Original Submissions
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Armageddon Reborn Teaser Poster #2 by SoupViking
Added on Dec 22, 2006Inspired by the coming revamp in June '07
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Armageddon Reborn Teaser Poster by SoupViking
Added on Dec 22, 2006Inspired by the coming of the Armageddon revamp.
Southern Guard by Briar
Added on Dec 15, 2006"As you command, Lord Templar." - Words of a southern guard.
A Lady of Borsail by Briar
Added on Dec 2, 2006Image is everything to a Lady of the Jade.
Scarlet the Harlot by Breezy, Fale Whatsit
Added on Nov 30, 2006One of the most favored bawdy songs sung by the young Fale servant.
Scarlet, the Harlot, the girl we all adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
Way out on dunes where kankflop is thick,
Where women are women and raiders come quick.
There lived pretty Scarlet, the girl we adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
It's Scarlet the Harlot, the girl we adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
She's dirty, she's vulgar, she spits in the street,
Whenever you see her, she's always in heat!
She'll lay down for ten 'sid, take less or take more.
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
Scarlet the Harlot, the girl we adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
One day in the canyon, no pants on her quim.
A desert snake saw her and flung himself in!
Scarlet the Harlot gave raiders the frights,
The only cooch that hisses and bites!
It's Scarlet the Harlot, the girl we adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
One day on the dunes while riding along,
My seat in the saddle, the reins on my dong,
Who should I meet but the girl I adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
It's Scarlet the Harlot, the girl we adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
I got off my kank, I reached for her crack,
The damn thing was hissing and bitin' me back!
I took out my crossbow, I aimed for its head,
I missed the damn snake, I shot her instead.
It's Scarlet the Harlot, the girl we adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
Her line of mourners was forty leagues long,
With a chorus of raiders singin' this song.
"Here lies a young maiden who never kept score,
Young Scarlet the Harlot, the kank-herder's whore!"
It's Scarlet the Harlot, the girl we adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
It's Scarlet the Harlot, the girl we adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore!
Scarlet, the Harlot, the girl we all adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
Way out on dunes where kankflop is thick,
Where women are women and raiders come quick.
There lived pretty Scarlet, the girl we adore,
The pride of the dunes, the kank-herder's whore.
It's Scarlet the Harlot,...
Continue Reading...Tuluki Lullaby by Gimfalisette
Added on Nov 23, 2006A bedtime song for children which teaches essential concepts of Tuluki culture and some counting, composed by a bard of Poets' Circle in New Tuluk circa Year 28 of the 21st Age.
by Maerylin "Mae" Konviwedu
Hush now, my dear child, put tears to rest,
I'll sing you a song to count how you're blessed.
Lay your head down and dry your eyes,
While I play a soft, sweet Tuluki lullaby.
One for the Sun King, his love and grace
Shines down on you warmer than the sun's red face.
Two Orders of His Faithful, their care and might,
Watching and keeping you safe through the night.
Three for the third faction, the Houses so grand,
His Chosen's dedication is known through the land.
Four are the castes which labor as one,
Each has a duty in the work to be done.
Five is Gol Krathu and its four-direction surround,
Where all good things of nature abound.
Six are the Circles of the Poets of the north,
Where arts ancient and new in bounty pour forth.
Seven hours does the sun shine each bright day,
In the Ivory where you'll grow as you laugh and play.
All these things and more will bless your time,
But for now, go to sleep, precious child of mine.
by Maerylin "Mae" Konviwedu
Hush now, my dear child, put tears to rest,
I'll sing you a song to count how you're blessed.
Lay your head down and dry your eyes,
While I play a soft, sweet Tuluki lullaby.
One for the Sun King, his love and grace
Shines down on you warmer than the sun's...
Continue Reading...Lord and Lady Tenneshi by Ourla
Added on Nov 23, 2006A Chosen Lord and Lady of northern House Tenneshi.
Mit by Cisalus
Added on Nov 6, 2006Self portrait of a runty little teen named Mit and a beloved 'sid coin.
Allanaki Templar by Ourla
Added on Nov 6, 2006Get your bribes ready.
The Drovian by Biscuits
Added on Oct 29, 2006A Drovian plays with the shadow in the alleys of Allanak.
Mantis by Ourla
Added on Oct 29, 2006With gythka staff in claw, the lanky mantis warily surveys the desert.
The Tale of Cuff the Dwarf by Rhyden
Added on Oct 29, 2006This is story of Cuff, a stupid and nasty dwarf to the very end.
There once was a dwarf named Cuff, who thought there was no one more buff.Although real good with a sword, Cuff's head was as thick as a board.One day while hunting around, an elf, real tall, he found.Grunting real hard, Cuff said: "Th'feck ye doin'ere, point-head?"The elf just laughed and replied: "Hunting for strong, dwarf hide."Thinking the matter right through, Cuff's mighty anger grew.Instead of just leaving real quickly, Cuff made the problem more sticky.The elf smiled while raising his spear, as Cuff the dwarf came near."Time t'die ye stupid fecker", said Cuff as he charged the necker.But the elf was rather quite fast, and Cuff just trundled right past.Cuff decided to run at him back, but the elf kicked him right in the sack.Moaning, Cuff did go down, with a purely painful frown.As the elf leaned over with a grin, Cuff cut him right in the shin.So both were down on the floor, groaning, moaning and more.Now elf and dwarf were grudging, but along came a half-giant, trudging.As the giant looked dumbly around, he asked: "Why both on da ground?"Neither spoke; hurt bad… the giant soon grew mad.He crushed them both on the spot, but didn't leave him to rot.Instead he got from this deal, an elf and a dwarf as a meal.This is the end of our Cuff, who's now mostly mushy and stuff.So if you don't want to end up food, act smart and don't be rude.And if you run into an elf, just run and save yourself.There once was a dwarf named Cuff, who thought there was no one more buff.Although real good with a sword, Cuff's head was as thick as a board.One day while hunting around, an elf, real tall, he found.Grunting real hard, Cuff said: "Th'feck ye doin'ere, point-head?"The elf just...
Continue Reading...Singin' in the Shade by Rhyden
Added on Oct 28, 2006A lively street stong by an unknown Tuluki bard.
Singin' in the shade, the skies begin to fade,
My day's already made, cause I'm singin' in the shade.
When times get tough, I'll sing some stuff,
Singin' in the shade, 'till they've had enough.
They'll all clap along, while I sing my song,
Singin' in the shade, nothing can be wrong.
Singin' in the shade, the skies begin to fade,
My day's already made, cause I'm singin' in the shade.
Strumming every string, we'll all begin to sing,
Singin' in the shade, for the great Sun King.
Sing from night 'till day, I'll just sing away,
Singin' in the shade, what do ya say? I'll say…
Singin' in the shade, the skies begin to fade,
My day's already made, cause I'm singin' in the shade.
If times get real bad, just don't get mad,
Singin' in the shade, good times to be had.
Where ya might just be, sing along with me,
We're singin in the shade, music is the key.
We're singin' in the shade, the skies begin to fade,
Our day's already made, and we're singin' in the shade.
We're singin' in the shade…
Just singin' in the shade…
Singin' in the shade.Singin' in the shade, the skies begin to fade,
My day's already made, cause I'm singin' in the shade.
When times get tough, I'll sing some stuff,
Singin' in the shade, 'till they've had enough.
They'll all clap along, while I sing my song,
Singin' in the shade, nothing can be wrong.
Singin' in...
Continue Reading...Lost in the Stinging Sands by Rhyden
Added on Oct 28, 2006A sad song about a lost, dying hunter by an unknown Tuluki bard.
There's a place, not far away, the sun, the moon, a quiet place...
Why can't I get there, to this place, the sun, the moon, a quiet place?
Lost in all the stinging sands...
Lost in all the stinging sands.
The winds pick up, sand all around, the hot, the dry and swirling sands…
Why can't I get there, to this place, the sun, the moon, a quiet place?
Lost in all the stinging sands...
Lost in all the stinging sands.
Time goes by, but sands still fly, now blind, now lost, I cannot see…
Why can't I get there, to this place, the sun, the moon, a quiet place?
Lost in all the stinging sands...
Lost in all the stinging sands.
Now it's dark, it's hard to breathe, the pain, the thirst, there's nothing
left…
Why can't I get there, to this place, the sun, the moon, a quiet place?
Lost in all the stinging sands...
Lost in all the stinging sands.
There's a place, not far away, the sun, the moon, a quiet place…
Why can't I get there, to this place, the sun, the moon, a quiet place?
Lost in the stinging sands…
Forever in the stinging sands.
There's a place, not far away, the sun, the moon, a quiet place...
Why can't I get there, to this place, the sun, the moon, a quiet place?
Lullaby by Sivri, Whatsit of Fale
Added on Oct 28, 2006an Allanaki lullaby
Hush my baby, hushabye
Lirathu's slipped down from the sky
the night is short and the day is long
adversity will make you strong
Now watch out for the gortok
he's got a nasty bite
and don't go chasing after things
that roam the 'rinth at night
Beware the 'breeds and neckers
who'd love to rob you blind
and stay away from magick dear
or it will warp your mind
Hush my baby, hushabye
Lirathu's slipped down from the sky
the night is short and the day is long
adversity will make you strong
So sleep with one eye open
and keep your water near
devotions every Detal morn
to keep your conscience clear
Never cross a Templar
obey the Highlord's laws
and hope you never find yourself
caught in the tembo's claws
Hush my baby, hushabye
Lirathu's slipped down from the sky
the night is short and the day is long
adversity will make you strongHush my baby, hushabye
Lirathu's slipped down from the sky
the night is short and the day is long
adversity will make you strong
Now watch out for the gortok
he's got a nasty bite
and don't go chasing after things
that roam the 'rinth at night
Beware the 'breeds and neckers
who'd love to rob you blind
and...
Continue Reading...Lover's Breath by Briar
Added on Oct 23, 2006Fleetingly does Lirathu pause in her dance to stand beside Jihae before once more stepping across the sands, beckoning him to chase.
Gwoshi and His Gypsy by Briar
Added on Oct 21, 2006What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Warrioress in Quirri by Ourla
Added on Oct 21, 2006You armor-makers know what I'm talkin' about.
A Kadian Huntress by Ourla
Added on Oct 20, 2006She gazes cautiously across the plains from atop her kank.
Warrior with a Facewrap by Ourla
Added on Oct 19, 2006Don'tcha love Southern style fighting? Botched his stomach with white-out, but never mind. ;)
Nakki Boys by Sivri, Whatsit of Fale
Added on Oct 18, 2006A song about the men of Allanak
We all know that Tuluki men are Eunuchs
and Red Storm guys just cannot hit the shot
and though I've heard Kuraci men
can do the loving work of ten
it's Nakki boys that make my blood run hot
There's Bynners if you like the rough and tumble
and Terash aides of silk if you do not
The Tor lads and Borsail
are all up to their necks in tail
cuz Nakki boys all make the women hot
The Oash lads bring you fine wine for your table
the boys of Sath provoke a lot of thought
the sexy men of Fale
in every dalliance prevail
cuz Nakki boys make all the women hot
So try a taste of Kasix in the morning
A Valika boy at lunchtime hits the spot
Jal and Rennik at the bar,
don't just admire them from afar
cuz Nakki boys like all their women hot!We all know that Tuluki men are Eunuchs
and Red Storm guys just cannot hit the shot
and though I've heard Kuraci men
can do the loving work of ten
it's Nakki boys that make my blood run hot
There's Bynners if you like the rough and tumble
and Terash aides of silk if you do not
The Tor lads and Borsail...
Continue Reading...Kurac by Briar
Added on Oct 3, 2006A broken coin and a red, blazing sun.
Final Memories of Him by Reiloth
Added on Sep 28, 2006A song written by Jochebed Abishai of Elkinhym in light of his father's passing.
My first memories of him were by the age of five,
When he mussed with my hair, and told me voice snide,
"Son, you must remember when the day is done,
to clean your feet in the shadow of the sun.";
And to this day, upon arriving home,
I look to my shoes, and for a man who will never come.
My second memories of him were by the age of seventeen,
When he clapped my shoulder, slapping my bearded chin unclean,
"Son, you must remember to compliment your mate,
Or else you will find yourself in a deprived state.";
And to this day, when I see my mate's eyes,
I revel in their color aloud, knowing he has died.
My third memories of him were by the age of twenty-two,
when he mused of my sister, and of my new wound.
"Son, remember that 'great things' should be considered lightly,
and the littlest of things with such detail, not slightly."
And to this day, when a man pries to the state of my face,
I smile as I do, and leave him in haste.
My fourth memories of him were by the age of twenty-five,
when I held his hand, and watched the last living breath die,
"Son, for me this you must do; never give up, or pretend to be a fool;
Always to yourself be true, and only willingly play the tool."
And with his dying breath I sighed, my eyes turning to shaded places
inside;
and when my feet loudly scuff more than I intend,
His dying words, my thoughts often recommend.
My final memories of him were by the age of right now,
In song he is remembered, like the sky or dust-clouds,
"Father, you must remember that I miss you so,
and that your words, succinctly, to my children will go."
And to this day, a thought of him brings tears to my eyes,
knowing his life was snuffed, like a torch to the wind's sighs.
My first memories of him were by the age of five,
When he mussed with my hair, and told me voice snide,
"Son, you must remember when the day is done,
to clean your feet in the shadow of the sun.";
And to this day, upon arriving home,
I look to my shoes, and for a man who will never come.
My second...
Continue Reading...The Victory at the Battle of the Canyon by Gimfalisette
Added on Sep 27, 2006Rousing historical song which celebrates and chronicles Tuluk's victory in the final battle of the War. Composed by a bard of Poets' Circle in New Tuluk shortly after the end of the war.
by Maerylin "Mae" Konviwedu
(song is also known as "Look Up, Soldiers")
They'd fought long and hard at the Copper War and each soldier was tired to the bone,
Our Legions beat back the Nakkis again and again, and had faith that the war would be won.
Then they heard word--The last battle is ahead, so Legionnaires stand and prepare--
With the end coming on, as the red sun went down, my love raised his face to its glare.
Look up for your help now, look up, soldiers! To the Sun King pray for a sign!
My love put on his armor and raised up his weapons, for fast came the killing time.
Look up for your strength now, look up, soldiers--And remember the Ivory--
My love's thoughts turned homeward, far to the north, and softly lingered on me.
Through a long dark night His Legions lay there in wait, ready for the dawn with its light,
But when the sun crept over the rocky canyon's east edge it shined on a terrible sight.
The Black hordes had left their camp in the dark and amassed to march for the fight,
An impossible force now stood at the gates, and the canyon floor shook with its might.
As far as he looked, all my love saw was a roiling swarm of abominations,
The crackle and stench of their vile magicks would have turned a weak man to desperation.
And the Blue witches rode at the front of that line, piercingly shrieking commands--
But my love held onto courage, and stood by His Faithful, steady with weapons to hand.
Then all at once with a crash and a boom like thunder, the craggy cliffs started to fall!
For His Legions are clever, and knowing the enemy, had planted traps in the walls.
And as rocks tumbled down to smash through the ranks of the Black's assembled force,
Something even more wondrous, and strange in the telling, began to take its course.
A feeling then touched our Faithful Lady Eunoli, a sense of the Sun King's presence--
And she knew He watched over each Loyal soldier standing there in the Ivory's defense.
Unseen, unheard then, at His bidding, she and our Faithful Lady Felysia ascended
To the top of the cliffs overlooking the battle to complete what the Sun King intended.
Then drawing her sword, by name Rectitude, the Faithful Lady held the steel blade up high,
And its metal caught the blaze of the morning sun, throwing flame toward the enemy's eye.
Shielding his gaze, my brave love looked up and encountered that awe-striking sight--
Against a hot red sky, a gleaming vision of fire, and two Faithful figures in white.
Look up for your hope now, look up, soldiers! A flash of light on the canyonside!
My love's heart beat fast and he started to think he might be home in Tuluk that night.
Look up to your joy now, look up, soldiers! Look up to see the glory of victory!
My love's breath came hard as his soul lifted up in a silent cry for the Ivory.
Then, it is said, as that steel blade shone bright, the Nakki commanders lost hope,
Their mighty line did break and flee, as their leaders' voices choked in dry throats.
The war was won at the Battle of the Canyon that day, where not a drop of Loyal blood was spilled,
My soldier love then came home safe to me, while with shouts of rejoicing our Tuluk was filled.by Maerylin "Mae" Konviwedu
(song is also known as "Look Up, Soldiers")
They'd fought long and hard at the Copper War and each soldier was tired to the bone,
Our Legions beat back the Nakkis again and again, and had faith that the war would be won.
Then they heard word--The last battle is ahead,...
Continue Reading...A lost warrior: Part I by Kelen
Added on Sep 26, 2006A Tuluki warrior is lost by the deaths of those he cares for, and unleashes his rage in a clash on the field of battle in the red desert.
A lost warrior
“Khalise…” I said softly. Why? Why did she come out here before me? I told her it was not her place…And she left without me knowing. So I of course followed, too late.
After another moment, I shook my head, turning from the catwalk, and slowly, I walked back down into our camp. I passed the entrance to the mine itself, striding through row after row of tents and heading for the large, bahamet-shelled wagon up against the western cliff wall.
Laraef said we were going tonight…and I will make those bastards pay for killing the only thing I had ever loved in this world besides my home. I knew that their deaths wouldn’t numb the pain, but it certainly would ease my mind, knowing that I tried to avenge her.
I rested a hand on my sword hilt, striding up the boarding ramp, dipping my head to a few Jihaen and Lirathan robed templars as I passed. The group was lined up ahead of me, the Faithful Lady Felysia and Faithful Lord Durathar were here already. I stopped at the end of the line, next to Larke. He, of course, gave me his cool gaze, which I was more than tired of. What else I had to do to convince him I wasn’t a spy was beyond me. I had slain the wind beast Dran, and yet he still did not trust me.
“The objective is to destroy their wagon. Sergeant, you will lead the men in this mission.” Felysia said, nodding faintly to Laraef.
Laraef nodded and scowled, pulling on an enemy’s uniform. I took off my sunburst-crested helm, and pulled on one of the Tor’s helmets, and a jade saber’s cloak. The rest of our group followed Laraef’s lead, hastily changing their uniforms.
“You look like a scorpion in that.” Larke said to Laraef, clearly amused. Laraef did not share his amusement and muttered quietly.
“We will accompany you half-way, you are to take two jars of oil, and a torch. Do not engage –anyone-, the objective is the wagon. Ride in, and get out. We must move with haste, and do this before dawn.” Durathar said.
I nodded once, kneeling down to grab two jars of a murky black liquid. I rose to my feet slowly, turning to follow Laraef back down the boarding ramp. We entered into the makeshift stockade nestled against the canyon wall, and each grabbed one of the hundreds of kanks available, and walked back into the main camp.
Thankfully, the fools made their camp close to ours after moving it. It was dangerously close, close enough that we stopped scouting out of our north gate. And this, this was my chance. I had avenged Curachek by killing the whiran, and now Khalise filled my mind…
“Kel.” Laraef said quietly. I nodded to him, noticing I was the only one still not mounted. I clambered onto my kank’s back carefully, and rode up to his side. Faithful Lord Durathar was mounted on his horse, and Faithful Lady Felysia unlocked the northern gate. In a matter of moments, our band and over four-hundred soldiers were on the move.
We emerged from our camp, into the northern ravine. The canyon split north and west. The northern path, I knew, went on some ways, and eventually opened up into the scrublands, and led home to the Ivory. The western path, our path, had a much darker end. I looked over my shoulder as the gates slowly closed, and caught a last glimpse of over two-thousand Tuluki soldiers, and then turned my attention back to the matter at hand.
We rode through the canyon easily, it turned south for a ways, and then west again. We rode through the darkness for what seemed an eternity, until finally the narrow canyon opened up in all directions, and Durathar raised a fist, halting the unit.
“Sergeant, you know where the enemy camp is, correct? The dune is west and south of here. Be swift. Move unseen. And in his name go now, before dawn.” He said, nodding once.
“Yes, Faithful Lord,” Laraef said, turning about. Myself, Larke, and a few other riders spurred up behind him, moving quickly in the lightening darkness. We turned south after a short distance, and halted once we rounded the cliff wall.
A sprawling camp, displaying jade and black banners sat to our east, and we would have been spotted if not for the darkness. A few hundred soldiers were visible, as well as the wagon, but we all knew there were more. We raised our hoods, and Laraef took a deep breath.
“Stay close…Be quick…” he said, spurring his kank off suddenly. We all rode close to him, and I took a deep breath as we rode past the first enemy sentry without trouble. Then, as if we were cursed, light broke over the cliff walls, its sudden brightness catching me off guard. One of my jars slipped and crashed to the ground, and Laraef hurled his first at the wagon.
“Attack! Attack!” I heard an Allanaki officer near me shouting as he charged at Laraef. I saw Larke throw a jar, and I launched mine at the wagon with all my might, and hurled my torch with a shout.
I turned my kank around, slashing a soldier near me with my sword as he reached out for me. I glanced over my shoulder, and saw Laraef cut a Borsail regular open before their whole unit and a brutish mul dragged him off his mount.
The rest of my party rode past me, and I finally came to, realizing my danger as I spurred my kank off.
"Laraef…Not you too…How many must I lose to this war…?" I thought, finally catching up with our group, rounding the canyon again. After a short time and a hard ride, we reached our force again, and I slumped forward on my mount for a moment, catching my breath.
Durathar straightened up expectantly, glancing from me to Larke.
“Well?” I heard him say curiously. I shook my head, and Larke spit on the ground.
“We did it, Faithful Lord, but…Laraef…” He said after a moment. I sighed, glancing back west, scanning the horizon for signs of pursuit. Durathar pressed us quickly.
“But the wagon, did any of you see it catch? Was it destroyed?” He asked hopefully. I shook my head quietly.
“I cannot be certain Faithful Lord…I know my torch hit the wagon, but I was not around long enough to see it ignite…” I said quietly. Durathar sighed, and nodded after a moment. I heard one of the Tuluki soldiers shout, and point west frantically. I turned my gaze in the direction he was pointing, and drew my sword.
Not far off on the horizon, a lone templar rode with a large force marching down the canyon behind him. They were coming straight for us. Durathar raised his fist, and pointed two fingers north, and half of our force moved in that direction almost instantly. I rolled my shoulders against the shield I had strapped on my back, and tugged the reigns lightly to ease my restless kank.
This could be it…I could be with you soon Khalise…But I still have work to do here…I will show these bastards my fury…and they will feel the wrath of our army…
“Make ready! We meet them!” Durathar shouted as the enemy force drew dangerously close. The enemy commander dropped back into his force for protection. I followed him with my gaze, scowling. He was tall, with orange-tinted skin, and I would not forget it on the field.
“Charge!” I heard the orange-skinned templar shout from the west, as the enemy force shouted and rushed forward. Durathar actually smiled, and spurred his mount west as well.
“Forward!!” Durathar yelled, and I waited for the vanguard to meet the enemy force. Our lines crashed into the Allanaki forces, a brilliant clash of black and white. I spurred my kank forward, growling.
“Leave them in awe of our forces!” I shouted, my gaze set on the orange-skinned templar. I glanced over for a brief moment, and saw Larke riding close behind me, his gaze set on something else, and I finally saw it: the enemy officer that had helped bring Laraef down.
I arced my sword down, cutting a woman's face open as I rode through the enemy line, and slashed my blade back up, shouting fiercely as another enemy fell back with a bloody scream.
The enemy templar saw me, and growled, muttering as he raised his hands. I gritted my teeth, and swung my sword down at his neck when I flew past, nearly cleaving his head off. Larke dropped back, and chased down the already fleeing enemy officer. I circled my kank around, just in time to see the enemy templar fall to the ground with his mortal wound.
“I have slain the enemy commander!” I shouted as I raised my wyvern-hilted sword high into the air.
My short attention on the templar gave an enemy soldier time to spear my mount, and sent my flying forward off it. I broke into a roll, and rose to my feet, grasping my sword in both hands. I was behind enemy lines, but luckily most soldiers were fleeing, or they were focused on our lines, and not me.
The enemy soldier that speared my kank charged up behind me, spear lowered to impale me. I side-stepped, hacking off the tip of the spear and then the soldiers arm. I twirled around, just in time to parry a blow from a charging soldier. He grunted in surprise at my reflex, and drew a small dagger from his belt as he slashed in at me again.
I rolled my left shoulder a bit, loosening my shield straps slowly but surely. He lunged in at me, far too aggressively. I slide my blade right up between both of his, cutting his chest open, and then followed with a brutal downward slash, digging my blade deep into his shoulder as he fell.
I had perhaps ten seconds, just enough to swing my left arm free of the shield strap and reach back to grab it. An arrow flew into it with a dull *thunk* soon after, and another arrow pierced my shoulder.
Ah…No…No…Not yet…You must wait for me longer Khalise…
I staggered back, slouching my shoulders down. A searing pain rushed through my body as I reached up, jerking the arrow free of my shoulder. I saw the enemy lines breaking, and they all rushed past me, fleeing for their lives.
I growled, ignoring the pain, and slammed my shield into a soldier, knocking him on his back as I followed with a downward slash. His legs jolted at the force of my blow, and he died instantly. I glanced over, and saw Larke cut down the enemy officer as he rode past.
The enemy cried out as they saw their commander fallen behind them, and ran back horrified, but not one of them escaped. The many that made it past me were chased down by our soldiers, and given a swift end. I dropped to one knee for a moment, breathing heavily, staring at the faces of the fallen. So many were young, even younger than me, and I was twenty-five. I stood up, a sickening feeling overwhelming my stomach as I took both of the rings off the enemy commander. I clambered onto the templar’s kank, mine was dead by now, and I rode back towards our force.
“Victory!” I heard shouted across the field. Surprisingly few of our soldiers had fallen in the battle, and I learned quickly that the other half of our force had circled the canyon, and come upon them from the north while I was behind enemy lines.
“Let us make haste, fall back, we return!” Durathar shouted after a few moments, turning his kank back east. I slid the templar’s ring on, following closely behind Durathar, our tired army trailing us. We made our way back through the canyon, where we found our camp gates open, and we rode in, greeted by cheers from the main force.
Victory…Let them enjoy it. It is a hollow victory for me…Khalise, if you could ever be avenged. Even if I killed every witch…and every soldier…it would not be enough to make them pay…
Our force dispersed. II didn’t hear what Durathar had said. But, I did catch that we were dismissed.
I put my mount in the stockade, and moved back over to the wagon, I was tired, exhausted. But it was not time to rest. Not yet. I walked up the boarding ramp slowly, my dark bangs clouding my vision. I dipped my head carelessly to a few templars as I entered our wagon, making my way past some storage crates to the bench where Felysia and Durathar sat.
Felysia turned her gaze to me as I kneeled down, presenting the witches ring. Durathar studied me quietly, and Felysia glanced down to the other ring on my finger.
“Faithful Lady…The enemy commanders ring…I wear his other one. I had thought to keep it to remember this day.”
Felysia took the ring I presented her with a nod, and spoke some words in an unfamiliar tongue they spoke commonly only to each other.
Durathar nodded, and turned his gaze to me, offering a smile.
“You have made me pleased that I chose to let you join the legions, Kelmandos.” Durathar said quietly. I bowed my head, still kneeling down.
“And for slaying the witch, you may keep the ring, Private.” Felysia said with a nod. I rose after a moment, nodding once.
“I am honored. Your graciousness knows no bounds, and I will continue to serve to my full ability.” I said quietly.
First the Tor lord’s armor…The Borsail leader’s sword…Now a witch’s ring. Certainly, though I may have failed my love, I have not failed my home.
I turned after the Faithful both nodded, and turned my sapphire gaze to the floor as I walked out of the wagon tiredly. I spotted Zeiri on my way out, and waved shortly, barely able to move my arm.
He was young…far too young…But his heart is strong…He may make it through this. He nodded to me, and I kneeled down slowly, crawling into a vacant tent among the hundreds of others.
Laraef…You of all people did not deserve to fall yet. Curachek…Khalise…This war is taking its toll on me…What will I do when I return home to nothing...?
A lost warrior
stood in silence atop the catwalk, staring north into the canyon. The
sun slowly set, and my mind was clouded. I didn’t understand.
“Khalise…”
I said softly. Why? Why did she come out here before...
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