Seed of Light

[Sir Nichtmar]

Angry, Nichtmar responded to Masahiro.

"I cannot trust you. I will not have you attack innocent settlements..."

Nichtmar sighed with frustration. "You already betray your people by giving into this Lich. If you truly wish to make amends then go see to your people. Lead your warriors away from here in 3 days we will have our selves a battle with these Fallen."

Nichtmar didn't wait for a response. He walked toward the main keep and felt Olore's thoughts. He nodded to him and wished him victory.


Nichtmar went to the war room, grabbing Baethor and Rune on the way. A few other Dragoons and Mittelmarch Guard followed.

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

"So it would seem my suspicions as a child were correct. I sensed a presence not of mine or giggles near a river when we were little and mom just shrugged it off saying. 'do not worry little one, your body changes a lot as a young one and so does the trace of essence within you.' Now i know what really happened. you must help us now we must work as one family together to save our brother and stop this Liche from taking over everything, including Kanthea. all I need you to do is keep his army stretched out and away from him and also distract them while i confront him. Taking the crown from him should be a cinch now that I am full blooded White were-tiger. there only remains the question of what to do with our brothers soul when we take the crown. we could seal him in my daggers enchanted gem but I myself know not the magic needed for this. what we need is magic of the high elf variety. If lady elestirne knew me better we could ask her. but i have only met her a few times indirectly and haven't really ever spoke to her. i cant expect her to wanna help me not knowing me that well. but i have to try. unless you know someone who could help."

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

Tigron turns his focus toward Nichtmar "Nichtmar sir, I sense no ill will from masahiro. He is my half brother and I believe he really could use our help as we could use his. He has the ability to distract the armies of the liche with mittelmarch's help and i can then tear the crown away from giggles leaving him temporarily out of commission while you guys finish him off. I believe we may have a chance. We can either wait for them to come to an ambush or surprise them with an offensive of our own meeting them halfway because they don't know that were aware of their attack. Mighty Nichtmar sir, what is your take on all of this."

[Sir Nichtmar]

"Sounds like a plan. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to ready the guard."

Nichtmar went through the closing doors of the Main Keep.

[Giggles "Adguin"]

Giggles awoke from a deep sleep. His senses muddled in the cold damp room he decided to head out for some air. When he was outside he realized that he no longer breathed.
"Ah, old habits die hard. I had hope for some company but all my pawns are moving. It's time for the king to take what is rightfully his."
He held his hand out and a long spine came from the ground into his hand. From there a skeletal horse had formed around the spine. He mounted it and went to where his army now lay.

"It is tme we take these lands! We tried to reason with those who hold to the mortal coil as a child does to a blanket, just to have been spat in our faces! We tried to stay to the shadows just to be forced out. Well No more!
"I say its time for the mortals to scrounge in the darkness! It's time for us to take the center of the lands and let the dead rise again! We are to take what is rightfully ours and never have to be shunned again!"
The undead cheered at this
Giggles decided to finish this up
"For Ravenwood!" The army replied to the cheer. "To Victory! To the end of of the living hordes!"
With that the army set off to invade Mittelmarch with the Lich in the middle of it.
These lands will soon be mine!

[Kaida NyteClaw]

Masahiro cringed a slight bit. Looking over to Tigron, his half - brother he slowly bowed his head.

"Brother, if indeed you want to regain back Giles, our brother so lost, we need to move fast. The army has started to move yet again and this time without any recoil or slowing. They have a strong will helping them move. I believe our brother is leading them, Bha'allack, my faithful guardian of them has informed me that they are on the move and he no longer controls them."

"Nichtmar-san, there is a slight problem. You no longer have 3 days time. For my people I will stay and fight and help fight to keep what is mine. I will ask for those whom can help to be here. Give me a day and they will be here. Me and mine shall help defend. For the Lich will not go after my lands so long as Mittelmarch is still around."

[Giggles "Adguin"]

Giggles rode his horse in a lifeless manner. To keep the army going without rest or food had a cost for even the undead hunger. Giggles was meditating to give any excess magic and fell energies to his army. He knew why Lady Incondra had to stay behind but why was Masahiro not leading his army as well? Masahiro's servant was good, he kept him feed as they passed and whipped those who tried to lag.
All various sorts of unspeakable abominations now went to Mittelmarch. They were less then a day away from the city.
Soon....Soon.....All that should be mine will be...... The lesser races will bow to the One Will.....And at last I will succeed my Father....

"Arsehead!" His servant rushed to his side riding a undead pony.
"Yes maser?"
"Scout ahead again and parlay once more!"
"Oh master please not again! The orger back there somehow beheaded me!! I'm not even sure how he did it!! he then burned me and I was aware of it all! I don't want to be in such pain again!"
As he finished speaking he knew he would regret it. He looked away then back at his master.
"Hmmm...what was that Arsehead?"
"Nothing master I shall go ahead now......"
With that Arsehead once more rode under the flag of peace going a half day ahead of them.
"Parlay! Burn me or kill me again and all hope to advert this battle is lost!"

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

tigron looks to his half-brother "I wish to help you, but I must stay here and defend Mittelmarch in the Major battle ahead. with all giggles's army lead probably by giggles himself, no one's gonna even worry about attacking your home of Kanthea. but maybe the possibility of a flank by kanthea would cause great confusion."

[Kaida NyteClaw]

"I to will summon my allies to help fight against Giggles-san. I believe he will not even think I will break off and try to be in control. So I will be with him when the battle starts, we shall see."

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

"Sounds good. We shall see if you will honor the heritage of the family of the Tiger spirit or the unholyness of the undead. I hope you realize the best choice in this situation. May the lands of Kanthea and of Mittelmarch be free once again."

[Kaida NyteClaw]

With this said in front of Masahiro, he lifted his head back to smell the air and then looked at his brother before giving a ferocious roar.

"The scent of change and promise is amock!"

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor had gone immediently to the walls after Olore had dismised him. Gathering the elves together, he had quietly informed them of Elestirne's capture,what was being done, and what was being expected of them. As he had feared,they were all incandesecntly angry and ready to desert the city and go charging off after Olore and company. Speaking swiftly,and using his authority as the highest-ranking officer,Authnor managed to get them all calmed and resigned to staying behind to defend the city and aid its inhabitants-especially with the pointed reminder that,if they let the city fall Elestirne would both never forgive them and not have a safe place to come back to.

He had been restlessly walking the walls since then, when he noticed the envoy ride up under the flag of parlay. Having heard what Nichtmar had done to the first envoy, the warrior elf thought it best he handle this one. Swiftly,Authnor grabbed a few extra weapons and his stallion and rode out to meet the undead. He eyed the creature with open dislike and mistrust;carefuly keeping his distance. "Say what you have come to say undead," the elf called;keeping a tight rein on his stallion.

[Giggles "Adguin"]

Arsehead got off his horse and tried to drop to his knees and bow. he managed it somewhat awkwardly. "Please, I was full of confidence that we may take your city before but I fear that my master has underestimated the strength and unity that you all have. I fear he marches us to a senseless death.
"It may be that we have no rights on this plane in our current forms but we have no where else to go. All most all of us want, when the master's will isn't hounding us, is to live in peace.
"Please just give him something. The dead that have no use to you, vagabonds and the like, small trifling treasures that no one has claim too. Even a living servant that I will protect with my unlife would appease him!
"Please! I, and my brethren, don't want to leave this world!"

Although none could see it tears flowed down his eyes as he pleaded with the guard for Giggle's focus was not on him but on the massive horde he brought and wiped with his will.

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor looked hard at the undead and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. His battle-trained stallion tossed his head and pawed the ground agitatedly and Authnor shortened the reins without ever taking his emerald eyes off the envoy. The creature had to be one of the stranger specimens of undead he could ever remember seeing,and the elf shook his head faintly in disgust. Perhaps nothing in all the world were so abhorrent to elves as the undead, who were seen as the epitome of death and decay and a direct threat to the balance of nature and the natural order of things. Whereas the elves by comparison were seen as the caretakers of nature,and beings of life and light.

Authnor thought hard and quickly. He knew what he'd like to do-destroy the wretched thing-and it was what any other elf would have done even if it didn't count as diplomatic in the least. But in this situation he needed to make an effort to be. He had to wonder what Elestirne would do...but that answer came swiftly: she would be civil enough to at least speak with the undead and hear him out. Authnor sighed and made his reply.


"It is not my decision. It is not my city. I am only here at the behest of my Queen,who is friend and ally of these people. However,I shall call for one of those who does have the happy authority of dealing with what you ask." Using the telepathy natural to his kind, the veteran knight reached out to touch upon one of the many elves that watched from the wall above the gate. He instructed her to find Nichtmar as soon as she could and bring him to the wall.

[Kaida NyteClaw]

Masahiro stood in the center of the field close by Authnor, he knew that the mighty horde were to rain down arrows and spells alike. He also knew that it was his fault that this was happening. If he had been more careful in the battle before this one he would have been able to withstand Giggles. But now it comes back to haunt him.

"Authnor-san, get back to the walls if you wish to keep your life. The lady needs you. NOW GO!.", with this his smacked the back of Authnor's horse to send it trotting off.

Masahiro looked down at Arsehead before saying, "If you do not wish to leave this land, help me get my brother's soul back, Giles, and also my father he keeps chained up. With both of them with me can I save your master from damnation and power lust to the point that you all may live. Stand very still when I cast this spell, you are under my protection, Arsehead. Even from your masters will."

Masahiro stirred the memories and thoughts of his people, of his friends, of his family, of his baby. Masahiro knew this would need to be dealt with in a manner of which no mere mortal could handle. He pulled out a dagger and cut his left arm and dripped some blood in a complete circle around him. He bandaged his arm up quickly and stood in the circle.

"Ex Machinus el Trusita mon stroso!"

A portal opened beneath and around Masahiro in a hundred foot radius. Warriors of old stood fast. Standing tall and proud in regiments ready for combat were demons, devils, orcs, ogres, dark elves, and many more kinds.

"Allies of old, I summoned you to aid me. Aid me in taking the power from a lich by the name of Giggles. The same lich that took your territories from you lond ago. Help me strip his power from him. Help me save the people I love. In return you may be free of your chains.!"

A few minutes passed as the warriors cheered to their hearts content. Then Masahiro knew that the undead were out there. He decided on a strategy.

"Archers to the wall in the back and ready your arrows. Be sure to have those wooden walls set at an angle for ducking.!"

"Ogre Magi and Ogre Warriors be ready for close combat, some of them dont go down easy.!"

"Dark Elf Calvary and Infantry be ready, Infantry with pikes and swords to the front. Calvary on the hill to the left side!"

"Vampires, Devils, Demons to the back in front of the Archers, be ready to summon elementals and cast area effect spells!"


"This Castle and wall and village must survive. Do anything even if it means risking your life. I offer salvation, they offer death. FORM UP!"



Masahiro knew he needed some flyers. He looked to the walls.

Authnor, old friend, I know you can hear me. Send the fastest runner to the southern part of Mittelmarch territory there is a meadow there with shiney metal leaves on the trees, have him contact Drezulk the Griffin, ask him to get help from the tribe, they owe me a favor. I will hold off the army as best I can. Quickly make haste and form your defense lines now hurry!!, Masahiro mindspoke to his old friend.

He turned his head back to the front, he readied himself javelin and shield in hand ready for combat.

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor eyed the one he had known as Denendir with plain mistrust and suspicion. Mornaur-battle-hardened and trained-sidled smartly away before the other could come near to touching him,with a warning snap and kick to add to his point;ears laced back. Elven war-horses only allowed the touch of those they were accustomed or bonded too. Authnor shortened the reins again to bring the blood-bay stallion under control. He took in the other's words and registered the seeming sincerity of them...If it was a trick, it was an elaborate one. But if the undead army was nearly here-and he could sense them-then it was too much to risk for his distrust. He gave Denendir another look of hard suspicion, eyes blazing-his distrust plain-but nodded,curtly; almost coldly. Mornaur wheeled of his own accord to make back for the gates-even though they had not ventured far out.

Once within the city again, Authnor flung himself off Mornaur. As he was barking terse orders and instructions to the waiting elves on the walls, he felt an intruding presence brush against his mind;seeking entry. It had the feel of Denendir. The fiery warrior's face hardened in anger at the intrusion. An elf's mind was their santuary and it was considered very rude to intrude without permisson first having been given... And Authnor was just not in the mood to put up with such slights. He lowered his mental guards only long and far enough to hear the message, then stonily blocked the intrusion. If Elestirne were here he might have been more tolerant but she wasn't and he had far more important things. He sent one of the swifter humans he had gotten to know over the time they had been here to look for this meadow...while he himself swiftly hunted out Nichtmar.

When he found the ogre knight, his words were blunt and to the point. "It is about to begin. We need to prepare our defenses and forces."

[Giggles "Adguin"]

"Hm, so he's your brother now..... I care not for your blood ties, but if you want your father back he is in Ravenwood. If you have the map Giggles gave you long ago you can send anyone to find it. He'll be chained to the throne, it's not that well guarded as almost all of the undead are marching for here.
"As for your brother..... Giggle's still has him bound to the Crown of Truth. For they are one in the same. He will not let it out of his possession as long as he walks this plane.
"If you were to take the crown from him I wouldn't know what to expect. Would they both die, would the crown turn you to his side, or would it help us and make him weak? None can know but that is the only to save him."
Arsehead looked up into the air. "And he now knows what we plan....."
In the air a single Raven flew high above. To anyone else it was just a bird looking for it's next meal. To the undead, it was the spy for Giggles and with it's sharp hearing and agile mind it told him all of what happened.
"Now that he knows we have betrayed him...... He may try to summon Armanoth the Dracolich! We must prepare for the worst!"
Arsehead bid him farewell and sank into the earth until the battle was finished and he would be safe.


So, everyone has decided to betray me....... was all that Giggles could think. What little emotion he allowed himself to feel gave him heart ache at knowing all he had let into his home and bask in his glory, had at last betrayed him.
If I wasn't so pressed for time, I'd kill my undead father and Incondra for this horrible act of betrayal!
"Fallen!!!" he called to one of his random Lieutenants.
"Yes Master?"
"Take this and hide it in the Greatwoods, without this my father will never be able to return to the living."
Giggles held out his right hand and a blue flame erupted from it. There appeared a beating heart, the one he stole from his father.
"I'll make Masahiro suffer for this betrayal! Let's see how his lover likes to see his head on a pike while I force the Gift of Unlife on her and her child! Let all know the price of my wrath!"
Armanoth the Dracolich, hide my phylactery and come to battle! Soon we will have our own lands for ourselves and the mortal hordes will cower at our might!

[Armanoth the Dracolich]

I stirred from my slumber in my cavern upon hearing my master's call.I placed his phylactery within my own, for none knew the location of either, not even my master. I flew with all my speed and flew High above Mittelmarch within the hour.
A mighty roar was let out high above the city, and all who heard it knew a powerful undead had come for their very souls.

[Kaida NyteClaw]

Sensing that the undead was closing in bit by bit and that their presence was making him a little uneasy because of the hatred that led them towards him. Masahiro knew that something was going to happen.

My darling, prepare for battle, arm yourself and your undead. Summon the lost souls nearby. Bring our troops out of hiding and ready them for combat. Its time for the plan to commence. Masahiro mindspoke to Incondra.

[Incondra]

Incondra feeling that there is going to be war.

Incondra stands up from the ground " You feel that Shaydenn, Something evil is going to happen and it is coming." she draws her rapier. "Ai'm coming my love." she startes to summon her menins of her of her own.

"E Vale May Shallah. Maysha Kalool!" the weather changed to a thunder storm. "Come forth all of my servants and all of your demain. Come out to see what we are going to play. Let's shed the blood and bring fear like no other." Incondra raises her hand up in the air to wear the lightning struk her finger tips. She looks over Shadyenn as brings her hand down and knodds her head. turn towards te kanthea's kingdom and bites her fore-arm to wear her arm was a waterfall of blood, draws a pentagram, and looks around noticed nothing happened. Her eyes turned into to her vampiress red glowing eyes and her fangs started to come out. "AI SAID, COME OUT... AND PLAY!!!" she slams her hand in the middle of the pentagram to were it glowed a lime green color, the ground shook, and millions and millions of undead demons (ground defenders), vampires (archers (women are on horses) (men are on the ground), zombie dragons, zombie of her own (horseman fighters), and other undead creatures (ground fighters).

She look at Shaydenn, got on his back, raised her rapier in the air, and commanded her army to get on their dragons and the fly to the south toward Mittlemarch to join Masahiro and his army of undead.

Incondra looked down at Shaydenn scratched the back of his ear "Let's go Shaydenn, Masahiro needs us." She grabs the pendant that is on her neck. "Take me, Saydenn, and my army to Mttlemarch!"

Incondra, Shaydenn, and Incondra's army on the north edge of Mittlemarch waiting to be commanded.

She closes her eyes and mind messages Masahiro "We are here my love, waiting for your command." as she is clinching to the necklace that Masahiro gave her when they were little.

[Sir Shaydenn]

hmmmm..........something doesn't feel right.........i wonder what masahiro is up to. " Master Hiro sir...I sense that things are different with you...is everything ok....what do you wish me and Mistress to do.

[Sir Shaydenn]

so we are finally going to rid ourselves of this godforsaken liche. i will make his fallen pay for trying to intimidate us into submission to giggles's will. Shaydenn grabs the hilt of his rapier that master and mistress fashioned for him. when he draws out his sword, only the hilt is visible until he imbues it with shadow force emitting from it forming the blade. alright then mistress, lets go and free our lands. get on my back and we can get where we need to go in a fraction of the time through the shadows. I have just began to master the art of shadow teleportation.

[Wulf]

After several days of wandering forest and valleys, Wulf was starting to get the lay of the land, though he wished he could find a city or town. He felt he was somewhere he recognized, but he wasn't sure. Just as he finally stepped out of the treeline, he stumbled over a couple of sticks, and finally caught his ballance in the middle of the road. As he turned to look, he only say a large army of undead, clad in armor, weapons, and tools meant for death and destruction as he quickly jumped back away from them, as he saw far back a familliar undead man, Giles.

[Giggles "Adguin"]

Giggles looked on and saw the armies muster their forces. But beyond his field of vision he sensed something. Something so familiar and yet so alien that he couldn't figure out what it was.
He had summoned a Raven to do his bidding.
Raven, be my eyes and ears, go north of Mittelmarch and show me what lies there.
He saw Incondra, a half-breed panther, and a small but varied army of undead.
Hehe, that small pitiful undead army is of no concern. Raven Deliver a message for me, and your will be merged with our artillery!

But master! I want to feel the wind....did...did you just say you'll merge-

DO IT! the One Will commanded.
The Raven dropped in front of Incondra in a submissive gesture.
"The Master has a offer for you milady. Please don't kill the messenger yet. Your lover has greatly betrayed him and you have mustered a army against him. But while Mashairo's life is now forfeit yours is not. Join the Master and your life as well as the one that grows in you now, will be spared. Fight Him and Your child will be his heir."
The Raven awaited a response.

Meanwhile Giggles heard a stir in the woods but paid no mind to it. For what little thing in the woods could stop him now that the heart of the Lands will be his.

[Wulf]

(Wulf quickly looked at the undead army as some of them start to draw arms. He drew the sword and ax that he had found in the tower as he sighs heavily, still a bit tired from the long treck, but not so much that he couldnt at least slow them down.

"So this must be the army the mage and his minion were speaking of?" Wulf thought to himself as he quickly attacked the undead, usings hit and dodge tactics, hopeing to get Giles attention with the commotion.