The Covenant -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- -=The Forlorn Bastion=- [img]http://wallpaperswa.com/thumbnails/detail/20120805/fantasy%20night%20forest%20moon%20fantasy%20art%20digital%20art%203d%20castle%201600x900%20wallpaper_wallpaperswa.com_38.jpg[/img] Far past the Covenants eastern borders, past the eastern mountains is the Ironmarch. Once part of a mighty, prosperous nation that had a history rich in deeds and grand ideals, is nearing an end. The darkest forces to ever see this world yet had rushed across the land with a vicious hunger for the souls of men and women alike. They say no one escapes the darkness... "That damned orc.. why is he allowed to go in to the pantry?"... "You know, I've asked myself that same question." All one could hear is the sound of precious food disappearing.... angrily. Rintel walked down a long hallway towards the mess hall, it was meal time.. again.. just like the day before.... and the day before. "This place is so boring." he said aloud before giving a deep sigh. A piercing womans voice broke his depression, "Don't be such a pansy. we are here for an important reason. Do you really think Ironmarch can withstand another incursion by the darkness?" "You know, you always find a way to make this dark place feel.... darker, Ralana.". Ralana gave a slight smirk, "Happy to see you too." As the two walked in to the mess hall area. Rintel rose his head just a bit gave two audible sniffs, "Yomag is in the pantry.. I can smell it.".Ralana gave a very short reply, "Great." and started walking towards one of the tables while Rintel walked towards the pantry. An simple hour passed before the meals were done and as soldiers left the hall, Yomag, Rintel, and Ralana made their way towards the eastern wall. The three stood there in silence, staring out towards the blackened lands that was home to the darkness. Ralana broke the silence but it didn't make it any better, "Something just... feels off." Yomag gave a slight growl and turned away. Rintel looked at Yomag as he walked back towards the keep itself. "What's wrong with Yomag?" he asked. A couple soldiers along the wall started pointing out towards the abyss. "Did you see that?!" Rintel sprung in to action, darting down the battlement with the speed only a highly trained ranger could possess. He stopped in a perfect pose, immediately drawing his bow with an arrow at the ready. The soldiers were stunned but quick to recover, "I thought I saw something moving out there." Rintel sharpened his gaze and scanned the area ahead.. it was dark and muddy from a sprinkle during the day. Ralana had finally caught up and started peering over the battlements as well. Rintel focused more so and spoke under his breath, "where... are... there you are." he said and as if he shot a bolt of lightning, an arrow impaled a small rabbit. "See? just a rabbit." The Guard just sighed a bit then stood back a bit. "Sorry to alarm." he said. Ralana smiled at him, "It's ok.. I am pleased you were alert, especially to see a small creature like that, so far away." Meanwhile, Yomag was staring from a second story window.. he could see his two companions along the wall talking to the guards but he wasn't convinced that a small creature was the culprit.. Something just didn't sit right with him. The next morning, the captain of the keep was walking the walls, doing his routine inspection when the ground seemed to rumble ever so slightly. "What in the world was that..". He turned he looked around to see soldiers looking around puzzled. "Do not worry men, there is nothing on the horizon, no reason to worry!" some long time soldiers who had served under the captain raised an eye brow. The captain was never one to shrug anything off, hence why he got command of the castle... As the captain walked off one of the lieutenants walked by and gave a stern look. "Send a rider anyway.. our supply shipment is a day late." The sun then set... and rose... and set... then rose once more before concern started to cross the soldiers minds. There was still enough food stockpile -even considering the orcs hunger- to last about a week but it wasn't right for a caravan to be late like this. As Rintel walked around the castle, he heard various soldiers talking. "Maybe a wheel fell off?" "But where is the rider?" "Maybe they got lost? that happens, right?" All this uncertainty was starting to wear Rintel down. Later that night, he tossed and turned in his bed until waking in a cold sweat. "We have to find out what happened." he said, now breathing heavily. He went to Yomags bed only to find him missing. "Great." Rintel murmured but before he could turn, he could feel cold steel pressing gently on the back of his neck. The orc sounded worried, "Rintel.. is that you?" Rintel slowly leaned his head forward, off of the blade and turned slowly. "What is going on Yomag. People are acting strange." Yomag looked around and gave a huff, "I am not sure, I am hoping its the extended time this garrison has been posted here. No word from the commanders, no word from anyone's families.. couriers leave but rarely return. Maybe there is a bandit camp?" The orc, though wise, still couldn't foresee what was happening. Rintel backed up a bit more as Yomag slowly lowered his sword. "Rintel, I saw a soldier walking towards the east with his hands out.. he was stumbling as if he was blinded. I went out to grab him and brought him back inside. When he awoke, he didn't remember anything." Rintel looked puzzled and looked around. "Maybe a check on the garrison would be wise?" Minutes later the two had separated and started walking the battlements. They told the soldiers they were doing good and their stalwart watch is the only protection that nearby villages have. It was a small boost in morale as many had grown to trust the three warriors with back stories full of glorious deeds. As the sun rose, Yomag finally laid down. Rintel couldn't sleep though. Ralana approached him, "I could see you and Yomag last night wondering about. Go take a horse and find out what happened to our shipment." He smirked a bit, "Any chance for a little sugar before I go?" As he spoke the last word, the palm of her hand contacted with his cheek. "Even with everything going on, you are still horning for anything female." He smiled once more and gave a wink, "Not -anything-" and promptly walked by her, as close as he could before walking towards the stables. All she could say, "Pig." but then paused as she saw him mount the horse, she said under her breath, "But be careful." Rintel rode carefully on the road towards the nearest village. As he arrived, he saw the typical country life, children playing with any thing that could pique their imagination with the adults looking on wishing that they still had an imagination. He finally felt a little comfort and began riding further down the road, confident that there must have been some sort of mix up, maybe bandits came along or something. But when he arrived at the carriage, "what the fuck... happened here." He said aloud while dismounting. The Carriage was on its side with some bodies inside. Some looked partially eaten, "Wolves?" he though while drawing his sword. As he stood up he could see a hand laying on the ground. As he approached the severed hand, he saw the victim, a bandit. "Bastards." he said, "Damn pricks!" he then said louder. As he shouted, birds flew from the trees around him. "wait." he said and then leaned down. As he examined the body, he saw another one, one of the caravan guards. Both had wounds that he had never seen the likes of and from their positioning, they died fighting side by side. "What in the world." At that point, two more riders came from the castle, meeting with him. "What are you doing here?" Rintel asked. "Sir, Lady Ralana sent us to help you. the captain protested but she sounded worried." Rintel smiled, "I knew she wanted some of thi-" A blur jumped from a tree to another. He drew his bow with lightning speed and his gaze sharpened. He could see a pawed hand covered in blood. "There you are." and with unbelievable precision, the creatures leg was hit and it came crashing down. Rintel ran to it, The thing hissed and clawed towards Rintel as he held the tip of his sword to the creatures neck. "You're a long way from home, Razaji." Rintel sized him up, a male wearing nothing but torn sack like pants. "Did you get your fill?" rintel asked. He then pointed to the destroyed caravan and rose his voice. "Did you do this? where are your friends?" The Razaji just laid there and then started to cry, "You haven't seen what I have seen!!! it came! i tried to help!! it killed.. it KILLED!" he said. "What killed?" Rintel posed. "I don't know, but it was fast! so fast.. so faast.. killed.. screams.. I.. I can't.." Rintel motioned for the soldiers to lower their swords and with that the beast stood up and with a very calm demeanor, very different from a minute ago, "Go, save yourselves." and took off towards a tree where he then climbed it, eventually disappearing in to the forest. "The fuck?" The three walked back to the caravan and luckily it was still functional. They pushed the cart back on its side and hooked it up to the horses. Behind was two more carts which they hooked up in to one long wagon train and started off towards the castle. They had planned to stop at the village to share some supplies but upon arriving, there was no one there. "All right." Rintel said, clearly frustrated. "This is getting damned old.", clearly referring to the strange happenings now. Rintel dismounted and told the other two to stay put. Rintel then moved towards a small inn and upon entering, a familiar face was sitting at a stool. "I told you to go save yourselves. This village listened, why wont you?" the Razaji said. Rintel looked around to see plates with fresh food, chairs looked like they were gently pushed out, showing signs of ordered movement. "You should go home, Rintel." the Razaji said.. Rintel turned and clinched his fist, "No one ever mentioned my name. How do you know it." The Razaji stood up. "I've been watching for a while now, saw the rabbit you killed. Supposed to be my kill." Rintel thought about it, the soldiers wouldn't have been scared of a small rustle in the brush. "Fine, You have my trust. Who are you?" "My name?.. my.. name. Do not concern yourself with my name. Take your caravan and head to your castle. They will grow hungry soon without those supplies. no?" Rintel gave the cat a nod and turned around to walk out. After taking a few steps he paused to ask the Razaji who had killed the caravan but when he turned, no one was there. No trace.. The thee soldiers were quiet through the entire ride home and as they arrived at the castle, they heard gentle applause. It was a while before some good news had arrived. Letters from families, a replenished food supplies and even some quality weaponry. Yomag walked up to Rintel and pulled him aside. "Come with me." The two started walking towards the castle tower and arrived at the captains quarters. "He wants to see you." Yomag said while opening the door. Rintels first view was of Ralana looking up at a body that was hanging lifeless from the ceiling. Yomag just walked in and tapped the hanging body. "We found him hanging hear an hour ago. Strange markings carved in to his arms... with his fingernails." Rintel stood back, "Does anyone else know?". Ralana spoke up, "Only us three and the lieutenant. He is going to address the men any minute. Going to lie and say the captain fled due to madness." Yomag shook his hand. "It's not really a lie.. he fled all right." As the night went on, the three could only stand at the battlements, staring off towards the east. Something just wasn't right and that Razaji was plaguing Rintels mind. -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- -=An epic ride=- [img]http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs12/i/2006/289/6/5/Chinese_city_by_aiRaGe.jpg[/img] An explosion rocked the Ararllian city of Mosian. Fires billowed from collapsed structures and the screams of Jestua could be heard for miles. Kadian soldiers rushed in to the city, brandishing swords and began slaughtering the men and women fleeing for their lives. The children were saved, of course. "Destroy it all!" a maniacal voice screamed. Laughter could be heard as cannon fire erupted once more, destroying holy places and eventually what would look like a broadside barrage of cannon balls slammed into the Capitol building of the now falling empire. "Keep pushing men! push!!! do not stop until this nation is destroyed!!" The voice shouted. Behind him, the great avatar of Justinian Magnus drug three chains through the forests.. on these chains were the three dead Ararllian gods.. smitten with extreme prejudice. Their bodies laid out as a fisherman would do to a pitiful catch. Justinian gave a nod to the voice and as that voice grew in to laughter, a face became visible. A man in his 40's with a cap resembling a top hat smiled from what seemed to be ear to ear as the sound of clanking steel started to deafen out his laughs. As the view panned out, he was seen standing upon the deck of a cruiser with the guns firing and troops firing Scipos on the top deck in to the city. As the image panned out further to reveal the cruiser smashing through the walls of a fortified building. Massive Spiked steel wheels crushed everything in its path.. the guns did a full broadside, destroying an entire company of fleeing soldiers while below Kadian troops rose the banner over what was left of the Ararllian capitol.. The man on the deck extended his arms and leaned his head back. "I am the conquered!" he proclaimed and from behind him, Hadrian himself bowed. "I believe you've earned the throne.. my lord." The man closed his eyes and could feel the wind blow over his body, fire lit the background as even more of these wheeled warships were firing in the distance... another, younger voice seemed to echo through the world, "hey!" "HEY!" The man shook his head to see.... that this epic fantasy was a mere fiction, a pleasant one at least. "You bastard!" the man said, "But but, you told me to wake you in an hour!".. "Damn it, I did.." The younger man handed the older man a bowl of some sort of food, "Here you are Mr Karstum." he said. "Thank you Pawpo.. I had a grand dream... and with it came an idea." The young man, Pawpo cocked his head. "Another dream?" he frowned a bit, "I didn't like the horse drawn catapult too much." Karstum stood up, tossing the now empty bowl to the floor. Pawpo reached out as if to catch the bowl but just sighed. "That was my favorite horse that you used.." Karstum smiled and walked to Pawpo, eventually laying his hand on the young mans shoulder. "The horse was old anyway." and then he moved past him and out to a field. This field had giant ruts in the ground, cannons both fixed and on wheeled carriages... Scipos.. odd shaped swords and a huge crossbow mounted on a wood pole. "The idea.. We need a carriage!" Pawpo frowned.. knowing this was going to get worse. -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Wedding collaboration presented by Monkeypants and DAWNSTAR. -=A Bright Future=- As the sun rose in the land of Ma' Hurcazak, distant black sails appeared on the horizon. These black ships of the Kadian navy sped towards the quiet city of Hizeram. From the lead black ship, Alma stood on the deck, looking at the green country ahead. She held her hand over her heart.. It was beating very fast as she was nervous but this feeling was deserved for it was a day of high significance, her wedding day. She could feel the gentle breeze from the wind that carried her towards her destination. The water became choppy though and the vessel rose up on a wave and then came crashing back down, sending gallons of water on to the deck. Common among all ships but new to her and as she stood there, now soaking wet and standing in a puddle of water, marines ran to her aid. "My lady, perhaps it would be best to stay below deck?" one said. She replied, obviously upset, "Yeah, that'd be best." She turned abruptly and walked towards the middle of the ship where a door to the inside was located. Before she could make it, a puddle at her feet was deeper than she had anticipated and upon walking through it, she fell on her rear. "My lady!" the marine said as he walked to her. She stood up and tried to brush herself off but all she succeeded in doing was making her dress worse off. The marine just stood there as she started to laugh. "I was never too fond of this garment to begin with." The marine gave out a pity laugh to ease her mind and with that, she opened the hatch and disappeared into the vessel. It wasn't long before the ship had arrived at the dock. The morning had arrived and with it the detachment of marines guarding the carriage. Inside was Azakir Jakim, the most liked and well respected man in Ma' Hurcazak. What would a politician have to do with the port of Hizeram? The answer was quite simple, he was there to meet his bride. It had been a long time since they had met and it felt even longer for Azakir than just ten years. His heart raced and his hands were clamy. The chill breeze of the North blew gently through the open window and woke Azakir from his daze. The two other council members, Na'hura and Yignaus, were staring at him in wonder. Azakir was young for his race but he was also getting married to a woman he hadn't seen in years. The discussion that had come up when Azakir announced his marriage was a tense one, yet it was Na'hura and Yignaus who supported him the most. The three had known each other for years, though on Na'hura's side it was through the correspondences that she sent them. They wanted to meet the young lady who had so easily stolen their friend's heart. "It seems you are worried Aza. If it is because you are reconsidering the marriage then it must be reasoned. But, I see no reason that shows you question the validity of your love. Are you worried that perhaps things have changed in her over the years?" Na'hura said calmly to Azakir. Yignaus and Na'hura knew how much this meant to Azakir, if anything changed he might just have questioned the marriage. But, Azakir was always an optimist and believed that Alma hadn't changed at all. "No, it is not her love that I question. It is the upcoming debates we have in the Council. We must talk on making Harnians citizens and this might open old wounds. Nobody wants to remind the public of the War." Azakir said as he hid his nervousness. Though he was speaking true to his heart, there was a small part of him that was worried about the marriage. He was not willing to give Alma a wedding he believed was not what she was due. She was willing to wait this long; he knew he must make it worth her time. The carriage came to a halt as a cool breeze smelling of salt and fresh bread wafted through the open window. They had arrived at the docks, it was finally time for Azakir to see the woman he fell in love with so long ago once more. As the boarding planks lowered, men in leather with interwoven polished steel armor began moving down the ramp. They were covenant holy marines and with perfect and precise movement, they paved a way through the crowd and formed a perfect box for the new arrivals to arrive in to. A younger man with beautiful ornate armor was the first non marine to walk down the ramp. As he made his way down, marines saluted but he never returned one, Upon reaching solid ground, he walked towards the young Azakir and gave a slight bow, "Greetings from the Kadian Covenant, I am Cyrus, a knight from my homeland tasked with bearing a gift of immense value. Welcome her as you would your king, as she should be just as important." He stepped aside, (not giving whom ever he spoke to, a chance to speak.. cause Cyrus is a boss like that) extending his hand towards a robed and hooded figure appearing on the top of the ramp. The figures large hood masked the face but as the body moved, it swayed at the hips which was a obvious trait of a female. As she reached the base of the ramp, Cyrus moved to her and stood behind her and with a soft tone she said "please". Her voice may have been recognizable after all this time. Cyrus quickly, yet very carefully removed the hood and long robes she had, revealing the young woman, Alma. Her hair shifted in the breeze and her attire, a sleeveless tunic, rippled from the oceans breeze. She looked up, now completely visible, to see [i]him[/i] Azakir's face lit up at the sight of his beloved's face ]which caused Alma to blush. It had been ten years since they had seen each other, something that had Alma on edge every night. Na'hura and Yignaus stood to the back and looked over the young Knight Cyrus. He had a confident air about him and the two were willing to bet that he was more so here to watch Alma rather than Azakir. Azakir wished that he could rush and grab her in his arms but that would not be gentleman like. Azakir walked up to Alma and took her hand. He lightly raised it to his mouth and kissed it. "My lady, it is nice to see you once more after so long. Sorry for such a heavy welcoming party but I would not be willing to take a chance with your safety. We have a carriage waiting for you to take you to the manor outside the city where you can get prepared. But first, let me introduce you to Councilwoman Na'hura and Councilman Yignaus." Azakir said as he walked her over to the two. She was very nervous at this point, constantly looking back to Cyrus for some sort of emotional comfort. She eventually crept around Azakir to present herself to his friends. "This woman with golden hair is Na'hura Alessie, former Queen of Ma' Hurcazak. And this stout but trustworthy dwarf is Yignaus Akave, inventor of our very own 'clean coal'. They have known me from the rebellion and are great friends of mine. They are some of the few in the Council who support our marriage." Azakir said. Alma turned from her groom to be as Na'hura curtsied and Yignaus kissed Alma's hand. Azakir was still nervous but, when he looked back at the Silver Sea, he was reminded of the the day they met. Even more strange was that it was almost the same breeze as that day, before the revolution when things were in turmoil, before he would be separated from her. That day.. Alma smiled brightly as the ship arrived at the docks.. the city was a lot different back then, smaller? it was so long ago in her memory. A sailor walked to her and extended his hand. "My lady, we have arrived.. lets get this under way." Hours passed as they offloaded the ship, holy books and cheap clothing was brought fourth. Children and adults alike gathered around and she overheard whispering about the newcomers,. "From another land? how far?", "Are they here to fight?", "Why do they bring clothes?", "I hear they are Justinians." It went on and on. The priest that had accompanied her began to preach to the crowd, some left as he spoke but the ones that stayed were given new and clean clothing. The ones in rags looked the new garments and could only smile and listen to the charity that the Kadians brought. Alma brought out a map and started looking at marks on the map, locations of small settlements around the area. "All right" she said, pointing at the first one. "Lets go--" she paused and looked up to see a young man in the distance. She felt some sort of immediate curiosity towards him, like a spell had been cast over her eyes. Her entourage kept talking but she couldn't hear them anymore, her vision had become a tunnel and he was a light at the end of it. "Alma!" "ALMA!" rang out in her head and she closed her eyes hard.. with a hard shake of her head, she broke free from the trance. She looked at the one immediately to her left, "Yeah, yes.. sorry" . The man looked at her then towards the young man in the distance, "Do you know him?"There was a brief silence between the man and Alma before she responded. "I.. can't say I know him. But, it feels like I have seen him somewhere before." Alma said to the sailor. Azakir had noticed the distraction but decided to brush it off as just a coincidence. The sailor was bit put off by Alma's response as she came off a bit distant. She felt compelled to question her memory on the man but could not bring anything to mind. Azakir was patient as the last few boxes were being off loaded, There was much to worry about but it seemed as if being in Alma's presence made Azakir calm. The Marines had been running from the ships to the carts that were to hold the goods that Alma had brought with her. It took a few hours before all the crates were unloaded and ready to set off. The Sun was near its quarter point by the time the carriages were ready to set off. Cyrus and Alma were put into a second carriage while Azakir and the others were put into the same carriage they had arrived in. Na'hura and Yignaus were smiling at Azakir when he stepped into the carriage. "What," Azakir innocently stated as he looked at the two, "is there some secret joke that you two have that you aren't telling me about?" Azakir was surprised that the two had burst out laughing. As the laughing subsided, Na'hura spoke up. "It is nothing but the fact that we are amazed. At first we doubted your love for this woman who you hadn't seen in so long. Yet, the look on your face showed the love you have for her. I honestly believe that you and her are the perfect match." Na'hura said. Azakir blushed slightly, though not noticeable, and looked out the window. I hope she still feels the same about me as I do for her. Azakir's thoughts were distracted as the carriage started moving. It would be about an hour before they reached the manor where the wedding was being held. That hour passed, and the next, and the next. As the Manor began to fill up, Alma could only stare out of the grand windows of her room. The place was elegant beyond all measure, fitting for the event she was about to attend. Alma was surprisingly calm though, her parents and maids rushing around for the last minute details. Outside, she could see Azakir for a mere second but it was enough to calm her. "This spell he has me under.." she said. Her mother stepped up, "A spell? there is no spell.. it is a special connection that is beyond any magic ever known or will ever be known. there is no spell for the heart.". Alma gave a warm smile and closed her eyes only to be interrupted.. "ow!" she snapped as her mother leaned around to face Alma. "Too tight?". Alma's face was red with pain and her eyes closed hard. "Yes, too tight" her mother said before loosening it. Outside, Cyrus stood quietly at the door, watching the people move quickly in and out.. "it's not like they knew this day was coming a year in advance". He looked around and then crossed his arms.he then let out a sigh, "Where is he?" Near by, Azakir was talking to the Marine Commander, Vance Tiborn. "I want you and your soldiers to make sure there is no chance of anybody getting injured here today. Every person who enters must be frisked by both a Marine and a Mage before they are allowed in. Should any fights break out, your men are to Escort the fighters out. Do not, under any circumstance, harm a single hair on the bodies of anybody here." Azakir told Vance as he was tying a indigo stained cape to his armor. It was the same armor he had worn before the Rebellion began and Alma was forced out of Ma' Hurcazak. It had more scratches than it did back then but it still fit. Vance had left Azakir standing alone by a bush of flowers. The flowers were pink roses, the same roses that Azakir had brought to Alma after he told her he loved her. It was fitting that he had a bush planted at the manor after the Rebellion. That moment made Azakir remember that he had forgotten something very important. He ran into the Manor and up to the top floor where he opened his desk. Inside sat a small pocket prayer book who's pages were stained and cover had dirt on it. He let out a sigh as he opened the page and looked over his vows inside. The small prayer book was then placed in his breast pocket as a bell rang. The one ring notified everyone that it was one o'clock, a half hour from when the wedding was to begin. Soon, Azakir would be face to face with his fiance once more and he could barely stop himself from rushing to her room and hugging her. -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- Other events, As per requested by the Sacrosanct, an small detachment of 800 soldiers has been dispatched from Kadia to assess the situation. they will meet up with the sacrosanct soldiers at the borders of Ironmarch roughly the same time.