HammerFall_Bloody Terror

HammerFall: Legacy of the Guardians/Blood Terror:


Chapter 021: Legacy, The Guardian's First Key:


A thick tail of braided silver hair flowed on the scorching wind. But it did not affect him. The massive black dragon cowered in fear before the silver haired wizard. Even the little, snake like, drake the wizard wore around his arm like a piece of jewelry did the mighty dragon fear and respect. Only a fool would not show humility before the Dragon Lord.


"Draugcraarak, I sense that brethern of your kind are plotting against the kingdom of Dargor. We are half brethern, my people and your own, so why would the Black Dragon Tribe plot against us?"

The dragon spoke and yet no words left his lips. Their minds had been directly connected since this youth known as Ngwey Bisucaya, "Whom can know the minds of our tribe that deal with the Demon Lords of the Black East." It had been more statement then question in the dragon's mind.

"That answer will not satisfy me, Draugcraarak, and you know it well. You are hiding something from me. I can sense the unease." Ngwey sternly told the elderly, black dragon.

Draugcraarak spoke evasively trying to change to any other subject, "Do not forget that before your current line of kings that the Kingdom of Dargor was once peaceful allies to both the East and Western Kingdoms as it sets on the border of both Stratsovara and the vile Black East. Besides which, dragons have no interest in the affairs of mere mortal creatures."

"You speak half truths, Draugcraarak. What are you hiding?!! I am growing bored with your word games!" Ngwey cautioned the massive black dragon that stood before him.

"Forgive me, Lord Bisucaya. The demon lords seek the First Key of the Guardians."

"Impossible. No pure demon can touch the Emerald Sword, let alone wield it. It was forged by the now exiled Guardians." Ngwey said in disbelief.

Draugcraarak informed his master, "Lord Bisucaya, it is not the demon lords that plan to wield the mighty Emerald Sword. It is to a puppet that they have decided to entrust the Emerald Sword. A man bent to their will of chaos and destruction."

"Then I should bring this news at once to the Western Kingdoms that the Black East will soon be upon us once more."

"They will not come with their full force, my liege. After the many countless wars they have learned to adapt to a new strategy. It is hard to tell whom is pulling the strings, the puppet or the puppeteer. Their attack will come with subtle unlooked for if you take them as the same savage beings when mortals and dragons first meet them for dominion." The black dragon wisely told the other.

Ngwey sagely nodded his head understanding. "I have a task for you. Give me your claw."

The dragon reluctantly complied. His large claw was easily far larger then the tiny mortal one beneath it. He screamed in mental anguish as the rune was burnt into his flesh; but it was not a hot feeling, but one of searing ice.

"You are to aid the exiled one in the Venon Caves and protect the First Key with your life. This rune binds you to that task." Ngwey decreed.

A loud roar and blast of fiery lightning erupted from the dragon's mouth. In his inner most thoughts he cursed the dragon lord. Draugcraarak had wanted no part in this affair. He was old and thought to soon go into eternal sleep; but now he was bound into contract with the Dragon Lord, the most powerful dragon priest known to mortals. There was no way for him to negate out of this. Draugcraarak's powers and strength were beyond all other black dragons; but he could do nothing against this puny mortal's sorcery, and that enraged him. He was still a proud creature, and had no desire to kill his own. He knew that Black Dragons from East would come despite learning that such an old Wrym guarded the First Key.

He let out another roar and blast before spreading his wing. Trees crashed about them as a hurricane raised up around them. Yet Ngwey stood as though there was no such wind. The only evidence to the still and stoic figure was the beating of the braid against his face and back.

Mikael was silent as he entered into Shadowkeep, stronghold of Iced Earth. He had been summoned as the others had. It appeared that after two weeks from their last meeting that Lord Schaller was ready to name his new general. Mikael showed nothing of the interest he had in whom the red headed half demon would pick.

However they were not greeted by Lord Schaller at all, a man dressed in thick black dragon mail and wearing a helmet that was stalking and wolf like in it's make, with a black wolf skin mantle over his shoulders stood ready to greet them. At his waist he wore a sword similiar to the one that Mikael now bore. But it was the necklace around his neck that caught the Stormblade warrior's eyes most of all. He knew the green jewel that sat upon the silver chain. It was Elgard's Eye.
Mikael wondered if Schaller had killed or nearly killed the Rosenbrim wizard to gain it. The Stormblade family had long known that the Rosenbrim House kept the amulet in secret. After all it was Stormblade himself that had charged House Rosenbrim with the care of the amulet. He wondered if this armor was only a facade for only a wizard could wear the Eye of Elgard with such ease.

The silver haired warrior did not buy down to this newcomer. He spoke before all others, "So you are the one that Lord Schaller has choosen to replace Kotipelli? I only hope you can manage the affairs of the Iced Earth better then your predessor."

He felt those hot eyes of Kotipelli upon as he was forced to kneel before his superiors; whom had once been his equals before he had lost his rank and eye.

Mikael strode towards the new general of the Iced Earth with arrogance clear in his steps and audacity as he grabbed hold of the helmet's sides. "Do you wear that mask because you are ugly under there. I am curious to see the face of the man whom could so easily were the Eye of Elgard, and without fear of it's powers corrupting him."

Delicate yet strong hands yanked the hands away from his face, "You are not to touch me, Stormblade. I am your equal and so I shall be treated. I am Lord Aes'danan de Morrigan."

Morrigan turned away from Mikael and the others, "I have more important business to tend elsewhere. You shall excuse me. My Lord Schaller has left no instructs for you; except to remain at Shadow Keep. You are not leave here against his will. Do not think yourself exempt from this, Lord Stormblade."

Mikael smiled darkly. He found that he actually liked this Aes'danan de Morrigan. In his eyes he had at last found something that might be worthy of his attention.


Chapter 023: The Dragonlord :

Alex Turilli sat silently upon his throne as he listened to the words of the Dragonlord, Ngwey. His eyes closed for a minute after Lord Bisucaya had finished his findings. His mind concentrated upon the facts before him.

"We have no choice then. An Assembly of Kings must be called. I shall send out messengers to all Lords of the West. The Seven Keys of the Guardians cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of the Black East." Turilli told the silver haired dragon lord.

Turilli's long wavy gray hair cascaded down his back like a watefall as he stood up. The King of Dargor was nearly ninety years old; but due to the dragon blood within the kings of Dargor it was only his gray hair that gave any sign of his old age. His face and eyes still seemed quite young and no wrinkles touched his face.

"I shall send word personally to the 4 Dragon Kings." Lord Bisucaya told Alex.

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Silently he waited his arrival. Aes'danan de Morrigan removed the face mask from his helmet. Hard emerald eyes gazed out on the approaching silver haired figure. He knew Lord Bisucaya at once. This was not their first meeting though the dragonlord would not recognize Aes'danan in his new guise.

"I cannot allow you to enter into the Sacred Caves, Lord Bisucaya." his voice strongly warned, "It would be best if you returned to your pathetic mortals and left the Dragon Kings in their peaceful slumber. I would lament having to kill one of your powers and skills."

Bisucaya ordered, "Stand down, wizard. You have not the powers to match a Dragonlord."

A dark smile spread across de Morrigan's lips. His hand raised up as both that raised hand and Elgard's eye pulsated. A blast of crackling air slammed into the dragonlord; easily shattering the invisible shield that Bisucaya had tried to throw up. Bisucaya landed hard on his rear.

He advanced upon the shocked dragonlord. His delicate, black gloved fingers clamped down upon the face of the fallen dragonlord. His fingers tightened as he sent strong rays of light into the eyes of the dragonlord; temporarily blinding him.

Aes'danan spoke with a voice choking with pleasure, "And now you shall die for your ignorance."


Chapter 024: Rage of Winter :


He advanced upon the shocked dragonlord. His delicate, black gloved fingers clamped down upon the face of the fallen dragonlord. His fingers tightened as he sent strong rays of light into the eyes of the dragonlord; temporarily blinding him.

Aes'danan spoke with a voice choking with pleasure, "And now you shall die for your ignorance."

His hand pulled back as he let out a cry of pain. The drake that was normally wrapped around the arm of Bisucaya had sank it's fanged mouth deep into the hand of Aes'danan.

He snarled as instinctually he tried to shake the foul dragon kind off of himself. He then grabbed a firm hold of the drake with his other hand and tore it free and slung it hard to into the stomach of the dragonlord. His hand stung from the pain. A small
chunk of flesh had been torn out from his pulling off the snake dragon.

Bisucaya was once more standing up; but his vision was obviously gone. Aes'danan cried out as he levitated upwards into the air before the mouth of the massive mountain, "Lurilli, Biolion, Alstarpolix, Donnera! Mould Horizons, Engulf the mountains, forests, and lakes, oh powerful RAGE OF WINTER!"

His hands came together to form a triangle as a great blast of ice and wind sprang forth in a huge arc covering all within. A scream escaped those lips just before the dragonlord and all around him was imprisoned within a great sphere of ice and searing cold winds. The winds were still raging and turning the earth to ice and barreness around them.

"The Dragon Kings shall continue their slumber, as you shall soon enter into your own, frozen death, Lord of Dragons." Aes'danan told him as he gently caressed his now numb hand upon the frozen face of the dragonlord.

"None shall withstand the coming of the Black East." He told the frozen dragonlord as he turned his back upon him. The green of Elgard's Eye was slowly changing into a dark green. When the eye was completely black in color then he would have powers that had not been known before in all the West or East kingdoms.


Chapter 025: Kingdom for a Heart:

Johan had noticed the difference in Stormblade. The young knight had locked himself away from all others. He rapped softly upon the wooden door of Jasper's chamber. There was no answer. The novice warrior knocked louder. He listened silently; again no answer greeted him.

"I am coming in, Master Stormblade!" he shouted to give warning as he made his way into the chamber. The room was completely bear; except for a cot that the long Stormblade laid upon. It looked as though Jasper had not eaten in a week. His eyes seemed lost in another world.

Johan walked towards him; unnoticed and ignored by the silver haired warrior. The novice knelt by the side of his cot. His hand touched at Jasper; a shiver of pleasure ran up his body from touching the young Stormblade.

The hand was grabbed. He was glad that finally Jasper was not so lost. The hand pulled him down. He blushed as their lips pressed hotly against each other. He almost felt himself melt into the flesh of that kiss. He longed to melt into Jasper and be one with him. It was one of his most deepest dreams. Jasper's hands wrapped around Johan's back. Stormblades lips moved up to Johan's ears as he kissed at them. Then Johan's blood turned cold as he heard that beautiful whisper words that shocked him to his core, "Please don't go with her Rosenbrim. I...I....Is my love not good enough for you? Or is there someone else?"

Johan shoved Jasper away from him. Tears brimmed at the corners of his eyes. Jasper suddenly seemed to come awake as Johan ran from him. All he heard was Jasper shout, "Johan! Wait!"

Johan's chest was heavily heaving as tears streamed down his face. He slammed the door shut to his private quarters. There would be no one in the barracks. They were all out training. He rushed towards his assigned cot and fell upon it.

He sniffled into the hard mattress, "Why? It's not fair."

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Jasper thought it was Rosenbrim in his arms. His eyes seemed to open to the world around him for the first time at the hard shove. Then he saw that it was Johan whom his lips had so passionately touched.

What have I done? He must despise me. I should not have kissed him. He must think me some kind of freak to go around kissing men. But it had felt so real; this illusion Rosenbrim. Jasper thought to himself.

Jasper held out his hand to the fleeing, "Johan! Wait! I can explain everything."

He sighed as he stood up; unsure of himself. He felt so tired and thirsty. He walked over to the pitcher on the floor beside his bed. He drank the warm water down; glad to have something to cool his throat.
***************

Johan didn't hear him enter. He felt the hand in his hair. He looked into those cold blue eyes.

"Johan, I'm..."

"Don't. I love you." He had blurted it out. He'd never expected to say it and now of all times to confess. His chest was still heaving and he felt his heart racing and ready to be crushed.

Instead he found that Jasper wore a look of shock upon his face. Johan knew it was wrong and selfish; but he didnt' care. He wanted to be with Jasper at any consquence. His arms wrapped around Jasper as his lips pressed firmly against the young Stromblade's mouth. Johan's tongue licked over the mouth of Jasper before slithering into that warmth. A muffled moan of pleasure escaped Johan's lips as he felt over the insides of the silver haired warrior's orafice.


Chapter 026: The Gathering of Kings :

He did not pull away from him. That made Johan enjoy it more. He wondered if he maybe that in time Jasper could return these feelings to him. But worst in his mind was that Jasper was living with an illusion and not seeing him at all; but instead saw Wizard Rosenbrim over top of his body. He shoved those thoughts aside. It wasn't important. He had Jasper; here in his arms and against his lips. That was all he wanted or needed at the moment. His body had ached for so long for something like this.

So why does it feel so empty? Johan thought and immediately tried to eliminate that kind of thinking.

Jasper's arms trailed down Johan's back. The novice warrior gasped as he felt the dry fingers slipped under his clothing to probe at his virgin hole. He winced slightly as they delved deeper in; moving muscles inside of his butt. "Ennn." Johan had said when he had winced.

It did not take long for either of them to release their sperm. Most of the time Johan had, had his eyes closed. Two laid in each other's arms; panting and perspiring still. A grin played on both their faces. But when Johan had looked directly into those sapphire jewels Jasper had looked away. Johan turned away from him. But as he did such he felt Jasper's arm wrapped around his waist and held the novice close to him. For a brief second Johan let the illusion remain. He closed his eyes and fall asleep in the arms of the man he loved.

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Jasper was silent as he sat upon the chestnut brown horse. He had specifically requested the service of Johan Lersson. He didn't know why he wanted this novice with him. He supposed it had to do something with the fact that his first mission had been with him.

Helford looked at the two unsure of this arrangement, "The King has given specific orders. You shall ride with him to Castle Vara. We cannot let others know that our King is abroad. This meeting of the Kings is known only to a selected few. So you must keep the knowledge secret."

Jasper silently nodded his understanding. Inside the stables were only the four of them; Helford, Jasper, Johan, and King Elmgrim. The messenger had only arrived a few days ago; but they had waited for the time when the King was not needed around HammerFall Castle.

So it was that the three 'novice' warriors rode out of the stables, through the porticullis and down the ramp into the fresh air.

King Elmgrim smiled at the two of them, "It feels so good to be free."

Jasper nearly panicked as King Elmgrim charged his horse forward into the open land before them. Jasper rushed after the king followed by Johan.

The ice around him slowly melted. His eyesight was gone; but not his powers. His mind reached out and called for aid. He felt the presence of another within his mind. It was like nothing he had ever encountered before.

"Tiny horn, such awful coldness surrounds this mortal frame. Has the world gone again into the Age of Eternal Winter?" the strong voice inquired inside of the dragon lord's brain.

"It is a strong sorcery, Noble Dragon King. Can you not undo the works of this mortal Warlock, and free me." Ngwey sent out his thoughts.

"We have such powers over sorcery. We shall see if we can accomplish what you ask." Mulitple voices spoke back to him in unison.

Feeling slowly crept back into his body until he stood knee high in an ice cold pool of water. The Dragon Lord crawled up onto a higher rock, and out of the water. He supposed that the Warlock did not know that the Dragon Lord could speak to the Dragon Kings without being their directly. Only a Dragon Lord knew the secrets of their powers.

Ngwey heard footsteps near him. His vision was still blurry. The dragon lord felt smooth, strong fingers stroke across his eyes. He then looked up into the pale blue eyes of a male with strange ears. They were long and rounded and extended out only a third of an inch from the sides of his head. The male's hair was long cornsilk gold, and dressed in red and black armor with black mantle thrown over his broad shoulders.

"I am the Dragon King's Emissary. I have come to escort you to your audience. They have much desire to speak with you."

Ngwey asked, "What do I call you?"

"I am Aion." And having said that the emissary had turned and strode into the cave. Ngwey followed behind him. The darkness was never a problem for him. He had a natural talent of seeing even in the darkness.

He found himself watching the swaying of those long golden strands as they descended down the steep pathway leading into deeper darkness. He felt the cool air of the earth surrounding him starting to become slightly hot the closer he came towards the Dragon Kings.

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Rosenbrim fell onto his knees in the darkness. His body was bruised and Elgard's Eye had faint color to it that the wizard found hurt his eyes if he looked upon the relic. His hot, bleeding body laid nude upon the cool flagstones. He didn't feel like he had the energy to lift himself back up.

Long black hair fell over his back as Lord Schaller's booted foot kicked him onto his backside. Rosenbrim panted and cried in pain. His back felt stick with the small pool of blood it laid in from the whip wounds that had cut his flesh. His whole body felt like it was stinging, especially his legs. That seemed to be Lord Schaller's favorite spot on the dark haired wizard.

Schaller snarled, "Still you cry out that vile name.' the boot came down hard, the heel of it pressing into the crack of the butt.

"Cry out my name!" He felt Schaller straddled over him now. He winced as the hand tightened in his black locks. "You belong only to me now." He winced further as he felt himself lifted somewhat from the coolness of the ground.


The King, Johan, and Jasper silently sat around the fire. It would take a few more days before they had finally reached the Castle Vara. Jasper and the King had been the most silent. Johan had tried his best to try to lightened the dark mood that seemed to hang over them. Still they sat around the circle; Jasper the only one with a faint smile upon his lips.

Darkness seemed to surround their spirits. Johan sighed softly to himself. The other two had their gazes locked into the blaze of the fire. What they saw dancing within those flames he did not know. They were to lost in their fire gazing to notice that outside something sinister watched them from the lines of trees that surrounded them. Johan felt an unease over his body, and his hand grasped the hilt of his sword; on edge.

The cry of anguish, unlike any other he had seen before came from near their camp. He had not heard the sound in a long time.

The King looked towards the source of the sound as did his two guards. The three men all had their hands upon the hilts of their sword, ready to draw them when necessary.

King Elmgrim informed them, "A Ghoul by the sound."

Johan recognized the term. He had never encountered such a creature before now. He had thought them legend and myth. But then he had felt the same for many things. The young novice wondered how a King would know such a creature by sound alone.

"It will come at us when the hunger drives it insane enough to attack." Jasper whispered towards Johan. Johan simply nodded his head that he understood.

****************

His voice was sensual and seductive as his slender fingers ran through the young lord's long black locks, "Am I not enough to pleasure you, Lord Marduk? I have..other ways of amusing you if you wish." There was a pause of silence and then a dark smile formed upon his lips, "Does this Mercenary Group truly occupy so much of your time that you cannot devote a little of yourself to me?"
His hands then softly rubbed at the tiny black horns hidden among Marduk's long hair. The young sorcerer's hands were grabbed firmly by Marduk, "Leave, Sabbath."
"But why?" The red haired sorcerer inquired.
"I no longer find you amusing." Marduk replied. Sabbath's hands took a firm hold onto the chin of Marduk. Sabbath's dark green eyes plead to stay laying comfortably in the bed beside the demon lord.
His tongue licked softly over those full black painted lips of Marduk and up the cheek until it came to the tattoo of the third eye. He cried out as Marduk threw Sabbath from the bed, "Do not think these juvenale methods well work with me, Sabbath. I said leave me!"
Sabbath stood up. His nude body felt sore from landing on the hard, stone floor. He looked directly into the eyes of Marduk. He saw only coldness burning within those black pools.


Chapter 029: Leave No Ashes:

There was no sign of the battle; only dead bodies. Hundreds upon hundreds of corpses littered the fields. No wounds or illment shown how they had died. The only fact that was certain was that they had been massacred.
Rosenbrim knelt over the dead body. His slender fingers brushed back a few strands of hair. He felt a stab in his chest. A horrifying scream tore free from his lips from the pain throbbing inside of his chest.
He looked up into those malicious eyes of the Iced Earth's leader, Schaller. Rosenbrim despised the smirk on the foul human's face. The dark haired wizard found that Elgard's Eye burned at him; yet he did not understand why it had changed colors. The green remained only at the edges of the jewel now.
"What have you done, Schaller?" Rosenbrim inquired; but his only answer was laughter that sent a chill down the wizard's spine as Ryan Schaller rode omniously towards him.
He smugly replied finally as the two stared fiercely at each other, "Nothing. This is the work of Elgard's Eye. Is it not beautiful, Rosenbrim?"

"You bastard!!" He lunged towards his captor.
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Ngwey was growing tired of the long dark. The deeper they seemed to go, the more cold and dark the tunnel became. The dragon lord had never before gazed upon the Dragon Kings. He had in truth never spoken with them before these most recent events. The need was great for them to take interest in the world.

Aion turned abruptly, "We can go no further. The cold beyond is not something we mortals can withstand. It helps to perserve the Dragon Kings in their slumber."

Ngwey inquired of Aion, "Well they come here then?"

Aion answered, "Wait."

Ngwey stood silently in the pitch darkness. Then he felt that he was alone. He did not know how or when or why Aion had left. The strange being had left as mysteriously as he had come to him. He tried not to waste any more thoughts upon it. He had come to speak with the Dragon Kings, not their servant.

From everywhere their unison voice filled his ears, "The Black East stretches like smoke across the land. Everything they touch becomes tainted with their foul presence. So they come now to claim what is rightful ours. We can feel it in the bones of the world. You feel it as well. The world spurns their touch. That is why you have come, is it not, our noble dragon lord?"

"I have come to call upon aid of the dragons. We have a pact from our common ancestory. I seek you to fulfill that pledge."

There was a long silence. Then came the voice of the dragon's in unison once more, "To long have we slept beneath the mountains and rivers. The fresh air and open blue sky is only a memory to us. But you bring it with you, and for that we thank you. The scent of the world above is thick upon your person. We shall offer the aid of all are loyal children. Aion shall accompany as advisor. His knowledge of the demons and their ilk runs deep as the roots of this mountain."


Chapter 030: Life Through Vengeance:

The disgusting, half corpse of a human lay dead before them. They had been fortunate that only one been one ghoul prowling around their camp. Still it was an evil sign as far as Jasper was concerned. Ghouls were usually found near battles that demons had fought in. He had learned that in his history lessons of his youth. He had never thought to encounter such a horror.

Jasper looked towards King Elmgrim whom was headed towards a stream. It had been the King that had made the killing blow upon the creature. A fact that Jasper acknowledged. Jasper followed behind the king. They were his bodyguards; so he had no plans of getting to far from the King. He had already failed in protecting Rosenbrim, he didn't want to be cursed with such a fate.

Jasper watched as the king watched the foul smelling blood from his blade. The silver haired youth understood the king's actions. Jasper knelt down beside his king and soon the three of them were cleaning the blood off of their blades and polishing their weapons.

The silver haired warrior looked to the King and he could read it in the other's face, "You miss Wizard Rosenbrim, don't you?"

Shock. That was the first thing that Jasper noticed in King Elmgrim's eyes. But his majesty had quickly recovered his emotions.

"I miss his councils. He was always so wise. I do not know how long I can truly stand without his aid."

Jasper wasn't sure if he could believe that answer; but for now he choose to accept that as the truth.

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His long black hair hung over his pale face; his shoulders slumped forward as he stumbled. He did not understand anything, and his body felt so cold within him. Worse was the fact that he could hear no heartbeat. He looked as he heard someone calling his name, "Niklas. Sundin, Niklas Come forth...." and the rest just trailed off to his ears.

Niklas' body shivered as it grabbed a firm hold upon the helmeted warrior that stood before him. There was something familiar and yet not at all familiar in the green eyes that stared at him.

"Where am I?" The words came forced from lips that had not spoken in decades. His lips felt as though they had been glued together; which was mostly what made it hard for him to talk.

"The World of the Living." Was the black haired warrior's answer. The voice was familiar to him as well. He had died that day; so he did not understand what he was doing in the world of the living.

He released his hold upon the other as he tried to speak through sore and dead body, "What...do you want...with me?"

"I have bound your soul to mine. You wish vengeance upon the Stormblade Family, do you not. Was it not the betrayal of the Stormblade that caused your death, Niklas Sundin?"

"Yes. I shall slaughter them all." Was his answer as anger and rage seemed to feel him. His body felt warm from those feelings and it felt good. He could not stand that cold emptiness.

The purplish jewel around the warrior's neck pulsated as he turned to notice that a whole army of pale warriors surrounded them. The only one whom was not rotted or pale looking was the warrior that had brought him back, and some redheaded figure mounted upon a horse, and dressed like a mixture between lord and mercenary.


Chapter 031: The Raven's Harbinger:

The cool wind caressed against his smooth face. His eyes were closed as he stepped out of the ruins of a stone circle. It was obvious that this stone circle had once been the foundations of a great fortress. He had not thought he would return so soon to Stratsovara; but that matter could not be helped.

He did not need to look behind himself to see that the disgusting witch was behind him. He resented being forced into using her as his aid in this mission. He had only one goal that mattered more to him then any other; even those of Ryan Schaller were not desiring of more priority then his own.

Mikael strode arrogantly down the hill with Lauriporra trailing much like a puppy behind him. His strode through the mountainous fields and villages without rest. He did not need it at the moment. He travelled in silence; despite Lauriporra's failed attempts at converstation with the silver haired warrior.

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Anaal watched with a grim expression upon his face. He enjoyed the way he had his new pet looked at the moment. The tight ropes bound the hands of Kotipelli behind his back and at the same time held the handsome blond warrior suspended from the ground. His strong fingers tightly gripped onto Kotipelli's chin as the candles above him dripped their hot wax upon the warrior.

"You do not enjoy being my subordinate. I hope this shall help you rectify that opinnion." He told the one eyed man with lips razor close to each other. He pressed them down on Kotipelli. Anaal's hand left the other's chin to reach for a black wand he kept in his belt. The black wand pulsated slightly as he slammed it against the smooth, bare stomach of Kotipelli. Kotipelli let out a scream of pain as he felt it stinging even after the blow had left him.

"Such a beautiful voice. You shall have to sing for me sometime." He said as he gave another strike with the wand. This time he hit the blond's sexy ass. Red marks appeared on his bottom with the second hit. His body jumped in the ropes from the hitting.

Anaal smiled darkly as he enjoyed his game. "Next time when I give an order, perhaps you shall show more respect. You shall learn your place. Even if I have to kill you in the process. You must learn, that you belong to me now."

Anaal continued to beat upon the body of Kotipelli until the young blond coughed up blood. IT was then that he stopped and let the sore second in command spend the night suspended and hurt.

Anaal marched out of his personal chambers into Shadow Keep's main hall. It was here that Schaller's Commanding officer came. He looked to see that there was no one here. He supposed that he alone had not been given a mission. He was somewhat disappointed about that.

He smiled as he saw the entrance of Hensyr. The tall bodyguard was a personal amusement of both himself and Lord Schaller. The strong body of Hensyr turned him on as much as that of the young Kotipelli. But he knew that he was not allowed to touch Hensyr without Lord Schaller's permission. He turned away from the bodyguard.

Hensyr's strong voice called out, "Halt Lord Anaal. I have been given orders to inform you that Lord Schaller has a mission for you. You are to met up with Lord Schaller's army as they march for Stratsovara. It is there that the first battle is to take place."

Anaal simply nodded his head in silence, and walked back to his personal chambers. He planned to rest the night, and then head out in the morning.

****************

The chambers were filled with the most powerful Knights in all the West. Jasper did not recognize many of them. But he knew that only the most powerful would be used to escort such influence people as the Kings of the West. Jasper kept his eye on all of them; not sure if he could truly trust anyone in the room aside from Johan and his own King Elmgrim. He would not let anything go wrong this time. He was determined never to fail as he had with Rosenbrim.

King Elmgrim greeted his fellow monarchs with respect and dignity, and they returned the same gestures of respect.

Jasper looked towards Johan. They did not need words. They both knew what would need to be done if this meeting should go a wry.

"The Queen still has not been found?" Elmgrim whispered to the King of Stratsovara.

"So far, we have found no trace of her." He sadly whispered, hiding back his tears at the truth.

Once all the noise had become quiet the meeting began. It was merely a talk of strategy and plotting against the arrival of Iced Earth's armies from the East.

****************

Mikael had used Lauriporra's sorcery to arrive sooner then a normal person could. Castle Vara stood before them like a jewel to be torn from the hands of a beautiful woman and ravaged.

Mikael smiled darkly as he turned swiftly before Lauriporra could react. He had slashed her body in half.

"Your use is at an end, Lauriporra." He told her coldly. He then chopped off her head. He had betrayed the witch and Ryan Schaller. He had no interest in conquest, only bloodshed and fighting. He had his own objectives that differed from those Iced Earth. He had merely joined because he found them interesting at the time. Now he sought to fight in combat against this Aes'danan Morgan.

A flock of ravens descended upon the body of Lauriporra. A solitary raven did not join his flock. Instead this white raven landed upon the shoulder of Mikael. Mikael's hand raised up as if to strangle the bird; but instead his hand brushed along the top of the bird's head.

"It has been a long time. But it seems you have finally one me, White One." Mikael spoke to the albino raven.


Chapter 032: Hatred :

The messenger looked badly bruised as he barged into the chambers of the King. Jasper watched with curiousity as did all others.

"My lord, some vile Warlock has laid seige and destroyed our front gates. Even now he is a fastly approaching this stronghold of the Castle. The warriors are powerless against his strength." The messenger reported.

King Tolkki stood up. "Then I shall met with this Warlock in combat,if none of my men are strong enough to face this one."

Elmgrim's hand reached out and grasped onto the other's shoulder, "Do not be so reckless, Tolkki. We must think. What does this dread warrior look like."

The messenger clearly described the warrior. The words formed on Jasper's lips before anyone else's, "Brother."

Jasper rushed from the chambers. He knew that Johan was following behind him. The kings and their warriors were no doubt arguing within that chamber how best to deal with this new threat. But he knew that he would be the one to slay his brother. Everything would soon be set to right. The House of Stormblade would no longer be shamed by one such as Mikael Stormblade, the Warlock.

*****************

Mikael smiled darkly at the slaughter around him. They were not worth his time; but he had slew them anyway. He wanted a stronger oponnent. One that was truly worthy of himself.

He smiled as he saw the figure rushing towards him out of the main stronghold of Castle Vara. Mikael simply waited in the courtyard. He had never seen this youth; but the eyes and hair and symbol revealed his idenity, a Stormblade warrior. He doubted that one such as this would offer him much sport. But he didn't see any other warriors forthcoming.

The silver haired warrior sighed with disappointment at his point. They met with a flash of steel and sparks ignited as their blades met. He looked on wonder at the murderous hatred glaring from those pale blue eyes.

He easily shoved the younger oponnent away from himself with a simple movement of their locked blades, "You bear me much hatred, young Stormblade."

The youth looked up from the ground and snarled as he charged recklessly once more, lost in his rage, "Naturally. You have fouled our House. I'll slay you for that."

Mikael laughed as he easily blocked the attacks of the young Stormblade. Mikael found it amusing. The hatred burning in those depths was the only reason that he did not end the fight quickly. He had not seen hatred in an oponnent in such a long time.

For ten minutes the two stood fighting. It was then that he noticed that another had joined them. It was a boy from the lesser house of Lersson. He sniffed with clear disdain. It appeared that HammerFall had come to Stratsovara for some strange reason. He supposed it had something to do with their missing queen. But he had orders to retrieve; not that he planned on obeying those orders when he was having so much more fun with his battle.

The boy gritted his teeth as he actually managed to push Mikael back slightly from his firm pose. "I'll kill you and end our shame. Father will finally notice me and give up his despair over you."

Abruptly he kicked the boy. He had been shocked to learn that this weakling was his own brother. He had only seen the bawling babe once; when it had first been born so long ago. He frowned, "To think our father gave birth to sucha weakling."

Those words only seemed to intensify the boy's anger.


Chapter 33: Battle of Brothers


Those words only seemed to intensify the boy's anger. He attacked more wildly and careless in his movements. It would have been easy for Mikael to kill the weakling; but he wanted this one to suffer for some reason he could not understand himself.

He laughed mockingly upon him as he easily defended against the boy. He made a move that should have taken the youth's sword arm only to find that Lersson youth had deflected his attack.

Mikael was not amused. He did not like when others interrupted his playtime. He struck at Lersson, "Do not interrupt my pleasures, least you want to die boy."

******************

Sabbath covered his mouth as he yawned. He was growing bored with this game that his master was playing with Iced Earth. He wanted the Seven Keys for himself. He had no plans of sharing them with anyone except his Lord Marduk.

Sabbath walked towards the blind man covered in mud and twigs in his long white hair. It was obvious that the man was quite insane. But then he knew few prophets that were not insane.

"Old man, where are the Seven Keys? The last prophet I spoke with told me you knew, so do not lie to me."

The old man wailed in fear and yet he smiled, "No!! You murdered him. You murdered Scholtumbus! Fiend!"

Sabbath back handed the old geezer. The man landed in a heap on the floor. His clothing and body reeked. He did not know how long he could take these madmen. He only did this because it was needed knowledge for his master.

The man babbled; but none of the words could Sabbath understand. He plucked the man up his lapels of his beat up, age worn robe. "I want to know of the Seven Keys. You will tell me where to find all Seven."

********************

"You murderer! Traitor. Do you realize how many people you've caused to suffer." Jasper shouted out as he watched Johan fall down, badly beaten by the stronger swordsman.

Mikael spoke with clear disdain as the battle between the two brothers renewed itself, "Suffering? You know nothing whelp. What would a green little boy like you know of suffering."

Jasper found it hard to fend himself against his older brother. He had hoped to be strong enough to battle against his brother. But his brother wasnt' even using his legendary magic upon him. He hated the fact that his brother saw him as a weakling like his father did. He would prove them wrong. He had to beat Mikael. He had to end this shame that his older brother had placed on the Stormblade name.

Mikael had easily disarmed Jasper. Jasper gasped as he forced up against the side of the stronghold wall. The blood made a slight cut into his neck.

A monotone voice spoke once more from Mikael's lips, "What do you know of suffering? Have you slain those you cared for? Have you watched passionlessly as the very man you loved died upon your blade?"

Jasper responded, "You love no one or anything."

Mikael laughed darkly, " Very true. But I am talking about you little brother, not me."


Chapter 34: Warlock :

Johan felt so weak and bruised. He found it odd that he had only a few cuts and scrapes upon his body; despite the hard fight he had been given by the silver haired warrior. He gasped in horror as he saw Jasper pinned to the wall with the blade of the familiar seeming stranger at his throat.

Johan rushed on trembling and stumbling legs towards Jasper to aid him; using his sword almost like a crutch as he rushed towards him.

Abruptly it had come from out of no-where. A blast of sorcerious energy slammed into the silver haired stranger.

****************

Mikael groaned in pain as hundreds of tiny bolts of lightning seemed to be raging around inside of his body. He turned away from his prey to see whom had dared to intervene in his fun. His long silver hair cascaded over his shoulder and partially hide his face as he met the eyes of someone he least expected.

"I thought that Lord Aes'Dannan had sealed you away, Dragon Lord." Mikael observed in his typical monotone voice, "It appears he is not as powerful as I had first thought." Mikael noticed someone beside the Dragon Lord that he didn't recognize; but he felt an intense aura coming off the man. He supposed that time for playing was at an end. The Dragon Lord remained stoic and silent. He had did not make any further move. They were at a stalemate for the time being.

He sheathed his sword, and knelt down before the Dragon Lord. He unbuckled his sheath from his belt and laid it down before the Dragon Lord as he knelt. His pale eyes focused on the ground as he told those gathered there.

"I, Mikael, son of the valiant house of Stormblade, offer you my services to the Powers of the Dragon Clans." He said with deadly seriousness in his voice.

The stranger spoke, "We have not accepted the services of Warlocks since the vile Warlock Doro Psech slaughtered nearly three flights back in the Ancient Wars of the Dragon's Fall. We will not accept their treacherious hearts when so much is now at stake."

Mikael stayed knelt before them, "I did not speak to you. I offered my services to your Master."

The Dragon Lord remained silent as though considering the offer. It was well known the power and strength of Mikael Stormblade. But his heart was another matter. The warlock shifted too swiftly at times to the changing tide that best met his own interests more then the interests of others.

Jasper objected, "You can't serious think he'll do any good for our side. He'll betray us again."

Mikael snapped, "Silence, whelp! Go back to your mother's teat and leave the decisions of war to true men."

Chapter 35: BASTARD!!!!:

Dead. His black booted foot crunched down upon the body of the fallen demon. He had killed another of the truly pathetic creature. He brushed back his long flaming red hair. Tokuro existed for only one thing; to kill, that was his life. The sword screamed for blood. It cared little if the blood belong to humans or Tokuro's own kind, those of demon blood. He turned his golden red orbs towards the green haired man sitting bored on the corpse of a human; cleaning his blade.

"They were not worthy. Their blood has not quenched the thirst of Zigyaku, today. Shall we find another village, Koba?" Tokuro asked his only subordinate.
"We shall gain nothing here. We have spent a sixty years in this Eastern land. The warriors here are weak. Were they not pushed back in a great war by the powers of the West." Koba told his master.

Tokuro scowled slightly and then kicked Koba hard to the stomach sending him sprawling over the female corpse he sat upon to smash his head against the severed head of a human child.

"What you say interests me, Koba. Zigyaku also hungers to test these great warriors of the West." He smiled darkly as he looked down upon the green haired human. "Zigyaku says another war is coming soon. He can taste it. This time we must be at the frontlines of the battle. Perhaps I shall finally meet the man whom shall give me a battle for wish I have yearned."

*****************************

Tokuro threw the woman from him; having taken his pleasure from her as he then slit the throat of her husband. She clung onto the side of his leg sobbing, "You promised me you wouldn't kill him if I slept with you."

Tokura's hand cupped the side of the beautiful woman's face, "Such beauty is.....always so trusting, and stupid. I lied."

He pressed his lips against her own as his dagger thrusted deep into the woman's heart. He tossed her aside with that one hand that had cupped her face. He heard her dying words of calling him a 'bastard'; which only made him grin at the worthless insult.

He didn't see Koba near by and they were fast approaching the great frontier that was between the true East and the West. This was the area known to the West as the Black East and somewhere home to the Iced Earth Horde.

Slender fingers gently caressed the sheathed sword as a voice spoke in a calming manner from Tokuro's lips, "Easy Zigyaku. Soon you shall feast upon blood. Do not be jealous of your sister, Udo."

The cloth in his hands gently cleaned the blood from the blade of Udo, his dagger. He then returned her to her sheath. He looked around again; but still he saw no sign of Koba. He wondered if the human had gone ahead to scout things for him. He smiled at the prospect of the chaos that he would visit upon the West.

***************************

Draugcarak looked down at the strangely armored human before him. He did not recognize the design. It was very unique in design compared to other armors worn by men of the West and those of the Black East.

"You cannot enter into these caves!" Draugcarak bellowed at him. "It is forbidden."

The green haired human smugly spoke, "Is it now? My Master shall see about that."

Draugcarak inquired, "And whom is your Master, mortal?"

"The Dark Guardian known as Tokuro." He replied as if it should be obvious a fact as that the sun would rise tomorrow.

******************************

The Dragon Lord remained silent as though considering the offer. It was well known the power and strength of Mikael Stormblade. But his heart was another matter. The warlock shifted too swiftly at times to the changing tide that best met his own interests more then the interests of others.

Jasper objected, "You can't serious think he'll do any good for our side. He'll betray us again."

Mikael snapped, "Silence, whelp! Go back to your mother's teat and leave the decisions of war to true men."
The silence continued. It was obvious that Bisucaya was still uncertain of what actions to take. The wind blowed for a few minutes and was gone. Still no answer came from the dragon lord.

Soon the area was filled with guards and Kings. All remained motionless at the scene before them. Many of them biting back upon their own hatred and anger at seeing the traitor of the West knelt before them. A few even secretly desired to see the head of the Warlock cut off. But so long as the dragon lord stood calm and quietly making his judgement they would not act upon their own; least they suffer the anger of the dragons.

"There is much that you know that may be useful. You were once part of the Iced Earth. But you have left them, Mikael Stormblade. Why do you attack your own brother and allies if you wish to join with us? Answer me this and I shall let you know my decision."

A dark smile crept at the edges of Mikael's face, "Because battle is all that amuses me."


Chapter 36: Emerald Sword:


Tokuro charged up the tail of the dead black scaled dragon and up the corpse's back to clash his sword against the trident of the last remaining Guardian. His black booted foot kicked into the stomach of the tapered eared, blond Guardian. That broke their hold as he slashed upwards and across the torso. His blade cut through green armor; but it had not even mortally wounded his guardian. Tokuro smiled enjoying his fight very much. It was pity that Koba had taken many of these Guardians out before his arrival. Even now the mortal was pushing his way through the Caves of Venon, towards it's heart. He wondered what powerful warriors awaited there.

Tokuro's blade howled for blood. He heard the cries of hunger fill his ears. Tokuro's blade found the weakness and the blade gleamed red as the head of the Guardian fell from his shoulders as the guardian's trident stabbed into him. Tokuro pulled the trident from out of his torso and tossed it to the ground.

**********************

He walked through the corpses of dead guardians. It was easy to find the path that Koba had taken. He had left a trail of corpses for his master to follow. Tokuro scowled; envious of the challenging battle that they must have offered his subordinate.

He walked for an hour before he had reached the barely breathing Koba and the dead Guardian. In a field of ice it rested. Tokuro had never seen such a soul emenating from a sword. It was no doubt a powerful sword, but so long as he had Zigyaku he could use no other weapon. He looked to Koba with disdain that the mortal had been so mortally wounded. It would slow them down; having to wait for him to heal. For only a few minutes he contemplated killing Koba; but then decided against it.

Tokura's hand touched the ice, and it melted to his touch. A great fire erupted with an expolsion within the ice. The sword forged from many emeralds rested in the center of the flames after it had fallen over from the expolsion.

The demon blooded male told Koba, "That sword is your reward, Koba. Once you have healed you will take it, will you not?"

Koba gasped, "Yes."


Chapter 37: Heart of Steel:


Kotipelli had never seen anything like it before. It was the power behind the man he was now forced to serve. It was a heart made entiretly of steel. This was his chance for freedom from bondage to the vile thing. The touch of vile beast sickened him. For nights he had endured the 'pleasures' of Anaal Nathrak. But he had now finally found the Warlock's weakness. The alter of black marble held the heart that Anaal had cut from his body before he had killed his entire clan and become a powerful Warlock.

The one eyed blond felt unnerved as he heard the whispers in the shadows. The heart had a voice. He heard the rasp muffled by the steel that gilded it. He approached slowly and then screamed in fright as he felt the gauntleted arm wrapped tightly around his own neck. He had not expected to be found out. He had sneak out while Anaal had been sleeping.

Anaal's voice hissed into his ears with anger, "It appears I cannot trust you. I am curious to know how you found out about my weakness, Kotipelli. And why you would come here bearing your sword?"

Kotipelli felt himself almost ready to wet himself with fear, "Servants. They...told me that there was a chamber within here that none could enter. That's all I know. I was merely curious to see what was within this chamber."

The blond shivered as the tongue licked along his cheek, "You lie. That is a beginning yes. But surely you must realize I cannot allow those to know of my weakness to live. You know what that steel object upon that black altar is, don't you. It's my heart." His tongue licked up the cheek and into Kotipelli's ear. Anaal's hold on Kotipelli's neck tightened.

Kotipelli gasped, "Please...release me."

Anaal's tongue licked around the inside of Kotipelli's ear, "Perhaps I shall release you." His hand worked to pull the strings from Kotipelli's under tunic and pants. The one eyed blond was soon stripped nude before the altar and Nathrakh.

********************************

Sabbath stood before the stranger. He knew him as a Dark Guardian, a demon lord. The red hair and golden red eyes was all the sign he needed to know one. It appeared that he had been beaten to the Emerald Sword, and yet this male didn't seem to be holding the sword. HE supposed the rumors were true then. That Dark Guardians or those of demon blood could not wield the legendary Emerald Sword.

Sabbath smiled darkly, "Have you come for the Emerald Sword as well?"

The Dark Guardian only grinned at him. That smug grin annoyed the hell out of Sabbath. It set his nerves on edge, "Answer me, Guardian!"

Sabbath raised up his hands and quickly chanted a defensive spell that was shattered by the sword the Dark Guardian carried.


Chapter 38: Kings of the Twilight:


Marduk watched with a grim look upon his face. He had never before seen such a villain or such fools. The Kings of the Black East had all gathered at his request. They were eager for the march against the West. To long had the West held onto hope, and soon they would take that away from them, and plunge the world into darkness. He was a half blood and a prince, and thus was not required or allowed to attend. But he had hidden himself away to watch.

His eyes watched the Dark Guardian with interest. He had never before seen one with such lovely, flowing black hair and powerful golden green eyes. This Dark Guardian, demonlord, was not like the others. He was stronger then all others this, King Gorgoroth.

He gasped as he saw what each King sat upon without realizing it. The whole chamber was a complex spell of ancient sorcery. He was not sure if he should reveal himself and worn his father or remain where he was.

King Koldbrann stood up angry and shouted, "Why do we waste our time here!?! The Horde of Iced Earth has promised us that they would be in choas by now. We should march! Not sit here discussing strategy!"

His father, a man with long black hair and black eyes stood up, "I agree with Koldbrann. We must attack quickly, now that we have finally regained our strengths. March! March!"

Gorgoroth held up his hand for silence as the other kings screamed out for war and marching; even those of demon blood were eager for this war against the West. Marduk remained hidden as he noticed that he was not the only one hiding within the chamber. There was another male in this room hiding behind him. His superior dark guardian senses told him it was thus. He could little guess what horror was to befall the Kings of the Black East.

*************************

Kotipelli squirmed beneath the weight of Anaal. He screamed as he was penetrated before the black altar. He screamed with each deep thrust of Anaal's large eight and half inch shaft. His fingers tried to grip onto the stone floor. The digits were sore from gripping onto stone it could not hold. His body jerked and spasmed beneath the purple haired male. The moans of pleasure disgusted the one eyed male.

He collapsed onto his back; no longer arching once Anaal had come inside of him. He gasped as he felt the blade stab deep into his chest. His chest was cut open before Nathrakh. All went black as his last image was that of Anaal's hand reaching into his chest and grasping gently onto his heart.

****************************

Bisucaya replied, "I shall take your services, Mikael Stormblade."

Mikael grinned and then frowned as he felt the magic coursing through his body. He screamed out in pain and rage. His sword slashed at empty air.

"Damn you, what sorcery is this?" Mikael cried out in anger. "What have you done to me?"

Now it was Bisucaya that smiled at Mikael, "Something to keep you under control. You are my servant alone, not the West's. You offered your services to the Dragonlord and it is for me that you shall battle and obey."

Mikael snarled as he tried to fight against the magic, "Bastard!!"

Jasper walked towards Ngwey, "Are you sure this is safe? He is a powerful Warlock, Dragonlord. He may find a way to break your spell."

"That is Lord Bisucaya's concern. Not your's, young Stormblade." Aion told Jasper.

*************************************

He had been waiting for his moment. He saw the signal from his master, Gorgoroth. He was hidden beneath his red robes as he strode into the center of the Kings that sat upon a symbol of mystical power. He was ready to cast his spell.

Koldbrann stood up and shouted angry, "What is the meaning of this?! Why is this Sorcerer here?! THis is a meeting of Kings not such lowly beings! He maybe a spy for the West for all we know!"

Gorgoroth was silent as uproar took the kings. Shouting filled the hall and still Marduk did not come out of his hiding place. THe red robed man was well aware that the young prince was within the chamber.

Crauchan Fay spoke a solitary, archaic word. The floor pulsated and then the chamber was filled with blood. The bodies of all the kings assembled; with the exception of Gorgoroth exploded within the light that had engulfed the chambers.

Gorgoroth looked to where Marduk had stumbled and sat trembling in fear, "Come out, young Prince. If you are to be my successor you must not let this site be a burden upon you. We shall be the Kings of the Twilight. Only we are worthy enough of such titles. Do not cringe from your destiny."

Crauchan was not sure of this plan of Gorgoroth; but it was not his place to question. He merely followed his orders. His eyes now turned to where Gorgoroth looked.


Chapter 39:Forged By the Blood of Kings:

"Six Magic Circles forged by the blood of the kings, We are fighting the holy war for the Crown and the Ring." Crauchan chanted over and over in the archaic tongue. "Six Magic Circles forged by the blood of the Kings!"

His fingers were busy forming six massive circles within the chamber that Black East Kings had died in. Within each circle was ancient text that even Cruachan, the most powerful Sorcerer in the East, wasn't sure of their true power or meaning. He knew only that this task had been set before him by King Gorgoroth, and that was all that mattered to him. He had gained enough power for a sorcerer, and eternal youth; now he only had Gorgoroth. He would follow whatever desire the Dark Guardian most sought.

***************

Long silver hair flowed on the wind as Mikael stood over looking the peaceful village below. He had no interest in this but he had little choice. His actions were now being controlled by the Dragon Lord. If he was not so annoyed and frustrated he would actually find his situation quite amusing. Cold sapphire eyes gazed away from the village as he headed for the special mission that had been tasked to him. He was to find the Seven Keys and bring them back to HammerFall for the Dragon Lord Bisucaya. Such was his fate. He smiled though for one of those Seven Keys rested around the neck of the man he most longed to battle, Lord Schaller's new general.

He vowed that he would find this Aes'danan and for the first time since his battle against Niklas find a worthy oponnent of his skills. Unlike Niklas, Aes'danan would be able to command sorcery; a fact that interested the apathetic seeming Stormblade warrior.

Mikael turned quickly as his blade struck against that of another. He smiled into those familiar black pools. He saw the hatred brimming there. It was all that was left. "Niklas Sundine."

"Die!" the long haired brunette roared as his blade somewhat pushed Mikael back.

*****************

The circles of blood reeked as black smoke wafted into the air as strong male choir voices raised up in song speaking in archaic speach that Gorgoroth's wizards had used, "High and Mighty a Lonely a King. The Winds of Fire we ride! Covered with blood am I."

Gorgoroth strode into the center of the six rings of blood where was a hidden seventh ring. Gorgoroth raised up both his hands and spoke in the same speech as the unisoned singers, "Brothers I await thy, the true son am I. I pledge my sword, and to no man I kneel. Now is the time the Kingdom of Dark!"

There was silence and then a brilliant flash engulfed all. Within the six rings stood dark armored beasts. They looked like demons that had not been able to fully take human shape; hidden beneath armor.

Marduk stood in shock at all this. He gazed to see Cruachan standing stoic with a black spear thrusted through his middle. Blood spilled down his wounded body and across the floor. Marduk watched as Gorgoroth strode to his sorcerer. His hand gently caressed the dying sorcerer's face. He was screaming in pain within; but the sorcerer held it in. The evidence though of his pain was clear upon his face; despite Gorgoroth's fingers trying to smooth them out. The young Prince could not help but wonder if he would meet a similiar fate under the hand of Gorgoroth. But he saw no choice but to allow with the powerful Dark Guardian.

Gorgoroth's lips then pressed savagely down upon Cruachan in a parting kiss. Gorgoroth then had walked out of the crimson puddle towards his summoned demons; from a hell which was little known to Marduk. Gorgoroth's hand stroked them as though they were his beloved pets returned to him from a long journey.

Marduk did not speak. He merely looked upon all this with silence. There was little more that he could do. He turned crisply on his heels to leave; to return back to his now dead father's kingdom to take up the reigns of rulership.

He halted in his steps at the voice, "Prince Marduk, where do you think you are going? I have not dismissed you from my presence."

Marduk trembled for a second; but suppressed it. He did not desire to appear weak and lose his life. "Do you desire something of me, King Gorgoroth?"

Gorgoroth remarked, "You shall call me, Emperor now. All the Black East now truly belongs to me, and you have yet to swear your fealty, Prince Marduk."

Marduk knelt down with his head pressed against the cold and crimson, sticky floor. He felt the blood in his hair from those of the four kings that had been slain to summon these hellish knights.