-last edited on May 17, 2017 11:37:37 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 17, 2017 11:37:03 GMT
Chapter 149
Firing more arrows at the enemy, Skrag made his way over to Olifin, who was still guarding Legolie, “Olifin, do you think you can herd the fight into the larger hall beyond those doors?” He pointed to the once-grand double doors on the far end of the room.
Olifin nodded, “If you can take care of Legolie for a little while, I’ll get it done.” With that, the black dragon charged headlong into the chaos. He made his way down the room, roaring and swinging his massive scaly arms and tail and anyone in his way. Slowly, the battle and everyone in it was pushed through the doors and into the hall. Even the sorcerer elected to move rather than fight the dragon. When everyone was through, Skrag slipped through the doors himself, handing the still-unconscious Legolie back over to Olifin and scanning the room for the best place to fire his arrows from. Almost immediately, he spotted a balcony up above. One section of it had fallen to the ground below and lay in pieces along the wall, but it still looked stable, at least stable enough to hold him. The only problem was getting up there. No obvious staircase was nearby and it was simply too high to reach otherwise. Unsure what to do, he scanned the battle. Now that they were in a larger space, his friends were having an easier time dealing with the enemy. Digls had managed to confuse the trolls and was now fending them off from afar with pieces of rubble, Hithrol had taken down one giant and the others looked like they weren’t too far behind, and Link and Leinad were smashing goblins left and right. Skrag watched and Link threw an explosive device at the goblins and then knocked one out with a boomerang. The elf always seemed to have the strangest equipment. That gave Skrag an idea.
-last edited on May 17, 2017 20:16:07 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 17, 2017 20:15:35 GMT
Chapter 150
Releasing a few arrows at enemy targets, Skrag ran over to Link, “Do you have anything that can get me up on that balcony?”
Link nodded and handed him what looked like a large crossbow with a hook on the bolt and a loop of rope tied to the side. Carefully, Skrag aimed it at the balcony and released the bolt. The hook caught on a section of bannister, pulling the rope with it. Skrag tugged on the rope to make sure it was stuck well enough, and then began scaling the wall, using the rope to support himself. Soon, he was on the balcony overlooking the battle. Now that he had a better view of the battle, Skrag realized that despite the advantages they had gained by moving into the larger room, his friends were still hopelessly outnumbered. There was not a good chance they would win this fight. He watched as the trolls began to close in on Digls, Link and Leinad found themselves surrounded by goblins, and Graylin was beaten back time and again by the enemy sorcerer. Angrily, Skrag shook his head. They could still win this fight. Eventually, the goblin numbers would begin to wane and the sorcerer’s strength would start to falter. They just had to make it that long, and then it would be over. Inspired once again, the half-breed readied his bow and began raining arrows down on the battlefield. Over in one corner of the hall, he noticed a group of goblins wading their way to Digls, who had managed to escape the trolls once again. Virtually unopposed, they would be on top of him in no time, and they were much smarter than the slow, lumbering trolls he had been fighting up to that point. Quickly, Skrag fired a series of arrows at them to slow them down. As he did so, the leader of the group looked up to the balcony. The two of them made eye contact and Skrag almost toppled over the edge- It was Skirj, his old childhood enemy.
-last edited on May 18, 2017 1:00:33 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 18, 2017 1:00:11 GMT
Chapter 151
Shayden, Alkkuto, and Doli walked down a short, narrow passageway to a small door. It was unlocked- someone must have left in a hurry. Inside it was dark. “How are we supposed to find treasure like this?” grumbled Shayden, “What I wouldn’t give for one of those fire jars we used to have . . . .”
“You mean like one of these?” Alkkuto’s grinning face was suddenly visible as he lifted a jar up in the air. Inside it, a small ball of fire glowed, illuminating the room.
Shayden snatched the lone, unlit torch off the wall and dipped it into the jar. Instantly, it lit. He looked at Alkkuto, who was putting the jar away, “I could kiss you right now!” A short pause followed before he spoke up again, “But I won’t. I was kidding.” Now that he had the proper illumination, Shayden was finally able to see just what was in the room- a small wooden chair and two plain mirrors, “Huh. I was hoping for more treasure.” Frustrated, he punched the mirror, “Ow!” It fell off the wall and shattered on the ground.
“Did ye have tae do tha?” asked Doli, “I was lookin’ fer a new mirror fer me beard-trimmin’ room.”
Alkkuto looked at him, “I’ve never understood beards myself. Do you spend a lot of time taking care of that thing?”
Doli shrugged, “Probably about as much as if it were me own child.”
“Shh!” Examining the place where the mirror had been, Shayden found a hairline crack,” Hmm . . . I wonder . . . Gotcha!” With a loud grating sound, a section of the wall swung slowly open, revealing yet another secret passageway. “Will ya look at that! Maybe we will find treasure after all! Come on boys!” Whistling a merry tune, Shayden took off down the passageway; Alkkuto and Doli close behind once again.
Your naming skills are impressive. I know some of them (namely the gladiators) came from the EHQA, but many of them are original. Fantastic job.
Thanks. Actually, a lot of my characters are stolen. I'll list the ones from this list that aren't: Skrag, Skorj, Gorle, Trok, Skirj, Kalkuzar, Darkaraz, Marrzak, Zargan, Lyzara, Kurukin, Gormund, Edmond, Arik, Baj, Elisa, Andrasa, Beziov, Petrion, and Morath. I don't remember if Ormuk is or not. I just went back to the full list (current through all but the last Part on the old LMBs) and just over 40% are mine. And about 1/3 to 1/2 of those 40% are very minor characters, some never having been named in the story itself.
Yeah, I notice Dwalin.
Proud Christian and Canadian TFOL! President of the EMBC So long message boards.
Thanks. Actually, a lot of my characters are stolen. I'll list the ones from this list that aren't: Skrag, Skorj, Gorle, Trok, Skirj, Kalkuzar, Darkaraz, Marrzak, Zargan, Lyzara, Kurukin, Gormund, Edmond, Arik, Baj, Elisa, Andrasa, Beziov, Petrion, and Morath. I don't remember if Ormuk is or not. I just went back to the full list (current through all but the last Part on the old LMBs) and just over 40% are mine. And about 1/3 to 1/2 of those 40% are very minor characters, some never having been named in the story itself.
Yeah, I notice Dwalin.
Dwalin is technically from my Elite Heroica Questing Arena, the character of Dwalin22k, not the LotR one.
-last edited on May 18, 2017 11:35:21 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 18, 2017 11:33:24 GMT
Chapter 152
Zargan felt the rush of the wind on his scales as he flew toward the mountains. He was nervous- there was a good chance the dragons might not listen to him since he had left his home. Dragons were not particularly fond of those who abandoned their families. But his father and grandfather had both helped him before, in the fight against Kelrin’s army, so there was a good chance they might do so again. And if they agreed, the rest of the dragons certainly would, if only because they respected the decisions of their leaders. The other reason he was nervous was because Skrag and the rest of the group Hoid had gathered were facing an enemy they knew nothing about in a fight that would not be won easily. Having the dragons at their side might very well make the difference between loss and victory, and it was up to Zargan to get them.
The winds gradually grew cooler as he rose in altitude above the mighty peaks. On the ground below, he began to pick out familiar landmarks. First came the City on the River, where Skrag had fought as a gladiator before helping lead the rebellion against the cruel tyrants who ruled the city. To the west he glimpsed Kelrin’s hidden fortress, which he had visited only a couple times to aid the elves, dwarves, and human kingdoms in their rebuilding effort. Then there was the remains of Hithrol’s house, which his brother Marrzak had burned down in an act of senseless violence. Next along his flight path was Skrag’s old goblin tribe, then the home of the giants, and finally the dragons- his destination. As he started to prepare for a landing, Zargan saw a familiar blur of red and gold scales fly across his vision, “M-Marrzak?”
Suddenly, his brother was right in front of him, “Indeed. It is I.”
Zargan scowled, “Leave, brother. I am busy with an important task- I must rouse our father and grandfather to help me.”
“Oh, I know exactly what you’re doing,” said Marrzak, sending a cold shiver down Zargan’s spine, “But I’m afraid I can’t let you do it. The green dragon felt a sharp pain, and then everything went dark.
-last edited on May 18, 2017 20:05:55 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 18, 2017 20:05:40 GMT
Chapter 153
Without a second thought, Skrag grabbed onto the rope and jumped back off of the balcony, sword in hand. For all of his childhood, Skirj had tormented him every chance he got. It was finally time for the half-breed to fight back. Skirj seemed to be having similar thoughts as he plunged through the mass of people, leaving the other goblins behind. Time seemed to slow around them as they stood, glaring at each other with weapons gripped tightly in hand.
Skirj was the first to speak, “Fancy meeting you here. Long time no see, Skrag. I can’t say I’ve missed you.”
“Likewise,” Skrag was a little pleased to find that he was taller than his old rival, “Care to settle things once and for all?”
Skirj laughed, “As if you could defeat me. You know I was always the better fighter. In fact, I demonstrated it to you on numerous occasions, as you may recall.”
“I’ve changed.”
At the same time, the two launched into the attack. The sound of blade clashing against blade rang throughout the hall, neither opponent holding back anything as they gave in to the blind rage. Neither moved an inch; they simply slammed their blades together again and again without thinking. A scream rang out from a distant corner of the room, and Skrag turned his head to see what happened. With that distraction, Skirj went into a lunging strike and Skrag barely managed to block it in time. Even more enraged at the close call, Skrag put everything he had into the next attack, and the blade of Skirj’s sword was sheared in two, the goblin himself being knocked to the ground. Desperately, he mounted one last offensive, but it wasn’t enough. Skrag brought his sword down one last time, and Skirj was smashed.
-last edited on May 18, 2017 22:53:06 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 18, 2017 22:52:55 GMT
Chapter 154
The deeper they ventured into the castle, the darker it became, but the light from the torch kept their path visible. As they drew deeper into the ancient labyrinth, Shayden grimaced, scratching at his jaw, “I really prefer forests. These dark tunnels make my beard itch.”
“If your beard itches, why don’t you burn it off? Doesn’t hurt too much and it’s a great way to scare off innocent spectators, “suggested Alkkuto, “Although, now that you mention it, I wouldn’t mind a nice, green forest myself.”
Doli looked at the both of them in shock, “Forests?! Those trees always look like they’re goin’ tae eat me! Besides, ye can’t find treasure in a forest.”
“I’m not going to burn my beard off; I’d probably just end up melting my chin off. And since when do trees eat people?” Shayden replied, rolling his eyes. He was still looking back at the others when the tunnel suddenly dropped off into a cavernous room, and that was why he fell face-first into a pool of water that had accumulated in it along with the torch. They were trapped in the dark once again, and it seemed an eternity before Alkkuto brought out the fire jar once more and lit a torch on the wall. As he went around the room to light a few more torches, Shayden and Doli looked around. Like much of the rest of the castle, the room was home to its fair share of rubble, and several skeletons to boot. One had fallen with an arrow through its ribs, right in the chink of its armor. Another was strewn out on the floor, an odd sword in its hand. The blade was white, and gave off a faint glow. Where it met the black hilt, a rune was inscribed.
-last edited on May 19, 2017 11:36:15 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 19, 2017 11:35:58 GMT
Chapter 155
Hoid’s gathered group was still fighting a desperate battle. Link and Leinad fought through hordes of goblins, but they just kept coming. Digls, though he now had the help of Sir William, was still fighting a losing battle against the trolls. Harrox and Irya wove through the battle, smashing enemies with deft strokes, yet with each swing they grew more tired. Hithrol was still trying to take on all the giants by himself and he was starting to wear thin. Olifin stayed in the corner, defending Legolie against the enemies proud enough to test themselves against a dragon. And Graylin was on her knees, no longer unable to fight back against the sorcerer. Skrag could only rain down arrows from above and hope that they would find a way to make it through.
Hithrol watched his friend fire down arrows from above. A memory filled his mind- the memory of the first time they met. It had been just after Zargan’s brother Marrzak smashed Hithrol’s father and sister and Hithrol was hunting Zargan for revenge. Skrag defended the dragon and knocked Hithrol unconscious. Little did he know that Hithrol would soon have a dragon friend of his own and the four of them would eventually become good friends.
As Hithrol ducked behind a rock for cover, he saw something out of the corner of his eye- a shadow. He turned his head to look at it but there was nothing there. Firing a bolt of light from his hand, he shook his head. He was just imagining things. Turning back, Hithrol found himself face-to-face with Morath. The shadow seemed to smile, “Hello, Hithrol. Do you remember me?”
Hithrol barely managed to get out the words, “I thought we destroyed you.”
-last edited on May 19, 2017 20:16:11 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 19, 2017 20:15:24 GMT
Chapter 156
“You thought you destroyed me?” laughed Morath, “It is not so simple a task as you think. Now, I would like my sword back, so could you please hand it over.”
“I gave it to Skrag.”
“Not that one. I speak of the blade that you carry. What do you call it? Scalblas. Yes, that’s it. Give it to me.” Morath reached out to grab the blade.
Hithrol tried to swing Scalblas at Morath, but the shadow was too fast. The voice turned menacing, “Give it to me now. It is mine.”
“It’s mine!” shouted Hithrol, swinging it again. But once again, Morath was too fast. Before he knew it, Hithrol was on the ground with no memory of having fallen.
Morath raised a hand and a ball of green energy began to grow around it, “I will have the sword.”
Hithrol closed his eyes, and then there was a bright white flash and Morath was gone. Dernis Jiwovz stood in his place, “Hello, my son.” Hithrol fainted.
As Hithrol left consciousness, Legolie finally returned to it. A little unsteadily, she got to her feet and looked around at the battle. “We’re losing, aren’t we?” she said to Olifin. The dragon nodded in between tossing goblins aside. Legolie sighed, “Why do I always have to do everything myself?” She fired a few arrows at goblins to clear a path, and then drew her sword as she leapt into the fray.
Legolie fought her way through the crowd, taking down goblins with each swing of her blade. But every one that fell seemed to give rise to two or three more. There had to be a better way to do this. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw one goblin that stood out among the crowd. His long hair was arrayed in braids interwoven with strips of purple cloth and his skin was an unusually dark shade of green. Unlike many of the goblins, he wore well-made scale mail armor and wielded two heavy maces. Legolie grinned, “Looks like fun.” With an enthusiastic hoot, she began making her way towards him.
-last edited on May 20, 2017 1:06:04 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 20, 2017 1:04:32 GMT
Chapter 157
Alkkuto shivered, grabbing a torch from the wall, “Let’s go. This place is giving me the heebie jeebies.”
“Better’n a forest,” muttered Doli.
Shayden appeared not to hear either of them as he picked up the sword, giving it a few experimental swings.
“Shayden, come on,” said Alkkuto again, “Let’s go.”
“Alright, alright,” Shayden replied, putting the sword down, “How do we get out of here?”
Doli pointed at an arched doorway, “Thar. It looks like it goes up.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Once again whistling a merry tune, Shayden began leading his friends into the tunnel.
Soon, he caught a whiff of fresh air, and the end of the tunnel came into view. Letting out a whoop, the leader of the bandits ran towards the end of the tunnel, “I can see the sun! Woo-!” His cries of excitement were cut short as he was knocked unconscious by what appeared to be a walking tree with glowing red eyes.
“Must… defend… tunnel,” said the tree.
Doli looked at Alkkuto, “What did I tell ye? I knew tha trees were out tae get us!”
“We have to go out there,” said Alkkuto, pushing the reluctant dwarf towards the mouth of the tunnel. “For treasure! And also Shayden! But mostly treasure! Alright, Mr. Tree, I have a torch and I’m not afraid to use it, so stay back!”
Doli stood alongside him, brandishing his axe, “And I have an axe and a deep, abidin’ hatred of trees.”
The tree roared and began stomping around as Doli charged at it. Enraged, it grabbed Alkkuto and began swinging him around. “Hey, let me go! I’m getting dizzy. Alright, you asked for it.” Alkkuto took the jar of fire and smashed it into the tree. Instantly, it burst into flames and dropped Alkkuto.
“Take that, ye stinkin’ tree!” shouted Doli.
“We’re not in the clear yet,” said Alkkuto, “look.” The two of them watched as the entire forest went up in flames, “Let’s grab Shayden and get out of here.”
-last edited on May 20, 2017 13:57:26 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 20, 2017 13:57:14 GMT
Chapter 158
Zargan awoke with a start. He was in a cave. It was dark. Memories came flooding back all at once- his flight to the mountains, meeting Marrzak, falling unconscious. Almost in a panic, he got to his feet. He had to get out of here and warn the others. There was no time to gather the help of the dragons. As he started to move out of the cave, he felt something holding him back. Marrzak had chained him to the wall of the cave. Angrily, he struggled against his bonds. Finally, they broke and he charged forward to the mouth of the cave. As soon as he hit the cold mountain air outside he spread his wings and took off towards the castle of the Falcon Kingdom.
Not far away, Marrzak watched as his brother led him straight to where he wanted to be. The fools wouldn’t see him coming until it was too late, and then his plans would be complete. Hithrol Jiwovz would be smashed along with Zargan and anyone who stood alongside him.
With a hoot of exhilaration, Legolie flew into combat against the goblin warlord. For a split second he looked surprised, but quickly he prepared to fight. His form was sloppy, almost to the point of comedy, but Legolie could tell that he was strong. A good hit from one of those maces might take her down. So she stayed out of his reach and on the defensive, only switching to offense when he was totally open. As he swung both maces downwards in a furious blow that cracked the flagstones she leapt over his head and swung her blade at his back. He shouted in anger and pain and spun around to attack her, but she was already at his left side, landing two more strikes. The goblin turned again, and again she was gone. Two more calculated strokes of her sword and he fell to the ground. All around her, the goblins saw their leader fall. Some fled immediately. Others tried to find new leadership to no avail. The goblin forces were essentially out of the fight, but it wasn’t over yet.
-last edited on May 20, 2017 18:02:13 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 20, 2017 18:02:01 GMT
Chapter 159
Graylin dimly looked up at the sorcerer. He said something, but she couldn’t hear it over the ringing in her ears. She tried to lift her arm, to do something- anything- but nothing happened. The sorcerer raised his arm and a ball of red energy formed in his hand. Graylin closed her eyes and braced herself for the inevitable. It never came.
Through the ringing, she heard a familiar voice. Slowly, her eyes opened. A silver blade smashed against a red shield- once, twice, three times- and the shield shattered into dozens of fragments that quickly dissipated. As her vision cleared, Graylin saw the scene more clearly. The shield was a magical construct made by the sorcerer, and the blade had come from none other than Septimus Merlinsson. Septimus hovered a few feet above the ground, his gray cloak billowing. The sorcerer cowered on the floor below him.
Calmly, the alchemist floated to the ground and took a few steps towards the sorcerer. “Don’t think for a second that I can’t counter any trick you may have up your sleeve. I’ve studied my craft for lifetimes. You haven’t even had one.” As if to prove his point, he snapped his fingers and the sorcerer slumped to the ground. “You’re not even worth my time. But you so much as look at the girl, and I will destroy you.” Touching a finger to the red gemstone set in the forehead of his gold skull mask, Septimus floated over to Graylin. He touched his hand to her forehead and a silver light poured over her. When it was over, she felt like her injuries had never happened. “You’re lucky I got here when I did,” said Septimus, “But you did well to hold him off as long as you did. Rest now. You need to recover your strength.” He carried Graylin over to the dragon. “You will protect her, yes?” The dragon nodded. “Good. I must go end this fight.” And then Septimus was gone.
