The front of the rowboats were pulled up on the coarse sand of the island coast as the knights of Stormhold went ashore. Horses, supplies, and weaponry were brought in from the majestic galleons in droves of smaller craft to support the men in the field. Coming off one of the vessels were a group of highly decorated soldiers. With gold trims around the polished steel plate, royal blue tabards and cloaks engraved with the Stormhold coat of arms. These were the royal guard who was assigned to protect his majesty at all cost. Entering into a line formation with their right hand resting on the lion engraved hilt of their blades, the men stood proudly as the King stepped off the boat. The General and the other officers approached Marcus with a respectful bow, as the King spoke.
Lord Galeran, I want a situation report immediately.
Of course, your majesty.
Aethos came up next to the King and walked with them as Nathan shared all the details from the recent incident. The soldiers were gathering in tactical battle formations behind their respected commanders. With bannermen standing at the center of each unit, the Stormhold presence was felt amongst all the people.
As Marcus stood next to the officers, he caught a glimpse of Declan who was helping with distributing supplies. Beckoning him over to them, the King curiously asked as the former Admiral approached.
Why are you here, Mr. Lowe? You’re supposed to be retired.
I do apologize, your majesty, but when I heard that the vanghouls had resurfaced, I wanted to lend a hand. Besides, I couldn’t let the young lad take part in this without me.
Nodding in understanding, Marcus smiled as he gave him a hug. The two had been through a lot together, and the King revered this man as a good friend. Getting on the subject of the Captain, Declan was asked where around he might be.
Last I saw him he took off north towards the mountain. Most of the vanghouls followed, which is why we managed to get as many men back to the coast as we did.
He sacrificed himself?
I believe he’s fine. He might be young, but he definitely knows how to take care of himself out there.
Let’s hope so. Lord Galeran has just informed me that their base is in that mountain. If he’s leading the rest of them back there, then we have them all rounded up for a direct attack.
A handful of the unit commanders came over to the King and informed him that the army was prepared to head inland. As he was about to reply, he noticed that a large group of soldiers began swarming at the edge of the forest. Two vanghouls were coming forward, hands held high as a sign of surrender. It was Arthouras and Malisha who came out of the woods and towards the soldiers. They had followed the humans down to the coast after the recent attack took place. Declan quickly explained that these two had been instrumental and that they should not engage them. Heeding his friend’s plea, Marcus ordered the men to stand down momentarily. The King’s horse was brought forward, and he mounted it as they approached the vanghouls. With a respectful bow, Arthouras addressed Marcus.
You’re their leader? It’s an honor to meet you.
The Admiral just informed me that you’ve been serving our cause in this war. If I may, what has turned you against your own kind?
I haven’t turned, but I want both our people to reconcile. There is nothing good that will come out of this. My people have made grave mistakes, but allow us to pay in another way than an all-out war that will kill countless innocent.
Pondering upon the information he was given; Marcus was reluctant to trust the words of this creature before him. Although a possible diplomatic solution to the war was ideal, it could also turn the tide against them. After all, King Fall was a very respected man for his diplomatic acts following the late former King. However, there was no simple solution to this. Someone had to answer for all the lives lost. Asking as he went down on his knees before Marcus, Arthouras continued.
Allow me to set up a meeting with the clan leaders and yourself. I will make sure all the Chiefs are present, and they will listen to my word. The Overlord has betrayed us all, I’m betting my life on the fact that the vanghouls do not want to live like this anymore. Will you do it for both our people?
Ignoring the counsel given by the General, Marcus gave a firm nod of agreement. He was willing to sit down with them despite all the dangers that could ensue from this.
After a short while, the units of Stormhold began their march into the dense jungle towards the Forsaken Mountain. The officers were riding in the middle of the army with the two vanghouls following in the back. With a suspicious glare, Nathan watched the beasts as he tightened his fists. He was filled with concern and doubt about this plan of theirs, but he kept his mind to himself as they moved inland.
The Outskirts of Al'huran
Sprinting through the forest as fast as she could, Fraya span around with her bow firing off arrows at the vanghouls who were closing in on her. Their mobility through the woods was unmatched by anything she had ever seen. Bushes, branches, and even fallen logs that littered the landscape were pushed aside and powered through as if by an avalanche on her tail. Many of them also evaded her shots in quick, tactical dodging maneuvers as they spread through the forest like wildfire.
Desperately trying to keep pace with the vanghouls, a winded Feregreth rushed after with his readied sword. Even through the dense foliage, he could make their leader, the one she had referred to earlier as Nekada. He was easily the tallest amongst them and was rapidly closing in on her. Sizing the beast up, the Captain knew that a single strike from his axe would split a man in half. Nekada’s continued attacks only heightened the fear of such a fate as he grew closer to her by the second.
Fraya was leading them into an ancient part of the forest where vegetation was so dense that light could barely pass through. The rain was starting to let up, but the fog, especially in this area was thick to the point where the ground almost disappeared. It didn’t take long before the vanghouls lost her and became cautious of their surroundings. The booming voice of Nekada flooded the air as Feregreth came to a halt behind a tree, taking cover to prevent his own discovery as he had finally caught up to the chasers.
There is no escape, Aeran’thil! These are our lands, there is nowhere to go that we won’t find you.
Nekada was a menacing beast with hollow cheekbones and sharp ears that could pick up sounds from afar. His entire body was covered in scars, and unlike his fellow warriors, he seemed exceptionally stronger.
A sudden grip to his shoulder and a hand covering his mouth sent a chill down the Captain’s spine. As he was spun around, a moment of reprieve was felt as his eyes landed on Fraya. She moved a finger to her lips, gesturing him to remain silent as she pointed to the searching vanghouls. As the noises from the beasts got further away, she pulled on his jacket and swiftly moved in the opposite direction. The terrain was unfamiliar, but there was no time to move slowly with the vanghouls spreading out.
As the twigs and leaves rustled beneath their feet, the sound of something coming from the mist behind them became evident. Glancing back at the shadows that appeared closer by every second, the mossy ground below them suddenly cracked open as they had ventured out onto a ravine. Falling through a small gap that went deep down into a subterranean river, the two restrained themselves from shouting despite the horrific fall. Hitting the water hard, the Captain fell unconscious from the blow. Fraya managed to keep herself awake even though she got severely bruised, and swam back up to the surface. She began looking for Feregreth immediately who was sinking to the bottom as a result of the weight of the armor. Taking a deep breath, she submerged down in an attempt to get him before he vanished into the darkness below. In a swift and elegant manner, she got a hold of his hand and tried to pull him back up, but to no avail. As the air was leaving his lungs, terrified, she began to unstrap the heavy armor on his body. Trying to keep her mind focused, she kept removing piece by piece as the water got colder the further down they got. Eventually, she got the last part of the equipment off and started swimming back up with her arm around him.
Helping him up onto solid ground behind a waterfall further down the cavern, Fraya hastily tried to help him cough up all the water he had swallowed. Luckily, he managed to wake up and turn over on his side, emptying his lungs in shock. She sat on her knees, staring at him with grave concern, and without saying anything she put up a small circle of rocks. The branches and bark that had fallen through the gap above were perfectly dry, and by utilizing twigs to ignite a flame, she managed to create a campfire for them to get warmed up.
After a short while of getting his mind back on track, he glanced over at her while leaning back on his hands. With a very gentle and thankful tone of voice, Feregreth uttered.
Thank you…
I’m so sorry.
Why? You have nothing to be sorry about. Thanks to you I’m…
This is my fault. My family is responsible for all of this. My grandfather was… he was the one who banished the hybrid. I wish I didn’t believe what Arthouras said, but it adds up. All of it. We’ve been taught to protect the natural way of life. I knew there was something between our people, there were too many similarities. But, this? I can’t…
Getting back on his feet while pressing the water from his attire, he slowly began walking over to her. Her gaze met his, but her eyes dripped with tears that slowly cascaded down her cheeks. Gently, he went down on one knee next to her as he continued.
Listen to me, you had nothing to do with that, Fraya. You’re carrying the burden of others. Those are mistakes made by those close to you. You don’t have to shoulder that.
I trusted him even though people have questioned him time and again.
He’s your grandfather, of course, you would trust him. I too have been in a situation somewhat similar with my own father. He was always giving me the best chance, but it usually came at the expense of someone else. I’ve tried to make amends for his sins, but there’s only so much that can be done.
Slowly raising his hand, he caressed against her cheek. With his calloused thumb he gently wiped away the tears on her soft skin. She closed her eyes as he spoke in a soothing and calm voice.
I’ll help you with whatever you need, but know that even though your family has made mistakes, you can’t carry that on your shoulders. We can try to mend the relationships between our people, but the vanghouls may take a while to convince. I’ll do my best to persuade the General, you have my word. But know this, I’m here for you.
Fraya didn’t speak, instead just considered his words and kindness. An adoring smile fell to her lips as she looked into his ocean blue eyes that resonated with compassion, unlike anyone she had ever met. She gently leaned into the hand on her cheek, nuzzling against his strong palm. Moving in closer, Fraya brought a hand to rest upon his chest. Feeling his heartbeat rising as she was coming towards him, she swallowed a little in hesitation. Carefully taking the next step, she continued to move closer until she pressed her lush lips to his in a gentle embrace, that she found was blissfully answered. Taking a moment to break away from the kiss, she looked once more into Feregreth’s eyes. No words passed between the two, not that there were any words to convey. In those quick seconds, enough was expressed in the silence to understand what they both wanted. Laying back and guiding him with her, Fraya smiled with happiness as every concern drifted away from her mind. Right now, there was no war, no conflict, no worries about the future. There was just the two of them, and at that moment, they wrapped up together and allowed the passion to take them.
The Forsaken Mountain
Walking up the steps towards the beast altar of Keldora, Gathon led a group of massively built vanghouls to become champions of the Overlord. Imprisoned in gibbets hanging next to the sacrificial shrine, multiple Stormhold soldiers were awaiting their demise. The screams of other humans echoed in the large cavern, emitting from a torturing chamber several floors down. There was no cheering, no enjoyment coming from the vanghoul citizens walking around, only concern and fear.
Speaking in a growly tone of voice, Gathon ordered the first one to lie down upon the stone table at the center of the altar. Doing as he was told; the brute went down on his back and awaited his Commander’s procedure. As the vanghoul was strapped down by his fellow warriors, Gathon gazed into a barrel filled with the green liquid, Elarikan. A black steel ladle was hanging on the side, ready to be used for what he had planned. Looking at the volunteer, he asked with a proud expression.
Are you ready to give your life to the cause?
Yes, Lord Gathon. My life for the Vanguard!
A sly smile crept across the Overlord’s face as he dipped the ladle into the substance and walked over to him with it. As he gave the signaling nod, a warrior unsheathed his knife and made an incision right above the heart of the vanghoul. Pulling the skin slightly apart while the vanghoul roared in agony, Gathon began pouring the liquid into the open wound. Once the Elarikan came in contact with the blood, it attached itself and shot through the veins as the heart was now pumping the substance through the body. The color of the skin started changing to gray as the body was beginning to decompose at an accelerated speed. Parts of the flesh turned black with decay, but the Elarikan somehow kept him alive through this extraordinary transformation. Their eyes became bloodshot as the liquid pushed its way through. After the screaming ended, Gathon stared at his subject who was now released from the shackles and sitting back up. Seeing the success first hand, he chuckled and shared his mind.
Your last hours will be spent as an honorable champion of the clans. The humans will be here shortly, you know what to do.
Unable to speak, the corrupted vanghoul only nodded as he acknowledged the command given to him by his Overlord. Stepping off the table, Gathon ordered the next one up and continued to inject the substance into his hand-picked warriors who would fight for their people.
The Outskirts of Al'huran
With his arm wrapped around her waist, Feregreth relaxed as he listened to Fraya’s calm breath. They both gazed into the tranquil waterfall outside the cave for a while before the Captain spoke in a low and gentle tone of voice.
We should get back to the camp soon.
She grabbed hold of his hand and nuzzled up against him without saying anything. Her loving smile as she turned towards him was undoubtedly the sweetest thing he had ever seen. Eventually, she nodded in agreement and stated that he was right as she grabbed his shirt from on top of her clothes. As she moved it away, the necklace she had received from Vulner fell out of her jacket pocket. Looking at it as it was lying on the ground, she spoke in a saddened tone.
It belonged to my mother. I lost it during the trials, but Vulner found it somehow.
I see. Why aren’t you wearing it?
I used to do it all the time, but now that she is gone… I don’t know. The first moment I wore it was for my initiation.
Your initiation?
Laying over on her back, she smiled as she began telling him about something called the Ascension. It was a series of activities going on for a total of ten years, where initiates would have to overcome various challenges. As the Captain questioned what the purpose of this was, she glanced over at him and giggled.
It’s the path of a Temple Ranger. You can’t be accepted into the order if you fail any of these trials. I wasn’t really allowed to be part of it, but I secretly signed the contract. And, once initiated, you can’t back out under any circumstances. Not even my grandfather, who was furious, could pull those strings.
Why wouldn’t they allow you to partake in this in the first place?
Because of the danger that it entails. Some of these trials are brutal. The Ascension is bound by the spirit of Malagan, the Celestial. He’s a white stag that guards this world and the road to the Euphoric Meadows. He’s not my spirit animal though, mine is Ashira, the ethereal. She is a fierce tiger, but loving of all living things.
The Captain was finding it amusing, but also sweet how engaged and enthusiastic she was about this.
In the spur of the moment, cloaked archers snuck into the cave from underneath the waterfall. Their aim was locked at the Captain’s head as they formulated an offensive position around them. Feregreth and Fraya didn’t have a chance to react before the cave was filled with opposing soldiers. Covering her chest with his jacket, she got up on her feet with an annoyed expression as she shouted.
Stand down!
The exquisite style and unique patterns caught Feregreth’s eye as they resembled the ones Fraya had. As the raspy voice of an elderly man came from behind the rangers, she received a surprised look on her face as he spoke.
What have you done…?
Ni’rosh?
The unit moved to the side as an elf in an engraved white robe with his white beard resting on his upper body stepped forward. With a wrinkled expression of anger and disappointment, the old one continued.
Have you learned nothing from your sister’s aberration? Everything I taught you, everything your parents taught you. You’ve rejected the spirits of nature!
Feregreth looked at the man standing before her and was about to state what was on his mind when three archers moved up to him with their arrows an inch from his neck. Ni’rosh had his sight locked at the Captain as he pointed his finger at him while almost yelling.
One word from you, and you’ll lose what’s left of your short life!
With a quick and firm signal from the elder, two female rangers began dressing Fraya before grabbing her by the arms. Glancing over at the tears going down her cheeks, Ni’rosh listened as she addressed him.
You lied to me! You lied to all of us!
About what?
The vanghouls! They hate us because of you, not because of what we are. And, you’re the reason our people are at war!
You do not know what you’re talking about, young one. The vanghouls are an abomination to the very existence of life itself. It’s our duty as the covenant to eradicate abnormalities from this world and the next. They are the very essence of hate, creatures who have no redeeming qualities.
Giving the command to take her away, the rangers dragged her out as she screamed at Ni’rosh to not do anything to Feregreth. Seemingly furious, the Captain stared into the eyes of the old man coming up to him. As he was sitting on his knees with the shirt resting on his lap, he paid attention to what this man had to say.
You know you can’t be with her. It will never be accepted by our culture. My very own blood has brought shame to our legacy, I will not allow history to repeat itself. So, tell me right now that you will never go look for her again.
I can’t do that, and if you’re going threaten my life for that, you may as well order your lackeys to kill me right now.
The annoyed and deep stare between the two men was tense, but after a short while Ni’rosh backed off as he began to ponder. Moving his long hair back, he stated confidently.
You may not care about your own life, but you do about hers. Let me make this crystal clear, you will not pursue her or even speak about us to anyone. The moment you do, you will cause harm to her life. You will be held responsible. I will not take your life as our kind is not at war with your people… yet. But make no mistake, that can easily be remedied.
What has made you this way? You’re willing to harm your own, and for what, traditions?
I will do what is necessary to ensure balance and to protect my people. I suggest you go and do the same. Your King has arrived. So, once the day is gone, the vanghouls will be too.
The King is here?
With no more words to share, Ni’rosh walked away with his unit following suit. Watching them vanish behind the waterfall, Feregreth lowered his head in frustration and anguish. With the shirt in his hands, he tightened his fist as he got back up. He had to go back to camp and continue his solemn duty, but what he felt about the elven elder and the events that had just transpired was eating away at him. As he was clothing himself, the glimpse of a shiny object caught his attention. It was Fraya’s necklace. Gently picking it up, he painfully stared at it before eventually putting it into his pocket. With a deep sigh, he began his journey back to the Stormhold encampment.
The Forsaken Mountain
Standing at the entrance to the underground city, Gathon scouted across the road leading up to him. The echo of marching soldiers came from the forest border, and as anticipated, Stormhold soldiers came marching out into the clearing with their commanders at the front. With the banner of Stormhold swaying back and forth, the time had come. The units were divided into cavalry, footmen, pikemen, and rangers. They lined up into battle formations at the opposite end of the terrain from the vanghouls. Coming up next to Gathon, a vanghoul warrior clad in heavy armor addressed him with doubt.
Overlord, there are hundreds of them, and our soldiers are scattered. There is still no word from Warlord Nekada.
We have hundreds as well, line them up with all the gear at our disposal.
But, Lord Gathon, most of them are too weak to fight in this war.
In a swift motion, the Overlord swung his hammer and smashed it into the head of the warrior next to him in pure rage. Turning towards the vanghouls standing behind him, he yelled out with a deep and terrifying voice.
Ready them all for battle! Anyone who dares question me will follow the same fate as this coward!
The hammer was dripping with blood and brain matter from the obliterated skull and served as a message to anyone who would oppose him.
Stepping out from the forest next to the army of men, Arthouras and Malisha walked up to the King. With his approval, the former Overlord walked out into the road leading up to Gathon. Seeing him stand there with his ferocious stare of blind hate, Arthouras shouted as he pounded his right arm against his chest.
Gathon! You have one chance to stand down, or we will remove you by force. Listen to me my brethren, the humans will not engage us if you leave the Overlord’s side. Think about your people, your families. Do not let this betrayer rule your lives any longer. As your former Overlord, Elder of the Forsaken Vanguard, I implore you to heed my call!
Squinting up at the vanghoul warriors, Marcus was curious to see how they would react. Although should this escalate out of control, his right hand was wrapped around the hilt of his blade.
Looking back at his warriors, Gathon saw the doubt and struggle to decide in their eyes. Growling at them as he began walking back into the mountain, Bloodfist spat next to their feet before vanishing into the shadows of the cave. It did not take long before the clan leaders stepped forward and approached Arthouras at the middle. Throwing down their weapons at his feet, they pounded their chest once in a similar fashion as he had done earlier. It represented honor and trust. The short, yet meaningful speech, had turned the tide of the vanghouls allegiance. Riding up with a unit of knights beside him, the King halted next to the leaders, awaiting Arthouras to explain the situation to the rest.
As the discussion was going on, Declan glanced over at Fowler who sat on a horse on his left side. Holding the reins in his hands, he asked the Admiral with a curious tone of voice.
Where is the General?
Galeran is securing our flank in case these monsters have other plans for how this meeting should go. I don’t understand why the King would risk this. We have them cornered. A swift attack is enough to wipe every one of them out of existence.
They don’t seem that different from us, aside from their appearance obviously. If we can come to an arrangement with them that allows us to leave this island without any more men lost, I think that’s a great solution.
Shaking his head in disagreement, Fowler began scouting around the hills for anything out of the ordinary. Most of the Stormhold soldiers remained concealed from the vanghouls. A sudden light sound of something flying through the air came from behind them. Declan turned his head in the direction immediately and saw a rain of arrows being fired from the forest towards the vanghoul warriors by the entrance to the mountain. The sky was littered with countless projectiles falling at the enemy army. Once the warriors got a glimpse of what was coming their way, they raised their shields as they shouted for everyone to take cover. Without a moment of hesitation, the vanghouls charged downhill towards the Stormhold army with their weapons drawn. The Chiefs roared out as the knights immediately covered the King with their own lives at the line. Complete chaos and panic ensued as Marcus was rushed out of there while the knights engaged the vanghoul leaders. Trying to stop what was happening, Arthouras shouted for his people to stand down, but as the knights attacked him, he was forced to retaliate. Horses were pushed aside as the Chiefs fought back, pulling the men down from their mounts.
Arriving back at his army, the King gazed back at the immediate battle as General Galeran rode up next to him. Nearly shouting, Marcus questioned him about what had just happened, which Nathan responded to.
The vanghouls attacked us from behind, your majesty. We had to defend ourselves.
The King was furious and suspicious at the same time, but as things had already escalated, he ordered the General to lead them to victory.
At once, your majesty!
Pulling his blade from its sheath, he pointed it to the sky as he yelled out for the army to engage. The pikemen rushed into battle first and formed a shield wall to hold off the enemy charge. With their bows readied, the archers let loose volleys from their safe distance behind the footmen. Cries, clash of weapons and chaos echoed from all over the valley as the battle began.
