Chapter 1

To say things were tense in the kingdom of Gallowmere was an understatement. The townsfolk were in a panic and rightfully so: their very existence was in jeopardy because the dreadful sorcerer Zarok has returned from exile. Even though he has not shown himself, the villagers can tell something is amiss and are becoming more weary and fearful by the day. With the threat of Zarok clear to all, there was no choice but to send word to King Peregrin and request immediate help. Unfortunately for the panicked villagers, the wise King of Gallowmere was already well aware of the grave situation at hand.

While it was no secret that he was getting brittle in his old age, King Peregrin was very wise and already working up battle plans against his old Court Wizard. While he refused to show any fear of the very real threat, there were many of his Knights who spoke of the End of Days in hushed whispers. Quickly running out of options, King Peregrin sent for the Head of his Court and Gallowmere's Champion: Sir Daniel Fortesque. With a small smile, the old King fondly remembered Dan's many tales of how he'd slain monsters and demons with his bare fists. Or how entire legions of enemies fell before him like wheat before the scythe, yes Sir Daniel would be the one to defeat Zarok and save Gallowmere. His thoughts stopped short however, as he was suddenly aware of an ominous feeling within the very depths of his bones. Frowning, he searched the magnificent Thrown Room only to find nothing amiss which made him uneasy.

It was as if something was there, watching his every move without being seen. Finally fed up with this feeling, King Peregrin stood abruptly and stood firm and with purpose. "Who is there?! Show yourself!" he ordered to the empty room, only to have no response as expected of such. For a moment the King thought he was imagining things, until a shadow began to slowly slide across the floor and come to a stop in front of the King's battle plans. "Show yourself demon!" he demanded once more, as he drew the blade he kept hidden under his robes. He only had a moment to wait before the torches along the walls dimmed themselves, making the room eerily shadowed as a dark form began to take shape where the shadow disappeared.

Despite the fearlessness in his stance, King Peregrin could not stop the terrified shout as he found himself standing before none other than Death himself. Trembling where he stood, he tried to call for his guards, to find his voice would not come as Death ever-so-slowly raised his boney hand and wagged a finger at him like a mother scolding her child. With fear and adrenaline pouring through his veins, the King glared as hard as he could, only to have no effect on the entity at all. Resting his battle-damaged and bloodstained scythe over his shoulder, Death beckoned the old King to him in a 'come here' motion, causing the King to pale as blank as parchment before watching Death point to something on the table.

Taking a shuddering breath, King Peregrin had no choice but to obey as he slowly approached the table on shaky legs. Mustering up his courage, he looked at what Death was pointing to: it was a letter he had received from Lord Baldor several days before. Lord Baldor was leader of Harlech: a kingdom similar to Gallowmere and was often assisting the people of Gallowmere by trading very powerful medicines to the sick and sparing a ration of food or two during the harsh winters.

In his letter, he describes how the kingdom had fallen under siege by Zarok which caused his entire army to fall. Casting Death a weary glance of confusion, the hooded entity tapped a section of the parchment for the King to read. -I have never seen such a thing! Thousands of demons have killed my army and we are at a loss! To hell with that necromancer and all his evil! To my most amazing of discoveries, Zarok had retreated! Retreated I say! I haven't a clue why or how but one of the villagers managed to drive him back. I had never seen such a fearless girl, a girl of all things! To make matters even MORE disgraceful, she has been made Champion by my Court! Champion! This is an outrage; she's just a meager village girl, what right does she have to take such a noble place amongst my soldiers!? I do not understand, but if she had managed to drive back that hell spawn, I shall not complain.-

Whirling around in surprise, King Peregrin faced Death who gave him a single nod before vanishing back into the shadows as if the harbinger of death wasn't even there at all. Finally understanding what Death expected of him, King Peregrin found his voice and called for his guards, who knelt before him. "You have called for us your Majesty?" the younger of the two addressed as the King nodded. "Send for a courier, it is a matter of great importance. Quickly now!" he ordered as the two Knights immediately bowed and rushed out of the room, almost trampling Sir Daniel in the meantime. "Ah Dan, there you are M'boy." King Peregrin greeted as Daniel nervously shifted from foot to foot under the King's gaze. "Y-you have called for me?" Dan asked, silently cursing himself for stuttering in front of the King. "I have my friend, with good reason I believe I have a way to defeat Zarok." he said while quickly writing a letter addressed to Lord Baldor. "H-have you?" Daniel questioned while mentally kicking himself in the ass for his severe disrespect. "Indeed, I have received word from Lord Baldor of a recently-declared Champion who managed to force a retreat on Zarok." the King explained, making Daniel's eyes grow immensely at the thought of such a thing.

Before he could reply, a courier arrived, bowed before the King, took the letter and quickly dashed off to the stables to deliver it. "I have sent for Lord Baldor's Champion to aid us in our time of need. The two of you will combine your strengths and put an end to Zarok's evil deeds." the old King said, hardly leaving room for objection, not that Dan would have dared to do so anyway. "Understood your Majesty, I shall prepare my men for his arrival." Dan said, saluting before he turned to leave and head for the barracks. "One more thing Daniel." King Peregrin said, halting the Knight in his stride. With a gulp, Dan turned to face his King who had an amused look on his old face. "Lord Baldor's Champion is a woman." he said with a chuckle as Dan's eyes rolled back before a loud crash was heard as Sir Daniel Fortesque, armor and all…crashed to the floor.