The Last Stand of Michael Crucible
It is said amongst some that
there are other worlds that
exist beyond the limits of the
imagination. That the
universe is vast, infinite and
perhaps even eternal. There is
one such world on the far end of the universe.
This is a world of fantasy where good,
evil and neutrality are in a constant state
of flux. This world is called Mythas.
My name is Zachory Moldavia. I am an arch-mage of this world.
Normally I would leave the stories to the bards but this is one
where I felt was worthy of an Arch-mage’s word. I am the brother
of Trenton Moldavia- who is the God of Thieves and Adventurer’s.
Before I truly begin an explanation of the three is in order.
The ‘three’ are the Greater Gods of Mythas. Although the divine
pantheons of Mythas are many- a brief discussion on the ‘three’
is required for this story.
The first was Michael Crucible- the Lord of Paladins. He is
truly a force of law, truth and justice. He was born a
half-deity with his father being an ancient and forgotten God.
His mother was a human in the western lands. He came to ascend
by facing the Fire Giants of the West. In doing so he found the
ancient sword , Excladriel. With this sword he went on a quest
for the Drink of the Gods-a quest for divinity. He found the
mystical elixir and became the Lord of the Paladins. He welcomed
any who thirst for truth, justice and honor.
In the East another power grew. The East was civilized lands
ruled by the Moldavian Empire. This empire at one time was
a benevolent empire ruled by my own father , Ishmael.
His brother- whose name I will not even utter had complex plans and
wanted the kingdom of Moldavia to endure the ages. He saw his
brother grow old and feeble as a king. He had seen the Kingdom
of Moldavia peak and then began to recede as King Ishmael grew
older.
In an attempt to glorify his brother and his kingdom he
entered unto an evil pact sacrificing his humanity so that the
kingdom of Moldavia would grow eternal. He became an undead
creature and martyred his brother to glorify him. In so doing
the good he sought to do became warped and the ancient dead
soldiers of Moldavia arose to do his bidding.
The cost of this pact corrupted him
throughout the ages and he became a
warped abomination of evil. As Moldavia
was bending its will to this usurper he
looked upon the West and envied the
power of Michael Crucible upon attaining
the Drink of the Gods. He used ancient
magicks and wrought the ritual of balance
sacrificing Michael’s first wife, Anne to
finalize the ritual. In so doing he became
a God of evil and was forever a malevolent
influence on Mythas throughout the ages.
His acts of evil were so horrendous he became
known as ‘He who could not be named’ or
the Un-Named.
Michael Crucible’s friend and my brother- Trenton the Thief
became the voice of neutrality. In the beginning of Mythas
the civilized lands were ruled by the Moldavians. Ishmael
–my father, ruled these lands justly and the kingdom was plentiful.
In a complex act my uncle, or the Un-Named sought to use evil to
do good. Thinking he would make Moldavia an eternal kingdom and
glorify his brother forever it had horrible results. Seeing my
brother, Trenton, and I as possible successors he captured my
brother and froze him in the ice of the Frozen Deaths whilst
I barely escaped with my life. I went back for my brother years
later when I felt it would be safe from my maniacal uncle.
I released him from his icy prison. We ventured West to
the frontier lands where we met this half-deity Paladin.
It was in him we knew we had found an ally against the
Eastern usurper. It was Michael Crucible that led our
group now known as the ‘Winged Warriors’ to glory against
the ‘Un-Named’.
He also helped Trenton establish Trentonia. Trentonia
was a hostile port infested with evil lizard men. Many
of our father’s allies from Moldavia came to the new city
after fleeing the Eastern Usurper. Trentonia eventually
became the largest city of Mythas. During the first Death
Wars Trenton ascended and became the God of Thieves and Adventurers.
It was with Trenton’s help that Michael Crucible was able
to defeat the ‘Un-Named’. But the ‘Un-Named’ did not
die but lived on in the underworld. It was found out by
Michael Crucible that the ritual of balance restored some
order to the pantheons of Mythas. Unfortunately whenever
Michael Crucible interfered with the worldly affairs of
Mythas then his counterpart – the ‘Un-Named’ could in equal
fashion interfere with the affairs of Mythas.
Michael in an attempt to restrict his evil counterpart sent Trenton
back to earth where he became a King of Trentonia and began
the line of Kings there. Michael Crucible reigned over the
pantheon of Mythas restricting his involvement in worldly
affairs so that his rival would be bound to do the same.
It was Michael’s hope that Trenton would keep Mythas safe
from the ‘Un-Named’s’ taint. Over the ages eventually Trenton
took his place in the Pantheon and allowed himself to ascend
feeling he had lived long enough upon the world of Mythas.
He was forever a champion of free trade and market and his
city grew based upon his edicts.
And so it was over many millennia the Gods of Mythas forever
struggled and vied for power. Over time the ‘Un-Named’ grew
considerable in power and the Knights of the West began to recede.
It was at this time Kelestial Draconis or ‘Keel’ made his mark
upon the world.
Kelestial Draconis or ‘Keel’ was the son of Bon Gwaylar.
Bon Gwaylar was the ‘Un-Named’s greatest general. Bon Gwaylar
was an elven knight who considered himself the greatest warrior
of the land. Unfortunately the Paladin of the West –
Michael Crucible overshadowed his accomplishments and he became
envious for power. He called upon the ‘Un-Named’ and the Un-Named
facilitated his own prideful downfall. In so doing he became a
Death-Lord and became the ‘Un-Named’s greatest general.
He became second only to the Eastern usurper and eventually
took a place in the underworld’s pantheon. He used his
new deity powers to take possession of a human warrior who
sold his soul to him for a nite with a beautiful elven maiden
called ‘Becca’. Their offspring was Kelestial Draconis.
When he was born in elven lands the priests there were
fearful of the many omens that surrounded his birth.
He was always treated as an outcast amongst the elves.
Eventually he was exiled although he redeemed himself
at a later time.
It was after his redemption with the elves that he
seeks out Michael Crucible. Although Kelestial Draconis
was the bastard child of Bon Gwaylar his morality was not
malevolent. In fact his heritage was always a burden to
Keel and he constantly went on quests to redeem himself,
to glorify himself as a hero or as a boon to his friends.
One of his friends Marcus Strongarm wanted to be an
immortal in the pantheon of Mythas. Keel gathered his
friends- Kate the monk, Cherylindrea the elven ranger,
Dane the Invoker and Gradian –the shapeshifter.
One of his most dangerous quests was to include Marcus Strongarm
in the pantheon of Mythas.
It was this quest that he did seek out Michael Crucible.
At first Michael Crucible thought it was a trick of Keel’s
father but eventually Keel proves himself even unto
Michael Crucible. Michael knows that the pantheon is balanced
at that time and only a great feat of change could alter the
balance of the pantheon. He takes Keel to a sacred tree where
it is said the Gods hang to find insight or wisdom. He then
says if it is meant to be so then Keel will cut the tree down.
Keel then begins and through day and night he strikes at the tree.
For three days he tirelessly axes away at the tree. On the third
day on his last blow the tree is felled and Keel’s life expires as
he enters the Halls of the Dead. Michael Crucible and Casandra-
have Keel returned to life and his friend Marcus Strongarm is
admitted to the Pantheon of Mythas.
To Michael the felling of the tree was an omen that the Gods
of Mythas were about to experience a new age. The tree
represented the current Pantheon of Mythas. When that tree
was felled it meant that great changes were about to take
place in the heavens. It was a sign that the old age was
receding and a new age was about to begin. Realizing this
he gathered his closest knights and priests and retired to
the ruins of Staverlarium where once his castle stood millennium ago.
During this time he fasted for forty days and forty nights and
his immediate circle of priests and knights also were required
to fast with him or as much as their bodies could endure. Many
divine rituals were invoked to part the veil of time.
Michael Crucible was looking for answers. As the veil began to part
a path of action was shown and an old friend was summoned to him.
It was Trenton. The reason that Trenton was summoned was
because he had begun to have an affinity to the Mythas time stream.
He wasn’t sure at this time but he believed in the age to come his
powers as a deity would also include the protection of time.
Trenton believed that there was a way to defeat the ‘Un-Named’
but it would take much preparation, ultimate secrecy and sacrifice.
Trenton then summoned me- Zachory the Archmage and it appeared that
once again the winged warriors were summoned to face their foe for
the final time.
A brief discussion on the duties of Arch-mages is in order at
this point. The arch-mages are a secret society that calls
forth the greatest wizards of Mythas. The arch-mages of Mythas
duties are to keep Mythas protected from extra-dimensional
entities that could harm Mythas and its citizens. The ‘Un-Named’
had grown considerable in power and it was well known that he
would summon ‘outside’ forces to do his evil acts. This brought
him in direct conflict with the Arch-mages. The Un-Named’s
machinations had caused great disturbances and harm to Mythas.
But even the Archmages had been hindered as the Un-Named had
certain agents infiltrate even this sacred order.
Extreme care was taken to hide where the three was meeting.
Michael Crucible sent certain heroes such as Keel who had
felt saddened that he had felled the great tree of the Gods
to do minor raids on Moldavia to distract the ‘Un-Named’
of his true purpose.
At the end of Michael Crucible’s fasting he grew stoic and
solemn. He visited the graves of his three wives. They all
had ornate tombs at the ruins of Staverlarium. The first
was Anne Boyle. Although he was ’the Lord of the Paladins,
he wasn’t at the time he had fallen in love with Anne.
He had seen the Un-Named kill her in front of his eyes just
as he returned home from his quest- ‘the Drink of the Gods‘.
He did not know it then but the Un-Named had used her as a
sacrifice in a horrible ‘ritual of balance’ forever bonding
him to Michael Crucible and as Michael grew in power so did
his eastern nemesis.
He had truly loved her and he saw to it that she was given
tranquility and peace in death. But he had considered her
death and the death of all his wives as a horrible failure.
With all the power that he had the Un-Named had stripped
him of the things he loved most. He would never say this
to his priests or in the company of others
(except the winged warriors) but he would give up all his
power to lead the life of a simple knight with a humble family.
He had always seen his ‘godhood’ as a duty- a responsibility
to the citizens of Mythas to protect and to serve.
He took it very seriously but no one knew how much this ‘godhood’
had cost the humble Paladin. That this ‘godhood’ had become
a burden to him over time and he yearned for a simpler time-
a simpler life.
He then visited each wife in turn as he had married them.
Anne Boyle has already been mentioned. Catherine Argan
was his second wife. In his mourning she had come to him
and comforted him in his loneliness. She was assassinated
whilst visiting her family by knights who had become corrupted
by the Un-Named one.
His third wife- Jane Samour he did not marry for a hundred
years after the death of Catherine. She was poisoned by
her own maidservant who had become corrupted by the Un-Named.
The marriage was brief and it was understood by Michael by
this time that the Un-Named took a special interest hurting
the ones that Michael held most dear.
He thought that she would be his last wife. The pain of
their deaths seemed too hard to bear and he did not wish
to go through this cycle again. Jane had been his last
wife to this point and he finished his tour of his wives
with a silent and humble prayer at her grave site.
The people of Staverlarium had called these wives’ the
‘matriarchs’. Many of Staverlarium tied their names to
the names of the moons for there were three moons of Mythas.
Some said they were the fates or ’sisters’. They were revered
as saints and their tombs were seen as shrines to the faithful.
And so it was over three millennia he had been unwed.
He took up his responsibility and saw to his priests
and knights. Unfortunately, every time he would favor
a knight or a priest then the Un-Named would be bent on
corrupting that individual.
This happened several times over the millennia even happening
to Michael Crucible’s order of priests that he thought
was ‘untouchable’. The curse even extended to his two children.
He rises from his prayer and the highest priests of his order
are there.
It was Elaine- his high priestess. She was from Golden-leaf
which means she was an elf. Many elves from Golden-leaf had
come to Staverlarium throughout the ages. Michael Crucible
fought to protect their kingdom as much as his own.
There was a great kinship between elf and man in Staverlarium.
“My Lord,” she began. “If I could beseech you , my Lord”
she was entreating herself to him. “We have fast with you and
prayed with you and have shared your vision with the God of
Thieves on your purposes. You have had us record this vision
and keep them secret upon the scrolls or what we now call the
Prophecies of Michael Crucible. It has been foretold by you
that you shall be re-married. That you will indeed marry
again a wife of Mythas as you did in the ages past.”
“Yes- I know.” He was short and to the point. “You want
to know who I will marry. Who will I choose to become my
wife before my…” she cuts him off.
“I know this decision is hard for you my Lord. I know
you do not wish to marry again fearing for the lives of
those you love.” the priest, Elaine, mentioned.
He began abruptly, “No, I do not wish to marry again.
The lives of my wives became forfeit when they decided
to marry me. The Un-Named wishes to hurt me
anyway he can. Since I am beyond him he hurts the ones
I love or corrupts them to make their lives an abomination
in my eyes. Now I have the answer in how to defeat him but
the first step is the hardest. I see no other way this can
end.” He sighed like the weight of the world was upon his shoulders.
“I have been long without a wife. All I know is duty. My
heart has hardened as strong as the star-metal that Excladriel
was forged from. People think the Gods have
ultimate power to do anything we desire. If only it were
that simple. I know to defeat the Un-Named I will need to
open my heart and learn again about mortal love but it will
not be easy. I am like an old soldier that has seen too
many battles. I feel worn and know only my duty and my
responsibility to my people. Love is lost in an old memory
trapped within a tomb.” Upon saying this he looks upon
the grave of his third wife Jane.
“Anyway what woman would be crazed to marry me?” He
looked at her as if questioning her. “Whoever does so
could be martyred in a most gruesome fashion by the hand
of the most evil entity to have ever existed. Or worse
their very hearts could be tempted and corrupted to become
that which even they hate and be made an abomination.
I do not know the answer here. I am at a loss with all my
power I feel unable to even approach this next task.” He
humbly stood before her no longer looking like that
overconfident Lord of the Paladins but resembling something
much more human.
“If you will permit me my Lord,” she began again.
“I am an elf from Golden-leaf. I have been in your
service since I was young and that was many ages ago.
I have already given my life to you as a priest.
Also, your very priests have sent me to you.
I am not only the choice of my order but also I believe
the city of Staverlarium itself. It is time Staverlarium
has a matriarch and the political bond of human and
elf shall last the ages with this act. If you would have
me I would offer you my heart for I know you are bound by
what I love also- truth, honor and justice. I would be
foolish to say that I am not fearful of how this may end.
Yet that fear does not overcome my will in wanting this.
You have fought this battle for too long so allow my love
to comfort you in your time of need.” She approaches him
slowly –removing her priestly veil. She was not a young
elf. She had seen many ages yet her beauty seemed eternal.
He walked to her and looked in her eyes. “Then so be it
with this first kiss we begin my final stand.”…
The wedding was kept very secret and very few were even
told about it. The wedding itself took place in the
area the arch-mages were preparing for the Final Conflict.
The reason why was simple. The arch-mages had poured
forth magicks in preparing the area. It could not be
easily scryed upon. The honeymoon was brief of course
but their love was consummated and both of their spirits
seemed to gain strength from the other. After the wedding
Michael Crucible began to change as his younger self.
He was full of vigor and vision. He became less stoic
and more active. Less brooding and more ‘content’ at
least with his current situation. His wife also changed.
She began to manifest a divine aura and her love for
Michael had become fulfilled with the marriage. Her only
regret was that she would not have a child with him.
This was not her choice but decreed by the prophecies.
It was not something she wished to accept and she tried
not think of such things.
I , Zachory, did not understand the prophecies of why
marriage was so important to the Lord of Paladins but
after the marriage I began to understand why. Michael Crucible
was never supposed to be alone. It was clear now. Not only
was he a pillar of truth, justice and honor but he was a
champion of ‘family’. No wonder my uncle was so determined
to destroy this aspect of Michael Crucible in becoming the
‘Patriarch’ he was always meant to be. When he married again
it opened up this part of Michael Crucible’s heart and spirit.
He became more complete, wise. I now understood why the first
part of the vision requested he would marry. It all made sense…now.
The next part of the prophecies was that Michael Crucible would
select three knights. The selection of the three knights was
very secretive and no information was given out concerning
their purpose. One knight- Gareth Keral, was a human.
He was the first chosen. Some were dismayed with this choice
for he was an elder knight with many years. Some thought his
age made him weak or his mind might be addled. Yet he was the
first to be summoned.
“Yes, my Lord,” he paused. “You have called and I have come.
What service do you have of me?” he asked.
“The greatest service a God can ask of their loyal subjects.”
Michael Crucible spoke directly. “Your life so far Gareth has
been proven exemplary. I ask that you travel the same road that
I do for the sake of delivering Mythas from the Eastern usurper
forever.” Michael Crucible spoke.
“There could be no greater death for me. It is as I have
prayed for. I have yearned for a great quest to finish my
life in an honorable fashion. Thank you, my Lord.” he spoke
humbly, knelt, and then took his position by Michael Crucible’s
side. He hardly ever left it from this day forward. He also
appeared rejuvenated. His age gone as his Lord’s.
The second knight came as an emissary from Rockhome- the kingdom
of the Dwarves. Michael Crucible along with the ‘winged warriors’
forged an ‘Alliance of the West’. It was an affiliation of
Western Kingdoms fighting against a common enemy.
One of the founding members of the ‘winged warriors’ was Boro
Thunderheart. He was a prominent figure in the dwarven pantheon
and the dwarves were always steadfast allies of Staverlarium
despite their ties to Goldenleaf. It is said the dwarven
priests sent one of their knights as a request from Boro to
‘aid’ Michael Crucible in his time of need. His name was Rion Brand.
He was introduced to the Staverlarium court and then he
proceeded. “Michael Crucible, Lord of the Paladins and
founder of Staverlarium. Dwarf-friend and Rockbrother.
I am here though I know not the reason. Dwarven priests
have seen strange signs and omens. Water turns to fire and
rock bleeds –these are the omens my priests have seen.
My orders are to go to the kingdom of Staverlarium and
my purpose will be made clear. My duty is to you –Oh Lord
of the Paladins that I may serve you at your time of need.”
He bowed graciously cocking an eyebrow to see what the rest
of the court was doing.
Michael Crucible arose from his throne. He gave a look
to Elaine and to Gareth. “I am honored Rockbrother that
the dwarves have sent you but where I go few follow.
I would not want the blood of any rockbrother on my hands.
Know that my quest is full of peril and ends in conflict.
I will not refuse your service twice but I must ask you
again if you are sure of your decision and it must not be
taken lightly. The courage, stamina and determination of
Rockhome is great but good dwarf I ask that you set aside
this quest and return home to your family where you may have
many days to live upon Mythas for I know that if you follow
me your days will be numbered and cut short.”
Michael Crucible, as always, was to the point.
Rion Brand then stands and speaks. “I like your manner
and no wonder the Alliance has lasted so long. You speak
as a dwarf and do not mince words as some humans do. Let
it be known that I am a dwarven knight in search of glory.
As long as my death is worthy of a song then it would be
my absolute pleasure to stand by the Lord of Paladins in
the defense of Mythas. Please do my service honor and
accept this humble dwarven knight upon your quest.”
Some emotion showed through the dwarf’s words which was
unusual for dwarves.
“Your service is accepted and appreciated dwarven
knight.” Michael said.
Elaine – high Priestess and Queen of Staverlarium spoke
gently to her husband. “We now have two out of three knights
but from where shall we find the third?” she asked.
Michael Crucible smiled a coy smile very unlike the Lord
of Paladins usual visage. “Always from where you least expect.”
He said in a sly manner. He then walks to Elaine and asks for
her hand. She offers it and the scenery of Staverlarium
seems to change around them. Subtly at first but upon noticing
their surroundings turns into a blur. The two find themselves
near the base of mountains about three days travel from Rockhome.
The area smells of animal dung and Elaine can see a primitive
village near the base of the mountains. There are caves, tents
and small shacks. “We will need to be a bit more ‘inconspicuous’”.
With that said a mere nod gives them the appearance of hooded monks.
“Follow my lead- beloved we are looking for a hero.”
He whispered and then kissed her gently on the cheek.
The village was a hovel. The inhabitants being mostly orc,
half-orc and humans. There were dogs about and farm animals
littered about the area. There seemed to be some sort of
gathering in town as many of the town’s denizens were gathered
near a central fire where there was loud discussion.
Elaine and Michael could hear that the townspeople were upset.
There had been a dragon sighting and three people were missing.
People were scared but no one stepped up to find the missing
three except for one. He was a half-orc, very tall and muscular.
He spoke plainly and well which was somewhat odd considering his
circumstances.
“My name is Brack Pama. You all know me here. One of the
missing is my human sister- Felda. Though it may be my life
I shall hunt for her and the other two.
I know Krelk is missing – our blacksmith and Chilean the
daughter of Olgd and Melda. Is there any here who shall go with me?”
the half- orc asked.
There was silence and Michael and Elaine looked at one another
as if in a knowing glance. Michael stepped forward appearing
as a hooded monk. “Hail, we are strangers to your village but
we shall go with you.”
The half-orc , Brack looked at them distrustful as did most
of the village. He made a guttural tone as if he was
disappointed in the villagers around him and now he had
two strangers to go with him in what appeared to be certain
death. He went to his family’s shack and removed some items
he needed for the trip. When he was done he gave the ‘monks’
a nod and then set out to where the dragon had been sighted
last with the ‘monks’ in tow.
They had been on their journey for the first part of the day.
The sun was high in the sky now. Michael broke the silence
as the search continued. “You are very courageous to go
looking for a fight with a dragon for your half-sister.
I did not know your kind was so...” the ‘monk’ commented.
“My kind?!? What the hell does that mean? Just because I
am not a dwarf, elf or gnome does not mean we leave our own
to be eaten by dragons.” he spat out full of venom and was
clearly insulted by the ‘monk’s’ comments.
“I did not mean to offend.” Replied the monk.
“Typical human you think good and righteousness is restricted
to a skin color or race. My people have been slaves of the
East and West for generations. Do you think we can not be
compassionate or kind is it such a stretch of the imagination?”
Michael spoke, “ I know the orcs of the east were conquered
by Moldavia and they exist in that kingdom to serve the Un-Named.”
“Like they had a choice.” Brack spoke. “Look I am not defending
the Eastern orcs they live by the code- the strong thrive – the
weak die. And remember that is a tenet of the Un-Named usurper.
Everybody knows they really have no choice and after generations
of that rule I fear the Eastern orcs are bred to be evil – tainted
and corrupted by that Eastern malevolent undead abomination.” he
spoke clearly.
“There are orcs here to the West what is their story?” asked Michael.
“Still to be written- I am sure” said Brack. The Western orcs are
still tied to the same stigmata our Eastern cousins have. We are
feared by the humans and dwarves and they see us as a threat to
their kingdoms. Although we wish as they do to live in peace-
they see us as monsters unable to understand that we too can be
civilized creatures. Most of us have not the patience to educate
humans to this self-evident truth. We have become frustrated
at humanity’s lack of understanding and quickness to judge a
creature by its appearance rather than its actions.” Brack spoke
eloquently.
“It will not always be so.” replied the disguised Lord of Paladins.
“Mythas is bound to the logos of the three. I see a time after this
current age where individuals shall be judged on their own actions.
What say you to this?” he asked.
“I’ll believe it when I see it.” said Brack Pama the half-orc.
“But I won’t be holding my breath.” he continued on looking for
signs of the missing.
The two monks gave each other a look as if disappointed in
Brack’s grumblings.
Eventually they came to a cave that stank of sulfer with
a very large opening to the earth below. “A dragon could
fit here,” Brack stated. He took his axe off his back and
prepared himself. As he was doing so the three were somewhat
startled to see a red-haired human with strange red eyes
walking out of the cave. He appeared to be a mage- he somewhat
carried an aura of confidence around him. He wore a strange
skull necklace fitted with diamonds and a platinum skull with ruby eyes.
“Here to fight a dragon?” he asked chuckling the last of it.
“If need be but our true purpose is to rescue those the dragon
has taken from our village.” Brack spoke plainly.
“I see. If that is truth then know that the dragon is not
your enemy. Your true enemy lies further in the cave. Past
the dragon’s lair near an underground stream.
You will know when you get there.” His voice lowered as he said this.
Brack then turns and looks at him. “How can we know this to
be true?” Brack asked.
The strange looking human walked up to Brack then said,
“Look into my eyes.” Brack did so hesitatingly somewhat
unsure of his present predicament. As he did so he saw
the man’s true form was that of a very large Ravage Dragon.
Ravage Dragons were the brood of the Father of all dragons.
They were as long lived as the elves. Even more dangerous
then your typical dragon their flame not only of fire but
of something more acting as a liquid that would melt whatever
it came into contact with. They were casters too and the
felling of one was worthy of a song.
“You are the dragon!” and with that Brack held his axe firmly
in his two hands as if ready to strike.
“Why yes I am! How observant for a half-orc! But I have not
killed the ones you have come after to save. In fact they are
safe inside as far as I know if Autus hasn’t killed them yet.
You can fight me if you wish and I will burn you asunder where
you stand, half-orc, if these two ‘monks’ (and I use that term
loosely) do not ‘interfere’. But I assure you that I am not your
enemy. I have been bound as your Eastern cousins by the magic of
the dead.” With that he points to the necklace around his neck.
“A beautiful collar of servitude I wear given to me by the creature
inside. He is your true enemy, half-orc. As powerful as I am in
this game I am merely a pawn. I beseech you go see for yourself.
Either that or use that axe you are threatening me with.” The
strange looking human eyed him intently.
Brack thought a moment looked at the two monks who looked
as casual observers. He put the axe away and ringed his hands
and seemed nervous. “Give me a moment.” He asked the monks
and went to the edge of the wood just outside the cave entrance.
When he was sure no one was around he pulled out a holy
symbol of a dove. He kissed it and knelt to his knees and prayed.
He asked for guidance and courage. He felt he was in over
his head but his Mother had always worshiped the Lord of
Paladins. He had taken up his Mother’s worship although
secretly for he knew it would be shunned by others.
Why would the Lord of Paladin’s listen to the prayers of a
half-orc? He often thought to himself. He asked for courage
for what needed to be done and insight and wisdom to help make
the right choice. As he was finishing the monks
came to his place of prayer.
As he hides his holy symbol back to his pouch he gets up
startled. “Ummm,I had to take a leak.” The half-orc said
as the two monks gave each other a knowing look. “Anyway I think
we have to go further into the cave.” With that the trio
walk by the strange human at the cave entrance and walk into
the foul-smelling cave. The entrance goes to a walkway winding
its way deeper into the earth eventuallyleading to a very large cavern.
From the look of the bones and the cavern floor this appeared
to be the dragon’s lair. Additional passageways branch from
this central lair. The sound of running water has Brack follow
the noise south. After walking some they see a Knight of
Staverlarium sitting, looking at the fire. There are snakes
and spiders all about and Brack could feel the presence of evil
despite the Staverlarium markings on the Knights armor.
“Welcome to my humble abode,” the knight said sarcastically.
Brack stumbled not believing his eyes. “A knight of
Staverlarium- but I don’t understand aren’t you the good guys?”
“Aye, I am or was a Knight of Staverlarium. I come from
a long line of Staverlarium knights. I am a legacy” he
laughed somewhat disturbingly. “I got a better offer from
an ‘un-named’ source.” He laughed even harder at that amused
at his own witticisms.
“You kidnapped three people from the village one was
my half-sister Felda.” The burly half-orc stated.
“Oh yes, that witch. They are in my pit of despair
at the moment.” He points to a nearby hole that goes
down some twenty feet where all three of the captives
are yelling to be saved to any that could hear.
“I only wanted the child. In fact I’ll let the blacksmith
and your sister go-BUT I KEEP THE CHILD!” He stated vehemently.
“You know what,” Brack stated. “I can’t let you do that.”
He then took his axe from behind him and gripped it firmly in
his hands.
“How did I know you were going to say that?” the evil
knight concluded. You sound just like my own order- half-orc.
Why do you even care?”
“Bah! I am so sick of you humans believing us orcs have
no spirits or souls. Can we not care for a child of another
race? Are we so cruel? You judge us as monsters
when we are just a different race capable of good as any other race.
Just as I see as your race is capable of evil!” Brack spit out
the last words.
With those words the two charged at one another. The evil
human knight brought his two-handed sword in an arcing motion
striking the half-orc’s head and bringing forth a gush of blood.
The half-orc at the same time was a little off with the axe and
the shaft of the axe caught the knight in the throat. Both were
knocked to the ground. Brack appeared dead.
Elaine still disguised as a monk goes to the half orc and
lays her hands upon the wound and invokes divine healing
in what appeared to be a death blow to the head.
The other monk- Michael positions himself in front of the
evil knight who is still gasping for air from his broken wind pipe.
He finally notices the monk who changes his earthly visage to that
of Michael Crucible- Lord of the Paladins. The monk forces air to
his mouth and barely makes audible words but Michael hears them nonetheless.
“I… I know you.” the evil knight said.
“Yes –well you did and I knew your fathers before them.
You have dishonored them all by taking up black magic.
You have betrayed me- Your Lord for what power?
What has a man gained if he has won the world but lost his soul?”
Michael asks the knight.
The evil knight is now in total despair seeing what he has become.
Reality has set in. He torments himself as the reality of his
actions sink in.
Meanwhile Brack awakens and is transfixed by the divine image.
He takes out his holy symbol and a small tear begins to drip
from his eye rolling down to his cheek. “You do hear the prayers
of a half-orc.” He felt elated that his faith had saved him.
“Now hear me vile and evil knight,” Michael began,
“The Eastern usurper shall always have the spoiled, the pampered
and the unjust. He shall have those that persecute the weak and
exploit the sick and I shall have mine and he points to Brack.
Mine- which are the courageous, the protectors of the weak,
and the un-justly persecuted. These are mine and I am theirs.”
Michael looks at Brack and asks, “Did your Mother teach you
how to kill a snake?” At first Brack was confused and then a
moment of clarity struck him. It was a holy passage his
mother once taught him. He looks around and finds a huge stone club
and then walks toward the evil knight still retching in front of Michael.
“Yes, I remember my Lord,” Brack said as he brings the stone club
down upon the head of the vile knight as he does so he says,
“You crush its head.”
Michael then looks at Elaine and says, “We now have our three knights.”
The three villagers were saved by Brack Pama the half-orc.
They were taken back to the village. The man who had been
a ravage dragon in disguise was gone when the rest of the
group got to the front of the entrance. The only item left
was the strange necklace or ‘collar’ he had worn.
The villagers were ecstatic and Brack was celebrated as a hero.
When it was over Brack found the two ‘monks’ on the outside of
the village as if waiting on him.
As he neared them, Brack looked confused as if he didn’t
know the proper protocol. He didn’t know whether to kneel,
cheer or what so he approached slowly and his words were measured.
“I don’t understand. Why did you help me back there?”
the half orc questioned.
Michael Crucible looked at him. “It is my job, Brack,
to protect children and meet out justice or help those who
share this mission. That was the case here.” Michael
said plainly. Don’t look so confused I learned long ago
that truth and justice is not bound to certain races just
as evil is not contained to those of the ‘East’. Anyway
I heard your prayers- that symbol of the dove is one of my many symbols.
“In truth Brack, I need you. I have come to offer you some
aid in the hopes that you would join me in a quest that could
be your last. The great tree of the Gods has been brought down.
A new age is coming. I see the races of Mythas transcending
certain ‘moral’ barriers in the future. The race of orcs is one.
The orcs have been judged harshly, persecuted and exploited.
Such hard lives can create the unusual ‘pearls’ of individuals
–such as yourself Brack. Heroes such as yourself that despite
your humble beginnings you strive for what is right although this
world seems against you.
That is what brought me to you. My time
upon Mythas is nearing an end and quite frankly I need help to
banish the greatest evil our world has ever known.” He then eyed the
half-orc intently. “I have one more knight I would select to help
me carry out this impossible mission. I want to pick you Brack.” He
paused awaiting an answer.
“My prayers have been answered. You are a testimony to my faith– Lord.
I am no knight though and have never been one. I would be so honored
to fight by the side of the Lord of Paladins if you would have me.”
With those words he knelt on one knee and bent his head down.
Michael then removes the ‘star-sword’ Excladriel (an ornate
two-handed sword with a faint blue aura) from his scabbard. He then
touches the sword to the left and then to the right shoulder.
“From this day forward you are a knight – arise Paladin of the West!”
They then made the three day trek back to Staverlarium.
Once they arrived needless to say that some did not care for
the Half – orc, Paladin yet none dared to question Michael’s decision.
He was fitted with a proper horse,armor and properties of a Knight
of Staverlarium.
There was a brief amount of time that lasted about a ten-day
where Michael made plans with the archmages and wrote many
prophecies as to what would come in the age to come. He was
very specific to his priests as to their distribution. When
he was sure that his tasks had been completed he met with his
three knights and wife Elaine. He told them they were to
journey to the Land of the Frozen Wastes. It was to the north.
Normally about a month’s journey but the arch-mages had made
alternative ‘travel arrangements’. Once he briefed them on
their journey and roles the group met with the archmages where
it was discussed what their role would be in the time to come.
The archmages would have their casualties, too and Michael
doubted if any of them would return back from this alive.
When all was prepared it was decided a final feast was in
order. Many of the kingdom did not even realize what this
feast represented. Michael Crucible was very cryptic citing
holy passages during the meal. He made it a point to speak
to as many of the citizens of Staverlarium that he could.
He embraced many of his beloved followers and blessed each
in turn. At the end of the day Elaine bid him sleep with her as a man
on their last night in Staverlarium together and he did.
The next morning they arose early. The knights ensured the
animals had been packed down accordingly. Furs had been given
out to protect against the cold of the Frozen Deaths.
The Archmages awaited the rest at the ruins of the old Castle.
The area had been ‘readied’ for the ritual of transportation.
Pentagrams and divine markings were etched into the ground.
Michael called for his winged horse, Concord, and rode to the
ruins from the castle.
Even at this early hour the citizens of Staverlarium had lined
the streets hoping to catch a last glimpse of the Lord of
Paladins. Knowing he had the crowd’s attention he lifted
Excladriel into the air and leapt into the air with his winged horse.
This elated the crowd and a good ‘feeling’ was felt by those around.
White doves circled around Michael Crucible until finally he reached
the ruins of the old castle. He received nods from his knights
and archmages alerting him to the fact that all had been prepared
properly. “Begin the ritual”he announced. Even as the last word
was said magic erupted from the mystic circle and
all those within it were gone in a twinkling of an eye.
The group which now consisted of Michael Crucible,
Elaine the High Priestess, Brack Pama, Gareth Keral, and the
dwarf Rion Brand. It was a very small group considering their task.
Now they were in the Land of the Frozen Deaths-a harsh frozen tundra
where the first Death Wars were fought. It was named so due to the many
soldiers on both sides that had been frozen solid by the ‘Un-Named’.
Once there the archmages immediately began their work which was
of the utmost secrecy.
Whilst they were preparing Michael Crucible separated from
their camp and led his small entourage further north. They
rode about half a days ride. Michael could have easily outdistance
the group with the rest having the Staverlarium war horse
whereas he was upon his flying steed. That was not his purpose
and he stayed grounded. Eventually he came upon a glacier wall.
Inside this frozen ice suspended forever in a gruesome image of
death stood many an ex-soldier. Michael looked upon their faces
until he came to one in particular.
“This is him. It has been so long.” Michael said. The others
came to his area to view what had transfixed his gaze. Inside
the ice was a Staverlarium knight. He bore the resemblance of
Michael and they all bowed their heads for this must have been
his son the tragic stories told about.
Michael looked into the ice his face somewhat vexed and
yet somewhat sad. “My son,” and he dropped to one knee.
He looked up at Elaine who was looking sympathetically at him.
“Both of my children taken and turned by the Eastern enemy.”
Michael spoke. “He was supposed to be a knight and take up my
purpose but his heart turned against me. He turned to hate me-
this same babe that I fed, clothed and sheltered when he could not.
How the un-named can take an innocent child and over years of time
whisper evil thoughts to him and warp him against me. This was one
of my failures. I blame myself for his fall. A son’s failures are
his father’s.” Michael stated plainly.
The others were concerned. They had not expected this. The Lord of Paladins was beside himself standing in front of a frozen visage of his only son. He was in a mental anguish. “Now here he is trapped in death due to the machinations of a mad god.
I spoiled him as a child- tried to give him whatever he required in life. He became vain and arrogant. He became vulgar and profane. He became addicted to mystical herbs
and began to invoke evil magiks. I was blind to all of this until it was too late.” He
wailed. Now there is sorrow and a youthful life destroyed. Can there ever be redemption
for him?” Michael asked the others seeking truth in their eyes.
Out of the darkness a beautiful woman dressed in dark Moldavian armor came out of the snowy fog around the icy glacier entering the small group’s camp. “Hello father-
Here to beg Richard’s forgiveness from his icy stare?” spoke the armored female.
The others were taken aback. Weapons were being pulled until a nod by Michael
had them stay their hands. “Eleena” he whispered the name and grimaced in pain as he said it. He stood up casting aside emotion he remembered the duty he had come here for.
“My daughter, have you come to me at last seeking penance and a chance to redeem
yourself?” Michael Crucible asked.
“Ha!” she replied her voice full of venom and hate. “The Un-Named has sent me father and the archmages have given me ‘something’ that you may find interesting. You claim to be all Good, all righteous but look at your children both of us have your blood running through us and hate burns through us like a smoldering fire. Your duty as a deity has destroyed you as a father.” She spoke her words like a knife to him and he
grimaced as she spoke.
“Of course you could free Richard from his icy tome couldn’t you father?” she asked.
“I could but you know I won’t,” He said plainly. We all are to be judged by higher powers. Richard is no different and you will not be either- daughter.” He said.
“Spare me your ideologies- I have grown tired of your ‘truth’ speak. What
has truth got you? You have three dead wives and two children that hate you.” She spoke venomously. “Always trying to play the hero when you should have been a
husband and a father.” She blurted the words out like accusations.
Michael Crucible reacted to every word she said. There was truth to her words although they were tainted by the Eastern usurper. “I know I could have been a better father. I offer you no excuses and my love for you and your brother has never been diminished.” He spoke softly.
“My brother lies frozen and I remain exiled from your love- father!” she exclaimed. “I have went my own way becoming a great agent of the archmages
and even a servant of your enemy.” She spoke.
“I care not for your daily prattle about righteousness, honor or glory. Save those words for your priests. The Un-Named both told Richard and I that we would inherit
power-your power, father but I am starting to think that will never happen as long
as you are alive.” She said the last bit with a slight smile looking him directly in
the eye.
Elaine, the high priestess, Gareth Keral, Rion Brand and Brack Pama made room for the conversation. Michael had already briefed them on the way he wanted to handle Eleena and they respected his wishes and stayed silent but ever watchful.
Michael looked down. He was completely disappointed in her. She was always in pursuit of power, ambition and greed. He had tried to change her but to no avail.
She cared not for his religion, his ideals and in fact mocked him at every step concerning
those very concepts he held most dear. He sighed and then asked, “Why are you here,
Eleena?” he asked.
“Why are you here, father?” she asked him rather hatefully. “You sneak here to the North to visit Richard? I am sure he would like that about as much as I do. Did
you never realize that we hated you. You – who is so Holy and Righteous and full of judgment. There is no use for archaic religion in this world – father. Your ways are
out of date and no longer apply to the new generations of Mythas.”
“And you have been misled by snakes who call themselves friends. I understand
you do not accept my religion and my ideals or even my morality. But you can not
turn your back on truth. You may try to hide it but it will surface. You may try to change it but its intent will never be altered. You may convince yourself to believe
in lies but in the end only truth may set you free.” He said.
“Even here and now you still preach. It infuriates me. Makes me so angry
that I am filled with such a wrath.” She wailed. “Maybe one of us can change.”
She mused and reached into a pouch producing a vial. “You know I have worked
with the archmages in the past.” she stated.
“You mean you pretended to work with them so you could spy on them
for the Un-Named.” He stated matter-of-factly.
“Shhhh- you are going to give me away,” she said coyly.
He then looked straight at her. “You know he killed your mother-
the undead abomination you work for.” He then looked at her intently as if
trying to observe something.
As he blurted that last fact out her eyes glaze over as if in trance and she
mutters quietly, “I have nothing to say about that.”
He seemed to start to understand the spell the Un-Named had placed upon her.
“You were saying,” he prompted her, “about how one of us could change.” He then
looked at the vial she had in her hands.
“Oh yes,” she seemed to snap out of her trance. “Some amongst the archmages
have whispered how many ages ago when you faced the Fire Giants that you went
on your quest for divinity. A quest for the Holy Grail, that some call the ‘Drink of the Gods’. This elixir that I hold can inhibit the powerful drink allowing you to see the world in a new perspective.” She said.
The group around Michael all looked in horror at the elixir. Try as they might
they tried to cover their horror-struck faces but were hard –pressed to do so. Michael
Crucible never hesitated. As she got the last words out of her mouth he was in front
of her requesting the vial.
“Hand it here- I am the Lord of Paladins what do I have to fear from a vial?”
He was trying to sound non-concerned and invulnerable even over confident. From the
look in her eyes he had succeeded. Before he imbibed the liquid his eyes looked around
giving a nod to each in his entourage. The semi-circle that they had formed around him they expanded knowing when he drink the liquid the Un-Named would press his advantage. They did not want to be in the immediate area where two Gods would stand against the other.
Eleena saw this and took this as fear from the group. She said, “Oh yes,
be afraid for if he takes this vial the world may be a different place.” She was giddy
with anticipation.
Once Michael felt there was enough distance between them he took the vial
and drained its contents. The ground around him burst into fire immediately and
he found himself in the middle of a pentagram with 12 different symbols around
him in a circular fashion. The ground charred from the mystical fire creating the strange runes. A shadow came over the camp and they all knew the Un-Named was in their area.
The smell of sulfur was in the air. He took the form of what appeared to be a thin pale human hidden in a black hooded cloak. He carried the staff of evil- Excladriel’ s evil
counter-part. The staff was ornate- fashioned from the same tree that Keel had fallen
just a few months earlier. It was topped with a skeleton’s head with ruby eyes.
Michael started toward him but the effects of the potion had begun. Suddenly he was in pain. He staggered wildly as if wounded and dropped to his knees Excladriel still in his hand by his side.
“Ha hahaha” the Un-Named laughed. “Was it so easy? Has pride fallen the foolish Lord of Paladins? After all these eons could it really be so easy?” the Un-Named was beside himself as Michael Crucible writhed in agony. “Well, what you are waiting for –witch. I want to see you kill him.” He gestured for her to strike him. He watched this intently seeing what the outcome would be.
Eleena pulled her two-handed sword out and approached him slowly. Michael was able to gather enough composure to stand again and turn to face her. Her eyes was in a daze and he knew his daughter was under the power of the Un-Named. He met her
thrust head on- in fact braced for it. She pierced his left side just under his rib cage. Blood and water immediately gushed from the wound. She removed her sword to find herself gasping – repulsed by her own actions.
Michael forced the words through his pain. “Yes, Eleena- my daughter the spell
that has held you for so long is unraveling. Fight it! End this murderous villain who
manipulated you and killed your mother!” he was shouting despite the pain.
Eleena looked at her father. She was beginning to understand. The elixir had done as it had supposed to it made Michael mortal again but in so doing the Un-Named’s
enchantments that had been invoked upon her were unraveling and for the first time in eons she was seeing the truth of her situation. She had just stabbed her father and the reality of it made her hesitate despite his calls for action.
“What have you done? Are you finally starting to get wise after all of these eons?
Did you just break my spell upon your daughter because you are truly mortal now?” he pondered the question. “Something is strange here,” he said as he looked around the area seeing his entourage so far away from his. “This area is has been altered magically-
damn you paladin what are you planning here?!” he said aloud. As he did so he caught sight of a sparrow and time itself seemed to slow around the area. For the first time in eons the Un-Named himself felt fear and vulnerability though he knew not from whence it came. One thing was for sure Michael Crucible was to blame for this and Michael Crucible was going to pay. He focused on the Lord of Paladins sending magical energy from his hands and engulfing Michael in fire. The fire though turned from an orange-red to a blue. The skin upon Michael was catching to fire and as he was nearing the Un-Named you could see his skeleton where his flesh was being burned off of him.
Elaine, the high priestess moved closer just close enough to where her healing spells could reach the tormented Lord of Paladins. She was healing him as fast as she could- she could not even stand to look at what was being done to him because it hurt her heart so. The other knights waited patiently they had their orders and were set to execute them when needed. Their hearts and passions nearly got away from them and Gareth said, “ We need to help him - He is killing Michael”.
Brack Pama the half-orc and the dwarf , Rion Brand stopped him and bade him wait. The half orc stated, “We knew that coming here- do not make his death in vain and do your duty when it arrives.”
Gareth knew he was right and they all three waited patiently.
Michael knew he had a limited time and he had one more item to do. The Un-Named was going to kill him. The piercing he endured from Eleena was bad enough but the Un-Named unleashed his full arsenal upon the Lord of Paladins. It may have been willpower alone that forced him closer but he just kept on coming slowly approaching the
Un-Named. He had not been mortal in a long time. Pain was new to him but he welcomed it. He kept his focus- as long as he was able to accomplish one last task…
Finally he was faced to faced with his Eastern nemesis. He said nothing his movement was flawless. In one motion he cut the Un-Named’s hand off at the wrist where it held the staff of Evil. He fell in a heap and said, “Krux”. The sword went straight to the staff-
changing from a sword to a large metal casing surrounding the Staff. Michael Crucible fell to the ground his body scourged and charred.
Immediately the three knights went into action. Brack Pama headed for the Staff and grabbed it while the Un-Named writhed in pain. The strange time ‘effect’ was still surrounding the area and it was helping the knights and impairing the Un-Named.
The Archmages- Zachory Moldavia, Macon Jones, Michael the Blue, and Durgal now appeared in a circular fashion surrounding the Un-Named. Chanting was heard from them. Zachory and Michael the Blue the eldest of the archmages focused on the Un-Named sending blue bolts and lightning into the Eastern usurper.
I , Zachory Moldavia yelled out, “It is good to see you Uncle. This day will be your last upon Mythas.
Although the Un-Named was off balance he was not through yet. He summoned his dark magicks. Without the Staff of Evil and with the Ritual of Balance broken he was definitely diminished. Magicks had been placed here to stop his ‘teleporting’ away.
He was tethered to the area until the deaths of those who held him here. He needed the staff. He turned and saw the half-orc holding the case that held his staff. Normally he
would just call for it but the casing that held it was Excladriel. He had to give it to the paladin he was very thorough. He sent a blast that would have killed the half-orc but Gareth Keral stood in his way taking the blow himself. He was disintegrated utterly and the half-orc never even slowed down not wanting the death of brother knight to be in vain. The Un-Named was just about to send another volley when the dwarven knight charged into him.
The dwarven knight had given the half-orc just enough time to run to the archmage Durgal. Durgal was ready for him. He had the half-orc drop the casing.
He threw the half-orc a very large bag and ask he put the item in the bag. The half-orc did so quickly knowing time was of the essence. The archmage Durgal then requested the half-orc drop the sack and stand by him. Durgal then took out an ‘extra-dimensional’ portable hole. He threw the strange item at the sack while creating a force-sphere around the sack. The timing was impeccable but even Durgal did not know how powerful the resulting explosion would be. Although he had contained it- the blast throws Durgal and the half-orc away from the area. The sack is gone and the area that the sphere had contained the blast shows what appears to be a bottomless pit.
The dwarf for a brief moment stood toe to toe with the Un-Named. The Un-Named feels the Staff is gone and reels violently. He backslaps the dwarf and his touch
turns the dwarven knight to dust. He then turns on the Archmages and says, “I don’t know what you thought you were planning but you will not succeed. I will kill you all!”
The Lord of Chaos and Murder screamed at them. Durgal was unconscious from the blast and there were only three archmages. They attacked him from all sides. He looks
them over and then with a motion from his hand pulls the mage Macon Jones to him.
Macon tries to resist but knows its futile. He knows what the Un-Named wants though.
He is able to cast a force-sphere around himself and the Un-Named and then breaks his
staff just as the Un-Named is ready to take it away from him. The resulting explosion
leaves the raiment of the Un-Named in tatters. He is charred and burned but still alive.
The body of Macon Jones is a burnt out husk.
The two archmages left- myself and Michael the Blue continue our focus.
We send eldritch bolts and lightning into the Un-Named again. He is weakened yet
still has much life left. We have many magical shield and protections up. His first few volleys against us and he strips them away and he intensifies his attacks upon us. I try to distract him- buy just a little bit more time.
“It is good that your life shall be ended by me , Uncle.” I said. I was taunting him - buying my brother just a little more time. He is almost in a blind fury now. Michael the Blue intensifies his attacks and the Un-Named responds by taking the Master Archmage and ripping his staff from his hands and then slams his body into a nearby tree. He crumples and I fear I am the last archmage standing. Time once again slows and just when the Un-Named appears to have defeated us all he forgets about my brother- The God of Thieves.
He is in such a blind ravenous fury he never even sees the stealthy God creep slowly behind him wielding his Dagger in his hands.
The Un-Named screams at me as he takes my body and flings it to the ice-
grappling me there by some mysterious physical force. It is so powerful I know my life will be ended by it but I think- “This is a good death.” He is approaching me –ranting how he killed us all and gloating over his victory. He is right where we want him and just as he points his staff at me I hear him say…
“Did you really think you could kill a Go…” was the last words he ever said on Mythas. My brother Trenton had crept up behind him biding his time as the Lord of Paladins and Archmages gave their lives so he could have this moment. His dagger went all the way through and I could see its point come through his chest about where his heart would be- if he had any. Trenton then said, “You killed my father-!”. As soon as he was there he was gone such is the speed of Trenton. His dagger found home and the ‘Un-Named realized with the Lord of Paladins dead- he was now mortal. He was a victim of his own ‘ritual of balance’.
