Lord Ivagio's Story

After Dalmar had left, one of the knights leaned over and asked, “I thought you two didn't like each other?”

Ivagio took another drink before saying, “We don't.” Then he added, with a look towards Tamlyn, “Some things just trump rivalries.”

One beer later, Ivagio excused himself. Whatever plan Dalmar and the Queen decided on would be enacted the next morning. A plan that he should be helping to form. However, he was not summoned to this emergency planning session. Not even notified of it happening. He only knew of it because of Dalmar's behavior.

The man was not as stiff and reserved as you might expect of, the “son” of the queen. There was no reason for him to have merely “dropped by” the tavern for a single drink unless he had somewhere else to be. And on the eve of their “visit” to Tonul, there was no other explanation than an emergency meeting. Especially after that report on the walls.

No wonder the citizens of Tonul were such cocky little bastards.

He'd considered joining the meeting anyway, but quickly dismissed the idea. The Queen wasn't fond of people dropping by unexpectedly, let alone unwantedly. Even if that person was the commander of her armies.

If she wanted him to be there, or his opinion on something, she would let him know.

The beers be damned, he needed to relieve some stress.

With a flick of his fingers a rift in front of him opened and he stepped into the archery training grounds.

He quickly collected a practice bow and a quiver of arrows, then stepped up to the range and readied his bow. He drew the arrow back and sighted down the shaft. He released.

Thwang!

The arrow embedded dead center in the target.

He nocked another arrow and drew it back. This was what he needed. Something simple, repetitive, but requiring focus to take his mind off the mission tomorrow.

Thwang!

The mission he, as the commander of Her Majesties army, should be leading. Not Dalmar.

Thwang!

Dalmar, who until recently had been under his command.

Thwang!

But was given a new position, one that hadn't existed before.

Thwang!

One that outranked him.

Thwang!

He, who had been serving her loyally for the better part of two decades.

Thwang!

Who had not blinked when told he needed to hunt down-

This was not helping.

With a sigh he set the bow down next to the half empty quiver. He was going to need a clear head in the morning. He walked back to his quarters, removed his hat and cape, then sat cross legged in the exact center of the room and began to meditate.

* * *
* * *

“Lord Ivagio! Lord Ivagio!”

Ivagio blinked. It seemed it was morning. And he was running late. He closed his eyes and took a long deep breath before standing from his place on the floor. He put on his cape and donned his hat then opened the door.

The page step backed, shocked, “My Lord-”

“I know.”

He usually didn't like to use his power to skip such short distances, it made him feel lazy, but he needed to make up time. Today of all days was not a day to be late.

He crossed three floors and the length of a parade ground in a single step.

He turned the corner into the hall leading to the throne room just as Dalmar left it.

“Formalities,” he muttered with an eye-roll as they passed.

Ivagio was addressed by the Queen as soon as he entered the throne room, “You're a hard man to find Ivagio.”

“My apologies, your Majesty,” he said as he knelt before her, “I was meditating and lost track of time.”

“I see.” she said with an almost unnoticeable smile. “Are you and your men prepared?”

“They should be.”

“Should be?” she asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“The orders were given. I have not had the opportunity to check on them however.”

“Because you were meditating.”

“It was a deep meditation, your Majesty.”

“It must have been. What could have caused you to need such meditation?”

… “The walls, your Majesty.”

“Ah. Yes. Worry no longer over the walls Ivagio, Lord Dalmar has devised an ingenious means of overcoming them.”

“This is welcome news.”

“Yes, now hurry. The troops await your arrival to depart.”

“Yes your Majesty,” he said and stood then turned to leave.

“Oh, one last thing.”

“Yes?”

“I'd like you to pay close attention to Lord Dalmar. I think you will see why I place such faith in him.”

When the Queen had tasked him with hunting down and killing his traitor of a father, he'd expected it to take quite awhile. Years. Possibly decades. Especially since it was actually her first order after he became her military commander and he would have many things to keep him busy. He also knew that if he had turned traitor and ran he wouldn't be easy to find either.

So to say that not even ten years after being given the order, and having only been able to spend a month or two each year actively searching, stumbling across his father in the streets of newly conquered city was a surprise would be an understatement.

“Well...this is...unexpected,” his father said.

“Unexpected but not unsought.”

“You've been looking for me I take it.”

“For the last eight cycles.”

“At the queens command I presume.”

“Of course.”

“I don't suppose you'd consider just letting me go, would you?”

“No.”

“Still...bitter then?”

“What in the world would I have to be bitter about.”

“So, nothing personal about this then?”

“Oh, I didn't say that.”

“So you ARE bitter.”

“And I said you've done nothing to me to be bitter about.”

“Ah. Sarcasm. But I'm sure you understand it wasn't intentional. You know how busy the position is. Inspections, patrols, training, promotions, briefings, missions, and of course you have to keep your own self in top condition.”

“You made time for Dalmar.”

Xanthom visibly winced, “About that-”

He was cut off as all the surrounding shadows struck at him, wrapping around his arms, legs, torso and neck. “Xanthom, you have betrayed your Queen, your Country, your Province, you people, and you have betrayed me. Prepare to die,” and Ivagio drew his sword.

The shadow bindings shattered and Xanthom spoke again, “You don't have to do this,” he said, palms held outward.

“Yes, yes I do. And I am GRATEFUL for the opportunity!” he said and slashed his sword through the air. “You forgot what was at stake! You yourself should be grateful that this is your punishment! She could have wiped out our city! She could have chosen to have ME killed for your crimes!”

“Son, you don't really understand what's going on here, you need to let me expl-urk!”

“NO!” he screamed at Xanthom, who was now being suspended in the air, arms held out to his sides, feet bound together, and this head pulled back, “You don't get to explain!” And then in a flash Ivagio had crossed the intervening distance and struck his sword straight through Xanthom's heart, “You get to die.”

Charlus and Elena were ecstatic upon receiving their marching orders from the legendary Commander Nala, a member of Lord Hadrian's retinue of specialists that acts as his personal guard. They were to assist a veer in the restoration of the Song of Tyr. A noble undertaking fraught with countless dangers. A mission from the Grand Master himself.

They listened to their commander's orders and soon they quickly prepared their equipment and provisions for the journey. In their minds it would take them a short while to reach Tyr via the tunnel networks created by the Obscura Rosa.

"This is the day, isn't it? We're going to rise through the ranks as Captains." Charlus asked while he and Elena, along with their squads move towards the tunnel entrance, which was disguised as a tree, located within the estate. Elena nodded with a toothy grin. "Hey! Don't grin like that , love. I know we're going on another adventure; but please, don't do anything stupid again." The grin on Elena's face dropped into a pout which made Charlus chuckle as they entered the tunnel network.

"'Do something stupid' he says. As if I did something stupid while on an important mission. Name one time I did something like that!" Elena's voice echoed throughout the well lit tunnel.

"The time you stabbed a minor nobleman of Tyr inside his own home which caused the local guards to chase us out."
"The arrogant swine deserved it."
"The time you woke a sleeping wyvern in Jotun when we rested inside a cave that you said was safe."
"Okay maybe I should have checked first. But--"
"The time you slapped a farmer and insulted a fisherman in Krestmere."
"I was tired and I had a bad day, but--"
"You burned down a section of the Velmon forest which--"
"Okay fine! I get it! Just stop, please!" Charlus nodded without looking at her.

They continued on their journey in utter silence. The sound of their steps echoed throughout the tunnel. "Hey, Elena."
"Yes?"
"You know I was just poking fun, right?" He looked at her with a tinge of worry in his eyes. She looked at him and nodded while flashing a soft smile on her face. "I know for a fact that if something strange didn't happen while you're around, then you aren't the woman I came to care and respect."
"Thanks Charlus. Now, let's hurry and get our heads back in the mission. We got to reach Tyr as soon as possible!"

The group ran as fast as they could, determined to complete the mission handed to them. It took them a couple of hours to reach the exit which led to Tyr. After emerging from the exit, they inquired about the whereabouts of Tyr's underground caverns. It took a little bit of effort on their part and a few gold coins to loosen the tongues of the populace until one of the guards gave them extensive information about about the tunnels, known as the Under and agreed to lead them to one of the entrances of the cavern. They entered the cavern; bearing as well the warnings of the guard to keep a vigilant watch within the deep tunnels.

It was cold and silent. The only sound that could be heard was the clicking of metal and the dripping of water along the cavern walls and ceiling. Crystals, embedded along the walls of the cavern, bathes the entire tunnel in a soft eerie blue glow. They were ready. They were marching with a purpose. Their hands near their weapons and senses sharp. Elena was leading the group, with Charlus at the rear. This was their moment. Their moment to prove themselves worthy of being a member of the organization. In their minds they are worried and excited. Worried that they might not find the veer in time and fail. Excited that they are a part of the few that ventured down these tunnels after a long time.

At first, there was nothing but the silence. But their was a sharp whistling sound that startled Elena. She had little time to react when she was pinned down on the wall by a large clawed hand. She couldn't move her arms to swing her weapon and defend herself. Her eyes widened in panic as she gazed at the being the held her. It was the veer! A large black wolf-like being that towered over her helpless form. Her comrades, who just arrived and witnessed her current state, brandished their weapons ready to free her from the veer's grasp. "Elena!" Charlus yelled as he drew his sword and readied his shield. Elena heard the veer snarl. A warning for them at least.

"Stop! Don't you dare approach! This is our target! Stay your hands and let me speak!" She called out to them. "Adion. Adion we're here to help. We are members of the Obscura Rosa. Our lord, Hadrian, commanded us to assist you in restoring the Song of Tyr. A thousand pardons if we startled you; we were forced to come here in a hurry. Please, Adion. What was said was the truth. We seek nothing from you in providing our services to your quest. Our lord, ordered us to assist. We swear on our marks that what we speak is the truth." The men around her slowly dropped their stances but still had their weapons on hand. Charlus was reluctant to do so in fear for Elena. Everyone hoped that Adion would understand that they truly meant no harm. That what they have said was true.

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While Charlus and Elena were deep within the Under of Tyr, Hadrian and Nala were on their way to Tonule. They, along with a thousand knights bearing the marks of the Obscura Rosa, rode on horseback towards the Millennium Fortress. It took them half of the entire day to reach the outskirts of Tonule by passing through plain lands and the forest routes. Along the journey, he had the time to contemplate. If they reached Tonule, what would happen? Did those fools discovered it already? Can the book be retrieved at all? He shook his head and growled. He hated it when something felt wrong with the entire situation.

"My lord, are you alright?" A muffled voice said to his right. He looked at his right and saw Nala's look of concern. She looked different; everything's the same, but there was a silver mask that covers the lower half of her face. The mask resembled the snout of a snarling wolf. Her hair billowed slightly from the breeze and her posture was alert. She reined her horse closer to his until they rode side by side. "My lord?"

"I am fine, Nala. Do not concern yourself about me." She nodded before looking back on the road. It was a quiet journey. None of them spoke after her inquiry. The men on the other hand whispered with one another about what they'll face. They remembered the reports that Tonule is under the control of the Dark Lord and the Lord of Alzeran. But titles mean nothing to Hadrian's men. To them they are but two men with too much fame and infamy on their names. Two men that are mortal as any other man; that can bleed and die as any other man. Thus they themselves are prepared and alert. Prepared to test the whether these two Lords are what the tales made by the people true; and alert to any surprises that may come upon them.

The sun was near the horizon when Hadrian and Nala knew they were nearing the Millennium Fortress. The reports were true. The walls have crumbled and the ground was covered in ice. The work of a powerful arcanist or the work of a brilliant strategist? In Hadrian and Nala's mind, it was the strategist that deserves the applause. Any man that thought of using Arcane Power in the destruction of an object as large as the walls of the fortress deserves recognition.

"Nala, be on your guard. I have a bad feeling about the entire situation, since our journey across the forest. We must be prepared for anything." Hadrian said as they approached the gates of Tonule.

"Yes, Lord Hadrian." Nala whispered and slowly nodded her head. She steeled herself from the coming storm. She knew, deep down inside, that everything would go down hill in a moment's notice.

Elena stood up as she rubbed her arms to relieve the aches she received from Adion's strong grip. She was glad that the results of their confrontation with Adion did not result to bloodshed. Though now it seems distrust and weariness dominates the air around them. She heard footsteps to her left, she turned and soon she came face to face with Charlus. His face bore a worried expression. "Elena. Elena are you alright?" He reached out and held her in his arms. He inspected her trying to find anything that is wrong with her.

"I'm fine Charlus." She said as she inspected her arms. Bruises were slowly forming from where Adion had gripped her. She quickly hid it from him but she knew he saw it. "Don't worry yourself about trivial matters, Charlus." She gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm a grown woman and a warrior. I can take care of myself."

Charlus looked at her with a stern look. He opened his mouth to say something but closed it. He knew he could trust Elena but seeing her get hurt every time worries him to no end. He sighed and shook his head before giving her a weary smile. "Only you, Elena. I...I trust you. I trust your decisions and I will support you. But if something seriously wrong is about to happen then I will step in."

She smiled at him and ran up to Adion's side. She was then followed by Charlus and their men who followed with their weapons at the ready.

"Hey, Adion. I think we all got off the wrong foot or paw and I, uh, want all of us to begin anew, so to speak. So, hi, my name is Elena, Elena Fairwind-Angelos and this lovable guy is Charlus Vaharian-Angelos." She said while pointing at Charlus. "We're both members of the Obscura Rosa."

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The destruction of the wall, seen near or far, was such as sight. It was a glorious sight from afar. But it was a harrowing and sorrowful sight when close by. Victory in exchange for the lives and homes of many innocents. It was, for Hadrian, a tasteless victory. To shed the blood of the innocent in pursuit of success was a deplorable act. But he couldn't fault the invaders much with regards to the tactics used in taking Tonule. All that he could do was reflect and learn the mistakes and actions done in what the history books would call, "The Battle for Tonule".

Hadrian and his entourage approached the ice encrusted gates in a neat line; with Hadrian and Nala at the front followed by the thousands of knights behind them. Surprisingly, there were no guards guarding the gates at the moment. Hadrian shook his head in dismay. It appears that the men under Dalmar and Ivagio were too complacent. "My Lord, there are no guards at the gate."

Hadrian looked at Nala then back at the gate. "It appears so, Nala. The soldiers here seem to rely on the reputation of their generals alone." Nala nods her head as they continued into the city. They passed by many buildings, some were in relatively good condition while others were destroyed by the debris from the crumbling walls. "Alright, Nala, we are to proceed to the Town Hall as soon as we can. Pray that we reach there without incident."

"Yes, Lord Hadrian. Men, maintain defensive formation." The men behind them quickly rode to formation, ten men surrounding them in a defensive box while the rest stayed in formation with their hands hovering above their blades. The rode through the main streets while garnering some glances and whispers from passers by; though, the majority were focused on living their lives as if nothing has changed.

After a considerable amount of time, they passed by a crowd surrounding two people who are in an argument. Hadrian and his entourage paid no mind to the squabble and continued on. They were so close to their objective. So very close.

It is often said that time slows down for those in desperate situations. Warriors have claimed to have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat during such a phenomena; others are not so lucky and some can only stare helpless ... powerless to do anything but watch tragedy unfold in excruciating detail. For the Dark Lord, the latter was all too true.

By the time Dalmar reached his mentor and father figure it was over. Without remorse the son had cut down the father. The old man lay lifeless upon the ground and all he could do was stare in disbelief. He knew the punishment given to traitors, but this, this was wrong. Xanthom was given no reprieve, no time to explain; he had served The Queen faithfully for many cycles, surely he deserved more than this; to be unceremoniously cut down in an isolated land, by his own flesh and blood? As he stared at the lifeless Xanthom, all emotion drained from his face. The sadness in his eyes slowly faded only to be replaced an quenchable rage. In silence he stood and walked over to the commander and tapped his shoulder.

An explosion of blood erupted from the Master Arcanist as the mailed fist of The Dark Lord smashed into his face; knocking him to the ground. Not giving his former superior a moment to wonder what had happened Dalmar fell upon the fallen knight and seized him by the top of his breastplate shaking him with increasing intensity; slamming his head upon the ground. "Damn you! Damn you! Damn you!"

Acting quickly, Ivagio responded by sending out an unseen force; the pressure so great it sent the silver haired knight flying back a good distance. Getting to his feet, he wiped the blood from his eyes and beheld an unpleasant sight. Dalmar had called his Shadow Knights. Alone, the Captain was no match for him. Even in a test of Arms, Ivagio was the better, but with his knights at his side, The Dark Lord would be a formidable foe. Why the Queen gave him those... abominations was beyond him. Dalmar was a great strategist, but a laughable Captain. On the battlefield, he was no better than a common soldier. Average warrior or not, those damn knights gave him an edge.

Wasting no time, Ivagio decided to level the playing field, by destroying one of the knights; he didn't care which one so long as it was no longer a threat. The first one that moved received a Fireball to the chest.

Dalmar stood facing the Commander, his knights before him. He'd done it now, Ivagio wasn't going to let an attack like that slide. What was he thinking; attacking him like that? He wasn't thinking, that was the problem; now a fight was inevitable. Knowing his chances were slim he decided to focus on defenses. With a single word he could weather the fight with little damage; they'd be even... Before he could speak the word one his knights exploded into dust. ...Unless of course Ivagio was mad enough to destroy the very Shadow Knight he was about to employ.

Ivagio, surprised by the ease at which the Shadow Knight was destroyed, saw the momentary confusion on the Captain's face; who appeared to be himself again. He was about to ready himself for a continued assault when he noticed a change in the environment; Dalmar seem to notice as well.

Like the professionals they were, their attention turned from their fight, to the arrival of the newcomers. The academy taught soldiers to always be aware of their surroundings, the slightest change could mean the difference between death and survival. Dalmar's eyes looked toward the direction of the passing strangers as the crowd began to disperse. With a nod to Ivagio he moved to greet the newcomers, knowing the commander would back him up should things get out of hand.

When he reached the newcomers he greeted them in usual, polite manner. "Greetings, welcome to Tonule. Odd that a city that receives little in the way of visitation would receive so many visitors; and today of all days. Might I ask what your..." A sharp pain racked his body, nearly doubling him over. His body starting to tremble, he fell to his knees. Something was wrong, something was terribly wrong.

While The Dark Lord was staring at the cobbled stoned ground that lay before him. The people of Tonule were staring up at sky that had become ominously dark. Churning clouds illuminated by flashes of light immediately followed by peals of thunder sent many of them fleeing for shelter. With each convulsion from the silver haired captain, the sky became more and more violent. A storm was coming.

>>><><<<

Artimican wasn't as forthcoming as Mirra would have liked, but he did give her enough information to know that Dalmar was not all he appeared. If the elder spoke the truth, not even the Queen knew everything about him. He was dangerous. Despite his charisma and charm there was always an underlying feeling of dis-ease, but she would have never guessed he had such a caustic nature. A chill ran down her spine as she sat back in the cushioned seat. At first she thought it was due to the information, but what was this feeling of dread?

Artimican leapt to his feet with a start; his eyes focused on the window. "By the gods!"

Mirra's eyes widened in shock when she beheld the sky. "Artimican, what is happening?"

The old man stood trembling as he stared out the window; his lips quivering, stumbling over the words, "It's too soon. It's too soon."

Mirra stood up, rushed over to the old man, grabbed his shoulders and spun him around. "Snap out of it! What is happening? What do you mean, it's too soon. Artimican?!"

The old man stared at her before stammering out, "The Queen.. You must inform her majesty immediately! He must be stopped before it is too late!"

Mirra wasted no time as rushed down the hall to the Queen's chamber. Her path was clear of any obstacles; the ominous looking sky holding their undivided attention. When she reached the queen's chambers, she burst through the door and found dark haired woman awake, alert and dressed for battle. Her armor was almost identical to Dalmar's, but where his was black and silver, hers was Ivory White and Gold. Unlike the Dark Lord, she wore a helm that bore silver wings. "You're Majesty!"

"I'm well aware of what is happening Mirra. Five days. It was supposed to have been five days from now. How could I have been so far off?"

"You're Majesty?"

"No I wasn't wrong. ...Somebody fucked up." The Queen hardly paid attention to Mirra as she spoke. The next words were completely alien to the crimson haired aide. "Esthra, Vagu, Mordra, Tonule." With words spoken an image of the Kingdom City appeared before them. Through the portal they could see Lord Ivagio, a woman in green standing close to him and The Dark Lord; no longer a moniker, but a terrifying reality. "While I'm gone, you are in charge." With her last words, The Queen stepped through the portal and the scene vanished.

>>><><<<

Father Lucius, stood outside in full regalia as he ushered in citizens seeking shelter. "Come children. Come inside, all are welcome. Come and pray for safety and guidance."
No longer a mere curator, the church no longer a museum; he hoped he could bring these people peace in these clear times of trouble, but the feeling in the air that permeated the entire kingdom was an overwhelming one. It weighed heavily upon him and those he saw entering the cathedral; a terrible feeling of loss, despair and hopelessness.

>><><<

Lynova stepped on the coble stone streets of Tonule, the wind whipping through her hair. It appeared to be coming from all directions, both cold and warm. The clouds boiled above as lighting streaked and forked across the sky. Looking around she saw people fleeing for shelter, others could only stare, to paralyzed to move. With sternness and determination she marched toward her no doubt puzzled, possibly terrified commander. "Lord Ivagio!" She called over the howling wind. "What in the Abyss happened here?!"

<><><><>

All things come to pass, what is written can not be undone. Darkness fell upon the Kingdom of Etriny. Through that darkness shined a light of hope. The Chosen were urged to act as visions took shape within.

To the Noble Veer who had heeded the call with steadfastness and expediency, an image of an Onyx Archway formed within his mind. His companions he could take with him, but here he must stand alone.

A Man in Volstack, a man outside the law beheld the visage of Falls of Molten Fire. Beyond he would find his destiny, but the purifying fires held many obstacles.

A young man lost within himself and the dying forest around him saw the visage of a magnificent stag. Fleet of foot with agility and grace. Perhaps it will lead him to a sacred place.

For the acting Queen, it was a home long forgotten. A place to reconnect with past and present, where destiny awaits within a Prison of Ice.

A scholar bearing witness to the signs of catastrophe, saw an ancient library beneath an observatory, but the halls of knowledge are not all they appear, perhaps looking within will make the way clear.

A man filled with anger in a crumbling city saw the image of a stone king. Through stealth the ancient king would grant him entrance, but to seek the light within he must travel through darkness, where madness awaits.