Gods & Men: The Ancient Myths: Chapter 1 IC Thread

[Byrd Man]

"It shall not be far until the road leads us to Thebes," he muttered to the person sitting next to him.

"You speak true, friend. Based on my estimates, by mid-day tomorrow we shall be in Thebes." The Docktore said as he searched through his worn out travel bag.

"I thought that, while we rest, I would entertain you with some of my theories and ideas."

He pulls out a leather-bound book and starts to flip through the crinkled pages.

"For instance, I know it is the common belief that our world is flat. But based on my studies of the night sky and lay of the land, our world is not flat. It is round, almost like an egg in shape. Also, based on stories from sailors and navigators, I believe there is another land beyond the seas of Gaul. This new world lays untamed and ripe for exploration. In fact, I had been visting kingdoms in an effort to form an exploration party to seek out these new lands....but so far, none have taken me up on that offer."

He stops looking through the book and looks up as his companions, who all remain silent.

"Sorry, I do have a habit of talking too much."

 

[Catman_prb]

"An...egg, you say, master alchemist?" Kelvamin said, nodding weakly bearing in mind that he had given him the sword now strapped to his back "That's an interesting concept..."

 

[twylight]

:heart:

 

[twylight]

After they'd chosen to rest for the evening, Aithne allowed Brion to be dismissed, before laying out her bedding. It wasn't much and she'd grown used to sleeping on the ground the past few weeks, however just sitting was restful. She sat and played with a chain of water she'd collected, it's form moving and shifting in front of her as she listened to the Docktore. She tilted her head; flat, round? She'd never thought the world was really either, in fact, she didn't remember anyone conversing about the shape of the earth.

She did however know there was a land to the west; Tir na nOg, but it was inhabited and had been for many generations. Could there be other lands out there? She didn't doubt it. Her father had often mentioned sailing further out into the ocean. Dispersing her chain she rose.

"Please excuse me, I need to go for a short walk." She raised her hand before any could speak.
"I won't go far." before she turned and walked from the men.

The countryside was different here, much different from home, but she could still feel the familiar sensation of water around her. Finding a spot close to the camp, but far enough away they couldn't bother her, she sat down and focused. Mentally she visualized a twisted strand of blue. She'd been told everyone sees their power differently in their mind. In hers, she saw threads, strands, not unlike the woolen yarn her mother used in weaving. Reaching into the mental skein, she gently moved the strands.
Outwardly, a shield formed around her. Small at first she gently grew it, holding it at intervals with concentration. Once she'd reached it as far as she could go, about 10 feet she focused on the tinier strands, braiding them around the larger one.

The air temperature plummeted as the water froze around her, encasing her in a thin layer of ice. Gently she slowly layered more and more water on it, freezing it as she went. Once it was as thick as she wanted she gently released the strand, breathing deeply from the mental exertion.

She looked up and around her at the construct. Freezing water was the only time she could let her concentration go once she'd created it. Sitting down she brought her cloak around her tightly in the cold and reviewed the lesson's Aad had given her.

Tendrils, she'd often formed them on her own at home, to reach tall objects or to tease the children. He'd wanted her to focus on creating spears, or using them as swords, easily enough done. The one thing she needed to practice and that she'd no, was the smaller levels of control. She could do it in healing, but Aad had suggested something far more gruesome, yet she knew it was practical to learn. To control a being through the water in their bodies. Freezing, or pulling the water form them would work.

Aithne shivered from the cold and the thought. She'd have to do it at some point.
Concentrating, the ice cracked loudly, the inside of the shield formed spikes, shrinking the size of it, the ice spikes came closer to her at a rapid pace, just before they touched she shattered the strand and the ice turned to water in and instant, creating a floating sphere in front of her. Standing she put her hand under the orb and bit her lip. Perhaps she should ask one of the men to go with her to hunt.

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"You speak true, friend. Based on my estimates, by mid-day tomorrow we shall be in Thebes." The Docktore said as he searched through his worn out travel bag.

"I thought that, while we rest, I would entertain you with some of my theories and ideas."

He pulls out a leather-bound book and starts to flip through the crinkled pages.

"For instance, I know it is the common belief that our world is flat. But based on my studies of the night sky and lay of the land, our world is not flat. It is round, almost like an egg in shape. Also, based on stories from sailors and navigators, I believe there is another land beyond the seas of Gaul. This new world lays untamed and ripe for exploration. In fact, I had been visting kingdoms in an effort to form an exploration party to seek out these new lands....but so far, none have taken me up on that offer."

He stops looking through the book and looks up as his companions, who all remain silent.

"Sorry, I do have a habit of talking too much."

Rothgar raised an eyebrow as he looked quizzically at the Docktore.

"A new land you say? Pardon me when I say I'm a disbeliever", Rothgar nodded respectively.

"Though I have heard tales of a Norseman explorer who had found a strange new world out across the sea."

"But that's all they are", Rothgar stated, dismissively.
"Old stories meant to dazzle the young and encourage the spirit of adventure."

 

[Catman_prb]

Kelvamin excused himself from the circle of men, gathering up the warm cloak around his shoulders. He walked for a few minutes, and saw what he had expected to find. Aithne standing in a clearing looking penseive. He made to approach the little figure, but as he watched water rose out of the ground around her to form a shield. He raised an eyebrow and watched with a professional air as she froze it to form an effective barrier.

Aithne shivered from the cold and the thought. She'd have to do it at some point.
Concentrating, the ice cracked loudly, the inside of the shield formed spikes, shrinking the size of it, the ice spikes came closer to her at a rapid pace, just before they touched she shattered the strand and the ice turned to water in and instant, creating a floating sphere in front of her. Standing she put her hand under the orb and bit her lip. Perhaps she should ask one of the men to go with her to hunt.

"Very impressive," he said as he approached her, his breath fogging in front of him in the cold air.

"I was always taught to be fearful of magic as a boy. My tribe was one of the more supersticious ones," Kelvamin admitted with a sheepish smile "Though my mentor insisted there was nothing to be afraid of. One of his old travelling companions was a man named Hendrick and he could control the elements much as you do - though he had dominion over fire,"

"You must be cold," he said, frowning at the girl's pale face and slight form. He unclasped his cloak and placed it around her shoulders, wincing as he scraped over his burnt back.

"My magic is much less imposing unfortunately," the swordsman said "If I focus, I can move myself instantly up to a short range. My mentor called it 'blinking'. It is very tiring,"

 

[Johnny Blaze]

Charaun made his way through the streets of Munich. It had been six days since his armies had wiped out all opposition, and just yesterday he had raised the Munich dead to further bolster the ranks of his armies.

Within the week all of Southern Germania would be in his control. Moving into the mayor's manor, Charaun made his way into a ornately decorated den where Hilarion and Victor stood.

"My lord", bowed Victor as the lich came to stand before them.
Charaun paid him no heed as he focused on his general.

"Hilarion, what news of the resistance from the outlying villages?"



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



"Mmmmm...you're good", smiled the soldier in ecstasy as he sat on the roughly made bed. The slender, naked body of Kallisto pressed up against his back as her hand gently found it's way under his loincloth.

"Oh...your cold, love", he shuddered a bit, but soon found her sweet kisses on his shoulder and neck took away all questions.

"So...what's it like being a guard for the Emperor", she purred to him as she nibbled on his ear.

"It definitely has it's perks", the soldier smiled.
"You get invited to all the great parties, get treated with respect wherever you go..."

"Still", Kallisto said as she grabbed his hand in hers and brought his down to caress her leg.
"It can't all be fun and games."

"No", the Soldier leaned back and kissed her softly on her breast.
"We have to be ready at all times. Even when we're off duty we can be called back. And we get stuck with having to accompany him on diplomatic missions and other boring affairs."

Kallisto laughed in delight as she caressed the back of his head, pushing his face deeper in between her bosom.

"Sounds positively dreadful", she cooed as she gently dug her nails into his back.

"It is. Why, tomorrow we have to escort the Emperor to the Senate for a special council."

"Really?"

"Yes", he answered as she slithered around behind him, never once taking her caressing hands off of his body.
"Seems that there's some foul business going on in Germania. Bunch of Roman allies are forming a military alliance to meet it head on. The Emperor is meeting with the Senate at midday to talk about sending our own military support to the cause."

"Mmmm...thank you, my love", Kallisto whispered in his ear as she pressed herself up against his back.

The soldier gave a surprised yelp as Kallisto sunk her fangs into his bare neck. She wrapped her legs around his waist like a vice, digging her clawed fingers into his arms.

He tried his best to shake the demon woman off of him, but her strength was too great.

Soon his struggling ceased, and the soldier's body hit the floor with a thud.
Kallisto rose to her feet, blood running down her chin and her voluptuous chest.

She casually went about cleaning herself up and putting on her clothes. She went about taking off the blood-stained linens and wrapped them up with the dead soldier inside the large rug on the floor.
With a strength defiant to her small frame, Kallisto easily hefted the rolled up body over her shoulder and sneaked off into the night...

 

[Byrd Man]

Rothgar raised an eyebrow as he looked quizzically at the Docktore.

"A new land you say? Pardon me when I say I'm a disbeliever", Rothgar nodded respectively.

"Though I have heard tales of a Norseman explorer who had found a strange new world out across the sea."

"But that's all they are", Rothgar stated, dismissively.
"Old stories meant to dazzle the young and encourage the spirit of adventure."

"I see how it is." The Docktore says with a slight chuckle as he warms his hands by the fire.

"I do appreciate skepticism to a certain degree, Master Skullsplitter. But I hope to prove you wrong some day, perhaps you may even join me on my journey to this new world."

The scientist smiles to himself as he stands up.

"I believe I have bored you all enough with my stories tonight. I shall take my leave until morning."

With that, he turns and leaves the party behind, heading back into his wagon.

 

[Byrd Man]

Charaun made his way through the streets of Munich. It had been six days since his armies had wiped out all opposition, and just yesterday he had raised the Munich dead to further bolster the ranks of his armies.

Within the week all of Southern Germania would be in his control. Moving into the mayor's manor, Charaun made his way into a ornately decorated den where Hilarion and Victor stood.

"My lord", bowed Victor as the lich came to stand before them.
Charaun paid him no heed as he focused on his general.

"Hilarion, what news of the resistance from the outlying villages?"

"Resistance is low, my lord." Hilarion said with a bow.

"A few of my troops are at a small village two miles out of town, they ride back tonight at sunset. With the extra men you have given us, we shall be ready to ride North tomorrow."

"Tell him where we will ride next, General."

"Thank you, Victor. My lord, what do you think of the kingdom of Düsseldorf? It lies near the river Rhine. When we take it, Germania will fall like a stone."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"I see how it is." The Docktore says with a slight chuckle as he warms his hands by the fire.

"I do appreciate skepticism to a certain degree, Master Skullsplitter. But I hope to prove you wrong some day, perhaps you may even join me on my journey to this new world."

"I'll tell you what", Rothgar chuckles as he takes a swig of mead from his waterskin.
"If you actually can prove this "New World" exists, I will be the first to join you on your journey."

The scientist smiles to himself as he stands up.

"I believe I have bored you all enough with my stories tonight. I shall take my leave until morning."

With that, he turns and leaves the party behind, heading back into his wagon.

Rothgar yawned and carefully rose to his feet.
"I think it's time I retired as well."

"Don't stay up past your bedtime now", Rothgar laughed as he hobbled into the woods.
"We have a long day ahead of us."

Rothgar found a tiny clearing a few hundred feet in, with an open roof allowing the grass to be illuminated by starlight.

Rothgar relaxed as he propped himself up against a tree, leaning tireless Banahogg across his lap.
He always felt at peace out here, alone with nature. Ever since he was a boy, he had been trained in the arts of a ranger, a man of the wild. He's spent more nights out under the moon and stars than he has in beds.
And when he was hurt, the beauty of it all seemed to be therapeutic to him. It was as though being out in the wilderness seemed to vitalize him.

Rothgar yawned loudly as he rested his head against the bark of the small oak tree, and fell to sleep.

 

[wiegeabo]

My wagon travels smoothly over the well worn road. We're still far from Thebes, but making good time. My companion's kept blissfully quiet on the trip, and Pyrist is resting in the back. He's slept much of the time these last days, but it's understandable. He is no longer a young man, and keeping a barrier up for over a day would drain even the strongest.

As for me, I've kept to myself. My thoughts have been tied up with the knowledge the crossroads demon gave me, and my own conflict between fighting and running for safety. The only thing that keeps me going is the idea that, if the lich-king isn't stopped, there will be no safe place to run towards.

I hear a caw above me and look in time to see a raven land on the wagon. In nearly all my journeys, the arrival of a Raven is an omen. Although, for half the cultures it is a harbinger of doom, and the other half a portent of good days ahead. I idly wonder which this bird represents.

The bird shifts it's head side to side, seemingly examining me. Then it caws again and hops back in my wagon. "Hey!" I shout, taking a swing at it, but missing badly.

I hear a few more soft sounds from the bird in the back, and could swear there was whispering as well. I pull on the reigns, bringing the horses to a stop so I can see what's going on back there. But just as we stop, the bird flies out, narrowly missing my head as it darts away. Pyrist crawls forward as well, joining me at the front of my wagon.

"I've just received a message."

"From the bird?"

"It was sent by one of my friends in the Deutsch lands. Another priest."

"...And?"

"The lich's forces have attacked Munich."

I exhale slowly. "How did they get from Athens to Germania so quickly?!"

"The lich's army are already dead. They feel no injury, nor need to stop for rest. They can travel three times faster than any other army and still be ready for battle."

"Then we are shorter on time than we believed." I think for a few seconds. "How rested are you?"

"Rested enough. Why?"

I snap the reigns harshly, spurring my horses into a run. Pyrist loses his balance for a moment, and I whip the reigns again, forcing them to run faster. "Keep the horses healed for as long as you can. I have a feeling we have no more time to spare."

 

[trustyside-kick]

Some people would call me a scholar, but I just choose wisely with my words. Others would call me a man of god, a preacher. I have my beliefs, and fear the Almighty for his presence is indeed here, but I do not praise him. Many would go to call me a prophet, believing that my stories fortell possible future events, but I merely re-tell tales of the past, no trickery in this.

I am none of these. So who am I? That matters not. I am untamable, bearing ties to no one. My alliegance lies not with the elves, nor the dwarves, nor even the humans. My heritage, bears little, next to no importance in why I am here. I have been away from home, for so long, after I have told my tale, you too will have forgotten me, for I will not be here afterwards. I am a recluse. I am a hermit. I am a nomad. I am an outcast. But you may call me Caed.

***

Caed remains silent amongst the group as they discuss their theories on the shape of this world. Whether this world was in the form of a square, egg, rectangle, triangle, or orb mattered little to Caed. He never cared before, and that surely has not changed.

Digging beneath his tunic, with one hand he gently rubs a hidden object, closing his eyes. It is precious to him and as he rubs it, memories of the past form in his mind. He's carried this item with him for a long time...often time wondering why. Now he understands why.

When the Lich-King falls, so shall Caed. It is finally time. He can finally sleep the endless sleep and be at peace once this last horror is taken away from this world.
​

The scientist smiles to himself as he stands up.

"I believe I have bored you all enough with my stories tonight. I shall take my leave until morning."

With that, he turns and leaves the party behind, heading back into his wagon.

Spotting the Doktore heading to his wagon, Caed starts to follow, picking u a piece of wood and taking out a carving knife. He starts to chip away at the little piece of wood, staring at the object he carves as he speaks.

"Do you sleep well most nights, Doktore?"

 

[Byrd Man]

​

Spotting the Doktore heading to his wagon, Caed starts to follow, picking u a piece of wood and taking out a carving knife. He starts to chip away at the little piece of wood, staring at the object he carves as he speaks.

"Do you sleep well most nights, Doktore?"

"Ahh, yes. Especially if I have a saucy wench in my bed....but why do you ask, music man?"

 

[trustyside-kick]

Some people would call me a scholar, but I just choose wisely with my words. Others would call me a man of god, a preacher. I have my beliefs, and fear the Almighty for his presence is indeed here, but I do not praise him. Many would go to call me a prophet, believing that my stories fortell possible future events, but I merely re-tell tales of the past, no trickery in this.

I am none of these. So who am I? That matters not. I am untamable, bearing ties to no one. My alliegance lies not with the elves, nor the dwarves, nor even the humans. My heritage, bears little, next to no importance in why I am here. I have been away from home, for so long, after I have told my tale, you too will have forgotten me, for I will not be here afterwards. I am a recluse. I am a hermit. I am a nomad. I am an outcast. But you may call me Caed.

***

Finally finished with smoothing out the rough surface of wild piece of wood, Caed looks into the eyes of the Doktore as he is about to give his answer.
​

"Ahh, yes. Especially if I have a saucy wench in my bed....but why do you ask, music man?"

Almost as though he is entranced by his carving and not at all interested as he asks his Italian comrade, Caed looks back at his piece or art and continues to carve his small piece of wood. It finally starts to begin to take shape, and Caed speaks once more, smirking at the wench comment.

"Curious...is all. And what do you often find yourself dreaming of? A peaceful tomorrow? An adventure full of thrills and excitement? Or a fantasy full of pure ecstasy and pleasure?"

 

[Byrd Man]

Almost as though he is entranced by his carving and not at all interested as he asks his Italian comrade, Caed looks back at his piece or art and continues to carve his small piece of wood. It finally starts to begin to take shape, and Caed speaks once more, smirking at the wench comment.

"Curious...is all. And what do you often find yourself dreaming of? A peaceful tomorrow? An adventure full of thrills and excitement? Or a fantasy full of pure ecstasy and pleasure?"​

"If you must know, I dream of all those things. I am but a simple man, with simple wishes and desires. My dearest wish is to, as I said back at the fire, explore the unknown and mystery of the lands beyond the sea. I want to travel to those lands, and walk upon the virgin ground, knowing no other had come before me....And what about you, Minstrel? Since you are in such a quizitive mood, what do you dream of?"​

 

[trustyside-kick]

Some people would call me a scholar, but I just choose wisely with my words. Others would call me a man of god, a preacher. I have my beliefs, and fear the Almighty for his presence is indeed here, but I do not praise him. Many would go to call me a prophet, believing that my stories fortell possible future events, but I merely re-tell tales of the past, no trickery in this.

I am none of these. So who am I? That matters not. I am untamable, bearing ties to no one. My alliegance lies not with the elves, nor the dwarves, nor even the humans. My heritage, bears little, next to no importance in why I am here. I have been away from home, for so long, after I have told my tale, you too will have forgotten me, for I will not be here afterwards. I am a recluse. I am a hermit. I am a nomad. I am an outcast. But you may call me Caed.

***
​

Caed's wood finally starts to take an animal shape, resembling something that appears to walk on all fours, and has a very large body.

"If you must know, I dream of all those things. I am but a simple man, with simple wishes and desires. My dearest wish is to, as I said back at the fire, explore the unknown and mystery of the lands beyond the sea. I want to travel to those lands, and walk upon the virgin ground, knowing no other had come before me....And what about you, Minstrel? Since you are in such a quizitive mood, what do you dream of?"[/left]

"Nightmares...memories of the past that bring me great joy and memories of the past that cause me to shriek. It makes no difference really. When you have as many memories as I, well. In the end...they all turn into and become nightmares regardless."

Chipping away at the piece of wood, Caed blows on it, making one of the final cuts. He carries the carved piece of wood, and holds it before him with an outstretched arm. He catches the Doktore's attention as he too starts to stare at the craftwork.

"I'd rather dream about bears, though. Or being a bear really. Do you know why, Master Alchemist?"

 

[Byrd Man]

"Nightmares...memories of the past that bring me great joy and memories of the past that cause me to shriek. It makes no difference really. When you have as many memories as I, well. In the end...they all turn into and become nightmares regardless."

Chipping away at the piece of wood, Caed blows on it, making one of the final cuts. He carries the carved piece of wood, and holds it before him with an outstretched arm. He catches the Doktore's attention as he too starts to stare are the craftwork.

"I'd rather dream about bears, though. Or being a bear really. Do you know why, Master Alchemist?"​

"I don't know....are you a werebear like our Lion friend from Egypt?" The Docktore says with a chuckle.​

 

[trustyside-kick]

Some people would call me a scholar, but I just choose wisely with my words. Others would call me a man of god, a preacher. I have my beliefs, and fear the Almighty for his presence is indeed here, but I do not praise him. Many would go to call me a prophet, believing that my stories fortell possible future events, but I merely re-tell tales of the past, no trickery in this.

I am none of these. So who am I? That matters not. I am untamable, bearing ties to no one. My alliegance lies not with the elves, nor the dwarves, nor even the humans. My heritage, bears little, next to no importance in why I am here. I have been away from home, for so long, after I have told my tale, you too will have forgotten me, for I will not be here afterwards. I am a recluse. I am a hermit. I am a nomad. I am an outcast. But you may call me Caed.

***
​

The more Caed stares at the inanimate, wooden carved object, the more his eyes start to swell up with tears. He fights them back, wiping them and taking another glance at the beautifully crafted piece of wood.

"I don't know....are you a werebear like our Lion friend from Egypt?" The Docktore says with a chuckle.[/left]

"No. I am but a humble bard, though I once had the ferocity that perhaps could match any werebear. I've always admired the Druid Order of Olde of the Celtic lands who had such an ability though. Much like their bear brethren, they would going into a deep slumber, entering a realm full of endless dreaming."

Caed almost lifts up the wooden bear as though it was soaring through the air. Simply showing his fascination and emphasizing the desire to enter a long sleep.

"And that is what I find so fascinating about bears. Hibernation."

"They cause their body temperatures to drop to a near ambient and they even cause their heart rates to purposely slow down so drastically. Yet their body temperature only drops but a few degrees as they hibernate during the cold winter. They prepare themselves so well for when winter comes. I long for the time to come when I too can prepare and hibernate."

Caed sets down the carved piece of wood shaped like a bear on the top of a rock nearby. He keeps his back facing the Doktore, his eyes staring deeply at the small chiseled piece of wood.

"I long for my long Winter."

 

[Byrd Man]

​

The more Caed stares at the inanimate, wooden carved object, the more his eyes start to swell up with tears. He fights them back, wiping them and taking another glance at the beautifully crafted piece of wood.

"No. I am but a humble bard, though I once had the ferocity that perhaps could match any werebear. I've always admired the Druid Order of Olde of the Celtic lands who had such an ability though. Much like their bear brethren, they would going into a deep slumber, entering a realm full of endless dreaming."

Caed almost lifts up the wooden bear as though it was soaring through the air. Simply showing his fascination and emphasizing the desire to enter a long sleep.

"And that is what I find so fascinating about bears. Hibernation."

"They cause their body temperatures to drop to a near ambient and they even cause their heart rates to purposely slow down so drastically. Yet their body temperature only drops but a few degrees as they hibernate during the cold winter. They prepare themselves so well for when winter comes. I long for the time to come when I too can prepare and hibernate."

Caed sets down the carved piece of wood shaped like a bear on the top of a rock nearby. He keeps his back facing the Doktore, his eyes staring deeply at the small chiseled piece of wood.

"I long for my long Winter."

"Wait one second. Are you saying..." The Docktore lowers his voice as he looks around in the night for eavesdroppers.

"Are you saying you're immortal, like 'I will not age and, if nobody shall kill me, I will live forever and ever and ever' immortal? Or are you immortal in the sense that 'I am unstoppable and nothing can ever kill me or slow me down!' immortal?"

 

[trustyside-kick]

Some people would call me a scholar, but I just choose wisely with my words. Others would call me a man of god, a preacher. I have my beliefs, and fear the Almighty for his presence is indeed here, but I do not praise him. Many would go to call me a prophet, believing that my stories fortell possible future events, but I merely re-tell tales of the past, no trickery in this.

I am none of these. So who am I? That matters not. I am untamable, bearing ties to no one. My alliegance lies not with the elves, nor the dwarves, nor even the humans. My heritage, bears little, next to no importance in why I am here. I have been away from home, for so long, after I have told my tale, you too will have forgotten me, for I will not be here afterwards. I am a recluse. I am a hermit. I am a nomad. I am an outcast. But you may call me Caed.

***

Caed can sense that a man as intelligent as The Docktore would be able to fully understand the meaning behind his words. Such is the reason he does not jump or become surprised as his Italian comrade draws nearer.
​

"Wait one second. Are you saying..." The Docktore lowers his voice as he looks around in the night for eavesdroppers.

"Are you saying you're immortal, like 'I will not age and, if nobody shall kill me, I will live forever and ever and ever' immortal? Or are you immortal in the sense that 'I am unstoppable and nothing can ever kill me or slow me down!' immortal?"

"The first one...although, it's not entirely absolute. But that is for another time. It's a funny thing, you know. Immortality. So many man desire for it. They long for it. Many would kill for it; no matter the cost. But that is because they do not understand the true pain of said cost: abadonment."

Turning around, facing the alchemist, Caed places his hand upon The Docktore's shoulder.

"I did not seek it out, like many men would. I had no choice. The item...chose it for me. My greatest desire, without knowing it to be has become my greatest regret. But I now understand the true meaning behind why I have been cursed. To pay for my past sins. So I await for that day to come."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

After ten days of travel, the city of Thra'kt'tr stood before Cy-Spar. It's dark, craggy spires carved out of the rock were innately nauseating to Cy-Spar. It was though some mad alien intelligence had come and chaotically sliced into the stone to create bizarre structures.
And, in truth, it was. Nobody knew where the mind flayers race had come from. Rumors persist that they were refugees from some ancient, long forgotten plane of existence.
And, having known of Illithids and unfortunately having met some before, Cy-Spar decided he would not be surprised if that tale turned out to be true.

These truly were alien creatures who's thoughts and goals seemingly made no sense to rational races.

"Be on your guard, Cy-Spar", whispered the beautiful Jadzia as she moved to stand by her brother's side.
"These Illithids are unpredictable."

She was a shapely sight to behold. Enough to capture the lustful hearts of many men. But beneath that warm beauty was the cold, merciless heart of one of Lolth's clergy.

"We come to parlay, but they could just as easily try and take us."

"Do not worry, dear sister", Cy-Spar muttered as he watched as the stone gates to the city slowly opened.
"I am always on my guard."

A small contingent of the vile creatures made its way to stand before the drow.
The dark elves crossed their arms over their chest, their way of saying they come in peace by putting their hands away from the reach their weapons.

We know why you are hear, came the lead creature's voice there head.

"Then you realize we come with a proposal that will benefit both my House and your city's standing."

We know why you come...and what occured in the caverns two days ago, the creature said as it turned it's chilling eyes onto Cy-Spar.

Cy-Spar did not fold under the scrutiny of the creature. True, Illithids were powerful telepaths. But, thanks to the ring given to him by Abargandar that shielded his thoughts and protected his mind, he was not worried.

"I have no idea what you are talking about", Cy-Spar said coolly.

"I am certain", the mind flayer replied in a wet, raspy voice.

"Come...we shall listen to your proposal", the creature said as it led them into the city.

Cy-Spar felt increasingly uneasy as he got closer to the city. The stories of what happened to Illithid prisoners played through his mind as he stepped through the threshold and into the bizarre city.

And, as the stone gate closed loudly behind him, Cy-Spar silently wished he was somewhere else.

 

[twylight]

Kelvamin excused himself from the circle of men, gathering up the warm cloak around his shoulders. He walked for a few minutes, and saw what he had expected to find. Aithne standing in a clearing looking penseive. He made to approach the little figure, but as he watched water rose out of the ground around her to form a shield. He raised an eyebrow and watched with a professional air as she froze it to form an effective barrier.



"Very impressive," he said as he approached her, his breath fogging in front of him in the cold air.

"I was always taught to be fearful of magic as a boy. My tribe was one of the more superstitious ones," Kelvamin admitted with a sheepish smile "Though my mentor insisted there was nothing to be afraid of. One of his old travelling companions was a man named Hendrick and he could control the elements much as you do - though he had dominion over fire,"

"You must be cold," he said, frowning at the girl's pale face and slight form. He unclasped his cloak and placed it around her shoulders, wincing as he scraped over his burnt back.

"My magic is much less imposing unfortunately," the swordsman said "If I focus, I can move myself instantly up to a short range. My mentor called it 'blinking'. It is very tiring,"

"It iss a gift that's not readily given out, but one that is also not unusual in my land." she said, accepting the cloak. She noticed him wince and walked around him, laying on a thin sheet of water to alleviate the pain as they spoke.

Moving back around she paused at his comment on magic.
"Interesting, I have never heard of such magic, though I am sure there's a lot of magic I have not heard of. Most of us have elementally based magics." she said looking thoughtful.

"And then..barely any of us are taught more than basic defense, which we use against many different types of Sidhe from the Other World; mostly Sluagh." She looked at the globe of water she'd left floating in mid-air, before willing it to disperse.

"I had a travel companion before I reached Athens, a close friend of my fathers." she willed her voice steady at the thought of Aad.
"He was teaching me how to be more offensive in my skills." she looked at him and smiled. "That is why I came out here, to practice. But it's much harder holding up larger constructs, and making things move with deadly intent. I fear it will be some time before I am of any great use. Yours seems to be very useful, do you practice with it often?"

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Resistance is low, my lord." Hilarion said with a bow.

"A few of my troops are at a small village two miles out of town, they ride back tonight at sunset. With the extra men you have given us, we shall be ready to ride North tomorrow."

"Tell him where we will ride next, General."

"Thank you, Victor. My lord, what do you think of the kingdom of Düsseldorf? It lies near the river Rhine. When we take it, Germania will fall like a stone."

"You are correct, Hilarion", Charaun replies.
"Taking the Rhineland will be the next step towards my ultimate victory."

"The enemy will be ready for us this time", the lich continued.
"Spies have detected forces from Greece, Albion, and even the Norselands marching to meet us. We must take Düsseldorf quickly, and set the battlefield before they arrive."

 

[Johnny Blaze]

"Rothgar..."

"Rothgar..."

His eyes shot open and darted about the small clearing. Rothgar shot up to his feet, Banahogg clenched tightly in his hand.

"Who's there?"

Only the sound of the buzzing insects were there to answer him.

"Show yourself, stranger!"

It was then when Rothgar noticed he wasn't wearing any of the bandages anymore.

"Rothgar..."

The feminine voice was louder this time, but it resonated with authority and power. Almost like the rumbling of the Earth.

"My courageous Rothgar...a blight has fallen onto Midgard. The dead rise and make war with the living. They turn everything in their path to ruin. They are a pox that must be wiped from this world."

Rothgar sighed, realizing this for the dream it was, "Then perhaps you may be more helpful than the Norns. How do we stop this lich?"

"Go to the Rhineland, Rothgar. You will find the undead menace there, and all will be revealed."

"Excellent. You've been most helpful", Rothgar scoffed.

"Protect me, Rothgar", the voice said as it seemed to fade away.

"Protect me as I have protected you..."

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

Rothgar opened his eyes and looked around the still clearing.

Another dream.

With a sigh, he sat up from against the tree and got to his feet.
Yawning loudly, Rothgar stretched wide, awakening muscled and popping joints.

Strapping Banahogg back over his shoulder, Rothgar cracked his back...and that's when he realized that he wasn't feeling any pain.

Unraveling the bandages on his shoulder, Rothgar was astounded to see that the wound had healed into a scar.

Quickly removing the bandage covering his injured side, Rothgar was awestruck to see the exact same thing. The wound, although still bloody and fresh hours ago, was now completely healed.

"Well, this is new...", said a dumbfounded Rothgar as he stared at the scar on his ribs.

The sound of an animal walking through the grass in front of him snapped his head up from his thoughts.
Standing silently in front of him was a large wolf with a perfectly kept brown-gray coat.
The beast looked at Rothgar with it's green eyes, and the ranger bent down and stuck his hand out.

"Come on, little brother", whispered Rothgar in a calm voice.
"It's all right. I won't bite."

The wolf hesitated, but suddenly glided towards the Viking.

Rothgar chuckled as he pet the wolf as the animal licked his outstretched hand.

"You're a big one, aren't you", Rothgar smiled.
"And where is the rest of your pack? Where is your family, little brother?"

The wolf jerked back after the final word left Rothgar's mouth.

"What's wrong", asked the Norseman as he looked quizzically to the wolf.

The wolf whimpered and jerked back again, all the while staring right at Rothgar.

"What is it? What do you want to show me?"

The wolf turned and strode off into the tree line on the other side of the clearing.
The animal stopped just inside the trees as it looked back, waiting for Rothgar to follow.

The Viking looked back in the direction of his camp and then up to the night sky.
It would be a few hours until morning. Plenty of time to find out what the wolf wanted him to see.

"All right, little brother", Rothgar said as he followed the wolf into the wood.
"Lead the way."

 

[Optikal]

PREVIOUSLY:

Spoiler

Despite the pitch black darkness, Akanna had no problems picking his way through the night time forest. Drow as a species preferred the dark, the light of day causing them great hinderance. Picking his way through the thick undergroth Akanna stopped to listen. Through the patter of rain and the call of the occaisional animal Akanna heard a low rumbling. There were voices too, gruff voices with the air of desperation about them.

Akanna unsheathed his blade and made his way towards them.

***
​

In a small clearing, amongst the ruins of an old temple, three men stood, battered and bleeding, their weapons drawn. They were surrounding a huge beast, it's prodigious upper body resting upon powerful legs finishing in cloven hooves. It's head was bovine in shape, huge horns curling up from each side of its head. The eyes were dark, carrying the glint of intelligence. "COME AND LET ME SHOW YOU DEATH!" The beast roared. In it's hand he swung a dual bladed axe menacingly, daring one of the three to take a step closer.

One of the men, a stocky man in full armour leapt in, his war hammer swinging. The Minotaur swung around, it's axe blade glinting in the moonlight before burying itself in the warriors chest. As it did, a second man, a broadsword in hand leapt to the attack. The Minotaur tried to dodge the blow but was too slow. The broadsword slashed his arm, sending a spray of blood into the night.

The Minotaur let out a gutteral roar and left his axe in the chest of the first dead warrior, swinging upon and charging the second man. The sword wielder rolled on his shoulder, barely avoiding being gored on the beasts horns. The warrior was on his feet as the beast advanced in once more.

Off to one side, the third of the trio stood, a longwooden staff held out to the night. He whispered incantations as the end of his staff began to glow. Suddenly lightening pierced the clearing and struck the huge monster from its feet. The wizard stepped forth, his dark robes trailing in the sodden mud. His incantations were repeated as the snarling beast was once more brought to his knees with a powerful jolt.

The sword wielder moved in on the monster, his sword raised high into the night, held with both hands. "Time to die, monster" he snarled. Just as it was about to come down on the Minotaurs neck, a dark arrow flashed from the treeline, catching the warrior in the throat and kicking him back off his feet. As the warrior crashed into the mud, a dark shadow flashed across the treeline. The wizard spun trying to locate the source of the attack but his eyes could see little.

Suddenly he felt a whisper behind him, but before he could turn, his head spearated from his shoulders and his corpse crumpled to the ground.

Behind him Akanna stood, the slender blade of his rapier-like sword dripping blood. He knelt by the wizard, wiping his blade on the dead mans robes before replacing it in its sheath.

He turned to the Minotaur who was back on his feet and glaring at the Drow with undiguised hatred. "YOU COME TO KILL ME TOO, ELF?" It bellowed, snorting angrily.

Akanna spread his hands. "If I had come to kill you beast, I would have let this pair do the job."

The Minotaur looked at him with an uncertain frown. A moment of silence passed between the two. "WHY YOU HELP ME?"

"Because I thought that maybe we could help each other". Akanna moved into the ruins, stepping out of the rain but kept his eyes on the goliath in front of him.

"HOW? WHY? TALK FAST ELF!" the Minotaur grunted.

Akanna sighed and rested against a wall, his dark cloak removed and laid upon a nearby rock. Akanna sat himself down, not feeling the cold of the night. His dark eyes fixed on the beast. "First of all, I have a name. I am Akanna Xehokiir, Prince of the Dark Forest". Akanna tilted his head in replacement of a bow. "I have heard your tale Minotaur, you are far from home, surrounded by those who would kill you and have nowhere to go. I am here to offer you better".

The Minotaur snorted and shook his head. He'd removed his axe from the warriors corpse and had wiped the blade on his own clothes, which consisted of little more than a loincloth and the remnants of shackles on his wrists and ankles. "WHAT YOU SAY IS TRUE AKANNA OF THE FOREST. MY NAME IS..." he stopped, something stirred in him and the mighty creature winced a little. "...WAS... GARAK, SON OF BROK. BUT I DO NOT NEED HELP OR PROTECTION, I WILL KILL THOSE WHO STAND AGAINST ME! GARAK IS STRONG!"

Akanna smiled as the beast punched his own chest, showing his strength. "Well Garak, I am not offering you protection, I am offering you purpsoe. Travel with me, for I am searching for an object of great importance, an object that will change the world. If you help me succeed my giant friend, then no longer will the likes of us be despised and hated. We will rule the pathetic minded humans. We will be kings... nay, Gods! amongst men!".

Garak smiled, his yellowed teeth showing as his lips curled back. "GARAK LIKE AKANNA! GARAK WILL TRAVEL AND BE A KING!"

"Good" Akanna smiled, pleased at the simplicity of his actions. "I am pleased to make your aquaintance, Garak, Son of Brok."

Akanna Xehokiir stepped forth onto the plateau. Ahead of the Drow and his Minotaur companion stood the Asamult Plains, a vast area of flat grasslands known for its inhospitible winds and unforgiving terrain. Akanna glanced up at the night sky, judging the length of time it would take them. But the lands carried a far more sinister threat.

Besides him the Minotaur grunted. "I LIKE THIS PLACE PRINCE AKANNA. IT REMINDS GARAK OF HOME, OF THE GRASSLAND THE SPIRITS GRANT MY HERD".

Akanna nodded absently. "We must cross this land as quickly as possibly Garak. There are spirits here, dark spirits."

Garak flinched at the mention of dark spirits. "GARAK KNOWS OF SPIRITS. OUR SPIRIT WALKER TELLS GARAK THAT ONLY THE STRONG WILL WALK WITH THEM. GARAK IS STRONG." The Minotaur thumped his chest proudly.

"Not with these spirits my friend. Many hundreds of years ago these lands were the battlefield of wizards. Powerful majicks were cast here, soiling the ground with death and blood and sorcery. Long after the war ended, the spirits remain. Those of wizards and creatures of the underworld. Creatures with a mind for blood and a lust for death. We must move swiftly yet with caution. Be ready Garak".

Garak grinned and unsheathed his mighty war axe. With grim faces and hands on the hilts of their weapons, the Prince of the Dark Forest and the Minotaur set off at a steady gait.