.[/i]' As I stand, strange words come unbidden into my head speaking them, I see my hand glow and feel a strange power rushing through me. I reach out and touch the back of the closest undead watching the fire reach out and quickly sear his flesh. Though I see Xath’s form lying unmoving on the ground, “She got touched. She is just paralyzed as I was.” Trapped with undead between us, I continue to fight. I will not leave a fallen behind. I feel the sting of tears in my eyes and with a scream fire arrows directly into the bellies of each undead standing. Only when they are all truly still do I cease firing and look upon Xath. My friend…[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]I quickly grab her bulky frame, and awkwardly race to the temple doors. I find them locked and barred, “No! Open up!” I yell banging my bloodied fists against the door not noticing the deep red in print they make. The door creaks opens to a thin white haired human male. He reaches out with surprising strength and yanks me inside the temple. I put Xath on the ground, watching her form grow colder and ashen. Looking up I plead to the old cleric, "Please is there anything you can do to save my friend?" His eyes are unfocused as he stares at us, his lips moving in a strange sing-song tone. I stand up going to the small group of others that have entered the room. All wear a blue tunic with a full gold sun emblazoned across the front. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]They stand with swords and other weapons trying to look menacing, but as I lock my eyes on each they seem to tremble where they stand. A young boy, not more then nineteen approaches me, hand shaking as he lowers an ill-suited bastard sword warily, "Is she a warrior?" He points the blade in the direction of Xath. I use my bow tip to slap his blade away from her, "She is a warrior who gave her life for this city. What can you do to help her?" I feel the anger and frustration still riding high in my mind and body. The old man’s voice rises from behind me, "Something I saw... maybe .. the dead, the dead... yes it would.... long ago…. on the Isle of Mourning... but the dead, the dead." I turn just as the old man now kneeling reaches out and grabs Xath's bloodied head. He digs his fingers into her black hair hard while singing a nonsensical song. As I watch he seems to be pulling something from Xath’s body, and with his small muscles bulging from his arms he grapples the object pulling it from her. I take a step forward, “What is he doing? He must be crazy there is nothing there.” The young cleric holds my arm, "Wait and see" he warns. Pulling my arm from his gasp I slowly walk toward the two figures. The old man grapples the mirage from the body and seems to slam it down into another body close by. I see the body shake and then lay still. The old man looks around with his vacant eyes, standing with a smile a blade appears in his hand. The dagger rotates faster and faster in a strange and odd display of ability. I take a step forward and ask, "Xath?" He turns to me vacant eyes unseeing, “The dead don’t stay.” With a smirk he turns away continuing his fascinating twirling of the dagger blade. An elf maiden with soft brown hair and snow like skin begins to flutter her eyes. I slowly walk over, “Xath?” She looks up, a disturbingly familiar grimace etched on fine delicate lips, “Aye, whatcha doin’ there?” “Xath!” I can not help but smile and laugh, but Xath seems to be having trouble with basic movement and looks at me confused.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]I hear the old cleric’s muttering behind me, my laughter dies as easily as it came. I whirl on the young man, "Where is the Duke's body?" He pauses unsure, but as I stand his eyes flash to my arm- the band. Luckily I still had it on. Looking at Xath as she turns her hands over and over just looking at them, I follow him to a dark corner lined with bodies. He points to a body wrapped in a fine red cloak and says shakily, "There he is." Dragging it from the pile, I quickly look it for other wounds, and seeing nothing bring him over to where Xath is still sitting. I ask her if she remembers what the mission was. Shaking her head, she says recognizes the Duke but seems unclear on pretty much anything else. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Hearing movement behind me, I whirl still crouched and moving in front of Xath. As I look up at the old man his eyes have taken on the vacant look of no memory, his body suddenly sags as if all the years suddenly caught up with him. As I stand catching his arm, he suddenly straightens and with a clear lively light in his eye shakes off my arm and moves to the door. He struggles to push up the bar and open the door. I can hear the sounds of the flesh eaters outside getting closer, but I have also seen his power. I quickly rush over and help him raise the bar. I am surprised when instead of using the sword or the blade in his hand he pulls out a pendent of the Apectin order. He says some words and makes a movement, and something tugs at my memory. The symbol brightens and then it issues forth a large cone of light. As the light dies down, I see some of the undead running. I know then that this is the same new talent Justice has. Could she know him? She was here earlier…. After re-closing and barring the door, I ask the old man his name to thank him, and he simple responds, "Katie was here today, she ships off tomorrow for the west gate. We are so proud of her." “Katie? Is she on the King's ship?" The man looks at me puzzled, "Of course she sails for Hawkson. That no good Joshua isn’t here yet to see her off." Then his eyes cloud over again.. Joshua- Preston- Justice’s grandfather he was married to a Katie... Katie must be Justice grandmother. But she was in the navy? Her mom then, but I thought she was a pirate or so Justice had said but days ago. The man speaks as if Preston is here, but I know him to be in or on his way to Sylvanus. And the King has been long out of Oceanus.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Turning in a wide circle I see only the vacant old cleric, a confused Xath, a confused young cleric, and three in motion dragging bodies into the yard to be burned to help me know. Aloud I mutter, “The next step is to get Xath and the Duke back to the others.” Touching Xath’s now slender arm, “Xath, you will need to fight. Can you borrow that warrior’s things?” She nods and walks to her old body and picking up the longbow, “Odd I remember that being mine.” Walking towards the young man, I ask where the highest point to look out of the temple is. He tells me there is a watch and bell tower above. I tell the cleric to watch my friend and the Duke, as I run up the stairs.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Once up in the tower, I pull tightly around me the clock that has served me so well. Using the shadows around, I look carefully over the top of the rail and see desolate rooftops and the huge beast still casting it’s shadow cross the city. The minions that had penetrated the city scurry and move slowly back to the docks. The docks now severed huge wholes where it lays in broken bits on the water below. I see the Duke's fortress like a beacon in the shadow, but the light is from an evil fire. Four dragons now perched on each corner of the fortress, and raised in place of the falcon flag and greyclaw banner is a hastily drawn flag bearing the blue eye and blue star of the North. I look out at the once peaceful and thought to be well protected city of Oceanus, and can see, taste and feel the death and fear coursing through the city. I see no sign of the figure in blue, either. Hearing a familiar metal clank, shouts and yells below, I shift to see Justice, Arfin and Farathier running toward the temple. I wait for a few seconds hoping to glimpse two more figures coming into view, but as the knock sounds below know with a sense of dread they will not be showing up.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]With one last look over the city I say a quick prayer under my breath "May the Light watch and protect you both, my friends, till we fight again." I turn and run back down to greet the others and with each step try to go through how to explain what has happened. As I grab the bell rope and swing down, I know the first battle for the Army of the Phoenix is at hand.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]I hear Arfin’s disgruntled shout and Justice’s plea for us to open the doors. I look to the older Father and see that he is still lost in his own world, so I ask if he will help me open the door. He turns with a scowl, “Do they fight?” Drawing a sigh, “Yes, they fight and are trying to save the city.” As the old Father reaches around me to lift the heavy bar, I help and we open the door just enough to pull my friends through. I look with relief on Justice, Arfin, and Farathier. I ask where Archonus and Kareth are, but Justice brushes it aside only saying they slipped away to go searching for something. I can only hope that he will find it and know how to act when he does.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Arfin having looked around now, grabs my arm “Where be Xath, lass!?” I look over to the tall fair elf who seems to be drawing simple pictures on the wall in a daze. “She saved my life, and so I saved hers in the only way I could. They had taken her throat.” At my feet lay two forms, one cloaked in brown the other in red. I moved the brown cape aside to show them Xath’s broken and torn body, and as Arfin and Justice go for it I stop them with, “It is not her anymore. This is just the shell. The good Father here brought her back. I know not how, but he took her spirit and put it into… her.” I slowly raise my arm and point to the elf in the back of the room. As Afrin slowly goes to her, she turns swiftly standing with a sly grin, “Arfin, my you are getting shorter.” As if even that was too much for her, she again turns to the wall and her pictures. I turn back to Justice, “This Father knows Joshua, and I think you. He has that same power to move these undead creatures.” Seeing Justice make no move nor attempt any explanation, I continue, “but enough of that. Arfin now that I know we are able we must get the Duke back. I know you have the power.” Though Arfin seems still stunned by Xath he goes to the Duke’s body and mutters, “I wish the Duke were alive as he was.” The air seems to still, then gust slightly while with a fluttering of his eyes and the shake of a breath the Duke suddenly sits up. Farathier goes to help him stand, while Justice bowing low tells him of their plan to evacuate the city. At the end of her story I quietly tell him of the loss of Greyclaw. Xath pulls out a scroll and says, “This may lead us to it though. It was on the big one we killed.” I look to one of the priests, “You must quickly try to burn as many of these bodies as you can.” I throw the head I have been carry with the other bodies. As I turn back Xath is reading the scroll, at the end with eyes closed she pauses. Then utters, “It is toward the docks and moving quickly away.” “We can go there on Tain and get it back,” Justice says. I speak up, “We must get it back, I know it is imperative. I can not say why though.” The Duke’s dark eyes turn to me, “L’aurel, I will not have anyone die for it. If you can get it without death then go if not let’s leave.” Finishing the Duke looks for an answer only I can give. Sadly, “There is always risk, no I can not.” And so we leave the sword and its power to whatever may come.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Moments later we unbar the door and go into the church grounds. We gather what few stragglers we see tell them to head to Hywrl, shouting to others as they run by to head that way. We see a few more of the undead, but make quick work of them. Continuing we heading to the Barracks. At the walls we see men fighting from above, three large leathery skinned beast ram against the walls. Their massive muscled legs digging into the ground while their two tiny front claws merely claw at the air. As we approach, I yell to the others to leave the one at the gate. As they split and go after the other two, I stand within yards of the beast’s lined hide and raising my hand try order it to “Friend.” The blocky head swishes towards me, but otherwise stands still. “Attack!” I yell pointing at one of the other three. The one on my right goes down as it easily tares it’s teeth into the others back. The one on my left goes down as Justice begins ordering the guard to let us in. As the gate begins to open a few feet, we race inside. I climb to the top watching the new beast and keeping it safe, a strange balance. The others talk to the commander of the guard getting him to agree that the best course is to flee. Passing along to him as well, that all should go to Hywrl. Scant few more undead or scaly creatures are seen, but those few are quickly killed.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]As we pass through the gates we hear the drums beat. An hour has passed, the march into the city has begun. Justice seems to have acquired a strange beast while she was off with the others, and now flies on it high above us. I run my hand along the large dry skin of the beast beside me and think of all those lost. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]We race past scores of people trying to offer encouragement and help. We finally come across a strange group Archonus surrounded by children all varying in age from 6 to 16 and one adult male. “Randell is the head of the Red Mages of Oceanus,” Archonus offers as explanation. The more we got out the better, trudging onward the moonlight tries to filter through the dense canopy of the forest above. Archonus makes no move to ask about the beast at my side, the beast that Justice rides nor the missing dwarven Xath. But at one point I see Archonus stare at her slender back dazed, Arfin talking low beside him…. It will be hard for us all to adjust.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]As Justice lands a few miles away out of Oceanus, she tells us, “We should reach Hywrl before the main group, but it will still not be much before dawn.”[/font][/color] [/QUOTE]
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L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
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