erica
02-06-2004, 01:47 PM
*I didn't write this, but my husband did and would like to get some feedback. Thank you.
That day started as a day of feasting; of happiness. The hall bustled with many joyous people. Yoshef had just wed the lovely Morria. He was one of the king’s most loyal soldiers. Many from the royal court were in attendance that day. Amongst them was Danzer, a close friend of Yoshef as well as the captain of the guard. But soon the sounds of joy would be replaced with screams of anguish and tears of sorrow. A black rain fell on the city that day. Following its wake was destruction and terror. The insidious rain decimated the trees, the grass, and even the city’s once great walls. But most unfortunately for all, it destroyed lives. Yoshef was a happy man that morning. That evening he was the one left behind…
It had been nearly four years since that day of tragedy. The battle has been a brutal systematic destruction of the land of Archanny. It started one fall crisp morning when an evil mage attacked the castle at Sefton, the palace of the king. King Arkina was on the throne… That was the beginning of the end for many. Now the King’s Brother, Reinier has assumed power after the discovery that the king’s very own flesh and blood had betrayed him… The prince has begun a rebellion against the rule of Duke Reinier. Many peasants rumor that the mage had corrupted the young prince. It is still a mystery as what caused him to turn and assist in destroying his very own. Our tale begins in the heavily damaged city of Sefton.
The Duke has now been fighting this battle for nearly four long years. Few options are left as his troops are slowly dwindling away. He has a few loyal guardsmen who have pledged their very lives to defending their homes. Together they stand against those who support the Prince and his evil minions. The Duke has scoured the land in hopes to find a scant few that are willing to take up his charge. Continually in his mind he asks himself why they have stopped now. One last major assault and the city will fall. Why stop now… That question haunts him as he looks toward the hills where a once powerful siege army had stood.
Deep within the city a messenger goes quickly to a home. “Hello? Are you in?” asks the messenger impatiently as he beats against the door. Slowly, the door unlocks and a man peers out the door.
“Yes? What is it?” asks the man as he slowly peers out.
“The Duke requests your presence immediately” responds the servant. “Shall I take you to him now?” The man nods and soon they are on there way to the citadel. The city grew up around a small hill many ages ago. The hill has come to be the home of the main garrison for many years. Most of the city lay in ruins after the attack; the citadel was no exception. Sun begins to pour into the streets as they make way to the keep. Merchants usually would line this passage but there is not a single one as the city has become ravaged beyond what most could with stand. Barely a week has passed since the city was surrounded. On many occasions the city had nearly fallen. The outer walls had already been reduced to ruin years ago when the dark mage attacked. All that stands now is the wall for the old city and the walls of the keep. Soon they enter the keep and come to the chamber of the Duke.
“Yoshef, It has been a long time.” Says the Duke as he haggard face begins to lighten up with the presence of his old friend.
“It has.” Responds Yoshef, a nearly unemotional man. The scars of the past years have worn him thin and he desires nothing more than for the pain to end.
“Yes, But I am sure that you know why you are here.” Ask the Duke as he draws Yoshef over to a table. He pulls a rolled up map and begins to lay it out upon the table.
“I have an idea.” Responds Yoshef as he begins to look intently into the map. He has not come into the presence of the Duke in what would seem like an age but yet, some how through the bond of friendship they seemingly are like-minded.
“Well then my old friend, I think to ask just one question. Are you willing?”
“When do we start?” states Yoshef, cracking a slight smile.
“The answer I hoped for. I was afraid that you would not want a part of this. But I thank you for accepting my offer.”
“No thanks is needed. I only offer what I have already given. I am worn my friend. I merely wish that this was all over.”
“Yes I know. I must say that I agree. But let us focus now, these are the plans.” The burden painted upon the Dukes face agrees heavily with the words spoken by his friend. He begins to out line the journey and the trial they are about to face. “As you know I have been looking for any who are willing to undertake this task for me. And as you know not many warriors are left. But they are now here and are ready. You have four people to assist you. Come look out the window to the court below. They are waiting there.” Says Reinier as he walks slowly to a small window. “One is a spell caster. Rynolt, the son of Lanzasian, I am sure you remember his father. He served us well for years. Rynolt will be serving under you now. Also, another gifted in healing, Aleen. She hails from Norbinoss, which will be very helpful as you travel to them. She is going with you in part to help to find out what has happened to our allies. We simply must regain contact. She is known to the royal family there and is well known for her kindness. She will be very helpful. You have a fighter. I must apologize for placing him under your command. He is very unruly and seems to only be interested in the battle. He is an excellent warrior or else I would have nothing more to do with him. I hope that during your time with him he will learn more of respect and loyalty. His name is Darson. And one last person to mention is Cofio. He is an elven archer. He has come to assist us and to also learn more about the threat. I suppose that even the elves are wondering what has happened. It is still early in the morning and I fear that we may not have much time before they return to our gates. We can not permit the loss of more time. Go and go quickly.” Yoshef is quick to be on his way to the courtyard to meet those who will be assisting him.
“Hello, I am Yoshef.” He says as he walks toward the group. He begins to realize the group under his command is far from any soldiers he had commanded before. Rynolt is an expressionless man who seemingly barely acknowledges the welcome of his ally and leader. He seems far from the usual spell caster as well. He has adorn himself more with the battle gear of a warrior than that of a spell caster. He dawns the heavy chain mail of a soldier, as most sorcerers would wear a thin cloak. He is a small-framed man whose armor hangs from his very body. Yoshef looks past the young sandy blonde haired man and sees Aleen. She is a young woman, a healer. Her blonde hair cascades down to her shoulders. She looks like a young farm girl who had just come in from the fields. Her clothing is tattered and worn. A young woman who has seen more than many twice her age. Darson stood out above them all. He had a cocky look to him. He had never known a leader or commander. He is the type to answer only to the spoils of war and not the cause or purpose of the battle. He is adorned with heavy battle gear and proudly wears wounds on his body and dents in his dense armor. He is more prepared for battle than probably any of the castle guards. Uncaring and unwavering in a simple goal, to help himself. Cofio, an elf of all things. He was sent by his elders to further investigate the problems that have ravaged the land. Yoshef thinks to himself nervously as he realizes that they are about to face more than they can dare to imagine.
“We do not have any time to waste because we know not when they will return. We are first to go to Norbinoss. We will be going to discover what has come of our allies. Let us set out. I trust that you are all ready?” He orders quickly. The group sensing his feel for urgency immediately sets out toward Norbinoss.
A question soon arises as they exit the city gates. “Where are the horses?” questions Darson. “Surely we will not be walking to Norbinoss?”
“Yes we will.” Responds Yoshef sharply sensing the rebellious spirit of Darson.
“Do you realize how far of a walk this is?” Questions Darson.
“Yes. I know.” Responds Yoshef. “Consider, if it were so easy to get a horse and a messenger would we not have already known what was going on there?”
“Well, I guess you have a point.” Snarls Darson. “So I hear that you were once a great warrior.” Yoshef remains surprisingly quiet. “I heard you were once a great sword master. Is that true?”
“I know how to use my sword, are you worried?” Responds Yoshef. They exchange glances at one another.
“What is Norbinoss, is it a city?” Interjects Cofio, showing his lack of knowledge of the outer world from the elves.
“It is a city. At the summit in the center of the city is an ancient cathedral. They are known for their purity in religion and kindness.” Responds Aleen. “Have you never heard of it?”
“I have not.” Responds Cofio. “I must say that we elves do not look far beyond our own religious and magical places.”
“I see. It is well known. I am surprised you have not heard of It.” questions Aleen.
“I am not, we do not stray far from our lands and hear little from the outside.” Replied Cofio. “Tell me more about this city.”
“We have dedicated ourselves to following the way and searching to find truth. The city was built many ages ago even before the time of the kings. It was founded by a priest who created a sanctuary atop a hill. He wanted to build a place to honor God. And he wanted it so that all would be able to see it. In truth…” began Aleen.
“Its full of cowards and weaklings.” Snorted Darson. “Holiness and purity get you nothing, but dead. It is all a waste. They talk about another life but who says we even get a guarantee in this life? All I know is that if I protect myself and fend for myself then I am fine.”
“Somewhat selfish is it not?” Asserted Cofio boldly. Darson stopped in his tracks. Turned and looked at the elf. Yoshef sensing the hostility stepped between them and allowed the moment to pass.
“I don’t know if I can trust these people you have me with.” Declared Darson. “An elf that is a coward and deserves death. A woman of faith and a magic user who wears armor way to big. And the leader, an old man.”
“Trust? Trust is earned and to be honest, I trust an elf. I trust a woman of faith. And I trust the a magic user who wears armor… But, a man who wants the taste of blood so much that he would attack his own, he I would never trust.” Snapped Yoshef. “If you want to leave you can. We are fine with out your kind.”
“My kind? How do you think you know my kind? I will stay so that I can be there when your proved wrong. But don’t think I’m gonna risk myself for you.”
“We will see.” Responded Yoshef coldly. “Aleen, the Duke had said that you know more about our mission, is there anymore we need to know?”
“Not really. We are simply to regain contact with our friends there and send word back to the Duke as to what is going on. It is planned that I will stay on in Norbinoss but I was told you have further instructions.”
“Yes. I do.” Replied Yoshef.
“Well what are they?” demanded Darson.
“There is a lot we are going to accomplish at Norbinoss. But there is an outpost near the city we are going to retake.”
“Retake? Just me and this rabble?” questioned Darson disdainfully.
“Yes. They would not allow troops in the city due to their beliefs. We are going to investigate the look out and scavenge what armor and weapons we can. The outlook should be abandoned and few probably know of its existence. If it has been taken then we will have no option to but to storm it.”
“Ah… The spoils I came for.” Replied Darson.
“No. We are going to recapture these for the Duke and for the city of Norbinoss.” Replied Yoshef. “We are not going to take from our own.”
Many hours passed as they troop traveled the road heading toward Norbinoss. Aleen continued to tell about the city of Norbinoss. Many in the group had never known of its legendary origin and the events that had unfolded there. As the sun settled that night they found an abandoned home to make camp in. Aleen began the story from the beginning. “The Priest had founded that awesome and great city ages ago. He built an altar and began the worship there atop the hill that now peaks the city. Legends have told us that the Priest was an excellent woodworker and he began to build a sanctuary worthy of our Lord. As people began to hear of his work they began to come from out of the land and went up to the city. They helped to build the sanctuary and they would build the city around it. The way it happened was our God’s plan. For he had sent the Priest on a mission and when the people heard of the greatness of our God and the honor he had, they left their lives and built the awesome city. The Priest could not have done it alone, one man is not a city but rather he inspired us all. To this day we are blessed with the guidance of our Priest’s descendants. His sons have always guided us through out our history.”
“Fascinating.” Whispered Cofio.
“Foolish.” Stated Darson who received a quick glare from Aleen. “Legends and stories. Nothing more. It’s sad you never mention the fallen one. You talk about your city like it’s so great but you know of whom I speak.
“Fallen one?” questioned Cofio.
“Aye. The fallen one.” Began Darson. “You see, this Priest that ages ago was so awesome had grave a misfalling. You see, how did he become so pure, so holy? My people have had a legend and story about that city also. We believe that all people are evil. It’s just the way we are. A story has been told in our land that for a person to become so well they had to of cursed another. You see, we know all people are evil, a truth they do not accept. But the thing is, I don’t doubt he was good, but who took all of his wickedness?”
“Our God of course.” Retorted Aleen quickly.
“Typical answer from one of them.” Responded Darson. “We don’t buy into all of what they do. You see my elvish friend; we believe that they had to either kill to cover his evil or had passed it on to another. As you know we have many beasts and wild men in our land and we believe that these are the unfortunate ones sacrificed for those people’s well being. Now do you see why we do not trust them?”
“So you are saying that they pass the wickedness into another person to free themselves?” questioned Cofio.
“Yes.”
“It’s not true.” Declared Aleen. “They would make us out to be butchers. That is nowhere near the truth. We know we are also evil but we learn how to overcome it instead of embracing it like they do. They use their legends to make excuses why they are so wicked. They pass themselves off as being cursed by God so they do not have to even try to live a holy life.”
“Wow…” is all that Cofio could say.
In a plain many miles away a man is huddled about a small fire. The light from the fire glistens across his face and illuminates the side of his wagon. He can hear his horse at rest in the darkness. “You would think that by now you would be able to hide far better in the darkness.” Said the man into the night. A brief moment of time passes as he continues to stare blankly at the fire.
“Perhaps my soul is not as black as you would think, Danzer, failure of Sefton. My quarrel is not with you this night.” Responded a dark figure in more of a hiss than a voice.
“Remember, dark wretch, when we are no longer bound to each other I will destroy you.” Says the man very matter of fact.
“Strong words from a mortal. Remember that you are not immortal in this plain. My destruction I have forseen, as well as yours. We are bound, I will keep you free from danger until I can have my vengance.” Says the dark being as she disappears into the dark as quickly as she had appeared. Danzer, left alone with his thoughts, begins to wonder back into the past, back to the day Sefton had fallen. His mind drifts back to his friends wedding and the events of that terrible day. The last joyous memory the man possess is of his friend Yoshef and his new wife Morria celebrating their union. The day still haunts him. As he disappeared into a cloud of mist the last thing he had seen was his friend Yoshef bent over his wife’s hapless body. He fought through the chaos and the pain to meet the evil behind the assault. He had fought in vain against the evil wizard that day. And soon he would find himself being punished for his attempt. His next memory is of the wizard’s lair and having the misfortune to meet his newest beast.
“You are the mighty one who had the idea to oppose me?” Had questioned the wizard to Danzer. “You shall pay dearly for your deed. I am going to take you deep within the canyons near the land of Cheoton. And behold, I shall curse you in such a diabolical way. You will be immortal while you are there, but you will have a fullness of pain like no other. You will feel pain multiplied many times and you will pray for death, but it shall not come. My Daughter of Darkness will ravage your body until you happen to ever find a way out of the twisted canyons.” Said the evil wizard with a twisted laugh. “Now for you to meet my new creation.” Before Danzer a hooded being was brought forth. “This face you shall remember. The day I destroyed Sefton I came across her, a fitting end for her.” He said as he began to pull back the hood showing the face of the being who would bring him pain for possibly all eternity.
That day started as a day of feasting; of happiness. The hall bustled with many joyous people. Yoshef had just wed the lovely Morria. He was one of the king’s most loyal soldiers. Many from the royal court were in attendance that day. Amongst them was Danzer, a close friend of Yoshef as well as the captain of the guard. But soon the sounds of joy would be replaced with screams of anguish and tears of sorrow. A black rain fell on the city that day. Following its wake was destruction and terror. The insidious rain decimated the trees, the grass, and even the city’s once great walls. But most unfortunately for all, it destroyed lives. Yoshef was a happy man that morning. That evening he was the one left behind…
It had been nearly four years since that day of tragedy. The battle has been a brutal systematic destruction of the land of Archanny. It started one fall crisp morning when an evil mage attacked the castle at Sefton, the palace of the king. King Arkina was on the throne… That was the beginning of the end for many. Now the King’s Brother, Reinier has assumed power after the discovery that the king’s very own flesh and blood had betrayed him… The prince has begun a rebellion against the rule of Duke Reinier. Many peasants rumor that the mage had corrupted the young prince. It is still a mystery as what caused him to turn and assist in destroying his very own. Our tale begins in the heavily damaged city of Sefton.
The Duke has now been fighting this battle for nearly four long years. Few options are left as his troops are slowly dwindling away. He has a few loyal guardsmen who have pledged their very lives to defending their homes. Together they stand against those who support the Prince and his evil minions. The Duke has scoured the land in hopes to find a scant few that are willing to take up his charge. Continually in his mind he asks himself why they have stopped now. One last major assault and the city will fall. Why stop now… That question haunts him as he looks toward the hills where a once powerful siege army had stood.
Deep within the city a messenger goes quickly to a home. “Hello? Are you in?” asks the messenger impatiently as he beats against the door. Slowly, the door unlocks and a man peers out the door.
“Yes? What is it?” asks the man as he slowly peers out.
“The Duke requests your presence immediately” responds the servant. “Shall I take you to him now?” The man nods and soon they are on there way to the citadel. The city grew up around a small hill many ages ago. The hill has come to be the home of the main garrison for many years. Most of the city lay in ruins after the attack; the citadel was no exception. Sun begins to pour into the streets as they make way to the keep. Merchants usually would line this passage but there is not a single one as the city has become ravaged beyond what most could with stand. Barely a week has passed since the city was surrounded. On many occasions the city had nearly fallen. The outer walls had already been reduced to ruin years ago when the dark mage attacked. All that stands now is the wall for the old city and the walls of the keep. Soon they enter the keep and come to the chamber of the Duke.
“Yoshef, It has been a long time.” Says the Duke as he haggard face begins to lighten up with the presence of his old friend.
“It has.” Responds Yoshef, a nearly unemotional man. The scars of the past years have worn him thin and he desires nothing more than for the pain to end.
“Yes, But I am sure that you know why you are here.” Ask the Duke as he draws Yoshef over to a table. He pulls a rolled up map and begins to lay it out upon the table.
“I have an idea.” Responds Yoshef as he begins to look intently into the map. He has not come into the presence of the Duke in what would seem like an age but yet, some how through the bond of friendship they seemingly are like-minded.
“Well then my old friend, I think to ask just one question. Are you willing?”
“When do we start?” states Yoshef, cracking a slight smile.
“The answer I hoped for. I was afraid that you would not want a part of this. But I thank you for accepting my offer.”
“No thanks is needed. I only offer what I have already given. I am worn my friend. I merely wish that this was all over.”
“Yes I know. I must say that I agree. But let us focus now, these are the plans.” The burden painted upon the Dukes face agrees heavily with the words spoken by his friend. He begins to out line the journey and the trial they are about to face. “As you know I have been looking for any who are willing to undertake this task for me. And as you know not many warriors are left. But they are now here and are ready. You have four people to assist you. Come look out the window to the court below. They are waiting there.” Says Reinier as he walks slowly to a small window. “One is a spell caster. Rynolt, the son of Lanzasian, I am sure you remember his father. He served us well for years. Rynolt will be serving under you now. Also, another gifted in healing, Aleen. She hails from Norbinoss, which will be very helpful as you travel to them. She is going with you in part to help to find out what has happened to our allies. We simply must regain contact. She is known to the royal family there and is well known for her kindness. She will be very helpful. You have a fighter. I must apologize for placing him under your command. He is very unruly and seems to only be interested in the battle. He is an excellent warrior or else I would have nothing more to do with him. I hope that during your time with him he will learn more of respect and loyalty. His name is Darson. And one last person to mention is Cofio. He is an elven archer. He has come to assist us and to also learn more about the threat. I suppose that even the elves are wondering what has happened. It is still early in the morning and I fear that we may not have much time before they return to our gates. We can not permit the loss of more time. Go and go quickly.” Yoshef is quick to be on his way to the courtyard to meet those who will be assisting him.
“Hello, I am Yoshef.” He says as he walks toward the group. He begins to realize the group under his command is far from any soldiers he had commanded before. Rynolt is an expressionless man who seemingly barely acknowledges the welcome of his ally and leader. He seems far from the usual spell caster as well. He has adorn himself more with the battle gear of a warrior than that of a spell caster. He dawns the heavy chain mail of a soldier, as most sorcerers would wear a thin cloak. He is a small-framed man whose armor hangs from his very body. Yoshef looks past the young sandy blonde haired man and sees Aleen. She is a young woman, a healer. Her blonde hair cascades down to her shoulders. She looks like a young farm girl who had just come in from the fields. Her clothing is tattered and worn. A young woman who has seen more than many twice her age. Darson stood out above them all. He had a cocky look to him. He had never known a leader or commander. He is the type to answer only to the spoils of war and not the cause or purpose of the battle. He is adorned with heavy battle gear and proudly wears wounds on his body and dents in his dense armor. He is more prepared for battle than probably any of the castle guards. Uncaring and unwavering in a simple goal, to help himself. Cofio, an elf of all things. He was sent by his elders to further investigate the problems that have ravaged the land. Yoshef thinks to himself nervously as he realizes that they are about to face more than they can dare to imagine.
“We do not have any time to waste because we know not when they will return. We are first to go to Norbinoss. We will be going to discover what has come of our allies. Let us set out. I trust that you are all ready?” He orders quickly. The group sensing his feel for urgency immediately sets out toward Norbinoss.
A question soon arises as they exit the city gates. “Where are the horses?” questions Darson. “Surely we will not be walking to Norbinoss?”
“Yes we will.” Responds Yoshef sharply sensing the rebellious spirit of Darson.
“Do you realize how far of a walk this is?” Questions Darson.
“Yes. I know.” Responds Yoshef. “Consider, if it were so easy to get a horse and a messenger would we not have already known what was going on there?”
“Well, I guess you have a point.” Snarls Darson. “So I hear that you were once a great warrior.” Yoshef remains surprisingly quiet. “I heard you were once a great sword master. Is that true?”
“I know how to use my sword, are you worried?” Responds Yoshef. They exchange glances at one another.
“What is Norbinoss, is it a city?” Interjects Cofio, showing his lack of knowledge of the outer world from the elves.
“It is a city. At the summit in the center of the city is an ancient cathedral. They are known for their purity in religion and kindness.” Responds Aleen. “Have you never heard of it?”
“I have not.” Responds Cofio. “I must say that we elves do not look far beyond our own religious and magical places.”
“I see. It is well known. I am surprised you have not heard of It.” questions Aleen.
“I am not, we do not stray far from our lands and hear little from the outside.” Replied Cofio. “Tell me more about this city.”
“We have dedicated ourselves to following the way and searching to find truth. The city was built many ages ago even before the time of the kings. It was founded by a priest who created a sanctuary atop a hill. He wanted to build a place to honor God. And he wanted it so that all would be able to see it. In truth…” began Aleen.
“Its full of cowards and weaklings.” Snorted Darson. “Holiness and purity get you nothing, but dead. It is all a waste. They talk about another life but who says we even get a guarantee in this life? All I know is that if I protect myself and fend for myself then I am fine.”
“Somewhat selfish is it not?” Asserted Cofio boldly. Darson stopped in his tracks. Turned and looked at the elf. Yoshef sensing the hostility stepped between them and allowed the moment to pass.
“I don’t know if I can trust these people you have me with.” Declared Darson. “An elf that is a coward and deserves death. A woman of faith and a magic user who wears armor way to big. And the leader, an old man.”
“Trust? Trust is earned and to be honest, I trust an elf. I trust a woman of faith. And I trust the a magic user who wears armor… But, a man who wants the taste of blood so much that he would attack his own, he I would never trust.” Snapped Yoshef. “If you want to leave you can. We are fine with out your kind.”
“My kind? How do you think you know my kind? I will stay so that I can be there when your proved wrong. But don’t think I’m gonna risk myself for you.”
“We will see.” Responded Yoshef coldly. “Aleen, the Duke had said that you know more about our mission, is there anymore we need to know?”
“Not really. We are simply to regain contact with our friends there and send word back to the Duke as to what is going on. It is planned that I will stay on in Norbinoss but I was told you have further instructions.”
“Yes. I do.” Replied Yoshef.
“Well what are they?” demanded Darson.
“There is a lot we are going to accomplish at Norbinoss. But there is an outpost near the city we are going to retake.”
“Retake? Just me and this rabble?” questioned Darson disdainfully.
“Yes. They would not allow troops in the city due to their beliefs. We are going to investigate the look out and scavenge what armor and weapons we can. The outlook should be abandoned and few probably know of its existence. If it has been taken then we will have no option to but to storm it.”
“Ah… The spoils I came for.” Replied Darson.
“No. We are going to recapture these for the Duke and for the city of Norbinoss.” Replied Yoshef. “We are not going to take from our own.”
Many hours passed as they troop traveled the road heading toward Norbinoss. Aleen continued to tell about the city of Norbinoss. Many in the group had never known of its legendary origin and the events that had unfolded there. As the sun settled that night they found an abandoned home to make camp in. Aleen began the story from the beginning. “The Priest had founded that awesome and great city ages ago. He built an altar and began the worship there atop the hill that now peaks the city. Legends have told us that the Priest was an excellent woodworker and he began to build a sanctuary worthy of our Lord. As people began to hear of his work they began to come from out of the land and went up to the city. They helped to build the sanctuary and they would build the city around it. The way it happened was our God’s plan. For he had sent the Priest on a mission and when the people heard of the greatness of our God and the honor he had, they left their lives and built the awesome city. The Priest could not have done it alone, one man is not a city but rather he inspired us all. To this day we are blessed with the guidance of our Priest’s descendants. His sons have always guided us through out our history.”
“Fascinating.” Whispered Cofio.
“Foolish.” Stated Darson who received a quick glare from Aleen. “Legends and stories. Nothing more. It’s sad you never mention the fallen one. You talk about your city like it’s so great but you know of whom I speak.
“Fallen one?” questioned Cofio.
“Aye. The fallen one.” Began Darson. “You see, this Priest that ages ago was so awesome had grave a misfalling. You see, how did he become so pure, so holy? My people have had a legend and story about that city also. We believe that all people are evil. It’s just the way we are. A story has been told in our land that for a person to become so well they had to of cursed another. You see, we know all people are evil, a truth they do not accept. But the thing is, I don’t doubt he was good, but who took all of his wickedness?”
“Our God of course.” Retorted Aleen quickly.
“Typical answer from one of them.” Responded Darson. “We don’t buy into all of what they do. You see my elvish friend; we believe that they had to either kill to cover his evil or had passed it on to another. As you know we have many beasts and wild men in our land and we believe that these are the unfortunate ones sacrificed for those people’s well being. Now do you see why we do not trust them?”
“So you are saying that they pass the wickedness into another person to free themselves?” questioned Cofio.
“Yes.”
“It’s not true.” Declared Aleen. “They would make us out to be butchers. That is nowhere near the truth. We know we are also evil but we learn how to overcome it instead of embracing it like they do. They use their legends to make excuses why they are so wicked. They pass themselves off as being cursed by God so they do not have to even try to live a holy life.”
“Wow…” is all that Cofio could say.
In a plain many miles away a man is huddled about a small fire. The light from the fire glistens across his face and illuminates the side of his wagon. He can hear his horse at rest in the darkness. “You would think that by now you would be able to hide far better in the darkness.” Said the man into the night. A brief moment of time passes as he continues to stare blankly at the fire.
“Perhaps my soul is not as black as you would think, Danzer, failure of Sefton. My quarrel is not with you this night.” Responded a dark figure in more of a hiss than a voice.
“Remember, dark wretch, when we are no longer bound to each other I will destroy you.” Says the man very matter of fact.
“Strong words from a mortal. Remember that you are not immortal in this plain. My destruction I have forseen, as well as yours. We are bound, I will keep you free from danger until I can have my vengance.” Says the dark being as she disappears into the dark as quickly as she had appeared. Danzer, left alone with his thoughts, begins to wonder back into the past, back to the day Sefton had fallen. His mind drifts back to his friends wedding and the events of that terrible day. The last joyous memory the man possess is of his friend Yoshef and his new wife Morria celebrating their union. The day still haunts him. As he disappeared into a cloud of mist the last thing he had seen was his friend Yoshef bent over his wife’s hapless body. He fought through the chaos and the pain to meet the evil behind the assault. He had fought in vain against the evil wizard that day. And soon he would find himself being punished for his attempt. His next memory is of the wizard’s lair and having the misfortune to meet his newest beast.
“You are the mighty one who had the idea to oppose me?” Had questioned the wizard to Danzer. “You shall pay dearly for your deed. I am going to take you deep within the canyons near the land of Cheoton. And behold, I shall curse you in such a diabolical way. You will be immortal while you are there, but you will have a fullness of pain like no other. You will feel pain multiplied many times and you will pray for death, but it shall not come. My Daughter of Darkness will ravage your body until you happen to ever find a way out of the twisted canyons.” Said the evil wizard with a twisted laugh. “Now for you to meet my new creation.” Before Danzer a hooded being was brought forth. “This face you shall remember. The day I destroyed Sefton I came across her, a fitting end for her.” He said as he began to pull back the hood showing the face of the being who would bring him pain for possibly all eternity.