The Legend of Tristian
posted September 4, 2009 - 4:53pm
THE LEGEND OF TRISTIAN
A BEGINING
By Logan Brengle
Night had fallen across the land of Kinn when the fog rolled in. The full moon hung low in the sky piercing the dense fog with its illicit rays. A gentile breeze blew that night carrying on it a demonic stench that the people of Kinn haven’t smelt in a great many eons. The rancid smell of death and rotting corpses. The town itself was nestled in a deep valley of the Rifted Mountains. Only the bravest of men from the village dared to wander beyond the mountains, however most never returned. The last man to leave Kinn was Dread Fallhammer the town blacksmith, Dread set out to find one piece of a magical element that could only be found on the dark side of the mountains.
The rider of the south who followed the stench he carried with him a very large blade which was dripping with blood of those he fell on the way to Kinn. As he reached the Tavern of The Old Guard the moonlight seemed to only be on this mysterious rider and his gigantic mount. The rider hitched his mount to the rail and lumbered inside. The tavern was filled with open beams draped in maroon crushed velvet tapestries. A chandelier of the bones of banshee which were some of the nastiest creatures of the realm hung at the highest point of the ceiling. The patrons mingled with each other in many colors that even the most skilled dye man would cringe at. The crowd scattered as he found his seat at the bar. The rider ordered a drink of the finest wine of the realm and downed it. The barkeep got a look at his disfigured face. The Rider stood well over seven feet tall with Jet black hair and almost blood red eyes his face was that of a battle scarred Elf only darker. Broken teeth and missing chunks of skin adorn his freakish face.
“Where is the one they call Tristian?” he asked spewing wine all across the tavern.
“Who wants to know?” the barkeep asked covering his head with a towel.
“Seeker Death.” The rider said plainly.
“Well I am Rathier Fallhammer, Tristian’s brother.” The barkeep said wiping his face and the bar after Seekers eruption of wine.
Rathier was the eldest of the Fallhammer children. Rathier stood about 5 feet tall with flowing blonde hair. Rathier’s face was still innocent for being as old as he was. His eyes sparkled like little emeralds inside his eye sockets. Rather had not taken the normal Fallhammer path which was to become a blacksmith. Instead Rathier chose to become the proprietor of the Tavern of The Old Guard. Rathier found that running the tavern was less stressful than smithing, and a whole lot more lucrative. Rathier reached for the sword he kept hidden under the bar. Seeker saw this out of his burning eyes. Rathier drew the sword with almost lightning quickness.
Seeker lumbered to his feet and drew his large mangled great sword. Rathier saw the mangled heap of steel dripping with blood and carcass parts come hurling down towards him. Rathier moved with a blur out of the gigantic blades way.
“We valley folk are quick aren’t we?” Rathier remarked as he dodged yet another blow from the mangled sword.
“Not quick enough.” Seeker said throwing a short sword into Rathier’s sky blue tunic right above the shoulder pinning him to the oak cask behind him.
“Where is your brother Tristian.” Seeker said again as he advanced on the now helpless valley folk.
“I’ll never tell you. You half demon from hell!” Rathier yelled at the advancing Seeker.
Seeker kept advancing upon Rathier laughing hysterically for a demon. The tavern got deathly silent as Seeker wrapped his mammoth hand around Rathier’s neck. Seeker began to squeeze until he heard the very satisfying sound of Rathier’s breath being choked out. Rathier held out as long as he could but Seeker overcame that perseverance and won. Rathier’s body went limp as Seeker let it fall to the floor. The moment Rathier’s lifeless body hit the floor the door to the tavern flew. The night air came flooding in. Every head in the bar instantaneously turned toward the door. Masked in the shadow of the door stood a 6 foot tall silhouette with only the steel of the twin long swords catching pockets of moonlight.
The figure came through the door with her cloak buttoned the way to the top. She quickly scanned the room before locking eyes with Seeker. The hooded figure strode toward the seeker never showing fear or hesitation. The light seemed to bend to her will never truly showing her figure. She flung down her monk like hood as she raised her twin long swords above her head and broke into a run towards Seeker. There were a few quick flashes of steel and the sound of blades hitting each other only lasted a total of a few seconds. The stranger stood over Seekers now dead body with blood all over her shirt and cloak.
The stranger scanned the room again looking for the barkeep whom she found lying in the corner by the oak casks. Walking over to the dead Valley folk she heard the crowd whisper behind her. The stranger stopped mid step and turned to the now bewildered crowd.
“I am Sionana, princess of the land to your west.” She said with a regal air about her.
“I am looking for the one they call Tristian.” She continued.
“So was he.” A voice said out of the crowd pointing to the now dead Seeker.
“I seek his help.” Sionana said still wiping her blades clean from her earlier battle.
“With what?” A deep voice asked from a chair behind a pillar.
“A special quest.” Sionana answered searching the room for the mysterious voice.
“I am Tristian.” The voice said appearing out of nowhere, catching Sionana by surprise.
“My Lord Tristian, We the Ferrians humbly ask for your help returning our lost elder whom controls the moods of the sea.” Sionana said bowing her head low as to not meet Tristian’s eyes.
“I want to hear what they have to say.” Tristian said pointing behind Sionana.
There was a large group of feral looking creatures almost human and not quite elf standing in the doorway. The group moved through the doorway and surrounded Tristian and Sionana. Tristian out of pure reaction drew his broadsword and stood between Sionana and the group. The group laughed a collective laugh as they all lowered their pikes towards Tristian and Sionana. Sionana drew out of reaction as well. Tristian and Sionana looked over the group and Sionana recognized one of the symbols on the group’s armor.
“Gentlemen, we have no need for violence.” Sionana said as she lowered her swords.
“Sionana they will kill us given the chance.” Tristian said looking at Sionana in utter disbelief.
“Tristian I know you do not know me from a sea retch but trust me ok.” Sionana said lowering his sword for him.
“Korok, tell the men to wait out side.” Sionana ordered the leader of the group pointing to the door of the tavern.
“As you command majesty.” Korok said turning to the group behind him.
“Sionana, who are these men?” Tristian asked moving to the farthest table in the room.
“Those were the Ferrians. The Ferrians are from the west in my kingdom.” Sionana said locking eyes with Tristian.
“Are they with you?” Tristian asked still weary of Korok who was constantly shadowing Sionana.
“Well that’s a long story, but basically Korok’s family was killed in the wars and he found his way to my castle doors. I listened to his story and felt compelled to take him on as the captain of my own personal guard. He told me that there were only 30 of his kind left, so I decided to make the remaining members of his kind my own guard replacing the ones that I already had. Korok fells that he owes me his life so he finds it proper to travel with me every where even though I can obviously take care of myself.” She said eyeballing Korok who was looking over Seeker’s body.
Sionana’s attention was drawn immediately back to Tristian because now she could see him fully. Tristian was about six feet tall very athletically built. His hair was long and the color of obsidian. Tristian’s eyes were black with golden pupils. He was not pale but not dark like Seeker. Tristian had an air of aristocracy about him with the exception of his sword and his shield. Tristian’s armor was silver and royal blue. Tristian was totally enchanted in Sionana because now he could completely see her form.
Sionana was about five feet tall. Sionana had a very worn face like that of a warrior princess, yet it was still delicate. Her hair was bleach blonde from years on the beaches of her kingdom. Her eyes were a piercing blue like that of the ocean on a clean crisp clean clear day. Sionana’s armor was a beautiful deep hunter green with silver trim. Her swords were a gift from her father to his only child. Sionana’s cloak was Royal blue and silver trim. She got it from a trader in her kingdom as a gift for helping save her child from drowning.
“Hello Korok.” Tristian said nodding to Korok who was within distance to see Sionana and Tristian.
“Korok, this is Tristian, he has agreed to help us in our quest.” Sionana said motioning for Korok to sit down.
“Hello My lord, my sword and axe are at your disposal.” Korok said lumbering to a stool to sit down.
Korok stood six feet five inches tall. His face was drawn as if he was eternally in thought. Korok’s hair was long and unkempt with two braids by his deep set grey eyes. His armor was solid black as was the Ferrian battle armor. Korok carried a long sword and a hand battle axe.
“Well now there are three of us.” Tristian said as he glanced between Sionana and Korok.
“We should leave at the break of dawn.” Korok said throwing his input into the discussion.
“We need supplies.” Sionana added leaning on the table and inching ever closer to Tristian.
“I know a shop we can go to.” Tristian said pointing to the far left wall of the tavern.
“Then let’s get to it.” Korok said moving to get up.
“Fist we need to visit my friend Torgauld.” Tristian said looking across Sionana and Korok.
“Torgauld?!” Korok exclaimed laughing hysterically. “What a name!!” He continued.
Sionana slammed the table in front of Korok snapping him out of his laughing fit. Sionana began to stand when Tristian placed his hand her wrist bringing her back to her seat. Sionana looked a Tristian with a look of disgust and anger. Korok Read Sionana’s look and began to reach for his sword. Sionana shook her head ever so slightly to let him know that it was not a good idea at this time because the would most definitely die. About that time the tavern door opened and in came another silhouette. Tristian, Sionana, and Korok all looked toward the door. Tristian stood up and began to stride to the door. The figure stepped into the light of the tavern.
“Torgauld?” Tristian asked cocking his head to one side.
“I am hurt Tristian.” Torgauld said as he stumbled forward to reveal a drik in the side of his armor.
“Sionana….come help me here!” Tristian yelled catching his friends dying body.
Sionana rushed to Tristian’s side but she was too late. Torgauld was dead on the floor. His blood began to pool around his chest and neck. The Dirk was embedded up to the hilt in Torgauld's skin and armor. Sionana pulled the dagger out and found the reason for his quick death and why he just passed out like he did. The dagger was covered in some kind green slime. Sionana recognized it right away as a poison from the south lands. Korok made his was to the body along with Tristian and Sionana. Korok looked at the drik and quickly picked it up and put it into his tunic.
“I know where this came from.” Korok said getting up from the blood soaked floor.
“As do I.” Sionana said using Korok for leverage to get up.
“Where?” Tristian asked as he rose to meet the other two.
“The southern most tip of this land.” Korok said looking for a map but failing at it.
“Let’s go now.” Tristian said as he moved out the door. “I have mounts for us.” He continued moving past the Ferrians.
The three of them along with the Ferrians ran to Tristian’s personal stable where they found a team of four jet black horses and a wagon. Korok looked around the wagon and nodded. Korok spotted the two other mounts which weren’t exactly horses. Korok move in to get a better look when Tristian stepped in between him and the mysterious mounts. Behind Tristian came a tower of fire and ash. Tristian, Sionana, and Korok along with the other Fererians all looked to the south.
“Can you drive this Korok?!” Tristian shouted over the screaming over the menacing flaming balls of earth raining down on them.
“I can!” Korok returned against the same thunderous racket of the earthen meteorites.
“Hitch it up and gather the men!” Sionana screamed at the top of her already hurting lungs.
“Sionana, you’re with me!” Tristian yelled as he pulled her to his mysterious mounts.
“Are these……..” Sionana started and was interrupted.
“Dragons!” Tristian finished as he helped her on to her dragon.
“Yes!” he screamed at the top of his lungs.
“Ready!” he shouted to Sionana and Korok who both nodded in agreement.
“Let us be off!” Tristian said willing his dragon to fly.
The dragons and the wagon began moving westward towards the mountains. The hail of molten earth continued as the three impetuous adventurers continued on their journey. The Rifted Mountains began to look more and more ominous as they drew closer to them. Korok suddenly stopped the wagon with a loud whistle. Sionana and Tristian both looked down to see Korok engaged in a conversation with a miniscule creature. Sionana turned her dragon to get a better look at the little midget creature. Tirstian was the first to coax his dragon into land. Sionana was not far behind. As Sionana and Tristian dismounted their dragons they walked over to the figure who was rambling on to Korok.
“Well Hullo there.” The voice said as it seemed to move out from behind the triangle the three of them had made.
“What drags you to Proden’s world?” The voice said as he looked up at the three of them.
“Proden?” Tristian asked. “Is that your name?” he continued as he kneeled down to shake the small creature’s hand.
“It is.” Proden said puffing out his chest and widening his stance a bit..
“Glad to meet you.” Sionana interjected. “I’m Sionana.” She continued kneeling just as Tristian did.
“This is my guard captain Korok.” Sionana said pointing to Korok who was already beginning to set up camp.
Korok turned to Proden and gave a half hearted salute. Korok continued to set up camp as night fell upon the group. Korok was struggling to make a fire when a fire ball hit the bundle of dried straw and grass that was on the bottom of a very nicely set up fire pit. Korok nearly jumped out of his skin when the kindling ignited into a nice sized fire. When he finally brought himself out of his minor shock, he looked around wildly his glare finally landing on Proden who was giggling wildly.
“What were you thinking!” Korok yelled breaking into a sprint towards the giggling Proden.
“Korok stop!” Sionana commanded stepping between them.
“Korok, he was only playing.” Tristian said trying not to laugh too hard at Korok.
“Come Proden join us for dinner.” Tristian said offering him a seat next to Korok.
“Tristian, we forgot supplies.” Sionana said very plainly as she looked through the wagon and other miscellaneous bags that were lying about the camp.
“No problem.” Proden said diving into a hole for like two seconds and returning with mound upon mounds of food and drink.
“Thank you very much.” Tristian said gorging himself on turkey legs and wine.
“Proden?” Sionana asked trying to swallow a mouthful of bread.
“What exactly are you?” She continued as she swallowed the bread with the help of some wine.
“Well I’m a Fae Gnome mix.” Proden said climbing rocks to get to some height where he could see every one.
Proden was less than 4 feet tall with bright blue hair and grey eyes. Proden had light armor and carried two daggers and a throwing hammer. Proden was from a rich family on both the fae side and the Gnome side. Proden had knowledge of magic which he used to make up for his height disadvantage. Proden was also very good at seeing in the dark.
“Proden, I would like to ask you something.” Sionana looked directly at Proden and smiled slyly.
“What.” Proden responded his head popping up with interest.
“Want to join us?” Sionana asked before she covered with her cloak to go to sleep.
“Why lemme think…..Ok.” He responded shoot vertical from his lying position.
“Now we have 4.” Tristian said as he glanced around the circle that was forming around the fire.
“There certainly are.” Sionana said nodding off to sleep.
“We will start at dawn.” Tristian said following Sionana into the land of slumber.
The dawn sun shattered the darkness with its harsh rays. The sun’s rays bounced around the valley floor and bounded across the mountains to where the party was camped. As the light became stronger the circle of adventurers began to stir and wake. First up was Tristian as was the case on most days. Tristian was up always before the sun when he stayed at the castle. The servants were the only ones up before he was. The next to awaken was Sionana. Sionana was not used to being awake this early. She stayed in her bed chamber until late in the day when the sun was almost setting. Her heralds and servants would leave her dinner by the door to her bed chamber.
Korok was the next to be awakened, but not by the sun. Korok awoke to a small finger poking him in the forehead and nose. “You awake yet?” is all the voice repeated over and over. Korok found himself looking around startled for the little voice that he heard in his stupor. Korok came to the conclusion that is was most definitely Proden. Korok was a Ferrian warrior so the cold dampness of the early morning was of no consequence to him. Korok made his way to the wagon here the Ferrians were asleep and awoke them. As the Ferrians worked Korok looked around for the halfbreed Proden. Proden appeared out of his hole with a pile of Bogskipper eggs, and juice for the four adventurers.
“Are we ready to head out?” Tristian asked securing his dragon to the nearest tree then saying something to it in Draconic.
“I am.” Proden said proudly as he strapped on his adventurers pack.
“Me too. Sionana said standing proudly fidgeting with her cloak.
“Almost ready.” Korok said fiddling with his last minute adjustments to his tent.
“Ready.” Korok continued as he grabbed his weapons and joined the other three.
“Proden you lead since this is your land.” Triatian said motioning for Proden to come to the front.
Proden took the lead position as they began down a soppy muddy trail that lead into the deepest realms of the southern kingdom. The woodlands became thicker and thicker as they progressed down the trail. Finally the trees blocked out the sun completely so Proden had to use a light spell to illuminate the trail in front. The trail went on for what seemed like one hundred miles when in fact it was only three. Suddenly Proden stopped and signaled for the others to come to him. Tristian, Sionana, and Korok flanked Proden. Now the four formed a line across the trail so that no one or nothing could go through or around them.
Proden pointed to the tree line in front of them without making a sound. Tristian nodded in agreement motioning for Sionana to follow him. Korok started to move but Sionana stopped him with a hand gesture. Korok sulked back to Proden with the most dejected look on his face. Tristian and Sionana advanced to the tree line. They were about five meters away when a Rift beast leaped from the trees. Sionana drew her long swords as the rift beast jumped over their heads. Tristan’s broad sword came flying from its sheath and was ready before the beast landed in front of them.
The beast turned to face them. The rift beast growled at them showing its teeth as it slowly stalked toward them. Sionana and Tristian slowly backed away from the massive beast. Sionana sensed that they were going to be pinned between the tree line and the beast sooner than later. Sionana sprang over the beast flipping three times and landing behind it. Tristian moved his sword between his hands to throw off the beasts timing. The beast was tracking Tristian’s sword the way a cat track a stray bird or a mouse. Tristian’s heart was pounding as he stared into the beasts pitch black eyes.
The Rift beast moved to strike at Tristian. Triatian moved away from the strike with cat like speed. Sionana leaped into the air landed on the enormous back of the beast. As she landed she drove both of her swords into the formidable beasts flesh. The rift beast let out a blood curdling howl as Sionana’s swords drove deeper and deeper into its back. The beast’s head completely obscured Sionana’s view of the forest and everything in front of her. The beast raised its head to try to bite Sionana. Tristian’s blade landed with precision accuracy several times across the beast’s throat as a fountain of murky brown blood came from the wounds. The beast’s blood infested Tristian’s armor, mouth, eyes, and nose. Sionana clambered from the beast’s corpse and hurried to it’s now dead head to find Tristian dripping the murky brown blood.
“Oh thank the gods!” Sionana screamed as she saw Tirstian standing there listless and tired.
“What.” Tristian panted in return trying to remove the foul taste from his mouth.
“You didn’t get eaten!” Sionana quipped excitedly, hugging him tightly.
“Sionana, Tristian!” Korok called running up the trail drawing his sword and axe.
“We’re over here!” Sionana yelled waving her arms above the beast’s skull.
Proden had followed Korok up the trail and was looking quizzically at the corpse. The half breed had never ventured this far out of his home before. Korok thought the beast looked familiar to him as he got closer to it. Korok paused for a moment looking at the dead hulk of the beast as his head began swimming with images from his past. Korok’s mental flashback was interrupted by Prodens loud footsteps on the dry leaves. Proden saw Tristian and Sionana standing there looking over the dead Rift beast. As they pondered the beast Korok grabbed Sionana’s blades and walked them over to her.
“What is this thing?” Tristian asked still trying to catch his breath.
“I think it’s called a Rift beast.” Proden answered taking in the whole thing.
“A Rift beast.” Tristian said contemplating the creature’s massive construction.
“That makes sense.” Sionana quipped as she wiped her swords clean of the brown muck on the blades.
“Proden, can we use this thing for any purpose?” Korok asked pointing to the corpse of the Rift beast.
“Not that I know of.” Proden answered straining to think of a use for the carcass.
“Then let’s continue.” Tristian said finally free of the foul Rift beast blood as he moved to the trail.
“Yes.” Sionana said resheathing her swords and moving to the trail.
“I agree.” Korok added as he followed Sionana to the trail.
“Count me in.” Proden said moving to his position in the front of the party.
The trail wound its way through the Valley of tortured souls which was an ominous place filled with the skeletons of the many who had dared venture here before. The sun was almost invisible now except for a few strands of light that infiltrated the valley making it even eerier than it was. Many a creature lost their lives there in that valley. As the valley walls narrowed Tristian grabbed Proden by the shoulder. Proden stopped when he felt the pressure of Tristian’s hand on his shoulder.
“Proden you should move to the middle of us.” Tristian said scanning what little of the horizon he could see.
“Why?” Proden asked almost whining.
“Safety.” Tristian answered, “You are the only one who can lead us through this god forsaken place and I don’t want you ending up like these poor souls.” Tristian continued picking up bones.
“The rest of us should be prepared for anything.” He continued, looking at Korok and Sionana, drawing his sword and placing his shield on his arm.
Sionana and Korok nodded in agreement and drew their weapons. The four of them continued deeper into the valley. The rays of the sun were now fleeting away as dusk approached. The valley became quiet as a tomb as the four of them continued across the floor of it. Tristian kept scanning for any signs of life in this lifeless valley, to no avail. All there were was the bones of Minotars and humans and elves. There was a distinct sense through the group that they were being watch as they move through the valley. Tristian stopped suddenly noticing a pair of fire red eyes piercing the darkness and staring right at him.
“Proden can you hit that?” Tristian whispered pointing to the mass of bones from which the eyes originated.
“I think so.” Proden answered readying himself for a spell.
“Then do so.” Tristian said. As he moved to one side allowing Proden to have line of sight to the pile.
“Ok.” Proden said as he started to chant something in Faespeak and channeled energy for his fireball spell.
Proden launched the fireball into the bone pile scattering it to the winds. The eyes belonged to a ravager beast. The ravager beast lived on bones but occasionally liked to have live victims. The beast began moving toward the party at a full on gallop. Tristian, Sionana, and Korok got into their fighting stances as the ravager came closer.
“Proden….” Sionana said moving up to be even with Proden.
“Yes.” Proden responded drawing his throwing hammer.
“Hide!” Tristian shouted as he deflected a bite from the ravager.
Proden found himself a nice hidey hole in a rock to hide in. The ravager turned to attack and was blocked again and again by Tristian’s shield. Sionana circled around behind the beast in order to try to get an advantage on it where there was no advantage to be gained. Korok Sliced at it with his axe knocking pieces of bone away ad he did. Korok noticed that the ravager was weakening as the bones came flying off. Tristian and Sionana soon took notice of the same thing. The three of them started hacking the bones off of the ravager until the entire exoskeleton was gone, revealing a soft interior being. Tristian and Korok began slashing at the soft creature inside. The creature let out a chilling scream that froze the three of them in their tracks. Korok’s axe was buried to the hilt in the creature’s body. The ravager’s blood started to eat away the metal and wood of Koroks axe. Korok began to reach for his axe when Sionana stopped him.
“Its blood is acidic.” Sionana said pulling Korok back by his shoulder.
“Korok, do you want to loose your hand?” Triatian asked stepping between Korok and the ravager.
“What, whoa?!” Korok exclaimed finally catching sight of his dissolving axe.
“Yeah, that could have been your hand.” Sionana said as she stepped away from the blood as it splattered all over the ground.
Tristian called for Proden, but he was no where to be found. Tristian, Sionana, and Korok looked everywhere for he Gnome Fae but he was not in the valley. The three of them looked through all the piles of bones and rat carcasses. They found no trace of Proden. The three of them were digging through one of the piles of rotted bone when they heard laughing coming from the ridge above the valley. Tristian looked up and caught sight of the Gnome Fae.
“Hey guys.” Proden yelled down from the ridge. “What seems to be the problem.” He continued.
“You know of a way out?” Sionana yelled up to the half Fae.
“I do.” Proden yelled back as the pointed to a tunnel where the ravager came from.
“You want us to go through that?” Tristian said looking at the small tunnel.
“Do I look like I can fit in that?” Korok said measuring it with his hands.
“How about now.” Proden said as he motioned with his hand and the whole got bigger.
“Wow.” Korok said as he watched the whole grow to five times its size.
“Let’s go in shall we?” Tristian asked as he motioned for the other two to go in before him.
“Yes.” Sionana said going into the hole.
“Aye.” Korok responded as he followed Sionana into the dank tunnel.
Tristian was the last into the tunnel. The tunnel twisted and turned and carved its way to the top of the valley. Sionana emerged first from the hole on the top of the valley. She was followed by Korok and Tristian. As the four of them met up at the top of the ridge night was fully upon the party. Tristian, Sionana, Korok, and Proden were engulfed in the ominous darkness. A sudden feeling of apprehension filled the air like a virus infecting everything in its path. Tristian was the first to notice the almost electric intensity as he scanned the horizon for an impending doom. Sionana was the next to feel it as she jolted into an automatic defensive posture and began like Tristian to scan the horizon. Korok soon was affected too his hand reaching for his sword. Proden was the only one who seemed to know the reason for this surge of apprehension that filled the air and permeated the three non Fae members of his party.
“Still yourselves.” Proden said quietly enough for Tristian, Sionana, and Korok to hear. “I am familiar with this surge as I had felt it in my youth.” He continued.
“What is it?” Tristian asked as he moved to a more tactically advantageous point of view.
“It’s the lost souls of the valley you were just in.” Proden said looking out to the horizon.
“Why do they want us?” Sionana asked spinning around to try to see the supernatural invaders.
“They don’t.” Proden said as he focused his sight on the farthest point on the horizon.
“Then what do they want?” Korok asked looking to the four winds for any sign of a physical being.
“Closure.” Proden said very succinctly as he started to shrink away from the group.
“Closure?” Tristian asked still looking for a physical target.
“From what?” Sionana added moving closer to Tristian.
“Closure from the underworld.” Proden answered starting to chant again.
“We can give them that.” Korok said readying his sword for battle.
The four of them watched as a cloud seemed to be forming on the horizon. The cloud was similar to the storm clouds only with much more gruesome consequences. The cloud covered half the land around it and was picking up speed as it went. As the cloud moved closer the forms of tortured and tormented souls became visible. The cries coming from the cloud was like that of a troll being slaughtered without warning of forethought. Tristian, Sionana, Korok, and Proden stood ready to attack whatever came their way in that cloud.
“I will have yours souls for my collection.” A voice said. “I am the one who you fear.” The voice continued.
“Who are you?” Tristian asked stepping forward to meet the cloud.
“I am what they call in your tongue, a collector.” The voice said as the cloud turned from black to red.
“We stand ready to die.” Korok said as he moved to be in line with Tristian.
“A collector of souls.” Sionana whispered to herself as she watched in horror while the cloud enveloped a whole town.
“You are correct, Ferrian princess.” The collector said as the cloud moved closer to the four adventurers.
“Tristian we need to get as far away from this thing as possible.” Sionana said recounting her childhood.
“I agree we should.” Korok said as he looked for a way out.
“No!” Tristian said turning to face the cloud.
“How are we going to face this thing?” Sionana asked moving to join Tristian and Korok.
“Where there is hope there is always a way.” Tristian said as his sword began to have a blue glow around it.
“Tristian what’s happening?” Sionana said looking over at Tristian as he began to transform into something not of this world.
“The reckoning has begun.” Tristian said as wings sprouted from his back and his eyes turned from black with golden pupils to a radiant blue.
Tristian’s armor shifted from silver and royal blue to black and crimson. The wings looked like a cross between a bat’s and an angel. Tirstian grew by forty feet and his strength grew by one hundred times. The sword that Tristian had became a sword that was made completely of fire yet it did not burn Tristian. Tristian leaped into the air with a giant flap of his wings.
“You are the one I saw in my dreams.” Sionana said as she stared up at the now transformed Tristian.
“I am.” A booming voice said coming from Tristian’s mouth.
“Come Ferrian, It is time to fulfill your destiny.” The collector said still invisible in the cloud.
“I will not let you take her.” Tristian said in his angelic form flying down to stand in front of Sionana.
“Very well half breed, then you can take her place.” The collector said moving the cloud over Tirstian.
“If you think you can kill me minion.” Tristian said. “Try.” He continued as he crouched into his fighting position. His flame sword at the ready.
“Another time perhaps.” The collector said as the cloud dissipated then finally vanished all together.
“Never forget what you are.” A voice said in Tristian’s head.
Tristian was back to normal now. He was very listless and weak. Korok and Sionana stayed by him while Proden went to seek the local healer who had escaped the Collectors path. The healer and Proden made it back just before dawn. Tristian was lying on the ground nearing death as Sionana and Korok hovered over him giving him sips of water from their water bladders. The healer saw the two hovering over Tristian and quickly shoved them out of the way. The healer made a tonic of a few herbs that were in his bag and the roots of a few plants around the makeshift camp. He then wafted it under Tirstian’s nose two or three times before Tristian jolted into consciousness. The healer looked at Tristian as if he’d seen a ghost.
“Welcome back lad.” The healer said “We thought you had gone to join the gods.” He continued.
“Who are you?” Tristian asked looking right at the healer.
“I am Tor Beldawn.” The healer said as he helped Tristian up to a reclined position.
“I am Tristian.” Tristian returned the greeting still somewhat dizzy from the tonic.
“Are you feeling ok Tristian?” Tor asked sitting beside him on the cold ground.
“Except for The voices in my head I am well.” Tristian said looking at Tor.
“Voices?” Tor asked curiously.
“Yes.” Tristian answered as he finally got his footing to stand.
“You don’t know what you are do you?” Tor asked standing in front of Tristian.
“I am a human.” Tristian responded flatly looking at Tor like he was crazy.
“You are so much more my boy.” Tor said placing his hand on Tristian’s shoulders.
“Am I.” Tristian said flatly turning to Tor with a look of disdain.
“You and your friends are welcome at my hovel this evening and I suggest all of you come.” Tor said moving away from the group to the trail and motioning for the group to follow.
Tristian, Sionana, Korok, and Proden grouped for a moment with Tristian leaning on Korok for support as he was still feeling the affects of this transformation. They talked amongst themselves and came to the decision to go to the healer’s hovel. The group of five made their way down the trail about three miles to where the healer’s hovel was. The healer opened the door to his hovel ad invited hid four guests in. The healers hovel was a simple dwelling made of straw and mud. The furnishings were made of strong wood and thatched backs. The fireplace in the corner crackled with the light of the fire which Tor had lit earlier. Tor invited his guests to sit around his medium table. Tristian, Sionana, Korok, and Proden each pulled up a chair and sat down. Tor brought food and drink for the six of them. They ate the meat of the wild fowl that Tor had killed earlier; they enjoyed the elven spirits that he brought to the table. Tor began to look at Tristian and his party as they finished their meal he began to speak.
“Tristian do you know what you are?” Tor asked as he lit his pipe.
“I only know what I have been told.” Tristian replied shaking the cloudiness out of his head.
“And what is that.” Tor said quizzically shifting forward to more easily hear what Tristian had to say.
“I am Tristian Fallhammer son of Dread Fallhammer, I was raised a blacksmith’s son I joined the army of Kinn at the age of 12 as a Paige. I always knew I had special abilities from the time I was a child. I was told that my father had died in his quest for a special element on the other side of the Rifted Mountains. I began to wonder if it was true………” Tristian was interrupted by Tor.
“The story you were told is rubbish. Tor began. “You are the son of Dread Fallhammer that is true. “ He continued.
“You are a half breed of a human and a warrior for the gods. The abilities you have are that of a god but you still have limited powers. I noticed that you are still kind clouded from the transformation. That will go away in time. You Father Dread is not dead. Dread is back with his warriors. Not dead. Tristian you were put here to do something grand. What I can’t say, but I know it will benefit all of us. You cannot sleep well at night can you?” Tor went on as if Tristian didn’t exist. “Nightmares inhibit your sleep, you see thing that you wish you could forget. I know you Tristian just as I knew your father. Tr these lands were even in existence. The clan Fallhammer has been warriors for the gods for many eons. The gods chose your father’s, father, father as a guardian of these lands. I was fortunate enough to meet the first of the Fallhammer men to be tapped by the gods. Your great grand father is an angel Tristian. I was in charge of keeping the scrolls as a record of the Fallhammer line. I found that the line went back before even time was conceived. I was the historian for the clan so that when you, the chosen one came you would know everything that has happened in the last few centuries of your clan. Would you like to know what happened to the Fallhammers?” Tor asked as he stoked the now dying fire.
“I would.” Tristian answered as he looked for the others in his group. The other three were fast asleep by the table.
“The war between the gods and humans raged on for many eons. The Fallhammers were unfortunately caught in the destruction. Jareth Fallhammer was your great grand father he found that he was fighting a pointless war so he in essence gave up his wings for the love of an earthly woman. They had a son Pollack. Pollack was found wandering tin the woods of the Pith Mountains when the gods came and tapped him to be the guardian of a mountain town many leagues away. Pollack stood his post for many years without incident, until the second war of the gods. This war was to be the one that ended all life on all plains. Pollack found himself in the middle of a gigantic chasm that the gods put there to trap the seekers that are from the south kingdom. The seekers are interested in one thing Tristian and that is death and pestilence. They found Pollack and pulled him out of the chasm. The seekers took him to the south kingdom and tortured and soon killed your grandfather, but in his final act on this world his managed to plant the seed for another guardian. Your father, Dread.
Dread was the most interesting guardian that the gods chose. His profession was that of a blacksmith not exactly a warring profession but the gods smiled upon him and placed him in the town of Kinn which is where you were born of a human mother and a pure angelic father. Tristian your father did not go to look for some rare element he went to look for the seekers, because he knew that they would want to kill you before you had a chance to come into your natural powers. The seekers failed to get to you but as you know they killed Rathier. Tristian they will destroy everything that you hold dear if you let them. The seeker you saw kill your brother in the bar was one of many that has been tracking you for the entirety of your existence. Your traveling companions saw you transformation they are now in danger as well. You need to guard them with you life if that is what it takes. You transformation was caused by a collector. The collectors are beings that have a single track mind, they just want to kill. Tristian you have a long road yet to be traveled. Your companions have a lot to offer as help Tristian so take their help and use it. Tristian you are the last of your kind. You are the chosen one. Heed my words and use them well. I sill be expecting to hear from you again in the near future. I expect that you will have questions.” Tor finished as the fire had finally died and his pipe was empty.
The old healer had given Tristian enough information for the time being. Tristian finally drifted off to sleep. Tor extinguished the remaining embers of the fire. Tor put out the candles and found a blanket to cover Tiristian with. Tor made his way up stair to the bed room and lay in his bed to sleep.
The dawn was coming and soon the garish light of the sun would invade the healer’s home. Tristian took care not to wake his companions as he opened the door of the hovel. The morning dew fresh in his nostrils Tristian began to walk about the yard that Tor had so carefully tended through the years. The cold morning air was refreshing in Tristan’s lungs. Tristian sat on a stump that looked as if the tree that it belonged to had been gone for many years. As Tristian sat looking off to the east Sionana came from the hovel. Sionana walked over to Tristian and placed her smooth hand on his shoulder as if to reassure him that every thing will be alright. Tristian looked over his shoulder at Sionana with sadness in his eyes.
“Tristian, is there any thing I can do to help?” Sionana asked as she buttoned her cloak.
“No Sionana you can’t help me but we need each other.” Tristian said staring off into the vastness of the eastern kingdom.
“Shall I wake the others?” Sionana asked moving towards the door.
“Not yet, let us enjoy this morning together.” Tristian said offering her a seat on the dew ridden grass.
“As you wish.” Sionana said sitting on the grass beside Tristian.
Sionana and Tristian sat together watching the sun radiate it’s beams throughout the valley. The valley came to life before their eyes. The birds now awake from their nightly slumber began to chirp wildly through the sky on cheerful wings. The creatures of the ground began scurrying about their often pointless existence. Tristian heard the sweet song of a bird he could not name off in the distance. Tristian and Sionana sat on the edge of that field and talked for many hours. Korok was awakened by the noises of the day. Korok scoured the house looking for Tirstian and Sionana finally catching a view of then through the only window in the hovel. He started outside when he was intercepted by Proden.
“Korok, where are Tristian and Sionana?” Proden asked as he ran about the house in a panic.
“Calm down.” Korok said grabbing Proden and pointing to the window from which the two could be seen.
“Oh, I see now.” Porden said nodding in agreement with Korok.
“Shall we go to them?” Proden asked walking towards the door.
“Hold.” Korok said stepping in front of Proden.
“They will come get us when its time.” Korok said moving away from the window.
“Come let’s eat.” Korok said sitting at the table.
“I agree.” Proden said running over to the table.
“As do I.” Tor said coming down the stairs.
“Where are the others?” Tor asked looking around for Tristian and Sionana.
“They’re at the edge of your field.” Korok replied pointing to the window.
“Well lets start with out them and they will eat when they are hungry.” Tor said as he hit the landing of the stairs.
“We are Hungry now.” Tristian said coming into the hovel followed by Sionana.
“Then by all means please sit. “ Tor said motioning to the only open seats at the table.
The five of them sat in the hovel eating their breakfast and enjoying Tor’s stories of how the world was in his time. The four adventurers managed to forget the events of the previous day. Tor was regaling them with the exploits of one Garin Dodger. The day was half gone when they finally parted ways.
“Thank you for everything Tor.” Sionana said as she began to leave.
“One more thing.” Tor said as he helped the others get their gear together.
“Yes?” Tristian asked turning back to Tor.
“Remember that the four of you are the most unbreakable force on this plain right now. Protect the chosen one.” Tor finished as his guests left.
“We will.” Korok said as he left.
“We need to find the adventure.” Tristian said as he left Tor’s Hovel.
“I agree as do the rest of us.” Sionana said nodding to Tristian as she walked past.
“Then let us be going.” Tristian said walking to the road that lead to the east.
“Yes.” Sionana replied Following Tristian to the road.
“I’m going where she goes.” Korok said following Sionana. His eyes wide at the thought of it.
“I’m in too.” Proden announced with pride as he darted past Korok to Sionana’s side.
“Good I’m glad that we are in this together.” Tristian said looking over his group of friends.
“Which way are we going?” Sionana asked as Tristian turned around.
“We shall face our fears.” Tristian began. “We shall go to the kingdom of fire in the south first.” He continued as he walked in a southerly direction.
The group of four left that small mountain town with a feeling that nothing would ever be the same again. In the distance all of them could see the fires from the southern kingdom. As they followed the road a voice came in to all of their heads. Inaudible at first then it became clearer as they walked. “You are doomed.” It said as the sky became red as fire and what appeared to be a dragon came flowing down.
“Are we ready?” Tristian asked his sword poised as the dragon landed in front of them about one league.
“Absolutely.” Sionana responded drawing her twin long swords.
“I’m game.” Korok Said brandishing his sword.
“At least our fun isn’t over.” Proden quipped.
“Then let us make our claim on history.” Tristian
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