“The Sentries” if you don’t know them, then check them out “The Sentry Council“. There you will learn about each of the races of Neilbring. A world that is ever changing and even has a friend, or great warrior known throughout, “The Harbinger” lives among them. See their lives and adventures grow as they watch over the lands and the races of their world. The presence and wonder of the old darkness is always present, and it is their job to rule just and fair, something new to them all.
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The Sentries, “The Signs are not Good” Ep. 1
Asprion Colchat and a group of five riders proceeded to on the trail. “Lord”, said one of the accompanying soldiers, “Why is it that we are venture all the way out here to speak to the Harbinger?” “Trust me that I wish we weren’t having to travel this way, but the keep is wanting information on what is happening in the west. We must seek out the information that he needs to know for certain if it is someone else, or something else causing trouble”, said Asprion. “But the Harbinger, no one has heard from him in such a long time, does he still even exist”, asked the solider? “Trayon, you should know better than to question the life of the harbinger. A being such as him is like us. Immortal and everlasting, though there is one thing different”, said Asprion. “And what would that be my lord”, asked Trayon? “He delivers death instead of death fining him”, said Asprion.
Asprion was in his light armor as were the rest of them. He had a breast plat donning their sigil of the blue sapphire star with a light reddish metal. Shin and arm guards with intricate designs then think leather pants and shirt. He wore a cloak that too had the sigil of their people in blue. The others besides Trayon who close to the same as Asprion, for he was royal guard, wore a type of chain mail that was not loose, but fit close to the body and moved as they did. It was too reddish in nature and their cloak adorned the sigil of their people, but in a reddish color.
“I don’t mean to question you lord on the harbinger, it’s just with him is war, and”, Trayon was saying but Asprion cut if off, “and what?” “We don’t understand why he chose this solitude life. He was a hero among us all, but then left”, said Trayon. “He did, and he had that right”, said Asprion, “But when you have lived as long as he has, and seen the things he has seen, you thoughts on life are much more different. He lived through the Dark Age Trayon, on his own and fighting everyday almost. He was there since the start and is still here. My concern is not that he left, but that he can do as he pleases, for he is much as a king as I am.” Trayon bowed his head in agreement and did not question the reason for seeking out the Harbinger anymore.
The road that they traveled had them going through a lot of their lands. They passed by smaller villages and quaint towns. It brought a smile on Asprions face to see that their people were once more flourishing. Even some of mankind had started to move to the area. The land was good for farming, and it was in agreeance that mankind could bring in families to live on the land farm it to help out in the production of food. They would be under the protection of the Vangors. All race joined together to help each other out. Food was produced in the southern regions, while the armories were in the southern regions. Mystical forces resided in the east as the great city of Allura prospered there.
It was indeed a good time, but Asprion feared the darkness that might be growing in the dark wood. What strange and horrible things could be going on there? For him though he was at some ease. The Harbinger lived there, but no mistake that’s for sure. He moved there to keep an eye on it. There were a few places on this land that were scared from the Dark Ones presence. The Dark Wood was no different, there was still evil there, it might not be him, but it still had some power to taint the land. Allura guarded one such place, but they had an army, the Dark Wood was against one man. That troubled Asprion somewhat. He always wanted to send out a garrison to help guard the area, but The Harbinger insisted that he alone would be there.
Their rides were starting to tire and the sun was starting to set. The time had come to make camp. The journey had already taken two days, and this was now the third night. It was going to take five days to reach him, but tomorrow started a whole new journey. They would be leaving the safety of their border and then entering the beginning of the Dark Woods lands. The forest was still a ways to go, but the land seemed different once entered into. There were some woods to have to traverse early, but it was not going to be a difficult journey to have.
Asprion stopped the Group for a reason that he could not explained. Looking around he felt something crawling on the back of his neck. The others felt it too and were on alert in case something happened. They were now on the fifth day of travel and therefore the last leg. Things in the woods had started to change and feel different even more than it did before. The woods had started to grow thick and harder to maneuver through. Asprion had not been to The Harbingers home in a long time. The woods had grown much since the last time, but his Vangor blood allowed him to remember the path needed to get their safely.
“Everyone dismount, draw your swords”, said Asprion as he made a gesture to let two of the others know to draw their bows and be at the ready. With another hand sign they started a slow forward. They were quiet and smooth in their movements careful to not let a noise echo through the trees. Asprion recognized the area and saw that they were in sight of The Harbinger’s home. Tethering the horses they rode, they were going to approach the rest of the way on foot and spread out in a formation to cover many avenues. Asprion was on the far right, followed by a bowman, then swordsman, then bow, and then finally Trayon.
They all moved with caution as there had not been any signs of movement for a bit. The forest was quiet and the senses of the Vangors were on high. The air was even still, Trayon Looked over at Asprion as he gave him a nod to move in and circle the perimeter. Asprion looked to the other three and motioned for the swordsman to move slightly forward hide and hold the position. The two archers took up positions well-hidden and each ready to cover Trayon and Asprion as they moved around. Asprion found the storage room that was out a bit from the main area. He moved in and studied the ground. The signs of life were everywhere. Asprion, as well as any Vangor, could ready the dirt and the movement of anything that had place a foot, claw, or paw on the ground. He stopped and looked hard at some of the areas. Placing his hand on the ground he moved it across the dirt and then smelt it. Something in the dirt smelt wrong and rank.
Brushes suddenly rattled, Asprion turned sword drawn. He could smell the air and the rankness that was in the dirt was now in the air. Something was out there moving and watching, but it was something that Asprion could not lock on to. He looked in towards the rest of the Harbinger’s home. The work shed and house were there. Trayon was on the other side looking in, but also looking around. He motioned to Aprion that something was circling them. Asprion shook his head in agreement and then waved towards the other to move in quickly. The others ran in, just as one of the archers was about to get in the clear he feel screaming in pain and then silenced. Asprion moved forward to help, but could not see anything out there in the trees and brush. “Form up”, said Asprion. Everyone gathered around the work shed and knelt back to back.
“I can’t see them”, said Trayon. “You can pick up on their scent”, said one of the others. “I can’t get a clear shot though, they’re too quick, and there are no openings around there”, said one of the archers. “Ambush”, said Asprion. The others looked at him with perplexed thoughts. “But how could they have known we were coming”, asked Trayon? “Us, not exactly, but someone, yes, they have been waiting”, said Asprion. “But for who, couldn’t be us”, asked another? “For us, no, but for anyone who might show up here possibly. Could even be that they are waiting on The Harbinger and we showed up. Never the less we need to get some knowledge on our assailants”, said Asprion. He looked up in the air and saw that the house was built square with walls for covering behind. He made a motion and the remaining archer jumped up and up to the roof he was at. The work shed was behind them and Trayon looked in there and saw that there were some bows and arrows in there as well. He pointed in to it. The rest looked in and all agreed. Trayon ran over and pulled out four bows and four quivers filled with ammo. They all grabbed their weapons and jumped up on the roof. It was designed nicely for defending. The area in fact was built nicely. The Harbinger had placed his buildings in a four pillar square. There was a rock that sat between two buildings, and the left was walled off to connect both the House and a kitchen area. Then out of the two openings one was unblocked, but the other was set to a one way door. It allowed for someone to leave but not enter.
Taking in all the area each Vangor took up their positions. Three pillars were to be occupied by the archers and ready. They were in cover looking over the wall trying to see what was down there. The air was still again and nothing was moving. A call went up, high pitch and echoing through out. Then another, answered out from the opposite side. Asprion was upset that they were now surrounded. “How many”, he said under his teeth? The brush started to move around them. The forest was starting to come alive. “How is it we walked into this”, said Trayon, “We saw no signs, marks, anything.” “There is something unnatural about these things”, said Asprion, “that stench is wrong, not death, but wrong in this world.” A whistle went up from another pillar. The creatures were moving in.
At the ready and taking aim, at what they thought might be able to hit, the time was now. The creatures jumped out and went for them. They ran on all four of their limbs. Having only three fingers with long claws on the front. Clad in black armor, these creatures similar to dog, but demon in nature. The arrows were being let loose, but the targets weren’t being hit. The nature of these creatures were made as if to be completely opposite of Vangors. Everything that made them up bested them. They couldn’t hit them with their incredible prowess of archery, not even Asprion was able ot land a blow. The arrows were running low.
Asprion dropped his bow and drew his sword. Trayon saw from another pillar what Asprion was starting to do. He was just about to join him when a creature was able to jump to the top of the wall. Falling back he drew his bow and let loose. The arrow connected and the creature revived in pain as it fell to the ground. Just as it hit the others that were flowing like water on the ground rushed over him and devoured him. “What madness is this thing”, said Trayon.
Asprion jumped just as he timed when a creature might be passing. Just as he was coming down he through his sword and caught another creature. Landing he grabbed the sword and rolled out of the way as a swarm of creatures torn into the body. He stood and then brought himself to a stance. His eyes were closed. Listening to the sound. He started to hear something faint. Turning right he spun and swung his sword slicing deep into another. Again it was torn through. Asprion stepped back stood at the ready. The others joined him.
“Close your eyes, and listen. They are making a distinct sound as they get ready to move here and there. Study it and you can tell when the move will occur”, said Asprion. “Even so, we will not be able to keep this up. There numbers are insane”, said one of the soldiers. “A swarm of bees are about us, as time goes on, more will be coming. It seem we make our stand here”, said Asprion. “Lord, we will not let you die here. We will make a whole and you will need to leave”, said Trayon. “Hah, if you think your lord will leave and let his men die, you know nothing of your lord”, said Asprion. They drew their swords and prepared for the onslaught to come.
The Sentries, “Starting a Journey” Ep. 2
To the left, right, behind, forward. They were everywhere surrounded on all sides and there seemed to be no end to them. Each of the Vangors held fast and at the ready for the attack to start. Asprion raised his arms into the air at the ready to strike down. He closed his eyes and started to listen. They were making plenty of sounds and it was rhythmic. The others followed suit and were ready as they start to read how they were moving.
The attack jump started and one creature bounced in, but as it did Asprion was ready. He swung down and cut the creature in two with ease. As before the others followed and as they did, the others swung their swords and cut a few more down. Soon there were more swarming over the bodies. They all started to swing as they tried to devour the dead. Soon the bodies were piling up. The group had to move back as the swarm was starting to get overwhelming.
Suddenly the swarm started to leave the dead bodies and move in a circular path around the group. Asprion head tilted slightly, as he could tell their movement had changed. He was listening as another creature jumped at them and it reached its claw out at him he just dodged it scratching his armor knocking him down. The others surrounded him and helped him back up.
“Well that was working”, said Trayon. “Yes, but they have adapted. Changed everything they have been doing”, said Asprion. “WATCHOUT”, yelled a solider, but it was too late. A creature caught one of the others in the throat and he collapsed to the ground grabbing at his throat in agony. Trayon went to pull him back but a creature was too fast and grabbed him by the legs and dragged him into the swarm. It took seconds and he was gone. Trayon slammed his fist into the ground. Asprion helped him up, and once again they formed a circle with swords drown. “It’s been a honor my lord”, said Trayon. “I wouldn’t call it over just yet”, said Asprion. Trayon was confused but just then he heard a roar of a giant eagle but different.
Out of the tree tops the wind started to blow all around and the creature’s patterns started to become chaotic. Gulfs of wind blew down all around the area and then through the tree tops Griffins appeared landing on the ground. On their back rode warriors of Draksin. Even Dragus Dogun was on the back of one Griffin. He yelled out in a command and the griffins stared to jump about scratching and clawing at the creatures. Their wings flapped about causing wind gust that got the creatures stumbling for a second, and long enough to be either clawed, bit, or finished by the riders. Just in a few minutes the creatures were dispatched and had scattered into the Darkwood. The battle was over and the Vangors were saved thanks to the efforts of the Draksin.
“It seems are arrival was a little too late my friend”, said Dragus. “On the contrary, we are alive, yes a few have fallen”, said Asprion placing three fingers on his forehead as a symbole of honor for the fallen. Dragus jumped down from his griffin and patted it on the neck, then through a snack from a pouch o his waste to it. Each lord reached out and grabbed the others forearm and shook.
“I assume since these vile things were here that the Harbinger is nowhere around here. These things would have never been able to get within a hundred yards of here”, said Dragus. “It hasn’t been that long since he left. The signs here show that he left heading south. For what reason I can’t tell”, said Aprion. “Maybe I can”, said a Draksin flying down. “This is my second, Dorloth”, said Dragus. Asprion titled his head towards him, and Dorloth returned the jesture. “I was flying over further west and found a few scavengers in another part of the forest. I investigated and found a orc camp, or what was left of an orc camp. They were all dead. Seemingly none ever knew what hit them”, said Dorloth. “Clear signs that the Harbinger has paid them a visit”, said Dragus. “Yes, but further more why is there a orc encampment there. They haven’t come that Far East in an age. If that bold then something must be pushing that way. Something leads them, they aren’t that organized to move that way”, said Asprion. “The Harbinger must have thought of that as well. He left to go see what was going on there”, said Dragus. “Do you fear that something, or someone has returned”, asked Dorloth? “No”, said Asprion, “That wouldn’t be possible. The Keeper is now in his place, and can’t be undone, is so the chair of the Dark Fortress, the power of all that is on this earth”, said Asprion. “I wonder how’s it going for The Harbinger”, said Trayon. “Knowing him, it’s bad for any enemy that runs into him, and his friend”, said Dorloth. “I am concerned however”, said Dragus. “Why”, asked Asprion? “He knows these forest better than anyone, but I know them as well. There are things in there that not even he can defeat”, said Dragus. “Indeed, I have ran recon in these woods a many times”, said Dorloth. “That’s right you served as the recon force for this area. How much did you learn”, asked Dragus? “A lot, and traveled the ground quite a bit as well. We have some friends of there. If the Harbinger is heading in the right direction than he might have made it there”, said Dorloth. “What friends are these that you speak of”, asked Trayon. “Giants of Goondarth. Ancient and few in numbers their home is up in the Darkwood Mountains. No force has ever been able to conquer their home, not even the Dark One wanted to commit the forces to conquer them. They maybe few in number but, again one equals ten to one man”, said Dorloth. “It seems you have been a lot further then me”, said Dragus. “The forest was clear and easier to get through, but when I was flying over earlier, that was not the case. Seems as though the purple fog has returned and is gathering strength. If he did go that way then it would have been extremely hard. Even Windear was having problems flying over it without having symptoms”, said Dorloth. “The purple fog, a terrible creation of the Dark One. One of his worst”, said Asprion. “Can we reach the mountains by flight”, asked Dragus. “If the fog continues as it is gathering strength, then no. It doesn’t just lay low to the forest floor. It seems to actually originate from the sky, but invisble to the eyes there. Something in the forest seems to effect it causing it to be seen. The forest is a catalyst that makes it more potent. The mountains however are a different matter. Since the forest doesn’t grow there, then the fog doesn’t thrive there. The Giants live there free of the fog, and have found ways to move about it without being effected”, said Dorloth. “Do you believe you could track him and find him”, asked Asprion. Dragus turned to Asprion knowing exactly what he wanted to happen. “No, but I should be able to make it to the Giants home, and from there we can find his where about”, said Dorloth. “Good, Trayon you travel with Dorloth. The Harbinger might not know it, but if it is something that he deems important enough to leave, these creatures here and the fog growing once more. Something needs to be done. One man such as the Harbinger, does not need to be doing this alone. We need to support him, it’s the least that we could do for him”, said Asprion. Dragus agreed, “Stubborn man wouldn’t even accept our help if he was here now, so it’s a good thing he isn’t.”
Dorloth said his goodbyes to Windear and gave his attention to another rider so that he could take him back to their home. Trayon restocked his pack as they had gotten their horses back. Asprion tied the horses together as they were going to be a few riders short. They walked the area around The Harbingers home to make sure that everything was in good shape. They highly respected him, and were sadden by the fact he had chosen to live a life of solitude from all. Visits hadn’t been that high as they were now Sentries. Their duties to the country were now large. Honor was of the highest point when it came to their fellow comrades. The Harbinger did more in the war than most. Ever Sentry had a story with him, and of some way he saved them. Both Dragus and Asprion wanted to be the ones to go, but both of their seconds would not allow them to put themselves in danger, and soon another meeting with the keeper was going to be happening.
“I know it pains you that I’m going and you’re not my lord”, said Trayon. “It does, but knowing that you’re going in my stead, make me feel slightly better. Be swift and careful, find him and together find out what is going on out here. Something must be done to keep this things from gaining any further”, said Asprion. Trayon placed his arm across his chest and bowed gently, then moved on past the home of the Harbinger.
“It’s been a long time since I got to travel these woods as you have gotten to”, said Dragus. “Hah, it’s been a bit for me as well. I mean I haven’t been your number two but for a short amount of time my lord”, said Dorloth. “True, but you have already proven a capable one, I’m just sorry it was because your father passed. He was a great Draksin, and wonderful friend”, said Dragus, “And he would be proud this day. See to it that you get back quickly so that this matter can be over.” Dragus took the back of the right hand, and with a closed fist bumped it against Dorloth’s chest. Dorloth did the same and then he too head west beyond The Harbinger’s home.
Meeting up with Trayon, the two looked at each other and then at their path. “We can easily follow the path that he took earlier”, said Trayon. “I’m glad to be having a Vangor with me, I know the skies, but the ground is not my specialty”, said Dorloth. “Well don’t get used to it. This is the Harbinger, I’m sure these first set of track is to allow someone like us to see in which direction he went, but soon there will be no track sot follow. He is too good to be tracked, even by a Vangor”, said Trayon. “Well I’ve flown it enough from a top, I should be able to guide us well enough ot get to the Giants home. From there we will be able to get aid in finding him, and that’s if they haven’t found him already. These giants are not slow in and dumb, they know their country and are well versed in defending it”, said Dorloth. “I find it strange that we have not heard of them before”, said Trayon. “They are not well known, but at one time long ago, we the Draksin and Giants lived close together, when their numbers were greater”, said Dorloth.
Dorloth and Trayon traveled differently as Trayon the Vangor was quick and light on his feet. Dorloth was tall but smooth in his long strides. Dorloth was slender for his kind. Most Draksin were tall, which Dorloth was, but they were also very muscular harden. Dorloth’s body makeup was different, but was useful for what they were having to do. Trayon was happy to see that his size was not going to slow them down. Working with Draksin’s was not always a great combination. In battle things were different, one ruled the sky and the other was an artist on the ground of combat. Now however they were going to have to lean on each other and hopefully find a friend in forest of evil. Time was against them to do the mission that was ahead of them.
The Sentries, “A Sense of of Danger” Ep. 3
Aspiron looked back at the home of the harbinger. “See you soon old friend”, he said and then walked away. Dragus and the others were already mounted and ready to fly, and as for the ones left in Aprions party they had found the horses and got them ready. They were going to be short on the ride back, but their venture was not in vain. This had been eye opening for certain. Now they had something to come back with and talk to the keeper about it. There was need for more attention.
“Stay alert on your way back, at least until you clear the woods. Those creatures are sure to be patrolling”, said Dragus. “We will for certain, strange creatures they are”, said Asprion. “Indeed, but this fog can create almost anything creature wise, and most are unnatural for that is certain”, said Dragus. “I’ll report to my people what has happened, maybe it is time to reinitialize the guard front here”, questioned Asprion? “Maybe, we will take to the sky and follow you all till it is safe. See you at the next meeting Asprion”, said Dragus. “Thanks, and you as well”, said Asprion.
Dragus heeled his Griffin and its wings opened slamming the wind down and taking flight. His company followed and soon they were sky bound. Asprion and the others gathered on their mounts and started to leave. Their pace was quickly, as they did not want to risk having yet another run in with the creatures. It would take some time to reach their home, and from there they would regather and the march back, this time prepared.
The guard font had been decommissioned after the Great War was over. The fortifications still stood, but were going to need some upgrades, and be re maned in order to be effective. The forces were not going to have to be at full strength but a company would be needed to assure that nothing would become strong enough to get out. If those creature they fought, were to get out, they could cause serious damage, but the fog didn’t seem to have that kind of power yet. It would take great magic to create creatures that could survive outside the Darkwoods domain.
“The Phantom forest”, said Asprion. “What was that my lord”, asked one of the soldiers? “The Phantom forest, the name we gave the Darkwood when it had been overrun with the fog. It created what we deemed phantoms, and if someone was to get caught in the fog was washed away to a totally different forest. A place of darkness and ever changing façade. Creatures were created from the very air. At first the creatures could not venture beyond the fog, then they started to venture to the border of the Darkwood, then finally they got strong enough to move independently and wonder out in the lands. These creatures were total phantasms. They were created to hunt and kill, and that was their only purpose. There was no reasoning with them, and they never stopped, till it was killed. It took years to finally push them back and get the guard front up and then stopping them. Even then we had times that the front was weakened extremely. It was dark times and many thought it was going to be impossible to end it on a good note”, said Asprion. “What changed it my lord”, asked the soldiers? “The Harbinger for one. He was able to traverse the terrain and take out the beings creating, and stabilizing the fog, but it seems that those creatures are back, or there is something else at work here”, said Apsrion.
Asprion was looking back as he and his group was starting to part the forest and get into the wide open fields. The mountains of the forest loomed in the far distance reaching up and piercing the clouds. The purple haze of the fog gathering at the base of the towers. He had a concern for his comrade, but knew he would be okay. He heard a Griffin call from high above and saw that Dragus was waving them off. They flew off towards the north, while Asprion was heading south. Soon they would be convening with the Keeper at the dark fortress.
Asprion and his band did not stop many times. Skipping breaks and pushing their mounts hard. They rested only when it was dark, and during the day only rested the mounts for water. They were trying to cut down at least a day of travel. Their mounts were being pushed to their end. At last they could see the Blue Sapphire towers of their home.
Dragus and his companions flew in an organized path. Their trip was going to be faster than that of Asprion, but could be just as dangerous. Dragons could be about, their movements had been pushing their boundaries lately. Going beyond the fire nest of their home, things had started to get a little testy. The dwarves of the north had even been seeing outlines in the sky and mountain tops that hadn’t had a shadow of a dragon in years.
Dragus’ formation had him leading and with two on each side. There was one behind him and then two on each side of him. As things were the air was quiet and there wasn’t much in the skies at the time. Dragus and the other flew in silent as he led the way. The outside fliers were responsible for watching the above and sides, while the inside flier’s responsibilities focused on underneath.
Their home was in sight and they were going to land soon. Dragus raised his arm and made a circle in the air. Falling in line, the other riders started to fall back behind Dragus as they began to lower. The griffins they rode were very well trained and could handle the updrafts and down drafts that flowed through the mountainous region. To the left in the distance some wild griffins came to inspect the company as it started to land. They were harmless to the Draksin, as they had formed a bond and were able to freely move about their air space and land at will. Some of the griffins there were even old mounts for the Draksin. Those that got to a certain age were freed to live their life. Their age was still young enough reproduce and keep the bloodline going. Some however, stayed even after the rider released them. It was a Draksin’s privilege to be able to pick a Griffin in his life. It wasn’t something that all Draksin’s got to do, so when the time came they were truly honored at the deed. The griffins bonded to their mounts and they had to choose their rider. Dragus and his griffin were a different story though. Their bond was formed over an entirely different manner.
When Dragus was young and only starting out as a warrior, he was in a company that was patrolling the nesting grounds. This company was one that most of the new riders were selected due to their closeness with their job. Dragus and his company had taken shelter to wait out a storm that had blown in. The lighting blew and thunder shook the ground that they stood on. The griffins were built in nicely to the rock faces of the mountain. They used their extremely hard beaks and claws to chip away a hollowed out hole in the side and then formed a nest there. The Draksin patrolled the nesting ground against, intruders and predators of all sorts. Griffins only give birth to a single egg in their lifetime, so making sure their baby lives was a high priority. The Draksin also wanted to insure certain blood lines of the beast was well looked after.
Dragus and his company had to do this many times when on patrol. An old hollowed out nest was where they made home. They had done this so many times that the hollow had become a headquarters of sort. On Dragus’ watch he was looking out into the dark abyss and thought he saw something moving in the dark. It lurked on the ground as if some snake, but bigger than himself. IT also seemed to walk on four legs, something no snake be able to do and here in this location was not suitable for snakes. He looked back at his company commander and nodded his head towards the outside. The commander shook his in agreement and let him go. He wanted to send two, but Dragus said it’s probably nothing. Off he went into the night.
Walking quickly and quietly through the pouring rain and lighting Dragus made his way through the rocks and boulders that littered the ground about the floor of the mountain. He took no torch as he could see using a bit of cloth that had been endowed with a spell. He wrapped it around his face over his eyes, and when you looked through them, everything was illuminated from the dark. Draksin had learned this trick from the Mystics in the South East. It was very useful in allowing movement at night but without the attraction of fire light. This also aided in not disturbing the Griffins as they nested.
Dragus went to where he had though the creature had crossed in his sight range. Looking at the ground he could tell something large had moved on through. He followed the trail and saw that it was heading towards a new Griffins hatchery. He moved quickly as he started to recognize the foot pattern. IT was that of a Fire Drake. A large Drgon like creature that was born without wings, but could spew fire just the same. It was a vulture of the ground, but preyed on hatchlings and such of griffins. They were more common among the dragons home, than here, but they were known to be in this part of the mountains as well as other creatures as well. He moved on thought eh cracks and had to move on through caves that the creature was using to move about the mountains feet. Luckily for Dragus, since the creature was bigger than him, it made moving about the trail easy for him.
Finally it came to an open area that led directly to a griffins nest, and Dragus was right in his assumption. It was a new mother. She was nesting and had a between her front and back legs, as she cradled it, and then had a wing laid over top it, to keep it warm. Dragus looked about trying to see the drake and where it might have went to, but in the clearing the rain had washed away all signs. Taking out his sword he made his way straight to the nest. The Griffin raised its head as he approached. Even though they had trust with the Griffins, approaching one that is with egg was risky. They were very protective and would fight anything that came near, even the father.
Dragus knelt down and bowed to the Griffin to show that he was indeed a friend and meant no harm. Placing his sword on the ground he placed arms out as wide as they cold to show submissiveness. The griffin nodded its head in agreeance, allowing Dragus to stand back up no problem. He approached and rubbed the head of the new mom Griffin. It chirped softly enjoying the rub. Dragus then went back to the edge of the nest and looked out in the way he had come. That Drake was still out there moving about.
Suddenly and without warning a spew of fire shot out at Dragus. He only managed, thanks to the cloth catch a glimpse of light flaring up from the mouth of the drake, but that moment was all that he needed to make a move and dodge the firery liquid. The mother griffin leaped up and roared its siren call displaying its wing span in a threating manner. The drake moved closure, as it was getting ready to spew again. Its drool was lite up by that excess amount of fuel it had to use. A second stream shot out towards the griffin this time, but from another direction. It was a second drake. Dragus took up guard in front of the nest to protect it. The mother jumped out and went on the attack towards one of the drakes. The battle was fierce as roars from the griffin and fiery liquid shot out here and there in the night. Dragus Pulled himself away from that battle as the second drake was making his way to the egg. It started to approach when Dragus jumped out slashing out at it. The drake didn’t know he was there, luckily. The other drake had gotten the surprise on him, but the mother griffin had jumped on that one. This one was not in his view range. Jumping back trying to pin point Dragus, was reading another spew but was having a hard time tracking him. Dragus was using the cloth and night to his advantage. He was able to maneuver around to the back of the drake with ease and without it seeing him. He climbed a small rock and laid flat on it. As the Drake was moving by, he then jumped up as high as he could. Taking the sword pointing it down he drove it into the creature’s head, then the weight of him and the height of the jump brought the creature immediately to the ground. With a drake you had to be quick if you didn’t kill it with an instant death, more than likely it would start spew all the fire it had everywhere.
Just then Dragus looked over and saw that that mother griffin had managed to get on the back of the other drake, but as it was being torn apart from the claws and beak, it started to spew fire all about. The liquid was not like normal fire. It caught things on fire that would not be put out by water. By now the ground was roasting in some places that the creatures had spit out. The random spew caught the mother griffin of guard and she was tagged by some of the fire. Her wings caught a blaze as well as one of her front legs. The griffin roared out in pain and anguish. Just then from behind Dragus heard a noise. Turning he saw a third Drake had come and was about to get into the nest. Taking his sword he thought it. Aiming for a kill shot in the neck. The sword struck true and the drake flew to the ground scratching at his neck trying to remove the object. Soon the liquid fire melted the sword and it fell out but, the liquid along with blood was pouring from the wound. He could not spew any more, and the neck injury was fatal. It slowly died laying on the ground bleeding out.
Dragus’ commander and company had heard the commotion, even in the rain, and had come to inspect. They found Dragus standing by the mother griffin. It was too badly wounded to fly and walk. The company aided in what it could do to help it back to the nest. Once there they went back and got medicine that they had created to help with such injuries. The Draksin had become very well versed in the caring for griffins. The mounds however would never allow this griffin to fly again. Taking charge on his own, Dragus made it his duty to help the mother, till the baby was born, and even then stay and look out for them. Griffin had a high societal structure. The father would return and from there look after the mother well into his and hers dyeing days, but she was going to need help with food and other things till then.
The moment finally arrived and the egg hatched. The little griffin was named Tragoon, by Dragus, and from that moment as much as Dragus was around Tragoon was latched onto him. Even mother griffin was latched onto Dragus. Dragus was able to move Tragoon and his mother back to his home from easier care, as Tragoon grew up and through all of that, a bond stronger than any was formed. Tragoon had been with Dragus longer than any before, with rider and mount. Mother griffin was even still alive and lived in the castle walls. She finally regained enough in her leg that she was able to walk again, but she could never fly again as the damage was too much to heal from.
Dragus dismounted from Tragoon, and patted him on the head. Time was of the essence, there was need for a call of council and company formed to get on the march right away to the guard front, something that Asprion would be doing as well. Both Asprion and Dragus had thoughts of good wishes for their men and the harbinger. They hoped all was going well and that they could find out what was causing the fog to return.
The Sentries, “Making a Move” Ep. 4
Aprion watched as a thousand soldiers marched onto the guard front. “Move with haste my friends and end this before it gets any worse”, he said to himself. “My Lord, the council wanted to have one more word with you”, said a soldier. Asprion nodded and followed him back to the council chamber. The blue sapphire city of Thradore and it gleaming towers. The central tower held the Council chamber and Aprions chamber was not too far from it. He was watching from his balcony as the soldiers left. The call was easily met and agreed upon once he and the other arrived back from their excursion to the Harbinger’s home. Though many in the council did not want Asprion leaving. They had to put up with enough of that as he left frequently to the Dark Fortress to meet with the Keeper, and fellow sentries of the kingdom.
“Council”, asked Asprion as he entered and took his seat at the head of the table. “Yes, my lord. We have received word from Allura while you were gone that they had need of you. Something deep in the Rune Wood has them concerned. Something that even the Harbinger might know about”, said one of the council members. “Interesting that they said the Harbinger would know about it. I will go, if and when the Harbinger gets done with is quest then maybe he can join us, if willing. Creedone, send someone to get a message to the Harbinger that he is needed in Allura as soon as his business in the Phantom Forest is done”, said Asprion, “Visreal, gather a company of fifty men. We leave as soon as they are ready to march. It will take us some time to get there and we are already behind. I’m going to send a message that me and a company are heading there way. It will take some eight days to get there.” Visreal left to complete the orders that had been bestowed on him. Asprion thanked the council and left to prepare for yet another journey. “Why would they have need of the Harbinger”, asked Asprion to himself?
It was just evening as Asprion and his company of fifty men started to march on to Allura. The weather was fair and cool in the fall season. With Trayon on his message, the duty of second to Asprion was now in the hands of Visreal. He was a strong soldier, very quiet and kept to himself. He was ready to do what was needed for Asprions at any call that was asked. Aprion lead the march with Visreal at his side and the company behind on horseback. The pace was at a trot to make the journey slightly faster. They would be traveling for only half a day as the night would be on them quickly so they wanted to gain as much ground as possible.
Dregons were used to carry messages to others throughout the kingdoms. They were in all essence pet size dragons. Though not as ferocious and untamed so to speak. They were very supplicated in manner and intelligent as well. Each kingdom had one. No one knew their exact numbers in the world, but they were rather remarkable creatures. They were endowed with magic, allowing them to create a, or rather send, a message from anywhere. They magically connected with someone if it so choose and once they did it was an unbreakable bond. The person had to be pure at heart and somewhat connected to magic. Visreal was such a person. Thradone had a few Dregon in its company, and Visreal was one of them. His Dregon was named Spout.
The company was now on the move toward Allura. Asprion lead the march with Visreal next to him. The company were all on horseback and on this first da they rode as a trout as to make as much ground as possible. The other days were going to call for walking, but this day was already half gone, and time was a matter of urgency. Asprion hoped to make it to half way to the Lake of Diamonds, but most likely with the night vast approaching they would only be a third of the way there.
Visreal stated a magic spell and Spout’s eyes started to glow orange. It looked at Asprion and then beams of light started to be directed at him on his face and shoulders. Asprion was holding on a minute as the light started to change to a blue white light.
Angelica Kareem was sitting at her throne in the great courtyard of Allura, when small grey cloud started to from in front of her. It sparked in white light getting larger till it was the size and shape like a round shield. It spun and the sparks of white light intensified till suddenly there was an image of Asprion.
“Lady Angelica, it’s good to see you”, said Asprion. “You as well, it nice to see you finally got my message. I was told you were out, having to take care of somethings at Darkwood”, said Angelica. “Indeed, but the Phantom Forest has returned there”, said Asprion. Angelica’s face changed for concern as she heard this. “You asked about the Harbinger in your last message, sorry to say he and two others are traveling deep within it to discover the source and hopefully burry it finally. I did send a message to them that I wish him to join us as soon as possible” said Asprion. “Thanks and good luck, what of the guard front”, she asked? “We sent in a thousand men to reestablish it, hopefully nothing comes of it”, he said, “We are now heading your way, judging by the day, we will be arriving half way into the eighth day.” “Good, we have something to show you, something I believe you can answer questions about here. We are unsure about it as we have never seen anything like it, or what might be causing it”, she said. “Do you believe it to be from the Gorge of Sorrows”, he asked? “No, to far north for that, this is deep in the Rune Wood. It is a fog that we have never seen before”, she said and Asprion’s eyes widen. “Angelica”, he said loudly, “Keep you people away from the fog. I know you have great power in magic, but this is a different creature. We will be there as soon as possible.” “Do you believe this to be the same fog, but how”, asked Angelica? “There is no telling with this creature, and yes it is a creature. It does things that can’t be explained. Have you any reports of strange monsters lurking about, or the forest changing at all”, he asked? “No not at this time, we are not entering the fog, its color is strange, and that is why I call to you. You all have been dealing with the Phantom Forest for years, but from what has been described to us about it, this seemed very similar”, she said. “It does indeed to me as well”, stay away from it. Post guards around it but do not enter. If this is the purple fog of the phantom forest then we will need to contain it as soon as possible before it can spread out”, he said. “We will prepare and start a perimeter. Good luck on your journey and see you when you arrive here”, said Angelica bowing to the image of Asprion. “You as well, good luck”, he said. The gray cloud flickered and sparked white then dissipated to nothing.
Angelica stood and her second Brita walked up next to her. “We need to gather a company and travel to the zone of the fog, encircle it and prepare to close it in. It will be eight day till they arrive, but we need to be prepared to stop it if it is this sick fog of the Phantom Forest. This is our forest and we will protect it”, said Angelica. Brita walked away going to prepare. Angelica sat back down and was puzzled by this creation that was in her woods.
Aprion watched as the eye of Spout deemed and then were black to the being his normal green. “How is it the Phantom Forest’s fog is in the Rune Wood”, asked Asprion to himself? “My lord”, asked Visreal? Asprion acknowledged him, “Should we contact Thrane and Dwelldor, two locations are now reporting the sightings of the Phantom Forest fog, this sick fog might be in or around their areas as well”, said Visreal. “Could be but we don’t know for sure if this is the so called sick fog. Maybe something totally different, but if Angelica doesn’t know what it is, then I fear it might be just that”, said Asprion. Vireal agreed as they marched on talking about it for a bit. The march was however quiet for the most part. The night was soon going to be on them and their camp was soon needed to be made.
The six days did not pertain too much but marching and the resting ever so often, but finally the great Rune Forest was in sight, at the border Asprion and his company were met by guards of Allura. They had been sent out to await for them. They filled them in on the current situation then guiding them onward towards Allura. The situation was not that different from six days past, but now if you enter the sick fog the environment seemed to change. Asprion was furious that anyone had even ventured into the fog. The Mystics had never dealt with the Phantom Forest except for just a simple few. Their experience in handling the creatures and nightmare that is the sick fog was out of their realm, and Angelica knew it.
Asprion and his company were off their horses now as they were walking them slowly through the thickness that was the Rune Forest. It was one of the reason the Rune Forest was never over ran by the Dark One’s forces. They could not organize well enough to break the front. Then came the Gorge of Sorrows. That was the tipping point for the Dark One. It allowed for a massive force to enter the forest and nearly break it, but the forces stood and won the day. However, they had to always keep an eye out for whenever and if ever the gorge ever opened up again and poured out the terror that was deep in it. This fear was now on the mind of Angelica and Asprion as they were now dealing with another threat that was just as, or even more dangerous, if left unchecked. Asprion feared that the situation was going to get more out of hand that it was most likely already.
The forest was starting to part and then there was the walls of Allura. The gates opened and the company started to move in. Angelica was there awaiting for Asprion to enter. They embraced and exchanged pleasantries happy to once again see each other outside the Dark Fortress. “It would seem we are going to have to be at it one more”, said Asprion. “Let the sentries unite”, said Angelica. The company was shown a location to make camp and bed their horses. Asprion let Visreal take his mount and go about the business that needed to be done, as he and Angelica were going to have a meeting with the council. They would strike out at first light and see to it that it did not spread any further. The council would be there to help with figuring out the course in which all would need to know in case the situation went south. Their meeting would be late in the night going, before everything was figured out and put to an end.
As they walked Asprion talked to Angelica, “Why is it I hear that people went into the fog, are you mad to send in anyone. I told you not to enter and to stay out.” “This sick fog is in my forest and the forest is screaming that there is an enemy here, I have to do something”, said Angelica. “I agree but we must first understand what is happening. We have never seen the sick fog manifest anywhere but the Phantom Forest. For it to appear here means that someone or creature is here as well”, said Asprion. “But how, we would have seen it if it was here, as evil cannot enter here unseen”, said Angelica. “The Sick Fog is unknown in almost every regard we have. We only know the outcome of its wrath. That is all we know and I fear that is all that we will get here as well”, said Asprion. “Then let’s see what we can do here to help us figure out this creature and destroy it finally”, said Angelica and Asprion agreed.