-last edited on May 30, 2017 1:35:45 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 30, 2017 1:33:54 GMT
Chapter 170
When the groups had scattered after the arrival of the dragon, Ethan, Fingolfin, Digls, and Alkkuto had ended up together. Only Fingolfin had visited the castle before, long ago, and so they soon became lost. After they wandered through the same room three times in short succession, the habitually quiet Digls spoke up, “I think I might have an idea.”
Fingolfin turned to him, eyebrows raised, “You think so?”
Digls nodded. There was a long pause as the others waited for him to speak. Alkkuto began swinging one of his cutlasses at imagined enemies, mouthing silent screams as each invisible assailant fell.
“What is it?” asked Fingolfin impatiently.
“Well,” said Digls, “You said the Well would probably be at the lowest point of the castle, didn’t you, Ethan?”
“I did,” replied Ethan, who had, in fact, said just that not three minutes before.
“Then I can find it,” said Digls. He began sniffing the air.
Fingolfin sighed, “What are you doing?”
“Sniffing the air,” said Digls, sticking out his tongue, “And tasting it.”
“Why?” asked Fingolfin.
“So I can find the lowest point of the castle.”
Fingolfin simply shook his head as he waited for the dwarf to finish. Alkkuto motioned to him to help fight the imaginary opponents. Fingolfin did not help.
Digls stopped sniffing. After a moment of thought, he pointed in a direction, “Follow me.”
There was another long pause, before Fingolfin looked to Digls, “Lead the way.”
Digls nodded his head appreciatively and began walking towards where he had pointed. Alkkuto followed close behind with an enthusiastic whoop. Ethan and Fingolfin hung back for a moment, sighed in unison, and followed their companions deeper into the castle.
-last edited on May 30, 2017 13:35:19 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 30, 2017 13:35:04 GMT
Chapter 171
Olifin was thrown back as Marrzak burst into flame. He ran over to Hithrol, who was steadily getting to his feet. “Hithrol, he is wearing some sort of crown on his head. I think we need to get it off.” The black dragon repeated the statement more loudly so that Skrag, Zargan, and Dernis could hear it also.
Hithrol nodded, “What- what is he doing?”
Olifin shook his head, “I don’t know, but I don’t like it. He can’t be smashed, can he?”
As the two of them watched the column of flame, Skrag and Zargan made their way over, with Dernis not far behind. Slowly, the column shrank until it was the size of a man. Then it dissipated, and standing where Marrzak had been just minutes before was a strange-looking man. His skin had a slightly reddish tinge, like it was irritated or sunburnt. He was tall and muscular, with a shock of vibrant red hair, golden eyes, slightly pointed ears, and a vicious smile full of fang-like teeth. The man was clothed in a scaly red tunic, brown pants, and deep red boots with a gold belt and bracelets. On his head was the crown that Olifin had seen, but although it was still a tight fit it seemed more suited for a human head. In each of his hands was a twisted golden blade. Even though it didn’t quite look like him, the onlookers knew without a doubt that it was Marrzak. “Do you understand now?” he asked, “Do you understand the power I possess? You cannot stop me!”
Skrag, Zargan, Hithrol, Olifin, and Dernis all moved to attack, but before they could do anything Marrzak was charging at them. He moved with a blinding speed, so fast that in an instant he had passed them and Olifin and Zargan were each left with fresh wounds along their sides.
-last edited on May 30, 2017 20:31:46 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 30, 2017 20:31:29 GMT
Chapter 172
Legolie stopped suddenly, motioning for the others to do likewise. They did so, though Septimus appeared to be a little reluctant to follow her orders. In the confusion of the dragon’s arrival, the groups had become mixed up, and when Skrag told them to go they all chose different directions. Since Legolie was the only one of her new group- Hoid, Septimus, and Doli- at all familiar with the castle, she had been chosen to lead them.
The elf queen listened as closely as she could, being careful not to make any noise. Sure enough, she heard it again- footsteps and an odd haunting tune. Turning back, she whispered, “Someone’s here. I’ll go see who it is. He or she won’t be able to see me if I stay deep enough in the shadows.”
Septimus hissed, “No. I’ll go investigate.”
Legolie moved to stop him, but it was too late. The sorcerer was already gone. Angrily, she returned her attention to her other companions, “All right. Follow me. Merlinsson can do what he likes, but I’m still our leader.” They murmured agreement, and Legolie resumed walking, heading towards the sounds. Doli had to jog to keep up on his short legs
The man paused to look out a window. The weather was wonderful, as it had been for the past few days, but somehow he got the feeling that something was amiss. Perhaps it was something in the air, or perhaps he was simply imagining things.
As he turned around to continue making his way back to his room, a dark-robed figure began to appear before him. He wore a gold mask in the shape of a skull, with a large red gemstone in the forehead. The man placed a hand on the hilt of his falchion, unsure what to do, but the robed figure lifted one finger of his own golden-gloved hand, “It is not worth the effort. Nothing you can do will harm me. You may know the location of an object I am looking for. Tell me where it is if you value your life.”
-last edited on May 31, 2017 1:03:06 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 31, 2017 1:02:54 GMT
Chapter 173
As Zargan and Olifin screamed in pain and fell to their knees, Skrag readied his bow and fired an arrow at Marrzak in an attempt to retaliate. But Marrzak caught it in one hand without missing a beat and crushed it in his fist, smiling viciously at the half-breed as he did so.
Realizing that his arrows might be useless, Skrag ran to Zargan’s side to make sure he was okay. The green dragon groaned and lifted his head a little to speak, “I am okay. I just need to rest a little to regain my strength. You need to try to figure out a way to stop him” Skrag nodded, allowing his friend to lie back down.
Hithrol and Dernis stood side-by-side, ready to face Marrzak. The not-dragon laughed, “You think you can stand against me?” He ran at the two of them, blades outstretched. Hithrol swung Scalblas in an attempt to strike Marrzak, but he was too fast and the tip of the blade just barely clipped him. Marrzak’s own blade, on the other hand, sends Hithrol down just like it did the dragons. Dernis, however, was unharmed because he turned intangible at the last second. Marrzak’s momentum took him several yards past his the father and son, and as he turned to finish off Hithrol, Skrag fired another arrow. This time its target was unprepared- he was only able to shift slightly so that the injury wasn’t too serious. With a roar, Marrzak took off towards the half-breed. Skrag dove to the ground, and the not-dragon, unable to slow down quickly enough, tripped over him and was sent to the ground. Skrag was struck hard by Marrzak’s foot, but he was able to get to his feet in time to swing his sword at the not-dragon. Marrzak rolled out of the way just in time, and the blade stuck in the dirt. Instead of attempting to retrieve it, Skrag drew his knife and turned to face Marrzak.
-last edited on May 31, 2017 14:00:09 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 31, 2017 13:58:51 GMT
Chapter 174
Dernis watched calmly as Marrzak bore down on Skrag. He extended his arms and his ethereal form was bathed in a white light. He touched one finger to Hithrol. The light enveloped him and he was healed. Before his son awoke, Dernis strode over to the two dragons, who were still on the ground from Marrzak’s attack. He touched a finger to each of them and they too were enveloped in the healing light. As they slowly came to, the light faded from Dernis and he felt himself stumble. That had taken a lot out of him. He couldn’t manage much more or he would be gone for good. It was worth it. Marrzak needed to be destroyed. As the not-dragon swung his blade, Dernis let forth a bloodcurdling scream. Marrzak turned to see what was happening, and Skrag was just barely able to avoid his golden blade. An intense pain enveloped Dernis as he felt himself using the last of his magic. Soon a thirty-foot-tall Dernis stood among them, wielding a sword blazing with a white fire.
Marrzak turned his attention away from Skrag, apparently deciding that Dernis was a more worthy foe. Dernis swung his sword at the not-dragon, but he missed, and with a sickening grin Marrzak leapt onto to massive blade and began running along it towards Dernis’s face. The giant lifted his sword from the earth and gave it a massive swing, sending Marrzak into the dirt.
Angrily, the not-dragon charged back at Dernis. But as focused as he was on the giant, he failed to notice Zargan. His tail swung in from the side, slamming into Marrzak. With a scream, the not-dragon was flung into the castle wall. He fell to the ground with a crunch and lay still.
Dernis fell to his knees as he returned to his normal size. His vision was blurry, and he barely noticed himself collapsing. Hithrol ran to his side and tried to help him up. Dernis shook his head weakly, “I am… spent. I have… no more energy.”
Hithrol whispered, “No. I can’t lose you again.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t have the energy to remain here any longer. My son, I have something I must tell you. It’s about Alis. She…”
“What? What about Alis?” Hithrol felt tears in his eyes.
“It’s… She… Marrzak…” Dernis faded away and was gone. Hithrol began to cry.
-last edited on May 31, 2017 19:47:00 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 31, 2017 19:46:23 GMT
Chapter 175
The man stood still, unsure what to do. On one hand, he ached to fight this intruder, but on the other he had a feeling that what the figure said was true and whatever he did would prove useless.
Before either was able to do anything, a green-cloaked woman came running around the corner and stepped between them. Close behind her were an old man in a long cloak and a brown-bearded dwarf.
Angrily, the dark-robed figure took a step away from the woman, “What is the meaning of this? I was about to interrogate this man as to the whereabouts of the Well!”
“He doesn’t know where it is, Merlinsson! This here is Gyr Taluk, the last Dragon Knight.” Legolie gestured to the man, keeping her eyes locked on Septimus.
Gyr bowed slightly to Legolie, “Forgive me. I did not recognize you at first. It has been too long.”
Legolie nodded somberly, “That it has. I heard that all the others left, but I had thought it might have been idle gossip. It’s true, then?”
“So it is,” replied Gyr, “I’ve been alone here for quite some time.”
Before Legolie could speak again, Septimus stepped forward, “What in the name of Isenthorne is going on here? You know this man?”
“Yes, I do. He is going to help us find the Well,” Legolie said confidently.
Gyr frowned, “I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’m willing to lend my assistance if you’ll have me.
“We need all the help we can get,” said Hoid.
“Well, then, what do you need me to do?” Gyr looked to Legolie expectantly.
The elf queen shrugged, “I’m the temporary leader, but Hoid is the one who knows all the stuff.”
“True enough,” replied Hoid, “There is much you need to know. We will fill you in on the way. Can you take us to the deepest part of the castle?”
Gyr nodded, “Follow me.” He began to make his way down the hall with the others close behind- all except Septimus, who slunk along at the back.
“He doesn’t know where it is, Merlinsson! This here is Gyr Taluk, the last Dragon Knight.” Legolie gestured to the man, keeping her eyes locked on Septimus.
“Yes, I do. He is going to help us find the Well,” Legolie said confidently.
“True enough,” replied Hoid, “There is much you need to know. We will fill you in on the way. Can you take us to the deepest part of the castle?”
Gyr nodded, “Follow me.” He began to make his way down the hall with the others close behind- all except Septimus, who slunk along at the back.
OOC: Why am I getting Darkness flashbacks here? Wasn't that crystal in the deepest part of the Dragon Knight's Castle? Is this going to be showing the Origin of the Darkness?
Tul Generas of the Orcs, Darthraxx of the dragon Knights. I RP, and have lots of fun.
William Exeter ran a hand through his black hair as he gazed at the castle in the distance. When he took his hand away, a single gray hair came with it. He stared at the hair for a second before letting it drop to the ground. The hair was yet another reminder that he was getting old, that he needed to keep Virida safe, that she was his primary responsibility. And yet here he was. He had promised himself that he wouldn’t come back, but Gyr Taluk had finally worn him down. He would listen to what the knight had to say, but then he would go home. Exeter already knew what Gyr was going to offer, and he knew that he would turn it down. It would be easier with Virida at his side to remind him where his duties were. He was glad he had brought her with.
As Exeter watched the castle, he noticed that something was amiss. A black shape hovered in the air nearby it. Looking closer, he realized that it was a dragon. It flew down, out of sight, and Exeter began to recognize the sounds of combat. He turned to Virida and placed a hand on her shoulder, “I think there’s some sort of fighting going on at the castle. I’m going to go and investigate it. Sir Taluk will probably be able to explain. You stay here, okay? I’ll come get you when it’s safe.”
For a second, he thought she was going to protest, but she simply nodded and gave him a hug. He returned the hug and smiled down at her. And then, with a wave and a motion to stay put, he was gone. As he ran towards the castle, a short sword in his hand, a strange feeling came over him. He felt like something was about to change, and he wasn’t sure that it would be for the better.
-last edited on Jun 1, 2017 12:45:14 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 1, 2017 12:44:40 GMT
Chapter 177
Graylin was the first to see the soldiers. They dressed in white shirts under thin chest plates of a dark metal, along with spiked shoulder pads and open-faced helmets. Most carried a short sword, a spear, or a crossbow. Many bore kite shields emblazoned with the form of a scorpion. They marched through a wide portal, three at a time, and lined up in the central courtyard. When Graylin saw who was generating the portal she felt short of breath- it was the sorcerer who had nearly smashed her in the castle of the Falcon Kingdom.
Quickly, she motioned to her companions- Irya, Link, Leinad, Shayden, and Harrox- and directed their attentions to the window. Quietly, so that the soldiers wouldn’t hear them, they began to talk, to plan. It was clear that these soldiers were there to get the Well, and it was clear that they had to be stopped. The castle was huge, so there was a high chance that neither of the other groups had seen the soldiers. It was up to the six of them to stop the ever-growing army. Hopefully, the others would find the Well before it was too late.
They crept through the empty hallways until they arrived at the open balcony overlooking the courtyard. The sun shone brightly, reflecting off of the dark armor of the soldiers as they continued to pour through the portal three at a time. Though there were not too many in the courtyard yet, it seemed likely that they would keep coming and there was no way to know their true numbers. They would have to be stopped before many more arrived. Link lowered the rope attached to his crossbow and he, Irya, Leinad, Shayden, and Harrox leapt down to fight. Graylin stayed on the wall- that way she could fend off the sorcerer without him being able to fight back as effectively.
“He doesn’t know where it is, Merlinsson! This here is Gyr Taluk, the last Dragon Knight.” Legolie gestured to the man, keeping her eyes locked on Septimus.
“Yes, I do. He is going to help us find the Well,” Legolie said confidently.
“True enough,” replied Hoid, “There is much you need to know. We will fill you in on the way. Can you take us to the deepest part of the castle?”
Gyr nodded, “Follow me.” He began to make his way down the hall with the others close behind- all except Septimus, who slunk along at the back.
OOC: Why am I getting Darkness flashbacks here? Wasn't that crystal in the deepest part of the Dragon Knight's Castle? Is this going to be showing the Origin of the Darkness?
The Darkness was sort of based on this, but the thing in the story is more like the apocalypse that Alpida helped to stop.
OOC: Why am I getting Darkness flashbacks here? Wasn't that crystal in the deepest part of the Dragon Knight's Castle? Is this going to be showing the Origin of the Darkness?
The Darkness was sort of based on this, but the thing in the story is more like the apocalypse that Alpida helped to stop.
aah. Makes sense.
Tul Generas of the Orcs, Darthraxx of the dragon Knights. I RP, and have lots of fun.
-last edited on Jun 1, 2017 20:22:22 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 1, 2017 20:21:52 GMT
Chapter 178
Hithrol heard footsteps approaching. He looked up to see Olifin, Skrag, and Zargan standing around him. Slowly, they helped him to his feet. “I guess it’s over then,” said Zargan, looking at Marrzak’s limp form. “He’s gone.”
Hithrol nodded, “And so is Dernis. If only he could have held on a little longer. He had something to tell me, something about Alis.”
“Your sister?” asked Olifin, “The one who Marrzak smashed?”
Hithrol simply nodded again as he sheathed Scalblas. Zargan began to approach his smashed brother. As he did so, a man dressed all in black came running out from the other side of the castle wall. The man looked quickly at Marrzak, and then up at Zargan, “What’s going on here? What did you do to him?” Keeping a watchful eye on Zargan, the man began to approach Marrzak. Zargan, unsure who this was and what he was doing there, did nothing to stop him. Just before the man touched him, the not-dragon erupted into a column of flame once again. The man was flung back and lay still.
Skrag, Zargan, Hithrol, and Olifin looked on in shock as the column of flame grew to a massive size, as big as it had been when Marrzak formed it the first time. Slowly, the flames began to dissipate, and Marrzak stood alongside the castle wall, looking no worse for the wear. He let loose a deafening roar, and then made a sickening grin, “You thought you could defeat me that easily? And now you number one less. Such a pity.”
Quickly, Skrag hopped onto Zargan’s back, snatching an arrow from his quiver as he did so. Hithrol seemed to have the same thought as he drew Scalblas and mounted Olifin.
Marrzak assumed a look of mock sadness, “Why, this is hardly fair. Don’t you think I deserve a rider of my own?” A small column of flame erupted next to him, and when it dissipated a confused-looking Skirj was standing there. Marrzak peered down at him, “I have brought you back to life to become my rider. In return, I will allow you to have your revenge on him.” He pointed one hooked claw at Skrag. Skirj smiled and nodded, climbing onto Marrzak’s back. The red dragon laughed, “Now this is more like it! Don’t you think, brother?”
The sorcerer stumbled as Graylin’s bolt of yellow light struck his back. The portal flickered for a second before he got it back under control. Angrily, he pointed up at the wall where Graylin was standing and a group of soldiers with crossbows began firing on her. Graylin smiled. It appeared the sorcerer couldn’t do anything else while maintaining the portal. She could use that to her advantage. Calmly, she stopped the crossbow bolts in midair and sent them hurtling back at the archers who had fired them. Yellow light accompanied them. The soldiers would be easy to beat- stopping the sorcerer would prove more difficult.
Shayden and Harrox charged into the enemy side-by-side, blades at the ready, and began to fight. The two of them had proven an effective team in the past, though Shayden had to admit that Harrox was the better fighter. The quiet man was perhaps the best warrior of all the Bandits. If he hadn’t been, Shayden wouldn’t have had him come along on this mission. Harrox was also a loose cannon, prone to fits of rage and impulsive decisions. That was probably one of the things that made him such an effective fighter, but it wasn’t so useful off of the battlefield. It also meant Shayden had to stay close to him when possible, to defuse potential outbursts. A soldier lunged at Shayden with a short sword, but the bandit leader stepped aside and took down the soldier with his rapier. Harrox leapt over the head of another, dispatching him with his sword as he did so and striking a third with his knife as he landed. As the two of them continued to battle, they suddenly found themselves surrounded. Soldiers stood on all sides. Shayden saw Harrox lifted into the air by red tendrils and shoved through a glowing portal. Desperately, he tried to get to his friend, but the soldiers descended on him, weapons raised. The last thing he saw was a spear heading for his chest.
-last edited on Jun 2, 2017 12:47:27 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 2, 2017 12:46:53 GMT
Chapter 180
Skrag sat stunned on Zargan’s back as Marrzak and his new rider rose into the sky. It hadn’t even been a day since he had smashed Skirj. The conflict that had begun so many years ago was supposed to be over. He had won. But now Skirj was alive once again, and it was all Skrag could do to hold himself steady as he stared at his long-time enemy. Zargan and Olifin took flight in response to Marrzak and the three dragons flew towards each other, all intent on finally ending the fight. Skirj drew his sword and it immediately burst into a strange red flame. He thrust it into the sky with a laugh, “This time, Skrag, I will win.”
Olifin flew above Marrzak and sent a blast of fire at his head. Marrzak turned, as quick as lightning, and grabbed onto Olifin’s wing. The black dragon let out a howl of pain and squirmed around in an attempt to escape Marrzak’s grip. But the red dragon did not let go. He swung his tail into Olifin’s back, and as the black dragon felt the shock of pain, Marrzak swung him towards the ground.
Marrzak turned downward, ready to attack the weakened and grounded Olifin, but before he could Zargan crashed into his side with a roar, nearly crushing Skirj. The red and green dragons wrestled in midair as the black struggled to get in an attack of his own. Skrag clung to Zargan’s back and Skirj did the same with Marrzak as their respective mounts clawed and bit at each other. With a final burst of effort from Marrzak, Skrag and Zargan were sent careening towards the ground, but not before Zargan clamped his teeth down onto the red dragon’s tail, sending Skirj and Marrzak down with them. The four of them smashed into the ground with a thud and a cloud of dust.
-last edited on Jun 2, 2017 19:29:08 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jun 2, 2017 19:28:47 GMT
Chapter 181
Harrox awoke in a dark room. The air was dry and dusty. He could hear muffled shouting coming from outside. He tried to stand up, but his legs were held down by an unseen force. So were his arms. As his eyes adjusted, he saw that three figures sat across from him. He could feel another behind him. The small amount of light coming from the crack under the door glinted off of the figures in several places. They appeared to be wearing armor like that of the soldiers. The man in the middle spoke, “Welcome. I had Orrolc bring you here because I have an offer to make for you.”
Harrox spat, “What offer?”
“I’m glad you asked. I have a… significant grievance against one of your companions. I’d like you to hurt him.”
“You’d better be prepared to give me a significant reward if you want me to do that,” replied Harrox, “I’m not in the business of betrayal- it gives one a bad reputation.”
The man chuckled, “I’m afraid I don’t have much to give at the moment. But I think you’ll be willing. You see, the person I speak of is the half-breed, Skrag.”
Harrox smiled slightly, “What are your terms?”
“It’s simple,” said the man, “I want you to hurt him, in whatever way you can, as much as you can. I don’t care what you do, as long as you leave him alive for me. In return, I will withdraw my army. Monetary payment can be negotiated after the completion of the job.”
“All right,” said Harrox, after a moment of thought, “But I don’t want this traceable back to me.”
“That can be arranged. It was a pleasure doing business with you. Orrolc will return you to the fortress.” He gestured into the distance, and Harrox could see that in the place of his left hand was a metal hook. Then everything went black.
