Post by JMDavis ((Silver)) on Oct 1, 2008 22:21:34 GMT -5
The Great Sundering: A Dark Morn Comes
General Adamaeus stalked along quietly as he surveyed the forces the kingdom of Manafar had assembled. Frowning, his bright blue eyes narrowing he gave a snort, ruffling the bristles of his large black mustache. The General was not a very tall man; in fact he appeared to be more of a beardless dwarf than a human. A point he had made clear was not to come up, or else it was dealt with. Fatally. He stood near four feet, five inches tall and appeared stocky, but it was all muscle. His black hair was starting to turn salt and pepper color from age, yet he looked none the older for his fifty odd winters. He wore the battle regalia of a High Ranking Commander in Manafar, plated shoulders emblazoned with the lion’s head with crossed swords beneath and below that was his houses symbol, a snarling dragon devouring a large serpent. A long robe of crimson adorned his person, a black tabard hanging over it with the signet of Manafar as well. On his back a flail and sword were crossed to form a X. On his fists were black mail gauntlets, spiked ridges rising from the knuckle and running back to the wrist.
With a snort he spat a glob of phlegm on the ground, “Is this all that the men of Manafar can muster? Mere boys and aging old fools who have seen better days? Pitiful farmers and pirates who have drunken more rum than there is water in the ocean? Do you join with dreams of grandeur, thinking this war will give you a chance to make a name for yourself? Makes me sick!” He pointed an accusatory finger at one boy whose face drained of blood and eyes widened. “Why’d you join lad?”
The boy gulped and stammered out slowly, “I-I… I heard where we are going there are elf girls who find soldiers attractive and throw themselves at him!”
Adamaeus gave a laugh, cold and brittle. “Elf women would sooner slit your throat then look at you! And those who do decide to bed a human, though why they would choose a scrawny lad like yourself I couldn’t fathom, they’d kill you in your sleep and steal everything they can from you just to fetch some more gold!” He turned away from the boy and pointed to an old man. Unlike the boy the man stuck out his chin and locked his gaze with the General. Adamaeus was impressed. “You, old man, why’d you join?”
“Lord General, I am nearing the end of my days on this plane. My children have left the home to find wealth in the far reaches of our realm, my wife of sixty winters died last summer. I guess, as you get as old as I am, you find you need to go out with a bang and this is how I figure I could go out.” He said, never breaking contact with Adamaeus.
“Admirable,” He said with an appreciative nod. Looking to the rest of them he called forth clearly. “The next twelve weeks of training will be the most grueling and troubling times you will ever have! It would make the Nine Hells seem like a skip through a field with nymphs! I will see to it personally that you go to bed in pain and wake up in pain! That when you eat there is the chance that you could be attacked! Now, whoever wants to leave can.” He waited for three minutes, seeing that nobody seemed to want to leave he nodded, “Good, good, just as I expected. Get yourself to the armory; Quartermaster Gazrig will supply you with training armor and weapons. Dismissed.” As he watched the troops file out he sighed. “Grand Chancellor, it seems my veterans and I will have a tough time ahead of us.” He turned, facing the man who had just appeared to join the General. “Tasan has probably allotted a large enough army to rival our own; we may have to reach out into mercenary groups.”
The Grand Chancellor gave a sardonic chuckle, “Dear General, we have reached out to many of the mercenary groups, beast tribes, and even to a former, ahem, acquaintance of yours.” Grand Chancellor Chavend differed greatly from the general. His age was plain, with a heavy lined face and a completely hairless head. He stood almost six feet tall and wore dark black robes with a golden tabard across his chest; the signet of Manafar also showed on this, yet the lion seemed to live. More elaborate golden shoulders decorated him, showing he was of the ruling class of Manafar. Placing spidery fingers together he waited for the General’s reaction.
“Acquaintance? Hmm, the last acquaintance I had was that wizard fellow. Zabraf or Zargis...” he muttered, trying to remember the name but frowning as he couldn’t.
“Zahmed, Lord General. The wizard was named Zahmed. But now he seems to prefer a different name. One you’ve probably only heard in whispers. The Lord Lich Coldheart.” The Grand Chancellor said softly, waiting once again.
Adamaeus’ eyes widened. “That old fool became the most powerful lich to ever appear upon the face of the realm?!” He shouted his face pale, the General had never been afraid before in his life, this was new to him. “He promised to kill me after his dying breath, did the old buzzard forget about that?”
Chavend gave a chuckle, a mirthless smile spreading across his face. “He hasn’t forgotten you Adamaeus, but he has found, or so he told me, that petty revenge against a man of your… intellect is barely worth his time.” He watched the fear turn to anger on the General’s face. “Seeing as you have dealt with him the most, I found it fitting for you to be the ambassador for us to secure his help in our little war against Tasan.”
Adamaeus glared gave a loud snort and nodded his head, “When do I leave to go to Frostwind Manor?” He questioned softly, anger tinged below the faux calm he exhibited.
“Immediately, preferably.” Chavend said, motioning for the squat warrior to follow him as he started walking. Subtly guiding the annoyed General toward the stables. “The faster we secure his aid in this conflict, the quicker we know Tasan will fall and we shall have much of the land.”
“Much?” He questioned, looking up at the tall, gaunt, man with a quizzical look. “You mean all don’t you?”
“Ah, no. You see, being a being of undeath he no longer has the need for material possessions such as gems and coin. His demands were simple, and manageable. For his aide in this conflict he wants forty percent of the Tasan territory, as well as fifty percent of the population. Why, you don’t need to know and I didn’t want to know, but that hardly matters now.” Turning to see the General angrier than before, he gave a cold chuckle, “Now saddle up General, and ride off to get the aide of the Lich Lord of Frostwind Manor!”
Adamaeus blinked and stared at the Chancellor with hate. “One of these days Chavend, you’ll push me to far, and I might have to have one of my veterans-“
“Careful! General, careful. The water you tread is deeper than you think. For every veteran you have I have one who can match or triumph upon your soldier. As well, you should know that what you were about to say speaks treason against the Kingdom of Manafar.”
“Oh yes treason, wouldn’t plotting against the last Grand Chancellor to secure a seat and the ear of the throne be considered treason as well?” He questioned a dark twinkle in his eyes.
An amused grin spread across Chavend’s face, “So you have played your trump card already? That was a foolish move General, very foolish-“
“Chavend, I haven’t even thought to use my trump card yet. You need to learn that not all who stand before you are as weak-minded as you wish to believe.” He started to ride away before calling back, “Also, never underestimate a great tactician and General!” Then he vanished through the heavy gates of Manafar, riding to Frostwind Manor.
~~~
General Nadira grumbled angrily as she bustled along quickly. The dwarf was beautiful; she stood a little taller than most dwarves and was slighter of build instead of the stockier tendencies dwarves held. She had long red hair, made into thousands of braids tied together with gems and gold. She wore steel and gold battle armor with a soaring eagle on the chest, the signet of Tasan, as well as a black anvil with a hammer striking it, the arms of Clan Ironshield. Her eyes were a bright green, and rimmed dark with a bit of make-up. A great war-axe was strapped across her back, the head forged of adamantium and mithril that had been melted together and forged. “Do this General Nadira, train them General Nadira. Doesn’t anyone know that we are on the verge of war and I should be in War Council with the other leaders of this army!? And what is there excuse to why I can’t join them?! That I am a woman! I who helped defeat the Lord Blackgrim on the steps to the Grand Seat, while I protected that worthless lout Jean from those mutated orcs! Why that little worm, I should’ve broken his legs when he took all the glory and became the famous Champion of Tasan!” As she took a sharp turn heading for the barracks she heard a laugh. “Speak of the flea bitten mutt now…”
Jean grinned as he dropped down beside her, the tall half-orc was still young, no growth of a beard on his face. His skin had a pale-green coloring to it, and his long dark hair hung in a wild mane that framed his face. His left eye was a deep red, while his right was a soft sky blue. Tiny tusks poked out of his lower jaw, showing he shared his father’s elven traits more so than his mother’s orcish ones. Armor of light chain mail and studded leather covered his body, preferring the easier movement to plate. Two curving blades rested on his hips, their edge gleamed with a slight green with poison. “Why my dear Nadira, you wound me with your hateful talk! It is not my fault that they recognized me for killing the Daemon lord, and protecting King Feryn from the monster!”
“But you could have said something about how I and the others helped you,” As she spoke of their friends her anger slowly diffused, and she watched Jean’s normally cheery look fall away into one of thoughtful sorrow. “They were good friends, huh?” She said softly.
Jean nodded, “The best I’ve ever known.” He murmured, “They would be glad to know their sacrifice at the Gates of Grakamond wasn’t in vain. Though I wish they had been there when Blackgrim fell.” He looked to Nadira and gave a somber smile, “But life goes on, huh?”
Nadira gave a nod, “So, have you been following me all this time then?” She questioned, her hard-edged tone returning.
“I came in about the time you said ‘I should’ve broken his legs when he took all the glory and became the famous Champion of Tasan!’” He gave her a disarming grin, “Don’t worry, I would’ve wanted to break my legs too if I was in your place.”
“… Just shut up.” She grumbled, looking away as they drew near the barracks.
“As you wish, oh loveliest gem in the coal!” He said, giving a deep bow.
“Keep flapping that tongue of yours with all that flattering, and you might find it on the ground with me laughing as you can speak no longer!” She said with an icy tone.
“Someone is mad today…” He said in a sing-song voice, dodging a quick punch from her with a laugh. “I’ll quiet myself now Nadira, don’t worry.” He gave her a wide grin.
“Remind me to hurt you after this war is over.”
“Dually noted.” He murmured.
Jean and Nadira had arrived at the training grounds for the Tasan recruits. He acknowledged a few cheers from the assembled recruits, his cheeks turning a dark green from embarrassment. "Are you going to be the one training us sir?" One young man cried, his eyes sparkling and a wide smile crossing his features.
"Ah.. uh, no. No the strong and wise General Nadira will be." Jean said slowly, indicating Nadira who was near him. "Besides, not only could she drop me within two seconds of a fight, but I am also more of a skirmisher, you are here to be trained as soldiers, which is what Nadira specializes in!" He said, giving a nervous grin.
~~This is the end of Jean's segment, now it shall be the focus of Manafar~~
Adamaeus felt the surge of magic before he realized that he had been given an Arcdale. A magically bred horse that could slip through the smallest vortex's that naturally opened within the world to get to a destination faster than normal, so eight-hundred miles could be covered in but a few seconds.
He didn't want to get to Frostwind faster.
Soon, he felt the sickening twist and pull of the Arcdale's power, and he was riding full force toward the opening gates of Frostwind Manor. A deathly chill filled the air, and with each breath rider and mount took, the steam froze, falling to the ground like snow. "Damn magic," he rumbled, riding through the gates which closed slowly.
As he slowed his mount inside he looked around, and grimaced. Upon the walls crouched what looked to be statues, but he knew the gargoyles were just waiting for the word of binding to be broken and set upon attackers. Grisly weapons, and trophies, were clutched in the monsters' grasp. Next he saw the skeletons that walked by the gargoyles, the undead sentries holding longbows with arrows strung and ready to fire.
More sites greeted him, standing as still as stone were zombies, armor covered the corpses, and weapons were held in hand. Each grouping of zombies had a commander for them, a monstrous ghoul loped along in front of them, the beasts were growling and snarling in a language only the dead would know.
Adamaeus almost jumped as he saw the first living resident of Frostwind Manor, though the boy looked as dead as any of the beasts he had seen so far. "Shall I take your mount to the stables, Lord General Adamaeus?" He droned, his voice hollow.
"That would be fine," Adamaeus muttered, unmounting and climbing down to the ground. Turning to face ahead again, he jumped and stared at the figure that hovered infront of him. He regained his composure and a scowl appeared across his face, "Still having to rely on surprise to take your enemies Zahmed?" He growled at the lich.
Enough flesh remained upon the hovering form for it to grin, ghastly as it was. "Why Lieutenant Adamaeus, it is so good to see you again after all these years." Enough remained of the liches human side for contempt to flare in his voice. "Or is it Lord General now? Ah, how the passing of time escapes me."
"Yes, but nothing can compare to how good it felt to bash open your chest with my flail and rip out your heart as you breathed your daming words." Adamaeus said casually, a grin as wicked as the liches on his face. "Surprinsgly enough, it was your death that got me this promotion. You know, betrayal to the crown and all of that can get a soldier a quick promotion."
The dessicated flesh around the lips of Coldheart twitched some. "Yes, well. Shall I show you what the Grand Chancellor is procuring my aid for? Or did you just come here to reminisce about you killing me?"
"Both," Adamaeus said easily as the lich started off. "Besides, isn't it fun to share stories?" He said with a wicked smirk.
"Well if it's stories you want. Remember that lovely wife of yours?" Without waiting for Adamaeus' acknowledgment he continued, "She left you for me, and I daresay she preferred me in some aspects of love over you." Hearing a barely contained beastial snarl gave the lich a cold satisfaction. "Now, let us focus on the matter at hand. What you are receiving from my troops and myself for this little war of yours." The two had traveled just inside the Manor home when the world spun and they were on iron crosswalks.
Sounds and sights that would drive a priest into a suicide plagued the room, and even though he had seen and heard so much in war time, Adamaeus vomitted all he had eaten that day.
"Yes, the normal reaction to all those new to this." Coldheart said, a dark chuckle in his voice.
~~~
“Grand Chancellor! Grand Chancellor Chavend!” Cried a voice, a young soldier rushing into the grand room of Chavend without even knocking, blushing he quickly closed his eyes and turned his head, seeing a young woman half naked on the desk. “I-I-I am sorry for interrupting!” He said quickly.
Chavend gave a sigh and waved a hand, the girl running by the young soldier, but not without making him even more embarrassed as she accidentally dropped the clothes she had been carrying. When she had left Chavend cleared his throat some, “Now, what is so important that you interrupt me and my… ah, advisor in the middle of a very important meeting?” He asked, his eyes literally burning with fire.
The soldier stuttered, not out of embarrassment, but fear. “G-G-General Adamaeus approaches from th-th-the North, and a dark cold follows on his heels. Should we prepare for an assault?” He questioned. The smile Chavend gave sent deeper chills along the spine of the young man than his fiery gaze ever could.
Laying his long spidery fingers upon the lad’s shoulder, he said slowly. “What is your name lad?” He questioned softly.
“B-B-Barthal, My Lord.”
“Do you have any friend here lad?”
He looked down, “None, My Lord.”
Chavend nodded, and with a thought he incinerated the soldier, leaving a pile of ashes on the ground. “Too bad you learned to late to knock before entering my domain.” He said, stepping over the pile of ashes and walking out of his office, then castle, then into the courtyard. “Open the gates for the Lord General and our new allies!” He barked at the gate guards who hurried to comply.
The gate opened with a low drone and through charged Adamaeus, “Ah, Lord General so nice to-“
“SHUT YER BLOODY MOUTH!” Adamaeus shouted, leaping from his horse and stomping over to Chavend. “You give me an Arcdale even though you know I loathe magical transportation! You send me alone into a pit of horrors that passes for a house by that mad man!-“
“Lich.”
“But even worse you knew who was there!” He snarled angrily.
“I told you it was Lord Coldheart’s manor.” Chavend said with a frown.
“Not him, her.” Adamaeus said darkly. Stalking through the gates was an amazingly beautiful woman, her skin was as white as the moon, and her eyes were as red as blood. When she grinned long canines showed. A vampiress. Dalifa had a long black dress with the front cut very low and the hem split up just short enough so not everything was exposed.
“Why Adamaeus, you don’t miss your lovely wife?” She cooed, seeming to flow over to him and twine her arms and legs about his small frame from behind. “You wound me Adamaeus.” She said mournfully.
“Dalifa, don’t make me bash your face in again.” He said darkly.
“We already saw back at the manor that that won’t work.” She said with a giggle, loosening her from him, “Now, I need to find a young soldier.” She murmured, vanishing before Adamaeus could shout at her.
Chavend blinked, “I see being a vampire has changed her somewhat.” He murmured, completely surprised she had been at the Manor.
“Ya... she used to go after the veterans.” Adamaeus rumbled, he turned his head toward the gates as the army arrived fully. Creatures of undeath, things of nightmare, and monsters of the fell poured through the gates, all headed by Lord Coldheart.
The lich hovered over to Chavend, the two locking gazes with hard glares. Adamaeus watched with mild interest, finding the hatred between the two mages almost amusing. “Grand Chancellor Chavend, I have come with the army I promised you. Just let me know when we leave and my forces will move out.” He turned without anything more and vanished. To where was obvious, some magic brought with the army had caused a floating building to appear, it looked much like the Manor except larger. The forces moved in eagerly, unspoken commands telling them they would stay here.
~~Dalifa will be seen later~~
Adamaeus grumbled as he and Chavend walked through the long hallways of the castle. "You plan to do this on the verge of war then?" He asked the tall mage.
"It is the perfect thing to ignite the emotions of the people, get them roused fully against Tasan, and that is all I truly have in mind with this ploy." Chavend said, a ghost of a smile decorating his face.
"The fact you ascend to King, seeing as the fool has yet to marry, is just a side benefit?" He said sharply, his eyes narrowing to slits.
Chavend gave a hoarse laugh, "My dear General! I have been running this Kingdom behind that worthless brat since he became King! His death and my ascension would just give me a new crown, if you don't mind the pun." He said with a full smile that was anything but friendly.
Adamaeus sighed, "Very well. How are we going to give proof to the people that it was Tasani elves that killed him and not you?" He asked softly.
"Ah, well I will rush in to rescue him, but too late. But just in time to slay the fiends that did away with our poor king. Where upon the ashes of one elf shall be on the floor, only a Tasani insignia having survived my spell."
"Where are you going to get ashes that are the same consistency as human ones?" He questioned, now slightly worried about being close to the Grand Chancellor.
"Oh yes, I meant to tell you. I had to teach one of your soldiers a lesson about knocking before enterring. Sadly he did not make it out alive to learn from his mistake." He gave a shrug, "Seemed like an idiot anyway."
"We have a use for idiots in the army though! It's called cannon fodder!" He snarled angrily, but shrugged it away. "Very well then, proceed with your plan. The house guards and the soldiers will not interfere with it." He said simply.
"Thank you Lord General." Chavend said with that same wicked smile as he twisted off and away. Heading toward the throne room.
~~More when I get to it~~
General Adamaeus stalked along quietly as he surveyed the forces the kingdom of Manafar had assembled. Frowning, his bright blue eyes narrowing he gave a snort, ruffling the bristles of his large black mustache. The General was not a very tall man; in fact he appeared to be more of a beardless dwarf than a human. A point he had made clear was not to come up, or else it was dealt with. Fatally. He stood near four feet, five inches tall and appeared stocky, but it was all muscle. His black hair was starting to turn salt and pepper color from age, yet he looked none the older for his fifty odd winters. He wore the battle regalia of a High Ranking Commander in Manafar, plated shoulders emblazoned with the lion’s head with crossed swords beneath and below that was his houses symbol, a snarling dragon devouring a large serpent. A long robe of crimson adorned his person, a black tabard hanging over it with the signet of Manafar as well. On his back a flail and sword were crossed to form a X. On his fists were black mail gauntlets, spiked ridges rising from the knuckle and running back to the wrist.
With a snort he spat a glob of phlegm on the ground, “Is this all that the men of Manafar can muster? Mere boys and aging old fools who have seen better days? Pitiful farmers and pirates who have drunken more rum than there is water in the ocean? Do you join with dreams of grandeur, thinking this war will give you a chance to make a name for yourself? Makes me sick!” He pointed an accusatory finger at one boy whose face drained of blood and eyes widened. “Why’d you join lad?”
The boy gulped and stammered out slowly, “I-I… I heard where we are going there are elf girls who find soldiers attractive and throw themselves at him!”
Adamaeus gave a laugh, cold and brittle. “Elf women would sooner slit your throat then look at you! And those who do decide to bed a human, though why they would choose a scrawny lad like yourself I couldn’t fathom, they’d kill you in your sleep and steal everything they can from you just to fetch some more gold!” He turned away from the boy and pointed to an old man. Unlike the boy the man stuck out his chin and locked his gaze with the General. Adamaeus was impressed. “You, old man, why’d you join?”
“Lord General, I am nearing the end of my days on this plane. My children have left the home to find wealth in the far reaches of our realm, my wife of sixty winters died last summer. I guess, as you get as old as I am, you find you need to go out with a bang and this is how I figure I could go out.” He said, never breaking contact with Adamaeus.
“Admirable,” He said with an appreciative nod. Looking to the rest of them he called forth clearly. “The next twelve weeks of training will be the most grueling and troubling times you will ever have! It would make the Nine Hells seem like a skip through a field with nymphs! I will see to it personally that you go to bed in pain and wake up in pain! That when you eat there is the chance that you could be attacked! Now, whoever wants to leave can.” He waited for three minutes, seeing that nobody seemed to want to leave he nodded, “Good, good, just as I expected. Get yourself to the armory; Quartermaster Gazrig will supply you with training armor and weapons. Dismissed.” As he watched the troops file out he sighed. “Grand Chancellor, it seems my veterans and I will have a tough time ahead of us.” He turned, facing the man who had just appeared to join the General. “Tasan has probably allotted a large enough army to rival our own; we may have to reach out into mercenary groups.”
The Grand Chancellor gave a sardonic chuckle, “Dear General, we have reached out to many of the mercenary groups, beast tribes, and even to a former, ahem, acquaintance of yours.” Grand Chancellor Chavend differed greatly from the general. His age was plain, with a heavy lined face and a completely hairless head. He stood almost six feet tall and wore dark black robes with a golden tabard across his chest; the signet of Manafar also showed on this, yet the lion seemed to live. More elaborate golden shoulders decorated him, showing he was of the ruling class of Manafar. Placing spidery fingers together he waited for the General’s reaction.
“Acquaintance? Hmm, the last acquaintance I had was that wizard fellow. Zabraf or Zargis...” he muttered, trying to remember the name but frowning as he couldn’t.
“Zahmed, Lord General. The wizard was named Zahmed. But now he seems to prefer a different name. One you’ve probably only heard in whispers. The Lord Lich Coldheart.” The Grand Chancellor said softly, waiting once again.
Adamaeus’ eyes widened. “That old fool became the most powerful lich to ever appear upon the face of the realm?!” He shouted his face pale, the General had never been afraid before in his life, this was new to him. “He promised to kill me after his dying breath, did the old buzzard forget about that?”
Chavend gave a chuckle, a mirthless smile spreading across his face. “He hasn’t forgotten you Adamaeus, but he has found, or so he told me, that petty revenge against a man of your… intellect is barely worth his time.” He watched the fear turn to anger on the General’s face. “Seeing as you have dealt with him the most, I found it fitting for you to be the ambassador for us to secure his help in our little war against Tasan.”
Adamaeus glared gave a loud snort and nodded his head, “When do I leave to go to Frostwind Manor?” He questioned softly, anger tinged below the faux calm he exhibited.
“Immediately, preferably.” Chavend said, motioning for the squat warrior to follow him as he started walking. Subtly guiding the annoyed General toward the stables. “The faster we secure his aid in this conflict, the quicker we know Tasan will fall and we shall have much of the land.”
“Much?” He questioned, looking up at the tall, gaunt, man with a quizzical look. “You mean all don’t you?”
“Ah, no. You see, being a being of undeath he no longer has the need for material possessions such as gems and coin. His demands were simple, and manageable. For his aide in this conflict he wants forty percent of the Tasan territory, as well as fifty percent of the population. Why, you don’t need to know and I didn’t want to know, but that hardly matters now.” Turning to see the General angrier than before, he gave a cold chuckle, “Now saddle up General, and ride off to get the aide of the Lich Lord of Frostwind Manor!”
Adamaeus blinked and stared at the Chancellor with hate. “One of these days Chavend, you’ll push me to far, and I might have to have one of my veterans-“
“Careful! General, careful. The water you tread is deeper than you think. For every veteran you have I have one who can match or triumph upon your soldier. As well, you should know that what you were about to say speaks treason against the Kingdom of Manafar.”
“Oh yes treason, wouldn’t plotting against the last Grand Chancellor to secure a seat and the ear of the throne be considered treason as well?” He questioned a dark twinkle in his eyes.
An amused grin spread across Chavend’s face, “So you have played your trump card already? That was a foolish move General, very foolish-“
“Chavend, I haven’t even thought to use my trump card yet. You need to learn that not all who stand before you are as weak-minded as you wish to believe.” He started to ride away before calling back, “Also, never underestimate a great tactician and General!” Then he vanished through the heavy gates of Manafar, riding to Frostwind Manor.
~~~
General Nadira grumbled angrily as she bustled along quickly. The dwarf was beautiful; she stood a little taller than most dwarves and was slighter of build instead of the stockier tendencies dwarves held. She had long red hair, made into thousands of braids tied together with gems and gold. She wore steel and gold battle armor with a soaring eagle on the chest, the signet of Tasan, as well as a black anvil with a hammer striking it, the arms of Clan Ironshield. Her eyes were a bright green, and rimmed dark with a bit of make-up. A great war-axe was strapped across her back, the head forged of adamantium and mithril that had been melted together and forged. “Do this General Nadira, train them General Nadira. Doesn’t anyone know that we are on the verge of war and I should be in War Council with the other leaders of this army!? And what is there excuse to why I can’t join them?! That I am a woman! I who helped defeat the Lord Blackgrim on the steps to the Grand Seat, while I protected that worthless lout Jean from those mutated orcs! Why that little worm, I should’ve broken his legs when he took all the glory and became the famous Champion of Tasan!” As she took a sharp turn heading for the barracks she heard a laugh. “Speak of the flea bitten mutt now…”
Jean grinned as he dropped down beside her, the tall half-orc was still young, no growth of a beard on his face. His skin had a pale-green coloring to it, and his long dark hair hung in a wild mane that framed his face. His left eye was a deep red, while his right was a soft sky blue. Tiny tusks poked out of his lower jaw, showing he shared his father’s elven traits more so than his mother’s orcish ones. Armor of light chain mail and studded leather covered his body, preferring the easier movement to plate. Two curving blades rested on his hips, their edge gleamed with a slight green with poison. “Why my dear Nadira, you wound me with your hateful talk! It is not my fault that they recognized me for killing the Daemon lord, and protecting King Feryn from the monster!”
“But you could have said something about how I and the others helped you,” As she spoke of their friends her anger slowly diffused, and she watched Jean’s normally cheery look fall away into one of thoughtful sorrow. “They were good friends, huh?” She said softly.
Jean nodded, “The best I’ve ever known.” He murmured, “They would be glad to know their sacrifice at the Gates of Grakamond wasn’t in vain. Though I wish they had been there when Blackgrim fell.” He looked to Nadira and gave a somber smile, “But life goes on, huh?”
Nadira gave a nod, “So, have you been following me all this time then?” She questioned, her hard-edged tone returning.
“I came in about the time you said ‘I should’ve broken his legs when he took all the glory and became the famous Champion of Tasan!’” He gave her a disarming grin, “Don’t worry, I would’ve wanted to break my legs too if I was in your place.”
“… Just shut up.” She grumbled, looking away as they drew near the barracks.
“As you wish, oh loveliest gem in the coal!” He said, giving a deep bow.
“Keep flapping that tongue of yours with all that flattering, and you might find it on the ground with me laughing as you can speak no longer!” She said with an icy tone.
“Someone is mad today…” He said in a sing-song voice, dodging a quick punch from her with a laugh. “I’ll quiet myself now Nadira, don’t worry.” He gave her a wide grin.
“Remind me to hurt you after this war is over.”
“Dually noted.” He murmured.
Jean and Nadira had arrived at the training grounds for the Tasan recruits. He acknowledged a few cheers from the assembled recruits, his cheeks turning a dark green from embarrassment. "Are you going to be the one training us sir?" One young man cried, his eyes sparkling and a wide smile crossing his features.
"Ah.. uh, no. No the strong and wise General Nadira will be." Jean said slowly, indicating Nadira who was near him. "Besides, not only could she drop me within two seconds of a fight, but I am also more of a skirmisher, you are here to be trained as soldiers, which is what Nadira specializes in!" He said, giving a nervous grin.
~~This is the end of Jean's segment, now it shall be the focus of Manafar~~
Adamaeus felt the surge of magic before he realized that he had been given an Arcdale. A magically bred horse that could slip through the smallest vortex's that naturally opened within the world to get to a destination faster than normal, so eight-hundred miles could be covered in but a few seconds.
He didn't want to get to Frostwind faster.
Soon, he felt the sickening twist and pull of the Arcdale's power, and he was riding full force toward the opening gates of Frostwind Manor. A deathly chill filled the air, and with each breath rider and mount took, the steam froze, falling to the ground like snow. "Damn magic," he rumbled, riding through the gates which closed slowly.
As he slowed his mount inside he looked around, and grimaced. Upon the walls crouched what looked to be statues, but he knew the gargoyles were just waiting for the word of binding to be broken and set upon attackers. Grisly weapons, and trophies, were clutched in the monsters' grasp. Next he saw the skeletons that walked by the gargoyles, the undead sentries holding longbows with arrows strung and ready to fire.
More sites greeted him, standing as still as stone were zombies, armor covered the corpses, and weapons were held in hand. Each grouping of zombies had a commander for them, a monstrous ghoul loped along in front of them, the beasts were growling and snarling in a language only the dead would know.
Adamaeus almost jumped as he saw the first living resident of Frostwind Manor, though the boy looked as dead as any of the beasts he had seen so far. "Shall I take your mount to the stables, Lord General Adamaeus?" He droned, his voice hollow.
"That would be fine," Adamaeus muttered, unmounting and climbing down to the ground. Turning to face ahead again, he jumped and stared at the figure that hovered infront of him. He regained his composure and a scowl appeared across his face, "Still having to rely on surprise to take your enemies Zahmed?" He growled at the lich.
Enough flesh remained upon the hovering form for it to grin, ghastly as it was. "Why Lieutenant Adamaeus, it is so good to see you again after all these years." Enough remained of the liches human side for contempt to flare in his voice. "Or is it Lord General now? Ah, how the passing of time escapes me."
"Yes, but nothing can compare to how good it felt to bash open your chest with my flail and rip out your heart as you breathed your daming words." Adamaeus said casually, a grin as wicked as the liches on his face. "Surprinsgly enough, it was your death that got me this promotion. You know, betrayal to the crown and all of that can get a soldier a quick promotion."
The dessicated flesh around the lips of Coldheart twitched some. "Yes, well. Shall I show you what the Grand Chancellor is procuring my aid for? Or did you just come here to reminisce about you killing me?"
"Both," Adamaeus said easily as the lich started off. "Besides, isn't it fun to share stories?" He said with a wicked smirk.
"Well if it's stories you want. Remember that lovely wife of yours?" Without waiting for Adamaeus' acknowledgment he continued, "She left you for me, and I daresay she preferred me in some aspects of love over you." Hearing a barely contained beastial snarl gave the lich a cold satisfaction. "Now, let us focus on the matter at hand. What you are receiving from my troops and myself for this little war of yours." The two had traveled just inside the Manor home when the world spun and they were on iron crosswalks.
Sounds and sights that would drive a priest into a suicide plagued the room, and even though he had seen and heard so much in war time, Adamaeus vomitted all he had eaten that day.
"Yes, the normal reaction to all those new to this." Coldheart said, a dark chuckle in his voice.
~~~
“Grand Chancellor! Grand Chancellor Chavend!” Cried a voice, a young soldier rushing into the grand room of Chavend without even knocking, blushing he quickly closed his eyes and turned his head, seeing a young woman half naked on the desk. “I-I-I am sorry for interrupting!” He said quickly.
Chavend gave a sigh and waved a hand, the girl running by the young soldier, but not without making him even more embarrassed as she accidentally dropped the clothes she had been carrying. When she had left Chavend cleared his throat some, “Now, what is so important that you interrupt me and my… ah, advisor in the middle of a very important meeting?” He asked, his eyes literally burning with fire.
The soldier stuttered, not out of embarrassment, but fear. “G-G-General Adamaeus approaches from th-th-the North, and a dark cold follows on his heels. Should we prepare for an assault?” He questioned. The smile Chavend gave sent deeper chills along the spine of the young man than his fiery gaze ever could.
Laying his long spidery fingers upon the lad’s shoulder, he said slowly. “What is your name lad?” He questioned softly.
“B-B-Barthal, My Lord.”
“Do you have any friend here lad?”
He looked down, “None, My Lord.”
Chavend nodded, and with a thought he incinerated the soldier, leaving a pile of ashes on the ground. “Too bad you learned to late to knock before entering my domain.” He said, stepping over the pile of ashes and walking out of his office, then castle, then into the courtyard. “Open the gates for the Lord General and our new allies!” He barked at the gate guards who hurried to comply.
The gate opened with a low drone and through charged Adamaeus, “Ah, Lord General so nice to-“
“SHUT YER BLOODY MOUTH!” Adamaeus shouted, leaping from his horse and stomping over to Chavend. “You give me an Arcdale even though you know I loathe magical transportation! You send me alone into a pit of horrors that passes for a house by that mad man!-“
“Lich.”
“But even worse you knew who was there!” He snarled angrily.
“I told you it was Lord Coldheart’s manor.” Chavend said with a frown.
“Not him, her.” Adamaeus said darkly. Stalking through the gates was an amazingly beautiful woman, her skin was as white as the moon, and her eyes were as red as blood. When she grinned long canines showed. A vampiress. Dalifa had a long black dress with the front cut very low and the hem split up just short enough so not everything was exposed.
“Why Adamaeus, you don’t miss your lovely wife?” She cooed, seeming to flow over to him and twine her arms and legs about his small frame from behind. “You wound me Adamaeus.” She said mournfully.
“Dalifa, don’t make me bash your face in again.” He said darkly.
“We already saw back at the manor that that won’t work.” She said with a giggle, loosening her from him, “Now, I need to find a young soldier.” She murmured, vanishing before Adamaeus could shout at her.
Chavend blinked, “I see being a vampire has changed her somewhat.” He murmured, completely surprised she had been at the Manor.
“Ya... she used to go after the veterans.” Adamaeus rumbled, he turned his head toward the gates as the army arrived fully. Creatures of undeath, things of nightmare, and monsters of the fell poured through the gates, all headed by Lord Coldheart.
The lich hovered over to Chavend, the two locking gazes with hard glares. Adamaeus watched with mild interest, finding the hatred between the two mages almost amusing. “Grand Chancellor Chavend, I have come with the army I promised you. Just let me know when we leave and my forces will move out.” He turned without anything more and vanished. To where was obvious, some magic brought with the army had caused a floating building to appear, it looked much like the Manor except larger. The forces moved in eagerly, unspoken commands telling them they would stay here.
~~Dalifa will be seen later~~
Adamaeus grumbled as he and Chavend walked through the long hallways of the castle. "You plan to do this on the verge of war then?" He asked the tall mage.
"It is the perfect thing to ignite the emotions of the people, get them roused fully against Tasan, and that is all I truly have in mind with this ploy." Chavend said, a ghost of a smile decorating his face.
"The fact you ascend to King, seeing as the fool has yet to marry, is just a side benefit?" He said sharply, his eyes narrowing to slits.
Chavend gave a hoarse laugh, "My dear General! I have been running this Kingdom behind that worthless brat since he became King! His death and my ascension would just give me a new crown, if you don't mind the pun." He said with a full smile that was anything but friendly.
Adamaeus sighed, "Very well. How are we going to give proof to the people that it was Tasani elves that killed him and not you?" He asked softly.
"Ah, well I will rush in to rescue him, but too late. But just in time to slay the fiends that did away with our poor king. Where upon the ashes of one elf shall be on the floor, only a Tasani insignia having survived my spell."
"Where are you going to get ashes that are the same consistency as human ones?" He questioned, now slightly worried about being close to the Grand Chancellor.
"Oh yes, I meant to tell you. I had to teach one of your soldiers a lesson about knocking before enterring. Sadly he did not make it out alive to learn from his mistake." He gave a shrug, "Seemed like an idiot anyway."
"We have a use for idiots in the army though! It's called cannon fodder!" He snarled angrily, but shrugged it away. "Very well then, proceed with your plan. The house guards and the soldiers will not interfere with it." He said simply.
"Thank you Lord General." Chavend said with that same wicked smile as he twisted off and away. Heading toward the throne room.
~~More when I get to it~~
