|
|
|
|
Author |
Topic: The Aielund Trilogy (Read 851 times) |
|
Skeeneyman
Forum God
Last On: 06/30/11
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 1766
|
The Book flies across the room, hits the floor, and almost instantly turns to dust. It is destroyed forever. A piece of history thousands of years old, gone in the blink on an eye.
Elith looks more distressed than ever but does not move. Then with a heavy sigh, he slumps to the floor. Exhaustion seems to have taken its toll. All the fight concerning this subject seems to have turned to dust along with the book. The words of his companions hit home and opened old wounds. “I am a fool.” Is all he says then with tears running down his face he turns away from his friends, opens up his own book of god and starts studying and making more notes concerning blood clotting.
|
|
 I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
neph
Expert Poster
Last On: 05/12/07
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 292
|
gets up and gathers his stuff. He cannot desert Leo, no matter what. He does not trust his fate to these newcomers.
"I will find them if I have to kill everything in my path!"
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
anoikis
Extreme Poster
Last On: 01/13/08
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 373
|
and looks at the finery the Lions discovered. A brilliant helm, fine armor, a new shield.
All he could think of was his brother- his REAL brother- Myridin
Clearly Myr had been offended by the 'brother' comment - even though to Leonidas- he felt no special kin more than perhaps 'brother-in-arms' with Owain and Elith.
Leonidas knew where his current priorities lay- with God first, his brother second, and The Lions third. Owain and Elith were good, albeit unusual, comrades- but Myridin was kin.
Even kin in the absence of blood takes precedence at times- as evidenced by his bond to Myridin over true blood kin- like Leonidas' Father.
I hope Myridin likes his new weapons and armor, thought Leo, smiling.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Erik_the_Celt
Extreme Poster
Last On: 11/03/06
View Profile
Message Player
Canada
Posts: 502
|
Owain abandoned the others to the chore of rousing Myridin. Picking his way carefully through the shadows, he followed the road north to Ned's grave. He was confused by Elith and his reaction to the paladin's book. Why was Elith so strong in magic and yet so weak in spirit? Was it as Ned had said, "for every weakness there is a strength, for every strength a weakness."
How he missed Ned's quiet guidance and his reassurance when things got difficult. Ned would have known how deal with the arrogant Barca brothers and their hypocrisy. What strengths did they have? The iron discipline of Leo and the wild battle rage of Myridin. Fighters through and through, everything was a battle for them, to dominate by force of arms or force of spirit, no subtlety.
He sank to his knees and groaned aloud to the forest. He ached with loneliness. Ned, my friend, are you with God? Is your spirit free? Can you return to guide me? Have you become the spirit wolf at my side? Who do I turn to now that you are gone, my one true friend. When I turn a corner, will you surprise me with your presence? Will I see your shadow, following behind me? When I walk through the forest, will you be beside me? Where am I to go for a quiet talk over a tall ale?
I feel the spirits call to me Ned, I feel shadows grow and surround me. Shall I walk with the spirit wolf and leave the world of men behind? I have no chains to bind me now, no father to mourn, no mother to cry for my passing. Who will cry out for me in the depth of the night?
Owain collapsed over the mound. In his stupor, he missed the spirit wolf’s arrival. The wolf pawed at Owain’s shoulder but got no response. The wolf flopped onto his haunches and crept up to lay beside Owain. He shoved his nuzzle under Owain’s bicep.
Owain dreamt of a large hall and beautiful woman. Her hair was tightly coifed and bound beneath a golden band. She wore a bright amulet around her neck that sparkled as she moved. She wore a blue gown and danced with Owain’s father.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Erik_the_Celt
Extreme Poster
Last On: 11/03/06
View Profile
Message Player
Canada
Posts: 502
|
Owain awoke chilled to the bone from the cold ground and the evening dew. He stretched slowly and began a simple exercise routine to rouse him self. Soon he was performing a sword dance around the grave, dipping, weaving and bobbing as he thrust and parried with an imaginary foe. His muscles rippled with the exertion as he moved faster and faster in the rhythm of the swordplay. He felt strong and able, warmed from the exercise and pleased with the speed with which he moved.
“Hear this Ned, wherever you may be!” he shouted to the forest, “as long as I live, you will be honored and remembered. I will not let you slip from this world, my friend.” Owain hung his head and let a few tears slip from the corner of his eye. Calming himself and focusing on the dance of light and shadow among the trees, he set off for the tavern and the Lions of Justice. There were barbarians to hunt. The foul creatures who had desecrated his mothers home and destroyed his chance of finding any of her treasures.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
neph
Expert Poster
Last On: 05/12/07
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 292
|
examined his new crossbow. It was a very expensive new weapon. But one well worth the price. If the others figured out how he paid for it they would be very mad. Since they had apperently forgoteen how much loot he was carrying. So far no one seemed to notice. But he knew someone at sometime would ask. So the question now was would he be honest or lie thru his teeth? He knew he wouldnt be able to lie to Leo for to long. So maybe someone else would ask.
But there were other important things to worry about. Like Eliths playing with the dead to heal himself. Myrididn didnt like this at all. But Leo seemed ok with it since it was for "the greater good". But was it? Could something like that be good at all? The elf would definately have to be watched!
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Erik_the_Celt
Extreme Poster
Last On: 11/03/06
View Profile
Message Player
Canada
Posts: 502
|
to the ground. His breath came in short quick breaths and he leaned groggily on his right elbow. His body shook with fear and he grimaced from the pain in his side where the mercenary spy and gotten under his guard and a sliced his ribs. Dammit, he thought to hymself, I've got to hold back and let the Barcas do the melee work. No more charging into the front line for this kid, even if it means letting them grab all the loot for themselves.
Slowly, his breathing slowed, he glanced about to see how Elith and the others were doing. He brought a potion from out of his pack and drank it down in quick gulps, wincing as it burned its way through his guts and spread the fire out to his ribs. He twitched as he felt the skin knitting back together. I wonder how Elith feels when he treats himself? He could feel his skin crawl as he thought about the dead arm and Eliths experiments with his own flesh.
Leaning on his sword, he pulled himself and stumbled over to join the others and prepare for a final asault on the mercenaries base.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Skeeneyman
Forum God
Last On: 06/30/11
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 1766
|
With an almost frantic pace, Elith starts marking out any religious “filler” in his book of god. The black ink starts to form odd patterns on the pages but Elith does not seem to notice. Occasionally Elith can be heard muttering to himself “No more.” As more and more holy passages fall victim to the black ink.
You also notice that Elith has started making odd marking on his right arm were any blemishes have formed. In spite of this, you have never seen Elith look better. It has been several hours since he last coughed and he seems to have gotten a little taller.
Out of the corner of your eye, you keep seeing something, a shimmer or even maybe a shadow hovering around Elith. However, when you turn to look directly at it, you see nothing. Elith does not seem to notice the entity but it makes you wonder whom he is muttering too.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Erik_the_Celt
Extreme Poster
Last On: 11/03/06
View Profile
Message Player
Canada
Posts: 502
|
Owain slipped away from the others and found a nook in the rock, sheltered from the cold wind, a spot to rest and think. There was so much going through his mind about the day and the rescue of the princess. How had his mother’s belt gotten into that chest? It wasn’t likely that anyone would ever be able to tell him. He thanked the spirits of the world for guiding him to that place. Nothing would ever cause him to part with that belt. Never had he held such tangible evidence that his mother had existed. His father, Gareth had purged every trace of the woman who had borne his children from his life. There were no portraits, no keep sakes to remind anyone of Morganna at the lodge. Everything had been left in the manor and the manor had been allowed to rot. It was as though Gareth wanted to forget her and force everyone else around him to forget too. Owain had only had a few stories from the servants who dared Gareth’s wrath and his poor imagination. His mind held few dreams of a mother that had loved him.
The tears burned as they ran down his cheeks and froze on the edge of his scruffy new beard but Owain made no move to brush them away. He fingered the belt carefully, lightly caressing the foxes head on the buckle. It was the symbol his mother’s family in Fairloch.
Ned had told him many stories about the beauty from Fairloch that Ned followed to the wild lands of Bracksworth and the rude manor of the Rhys family. He had often spoken with great affection of Morganna Cadno. The bright fox, he called her with a note of longing, whenever he had drunk too much ale of a long winter’s evening. He hadn’t want to tell the others much because he was ashamed that he knew so little, a son should know of his mother than drunken tales told by the fireside. It wasn’t fair or just that he should know so little.
It was time he knew, time to move on to Fairloch. He would escort the princess home if she would permit it, with or without the Barca’s. It was time he learned more of his mother and more Ned’s life as well.
Guide me well o spirit wolf, he prayed, guide me well to the knowledge of my mother and my friend. With that thought, he rose and returned to where the others were preparing to enter Culdeny.
|
| « Last Edit: on: Aug 14, 2005, 3:37AM » |
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Skeeneyman
Forum God
Last On: 06/30/11
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 1766
|
The battle raged around him during the final assault on Culdney. Elith was careful to keep his distance knowing that he would quickly be killed against one of the mercenaries. Things were not going well. Elith constantly had to change his position, hide behind debris so he could cast his spells, and not attract too much attention. There seemed to be an endless supply of mercenaries willing to die for there cause.
Then behind him he heard the snap of a twig turning he saw two women dressed all in black emerge from the shadows, pull out daggers and attack. Elith ran. He ran as fast as he could, hiding behind anything, he saw only to be discovered by the two assassin’s moments later. “The cave,” he thought, “maybe I could loose them in there,” not thinking that it had probably been there home for the last few months. Wounded and weak he jumps into the cave and hides in the nearest shadow. Only a few short moments later his assailants enter the cave and quickly spot the elf. “Well this is it he thought” and for the first time in his life Elith felt regret that it was about to be over. For the first time, Elith did not want to die.
Suddenly the cave became very cold. Elith could see the breath coming from his and the assassin’s mouths. Moments later a shadow materialized in front of him and attacked the two women. Screams of pain filled the cave as there the shadow beast consumed there souls. Once it finished feeding, it turned to Elith bowed and disappeared.
Elith returned to his friends but mentioned nothing of the events that transpired. What was he going to tell them, that a ghost saved him? He wondered if they would believe him and feared what would happen if they did.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
neph
Expert Poster
Last On: 05/12/07
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 292
|
Myridin thought. That battle did not go well. I hate when that happens. I fell and ended with that dragon again. Everytime that happens I always feel weaker, for some reason. I was still able to pull everybodys fat from the fire as they say, when I got back. That must be why the dragon is doing it. He gets to suck a small portion of our souls out. THAT HAS TO BE IT! He thought. How long till there is nothing left of us? I must make sure that doesnt happen to me or Leo again. Maybe thats why he is so willing to except the elfs dabbling in death. I must be prepared with a scroll next time Leo falls. I hope he is ready if I fall again. Leo and the elf seem to be changing and the dragon has got to be the reason.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Erik_the_Celt
Extreme Poster
Last On: 11/03/06
View Profile
Message Player
Canada
Posts: 502
|
Owain circled the camp warily, he knew he had been foolish going off alone so soon after the battle with the Mercenaries and he did not want to feel the sharp edge of Leo’s tongue. He examined the boundary of the camp to make sure there were no signs of anyone trying to sneak up. He wanted to be able to explain his absence by claiming that he had been scouting for the stray mercenaries and looking for their temporary headquarters. He stuck to shadows, shivering just a bit as he thought of the fight and having to run away from the brutal captain of the mercenary band. Still, he had lived through it and had not had to rely on the dragon to save his ass again. He had tried hiding during the fight so that he could use his scroll to revive Myridin but the spies and even the Captain had found him immediately, there had been no time to use the scroll and healing potion on Myr. he had hoped to lead the mercenaries far enough away so that he could go back and do it, but they had followed him to closely. Excuses, he thought to himself, I always have excuses instead of deeds. One day, I will do something worthwhile.
He slipped into the rear of the camp, avoiding Leo and the princess. He looked for Elith, wanting to talk about the changes he was going through. To ask if Elith had any knowledge of the shadow beings that were now appearing to Owain more and more often. He wanted to learn too, if Elith would journey to Fairloch with him in search of his mothers and Ned’s past. Had the young guard loved his mother, was he really their son and not a Rhys at all? Was that why his father hated him so much? So many questions were buzzing around his brain, he almost tripped over the dead body of a Mercenary that Elith was studying. He stopped and waited to adjust his eyes, not wanting to believe what he saw in the shadows around Elith.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
neph
Expert Poster
Last On: 05/12/07
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 292
|
Myridin thought. Make one little mistake and they want to kill ya for it. So I accidentally shot one of them in the middle of a battle. That makes me a bad guy? ANd then they just dont quit!
Then to add insult to injury when they finally quit shootin at me, we get back home. This was one place I wasnt in any hurry to see again. Lets hope we can steer clear of some of the places Im not to welcome in. Otherwise we may all in up in the clink. Then I wonder what would happen to the elf without a supply of dead bodies to play with?
Maybe I should ask Owain when his mother dissappeared, make sure that it didnt happen to close to the time I was born. I'd hate to think we were related.
*Gives Owain a prolonged stare*
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
neph
Expert Poster
Last On: 05/12/07
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 292
|
SO now we have to go kill a bunch of assasins so Owain can get a sword that used to belong to his buddy Ned. Then all he plans to do with it is bury it? Talk about a waste! So we get to trudge thru some sewers, everybody gets sick, except me of course. Then we all get seperated, and run into things we cant kill. Talk about a mess! Leo is on some sort of crusade I think and he's not thinking to clearly. Must be that damned Arlov's fault.
The elf cant handle the sewers so he is useless.
Owain is so worked up about his mother and Ned he aint thinking straight either.And it seems that Ned might be Owains father? If Im understanding this right. No wonder he dont look like his daddy or brother. HA HA HA!
And me? I'd rather we get out Failock as soon as possible, dont know who we are gonna run into here. And I gotta remember what Im supposed to do with this ring we found as well as find that wizard the dragon told me about. Myridin shrugs and catches up to Leo.
|
| « Last Edit: on: Sep 5, 2005, 1:01AM » |
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Erik_the_Celt
Extreme Poster
Last On: 11/03/06
View Profile
Message Player
Canada
Posts: 502
|
Owain stood in the thieves den, contemplating the blade that Peridoc had shown them. It was a fine blade and Ned had used it to buy his freedom from a guild. Somehow, after all these years he was still almost a legend with the thieves. There was more to be learned about Ned and his mother, but it was too late now. He would have to follow Leo into the assassin’s headquarters and that would be the end of the Lions.
He looked over at Elith and thought, this is the kind of glory he’s seeking, a quick death in a glorious adventure and Leonidas will be happy to go for the glory of God. It won’t matter how times the dragon tries to return us, the assassins won’t let us go on living. I wonder how Myridin will feel, he’s never been much for talking but he thinks more than he says. Lately, Myridin had been starting to relax a bit around Owain, although he still didn’t seem to trust Elith much. Owain wondered if he’d been right after all about the elf. Elith was turning more and more towards some kind of death magic to keep him self alive. It was a scary proposition, still, he didn’t suppose that would be much help against the assassins. Leo was likely to run off ahead and trip who knows how many traps and they would fall one by one to silent blades and deadly poisons of the guild.
He wished he could have time to learn more about his mother. Ah well, I suppose she can tell me herself when we get to the afterlife.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
neph
Expert Poster
Last On: 05/12/07
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 292
|
Myridin was thinking. Leo gets possesed, and I have to knock him out and get him to the church on time! Only to find father standing in there. I didnt notice him at first. But then there was his dislike of me. Although I think his dissapointment in Leo over shadowed his dislike of me this time. And who has to do the exorsism? ARLOV! Im afraid this is one time father and I agree, I dont think he can be trusted. We shall have to wait and see just how well the exorcism worked.
ANd I still have to find some mage the dragon wants me to talk to. But first I have to go talk to mother. Watching her in a stage show was always my favorite pastime. Although I might have to have a little "chat" with the director to let him know that Mom should have a bigger part.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Erik_the_Celt
Extreme Poster
Last On: 11/03/06
View Profile
Message Player
Canada
Posts: 502
|
Owain shivered as he sat in the great cathedral. He stared at the shadow he was casting across the floor and shivered again. Elith’s question troubled him, how was it that the shadows seemed to respond to him now? The shadow that had possessed Leo had come straight at him. It hadn’t even tried to attack Arlov. The shadows were drawn to him in an unusual way. Perhaps it was because he was always slipping in and out the shadows. Was he becoming a shadow creature himself? He had felt the spirit wolf was leading in the path of the spirits but did the shadows belong to the same realm as the spirits? Perhaps he should talk to Arlov? Could he trust him or would Arlov see him as a threat to Leo’s mission?
It was all very confusing and he sensed that the wolf would not enter the city to guide him. What was he to do?
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
neph
Expert Poster
Last On: 05/12/07
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 292
|
Father and Leo making up. Father and Arlov starting to talk. Father and me getting along. He even gave me a nice sword. Of course it was after they drained most of the magic and put it in Leo's sword, but what should I expect? Leo is blood I am not. Although a hug from father was not even expected.
Then I got to talk to mommy. That was refreshing. She is as lovely and talented as ever. To bad she has to work with some rich hack that cant act. Probably bought his role and doesnt even deserve to be on the same stage as Mom.
AND THEN to top it all off, we find out that we are going to have to fight some kind of god because that dragon is going to die? Why don't I like the sounds of that? We could use some weapon upgrades, Im almost tempted to talk to Owain and see if we cant shall we say "aquire the money". Cause we are gonna need to be able to do some real damage!
But the question is"Does the ends justify the mean?" Stooping to that level would make me no better than Elith and his meddling with the dead. I still dont trust that.
*gives Elith a distrustful stare*
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
neph
Expert Poster
Last On: 05/12/07
View Profile
Message Player
United States
Posts: 292
|
*sings*
They call him Leo! Leo!
Averter of war!
Makes peace with his father
and stops a Holy War!
They call him Leo! Leo!
leader of the LIons!
With the strong arm of his brother by his side!
|
| « Last Edit: on: Sep 16, 2005, 2:38AM » |
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
Erik_the_Celt
Extreme Poster
Last On: 11/03/06
View Profile
Message Player
Canada
Posts: 502
|
Alone, at one of the round tables in the Mermaid Tavern, Owain contemplated the bowl of stew before him. Silently, he cursed the Lion’s of Justice and the fate that had brought them together. An Iron Lord, some kind of evil demon in an indestructible suit of armor and Leo is going to be the hero for doing him in. This was more than he had expected that night in the tavern when the Lion’s had first come together. His dream of becoming a real hero had begun to take shape, an ugly black shape, the shape of a hollowed out skull or a severed head rubbed in sea salt. He had so much wanted to impress his father and make a name for himself, now it was quite likely that his father would never hear of him again.
He took a long drink of the bitter ale and stared of into the shadows, out of the side of his eye he saw something quiver. He stared and the shadow took form, a human form, it reminded him of Ned somehow. He took another quick drink and shadow slid over to the table. He gulped, it was sitting there plain as day across the table. None of the other patrons seemed to be able to see it, for surely they would have exclaimed quite loudly at such a sight. Owain rose slowly from the table, the shadow rose as well. Owain slumped back into the chair and the shadow slumped as well. I wonder if this is what Elith sees?
Finishing his stew, Owain left the tavern and walked towards the sewers, he would see what Peridoc had to say about this shadow. Maybe he would tell him about the Iron Lord, if the world was going to be turned upside down, an enterprising rogue should be able to make a small fortune. He noticed that the shadow followed him along the street, he wasn’t sure whether or not that was a good thing.
|
|
I.P. Logged |
|
|
|
|
|
|
