Da_Dude
11-19-2005, 11:44 PM
This is just the first chapter. Tell me how you all liked it. And please excuse the few typos and errors I am more than likely have. Please give your opinon and don't be afraid to be harsh.
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High Councilor Kal’zorn paced over the cool marble floor. He looked around the beautiful home he lived in. The home was one of the seven that was assigned to the Councilmen of Naioum. His was of course the finest of them because he held the title of High Coucilor. Kal’zorn always liked the way it felt when his title rolled off his tongue. It had a feeling of power to it.
Well, you couldn’t really say it was his own tongue, or at least his true tongue’s form. Kal’zorn wasn’t even his true name. His entire appearance, from his masculine body to his long black hair and short trimmed goatee, none of which were truly his own.
No, this was not the true him. His true from was restrained behind this weaker human exterior. Oh, how he longed to be rid of this form. But it was all necessary. For no man, elf, or dwarf would put his true form into a position of power as high as this. The highest power in Naioum.
He walked out side on to a balcony. The wind blew his hair across his face. Kal’zorm push it back in to its proper place with annoyance. Strong wind were the downside to having a councilor’s quarters, because they were all positioned on the cliff side that the city backed into. Naturally this high up the wind force was much stronger.
He looked over city. It was very vast he could just barley make out the city walls. Of course the city’s walls were not the limit of the kingdom. Beyond them lay many towns and smaller cities, but none as vast as the Capital that he lived.
His plan was to soon be in affect. Well, it was not so much his plan as it was the Dark Lords’ plan but he played one the most major roles in its creation and execution. He looked down on the citizens of Naioum. How peacefully they went about there business. They each had their own quarrels and problems how ironic that their biggest troubles were yet to come.
He softly chuckled to himself at these thoughts. One of his servants walk out on to the balcony. In a low horse voice said, “High Councilor K-.”
“No longer call me by the human name I used. It is no longer necessary,” he said still staring in to the city. “I will now be referred to my true name. I will forever be know as High Ruler Nar’shal.”
He smiled at hearing his name spoken aloud once more. He smiled even more at newly his self-given title. He turned to the servant and spoke, “What is it that you came to tell me?”
“The Dark Army is assembled at the location you requested. They are awaiting your command. They bring word that the Dark Lords are pleased with your speedy progress and look forward to your certain victory.”
Nar’shal dismissed him and the servant bowed and left. His servant did not need to tell him the Dark Lords were pleased with him. He had never displeased them in his entire service to them. He was their most loyal and trustworthy servant.
He looked over the city one last time before returning to his chamber. He walked down the long marble hall until he came to a small, secluded door. He placed his hand on a pad on the wall next to the door. He felt his fingers tingle as the scanner identified his hand. After a brief moment the door silently slid open.
The room was small and not extravagantly decorated like the rest of his home. In the center was a small orb placed on a pedestal. He placed one hand on the orb and it lit up. Many would believe this to be a great piece of technology had they seen it, but it was far from that. This was a device of magic. One of the darker magics to be precise.
Few believed magic anymore. Technology had replaced it long ago. There were those who still practiced the art. Many of those who did posses the skill were very mediocre in there talent. Many skeptics of magic were not entirely convinced that those claiming to practice it were not just using some form of technology to trick others. Many doubted that magic still existed if it ever even had in the first place. They were naught but naïve fools.
He continued to press his hand against the crystal orb. He closed his eyes and he concentrated as one who was searching his mind for something, but he was not searching his mind he was exploring something much more powerful and vast. Then Nar’shal felt it first it started were his hand touched the orb then continued up his arm and surged in to his body. Then he opened his eyes.
Nar’shal was no longer in the room, he was in front of an army of demons, or at least it appeared that way. He was only channeling his appearance and senses to make a magic projection of sorts in front of his mighty army, while back in the room he body was fixed in a trance.
A general walked towards him. His was known as Darkblood. But none knew his real name. He was himself part demon the other half of his blood was human. Some of the Dark Lords found this to be a weakness, but the craftier, among them saw it to be an advantage. Demons were mostly strong savages unless taught to obey. Even then they were nothing more than stupid brutes that were only good at obeying orders. The perfect army one might say.
But no Darkblood was different because of his human half. He processed intelligence far beyond that of his demon cousins, and that mixed with the power and mercilessness of a demon created a flawless military general.
“We await your command,” roared Darkblood to Nar’shal with his deep intimidating voice.
“As expected,” replied Nar’shal in his aristocratic voice. “How large is this army?”
“Five-thousand strong, Sir. We command thirteen demon cannons and all the demons possess arm mounted guns. A few have been assigned the new energy swords for testing purposes, Sir.”
“Very good,” Nar’shal said pleased. “They city has no idea of your existence. I have made sure that none have ventured beyond the walls of the city and all outside towns have been contained. Take a quarter of your forces to the secret entrance I showed you take the rest to lay siege on the walls. That will be simple enough with your demon cannons. I look forward to our victory.”
“As do I, Sir.”
Nar’shal smiled as he laid his eyes upon his mighty force. Oh, what a bloody and plentiful victory it would be.
“When I end this link follow through with the attack,” said Nar’shal
“Yes, Sir.”
“Do not fail me my-Ah!”
A sharp pain penetrated Nar’shal’s leg. Someone was attacking his body! He ended his magical link and returned his self-conscious to his body. He opened his eyes. He felt very dazed. Whether it was from ending the link so abruptly or the fact that a knife was now sticking out of his right leg he was not sure.
His attacker was one of his councilmen. The one known as Eylith, was the one councilman who was always contradicting his plans at the council meetings and frequently eyeing Nar’shal with suspicion. He was an elf not quite middle aged. Eylith was probably the youngest of the councilmen, Therefore it seemed ironic that he had in fact foreseen Nar’shal’s plan before the rest of the council.
“You’ll never get away with this one, Kal’zorn!” exclaimed Eylith while pulling out another dagger. “I never trusted you. I always suspected you of doing some corrupt things, but this is far beyond anyone’s imagination.”
“You know nothing of my plans,” said Nar’shal with a smirk.
“Don’t I, Kal’zorn? Maybe you didn’t know that during your link we can hear every word you say!”
Nar’shal’s eyes widened. The fact that his body could be performing some the link’s actions never occurred to him when creating the spell. “What do you mean by ‘we’?” he nervously asked, fearing the answer.
“Why the rest of the Naioum Council of course! And they have already assembled a force to guard the walls and are evacuating the city. Your demons will crash against are walls like a wave of water against a mighty rock!”
Nar’shal noticed Eylith mentioned nothing of the attack on the secret entrance. Could Eylith and the rest of the council only heard the plans for the attack on the wall and not come into this conversation early enough to hear the part about the secret entrance. His luck had held out longer that he thought, Dark Lords be hailed. He resisted letting out a smile.
“And now Kal’zorn you will be sentenced to your just punishment, by order of the Council!” exclaimed Eylith raising the dagger.
Eylith stared at Kal’zorn. Eylith’s heart was racing, and a beaded cold sweat formed on his forehead. Being a politician taught him how to conceal his emotions. He always suspected Kal’zorn of something corrupt. But invading the city with a demon horde! By the Divine One, it seemed almost impossible for a mere man to be able to control those foul creatures.
He had always let Kal’zorn get away with minor thing at the Council meetings, but he kept a close watch on him. Then once when Eylith had come to Kal’zorn’s home to discuss a law Kal’zorn had influenced the Council to pass Eylith discovered the secret room.
He watched as Kal’zorn entered the room. After the door shut he pressed his ear up to the door. He heard him discussing plans for an attack on the city. That was almost a month ago. Eylith took every chance he got to eavesdrop on Kal’zorn’s meeting as he could. Of course, Kal’zorn’s servants made that difficult, but he managed.
Kal’zorn began laughing a cold deep laugh.
“I no longer use my human name. I am once again Nar’shal the great minion of the Dark Lords!” He announced with a tone of mightiness.
Nar’shal was an evil name. In old Elfish it meant bringer of darkness, or Dark Lords advocate. That fact that he was working for the Dark Lords didn’t entirely surprise Eylith. In fact it made sense. Demons were the pawns of the Dark Ones only they could possibly control such evil. It was only logical that their higher minions would have that power over the demons as well.
“By the Divine Ones’ light I swear I shall kill you Ka-Umm Nar’shal!” exclaimed Eylith charging at Nar’shal with a dagger.
As Eylith rushed toward him, Nar’shal raised his hand. Suddenly, Eylith couldn’t move it felt like the air around him was made of a thick pudding. Nar’shal smiled at Eylith, and let out a slight laugh. “Tisk, tisk. You really didn’t think a dagger would be the end of me. I’d think you’d know better Eylith.”
Eylith tried not to smile. He had hoped Nar’shal wouldn’t notice he was concealing his magic. It seemed the elf succeeded. Eylith relaxed his entire body and concentrated. He let the dagger slip out of his hand and fall to the floor. He let his body go as limp as Nar’shal’s spell allowed.
Then he felt it. He felt the warmth. It started in his chest then welled up inside him. He looked at Nar’shal. He saw a slight look of dismay on the evil man’s face. Nar’shal shouldn’t have assumed he was the only one on the Council who practiced magic.
“Impossible!” shouted Nar’shal. “I never sensed your magic before! How?!”
“Apparently wielder’s of dark magic do not find it as wise to conceal there magic when around others as much as I do,” replied Eylith letting out his smile.
Nar’shul’s hand trembled. Not out of fear. He was trembling because of the great waves of magic emitting out of Eylith’s body. How could he be gathering so much magic here? This city’s level of magic was meek to say the least. Of course it was always easier for the Divine Ones worshiper’s spell caster to summon magic in a place where their faith was practiced in the majority.
It was nothing to be worried over he thought my power was far greater than this elf’s at any rate. Eylith’s possession of magic was more surprising than- Nar’shal’s thoughts were interrupted.
A white beam was being emitted out of Eylith’s hand and striking Nar’shal’s chest. He could feel the Divine Ones’ light burning his flesh. Abruptly, Nar’shal ended the freezing spell he casted on Eylith and began gathering his own magic.
Eylith continued to cast his spell on Nar’shal. The dark mage’s face was cold and pained. He deserved no less probably more Eylith thought.
Then Eylith felt the spell he casted on him being lifted. It could only mean that Nar’shal was gathering his own magic to counter. Being a minion of the Dark Ones Eylith feared what kind of dark spell he would try to place upon him.
Eylith wouldn’t be able to counter whatever Nar’shal had planned if he kept casting his burning light spell. He slowly ended the spell so his foe could feel the Divine Ones’ light for a few more seconds. He watched Nar’shal as he regained his magic from the air around him. Then Nar’shal began to laugh.
Eylith had never heard this laugh come from Nar’shal before. It was deeper, more intimidating. It was barely even recognizable as a human laugh. Then his eyes began glowing blood red. His flesh was being torn like a stuff animal at the seams. As he grew in height and his skin tore more as his muscles surged. His legs twisted and bent and shoes ripped apart as hooves replaced his feet. His nails grew dark and thick then extended like thin blades on each finger.
Two knots formed on his forehead then two ram’s horns grew from them. Then his flesh flew from his body like a snake shedding its skin. The shredded pieces lay on the ground smoldering into ashes. Underneath his old skin was a gray thick hide with dark runes engraved on it each one was glowing a faint red.
Nar’shal stopped laughing. He stood at full height, which was a little under seven feet. The only thing recognizable on the ex-High Councilor’s body was his face. Even that was narrower and two vampire like teeth could be seen jutting out from under his upper lip. Also a think black mane was growing down his back instead of a pony tail.
Nar’shal let out a sigh of relief. “It hurts at first of course, but it is well worth it to be rid of my human form,” he said in his new deep voice. “Do you still wish to challenge me human?”
Eylith stood in awe before Nar’shal’s true form. The power emitting Nar’shal was over whelming. It was almost hypnotic. That much power made every spellcaster’s mouth water for power. No! Divine Ones lead him not to that temptation.
“Speechless are we then?” Nar’shal asking him mockingly. He chuckled. “Well, I can make sure you stay that way…. No. I have a much more fitting punishment for you.”
Nar’shal touched one of the glowing runes on his chest with one of his long slender nails. The rune he touched began glowing brighter. Then an identical rune appeared on his right hand. Nar’shal smiled as he pressed the rune onto Eylith’s forehead.
Eylith let out a scream as the rune burned his flesh. Then he felt drowsy, and everything slipped into a dark abyss of sleep.
When Eylith woke he saw Naioum burning. The city was overrun with demons. The city walls had collapsed. Demon cannons were firing at buildings. The foul stench of smoke filled his nostrils making him gag as it burned his throat and his eyes watered and burned.
Where was he? The thought hadn’t quite occurred to him until he saw a panicked bird fly past him. He looked down afraid of the possibility that crossed his mind. He was floating in mid air. A spell kept him from falling hundreds of feet onto the ground.
“Finally awake are we?” said a voice from behind.
It was Nar’shal. “I must say I was afraid that I had killed you. And what fun would that have been?”
“You foul bastard!” shouted Eylith wishing the spell would allowing him to turn his body and scream it at the creature’s face.
“Manner’s, Eylith, manners,” he said mockingly.
“Why haven’t you just killed me?”
Eylith was sure Nar’shal was smiling when he gave his answer, “I want you to be able to see you people that you love so dearly be destroyed. Slowly.”
Eylith let out a scream of rage. That was obviously what Nar’shal wanted him to do because he laughed and said, “Oh, how I have wanted to see this day ever sinse I was elected High Councilor. Ironic that I was most popular in the polls.”
“Don’t worry yourself too much,” he added. “Since you told the council of my plan they have already evacuated most of the citizens. Of course little that did to save the rest. I forgot what was the population of this city, Eylith?”
Eylith remained silent. Nar’shal growled and sent a surge of pain through out his body. “10,000…” Eylith said still trembling from the pain.
Nar’shal laughed and continued speaking, “Ah, yes. I supposed only a fraction have escaped and there are many still trying to escape the city.”
Eylith looked at the city as the demon’s guns were mowing down its defenders. He flinched at the sight. He wanted to throw up but he resisted giving Nar’shal the pleasure of seeking him do that.
“Sickens you doesn’t it,” Nar’shal said sensing Eylith’s dismay. “Well, I know what will make you even more nauseated. If you had only come into my conversation while I was in my link only a few seconds earlier you would have known that demons were coming to the city’s secret entrance. If they had been stopped most of the city would have held and the defenders would have been able to hold the walls longer. Such a pity you didn’t hear me.”
“You think you have won,” said Eylith suddenly almost shouting. “Well, you haven’t. The other kingdoms will come to our aid. They will destroy your demons and destroy you!”
Eylith’s heart sank as Nar’shal laughed at his outburst.
“You shouldn’t under estimate me like that, Eylith,” Nar’shal said will fake sorrow. “The Dark Ones’ minions have been placed in other positions of power in other cities. It is all apart of their great plan. They will purge this land of all the unworthy mortals who walk it. The follower’s of the Divine Ones’ light will erased from this land and the Dark Ones’ set free from the prison they were contained in by the Divine Ones.
“They have more than sufficiently planed for this conquest. They will taste their revenge.”
Eylith’s head sagged. He looked across the burning city, and watched as demons killed people he once knew. Then a thought came in to his mind.
“What of the High Elves?” Eylith asked.
The High Elves are the most advanced race that lives in the land. They live in their great city of Har’lon. Surly they would not fall to this trap.
Eylith heard Nar’shal spit at the mention of the High Elves. This reaction gave him hope.
“To have sent one of our agents to the High Elves would have been folly. They would have foreseen our trap and warned the other kingdoms. It was hard enough trying to trick the High Elf’s ambassadors,” remarked Nar’shal with disgust. “But do not let this bring you hope they soon fall with the others, even if it means taking a more direct, forceful approach.”
Eylith let out a silent sigh of relief. At least they had not fallen. As long as at least one kingdom remained there would still be hope.
“I shall soon give you your fate, but before I do I wish to being you one last bit of anguish.”
A mist appeared in front Eylith. It swirled around in a small cloud. The mist seemed to be taking on shapes. Then color appeared in the shaped. He was being shown a part of the city. It was the Naioum Square. He saw the charred street and ruined building that still remained. The ground was stained with the blood of elves, humans, and dwarfs. The image zoomed in closer to a defender near death. He was being restrained by two demons. Even so close to death he still fought with valor. It was a young human no older than eighteen. A pale demon came up to the human with a small vile. It contained a blackish liquid. The demon they was holding it was different than the two holding the human. He was not quite as tall as the other two (which stood at an approximate six feet). The pale demon had an almost human quality to him.
“In case you are wondering,” said Nar’shal, “that is my general Darkblood. He is a personal creation of the Dark Ones, half-demon half-human. A perfect mix of human intelligence and demon strength and brutality. Watch closely as to what he does next.”
Eylith watched as the half demon shoved the black liquid down the captive human’s throat. The human gagged as it was forced down. He went limp. The two demons holding him released him and let him fall to the ground.
At first Eylith thought they had killed the poor human, but what they had done was much worse. He stirred, his skin grew grayish, and his pupils vanished and his eyes became foggy white orbs. The half demon gave him a weapon. It looked like a simple sword, but then the blade glowed. The human’s face remained emotionless as he was ordered to go attack the defenders.
Eylith was stunned. What had they done to that human? As if hearing his question Nar’shal answered.
“He is a Twisted, a new creation of the Dark Ones. He was stripped of his soul and is now under the command of the Dark Army and its commanders. Many of Naiuom’s citizens who sought to save themselves by surrendering or offering to aid us were given the same fate as will the rest of those not killed and taken captive.”
“You are sick,” said Eylith quietly as the mist dissipated. “These people trusted you! And you go and do this! Destroy their city and turn them into those…those…”
“Twisted?” Nar’shal suggested then laughed.
“I suppose that becoming a Twisted is to be my fate then?” saked Eylith fearing the answer.
“That would be the quicker solution now wouldn’t it?” replied Nar’shal with a sickeningly pleasant tone. “But that will not be your fate. You will remain my prisoner. You will feel the pain and sorrow of each and every human, dwarf, and elf we attack until are conquest is over.
“And because you told the Council of my plans they notified the other kingdoms. I’m sure they are planning a rebellion as we speak. How ironic that thiswill increase the death and pain, and only increase your suffering.”
The elf felt another rune being pressed into his skin this time on his back. After the burning stopped he felt another pain. It felt as if his limbs were being ripped from his body and then slowly killed. He was sure he was dying but Nar’shal wouldn’t let that happened. He was feeling the death and pain of each of his people in the city, and soon he would feel the deaths of others.
But he thought as long as I feel this pain I know that there are still those fighting the Dark Ones. This was one of the last pleasant thoughts Eylith had before he was suddenly transported into a cell by Nar’shal. It would probably prove to be one of the last pleasant though he would ever have again. Divine Ones give him strength.
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High Councilor Kal’zorn paced over the cool marble floor. He looked around the beautiful home he lived in. The home was one of the seven that was assigned to the Councilmen of Naioum. His was of course the finest of them because he held the title of High Coucilor. Kal’zorn always liked the way it felt when his title rolled off his tongue. It had a feeling of power to it.
Well, you couldn’t really say it was his own tongue, or at least his true tongue’s form. Kal’zorn wasn’t even his true name. His entire appearance, from his masculine body to his long black hair and short trimmed goatee, none of which were truly his own.
No, this was not the true him. His true from was restrained behind this weaker human exterior. Oh, how he longed to be rid of this form. But it was all necessary. For no man, elf, or dwarf would put his true form into a position of power as high as this. The highest power in Naioum.
He walked out side on to a balcony. The wind blew his hair across his face. Kal’zorm push it back in to its proper place with annoyance. Strong wind were the downside to having a councilor’s quarters, because they were all positioned on the cliff side that the city backed into. Naturally this high up the wind force was much stronger.
He looked over city. It was very vast he could just barley make out the city walls. Of course the city’s walls were not the limit of the kingdom. Beyond them lay many towns and smaller cities, but none as vast as the Capital that he lived.
His plan was to soon be in affect. Well, it was not so much his plan as it was the Dark Lords’ plan but he played one the most major roles in its creation and execution. He looked down on the citizens of Naioum. How peacefully they went about there business. They each had their own quarrels and problems how ironic that their biggest troubles were yet to come.
He softly chuckled to himself at these thoughts. One of his servants walk out on to the balcony. In a low horse voice said, “High Councilor K-.”
“No longer call me by the human name I used. It is no longer necessary,” he said still staring in to the city. “I will now be referred to my true name. I will forever be know as High Ruler Nar’shal.”
He smiled at hearing his name spoken aloud once more. He smiled even more at newly his self-given title. He turned to the servant and spoke, “What is it that you came to tell me?”
“The Dark Army is assembled at the location you requested. They are awaiting your command. They bring word that the Dark Lords are pleased with your speedy progress and look forward to your certain victory.”
Nar’shal dismissed him and the servant bowed and left. His servant did not need to tell him the Dark Lords were pleased with him. He had never displeased them in his entire service to them. He was their most loyal and trustworthy servant.
He looked over the city one last time before returning to his chamber. He walked down the long marble hall until he came to a small, secluded door. He placed his hand on a pad on the wall next to the door. He felt his fingers tingle as the scanner identified his hand. After a brief moment the door silently slid open.
The room was small and not extravagantly decorated like the rest of his home. In the center was a small orb placed on a pedestal. He placed one hand on the orb and it lit up. Many would believe this to be a great piece of technology had they seen it, but it was far from that. This was a device of magic. One of the darker magics to be precise.
Few believed magic anymore. Technology had replaced it long ago. There were those who still practiced the art. Many of those who did posses the skill were very mediocre in there talent. Many skeptics of magic were not entirely convinced that those claiming to practice it were not just using some form of technology to trick others. Many doubted that magic still existed if it ever even had in the first place. They were naught but naïve fools.
He continued to press his hand against the crystal orb. He closed his eyes and he concentrated as one who was searching his mind for something, but he was not searching his mind he was exploring something much more powerful and vast. Then Nar’shal felt it first it started were his hand touched the orb then continued up his arm and surged in to his body. Then he opened his eyes.
Nar’shal was no longer in the room, he was in front of an army of demons, or at least it appeared that way. He was only channeling his appearance and senses to make a magic projection of sorts in front of his mighty army, while back in the room he body was fixed in a trance.
A general walked towards him. His was known as Darkblood. But none knew his real name. He was himself part demon the other half of his blood was human. Some of the Dark Lords found this to be a weakness, but the craftier, among them saw it to be an advantage. Demons were mostly strong savages unless taught to obey. Even then they were nothing more than stupid brutes that were only good at obeying orders. The perfect army one might say.
But no Darkblood was different because of his human half. He processed intelligence far beyond that of his demon cousins, and that mixed with the power and mercilessness of a demon created a flawless military general.
“We await your command,” roared Darkblood to Nar’shal with his deep intimidating voice.
“As expected,” replied Nar’shal in his aristocratic voice. “How large is this army?”
“Five-thousand strong, Sir. We command thirteen demon cannons and all the demons possess arm mounted guns. A few have been assigned the new energy swords for testing purposes, Sir.”
“Very good,” Nar’shal said pleased. “They city has no idea of your existence. I have made sure that none have ventured beyond the walls of the city and all outside towns have been contained. Take a quarter of your forces to the secret entrance I showed you take the rest to lay siege on the walls. That will be simple enough with your demon cannons. I look forward to our victory.”
“As do I, Sir.”
Nar’shal smiled as he laid his eyes upon his mighty force. Oh, what a bloody and plentiful victory it would be.
“When I end this link follow through with the attack,” said Nar’shal
“Yes, Sir.”
“Do not fail me my-Ah!”
A sharp pain penetrated Nar’shal’s leg. Someone was attacking his body! He ended his magical link and returned his self-conscious to his body. He opened his eyes. He felt very dazed. Whether it was from ending the link so abruptly or the fact that a knife was now sticking out of his right leg he was not sure.
His attacker was one of his councilmen. The one known as Eylith, was the one councilman who was always contradicting his plans at the council meetings and frequently eyeing Nar’shal with suspicion. He was an elf not quite middle aged. Eylith was probably the youngest of the councilmen, Therefore it seemed ironic that he had in fact foreseen Nar’shal’s plan before the rest of the council.
“You’ll never get away with this one, Kal’zorn!” exclaimed Eylith while pulling out another dagger. “I never trusted you. I always suspected you of doing some corrupt things, but this is far beyond anyone’s imagination.”
“You know nothing of my plans,” said Nar’shal with a smirk.
“Don’t I, Kal’zorn? Maybe you didn’t know that during your link we can hear every word you say!”
Nar’shal’s eyes widened. The fact that his body could be performing some the link’s actions never occurred to him when creating the spell. “What do you mean by ‘we’?” he nervously asked, fearing the answer.
“Why the rest of the Naioum Council of course! And they have already assembled a force to guard the walls and are evacuating the city. Your demons will crash against are walls like a wave of water against a mighty rock!”
Nar’shal noticed Eylith mentioned nothing of the attack on the secret entrance. Could Eylith and the rest of the council only heard the plans for the attack on the wall and not come into this conversation early enough to hear the part about the secret entrance. His luck had held out longer that he thought, Dark Lords be hailed. He resisted letting out a smile.
“And now Kal’zorn you will be sentenced to your just punishment, by order of the Council!” exclaimed Eylith raising the dagger.
Eylith stared at Kal’zorn. Eylith’s heart was racing, and a beaded cold sweat formed on his forehead. Being a politician taught him how to conceal his emotions. He always suspected Kal’zorn of something corrupt. But invading the city with a demon horde! By the Divine One, it seemed almost impossible for a mere man to be able to control those foul creatures.
He had always let Kal’zorn get away with minor thing at the Council meetings, but he kept a close watch on him. Then once when Eylith had come to Kal’zorn’s home to discuss a law Kal’zorn had influenced the Council to pass Eylith discovered the secret room.
He watched as Kal’zorn entered the room. After the door shut he pressed his ear up to the door. He heard him discussing plans for an attack on the city. That was almost a month ago. Eylith took every chance he got to eavesdrop on Kal’zorn’s meeting as he could. Of course, Kal’zorn’s servants made that difficult, but he managed.
Kal’zorn began laughing a cold deep laugh.
“I no longer use my human name. I am once again Nar’shal the great minion of the Dark Lords!” He announced with a tone of mightiness.
Nar’shal was an evil name. In old Elfish it meant bringer of darkness, or Dark Lords advocate. That fact that he was working for the Dark Lords didn’t entirely surprise Eylith. In fact it made sense. Demons were the pawns of the Dark Ones only they could possibly control such evil. It was only logical that their higher minions would have that power over the demons as well.
“By the Divine Ones’ light I swear I shall kill you Ka-Umm Nar’shal!” exclaimed Eylith charging at Nar’shal with a dagger.
As Eylith rushed toward him, Nar’shal raised his hand. Suddenly, Eylith couldn’t move it felt like the air around him was made of a thick pudding. Nar’shal smiled at Eylith, and let out a slight laugh. “Tisk, tisk. You really didn’t think a dagger would be the end of me. I’d think you’d know better Eylith.”
Eylith tried not to smile. He had hoped Nar’shal wouldn’t notice he was concealing his magic. It seemed the elf succeeded. Eylith relaxed his entire body and concentrated. He let the dagger slip out of his hand and fall to the floor. He let his body go as limp as Nar’shal’s spell allowed.
Then he felt it. He felt the warmth. It started in his chest then welled up inside him. He looked at Nar’shal. He saw a slight look of dismay on the evil man’s face. Nar’shal shouldn’t have assumed he was the only one on the Council who practiced magic.
“Impossible!” shouted Nar’shal. “I never sensed your magic before! How?!”
“Apparently wielder’s of dark magic do not find it as wise to conceal there magic when around others as much as I do,” replied Eylith letting out his smile.
Nar’shul’s hand trembled. Not out of fear. He was trembling because of the great waves of magic emitting out of Eylith’s body. How could he be gathering so much magic here? This city’s level of magic was meek to say the least. Of course it was always easier for the Divine Ones worshiper’s spell caster to summon magic in a place where their faith was practiced in the majority.
It was nothing to be worried over he thought my power was far greater than this elf’s at any rate. Eylith’s possession of magic was more surprising than- Nar’shal’s thoughts were interrupted.
A white beam was being emitted out of Eylith’s hand and striking Nar’shal’s chest. He could feel the Divine Ones’ light burning his flesh. Abruptly, Nar’shal ended the freezing spell he casted on Eylith and began gathering his own magic.
Eylith continued to cast his spell on Nar’shal. The dark mage’s face was cold and pained. He deserved no less probably more Eylith thought.
Then Eylith felt the spell he casted on him being lifted. It could only mean that Nar’shal was gathering his own magic to counter. Being a minion of the Dark Ones Eylith feared what kind of dark spell he would try to place upon him.
Eylith wouldn’t be able to counter whatever Nar’shal had planned if he kept casting his burning light spell. He slowly ended the spell so his foe could feel the Divine Ones’ light for a few more seconds. He watched Nar’shal as he regained his magic from the air around him. Then Nar’shal began to laugh.
Eylith had never heard this laugh come from Nar’shal before. It was deeper, more intimidating. It was barely even recognizable as a human laugh. Then his eyes began glowing blood red. His flesh was being torn like a stuff animal at the seams. As he grew in height and his skin tore more as his muscles surged. His legs twisted and bent and shoes ripped apart as hooves replaced his feet. His nails grew dark and thick then extended like thin blades on each finger.
Two knots formed on his forehead then two ram’s horns grew from them. Then his flesh flew from his body like a snake shedding its skin. The shredded pieces lay on the ground smoldering into ashes. Underneath his old skin was a gray thick hide with dark runes engraved on it each one was glowing a faint red.
Nar’shal stopped laughing. He stood at full height, which was a little under seven feet. The only thing recognizable on the ex-High Councilor’s body was his face. Even that was narrower and two vampire like teeth could be seen jutting out from under his upper lip. Also a think black mane was growing down his back instead of a pony tail.
Nar’shal let out a sigh of relief. “It hurts at first of course, but it is well worth it to be rid of my human form,” he said in his new deep voice. “Do you still wish to challenge me human?”
Eylith stood in awe before Nar’shal’s true form. The power emitting Nar’shal was over whelming. It was almost hypnotic. That much power made every spellcaster’s mouth water for power. No! Divine Ones lead him not to that temptation.
“Speechless are we then?” Nar’shal asking him mockingly. He chuckled. “Well, I can make sure you stay that way…. No. I have a much more fitting punishment for you.”
Nar’shal touched one of the glowing runes on his chest with one of his long slender nails. The rune he touched began glowing brighter. Then an identical rune appeared on his right hand. Nar’shal smiled as he pressed the rune onto Eylith’s forehead.
Eylith let out a scream as the rune burned his flesh. Then he felt drowsy, and everything slipped into a dark abyss of sleep.
When Eylith woke he saw Naioum burning. The city was overrun with demons. The city walls had collapsed. Demon cannons were firing at buildings. The foul stench of smoke filled his nostrils making him gag as it burned his throat and his eyes watered and burned.
Where was he? The thought hadn’t quite occurred to him until he saw a panicked bird fly past him. He looked down afraid of the possibility that crossed his mind. He was floating in mid air. A spell kept him from falling hundreds of feet onto the ground.
“Finally awake are we?” said a voice from behind.
It was Nar’shal. “I must say I was afraid that I had killed you. And what fun would that have been?”
“You foul bastard!” shouted Eylith wishing the spell would allowing him to turn his body and scream it at the creature’s face.
“Manner’s, Eylith, manners,” he said mockingly.
“Why haven’t you just killed me?”
Eylith was sure Nar’shal was smiling when he gave his answer, “I want you to be able to see you people that you love so dearly be destroyed. Slowly.”
Eylith let out a scream of rage. That was obviously what Nar’shal wanted him to do because he laughed and said, “Oh, how I have wanted to see this day ever sinse I was elected High Councilor. Ironic that I was most popular in the polls.”
“Don’t worry yourself too much,” he added. “Since you told the council of my plan they have already evacuated most of the citizens. Of course little that did to save the rest. I forgot what was the population of this city, Eylith?”
Eylith remained silent. Nar’shal growled and sent a surge of pain through out his body. “10,000…” Eylith said still trembling from the pain.
Nar’shal laughed and continued speaking, “Ah, yes. I supposed only a fraction have escaped and there are many still trying to escape the city.”
Eylith looked at the city as the demon’s guns were mowing down its defenders. He flinched at the sight. He wanted to throw up but he resisted giving Nar’shal the pleasure of seeking him do that.
“Sickens you doesn’t it,” Nar’shal said sensing Eylith’s dismay. “Well, I know what will make you even more nauseated. If you had only come into my conversation while I was in my link only a few seconds earlier you would have known that demons were coming to the city’s secret entrance. If they had been stopped most of the city would have held and the defenders would have been able to hold the walls longer. Such a pity you didn’t hear me.”
“You think you have won,” said Eylith suddenly almost shouting. “Well, you haven’t. The other kingdoms will come to our aid. They will destroy your demons and destroy you!”
Eylith’s heart sank as Nar’shal laughed at his outburst.
“You shouldn’t under estimate me like that, Eylith,” Nar’shal said will fake sorrow. “The Dark Ones’ minions have been placed in other positions of power in other cities. It is all apart of their great plan. They will purge this land of all the unworthy mortals who walk it. The follower’s of the Divine Ones’ light will erased from this land and the Dark Ones’ set free from the prison they were contained in by the Divine Ones.
“They have more than sufficiently planed for this conquest. They will taste their revenge.”
Eylith’s head sagged. He looked across the burning city, and watched as demons killed people he once knew. Then a thought came in to his mind.
“What of the High Elves?” Eylith asked.
The High Elves are the most advanced race that lives in the land. They live in their great city of Har’lon. Surly they would not fall to this trap.
Eylith heard Nar’shal spit at the mention of the High Elves. This reaction gave him hope.
“To have sent one of our agents to the High Elves would have been folly. They would have foreseen our trap and warned the other kingdoms. It was hard enough trying to trick the High Elf’s ambassadors,” remarked Nar’shal with disgust. “But do not let this bring you hope they soon fall with the others, even if it means taking a more direct, forceful approach.”
Eylith let out a silent sigh of relief. At least they had not fallen. As long as at least one kingdom remained there would still be hope.
“I shall soon give you your fate, but before I do I wish to being you one last bit of anguish.”
A mist appeared in front Eylith. It swirled around in a small cloud. The mist seemed to be taking on shapes. Then color appeared in the shaped. He was being shown a part of the city. It was the Naioum Square. He saw the charred street and ruined building that still remained. The ground was stained with the blood of elves, humans, and dwarfs. The image zoomed in closer to a defender near death. He was being restrained by two demons. Even so close to death he still fought with valor. It was a young human no older than eighteen. A pale demon came up to the human with a small vile. It contained a blackish liquid. The demon they was holding it was different than the two holding the human. He was not quite as tall as the other two (which stood at an approximate six feet). The pale demon had an almost human quality to him.
“In case you are wondering,” said Nar’shal, “that is my general Darkblood. He is a personal creation of the Dark Ones, half-demon half-human. A perfect mix of human intelligence and demon strength and brutality. Watch closely as to what he does next.”
Eylith watched as the half demon shoved the black liquid down the captive human’s throat. The human gagged as it was forced down. He went limp. The two demons holding him released him and let him fall to the ground.
At first Eylith thought they had killed the poor human, but what they had done was much worse. He stirred, his skin grew grayish, and his pupils vanished and his eyes became foggy white orbs. The half demon gave him a weapon. It looked like a simple sword, but then the blade glowed. The human’s face remained emotionless as he was ordered to go attack the defenders.
Eylith was stunned. What had they done to that human? As if hearing his question Nar’shal answered.
“He is a Twisted, a new creation of the Dark Ones. He was stripped of his soul and is now under the command of the Dark Army and its commanders. Many of Naiuom’s citizens who sought to save themselves by surrendering or offering to aid us were given the same fate as will the rest of those not killed and taken captive.”
“You are sick,” said Eylith quietly as the mist dissipated. “These people trusted you! And you go and do this! Destroy their city and turn them into those…those…”
“Twisted?” Nar’shal suggested then laughed.
“I suppose that becoming a Twisted is to be my fate then?” saked Eylith fearing the answer.
“That would be the quicker solution now wouldn’t it?” replied Nar’shal with a sickeningly pleasant tone. “But that will not be your fate. You will remain my prisoner. You will feel the pain and sorrow of each and every human, dwarf, and elf we attack until are conquest is over.
“And because you told the Council of my plans they notified the other kingdoms. I’m sure they are planning a rebellion as we speak. How ironic that thiswill increase the death and pain, and only increase your suffering.”
The elf felt another rune being pressed into his skin this time on his back. After the burning stopped he felt another pain. It felt as if his limbs were being ripped from his body and then slowly killed. He was sure he was dying but Nar’shal wouldn’t let that happened. He was feeling the death and pain of each of his people in the city, and soon he would feel the deaths of others.
But he thought as long as I feel this pain I know that there are still those fighting the Dark Ones. This was one of the last pleasant thoughts Eylith had before he was suddenly transported into a cell by Nar’shal. It would probably prove to be one of the last pleasant though he would ever have again. Divine Ones give him strength.