Forged in the volcanic depths of the Forsaken Mountain, the Vanquished Cleaver was crafted as a weapon to slay the enemies of the clans. Wielded by the Overlords throughout generations, Gathon Bloodfist carried its strength for years before finally passing it down to his second, Nekada Bloodfist. Although, despite the traditions, he has remained the Overlord and is the self-crowned ruler of the clans.
Approaching the cave entrance with the Cleaver resting in his right hand, the black-haired vanghoul roared as he saw Gathon coming out from the shadows, accompanied by two bloodhounds. They were a mixed breed of hounds and wolves. With rage filling his eyes, Nekada addressed him, nearly shouting at full capacity.
They’re slaughtering us! How is this possible? The humans have never been able to hold up against our legions. When you spared that insect, it was to bring chaos and fear to these rats, not to prepare them for the fight!
Fiercely stomping his foot, Gathon growled as he dropped his hammer, moving towards him while replying enraged.
Are you challenging me, brother?
The two were staring into each other’s eyes, ready to kill when a female vanghoul stepped up in between them. She was holding out her hands in an attempt to stop the feud. Though noticeably smaller than the two giants, her sharp voice wasn’t ignored as she spoke.
That’s enough! Put your hate towards something that can get us out of this situation instead.
After a while, Nekada lowered his axe as he took a few steps away and watched as Gathon addressed her.
What’s the meaning with this, Malisha?
We can’t keep ripping each other apart, not anymore. Their armies are marching inland as we speak, it’s only a matter of time before they reach the city. You know very well that we have many young and old who are not capable of defending themselves, we need every single warrior in the fight that you have brought upon us.
With a thundering shout, Gathon grabbed around her neck as he continued.
Me?! How is this my fault?
We’ve never gone after the humans, not unless we’ve been forced to. But you have ravaged their villages, slaughtered their families, and now they’re coming for us. You have marred us and forced us to fight on two fronts. Remember who our real enemies are.
The grip around her throat tightened as his fiery eyes slowly consumed her confidence. All of a sudden, Gathon was knocked over on his side by someone wielding his hammer. Hastily gazing up, he looked into the aged face of another vanghoul. The dark-bearded giant standing before him seemed outraged with his actions. Armored in thick blackened plate with light trims, he was clearly a highly regarded one. With a raspy tone of voice, he spoke calmly.
You’ve disgraced your family legacy, Bloodfist. Malisha is right, your recent actions are putting our people at risk. We need to make it right with the humans, and if you’re not willing to take up that mantle, I will.
Filling his grasp with mud as he laid on the ground, Gathon span around, throwing the mud into the old vanghoul’s face. It gave him enough time to get back up and engage him with his fists. In sheer physical strength, Bloodfist had the upper hand and punched his knuckles into the old one’s jaw, which knocked him over. He placed his foot on his throat as he growled.
You speak of disgrace when you are the reason our people are weak?! No, these are no longer your people. You’re a betrayer of the clans, and I sentence you to die!
He picked up his hammer and raised it towards the sky, preparing to smash his head flat when he was stabbed with a knife in his leg. Malisha had come up behind him, allowing the old one to get back up. Before Gathon got to retaliate, she ran with the old one into the forest. Sitting on one knee as he pulled the knife out, he looked at Nekada and shouted.
Bring me their heads! I want them dead.
As you wish, brother.
Whistling at the bloodhounds, Nekada started sprinting into the dense forest in pursuit with the hounds on his side. His ponytail upon his shaven head bounced as he moved at a high pace. The two had already gotten a fair distance between them and him, but it was only a matter of time before he caught onto their trail.
After rushing through the muddy swamplands of Ghoulshaw for a while, Malisha continued paving through the dense forest with her personalized blade. The crazed howls of the bloodhounds echoed through valley as drops of water fell from above. Nekada was closing in, but the hounds were having difficulties following the scent through the swamp, giving them more time. The old one halted and started to gaze around the murky terrain, speaking calmly to Malisha.
Wait… Al’huran is not far from here. The humans might already be there. Bloodfist has his scouts up and down the eastern shore, but as long as they do not engage, the humans are likely to fortify their position.
But Al’huran is cursed, the corrupted remnants will massacre them.
They don’t know that, and for what we know, that might be precisely what Gathon is hoping for. I refuse to let our dark past become their future.
This mess is not on you, Elder Vordrath. We don’t owe the humans anything. This is solely on the Bloodfist tribe, and they should deal with this themselves. You can evoke the banishment of the Vengeful, you have that power and authority, Arthouras.
With a grateful look in his eyes, Arthouras bowed his head gently in appreciation of her trust. Breathing in the foul air from the forest, he scratched his chin through his thick braided beard as he replied.
In order to call upon the ancient war god, we need the people on our side. Right now, they tremble at the sight of the Overlord. They won’t challenge him before they can feel some sort of reassurance, that’s where the humans come in.
I see, that’s a smart move if the humans would work with us, which is highly unlikely.
As she said that, something caught Arthouras attention. It was sounds coming with the wind moving south, someone was exchanging words. He squinted in the direction the noise came from, speaking lowly.
I believe we’ve got company. Follow me.
The two moved swiftly using the rain and wind in their favor to mask their sound. Using the trees as cover, the old Lord approached slowly. Coming down the path was two people, a man, and a woman. Arthouras glanced over at Malisha, stating curiously.
There’s an elf here, she’s with a human.
What? Why are the elves here?
With Gathon’s recklessness it doesn’t surprise me, but why is she with him? That’s punishable by banishment, or worse according to their laws. I believe we’ve just stumbled upon our greatest opportunity yet.
Stepping out from between the trees, Arthouras started walking out into the open and was spotted momentarily. It was Feregreth and Fraya standing before him, and Fraya drew her bow in an instant with his head as the center of her aim. Raising both his hands in surrender, the old vanghoul kept eye contact as he continued to walk towards them. With a calm, yet growly voice, Arthouras spoke.
I’m not here to fight.
The Captain raised his hand in front of her bow as he stared confused at the vanghoul. Informing Fraya to wait, Feregreth replied.
Why’s that, what’s stopping you?
I need your help, human. We need to stop this bloodshed before any more lives are lost.
Lowering her bow in confusion, Fraya continued as she recognized him.
You’re Overlord Vordrath, aren’t you?
I am, and I’m here for my people. The horrendous actions of one do not define our race, I’m here for reconciliation.
Stepping out from the trees as well with her hands raised, Arthouras introduced her as someone who shared his mind. Cutting down the distance between each other, all of them were on edge in this encounter. The Captain kept his eyes on the two of them and eventually continued.
Why should we trust you? This could easily be an ambush.
Yes, but then you would have been slain by now. I know there are no reasons for you to trust us, but if we wanted to kill you, we wouldn’t have come out into the open like this.
Having a hard time trusting anything coming out of his mouth, Feregreth hesitantly played along as he replied.
What exactly is it you’re proposing?
I would like to sit down with your leader and find a solution that both parties can agree on. I’m willing to go as far as it takes to prevent more loss of lives. Is that something you can arrange?
Leaning over to Fraya, Feregreth spoke in a voice no louder than a whisper.
Are they serious about this? They’ve been attacking us without warning, without purpose, yet now they’re asking for a truce? I don’t buy it.
I want to, but it’s too favorable. This can easily go wrong, but if it doesn’t, there is a chance you can actually leave the island. Let’s see how far they’re willing to go.
With her bow resting in her hand, Fraya pointed at their weapons and told them to toss them over. Arthouras didn’t hesitate and removed all his weapons immediately. However, Malisha was utterly concerned and in doubt about this but eventually gave in to their demands at the request of Vordrath. Adjusting her iron covered leather top around her ample curves, Malisha gazed into the eyes of Feregreth who were approaching while speaking in a somewhat confident tone.
All right, I’ll help you get an audience with the General. Don’t let me regret this. We were on our way to an old temple city, right?
The Captain looked at Fraya, who nodded in agreement as Lord Vordrath continued.
We were headed for Al’huran as well, the ruined city just east of here. I would imagine your people would regroup at a location that can easily be defended?
It’s the tactical thing to do. I haven’t been there yet so I can’t speak to how likely it is for them to go there.
Let’s hope they haven’t gone too far into the city at least. What haunts those ruins are much worse than whatever this war might bring upon us. We need to hurry.
Staring curiously at his moss skinned wrinkles, Feregreth nodded and told him to lead the way. Their weapons were given back as a token of equal understanding, and also because the path was likely to be dangerous. With a common goal, the group continued their journey towards Al’huran.
The Temple of Felgarth
With his eyes closed and calm breath, Lord Anarious stood in the middle of the chamber with his hands resting on his back. The light sound of wind sneaking in through the window shutters came from the corridor outside the room. This area of the temple had barely been used in ages, and the low temperature wasn’t a concern here. Although, despite the dark and freezing surroundings, he stood there without even the slightest shiver. After a little while, the gentle footsteps of a young man came down the stairway in the back. It was the student from before, Archus. He approached the bars on the door and glanced inside, seeing the old man resting in a standing position. With a low voice, his eyes moved around the room as he spoke.
What did you do to have Vazayus lock you in here?
Keeping his eyes closed and remaining at the same location, the old man replied.
Elder Uuthar believes he’s doing what is best for the future.
What are you talking about?
Something you don’t need to concern yourself with.
Suddenly, the sound of a key unlocking the door appeared next to the young boy. Slowly opening his eyes, Lord Anarious watched as he opened the door into the chamber. Curiously, he looked at Archus for a moment before continuing.
What are you doing?
Pointing at the engraving of the letter ‘A’ on his pauldron, the boy answered.
I recognized that symbol from one of the books. It belongs to the council or something for the reformed order. You’re one of Revelation’s high elders, aren’t you?
That’s a name I haven’t heard in a while. I’m bewildered by why this would be shared with outsiders?
I’m not an outsider.
You’re a child, your Stormcaller heritage means nothing in the eyes of the circle before you’ve earned your place.
Walking around the room with his hands resting on his back, Lord Anarious did not seem to be in a hurry to get out of there and instead listened to what the boy had to say. The auburn field of hair on Archus’ head got ruffled about as he drove his fingers through the short strands. Unsure of what to say next, he looked back up at the man as he replied.
But… okay, fine. I found it in Uuthar’s study. I hoped it had something about the ancient arts in it, but instead the book detailed plans, past events, Syan constructions and so on.
I see… And the sigil appeared in that context?
Yes, it talked about unified noble houses, how the lords and elders reformed the Order of Revelation. It paid great homage to the great Grandmaster, Kin’thalos of Elvanor.
I’m sure it did. Now, none of this explains why you would unlock the door? If Elder Uuthar went to such lengths to secure this place with elven weaponry, it would be unwise to spoil his plans like this.
Shaking his head with a somewhat confident look in his eyes, Archus went on to explain that Vazayus had been losing touch with reality as of late. He was constantly making decisions that went against what Felgarth stood for, and actions like the imprisonment of a High Elder was not that farfetched from his previous behavior. Lord Anarious understood that the boy was working in the best interest of the Order, even though he was not looped in on the full truths of what was going on. Placing both his hands onto his shoulders, the wrinkled icy blue eyes stared into the innocent soul of the boy. With a reassuring voice, the old man replied.
Your actions will not go unnoticed, child. However, before I leave, I need to get what I came for. It’s a circular object with serpents that forms a ring around the engraving of a ‘G,’ do you know what I’m talking about?
I’m not sure, but if it’s of any importance, it’s likely in the High Elder’s study.
Now go, you should not be seen by my side in case Uuthar learns of this.
Giving him a quick nod, Archus took off in a hurry and rushed back upstairs. Once the boy was out of sight, Lord Anarious slowly approached the window shutters and rubbed his hands together as he gave a signal through a whistle that was carried through the mountain chain by the wind.
Just down the hill from the temple stood a cloaked unit in wait for their master’s command. Once the signal was heard, the Commander ordered the men to move onwards to Felgarth. They shared a similar armor to that of Lord Anarious, with black cloaks, darkened engraved plate, and beautifully handcrafted silver blades.
Stepping out into the main hall, the old man raised his hands slightly as he walked forward, speaking to the ones around in a menacing tone of voice.
It has been made clear that this order no longer holds a neutral stand. Too long has this place cowered in the shadows of Elvanor, but no longer. I will give you the chance to choose your allegiance, or it will be chosen for you.
Coming out in a hurry on the second floor, Vazayus grabbed around the railing with his left hand while also holding tightly around his metal crafted staff. He gazed down at Lord Anarious who stood in the middle of the room with scholars surrounding him on each side. Speaking in a firm and deranged tone, Elder Uuthar addressed him.
What nonsense is this? None of my people will follow a traitor, a man of cruelty and deception. Take him.
Lord Anarious glanced up at Vazayus who stood confidently in his position as the scholars around began to prepare themselves. At that moment, the gate into the temple was opened as the unit barged into the hall with their weapons drawn, quickly forcing the people onto their knees. The confidence withered from Uuthar’s eyes as he almost sprung back into his chamber in hopes of finding a solution. Taking to the stairs in pursuit, Anarious unsheathed his blade and followed him inside.
Holding the artifact within the palm of his hand as he watched the Lord walk through the door, Vazayus slightly raised his hand as he spoke.
I know why you want him back, but I will never allow that to happen.
Before Lord Anarious could reach him, he chanted a quick incantation that turned the artifact into dust before continuing his speech.
You’re not as powerful as they fear you to be. Do not forget who taught you everything you practice, everything you use to bind them to your will. Oh, I know what you think of me, I’m but a pawn in their game, right? No, I’m much more than a simple magus. Once the Grandmaster witnessed your treachery, we unified the forces of Elvanor to retake control over the broken order, and so, we will.
Tightening his grip around his blade, Anarious furiously stared at the smirk look of the Elder as the remains of the artifact slithered away between his fingers. Swiftly waving his staff as his right hand was pointed at him, Vazayus pushed him down on the ground as a glimmer of blue light encircled him. On his knees, Lord Anarious turned his eyes towards the shutters, which blew open with an icy cold wind coming in. With a raised eyebrow, Vazayus looked towards the window as he stated almost amused.
A simple breeze is all you can muster? You have no power here, Xan…
It served its purpose.
Squinting slightly at him confused by what he was talking about, only to feel a stabbing sensation a moment later. A thin and sharp dagger had pierced his heart from behind. As he gasped for air, turning around only to see a young girl in a black and red leather garment standing before him. As his attention had shifted away, it had allowed her to sneak up around him to deal a fatal blow. With crazed eyes staring into her sly and malicious smile, Vazayus fell backward as he mumbled to Lord Anarious.
The Grandmaster’s plan will succeed…
Swinging his blade across his neck before he finished his sentence, Anarious stared at what remained of him with annoyance. Turning over to the girl, he spoke calmly.
My child, you performed exceptionally today.
Thank you, father.
There was no sign of remorse or regret in her statement, only pure excitement for what had just transpired. Grabbing the head by the hair, she walked towards the door with Lord Anarious by her side. He was holding onto the book that Archus had spoken about before.
Out in the hall, the scholars were trying to maintain a strong posture in spite of their predicament. However, as the head of the High Elder was tossed down on the floor before them, anxiety and fear spread. A couple of them rose to fight back but was immediately cut down by the soldiers in the room. Standing in the same spot where Vazayus had stood earlier, Anarious addressed them once again.
Have you considered my proposal?
As he walked down the steps, the young boy, Archus stepped forward with a shocked expression as he looked at the decapitated head on the floor, speaking.
What have you done…?
Pulling up her dagger to end the boy’s life, the girl approached but was momentarily shut down by her father.
Do not harm the boy, Errynaya. He still serves a purpose.
Slightly hesitant to heed his word, she eventually lowered her weapon as she went up in the boy’s face, whispering insidiously as she grinned.
Too bad, I could have made this so enjoyable for both of us. I hope to see you again.
She twirled strands of brown hair with her finger as she walked back to Lord Anarious, who was moving towards the exit. The ones left did not argue in fear of losing their lives, and their silence was taken as a sign of cooperation. The soldiers lowered their weapons and followed their Lord out of the temple, eventually disappearing in the blizzard. Many of them fell into despair over what had just happened. The cries echoed across the mountain before eventually being consumed by the howling night.
The Ruins of Al'huran
Dense jungle flora and vines were covering almost every inch of the ancient stone structures of the city. The pavements were covered in moss and puddles, and trees were growing in the middle of buildings. However, there we no signs of animal life, only insects and birds that were high up in the treetops.
Soldiers of Stormhold were paving the way through the lush green bushes and branches blocking the pathway, and the officers followed suit. General Galeran and Admiral Fowler were discussing the situation as they watched Declan leading the way. There was an odd smell reeking from this entire area, and flies were buzzing around their heads as they moved deeper into the ruins. A clearing revealed itself on top of a slope not far from their current position. The former Admiral pointed the men in that direction and stated with an assured mind.
That spot will be excellent for our needs.
Galeran came up alongside him and scouted ahead as he replied.
A good call. All right, everyone, establish a temporary camp on that location as soon as possible. We do not know when the vanghouls will make their return, so we need to be prepared. Cut down the nearest trees and form palisades around the perimeter.
Heeding the General’s command, the units hastily moved towards the clearing and started the preparations.
Hours later, tents and stations had been readied, and torches were neatly placed to light up the campground. Guardsmen were patrolling the area and scouts were positioned around on the sides of the camp. The chef had been able to set up campfires, but they were running short on the food supplies. Hunting was now a vital task for survival. A small group of four soldiers moved into the woods with bows and swords to track down any type of animal they could find. Fishing wasn’t an option either as the vanghouls were likely to pick them off one by one if they ventured all the way back to the coast. They had to move swiftly before nightfall, and the light rain that had started to fall did not make the situation any better.
Searching carefully through the woodland that enclosed the ruins, one of the men noticed movement between the trees in the distance. Raising his hand to alert the others, they crouched and snuck up on the potential threat. Once they got a visual, they saw a catlike creature. The one in the front stated curiously to the one on his right-hand side.
Is that a panther?
It sure looks like it, but what’s wrong with its skin?
The darkened fur of the animal seemed torn and ravaged as if he had been tortured for ages. Blood was dripping from its deformed teeth while it chewed on a rabbit. Readying his bow, the one in front spoke with grave concern as he aimed at the beast.
What the hell is that thing?
The moment the bow was drawn, the panther instantly turned his head in their direction, staring at them with bloodshot and faintly glowing eyes. The moral rapidly fell as the beast jumped out of the way and started dashing towards them at an incredible speed. Firing the arrow and missing the target, the soldiers screamed out in terror as they made a run for it. Putting its claws deep into the bark of a tree, the panther climbed upwards and jumped after one of them. Knocked to the ground, the soldier in the back cried out for a brief moment before the beast bit through his neck. With flesh launched between his fangs, the panther rushed after the others, only killing its prey without consuming it.
Back at the basecamp, the cries echoed in the distance as the beast hunted down the last three. The soldiers quickly formed formations and gathered by the edge of the clearing, awaiting orders. Declan, Fowler, and Nathan stepped outside the tent and gazed into the dimly lit forest border. Seeing movement in the bushes, the archers aimed at the rustling and maintained a readied stance for whatever was about to come out into the open. Covered in blood and deep wounds, a last remaining soldier stumbled out in bad shape and tried to make his way back. Nathan immediately ran over to the soldiers, shouting for them to retrieve the man. However, before they got to him, three more panthers jumped out from the bushes and chased the man towards the camp. The General drew his blade and pointed it at the animals, yelling at full capacity.
Open fire! Soldiers, at the ready!
The archers unleashed a rain of arrows in the direction of the cats, but only managed to wound those that were hit. Forming shield formations, the units of Stormhold prepared their spears behind a shield wall, awaiting their attacks. The wounded soldier who was running for his life was about to get caught when suddenly the panther was kicked into the air and flew several meters to the side. It was the old vanghoul, Arthouras who came to his rescue, followed by Malisha, Feregreth, and Fraya. Nathan saw the giant coming up next to the wounded man and ordered the archers to prepare for another volley. However, just before he was about to give the command, he heard the voice of Feregreth shouting from a distance behind the vanghoul.
No, hold your fire!
Seeing the Captain coming up alongside that beast caused grave confusion amongst the officers and the soldiers. Acknowledging that something was going on, Nathan ordered the men to stand down. Lord Vordrath roared fiercely at the demonic cat creatures who were gathering around him, which seemed to make them back down and flee into the shadows. Although, one panther had snuck up behind the soldiers' shield wall and dove its claws into the back of a couple of people. Panic spread momentarily as the cat engaged. Feregreth and Fraya ran over to the soldiers as fast as they could, and she readied her bow, firing a single arrow that got him in the back. Falling down on his side, the panther seemed to have been paralyzed by the shot. With his blade lifted into the air, the General was about to swing it over its neck when the old vanghoul shouted.
Don’t kill it!
Looking up at the vanghoul who stood fairly close to them now, Nathan spoke in a disgusted tone.
You don’t decide its faith.
If it dies, it’ll take you all with it.
Feregreth glanced over at Arthouras in confusion as he walked over to the General, gesturing for him to stand down while addressing the giant.
What do you mean by that?
These are scourged creatures that are harboring a plague. The moment it dies a substance is released into the air, killing absolutely everything in its vicinity in a short amount of time.
Turning his attention back to the General, Feregreth continued while trying to reassure them that they needed to listen.
General, I believe you should heed his warning.
How can you trust anything this beast says?
He could have let that man die out there, but he didn’t. I can only vouch for my brief time with him, but sir, I believe this one is telling the truth.
Staring into the eyes of the vanghoul, Nathan gestured for him to get rid of the animal, which he did momentarily. As he carried the cat back to the forest border alongside Malisha, the General glanced over at the woman next to the Captain, asking curiously.
Who is this?
Before Feregreth got to reply, Fraya stated that she went down with the Arkanvail ship that capsized just before theirs did. Understanding why she was saying that the Captain refrained from making any comments and played along. Buying her story, Nathan ordered soldiers to bring her into safety while he discussed the situation further with the Captain. Once she was out of hearing distance, the General went up into Feregreth’s face and spoke firmly.
Under no circumstances do you put your trust in the enemy, understood? They’re not our allies, they’re uncontrollable beasts.
I understand, but sir, the old one wants to make a truce to end this war. I promised him an audience with you, will you at least hear what he has to say?
He wants an end to what he started? You can’t possibly believe what he’s saying? But, if nothing else, he might give us valuable information.
As the Captain was about to reply, the General shut him down and told him to go into the camp. Hesitantly, Feregreth started walking into the base as Nathan stated in a more pleasant tone.
I’m glad to see you’re alive, Captain. I’m sure Declan would like to know that you’re okay as well.
Turning his head back towards the General, Feregreth nodded respectfully and continued his walk. Nathan stood alongside the soldiers and watched as the two vanghouls dropped off the dead animal. There was no question in the General’s eyes, his hatred for these beasts ran deep. As nightfall finally consumed the camp, the vanghouls were brought inside to be questioned about their intentions. Fear and unrest were shared amongst the men because of their presence.
Standing on the top of a structure not far from the camp, heavy breathing came from the angered vanghoul, Nekada, as he was gazing upon the Stormhold camp. With the Vanquished Cleaver in his hand, he waited and watched from afar. There was no way to go into the encampment alone without getting killed, but a sly smile began to creep across his face as he stepped down into the shadows of the night.
