It had been another wasted evening, searching the local inns for work. Still new in the city, Khalran was slowly finding his feet and becoming used to the strange sights, smells and customs of human society. Words of his Father still rang in his ears, warning of the duplicity of the tall folk, and his hands went one to his pouch, one to the engraved hammer that swung freely from his belt. Both were secure. Ahead, lights were being extinguished for the night, and he decided to head for his new Master's home.
A woman's cry pierced the night, and his heart.
A moment to unhook the hammer, and he was running to the source of the sound. When he arrived, a group of troubadours were tending one of their own, while two watchmen tried to question them. A healer was soon on the scene, and Khalran soon found that the fallen elf-lady had been attacked by a fell-beast, that fled from the commotion her scream had caused. Looking around the stables he found himself in, the horses, too, had been clawed and bitten, leaving sorrowful corpses on the hay.
Staying to attend the elf-maiden, others soon arrived. As the news of monsters within the city reached the temples, a knight was sent from Eau, his full armour reflecting the flickering torches and the power of his God almost a solid force around him. Inquisitors Purity and Chan strode along side the knight, clearing a path with their radiance and before long a picture was forming of the event. Khalran knew there were evil forces at work in these parts, one of the reasons for choosing here, but the ghasts of which the knight spoke, drawing power from blood, sliding unknown through the city, to return to the Southern hills after feeding filled his heart with both fire and ice. A foe, but a chasm of difference from the orc and goblin hordes that poured against the Western Ridge like a green tide. Here was the quest he had been waiting for: To avenge the death of a lady (albeit an elf-maiden), to range into the hills to face an enemy unknown, leading who-knew where. "She lives!" The cry from the healers brought relief to all about, and the muted whispers rose to chattering, speculation upon the meaning of the attack. Khalran turned to the knight, who introduced himself as Marius, and inquired into procedure. A meeting was arranged for the next morning to discuss the next move.
"Hunt out the source of this evil! Track it to its lair, there to purge the land of this scourge. No man will be safe until this has been dealt with." Brother Purity was in danger of preaching to the group.The next morning, the company set forth from the city, the knight astride his mighty charger, the rest aboard a traveling-wagon that Brother Purity had brought. It would be a couple of days trek to the foothills, and from there, to search. These days passed quietly, and soon the hills were slowing movement. Camp was set for the second night, and the next morning the company ventured into the hills. As they crossed a ridge, that afternoon, a strange sight greeted them; the valley ahead was darker than the normal shadows expected, and the sun was high. Stretching across the land like a sheet of black leather, no view was possible into the valley.
"An ill omen" muttered Khalran. "But one we must face!"
"Agreed, My little friend. Eau will protect us from this early nightfall" Marius showed no emotion.
"Forward, we shall find the cause of the Evil here!" Purity loosened his sword in its scabbard.
As the cart approached the darkness, a chill came upon all, and mist swirled around them. The horses were tethered, and progress continued into the Night-During-Day on foot.
Traveling through the fog bank that surrounded the valley was a tense few minutes, and upon reaching the far side, the company found themselves in darkness. Khalran's dwarf-sight picked out a few landmarks, but visibility was low. The ground here was blighted, and only a few tufts of withering grass grew. Twisted, gnarled trees dotted the landscape, causing consternation in the elf-maiden.
"Hush, all. There is movement ahead." The elf's eyes had caught a glimpse of something, and the band froze. Weapons were loosened in their scabbards as eyes scanned the darkness.
"I see nothing." grumbled Khalran, but the elf was right. Ahead, on the edge of vision, several figures moved across the valley.
"Orcs! With wolves, possibly."
The dwarf knew orcs, had fought many to defend his homelands, and hefted his mighty hammer, running its head along the blade that formed the binding of his shield.
"We have little to fear from a few orcs, let them bring their wolves for our feast!"
But his voice had been too loud, and the distant group stopped to look for its source. After a moment, large shapes were bounding towards the company, letting out growls and barks that no normal wolf would make. Wargs, the dire-wolves bred for combat, were a beast to reckon with. Khalran, Marius and Purity stood ready, as Chan and Calara melted into the darkness. The boy stood behind the warriors, unsure and unready.
As the wolves leapt, Khalran punched his shield into one, felling it, and Marius's great-flail smashed another's skull. Brother purity struggled to keep his own shield between himself and the great beasts, broadsword cutting deep into its furred hide. A moment more of flashing steel, and the three wolves lay still, their blood staining the barren ground. Attention turned back to the orcs, who seemed distressed at their loss, clawing the air and letting out guttural cries. The warriors started to move forward, as the orcs continued to growl and stamp.
"They call upon the mystical powers, quickly, attack them!" The boy's voice had risen in pitch, but the warning was well heeded.
"Charge them down." Brother Purity's shout was unnecessary, Marius and Khalran already covering the distance to the orcs, as their rage became chanting, As the warriors closed on the foe, the earth began to shake. Cracks appeared along the dirt, as a bulge grew between the orcs. The foul-spawn drew back from it, as the ground rose up, body-parts visible in its midst. The stink of decay filled the area, and soul-wails could be heard on the edge of perception.
From nowhere, a flash of light lit the field, and beside the fell creation appeared a column of light, formed roughly with limbs. Recoiling from the light, the orcs turned and fled, the light-being following steadily. But the cadaver stayed, flowing towards the charge. The dwarfs cry was heard across the valley, anyone in the vicinity who understood the Dwarf tongue would now know of the plight of those who had crossed his path before! Weapons rained upon the creature, and it flailed decayed limbs about itself. Marius was knocked to the floor, as Khalran and Purity hacked lumps of putrefying flesh from its bulk The fray continued for a while, with little effect upon the abomination, until Calara called for fire. Purity withdrew to begin preparations while the knight and dwarf held it at bay. Clay flasks of lamp oil were bunged with rags, and a small fire lit. Blows from the cadaver hammered at the brave warriors, who returned in kind, but neither side seeming to gain advantage.
"Stand away, the cleansing fire is ready!" Brother Purity's call was ignore by the Paladin, as Khalran moved back to help with the flames.
"We cannot attack with Marius there."
"MOVE ASIDE, BROTHER MARIUS!" To no avail. Khalran recalled that the Knights Of Eau were not renowned for withdrawing from a fight. "Stubborn as a dwarf" was the phrase that had been used.
The dwarf moved forward again, with a different target this time. His shoulder connected with the knight's hip, knocking him back and down. As the two rolled away from the creature, the flasks were thrown, igniting the ground, some splashing onto it. Calara's eyes hardened, and the flames grew. Chilling groans emanated from the thing, as fire engulfed its breadth.
"I nearly had it!" It was hard to tell, but Khalran judged Marius was displeased.
The group re-assembled, as acrid smoke poured into the sky. Before long, the unholy creation was naught but a stenching cinder.
As the fire dwindled, the company glanced at each other, considering their next move.
"What was that thing?" asked Chan.
"The Grey Orcs have many powers." Khalran informed the group. "When I have a evening or two, I shall tell you of the Fhi'gal Shar. A hundred dwarves gave their lives to protect the Under-Halls against but ten Grey Orcs and the Fire-Spirits they brought."
"It was a being of Un-life, called from the ground. They must have the backing of some mighty Evil!" Marius's words rang true.
"Then we must hunt them down!" Purity was adamant.
The ground was checked for tracks, and soon they were underway, not knowing the next foe they would face.
A short march brought the company to the top of a low rise. From this vantage point, a settlement could be seen. Some farming community, or maybe a stopping point for traders. Their course was changed to meet it.
As they drew closer, they saw that the village was in ruins, several buildings toppled, and no signs of life. Chan and Calara were sent around to scout. When they returned, a few minutes later, they reported orcs behind the village.
"Maybe thirty, maybe more," The elf's' voice was low, for fear of it traveling through the night. "but they seem to be retreating."
"Best to wait. We cannot take such a force." Khalran was loath to let the foul beasts leave, but knew his limits. Marius was not so cautious:
"Why do we not attack? A mere thirty? I have slain more fearsome foes, and Eau will protect us! We must advance, before they are out of range!"
"Wait, goodly knight. They are many, and we are few. A subtler approach is needed."
"The elf speaks true. We are here to find out what became of the beast that entered the city, not to die at the hands of orcs." Khalran spat the name, his anger starting to show.
"Then we wait." Brother Purity spoke softly, but all felt the force behind his words. The company moved behind the cover of the rise, and waited for the area to clear. Soon the band of orcs was lost from sight across the valley. It was safe to approach the village.
Or what was left of it. Some great force had ripped through the earthen ramparts, and several buildings were smashed to their foundations. A search of the area revealed many orc bodies; some crushed by masonry, some ripped apart where they stood, and many in the great hall that once formed the center of the community. The hall itself was a low building, crudely built and now unstable. Inside was evidence of the orcs nefarious purposes. Blood ran along the walls, where tapestries depicting ritual slaughter and sacrifice hung. A large iron cauldron sat atop a fire-pit, dark sticky liquid congealing in its depth.
"Blood Gods? The orcs must be in the servitude of a Dark One!"
"That is true, Khalran, I recognise this as the work of Necdundus. His followers use the blood-sacrifice to call upon his powers of night. A Dark One indeed! We must be vigilant."
Calara and the boy were busy in the ruins, and a call went up. "Come, this may be of interest!"
Picking through the fallen stones, he had found a body covered with strange markings; tattoos and scars no battle would cause. As the others arrived, the boy was running his knife across the corpse.
"They hold power, " he explained, "some are still active."
"A shaman. Possibly the one that called the earth-dead."
"Search the building. This appears to be a place of worship."
As Khalran and Marius hefted beams and blocks, the boy scanned the remains, calling where his second-sight noticed residues of majicks. A long hour later, and several items were piled for closer inspection. Along with an altar-cloth, bowls and parchment were three High-man weapons. Purity agreed that they were enchanted in some way. All of this was packed away for later inspection, and the search uncovered little else of value - a few silver coins, a blade or two.
Camp was set some way from the village, as Purity had ordered its cleansing, that no evil beings may inhabit it again. The flames would no doubt be seen for some distance.
That night, movement lower in the valley interrupted Chans' watch. A quick scout showed it to be a group of humans, equipped for battle, and headed to intercept the orcs. Waking the rest of the company, he moved to cover their path.
"Hold, travelers. State your purpose!" Marius's stern voice traveled well in the still air.
"Trouble us not, stranger. We have many leagues to cross, and will not be delayed." The accent was odd and the dialect from afar. The strangers tone betrayed arrogance.
"If you will not hold for the Inquisition, then we shall advance upon you." Purity mirrored the tone well.
"Your Church has no jurisdiction here, and gleans no fear from us!"
"Explain your trek across this valley! We have met much to be cautious of, and will not see our enemies reinforced by traitors! There are orcs ahead. Do you know of them?"
"We will explain nothing to you. We have urgent business, and will not be delayed! Move aside, or I shall destroy you!"
"Then we will shall have to show you the error of your ways! Warriors, charge!"
With these words, battle was engaged, and after a brief skirmish the enemy was vanquished. A search of their bodies revealed foreign coinage and orcan weapons. Traitors relaying information on the city defenses, no doubt. But the company knew how to deal with their type.
"We should warn the city of this threat." All agreed with Khalran's statement and after a period of rest they broke camp and began the march back to the city.
The strip of metal Khalran had been twisting between his thick fingers snapped, one end falling to the floor beneath the cart. He grunted, and reached for a strip of salt-meat.
"Hey, my short friend, those rations have to last the whole group several days. It would not do be stuck beyond the Valley without food!" The Inquisitor heaved his load of stakes onto the cart. "Give us a hand with the tools, and we shall have breakfast." It was a better option than bemoaning the plan Brother Purity had insisted upon, although the food was not so hearty as at the Temple of Eau. Dropping his bulk from the cart, he soon had the last of the supplies loaded, and moved toward the mess hall.
"Stake out the edges of the Valley," Purity had said. "See if the Darkness is growing." He had said. To circle the Valley would take several days, and then what? Return to the city to wait? It was not a good plan, but a plan all the same. A good meal and a stop at the Temple of Eau to collect Marius, and they were underway. A larger group this time; Purity had gained the assistance of a dozen Inquisitors, and Marius was flanked by four of his brethren.
The farmlands were strangely serene considering the unknown threat that lay just a day's ride beyond the hills. Khalran had seen such lands burnt to cinders, the tenants fleeing for their lives, as the orc hordes rolled like a black tide across his homeland. But that was far away, and seemed so long ago. As the cart continued through, his thoughts returned to the current threat. What was in the Valley? Where were its secrets held? Who had brought the orcs under the service of the Blood Gods? How many of these humans had turned traitor on their own people? These were not questions a soldier normally asked, but Khalran was no longer just a soldier.
Upon arriving at the Valley-of-Night-During-Day, marker-posts were unloaded from the cart, and the company proceeded slowly, ringing the Darkness with wooden spines, that they would return to check. A slow day's travel to the West, and even outside the Valley was dark. A camp was set, and the watches organised.
Several hours before dawn the group awoke to Vincent explaining that there were demons to the East. His second-sight had felt them, and they were massing over the ridge. Although he said they were at least two miles off, concern spread amongst the group.
"Make the camp defensible." Khalran busied himself with the fire, building it high.
"Yes, we must hold here."
"I will take my Warriors and search out the threat!" Marius was already atop his horse. No amount of persuasion would change his mind, and the small group of knights rode away from he camp.
"Fools! Do they not realise what they face? We are stronger together!"
"We shall await their return. There is little else we can do. Inquisitors. Be alert!"
A tense time passed, but before too long the sound of galloping hooves stirred the camp into action. The five mounted knights returned at some speed.
"Make the camp defensible. They are many!"
A grunt from Khalran, and the company formed a semi-circle in front of the fire. On the edge of the firelight, shapes flitted, shunning the flames. A short sally, and one fell, but the rest retreated to the safety of the night.
"I have an idea." The boy's words were quiet, barely heard above the cracking of the fire, "I can shield the flames, tempt them forward."
"Then do so!"
A moment later and the warriors were covered in darkness. Weapons shifted in their hands, anticipation showing on their faces. Shapes moved on the edge of vision as the demon-spawn moved closer. Just as several forms leapt towards the camp, the light returned brighter than before and a cry went up as the warriors charged the unsuspecting foe. Caught by the sudden light, the creatures tried to flee, but could not outpace the Knights of Eau. The Inquisitors held the flanks as Khalran's hammer cleaved black forms from the darkness. Soon all that was left was a pyre of bodies and a cleaning of weapons.
The camp was soon reset, and the watches doubled until all were rested. The next morning saw the company split; The Inquisitors were to continue around the Valley with the posts while the rest moved into the Darkness to search out its secrets. Khalran was pleased to be headed toward the Enemy, rather than on post-duty.
The fog bank that surrounded the Valley seemed thicker, and Brother Purity mentioned majicks assailing his defenses. Marius concurred, and the pace was quickened until the mists parted and blackness waited ahead. Naught seemed to have penetrated Purity's shields, and the advance continued.
At the temple of Eau the children were given rooms, and the mercenaries were taken to the dungeons. The company moved to a meeting hall to discuss their next actions.
"We must search Kazal's house."
"True, Purity. We move at dawn."
"Then we rest for a while, and meet at the Inquisition"
The sun rose red the next morning and the company met up. They strode through the early market, the thin crowd opening before them. A well-to-do area, Kazal's house was soon located, and when a sharp rap on the door produced no response, Khalran's hammer soon split the solid wood. The living quarters appeared typical, and the rest of the house was investigated. Calara headed for the cellar, Purity and Marius taking the higher stories. Bedrooms revealed little of interest, until the last was opened. Two cots were within, and manacles hung from one wall. Scratch-marks covered the walls, and it was obvious this was where the children had been held. There seemed few clues remaining in the spartan room, but Purity sensed the remnants of majicks. Who knew what ordeals the children had undergone at Kazal's hands?
"Purity!" Vincent's call seemed urgent. "Come look at this!" He had been wandering through the rooms, and now was knelt at the side of Kazal's bed, staring wide-eyed into a large locker.
"What is it, boy?"
"Be careful, Brother Purity, it radiates strange majicks. I cannot divine its purpose."
The stone to which he referred measured nearly three feet high, and over a foot square. The worked faces of the stone held no markings, and no features could be discerned.
"It does indeed radiate majicks," Purity confirmed, "it should be taken to the Church for study."
"Care must be taken with it" Vincent warned, "The Ancient majicks locked within are mysterious and dangerous."
"My Brothers are knowledgeable, and it shall hold no risk for them."
A strangled cry broke the discussion, and booted feet were heard running downstairs. As Vincent reached the stairs, he could see Khalran moving with unaccustomed speed through the cellar door.
"Attend the lady!" was his call, and the company soon followed.
Once in the cellar, the elf-maiden's body could be seen collapsed by the side of one of the many crates stored here. Her face was red with struggled breath, and ochre dust spilled from a jar in her hand. With little gentleness, the dwarf lifted her up the stairs, fearing for her life, as her shallow coughs became less frequent. Into the street, where the air was lighter, she was made comfortable.
"Chan, fetch a healer! Take one of the jars! NOW!!" Khalran normally saved this tone for his enemies, but now was no time for courtesy. A lady lay dying in his arms. As he tried to pour small drops of water to her tortured throat, Marius called upon his healing arts to keep her alive. Before long the strain was showing upon Marius's face, and Khalran's eyes glanced down the street to where Chan had left.
What seemed like a lifetime later, Chan was seen returning with a breathless figure in tow. Space was made, and the man, seeing the urgency, quickly crushed some herbs in a small bowl. The juice was fed to her, and her breathing returned. More herbs were prepared, and soon her eyes crept open. A weak "Thank you" escaped her lips, as she realised how close she had been to death, and she fainted from the effects of the apothecary's concoctions.
"She will be fine within a few minutes. What was it she took?" The jar was shown to him.
"Take a jar, and our gratitude. What else do we owe you?" Khalran shook the man by the hand, reaching for a pouch.
"Well, I have been called from my work," Assessing the group, Marius's armour, the dwarfs crafted items, Purity's rich clothing, "how does three silvers seem?"
"Take these, with the thanks of House Maltash." Khalran handed the man five silver coins, and turned to see how Calara fared. His work done, the apothecary headed back to his market stall. The company resumed their searchof the house, as Calara stirred and struggle to her feet.
"How do you feel, My Lady?"
"I live. I shall go thank him personally." Her legs were still weak as she walked after the man. Khalran shrugged his broad shoulders, and followed the rest back into the house.