Well here is the third instalment to 'The sword of Justice - broken'; no
one read the first two so I doubt anyone will read this. but never mind.
Contrary to popular belief I don't own any of the Legacy of Kain characters. they are all someone else's creations.
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First missions are meant to be easy, they're meant to be some sort of training for times when your life is in real peril from real forces. my first 'training' mission was far from easy. I only realise now why Weq took so long to come back.
I had gone up the long rickety brown staircase up to our 'Elitist HQ', I had explored a variety of the rooms, there appeared to be hundreds. nay thousands, all set out in a long corridor. Each corridor had about 20 doors on it and two staircases either end, one leading down to the previous corridor and one leading up to the next.
I could find none of my comrades anywhere, there were no sounds and I could find no other living beings, except of course the constant flow of insect life, anywhere within the complex. The silence and a great feeling of loneliness plagued me.
Apparently the great Sarafan Headquarters was at the very top corridor, when I had joined the Sarafan in the initial inauguration I had visited the Sarafan Palace. It was as Jenks had portrayed originally, the illusion of masses of soldiers and rich gold decorations. It had been appropriate reflections of the Sarafan's incredible increase in wealth ever since they gained control.
I had entered a room on one of the lower corridors - at least I had thought it a lower corridor. The room had an old musty bed, one brown rug and an empty wooden bookcase. There was little light as there were no torches around the complex and I doubted the fact that the Glyph network would go this far underground. I did not know what the time was, but I was tempted to lie in the bed and rest after my experiences of the day. However Weq burst in behind me and tapped me on the shoulder, as if he exactly what I was thinking. He had a solemn look on his face. "We're all tired brother." He had said. "Why are we brothers Weq? We simply kill together, that does not make individuals a family does it?" I had replied, puzzled, and fatigued at the time.
Weq shut the door and edged me out. "There is no time for questions, we have to go." He said "You have our orders now? What are we to do?" I had asked. "We are to go to the slums of Meridian, there have been various vampire sightings in the area." Weq had said in a low tone - it did not take a genius to work out he was hiding something. "Oh and we are sent to risk our lives for what? For the many peasants drowning in their own urine? For the Sarafan Lord and his mass of gold and riches?" I had not realised I was shouting at this point. I was directly next to Weq, in his face like a spoilt child complaining despite being given so much. "Tell me Weq, why do YOU risk your life for a cause that does not even recognise us?" I had finished.
"Because brother, because if we don't fight for our cause, we have to fight against it." Weq calmly replied, not intimidated at all by me. almost mocking me. "Follow me brother."
We had gone up the stairs; we must have climbed at least 5 of the corridors.
Weq was walking at an incredibly fast pace and I had found it difficult to keep up him.
Suddenly Weq changed direction and walked suddenly into a door, ironically it was locked, the familiar of a rattle of defiance droning out as he continued to the try the handle.
"Locked." I had said, "Is there another way around?" "How defeatist brother - you'll never get anywhere with that attitude." Weq replied, casually glancing at the door.
Weq placed his hand in the direction of the door and it immediately began to ignite, a small dancing flame travelling along the door's surface, slowly turning into a huge inferno. The door quickly turned into a smouldering mass of soot and black material, the once defiant door had been destroyed completely by a simple touch of Weq's hand, at this time I had wondered whether his power reached a limit. I now realise that he was just showing off.
Weq appeared neither surprised nor alarmed by these gifts, he ran through the door, I was expected to follow. I nervously ran though the door; the clanking of armour could be heard loudly as we ran.
After running up a number of stairs we came to yet another door. Weq simply knocked this one down. not even stopping, he just rammed it down. When he reached the threshold of this door he stopped.
We were not in the slums of Meridian, a place quite familiar to me. It seemed fitting that vampires would dwell here, amongst the rubbish.
Weq stopped as we reached a corner, which led into a long, dimly lit street. I heard a familiar, booming voice.
"REMEMBER soldiers STAY ALERT! I don't want to attend anymore of you FUNERALS!" It was my former commander, a person I had little respect for - Priest Karlh.
He was addressing a group of Sarafan soldiers, presumably to guard this area. they did not know what awaited them. My first assignment as a Sarafan soldier had been like this. I felt a sense of pity and sympathy for those soldiers; none of them knew how they would end up.
"Remember Helgmer, these soldiers are no longer your allies, if you're detected you will be attacked. Do not be afraid to end their lives there and then - we kill one of them, but we save another fifty." Weq paused. "Unless you'd prefer they ended you instead."
Kill our own? Had Weq thought me a cold-blooded killer? It seemed a terrible and tragic practice at the time.
"I will return soon! DON'T FAIL ME SOLDIERS! For justice!" Priest Karlh was again instructing his flock of sheep, as the grand shepherd. He walked out of the gate on the far side of the plaza.
A lot of the soldiers then dispersed out of the gates, only five of them remained. Weq walked forward sneaking as he walked, hiding behind corners as he walked. The soldiers failed to notice him as he reached the other end of the street he beckoned to me to follow.
I began to walk forward, cautious of the fifth soldier who seemed on edge.
"YOU! Identify yourself! FREEZE!" Priest Karlh's voice boomed at me, obviously he not recognise me.
Weq nodded at me mockingly, he then ran off around the corner. Looking up at the room of a nearby building I jumped, the only thought in my mind was to reach the roof. I flew up there, landing softly on its thatched surface.
"It flies?! VAMPIRE!!! VAMPIRE!!! ARCHERS QUICK!" Priest Karlh screamed - had I been anyone else I would have been shaking in terror.
I ran down the roof quickly trying to lose the trail. Two flaming arrows hit the thatched roof and it burst into flames behind me. The huge inferno was gathering behind me, I could either have jumped down onto their razor sharp swords or jump onto the next room.
I ran to the far end of the roofs, I seemed to have lost the majority of the soldiers, however the skilled Priest Karlh's armour clad hand was on the other side of the building. He was obviously using some form of ladder.
"Stop demon, your tormented soul will be released!" He said confidently to me, gaining balance as he stood up straight. "Step aside, you have no idea of what and who I am. I'm on YOUR side!" I had replied, trying a vain attempt at diplomacy. "Lies! Your tricks won't work with me!" At this point Karlh unsheathed his great long sword and his Sarafan branded shield, the sword glowed as it was powered by Glyph energy - he did look quite intimidating.
"What to do." The thought echoed in my mind.
I decided to try and look for an escape, however the ladder was behind Karlh, I would have to remove him first.
Priest Karlh was a famed swordsman amongst the Sarafan; he had joined the Sarafan as a small child and had been trained in the art of Swordsmanship since then. When I was a soldier we didn't fear just his strict rules and his loud calls for obedience, we feared more his sword. To him the disobedient and the disrespectful were the true enemy; many of my comrades were rewarded with the huge cut of his sword. They had been allowed to defend themselves, but Priest Karlh was more than a match for their conscripted skills.
Despite being told I was 'gifted', I had not fully grasped my powers. I was not confident that 'removing' Karlh would be as easy as I had fathomed.
"No way out demon, feel my blade!" Priest Karlh advanced swinging his blade, the sound of energy reverberating out of it. I managed to move to the side, but he swung the sword around and spun. The blade sliced into my armour, leaving a great gash in the side.
My side bled and I felt pain, but I showed no expression of it, I stood strong and attempted to kick Karlh back so I could regain my strength. He back flipped over me and hit my unbalanced body to the floor. Unbalanced? Heh, a mere excuse, I lie to you. I had wanted to fall. I didn't want to fight. I didn't want to die. I just wanted to fall and just be forgotten.
I lie there, unable to move. exhausted there was no point in fighting. Why fight the cause I was helping?
"It's the end of the line for you demon. you will have plenty of time to rest soon." Karlh said to me, placing his sword at my neck, preparing to deliver a final blow.
An arrow flew past knowing Karlh back. obviously M'Kelith, but where from?
I quickly flipped back up using the opportunity to my advantage. I glanced around looking for M'Kelith.
Alas I had no clue as to his location. Karlh obviously did as he placed his large shield in the direction of the arrows. Around four arrows hit that shield; I could hear Karlh's overconfident laughter from where I stood.
"Demons will never win in the face of GOD!" Karlh boomed out, his echo heard throughout the entire town.
I ran up behind him and kicked, my sword was too large to lift in time. I would have had no time to strike with it.
To say it was a strong kick would have been a lie; it was a moderate kick, there had been no time to place power in it.
To my complete surprise Priest Karlh flew back with such speed he flew over the other side of the roof onto the floor below. To my complete surprised I was still alive. my belief in miracles was rekindled.
M'Kelith floated down in front of me from the air, I still wonder how he was able to do that.
He stood silent in front of me, a powerful mysterious man. a great enigma to all who knew him.
He nodded at me and pointed to the floor below - at Weq.
I waved at Weq and he waved back. Glancing back at M'Kelith I noticed he had disappeared, in the time it took to turn around he had vanished. I would have to remember to ask Weq how he did that.
I jumped down to Weq, a loud thud and a slight strain in my leg was the consequence.
"Helgmer, we are reaching the lower districts, so be on guard." Weq paused. "Plus that soldier could still be around; we can't afford any further mistakes, when we're dealing with vampires M'Kelith won't always be around."
I looked around at my surroundings. The damp dark slums were intimidating to anyone, I pitied the poor fools who HAD to live here. over taxed and cheated. and I was fighting for the cause that caused it all.
"You enter the lower tunnels from the South of this building - there's an entrance from the building itself. I'll head to the Northern entrance. If you get spotted you will be in trouble." And so Weq ran north - somehow his armour made no noise as he ran. the guards would not notice him, but would they notice me?
I found the entrance to the tunnel; unsure of what I would find and how I would deal wit it I walked in.
A derelict Tavern is all I was rewarded with. Peasant's bodies were littered on the floor and they appeared drained - the vampire sightings must have been correct.
I reached a dark staircase leading downwards - wracking my courage I descended.
"Please sir, I'll do anything! Please spare me!" A cowardly peasant voice, needless to say I froze.
"You humans are all the SAME to me!" A scornful voice returned, the first thought to my mind was vampire. "All weak and pitiful, our lord has returned and a reign of Blood will come upon your race. sad to say that you will not be lucky enough to witness it!"
As the voice stopped I heard a final scream from the man and a large thud as he hit the wall.
What were my choices? Engage the creature and save the man? - Play the hero? I was too late; the man was easily dead by now.
Another voice, much more ladylike and graceful appeared. "Mecros! There is no time to feast on this peasantry! The Sarafan are coming." "What need I fear of insignificant bugs? You are far too cautious Umah." The rasping voice returned. So they knew we were there. this would be a problem. "And what need fear the insignificant bugs of you? We are still weak and out numbered, overconfidence will only get us destroyed." The woman replied.
I HAD to tell Weq before- "But we have already captured the leader! What need we fear of the sub- ordinates?" The creature rasped back.
A sense of regret loomed over me that was probably Weq they spoke of without Weq there would be no chance of Success. A feeling of being thrown into the deep end of a lake came over me.
"Your overconfidence will lead you past the grave one day Mecros- I fear for your safety. farewell.' The woman replied, I could see a slight flicker of purple light as she vanished. 'Always cautious to the utmost Umah, yet, I will be fine.' The voice rasped to itself.
I heard its footsteps descending further downstairs, into the depths of the complex.
Reluctantly I turned the corner and glanced at the misshapen body crushed against the wall, semi drained with blood trickling from its mouth.
I gazed down at the now empty staircase, only the small homely flicker of torchlight rested on the wall to guide me.
Even an entire army would have trouble winning in this situation, yet here I was, one soldier, expected to carry out the mission and rescue my superior officer. I questioned my morals, had I even wanted to be a part of this in the first place?
Regardless I decided to carry on, I had to save Weq, he had saved me countless times - I could not just leave him there hanging to vampyric torment.
Slowly I tiptoed down the stairs, my footsteps could easily be heard, yet no one came to stop me. I pondered what trap I was willingly walking into.
I was being watched, of that I was sure. My glyph armour had a slight radiance, which meant trouble was near - trouble was coming to get me.
It was almost pitch black, but from what I could tell I had entered some form of ballroom, or some room of significance.
The armour glowed strongly now, I drew my sword - I would have to rely on this armour to target my enemy.
I knew my enemy could clearly see me when it started to talk.
"Welcome to East Sanctuary human, you appear lost." It was the voice and it cackled. I heard rustling in front of me. "Like a lost sheep - ready for slaughtering! Well who am I to stop the tradition?"
I stopped "You have a prisoner here, realise him and perhaps my lord won't take your unlife so gruesomely."
At that moment a number of candlesticks lit up, I could now see fine.
It was a chapel I had entered, there were few pews and an altar at the far side. I caught sight of Weq tied up on a crucifix above the altar; I rushed over towards him and gazed up - catching sight of my opponent.
A black figure with large wings landed on top of me instantly taking me to the ground. It somersaulted away from my body, standing triumphantly on one of the pews.
"There is little point in getting back up Human - you will just meet the floor again." The figure laughed, folding its arms.
I got to my feet, despite the warning. The creature was easily recognisable as a vampire, sharp yellow canines, a monstrous winged body and huge claws.
"I did warn you," said the creature. "I am Mecros. guardian of this place and YOUR destroyer." Mecros vanished from the pews.
I turned, confused and hurting, wondering where it had gone. I walked forward and stared at Weq who began to sir. "Hel-gmer. behind. you!" Weq suddenly shouted.
Knowing Weq was not one to jest at such a time, I rolled forward immediately.
A loud clonk sounded behind me as the huge two-handed sword hit the large stone block where I had been standing. The block almost exploded from the force. "Curse you Sarafan." Said Mecros reanimating. "For that you WILL pay."
I turned to face Mecros yet again.
Again that 'power' I have, the only thing that's kept me alive since that day engaged. Against my will my left hand glowed green, I gasped down in amazement as it lifted itself up into my middle body.
Remarkably the creature had cast a lightning spell at my middle body, and the hand of its own free will had deflected it.
"A mere human?!" The vampire stared in amazement. "Unusual - but still mortal!"
The creature took to its wings and flapped them furiously, brandishing its sword once more.
I could not reach it with my sword however, Mecros need only drop his sword and I would have been defeated.
Feebly I tried to block a few attacks, which threw me off balance, Mecros easily knocked me onto the floor. My head was spinning from the speed at which I had fallen.
"As I have said Human, the floor is where you belong!" Mecros prepared to dive straight into me.
I could do nothing, save for lift my hand in some form of defence.
The creature was cackling loudly as it tore through the air, the sound of air being thrown around echoed throughout the entire chapel.
I swear that sword hit me and I swear my life, and this story, ends at that point. However. against my will again I stood, my eyes glowing red.. As if I was no longer human.
"No." Is all I said defiantly
Mecros charged into me, unable to change its direction in time. As it entered near me a bolt of red electricity travelled straight up its sword throwing Mecros out of the air and into a wall at breakneck speed.
"Scourge!" I said against my own will again.
The vampire quickly flipped back up to life, barely injured at all. Spurred on by malicious thoughts of anger for me.
Beserkly it clawed at me with its incredibly powerful claws - Devastatingly powerful strikes. Somehow, without even thinking, I blocked all the attacks with equally powerful strikes.
Before we had time to finish our duel the room began to shake as if under the influence of a quake in the planet.
Mecros was thrown back, I seized the opportunity to levitate up to Weq and free him, levitating against my own will, but untying Weq fully knowing what I was doing.
I cannot explain my power I really can't, it just takes hold and I sit along for the ride.
The ancient chapel doors, that had lain dormant under Meridian for so long, burst open.
The Sarafan battering ram came rolling through knocking over pews and making a huge noise. Sarafan warriors quickly filed in through the doors and drew their weapons.
Mecros had not time to blink before it was engulfed in flame by the flaming arrows, seven hitting it at a time. It ran around screaming as its clothes caught alight and it screamed.
"Be free innocent souls! WE WILL GIVE YOU YOUR REST!" Alas, Priest Karlh was a strong man; here he stood again, commanding the assault.
I knew we had to get out, and quickly. However the main exit was blocked and the Sarafan now occupied the other.
I could see Vampires running from the South side too, we would be caught in the crossfire if we did not escape there and then.
A blue circle appeared on the floor beneath us, various symbols spinning being inscribed inside it. Inside it the visage of Weq's leader.Lord Anders stood strong.
"Into the circle quickly!" Said Anders. I jumped into the circle carrying Weq on my shoulder.
"Not so fast demons! Your insane magic's will not save you this time!!! Escape now and I will HUNT you down!" Priest Karlh charged towards us at an amazing speed considering the amount of armour he wore.
Lord Anders lifted one hand and Priest Karlh flew backwards. "Rest assured demon, you will feel the cold steel of my blade soon!" Priest Karlh said as he hit the floor. "Oh I am sure I will sir - just not now. Farewell." Anders replied calmly and collected.
The blue circle jumped forwards and I was filled with a visage of white.
We were back at our headquarters; Leksa, Jenks and M'Kelith were here now, as well as Lord Anders, Weq and myself.
I addressed the group. "Comrades. I know I'm new and you're all incredibly strong. but I doubt we can handle that many vampires all by ourselves." I was worried, there had been a great amount of vampires. would we all end up like Weq? "We can handle the vampires and their lair Helgmer." Jenks replied in his mysterious old voice. "What we can't handle is Kain." Leksa said following him. "Which is why. you're. here. Helgmer." Weq replied, obviously injured.
The deceased vampire Lord Kain? How could I fight him? I thought them mad.
"But Kain is long dead, by the very hand of our lord!" I shouted back. "Indeed he is long dead - but still walks this Earth." Replied Anders.
I wasn't sure I would pull through at that point, just fighting one vampire had tired me out, how would I face one of the greatest vampires of all history by myself? What did they mean? Weq was infinitely stronger than me, - yet I was to face the strongest vampire?
I would face Kain, but not before the great tragedies.
With power always there comes a price - mine was my life.
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Well there we go, chapter 3.
I doubt anyone'll read it, cause no one read the other chapters. but hey my friend Popeland will .
Have a nice day everyone!
Contrary to popular belief I don't own any of the Legacy of Kain characters. they are all someone else's creations.
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First missions are meant to be easy, they're meant to be some sort of training for times when your life is in real peril from real forces. my first 'training' mission was far from easy. I only realise now why Weq took so long to come back.
I had gone up the long rickety brown staircase up to our 'Elitist HQ', I had explored a variety of the rooms, there appeared to be hundreds. nay thousands, all set out in a long corridor. Each corridor had about 20 doors on it and two staircases either end, one leading down to the previous corridor and one leading up to the next.
I could find none of my comrades anywhere, there were no sounds and I could find no other living beings, except of course the constant flow of insect life, anywhere within the complex. The silence and a great feeling of loneliness plagued me.
Apparently the great Sarafan Headquarters was at the very top corridor, when I had joined the Sarafan in the initial inauguration I had visited the Sarafan Palace. It was as Jenks had portrayed originally, the illusion of masses of soldiers and rich gold decorations. It had been appropriate reflections of the Sarafan's incredible increase in wealth ever since they gained control.
I had entered a room on one of the lower corridors - at least I had thought it a lower corridor. The room had an old musty bed, one brown rug and an empty wooden bookcase. There was little light as there were no torches around the complex and I doubted the fact that the Glyph network would go this far underground. I did not know what the time was, but I was tempted to lie in the bed and rest after my experiences of the day. However Weq burst in behind me and tapped me on the shoulder, as if he exactly what I was thinking. He had a solemn look on his face. "We're all tired brother." He had said. "Why are we brothers Weq? We simply kill together, that does not make individuals a family does it?" I had replied, puzzled, and fatigued at the time.
Weq shut the door and edged me out. "There is no time for questions, we have to go." He said "You have our orders now? What are we to do?" I had asked. "We are to go to the slums of Meridian, there have been various vampire sightings in the area." Weq had said in a low tone - it did not take a genius to work out he was hiding something. "Oh and we are sent to risk our lives for what? For the many peasants drowning in their own urine? For the Sarafan Lord and his mass of gold and riches?" I had not realised I was shouting at this point. I was directly next to Weq, in his face like a spoilt child complaining despite being given so much. "Tell me Weq, why do YOU risk your life for a cause that does not even recognise us?" I had finished.
"Because brother, because if we don't fight for our cause, we have to fight against it." Weq calmly replied, not intimidated at all by me. almost mocking me. "Follow me brother."
We had gone up the stairs; we must have climbed at least 5 of the corridors.
Weq was walking at an incredibly fast pace and I had found it difficult to keep up him.
Suddenly Weq changed direction and walked suddenly into a door, ironically it was locked, the familiar of a rattle of defiance droning out as he continued to the try the handle.
"Locked." I had said, "Is there another way around?" "How defeatist brother - you'll never get anywhere with that attitude." Weq replied, casually glancing at the door.
Weq placed his hand in the direction of the door and it immediately began to ignite, a small dancing flame travelling along the door's surface, slowly turning into a huge inferno. The door quickly turned into a smouldering mass of soot and black material, the once defiant door had been destroyed completely by a simple touch of Weq's hand, at this time I had wondered whether his power reached a limit. I now realise that he was just showing off.
Weq appeared neither surprised nor alarmed by these gifts, he ran through the door, I was expected to follow. I nervously ran though the door; the clanking of armour could be heard loudly as we ran.
After running up a number of stairs we came to yet another door. Weq simply knocked this one down. not even stopping, he just rammed it down. When he reached the threshold of this door he stopped.
We were not in the slums of Meridian, a place quite familiar to me. It seemed fitting that vampires would dwell here, amongst the rubbish.
Weq stopped as we reached a corner, which led into a long, dimly lit street. I heard a familiar, booming voice.
"REMEMBER soldiers STAY ALERT! I don't want to attend anymore of you FUNERALS!" It was my former commander, a person I had little respect for - Priest Karlh.
He was addressing a group of Sarafan soldiers, presumably to guard this area. they did not know what awaited them. My first assignment as a Sarafan soldier had been like this. I felt a sense of pity and sympathy for those soldiers; none of them knew how they would end up.
"Remember Helgmer, these soldiers are no longer your allies, if you're detected you will be attacked. Do not be afraid to end their lives there and then - we kill one of them, but we save another fifty." Weq paused. "Unless you'd prefer they ended you instead."
Kill our own? Had Weq thought me a cold-blooded killer? It seemed a terrible and tragic practice at the time.
"I will return soon! DON'T FAIL ME SOLDIERS! For justice!" Priest Karlh was again instructing his flock of sheep, as the grand shepherd. He walked out of the gate on the far side of the plaza.
A lot of the soldiers then dispersed out of the gates, only five of them remained. Weq walked forward sneaking as he walked, hiding behind corners as he walked. The soldiers failed to notice him as he reached the other end of the street he beckoned to me to follow.
I began to walk forward, cautious of the fifth soldier who seemed on edge.
"YOU! Identify yourself! FREEZE!" Priest Karlh's voice boomed at me, obviously he not recognise me.
Weq nodded at me mockingly, he then ran off around the corner. Looking up at the room of a nearby building I jumped, the only thought in my mind was to reach the roof. I flew up there, landing softly on its thatched surface.
"It flies?! VAMPIRE!!! VAMPIRE!!! ARCHERS QUICK!" Priest Karlh screamed - had I been anyone else I would have been shaking in terror.
I ran down the roof quickly trying to lose the trail. Two flaming arrows hit the thatched roof and it burst into flames behind me. The huge inferno was gathering behind me, I could either have jumped down onto their razor sharp swords or jump onto the next room.
I ran to the far end of the roofs, I seemed to have lost the majority of the soldiers, however the skilled Priest Karlh's armour clad hand was on the other side of the building. He was obviously using some form of ladder.
"Stop demon, your tormented soul will be released!" He said confidently to me, gaining balance as he stood up straight. "Step aside, you have no idea of what and who I am. I'm on YOUR side!" I had replied, trying a vain attempt at diplomacy. "Lies! Your tricks won't work with me!" At this point Karlh unsheathed his great long sword and his Sarafan branded shield, the sword glowed as it was powered by Glyph energy - he did look quite intimidating.
"What to do." The thought echoed in my mind.
I decided to try and look for an escape, however the ladder was behind Karlh, I would have to remove him first.
Priest Karlh was a famed swordsman amongst the Sarafan; he had joined the Sarafan as a small child and had been trained in the art of Swordsmanship since then. When I was a soldier we didn't fear just his strict rules and his loud calls for obedience, we feared more his sword. To him the disobedient and the disrespectful were the true enemy; many of my comrades were rewarded with the huge cut of his sword. They had been allowed to defend themselves, but Priest Karlh was more than a match for their conscripted skills.
Despite being told I was 'gifted', I had not fully grasped my powers. I was not confident that 'removing' Karlh would be as easy as I had fathomed.
"No way out demon, feel my blade!" Priest Karlh advanced swinging his blade, the sound of energy reverberating out of it. I managed to move to the side, but he swung the sword around and spun. The blade sliced into my armour, leaving a great gash in the side.
My side bled and I felt pain, but I showed no expression of it, I stood strong and attempted to kick Karlh back so I could regain my strength. He back flipped over me and hit my unbalanced body to the floor. Unbalanced? Heh, a mere excuse, I lie to you. I had wanted to fall. I didn't want to fight. I didn't want to die. I just wanted to fall and just be forgotten.
I lie there, unable to move. exhausted there was no point in fighting. Why fight the cause I was helping?
"It's the end of the line for you demon. you will have plenty of time to rest soon." Karlh said to me, placing his sword at my neck, preparing to deliver a final blow.
An arrow flew past knowing Karlh back. obviously M'Kelith, but where from?
I quickly flipped back up using the opportunity to my advantage. I glanced around looking for M'Kelith.
Alas I had no clue as to his location. Karlh obviously did as he placed his large shield in the direction of the arrows. Around four arrows hit that shield; I could hear Karlh's overconfident laughter from where I stood.
"Demons will never win in the face of GOD!" Karlh boomed out, his echo heard throughout the entire town.
I ran up behind him and kicked, my sword was too large to lift in time. I would have had no time to strike with it.
To say it was a strong kick would have been a lie; it was a moderate kick, there had been no time to place power in it.
To my complete surprise Priest Karlh flew back with such speed he flew over the other side of the roof onto the floor below. To my complete surprised I was still alive. my belief in miracles was rekindled.
M'Kelith floated down in front of me from the air, I still wonder how he was able to do that.
He stood silent in front of me, a powerful mysterious man. a great enigma to all who knew him.
He nodded at me and pointed to the floor below - at Weq.
I waved at Weq and he waved back. Glancing back at M'Kelith I noticed he had disappeared, in the time it took to turn around he had vanished. I would have to remember to ask Weq how he did that.
I jumped down to Weq, a loud thud and a slight strain in my leg was the consequence.
"Helgmer, we are reaching the lower districts, so be on guard." Weq paused. "Plus that soldier could still be around; we can't afford any further mistakes, when we're dealing with vampires M'Kelith won't always be around."
I looked around at my surroundings. The damp dark slums were intimidating to anyone, I pitied the poor fools who HAD to live here. over taxed and cheated. and I was fighting for the cause that caused it all.
"You enter the lower tunnels from the South of this building - there's an entrance from the building itself. I'll head to the Northern entrance. If you get spotted you will be in trouble." And so Weq ran north - somehow his armour made no noise as he ran. the guards would not notice him, but would they notice me?
I found the entrance to the tunnel; unsure of what I would find and how I would deal wit it I walked in.
A derelict Tavern is all I was rewarded with. Peasant's bodies were littered on the floor and they appeared drained - the vampire sightings must have been correct.
I reached a dark staircase leading downwards - wracking my courage I descended.
"Please sir, I'll do anything! Please spare me!" A cowardly peasant voice, needless to say I froze.
"You humans are all the SAME to me!" A scornful voice returned, the first thought to my mind was vampire. "All weak and pitiful, our lord has returned and a reign of Blood will come upon your race. sad to say that you will not be lucky enough to witness it!"
As the voice stopped I heard a final scream from the man and a large thud as he hit the wall.
What were my choices? Engage the creature and save the man? - Play the hero? I was too late; the man was easily dead by now.
Another voice, much more ladylike and graceful appeared. "Mecros! There is no time to feast on this peasantry! The Sarafan are coming." "What need I fear of insignificant bugs? You are far too cautious Umah." The rasping voice returned. So they knew we were there. this would be a problem. "And what need fear the insignificant bugs of you? We are still weak and out numbered, overconfidence will only get us destroyed." The woman replied.
I HAD to tell Weq before- "But we have already captured the leader! What need we fear of the sub- ordinates?" The creature rasped back.
A sense of regret loomed over me that was probably Weq they spoke of without Weq there would be no chance of Success. A feeling of being thrown into the deep end of a lake came over me.
"Your overconfidence will lead you past the grave one day Mecros- I fear for your safety. farewell.' The woman replied, I could see a slight flicker of purple light as she vanished. 'Always cautious to the utmost Umah, yet, I will be fine.' The voice rasped to itself.
I heard its footsteps descending further downstairs, into the depths of the complex.
Reluctantly I turned the corner and glanced at the misshapen body crushed against the wall, semi drained with blood trickling from its mouth.
I gazed down at the now empty staircase, only the small homely flicker of torchlight rested on the wall to guide me.
Even an entire army would have trouble winning in this situation, yet here I was, one soldier, expected to carry out the mission and rescue my superior officer. I questioned my morals, had I even wanted to be a part of this in the first place?
Regardless I decided to carry on, I had to save Weq, he had saved me countless times - I could not just leave him there hanging to vampyric torment.
Slowly I tiptoed down the stairs, my footsteps could easily be heard, yet no one came to stop me. I pondered what trap I was willingly walking into.
I was being watched, of that I was sure. My glyph armour had a slight radiance, which meant trouble was near - trouble was coming to get me.
It was almost pitch black, but from what I could tell I had entered some form of ballroom, or some room of significance.
The armour glowed strongly now, I drew my sword - I would have to rely on this armour to target my enemy.
I knew my enemy could clearly see me when it started to talk.
"Welcome to East Sanctuary human, you appear lost." It was the voice and it cackled. I heard rustling in front of me. "Like a lost sheep - ready for slaughtering! Well who am I to stop the tradition?"
I stopped "You have a prisoner here, realise him and perhaps my lord won't take your unlife so gruesomely."
At that moment a number of candlesticks lit up, I could now see fine.
It was a chapel I had entered, there were few pews and an altar at the far side. I caught sight of Weq tied up on a crucifix above the altar; I rushed over towards him and gazed up - catching sight of my opponent.
A black figure with large wings landed on top of me instantly taking me to the ground. It somersaulted away from my body, standing triumphantly on one of the pews.
"There is little point in getting back up Human - you will just meet the floor again." The figure laughed, folding its arms.
I got to my feet, despite the warning. The creature was easily recognisable as a vampire, sharp yellow canines, a monstrous winged body and huge claws.
"I did warn you," said the creature. "I am Mecros. guardian of this place and YOUR destroyer." Mecros vanished from the pews.
I turned, confused and hurting, wondering where it had gone. I walked forward and stared at Weq who began to sir. "Hel-gmer. behind. you!" Weq suddenly shouted.
Knowing Weq was not one to jest at such a time, I rolled forward immediately.
A loud clonk sounded behind me as the huge two-handed sword hit the large stone block where I had been standing. The block almost exploded from the force. "Curse you Sarafan." Said Mecros reanimating. "For that you WILL pay."
I turned to face Mecros yet again.
Again that 'power' I have, the only thing that's kept me alive since that day engaged. Against my will my left hand glowed green, I gasped down in amazement as it lifted itself up into my middle body.
Remarkably the creature had cast a lightning spell at my middle body, and the hand of its own free will had deflected it.
"A mere human?!" The vampire stared in amazement. "Unusual - but still mortal!"
The creature took to its wings and flapped them furiously, brandishing its sword once more.
I could not reach it with my sword however, Mecros need only drop his sword and I would have been defeated.
Feebly I tried to block a few attacks, which threw me off balance, Mecros easily knocked me onto the floor. My head was spinning from the speed at which I had fallen.
"As I have said Human, the floor is where you belong!" Mecros prepared to dive straight into me.
I could do nothing, save for lift my hand in some form of defence.
The creature was cackling loudly as it tore through the air, the sound of air being thrown around echoed throughout the entire chapel.
I swear that sword hit me and I swear my life, and this story, ends at that point. However. against my will again I stood, my eyes glowing red.. As if I was no longer human.
"No." Is all I said defiantly
Mecros charged into me, unable to change its direction in time. As it entered near me a bolt of red electricity travelled straight up its sword throwing Mecros out of the air and into a wall at breakneck speed.
"Scourge!" I said against my own will again.
The vampire quickly flipped back up to life, barely injured at all. Spurred on by malicious thoughts of anger for me.
Beserkly it clawed at me with its incredibly powerful claws - Devastatingly powerful strikes. Somehow, without even thinking, I blocked all the attacks with equally powerful strikes.
Before we had time to finish our duel the room began to shake as if under the influence of a quake in the planet.
Mecros was thrown back, I seized the opportunity to levitate up to Weq and free him, levitating against my own will, but untying Weq fully knowing what I was doing.
I cannot explain my power I really can't, it just takes hold and I sit along for the ride.
The ancient chapel doors, that had lain dormant under Meridian for so long, burst open.
The Sarafan battering ram came rolling through knocking over pews and making a huge noise. Sarafan warriors quickly filed in through the doors and drew their weapons.
Mecros had not time to blink before it was engulfed in flame by the flaming arrows, seven hitting it at a time. It ran around screaming as its clothes caught alight and it screamed.
"Be free innocent souls! WE WILL GIVE YOU YOUR REST!" Alas, Priest Karlh was a strong man; here he stood again, commanding the assault.
I knew we had to get out, and quickly. However the main exit was blocked and the Sarafan now occupied the other.
I could see Vampires running from the South side too, we would be caught in the crossfire if we did not escape there and then.
A blue circle appeared on the floor beneath us, various symbols spinning being inscribed inside it. Inside it the visage of Weq's leader.Lord Anders stood strong.
"Into the circle quickly!" Said Anders. I jumped into the circle carrying Weq on my shoulder.
"Not so fast demons! Your insane magic's will not save you this time!!! Escape now and I will HUNT you down!" Priest Karlh charged towards us at an amazing speed considering the amount of armour he wore.
Lord Anders lifted one hand and Priest Karlh flew backwards. "Rest assured demon, you will feel the cold steel of my blade soon!" Priest Karlh said as he hit the floor. "Oh I am sure I will sir - just not now. Farewell." Anders replied calmly and collected.
The blue circle jumped forwards and I was filled with a visage of white.
We were back at our headquarters; Leksa, Jenks and M'Kelith were here now, as well as Lord Anders, Weq and myself.
I addressed the group. "Comrades. I know I'm new and you're all incredibly strong. but I doubt we can handle that many vampires all by ourselves." I was worried, there had been a great amount of vampires. would we all end up like Weq? "We can handle the vampires and their lair Helgmer." Jenks replied in his mysterious old voice. "What we can't handle is Kain." Leksa said following him. "Which is why. you're. here. Helgmer." Weq replied, obviously injured.
The deceased vampire Lord Kain? How could I fight him? I thought them mad.
"But Kain is long dead, by the very hand of our lord!" I shouted back. "Indeed he is long dead - but still walks this Earth." Replied Anders.
I wasn't sure I would pull through at that point, just fighting one vampire had tired me out, how would I face one of the greatest vampires of all history by myself? What did they mean? Weq was infinitely stronger than me, - yet I was to face the strongest vampire?
I would face Kain, but not before the great tragedies.
With power always there comes a price - mine was my life.
..............................
Well there we go, chapter 3.
I doubt anyone'll read it, cause no one read the other chapters. but hey my friend Popeland will .
Have a nice day everyone!