Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 08:45:40 -0800
From: Sharon/LadyXan
Xan stood behind Dream Knight, looking at the Obelisk as Keyanna rode up. She was only half paying attention to the conversation that Dream Knight was having with Keyanna, her mind on the other seals left unbroken and those that must be reforged. Looking around her, Xan shook her head in sorrow and regret at the destruction that had taken place and this, only the first crossroad of eight. She stood quiet for her own supply of energy was at a low. It would be a few days before she would regain her strength. Her hand touched briefly her red ruby in reassurance and gave a small contented sigh when she felt the slight pulse beat under her palm. She glanced over at LFAI to make sure the Lady was well. Twas a hard thing to lose a Sister, death never a pretty thing in these hard times.
Xan turned slightly, taking in the Castle Dramor, remembering the stench of Death that filled every nook and cranny of the place. With a heartfelt sigh, she turned once more, her vision encompassing the others who stood with her. Her mind caught Dream Knight's words, " --- in three groups. One to stop the next seal from being opened, one to find the already broken ones and the other to stop any further destruction." The words echoed in her mind, sending, all of a sudden, shivers down her spine. A feeling of dread poured into her soul and somehow, she already knew it was too late.... another seal had been opened and with it, more Death and Destruction.
Everywhere she turned, these days, the stench of death filled her. Yet, amid all this, Life, Hope and Love was born into this world yet again, renewing within her, the reason for this fight and all that must be endured.........
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 16:16:56 PST
From: Daniel/LordWolf & Co
Down from the North they came, several hundred strong. Their numbers increasing with each new addition to their ranks. A call had gone out. Word was spread by a means that is only know to those of their kind. A rolling mass of fur, bone and teeth traveled South West, lead by a black Dire wolf and a large white arctic twin. As the Pack rolled on, various other smaller packs joined it for it was the time of the gathering. LordWolf had sent the request to the Earth Mother to call all the packs to him. None of the Alpha's questioned his right to lead them. They, like all animal kind, knew that their world hung poised on the brink of destruction. By the time they reached the outer borders of Camelot they would be several thousand strong. Of that LordWolf and Quietus had no doubt. Following the Mothers directions, the Pack would not have long to wait before the hunt began. The prey this time was unlike anything they had hunted before. This time, the hunter of life would be the prey and they, lead by the children of the Mother, would be the hunters.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dream Knight, Tomas the Arch Angel sat within the great fire hall of Camelot and stared down at the maps before him. Around him were gathered the commanding generals lead by General KM. The current map of the world at which the Angel was looking had several red lines drawn upon it marking the paths of the Four Horsemen. Turning to KM he spoke thoughtfully, "Their paths have intersected here as we already know. It will happen seven more times before the final seal can be broken, my friends."
General KM stared at the lines for a long moment as the others thought of destruction caused by their first crossing had brought. "How long?"
Dream Knight looked up at KM's words. "How long?"
"How long before they intersect once again," replied KM
"I wish I knew, General," was Dream Knights reply.
"You mean you do not know," KM asked in mild shock as he shifted his stance, as yet unable to sit properly due to the "little" accident.
"The time between each intersection will be less than the one before I am afraid," replied Dream Knight. Without the second joining happening we have no real way of judging."
"So we sit and wait?" inquired KM
"Well some of us sit," replies DO with an amused smile. "Others of us must stand." A soft chuckle from the others greet his words as KM shoots him a scowl. Dream Knight smiles innocently at KM. As the others are grinning at their friend discomfort, Chamberlain approaches Dream Knight and hands him a piece of paper. After reading the note he looks up to those gathered, "If you all will excuse me, my presence has been requested elsewhere for a few moments. With a deft bow to all present, the Arch Angel pivots and follows Chamberlain from the Fire Hall.
Chamberlain leads him down the hall and to the doors of the room that houses the Round Table. Dream Knight looks to Chamberlain then enters the dim room, closing the door behind him. LordWolf rises and walks from his place at the table, crossing the room to Dream Knight. "This good to see thee again, oh Knight of Dreams," says Wolf with a smile on his face.
"LordWolf," says Dream Knight with a smile upon his Angelic face as he clasps Wolf's extended hand in greeting. "I had about given up on you, M'Lord. We feared you lost to us at Lyric."
"Twas a close call and I had a nice dance with Death on the way here as well," replies Wolf. "Charming fellow, though a bit dark if you ask me. Has a one track mind to."
"Well I imagine you would as well," offers Dream Knight turning and walking to a seat at the table, "If you were in his line of work. Still, it is good to have you with us, Thy Lady wife will be glad of your safe return I am sure."
"Trust me, she knows I have returned, M'Lord." Wolf grins taking a seat as well, "Wives have a way of keeping track of their husbands and have for some time I'd imagine." Wolf looks to Dream Knight, " I don't suppose you'd know how they do that?"
Dream Knight returns the grin. "Now I can't be telling you that, Father would have my wings." Wolf sighs and nods once. "I assume you asked to meet here for a reason, M'Lord?"
"Aye, I have someone who has offered to help us and I thought it best to introduce him to you first alone before telling the others." The Arch Angel arches a brow at his words. "It wouldn't do to have our friends fighting each other. Brother, would you mind so much as coming out here where we can see you. There is someone I would like for you to meet."
Dream Knight turns and looks towards the place Wolf speaks to as a man dressed all in black steps from the shadows. For a moment he cannot believe his eyes and he quickly looks from Wolf to Quietus. "I never knew you had a *twin* brother, Wolf!"
"Yes, he DOES look a lot like me doesn't he," states Quietus as he joins them at the table, refraining to take a seat. "Good looks seems to run in the family. I do not believe we have meet. I am Quietus DarkWolf of the House of Wolf." Q extends a hand to Dream Knight.
Dream Knight rises and clasps the hand much as he did Wolf's before. "Dream Knight. I have heard much about you, DarkWolf, mostly bad."
Quietus grins, "Well you know how rumors are. Always blown out of proportion and all."
"True," replies the Arch Angel, "But there is usually a grain of truth to every rumor, my friend."
"More in some than in others," interjects Wolf into their conversation.
"Well you would certainly know, Brother. Still, we are not here to air the family skeletons are we? We each serve a purpose in this life to each his own."
"Amen," whispers Wolf then shoots a guilty glance to Dream Knight who smiles in return.
"You do know," says Dream Knight, "That many wish you dead, DarkWolf?"
"Believe me the feelings are mutual. But in this, I have little choice it seems." His eyes look to Wolf who just shrugs. "Let us just say that for the time being, our paths travel the same road and we'll leave it at that." Wolf informs DO of the conversation with the Earth Mother as well as outlines the plans for the reforming of the seals.
Dream Knight nods once at his words. "The others will not be so quick to place their feelings aside."
Quietus grins, "That is what I have Wolf and yourself for. Plus I have something that may help with that matter." Wolf arches a brow at this, not to sure what Q is talking about or if he can trust him or not. Still, he has given his word that no harm would come to his brother and he would not break that promise.
"Well, we might as well get this over with then," says Dream knight with a sigh. "I will go get the others, you two wait here, please." Quickly he leaves the room to gather the rest of the others.
"Q, try not to anger them. I would hate to lose everything because you decided to mouth off." Wolf watched his brother closely.
"Why Brother, I am hurt! I will be the perfect gentlemen." A innocent smile gracing his face. Wolf just rolled his eyes as he could hear the other approaching the door. Rising from his seat, he turns and faces the doors to the room, placing himself between them and his brother. Q smirks behind his back, "Brotherly love what a wonderful thing."
The door opened before Wolf could reply, first to enter was Dream Knight with General KM next to him followed closely by Keyanna, Draygus, Xan and several others. As KM entered the room he glanced up first seeing LordWolf, a smile of greeting forming on his face only to be replaced by a look of hatred as he spies Quietus. There is the sound of metal being drawn as Keyanna rips her sword from her hip and only the outstretched arm of Dream Knight stops her from charging the DarkWolf. "HOLD your weapons!" Dream Knights Voice echos within the large room.
"What is the meaning of allowing this filth in here DO?" Anger as well as a touch of fear are mirrored on her features. Wolf quickly glances over his shoulder at his brother who thankfully remains still and has made no move towards the Black scimitar Night Bringer that hangs at his hip. Similar question fly at DO from the others as they all want to know why the DarkWolf is there as well as why they should hold from killing him.
"I invited him here and he is under my protection." All eyes suddenly turn towards Wolf at his words. "He is not our enemy for now. If you will all please have a seat, I will explain what we have learned." Reluctantly, weapons are returned to sheaths as they one by one take their seats and await Wolf's words.
Q smiles and slowly walks around the table towards Dream Knight and General KM. "Before we begin, I would like to give you, and there by Camelot a present. I have something that belongs to you. I managed to get it away from a group of thieves that thought to sale it to me." Dream Knight and KM eye the DarkWolf as the air before them on the table begins to shimmer and a sword appears before them hover a few inches off the table top. As the sword solidifies, it suddenly drops with a loud clank onto the table, causing several to jump at the noise.
"By my word,: utters KM, "It's the sword of Lancelot, stolen a few months back from the fire hall." KM turns an angry eye to Quietus. "Stolen by you no less!"
Q smiles and waves his hand as if dismissing KM's words. "Not stolen, I just happen to be in the wrong place at the right time to be blamed for it. After I heard you all thought I had did it. I made it a point to retrieve it and return it." Q smiles again. "After all, I wouldn't want to take the credit for something I hadn't did no fun in it that way."
KM, reaches out and takes the blade in his hands almost reverently. "I don't believe you, Q. What happened to the thieves?"
"Oh," Q glances around, " I would imagine that they are dead by now. The poison I gave them should have run its course."
KM nods once before continuing. "Don't think that we believe you for a minute, DarkWolf. If it wasn't for LordWolf you'd be dead by now."
"Lords and Ladies! If you please, we have other matters to talk of first," interjects Wolf before the argument can continue. Once more all eyes turn to Lord Wolf as he rises. "For the time being, Quietus is on our side and under my protection. Let us leave it at that." There is some grumbling by those at the table but for the most part it is agreed upon. "I have informed Dream Knight of what I have learned and since he has taken command of the armies and what not, I will let him tell you all what we must do." With that, LordWolf moves towards the doors of the room. "Now if you all will excuse me, I have a daughter, to go see and a wife to insure that I am in one piece." After a brief nod to everyone and a long look to Quietus he slips from the room, closing the door behind him. Q can take care of himself in there and he knew what was required as well as Wolf did. Besides, Wolf thought, I have a daughter to see!! WooHoo!!
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 14:10:52 PST
From: Kien_Hal/Danijela
((pardon my liberties please.. I wanted a blurb in here. :) I've missed so much... Kien_Hal))
The Spectre pauses on a hill, spotting the trio. Chuckling it splits, and the two halves Shimmer and become Arathanor and Kien, their faces lined with fatigue. Glancing at each other a moment they shake their heads and walk towards Dark Knight, hoping that they can be of some help.
"Since we cant find the Damned Necromancer, we might as well help them," Kien says, her voice strained.
Arathanor snorts. "What could we do? We cant even Find the Necromancer, though not for lack of trying. Even you must admit the futility here, Kien" He glances at her, green eyes glazed.
Kien sighs, and stops short as Dark Knight glances in their direction. Straightening up she glances at Arathanor, who meets her gaze before nodding slightly to Dark Knight in greeting.
Clearing her throat she speaks. "We," motioning at herself and Arathanor, "wish to help. I, Kien of Haledonia and Arathanor, my companion here, are both Sorcerers. We offer our services to you, m'lord Dark Knight. We are at thine command."
Kien sends a thought to Arathanor as she bows low. Snarling back in her head he reluctantly bows as well, however stiffly.
::Please try, Than. You don't benefit if the mortals lose:: Kien 'paths to Arathanor.
Arathanor chuckles coldly in Kien's head :: You've gotten soft, Kien. Right as you are, you didn't have to say we are at his command. His eyes hide a light I don't like. But for you... *sigh* I will try and be.. *shudder* good.::
Kien chuckles, a half-smile forming on her lips. ::That's all I would ask, Than.. but Try with all of your being. You might enjoy it.::
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 00:13:03 -0700
From: Dan (Kavin/Rannis/Saevad/etc)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The crisp air swept through the dense forest, rustling leaves, and blowing through the light traveling tunic he wore. Despite his promise to defend the keep, he had gotten restless, having heard only stories of the battles which raged beyond. Even though intense training had tempered him to recognize skill and tact, Kavin Hunter was still young. And it was the brashness of youth that pulled him on this adventure seeking journey beyond the walls of the keep. He had gained assurances from Wenndolyne that she could do without him for a time, although he wasn't entirely sure, at first.
But now in the wilderness, he was alive again. Truly the wind exhilarated him, filling his lungs with the scent of valor, and the fresh smell of triumph. He had his skills, and his weapons. That was all he would need.
Jaede had not wanted him to leave at first, but he had assured her that he would return. He hadn't encountered an enemy too tough. The last traveler he had encountered before leaving the road assured him that the battle fronts were being fought far from here. So instead, he formed his own plan. He would perform, for now, as a scout.
His pistol crossbow, that marvel of design, able to project not conventional bolts, but small deadly pellets at high speeds, was clutched tightly in his right hand, half lowered towards the ground as he walked, but able to be brought into readiness at short notice.
He stepped with the grace of one trained in the ways of the wild, and surviving therein, deftly avoiding making much noise. Kavin paused to breath in deeply, drawing the fresh air deep in his lungs, and marveling at the taste... but he frowned. He scented the air again, smelling perhaps the faintest bit of smoke mixed in with that coolness. He began to move again, this time more hurriedly, in the direction the wind was blowing from. The smell grew stronger, definitely not the general campfire, or even a forest fire. He smelled burning flesh in there as well.
Almost reflexively, the weapon in his hand raised to curt readiness, his finger curled lightly around the trigger. The sound now came to him of battle. Harsh cries and screams in the air. He smiled slowly despite what he faced. He lived for battle. He was brought up to do one thing; kill efficiently.
He broke into a light jog towards the battlefield, the site being a small village, some of the huts already lit ablaze. The attackers were men. Men on foot, and dressed in piecemeal armor. It was apparent that they were nothing more than raiders; men who had given up in the failing world, and had turned to looting, in defiance of the crumbling world around them. Such was human nature.
Kavin didn't care who these men were as he joined the battle, raising the pistol bow at the nearest and squeezing off a shot. The projectile glowed as it left the end of the weapon, a flowing trail of magic energy following it to the target. It burned a hole straight through the armor on the man's chest, and continued out the back, traveling a good deal farther from the flailing man, before finally settling into the grass.
He didn't have time to set the weapon for another shot as an attacker bore down on him, swinging at him with a half trained slice with a short sword. Kavin leapt back out of instinct, then dropped to a crouch, thrusting out a leg to sweep the man's from beneath him. With a heavy thud, the armored warrior crumpled to the ground, right before Kavin was up, and had landed a booted kick on his windpipe, crushing it.
His hand darted behind him, attaching the pistol 'bow to the mechanism he had constructed at the back of his belt, followed by his reaching behind him to draw his overly large two handed sword. The ruby gem in the center of the hilt glowed with a fierce light of it's own, almost as though hollering for it's own brand of justice to be done.
The warriors carved their way through the village, despite the defense of the peasants. The screams of women could be heard from within huts as their pride was stripped from them.
**Now** Came the voice of the spirits within his head. **Justice be brought** The ruby glowed brighter for a moment before fading to a gentle pulsating light, and the edges of the blade began to flicker as though on fire. As he arced the weapon downwards towards the head of an armored warrior, the weapon burst into magical flames, which engulfed the blade, the hilt, and half of his hand. He gritted his teeth against the unbearable warmth, but was almost accustomed to it now.
His attacker disappeared beneath that blade of flames, and he was spinning already to meet his next attacker. Blade after blade cleaved itself in two after meeting his sword, the owners soon meeting the same fates as their weapons.
The villagers fighting alongside him cheered as raider after raider collapsed to his deadly attacks, and not one asked where he had come, or who he was. He was on their side, and seemed one of them, from the look of his clothing.
Raiders began to tremble at the sight of those uncompassionate eyes as they locked on them, the sword held shoulder height, like some sort of fiery serpent, ready to strike. More fell to the weapon, until finally the first dropped his weapons and fled.
Another followed, and soon the remaining men were being driven from the village, a throng of angry villagers close behind them, brandishing crudely constructed weapons.
Kavin paused in the midst of the village, the flames dying down to barely visible embers, until fading all together. The gem in the hilt pulsed once, and Kavin nodded. "Yeah.." He said to no one, "Ja`ness it d`en."
In a lower tone, he translated for himself, the languages of his homeland, "Justice is done."
With that, he shouldered the long sword, and slid it into the scabbard on his back, the tip of the blade rasping a faint metal on metal sound, finally clicking into place as the hilt met scabbard. He had a long walk back. And he was tired.
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 01:17:58, -0500
From: Tyralor/Kessell/Destilnys
Kessell watched the dull reflection from the globe before him. He had not moved in perhaps, six hours, awaiting anxiously, the last of his servants to succeed at the task he had set before it. The globe itself seemed to hold nothing to untrained eyes. Being dark and brown it should not have held anyone's gaze transfixed for such a duration. Yet Kessell was a man possessed. Sleep meant little to him, and now his mind was clouded due to the neglect. Delusional, voices spoke to him, foretelling the man of his grandeur that would spread like rumors through those gathered to prevent the cataclysm. He smiled at the praise he would receive, the voices foretelling of entire nations bowing down before him, gratified that he alone, managed to end the demons that construed the efforts to destroy him. Indeed, his mind had warped the entire escapade into a battle of himself against the daemons. He knew of no help, he could not be bothered to see if his services would be useful elsewhere. He only knew that he would be victorious in forestalling the destruction of the worlds. Smirking in self confidence he watched the globe even more intently. As before, there should've been nothing to see, yet his eyes remained transfixed on a pair of rocks that seemed to stay in a fixed position no matter what other rubble moved across the field of vision. That creature, one of many earth elements that he had forced into his service moved at a lumbering speed through the ground. Kessell's control of it still enough to force it to carry out its task.
Kess watched with glee as the being proceeded to follow the instructions exactly as spoken before. The beast's spoken language, a distortion of various rumblings served its purpose as always. The gem knew the command words uttered in any language, and reacted appropriately. The element, believing itself to be freed of service, slowly began to gather itself to return to its own plane. Kessell delighted in this most of all, knowing the pawn's purpose had not yet begun.
The magic of the crystal expanded, touching the elemental's physical shell, embracing it as it were its own, despite the solidity of the ground. Here the Elemental gave pause, suddenly perhaps, aware of the danger. It was however, powerless to prevent the alterations. The stone expanded, slowly encompassing the element and spreading itself to the maximum attainable range of ten feet. There it stalled, prevented from traveling further by its own limitations, but that would be enough. A magnificent tool was the time stone, capable of holding any object or entity trapped within itself. Kessell had exploited the powers to his own advantage this time, using the minions of earth elements to spread themselves to geological fault lines and embed the stones so that their strength would hold the most influence. In effect, holding the earth's crust stationary.
Kessell was ecstatic at the success of his achievement, his face positively radiant in the knowledge this gained him. With the sixth seal locked into place securely by his own powers, the efforts would come to naught on the part of the daemons. He would rule supreme, forcing even the wielder of the book to fall down before him in worship.
"And they will worship me as the god I so rightly am" Kessell laughed maniacally to himself. 'The peasants shall never know another, as I will rise above them all and stand alone, crushing their weak efforts of resistance below my mighty heel.' Smiling arrogantly, Kessell again listened to the voices surrounding him, wishing for a moment they would stop their yammering. He ignored them now, not caring what they said about the might of those that could be raised against him to wrest the knowledge of the stones and dispose of them, dispose of him. He would not believe them. He had shown the superiority he had over the holder of the book of life.
Rising angrily from his seat he shouted to them all "See what I have done? See how even one such as I can keep them at bay? I am more powerful than even their might combined," he screeched. Too quickly he had risen. His form limited in strength, he fell over, exhausted and unconscious. The voices receded into the darkness that they had come, leaving the crumpled form next to the viewing globe. Moments later, only the sound of soft breathing could be heard emanating from the room, Kessell's mind blanked, prevented from watching the knowledge that he had or had not been completely successful in his endeavors or not. Silent guards moved through the hallways, ever vigilant to prevent harm from befalling the master, but none stooped to settle their insubstantial frames near him, revive him. None could tell him, the first stone he had set up had glimmered faintly for a moment, and receded slightly. None could speak that the magic of the stone, artifacts they may be, were still limited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Death moved from one shadowy room to another. More had fallen to fill its satchel tonight, and there would be few more to be gathered hear tonight. It paused in the darkness of the shadows for one moment, turning its glare behind itself for a moment. All this evening, it had been catching the strains of merry making from nearby, yet strive as it might, it never got closer to the noise, though the sounds seemed to be growing louder and more clear. Nothing distinguishable touched its acute senses either. Dismissing it, Death turned to strive forward again, taking the first step and running into something. Soft and smooth to its touch Death knew immediately it had to be alive. How it had gotten so close without him sensing it was unknown, yet nothing could delay death. It swung the scythe immediately, cutting through the air before it. Grinning, it waited for the ability to claim its new victim.
Instead a giggle met his ears. A match was flared up, and a face peered closer to his, frowning slightly, before breaking into a gap toothed grin. Bright eyes met Death's own gaze, flickering with amusement. Then the world went dark again, along with a muffled oath and the sound of someone dancing up and down in pain. Finally, a whiny voice stated in hurt tones.
"That hurt."
Death moved the scythe downwards again, aiming at the noise of the intruder, suddenly his mind filled with rage that someone, something, anything could look it straight in the face and complain a moment later of its own pain.
Destilnys ducked to the side of that swing as well, still sporting his bright smile as he moved next to the spectre and clapped the man on the shoulder.
"Best thing to do after you burn yourself is to go and get something to wet it down, cool it off. I happen to know this very quaint little tavern just around the corner from here. I think you've been there earlier tonight. Why don't" Giggling again he had to spring aside, putting his back up against the wall as the scythe managed to catch one of his many buttons adorning his vest.
A little offset perhaps, by the continuing hostility of the stranger, Dest decided to change his strategy.
" Hey I know a game you'd really like. It's called hide and seek. I hide, you seek." With an abrupt laugh, Dest ducked, feeling the wood chips fall into his back, and then with a mad prance that carried him along the corridor towards the exit swiftly, emerged into the street lit only by the moon of a cloudy sky above. Death, enraged to all fury moved after the jester, meaning to take this one's soul above and foremost.
Dest spun in a quick circle upon exiting, spreading his arms in enjoyment of the cool crisp clean air, and then darted down an alley way, barely noticed the cut of the scythe as again it descended, landing in the earth just as his heel left the ground.
Grunting, Death removed the scythe from the dirt, and watched the creature disappear down one of the many alleyways littering this once heavily populated town. The spectre was in no mood for games, but had little choice in the matter. Instead of pursuing directly, it moved as it was permitted, flowing from one scene of death to the next. However the bizarre little man was always one or two steps ahead it seemed, no matter where he moved.
Dest hid behind a carriage at one point, bright, alive eyes peering out as Death appeared again nearby. Not above a little taunting, he poked his head out and thumbed the creature, before darting into the nearby bar he had spoke of earlier. It was empty at this point, everyone having fled before the spectre of Death earlier. Outside the moon was beginning its descent, the sun beginning to make its presence known in the east. He pauses for a moment and looked about, prattling on about there never being service available when you needed it. He took a step forward, heading towards the bar, dancing lightly up onto the bar top proper.
Death sprung in through the doors in time just, to see the man finish a quick, highly destructive jig on the bar top, and felt the splatter of alcohol suddenly cover his frame. In the brief moment that he was distracted by the sensation, Destilnys had made good his escape, sliding out the back door. Death moved forward in pursuit again, a table lying in his path being cleaved in two by a heavy swing of his weapon, and his boney feet treading angrily over the remains.
Dest giggled happily, sliding upon some slop that some passing creature had left lying on the roadside. With an awkward bump he landed just clear of it, and paused, striking a cross legged position just in front of it, his chin perched thoughtfully in one of his hands.
Death was hot on his heels of course, so he didn't stay put very long, rolling backwards and to his feet, this time making off in a mad dash towards the outskirts of town. He took the time however, for a light hearted jump, spinning in a half circle and landing while still moving, nearly stumbling due to his festivities. He had gained the knowledge however, that Death was about twelve feet behind him and was catching up. He turned and sprinted.
Death swung the scythe again as the man spun in the air before him. Yet his own motion, and the man's minorly drunken apparent manner permitted the thing to dodge again. This time rewarded by two buttons he snarled to himself as best he could "Piece by piece I will have you if need be"
The sun poked its impression up over the horizon at that point, highlighting the comical chase as it wound around houses and storefronts in the once boisterous tone. At one point, the leader paused to nibble at some peaches imported from the south, ducking and then waggling his finger at the pursuer. A faint, two second lecture began on respecting the properties of others. Cut short of course, by the return swing that nearly beheaded him. Instead he leaned forward and was caught by shaft alone upon the back of his head. He whimpered and then crawled away at a dog's speed. Taking to four 'legs' he sprang again into the chase, acting as the prey. The predator, failing again when given a perfect chance howled in frustration, pursuing even more hotly. Their paths however, unerronously brought them closer to the farmer's market that had been set up earlier that week. A last showing before they all closed up for the winter, designed more to interbreed cattle and trade or slaughter creatures no longer useful to them than for the marketing of produce, it was a place only farmers and livestock owners would desire to spend their day.
There within, the pursuit took on a different sort of activity, with one man leading the dodges around various carts and obstacles, the second always some ten feet behind no matter what the effort.
Dest giggled at the mayhem they were spreading. Torn tent flaps, toppled barrels, and various other objects had been destroyed. Not a proud supported of anarchy, he had to admit, it certainly gave a place a redecorated look. Death closed in on him again, and Dest unsettled the only remaining cart directly in front of the specter's path. For once he didn't leave his position, permitting Death to step into the contents secreted over the ground, and raise the scythe to finish off his obsession. That action proved too much unfortunately, and with the unstable, near liquid dung beneath him, Death tumbled backwards into the slosh. Dest lifted the cart handle a little bit more, dumping the remaining contents upon the man with a gleeful expression. Then he made good his escape as the spectre sought to emerge from its stenching confinement.
A pity Dest thought to himself, that the creature had to have his mind so distracted to actually walk upon the ground like a normal mortal. Still, he thought, slipping into the nearby woods, listening to Death's scream of defiance, I would like a nice piece of ham right about now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tyralor sighed faintly, permitting himself to stride across the room and settle gratefully into a seat finally. Long hours had kept him pinned against the wall, hidden to eyes and ears, he had listened in on the council, needing to know what he was up against. The Necromancer. He knew he had met the man at one point, but that hadn't concerned him. The council seemed certain they could enact measures to prevent the final outcome of the plot they believed in action. He touched his brow again for a moment, knowing they were looking to the source of the problem. A measure worthwhile, but he remained personally unconvinced that destroying the cause would remove the symptoms. The child, the innocent face again appeared in his mind. Nothing he could do would shatter the vision beheld before him, no matter how hard he strived. In his meditations even, it was prominent in his mind. He ran his smoothed hand through his hair for a moment, and then rose to his feet.
He glanced around the table again, frowning at the measures the lords wanted to introduce. They were fools of course, in his opinion. This can't be stopped by badgering over who fights what, who does what. This has to be fought in personal battles, opponents against each other in mortal conflicts. He blanched slightly, realizing perhaps with finality, that there was one conflict that he needed to face.
He rose from Quietus's seat slowly, knowing that out of all the people present, only Quietus had sensed that one not invited had been present at the hall. He shuddered slightly at the remembrance of the gaze that had found his despite his precautions, closing his eyes for a moment to reflect.
He shook those thoughts from himself, determined to dwell on the undercurrents of the tasks at hand at a later point. As it stood there were other objectives he needed to consider. Ones overlooked he believed, by the lords in the council.
"How does one fight shadows and those that dwell within them?" He reflected aloud, blanching immediately as soft footsteps made their way past the doorway. He stumbled quickly from the seat and slipped to the second exit, pushing it open slowly. Turning his eyes back only once, he watched to see if the sounds were of a curious resident, or merely those of a passing guard. His fingers tightened on the doorframe, his eyes flowing over the form of the woman that peeked inside for a moment, perhaps catching a glance of his frame as he spun to the side and out. A silent curse was muttered to himself, and a revelation brought to his mind.
He turned towards the room he called his own, bent on preparations.
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