Hell_Raiser
04-23-2012, 04:50 PM
The scout stumbled into the camp. A look of dread clouded his gaunt features. It was evident from the tattered, dirty state of his clothing he had not stopped or taken care. This level of disregard for caution was alarming; his order was renowned for a meticulous and fanatical devotion to stealth. He must have found… no… witnessed something of great consequence. His need for haste had completely overridden his ingrained caution, as he approached Ophelia, his legs gave out forcing him into a shaky kneel.
“What is your business?” she inquired, expertly hiding her emotions.
“Our unit was ambushed… Wiped out…” he panted, “You must leave, fall back before it’s too late… they, they are coming!” He turned away, a sob mixing with his ragged gasps for breath.
“Who is coming?” she inquired, mentally forcing aside the rising sense of fear.
“Them… creatures… dark… all powerful…” His face contorted in fear “We must leave NOW!” he screamed, keeling over from his exhaustion.
Waving him away she signalled two of her aides to attend to his needs. With a deft motion of her left hand she sent Ra’dan one of her hounds off to scout for danger. Her commands were silent, the natural affinity with her subjects made spoken word unnecessary. Often they understood her better than she understood herself.
“What is it? My Queen,” growled Driang, a predator and her second in command, “You are afraid, but of what? He is weak, the demons…”
“Stop!” She interrupted, “look at his tunic, I know you have little love for man, but this one is from my brothers elite unit. Man is not as weak, or foolish, as you would believe. His unit was handpicked only from the best. The threat is real. Pack the camp, we will fall back and await Ra’dan’s report.”
-----------------
Entering a nearby copse of trees Ra’dan picked up an unusual scent. Silently padding into a nearby clearing he also spotted a number of tracks freshly imprinted in the damp ground. A rustling sound a short distance away raised his hackles, fading into the protection of the forests shadows he began to stalk the trail . Moments later he discovered a creature and was about to reveal himself because it appeared to be human, wearing an identical uniform to the scout that had stumbled into camp.
An unnerving feeling gave him pause, and after further observation he saw subtle signs. Something in the way it moved was like nothing he had ever seen. The creature exhibited incredible bursts of speed and strength, rivalling the most capable hounds. Wandering haphazardly in a manner that conveyed absent madness, it was clearly searching for something. The creature sniffed the air, then snapping its head around it stared directly at Ra’dan. The exact moment their gazes met those malevolent fiery eyes bored a hole into Ra’dan’s soul a consuming intense hatred began weakening his resolve. How had the creature had spotted him? That was an almost impossible feat, Ra’dan’s order known to outsiders as the Night Hounds, were renowned for their ability to evaporate into thin air like water caught in the desert sun. Years of training and dedication made them almost invisible. Yet, this creature had easily pierced through his carefully hidden visage.
Without hesitation Ra’dan leapt from the shadows at the creature, letting out a bloodcurdling howl to warn his Queen. Judging speed to be the best method of assault he hurtled towards the creature with thought to bring it down before it could raise an alarm. The creature was fast but no match for his swift strength. Stepping behind the creature he sunk a claw into its scapula and with a deft twist of the creatures head he snapped its neck. With a sense of relief Ra’dan was about to leap to safety but something halted his retreat . To his horrific surprise the creature head lolling to one side had grabbed him. A searing pain engulfed him directly transmitted from the creature’s iron grip. Paralysed with fear the hound hardly noticed his thoughts being wiped clean. As the last vestige of rational thought was stripped away he suddenly noticed the huge horde of creatures. Remnants of familiar humans and beasts all around him. His soul twisted and destroyed he ceased to be Ra’dan and became a new creation, a twisted mockery of the honourable creature he once was. Only a small spark remained fighting in the depth of consciousness for survival against the inky dark.
Catching the scent of former comrades the hound let out a long blood curdling howl urging the crazed horde onward.
-------------
Watching his new creation from a nearby mound of earth Hellbringer cackled maniacally and shoved his gnarled staff into the ground. Decay spread out from where it broke into the earth corrupting everything in its path killing even the largest of trees in the surrounding forest.
“Soon” he whispered to himself, “soon, Ophelia, you will be mine. With my control of you I will control the entire beast horde!”
-----------
Back at the camp the howl of her fallen comrade sent a chill down Ophelia’s spine.
“We need to leave” she commanded.
“But what about Ra’dan?” questioned Driang.
“He is lost, and we will be as well if we don’t leave.”
Ophelia’s affinity with her subjects had warned her of the Ra’dan’s change, she felt the tiny tendrils of his consciousness battling a sea of darkness. He was not dead, but no longer in control. Moments later the camp was cleared and they were falling back toward Legion territory.
---------------
Several hours later Ophelia stood over Scout observing a near miraculous recovery.
“Your recovery is remarkable,” Ophelia said to the scout
“We are trained for resilience” he replied.
“What is your name?” She asked
“Aethis” he replied.
“Tell me what your unit was doing out here? Were you also seeking the artefact?” she demanded.
“I cannot say, my queen, I am under oath. Did you find what you sought?” Aethis replied.
A knowing smile played across her features, “Now that would be telling.” Turning back to the path “should we keep running or turn and face them?” Ophelia mused to herself.
“I cannot say” he said, “We will be overrun soon, but if we fight…” He did not need to finish the sentence. They both knew the creatures would make short work of their small party.
----------------
“I have reason to believe they have the artefact” said a cloaked figure, shadows obscuring his features. Hellbringer stepped into the firelight. The flickering light danced across his face exposing the emergence of malphi and its replacement of what had once been human.
“No matter, my masters will be more pleased when I deliver them the beast army and the object” Hellbringer replied dismissively.
“But just in case, bring it to me before we attack” Hellbringer commanded. After the shadowy figure left the warlock’s bottom lip curved in delight at the very thought of possessing the object of his master’s desire.
“The queen has ordered us to move out, these creatures take no rest and are not troubled by lack of sleep” bellowed the Behemoth.
“We make our stand here” she said, her face betraying no emotion.
“But we are in the middle of a field. There is no advantage in this terrain. They outnumber us and without an advantage we will be torn to shreds” retorted Driang.
“It is not a defensive advantage I seek, summon the scout. We must make our plans.” Ophelia commanded as she looked back toward the forest they had just emerged from.
Driang slunk away trying to appear like he was heading to the scout. Instead he made for Ophelia’s tent, and then, after retrieving an object made for the forest. Paying little attention to his surroundings he didn’t notice the behemoth.
“Where are you going? We must prepare for the battle, commander.” The behemoth inquired standing a short distance from Driang. Startled and enraged by the appearance of someone who might get in his way Driang snarled. Clutching the object closer to his chest he leapt at the beast sinking his claws deep into its flesh. Venom contained within his claws spread into the mighty behemoths blood stream plunging the beast into a hazy stupor. Moments later he broke through the edge of the forest and quickly disappeared into the shadows.
-----------------
Back at the Ophelia’s camp Aethis appeared as if from thin air.
“Did you make the switch?” she inquired.
“Do you even have to ask?” he snickered.
Moments later a violent explosion rocked the forest and as a flock of small birds took flight in the distance Ophelia began to speak.
“He was one of my closest advisors, who should have realized that allegiance to the Hellbourne can only result in death. It troubles me that he thought he could hide this betrayal from me” she said sadly.
“It’s not your fault” replied Aethis, as he tipped an arrow with poison and then proceeded to run a whetstone down two curved daggers.
Twisting the head of her staff Ophelia tapped on it twice and muttered a short code. From a concealed compartment she removed an object and handed it to him.
“Make sure it gets to the Legion camp safely” she said.
“Have no fear I will guard it with my life. Your sacrifice here will not be in vain” replied Scout.
Eying the horde of creatures forming at the other end of the field she asked, “Can you get past them?”
“Of course. Hellbringer will be more careful who he trusts next time” He replied flippantly.
“Get the artefact to Jereziah and let him know that it is the key to banishing the Hellbourne from Newerth” Ophelia stated.
Aethis faded from sight, disappearing as if he never existed.
Across the field a clearing appeared in the ranks of the creatures. A few moments later a figure she presumed to be Hellbringer appeared within it. Holding his staff up high he pointed towards the queen’s army. In a mad frenzy the creatures moved towards the beast horde, swarming like carrion flies over the field. Watching their approach Ophelia, Queen of the Beast Horde lifted an ornately carved horn to her lips, whispered a prayer to Sol and blew. The piercingly clear note rang out across the battle field halting the creatures advance. Suddenly they began to writhe and thrash about as if fighting with an internal enemy.
“Did you think we were unprepared? Or that I would let you harm my subjects without reprisal” Ophelia shouted out across the field directly challenging Hellbringer.
Steeling her resolve Ophelia locked eyes with the warlock and whispered under her breath. “You will serve as a warning to your master”.
Lifting the horn to her lips again Ophelia sounded another note, a burst of light expanded in a ring around her washing over the field. The creatures once trapped were released and now fully self-aware turned towards the warlock thoughts only of revenge for what they had been forced to become.
..........................................
Meanwhile, the true Hellbringer stepped into a clearing.
“Well done,” said Hellbringer to the shadowy figure as he snatched the artefact..
“It was like duping a child” said the Aethis removing his hood, an evil grin contorting his face.
“Now for your promised reward! You will be the first of my ghouls completely impervious to Sols light.” Hellbringer cackled.
Uttering several ancient dark words he pointed the artefact in the scouts direction.
“No!” screamed Aethis as searing pain spread from his feet up through his body.
Seconds later striped of all conscious thought his soul now bound completely to his master he bowed on one knee.
“Command me, my master. Have me do your will.” He implored in a guttural drawl. Now just a husk, his only thoughts of fulfilling his masters bidding.
“What is your business?” she inquired, expertly hiding her emotions.
“Our unit was ambushed… Wiped out…” he panted, “You must leave, fall back before it’s too late… they, they are coming!” He turned away, a sob mixing with his ragged gasps for breath.
“Who is coming?” she inquired, mentally forcing aside the rising sense of fear.
“Them… creatures… dark… all powerful…” His face contorted in fear “We must leave NOW!” he screamed, keeling over from his exhaustion.
Waving him away she signalled two of her aides to attend to his needs. With a deft motion of her left hand she sent Ra’dan one of her hounds off to scout for danger. Her commands were silent, the natural affinity with her subjects made spoken word unnecessary. Often they understood her better than she understood herself.
“What is it? My Queen,” growled Driang, a predator and her second in command, “You are afraid, but of what? He is weak, the demons…”
“Stop!” She interrupted, “look at his tunic, I know you have little love for man, but this one is from my brothers elite unit. Man is not as weak, or foolish, as you would believe. His unit was handpicked only from the best. The threat is real. Pack the camp, we will fall back and await Ra’dan’s report.”
-----------------
Entering a nearby copse of trees Ra’dan picked up an unusual scent. Silently padding into a nearby clearing he also spotted a number of tracks freshly imprinted in the damp ground. A rustling sound a short distance away raised his hackles, fading into the protection of the forests shadows he began to stalk the trail . Moments later he discovered a creature and was about to reveal himself because it appeared to be human, wearing an identical uniform to the scout that had stumbled into camp.
An unnerving feeling gave him pause, and after further observation he saw subtle signs. Something in the way it moved was like nothing he had ever seen. The creature exhibited incredible bursts of speed and strength, rivalling the most capable hounds. Wandering haphazardly in a manner that conveyed absent madness, it was clearly searching for something. The creature sniffed the air, then snapping its head around it stared directly at Ra’dan. The exact moment their gazes met those malevolent fiery eyes bored a hole into Ra’dan’s soul a consuming intense hatred began weakening his resolve. How had the creature had spotted him? That was an almost impossible feat, Ra’dan’s order known to outsiders as the Night Hounds, were renowned for their ability to evaporate into thin air like water caught in the desert sun. Years of training and dedication made them almost invisible. Yet, this creature had easily pierced through his carefully hidden visage.
Without hesitation Ra’dan leapt from the shadows at the creature, letting out a bloodcurdling howl to warn his Queen. Judging speed to be the best method of assault he hurtled towards the creature with thought to bring it down before it could raise an alarm. The creature was fast but no match for his swift strength. Stepping behind the creature he sunk a claw into its scapula and with a deft twist of the creatures head he snapped its neck. With a sense of relief Ra’dan was about to leap to safety but something halted his retreat . To his horrific surprise the creature head lolling to one side had grabbed him. A searing pain engulfed him directly transmitted from the creature’s iron grip. Paralysed with fear the hound hardly noticed his thoughts being wiped clean. As the last vestige of rational thought was stripped away he suddenly noticed the huge horde of creatures. Remnants of familiar humans and beasts all around him. His soul twisted and destroyed he ceased to be Ra’dan and became a new creation, a twisted mockery of the honourable creature he once was. Only a small spark remained fighting in the depth of consciousness for survival against the inky dark.
Catching the scent of former comrades the hound let out a long blood curdling howl urging the crazed horde onward.
-------------
Watching his new creation from a nearby mound of earth Hellbringer cackled maniacally and shoved his gnarled staff into the ground. Decay spread out from where it broke into the earth corrupting everything in its path killing even the largest of trees in the surrounding forest.
“Soon” he whispered to himself, “soon, Ophelia, you will be mine. With my control of you I will control the entire beast horde!”
-----------
Back at the camp the howl of her fallen comrade sent a chill down Ophelia’s spine.
“We need to leave” she commanded.
“But what about Ra’dan?” questioned Driang.
“He is lost, and we will be as well if we don’t leave.”
Ophelia’s affinity with her subjects had warned her of the Ra’dan’s change, she felt the tiny tendrils of his consciousness battling a sea of darkness. He was not dead, but no longer in control. Moments later the camp was cleared and they were falling back toward Legion territory.
---------------
Several hours later Ophelia stood over Scout observing a near miraculous recovery.
“Your recovery is remarkable,” Ophelia said to the scout
“We are trained for resilience” he replied.
“What is your name?” She asked
“Aethis” he replied.
“Tell me what your unit was doing out here? Were you also seeking the artefact?” she demanded.
“I cannot say, my queen, I am under oath. Did you find what you sought?” Aethis replied.
A knowing smile played across her features, “Now that would be telling.” Turning back to the path “should we keep running or turn and face them?” Ophelia mused to herself.
“I cannot say” he said, “We will be overrun soon, but if we fight…” He did not need to finish the sentence. They both knew the creatures would make short work of their small party.
----------------
“I have reason to believe they have the artefact” said a cloaked figure, shadows obscuring his features. Hellbringer stepped into the firelight. The flickering light danced across his face exposing the emergence of malphi and its replacement of what had once been human.
“No matter, my masters will be more pleased when I deliver them the beast army and the object” Hellbringer replied dismissively.
“But just in case, bring it to me before we attack” Hellbringer commanded. After the shadowy figure left the warlock’s bottom lip curved in delight at the very thought of possessing the object of his master’s desire.
“The queen has ordered us to move out, these creatures take no rest and are not troubled by lack of sleep” bellowed the Behemoth.
“We make our stand here” she said, her face betraying no emotion.
“But we are in the middle of a field. There is no advantage in this terrain. They outnumber us and without an advantage we will be torn to shreds” retorted Driang.
“It is not a defensive advantage I seek, summon the scout. We must make our plans.” Ophelia commanded as she looked back toward the forest they had just emerged from.
Driang slunk away trying to appear like he was heading to the scout. Instead he made for Ophelia’s tent, and then, after retrieving an object made for the forest. Paying little attention to his surroundings he didn’t notice the behemoth.
“Where are you going? We must prepare for the battle, commander.” The behemoth inquired standing a short distance from Driang. Startled and enraged by the appearance of someone who might get in his way Driang snarled. Clutching the object closer to his chest he leapt at the beast sinking his claws deep into its flesh. Venom contained within his claws spread into the mighty behemoths blood stream plunging the beast into a hazy stupor. Moments later he broke through the edge of the forest and quickly disappeared into the shadows.
-----------------
Back at the Ophelia’s camp Aethis appeared as if from thin air.
“Did you make the switch?” she inquired.
“Do you even have to ask?” he snickered.
Moments later a violent explosion rocked the forest and as a flock of small birds took flight in the distance Ophelia began to speak.
“He was one of my closest advisors, who should have realized that allegiance to the Hellbourne can only result in death. It troubles me that he thought he could hide this betrayal from me” she said sadly.
“It’s not your fault” replied Aethis, as he tipped an arrow with poison and then proceeded to run a whetstone down two curved daggers.
Twisting the head of her staff Ophelia tapped on it twice and muttered a short code. From a concealed compartment she removed an object and handed it to him.
“Make sure it gets to the Legion camp safely” she said.
“Have no fear I will guard it with my life. Your sacrifice here will not be in vain” replied Scout.
Eying the horde of creatures forming at the other end of the field she asked, “Can you get past them?”
“Of course. Hellbringer will be more careful who he trusts next time” He replied flippantly.
“Get the artefact to Jereziah and let him know that it is the key to banishing the Hellbourne from Newerth” Ophelia stated.
Aethis faded from sight, disappearing as if he never existed.
Across the field a clearing appeared in the ranks of the creatures. A few moments later a figure she presumed to be Hellbringer appeared within it. Holding his staff up high he pointed towards the queen’s army. In a mad frenzy the creatures moved towards the beast horde, swarming like carrion flies over the field. Watching their approach Ophelia, Queen of the Beast Horde lifted an ornately carved horn to her lips, whispered a prayer to Sol and blew. The piercingly clear note rang out across the battle field halting the creatures advance. Suddenly they began to writhe and thrash about as if fighting with an internal enemy.
“Did you think we were unprepared? Or that I would let you harm my subjects without reprisal” Ophelia shouted out across the field directly challenging Hellbringer.
Steeling her resolve Ophelia locked eyes with the warlock and whispered under her breath. “You will serve as a warning to your master”.
Lifting the horn to her lips again Ophelia sounded another note, a burst of light expanded in a ring around her washing over the field. The creatures once trapped were released and now fully self-aware turned towards the warlock thoughts only of revenge for what they had been forced to become.
..........................................
Meanwhile, the true Hellbringer stepped into a clearing.
“Well done,” said Hellbringer to the shadowy figure as he snatched the artefact..
“It was like duping a child” said the Aethis removing his hood, an evil grin contorting his face.
“Now for your promised reward! You will be the first of my ghouls completely impervious to Sols light.” Hellbringer cackled.
Uttering several ancient dark words he pointed the artefact in the scouts direction.
“No!” screamed Aethis as searing pain spread from his feet up through his body.
Seconds later striped of all conscious thought his soul now bound completely to his master he bowed on one knee.
“Command me, my master. Have me do your will.” He implored in a guttural drawl. Now just a husk, his only thoughts of fulfilling his masters bidding.