chapter 5

This chapter isnt quite finished but still appreciate feedback

Chapter 5

 

A month has passed since Seryth and Teresa discovered their new home within Dunmore. The couple discontinued their training leaving the rugged life as petty rouges and thieves to a diabolic life filled with killings every waking minute. Only a few assassins have attempted to put an end to the couple none have returned. Today though will change the couple’s diabolic life forever.

Seryth, out on his morning hunt stumbled across a lone harpy carrying a messenger bag. Seryth crouched behind a stalagmite waiting for his chance to attack. The harpy begins to gather his belongings as Seryth slowly stalks his victim, just as the harpy put the last of the mail that had fallen out Seryth quickly slices the throat of the harpy instantly killing him. Seryth rummages through the mail in search of anything usefully. Seryth stumbles upon a note addressed to none other than him. Seryth opens the letter and quickly realizes it’s from his brother Blanc saying that he must return to the kingdom. Seryth gathers the rest of the mail and heads back to Teresa.

“Teresa! Wake up.” Seryth said.

“What?” Teresa asked.

“I killed a messenger and discovered a letter addressed to me. I have to go back to the kingdom.” Seryth said.

“Then let’s go. I had seen a hidden exit to the south we can make our escape there.” Teresa said.

“Alright get your things packed.” Seryth said. The two was off together once again this time to a new destination, Ragnarok. The high-noon sun blinded Seryth as he emerged from the depths of Dunmore.

“Don’t worry Seryth your eyes will adjust to the sun again.” Teresa comforted. The sun had just settled behind Ragnarok as Seryth and Teresa entered the city.

“Welcome home brother.” Blanc greeted as Seryth made his way up the stairs to the palace.

“It’s great to be back, minus the sun.” Seryth said.

“Come on in, dinner is being served.” Blanc said. Seryth took his seat next to the head of the table, Teresa took the seat next to him. Blanc sat at the head as Zander made his way into the dining hall. Zander sat across from Seryth.

“Blanc. Why did you summon me home?” Seryth asked.

“The kingdom has undergone some changes that you need to be aware of.” Blanc said.

“Changes?” Seryth asked.

“Yes. Let us show you.” Blanc said. Within seconds Blanc and Zander transformed into the diabolic beings they have become.

“What madness has taken over you?” Seryth asked.

“No brother, this is a change we must all accept, for you will have to endure the same transformation. Except something tells me you have already transformed. Tell me when was the last time you killed was in cold blood?” Blanc asked.

“This morning. What does that have to do with anything.” Seryth asked.

“Don’t you see it. Before you wouldn’t kill in cold blood unless it was the only way, now you see as the only way. With us three joined together we can turn the balance between good and evil. Evil will win this time, when the great battle of Ragnarok unfolds. The followers of Odin and the like will not survive for the time of Helga’s rising will be victorious and the burning hell will take its rightful grip on Midgard.” Blanc said.

“What Bane?” Seryth asked.

“What do you mean?” Blanc asked.

“The ancient scrolls said Bane is Midgard’s protector.” Seryth said.

“Yes but that was before Helga interfered.” Zander said. “Helga trapped Bane’s soul in a stone, now buried in the depths of Hell. That is if the myth is true.” Zander said.

“Let’s go to Helga. She will provide us with a horde of demons.” Blanc said.

“How are you so sure?” Seryth asked.

“Like I said the burning hell will take its place upon Midgard. We will make the trip tomorrow. Teresa and Tyr will remain here to govern the city.” Blanc said.

Morning came quickly, Zander emerged from the castle’s library buried deep beneath the kingdom holding scrolls that gave clue to Midgard’s portal. Seryth, unchanged, joins Zander and Blanc in the throne room with Teresa beside him.

“Good morning brothers. Zander did you learn anything from the scrolls?” Blanc asked.

“I have the scrolls that hold clues to the whereabouts of Midgard’s portal.” Zander said.

“Excellent, are you set Seryth?” Blanc asked.

“Yes.” Seryth said.

“Then let’s go. Teresa and Tyr you will treat the citizens of the city with respect, they must not know of the imminent changes.” Blanc said.

“Yes lord.” Teresa and Tyr said with a bow. The trio progress through the plains heading south.

“Zander where are we going?” Blanc asked.

“We have to travel to the Desert of Desolation.” Zander said.

“What’s in the Desert of Desolation?” Blanc asked.

“A Sphinx.” Zander said. The sun settles behind the mountains to the west as the trio pitch camp. Seryth strikes a piece of flint with his steel dagger spraying sparks upon kindling giving birth to a small ember. Seryth rakes more kindle as he lightly blows on the ember. Moments later a roaring flame took shape.

“What does a Sphinx have to do with the Midgard’s portal?” Seryth said as he pokes the fire his fire-stick.

“According to the scrolls, many of the ancient races hold small knowledge of the portal. Unfortunately our library only contains the Sphinx’s location. Hopefully the Sphinx can point us to the next location.” Zander said. Blanc lay on the grass staring to the heavens. “Soon we will be together.” Blanc whispered drifting to sleep.

“Nothing changed about him.” Seryth said.

            “Your right, he’s still first asleep.” Zander laughed.

The trio made there leave with the morning sun arriving at the Desert of Desolation by midday.

            “Gentlemen, I welcome you to the Desert of Desolation.” Zander said.

            “Where is this Sphinx?” Seryth asked.

            “Legend has it they are the guardians of temples.” Zander said.

            “Ha, this should be an easy find.” Seryth said.

            “It would be if the temple was still in use. My guess is the temple we are seeking is buried.” Zander said.

            “Nothing is easy.” Seryth sighed.

            “Don’t worry Seryth, we will just have to find some locals.” Blanc said.

            “Locals? Who live out in a desert?” Seryth asked.

            “Trolls.” Blanc said.

            “Great, not only do we have to find a buried beast we have to befriend voodoo beings.” Seryth said.

            “Could be worse.” Zander said.

            “Worse, how?” Seryth asked.

            “We could be hunted by giant scorpions.” Zander said.

            “It’s always something. Let’s just get this over with.” Seryth said. They traveled the blistering desert until sunset with no sign of civilization.

            “Come on let’s set camp we can start fresh in the morning.” Blanc said. The night air was cool making the night relaxing and the stars danced in the night sky. The moon forced cacti shadows imitate creature of darkness, catching Seryth’s eyes at every glimpse.

            “How can they sleep?” Seryth thought. “I’ll just take a walk, maybe then I can get to sleep.” Seryth thought. Seryth kept his hand close to his trusty daggers as he walked the barren landscape. With the sound of nocturnal hunters scampering across the desert kept Seryth’s senses heightened. Until a very distinctive sound caught his attention, quickly he draws his blades crouching in an offensive stance. He looks around trying to identify the origins of the sound, there behind a sand dune. He creeps towards it making his way to the far left side of the hill. As He made his way behind the hill he spots an oddly shape creature. The creature appeared human but, the thought was quickly discarded with the sight of tusks protruding from the creatures mouth. Seryth crept closer, then pounces on the humanoid holding a knife to its throat and covering its mouth with his hand.

            “You’re coming with me beast.” Seryth whispered. Seryth shoves the beast to the ground in between Blanc and Zander startling them.

            “What the hell Seryth?” Blanc roared.

            “Who is this?” Blanc asked.

            “I caught it behind a hill.” Seryth said.

            “First it; is a troll. Second you best hope he’s not with friends.” Zander said.

            “Troll, friends?” Seryth asked.

            “You did it this time.” Blanc said.

            “Now hang on, let’s ask the troll why he was out here.” Zander said.

            “I’m a scout.” The troll said in a low voice

            “You can understand us?” Seryth asked.

            “Yes, Humans tongue is common around here. My name is Kul’Gex of Kul’ clan, I have a small raid party probably looking for me as we speak. Take me back to them and I will make sure no harm comes to you.” Kul’Gex said.

            “Fine we’ll return you, but if we get ambushed I’m killing you first.” Seryth said. Kul’Gex smiled as he led the trio back to his raid party.