Prologue
It had been raining for three days non-stop. Most of the roads are now messy quagmires. But in this downpour two dark figures dared to race down the muddy paths. They wore black oiled cloaks that hid almost all of their features and protected them from the rain. They rode in great haste through the boggy grounds.
“We might not make it in this downpour.” one said.
“Have faith, Old Tarok isn’t as weak as you might think.” replied the other.
“You think the others will be there?”
“They will make a way, they promised. In any case, let’s ride! Ride forth to Castle Azuria!”
And the two riders faded into the hazy thicket of the Fedayeen forest. Beyond the borders of Fedayeen lay the wide plains of Kalen. Atop a lone plateau stands the majestic Hill Castle, Azuria. Against the unforgiving attack of the wind, water and threat of lightning it towers above all and overlooks the land. A level below it, a building sits under the shadow of the hill castle. And within the infrastructure a light flickers as it dashes through the dark halls.
It had been raining for three days non-stop. Most of the roads are now messy quagmires. But in this downpour two dark figures dared to race down the muddy paths. They wore black oiled cloaks that hid almost all of their features and protected them from the rain. They rode in great haste through the boggy grounds.
“We might not make it in this downpour.” one said.
“Have faith, Old Tarok isn’t as weak as you might think.” replied the other.
“You think the others will be there?”
“They will make a way, they promised. In any case, let’s ride! Ride forth to Castle Azuria!”
And the two riders faded into the hazy thicket of the Fedayeen forest. Beyond the borders of Fedayeen lay the wide plains of Kalen. Atop a lone plateau stands the majestic Hill Castle, Azuria. Against the unforgiving attack of the wind, water and threat of lightning it towers above all and overlooks the land. A level below it, a building sits under the shadow of the hill castle. And within the infrastructure a light flickers as it dashes through the dark halls.
I
Scurrying through the darkness of the marble halls, a young lanky individual holds up a lamp barely illuminating the bleak nothingness of the stormy night.
He abruptly stops at a door and timidly knocks.
“Come in, my child.” came the answer from inside.
The boy hurriedly enters and closes the door behind him. Inside, he took off his coat and placed the lamp on the table. The added illumination revealed two other individuals in the room. One propped up in bed and the other taking a seat beside the former.
“My apologies master Tarok I got caught up with the night shift guards and-oh!”
The boy is taken aback with what he saw and suddenly went down on one knee.
“Your highness… I-I uh…”
“Easy there young man, you don’t have to be stiff around me. I’m here not as a king but a man visiting a friend” said the king.
If it weren’t for the crown atop his wavy burgundy hair, one would mistake the king as a commoner in his simple brown tunic and dark grey loose pants.
“Ah Cedric, glad you could join us. I don’t need to make any introductions since you know the person seated I presume?” asked Tarok giving off an innocent smile. If you would consider his display of teeth a smile.
Tarok doesn’t have the facial features one might call human. His features are more closely reptilian if anything. Local slang calls his kind lizard men but is in fact a creature called a basilisk. Towering over nine feet Tarok is said to be of noble blood since he is able to stand upright compared to the basilisks being discussed in the academy that have more of a hunched stance.
He is an instructor at the academy, the building a level below the hill castle. His subject is bestiary and there isn’t anyone in the whole kingdom of Kalen that can match his knowledge of the myriad of creatures and entity of this world. This knowledge has made him an essential member of the royal courts and is in fact one of the few trusted advisors of the king.
Seated beside Tarok was the High King of Kalen, Lord Esmour Wolfard. Succeeded the thrown from his father when he was just nineteen years of age Esmour has been able to make the kingdom prosper and also maintain order within its territories as well as with neighboring sovereign countries.
Cedric was gestured to take the seat next to the king. He has never been this close to the king before. His closest encounter with his majesty is in banquets when second years or pages as they are coined are assigned to serve tables. When royalty is involved only the third years or squires are allowed to be able to serve the high ranking officials and the pages are left to tend to the rest of the guests.
“Is there anything specific you need me to do master?” asked Cedric
“Not as of the moment but thank you. For now your company is much appreciated. Now, where were we?”
“As I was saying, you really should move up to the main castle and reside in one of the suites I provided for you there.” Esmour continued.
“And as I was saying I want none of it. I don’t want to be cooped up in all those fancy flitters.”
“But you will have more room to move about up there plus servants to take care of you.”
“I move about the whole academy, there is no space in your castle that would equal the space I roam around here. And who needs uneducated servants when I have these intelligent students of mine to attend to me and can hold their own in a conversation?” explained Tarok glancing over to Cedric.
“And since I have not long to live, we all know that I want to spend it in a place I am familiar and have grown to love. So will you grant me this humble wish at least?” continued Tarok.
Cedric looked down; he didn’t like this kind of talk. However, he as well as everyone in the palace is very much aware of Tarok’s situation. He knew the story all too well, about the curse of half-life put on Tarok. He knew but even then he was unprepared to face the emotions that dawned upon him once he heard it straight from Tarok himself. All he could do was clench his fist and grit his teeth…
The king sighed and slouched back on his chair.
“Then I suppose we just have to make the best of your time here.” a sad smile was on his face.
Tarok only gave a slight nod as a reply. Esmour then noticed two more empty stools on the bedside. He gave Tarok an inquiring look.
“I am expecting more company…” replied Tarok and looked out the glazed window that is being hammered by the rain. “And I believe they are here now…”
Esmour was about to speak when a knock was heard. A palace guard then came in and went down on one knee.
“Pardon me for the disturbance but there were two riders spotted at the west gate. They say they were summoned by Master Tarok.”
Esmour and Cedric turned to look at Tarok who only gave an innocent grin.
“I see, very well, see to it that they are attended to while-“
“That won’t be necessary your highness, they are right outside.”
As if on cue the door swung open and two figures suddenly appeared beside Cedric. The guard couldn’t even draw his sword and stood there realizing that even if he attempted to draw he would have been long dead if the intruders wished for it.
Seeing the shocked expression on the guard, the king and the lad Tarok put up his long gnarly hands to calm everyone.
“Fear not my king, they mean no harm. They think it’s amusing.” Tarok said, raising a hairless eyebrow at the newcomers. He dismissed the guard who reluctantly obeyed.
The two figures saluted the king by taking down to one knee, their cloaks hiding their features. Then one turned to Tarok.
“Hey old snake, how are you fairing.” his voice revealing him a male.
His partner looked over to him giving what might be considered a reproachful look for their faces were still unseen.
“I fair much better if you would drop the mysterious persona. You’re in the presence of royalty.” reprimanded Tarok.
“Of course master, my apologies…” and the two figures put back their hoods.
Cedric was surprised to see what lay beneath those cloaks. Turns out, one was a male that looked no older than Cedric himself. The other was a female that looked even younger.
Tarok gestured for the young lad to take the cloaks of the newcomers. He hurriedly stood and offered his services.
As he took the cloaks from the two he got a better observation of how they looked. The male had suave features with short spiky black hair that gave him a wild look. His theme seems to be black since all his clothing were in that color, from his close-fitting long sleeved shirt to his ebony hued steel breastplate. Even his waist sash, pants and fringeless boots that goes up just below the knee were as dark as a starless night.
The female was dressed similarly to the young man with exception to her wide sleeved shirt, her leather vest instead of a breast plate and a maroon sash. Her straight dark brown hair was put into a ponytail revealing a flawless face and piercing eyes.
As Cedric took care of the garments the male inspected the lad unnoticed. Eyeing him up and down and then glancing over to Tarok who was just sitting there casually grinning.
“Your highness let me introduce to you Talan Stormwind and Maya Willow, two of the fabled Immortal Blades of Terra.”
The two bowed deeply and the king nodded as an acknowledgement. But even with all the training of keeping composure he wasn’t able to hide his shock on realizing who these two individuals were. Cedric himself let out a small gasp as he heard the introductions. Talan and Maya just looked at each other and smirked.
Cedric had listened attentively to the stories about the world outside Kalen. He especially took interest in the subject of the Immortal Blades, the legendary warriors that fought in the War of the Corrupt over a hundred years ago. And now two of those said warriors are with him in this very room together with the king and his most respected teacher.
“Come sit with us lad.” Tarok beckoned Cedric, gesturing to the empty stool beside Talan.
Cedric looked reluctant but then took his seat eventually. He then just listened quietly as the four other started conversing.
“The fabled Blades… I never thought I would ever lay my eyes on living legends.” remarked Esmour.
“Fabled you say, interesting… I never thought we would be heard this far out into the eastern world.” said Talan.
“You have Tarok to thank or blame for that. He always manages to insert one of your many great adventures into his lessons at the academy.”
A hearty laugh came from all four, Cedric just gave a weak smile. And after a few more trivial conversations Esmour stood up and got ready to leave.
“It is getting late I must retire for the night. Should I have my servants take you to your rooms?”
“There is no need, more likely we shall be here talking until the light of day.” replied Tarok.
“Then I bid thee a good night, gentlemen, lady…” the king bowed slightly and then headed out.
“I guess I should be heading out as well master Tarok.” Cedric meekly said.
“Very well Cedric, you have been a good company. Good night.” said Tarok
“Same to you master, and a good night to you as well Lady Maya and Master Talan, it has been an honor to have met you both.”
The two nodded and as the lad went out the door, Talan noticed the insignia on his arm band. The Northwade Clan symbolized by a rising sun and cross arrows.
When the three were alone they were silent for a few moments. Tarok then sighed.
“I’m eternally grateful that you would come visit this old snake.” grinning that reptilian grin.
“Of course we would come here, you are our dear friend.” replied Maya.
“Besides, it’s nice to get away from all the hubbub of Terra and come to a place that doesn’t seem to be as affected by The Corruption.”
Another sigh came out of Tarok.
“I wish I could say it was as easy as just paying a friend a visit. But as it turns out The Blades are being called forth again.” a sad expression was on Tarok’s eyes.
“Yes, I heard recent troubles in the borders between Kalen and Devall in the northeast.” replied Talan.
“The continent of Alroth is a world different from Terra, instead of one conglomerate of provinces we have several sovereign countries vying for territory. Since they have not really been affected by The Corruption they weren’t able to come together as a unified continent.”
“And now they have the luxury to set their eyes on expanding each of their territory instead of fortifying it against the Corrupted.” added Maya.
“Yes, we have the Kingdom of Kalen who held a huge chunk of the land in Alroth consisting of the whole Southwest Coast to the Central Plains.
Just above Kalen to the north we have a small sovereign nation named Port Legas, a merchant’s country.
Capping the northern borders of Alroth would be the country of Valmoor, The Harsh North. With its immense natural resources yet unforgiving weather only the hardiest of folks would be residing there.
Beyond the Centrail Plains of Kalen we have several small countries and townships. Dragonmill, Ashbourne, Faymarsh just to name a few.
A group of small islands at the south collectively named the Windburn Isles is inhabited mainly by sea farers.
Alroth has a major mountain range called Dragon Ridge starting from the southeastern tip of Valmoor, running across the borders of the neighboring states near the Central Plains and ends at the Southcentral coast of Alroth. All the lands to the east of this range are under the rule of Devall.”
“So it seems Devall is not satisfied with the confines of the range and want to spread out a little more.” Maya remarked.
“There are no conclusive evidences yet, but I feel a dark aura emanating from that place beyond Dragon Ridge.” said Tarok.
“Through the many decades I have been with you those feelings and hunches of yours have been quite helpful. And so I will say that you have my services once again.” declared Talan.
“And so shall I render my services to you Master Tarok, the Immortal Blades shall once again pierce through the hearts of our enemies.” exclaimed Maya.
“That is very much appreciated. But for the meantime let us hold off this matter of battle until the others arrive. I am anxious to hear the stories that have accumulated about the fabled Immortal Blades these past years.” said Tarok with a big grin.
He abruptly stops at a door and timidly knocks.
“Come in, my child.” came the answer from inside.
The boy hurriedly enters and closes the door behind him. Inside, he took off his coat and placed the lamp on the table. The added illumination revealed two other individuals in the room. One propped up in bed and the other taking a seat beside the former.
“My apologies master Tarok I got caught up with the night shift guards and-oh!”
The boy is taken aback with what he saw and suddenly went down on one knee.
“Your highness… I-I uh…”
“Easy there young man, you don’t have to be stiff around me. I’m here not as a king but a man visiting a friend” said the king.
If it weren’t for the crown atop his wavy burgundy hair, one would mistake the king as a commoner in his simple brown tunic and dark grey loose pants.
“Ah Cedric, glad you could join us. I don’t need to make any introductions since you know the person seated I presume?” asked Tarok giving off an innocent smile. If you would consider his display of teeth a smile.
Tarok doesn’t have the facial features one might call human. His features are more closely reptilian if anything. Local slang calls his kind lizard men but is in fact a creature called a basilisk. Towering over nine feet Tarok is said to be of noble blood since he is able to stand upright compared to the basilisks being discussed in the academy that have more of a hunched stance.
He is an instructor at the academy, the building a level below the hill castle. His subject is bestiary and there isn’t anyone in the whole kingdom of Kalen that can match his knowledge of the myriad of creatures and entity of this world. This knowledge has made him an essential member of the royal courts and is in fact one of the few trusted advisors of the king.
Seated beside Tarok was the High King of Kalen, Lord Esmour Wolfard. Succeeded the thrown from his father when he was just nineteen years of age Esmour has been able to make the kingdom prosper and also maintain order within its territories as well as with neighboring sovereign countries.
Cedric was gestured to take the seat next to the king. He has never been this close to the king before. His closest encounter with his majesty is in banquets when second years or pages as they are coined are assigned to serve tables. When royalty is involved only the third years or squires are allowed to be able to serve the high ranking officials and the pages are left to tend to the rest of the guests.
“Is there anything specific you need me to do master?” asked Cedric
“Not as of the moment but thank you. For now your company is much appreciated. Now, where were we?”
“As I was saying, you really should move up to the main castle and reside in one of the suites I provided for you there.” Esmour continued.
“And as I was saying I want none of it. I don’t want to be cooped up in all those fancy flitters.”
“But you will have more room to move about up there plus servants to take care of you.”
“I move about the whole academy, there is no space in your castle that would equal the space I roam around here. And who needs uneducated servants when I have these intelligent students of mine to attend to me and can hold their own in a conversation?” explained Tarok glancing over to Cedric.
“And since I have not long to live, we all know that I want to spend it in a place I am familiar and have grown to love. So will you grant me this humble wish at least?” continued Tarok.
Cedric looked down; he didn’t like this kind of talk. However, he as well as everyone in the palace is very much aware of Tarok’s situation. He knew the story all too well, about the curse of half-life put on Tarok. He knew but even then he was unprepared to face the emotions that dawned upon him once he heard it straight from Tarok himself. All he could do was clench his fist and grit his teeth…
The king sighed and slouched back on his chair.
“Then I suppose we just have to make the best of your time here.” a sad smile was on his face.
Tarok only gave a slight nod as a reply. Esmour then noticed two more empty stools on the bedside. He gave Tarok an inquiring look.
“I am expecting more company…” replied Tarok and looked out the glazed window that is being hammered by the rain. “And I believe they are here now…”
Esmour was about to speak when a knock was heard. A palace guard then came in and went down on one knee.
“Pardon me for the disturbance but there were two riders spotted at the west gate. They say they were summoned by Master Tarok.”
Esmour and Cedric turned to look at Tarok who only gave an innocent grin.
“I see, very well, see to it that they are attended to while-“
“That won’t be necessary your highness, they are right outside.”
As if on cue the door swung open and two figures suddenly appeared beside Cedric. The guard couldn’t even draw his sword and stood there realizing that even if he attempted to draw he would have been long dead if the intruders wished for it.
Seeing the shocked expression on the guard, the king and the lad Tarok put up his long gnarly hands to calm everyone.
“Fear not my king, they mean no harm. They think it’s amusing.” Tarok said, raising a hairless eyebrow at the newcomers. He dismissed the guard who reluctantly obeyed.
The two figures saluted the king by taking down to one knee, their cloaks hiding their features. Then one turned to Tarok.
“Hey old snake, how are you fairing.” his voice revealing him a male.
His partner looked over to him giving what might be considered a reproachful look for their faces were still unseen.
“I fair much better if you would drop the mysterious persona. You’re in the presence of royalty.” reprimanded Tarok.
“Of course master, my apologies…” and the two figures put back their hoods.
Cedric was surprised to see what lay beneath those cloaks. Turns out, one was a male that looked no older than Cedric himself. The other was a female that looked even younger.
Tarok gestured for the young lad to take the cloaks of the newcomers. He hurriedly stood and offered his services.
As he took the cloaks from the two he got a better observation of how they looked. The male had suave features with short spiky black hair that gave him a wild look. His theme seems to be black since all his clothing were in that color, from his close-fitting long sleeved shirt to his ebony hued steel breastplate. Even his waist sash, pants and fringeless boots that goes up just below the knee were as dark as a starless night.
The female was dressed similarly to the young man with exception to her wide sleeved shirt, her leather vest instead of a breast plate and a maroon sash. Her straight dark brown hair was put into a ponytail revealing a flawless face and piercing eyes.
As Cedric took care of the garments the male inspected the lad unnoticed. Eyeing him up and down and then glancing over to Tarok who was just sitting there casually grinning.
“Your highness let me introduce to you Talan Stormwind and Maya Willow, two of the fabled Immortal Blades of Terra.”
The two bowed deeply and the king nodded as an acknowledgement. But even with all the training of keeping composure he wasn’t able to hide his shock on realizing who these two individuals were. Cedric himself let out a small gasp as he heard the introductions. Talan and Maya just looked at each other and smirked.
Cedric had listened attentively to the stories about the world outside Kalen. He especially took interest in the subject of the Immortal Blades, the legendary warriors that fought in the War of the Corrupt over a hundred years ago. And now two of those said warriors are with him in this very room together with the king and his most respected teacher.
“Come sit with us lad.” Tarok beckoned Cedric, gesturing to the empty stool beside Talan.
Cedric looked reluctant but then took his seat eventually. He then just listened quietly as the four other started conversing.
“The fabled Blades… I never thought I would ever lay my eyes on living legends.” remarked Esmour.
“Fabled you say, interesting… I never thought we would be heard this far out into the eastern world.” said Talan.
“You have Tarok to thank or blame for that. He always manages to insert one of your many great adventures into his lessons at the academy.”
A hearty laugh came from all four, Cedric just gave a weak smile. And after a few more trivial conversations Esmour stood up and got ready to leave.
“It is getting late I must retire for the night. Should I have my servants take you to your rooms?”
“There is no need, more likely we shall be here talking until the light of day.” replied Tarok.
“Then I bid thee a good night, gentlemen, lady…” the king bowed slightly and then headed out.
“I guess I should be heading out as well master Tarok.” Cedric meekly said.
“Very well Cedric, you have been a good company. Good night.” said Tarok
“Same to you master, and a good night to you as well Lady Maya and Master Talan, it has been an honor to have met you both.”
The two nodded and as the lad went out the door, Talan noticed the insignia on his arm band. The Northwade Clan symbolized by a rising sun and cross arrows.
When the three were alone they were silent for a few moments. Tarok then sighed.
“I’m eternally grateful that you would come visit this old snake.” grinning that reptilian grin.
“Of course we would come here, you are our dear friend.” replied Maya.
“Besides, it’s nice to get away from all the hubbub of Terra and come to a place that doesn’t seem to be as affected by The Corruption.”
Another sigh came out of Tarok.
“I wish I could say it was as easy as just paying a friend a visit. But as it turns out The Blades are being called forth again.” a sad expression was on Tarok’s eyes.
“Yes, I heard recent troubles in the borders between Kalen and Devall in the northeast.” replied Talan.
“The continent of Alroth is a world different from Terra, instead of one conglomerate of provinces we have several sovereign countries vying for territory. Since they have not really been affected by The Corruption they weren’t able to come together as a unified continent.”
“And now they have the luxury to set their eyes on expanding each of their territory instead of fortifying it against the Corrupted.” added Maya.
“Yes, we have the Kingdom of Kalen who held a huge chunk of the land in Alroth consisting of the whole Southwest Coast to the Central Plains.
Just above Kalen to the north we have a small sovereign nation named Port Legas, a merchant’s country.
Capping the northern borders of Alroth would be the country of Valmoor, The Harsh North. With its immense natural resources yet unforgiving weather only the hardiest of folks would be residing there.
Beyond the Centrail Plains of Kalen we have several small countries and townships. Dragonmill, Ashbourne, Faymarsh just to name a few.
A group of small islands at the south collectively named the Windburn Isles is inhabited mainly by sea farers.
Alroth has a major mountain range called Dragon Ridge starting from the southeastern tip of Valmoor, running across the borders of the neighboring states near the Central Plains and ends at the Southcentral coast of Alroth. All the lands to the east of this range are under the rule of Devall.”
“So it seems Devall is not satisfied with the confines of the range and want to spread out a little more.” Maya remarked.
“There are no conclusive evidences yet, but I feel a dark aura emanating from that place beyond Dragon Ridge.” said Tarok.
“Through the many decades I have been with you those feelings and hunches of yours have been quite helpful. And so I will say that you have my services once again.” declared Talan.
“And so shall I render my services to you Master Tarok, the Immortal Blades shall once again pierce through the hearts of our enemies.” exclaimed Maya.
“That is very much appreciated. But for the meantime let us hold off this matter of battle until the others arrive. I am anxious to hear the stories that have accumulated about the fabled Immortal Blades these past years.” said Tarok with a big grin.
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