the first part for the third chapter:
Chapter III: Visions of the Elves
It had been seven days since the gang left Karazhan following their victory, the High King returned to the capital, and Lord Justin followed his long-time friend back to Lithorien.
That morning, Lord Cheng and Lord Justin had breakfast together. They had a thorough discussion about the recent affairs now. The calm winds and tides of the sea did not seem to soothe the heartache of Lord Cheng, and it was very noticeable.
“You missed her, aren’t you?”
“Lord Justin, now that all our friends are here, I wish to ask you. What is the true intention of the Knights? By their advice, the High King sent her to the capital of the High Elves of Istarugah, splitting both of us apart. Why must they do something like that?”
“Indeed you are as the High King said, out of date at things like this. She is coming back very soon. There is a message to be sent from the Elven Queen herself.”
“How do you know of such matters?”
“The Archmage told me of it, and she knew it through a letter.”
Who in the heavens is this lady who has made Lord Cheng has a change in mood? She was Lady Xuan, or known as the Countess, one of the Magi and member of their coalition. She was sent back to Ossiros to deliver a message of utmost importance.
Upon hearing the news, Lord Cheng immediately took a horse and rode all speed back to Ossiros.
Lord Justin was stunned at the swift reaction, but Lady Crystal just said to him, “To him, the return of the Countess will mean something very significant to him. However, I think that something is amiss. How come she returned out of the blue to Ossiros?”
In fact Lady Crystal was right. Something was amiss. Meanwhile, at the summit of the Tower, Lord Jason and Lady Yen stood beside each other, looking outwards to the sea. The strong winds at the summit of tower brought the winds of the sea towards them, as well as the refreshing coolness.
“Well, did you know that Lady Xuan is returning to Ossiros?”
“What?” exclaimed Lady Yen excitedly, “this is somehow… surprising. For a long time I have not seen her. Now that she is returning, I will personally return to Ossiros to meet her. Will you follow me on the journey?”
Waiting for this question, Lord Jason instantly agreed, and before they left, the guardianship of Lithorien was temporarily given over to Lady Crystal, whom preferred to stay. Lord Justin left with them as well, although an hour earlier.
At the Great Hall in the palace, King Ashvin, together with Lord Justin and Lady Kathleen, met Lady Xuan in a will of knowing the reason of her sudden arrival.
“Greetings towards the High King. Your majesty, on behalf of Queen Khoo, ruler of the High Elves of Istarugah, I hereby bring forth a message from her.”
King Ashvin, desiring the contents of the message, bade her to continue, while he ate a bowl of chicken-head curry. Lord Justin and Lady Kathleen also lend their ears to hear the message as well.
“Queen Khoo has seen in her seeing-stone, that some dark power is lurking in the east. A great shadow is creeping forth. It is not of the Dragon-lords’ work, but something even more terrible. Soon the Dragon-lords will send forth a messenger, seeking help to contain the evil. By the way, she asked me to deliver this to the Five in Koruskan.”
“This is very dangerous,” said Lady Kathleen, “the Archknight must be warned of this matter!”
“I thought that you despise the Knights and do not hope to have dealings with them?”
the next part will come on monday, 1st december 2008...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
of part 2 for the 2nd chapter
the continuation of the 2nd chapter:
“Well,” said the messenger, “these axe men are quite different from the adversaries we have seen before. These used magic and it is among the best in their arsenal. I fear that Lord Benjamin has perceived that Karazhan will inevitably fall, unless aid can be sent by Her Honored the Archpriestess to us, as she is an adept magic user and knows the lore of it.”
Lady Yen then appeared from behind, said, “If he requests aid from me, then I will gladly answer. The Lord of Karazhan is as well my friend, and I will send word to Ossiros, ensuring this will reach the ears of the High King.”
The messenger thanked her, and then left.
Meanwhile back in Ossiros, King Ashvin was busy preparing another pot of chicken-head curry. Then he said to Lord Justin, “It’s been days since they left for Lithorien, and word has reached me that they arrived. The Archpriestess has answered your questions.”
“What is it?”
“Don’t be hasty, Lord Justin, as haste will lose us our ability to make proper judgments. What she said was that the vision is indeed an invasion. The Knights confirmed this to me as well. Thus, I need one to go to Koruskan, and see their situation now.”
All of a sudden, Lady Carrine entered the Great Hall.
“Hail to the High King, your loyal subject reports something of great urgency!”
“Rise,” said King Ashvin, “and tell me what is the business now?”
“The axe men of the Western Marches are invading areas around Karazhan. The Inquisitor is in dire need of help now. He hopes that aid can come as soon as possible.”
“Alright Viscountess, your request I have heard. Perhaps the High Priest can follow me to the city of Karazhan. Let us be prepared, Lord Justin, and off we go.”
The city of Karazhan was built near the mountains of Dalarin, and it was once the home of the axe men, The Kingdom expanded its power to the area long ago, and built Karazhan as a stronghold and shield against the attacks from the west. Rule of the city was given to the Cenarical Druids, which Lord Benjamin was their current leader. They have power over the flows of nature, and for long they held the barbaric axe men at bay, until recently.
The main building of the city was the Eternal Circle, where the Druids performed their rites and rituals. Here they welcomed the Magi.
“Greetings, my lady. It is of precise timing that you people arrived here. How is the High King in Ossiros? How fares the Archknight and the High Master in Koruskan?”
The speaker was Lord Benjamin, ruler of Karazhan. He wore a robe and wielded a long rod made of oak. He was taller than average people, and his appearance somehow emanated an aura of excitement towards everyone nearby.
Lord Jason then replied, “Thanks for the compliment, and of the High King, he is fine for the moment. However, of the two leaders of Koruskan, you know that we don’t deal with them, hence have no idea of their condition.”
Then they all sat down, and they discussed for a long time, mainly discussing topics about devising strategies, defensive positions, assault stances etc. until night has fallen.
That night, when all have fallen asleep, Lord Jason invited Lady Yen to the garden. It was a night of full moon, and the bright moon hung high above the sky. Moonlight shone upon the greenery of the garden, as though as the garden was a mirror.
“The Druids, it seems, they have a love of nature over everything else. It is so nice, and so special. The best part, I perceived...”
“What is it, Lord Jason?”
“I recalled something said by the Archknight beforehand, that your face reflects the elegance and radiance of moonlight. What he said in this is somehow true, I’m now a believer.”
Looking towards the night, Lady Yen then asked Lord Jason, “The stars are veiled, and when you set your sights eastwards you sense a dark power there. The Knights so far has barely managed to contain it. I have to tell you something else; the High King is coming to Karazhan.”
“What?!” exclaimed Lord Jason, “Tidings of course reach his ears fast. It is barely a day when he resolved to come to our aid. Does it mean that Lord Justin is coming as well?”
“As well.”
“Great, this time we will prove to the Knights that we don’t need their help to contain any evil. We are a strong group, capable of balancing the power between them. In addition, we will eventually take their holds in Koruskan…”
However, the remark made by Lord Jason was immediately rebuked by Lord Benjamin, who just entered the garden. “If you think that you do not need to depend on the Knights to defeat your adversaries, this will only prove that you will not burden the Knights. They will be very happy, the Archknight quoted before, ‘should they are able to defeat all evil west and south, we can then focus all strength towards the Dragon-lords in the East.’ He will be proud of the one who lead the Magi.”
As night’s shadow grew deeper with each passing moment, the moonlight gradually waned. Lord Jason looked at the sky, feeling disappointed, but both Lord Benjamin and Lady Yen just looked deep in thought, such was their power of concentration in matters they were undisturbed, despite Lord Jason’s constant praising of the garden’s scenery.
King Ashvin arrived at the gates of Karazhan around noon the next day. He immediately summoned the Magi and the Druids to the Eternal Circle for a special meeting.
“I hereby summon all of you to here, with a will of meeting of reports regarding recent activities in this region. Lord Benjamin, kindly report on the matter.”
Lord Benjamin then rose, and spoke, “Your Majesty, the regions and lands of Karazhan are at peace for long years, until very recently. The reason was that the axe men of the mountains have returned with a greater force. This new wave of enemy has magic attacks in their arsenal, and our druidic magics are useless against their powers. I fear that Karazhan will fall, and our people slain.”
King Ashvin only smiled, then he replied, “I had already a plan in my mind, and I will need some people to execute it. Lord Cheng, can you help me?”
Upon hearing this, Lord Cheng instantly agreed, and the meeting adjourned soon after that.
The Druids built a base at the foot of the mountain the next day, and both King Ashvin and Lord Cheng were there, awaiting reports from their infiltrator. When he returned with good news, they decided it is the right time to strike…
The axe men were still sleeping soundly, after a crazy party last night. According to the infiltrator, the defenses are scattered across the mountains, but were somehow down due to their drunken state. It was a perfect chance for them.
They planned to form a two-pronged attack against the whole tribe of axe men. Stealthily they ascended the mountain from their respective sides. For about half an hour, they encountered only minimal resistance and it was before long they arrived at the axe men’s base camp.
With a word, King Ashvin led the assault, shouting the war cry, “Malaysia Boleh!” whenever he killed an enemy. The axe men were indeed caught off guard, and they were unable to put up a proper defense. Within an hour, everything was over. The chief of the axe men has been slain, and they majority of them fled far behind, eluding the wrath of Lord Cheng and the battle cry of King Ashvin.
The raid was successful, Karazhan was kept safe, and all of them returned.
the part 1 of 3rd chapter will come this friday...
“Well,” said the messenger, “these axe men are quite different from the adversaries we have seen before. These used magic and it is among the best in their arsenal. I fear that Lord Benjamin has perceived that Karazhan will inevitably fall, unless aid can be sent by Her Honored the Archpriestess to us, as she is an adept magic user and knows the lore of it.”
Lady Yen then appeared from behind, said, “If he requests aid from me, then I will gladly answer. The Lord of Karazhan is as well my friend, and I will send word to Ossiros, ensuring this will reach the ears of the High King.”
The messenger thanked her, and then left.
Meanwhile back in Ossiros, King Ashvin was busy preparing another pot of chicken-head curry. Then he said to Lord Justin, “It’s been days since they left for Lithorien, and word has reached me that they arrived. The Archpriestess has answered your questions.”
“What is it?”
“Don’t be hasty, Lord Justin, as haste will lose us our ability to make proper judgments. What she said was that the vision is indeed an invasion. The Knights confirmed this to me as well. Thus, I need one to go to Koruskan, and see their situation now.”
All of a sudden, Lady Carrine entered the Great Hall.
“Hail to the High King, your loyal subject reports something of great urgency!”
“Rise,” said King Ashvin, “and tell me what is the business now?”
“The axe men of the Western Marches are invading areas around Karazhan. The Inquisitor is in dire need of help now. He hopes that aid can come as soon as possible.”
“Alright Viscountess, your request I have heard. Perhaps the High Priest can follow me to the city of Karazhan. Let us be prepared, Lord Justin, and off we go.”
The city of Karazhan was built near the mountains of Dalarin, and it was once the home of the axe men, The Kingdom expanded its power to the area long ago, and built Karazhan as a stronghold and shield against the attacks from the west. Rule of the city was given to the Cenarical Druids, which Lord Benjamin was their current leader. They have power over the flows of nature, and for long they held the barbaric axe men at bay, until recently.
The main building of the city was the Eternal Circle, where the Druids performed their rites and rituals. Here they welcomed the Magi.
“Greetings, my lady. It is of precise timing that you people arrived here. How is the High King in Ossiros? How fares the Archknight and the High Master in Koruskan?”
The speaker was Lord Benjamin, ruler of Karazhan. He wore a robe and wielded a long rod made of oak. He was taller than average people, and his appearance somehow emanated an aura of excitement towards everyone nearby.
Lord Jason then replied, “Thanks for the compliment, and of the High King, he is fine for the moment. However, of the two leaders of Koruskan, you know that we don’t deal with them, hence have no idea of their condition.”
Then they all sat down, and they discussed for a long time, mainly discussing topics about devising strategies, defensive positions, assault stances etc. until night has fallen.
That night, when all have fallen asleep, Lord Jason invited Lady Yen to the garden. It was a night of full moon, and the bright moon hung high above the sky. Moonlight shone upon the greenery of the garden, as though as the garden was a mirror.
“The Druids, it seems, they have a love of nature over everything else. It is so nice, and so special. The best part, I perceived...”
“What is it, Lord Jason?”
“I recalled something said by the Archknight beforehand, that your face reflects the elegance and radiance of moonlight. What he said in this is somehow true, I’m now a believer.”
Looking towards the night, Lady Yen then asked Lord Jason, “The stars are veiled, and when you set your sights eastwards you sense a dark power there. The Knights so far has barely managed to contain it. I have to tell you something else; the High King is coming to Karazhan.”
“What?!” exclaimed Lord Jason, “Tidings of course reach his ears fast. It is barely a day when he resolved to come to our aid. Does it mean that Lord Justin is coming as well?”
“As well.”
“Great, this time we will prove to the Knights that we don’t need their help to contain any evil. We are a strong group, capable of balancing the power between them. In addition, we will eventually take their holds in Koruskan…”
However, the remark made by Lord Jason was immediately rebuked by Lord Benjamin, who just entered the garden. “If you think that you do not need to depend on the Knights to defeat your adversaries, this will only prove that you will not burden the Knights. They will be very happy, the Archknight quoted before, ‘should they are able to defeat all evil west and south, we can then focus all strength towards the Dragon-lords in the East.’ He will be proud of the one who lead the Magi.”
As night’s shadow grew deeper with each passing moment, the moonlight gradually waned. Lord Jason looked at the sky, feeling disappointed, but both Lord Benjamin and Lady Yen just looked deep in thought, such was their power of concentration in matters they were undisturbed, despite Lord Jason’s constant praising of the garden’s scenery.
King Ashvin arrived at the gates of Karazhan around noon the next day. He immediately summoned the Magi and the Druids to the Eternal Circle for a special meeting.
“I hereby summon all of you to here, with a will of meeting of reports regarding recent activities in this region. Lord Benjamin, kindly report on the matter.”
Lord Benjamin then rose, and spoke, “Your Majesty, the regions and lands of Karazhan are at peace for long years, until very recently. The reason was that the axe men of the mountains have returned with a greater force. This new wave of enemy has magic attacks in their arsenal, and our druidic magics are useless against their powers. I fear that Karazhan will fall, and our people slain.”
King Ashvin only smiled, then he replied, “I had already a plan in my mind, and I will need some people to execute it. Lord Cheng, can you help me?”
Upon hearing this, Lord Cheng instantly agreed, and the meeting adjourned soon after that.
The Druids built a base at the foot of the mountain the next day, and both King Ashvin and Lord Cheng were there, awaiting reports from their infiltrator. When he returned with good news, they decided it is the right time to strike…
The axe men were still sleeping soundly, after a crazy party last night. According to the infiltrator, the defenses are scattered across the mountains, but were somehow down due to their drunken state. It was a perfect chance for them.
They planned to form a two-pronged attack against the whole tribe of axe men. Stealthily they ascended the mountain from their respective sides. For about half an hour, they encountered only minimal resistance and it was before long they arrived at the axe men’s base camp.
With a word, King Ashvin led the assault, shouting the war cry, “Malaysia Boleh!” whenever he killed an enemy. The axe men were indeed caught off guard, and they were unable to put up a proper defense. Within an hour, everything was over. The chief of the axe men has been slain, and they majority of them fled far behind, eluding the wrath of Lord Cheng and the battle cry of King Ashvin.
The raid was successful, Karazhan was kept safe, and all of them returned.
the part 1 of 3rd chapter will come this friday...
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