Leaving the desert after their defeat by the demon known as Dream the trio found the opening in the mountains that would lead them to Nordaka. With their faces sullen they moved ahead watching for any movements around them. The sun slowly sank into the ground as the trio found a small out cropping of rock that they made camp under.
They ate in silence staring at the small fire that gave them a sense of reality from the recent nightmare they had endured. It was Ash that finally broke the silence as she threw a rock into the fire. "So what we were used and defeated at the hands of an ancient being. Were still alive and will make things right by hunting down that bastard and sending it back to the abyss. Morn smiled at Ash, "you are right my love but we first much reach Nordaka to begin your trials and train you to face such a creature before we attempt the battle ahead. Though I do agree we were given a second chance at redemption and we shall not fail again ".
Ash smiled at Morn but began to worry as she looked to Forge who sat staring at the sky. Morn followed his gaze and noticed a green glow behind the clouds above. Morn and Ash looked confused as they watched the sky and as they were about to ask Forge a question he silenced them and pointed, "Look at the moon its not possible!"
When the clouds broke Ash looked to them both but Morn caught on very quickly as he watched the full green moon shine in the sky. Ash continued to stare and then it clicked "How is that possible before the storm engulfed the black desert we saw a new moon, just how long were we in that nightmare?" Forge shook his head "I don't know lass but I fear we may find out soon and the answer will not be to our liking."
They awoke the next morning as dawn broke. Ash slowly climbed out of Morns arms to gather her gear. Morn smiled as he watched her, he looked to Forge and walked over to him as he was still snoring. He lightly kicked him but Forge didn't budge. Morn smiled with a sinister grin and placed his hand over Forge's beard and tugged hard. Forge swung at Morn as he danced away laughing. "How many times do I got to tell ya lad never tug on a dwarves beard!" Forge said as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. Ash giggled as she gathered the last of her gear. "Besides how was I supposed to sleep when you two over there are whispering sweet nothings to each other all night, I'm surprised we weren't ambushed in the middle of the night Bah!" Ash looked to Morn blushing at him as she put together some breakfest. Morn smiled back with a wink "well we should reach the fortress by nightfall so I suggest we get moving". Forge grumbled as he gathered his gear "finally get a decent sleep at that and he has to ruin it as always Bah."
They made there way along the rocky path and through the mountains passing by symbols of the Shadow Hunters. Ash was getting nervous the closer they got. "Morn do you think they will accept me?" Morn stopped to look into her dark eyes "I wouldn't worry my love. Your combat is precise and not to mention I speak on your behalf. Being the senior member has its privileges of course." He turned and laughed as Ash shook her head "of course you are".
They journeyed upward onto the mountain path as the sun descended from the sky. Morn said over his back "soon we shall be reaching the watch tower that over looks the final road into Nordaka. We will be welcome to sleep there if we wish I will leave that up to you when we get there though. "Over the pass they spotted the watch tower made of an obsidian rock. Morn stopped and pulled out of his pouch a small green gem. He aimed it at the tower as he spoke words of an ancient language. The gem flashed three times and Morn waited for a response from the tower. After a few moments still nothing came and he began to show some worry. He turned to the others "something is not right that gem is a beacon we use to show when allies approach and I did not get an answer back, will take caution as we get closer."
They made there way closer to the tower as Morn stopped them. "Ill go on ahead a little to scout ill flash the gem at you three times to show its safe if you don't see three flashes wait till I return as it could be worse then I fear." With that Morn put his hood up and grabbed his bow as he silently made his way to the tower.
As Morn got closer he could see movement outside the shattered door of the tower. The sun still held in the sky a golden and red glow that was losing a battle to the darkness of night. Morn studied the figure who was covered in leather and chain but something seemed odd. Morn picked up a rock and threw it to his left. The figure turned and growled and Morn found it was not a man but a living rotting corpse with armor. He summoned his arrows and let one fly dead on into the creature. The arrow hit him right in the chest but the undead did not fall. Morn looked in disbelief as he let loose two more arrows each slamming into the creature but none dropping it. The creature charged at Morn with a sword in hand. Morn stepped back and let one more arrow fly. The arrow shot straight into the creatures head as it dropped backward and fell to the ground. "Finally! Ok then that's something to keep in mind," Morn said as he studied the dead soldier on the ground.
Morn wiped the sweat from his brow wondering what he just faced. He silently made his way to the creature and found it was one of the watch tower lookouts. Knowing two always were kept guard Morn wasn't surprised when another guard appeared in the doorway scanning the outside as the night was gathering. Its eyes caught on to Morn and glowed with a green fire as he unsheathed his sword. He had time for one shot as he let loose an arrow for the guards head. The arrow missed its mark as the guard started to charge in like a feral animal. He crashed into Morn like a ram sending him back a few feet on his back. The guard laughed with a deathly sound as it came at Morn and its sword ready to skewer him.
A battle cry came from the left where the last bit of the sun sank into the mountains. Ash smashed into the guards side with her shield knocking his sword back. The guard turned to her and backhanded her shield which almost broke her arm with its strength. She staggered back some as the guard looked at her with those hellish eyes. "This is not your fight bitch!" Ash smiled "well I'm making it my fight now!" She called to her shield as the lions mouth opened and a blue fire engulfed the guard. The guard flailed in agony but in moments it crashed to the ground.
Ash helped Morn up "I know you said stay behind but I just sensed something was wrong and I couldn't .." Before she could say another word Morn had pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard. Ash looked surprised but welcomed his embrace. Forge came panting in behind them "alright knock it off you two save it for the bed chambers!" They stopped and Morn smiled as Ash looked confused. "You couldn't have arrived at a better time to say the least. Whatever these things are they're unlike any other undead I have ever faced. Their strength is like a vampire, they can see clearly in the light unlike a normal undead, they speak yet they're rotted like a zombie. This does not bode well and if the tower is taken we best use caution from here on in as I fear that's not the last of those creatures".
Morn spoke true as they found another two sentries on the road. This time the trio was able to take them down a little easier by using there weakness of fire against them. While also using Morn's new found knowledge of piercing the brain could be done by arrow or blade. They continued the path to Nordaka forsaking the idea to make camp for the night till they reached there destination..
Soon the mountain path lead to an opening where two large statues stood in eternal conflict in front of a large rock wall. The green moon had cast an eerie glow over the figures. The first was a hooded man with twin swords he wore a breastplate and had a semi long beard. The next statue was a demon covered head to toe in a thorned armor it held a large mace aimed at the man. Morn smiled to Ash "welcome milady to the Heroes Archway and the beginning of you're new life my love."
Ash smiled deeply as she grabbed Morns hand tightly and followed him under the archway. He grabbed two gems from his pouch that were both cut into perfect circles. One was a deep blue that he placed into the pomal of one of the twin swords. The other a onyx black that fit into the pommel of the hammer. Ash jumped back as both statues came alive and looked to the trio speaking the same words in unison. "Three choices lay before you so speak the correct words and enter. Speak the words incorrectly and run far away from here never to return or you will die." Forge tapped Ash's shoulder "I always thought then a bit over dramatic." He smiled as she giggled under her hand.
The statues just stared at the trio awaiting their next move. Morn stood before them both and spoke in a bold voice "In a age of darkness only by secrecy the warriors of light will hold the balance of this realm. Though both must exist never shall one be the victor and hence we of the light shall only sing songs of glory in these halls, our riches are shared by our brothers and sisters and when the darkness blinds us our light shall guide us to prevail from now to eternity."
The statues stood silently for a moment till they resumed there original position. "Enter and be welcomed warrior of light." The rock under the archway shuddered and lifted revealing a well lit tunnel. As they entered Morn turned to Ash "so you see my love we live by three vows, we seek no glory and what we do shall always be in secret. The riches we gain will always be used to further the cause and shared among st the order when needed. Forge broke in for a second "yeah that one still ruffles me feathers bah!" Morn shook his head and laughed "and no matter the odds our abilities will prevail over the darkness and if they don't another will always be there to take up the cause. We shall live and die by these vows and if you would join us so shall you." Ash stopped and turned to look into Morns eyes "with no regrets my love."
They journeyed down the tunnel with silence all around them. Forge looked up to Morn "seem odd to to you lad not even a sound of steel against steel?" Morn looked concerned "aye I noticed that as well my friend something seems wrong here." The tunnel lead into a circular room which held a stone pedestal that held a large tome. "This is the book of knowledge my love our scribes have filled its pages since the order began soon its pages shall speak of your joining and our adventures to come." He winked to her as she smiled back.
Now lets see if the tome can explain this silence or maybe even something about those undead we encountered. He started browsing the pages and as he read on he became paler by the second. They both looked at him confused "what it is lad you look like a spirit in the night", Forge said with concern. Morn didn't reply back but started running down the center hall. Ash and Forge followed with concern over there faces. Morn ran through the main dining hall and further in till he found a master bedroom. There lying on the bed was a older man with long ash colored hair that looked to be sleeping. Standing beside him was another older man with a long blonde beard and a younger girl in her twenties that looked very familiar to Morn.
The man with the long beard stared in surprise at the trio as they entered. He immediately made his way to them with a smile on his lips. He clasped Morn by the arm "By the fates your alive we had given up hope when you never answered the summons. Alendra said not to worry but I feared the worst. Where have you... Morn stopped the scribe "Cresius it is good to see you as well but I never got the summon. When was it sent and what has happened to Simon, I read the tome I mean what year is this and what does it mean my brother is lost?" Cresius stared at the trio with confusion "we had better discuss this in my quarters". He yelled over to young girl with a fiery red to her hair "Alendra you had better come with us as well we will all need to discuss things."
Alendra didn't even notice the trio till now keeping her focus on the man with the long hair. She gasped when she saw them and came bolting over "Uncle Moringar and Forge your alive I knew it I knew this darkness would not swallow you!" She hugged each one very tight and smiled to Ash. "Greetings I'm Alendra Stormguard mage and alchemist of the order its good to see another female here, there hasn't been a females voice in these halls since lady Wenna though she hates when I call her that." Morn and Forge looked to each other then to Cresius "oh yes we have much to discuss and I want to hear it all now."
The trio started by explaining the tale of how they met Ash and ending with the battle against Dream. Alendra helped by filling there mugs and gathering a plate of soft breads and fruit. Cresius took in every word of there adventures while making mental notes in his mind. Cresius stretched for a moment after they had explained everything. "Well it seems to me while you were in this demons world time must have move forward and since the last time I saw you was when Alendra was a young girl I would say about ten years has passed.
They all looked to each other in shock but with a sense of realization. Ash turned to Morn and Forge "well that would explain the moon". Cresius nodded to them all "now its time I speak and explain what has happened over those ten years and to your brother Simon.
..."it began with the fall of the Krakens Eye, a dark knight known as Blacksteel who could raise the dead took the Eye with the help of an ancient general and a high priestess of death. No one knew of this till it was too late and the pieces were set in place. Using the Eye as a starting point soon an army of the dead would march from village to village killing and gaining new soldiers as they went. These undead are also much more powerful then the regular undead we have encountered. Also during this time King Toren was assassinated by a blind bard assassin and as the people went into chaos that's when the army struck hard.
The order was summoned and a small band lead by Master Simon went to face this Blacksteel. The others were sent to save who they could from this army and find a safe haven. We were successful in only one of these deeds and now we hold and guard the islands to our west". Morn whispered with confusion "The Pirate Islands?" "Just the ones master Morningar" Cresius said as he saw the confusion on Morns face. "The pirates were actually very forgiving for our situation and since they had families and loved ones on the mainland they welcomed us and our swords. There ships they now use to protect the people and attack our enemies for supplies. Its funny how in the darkest of times heroes can be made where you least expect it.
Alas I will let Alendra tell the rest as she was with your brother at the assault . Alendra looked into Morns eyes with sadness "this will be very difficult Uncle Morn but I will do my best." Morn nodded knowing now the fate that befell his brother and why he did not stir from his bed.
...."Simon didn't want me go but I had heard stories of this priestess and knew my magics could help against her. He agreed in the end so Simon, Wendall, Wenna, Torus, and myself made our way to the castle. We faced some of the dead on the way, but by then we knew about their weakness to fire and piercing them in the brain. The castle now had become a dark monument and had changed as you could feel the presence of a strong evil from within. Simon lead us in by some old escape ways the King had built. As we entered the throne room we found the king as one of the dead now a servant to the evil three who stood before us. To the right was a beautiful dark elf who must of been the priestess and to the left was an ancient undead covered in armor from before our time. He smiled at me in a way I dare not describe. Sitting in the main throne was another dark elf he wore black steel and a dark aura surrounded him. His face was tattooed like a demons skull as he just smiled at us.
He stood up without a word and threw a lightning bolt right at Simon. Simon was quick and only took a graze of the bolt. Before we knew what was happening Simon and the knight clashed. You should have seen Simon so graceful and determined." Alendra's voice started to tighten as she recalled the next part to them. Morn placed his hand on hers and nodded. "The fighting seemed like a lifetime but no one else in the throne room moved a muscle only watched the two knights battle. Except for one I caught him in the corner of my eye that dammed blind assassin with his raven. He was above us in a balcony awaiting a signal from that bitch the priestess. Before we knew it three ghost like blades slammed into Simon's legs and dropped him to his knees.
We were going to attack then but the knight grabbed Simon by the hair and had a deadly black blade against his throat. He smiled at us and without a word slammed his palm into Simon's chest and..." Alendra stared crying "he killed him uncle Morn he killed him with no remorse We didn't know what to do the bastard just let his body crumple to the floor and walked away laughing as the priestess and general slowly moved to us. It was Torus who grabbed me by the arm to bring me back to reality and told me to get Simon and the others out. Of course Wendal and Wenna argued but Torus told them they had to protect me. I used my magic to get us as far away as I could and we brought back Simon to here. I ....tried ....everything I could uncle but...I cant bring him back!" Alendra crumpled into Morns arms as he hushed her "you have done so much already its more then I could ever ask." Ash stood up and put a hand on his shoulder Morn turned and smiled to her.
Cresius smiled at them "I know you will need time to take all this in and mourn for your brother but as of now you are master of the order, we will need to discuss our plans and when we leave." Morn bowed his head down and began to think for a few moments as he raised his head with determination "we will not be leaving." They all looked at him in confusion "but uncle Morn we have no hope here we are but a shell of what we were." Morn smiled "Alendra there is always hope and Ill bring it to you I promise ". Morn rose and Alendra could see the look in his eyes like Simon once had.
"Cresius send word to the twins to find those who would join our cause. I also want word sent to any of our scattered members to return and bring any who would join in our fight." Cresius bowed and smiled to Morn "it will be done master Morningar." Morn smiled to Forge "what do you think old friend you don't have to stay but if you would were going to need some of the finest weapons to beat this darkness." Forge laughed at Morn "and where would I go lad of course Ill stay it will be good to use the old smithing room again." Alendra ran over and hugged Forge "besides this lass is going to help me with some magics in these weapons." Forge winked to Alendra.
Morn turned to Ash. "As for you my love get plenty of sleep this night, as of tomorrow you begin your trials and we begin to rebuild the order in the name of my brother and our ancestors". They all raised there glasses and cheered and in a distant room if one was watching they would swear Simon was smiling and had found his peace after death.
