Choas

YOu have broken the covenant.
Katar heard the voice in his head just as he fell to the ground and started convulsing.

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A remove curse and heal spell from Lord Raquel had stopped the seizures but Katar was still out cold. Raquel looked straight at Serith. "This is a King in out custody, connected to the Forsaken. FIX THIS. If his mind is corrupt you may want to speak with Jeric in the Showgun temple. He needs to be revived and returned to his people."

Drackus added, "For now the Illyena on the throne will rule both kingdoms."

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

The priests at the temple did what they could. They told Polaridin that the choatic magic of the Dark One was being fed into him and that there was no known way to remove the effects of the SA. That brought them here, to the Showgun temple. The showgun were a quasi religious group that seemed to mistake the inate power all beings have, their will and psionic, with a mystical force that governed the multiverse. Magic, QI, the force, gods spells, they were all differently refined versions of the same multiversal glue. All things were made up of a combination of matter and energy all in various forms but they originated from the same strings of what Polaridin thought of as Ether. These strings woven, some said by gods others said by random chance(Polariding believed a combination of both), into the tapestry called reality. These strings brought order to Choas. In the beginign there was only choas and darkness--this Choas as the Dark One. From the void sprung the titans adn eventually the Gods who further molded the strings into reality. INfinite planes and dimensions mirroring and growing off of eachother. The Dark One wants to unravel the tapestry and bring all back ot his control and random domain.

The choas magic was what scholars called the energy of the pure Choas, the energy of the Dark One. It was immensly powerful and inherently destructive. The Dark One taught the forsake and the forsaken taught only a handful of others to use it. It was random avalanches of almost unenergy. It was that energy that was channelled through Katar and was causing him to start to decay from with in the soul. It was unlike anything, and therefore no one knew how to treat it. Raquel had suggested Jeric so that was were they were now.

---------

Jeric divided his conscienceness into two pieces. One personality was devoid of will of its own. THe dual personality would act as a buffer of defense and would allow him to double his efforts. They became the world around them, then became one with Katar's mind. Torrents of exploding whirlpooled energy wrestled all through the mind. Then there was a voice, a voice in the dark.

"WINDSTAR... KaTAR IS MINE, HE BROKE MY COVENANT AND MUST BE DESTROYED." They replied, "You will leave."

"Let the choice be Katar's. Katar, in only a few days I have brought you from dead to a powerful Dragon and King with millions at your command, riches adn power and freedom beyond that you have ever experienced. What have your friends done since they met you? Strung you along like a pet child. Receive your punishment and serve me, claim what you can hold."

Jerics responded, "Stop poisoning his mind."

Katar said, "You are right Ishmael, you gave me much but I serve the Great Father adn i serve the Light."

Hurricanes of blackness engulfed Katar's voice and hid it. Jerics reached for it and grasp tight. The choatic backlash was so strong that the second personality fell completly consumed by choas and madness. Jeric erased it form the pool of the force. "Leave Dante now or I will not stop until I destroy you."

ONly laugher responded. Laugher of a mind beyond the line of sanity. Then there was a voice, "Yes, the great Jeric and his noble quests. Forgive me if I do not fear your hollow threats. Perhaps you'll deal with me after you avenge your life stolen by Ashrum, or maybe after you address the intelligent golemns and their conneciton to Persephone, or any of the hundred other promises you make."

"I have faced stronger than you and lived."

Laughter, "You are still a little boy who doesn't realize the game he's playing. YOu can't play a game by rules when the entire point of the game is remove all the rules." HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Jeric moved quickly to build a partition around Katar's mind. It severed the connection and blocked the stream of choas. He could not undo the damage but he could stop it from getting worse.

Allies and Enemies

What makes a friend? What makes an enemy? Can someone be both? Can someone help you the entire time hopeing for your destruction? Can someone try to destroy only to make you better? Do they make you better for you or for them? Is that the difference between a true friend and an enemy -- their selflessness towards you? Are friends and allies the same thing? A friend can be an allie and an allie can be your friend but don't many enemies allie to serve their purposes? With all the lines so blurry how can one rely on friend, allie, or enemy? --- Excerpt from High Commander Katar Skyrim's journal approximately 50 years from now.

Lord Raquel had reserved them seats at the State Dinner in Atlanta that evening. Assyria sent some diplomats to request humanitarian aid as their harvest was poor and what wealth they did have was squandered by nobels. Serith was curious as to how Lord Raquel would address the situation but now he had worries on the other side of the world. Geneva was becoming not only a religious leader but after the Two Fronts War with Dragon and the Doomguard, it was politically uniting many parts of the world. One of Seriths associats in the body guard told him he had heard the Talyun Emperor was coming next week to negiotiate their annexation into Geneva. The world was uniting friendships were being made and being made deep. With the Dark One defeated and imprissioned it was time for peace. It was time for friendship.

The dancing and feasting ended and Lord Raquel and Councilman Drackus approached. Raquel gave a slight incline of his head and Drackus began. "I am councilmen Drackus of Geneva. It is good to see you again Luther. Been too long since my axe and your staff fought beside eachother."

Serith spoke up, "Let me introduce our guest." Katar burst in with the touch of drama he was known for, by whatever name he used. "I am formally Captain Dante of Geneva and now King KATAR SKYRIM of the Grey Haven's and Enron. I am prepared to hand the kingdom over to you, to Geneva. Some of the people are starving and we must work together."

Drackus calmly responded, "Which kingdom? Enron or the Grey Havens? Do you rule both or just one."

Katar's confidence shook and he looked back and forth in the room. "Um.. we'll let Enron make its own decision. But the grey haven's I'll hand over."

"So will you keep Enron then for yourself to rule?"

"Um..." He looked at the ground, "I thought ... maybe Illyena."

"These are kingdoms with thousands of people who depend on you. The council will review all requests for annexation properly submitted through legal channels. We just need to be sure we know what we are annexing." THose sounded like Raquel's words coming from the Dwarves mouth.

"We'll let me go back and get things in order and we'll see what we can do."

Drackus nodded, "Geneva stands ready to fight the fights taht need fighting and aide all in need. We'll just make sure you know what you are giving us before you give it to us."

"Thank you COuncil." Katar then noticed Raquel had been starting at him the entire time. Not the typical awe inspiring and motivating stare of confidence but one of caution. He spoke up, "Drackus, what about the prophecy?"

Drackus continued, "Yes, Polaridin and Katar what have you discussed?"

Polaridin began his very academic explanation about how prophecy was difficult to read and there are many interpretations. "My main concern is he power he claimed to weild during the battle with Jonathan. It doesn't seem right."

Katar mentioned, "I don't know where it came from. I died prayed in the afterlife and returned as a gold dragon. Since then destiny has seemd to direct me."

"I believe his prayer was answered by something other than the Great Father."

Raquel asked a question from mid air that had no connection to the conversation. THough Raquel was never random. Serith searched fo the meaning to his queation. "Have any of you ever see an forsaken?" Polaridin was the first to respond, 'I can't believe I did not see it. THe spec in his left eye is SA. He's channelling choas magic." Their was emotion in the words but more shock at not knowing than alarm at the fact he just relayed. It was true, serith had faced Ishmael, the head and most powerful of all the forsaken- of all the remaining followers of the Dark One, before and his eyes had completely decayed due to the impact of the Choas magic.

Serith, spurred by the fact Raquel must be going somewhere with this thought, crafted and illusion of Ishmael as he remembered from his last comment.

Katar sprung up recoiling from the picture. "NO, NO, NO!!!!!" He spun back and forth, "BY OLYMPUS, ABRAHAM IS ISHMAEL!!!!"

Marcus

Marcus continued in the small talk waiting for General Galan to come out and ask the questions he had called him here to ask. "I grew up in the Mei Kong when the Showgun order collapsed under the Ashrum sith attack we fled to Midgar. When it was exposed that Lilandria was a sith we were with the refugess that fled to 'New Midgar' under protection of Geneva. I joined the army of Atlanta and thats been my home ever since. Until recently when I was transfered to the army of the south under your command General."

Galan nodded very politely and motioned toward Lucian, the Paladin guarding his door. "Seems like you've been from all over, seen more of the world than most your age. One of my associates is also from the Mei Kong. A showgun as a matter of fact, he'd mentioned he had tried to find you earlier and you missed eachother." The elf in showgun robes entered and bowed slightly at the waste. "I am Knight Pierce." He said in formal showgun introduction. Marcus fought back a smile though his lip twinged slightly. It reminded him of home.

"I am Lt. Marcus." Marcus replied formally. For just a moment Marcus was nervous, Galan was going to start some questioning again and what he knew may get him in trouble. THough, Marcus was use to keepoing secrets. General Galan was the nest to speak, "Greyson is one of my men tasked with finding out how Gerald died. We just have some questions as part of the formal investigation, no one is accusing anyone we just need to gather all clues we can wherever they can be found."

Marcus absorbed Galan's hypocritical lies calm as ice. "Of course."

"What happenned?"

"Thomas adn i were tasked with guarding the Colonel unti you arrived to question him. Upon you enterance he fell to the ground spitting up blood." Galan nodded. Marcus knew he was using his hollow gods ot detect the truth of his words and Marcus would never say one word that was untrue.

"I have to ask this, were you involved in his death in anyway?"

With no hesitation, "I was guarding him and his safety was my responsibility. So in that way his death is my fault. THough I did not move to kill him nor aid anoyone who did nor was I aware of any consipiracy or attempt to take his life. I am innocent of the crime of murdering Gerald." Galan nodded his acceptance of the truth.

"Very well, thank you. Dismissed."

Marcus stood and left. True he was innocent but what he knew could tell them who was not. However, his plans were elsewhere.

tieing up loose ends

Hymns of victory echoed through the camp. Many brave and faithful soliders had their prayers answered as the news of the Elf army turning south spread through the camp like fire. They may be leaving but they had still invaded his country, still killed his country men. People were dead that did not have to be. I'll show them to invade my home, and my country, they will die, I will kill them, EVERYONE OF THEM WILL DIE BY MY HAND!" His fist clinched with white knuckled rage, "Rupert, position your men in hiding on the far side of the camp. When they flee they will run your direction, Block their escape. Do not wait too long to act, I need a wall of men not an ambush. The charge from the south side will do the killing. I wish Ellen was still here. Leutinant Fraust, keep your archers on the wall. Don't fire while the men are engaged, mow down the ones who get through Rupert's wall, not full volleys just precise shots. Duane?" Gerald said dictating the orders. The old gruff Duane responded, "Yea. I'll take a team into their portion of camp. The target is that tiger eyed elf whore. I'll send ye da signal when we start the attack. Ye best not be too far behind - only have a handful grunts if ye take too long I may have to kill all the point earred faggots myself." He laughed from a throat that had seen too much ale.

Gerald nodded and laughed, "There will be enough blood for everyone, though not enough to make right what they've done." Turning to a new recruit next to him, "Are you a brave man?"

"Yes sir."

"Are you able ot follow orders no matter what your heart tells you?"

"I do not question why only do and die"

"You have a pure heart. NO this, their is no surrender. The orders are fight until all of them are dead. By the divine will, every last bastard and whore shall choke on their own blood, NOquarter."

---------

Duane stretched his right arm, his flail arm. The flail was magic sure, but he still found satisfaction in striking with his own strength. He approached Illyena's tent. "Tell the queen I have a message for her." The servant entered the tent and soon the servant and the Queen came out. "Have a message for you Highness."

What is that?" came the quick and sharp reply.

"This," His massive flail expanded from his handle striking and ensaring her two guards. She was a slippery wench and ducked back into her tent. Duane's men started hacking any night elf they could find close to them and cut their way into the tent. They got a dire wolf on their throat for their trouble. While the wolf was powerful it could only take one at a time. Duane spun his flail again this time taking the entire tent to the ground hoping to ensare the queen. He faile as multiple arrow shots pelted his armor and one graced his cheek. Elves were coming out of their tents with weapons and screammed into the air as he struck the flail down again striking the queen but just a glancing blow.

He heard Gerald charge from the south.

----------

They begged for mercy but the men did not stop. As they they down their weapons they only died faster. It was not long before they tried to run. They collided against an instantly appearing wall of armor as Rupert stationed the Heavy INfantary between them and the camp wall. Surprised and paniced they broke against the wall like wave do the reef. Ruperts hammer killed more than one that day. The sheer numbers pressed a few through the wall of armor only to find a wall of arrows to greet them. Fighting had failed them, pleading had failed them, running had failed them. Victory was Geralds. He saw Illyena and Duane in combat. That wolf of hers bit Duane in the knee causing him to fall and take a sword strike. Duane responded with a flail that hit them both. "NO prisoners. KILL THEM ALLL!!!!!"



---------

Rupert needed to be a wall adn thats what he did. His hammer shook the ground as night elf splattered beneath it. Laughing he raised to strike again at an elf who failed to see the pattern. His laughing stopped as he heard Kendall's voice, "STOP!!! ALL OF YOU STop THIS MADNESS"

Rupert was not the only one to hesitate the confusion caused a small rush to get through the line only a handful picked off by the archers. Reinier's voice was next, "CEASE!!!! STOP IT NOW" Then Galan's voice magnified, "ALL GENEVAN TROOPS STOP FIGHTING"

The soliders all stopped confused. Adreniline beat through Rupert with such power he could hear his ears throb but he stopped as ranks of elves rushed past him into open field. He took notice of Illyena on the back of her wolf peering with hate beyond words.

--------

"Gerald is in custody General." Kendal reported. Galan was, despite it all, relieved he could give an order and have it followed through. That didn't seem to be the case with Gerald though, he had to find out what was going on. He was going to question him personally. As they walked, "Colonel, you've known him a long time is this like him." COlonel Kendal lifted his visor and replied, "He only disobeyed orders once when I was trapped in a canyon and orderd him to flee. He does seem fueled by hate through most of the years I've met him. Its possible but I still don't think he'd do this with out permission or orders."

"Me either." Was all Galan could say.

He stepped into the tent where Gerald was chained seeing Thomas, Morene, and Marcus guarding him. They all, including Gerald, snapped to attention at his enterance. Though Gerald looked instantly troubled. Galan thought it expected but quickly it turned worse. He fell tot he ground convulsing and gasping for breath. Blood flowed freely from his mouth and nose. Before Galan could even get to him, he was dead.

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

Morgan noticed a small smile from Marcus and Gerald fell but said nothing of it. MOrene was crying like a baby. Holding him in her arms and wailing like she had just been robbed a great deal of money. Morgan could think of nothign else to get so worked up about as she was this. "He was a good man my lord, a good man, I knew him and served with him for years. He was a good man. A GOOD MAN."

Fortunetly General Galan dismissed the blabering idiot. He prayed and brought Gerald's spirit back for questioning. Morgan was intriguied. The Dead never lied, but their truth was often more confusing than any fiction.

Galan spoke, "Did you act under orders to attack the Elves?"

Gerald, "Yes" it was the monotone unengaged tone of the dead. The sound coming from a floating mist shapped like Gerald.

"How long have you known the person who gave you the order?"

"Not as long as I would have liked." The dead and their riddles.

"Where were you standing when you recieved the order?"

"8 feet northwest of the person issuing the order." Why doesn't he just ask who ordered it? Then Morgan realized it was because he did not want the answer.

"What was the person's name?"

"I was ordered never to share the name, but the name I was given was JAG."

Morgan was confused, she did not know anyone named JAG. Galan must though, for his expression was pale white. A combination of shock, realization, and rage.

Having answered all questions, the spirit dissapeared.

Meeting a King

"Raquel said he didn't give the order but he'd look into it." Polaridin told Galan with his ussual even tone. "Thank you," Galan responded, "Now?"

"Serith and I go to see Dante to find out what his plans are and sort out our destiny." He spoke more like it was an academic exercise than the prophecied fate of the world. He inclined his head slightly and Kendal saw him out. Just before leaving Kendal addressed the General, "Did you still want to see Gerald sir?"

Galan replied with surprise, he didn't remember calling for Gerald. "Um..I, hmmn" Galan realized he was uncharacteristiclly out of words. Kendal replied, "Never mind sir I'll leave you then."

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Court was a new experience for Dante. Katar, King Katar. He had met Lord Valamos Greyfoot the master of Jonathan's, and now his, affairs in the Grey HaVens. Between his Dragon Sworn, the Grey Havens, and Enron he had over 43,000 troops at his command. Many of his Dragon Sworn were still on the Blood Isles but many of ther leaders including 3 Dragons were with him in court. He could see that the people had suffered from Jonathans rule. Perhaps seeing the prosperity of Geneva had biased his view but the reports he received indicated a level of poverty that Katar was committed to fixing.

"We need to move quickly and solidify a marriage with Rock's widow. Only then will we ensure the proper control of Enron my Liege." Valamos said. He was quick with advice it nearly fell out of his mouth. It was as if he already had it all planned and just needed Katar to play the part. Katar was not going to blindly take orders.

"Serith Silverwing from the Isle requests your an audience my king." A herald declared. Good, maybe I can get some help with all of this. "Let him in quickly."

The herald let in Serith and a well dressed noble looking elf. "I guess the appropriate thing to say is, My King?" Serith said with deep respect.

"Yes, who is this?" Pointing to the elf though Katar's dragon senses could tell he was not just an elf.

"King Dante, We have word from the Isle and would like to speak to you in private."

"EVERYONE OUT." Katar declared, "Everyone leave us." The room emptied, Advisor, general, dragon all left. Does that mean me as well my lord? Katar spun around trying to find the source of the voice in his head. "Whose that?"

A glimmer of light and an elf stood then kneeled before Katar, "I am your Oddyssues my King. Always with you to always protect you." Katar remembered how often attacks on the ROck would seem to just hit air. THis must have been why. "Yes Leave us." He walkd out of the hall.

Serith said, "We need to go somewhere else."

Soon they were all standing in the Palace in Atlanta. Serith continued, "This is Polaridin Tel Al Moridin." Polaridin drew both gloves from his hands revealing long spiraling dragon tatooes identical to Katar's. "So you are the other of prophecy. One of us is the Destroyer and one is the Savior. Do you know which is which?"

Polaridin spoke wiht almost a boredom in his voice, "It was believed that the Dark One who has a piece of him possesing a clone of this body to be the evil one. Lord Raquel and Lord Jericho recently vanquished him in Sigil. So perhaps that was wrong or perhaps we were wrong. Either way their is a new truth to discover." Polaridin talked in an even tone but his gave fell on Katar's left eye in a way that made Katar very nervous.

Serith broke in the silence, a drastic change in topic, "What are your plans for the Greyhavens and Enron? You should appeal to join Geneva and hand the kingdoms over to the Keeper."

Kater nodded, "There is a lot of suffering that needs to be addressed and I don't know how to do it."

"The Isle does, you should appeal to join Geneva."

"Lets find Lord Raquel we have negotiations to make."

Old Friends

Luther, or Polaridin as he called himself now, was with Galan delivering the message from Lord Raquel. It was exciting to have Luther Polaridin back. He was wise and cunning. Despite being less advanced in the study of spellcraft Luther was able to use the talent he had to Seriths superior when they seperated. However, Serith felt that may have changed now with the changes and reflecting Serith had done since Luther left. He had even changed his name from Blade to Serith. He knew all too well the need to start and live a new life.

So did the person he was going to talk to. It had been what seemed like several lifetimes since Illyena and Serith last spoke. She did not have the rigid guard and wait like Galan did she sat in the open a large Dire wolf close by as she cooked a stew in a small pot, barely larger than an ale mug. He smiled as he approached in spite of himself. The Dire wolf sprung up and showed his teeth cautioning Serith to stand fast.

Serith openned his arms and transformed his image in an effortless gesture revealing the old Blade. "Illyena, how are you?" With a small whistle the wolf stood down and rested a few feet from them still eyeing Blade nervously. A large falcon delivers a small rabbit to Illyenna and perched on some piled up equipment. "YOu have to forgive Rex. He takes being the only one I can trust very serious."

"Well I hope you could trust me."

"really? The one who stormed out in a toddler tantrum when I decided not to be a Queen."

"I was young and it pained me for you to not claim what you deserved. And to my shame I was jealous."

"WHat I deserve and what I want and ultimately what I get are never the same. I made my choice and you made yours. You say jealous. jealous of what?"

"Tassadar."

Only the smallest smirk crosses her face to even acknowledge the comment. She quickly moved on to something else. "Why are you here now then?"

"I wanted to know what your plan is. I hear you now want to be queen."

"Have you come to stand with me?"

"I just wondered why if you abdicated all of your power so quickly before why risk peoples lives to take it back." Serith worried that may have been too bold. Though she took it in stride.

"I gave it up so I could have a man and a life that did not want me. Since that moment all I could do was hate and vester and drown in my own depression. I've closed that door to my past. And I have to find the world I left behind. I can not let a puppet of some corrupt FOX run the lives of my people."

"And you are sure that your rule will be better." Serith thought he maybe should have taken a moment to convey some emotion before throwing another question but it fell out of his mouth.

"Because I will do it for them and my self," this response with passion, "not the purse string of some theif."

Serith nodded. He knew that she was trying to do what she knew was right. "Galan is honorable and trustworthy. If he has told you he'll put you on the throne trust that it will happen."

"I don't trust much."

Serith stopped and leveling his gaze, "Trust this, I will do all I can to protect and save you. You can trust me to be a friend and more if you need."

She blushed and averted her eyes. A long 3 second pause as she pulled deep with in herself for a response. "You are from Enron, in a short time I will be your Wueen. As your Queen, I may call upon you."

"Certainly, call on my anytime."

Prodical Son

Polaridin traced the dragon tatooes that were on the back of his hands. So much fear and doubt. He pulled the gloves back over his hands to hide the reminder of his destiny. The destiny that he had gone into exile to examine and discover still remained cloudy to him. His tower and nearly been completely rebuilt though there were still many secrets locked inside.

"Master Mordin," One of his servants called. From what he understood, his father enlisted a whole civilization of Kololds into his employ when they initially set up Atlanta on their homeland. Some of those servants had found their way to Polaridin's tower. "Word from the outside. The Rock has been killed. We don't have much deatils but the ROck has fallen."

Polaridin did not acknowledge his servant. He was too busy digesting what he had been told. Jonathan was his faithful servant and champion. It was he who first recognized his marks for what they were. He had sworn allegiance to Polaridin and vowed to keep him secret until he had decided where to go next. Polaridin could not imagine a world with out the Rock. In many way, the Rock was his best ally.

He stood and walked to his reflecting pool. His eyes and ears outside the tower were very limited. That was intentional. For what seemed like years he knew he need to come to his tower and search his birthright but kept being pulled into the affairs of the world in such a violent way he could not do what he must. He had to just leave it all to its own devices. He had one man in the ROck's court on the Rock's request in case something like this were to happen. Blade, Vadellya, Galan, Remus they would have more details and this was worth investigating. Searched first for Blade he found nothing. Must be blocked, he's learned to start thinking like a competent mage. He searched then for Vadellya and found her standing in what seemed to be a Genevan military camp. Never took her for a solider. He teleported instantly, staff in hand.

Vadellya jumped but only slightly, "Luther...How are you?"

"I'm well Vadellya. Seems I've been gone a long time."

"Indeed, what have brought you here?"

"The Rock has been killed. I thought you might know about it."

"Yes Dante killed him and ended the war. oh, he has the same marks on his arm that oyu did. That was why Jonathan wanted to kill him..."

Polaridin, expressionless, absorbed the information as she went on about the details. Everything was important so he did not stop her. He was intrigued by this Dante. "So Jonathan thought he was the second one of the prophecy I thought that was all decided that was Abbadon." The expression on Vadellya's face came only a moment before Polaridin realized what he had done.

The ground shook and blood began to boil out of the ground where he stood. The earth split and cracked revealing a troop of Skeletal warriors climbing from the underworld. Alarms sounded and Polaridin starting throwing balls of magicall energy into each of them. The battle would not last long.

----------

Jag had just left Galan's tent and left him pacing. Something is wrong about that man. He did not have time to think about it because alarms started going off. Lucian burst in with Kendall in toe. "Undead sir. They seem to have been summonned." Galan called back, "Isolate destroy and bring me the necromancer responsible. Go." Kendal saluted but was leaving before the salute was even complete. Galan smiled he liked to see such passion and zeal for a job. It made him realize he was not fighting the war against the shadow by himself.

Less than ten minutes later, Luther was brought in Kenall holding his staff. "LUTHER?" Taking just a second to let it sink in, "Vadellya you can stay. Kendal leave us."

"Good to see you Galan. General Galan from the looks of it. I'm hear to find out about Jonathan and this Dante who killed him."

"Well, Dante has moved to his Palace in Grey Havens and the Rock got checked into his own hotel. If your back in the world and are looking for Dante thats not an issue of international implication."

"I should check with Lord Raquel."

Galan leans over and scribbled a writ. "If being royalty isn't enough to get you a quicker audience her is an edict with my seal. It also has a message for Raquel I need him to confirm something. I can't sent the message through tradition means because..well. The fact that Dante carries your same markings is something you of course have to resolve. For the well being of us all."

"I'll take the letter. Yes we had agreed that the deciever was the Dark One." Carefull not to name the Dark One.

"Yes, but the Dark ONe was defeated in Sigil. ALl the pieces are trapped in Raven Loft or destroyed."

"Information I wish I would have known earlier. Thank you General. HOpefully I'll be back soon."

----------

Polaridin Te AL Mordin walked the halls of the Atlanta Palace. The palace that could have been his he supposed. Perhaps one day it would be. He was shown into a large room where Lord Raquel and Drackus were looking over some large stack of parchement. Raquel sprung to his feet and smiling ear to ear, "MY BOY, welcome back to the world. The world is glad to have you."

Speaking with a tone fitting his equal position Polaridin responded evenly, "How long I stay in this world is yet to be seen. I come inquiring about a Dante. Who recently killed Jonathan and carries the same marks that I do. The marks of prophecy."

"Exactly like your father." Raquel mused, "All purpose. Dante is now the King of Enron and the Grey Havens. He is also currently a Captain in the Genevan military. As far as the mark. That is a destiny the two of you share and must decide for yourself I'm afraid. Are you planning to see him?"

"Yes I wanted to gather as much information as I could before I sat down with him, or confront him depending on how the situation develops."

"My lord," Blades voice rang out, "If I may?" Raquel's voice rang out with his ussual mercy for those around him, "of course." Blade continued, "I would like to accompany Luther. It was one of my duties to instruct Dante, I should see that through. As well, I believe I can talk him into joining Geneva as he should. He's not ready to lead a kingdom that size. He still needs guidance and we should see him before the politics of the court spin him in different directions."

"Agreed." Raquel pronounced assertively. "Luther take Blade with you. Find out exactly what he intends. And act according to your heart. No one can ask more than that. May Hajama grant you the courage to defeat your challenges and may the light save you.

Before Polaridin turned to leave he help Galans message out in his left hand and floated it to Raquel's hand. "This is a private message from General Galan. Wanted me to deliever it."

Raquel took it and examined the wax seal, "Private message and you still openned it huh?" He broke the wax and unrolled the small parchment. Twisting one side of his mouth as if confused he handed it to Drackus, "YOu know about this?" Drackus took the parchment and examined it then shook his head. "Tell General Galan I'll look into it. I have my theroies."

"Very Well. Come Blade we have much to do."

Orders

"Well Pinch already gave you the briefing. I've just got your orders." Jag told Galan as Galan rubbed his tempels, "He fought Jonathan in a Challenge of Champions... and WON." Galan responded still looking at the ground in disbelief.

"Jag said the details are sketchy. But it would appear that legally Enron, and the Grey Haven's now belong to Dante. If Dante is still loyal to you, that means they belong to you."

This was no time for Jag to push his seperatist agenda. "Just give me the orders and leave before I report your treason."

After portraying the needed codes for a top secret mission from the council or at least a council member he says, "Dante is to be brought here. YOu are to get him to reswear allegiance to you and if he does not...Kill him. Geneva will maintain control of Enron through their Illyena plant but if Dante does not conceed he is a lose cannon not to mention the prophecy about destroying everything. We have to keep that under control."

"I'm not comfortable with issuing death threats to my friends."

"Then your going to love the next one. The night elves and Illyena have to die. Attack them when their guard is down and kill all of them."

"WHAT?!?! They trust me."

"Exactly. They are using you, 12 hours ago she expressed her plans to one of our secret agents to get her kingdom and turn it and you against Geneva for revenge. Now she serves no purpose. Kill her."

"I'll need independent confirmation, of the order. I can't just kill innocents. The Isle would never order it."

"Innocents? THey have butchered several cities of Genevan citizens. If you won't do it I will find an alternative way to fulfill the order. You leave way too many enemies piling up. If you don't have the stomache for it, thats where we come in. To do what is necessary."

Galan had to admit he always found himself in moral delimas with no clear answer. He had sometimes wished he could just do what was necessary but there were morality that seperated him from the people he fought. Saving people did not always mean kiling the bad guy. It ment reaching into darkness grabbing their hand and leading them out. To do what is necessary

Challenge of Champions

"I have a way to end this War, sir." Dante said, almost bragging to Lord Raquel. "I am going to challenge Jonathan to a Challenge of Champions." Abraham had commanded him to, and promised success pending his faith. Dante had blind faith in the words and would move forward. Raquel responded, "He is after you and as a man you must decided what you must do. You are very important to the future of us all. I admire your courage and encourage you to embrace your bravery. Check with your General before you take any action."

Captain Dante paced outside General Galan's tent and Abraham's words echoed in ears, you know something is wrong with Galan. He is a part of the corruption. Dante knew it, Dante knew it to be true. "HE'll never listen to me anyway." He screamed out with only Lucian close enough to hear.

He teleported to James waiting about 15 miles north of Jonathan's army. "Are the gates set up?" He asked his Dragon Sworn. "Yes, my Lord. Command adn your army marches to you."

"The order is given."

Between the two poles shown a shimmering silver screen and walking through it was rank after rank of infantary all sworn to follow Dante as the DragonSworn. Dante still was not sure if he was the good or bad of the prophecy but Abraham had given him the marks and Abraham had commanded him to bring the army forward and Abraham had promised the end of this war and victory.

As he was contemplating the exact next move Jonathan made it for him. No more than 100 meters from their position a troop of archers appeared.

"Archers!!" James called out and the infantary charged. A small group of the Rocks man dropped a cloak of invisibility.


Dante had only ment to use the army to draw the Rock to him to talk. The Rock was bent on death and ordered his men to fight harder.

The rock's move was swift but not strong enough. Dante was able to get more and more men through. He had to fight it to a stand still.


Dante called out, "BRING ME THE ROCK, WHERE ARE YOU? FACE ME!!!"

The armies halted. 10 minutes later the a carriage pulled up as ranks of Jonathan's men parted to let it through. Banners of the Grey Dragon Flew from it.


A hearld stepped down from the carriage, "BE it known to all present you are about to stand and bask in the greatness of the chosen one, the great one, the People's champion.. . THE ROCK." The entire crowd of Jonthan's soliders cheerred singing praises to the man Dante had to kill. Dante's men, who a minute ago were fighting and dieing with out fear for who they believed in now started to shiver and avert their eyes.

Jonathan climbed on top of the carriage to see over look the entire battle field and started, "Look at you Dante. YOu bring your army, a bunch of low class nobodys who swear alliegence to you because they aren't as smart as the Rock. The Rock sees what you are. And here in front of the Millions.." the army echoed, " AND MILLIONS" "Of the ROcks fans, The Rock will take your little tattoed body and layeth the smack down so hard you can't even cry. There are two options for you-- nothing and like it."

As he raised an eyebrow and responded even fed off the cheers of the crowd, Dante piped up, "I will meet you in a challenge of champions. The honored tradition of one on one combat to settle differences beyond contestation in honor of the Great Fathers defeat of the Titans. The conditions are this. Whoever wins recieves all the titles and power the other had."

"You want to dicatate terms to the ROck , like your somebody, like your a big shot--when obviously your not. If you want a challenge of Champions...YOU GOT IT."

A spray of acid flew from teh Rocks fingers and engulfed Dante in such pain he fell to the ground. Before Dante knew what happened his head was severed from his shoulders. I was suppose to win.
------

Dante stoop up to see the Rock's back moving away from him. The entire crowd around him echoed a large gasp. "This isn't over ROck." Dante said as he drew his Katana.

The Rock raised an eyebrow and drew both swords. He was fast too fast. Dante could not block the blows adn felt each blade sever his skin and scales and could smell his organs spill to the ground. Dante fell to the earth in several pieces.

-------

Dante stood up seeing Jonathan again playing to the cheers of the crowd and heard someone, "He's still up." Dante could not beat him as a human and released his true Form.


Jonathan returned the favor and transformed into a massive Grey Dragon.


Dante release a bout of flame but the Grey Dragon was on him pinning him to the ground and tearing out Dante's throat before the breath weapon was even finished. It was then Dante felt it. A coal of smoldering embers just beyond his reach. He reached for it.

Torrents of Black flame and lightning sprung from him in uncontrollable torrents. He was sprung free of the Rock's grip and was only vaguelly aware of the entire composition of both armies buring and dieing.

"See, the Dark One's own power. I will destroy you Deciever." There was almost a hint of doubt in his voice as he started to Cast.

Dante reached again and felt like he had become an irrogation canal for this ocean of choas that he was unleashing to the world. Mountains bend and twist as they are created from the flat plains around them. Men screamed and died. INcluding the Rock.

Dante rested on the ground among the twisted rocks and mangled bodies. There was no life around. He stood over the Rock's dead body and could not do nothing as the magic wrapped around the scene he could not help but ROAR.

Fall of Prythos

The people of Prythos were relieved when Commander Tyrone and his soliders arrived on General Galan's orders. After the Dragon attack, The Rock's army continued to march North. The city was so easy to defend being built on canals within the water and large cantons, the 500 men Galan had teleported here in addition to any city guard could have held a seige indefinetly despite the huge difference in number. Commander Tyrone had always loved the sea, which led him to join the navy. He found Prythos to be a lovely way to live directly on the sea.



That all changed. It started in the northern most canton. The towers just started falling into the sea. It was the sound Tyrone best remembered. Stones cracking as they collided against each other and the bridges connecting the towers tore and crumbled. The sound of the stone hitting the water and the massive back splash engulfing the other low levels of hthe surrounding towers. People were screaming. Then the screams muffled by drowning. Tyrone issued order after order to evacuate but the next tower sank too. The sound that was loudest to him was the silence. No explosions they just acted like the supports that were once there were no longer there.

The attack, if you could call it that, lasted 30 minutes and there were no towers left standing. The clean up and the search Tyrone and the soliders would do seemed as though it would never end.

-----------

"Jonathan took out Prythos. Used magic to turn the supports to mud. He was just trying to prove a point. He moved to ensure you would have to engage him," Pinch said. Galan dismissed him trying desperately to ingore the guilt he felt for following Jag's advice and trying to call the bluff. Galan knew, The Rock never Bluffs

After Death there is rebirth

Flame and then ...nothing.

Nothing and then ... a voice.

A voice and then ...damnation.

Damnation and then ... Veritas.

"Power I grant you. Life I give unto you. Your will I remove from you."

Vadellya barely knew where she was. She had died before and it was nothing like this. Then suddenly, aghast, she realized who was speaking to her. "I'll never serve you!"

"In your mortal life you had that choice. You die within my arms and now I make that choice."

"I would rather die than be evil. Release me!" Vadellya screamed in her thoughts.

"No, you will be both dead and evil. But I give you a choice as the new lord of this castle. Arvan's servants -- should you keep them or destroy them?"

In what may have been her last act for the greater good she said, "Destroy all the undead here, I want none of them."

Vadellya could feel the power wash through her soul and the castle all around her. It was quick, and then she was different.

She had no physical feeling but magic pulsated through her, sustained her, drove her. She could smell life and it disgusted her. Choosing delusion over confrontation until she was more settled with the abilities she felt pulsating within her, she returned herself to her previous appearance.

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

That one bone of Bella's was still growing. With increasing speed, the marrow and the veins and the arteries continued their creeping regrowth. Along with it came the bone, and flesh growing around it. It was a continual dance and weaving of flesh bone, growing and around and through and in front of and behind one another. Where one moment there was a 3 inch piece of bone, in another moment it was a wrist and forearm. Fingers started to twitch, nerves connecting. The hand flexing it's new fingers, then stretching them, building the muscle, only sped up the regeneration process. In another minute, the arm had grown and forming the shoulder, the collar bone, the perfect translucent skin stretching over the tendons and muscles. A neck was forming, and below the collar bone the most perfect bre--

Serith looked away, suddenly realizing that at any moment Bella's eyes would be there, and catch him staring. He set the regenerating vampire down, turned around and took a few steps away.

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


Suddenly, Bella was alive again. Or whatever it's called when an undead creature returns to the waking world, she thought wryly. Nearly simultaneously, her thoughts turned to Vadellya. Where is she? I must find her! Bella didn't even think to question the sudden loyalty she felt to the mage. It hadn't been there before, but it felt as natural as her thirst for blood.

The thirst!! And this time, there was no sense of morality telling her not to simply kill whomever she wanted. Interesting.......she thought. Fairly liberating, in fact. She would still have to be careful, of course. Most of the people she knew would frown upon her killing helpless humans. Maybe she should leave them. Tatyana was still waiting, still loved her. She will love me more now that I am willing to do whatever it takes. At the same time, she knew she couldn't leave. She could never leave Vadellya, not now.


Amidst all this cognition, Bella could also sense some kind of animal-like capability within her. Without missing a beat she realized that she could now take the form of a bat, just like other vampires.


This is going to be fun, Bella thought wickedly. But I won't let on just yet. I must see to Vadellya.


17 seconds had passed since Bella regained conscious thought.


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


Bella walked over to Vadellya and helped her to her feet. Before words could be exchanged, Dante burst into the room, carrying 2 poles, each 7 feet long. "Alright, I've got what I needed. Let's head back to the Isle!"


Nice to see you alive, too, Dante, Bella thought dryly. Then she noticed Serith, barely looking at her, though it seemed he was trying very hard to keep his gaze averted. Only then did she realize that while her vampiric body could withstand some flame, her clothes could not. In the same moment, Serith quickly removed his cloak and tossed it her. Bella deftly snatched the cloak out of the air, and smugly, tauntingly, slowly tied it around her neck. She pulled her hair out and shook it a bit with that same toying smile on face. "Thank you," she purred.

"Er, " Serith said, clearing his throat, "no problem. Let's head to the Isle and report."


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


Serith quickly teleported his party to the ramp leading onto the Isle, since teleporting directly onto the Isle itself was impossible. He and Dante started to ascend the ramp, then he noticed that Bella Light, could she be more beautiful? and Vandellya were not behind them. Dante, oblivious, continued on to the Isle.


"Aren't you two coming?" Serith questioned.


"I.....think we'll walk around the city, for now," Bella said, clearly hiding something.


"In that?" Serith wondered, indicating Bella's lack of proper attire for strolling about Atlanta.


"Oh. .... No," Bella said lightly, simply pulling at the cord and letting the cloak fall to her feet. She turned, linking her arm through Vadellya's and beginning to walk away.


That's weird...avert your eyes...are they evil? Serith detects evil on both women, and is shocked to find that they both are. Using the magic to hold, he freezes them.

To the Isle guard on the ramp, Serith says, "Send a messenger to Lord Raquel al-Shatel. Tell him Veritas has done something evil to Lady Vadellya Mogoth. He must come to the temple of Zeus in Atlanta immediately. Go! There is no time to waste!"

Serith picks up his cloak and teleports himself and the women to the temple of Zeus.


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

Raquel had lost his family. He had lost it several times. The shadow remained ever vigilent in its mission to rob him of any true joy he man have in his life. That was the burden a hero, a paladin, had to bear. He had married three times, all three times Drow had killed his family-- wife and children. One child survied, raised by them to be a weapon and vessel of hate--Thorn Serpent of Darkness. More than once Raquel had been forced to take his sons life.


He found a family in Logar. Logar was a orphan from the civil war after the collapse of the human empire. They were able to fill the whole eachother had, Raquel father to Logar and Logar was the son to Raquel, that Thorn should have been. Logar married and had a family. Tassadar and Luther Mogath. Luther fell to darkness and Raquel had to cut him down too. LOgar's wife Katherene became so overwhelmed at being Logar's wife and feeling the pressure of an evil son took her own life to end her pain. Tassadar was pure and valiant but the Dark One attacked him at his very soul. THe only way to stop the Dark One was to destroy Tassadar's soul.


The only sembelance of a family he had left, and it was not even really family, was Vadellya and her son. He had to save her. He could not save Roslynn, Maria, Sariah, Logar, Katherene, Luther, Thorn, or Tassadar. He would save Vadellya.


The thoughts all raced as he stormed into the temple of Zues. Serith stood holding the two woman. He openned his mouth to explain the situation, Raquel dismissed him, "Thank you, thats all, release them I'm fighting for their hearts."


Serith saluted and stepped out as Bella and Vadellya both began to move. "Are you well?" He asked sincerity and concern wrapped around his words as a blanket would be wrapped around a sick child.


"I'm fine." Vadellya responded sharply and almost defensive. "Except the fact Blade wants to Kidnap me. I am royalty after all."


"Yes you are. And no matter what happens you will be my family, and you'll always be Princess Mogath. " The expression on her face softenned just a tad and Raquel knew she could be saved. If she could still feel, still empathize, she could be saved. "Its because I care for you that I am here. I can sense the darkness that someone must have placed in your heart. I know you and I know you do not want that destiny."


"My destiny is my concern."


"Your right, and I can only help you if you want me to help you. We can all decided our own destiny, that includes you. I simply want to help you walk the best path for you. You stand at a crossroads. One path you would walk down, I can not walk with you, no matter how much I may. Nor can your son. If you reject my hand Gerizon will stay with Elaine in Andreal and only see you again if he is on a quest to destroy you. I know you love your son and I know he loves you. We all love you. Will you let the light save you?"


She fell to her knees and somehow those undead eyes produced tears. Even though her heart did not beat it broke just then, "Yes, ... please I've been turned into some kind of monster. You have to help me. PLEASE. Don't let this happen."


"No one walks so far in the shadow the light can not find them." Turning to Bella, "You are not my family, we have only met before in passing, but I know you. A woman with no people of her own. A women looking for friends and companionship. I know you care for Galan and his companions as they have shown you trust and protection. That will all go away and you will truly be alone if you walk this path."


Bella's pretty eys looked to the hunched over Vadellya and with longing muttered, "I want to be with Vadellya. I can not do that if she walks your path of light and do not."


Light engulfed and eminated from him. Raquel and called the avitar form of his God Hajama to chanel the strength needed. The light poured then shot from his hand penetrating both of the women he hoped to save. This would simply release Veritas's control and let them chose their own destiny. They would have the will to follow light or dark. He prayed that his words had led them to the path of Light. To allow them to be reborn from the Darkness to an even greater height.

Redemption

Serith finished his debrief from his shift, blood pumping with anticipation. He was going to go and destroy Arvan today.

He had heard mention of Arvan from Raquel in discussing General Galan's exploits. A Paladin who chased clans of Storm Giants and Stone Giants from the low lands across the World's spine. He fell in love with some girl and neglected the kingdom, eventually falling from grace and becoming a Death Knight. Even though Logar had killed him nearly a decade ago he resurfaced. From the reports Galan gave, it was Veritas that brought him back - much more powerful than other Death Knights.

Death Knights were horrible creatures. Every one with a sad and tradgic story. Once great, they all remained only haunting shadows of what they once were. Serith felt pain for his loss but still wanted to rejoice because he provided the perfect oppertunity. A powerful Undead already an enemy to the Isle, this was the best scenerio for Serith to pay his debt to Hades. "Master Silverwing," a pages voice called him from his thoughts. "A group from General Galan is here. They heard you were moving on Arvan and wanted to go with you."

----------

Even beyond the orders, which he felt odd that he was sworn to secrecy about, Abraham had placed something in Arvan's castle for Dante. Abraham had acted as his solemn spiritual guide since bringing him back to life. The Isle needed cleansed of its corruption it was Dante's crusade to redeem it. The corruption ran so deep that the angel Abraham made him take a vow of secrecy. Abraham had a plan for the salvation of the Isle and it was up to Dante's faith to execute it perfectly. This was a step in that direction. When Arvan was destroyed, Dante would find his way to the basement and take the teleport gates. His DragonSworn army would then come to his back, and Jonathan would be defeated. So he waited for Serith with Vadellya and Bella.

----------

Despite the crumbling castle, the rest of the scenary was very beautiful. If Serith could not sense it he would have never guessed a corrupting rotting soul and his minions rested here. He, Bella, Dante, and Vadellya just waited. True seeing had been cast on all of them, so they could watch the skeletal warriors and other ghostly images move towards them.

"ddddDieeeeeee" The sound was carried on the wind as they were surrounded. "ddiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeee" The wind cut through their bones. Serith spoke up, "We are here to see Arvan. We come from Galan who has been looking for Tatyana."

"yyoouur weapons...llleeeeeave em." Serith nodded and everyone dropped their weapons. Dante still had his breath weapon, so did Serith-and his spells, Vadellya could cast and did not need weapons and Bella was more dangerous with her bare hands than with any weapon. The quick conformity to their demands would only have Arvan fall into a false sense of security.

Walking through a castle filled and stained with death had no impact on Bella. Serith tried to mimic that despite the pungent odor of it assaulting his nostrils. It did not matter because a moment later they stood before the Lord of the Castle.

SPEAK MORTAl!! THE GREAT ARVAN'S PATIENCE HAS RUN THIN. WHAT NEWS DOES MY BROTHER HAVE OF MY BRIDE?

Serith contemplated for just one second not following through with this. The half dozen Skeletal warriors in the room would be nothing to worry about. What stopped him was his pity. He used words like brother and bride. He considered Galan a brother of the cloth though he had long since become a corruption of that ideal and this Tatyana, his bride, though she had long left him. He guessed that to a Death Knight, it was necessary to hold on to the past--that was all they had.

Serith openned his mouth, not to speak but to attack. Shards of ice flew in a blizzard from his mouth engulfing all in front of him in a torrent of ice and snow.
Dante attacked, too, taking his cue from Serith. Fire erupted to meet the ice. The skeletal warriors were gone -- only frozen ash remained. Frozen ash and Arvan.

He screamed with such rage the mountain and castle shook. Stone cracked and brick crumbled. Blue flame shoot from his entire body to consume the entirety of the room in unholy fury. Bella was wholly consumed with nothing left of her, just a small piece of bone marrow was all that even had her scent. Vadellya still had the burned, scarred remains of a former body but no spirit left in it.

They were gone.

Bella and Vadellya had died because of him. The plan was so simple, he was sure they could have overpowered Arvan. How is he still standing. Regardless of how he was still fighting, his female companions were not. Arvan had slain them; Serith had failed them! They only thing he could do was channel his hatred and anger. He drew as much magical energy into him as he could hold and released it as a dam trying to hold back a river that was too strong the dam might burst. Fire tore through the room and the tower exploded in a rain of fire and light.

Arvan was gone. Serith tried to comfort himself in knowing that Arvanwould have preferred death to the state he had been in. Perhaps in a way Serith had even saved him. Dante was fine, being immune to fire. But.......he was not in the room. He could sense the gold dragon below him. Strange.....

Serith did too, but for the remaining piece of Bella. Somehow, if could find what little remains of her there was left, he thought it would be easier to be at peace. He smelled her and pulled up a small piece of bone. It was not as small as before and his acute Dragon eyes actually saw the marrow exteneding out growing, regenerating at an accelerated rate. Vampires, he thought almost with a smile.

A Paladin's Prayer

Oh Holy Tyre,

I am grateful for the faithfulness of these troops. Details never reached the very bottom just orders. These soliders know to trust orders and follow them.

Thou knows that after Illyena joined use we marched west towards Prythos and Jonathan. It was Jag who had told me that if we hoped to win we had to fight from a defensive position. I did not think we could reach Prythos before Jonathan did. He recommended Arvan's castle. With this army I could destroy my fallen brother and defend in the narrow pass.

I also felt that The Rock, only wanting Dante, would have passed by Pyrthos and left its people safe. I was wrong. He sent his dragons to attack it as he marched his army towards me. I thank thee for the strength given to Greyson and those sent with him to Prythos as they were able to defeat the dragons. Nothing short of a miracle by thine arm would allow such a victory.

Though Jag speaks sound advice at times, I fear his intentions. Something is wrong about him and I pray, Tyre, thou might expose him to me so I may prevent further evil in this world. Please let thy wisdom guide my hand and distinguish from his plots and sound wisdom.

I am grateful for the faith that allows me to know that so long as we pursue justice, thou will reward the victory to us.

Amen.

Unkept Promises

Illyena detested Airrose. However, he was the best way to the birthright she deserved. He was a clumsy fool who allowed the plot to be revealed to the imposter much too early. That caused him to invade Geneva and kill Genevians just to feed the small force they had been able to gather. That, of course, caused the Genevan army to start chasing them. Hunted by two forces much larger than hers, she felt all hope was lost.


She was accustomed to losing all hope. She had loved Tassadar and he her. There had been a contest for the throne of Enron and Illyena found out she was an heiress of a removed family. She had intended to claim the throne then held by the foreign and invading force- The Rock. Despite her efforts, she felt the kingdom slip through her fingers. It was a small price to pay so she had decided to give it all up and be with the man she loved. After she had given away everything, he told her it was too dangerous. He said it like she could lose anything more than what she had lost.


Since then, all she could do was hate and despise Tassadar and herself. Made even worse by his marriage to Vadellya. It was not until she realized that the hate and anger was still robbing her of her life, that she decided to move on. She decided to go back to what life was before. She even went to the Isle to speak to Tassadar and finally bring closure.

Airrose was attractive, despite all his flaws. Illyenna ignored that as he spoke, "My queen, I have been negotiating with a man named Leinhert. He is an officer to General Galan- the Genevan. They wish to discuss our relationship. I believe he is afraid, scared of the huge force that Jonathan has that my sources tell me are now after him. If this is true, we can let the two armies destroy each other and march on the capitol." Illyena responded, "What I have heard of Galan would suggest he does not feel fear. After what you have done we will not be able to live peacefully until we address the Genevans. We must have a good relationship with them. They have ways of getting what they want." She knew that better than anyone, it was after all a polymorphic version of herself that Geneva had puppeting on the throne currently.

"Then we go as allies. Even if not spurred by fear he can not be a fool. Our crimes will be forgiven and we'll have Geneva's backing in exchange for augmenting his forces against the Rock."

"Perhaps you're right. Though, you just sacked Marathon and deprived it of anything of value. Paladins frown on outright looting and robbery. Let's hope they honor a meeting under truce. Let's go. I'm eager to meet this Galan."

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

Galan was pacing back and forth in his tent. Illyena and Prince Airrose were on his way to meet with him and he still was not sure what he was going to do. However, he could not indicate that in the slightest. He also had the problem of Pinch's latest intel report, Jonathan and his army was marching not directly towards him, but along the south edge of the lake and towards Prythos. Prythos was very defensible, built on canals and larger cantons most of the city was built on or in the lake. Galan wanted to send troops to help secure it but with the rebel question unanswered he was not sure how many men he needed here and now.


"General, Prince Airose and and Queen Illyena are here as requested." Lucian's voice took Galan from his thoughts. Time for here and now. Turning to face the entrance he made sure his sword was easily seen hanging on his chair and placed his hands on his hips. "Let them in."



Lucian opened the tent and in came a large Dire wolf hackles up. Ears darted and perked at every whisper, and nose inhaled sharply and rapidly. Chest puffed and tail high, the wolf approached Galan. Galan calmly lowered his right palm for the wolf to smell and even removed some jerky ration and tried to give it to him. The wolf lost interest without eating, moved to the entrance and let out one short whelp.

The two rebel leaders entered his tent and the large wolf moved to the side and laid down still staring at Galan. "Welcome queen and prince. Please sit. Anything to drink?"



"I'll have tea." Illyena responded. Galan took note of a cat like left eye that did not match her right and said, "Of course." Lucian filled tea cups and excused himself. Illyena sipped her cup but Airrose would not even sit. Instead he spoke, "We are obviously here because you know you will be overwhelmed by Jonathan without our help."

Galan raised an eyebrow, "I have invited you here to negotiate the end of hostilities, and determine your ultimate goal."

Illyena spoke up, "The goal is to reclaim the throne that your imposter is holding in my place."

Galan said, "And you, prince?"

He scoffed, "Not that complicated, there are many noble houses in Enron. Mine was robbed of a rightful seat on the Enron throne. Our best chance for the royalty we deserve is each other."

Galan nodded, "I would be lying if I did not admit to the idea of joining forces to push back Jonathan. However, my orders are this: Protect Genevan citizens and interests from all threats. I don't know if my superiors just trust my judgement to best handle the situation or simply don't care what happens to you, but your fate is left up to me."


"An alliance then." Airrose burst in.


"My countrymen are dead. Dead by your hand prince. Someone had to answer for that. Wouldn't you agree, My Queen."


Illyena responded, "It is regrettable that your countrymen suffered. It was never my intent that anyone outside of Enron be effected. Prince Airrose tells me that the conspiracy was discovered and he was forced to flee without proper supplies."


Prince Airrose nearly hostile said, "An army has to be fed."


"I don't know how that is my problem." Galan responded. "I know that my contacts are ready to place the Queen on her throne when I give the word. However, someone has to pay for the crimes."


Catching what Galan was implying Airrose turned to Illyena, "The night elves follow me. Our fates are connected and bound we need each other and you will not divide us. " to which Illyena responded, "You're right, if we go back to the night elves they will follow you." Her eye quickly examines the room.


What happened next was so fast that even Galan almost missed it. Prince Airrose knew he was done and went for a blade under his glove. Illyenna was already whistling, an action the wolf took as command to attack. Galan braced but the wolf attacked Airrose instead. Lucian and others flooded the tent and in moments it was over, Galan's sword still on his chair and Illyena still sipping her tea. Keeping the pace Galan ordered, "Take the prince to Duane. He'll handle him while we finish. He's to be taken to Atlanta and placed on trial for war crimes."


As everyone cleared out of the tent Illyena spoke with cold calculation, "I'll tell the Night Elves that a patrol of the Rock's men jumped us and the Prince was lost. We'll hold our position and join forces with your army when you reach us. While we are on Genevan soil the command will be yours. We'll help defend you against the Rock; in exchange, you put me on the throne. Sounds like a plan worthy of a Genevan."


Galan nodded, "Agreed."

Authors comments

I appreciate everyone who follows and reads the Adventures of our brave heroes as they try to bring light over darkness. At least some of them do. lol. The stories stem from a table top game and bring a lot of back story and detail. The backstory and detail is what makes the story so compelling and I try very hard to include that in the story.

If any of the readers are lost or confused about a piece of the story: first understand that part of that is on purpose the characters deal with a lot of unknowns and many many many things happen in the shadows. However, if you are lost or would like more in depth explanation post your question in a comment and i will respond or maybe even post on it and get it cleared it up.

Also even if you are keeping up feel free to put your theories on whats going on where you think the story should go.. anything.

And I know the spelling needs to improve. :)

Thanks,

Levi

Ifff Yooou SMEEELLLLLELELL what the ROCK is Cooking

Dante waited outside General Galan's tent. Lucian was firm that it could wait till sunrise, stating the General had asked not to be disturbed. Dante decided he would wait and help guard the General; Lucian needed his sleep too. Captain Dante watched the walking patrol move past and started kicking some rocks on the ground.

Lightning fell from the sky drilling Dante directly to the ground. Sound was muffled with the thunder. Everything was blurred.

He sat up shaking his head with only a dull buzz filling it.

The lightning hit him again but with no effect. His magic resistance saved him. Vision started to come back and He called out, "UNDER ATTACK!!"

Hit again, he could barely feel the ground as it raced to and collided with his chest.

... Blackness. ...

NO. He forced his eyes to open but it was just a blur. Something jumped over him and there was an explosion. His face was hit with something he realized must be the ground. His arms were shaking too hard to support his weight. He rolled over onto his back....blackness.....

FOR THE LIGHT. He held on, forcing his eyes open and mustering all his will to stay awake. Something touched his arm and he jerked away violently. It was Lucian, he realized, and a priest. He was distracted from that by the large Blue Dragon he could sense flying above him.

Dante sprung up, now more to his senses. The healing from both Lucian and the Priest helped. The Dragon landed, keeping at bay a large troop of soliders moving to engage. Everyone had cleared from the front of the command tent and Jonathan and Galan stood eye to eye. Even in his small clothes Galan stood a commanding presense -- the picture of calm and demanding respect. The Rock did not give it.

The first words he could make out were Galan's. "We both know the other one, do we not? I know you think you are right. But we can't know. The prophecy says 'decieve the very elect.' Who could be more elect than the Rock?"

"Unless I am wrong, and I am never wrong, Dante will destroy us all. Stand aside."

"I am tired of your arrogance and your issuing of orders. My men have died here today because you refuse to listen to reason. If you want Dante, you go through me. And you will not stand," the general said with confidence.

"Look at you stand there like you're somebody, like you're a big shot, like you're the Rock in your underwear like a fool. The men that you lose are Dante's fault. If he would but face me and let me finish the conflict no one else would have to suffer. Nothing matters more to the Rock than this. The Rock will bring his grace and deliverance to all that he encounters. Once Genevan citizens, now the Rock's citizens. The People's champion will then lay the smack down on every jabroni who wants to stand between him and the Deceiver. The Rock has spoken."

Then he was gone. Galan called out, "Get me reports. We still march in an hour. Where's PINCH?"

Dante knew he had to do something to stop this crazy man. Zeus's angel had bestowed the marks upon him. But perhaps Dante himself had been decieved. He himself was not convinced who was the savior and who the destroyer.

The Crownless

Galan sat down on his bunk finally able to rest for the night. His bones ached and his chest hurt. He was not sure if it was the codex or old age or both that hurt so bad. He knew one thing for certain, it was a blessing straight from Olympus to have competent capable committed men around him now. Men that were determined to do the right and that he could trust. Mountains of weight had been lifted from his shoulders now that he had other paladins to talk to and stradegize with.

"Good evening...General." The weight returned in even a small measure as he heard Jag's voice. "You have an army now. Not doing to bad for yourself."

"Yes Jag. I am both excited for the companionship and force that can do good and devastated at the need for it and the reality that men will soon die."

"Don't get all guilt-trip-regretty before anything even happens. Drink?" Jag opened the bottle of wine left with the dinner Lucian brought in for Galan and poured a small glass.

"No, thanks. I'm not up to it."

"You not up for something?" He shrugged, "I thought you could face anything? Like the Rock. I tried to warn you about him. I said, 'he's after you. be careful' and what did you say? If I was worried about my safety I'd get a new job, blah blah blah. How about we start trusting the intelligence agent assigned to help you."

"You advise, I make the decisions. What are you here for?"

"Congratulations. And to confirm for the council what your next move is."

"I already sent Greyson adnd Dante to head the evacuation of Marathon. We can't reach the rebels before they get to Marathaon and they'll sack it for food and supplies. Hopefully we'llslow them down enough that we can catch them."

"And when you catch them?"

"I haven't decided yet. We could use the manpower against Jonathan. But they are villans, killing Genevan citizens when they encounter them. This Prince Airrose is evil and can not be tolerated. Pinch tells me they are hoping to meet up with Illyena soon."

"Two days."

"That is what he said. Which greatly complicates things because Pinch says the Den has placed an imposter on the throne. He also said they'd ensure a peaceful transfer of power if I decide to ally with the Rebels and can defeat and kill Jonathan. Though the Den prefers status quo, so long as the threat to Dante can be neutralized. There is just no way to do it all. Kill the rock and leave him alive."

"Let me propose something. You ally with the Rebels, kill Airrose and befriend Illyenna. Have Captain Dante call in his Dragon Sworn army and kill Jonathan. We'll have the crownless Queen on her throne quickly and she will rule GreyHavens and Enron, indebted to you. Possibly married to you. That's the exact scenerio the council is afraid of. Atrayu especially, he thinks you can't be trusted. They know if you do that they could never stop you and great kingdoms would be yours. I, for one, would back you."

"Watch your tounge -- you speak treason."

"Treason? I'm just telling you what the Council is discussing. It's the only real victory. You wouldn't have to declare independence -- you'd be the defacto King, they could do nothing to stop you."

"DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE?"

"Just keep an eye on Morgan. You leave too many enemies around. Veritas, Arvan, Tatyana, The Rock. You engage and never destroy you can only fight a tide so long. You have to thin the ranks of your enemies, general. That's not an order, just common sense. Though the Tatyana thing is complicated by a cute little vampire you have sharing your tent. "

"Bella only stays in here because she's afraid the Volturum will find her."

"Of course." He finished his drink and said, "You are yourself a King, you only lack the crown."

He disappeared as Bella came in to retire for the evening.

----------

Dante was told by Lt. Marcus that a James was here to see him. Dante had swords in hand and ordered him brought to him. James kneelt before him. "My Lord, the scrolls you requested." Dante was surprised and it showed on his face. He had asked James to get a means to communicate across distance. James had attacked him and was in jail now. That is what started this whole war. He tuned his senses to detect lie.

"Are you James?"

"Yes my lord." He meekly answered.

"How did you escape?"

"I escaped nowhere lord, I returned from the errand you sent me on."

"You are the real James?"

"Yes, my lord. Are you in danger?"

"Not anymore." Dante realized the other must be a decoy. Magic can do anything it would seem. Though the false James' words echoed in his ears, you are the destroyer if you love humanity you will end your own life- you have to end it, you are the deceiver. "Is the Legion still ready?"
"When you command."

"Ready them."