Falerin
Legendary Loremaster
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The following is a repost of the Story that Immediately precedes manifestation which is being posted in anticipation of my newest Tale "Confrontation" which is a mind expanding and time bending journey following the path of two individuals to madness and just possibly back again. My previous two tales elucidate the events of Confrontation heavily and I recommend reading "War of The Words" on zard.mooncalled.com too (I don’t have it as a single file anymore so its too tedious to repost). Though "War of the Words" is a bit unpolished compared to the Later works, names of places change midstream for example, it was a prototype for the stories that followed and the events it describes will be retold from a different perspective in part in Confrontation. For its own part All that is Evil is Not Dark introduces the Devourer/Uncreator and tells retells the story of the first coming from the Drakel perspective including the fall of Xilar, who features heavily in "Confrontation", and the doom of the other races.
Anyway enjoy....
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Topic:
Topic author: Falerin
Subject: All that is Evil is not Dark
Posted on: Feb 23 2003 22:01:46
Jano found ruling as King's Regent to be a task that did not suit him well. Had others been asked they would have disagreed with his self-assessment and Draynor himself would be first to point out that discomfort with the position was a sure sign of leadership. Unfortunately for Jano Draynor was far from Derin embroiled in the war and the few people though he trusted Draynor's advisors he did not feel the connection with them that Draynor obviously did. Consquently the task of leadership remained uncomfortable.
Jano had hoped to that Tralin would return shortly and remove the responsibility of leadership from his head. This had proven a vain desire, for when Tralin did return it was only to ensure Jano of the urgency with which he needed to locate Draynor.
"If the king has placed you in control, you are clearly capable of the role. While I sympathize with your duress my own obligations as the prince of Derin and as T'palo require I carry my information to Draynor immediately." Tralin had said in that unemotional way he had, which to Jano would suggest not only a lack of sympathy but complete detachment had he not known the Drakel for a time and
seen his interaction with the likes of Darin.
"T'Palo?" Jano had asked unfamiliar the word but recognizing it as Drakel.
"There is no direct translation. Roughly it means 'he who is officially discharged with the bearing of messages and correspondence.'"
"Courier?" Jano suggested, thinking that the translation rather simply suggested exactly what Tralin said.
"No. A courier relays missives or messages individually. A T'Palo is quite different...."
"How so?" Jano asked, but Tralin was already engaged in another conversation preparing for his travels.
For three days Tralin remained in the city but in all that time Jano could not determine what he had learned that needed to be shared with the King, nor what made a T'Palo somehow different then a courier.
"Ambassador would be closer" Tralin had said after the conversation was raised again the evening before his departure. "But that too relates and idea and a concept quite different then that of T'Palo."
"Why can you not tell me what it is you have learned? I am Draynor's regent. It seems I ought to know what’s going on"
"Ordinarily I might agree, unfortunately however I cannot share what I have learned with you as it would violate both protocol and my word. Even should Draynor be dead I could not share the information with you without first going through in depth procedures."
"So you have vital information that may be time essential yet you cannot and will not share it based on some social custom. I never considered you beholden to Drakel etiquette, after all you already are well outside Drakel culture from all inspection"
"My relationship with the Drakel is complex" Tralin had said, repeating something he had mentioned before. "You would neither understand nor is it your place to know. It is true that I exist mostly outside Cultural norms for the Drakel people but in this I must uphold tradition. It is a matter of Grave seriousness that I do."
Jano had attempted to ascertain more but Tralin remained stubbornly detached and in the end Jano was forced to concede, because Tralin left the city as he intended. Jano was forced back to present by the presence of Cerin, Delnar's replacement as First Knight of Derin.
"Yes Cerin"
"I must speak to you urgently my Lord on a matter most grave. The information I relay may cost me my position, but it is serious enough that my oath and duty commands I act. Can we speak in private confidence?"
"Yes of course? Only what’s this about? Cost you your position? I do not understand?"
Jano withdrew with Cerin into the private meeting chambers and shut the bolt.
"You will, for it is with the fact that I speak with authority on this issue that will cause the trouble. My lord I am a communicant for the Water Lord?"
"You are what?" Jano said with confusion and thinking of Darin at the same time. Were all of his friends undercover priests?
"It is true my lord. I have been his servant for a very long time, but that is not all. It was I that disabled you outside of the school of knowledge."
"You what?" Jano said very confused and somewhat angered. This made little sense Cerin was in Neld at the time.
"Just so. I apported to Derin and followed your for sometime under instruction. When I heard you plan to go to Tralin I acted as instructed."
"You tried to kill me?"
"No lord, the powers forefend. The spell cast on you was designed precisely so that you would not die or suffer greatly."
"I see, well I am not sure what difference this makes. Darin is a communicant as well and he acted directly against the throne yet he serves as Draynor's commander"
"The difference my lord is that I am Knight of Derin, I am the First Knight of Derin"
Then Jano understood. Knights were sworn to serve their king above all else, they could therefore never be priests because that suggested their loyalty was to their god above their king.
"Ah. Never mind that for now. Tell me what you know that is so imperative."
"My lord, An army of light is coming to Derin as we speak."
"What? Why that’s wonderful, they can aid in fighting off the undead"
"You do not follow my lord. The army is marching ON Derin, they seek to take it. The water lord was most emphatic. This army sides with the Undead"
"An army of light marches in service to the Dark Lord?" Jano said flustered and completely confused
"Not so." Cerin said.
"I don't understand"
"Simply this. The marching undead are not in service to the Lord of Dark either"
"What? But..."
"It is difficult to comprehend my Lord but I assure you it is so. Though these undead are creatures of the Lord of Dark their are no more his servants then you are yourself. This army serves no the dark lord. And the army of light marches with them. An army of angelic beings that is as evil as it is light. The Brilhado or the Fallen."
"Well then we have no recourse. Call together the forces of the military that remain in Derin and the Knights. We prepare for the invasion. As to you, you will not get out of your responsibilities as First Knight so easily. Draynor appointed you, if HE decides you need to be removed then it is for him to remove you. For my own I need experienced man here. I am a spy not a general."
"My Lord" Cerin said nodding and set out to fulfill his orders.
"For my part I am sure Draynor would agree, besides I owe you for the 'cold shoulder' you so kindly gave me."
"My Lord" Cerin repeated and left to follow orders.
'Somehow that was less fulfilling then it seemed to be between The king and Darin.' Jano reflected 'It is much harder to get a rise out of knight I suppose."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
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"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Replies:
Falerin, Feb 23 2003 22:18:23
The Undead moved through the dank darkness struggling hard to hold on to his identity in spite of the crowd that milled around him in single-minded determination. Much of his past was already lost in the haze of mob mentality. The more powerful forms of undead, those who no longer had need of flesh, seemed to be able to think more freely, but the flesh of life was a fetter, still it was necessary for what had been intended.
"I come my king" Delnar whispered in a quiet way "I come... I know what drives my brethren. I come..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
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"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Feb 25 2003 13:57:34
Xander parried the undead and moved through the thronging masses pressing toward the Derenian army with purpose. Not far off the Brilhado were being battled fervently by the Shadow Guard but the mood was grim and the odds did not look good. The only fortunate thing was that those who were killed by the Brilhado did not rise immediately as undead.
"They don't carry the curse and so don't transmit it." Myr said "Don't assume that will be a protection however, necromancers can work their magic on even the long dead who have not been put to rest."
"Well then work on putting them to rest you full. Aren't you a priest!"
"What? Oh yes of course? Only I don't know how to get close enough without encountering the Brilhado myself?"
"Come up with something...."
"Your faith in me is moving Xander but not founded. I was a thief before I became a priest not a warrior or tactician"
"You can be claiming helplessness. I have seen how the guild of thieves handle themselves in a fight..."
"Well I do know a thing or too how to handle a dagger in the Shadows, but where the Brilhado go Shadows flee"
"Look I need to figure out my part and you need to figure out yours... Come up with something."
Xander brought himself back current he had crested through the line of undead and stood at the edge of the plain. Apparently the undead were instructed to take the city and not given orders about the fleeing citizens. Few dared a head on battle through them.
"Hail Stranger" Xander said to the tall Derenian who seemed to command the army. "I hope you be friend as we need it"
"Indeed Lord Xander, we come to the aid of Stone Deep. Though the coming of the Light Demons is startling to us and we debate our course."
Xander was startled that the stranger knew him. Not so much by the fact that his name was used, but more by the fact that a Derenian would know which of the Vandarian's living in Stone Deep was him. His name traveled but he had not, remaining true to his post over the war with Derin. He looked at the man more closely and became aware of the man standing at his side. He was well armored and his uniform bore the rank General Commander, with a start Xander recognized the man...
"Darin?!" He asked with incredulity "You were reported either dead or the traitor who brought the undead upon us. I did not widely believe either rumor, but a turncoat? You were a fanatic I would never have considered you likely to turn traitor to the Crown of Derin, no offense my lord" This last was directed toward the leader.
"Roaming undead armies make strange bedfellows Xander" Darin stated "In truth I am a vampire"
"A vampire!" Xander started his hand on his sword
"I mean simply that I latch on to whatever can give me life."
"Do not believe him" The Leader said "He pretended to want to remain behind in Derin when we set out, but he was most eager to see the front."
"Bah" Darin snorted
"I know you well enough Darin, the strangers estimate is surely accurate... I find I am at a disadvantage however. You know me, and I know your General Commander but I do not know you..."
"He" Darin chuckled "Is Draynor high king of Derin. And don't look now but the advancing sunlight is driving back the undead, and the Brilhado as well."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
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"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Feb 25 2003 14:02:17
"Lord Xander, Lord Xander!" Amgar shouted breaking into the conversation abruptly "The Brilhado and the undead withdraw!"
"Why should the Brilhado be concerned with the sun. They are creatures of the light"
"Likely" Darin guessed "Because their allies flee as well"
"Maybe but it is worse my lord!" Amgar cried out
"Calm man" Xander said "What is it..."
"When the Brilhado saw Myr the cried in delight and grabbed him.. I heard them cackling that they had found it...."
"The Brilhado have flown off with the Communicant?" Xander said barely comprehending
"Yes my lord!"
"Oh My."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
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"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Feb 27 2003 13:10:48
Myr felt incredibly cold. The world was darkness but far from the comfort, the communicant normally took in darkness this was something else. This was a negation. Myr pondered this for a moment. Some defined darkness as an absence of light. Others defined Darkness as a substance to itself. Myr recognized that in times both definitions fit. Certainly, shadows formed whenever light was blocked but anyone who spent time among the shadow stuff knew that it had a substance separate from anything that was light. Yet somehow, this darkness remained different from that, as if it had an existence all together different but lacking the capacity to perceive it or at least to understand it his mind provided an illusion based on something familiar. Fortunately, it chose something that, while disconcerting to many, was comforting to Myr, as a communicant of the Shadow Lord. This allowed Myr to analyze that something, at least until he came to the realization that it was truly alien. The closest comparison that he could draw was that of undeath. There was Life and Death and then there was Undeath, these creatures were neither alive nor were they dead they existed in some other state that fell between and was somehow a negation of both life and death. This felt similar, the thing he perceived was unlight, neither darkness nor light but some violation of them both.
Not only was this thing alien but also somehow violating as if its very essence was invading his body, his mind and even his soul, as if this thing could read him not only mentally as his god and the other communicants could, but at some very basic level of substance, read him, take him apart mentally and put him back together in some other combination as befit him. It was in these musings that Myr became convinced that either the unlight itself or something within the unlight possessed sentience. There was, in fact, a mind here, a mind that fell outside the realm of Myr's comprehension! Myr felt a great chill for the only minds he had ever felt of this nature belonged to the powers. Yet Myr could not place this mind in any frame of context whatsoever.
It was then that the searing pain began and he heard the distinct sound of twinkling laughter it was then that he felt his body being torn apart and reassembled repeatedly just as he had imagined it. It was then that he felt his soul violated and corrupted and his mind pillaged and plundered. He felt his mind and soul violated and reorganized just as his body was at whim. A dark sense of great dread overwhelmed him for a moment and then to his conscious horror but subconscious delight the feeling was CHANGED from without from dread into pleasure. His actual thoughts were mutated. This thing surveyed his fears and changed them into his joys. Surveyed his joys and changed them into hates. Surveyed his loyalty and turned it into treachery. With a sinking sense of dread, he found himself thinking how wonderful it would be to kill Xander and the rest of the city and eat their corpses while resurrecting their souls as undead. He felt this sickening twisting. Then at once the feelings subsided and he returned to himself, but he was given a certain knowledge that if the effects were allowed to remain he would change. His conscious mind would struggle with his subconscious drives for a while but in the end, those animal drives would take victory and Myr would have become what he imagined. This knowledge and sensation filled Myr with a sense of such personal violation that he just walled up within himself.
‘I have free will’ His mind insisted furiously ‘I cannot be made into something, I do not desire…’
To Myr’s utter horror the laughter returned a sound at once deep bellowing laughter and high musical chortling. It was a laughter that was as much a contradiction as the unlight.
‘Indeed’ A voice returned ‘You cannot be made into anything you do not desire or have the capacity for. It cannot be done. Yet what already resides within, that can be magnified and expressed? Your own tendencies toward frustration and competition with your friend Xander? Your own sense of power at gaining while others lose. You once were and ever are a cheating lying thief. Deep down. You know that you are EVIL, that you have no goodness or purity. That you have no love. That all of these things are layers and layers of illusion. I cannot make you do anything. I can only bring to Light that which you already harbor inside, that which you already nurture and wonder about.’
The voice faded as it spoke and at the end, its proclamation of Myr’s ultimately base nature had become a deep whisper. The voice was alien, something completely foreign to his experience, yet to Myr’s mind it could only be a God. What other then a power could have such strength and will? Myr could not place it try as he might he could not convince himself that it was any power he encountered in his service to the temple. For all its malevolence toward Myr, personally, he would suspect it for being the Lord of Light but it mocked the light and chided Myr for it. None of the other elements fit within this things nature. It was not water, nor fire, it was neither wind nor energy. Indeed as Myr considered the thing, he found that in this creature there was some negation of all of these, a sense of non-energy, a sense of empty coldness that defied fire, and hollow flame that mocked ice. This thing had and used all of them but twisted them all into its own image. Its own reflection. However, what or who could it be?
Myr could not reflect for he was jarred by the withdrawal of the unlight and an awareness of the world around him. He felt the cave floor beneath his body a moment before waking from his unconsciousness and looking about. He glanced around himself and considered the scene around him, and it was then that he began to feel true and complete terror…
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
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"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Feb 27 2003 21:02:28
Xander moved to respond to Amgar but jumped back startled by a loud popping noise and a sudden rush of air. His starlement was not lessened by the equally sudden appearance of a Drakel. He mind swam were the Drakel siding with the Brilhado and the Undead?
"Tralin!" Draynor exclaimed "What are you doing here son?"
"Son?" Amgar said confused
"Not really" Darin replied "But he is the adopted Crown prince of Derin. He is likely old enough to be Draynor's father"
"Grandfather" Tralin responded "Unfortunately I have no time for pleasantries. My lord I need to speak to you at once but first we must locate the Communicant in this city a man named Myr"
"Your a bit late" Darin said brusquely.
"What?" Tralin asked
"Our communicant was just abducted by the Brilhado"
"The Brilhado have been here?" Tralin asked startled "So the rumors are true. Abducted you say...?"
"King Draynor, Prince Tralin, Commander Darin I do not wish to be rude but I must part your company. We must re-gather and try to make prepares for their next assault on Stone Deep"
"Yes of course..." Draynor began but Tralin interrupted
"You need not bother. They will not return. At least for a while"
"What?" Xander asked
"How do you know that?" Darin echoed
"I know it because they already have what they came for." Tralin responded simply.
"What they came for?" Xander asked
"Beyond a doubt. They came for Myr..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
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"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 02 2003 22:23:08
Myr recoiled from the swarming undead all around the milled mindlessly in the Darkness a strange blue light coming from a portal hanging in the air some distance below. Hundreds of Thousands of the living Dead Teeming with unlife filled the cabin, but of the Brilhado that took him there was no sign. He was among the enemy but they took little note of him only moving to stop him if he approached the portal.
Myr tried to contact the Shadow Lord but this place was neither dedicated nor of the world on which he was born and the attempt was met by a frightening feeling of blank emptiness.
While Myr was distracted one of the undead moved toward him. Myr recoiled from him. He wore the symbol of the kingdom of Derin.
"You are Myr" The creature spoke in a hollow whisper.
"Yes..." Myr responded cautiously
"You will take me to my king" The creature responded
"I will what?"
"I will help you escape from this place and you will lead me to Draynor king of Derin..."
"Who are you?" Myr questioned intrigued "You are not like the others."
"No." He responded "I am Delnar Death Knight of Derin"
"What? Draynor employs undead?"
"No. Not really. No more questions. Talking is hard... Come..."
Myr followed the Death Knight and too his surprise the other undead left him alone in his presence. The came to the portal.
"Quickly. The portal will close for the day soon. Do not worry these creatures will not follow you into the light."
"And you can?"
"Yes..."
"You are very strange."
"Go..."
"I..." Myr swallowed and then left little other option entered the blue nothingness.
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
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"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 03 2003 22:45:46
"Move" The undead ordered coldly "We must press on away from this place."
"For the powers sake why? Can't you see I am drained. I have been walking for 5 hours at least in rocky terrain, and to do so I had to flee a terror no living man should ever face." Myr grumbled plaintively
"Living?" Delnar responded "I assure you no man now living or dead should have to see it... Look at me. I am a hideous violation of all that is life, all that is purity. Nonetheless we must make distance"
"Why You said the undead would not follow us..."
"Yes... but they are tireless and once darkness comes they will overtake you if you stop. Further I cannot make any promises about the demons."
"There was something evil in that place. Something worse then the undead combined"
"Yes"
"What is it..."
"Don't you already know?"
"I know only that it held me in contempt in malice"
"He wished to break you down to wear your will. Till you submitted to him. He want's you."
"Me?" Myr asked incredulously "Why?"
"Because he needs more followers among the living, because you already are a communicant and will take less time to prepare. Only get you to betray your god and he can have you."
"But what is he..."
"Can you not reason that for yourself Communicant"
"The only thing I could compare him too is a God but that cannot be"
"Why?"
"Only the light lord would be so hostile toward a communicant of the Lord of Darkness... that was NOT the light lord"
"Since when do the powers fight their enemies adversaries directly. They have their own politics. No they leave the mortals to fight themselves. Except this one..."
"He is a God?"
"You doubt that feeling his power?"
"He is no God I know of..."
"You know then all there is to know of the Gods and their origins?"
"No but... who is he..."
"The Lord of the Void. A Power of Madness, Evil, Corruption and Venom. A negation of creation itself. The Uncreator."
"The Uncreator?"
"Yes..."
"What is the Uncreator? Why have we never heard of him before..."
"What could you have heard, when he has come he has been victorious."
"I don't understand"
"The ancient races were crushed under his malice when last he came to our world. Few survived his onslaught. Those few either by joining in his wickedness or sheltering themselves from the storm in seclusion. Only when there was naught left he wanted or could conqueror did he leave and did the powers rebuild with the help of the Lord of the Spirit. The cycle continued and for much time his attention was elsewhere fighting the same battle. Now he has come back."
"For what"
"To Take... To consume."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 04 2003 23:04:04
Tralin stood in the center of the room the others gathered around him in concern and confusion. His face was extremely somber, lacking completely his normal emotionless cast.
"Well Tralin" Draynor said "I believe you have our attention rather fully. I think it is time you reveal what it is you know. What is happening here?"
"It is a battle older than time itself. A conflict that stretches beyond anything you can imagine. The forces that direct these undead armies represent a corruption of all the elemental powers."
"I do not follow. The Dark Lord Does not direct them?" Darin asked quietly
"I can answer that myself" Xander answered quickly "No the Dark Lord has no control over these creatures, neither the undead or the Brilhado"
"Nor the Kresh or the other forces that align themselves with this evil" Tralin completed "The Kresh , Brilhado, and several others represent creatures that sided with this power in time immemorial. The Undead are relatively new to come to this conflict being relatively easy to come by and quickly increased in number"
"I think Tralin" Draynor responded "We need to know who this creature is and what his purpose."
"I for one wish to know how he knows it as well" Darin stated boldly "I trust Tralin himself, even with my life but I do not know of those he associates with..."
"Really Darin He is the Prince That’s no way to..." Draynor began but Tralin raised a hand.
"My Lord. Darin is quite in his rights to ask. He speaks with wisdom not hostility and therefore he deserves an answer. While I cannot tell him everything I can elucidate the situation to a degree. The undead are led by a force some call the Devourer Uncreator, what the Drakel know as the Uncreator. Drakel mages deduced his existence years before he arrived. A primal response to creation he can be seen as a corruption of all that is within it. He seeks his own advancement by nothing less then destroying creation and remaking it in his own image."
"I don't understand. Is the Uncreator a God?" Xander asked
"Yes and no. Certainly he is a God by any common definition, but he is at least as far removed from the forces you consider the God's as we are from the powers. He routinely undoes their work with a laugh. When he has come before destruction has followed."
"This is truly incredible Prince Tralin" Xander responded "But How do you know this?"
"I am T'Palo"
"T'Palo"
"A special emissary of the Drakel. T'Palo are cast off from Drakel culture in order to serve some specialized purpose or purposes. I myself am a researcher of magic and humans"
"So your loyalty is ultimately to your people then? You are a spy?" Darin asked
"Did you not listen. I am no more a spy then you are a traitor for joining Draynor's court. T'Palo is an honor but it is not voluntary. Unless the end of the age comes in peace I shall never again live freely among my people. I would either go mad or find friends and family among my new family."
"That aside?" Xander Asked "How do the Drakel know of this thing"
"As I said our researchers posited his existence long before humans walked in this land. We have since come to believe that he came before even we walked the world, but of our predecessors we know nothing we can only assume they were all destroyed. When the Devourer came we walled ourselves in cities we built to await the end. We did not believe we would win but we would hold him for as long as we could. Some few others went to ground in their own way suspecting his malice. Others such as the Kresh and Brilhado joined with him in his fell purpose. The others... they died... or worse. Their cultures, their beliefs, their art, their cities, all of these fell. From the smallest microbe to the Largest Tree. Every living thing not hidden was twisted or destroyed. The Drakel waited for time that he would turn his attention to our cities, but our magic held, the magic of thousands working in unison against him. Servants of all elements. The Drakel outlawed Elemental Specificity in order to protect us behind a front of unity. Some few, my family among them, resisted clinging to their ancient alliances. In the end, however, the battle was one. The Devourer did not even perceive us. Slowly the others that went to ground came out from the Darkness. For a while the Drakel did as well, but the world we found was empty, corrupted, a whole. So we returned to our cities except a few, the T'Palo who watched in the far distance. Then the other races began to appear and repopulate the world. In those days the powers themselves were said to walk on the face of the earth. I myself never saw them..."
"What?" Darin interjected "Are you suggesting you were alive when this happened? Histories go back at least 4000 years. You would have to be... ancient."
"No. I was not personally alive but a Tralin was... I cannot that to you more now. In time... maybe. Anyway The T'palo were recalled for more instructions. The discussions took well over 2000 years. In that time we stayed in our cities. The Original T'palo were too old to send out and new ones needed to be selected and trained. That process took nearly 1000 years itself. "
"Now wait. So how old are you..."
"I am 160 of your years old."
"What is the Average Drakel life span?"
"About 300 of your years. But there are complications I cannot explain. Suffice that we are from an older creation and the patterns of our lives are not exactly as the patterns of yours. In the end some 500 years ago the T'palo began to be sent out. With the instruction that they may not again live within Drakel society until the Devourer was defeated or the world came to an end. We knew that he would return, as he must. Creation returned, the Uncreator would as well. Finally the other emissaries began to appear. My own people were driven out as well, completely unable to accept the unification. I myself sought supplication and was return to Drakel society for a year, on the condition that I become T'Palo... and I did..."
"Many years past, but now the Devourer returns. The can be little doubt. He seeks something. Even as the Drakel seek something. Though perhaps somethings would be more appropriate in both cases."
"What things."
"We do not have all the answers. The Uncreator seeks to advance his position. Some places he seeks artifacts. And in others such as here his purpose is more sinister. He seeks to corrupt and take followers..."
"Myr..."
"Indeed."
"May the God's have mercy on his soul..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 05 2003 22:17:36
Jano stood at the edge of the clearing looking at the advancing Undead Army. Several of the Brilhado were with them but as of yet they remained neutral only watching. Jano had no illusions, this blockade obstructed their true goal in Derin, and so they would push through.
Sure enough after a few hours of the undead being repelled by the School of Thought's mages one of the Brilhado advanced and faced Jano directly.
"Surrender Human, You cannot be victorious" The Brilhado commanded.
"You can only surrender what’s your own Brilhado" Jano said doing his best to mimic the evident contempt Darin displayed in such circumstances. "This place belongs to Draynor go ask him nicely and maybe he will surrender to you."
"You believe insolence will cause us to waver or act in anger. How amusing. Such tactics may work on humans but you cannot taunt me into defeat, you buy only fatality." With this the Brilhado stuck a small group of soldiers dead with a blast of light.
"Surrender"
"You have my answer Brilhado" Jano tried to fake bravado but inside he cringed he was declaring the Death of individuals one by one. Not to say that he believed they would not kill anyway. The feeling was increase by five more deaths. Jano realized with a sinking feeling that he either consigned the whole of his force to death or surrendered.
A bolt of blackness slammed into the Brilhado out of nowhere. Jano saw a Mage from the school preparing another. The Brilhado turned in fury and cast a large ball of light directly at the man. For a moment he seemed to resist the force but then his shield collapsed and he burst into white-hot flames. Other mages turned toward him but Jano saw it was a lost cause as the other Brilhado rapidly crossed the distance.
'So it is lost then.' Jano thought I cannot do anything
Suddenly the place turned black as night.
"C'ta defo Lin degi"
'Be gone demons?' Jano thought absently not following what was happening.
There was a high-pitched screeching and when then darkness past what Jano saw filled him with wonder.
A large body of Drakel cast spells at the Enemy driving them back. They acted in direct concert.
"Return to your city humans!" The Drakel commanded "We claim this encampment and the surrounding habitat in the name of the Drakel. Any who remain in an hour die."
Jano was at loss, the Drakel has saved him but they were seizing Draynor's land.
"Do not be foolish Human" The Drakel Added "Even should you defeat it you cannot survive killing us and facing the Brilhado as well. Leave"
Jano stood dumbfounded and then having no better answer gave the order to withdraw.
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 06 2003 16:14:38
"I am sorry Delnar I just cannot go on..." Myr sighed. "We have seen no sign of them. We have to rest. If I die from over exertion I am just as dead and they can still resurrect me as an undead then too"
Delnar assented "Alright but just for a moment. I guess I forget what it is like to have to eat, drink and rest. I wish I could still do those things."
"Have you tried?" Myr asked "Why do you believe you cannot"
"Well I can sleep, more or less, but the dreams that come in the sleep of undeath are terrible so I stopped."
"That may be because of where you were though. My own dreams were very troubled in that place."
"I suppose so."
"What about eating and drinking?"
"I haven't tried. They don't eat or drink so they don’t keep anything around."
"The Brilhado must eat"
"Yes but during the Daylight hours they go their own way. I suspect they eat then and not among us. Would you want to eat amongst decay and death?"
"I suppose not..." Myr paused "Yet Legends speak of undead who eat corpses. Ghouls. So you must have some capacity for it."
"Undead are not all the same"
"No. Still. Can you feel, smell, see, and hear?"
"Yes though touch and smell are slightly diminished. I suspect that both are a blessing. Feeling oneself in a state of decay and smelling oneself that way would be most unpleasant."
"To whom? Most undead are not sentient, not aware. I doubt it something they developed through evolution. It seems much more likely your brains own defenses sort through the inputs. I suspect you could taste as well. Assuming you do allow your organs to atrophy to nonexistence. Clearly you breathe, because you talk"
"Yes. But I don’t feel a need to breathe."
"I suspect if you ate you would need to breathe. Digestion requires air."
"Does it really?"
"That’s what I have been told". Myr responded and then paused considerately "It must have been terrible for you in that place. Being a Knight in life."
"It was less then ideal."
"Of course you must have been more resistant to the Uncreator then I was... I am base, as a knight you are pure"
"I think Tralin's magic protected me from him somewhat, but I felt his influence it would have been very easy to make concessions and then fall into his evil."
"If Tralin could deceive him then can't he stop him?"
"I don't for a minute believe Tralin did anything to the Uncreator. No his magic was on me. He made me unnoticeable, unintrusive, You did not notice me as I approached you at first either. So the Uncreator was not fully aware of me and he did not try too because I was beneath his notice anyway I think another member of the mindless automata."
"You are hardly a mindless Automata"
"No but I felt myself becoming one. I felt the bloodlust growing as well. I felt his corruption like and infection within."
"Can Tralin help you more you think"
"He can help me to die. Once we are sure Draynor knows what’s going on he can send me to my death in peace"
"Oh. You no longer fear death?"
"I did not fear it to begin with. Fearing death is not why I became an undead. Though I can see why you asked. Over the centuries many who chose to become undead sought to cheat death"
"Why did you become undead then Vengeance?"
"Yes and no. I became undead to finish my service and my oath to Draynor."
"Are you alright. You seem more distressed then normal?"
"You can tell that? How can you bear to even look at me?"
"I see a noble spirit who is overcoming his situation. You are worthy of being respected Delnar. You were First knight of your order and you would not even let death keep you from your purpose I cannot say as much. Though I can relate to it."
"How So?"
"I was a common thief. Or maybe a not so common one. I don't know, but I had even killed in the heat of a robbery. I had not wanted to but my own life was at risk. He was not the mark but rather another thief and he jumped me. Still I was not particularly moral In a year I went through more money then some went through in their lives yet I still considered myself the poor and downtrodden. The wealthy had it all, yet I likely went through more wealth then them and still I took. I had plenty of malice for the Devourer to use in my soul. Yet I struggled to overcome my station and when the church found me I latched on to a way off the streets. I already worshiped the Shadow Lord because he was the natural ally of thieves."
"I am not immune to evil thoughts you know Myr. I had my fair share of them. I engaged in enough malice for a dozen men when I watched your people kill mine in Neld. I felt hatred and disgust and I dehumanized them because of their ethnicity. I completely neglected any sense of honor I had in favor of expediency." To Myr's considerable surprise the undead began to sob, even more surprising to him was the fact that his dead flesh seemed to still produce tears.
"You must have cried allot in order to still maintain the ability."
"I have rarely stopped crying silently during my journey."
"So then you felt him. But you felt guilty right. In all of this? So guilty you sobbed openly" Myr moved over and without thought his pastoral instincts came to the fore, he placed his arm around the death knight’s shoulder.
"You are touching me. Does it not bother you to be so near rot and decay so near your own mortality"
"I don’t believe you represent my death. Rather you represent my salvation. You took me from that place, whatever other motive may have been involved how can I be other then grateful to you"
"I still could kill you. You are forgetting I am undead and that is unwise I may carry disease and I certainly carry the infection of undeath"
"Let me worry about that for now alright..."
"To take your own assessment, You are a very strange Man Myr of Stone Deep, citizen of Vandar..."
"Thanks"
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 06 2003 23:13:20
The Brilhado swarmed all about their full malice turning toward the encampment.
"Where is he?!" The screeched "Where is our prize"
Draynor watched group after group fall, Tralin held them off the city proper but their advance left the people dead. Tralin had been truly startled and frightened by their arrival but the reason soon became apparent enough. Against all Odds the communicant had somehow escaped them and they sought him out with malice.
"No option remains. We must assault ourselves our they will kill us off one by one. Darin give the order to the FrogZard knights to ready charge. Sir Xander, on your honor bring me a sword."
"What?" Xander asked startled "King Draynor you cannot mean to take the front"
"I am no King here Xander, I am a soldier, and as a soldier it is my duty to lead my men. Even so what kind of king should I be to send others to their deaths but not go myself"
"My Lord" Darin objected "You cannot be serious you have seen what the Brilhado do. What kind of resistance can you offer."
"I have spoken Darin. Give the order"
"Tralin, Please dissuade the king" Darin pleaded
"Yes really" Xander added
"While I share your concerns, it is not my place. Draynor is the King of Derin, the supreme commander of the Armies of Derin, it is his prerogative to go to battle. Xander bring King Draynor a Sword. Commander Darin you have had your orders, relay them"
Reluctantly Darin and Xander followed the tasks set before them. Equipped with a weapon Draynor his horse toward the front directly.
"FrogZard Knights, Soldiers of Derin, Friend Vandarian's we stand at a crossroads" Draynor said "We either stand and fight, or Stone Deep falls to the invaders. If any fear for their lives they are dismissed."
Draynor waited a moment but no one spoke or moved.
"Very well then" He said raising his arm and gesturing to a trumpeter "Charge!"
The men charged the Brilhado as ordered and Darin began shouting orders to the rear guard. Startled the Brilhado fell back a bit and the undead began to fall under the rapid onslaught. The tides were turned for but a moment before the enemy recovered however and the Devourer's forces pushed upon the men slicing them down. The Brilhado turned their fury on the front lines killing with rapid force and precision. Tralin unleashed bolt after bolt of magic at the Brilhado moving through his repertoire with force.
"Tralin" Draynor shouted over the men. "Now is the time to unleash the spell we discussed."
"My lord" Tralin responded and he opened his hands and nodded. The mages of Stone Deep concentrated their magic upon him and Tralin channeled it with directive. A blue light began to engulf him and suffuse the land around him. Tralin brought his hand down and a crackling bolt of lightning struck down from the sky expanding into a large doorway in the middle of the encampment.
"By the command of the Lord of Spirit I command you." Tralin shouted at the undead "Return to the place from whence you came."
Xander and Darin looked at each other in dumbfounded confusion as the undead began to heed the power of Tralin's magical imperative. Tralin stood for a few moments before crumpling to his knees his energy consumed by the powerful cooperative magic. The Brilhado became enraged by this and turned attacks upon some of the undead ordering them to return and annihilating several of them, but the power of Tralin held over them and they continued their flight.
Infuriated the Brilhado began to kill as many of the soldiers as possible in a jealous fury. The light moving out even toward them. Seeing it advance they increased their fury. Then the light began to fade and storm clouds rippled over the land. From the clouds a deep dark voice came and all light seemed dimmer.
"This world is not the Devourers yet. The shadows demand your departure in the name of Shadows."
Darin sought the voice and turned to his astonishment to see Myr standing on the far hilltop. The combined weight of Tralin's and Myr's magic took its toll on the Brilhado and they too began to flee. One of their leaders in defiance cried out in evil glee.
"If you take from us our communicant Dark Lord. Then we too will take"
"Myr was NEVER yours" Myr said in that same deep voice. "Now returned"
In fury a bolt of red light flew from the hand of the Brilhado striking Draynor and driving him off his mount with extreme force. He flew a good 10 feet before striking the ground.
The clouds parted in the sky and a bright light as white as a million suns streamed thought the Darkness striking the Brilhado. A voice from the heavens melodic and modulated filled the men's ears.
"You are no longer mine" The voice said severely "The shadow lord may take you" and then the light faded and silence filled the camp. Living shadows began jumping up and surrounding the somehow less luminous Brilhado. With terrible screams the Brilhado died even as the gateway Tralin summoned vanished from existence.
Darin and Xander rushed Tralin to Draynor's side, and they could already tell that he was dying from his injuries, Tralin's face showed, complete despair.
"Can you not help him Tralin" Xander Asked
"No. His injuries are fatal, and my energy is exhausted" Tralin turned to the king who stirred regaining weak consciousness.
"My king" Draynor said speaking to Tralin, "I seek your leave my lord"
"Father!" Tralin sobbed "Your people need you. I need you/"
"I am dying Tralin" Draynor said reaching and touching the Drakel's cheek "Please you must make it so they cannot resurrect me. Give me my peace and lead the people"
"I should never have let you go. This plan was madness."
"Tralin... they are gone are they not only a few hundred undead remain without guidance. In war their are casualties Tralin, I am a casualty of war. I love you Tralin."
Draynor turned and looked at Darin with purpose "Commander, Help my son. Show him how to be direct. He ..." Draynor's voice grew raspy "Tralin help Darin with court manners he needs to know when to show himself in and when to wait."
"King Draynor" A voice spoke a hoarse whisper, and Draynor turned and seeing something smiled, and then breathing his last the King Died.
Darin and Xander turned to face the speaker who dared interrupt at the kings last and immediately drew their swords.
"So Delnar" Darin said as Xander pressed on the undead advancing on them" the necromancers succeeded after all. Well prepare to follow your king to the grave."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 07 2003 09:32:17
Myr flew at Darin and Xander with sudden force and ferocity enough to knock Xander to his knees. Fastening his hand around Darin’s wrist he raged “Stop it you pompous asses”
Xander had known that Myr had a reputation for fierce anger but he had never been the recipient of it himself and he was very startled. Whether from his station or out of some kind of fear the communicant had always remained civil with him even when their friendship had become exceedingly strained.
“That’s enough of your posturing” Myr added with fury.
Tralin turned and looked at Delnar in recognition his features twisted into a mask of pain and grief. “So Delnar it worked”
“Yes It Worked” Delnar responded “But what a curse it has been, what a horrible sensation to feel oneself torn apart from within, to feel their decay, to sense the corruption all around. To suffer through it all and only to come too late. Only to see ones king die before you even as you arrive.”
“What is this Tralin?” Darin demanded “I thought you put him to rest it is clear your magic failed.”
“On the contrary Darin” Tralin responded softly, apparently pained by the continued assault “I never told you I put him to rest”
“Yes you did. I remember asking you on the ship and you….” Darin paused
“Never answering. Indeed I went to my room and hid from you and Cerin the entire way home. I had to. I was exhausted and pained. No I did not put Delnar to rest; rather I raised him as the undead myself”
“YOU WHAT?!” Darin demanded horrified his doubts resurfacing with force “What is this Drakel, are you helping the enemy. Perhaps why the Drakel survived the Devourer was because they were in fact among those races that served him”
“I begin to share his reservations I fear Tralin, how can we know it is not so” Xander added
“You Insolent Fools!” Myr screeched and turned toward Darin directly “If your KING was a servant of the Uncreator he would hardly kill the Brilhado who are among his most dedicated and powerful warriors. And so help me If either of you so much as looks at Delnar crossly I shall strike you Dead myself.”
Darin backed up under this fury noting gathering shadows around Myr, which suggested that the Communicant was quite serious.
“You have been among the Brilhado your judgment has been affected Myr please stand aside” Xander pleaded
“Yes I have been among them. Surely, you heard quite clearly. I am not their servant and neither is Delnar. So help me Xander should you continue I will strip you of your mantle”
The group stood in silent disarray until Delnar bent down near the king. Afraid that he intended to raise the king in undeath Xander drew his sword and step forward in malice. Myr wasted no time a thin line of shadow flew from his hands and stuck Xander in the Chest Plate. The shadow grew as it extracted the shadow stuff from the armor and then began to lift away.
“Xander son of Calmar I strip from you the Mantle of the Shadow Guard and remove you from your position as Lead Knight of the Order at Stone Deep by my authority as Communicant and head of the church of the Shadow Lord. I excommunicate you from the temple of shadows as one hostile to the will of the Shadow Lord.” Myr’s voice changed then deeper more likes the voice that filled the clearing before the Brilhado was destroyed “However we are not without mercy and consideration of your circumstance. Your mantle and your privileges and your full position and title shall return at Twilight in 2 days hence should you demonstrate full and thorough repentance and remorse for your assault upon my chosen”
“My God” Xander said falling to his knees and it was then that Xander and Darin both saw the thing that convinced them.
Delnar sat there on the ground next to the dead king, Tralin at his side and both the King and the Knight were openly and fully crying.
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 16 2003 22:58:15
Tralin rose from the fallen King and Darin observed a frightening change in his demeanor. This day had seen all manner of emotion in the Drakel's normally expressionless face.
"Gather to me as many Mana Potions as can be had among the masses." Tralin commanded with cold deliberation.
"My Lord?" Darin questioned startled
"I have an idea what you are thinking Lord Tralin and I advise against it. You have channeled far to much energy already." Myr said "Even though you can restore your energy with potions you cannot repair the strain you have suffered so readily."
Tralin turned to Myr his face twisting into an expression of frightful malice.
"Do you suppose to instruct me on Magic, Communicant? Do you dare suppose you can educate me on risks and dangers?!" Tralin turned to Darin "As your King I ORDER you to do as I speak"
Darin looked about helplessly and then shouted to his men "Any among you who have magic potions bring them to the Regent at once!"
Within moments the order was followed and a large number of the precious blue vials were brought to Tralin who poured them together into a large goblet, he poured a small vial of emerald green liquid into the cup as well. Seeing this Myr Responded with immediate alarm.
"MY LORD!" Myr spoke angrily "You MUST not do what it is you are planning. You are no regent in Vandar. Xander have the Regent of Derin arrested."
"What?" Xander spoke with startlement "You have stripped me of my authority, I cannot. What does he wish done?"
"The emerald liquid is Caredanth. He prepares for transmogrification"
"He is making Metanoia potion?" Delnar said rising.
"Yes"
"Reconsider this Lord" The Undead said "You know the dangers of this potion more then any"
"I do. Which is why I shall make my decision alone without influence."
"You will die like the King, what will that leave" Myr said
"Jano is a capable Regent" Tralin said "He shall make a capable King"
"What is Metanoia Potion?" Darin asked eyeing the turquoise colored liquid.
"It allows tremendous bursts of magic" Myr said "At the expense of life energy. The translation of body to mind. It is very often fatal"
Darin turned to Tralin whose dark emotions ruled his expression. "You must not do this"
Tralin lifted the potion to his lips "On the contrary Commander. I am bound to do this."
Darin reached to stop him and Tralin whirled "Do not betray me Vandarian. Not now"
Darin dropped his hand and his head. "My Lord"
"Someone must stop this!" Myr commanded "Guards seize the man..."
"Do you reopen the war between our nations Communicant?" Tralin said "I am the heir to the throne of Derin. Within a week I shall receive coronation. You cannot win and you cannot dissuade my anger and my grief."
"Stand down" Myr sighed defeated
Tralin swallowed the potion and grabbed at his stomach instantly in pain. The pain passed and Tralin regained his composure. "Any undead that approach are to be cut down. Not one shall survive my wrath"
Tralin moved among the undead and shot bolt after bolt of sun bright light at the undead. Killing with purpose and without ceasing, Tralin's vengeance could not be resisted.
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 17 2003 06:45:51
Darin watched Tralin move with blinding fury, Undead after undead blasted by his anger. A few blindly fleeing his wrath came close and the army, obeying Tralin's command, milled them down with brutal efficiency.
"It is odd" Darin said aloud "I should not think I would feel pity for servants of the devourer, but here, I do."
Darin turned then to the deposed leader of the Shadow Guard. "I begin to wonder seeing this, just what kind of leader Tralin will make, I always took him to be meek but through this I see a deeper truth, he has the capacity to be a brutal tyrant"
Xander grunted and then looked at Darin fully "He is grieved and he is translating his grief in to fury, I have seen it before, especially in those who hold their emotions very close to them selves. It is like a dam breaking."
Darin looked at the falling armies with Tralin showing no signs of tiring or stopping. "Still if he keeps this up he will have no opportunity to tyrannize Derin."
"No" Myr responded. "For he will surely be dead"
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 17 2003 11:47:46
Darin would ever wonder just what happened in Tralin that day, he had never seen it’s like before and he prayed not to see it's like again. A machine of pure fury he cut a swath through the undead like so much offal. He cast bolt after bolt of the bright mix of fire and air known as solar flare.
During his training Darin had learned the spell but he could not cast it even once without being exhausted, The effects of Metanoia in full force however Tralin cast them by the dozens if not hundreds. Everywhere he went undead fell. It was perhaps the ensuing mass panic and fleeing from that daylight that should not be that saved Tralin's life. Demoralized and lacking direction a very large number tried to flee but found the Army of Stone Deep meeting them at one side and the Army of Derin on the other. As the few intelligent undead were brought down the remaining undead lost any sense of direction and indeed self preservation and the armies, heartened by their apparent great victory followed Tralin's direction utterly destroying any trace of undeath and undead activity.
Delnar fought some of the undead that came close and sought to go wear down the listless but Darin and Myr restrained him. "You will be mistaken for the enemy, and for the enemy there is no survival and no life this day"
Delnar looked at them then "Death is welcome."
"Perhaps but it shall not come by friendly fire in the heat of battle" Darin was matter of Fact and as the acting superior of the Derenian military Delnar obeyed him, though he found himself wondering, now that he could think, how the Vandarian had gone from being the head secretary of leader of the enemy to the Commander of the Derenian forces.
"I remember you" Delnar said then "You have changed."
Darin looked at the Death knight "So have you"
Delnar merely grunted and then seeing Tralin collapse rushed from Darin's side in spite of the expressed sentiment.
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 17 2003 12:25:26
Tralin swum in the sea of his mind the effects of the poisonous potion in his blood subverting his body’s attempts to heal, demanding all of his energy being used to restore his magical fiber.
The Metanoia sought to consume him and Tralin was finding resistance extremely difficult. He has spent himself on his effort beyond fully he had not rested he had not done anything his mind had become all. Tralin felt himself dying and knew fully that Myr had been correct, he wondered then if it were worth it. Draynor's killers still lived and this strike against the Straggler's in the Devourer's army would not serve to truly dissuade them in the long term.
Tralin felt regret, regret that he had not chosen to act sooner, regret that he would not see his children grow, regret that as T'palo he would never reenter his home in glory. Tralin felt regret but the pain was possessed of Marked Clarity. Even in his dying the Metanoia did its work consuming his body in favor of his mind. Tralin mused over what using his magic to heal him directly would do. That cycle had been attempted. He dismissed it though he could foresee the results all to well. No conversion of energy was completely efficient so he would suffer a double loss and die even more quickly. What life force he gained would quickly flee and more besides to replenish his energy under the demands of the Metanoia.
Tralin had used the potions on many previous occasions. A large body of the school of though used them during intense research into cooperative magic, but this had been different. Tralin had used them to circumvent his body into allowing the most powerful magic’s to be wielded again and again. Even if physically intact he might die from the mental strain alone, but he was far from physically intact after his efforts.
Finally in peace Tralin accepted that he was to die. He trusted that his men would know enough to have Myr sanctify him, not that he expected the Brilhado to return quickly.
This musing of the Brilhado filled him with a sense of Dread, he felt then the touch of the Uncreator, his probing grasp. The devourer wanted him, meant to take him personally, sanctified or not.
Tralin turned then and saw Draynor who stood beside him and smiled. He was lead then to a great stone hall where men stood around him. At the center stood a figure of enigma, while Tralin watched his form shifted and he could no fix on him. Drakel, Undead, Handsome human, Demon, even in his most hideous forms the man maintained a figure of great beauty and of great evil. Tralin knew him at once as the devourer."
"Come to me Drakel" The Uncreator ordered and Absently Tralin followed commands "You have cost me much Drakel and in exchange I will gladly except your own unique service to my cause."
"I think not" A melodic voice answered from the table. "I have never surrendered his contract, though I have not held him as I held his family and I shall not surrender it to you know The'galin"
"Melaris you fool. You cannot resist me. When he dies he is mine and he is dying. You cannot save him, you cannot claim his soul as his soul is already in my thrall. A thrall it entered when he was so consumed as to lose all focus and give his life for an empty cause. I am after all the Lord of Empty Causes and meaningless sacrifices."
"He cannot perhaps" A new voice added at once feminine and masculine. While Tralin had no trouble seeing that The Water Lord and the Uncreator were decidedly male in aspect, he was unable to make such an assessment here. Rather full of life this one seemed to shift. Of the others Tralin could pick out the earth and water lords as definitively possessing female forms, but the fire, ice, lords wore amorphous elemental forms that denied all humanoid assessment. Who was this new voice, certainly not the Darkness lord.
No Tralin was sure not. The Darkness lord was not here.
"Lorithia you Claim him yourself?" The Water Lord, the one who had been called Melaris asked. "If so then I release his debt to you in full."
"We are grateful Calera" The voice echoed in the halls of Tralin's battered but extremely alert mind. Was his name Calera or was it Melaris, were they names or titles.
"Both and Neither" Lorithia echoed in his mind his thoughts filling him.
"This one is mine Brother, he has always been mine. He has served me since conception though he knew me not at all. Return to the world Tralin King of Derin, your time and trial are not done there. Hold on..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 17 2003 12:25:51
"Hold on" Delnar barked at Tralin again "You cannot simply leave me in this state with no guidance, You cannot leave your kingdom with know guidance. Hold on by the lords."
"I live Delnar now give me a moments breath"
Tralin rose to his feat weary and looked around. The Metanoia still played in his system and would for some time.
"Myr heal me please, Were I to heal myself..."
"Yes. Well I cannot say that I did not predict as much, you are most fortunate you aren't dead already. Myr then turned and fed Tralin some red fluid and herbs to help counteract the Metanoia while working his healing magic.
'Why was he absent?' Tralin asked Myr mentally not even noticing that this long unused skill of communicants came back with ease to him.
"He was not" Myr responded aloud and then added mentally 'he attended to you here. After the elemental lord's agreement against the devourer and in return of his debts to you'
'He was seen then'
'After a fashion. I was seen.' A deep voice echoed. 'I was seen in that you were not seen by the undead when you fell and your own men did not turn on my servant and anger me.'
'Why would they turn on Myr?'
'It is not Myr I speak of Servant of Lorithia, it is Delnar.'
'Delnar owes you no allegiance Shadow Lord.'
'That is true in the same sense that you OWE Lorithia no allegiance Tralin. It is an empty distinction I am sure you appreciate.'
'I understand'
'I thought that you would.'
'I would that one of you would explain it to me' Myr complained.
'In the fullness of time all shall be made apparent my faithful Communicant. Go now...'
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 18 2003 13:41:03
Darin considered Tralin and Myr with some considerable alarm. While Myr had fervently opposed Tralin's use of the Metanoia in the time since his recovery Tralin and Myr had become very close, as if the Drakel had not just gone berserk for all the world to see and killed the entire undead army. Alright to be fair it was not really an army any more just a battalion but still.
Delnar approached Darin then from the east. Darin had become used to the undead's presence by now and the addition of further magic’s by Tralin and Myr had suspended the Decay completely. Unless one knew directly that Delnar was not among the living there was no obvious outward way to tell.
"The Ship is Made ready Darin, Tralin"
"Are you sure you wish to stay in Stone Deep Delnar?" Darin asked the knight. A warrior that can not be killed would be a welcome addition to the Derenian armies."
"Ah but I can be killed, was killed, which is more the point. No Darin my obligation to Derin died with the King. I would have died to had Myr not persuaded me so fervently."
"Your friendship with Myr is a fascinating Beast. You have a fierce defender in him..."
"And he in me..." Delnar paused before continuing "One might say we saved each others lives such as they are... Tralin helped finalize my decision though. He gave me his leave and freed me of my obligation. I take up service to Myr's temple at the next new moons"
"Dark time is a little over a month and a half away what do you do in the interim?"
"I suspect keeping busy will not prove too challenging. The Brilhado and Undead are bound to return. Even if the original ones do not those located elsewhere in the Realms do. Myr was a prize... he was snatched from their grasp"
"A very expensive prize...." Darin commented looking about the grounds.
"I never would have expected that of you Vandarian"
"What?"
"Remorse, regret, You seemed the less fanatical when I met with your general, but I heard the news later that you were the real driving force behind the fanaticism. You have changed..."
"As I said once, I am a vampire. I latch on to what makes me survive"
"That is not Vampirism" Delnar responded.
"No?"
"No" he affirmed "That is humanity"
Tralin moved from Myr to Darin deftly his emotionless features chilling in their inexpressiveness now that Darin knew just what they might conceal.
"Commander" Tralin Said "Are you ready"
"I am my Lord"
"Then let us go. I imagine Jano is anxious to be freed from his obligations considering his apparent reluctance when I last left him"
"Good By Sir Delnar"
"I am no longer a Knight. Lord Tralin."
"And I am no longer your Lord, so we are even." Tralin looked at him again "Though I suppose that you will be a knight again. Your temple employs them."
"Yes" Myr responded with a chuckle "It Does"
"Flee now if you know what’s good for you Delnar." Darin advised mockingly "I recognize this conversation style. Last time it was employed on me I ended up commanding the front line."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Mar 23 2003 15:56:34
Tralin sat in his cabin the ship moving up and down on the waves, he moved ever so slightly as the ship when down and then spoke aloud.
"I know that you are here moglin. If you wish to sneak up on me you shall have to try harder then that."
"Tralin!" The moglin bounced happily "I have heard they are making you king... I had to come."
"And you had to give it one more try did you?"
"Always"
"One would think you would learn the foolishness of that course. The first several times you attempted to sneak up on me you got wounded for your efforts and I myself am not in the best of places now old friend." Tralin was not really mad at the Moglin, whose name was Nel. Far from it his companionship was appreciated. They had met when Tralin was much younger before his course as T'palo was even considered. In many way's the Moglin were as mysterious a race as the Drakel to the humans, but the Moglin were generally considered unassuming, probably because of their general demeanor, while the Drakel where considered with suspicion and alarm.
"You are always so very Serious. Furry Lizards should be cuddly not somber"
"I am NOT a furry Lizard, Nel."
"You look like one..." Nel countered with a bounce. "I found something for you Trae"
"Did you?" Tralin asked wondering what it was, and wondering also for the first time how it was the Moglin had come to be in Stone Deep and aboard this ship heading for Derin to begin with.
Nel pulled open his belt pouch revealing a small tattoo on his forearm a green-feathered serpent, the No'ata, a nearly extinct jungle variety that was widely considered to be a token of good fortune when seen. The bright green of the serpent was very visible against the dark red of Nel's skin.
"You've had yourself inked. The No’ata I see...."
"Of course Trae. I remember the jungle." Nel Responded "Don't you Trae"
"I remember Nel"
"Everything is different now Trae isn't it. They say the Devourer has come..."
"They say that yes..."
"Has he?"
"I believe so. Certainly the evidence supports that conclusion"
"That’s Bad... That’s why then..."
"That’s why what Nel? And what have you for me."
"A letter. I came to look for you because my cousin Twill told me that he has heard rumor of the elves and the Krutha'ri fighting in there. Why would your people fight the elves Trae."
"The Drak..." He said starting to use the human word that had so become part of his tongue over the years. "The Krutha'ri are tormented by their demons, but mostly they seek some power against the Devourer. The elves are prideful, they long considered themselves the elder race and that the Krutha'ri and the Moglin can claim to be older galls their pride. They consider themselves immortal after all. What comfort then in one who recalls a time before their coming"
"They should have pride though Trae you know..."
"Of course they should, I never meant that they had no right to pride in what they were. Only that pride can easily become hubris and it is often the case that it does. Most likely the Krutha'ri decided that what they were seeking was in the forests of the green folk and went to take it."
"And the elves objected?"
"The Dark forest is sacred to them, and the Krutha'ri would no sooner tell the elves their purpose then they would tell the humans..."
"Yes that too... that’s the other reason I came... it's what I have for you a letter from Jano"
"You have met Jano?" Tralin responded "And what did you think of the regent then"
"He is a kind and capable man. Who once shuddered under the impression that his own friend was among the most evil men he had ever known. He is burdened always by questions. If he remains regent it will kill him. He is an honest ruler but it is not a job that could ever make him happy."
"I feared as much" He seemed reluctant when I left, at the time I thought it merely the jitters of an unfamiliar position but it seems more...
"And no wonder Trae... The people have taken the southern countryside"
"What?" Tralin asked surprised. "What do you mean?"
"The Brilhado and the Undead attacked Derin, and from no where the Krutha'ri came to their aid, but they demanded the country around Derin as their own. They drove all that lived in the reaches around from the city or to the opposite side. Jano was beside himself that he let Draynor's landfall into another hand but what could he do. And then when the courier arrived that Draynor was dead and that you were returning.... Well I had come to Derin, so I managed to secure transport on the ship coming to retrieve you, and volunteered to serve as the courier for Jano. Though I suspect his letter contains little more then what I already told you Trae"
"Suspect?" Tralin asked incredulously "You don't know for sure..."
"I did not open your letter Trae. What kind of Moglin do you take me for."
"It is not the KIND of moglin I take you for that is at issue. I take you to be Nel. Besides it is obvious to me the Seal on the scroll has be melted. You softened the Wax read the scroll and tried to seal it again without breaking the seal. You did a good Job but I am not blind."
"Ok so maybe I peaked a little."
"And?"
"You know... Same stuff.. only more worried... he is always worried. Something about the First Knight in there too..."
"What's that..."
"Oh nothing much... Just that he is a spy for the temple..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Apr 03 2003 12:00:57
Jano stood on the balcony overlooking the city, below a mob of angry citizens jostled for his attention. Some had lost land or property in the Drakel invasion, others were having their business or lives interrupted by the disrupted traffic through Drakel controlled areas.
Jano was not yet a target for their anger but logic demanded that in time, lacking the ability to focus on the real source of their fury, they would target him instead.
Jano sighed and withdrew from the window.
"I have not even told them the news." Jano said to Cerin sadly.
"That’s probably best" Cerin replied "It might lead to riots if they knew the King was dead. Right now they view his return as their chance for liberation."
"A king shall return..."
"Yes" Cerin hedged.
"Yes But? " Jano asked sensing his reluctance
"Yes, but Tralin is a Drakel"
"The people were all for Tralin being Draynor's heir. Darin tried to incite trouble, I was his agent for it. We failed miserably."
"True, but that was before Draynor was dead and before the Drakel invaded our lands."
"Tralin will have no choice but to deal with this problem promptly"
"It is best" Cerin Said "In my experience, Not to say what Tralin must do. In my experience Tralin often does the inconceivable."
"How comforting..."
"Actually it should be. You are right at least that he won't ignore it. If he does the people will overwhelm him. I cannot yet imagine how he will deal with it however. I doubt he can just ask the Drakel nicely to leave."
"You worry about his return though. Why? If you are sure he will work things out you should be anxious for it."
"As King" Cerin replied "Tralin will be required to act where you have not. I will likely be ousted from the Knighthood"
"Perhaps" Jano replied
"Can you imagine any other recourse? Tralin is not about to hide it... He is too forthcoming..."
"Let us not guess what Tralin will do" the regent answered "As you said, it’s a pointless effort"
"They should be on their way by now" Cerin responded "I imagine that Moglin has delivered our message"
"Likely"
"So now..."
"So now we wait. We have no other recourse"
"Waiting is incredibly difficult when disaster is breathing down your neck My Lord."
"Tell me about it..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
Falerin, Apr 08 2003 21:14:51
Nel jumped in surprise and stared at Tralin in alarm.
"What is it Nel?" Tralin asked concerned
"Your hair is on fire Trae, and your eyes are all yellow"
"What?" Tralin asked putting his hand to his head and feeling nothing looked confused. "I'm not on fire Nel"
The moglin extended a hand cautiously toward Tralin's head and touched in gently. He appeared even more startled then before. "It looks like yellow and blue crackling fire but its cold."
"Magical Energy..."
"Hmm.."
"I am leaking magical energy..."
"Why? How?"
"I consumed particularly strong Metanoia in Stone Deep"
"Trae!" Nel scolded severely "You could have died...You are smarter then that..."
"I was sapped Nel and someone needed to deal with the undead... The side effects will wear off with time"
Above board a ships hand shouted "Land Ho."
"So we return...." Tralin sighed "Now to deal with the Drakel."
Tralin went above and approached Darin who looked at him with Alarm.
"I need you to bring Cerin and Jano to the ship quietly."
"Why. We can just land and you can see them in the palace"
"No. I will be king of Derin before I leave this ship. I need the current regent to release the throne and I need the knight to coronate me."
"Court politics are beyond me..." Darin sighed shaking his head. "What’s wrong with your eyes?"
"Metanoia..." Tralin answered
"You should have listened to Myr."
"That’s enough Commander. Please do as I have requested."
"Yes master" Darin said marching off abruptly and appearing hurt.
"You were hard on him Trae" Nel scolded.
"I know him Nel. You need to be direct for him to do anything."
"Maybe. But maybe he cares what you think and how you treat him?"
"Darin does not like me. He can hardly be bothered by this."
Nel grunted disagreement and Tralin not knowing what to say lapsed into silence.
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 08 2003 21:29:15
Darin marched through the streets of Derin conflicted by Tralin's behavior. He was angry that it bothered him as much as it did. After all he started off hating the Drakel and all he represented.
Arriving at the castle Darin noted the swarming mob protesting and jeering in the courtyard and quickly altered his route to a heavily guarded secret pathway. The castle guard stationed within began to challenge him and then recognizing him saluted.
"Commander!" The man, whose name Darin vaguely recalled was Theldar "Is the King Back..."
"You don't know?" Darin responded surprised.
"Know what?" Theldar asked suspiciously
"Theldar. Draynor is dead."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 08 2003 21:42:55
Theldar laughed nervously. "Oh yes, I meant Tralin. Jano is at wits end. The people do not know about Draynor yet you know..."
"Yes Tralin mentioned Jano's reluctance to tell them. Given their apparent mood I can relate to the decision."
"Tralin is well loved among the people"
"Yes but he is Drakel and the Drakel are a sore point now... With him actually here they might adjust, but if he were absent and did not respond..."
"I can see what you mean"
"Listen, send a knight to get the Regent and the First Knight" Darin requested "Tralin needs to see them before he returns to the palace."
"Aye sir" Theldar replied and made to comply
"That will be unnecessary Theldar" Cerin said rounding the corner. Darin noted dimly that he wore the aquamarine robes of a communicant of the Water Lord. This contrasted overtly with Delnar's sword hanging t his side.
"Cerin" Darien said unsure if it was a question or a greeting.
"Darin" Cerin replied then turned and looked down the corridor. "Come Lord Regent the way ahead remains clear."
Jano moved quickly around the corner and seeing Darin hugged him swiftly.
"Darin" He enthused "It is great to see you were greatly missed"
"You are only so excited to see me because my return means you can leave the throne." Darin laughed
"I confess that's a relief but really I was at my wits end. Every one I knew well was gone and I was left trusting advisors I did not know. While I know their value as Draynor trusted them all.. I felt useless..."
"Well your time as Regent draws to a close. We need only get the First Knight and yourself to Tralin for his Coronation and all shall be well.."
Jano noted the unusual hesitation in Darin's statement and was going to comment on it when Cerin spoke.
"I'm sorry Cerin replied, but I cannot coronate Tralin as King of Derin"
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 08 2003 22:22:34
"What?" Darin and Jano objected in unison.
"I am not validly the First Knight of the Knights of Derin, I cannot validly act as Chancellor in a coronation."
"Why?" Darin asked noting that Jano fell silent.
"As a chosen communicant of the Water Lord my obligation to the King cannot be considered unwavering and I am thus ineligible to have the position of first knight."
"Who has the authority to strip you from your position?" Darin asked
"The king or his chosen representative only."
"Well Draynor is dead so there is no king. By default that makes the Regent the King pro tempore"
"And I have already said I will not Remove him." Jano replied "So lets get on with this coronation. At the moment you act with the authority of the crown. If Tralin takes issue with your divided devotion he can remove you as king himself."
"What Irony. I coronate the man who strips me from my position."
"If he strips you." Darin responded
"This is a matter of Honor and I therefore he must. Tralin appreciates the responsibility of order and tradition."
"Aye. That he does it seems."
The group fell silent and moved through Derin quickly and quietly after pushing through a small crowd that had become aware of the Royal Navy at port they boarded the ship and moved to Tralin's cabin.
Darin knocked twice hard.
"Enter" Tralin said from inside
Darin entered the room and approached Tralin.
"Lord Prince, the Royal Regent and First Knight." He said stiffly and withdrew.
"I am sorry Darin" Tralin responded his demeanor and voice showing genuine remorse.
"Your forgiven" Darin replied startled and then withdrew
"Stay Darin we need witnesses. It is fitting one of my newest and one of my oldest friends should be here at this time..."
"Shall we commence?" Jano asked
"Yes let us finish this" Tralin responded grieved
"Lord Regent, here presented is the Heir to the throne of Derin. Do you recognize his claim and relinquish to him in perpetuity your claim to the throne of Derin?"
"I do." Jano replied anxiously
"Lord Prince, do you accept the throne of Derin in full knowledge and acceptance of its responsibility and obligation to the Nation and people of Derin?"
"I do" Tralin responded.
"Do you verify the Death of the King of Draynor, your father"
"I do"
"And are you aware of any others who by right of birth or position might have priority of right to the throne."
"I do not. There is none."
"Then kneel" Cerin said moving to the table and taking Draynor's crown .
Tralin kneeled and Cerin lowered the crown upon his head.
"By my authority as Royal Chancellor and First Knight, representing the royal family of Derin, I coronate you and Proclaim you King over Derin and all of its environs, and territories."
Tralin rose.
"Long Live the King"
"Long Live the King" The others echoed.
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 08 2003 22:34:53
'Now I must inform you as is my Duty that I am the chosen communicant of the Water Lord, stand ineligible of my position. By right of authority I should be stripped of my power"
"Knights can be priests, kings can be priests even" Tralin responded
"Yes but the First Knight may not, unless I were the communicant of the same God which my king served."
"True. But as you are First Knight in absentia, your remain the Second Knight and are authorized to remain communicant, unless the first knight removes your authority"
"What?" Cerin responded confused.
"You are however required to return the First Knight's sword."
"What?" Cerin repeated
"It is very simple. The first knight, barring his official resignation, which I have not received, is Delnar."
"Delnar is Dead" Cerin said baffled
"Not quite" Tralin replied "Is there any text within the code of Derin which forbids a First Knight from any race?"
"No" Cerin responded "Any who is loyal may be first knight"
"So an undead may be first knight"
"What?" Cerin asked, startled.
"No rule prevents an undead from being First Knight of Derin?" Tralin responded
"No but..."
"Well then I rest my case. Delnar remains First Knight of Derin as he is a Death Knight residing in the Vandarian city of stone deep."
"Um" Cerin responded confused
"Wait" Darin replied confused for an entirely different reason "Delnar has accepted service to the Shadow Lord. He is therefore himself ineligible to be First Knight."
"Having spoken to the Lord of Shadows himself I do hereby recognize that his devotion to the temple is completely compatible with his Loyalty to the throne and the church of the King."
"The Church of the King?" Darin and Jano asked simultaneously "You have always stood independent of all temples"
"We are nevertheless the servant of the powers. The church of the King of Derin is that of the Spirit Lord, and we are the Spirit Lord's chosen communicant."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 09 2003 19:23:21
"The Spirit Lord?" Darin responded startled "A creature of legend. No one serves the creator."
"I have always served creation Darin" Tralin responded "You know that well. Your problem with me was my heresy of the elemental conjunction."
"Indeed it was" Jano reiterated. "He was very vehement about that point"
"Yet all things happen for their purpose, I can imagine no one else better..." Tralin trailed his voice cracking and bolts of electrical energy suffusing his being, he gave a brief shudder and a rain of ice began to fall inside the cabin.
"What is going on?" Jano asked alarmed
"Tralin took some kind of potion in Stone Deep. The king seems to be suffering numerous after affects from it."
"Metanoia?!" Cerin asked incredulously "Your majesty. That potion is dangerous even in the physiologies it is designed for. You are a Drakel, there is no telling what kind of things it can do to you..."
"I have taken Metanoia..." Tralin paused and waved his hand dispelling the ice storm "I have taken the potion before, but never this much and never did I so close push myself to death."
"You must not take it again. You have apparently become very sensitized. Another potion and you might burn up with magical energy from within."
"Your well placed concern is noted now can..." Tralin halted and for a moment the assembled thought another wave was coming but then they heard what had caught Tralin's attention shouting had come awfully close to the ship.
"LORD REGENT" a voice cried out "You were seen boarding... We Need to see you it is urgent!"
Jano sighed and moved toward the door, but Tralin placed a restraining hand upon his arm.
"Your help has served us well and we would like very much to maintain your aid, but this is our problem."
Tralin moved to the cabin door and opened it stepping out of the cabin.
"Lord Tralin!" The crier proclaimed then turning to his colleagues whispered excitedly "The prince..."
"We are sorry to inform you of your ignorance in such a manner, but I am no longer price of this nation. I am its king. Draynor is dead. I have been coronated."
This proclamation had the desired affect the men fell silent in shock.
"Who are you that demands our Regent's attention?"
"I am Clay, A traveler from Battleonia and beyond."
"All the way from Battleonia?!" Nel chirped shocked. "I have family in those quarters."
"As you have come a fair distance you shall not be denied, even though our day of coronation should be a celebration rather then a business day. We shall hear your concerns in our audience chamber."
"Must you talk like that Trae..." Nel said stepping beside "This weird first person plural."
"While on official affairs of state I must Nel. It is expected. In chambers and in meetings I have more leeway, but I must make my claim and announcement quite clear and there is language with which that is accomplished as well as protocol."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 13 2003 21:24:49
Tralin led the group through the palace corridor and threaded his way various turns and twists stopping at the entry to the royal audience chamber. Opening the door he entered and looked about. For a moment his face betrayed strong pain and then with a sigh he moved to and sat in the throne at its center, a seat unoccupied since Draynor's departure. In assuming the throne he proclaimed himself Derin's king.
The others followed in and held their tongue about Tralin’s evident distress and reservation. With direction Tralin turned his head to the messenger.
"Clay of Battleonia, we await hearing your pleasure with us..."
"I come from Battleonia your majesty with reports of the growing conflict among the people. Your people make war on the elves and moglin. you are known to be most reasonable. We hope to persuade you to oppose these invasive practice...."
"We are sympathetic with your concerns, but had you not noticed the Drakel have harried our borders as well..."
"Ah, yes... that is the other reason for my coming your majesty. We landed at Port Alder"
Tralin reflected that the small port village, and the city of Derin's immediate neighbor were undoubtedly among those environs of the nation of Derin, which had fallen under the Drakel control.
"How did you convince the Drakel to allow you passage to the Capitol then?"
"They demanded I bring a message to the Regent to be delivered to the King. Since you are the king..."
"Indeed, and what was the content of their missive?"
"They request public audience, and the kings assurance that such will be met without public hostility..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 13 2003 21:30:22
"I take them to mean that they wish the Crown's surety... we cannot defuse the hostility of the citizens of our nation. Especially when it is deserved. Very well the crown will pay you handsomely to carry a return message to the nearest Drakel encamped around the city. Will you accept our charge"
"Will it aid in our efforts?" Clay asked pragmatically
"It may... regardless it is necessary"
"I accept"
"Very well inform the Drakel that they should come without delay. We are disinterested in great games. Further inform them that the king of Derin grants them their surety for now... It is time this issue be addressed..."
"I will do so"
"Darin order this man paid 10000 gold for his services, and Clay...?
"Yes your majesty?"
"Do not inform the Drakel that I am king of Derin, let them labor under the false presumption that Draynor yet lives"
"As you wish Lord Tralin..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 14 2003 21:46:18
The Drakel contingent entered the throne room and fixed their eyes upon Tralin who sat upon the throne. Darin and Cerin stood at Tralin’s left while Jano whispered something into Tralin's ear.
"T'palo..." their leader an enforcer demanded "Where is the king..."
Tralin pointedly ignored the interruption and whispered back to Jano who bowed and left the throne room.
"Denda Kruatha'ri Nect Re'edi c'tal defo Lin" Tralin proclaimed and enraged the Drakel shot his hand for his sword.
Darin drew his own. "Surety is forfeit if you show violence here Drakel. Lord Tralin is within his rights with his be gone. That if the Drakel are incapable of respect they CAN take their leave from here..."
"Stay out of this Human... this is none of your affair..."
"On the contrary as a commander in his majesties army it is my business how you treat Lord Tralin"
"Concern yourself first with your life and then with your king... The T'palo is our issue..."
"You are in error. I concern myself with my king and then with my life, and Lord Tralin's treatment is therefore an ultimate concern."
"I warn you human..." The Enforcer began irritated
"No." Tralin barked "We warn you... You are trying our patience foot soldier of the Drakel. We will not brook your continued assault on our officer or on our throne. You seek the king of Derin, I am he. Speak your piece..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 14 2003 22:03:35
"You?" The Drakel enforcer stated in shock his face torn between rage and horror.
Another of the contingent stepped forward even as the enforcer opened his mouth
"You are lying" the enforcer began but the caster shook his head "Enough... I shall deal with this myself, Take your position"
The enforcer frowned but complied without comment.
"So Draynor son of Vanyen is Dead?" The Caster asked
"The Late king is dead" Tralin confirmed. "We have lately assumed the throne, now speak..."
The Drakel raised his hands placating.
"T'palo" He said "Your Majesty. We do not seek hostility. We hold your land in an iron grasp, you know well you stand little chance of simply taking it back from us. We have come in peace to discuss with the throne of Derin an offer of great importance. We will pay the throne of Derin rent for the land we have seized for as long as we maintain it..."
"Rent upon what is stolen from its rightful possessors? How noble" Darin commented, Tralin raised his hand to silence the Headstrong commander.
"And..." Tralin asked knowing there was more to this.
"In exchange We shall maintain ownership of the land unopposed for as long as we desire, we shall more then compensate the losses of those who suffer. We will allow free conduct through our environs though we cannot allow unescorted travel within the region..."
"A very bold offer but we are unimpressed. Our citizens are out of their homes. If the enemy returns they are without recourse or defense."
The Caster raised his hands again in the placating gesture.
"Your concerns were expected and in Good faith we offer that refuge will be granted in the K'eld Ner."
Tralin and Darin looked dumbfounded while Cerin who did not understand the Drakel tongue merely look shocked.
"You are offering us sanctuary in the Walled City of Ner?" Tralin asked
"Indeed no" The Caster responded "What good faith would that show. We will allow you to openly take possession of property within the K'eld and have free travel to from and within it..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 16 2003 16:06:36
Darin inhaled sharply at the Drakel's proclamation but Tralin maintained an impassive demeanor.
"You have given Us much to consider. Please retire to your provided lodging. We shall consult with our advisors and get back to you promptly."
The Drakel looked as if they wished to argue but the Caster merely nodded and lead them from the council chamber.
"They wish to give us land in their walled city?!" Darin Blurted "It is a Trap!"
"No" Cerin responded "There is no benefit in them trapping us in that way they have our land already. They have the advantage."
"Indeed" Tralin said looking to the two of them. "Though the Enforcer likely would like to see me dead. No the offer is genuine. which is considerably more disconcerting."
"How so?" Darin asked
"There must be something that my people value in the countryside of Derin very much to go to throw years of tradition away for it. Further they have already asserted we have no chance of reclaiming our land. We can take that as fact. If so that they still wish to negotiate means they do not want to spare their men to defend the land and want as many as possible working on their discovery..."
"So do we cooperate with them or try to discover their real motives." Cerin asked
"Those pathways are not mutually exclusive" Tralin responds "Though you shall be doing neither. You are obligated to take the next ship to Stone Deep and present yourself to the first knight of your order for further direction. In doing so I wish you to carry several messages to them as well. One to Xander, one to Myr, and one to Delnar himself."
"Who are Xander and Myr?" Cerin Asked
"Stone Deep's Military Commander and their Religious Commander respectively. Xander is a Shadow Knight and Myr is a Communicant for the Shadow Lord... Where is Nel? I sent Jano to fetch him nearly 15 minutes ago..."
The others shrugged and for several moments’ silence reigned before Nel and Jano finally entered the Chamber.
"We need to... " Tralin began but was silenced by the seemingly odd way Jano and Nel were interacting. "What is it?"
"Hmm" Jano responded evasively.
"Come out with it. What is it that you know. Reveal it."
"I have to go Trae...." Nel said anxiously
"What? Why?" Tralin asked
"It's my village. We have joined with Moglin Forest...."
"And?"
"And Moglin Forest is at War with the people. I have to go aid my family."
"How interesting" Darin said and chuckled
"What is interesting?" The moglin asked clearly distressed
"We have just been offered admittance to K'eld Ner." Darin responded "We are debating allying with the Drakel..."
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 16 2003 16:23:01
Cerin creased his brow and stated the obvious objection to this bold statement.
"We are not uniting with the Drakel warring with the Moglin and the Elves. These are the Drakel of Derin there is a big difference"
"Is there" Tralin stated. "No Cerin there is not. Have you ever known the Drakel to war among cities. Drakel culture is not set up the way others do. Divisions are few and they are based on creed not geography. The Drakel of one city are interconnected with the Drakel of another. If we agree to an alliance with the Kruatha'ri we make alliance with them all..."
"Oh..." Darin said contemplatively
A loud knock resounded on the door.
"Come" Tralin commanded and the Drakel Enforcer entered quickly his demeanor lacked the hostility it had betrayed before replacing it instead with an anxiousness that spoke volumes.
"What is it."
"C'tal Efo Lin Degi" The Drakel said " Noma D'ak'i"
"I see..." Tralin groaned echoed by Darin and Jano. "I will give the decision within the hour then..."
"What is it?" Cerin asked even as the enforcer left
"He says that the demons return. They were spotted 1/2 a days travel from here and move this way... Nel and Cerin I suggest you two go to the docks and book your passages now... they shall be here within 10 hours"
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 18 2003 17:30:43
Darin found Tralin's implacable demeanor to be discomfiting. He knew that a war must go one in the king’s head. A debate between his home and the loyalties there, and his crown. A debate also between intention and social appearance, but Tralin remained silent waiting to be spoken to.
"Accept their offer" Darin said finally. "Traditional expectations, alliances and prejudices have NO place in this decision. We are faced with a simple fact, the Drakel have successfully driven off the Brilhado before, no conceivable ulterior motive exists behind their search here excepting the possibility they have found an artifact of value in their struggle. Since their struggle is WITH the Brilhado it behooves us to act in their favor. We are continents away from Battleonia the affairs that occur there only peripherally can interest us. What happens in our own backyard is far more important."
"Isolationist view points will not help us Darin" Jano interjected
"I am not espousing Isolationism, quite the contrary I am supporting an idea that our culture open itself to places it has NEVER been before that we take this opportunity for all it is worth. On the grounds that we get a glimpse inside the Drakel world alone it should be worth any risk, never mind the increasing of relations with them. How can we even consider rejecting it?"
"They want something. They have found something" Jano said
"That we should probably not keep from them anyway, If it can stop the Brilhado we should be encouraging its location. We should personally deliver the item to them. Heaven knows we are ill equipped."
"While we are uncertain we agree with the sentiment that we are ill equipped, we concur on most everything Darin has other wise said. He really has spent time with Drakel culture, even if it was among the water casters. It is still not that simple however. Our own local neighbors will weigh in with our sudden changing of alliance. Your own Vandarian’s may have much ill to say about this situation"
"With respect your majesty my own people are even more ill effected by the undead then Derin. Look at the mess in Neld and at Stone Deep. They will support ANYTHING that opposes the undead armies."
"Very well then we have made our decision. Call in the Emissaries"
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, Apr 18 2003 17:40:16
The Drakel filtered into Tralin's throne room and waited expectantly for his answer.
"We have found in favor of your offer. The crown of Derin grants lease to its land contingent upon the immediate execution of restitution for those who suffered loss and the continued payment of rent as agreed. Further we request immediate access to K'eld Ner as diplomats to assess our situation and make the requisite arrangements that society, respect, and culture demand. Unfortunately I cannot come..."
"But you must. Protocol demands that as a sign of trust..."
"Protocol demands that as a sign of trust The Dignitary or his T'palo come to the city." Tralin shifted to a more familiar conversational style "Indeed, but my obligation to the throne and my own obligation as outward T'palo require me to wait a period of some weeks before I can go myself, as the Brilhado are at our backs I cannot wait. So in the proprietary of tradition we have chosen and instated our T'palo. He shall be the first Human ever to hold the role. Jano."
Jano nodded and stepped forward. "I am uniquely qualified. I acted both as kings Regent for Derin and as a social ambassador and diplomat for Vandar. Further I am well trained in espionage and diplomacy."
Darin's eyes widened at this admission but the Drakel Caster merely nodded appreciatively.
"Tal Li Vago" He Responded
"Tal Li Vago" Jano answered
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, May 03 2003 23:55:58
He fled through the darkness his breath coming hard and fast, pain filled his being. He would have flown but the injury to his wings was substantial and the caked blood matted his feathers. He had to press on, to reach the city, he knew that if he fell all would be lost. The others would take him and all would be in vain.
He crested the hill and made the final dash he vaulted to the city wall and with a jump he opened his wings wide allowing the draft to carry him unto the castle turret. The guard drew his sword and approached rapidly.
"I come in peace" he said and then the Brilhado worn and weary collapsed into silent unconsciousness.
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
Falerin, May 10 2003 20:49:10
Jano crested the ridge and for the first time saw the vaulting world that was K'eld Ner. The huge walls encircled the city, which was itself built on the side of Mount Ner. The sheer massiveness of the walls took Jano's breath away.
"There lies the K'eld" Shirian the caster intoned. "We shall arrive within two days"
"Two days?" Jano asked startled. "Why so long"
Shirian laughed. "You interpret the size of the walls as proximity. What you see as 200-foot walls half a day away are really 2000 foot walls more then a day away.
The way ahead is treacherous and we will need to rest and eat therefore it will be two days I assure you"
"2000 feet tall?" Jano said astonished how large is the city itself.
"250 square miles"
Jano blinked... "How many Drakel live in K'eld Ner"
"25 million"
"10000 people per square mile"
"Indeed..."
"That’s immense"
"It’s also misleading. Density is closer to 75000 per square mile in many areas. In the capitol it is far less 1000 per square mile. However the city is built on several levels. So surface area is not an accurate measure"
"How many doors are there into the city?"
"There are but four. Precisely located at the compass directions. The north door leads to a inaccessible plateau. The south door to The port of Gliding Waters. We approach the west door ourselves."
"If the city needed to be evacuated there would be mass death..."
"If something bad enough to warrant evacuation took K’eld Ner entire we would die regardless."
"Where does the east door lead?"
"Into the mountain itself...."
Two of your doors lead out to places that are no refuge or escape"
"They are not meant to be escape routes T'Palo"
"If something great enough to topple the K’eld were to come... the world as we know it would be ending..."
Jano noted the approach of another Drakel from a small village set on the stream proper.
"Sithian" Shirian nodded solemnly
"Delbek X'tchai" the newcomer responded causing Jano to frown sharply. Something was amiss.... clearly....
Falerin
Keeper of the Lore
-----------------------
"I don't know what evil is but whatever it is I am For it 100%"
"Evil is as evil does. ...and no one does it better." -Wolfpac
< Message edited by Falerin -- 7/9/2008 15:28:13 >
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