NationStates Jolt Archive

Mienna stirred slightly as she was passed between Ixiar and Kalzog, and was brought rudely to her senses when she was almost dropped into Ixiars arm and recieved a yell of ambush directly above her sensitive ears. She tried to move and fell out of Ixiars arms, landing roughly against the ground. She was exhausted, but as she raised her head she saw arrows thunking into the soft ground not far away.

She tried to push herself away from them, but stumbled backwards and ended up crawling backwards away from them, trying to find somewhere to duck out of the way and gather her senses. She couldn't even remember why they were suddenly in a forest.

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"None within my reach, is beyond my will." She claimed before the preliminary gathering of officers and soldiers. "I will all to be within my sphere of influence, and all whom will otherwise shall drown in the fires of eternal purgatory."

Her eyes briefly shifted to the imp who she had seen conspiring with Mahura. A jagged smile creased across her face.

"Who would deny the righteous gospel? Who would welcome destruction, and shun redemption?" Hel's voice quaked through the lengths of the hall though seemingly disembodied.

Ezekial couldn't help but smile slightly at Hel's threat of eternal purgatory. It would be just like home He thought absently as he surveyed the other generals and missed Hel's smile. Though he joined in with the hail's from the others.

It was not long after howevere that he once again found himself alone and with no particular direction, absently he began pacing the corridors pondering over what had happened recentely. This employment was going to be exciting, but he had an annoying sense that something bad was going to happen.

After a while he found himself in corridors he recognised, near to the torture chamber and something struck him. Those wires from Mahura would be interesting to examine... and the poison that coated them, that would be a rare commodity, and valuable... With that in mind he began to wend his way to the chamber with intent to collect these things, though he would have to be careful, if they were as sharp still as they had been when Mahura had used them.

"Lieutenant, General, have a seat." She ordered with a grin. "You have much on your minds no?"

"No," Ttomak said with a straight face and a brief shake of his head. "I try to keep my mind as blank as possible. I heard from somewhere that that's what will make me a great general some day - total and utter dimwittedness."

A faint smile cracking at the edge of his lips broke his deadpan expression and he sat as ordered.

Ael sidled next to Hel on the other side, slipped an arm around Hel's, and placed her head on the queen's shoulder. A distant memory of her doing that with her older sister, seemingly ages ago, began to surface to Ael's mind, but she quickly pushed those thoughts away.

Swiveling her head so that she could sort of look at Hel's face, Ael said, "So, what's the plan? I didn't know we had reinforcements at Rimoru's palace. Has she decided to join us suddenly?"

Ael was never quite as tactful about battle plans as Ttomak was, and sometimes discussed things in the open when Ttomak felt they should be reserved for more private locales. However, he was curious as well, since he had heard brief reports about trouble in Iskan - something about an attack on the palace itself. There was not much detail in those reports, so he knew little else beyond that. Perhaps that had something to do with the change in plans?

“Agreed, you have just come here. I must have been caught up with the idea…it feels like I can actually do something productive. And would you care for some food? I’m sure we could find a meal before rest and prepare for the coming raid,” Ikara asked, unable to hide the smile upon her face as she walked to a slightly burned building with a half legible sign that appeared to have once said “The Dwarven Flask Tavern and Inn”.

"Yes, food would be most satisfying," Sebastian responded, his rumbling stomach seemingly adding its concurrence.

As they walked into the inn, the great knight had to turn his torso sideways to fit through the wooden door. His majestic armor, though hidden beneath an expensive looking white cloak, was quite large and buxom despite its lack of weight on the wearer.

"I would quite like meat and bread, but I'm afraid I have no coin for which to pay of," Sebastian added. "If you would be so kind, I would repay it so with efforts worth many times over the value of meat and bread."

“Did you open it?” he asked as he tugged at her again, readying his blade in case something did spring out to fight him. He was sure nothing alive remained in this tomb to challenge him.

But as he descended, he failed to realize that he wouldn’t be facing the living…

***********************************************

Without a word, the captain pulled a small pin from the inner seam of his pants and began to fiddle around with the strange lock of his cuffs. “So, if I get us out, what then, elf?” he growled.

"I just answered tha-t," Ar'mai began to respond before the chain pulling against her throat caught her in mid-sentence. "Of course we did not open it. Us elves have no business in the dark reaches of a corrupted tomb. And nor do you..." But her words could not turn him from the dark fates.

***********************************************

"If you get us out?" Venisar echoed. "You'll need more than just your own incompetent band to get us out... you'll need my elves. And if you get us out, we will go our separate ways never to confront each other again."

"Feel free to stay in this ruined town with the Dragons..." the warrior added. "We head east."

"So then... how do you plan on getting us out of this cage? I don't suppose you could pick through every lock in this dungeon..." The twinge of hopefulness in his voice was more from being tired than any true realistic hope.

The golems gave off a terrible screech, although if it was from the fallen angel’s swords grating against the rock or if it was from the golems themselves could not be determined as the racket of grinding rock and smashing metal boomed across the underground city. Yet the golems limbs, after many minutes of fighting, began to fall apart, leaving the host without a limb.

The other golems almost seemed to pause suddenly, before retreating past the enormous wall they had grown out of, as if ordered by an unknown commander to retreat.

"That's odd..." she said quietly to herself as the golems retreated back into the wall before calling out to her companion. "Where are we at?"

With the threat presented by the golems dissipated, the battered fallen angels that served as Vira's Doom Guard twirled rapidly until they disappeared into null space. In the dimensional plane of immaterialness, they would slowly heal so that she could call on them again in time.

"Found what you were looking for...?" Though she reveled in the darkness of the tomb, things seemed to be slightly off and the quicker they could be done with this quest, the better.

"Use the rough side of the sponge for the stuff embedded on the floor." The Skull Knight's empty voice recommended to the Wolfman furiously scrubbing into the floor.

"I AM!" Beau shouted back before launching the yellow object into the dark hallway Ezekial was in.

-----------------

"No," Ttomak said with a straight face and a brief shake of his head. "I try to keep my mind as blank as possible. I heard from somewhere that that's what will make me a great general some day - total and utter dimwittedness."

"You don't have to remind me how well qualified you are old friend." Hel replied grinning sinisterly.

The queen welcomed Ael by sliding an arm around her back.

"We're now temporarily allied with Valtrox." She replied scowling at herself. "He'll supply us with the extra help we need to overtake the Dragon's more advanced forces. Ultimately I want Valtrox and Dominatistradz to rip each other to pieces. Long ago I realized that, as powerful as I may be, cannot kill a god. But they can."

Ezekial had been approaching the room and listening to the bickering of two of Hel's finest warriars and barely restrained from laughing until a gore covered sponge flew from the opening and landed with a wet thun directly on his head, disgorging the bloody water down the side of his face. He stepped into the room wearing a frown. "I think you lost something." He said, with no mirth in his voice as he took the sponge and tossed it back at the wolf. Before picking up an already sodden towel and trying to wipe the liquid off of his face.

All he suceeded in doing was smearing it around and he eventually gave up, walking over to a fresh bucket of water he closed his eyes and doing a handstand ovr the bucket stuck his head in, emerging a second after with his face and hair drenched. Standing again he shook his head vigourously to shake off the soapy liquid, which splashed all across the floor and other occupents of the room before smiled and asking: "You wouldn't to know what became of the needles and wires that our recentely departed companion used would you?" Indicating the bloody remains on the floor. The remaining liquid on his face began evaporting as he heated his body to deal with it.

"We're now temporarily allied with Valtrox." She replied scowling at herself. "He'll supply us with the extra help we need to overtake the Dragon's more advanced forces. Ultimately I want Valtrox and Dominatistradz to rip each other to pieces. Long ago I realized that, as powerful as I may be, cannot kill a god. But they can."

Ael's lips twitched at the mention of the alliance with Valtrox. She was still young when Inzikai had his alliance with Valtrox, but she could remember that life for her and her family back then was not exactly pleasant. The affects of that alliance continued to be felt well after Inzikai's death and the subsequent rise to power of a formerly unknown woman named Teralynn.

Her life had always been difficult while her nation was allied with Valtrox, and not until after she was taken away to join Hel's family, free of any connections to that Valtrox, did things start to looker better in life.

And now Hel proposed to join up Valtrox?

But then Hel explained the rest of their plans, and a smile returned to Ael's face. "I love it. But let's keep our ties with..." she hesistated in saying the name, "...Valtrox as brief as possible, if you don't mind my suggesting. I don't care much for him." She shuddered involuntarily.

You wouldn't to know what became of the needles and wires that our recentely departed companion used would you?"

Beau smiled before arching his back, and then proceeded to shake gallons of blood from his massive body effectively coating the entire room.

"Now we have more to clean." The Skull Knight growled before standing and mopping the ceiling. "Anyway, we dragged what remained of her into that can over there." He added nodding to a metal canister with an arm poking out the top.

-----

Hel lifted her left hand to Ael revealing a large scar on both sides. The wound she had received during the final battle when Inzikai drove a knife through her hand.

"I knew well of Inzikai's treachery, and even more of his master's." She replied returning her hand behind Ael's back. "I am very much looking forward to the reunion. It'll be the day the gods fell from the heavens."

"Lovely" Ezekial said sarcastically as he was drenched in blood from the wolf, he picked up the bucket of soapy water he had used and upended it over himself before trudging over the the bucket, leaving small footprints on the bloody floor. He patted down his soaked shirt and pulled out a small wooden insturment which he used to carefully move the wires in the bucket. They were not held taut by anything and so did not cut through the instrument he was using until the wire snagged on something, sending the end of the instrument pinging into the bucket. "Useful, very useful..." He muttered quietly he placed a clawed hand on the arm sitting in the bucket and began to heat the flesh enough to char the skin from the bone allowing him to get a better view of the wires and how they were connected.

After a moment he turned to the others. "If you don't mind, I will dispose of these souveniers" He said as he picked up the now slightly deformed bucket, with the now smouldering boney arm sitting in it. He had forgotten the heat would affect the thin material of the bucket, but it was hardly important. He took a sticky step towards the door. "I'll try to tread blood too far down the corridor." He said with a sinister smile toward Beau

“And you must-”

“Settle down, I know what I’m going to say,” growled the well-dressed man, shrugging away the four fingered claw on his shoulder.

“You should treat your betters with more…heh…respect,” the ugly gargoylesque creature garbled to him as it limped along.

“You do know that Iskan won’t be quite cooperative about this, right? I’m sure I won’t persuade everyone…”

“You’ll persuade everyone important, who in turn will persuade most of the underlings. Leave the rest for…master,” it burbled before hacking up something and spitting a dark ooze on a nearby table.
***
The Wizard’s tower has always been a bastion of Iskani power, along with the Eon Library and Rimoru’s Palace. All constructed at fairly close time intervals. The Palace was for Rimoru’s personal space- being a self-centered Empress, she needed a lot. The Library was for the general populace and the University of Magical and Mekaniks was for those wealthy enough to afford the highest education about the mysterious Magicks and the powerful Mechanical devices. And for thousands of years, each of those buildings belonged to Rimoru and the Iskani nation.

But everything is going to change. With the disappearance of Rimoru and the mystery of who now leads the Iskani people, chaos unfolds.

“People of Iskan! Hear me, as I have news that will guide us through these dark days! Iskan is falling apart. Soldiers and Generals are in disarray as the Imperium sees this hole in Iskan defense and are sent scrambling through crime-infested ruins where rebels pick them off from there. Dragons are invading from the west meeting little resistance and pillaging valuable technology and treasure as townspeople flee to the largest cities nearby.

Rimoru has abandoned us for unknown reasons. I was one of her personal friends and she has told me nothing before…other than she was growing tired of leading us Iskanis. She felt that she should soon give up the power. Why she did so without notifying us and making implode is beyond me.”

“But Master Artimius…what about the screams from the palace?” shouted one of the thousands of observers.

“Those are a mystery as well. When my men and I searched through the palace, we found nothing- no sign of attackers or defenders. The door that was blown off its hinges may have been from Rimoru’s own anger. That may have been the hour she decided that she would finally just disappear from Lustria.”

Groans and shouts of misery erupted from the crowd. Although not everyone loved Rimoru, nor thought her the greatest leader, she had been there for so many of their lifetimes enough so that she did grow onto them.

“Will you lead us out of this, Master Artimius? Will you bring order to Iskan?” cried the masses.

Artimius hid a smile as he shook his head. If only…

“I cannot I’m afraid. I am under-qualified for such a task and will only end up resigning soon after receiving. However I am determined to bring order to Iskan, even if it means I must resign my Head-Master’s post in the University.”

There were some cheers in the audience and a general look of approval…Now the hard part.

“And my first act to bringing order was to find someone well qualified. There are not many out there- The Judges are intent on putting us through servitude. The Order is without a leader. The Barbarians would hear nothing of it and dwell in their frigid climate. The Cult is in disarray…several leaders vying for the attention and assistance of the people. I have researched this myself and found a most overqualified candidate who would guide us through. Lengthy meetings and discussions has confirmed my assumptions and an agreement was formed. I have found the loving Teralynn to attend to us like a mother does a child.”

Near silence. A few cheers- most likely planted cultists- and screams.

“I assure you, her policies will not infringe upon our way of life- our freedom- that she has promised. Stick with me and my choices. I promise you we will return to our former glory and beyond,” he ended his speech and bowed. The stunned audience applauded respectfully as he walked through the tower doors of the balcony behind him, leading into a long, hallway with marble floors.

“There. You may go meet your newly acquired fans if you wish, my lady. Those that aren’t trusting of you will find themselves trusting soon enough. I am the second most respected person in Iskan, as polls will report and most trusted me over the Empress,” Artimius said to a beautiful figure whose radiant red hair shined brilliantly in the brief rays of sunlight that touched her shadowed, pale form.

He raised his head as if noticing Miffin for the first time, giving an evil smile as he watched the large man squirm. In a patronising voice he said: "Why, hello again. I didn't expect you to arrive so soon. I guess you didn't like my Masters gift... I can take it back of course, but first you must swear yourself to our cause."

He indicated the ground next to the table where he and Magladesh were sitting. "Gather round you patrons and watch as your master bows to the might of Valtrox." He gave them a cruel smile. "The rest of you had best follow suit unless you want to be made an example."


Miffin opened his mouth briefly then closed it just as fast. “B-b-but…” Immediately, the people around him fell to their hands and knees, bowing before the two Valtroxian servants. “Leaves me no choice…” he muttered to himself as he slowly joined the others bowing to the two demons before him. This is the end of my life…I just know it…

“I hope I get benefits for this,” he muttered as he stood up again, pushing his hand towards Horatio and opening his fingers to reveal the coin given to him earlier.
**************************



The dragoon refrained from displaying any criticism, but if his lord were absent, he would break into laughter right in front of Bercleor. However, he remained silent and awaiting the king's word.



"While I will seek the counsel's approval, I feel that our foe is awaiting a counter-attack. However easily we may crush them, I would reserve an all out attack to when the conditions are on our own terms." Xenocrates replied without hesitation. His words thundered with a deep sense of confidence and resolve.

"We should keep a close eye on their forces and strike when the situation presents itself. Until then it is important to understand what exactly we are fighting."

Dominatistradz’ eyes were that of curiosity as he nodded in response to the dragoon’s words. “Seek the council immediately. Meanwhile…” The dragon raised his claws where a ball of energy formed out of thin air. Upon closer inspection the ball of energy was not energy- they were tiny dragon-like forms swirling close to each other. “I will send out my spies personally to the far reaches of Lustria. I will know exactly what is happening in my land. Leave me, both of you. We have much work to do.”

With that, the colossal dragon turned himself around returning to the statues of his lost family.

Bercleor let out a sigh as he glanced at Xenocrates. “Please consider my proposal,” he said quietly as he motioned out the archway.


=====Hel's Flagship "Slepnir"=====

"It's ok to be happy Viral." Hel said telepathically before turning her gaze to the rest of the group. "It will be a number of days before we reach our destination, so please, take the time to rest."

[QUOTE=Rhinara;13082407]"Now now, Mister Viral, don't you turn against me too," Ael beamed mischeviously at the man. "No one likes being cooped up in the castle, after all."

Both Ttomak and Ael unconsciously tilted their head ever so slightly as the mental announcement came in. Ttomak arched an eyebrow and gave Viral a shrug to indicate that he was just as much in the dark in regards to the new development.

"But I believe some congratulations are in order, General," he stated. "Although, it seems your lone wolf days has come to an abrupt end."

Ael's congratulation was not quite as reserved and professional as Ttomak's, but she made up for it by showing more excitement and enthusiasm.


“Thank you both very much,” Viral said, all smiles. “And I will try to be more team oriented,” he added with a nod to Ttomak. This could be some trouble…

After the meeting he gave a smile before Hel took off and yawned as he began to make his way to his quarters. General Viral…I like the sound of that… he thought to himself with a chuckle before nearly stumbling upon the little imp he had briefly met before.
“You!” he said somewhat startled, not quite remembering his name. “What do you have there?”

Mienna stirred slightly as she was passed between Ixiar and Kalzog, and was brought rudely to her senses when she was almost dropped into Ixiars arm and recieved a yell of ambush directly above her sensitive ears. She tried to move and fell out of Ixiars arms, landing roughly against the ground. She was exhausted, but as she raised her head she saw arrows thunking into the soft ground not far away.

She tried to push herself away from them, but stumbled backwards and ended up crawling backwards away from them, trying to find somewhere to duck out of the way and gather her senses. She couldn't even remember why they were suddenly in a forest.


Beatrice ran to the brush help Mienna and herself find safety. “Mienna, we have to hide!” she said to her as a small bladed disk whizzed past her shoulder. She looked out to Kalzog struggling to get the tiny spider-meks away from his body which were already swarming towards his neck, their little clippers and blades unable to find much in the way of soft spots on the ogre.

“Luthien! Where are you?” she shouted before she felt strong hands clasp under her arms and pull her up into the canopy. She let out a scream as she found a one-eyed demon smiling viciously at her.

“Let’s see if your friends will save you now…” he chortled before darting through the canopy with amazing finesse and stamina.

“Harlin! Take out the archers! I’ll take the one who has Beatrice!” Ixair called out, already leaping after them.

Rimoru looked up at the canopy as Alegain summoned a shield of fire over them. “I’m going to burn this whole forest down,” he snarled as his eyes began to glow red. Eva stumbled back as she looked at her father.

“Alegain, now would not be the best time unless you believe you can get us all to safety!” Rimoru said as she tried to find what little power she had left after her teleportation. “Why would Mebbiwik try to kill us, especially with these demons?”
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"Yes, food would be most satisfying," Sebastian responded, his rumbling stomach seemingly adding its concurrence.

As they walked into the inn, the great knight had to turn his torso sideways to fit through the wooden door. His majestic armor, though hidden beneath an expensive looking white cloak, was quite large and buxom despite its lack of weight on the wearer.

"I would quite like meat and bread, but I'm afraid I have no coin for which to pay of," Sebastian added. "If you would be so kind, I would repay it so with efforts worth many times over the value of meat and bread."

“Fear not, Sir Sebastian, this Inn is has been converted for use only for the soldiers. Our barracks was destroyed a while ago by catapults. Now we have temporary ones and a few taverns dedicated to the protectors of the Order…or what’s left of them…”

The large man happened to turn a few heads of the twenty or so tavern patrons that were busy eating and drinking. A few nodded to Ikara and the newcomer, the others just ignored them and continued to feed themselves.

“The Usual for you, Lady Ikara?” a skizzarish waitress, no older than fourteen asked as she brought a plate full of vegetables and a mug of ale for an older looking officer.

“No thank you, Morgela. May I have a rather large slab of meat for our new ally…and a much smaller one for me as well. Vegetables and bread will be nice too, along with ale to douse down our meal.

“As soon as possible,” the girl said as she scurried past the rows of armored personnel.

“Make yourself comfortable. Soon we will be entering the fray,” she said quietly as she awaited Sebastian to sit before she would.
*************************************

"I just answered tha-t," Ar'mai began to respond before the chain pulling against her throat caught her in mid-sentence. "Of course we did not open it. Us elves have no business in the dark reaches of a corrupted tomb. And nor do you..." But her words could not turn him from the dark fates.

***********************************************

"If you get us out?" Venisar echoed. "You'll need more than just your own incompetent band to get us out... you'll need my elves. And if you get us out, we will go our separate ways never to confront each other again."

"Feel free to stay in this ruined town with the Dragons..." the warrior added. "We head east."

"So then... how do you plan on getting us out of this cage? I don't suppose you could pick through every lock in this dungeon..." The twinge of hopefulness in his voice was more from being tired than any true realistic hope.

“You elves have no business in many things…but you still intervene,” Vohin replied as he began to descend the long, poorly supported staircase, every now and then stopping at the creaks and groans the thin pillars made as the stairs swayed slightly with the breeze from the massive opening.

After a good portion of their time, the duo finally found themselves on solid ground, where the dragon-man crouched low to the ground, his enormous blade in one hand and a torch and Ar’mai’s chain in the other.

He glowing eyes darted around as sounds of battle faded away. “I would assume that would be the ones who would open this...” he muttered mainly to himself as he crept along before stopping to a halt. A deep rumble erupted some distance away before heavy footfalls, almost as heavy as a small dragon’s, echoed throughout the underground city. As his eyes followed the sounds, he suddenly snapped his weapon out in front of him.

“You there…step into the open,” he snarled, pointing his wicked blade at a tiny figure peeking over a shadowy corner, long thin hair falling past its shoulders.

“P-please sir…I-I-I’ve been trapped here…f-for so long…” she wheezed. “I am hungry…and…so…cold…”
******************************************

“Not so far into the future, elf. We aren’t out of this yet and this prison is secured. I don’t know how powerful these dragoons can be but they certainly don’t look easy and frail like your band does,” he growled quietly as their bindings clicked and loosened around their wrists. “We can perhaps hold this prison but then what? I’m sure the guard changes every few hours or so. And I don’t know when it’s dark or not. Then how will we get the others freed?”

****************************************

"That's odd..." she said quietly to herself as the golems retreated back into the wall before calling out to her companion. "Where are we at?"

With the threat presented by the golems dissipated, the battered fallen angels that served as Vira's Doom Guard twirled rapidly until they disappeared into null space. In the dimensional plane of immaterialness, they would slowly heal so that she could call on them again in time.

"Found what you were looking for...?" Though she reveled in the darkness of the tomb, things seemed to be slightly off and the quicker they could be done with this quest, the better.


“Why are you here?” a deep voice boomed, like the sound of rocks scraping together. “What is your purpose?”

As the voice faded away into darkness, the ground quaked ever so slightly as heavy footfalls seemed to be coming from no where.



… the demi-god Habdebza appeared within the shadow of a destroyed fortress. The loud clangs could be heard clearly by the demi-god, but he paid them no head. There was something else he needed to do, something that would definitely give the cult an edge in the upcoming war- then again, there seems to be little resistance in the world as it is. With the Imperium fighting the diminished Order and the fleeing Barbarians, not to mention the coming tide of the Uncivilized races. And the collapse of the Rimorian Dynasty has paved the way to perhaps an unchallenged emergence of Valtrox. However, there was still the slight chance someone would unite Lustria again…

Habdebza let out a puff of smoke from beneath his cloak, creating an incredibly expanding cloud of grey particles before driving his head within the cloud. The world disappeared around him except for the wide array of colors. In the distance, bright colors in humanoid shapes, eight large colors, and one black colored womanly figure behind four of the larger shapes. The demi-god smiled beneath the veil of shadows masking his face and turned towards the immense orb of color within the ruined fort. Within the cloud around Habdebza’s head, the orb was amazingly beautiful- bright blues, reds, greens, and yellows were only a fraction of the kaleidoscope of color shining through.

That orb was his goal…then he can aid the woman, if she’s alive…or if she needs it.


Habdebza darted past a few more traps, the painful barbed darts flung from the walls embedded themselves within the demon’s shield he possessed from a corpse nearby. His prize was closer, but death presented itself as closest.

As he stepped further into the run down fortress, several statues made their way towards him, stone clubs swinging viciously and precisely.

Two blades snapped into his hands as he launched himself at the head of the giant statue- shaped as stoic knights- and dug his blade into one’s neck using momentum to swung, full circle, blade trailing behind, around its neck before landing neatly on the ground in front of it as it’s head came crashing to the ground.

But this did not end the onslaught as the golem smashed its head in further by slamming the ground where the quick demi-god had just stood.

Habdebza nimbly leapt past another trap before landing directly onto the trigger button of another. A jolt of searing energy pulsed directly out of the wall and into the demi-god’s right gauntlet, where an orb about a foot in diameter rested neatly within his heavy gauntlet. Then, he stepped off the trab and unleashed, from the same hand, a large black sphere from his hand and into the golem room, where it exploded with a deafening roar, shaking the dust in the room before imploding in on itself. Once sure his spell was through, the demi-god leapt into the room again to see his handiwork.

The powerful spell did its duty in bringing the closest golems to the orb where, using several pitch frequencies shook the golems to pieces. But that still left about four more…or three and a half rather.

Bringing his other arm up, Habdebza opened his palm and lifted, bringing a golem off the ground and, telekinetically, bringing it to another one, smashing both into a wall. The remaining two golems meanwhile had gotten within striking distance and struck out at the demon.

Habdebza darted out of the way of one club and brought one sword to slice the other club in half so the striking end broke on the ground. The other golem brought it’s club horizontally at Habdebza’s legs but the demon merely leapt onto it, twisted himself in air, and kicked off the statue in order to get passed several traps ahead of him.

The golem ended up smashing through its partner’s legs, badly crippling it, but without remorse, it continued after the demi-god.

“Nice show, handsome,” rasped a voice above Habdebza, causing him to look upwards at a voluptuous figure poorly dressed and barred to the ceiling.

“I always give the best,” he muttered without mirth as he glanced at the trap-triggering golem and then at the pedestal that stood right next to him. Under his mask, he gave off a smile as he reached for it.
“You know who’s tomb this is right?” asked the figure above.

“Athral, Rimoru’s brother,” he said as his hands clasped over the large jewel.

“He’s worth more than any jewel. He can take armies by himself…and create armies by himself…”

“I know. That’s why I am heading there next,” Habdebza replied as he glanced up at the woman. “Shira.”

“So you do know about me?” she asked with a devilish grin, revealing two abnormally long canines. A vampire.

“And I intend to have you help me. Only you know how to free Athral as Rimoru made sure no one alive could free her brother.”

“Well, and Naxisla…You do intend to free her as well?” she asked as Habdebza raised the jewel with one hand towards the girl who eyed the crystal briefly.

“Indeed…All the help I can get,” he replied as the woman faded from the world, emitting a scream.

“Now for my friend…” he muttered as he held the jewel closer…

“No thank you, Morgela. May I have a rather large slab of meat for our new ally…and a much smaller one for me as well. Vegetables and bread will be nice too, along with ale to douse down our meal.

“Make yourself comfortable. Soon we will be entering the fray,” she said quietly as she awaited Sebastian to sit before she would.

"Actually," Sebastian interrupted as she was ordering their meals. "I'll have a tankard of your freshest juice." He smiled as the young girl left. Turning to Ikara, he gave a slight apologetic smile, "Sorry, but I don't drink ale for more reasons than one." It was both a lifestyle decision as well as part of his holy order to shun alcohol.

Sebastian took a seat as Ikara waited for him, the motion brushing away his cloak so that his greaves and thigh-guards could be seen. "Yes, I'm afraid we will. Though it would seem this mission requires a bit of discreetness, I have never been one for sneaking around in the midst of the enemy's encampment."

The great knight glanced around at the rows of armored soldiers sipping their ale and commiserating. It was a bleak and sad sight, but that was the nature of brutish warfare. There was little reason or time for joy in the midst of frigid times...

“You elves have no business in many things…but you still intervene,” Vohin replied as he began to descend the long, poorly supported staircase.

“P-please sir…I-I-I’ve been trapped here…f-for so long…” she wheezed. “I am hungry…and…so…cold…”
******************************************

“We can perhaps hold this prison but then what? I’m sure the guard changes every few hours or so. And I don’t know when it’s dark or not. Then how will we get the others freed?”

"The sanctity of life is our business..." Ar'mai responded to the brute. "Your kind, on the other hand, seems to think it better than all else. How sad that your leaders have finally seen the end of their days... and fear it so."

At the appearance of a weak looking figure, she waited to see how Vohin would react...

******************************************

"Well, if we manage to take control of the prison," Venisar began, ignoring the captain's worthless comment about weak elves, "we could go several ways. We could ambush a couple of guards, take their keys if they have any, and ransom them for our freedom - though I don't think they'll let us go. We could take their uniforms and attempt to gain access to the other cells. We could try to talk our way out, not that it would do any good. Or we could fight to the death and see where that takes us..." he ended with a smirk.

"Or we could try prying that dragooness for help..."

“Why are you here?” a deep voice boomed, like the sound of rocks scraping together. “What is your purpose?”

As the voice faded away into darkness, the ground quaked ever so slightly as heavy footfalls seemed to be coming from no where.

With the sudden appearance of a heavy voice and quaking ground, Vira became on guard, slightly unsure of the situation or the predicament they may very well have walked into it.

"Habdebza?" Vira asked in a strong voice, wondering where the demon-god might be. This was, after all, his quest and his power that would accomplish it.

"I am here in the service of another," she responded to the quaking voice. "We come seeking he who this city entombs. We come for the dead." As she spoke, she began to wonder whether the voice was another part of the tomb's defenses, judging the threats and reacting accordingly. This thought concerned her...

Horatio smiled cruely as he used one of the kneeling patrons as a foot rest. He reached for the coin, but paused before he took it and stared Miffin in the eyes, watching him squirm. "As proof of your loyalty you will return with us to Rimoru City. If you disobey..." He began to take his hand away.

To the other patrons, apart from the one he was using as a foot rest he waved a dismissal, allowing them to return to what they were doing.

If Miffen agreed to do as he said then he would take the coin without further ado and they would shortly be leaving, after Miffin had taken the time to muster whatever he needed to travel with.

_______________________________________________

Ezekial had been absently examining the 'remains' in the bucket as he walked along before he heard a voice that sounded almost accusing and turned to see who had called out. Seeing the recentely promoted general who had apparently had some experience with imps before he smiled. "Congratulations on your promotion general." He said with a polite bow.

Holding the bucket slightly in front of him he showed Viral the charred bones and wire that was in the bucket. "The remains of the wayward Mahura... call it research." He said with a smile.

_______________________________________________

Mienna's mind was gradually grasping the situation they were in as Betrice helped her and she glanced around at the others, as the odds seemed to be somewhat against them, even the fiersome Kalzog seemed to be being swarmed.

Returning her attention to Beatrice she saw the face of the creature that had killed her before and had used her as bait. To her shocked mind all it signified was terror and she screamed.

Mustering her sense she tried to lash out at the demon, but it had already vanished with Beatrice in tow, she stumbled after it, but was still exhausted and wouldn't have been able to keep up. Realising this she turned to the others, meaning to call for help, but Ixiar seemed to already have things under wraps.

She cringed as she saw fire engulf them as a shield, feeling the forests awareness of the potential destruction that may be visited upon it. "No, don't burn it!" She mumbled weakly as she took the opportunity to draw her rapier and try to prepare herself for combat.

...

“There. You may go meet your newly acquired fans if you wish, my lady. Those that aren’t trusting of you will find themselves trusting soon enough. I am the second most respected person in Iskan, as polls will report and most trusted me over the Empress,” Artimius said to a beautiful figure whose radiant red hair shined brilliantly in the brief rays of sunlight that touched her shadowed, pale form.

Teralynn was dressed in her usual regal purple. Her dress was fancy, but not so much so that it screamed of a priviledged and luxurious life. No, it was simple in its elegance.

She had heard the commoners' disgruntled complaints about the former Iskani leader. She had met Rimoru herself many years ago. She even enjoyed the company of the Iskani leader during that brief visit, indulging for the first time in her life the affluent styles.

But Rimoru was a vain child, concerned only with herself and her wants, from what the mind mage remembered. Not that Teralynn was completely above that herself, but at least she was more grounded in the reality of the world. Or, at the very least, she liked to believe so.

Still, what these people needed was real leadership. Not some figurehead that lived a world away, wrapped up in her own concerns, but someone who would actively shape and mold these people. They might not accept such changes with open arms, at least not outright and not right away, but with some careful guidance, Teralynn was sure these people would see it her way. And when the rest of the Cult saw her bloodless conversion of the entirety of Iskan, her political rivals would no longer be able to stand against her overwhelming power.

First things first, though.

"Well done, Artimius," Teralynn beamed at the man before moving down the hallway, her shoes clicking on the marble floors.

Standing at the edge of the balcony, the pale redhead looked down at the throng below. "People of Iskan, I thank you for your trust as you open the gates of your city to me. I realize that I may not be one of you, but what I am is a strong and able leader. I am not one to sit idly in positions of power, but rather one to affect change for the better through wisdom and with the guidance of such enlightened individuals as your beloved Artimius. Change that, for now, means defending your homeland and protecting your lives from the unwanted and uncalled for attacks from the Imperium and the dragons."

Teralynn took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, relaxing herself as she simultaneously let the images of the assaults and pillaging carried out by the aforementioned enemies appear in the minds of the masses. There was nothing too gruesome - Tera held back the gory details - but it was enough to give most people a sense of fear and impending devastation at the hands of the Imperium and the dragons.

"I, as you, cherish freedom, but your very freedom is what is at stake right now. Freedom from slavery, or as a spectacle to be slaughtered in the Imperium's arenas. Freedom from the clutches of the dragons who, for lack of a better way to put it, enjoy dining upon humans. With your aid, I can preserve that freedom. Our strengths combined, we can stop the enemies at the gates and disperse them. Don't get me wrong; things won't be easy. Rimoru's sudden disappearance placed the entire country in a very precarious position, and much damage has already been done. No one, not even I, can patch everything up and drive out the invaders in an instant. But with much diligence and effort, we will do all that we can today so that our children and our children's children may live peacefully tomorrow."

"Will you help me, citizens of Iskan? Will you be at my side as we, altogether, save our homes and our loved ones?"

"It must be easy for you to believe peace can be achieved without war. Considering you hide in these protected walls with your tail between your legs" Xenocrates replied harshly.

"Never forget when battle comes, who sheds the blood necessary to fuel our preservation."
________

Hel stared with such hatred into the distance that the shadows themselves began fleeing into the darkest cooridors of the ship. She could feel what was at Rimoru's palace, an ocean of unrestrained wickedness.

"We're returning to where this began, and where the end will begin." The queen whispered to herself. "Now they should know it."

An ear shattering horn sounded off for miles from Hel's small band of ships.

As Harlin fell from the trees, his hooded cloak gave him the appearance of Death incarnate. His twirling blades sang as they sliced through cloth, flesh and bone. The last thing the archers saw was the creeping shadow of death stalking them. Their screams tore a whole in the night.

Standing amongst the dead, Harlin remarked on their foolish attempt to ambush the group. "No one attacks me and my friends and lives to tell of it."

(OOC: I don't really remember how to play Harlin... so I'm gonna make him Rourouni Kenshin like from now on. Nice and slightly goofy until put into battle, when he turns vicious.)

Having not known what to expect when they arrived, Loki was quite surprised by the strange appearance of the little spider machina. The others seemed to be nervous about the situation, and were proven dead right when they were attacked. Standing behind the others, and most likely deemed less of a threat than the others, Loki noticed few enemies came at him.

However, when a stray spider machina did scamper toward him, a raised, white-gloved hand sent it sprawling with a jolt of electricity. Battles were always confusing to the young mage, so rather than inserting himself he stood back and helped in small spots where he could.

"Actually," Sebastian interrupted as she was ordering their meals. "I'll have a tankard of your freshest juice." He smiled as the young girl left. Turning to Ikara, he gave a slight apologetic smile, "Sorry, but I don't drink ale for more reasons than one." It was both a lifestyle decision as well as part of his holy order to shun alcohol.

Sebastian took a seat as Ikara waited for him, the motion brushing away his cloak so that his greaves and thigh-guards could be seen. "Yes, I'm afraid we will. Though it would seem this mission requires a bit of discreetness, I have never been one for sneaking around in the midst of the enemy's encampment."

The great knight glanced around at the rows of armored soldiers sipping their ale and commiserating. It was a bleak and sad sight, but that was the nature of brutish warfare. There was little reason or time for joy in the midst of frigid times...

“Then I hope you don’t mind my drinking of it. It kind of just…crawls on you when things are bad,” she said quietly as she removed her helmet and placed it on the ground next to her. She didn’t want to insult this man, especially when he claims he is here to aid in the decaying Order.

Ikara nodded as her ale and Sebastian’s fruit juice arrived in large clay mugs. “Many of us have begun to use hit-and-run tactics recently. Especially on the eastern front against the Imperium. Our forces don’t number nearly as much as either the Uncivilized forces or the Imperium. Usually we get a higher rate of success while using these tactics against the Imperium, probably because they are sticking to the major roads rather than spreading out all over the woods and plains.”

Just then, the girl brought in their dishes, a warm meal with the necessary nutrients needed to keep the warriors battle-healthy.


"The sanctity of life is our business..." Ar'mai responded to the brute. "Your kind, on the other hand, seems to think it better than all else. How sad that your leaders have finally seen the end of their days... and fear it so."

At the appearance of a weak looking figure, she waited to see how Vohin would react...

******************************************

"Well, if we manage to take control of the prison," Venisar began, ignoring the captain's worthless comment about weak elves, "we could go several ways. We could ambush a couple of guards, take their keys if they have any, and ransom them for our freedom - though I don't think they'll let us go. We could take their uniforms and attempt to gain access to the other cells. We could try to talk our way out, not that it would do any good. Or we could fight to the death and see where that takes us..." he ended with a smirk.

"Or we could try prying that dragooness for help..."

“Show yourself. Now!” Vohin boomed as his grip on his weapon and the chain holding Ar’mai tightened. “Or I will MAKE you!” his lips curled revealing nearly luminescent teeth.

The little girl lowered her head as her pale form walked into faint glow of the strange flames that gave off the limited light in this forsaken tomb revealing skeletal legs, flesh dried and flaking, and in some instances, nonexistent.

“Abomination!” snarled Vohin, immediately making a throwing motion with his sword, the blade detaching from its hilt and soaring with expert precision towards the little corpse-girl.

“Wait!” the girl screamed, the hair floating out of her eyes, as though an invisible hand brushed it aside, revealing glowing orbs within her eye sockets. It was strange that her face seemed relatively untouched by time’s greedy clutches as it was smooth and had a pale glow. But, upon closer inspection, it seemed an illusion as her face seemed to float over her skull.

Before the blade smashed through her frail-looking skull, Vohin snapped his arm back, swinging the wicked blade back towards the hilt where it fit gently in its slot. “Speak fast. My patience wears thin.”

“This tomb holds a dark power that must not be released. If you have been tempted here to free him, I must implore you turn around. Power, wealth, material goods, none of it is worth freeing Athral,” the ghostly girl said quietly, lowering her head again. “Please.”

Vohin turned to Ar’mai, his orange eyes glaring into hers. “This spells your execution,” he growled softly.

“But you are not the only ones in this tomb. There are others, that intend to free him. When he is free, there will be a terror unknown in this world…”

Vohin turned his gaze at the little girl and back at Ar’mai. These creatures must be stopped. Us dragoons have enough on our hands. If this creature enters the battlefield and is all as he is said to be…

“How do I know I can trust you, undead?” Vohin growled.

“I am the result of a cruel curse set upon myself,” the little girl said.

“By this Athral?”

“By his sister…Rimoru.”
******************************

“Well, if ya remember, that dragoon girl doesn’t like pirates. So ye ‘ave ta deal with her. But that may be our best bet. We just don’t know if yer elven friend will be here to check up on her.”

“I say we wait atleast ‘til night an’ if she doesn’t show, we kill the guards and escape as quickly and quietly as possible. Even if that means not saving the rest o’ the town.”

***************************

With the sudden appearance of a heavy voice and quaking ground, Vira became on guard, slightly unsure of the situation or the predicament they may very well have walked into it.

"Habdebza?" Vira asked in a strong voice, wondering where the demon-god might be. This was, after all, his quest and his power that would accomplish it.

"I am here in the service of another," she responded to the quaking voice. "We come seeking he who this city entombs. We come for the dead." As she spoke, she began to wonder whether the voice was another part of the tomb's defenses, judging the threats and reacting accordingly. This thought concerned her...

“The dead must remain so,” the voice rumbled as the steps appeared closer. “Leave now or perish.”

Suddenly, the imprisoned woman seen just moments before by Habdebza appeared right next to the confused Vira.

“I hate it when that happens!” the woman growled as she rose from her feet and looking at the other woman. “Are you his wife? His lover? Have you activated any traps?” she asked, question right after the other with nearly no pauses.

*************************

Horatio smiled cruely as he used one of the kneeling patrons as a foot rest. He reached for the coin, but paused before he took it and stared Miffin in the eyes, watching him squirm. "As proof of your loyalty you will return with us to Rimoru City. If you disobey..." He began to take his hand away.

To the other patrons, apart from the one he was using as a foot rest he waved a dismissal, allowing them to return to what they were doing.

If Miffen agreed to do as he said then he would take the coin without further ado and they would shortly be leaving, after Miffin had taken the time to muster whatever he needed to travel with.

_______________________________________________

Ezekial had been absently examining the 'remains' in the bucket as he walked along before he heard a voice that sounded almost accusing and turned to see who had called out. Seeing the recentely promoted general who had apparently had some experience with imps before he smiled. "Congratulations on your promotion general." He said with a polite bow.

Holding the bucket slightly in front of him he showed Viral the charred bones and wire that was in the bucket. "The remains of the wayward Mahura... call it research." He said with a smile.

_______________________________________________




“Yes! Yes! I shall have my fastest horses assembled in my best carriages! Please…just…quit harassing me in public!” Miffin hissed to Horatio. Even though the other patrons had been dismissed from humiliation, they continuously watched their leader as they tried to go about their daily business. Even the people outside the establishment would stare inwards to see what all this commotion is about.

Magledesh merely smiled cruelly as he wrapped one of his large hands around the pudgy neck of Miffin and began to squeeze. “I do what I want,” he growled as he picked up the large man and brought him so he looked directly into Magledesh’s eyes.

*******************************

Viral nodded with a hint of a smile as he was congratulated but his attention was concentrated on the charred arm and the melted bucket. Upon hearing it was a part of Mahura, his eyes widened slightly. “What happened to her? Is this your doing?” he asked, not knowing who did kill Mahura.



Teralynn was dressed in her usual regal purple. Her dress was fancy, but not so much so that it screamed of a priviledged and luxurious life. No, it was simple in its elegance.

"Well done, Artimius," Teralynn beamed at the man before moving down the hallway, her shoes clicking on the marble floors.

Standing at the edge of the balcony, the pale redhead looked down at the throng below. "People of Iskan, I thank you for your trust as you open the gates of your city to me. I realize that I may not be one of you, but what I am is a strong and able leader. I am not one to sit idly in positions of power, but rather one to affect change for the better through wisdom and with the guidance of such enlightened individuals as your beloved Artimius. Change that, for now, means defending your homeland and protecting your lives from the unwanted and uncalled for attacks from the Imperium and the dragons."

Teralynn took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, relaxing herself as she simultaneously let the images of the assaults and pillaging carried out by the aforementioned enemies appear in the minds of the masses. There was nothing too gruesome - Tera held back the gory details - but it was enough to give most people a sense of fear and impending devastation at the hands of the Imperium and the dragons.

"I, as you, cherish freedom, but your very freedom is what is at stake right now. Freedom from slavery, or as a spectacle to be slaughtered in the Imperium's arenas. Freedom from the clutches of the dragons who, for lack of a better way to put it, enjoy dining upon humans. With your aid, I can preserve that freedom. Our strengths combined, we can stop the enemies at the gates and disperse them. Don't get me wrong; things won't be easy. Rimoru's sudden disappearance placed the entire country in a very precarious position, and much damage has already been done. No one, not even I, can patch everything up and drive out the invaders in an instant. But with much diligence and effort, we will do all that we can today so that our children and our children's children may live peacefully tomorrow."

"Will you help me, citizens of Iskan? Will you be at my side as we, altogether, save our homes and our loved ones?"


Artimius didn’t reply to Teralynn as she walked out to meet the public, but his eyes scanned her body head to toe. Hopefully, she’s somewhat like Rimoru… he thought to himself, implying a few nights he had with the ex-empress and he has no regrets.

No regrets…
***

The audience acted with full emotions as the images were placed over them by their leader, who, behind the battle images, looked stronger as she stood over the fighting, untouched by the war.

When she asked for their aid, the audience responded more enthusiastically, although not all of the people did cheer. They knew that the end of Iskan as they knew it was coming to an end.

****

No regrets…

Artimius heard the cheers but his face remained stoic as he stared out the archway. He had kept himself alive by agreeing to persuading the Iskani public to the cultists. He knew the people wouldn’t be persuaded easily, especially to someone who represents those Rimoru had lead a small army to fight a short time ago. Yet by the sounds of it, the audience were warming up already to the woman just announced to be their leader.

Artimius had agreed to help the Cult to save his life but he felt that a part of him was still dieing with Iskan.

**************************

"It must be easy for you to believe peace can be achieved without war. Considering you hide in these protected walls with your tail between your legs" Xenocrates replied harshly.

"Never forget when battle comes, who sheds the blood necessary to fuel our preservation."
________

Hel stared with such hatred into the distance that the shadows themselves began fleeing into the darkest cooridors of the ship. She could feel what was at Rimoru's palace, an ocean of unrestrained wickedness.

"We're returning to where this began, and where the end will begin." The queen whispered to herself. "Now they should know it."

An ear shattering horn sounded off for miles from Hel's small band of ships.

As the audience eagerly agreed to listen Tera out and to aid her in her quest to protect the nation, a horn blasted through the air, distracting the audience to look for the source in the sky. Some shouts of dragons were bounced around the audience however when the massive ships broke through the clouds, the people screamed, the ones closest to her shouting out for her help.

Tera, finish this speech. I need you in the palace. These are with us. Valtrox’s voice suddenly boomed within Teralynn’s skull.
***

At the palace, the demons and newly arrived Cultists prepared the palace for the arrival of Hel and her forces. Although they were not quite sure what to expect, they were more worried about where the large airships would go. Would it land or would it simply float in the sky.

The current cultist high priest had already planned out where the airships would be in either case. If they remained floating, they would hook up to one of the four massive pillars at each corner of the palace where they will leave their ships. If they intend to land, huge areas of desert land have been cleaned up near the palace. Each landing zone, whether the pillars or the open area, there are cultists posted to guide both ship and passengers to where they are supposed to go.


******************************

Bercleor stopped midway through the corridor and stared hard at the General. “I’ve gone out a few times and I have found the people of Lustria are equally able to achieve peace without war as they are to fight mindlessly in one,” he replied. Sometimes, he wished his father and perhaps the other dragons liked him more. Then he wouldn’t have to take such talk from the others.

“I’m sure you know your own way to the council chambers.”

The decks of the other four ships bristled with movement. Each ran a crew of twenty, with another twenty well trained marines for boarding action. Aside from the Skull Knight and a few hollowed dragons, there was not an undead amongst them. Hel believed that flesh eating corpses tended to hinder sensitive political matters.

There is a chance that this may be a trap, first troops, then generals, and finally myself. Crews be prepared for a full retreat should the need arise.

The airships hovered feet above the earth before spewing a wave of soldiers from their hull. The rifleman quickly formed a wall between the ships and the bewildered populace. An very well coordinated force dawning black leather armor and lengthy muskets, all with a short blade sheathed at their sides. Behind them the ship's cannons stared into the depths of the crowd. Each craft landed with an empty thud, and slowly from the belly of the ships emerged a small parade of decorated officers and beasts. Shortly behind them a woman, dwarfed by her guards, peered from between them. She had an enchanting presence about her, surrounded by a terrifying force, she instilled a deep sense of serenity into the onlookers.

"It seems I over estimated Valtrox's grasp on these lands." The queen said quietly. "These aren't fanatics, they're
peasants."

=====================
=====================

"These halls are unfamiliar to me, certainly you have more experience navigating them." Xenocrates sneered before throwing his cape behind him and continuing down the hall.

"One last bit of advice Bercleor." He added over his shoulder. "Don't become so fond of a species facing down extinction."

“Yes! Yes! I shall have my fastest horses assembled in my best carriages! Please…just…quit harassing me in public!” Miffin hissed to Horatio. Even though the other patrons had been dismissed from humiliation, they continuously watched their leader as they tried to go about their daily business. Even the people outside the establishment would stare inwards to see what all this commotion is about.

Magledesh merely smiled cruelly as he wrapped one of his large hands around the pudgy neck of Miffin and began to squeeze. “I do what I want,” he growled as he picked up the large man and brought him so he looked directly into Magledesh’s eyes.

*******************************

Viral nodded with a hint of a smile as he was congratulated but his attention was concentrated on the charred arm and the melted bucket. Upon hearing it was a part of Mahura, his eyes widened slightly. “What happened to her? Is this your doing?” he asked, not knowing who did kill Mahura.


Horatio watched as Magledesh picked Miffin up, nothing would amuse him more than watching Magledesh crush the mans neck, but he had been sent to retrieve the man, not to kill him... yet at least. "Habdebza requested him alive, please try to keep him that way, though feel free to amuse yourself." He gave a cruel smile before returning his attention to his meal. "Don't take too long though, i would like to return to the palace soon."

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ezekial almost laughed at the accusation. "No, Lady Hel decided she was no longer fit for purpose and ended her existence." He gave a shrug. "I am merely 'scavenging' useful parts."

At the blare of the Siren Ezekial winced slightly then turned to Viral. "I assume that means something important? Maybe we should find the others." After stashing the bucket somewhere he would be able to find it again he followed the general swarm of activity and found his way to where the generals were meeting and tagged along with them, entirely unsure of where he fit into all this, but curious.

Mienna's mind was gradually grasping the situation they were in as Betrice helped her and she glanced around at the others, as the odds seemed to be somewhat against them, even the fiersome Kalzog seemed to be being swarmed.

Returning her attention to Beatrice she saw the face of the creature that had killed her before and had used her as bait. To her shocked mind all it signified was terror and she screamed.

Mustering her sense she tried to lash out at the demon, but it had already vanished with Beatrice in tow, she stumbled after it, but was still exhausted and wouldn't have been able to keep up. Realising this she turned to the others, meaning to call for help, but Ixiar seemed to already have things under wraps.

She cringed as she saw fire engulf them as a shield, feeling the forests awareness of the potential destruction that may be visited upon it. "No, don't burn it!" She mumbled weakly as she took the opportunity to draw her rapier and try to prepare herself for combat.

Alegain growled some curse under his breath as a constant barrage of arrows battered and melted agains this shield. “Well, someone think of something then!” he snarled, glancing at Mienna. At the Arena, he had thought her fairly useless and in the way, most likely spawned from the battle rage he was in. Although he knew deep down he felt somewhat sorry for her, he couldn’t help but get angrier at her for her outburst of not burning the forest.

As Harlin fell from the trees, his hooded cloak gave him the appearance of Death incarnate. His twirling blades sang as they sliced through cloth, flesh and bone. The last thing the archers saw was the creeping shadow of death stalking them. Their screams tore a whole in the night.

Standing amongst the dead, Harlin remarked on their foolish attempt to ambush the group. "No one attacks me and my friends and lives to tell of it."

(OOC: I don't really remember how to play Harlin... so I'm gonna make him Rourouni Kenshin like from now on. Nice and slightly goofy until put into battle, when he turns vicious.)

ooc: Does his bio say it in the OOC page?

As soon as Harlin finished his sentence, two of the demon hounds pounced at him, claws outstretched and mouths snapping as they tried to devour this snack that presented himself to them. Meanwhile, from farther away in the canopy many other archers continued their barrage, however, instead of wielding two bows in their four hands, they chose instead to wield one bow and have the remaining two hands hold swords, should Harlin attempt to cut them down.

Having not known what to expect when they arrived, Loki was quite surprised by the strange appearance of the little spider machina. The others seemed to be nervous about the situation, and were proven dead right when they were attacked. Standing behind the others, and most likely deemed less of a threat than the others, Loki noticed few enemies came at him.

However, when a stray spider machina did scamper toward him, a raised, white-gloved hand sent it sprawling with a jolt of electricity. Battles were always confusing to the young mage, so rather than inserting himself he stood back and helped in small spots where he could.

Suddenly, from the nearby bushes, out sprang Glurp screaming as he too was being chased by a small herd of the spider machines. He ran behind Loki and pointed at the spiders. “They no like Glurp! Glurp no got weapon! Funny kid fry too, yes!” he said frantically, not noticing another hound crouching behind the two.

The decks of the other four ships bristled with movement. Each ran a crew of twenty, with another twenty well trained marines for boarding action. Aside from the Skull Knight and a few hollowed dragons, there was not an undead amongst them. Hel believed that flesh eating corpses tended to hinder sensitive political matters.

There is a chance that this may be a trap, first troops, then generals, and finally myself. Crews be prepared for a full retreat should the need arise.

The airships hovered feet above the earth before spewing a wave of soldiers from their hull. The rifleman quickly formed a wall between the ships and the bewildered populace. An very well coordinated force dawning black leather armor and lengthy muskets, all with a short blade sheathed at their sides. Behind them the ship's cannons stared into the depths of the crowd. Each craft landed with an empty thud, and slowly from the belly of the ships emerged a small parade of decorated officers and beasts. Shortly behind them a woman, dwarfed by her guards, peered from between them. She had an enchanting presence about her, surrounded by a terrifying force, she instilled a deep sense of serenity into the onlookers.

"It seems I over estimated Valtrox's grasp on these lands." The queen said quietly. "These aren't fanatics, they're
peasants."

=====================
=====================

"These halls are unfamiliar to me, certainly you have more experience navigating them." Xenocrates sneered before throwing his cape behind him and continuing down the hall.

"One last bit of advice Bercleor." He added over his shoulder. "Don't become so fond of a species facing down extinction."

As soldiers poured out of the ships, people screamed and fled every which way, yet the braver ones stood by to watch what happened, especially when it came upon a beautiful woman dressed in pure white. Many strange things were happening in Iskan and this just added to the multitude.

Artimius, meanwhile, after hearing all the commotion, scrambled next to Teralynn and noticed the ships. "What's this? Is this part of your show?" he asked Tera, glancing at her as his brows furrowed.

"Who are you?" he asked directly down to the procession, readying his own power should it break into a firefight. But within the hands of these soldiers, he noticed a very different design in the weapons used than the traditional steam-guns. Interesting... he thought to himself.

****************

Bercleor stifled a growl as the general walked down the halls. We will not estinguish any species. I will make sure of it he vowed as he glanced towards his father's room.
***

Lydrasil noticed Xenocrates walking back alone and furrowed his brow as he glanced up searching for Bercleor. "How'd it go?" he asked as he walked towards the general. "Any battle plans?"

Horatio watched as Magledesh picked Miffin up, nothing would amuse him more than watching Magledesh crush the mans neck, but he had been sent to retrieve the man, not to kill him... yet at least. "Habdebza requested him alive, please try to keep him that way, though feel free to amuse yourself." He gave a cruel smile before returning his attention to his meal. "Don't take too long though, i would like to return to the palace soon."

----------------------------------------------------------------

Ezekial almost laughed at the accusation. "No, Lady Hel decided she was no longer fit for purpose and ended her existence." He gave a shrug. "I am merely 'scavenging' useful parts."

At the blare of the Siren Ezekial winced slightly then turned to Viral. "I assume that means something important? Maybe we should find the others." He followed the general swarm of activity and found his way to where the generals were meeting and tagged along with them, entirely unsure of where he fit into all this, but curious.

Magledesh dropped the squirming man as he immediately grabbed his head in pain. Yet this only lasted a few seconds before he stumbled back and shook his head.

"Agreed," he muttered. "We need to get to Rimoru's palace immediately."

Miffin gave off a few coughs and stretched his neck before Magledesh grunted, sending Miffin scurrying to get the things he said he would.

Within an hour or so, two carriages were brought pulled by four beautiful black horses each, Miffin opening the door of one. "You guys go in that carriage," he said, pointing to the one behind his.

*****

"I worry about your scavenging and research, Imp. How do we know we can tr-" suddenly, the siren caught him off guard.

"Aye, it is important, especially if we are landing...in Rimoru's domain," he said. He was somewhat unsure of why they were where they are now and was slightly worried as screams emmitted from below. He had not heard any clanging of swords and armor nor and gunshots so he assumed it was just a frightened public. He too followed the imp to the generals and as professional as he could, he proceeded as the others, occasionally glancing back to his Queen. He had to admit, she always gave him a relaxed feeling and he nearly smiled if not for the shouts of a man atop a balcony quite a ways up.

Mienna looked slightly downcast at the response, but could feel the earth nearby wanting to offer its aid and respond to the danger they, and by extension it, were in. Disjointed thoughts seemed to come together in her mind as her body, despite its exhaustion seemed to follow a flowing routine as if in a trance. Wherever she pointed her rapier things began to happen.

Around Kalzog vines began to beat at the spider creatures, trying to tear them off of him and the trees began to shake as if in a gale, giving the archers something other than there prey to think about.

She would not be able to keep it up for long however, her body was in no fit state to fight and she felt more of a tool the forest was using the direct its force rather than being in any control of it.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Magladesh's sudden pain had cought Horatio by surprise, but he remained silent as the larger demon recovered and did not ask about the cause of it. Not much occured in the time it took Miffin to prepare his entourage, though Hortio had regained some of his energy.

He was displeased by Miffin ordering them into a carriage and he let the displeasure show for a moment before walking to the carriage and jumping into it. He was suspicious of the man, but could not fault the quality of the carriage and the horses drawing it.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking up at the much taller man, Ezekial gave Viral a sly smile and with a dismissive gesture said: "As long as it benifits me to work with you, then you can trust me implicitly." He let that hang for a moment before adding: "And with the way Hel seems to treat those who fail her, it would appear that if i wish to stay alive i may be working with you for some time." There was no hint of displeasure in his voice, though there was a slight hint of admiration towards how Hel seemed to run a very ordered operation. After that he fell silent as he waited to see what form of reception they would recieve as his grasp on the situation was tenuous at best.

Miffin watched them enter the carriage before slumping into his own. "Why do I have to go?" he asked no one in particular as he began to eat a few luxury sweets he had in a dish nearby. He already hated these two and therefore, hated their master- Valtrox.

"Failure of a god," he muttered as he stuffed his mouth. "How many times he's tried to enter and each time repelled."

He gulped down whatever he had left in his mouth before letting out a loud burp and sighing. "And why are we going to the Palace?"

*****

Magledesh followed Horatio into the carriage and had to slouch in order to fit, not to mention his wings which reached halfway across the spacious carriage.

"Something big is happening in Rimoru City. I felt Valtrox stirring. He was Debating on calling all his followers in positions of power. Some have been called...including me...and you through me. It's as though he plans a large summoning...like summoning himself but there is no gate large enough for him there. Only a broken one...and the regular gateways and none of them can summon a god...he has few original demi-gods left."

"It worries and confuses me," he said finally as he stared out of the window as the carriages began to roll fast, buildings giving way to trees and bushes and then desert sands and cacti. The ride to Rimoru city wasn't long at all and they should be there within a few hours at the speed they are going presently.

"Politics." Xenocrates sighed. "It'll take some time, but ultimately I think I can convince the council for total war. I think it's high time for us to reclaim this world."

===========
===========

The queen slowly stepped from her surrounding guards.

"My name is Hel, and I am told you are looking for a dragon slayer."

Ikara nodded as her ale and Sebastian’s fruit juice arrived in large clay mugs. “Many of us have begun to use hit-and-run tactics recently. Especially on the eastern front against the Imperium. Our forces don’t number nearly as much as either the Uncivilized forces or the Imperium. Usually we get a higher rate of success while using these tactics against the Imperium, probably because they are sticking to the major roads rather than spreading out all over the woods and plains.”

"Nothing wrong with that," Sebastian replied as he took a deep swing of his fruit-juice. "I prefer to face my enemy eye-to-eye, but fiendish tactics are still honorable in the pursuit of noble ends. I suppose I might as well get used to them..." and with that he took a final swing of the tankard and downed the remaining juice.

He begun digging into his meal, the first good one he had eaten in several days. Having rushed across the plains to this land, the great knight had not stopped in many populated areas or taken the time to make a proper encampment.

Eating like the hungry man he was, the meal never stood a chance. In a matter of minutes he had voraciously polished off his plate. Leaning back in his chair, he said, "Right then, best be off to bed, My Lady, and prepare for the morning." Her company was quite pleasant and talking to her would be nice - rarely before had he met someone like her - but they'd have plenty of time to talk on their quest.

[ooc: Thought I'd move things along.]

"I must implore you turn around. Power, wealth, material goods, none of it is worth freeing Athral,” the ghostly girl said quietly, lowering her head again. “Please.”

Vohin turned to Ar’mai, his orange eyes glaring into hers. “This spells your execution,” he growled softly.
******************************

“Well, if ya remember, that dragoon girl doesn’t like pirates. So ye ‘ave ta deal with her. But that may be our best bet. We just don’t know if yer elven friend will be here to check up on her.”

“I say we wait atleast ‘til night an’ if she doesn’t show, we kill the guards and escape as quickly and quietly as possible. Even if that means not saving the rest o’ the town.”

Ar'mai was immediately taken aback by the appearance of the girl and her cruel turn of fate. Forced to live half-undead and plagued in this tomb, that was a fate worse than death. There was something that invoked both pity and disgust in the elf's reactions. What could she have done to deserve such treatment from Rimoru, Ar'mai wondered. Killing her, she thought, might be the nicest thing one could do.

"I told you there was a dark power here," Ar'mai spat at Vohin. "It is your own damn fault for being greedy enough to want to possess it. Unless, of course, you wish to stop Athral's release... not that you can take the others on by yourself..."

******************************

It was an interesting plan. The warrior elf thought he had some glimpse of sympathy in her eyes when she left them in their cell - perhaps there was something beneath her cold exterior that felt for them... something he could use.

The latter portion of the captain's comments was not something he liked, but, not in the mood to argue, he held his tongue, figuring they would sort it out later.

"Well, then, I shall rest until the moment comes..."

“The dead must remain so,” the voice rumbled as the steps appeared closer. “Leave now or perish.”

Suddenly, the imprisoned woman seen just moments before by Habdebza appeared right next to the confused Vira.

“I hate it when that happens!” the woman growled as she rose from her feet and looking at the other woman. “Are you his wife? His lover? Have you activated any traps?” she asked, question right after the other with nearly no pauses.

"Well, that's not going to happen..." Vira responded to the booming voice. They had come for their prize and they were going to get it, not to mention such a comment was insulting to a necromancer, especially one as prideful as Vira. "The dead must do as they are told. The undead live in death to serve." There was a reason that she feared no evil, feared no death - the red-haired seductress had died before, put death was but a moment's time to her as she became reincarnated time and again.

Suddenly, a vampiress appeared from nowhere next to her. She didn't seem hostile - at least not to Vira - and by the way she spoke, it seemed she knew Habdebza. "No," Vira responded indignantly at the annoying question. "No... no... and n-... well, maybe on the last one," she corrected. "This voice is getting kind of upsetting."

Who is she? What's she doing? Does she know what to do? thoughts swirled through her mind as she thought about the nature of a vampiress. Quite remarkable beings they were, depending on which myths one believed about them. "Care to help..."

Suddenly, from the nearby bushes, out sprang Glurp screaming as he too was being chased by a small herd of the spider machines. He ran behind Loki and pointed at the spiders. “They no like Glurp! Glurp no got weapon! Funny kid fry too, yes!” he said frantically, not noticing another hound crouching behind the two.

As the boastful Glurp-character came running out from the bushes and nearly tackled the young mage, Loki prepared another couple small lightning-shock spells. Unfortunately, clumsy as he was, mixed with the ineptitude of Glurp, Loki's oversized hat slipped over his head. Blind to what was going on, the black mage started wobbling about and firing off little electric and fire spells at whatever got in the way.

Unbeknownst to Loki and most certainly unintentionally, the hound crouching behind would get a burnt face from a flying fire spell... that is if Glurp managed to duck in time.

Lydrasil frowned and shook his head. "Leave the politics to the politians. Leave the politians in a hole as the rest of the world progresses without them," he grumbled, following Xenocrates. "We've proceeded with little opposition. In both fronts, Political and the battlefields. General Vohinihth has proceeded through a good portion of Iskan. General Nikdal Swept through a bit of the Cultist Territory before he was recalled here. We don't want to make too much of an impression there. They may attempt something drastic. And history has shown desperate Valtroxians to be very dangerous."

"As for me...I have yet to be called out," he grunted with an annoyed timbre. Lydrasil was a semi-famous dragon. He lead the Fatal Claw clan, the strongest and most elite dragons under Dominatistradz control. Minus his own guard and the Ageless. The Fatal Claw worked stealthily dispatching enemies for the majority of the years off war, including a few key Cultist figures. But the Fatal Claw's specialty was brute force as their toughened scales and augmented armor made them indomitable tanks.

"What is our lord's stance on all out war? He's been borderline all out war and just expanding his kingdom. Only a fraction of his armies are out there. I am anxious to see our recruits, not to mention, the Draconiks."

***********************************************

Artimius glanced at Teralynn. "This is for you to deal with, but I must suggest that future projects be brought to me before they are enacted. You don't want your future subjects to reject you out of fright." He turned to face the "dragonslayers" below.

"Among other things, yes, that is one thing we need. Meet us in the lobby of this tower." He walked down the stairs to the clean, white lobby with expensive marble floor and broad pillars and statues of former headmasters and great wizards of the past. Several students and professors looked quizically at Artimius, who waved them over.

"I want you guys to be nearby, in case these people are not here on good terms. Then you can make sure these people stay in line," he ordered to the professors. He then turned to the younger students. "I want you guys to remember everything said and research it in the librarys here. I'm sure atleast a few of you know mind-speak. Those stay with me and transmit the knowledge to those in the librarys. I need two of you to go to the Eon Library as well and research there. Things to look for: Names, organizations, and their histories. First name: Hel. Get on it."

The students and professors nodded and went to their ordered spot.

***********************************************

"Agreed," Ikara said as she ate her own food, much slower than the large figure before her. "I will be to bed soon after I eat. But sleeping quarters are upstairs, Sir Sebastian."

She stood up and drank a bit more of her ale before walking up the large staircase, motioning Sebastian to follow. At the top of the stairs, she pointed to a very large room on her left where several soldiers were sleeping. The ones without any of their own houses or tents to sleep in. "Sir Sebastian, I will sleep across the hall in the woman's quarters. When you are ready to go tomorrow, ask one of the innkeepers down the stairs and I will be down quickly. I hope you sleep well," she said with a tired smile on her face.

***********************************************

Vohin brought his free hand and wrapped his fingers under Ar'mai's chin and pushed her cheeks in, giving her a slightly fish-like espression. "You were the one that brought this place to my attention. I am not seeking this power. I am noting a landmark and will bring it to the attention of those that can more easily deal with this. But now that we are down here and it has been opened and apparantly someone attempting to free this Athral is nearing their goal, I will do something about it," he hissed before looking back at the ghost-girl. "Explain these others. Who are they?"

The girl shook her head before speaking in her strange ethereal voice. "I do not know. There were two that entered, a red-haired woman and a cloaked creature. The woman summoned fallen angels while the cloaked one released one of Athral's vampiric concubines."

Vohin frowned and glanced back at Ar'mai.

"I would suggest getting all the help you can get. Although I can provide you with the layout of this area I cannot fight."

"I am a Drakonan. I was bred to fight even the mightiest defenders of the Overworld. I'm sure the fallen are no match for me."

"You are still outnumbered," the girl chimed in, almost playfully.

Vohin looked at Ar'mai again and sighed. "I'll let you off the chain...but you need to be able to pick up a sword and kill anything I tell you to," he growled, refusing to use the word "help" or "assistance".

"Ghost, take us to the nearest armory or some place we can get a decent weapon."

The ghost smiled and began to float away, turning a corner.

***********************************************

The pirate captain sighed and shook his head. "I'll wake ya up should yer lady friend show up," he replied gruffly.

***********************************************

The woman wiped her hands and cracked a few joints before glancing around.

"Help?" she asked glancing around.

"Then perish, undead demons," the voice boomed as the light revealed a massive golem stepping out of the shadows. The golem was ten times as large as the others, reaching about thirty feet tall and nearly as thick. "Athral shall not be freed."

The vampiress looked up at the glowing yellow eyes of the golem and shook her head. "Help? I don't think so," she replied as she began to take off away from Vira. "Try to take out his eyes!" she shouted as she ran away.

The golem seemed to ignore the woman before sending a volley of boulders from his hands towards Vira.

"Unfortunately the politicians always hang on the heels of progress." Xenocrates replied keeping at pace. "I've yet to find a manner in which to shake them off. So for now I suppose we have no choice but to drag them along."

The general smiled at his friend's frustration. The dragon's forces have been restricted to covert operations and small campaigns. The last mission he was sent on was to bring a rogue dragoon to the council for investigation.

"We stand against a war machine the likes of which we haven't seen in ages. There is no question that your strength will be called upon for the upcoming battle. I will see to it personally. Vohinihth, I'm surprised he managed out of the front gate without falling on his own sword. His advance speaks volumes about the strength of the cults."

"It seems he is more interested in this new threat, than concerned. Personally I would have transformed Iskan into an ocean of flame, but it is not my position to question, only obey."

==================
==================

Beau and I will proceed into the palace alone. It won't take long once their master realizes on who sent me. Follow at a good distance until I send for you.

The two walked off creating a wide path in the crowd. Hel smiled gently onto the people, but Beau's presence unquestionably pushed them a good distance back. Giant physique, claws dangling past his own knees, jagged interlocking fangs, and a stench that would suggest he had been bathing in flesh.

Hel let out a low whistle upon entering the massive foyer.

"Beautiful." She remarked approaching who she assumed was an ambassador.

Lydrasil chuckled at Xenocrates' quip about Vohinihth. "Not sure, Xenocrates. Have you seen him in action? Stubborn, cocky. Great with a sword and the expertise of one of my own. Not so much different than from when you were a recruit."

"So long ago..." he sighed as he tapped a massive black dragon-man on the shoulder. "Get the generals. A meeting is imminent. Meet in the Blue room," he said, giving the large man a grin before he sped up to find the others.

"I think we'd best make our choices while we have the support of Dominatistradz. The other Ageless may not be so accepting of War later on..."

*************************************************

"And old," Artimius said as bowed low his hand extended to kiss her hand, a group of wizards standing a decent distance away. "Many thousands of years old and kept like new by magic nearly as old."

"But you, Lady Hel, are also beautiful and...not old..." he gave a chuckle. Her friend, on the other hand is ugly and smells like a dragon dung piles.

"He has centuries of training before he is even half of what I used to be." Xenocrates replied jestingly.

"The other ageless will follow our king's will. Save for his very son, the peaceful flower child, birthed from the god of countless wars. I fail to understand the natural order of things sometimes."

==============
==============

"It must take some charm to make a dark skinned woman blush." Hel replied smiling. Suddenly Beau bared his teeth and began snarling at the gentleman. His aggression came to an immediate halt when the young woman jumped up and snatched him by the collar.

"You'll have to forgive my guard dog, he is excellent at reading the smallest mannerisms. No doubt that his smell is offensive, I had him cleaning the remnants of a traitor for the last few days."

The Varvul violently shot back out the doors by an invisible force.

"Without proper time to bathe him that seemed to be the only proper course of action."

"He has centuries of training before he is even half of what I used to be." Xenocrates replied jestingly.

"The other ageless will follow our king's will. Save for his very son, the peaceful flower child, birthed from the god of countless wars. I fail to understand the natural order of things sometimes."

==============
==============

"It must take some charm to make a dark skinned woman blush." Hel replied smiling. Suddenly Beau bared his teeth and began snarling at the gentleman. His aggression came to an immediate halt when the young woman jumped up and snatched him by the collar.

"You'll have to forgive my guard dog, he is excellent at reading the smallest mannerisms. No doubt that his smell is offensive, I had him cleaning the remnants of a traitor for the last few days."

The Varvul violently shot back out the doors by an invisible force.

"Without proper time to bathe him that seemed to be the only proper course of action."

The old dragon gave a hearty chuckle as they walked into a very large blue room, very different compared to the dark brown or reddish halls of the rest of the mountain. The ground had a beautiful blue carpet with stitched golden dragons fluttering towards the center, where a massive wooden table dominated the room.

"Ah, they follow him, that's for sure, but they don't agree with him. Not all of them atleast. I'd need to know...part of my duty," he chuckled with a dangerous grin. He motioned for a seat near the head of the table while remaining standing. Lydrasil was never much for sitting and only did so when a higher up asked for it.
"Bercleor...he is a strange one," he said quietly. "Makes me wonder if he'd join us if Valtrox rose again or if he would run and hide...or go into self-exile."

***********************************************

"Ah, don't flatter me, my lady, then I may end up embarassing myself," he chuckled before the snarls of her wolf man silenced him. The other mages stepped out of the shadows, some had hands glowing with spells already.

But Hel controlled her pet, causing Artimius to wave the other mages away. "Ah traitors...unruly pests."

Suddenly her pet was tossed out of the building, catching the mage off guard. "I-Er...You do magic?" he asked suddenly.

******************

Viral noticed the Varvul soar back towards them and collapse nearby.

"Aren't you supposed to be protecting our Lady?" he asked somewhat making fun of the situation but also curious about the situation the Queen is in. His hands wrapped around his two pistols and pulled them out of their holsters.

"Either way my blade would not hesitate to find his throat." Xenocrates whispered before sliding into a seat. His massive weapon did not allow for any kind of sedentary positions, which required him to remove the titanic sword, and set it on the back of his chair.

He readied his mind for a political climate.

===============
===============

"I've been quite proficient at them since Valtrox laid his claim on me." Hel replied grinning innocently. "Try as I may, I've rarely been able to break the skill down to a science. My instincts serve me very well though."

===============
===============

The Varvul gather his feet and dusted his shoulders.

"It seems the bitch did not need me." Beau growled seemingly ready to storm back into the hallway.

"I'd say your grudges run deep for Bercleor and Vohinihth alike," Lydrasil said as he leaned against the wall while a few generals walked in:

One tall thin man walked in, his eyes a cold blue and dressed with robes as blue as his eyes. Ice Dragon Xigol, leader of the majority of the blue dragons. He had a heart as cold as his homeland and specialized in tactics that slowed opponents in time for reinforcements to join in.

Soon after walked in a woman with purple eyes, black hair, and a dark purple robe. She smiled at Lydrasil and winked at Xenocrates. She was the leader of Dragoon Magical forces and was one of the friendlier dragons. Although she had a pretty body and a perky attitude, she has no history of sex.

Following after was General Nikdal, General of the Cultist Campaign. A short, bulky dragon-man who showed little emotion. Battle-hardened and strong, he sported many a battle scar and knew how to fight and fight well.

An even smaller creature fluttered in. The small dragon was Mesus, a dragon who is a master of the more secretive actions. Mesus lead the best assassins for any job, even better than the Fatal Claw, due to their generally tiny size. They also made for incredible scouts.

About ten more generals walked in, leaders of various different groups, both dragons and dragoons, and even the Gnoll Warchief.

"General Xenocrates, you have the floor," Lydrasil's voice boomed through the chamber, hushing the others.

***********************************************

"Ah...a...Valtroxian?" Artimius asked with a nod. I should have realized Teralynn would summon a cultist to defend us and our lands.

"I'm afraid I'm not one to talk about Valtroxian matters, but our new queen shall be down shortly."

"Now Magic is my speciality, however...My lady, I do not work on how magic is done but rather what magic is done."

********

"If she believes your not needed then I would trust her judgment. Lady Hel has proven herself to make great decisions," Viral said to Beau with a slight smile as she looked into the lobby where he could barely see the beautiful figure of his Lady.

"Four days ago Colonel Thorindyl's border guard were attacked by an undead force numbering in utterly countless numbers. The Colonel fought nobly to his very last breath before being overrun. I am still tortured that I could not be gifted with the same honor. Our lord has granted immediate and necessary security measures, but he seeks your blessings before declaring war."

The general paused before removing his helmet letting his long hair fall to his shoulders.

"This massive force is surprisingly unconnected to Valtrox. While Dominatistradz is comforted by this fact, I am concerned. A mysterious third party seeks our destruction. The minimum force required for a counter attack would be upwards of 100,000. For our own preservation after this threat is defeated, we must expand our influence greatly. An undead industrialized army over a million strong formed right on our border. I seek your wisdom before returning to the lord with a proposed course of action"

===============
===============

"New queen?" Hel questioned for a moment...I came here with the added benifit of stringing Rimoru up by her intestines.

She let out an annoyed huff before adjusting her glasses...ho well.

"You must understand that it is my nature to break everything down to numbers and methods. Magic seems to be bound by no such laws. Anyway, tell me about this new queen of yours..."

===============
===============

"Her judgment has deemed all but one unfit." Beau grinned. "Everyone else is hers and his to destroy."

Horatio left the larger demon enough room to squeeze into the carriage, but couldn't help smiling at how Magladesh had to slouch to fit it. "Hmmm, he made me rebuild the gate that summoned you, perhaps he had plans to do something similar for himself?" He quietened at the demons somewhat cryptic warning. "Surely if he is planning something it can only further our cause?"

As he waited for the response he watched the rapidly changing country side through his carriage window.
____________________________________________________________

Ezekial watched as Beau came flying out from the palace and picked himself up, he had also readied himself in case they were about to be attacked, but nothing happened and he gradually relaxed, flexing his wings as he eyed the crowds. "Who might that 'one' be?" He asked of the wolfman.

"Anyone who knew of him was warned not to discuss the matter." Beau answered quietly. "Are you willing to share the fate of that mess in your bucket?"

OOC: just to clarify, i left the bucket back on the ship, hes not carrying it with him.

Ezekial raised an eyebrow thinking: Secretive eh? Now i'm curious and lowered his voice before saying: "'Knew of him'?... makes it sound like hes dead or hiding. Hardly the type to be Hel's equal in destruction if he is either of those." He paused for a moment to see if there was any response from the wolfman before shrugging and added: "I think i'll pass however, curiosity killed the cat you people say, but i don't feel particularly feline."

Didn't think so, Beau is just speaking generally.

"Don't be taken in by her kind eyes." Beau warned shifting his glance to the distant figure of his master. She has leveled entire cities, warped the souls of thousands, and we're only in earliest stages of this campaign."

The imp still seemed determined at gaining information...It would be nice to see her rip this little pest to shreds for digging too deep.

Red static flickered from around the wolfman disrupting any manner of eve's dropping.

"He was a great swordsman so cruel that his black heart warped the innocence of a child. A monster in truest meaning of the word. Valtrox is currently in possession of this monster's already twisted soul. Imagine that man now, after decades Valtrox's sadistic torture. He'll seize control of Hel and her army by his master's will and open the gates of chaos. It will be beautiful."

I thought that was the case, thought i'd better make sure.

"An impressive repertoire indeed, Hel is clearly gifted in the art of war and destruction." Ezekial said with a nod. but he was clearly flustered when the varvul sent out red sparks, his wings involuntarily flexing, ready to propel himself from danger which did appear.

He winced slightly at the mention of Valtrox so often; "He does sound like a fiercesome man, though physical strength and prowess would not have proven much under Valtrox's torture. If his mind was weak he will have been bent to serve long ago or else maddened beyond recovery."

"Though perhaps he could still acomplish what you say if he had managed to retain some sense of self. The main question is, how do you intend to reclaim this man from Valtrox? He does not like giving up his play things and i doubt we would be capable of retrieving the spirit through force..." He gave the wolf an inquisative stare, from what the varvul had said earlier his life would already be considered forfeit, so he may as well keep asking questions.

Teralynn narrowed her eyes at the approaching airships, but then Valtrox's voice came through.

Understood.

"Peace. Have no fear," she called out to the frightened mass.

"What's this? Is this part of your show?"

She looked at Artimius, giving him a small smile and saying in a voice quiet enough so that the people below would not hear, "No need to get excited. Just watch."

Honestly, Teralynn knew little more than Artimius did; only the scant information that Valtrox had just now provided her. But it was just enough for her to at least appear to know what was going on and that she was in command of the situation.

Glancing down at the woman below who announced herself as Hel, Teralynn thought the face looked familiar and the name seemed to ring some distant bell in the far back of her mind, but she had absolutely no recollection of why or from where.

Artimius glanced at Teralynn. "This is for you to deal with, but I must suggest that future projects be brought to me before they are enacted. You don't want your future subjects to reject you out of fright."

"I shall keep that in mind, thank you," she replied with the same smile and whisper.

She waited a few seconds after Artimius left before turning and leaving the balcony herself. Pausing halfway down to the lobby, she thought, I take it they'll be the ones taking care of the dragon front. Anything else I should know about this Hel and her army?

***

Ttomak stood silently, clad in his black armor as he waited outside the palace with the others. He did not involve himself with the conversation between Beau and the others after the wolf was thrown out the doors, as he was busy scanning his surroundings with his mind. After all, the idea of Hel being all by herself in there now was not something he cared too much for, and he'd rather be on the alert than not. Sure, she could handle herself, Ttomak had not doubts about that. But nonetheless, he'd feel better if someone else, even if that someone were Beau, was by her side.

"Valtrox has probably realized that the swordsman is his only leverage against her highness, so preserving his personality would be extremely desirable. To what extent I cannot imagine." The Varvul replied in an uncharacteristically eloquent fashion.

"He will probably throw that man into this world as a means to control Hel. If I can see it then no doubt our queen has prepared for it. In essence, we've become the pawns in Hel's and Valtrox's game of chess."

Beau crossed his arms and began examining his sickle shaped claws.

"While I hate to admit it, I am rather comfortable to be leaning on her intelligence."

"Sir Sebastian, I will sleep across the hall in the woman's quarters. When you are ready to go tomorrow, ask one of the innkeepers down the stairs and I will be down quickly. I hope you sleep well," she said with a tired smile on her face.

Sir Sebastian bowed his head lightly in acknowledgment and thanks before departing through the door, a task easier said than done with so much armor on. The room before him was quaint, but only rarely having slept under a true roof in recent years, it was just as good as any. The bed too, though a bit rickety and in need of some rehashing, would suffice quite fine.

In one swift movement, the great knight tossed his entire frame onto the bed, armor and all. It proved to be slightly more treacherous that he might have thought as the bed gave a hint of collapsing under the force before settling in. It was an odd sight to see a massive armored figure, covered in a silky white and gold-trimmed cloak lying in a room that was a bit too small and on a bed that seemed to be smaller than he. However, as sleep came, the only thoughts came in the form of dreams about the next day's adventures with Lady Ikara.

Morning... it came with the rising sun, a sight that was no doubt very reassuring to the local populace who could have experienced their last day with the setting of each night's moon. With a quick splash of water on his face, the knight nudged his way out the door and walked as quietly as possible down the stairs. So early in the morning, many of the inn's occupants would most likely still be asleep, and waking them would not be the best way to gain their trust.

"Excuse me fair innkeeper," he whispered in a husky voice as he walked to the man behind the bar. "I was wondering if you could pour me a glass of cider and wake the Lady Ikara. Thank ye."

Vohin looked at Ar'mai again and sighed. "I'll let you off the chain...but you need to be able to pick up a sword and kill anything I tell you to," he growled, refusing to use the word "help" or "assistance".

"Ghost, take us to the nearest armory or some place we can get a decent weapon."

***********************************************

The pirate captain sighed and shook his head. "I'll wake ya up should yer lady friend show up," he replied gruffly.

"I'll gladly kill anything that comes near me," Ar'mai replied with a smirk on her otherwise pretty face. The thought of taking a blade up - to know that she was no longer chained and could defend herself if need be - brought her comfort. But the thought of sinking the steel into Vohin's neck brought her satisfaction. When he leased expected it, perhaps even when he was mobbed with enemies, the fatal blow would come...

***********************************************

"Good... and try not to scare her away with that mug of yours," Venisar said with a grin as he closed his eyes and lay on the stone floor.

"And don't talk to her."

"And no funny business while I'm asleep."

As if to show the Captain that he wasn't going to be nice to her just because she showed sympathy for the elves, after a minute he added, "And if she won't help... she'll be the first to go."

"Help? I don't think so," she replied as she began to take off away from Vira. "Try to take out his eyes!" she shouted as she ran away.

The golem seemed to ignore the woman before sending a volley of boulders from his hands towards Vira.

"Flying rat!" she cursed under her breath before turning around. "Gee thanks!" she called sarcastically at the fleeing the vampiress.

Calling on her guardians would be useless. They needed time to rest and recover in their dimension, but besides that, they would be pretty much useless against the oversized golem. At best they could act as meat shields for a little while before they were crushed, but there was no point in wasting what she took so long to capture.

She would have to rely on her own talents against the multi-story monster. For the first time in a while, Vira would need to release the full range of her powers. Calling on the dead might have been an option in their present setting, but they would be even more useless against the golem than her guardians. Instead she utilized her knowledge of curses and control of black magic to defeat it.

Raising her hands in the air, a purple-black sphere of energy formed around her, crackling with intensity as electrical jolts jumped all around. As the boulders collided with the shield at its most intense point of blackness, they shattered into thousands of little pebbles and floated away harmlessly.

With the shield dissipating, Vira began mumbling incoherently to herself. A moment later a field of fiery-red points curved through the air over its head, cursing it so that with every attack it attempted, it felt weakened.

Next, her hand reached to her side and gripped the whip that hung from her minor attire. Cracking before her with an intensity that rang through the cavern, a massive, purple-black energy-whip appeared in the air between the two combatants. Every movement of her hand was mimicked by the hundred-plus foot energy-whip, and each slash in the air before her would cut at the golem across the way.