Book 8: Chapter 85
Chieftain Torishi Weatherfur fell through the earth.
She didnt know how long. Minutes? How far down? Her voice howled Belavierrs name. She only knew the tumbling through air, the despair.
Then she landed.
Eleven minutes of free-fall. What should have ground her bones to dustdidnt. The hole that Belavierr had opened was a portal. Though it took her eleven minutes to fall to wherever the [Witch] had sent her, the Gnoll only fell a shorter distance.
Even soshe landed far, far down. She felt the searing pain as she landed on her side.
Her arm broke.
Torishis howl of pain was one of a dozen. Her bodyguards? Torishi dragged herself up, holding her axe one-handed.
Where are we? Who is here?
Voices called out. Eight. One Gnoll was dead, neck snapped. The others stood in darkness.
Light. Where is?
Torishi looked around, but the beam of light that had always accompanied her, the Skillwasnt working. How far down were they?
Where were they? A Gnoll produced a magic torch at last and lit it. The Gnolls gazed around. At first, they looked straight up at that cavernous ceiling. The dirt tomb they were trapped in. Thenthe light played, flickering down the walls of stone. The faded, dirty letters. Torishis heart fluttered.
No. It was here all along?
She looked up, and one Gnoll fell to their knees. For there were the steps that led up into a dark citadel. Here were statues broken, but enough words to show them what had stood here. A face lying amidst stone and rubble.
Eleven minutes below the Great Plainsjust as the legends said. Torishis lips moved.
and the only Kingdom of Gnolls fell into the earth.
She gazed at the shattered face of a statue. A broken throne, meant to greet visitors. Then Torishi realized where Belavierr had sent her.
Where she had sent
Them.
Someone laughed in the darkness. A growling, hysterical laugh of triumph. It came from a figure as the Gnoll bearing the torch moved. Torishis fur stood on end.
The Raskghar. Form a circle.
She and the Gnolls of the Weatherfur tribe formed a circle in the darkness, staring into the night. Their eyes were adjusted to shadowbut the Raskghar lived in this place. Underground.
Torishi heardsounds. She looked around and knew.
Nokha.
Mrshas nightmare was giggling. Againagain and again she lived. She was immortal! But that was not what made the Raskghar laugh and howl. It was their prey. Eight Gnolls. AndTorishi sniffed the air. Slowly, she exhaled as a Gnoll moaned.
So. This is the doom of our kingdom.
Behind the Raskghar from the Meeting of Tribes crept a thousand shadows. Curious noses sniffed the air. Growls. The new Raskghar turned as the occupants of the Kingdom of Gnolls stalked forwards.
The torch flickered. Torishi felt a dread creeping over her. She looked upwards.
No light. No way back. Was the Stitch Witch here? Was she laughing and watching? Surely
Torishi spoke.
Fight, Weatherfur. We will not see our tribe again. But fight them. Raskghar! Your treachery failed long ago!
All she heard was silence and rustling. The Gnoll warriors tried to watch every shadowbut they were surrounded.
In the silence, deep undergroundTorishi Weatherfur met her end. First one Gnoll vanished, the torch falling as she struck, howling. Then silence. The Raskghar leapt and tackled another Gnoll. Torishi brought her axe downshe cleaved one head in two and then lost her grip as she buried the axe in a second arm. She looked around and saw three Gnolls.
She drew her dagger and howled. The Raskghar of this old place watched as the newcomers struck again. Then one Gnoll, turning to Torishi. Reaching out as she howled.
Then
Torishi stood in the darkness. Someone doused the torch. Slyly. With a cunning beyond the others. She stood there, one arm burning with pain.
Come, Nokha. I know your name.
I am hungry. Hungry for you.
Torishis head turned in the pitch black silence. One little monster who had stalked Mrsha across a continent. Who had escaped even down here. She waited, as, around her, that Raskghar stalked, the others waiting.
Monsters playing with their food. Torishi panted in the darkness. Feshithe sky was so far away.
When the Raskghar grabbed her, she struggled, but the grip was so strongNokha stabbed her and tossed her away as Torishis dagger glanced off stolen armor. The Gnoll landed, scrambling for a weapon. She felt a hand seize her throat, felt the hot breath.
I win again.
The Weatherfurs Chieftain smiled. Here she died, and they would never find her unless they came looking, entombed beneath the earth.
Butshe called upon her Skill. Called upon her tribe. She grabbed Nokhas hand, strangling her one-handed.
No longer, Raskghar.
At least let this nightmare plaguing the girl die.
The dark Kingdom of Gnolls had been lost to light over a thousand years. The predators who stalked this grave had never seen light, not as bright as the torch.
In this dark placea brighter light burned down from the ceiling. A ray of blazing sun.
It illuminated Nokha as the Raskghar looked up and screamed, blinded. She let go of Torishibut the Weatherfurs Chieftain had gripped her. Nokha tried to break Torishis grip as the Gnoll grabbed one shoulder, but she couldnt.
She was a monster who had been granted thought and used it to kill. Torishi was a [Chieftain] of her tribe. Nokhas arm cracked as Torishis paws dug into her flesh.
Let go. Let go!
The Raskghar howled. She bit at Torishi, but the Gnoll kept gripping. Kept tearing into the Raskghars arm with her claws. Nokha began screaming for the other Raskghar to help her. But they slunk away from that burning light.
It was so hot. Brighter than even sunlight. The airher fur was smoking. Nokha began howling, and Torishis grip burrowed through her rancid fur. It tore flesh, ripped tendon, and then the Weatherfur Chieftain ripped Nokhas arm off.
Screaming, the Raskghar retreated, only to see a blazing Gnolls paw shoot out. Torishis fingers dug into Nokhas throat, and the panicked howling stopped. The Raskghar struck her, pleading, trying to bite, fleebut Torishi put every fiber of strength into her claws.
A warrior, a mother, a leader, a shamanthe Gnoll pulled at Nokhas head.
One less horror in this world. One less nightmare before I go. She cried out into the darkness as the Raskghar flinched from this burning thing that was no easy prey.
Belavierr! Stitch Witch! If this is my endthen grant me one last request. I will pay you nothing. But if you have any soul left
She tore the throat from the Raskghar and felt the blood spray her fur. Torishi dug her claws into the dying Nokhas body and then tore the head from the corpse. The blank eyes of the Raskghar stared at Torishi as the [Chieftain] raised the head.
Tell them I was here. And tell that child her nightmare is over.
She stood, the head staring blankly at her. Nokhas last look was wordless confusion. She never understood the Gnolls. Not even at the end. Torishi was about to toss the head down when someone reached out and took it. She jerkedlooked around
But the Stitch Witch was gone. Torishi smiled bitterly. Did even the [Witch] have a soul? If so
Slowly, the Gnoll gazed around, and her broken arm burned again. She was exhausted, and the burning light faded slightly. Torishi searched around and found a sword buried in a Raskghars chest. She drew it out of the body and gazed around.
There you are. Stories. Horrors at the beginning that will not leave. I am damned by the [Witch] of ages.
Torishi looked around as the shadows drew in. She pointed up, grinning amidst the blood and faded dyes on her fur. The sun, her friend in the darkest days, warmed her fur.
Down here, you could forget there had ever been light. She looked at the Raskghar and saw them flinch away from the memory of something they had turned their backs on.
Sanity. Love, and even hope. They were the wretched cousins of Gnolls. But even they were not doomed. Torishi looked up, and above her, Weatherfurs people fell to their knees. She had to tell them.
Deep in the depths of the earth, the [Chieftain] of Weatherfur drew in a breath through damaged lungs, past broken bone and with her blood dripping from her veins. Then she howled.
Miles below them, too far for any ear to hearthey still heard her. She howled in the marrow of their bones, and they raised their heads and called back. A voice from beneath the earth. The death of nightmares.
A ray of sun shone down past the [Witch] who looked at it uneasily and into the earth. A Gnoll stood under its light and howled upwards as the Raskghar flinched and beheld her.
I was here.
The Kingdom of Gnolls still rang as the first of its children looked around into that darkness. Torishi panted for breath, and she smiled like that distant sun.
My tribe will not have me for the trials ahead. But someday, they will return here. They will find this place and know: I was here. I will have you remember that until my people find me once more.
Snarls answered her, and they gathered in a throng, but they flinched from her stare. Torishi lifted her axe overhead and called down to them.
Look at me, Raskghar. Look at the thing you called Nokha and choose to change again! For I am proof you shall not devour us in darkness. Your teeth will never find the heart of Gnolls.
She left the dais of stone, and the light shone down into the Kingdom of Gnolls from the world above. The promise on Torishis lips. She fought under sunlight. Until the light faded.
High above, the Witch of Webs lifted a bloody head into the air. She regarded it silently, and the Weatherfur tribe howled and wept. Mrsha looked up at Nokhas face as Vetn carried her and wept.
Torishi Weatherfur was dead. And at lastso was Nokha. The [Witch] tossed the head down. Belavierr looked around.
I answered the great [Chieftain] of Weatherfur not for payment. Not for any honor of her deeds or life. But as a mother.
She looked so self-indulgent, so proud of her gesture in that moment that Mrsha howled at her. The Stitch-Witch smiled to herself, pretending not to notice the Gnoll girl. She only ceased when someone spoke to her.
You have no right to call yourself a mother. I have seen what you do, Belavierr. You have no morality save for that which benefits you. It was a mistake to seek your aid. Your children deserve better parenthood.
She turned and saw a Gnoll standing there. He was a warrior, a great undead champion of old. But the voice who spoke through him was that of Azkerash.
Watch your words, Necromancer.
She hissed at him through the magic link. But Azkerash just replied coldly.
I have your daughter. She is safe. You will not see her again. Begone, Belavierr. I am ashamed to call you a fellow spellcaster.
You dare to threaten me? My daughter? I will haunt your remains, Necromancer.
Belavierrs eyes blazed with a sudden rage that went far beyond any emotion this day. For reply, Kerash lifted his blade and struck her. She staggered, and blood ran down her arm.
You have killed more good souls than I can stomach. Youyou truly are without any good to this world, arent you?
She tore the blade from the Draugrs hand and threw him back. Now, Belavierr whirled. She howled, her joy forgotten.
Necrom
A blade pierced her side, and she grunted. Saliss of Lights clung to Belavierr, stabbingbut he had no great magic. She knocked the Named Adventurer away. Snapped her fingers. A veil of threads went to tear him to pieces.
No!
Lehra Ruinstrider leapt, and the Blade of Mershi struck Belavierr. The Stitch Witch seized the Gnoll and dragged the Blade of Mershi from Lehras grasp. She lifted it, and the soul trapped within screamed at her as the gauntlet glowed. Belavierr threw the relic away.
I am the Witch of Webs! I am the last great [Witch], and I will shatter any foe who defies me! Adventurer, [Mage], or child! Hear me, children of Izril! The N
Belavierr was still speaking when she turned her head. She threw up a hand, and the pink carriage hit her. Like a car crash victim, she slammed into the hood, bounced off the roof as Reynold stared into the [Witch]s ringed gaze for one heart-stopping momentthen landed on the ground.
The pink carriage of Magnolia Reinhart did a U-turn and ran Belavierr over as she tried to get up. Reynold didnt hear or feel the crunch of bones he was for once hoping to sense going through the carriage. He backed up just in time to see a hat rise and two glowing eyes.
That was unwise, servant of
Moore seized Belavierr. She looked up, and he slammed her head-first into the carriage with one thorn-covered hand. He hammered her into the magical vehicle with enough force to rock the enchanted carriage. Then he raised a thorn-covered fist and hit her so hard she cracked a glass window.
Belavierr gazed at Moore and grabbed his arm. She threw him across the ground. Then she turned for Reynold. The [Butler] was already taking the carriage away. He rocketed across the battlefield, heading for a racing figure still dodging enemies.
What the
Vetn yelped as Reynold kicked a door open. Magnolias pink carriage careened to a stop, and the [Butler] shouted.
Get in!
The Thief of Clouds hesitated, but Mrsha leapt into the pink carriage just in time for the earth to explode. Vetn leapt into the interior as a spike of earth nearly hit the carriage. Reynold zig-zagged away as Ulcreziek howled and Xherw pointed.
Kill them! Kill them already!
The [Shaman of the Eternal Grasslands] was drawing on every scrap of magic left to him. His tribe was in tatters. Xherw was out of his mind, attacking Silverfangs tribe. Killing the ones he thought were responsible for everything.
Chieftain Akrisa, run.
Shaman Cetrule lifted his staff as Xherw and his bodyguard charged at them. Krshia, Akrisa, and Satar looked at the mad [Chieftain]. Ulcreziek snarled, pointing at Mrsha.
Enough. He had had enough of this. And sothe [Shaman] saw a glowing light growing brighter out of the corner of his eye. He turned, and the Illuminary surged across the land. The glowing [Pirate]s ship rode a wave that engulfed screaming Gnoll [Shamans] of the Plains Eye tribe. It bore down straight at Ulcreziek.
Hah! Got him!
Rasea Zecrew laughed as the Gnoll disappeared beneath the prow of the ship. Flos Reimarch grunted as he stood at the railings, ready to leap into the fighting below. Thenthe ship listed. Everyone, the Horns, King Raelt, the half-Elves, the [Knights]
Hesitated.
What was that? Why is my ship stopped?
Rasea hesitated. Then she felt the Illuminary move backwards. She raced to the prow and saw the wave break around her. Thenshe looked down at the drenched Gnoll with one glowing eye staring up at her, one paw holding her ship back.
Oh sh
The Illuminary rocked as a precipice of stone slammed into it. It fell sidewaysand the crew and passengers stumbled. They spilled out onto the ground. Rasea was first to roll to her feet.
My ship!
The Plains Eye tribe surrounded the [Pirate]s vessel. They waited for any fools to get up and be slaughtered. The first thing they saw was a bandaged man slowly getting up. His green eyes glittered behind a bunch of bandages.
Another undead? Some kind of bandaged one? Kill it.
A [Shamanic Warrior] barked. Then he saw a man with a crown striding out of the mud and dust. He was a Human with a rapier in one hand, a parrying dagger in the other. A little golden bell chimed as Raelt of Jecrass stood next to the King of Destruction.
Jecaina?
The Arbiter Queen emerged, coughing, and, from out of the darkness, Alked Fellbow shot an arrow that lanced through six Gnolls. The Plains Eye tribe looked up as the King of Destruction pointed.
The Steward, Orthenon, rode out of the chaos. Gazi Pathseeker joined him, and then a woman glowing with lightning smiled and floated off the deck.
A girl holding the Serkonian Lance brushed at her clothing and fixed Belavierr with a cold stare almost as old as the Witch of Webs. Half-Giant Revenants, a trembling [Champion of War], and Vizir Hecrelunn passed by Frieke of Khelt and her Seahawk. Centaurs, some heartily sick, clattered off the grounded ship as half-Elves and [Knights] stood next to angry [Pirates].
Slowly, the King of Destruction lifted a finger. The Gnolls backed up from the strangest gathering in the world. Flos Reimarchs eyes were burning as his bandaged mouth opened. The sands of Chandrar whipped around the warriors from a different continent. The legends of Chandrar looked upon the Meeting of Tribes, and the King of Destruction raised his voice.
Char
Chandrar, charge!
The [Hero] of Zethe roared. Doubte came storming from the ship, and the Horns of Hammerad followed, screaming for psychological effect. The Herald of the Forests raised her horn, and the King of Destruction looked around and then followed the others into fighting, shouting curses.
The Steward of Destruction! Gazi Pathseeker! The Archmage of Chandrar!
Screams. Gnolls and Drakes recognized the three legendary figures of Reim. Raelt leapt past the others, sword flickering as he and Jecaina raced into the fighting. Khelts undead were surging around Zeres.
Protect the Gnolls. Slay the [Witch]. Save the child
Each one had a different goal. The sky was crackling as Archamge Valeterisa panted. Fissival was hurling spell after spell at her location, even the Magic Throwers. She was reconsidering her participation in this war as Wyverns flew with the best [Mages], trading spells of their own behind magical barriers.
As [Mages] fought. Right until the sky flashed, and a woman danced into sight.
Valeterisa. Do you need a hand?
ArchmageAmerys?
Valeterisa took a second to check her eyes were working and this wasnt an illusion. Amerys grey hair whipped about her as her eyes glowed with the storm. Valeterisa lifted a weak hand.
That would be very welcome. I, ahare you free now? Query: Wistram. Is Amerys supposed to be?
Amerys laughed, and the sky turned into burning lightning as Fissivals [Mages] screamed. Valeterisa looked at Amerys and, for once, canceled the [Message] spell.
No one was going to cage her again.
Two Archmages of Wistram criss-crossed the skies with magic as Wyverns battled with flying Pegasi. Oteslias [Pegasus Riders] struck Fissival from behind.
What? What Archmages? Justkill them and Oteslias riders!
Wall Lord Dragial was shouting into a [Communication] spell on the ground. Salazsars charge into Fissival had ended up in a meleeand that was the worst scenario for the magical army of Fissival. Gnolls on one side
And here came Wall Lord Ilvriss. Dragial scrambled away as the Wall Lord of Salazsar rode at him. He teleported across the battlefield as Ilvriss cursed.
Dragial!
The Drake scrambled away. That was when he saw the Blade of Mershi land on the ground as the Witch of Webs tore the relic from Lehras grasp.
The Blade of Mershi. At last!
Wall Lord Dragial ran for the gauntlet. It had landed in the fighting, and he thrust a wand forwards. Drakeshis own forces and Gnolls and Salazsars forces went flying as a ripple of force knocked them aside.
Where was it? The Drake hunted around in the mud, falling to his knees to wrench upa helmet. He looked around for that glint of ancient magic. His [Detect Magic] spell was all but uselessit was cloaked. The key to the City of Stars!
Where? Then he saw her. That damn Gnoll, running through the fighting with her team.
Lehra!
She had to be sensing it! The Stargnoll was wounded, but she still ran for the relic. Dragial ran at her, wand raised. He lunged as he saw something glinting in the mud.
The Blade of Mershi rose in Dragials grip. He laughed as Lehra skidded to a halt.
No. Dragial!
Its mine! Its mine at last! In the nameof the City of Stars!
The Wall Lord shoved the gauntlet onto one arm and raised it upwards. Just like Lehra had done. He looked up, his face radiant. The world dropped away from him, and he stood in space.
Space! A room with no walls or floor. Just the shining void. Surely this
This was the magic of the Walled City, Mershi. The Drake wept as the magic interfaced with his being. He saw someone standing there.
A Drake, wearing the armor of stars. She held a sword, and Dragial fell to his knees.
Youre the one who will lead me to the City of Stars.
Perhaps.
The owner of the Blade of Mershi, Saturniel Cometscale, whispered. She looked into Dragials eyes. Into his soul.
If you want the power of Mershianswer me one question.
The Wall Lord drew himself up. He had waited for this trial forever. He whispered.
Name it.
The Drake wavered as her spirit focused on Dragial.
Whoare our enemies?
The Wall Lord felt a power compelling him to answer with all his soul. But he didnt have to thinkhe only worried it was a singular answer.
TheHumans of Izril. Or the Gnoll tribes. The Antiniumthe Nagas
He was going to go on, but the Drake lifted one claw. Dragial waited, heart beatingand Saturniel rolled her eyes.
Wrong.
Dragials glorious vision of the stars began to fade. He screamed desperately.
Waitwait! Tell me what the answer is!
The Drake closed her eyes and looked away. The enemy of so many species looked at the bearer of the Blade of Mershi. The answer was the one the Stargnoll had once given:
No one. No mortal enemies in an entire species. The Wall Lord was not worthy.
Then the image of Saturniel vanished, and Dragial was left standing on the battlefield. He looked around, staring at the dead Blade of Mershi. Then Lehra kicked him.
Dragial went tumbling down as the Stargnoll raised the Blade of Mershi. Stargazers Promise spread out around her as Dragial rose to his feet.
Whatwhat did you do?
He looked at Lehra as the armored Gnoll gazed down at him. The Wall Lord looked about, and the soldiers of Fissival turned at his scream.
Youve corrupted the Blade of Mershi. Killkill her!
Stargazers Promise closed ranks as Lehra panted, drawing a sword and shield out of the air. Elgrinna, Suxhel, and Emper looked to Lehra.
Hes getting away. What do we do? Go after him?
The Stargnoll hesitated, then shook her head. Dragial was scrambling away, calling for Fissivals troops to kill her.
Hes not important. Wewe have to get out of here. The Stitch Witch is still killing everyone, and Mrsha
Then the adventurers realized they were in danger. Fissivals entire army was turning towards them and the Relic that Dragial had wanted for so long. The young adventurers looked around, and even stolid Emper wilted slightly.
How are we supposed to fight?
Suxhel was counting, her mana almost exhausted, and Elgrinna didnt seem to know which way to turn. Lehra herself, a Named Adventurer, looked at a sea of Drakes, and that expression of confidence wavered. The four adventurers backed up as spears lowered into walls and Drakes marched towards them and raised their wands.
Then the Selphid leapt into the first spear, and the tip of one pierced her stomach. But the whirling [Steel Tempest] didnt care. She was holding a flail of Demas Metal, each blade dripping with blood, water, or poison.
She whirled the weapon around, and Drakes broke apart, screaming in terror. Lehra saw a rank vanish, [Soldiers] falling or fleeing as the Gold-rank Captain of the Halfseekers turned.
Rookies! What are you doing getting cornered? Keep moving if you want to live! Moore! Open a hole!
Moore? Wh
A half-Giant ran through another group of Drakes, and a Selphid wearing a Drakes body webbed down the soldiers on either side. The Named Adventurer and her team saw the half-Giant pick up a [Mage] and throw the Drake into the distance.
Yourethe Halfseekers?
Lehra vaguely recognized them. Jelaqua Ivirith was covered in wounds, but the Selphid had changed her body four times already. They had been pursuing Mrsha when they saw the younger team in trouble.
Now there were two teams against all those Drakes.
What do we do?
Jelaqua stepped into the opening shed cleared, trembling as she Rampaged. She snapped back, eyes glowing faintly orange, veins pulsing with her true body.
When an armys surrounding you? You fight so damn hard they back away and run. Wheres that Wall Lord?
She turned, and Lehra saw Dragial, still retreating, but glaring at her with hatred in his eyes.
There. But hes lost and
Jelaqua grabbed Lehras face with one bloody hand. The Selphid stared down at Lehra.
You dont leave your enemies alive, rookie.
The young Gnoll who had been a Bronze-rank adventurer less than two years ago looked into the eyes of a Selphid over forty years an adventurer. Her reply was automatic. The reason why she was chosen.
I have no enemies in any species.
She got back a corpses smile. The Selphids head rotated slowly, and she looked at the Drake who had led a Walled City into the Meeting of Tribes.
Maybe not. But I see a person who would walk on the corpses of everyone to get his way. Even his own kind. The Halfseekers know evil. Adventurers.
She pointed one hand at Dragial, and the Wall Lord paled, despite a thousand Drakes between him and the Selphid. He had fought Lehra for two years and escaped and triumphed and vowed revenge.
He does not live another minute.
Then she whirled her flail up and sprinted towards him. Moore, Ulinde, and Stargazers Promise followed, and the Drakes and their formations looked at a Named-Adventurer and two Gold-rank teams.
Hold them back! Kill the adventurers!
Dragial was already looking for a safe place. He raised his wand and pointed. There!
[Teleportation]!
He was midway through the spell when the [Rogue] stepped out of his shadow and calmly ran a dagger into Dragials back. The Wall Lord had enchanted armor, and his amulets were some of the best protection in the world. So Seborn kept stabbing until he felt the first prick of his blade against the enchanted cloth. Even that didnt draw blood, but the Drowned Man just smiled and whispered.
[Anchoring Stab].
The teleportation spell fizzled out. Dragial turned, but Seborn just dodged the spray of acid that struck the Drakes behind him. He tried to finish the Wall Lord, but the Drakes nearly ran him through from behind. The Drowned Man leapt backwards, enchanted blades flashing.
Damn you! All of you! Kill them!
The Gnolls fighting with Fissival were howling behind Jelaqua. For all her wordsthe Selphid tore left and right, shredding limbs. Moores charge left only blood and bodies in his wake. Ulindes spells left dozens dead with each cast, and the terrified infantry hesitated.
But then spells began to strike the Gold-rank teams. Lehra blocked a glowing comet with a shield only to scream as acid rained down. Moore howled, and a hundred lesser spells cut the air.
Burning [Arrows of Flame] rained down on the Gnoll tribe trying to strike Fissivals heart from the side. The Woven Bladegrass tribe led by Chieftain Werri were encircled like the Halfseekers and Stargazers Promise.
These Gnolls died to the last. Dragial pointed at them, unleashing a [Deathbolt]. The furious Chieftain refused to fall, even as it splashed through her body. She howled as she tried to fight towards the Wall Lord, but [Mage-General] Qeuse stood behind walls of magic.
Chieftain Werris warriors threw themselves against the barriers as jets of flame and acid shot from the mouths of Oldblood Drakes. There werent just warriors in her tribe. Everyone, young and old, was trapped, but the army of Drakes didnt care. Werri lifted her head, looking around wildly for a way out.
What she saw wereCentaurs.
Forgotten Wing! Fall upon them!
Perorn Fleethoof saw the deathtrap and led her forces straight into Fissivals flank. But she knew it was a desperation play.
A third of her people had fallen to the Witch of Webs and during the fighting. The Drakes turned as her forces cut in fast, and the Centaurs charge faltered as armored spearwalls turned on them.
The officer. Perorn pointed at Dragial and Qeuse.
Officer sniping!
She loosed an arrow at the [Mage-General] as her people fired, but the arrows cracked uselessly against the barriers surrounding Fissivals general. Perorn looked to the Woven Bladegrass tribe and adventurers.
Break towards us!
They were trying, but there just werent enough Centaurs to pierce the thousands upon thousands of Drakes. Perorns weak leg slipped. She stumbled, and then an arm caught her.
Sister. Get up. Cover my charge.
The Centauress looked up into an older face, a woman with a pale lower torso. A Centaur? But not one of Perorns warriors, wearing armor. This was a nomad, wearing decorated cloth and charms woven into the colorful tale of her tribe.
As different from Centaurs of Baleros asPerorn blinked incredulously. She had not looked for Centaurs on Izril.
Herdmistress Geraeri of the People of Zair lifted a quarterstaff as the Forgotten Wing Company saw a second line of Centaurs streaking through their ranks. Only a few dozenbut they followed Geraeri forwards, and Perorn felt her weak legs strengthen.
She felt refreshed, as if she could run another hundred miles. The herd of Jecrass Centaurs crashed into Fissivals spears as if they were made of stone. Steel snapped on their bodies, and Geraeri raced forwards, urging Perorn to her side.
It wasnt just her. Perorns head whirled, and she saw a stream of faded green hair flying beneath a helmet. The Herald of Forests, Ierwyn, rode like a whisper through the trees. She and her half-Elves passed through the Drakes lines, and she halted in front of Chieftain Werri.
The myth who had rode Chandrars battlefields four hundred years ago lifted her sword as she looked down at the tired Gnolls. Her eyes met Werris.
Kin of the plains! I am the Herald of Claiven Earth! Will you ride with me? Fables of the Forestarise! [A Fraction of My Experience]!
The Gnolls of the young tribe stared up as the half-Elf called to them, and they felt the experience of centuries sink into their bones. Werri parried a blade and riposted, feeling her exhaustion fade. She howled.
Follow that half-Elf!
Ierwyn was already plunging towards the first wall of magic barriers. She lanced through them in a heartbeat, shattering the magic as she cut a path out of the Woven Bladegrass tribes encirclement.
Officer on the field. Marking them for bombardments! Getget the Wall Lord to safety.
The [Mage-General] of Fissival was trying to reform his lines. General Qeuse pivoted as he saw Perorn and Geraeri riding at him.
[Battlefield: Cascade Shields of Fissival]!
He reinforced the magic around him as the Centaurs charged. The Drakes confidence lasted for six seconds. Then an arrow fell like a shooting star and pierced the magic, breaking each barrier in front of him like a bubble.
The [General] deflected the arrow wildly with a swipe of the scepter and shield he held. The Drake whirled, and Alked Fellbow lifted his head as he lowered his bow, turning to the next target. The [General] of Fissival shouted desperately.
Defend the camps
Wall Lord Dragial was watching the Gnolls led by the half-Elf in stupefaction when the Centaurs overran Qeuses position.
This isnt right. We are the City of Magic!
And they were. But there charged the Fables of the Forest, a company of old half-Elves and Gnolls blazing with Ierwyns fury. Geraeri, the Herdmistress of Zair, and Perorn met the [Mage-General] in combat. He deflected Perorns lancing stab, staggered as his armor took a blow from Geraeris quarterstaff, and saw both Centaurs gallop past him.
The Drake was trying to recast his barrier spells when the trail of rope that Geraeri had tossed wrapped around one of his legs like a snake and tightened into a knot. A simple rope trick. A [Nomad]s Skill. The [General] was torn off his feet, and the Herdmistress raced out of the fighting, dragging the Drake behind her. She dragged the screaming [General] across the ground, racing away as Centaurs trampled the body, loosing arrows down until that scream stopped.
Barbarians.
Dragial tried to back away. Then he whirled as he saw the Woven Bladegrass tribe cutting their way out of his army on one side. The Centaurs turning for another charge. And the adventurers
Reached him.
The Wall Lord saw the Halfseekers charging him. He backed away, raising his wand. A shield deflected Jelaquas flail, and he spoke.
[Ray of Entropy]
Lehra deflected the spell. She stabbed forwards and rammed the blade into his shoulder. The Wall Lord tore away, and one of his amulets trapped Jelaqua and Lehra in a field of stasis. Cursing, Emper struck Dragial, and the Drake staggered as the staff deactivated his magic.
The Blade is mine! The City of Magic will never fall! You will all be hunted down and
Moore picked up the Wall Lord. The bloody thorns on his hand cut into Dragials face as he squeezed tight. Lehra looked up in silence as the [Stasis Field] deactivated. She waited for somethinga last contingency. A body-double.
All she saw was Dragials body jerk once and blood run down from Moores grip. A terrible grinding crunch andand then he was gone. The enemy who had plagued her for two years twitched one last time, and his magic vanished. The half-Giant tossed the Drakes body down, and Ulinde leapt from his back.
Looting. Twenty seconds.
The bloody Halfseekers saw Stargazers Promise recoil. Jelaqua Ivirith just turned. The adventurers looked at Fissivals stunned army. The Woven Bladegrass tribe scythed through them behind the Herald, turning their demise into an unstoppable charge that began to tear the Drake army in twain.
Wall Lord Dragial was dead. The Stargnoll had finally brought down her foe. The Halfseekers had made an enemy of Fissival, and
Lehra looked around. She had already known it, but now she stared down at the ruined face, the battlefield spanning miles, the army of the dead. Now that she thought it, it was obvious.
Izril would never be the same again.
Fetohep rode through the battlefield, halberd whirling as the undead poured forwards. Zeres faced them, holding the line despite the massive number of undead. They had levels; the dead soldiers had no limit.
Madness. The King of Khelt was raging. How many years worth of accumulated mana had the Walled Cities wasted? All their preparations since the last Antinium Wars to loose spells meant for the direst battle?
Five years?
All to wipe out one of their enemies. The worst part wasthey succeeded.
And how many dead was Khelt spending to activate and keep the Graven Passage open? Even he couldnt count the cost, but it was necessary.
Fetohep saw a single tribe of Gnolls fighting Manus in the vanguard of both forces. They were the fiercest warriors of their generation. A famous tribe, led by one Gnoll who had given them their name.
Steelfur. A thorn in the side of the Walled Cities. Fetohep watched as the warriors, fighting with light to no armor, suddenly faltered. A Gnoll stared down at her light brown fur, not the grey of a moment ago. Then a sword cut her down.
There was only one reason for that. Fetoheps head turned, and he saw Iraz Steelfur die. The despairing Chieftain was holding onto a Drake with brilliant, sky-blue scales, who buried a crackling glaive in his chest. His fur smoked with lightning, and a Gnoll screamed his [Chieftain]s name.
Adetr Steelfur was the only Gnoll who remained metal after Iraz fell. The only one with a class of his own.
So ends a great tribe.
Fetoheps head turned right, and he saw another [Chieftain] fall. This time to Zeres. A triumphant Drake with scars across his body raised a serrated spear, covered in his blood and his opponents. The Sharkcaptain of Zeres was armed with weapons as old and as powerful as the Gnolls who had fought him. And he was the one who rose, not Chieftain Reizet.
Azmuzarre. Steelfur. They had stood against the truth and Doombearers. But two great tribes were falling to pieces. Being cut down.
Khelt. Upon me!
Fetoheps howl made the Admiral of the Land, Horsthe, bring the veterans of Zeres against him. Fetoheps undead ran into the Drakes. Then they climbed over the dead and living alike. They buried the first rank of Drakes in a sea of bones and armor. The undead ruler rode forwards.
Fetohep. The ritual. I cannot feel Khelt. Xierca isdying. Chandrar is lost.
Khelta was whispering in his ears. Fetoheps head turned.
Xierca?
A shudder ran through the undead. They felt it just as he. A void was being torn open in Fetoheps heart. Khelts rulers were dying.
So the undead monarch rode with eyes of blazing gold, and the living fell away before him and his army that began to shriek wrath. Fetohep looked to Zeres, to Fissival, to Manus, to the tribes of Plains Eye and all the fools.
Whom did he slaughter? Which army did he wipe from the earth and leave nothing for even carrion to feed upon? Who died? They trembled as his army kept pouring from the gates.
Then Fetohep saw it. The golden fury in his face waveredand he pointed.
There! Khelt, to me!
Ten thousand soldiers poured after him, and another ten thousand, heedless of being flanked, the danger, forcing Drakes and Gnolls to flee. Fetohep came to a halt and looked down. His halberd pointed at the groundnot at the figures in front of him.
Gnolls. Tribes fleeing the fighting, surrounded by Drakes on every side, under attack. Which group was this? Silverfang? Plains Eye?
Fetohep saw children, parents, families, Gnolls holding bows or simple spears. Looking up at him with horror, and he gazed about and saw more tribes fleeing.
Here. Warriors of Khelt, protect these Gnolls until your destruction. Not one dies.To me, Khelt!
He plunged into the fighting, as the undead of Khelt encircled this group, carrying them to safety. Fetohep looked around for his queen, Khelta, and saw a smiling face. He grinned back and then looked around.
He had found his glory upon the battlefield and his place. At the despair of their nationFetohep did what every ruler before him had ever chosen.
Living over the dead. But his head turned, looking for that last child. He could not save them all.
But he would always try.
The Golden Gnoll of Pallass was no hero and never tried to be. She had hidden every day of her life who she was.
Out of fear. Just like all the others. Now, Qwera stood, and her fur shone white and gold next to Wer, and the air filled with colors as Tesy drew arrows and brick walls next to her.
She loosed arrows down at the Plains Eye tribe, and two Doombearers stood in the open, with the tribes of Izril at their back.
Qwera would have traded all the gold she had ever earned for this moment. And all of the gold shed ever earn that this would never happen.
She couldnt describe the sensation of triumph and loss. The Gnolls dying and the truth she could finally cling to. The knowledge it wasnt her.
They were not doom. It had always been misfortune, deeds by good people and monsters. It wasnt her.
They just had tostruggle. Qwera saw Tesy fall, shrieking with an arrow in his leg. He was bleeding so quickly she dropped the bow and grabbed a potion.
Qwera! Get back!
Ysara backed up, blade parrying a strike from an incredulous Gnoll. The [Merchant] fought with the talent that had been called a prodigys.
Once. But she had traded it all for the future she wanted, her own path. She went sprawling as she locked blades with a Gnoll and a Skill tossed her off her feet. Qwera looked up as a Gnoll tackled a huge [Shamanic Warrior] coming up the hill like a bull.
Yelroan, the [Mathematician], looked up as the Plains Eye warrior howled.
Traitor.
He blocked Yelroan and hammered the Gnoll down. The lines bowed inwards as Wer turned. He tried to get to them as Qwera drew a knife and slashed at the [Shamanic Warrior]s fur, but it was like armor.
Ysara looked up, searching for her sword, dazed, as a second warrior raised a spear. The Silver Trader cried out as a spear pinned her to the ground through the shoulder. The Gnoll raised his spear, snarling, to stab her through the head. Then he turned, a silver hand on his shoulder.
He looked back, back, and Qwera recoiled from the arm that stretchedfive feet? Silver flesh. A furious, blue-eyed stare.
Then Yvlon pulled herself forwards, and her second fist sent a spray of teeth and blood into the air. Ysara looked up as her younger sister whirled.
Yvl
The second Gnoll whirled, dropping Yelroan, and Yvlon, bare-handed, pointed a finger at him. The Gnoll jerked and stared down at the spike of metal running through his chest. Yvlons finger turned into a piercing blade, then withdrew.
Horns of Hammerad! To me!
The Silver Killer of the Coliseum of Monarchs raised her head, and Ysara and the struggling Gnolls sawa behemoth rise.
Frost and ice crackled as Pisces and Ceria balanced on the back of their signature creature. It raised one paw, and the Plains Eye tribe fled screaming as the Horns of Hammerad charged their position.
Ksmvr landed next to Yvlon and cut an arrow out of the sky. The [Skirmisher] lifted his blades. Yvlon whirled.
You must watch your back more, Yvlon.
She looked at him, and his third hand patted her on the shoulder. Yvlon turned to her dumbstruck sister.
Sorry, Ksmvr. Ysarawere here. Wheres Erin?
WhYvlon?
Ysara stuttered as Ksmvr looked past Pisces and Ceria. The half-Elf tossed herself from the back of the behemoth, and Pisces [Flash Stepped] into the air.
Damnit! Thats the second
The giant undead exploded as a needle twice as long as Qwera went through its head. The Horns of Hammerad landed, andthere they were. Even the Gnolls fighting for their lives turned as that famous team appeared.
Is this your sister, Ysara? Hello, I am a landowner from your estates. I own two trees
Ksmvr offered a hand, and Yvlon pointed.
Theres Mrsha! Get to her! Ysarastay here! Ceria, walls!
On it, on itlets go! Yvlon, get behind Ksmvr, thats an order! Hes better at deflecting than you are! Horns of Hammerad, go!
A wall of ice rose, guarding the endangered position. Ceria pointed down the slope, and a floor of ice covered the ground. The enemy warriors slipped and went sprawling, but the Horns just leapt downand went crashing down the slope as Pisces ran into Yvlon and they tripped over Ksmvr.
The Horns got up and kept going. Chasing the pink carriage, Mrshaa thread of chaos amidst the fighting. Ysara stared at her sister with incredulity and delight. Qwera looked for Vetn, heart beating with surprise. Andhope.
The pink carriage was racing across the battlefield as Mrsha looked around for her friends. Vetn was with her, but Reynold was trying to take them to safety. And MrshaMrsha was hoping no one else tried to rescue her.
Because it seemed as though her rescuers attracted almost as much attention as Mrsha.
The carriage! Magnolia Reinharts vehicle! High-priority[Mark Target]! [Focused Fire]! Bring it down!
Manus saw the carriage, and the vehicle shook as spells began to blast the windows and doors. Mrsha hid under a seat as Reynold swerved right and left.
Then the Oldblood Drakes began dive-bombing the carriage.
You scale-eyed bastards! There is a child in
The [Combat Butler] ran one through with his sword as Drakes clung to the carriage, stabbing into it, looking for Magnolia Reinhart or just trying to erase her famous carriage. Vetn stole ones sword, and the cursing Drake was thrown off as Reynold did a complete circle, knocking them off. But more kept comingthe [Butler] felt a sting of pain as one shot a crossbow at him and the bolt hammered him into the drivers seat.
He parried a sword thrust to his neck, and three Drakes on the speeding carriage fell off, headless. Reynold jerked in surpriseand a pair of silver swords descended over a third Drake.
Keep driving. Where is Mrsha? Inside?
Reynold stared in horror at Klbkch the Slayer as the Antinium balanced on the carriage. It picked up speed again, and the blademaster of the Antinium leaned out of the way of a spell. His swords cut down a volley of arrows, and he glanced around.
Ah. Troubles
Mrsha!
Only a few beings in the world could hope to catch up with the pink carriage. One of them was Mivifa, the Oldblood of Feathers. She dove, and Klbkch ducked the lance. He slashed back, but the Named Adventurer was already cutting left out of range. Both she and the Antinium lashed at each other as Reynold howled at them to get away.
Then someone else hit his carriage, and he saw Drake [Riders] flanking him with nets, trying to drag the carriage to a stop.
Get Mrsha out of here! This is a deathtrap!
Vetn screamed at Reynold, and the [Butler] had to agree. He swerved left as Klbkch and Mivifa broke off fighting.
Manus! Enough!
The Named Adventurer knocked a trio of Drakes from their horses with her lance as her pegasus snapped her wings out and slammed another rider off their mount. Klbkch was more direct. He leapt off the carriage, slashed through half a dozen [Riders], and jumped back on in a blur. Reynold broke out of the press of riders, and Vetn leapt, Mrsha in his arms, onto the ground. Reynold was turning to cover them when he felt a prickle on the back of his neck.
He realized Mrsha had been the one saving him. For as long as she rode in his carriageReynold looked around and far, far across the battlefield, but like a beacon of malice
The Stitch Witch pointed at Reynold. Her eyes were vengeful as she flicked a finger.
[Your Mortal Doom, Returned], servant.
Reynold whirled the carriage, but he saw it again. String. Wirehe howled as he ran into the same trap that
The pink carriage flipped and crashed across the battlefield. The second and last of Magnolias famed carriages lay there, wheels spinning as the [Butler] lay in the wreckage. Then he was clambering out.
Where was that girl?
Vetn ran. It seemed like every force in the world was after him. Drakes, GnollsAntiniumfighting each other, fighting for Mrsha.
Saliss of Lights blurred out of the fighting, one arm cut down to the bone. He left a trail of explosions in his wake as Manus turned on Vetn. Now, the Thief of Clouds heard them.
Capture the target alive! Get the Doombearer
They wanted Mrsha. Vetn heard Saliss shouting at him.
You idiot! Get her to safety!
Im trying! Im
The Walled City of War was used to fast targets. Vetn and Saliss saw a wall of Drakes appearing, so Vetn looked left. And sawmore Drakes. And right? More Drakes.
A perfect box formation swung into place. Saliss lifted two potions in his claws.
Get out of my way or I will disintegrate you all.
The Named Adventurer roared, and the [Soldiers] flinched. But then General Milka, one of the supreme [Generals] of Manus, strode forwards.
[Unit: Elemental Barrier]. Stand down, Saliss. Put the child down and surrender or
She looked up, raised her shield, and Wrymvr dropped on her. No acid. No scythes or biting maw. He just slammed into her so hard the ground shook.
Saliss, Vetn, and Mrsha saw the winged creature modeled after Dragons and Crelers rise. Mouths moved along the pinhole eyes and ever-evolving body.
Important Drakes die.
Kids? Get out of here.
Saliss calmly pushed Vetn and Mrsha aside. He walked forwards, and Wrymvr turned. Saliss reached for a bottle in his final arsenal. Wrymvr the Deathless howled as the Named Adventurer lifted a vial and threw it, and the explosion sucked part of Wrymvr into a vortex.
Vetn turned to go as Klbkch and Mivifa appeared, and the Drakes and Antinium began to fight. He looked around, and a second Gnoll appeared by his side in a flash.
General Milka is dead?
Who
Lulv stabbed Vetn in the shoulder and buried a knife in the [Thief]s arm. Then he grabbed Mrsha.
Target captured. Two Prognugators. Get me reinforcements.
Mrsha bit one armored hand and nearly broke her teeth. Lulv grimaced and looked around. Then the [Spearmaster] saw a panting [Butler] skid to a halt.
Put her down or die.
The [Spearmaster] lifted his spear one-handed, transferring Mrsha to the other arm. His look of confidence never wavereduntil he felt that prickle on the back of his neck.
Mrsha?
The girl?
White thing?
You stupid bastard. Now Im going to kill you too.
Klbkch, Mivifa, Wrymvr, and Saliss all turned from their fighting, and the [Spearmaster] decided to drop Mrsha after all. She ran over to Vetn, fumbling for a potion.
Friends and foes surrounding her. Vetn groaned as Mrsha poured the potion onto him. Thensomeone picked her up.
Stop it! Stop it! Mrsha began to bite whomever it was, reaching for a knife. Then she looked up.
It wasnt Klbkch or Lulv. Or even someone like Reynold or one of Magnolias maids or
Her protectors whirled as a young man, face as white as a sheet, picked Mrsha up and began running. A galloping [Rider] passed him by in an instant, and he did not move at the speed of light.
Fals ran with Mrsha under one arm like a priority delivery. He ran straight through the Drakes, screaming as Mrsha looked up at him.
You? The City Runner was runningbut to where? Fals carried Mrsha through the fighting, arrows flying around him, Drakes and Gnolls fighting. Straight towards
Mrsha saw him stagger and cry out as someone shot an arrow through his leg. He kept going, and then Mrsha saw the line of Antinium. Fals fell down, and Mrsha tumbled forwards. But the Antinium saw her, and the Gnoll trying to kill Fals fell. Thenthe Antinium crusade stood there, and a [Templar] reached down.
[Heal Mundane Wounds].
The City Runner looked up, panting, and Mrsha saw someone grab her.
Weve got her. Fals? Fals?
Garia picked up Mrsha, and the Fellowship, the Antinium, and the Gnolls closed ranks. The City Runners finest delivery looked down at the young man and then back through the battlefield.
He was something after all. Mrsha clung to Garia and saw Numbtongue running at her with Bird. No more rescues. She looked around.
Here they stood and lived or died. The [Crusaders] of 1st Battalion faced Manus as the City of War focused on their foe. The Fellowship and Gnolls of the tribes turned as the Walled City charged them.
Manus, again. Only this time they werent hiding behind Hectval. This was their best. 1st Battalion held their ground, a hundred Antinium fighting with Goblins and Gnolls.
Manus damned elites plunged forwards, following their [Spearmaster], and Liscors army ran into them. The Antinium, Mrsha, and the Fellowship saw a screaming young woman pointing her sword straight at Lulvs finest. The [Spearmaster], who had escaped the Antinium and Saliss, turned.
Who
Erin?
Numbtongue and Mrsha stared at the young woman. Mrshas eyes went round. It was her! Numbtongue cried out, but Fierre and Ulvama dragged him back.
Not her! What is that?
Ulvama stared at Erin in alarm. And Mrsha saw that terrible smile of war on the young womans face.
Unmake you? We are not so wasteful as to throw your immortality away. Why would we be so kind? You must repay your debts, Belavierr. We charge you. We burden you. Listen to a debt of [Witches]. An oath older than you.
The Temptress tried to run, but it was too late. The [Witches] smiled unkindly at their kin. Slowly, the dead raised their hands and lifted pointed hats that had not been there a moment before.
The greatest miracle of the battlefield was occurring: the dead were coming back to life.
Not the undead. The true ghosts were walking into bodies, temporarily given the power of Revenants.
A working of death magic, the greatest minds of Chandrar, a gamble devised by no less than Khelta.
It came in the final hour of the deadlands. Seamwalkers surrounded the army of ghosts as they saw a way to the lands of the living. Khelta herself walked forwards as Queen Emrist and King Dolenm barred the way of a horror from the death of gods.
Go, Khelta.
She turned, and the rulers of Khelt stood upon Izrils soil. In Chandrar, the last ghosts were fading away. Queen Xierca stood upon her palace, and they all felt her go. Khelta wept as she stepped into the body of an undead vessel. She raised her hand, looking north.
Erin Solstice. You have tarried far too long. I summon ye.
She lifted her arms and began to call Erins spirit across the world. The dead fought, and those who had journeyed this long, abandoning Chandrar, descended into the hosts. Timetime to fulfill their last wishes.
Time to change this living world forever before their end. The dead fell before the living. That was always Khelts way. The First Queen of Khelt smiled, the [Queen of Necrocracy] of old days. She had never forgotten the truth so many of her kind did. Death and life needed each other. But one was gone forever.
Xierca!
A single man howled, the last ruler of Khelt. Fetohep, halberd in hand, faced the thief of Erin Solstices body. General Sserys turned as Fetohep pointed his halberd at his heart.
Enemy of Khelt and the deadturn. I will see you suffer an age before you are destroyed, whatever you are.
The [Spear of the Drakes] raised his sword, eyes watchful.
I am General Sserys of the Drakes. Son of Liscor. I am not your foe, whomever you are, you bag of bones.
Fetoheps eyes flashed, but his halberd wavered. Thatwas not whom he expected.
Fetohep. It isnt our foe. Just a ghost. Drakemy gratitude upon you for protecting the body. I see now what you did. But your time is at an end. Erin Solstice cannot run nor hide any longer. I summon her.
An undead body walked forwards, and Fetohep dropped to one knee. He raised his head, and she was nothing like the visions of her he had. No glorious woman in life, a [Necromancer] so gracious that she had made a glorious kingdom in death. Justa rotted face. A bag of bones in truth.
But those eyes shone deep violet with the mastery of death and the wisdom of Khelta.
Your Majesty.
Slowly, the ghost urged him up, and her touch was light.
Fetohep. You, like every ruler, have always had the right to stand beside me and speak as equals. Youmore than any ruler have done all we could ask in this hour. See: you have delivered us our last hope.
She lifted a frail hand, and Fetoheps head turned. He saw them now. Undead who abandoned the ranks of his legions. Eyes shining with true knowledge. Secrets.
Power.
This entire battlefield was a disaster. Oteslia, traitors. Salazsar? Traitors. Fissival? Incompetents, and Manus wasnt pulling their weight.
Sharkcaptain Femar knew it was time for Zeres to fix everything. His [Marines] were sortieing with him. First, theyd crush Khelt for attacking Zeres, then apprehend any Gnoll tribes. Most were standing down
But what were those strange undead? One raised a delicate hand as she looked around, flicking her fingers in distaste at the armor she wore.
What a wretched body, without even the joys of taste. A disgrace for such a one as I.
Huh. Revenant.
Femar swung his spear forwards, and the ghost recoiled in outrage. She lifted a hand, and the Sharkcaptains eye went wide as he felt an aura as vast as the sea itself parry his swing without even touching it.
The Immortal Tyrant of Nerrhavias Fallen turned her head, and two glowing points of outrage flared in her eye sockets.
You wretched thing.
She raised a hand, and Femar contemptuously raised his spear to block. Only to findhis arms wouldnt move. He saw a thin, bony hand coming towards his face, palm outstretched.
Nerrhavia slapped the Sharkcaptain across the face. Femar had skin tougher than a sharks. He had taken blows from Chieftain Reizet in battle without flinching. He
His head jerked around, and a bruise slapped itself across his face. That slap hurt more than pouring Firebreath whiskey in a stab wound. He staggered, and Nerrhavias slap knocked him back a step.
In Zeres, the City of Waves, a Drake mother went sprawling across her house. A second Drake, her husband, slammed down the steps as a hand cracked him across the face. Two of Femars siblings went down, shrieking.
The Tyrant of Sands lowered her hand as she hit Femars entire family line. She was the greatest tyrant of her age. She pointed down at Femar as he rose.
Little thing, I would neuter you and nail your genitals to the arch of your house if I had but the time to waste.
Youyou
The Sharkcaptain roared. He could have sworn he felt that thing hit his mother! And his father and
His spear rose with his killing aura, and he locked on Nerrhavia with a furious roar. The immortal tyrant laughed in his face with contempt.
You do not know whom you face, infant. Strike at me.
She spread her arms wide, thrusting out a chest bare of anything but worn armor. Femar lifted his spear to destroy her
And his [Dangersense] went off like a [Fireball]. Every [Dangersense] in Zeres army suddenly began to blare. The Serpentine Matriarch nearly threw herself out of her chair as, in her abode, a dozen floating scrolls of parchment appeared.
Queen Yisame, watching everything with her mouth open, holding the Great Sage of Nerrhavias Fallen, Etrikah, so tightly the old Fox Beastkin was protesting, suddenly jerked as a magical scroll unfurled itself.
She looked up as Etrikah gazed up and swore.
What is
Dead gods and Zeikhal! Were doomed!
The great sage screamed. Forhovering in the air was a glowing scroll. Conjured by a Skill, but written in an age long past. It was
An enforcement scroll. Yisames eyes blurred down the page with practice, and she saw words and phrases leaping out at her.
by the will of Nerrhavia, the Immortal Queen ofthis region shall make war in perpetuity to any being who strikesFemar, [Shark Captain] of Zeres and thusly the Walled City of Wavesfailure to declare war is enforced by mass [Absorb Life] spells
Etrikah came to the same conclusion as Yisame.
The Tyrant of Nerrhavia!
Scrolls were appearing before horrified rulers, city leaderseven on Baleros and Terandria. Each one listing the offending partyFemarand the Walled City of Waves.
The monster who had lived over a thousand years was back! Yisame ran, screaming for her council, as Nerrhavias Fallen wailed.
Femar stared at hundreds of scrolls hovering in front of the smirking [Tyrant]. Contracts daring him to hit her.
He realized what many would in the coming moments. Femar was one of the great warriors of Izril and his age. He had fought Khelt, who was busier saving Gnolls, and survived this long.
But now, as the dead reclaimed their stations?
He was outmatched.
Come, little Drake. For your slight, I believe I will collect a bit of vengeance, even now. The end of the world is a fine time to revenge even the slightest grudge.
Nerrhavia spoke, and with a snap of her fingers, a glowing crimson scroll made out of blood and skin appeared. She advanced, and Femar backed away, eyes wide with horror. He tried to run and found he couldnt.
[No One Leaves My Presence]. I can compel anything. I rule everything.
The smiling monster walked towards him. Femar choked.
Asale. Asale!
He screamed quite pitifully to Nerrhavias delight. Warriors often did. She wondered what shed make him dothrow himself off a cliff or doom his city to war? Or just exist for the rest of his life naked lest his scales flay themselves from his body?
She smiled to hide the flash ofthere was no one here to stop her. Merindue had pushed her out of the way of a horror with too many mouths.
One last spite upon Drakes, then. In honor of all that fell, let them remember us.
The twisted tyrants smile widened as she reached out for Femars chest. Then a hand almost as thin as hers caught the grip. Nerrhavia sighedbut with amusement.
You foolish Drake. You just doomed your Walled City.
She turned her head lightly as the glowing contracts flickeredand went out? Nerrhavia turned her head.
Thats imp
Admiral Asale of Zeres punched Nerrhavia, and the [Tyrant] fell backwards. She did not know how to take a punchand it didnt hurt since she had no nerves and this body was dead. She got up and stared at the Drake.
Femar, run!
The Admiral of the Supply faced Nerrhavia. Femar backed upstraight into the glowing gaze of a trembling giant larger than he was.
Youwhere is His-Xe? WHERE IS HIS-XE?
Salui grabbed Femar and slammed him into the ground. The [Champion of War] drew his axe as Femar got up.
Die! Youre real, so diediediediediediedie
This was a disaster. Asale whirled, but he saw Femar fighting for his life. And behind himthe Drakes scales prickled as Nerrhavia got up slowly.
Curious. My Skills didnt activate. Ah. Ahahaha. I know what you are.
She pointed a finger at him, and the Drake turned calmly to face her.
Levelless. Classless. One of the Rulebreakers. I didnt think Drakes were smart enough to keep your kind around.
One Admiral has always been levelless. Stand down.
Asale whirled his spear up. He was panting. Breaking through her Skills was the hardest thing hed ever doneand the Revenant didnt even look worried. Nerrhavia laughed.
Ive met your kind before, Drake. Your power is inconvenientbut youre one Drake. [Summons of the Dread Tyrant: The Horror of Caexith]!
Oh, Ancest
A screaming beast shot out of the air, imprisoned for thousands of years, as Nerrhavia laughed. She enjoyed the sight for a minute. Then she turned back to her task.
Her peers were coming into the bodies of the dead. Nerrhavia saw both living and dead in this moment, and the dead
The Seamwalkers were everywhere. Some were snatching ghosts out of their bodies. They did not have time. Khelta was summoning Erin Solstice. Some ghosts were imparting their wisdom or gifts to the living, using Skills to change the battle.
Not Nerrhavia. She strode across the battlefield, everyone parting before her in a wave. She found her quarry and reached out with a hand to touch a being as dead as she.
Howevereven Kerash flinched as Nerrhavia looked straight into his eyes and the gaze of the true intelligence.
[Words Only For You and Me]. Necromancer. I see you.
She whispered, and Azkerashwavered. He was not stupid enough to say who are you?
What business do you have with me, spirit?
Nerrhavia laughed lightly. She cast her eyes around the chaos. The dying ghosts. The end of death itself.
I am Nerrhavia, the Tyrant of Chandrar. You know me. This is the end of ghosts. So we face oblivion or worse. But I am not too proud. My servantsto me!
More ghosts flocked across the battlefield in stolen bodies. Allies. The Necromancer stared at Nerrhavia uncomprehendingly.
What can I offer you?
A vessel. Only a being as powerful as Khelta or the Witch of Webs couldtake a soul. Trap it. We may face your mercies, but I will take any last harbor. Dont you havea soulprison?
Nerrhavias eyes glittered with glee as she glanced at the distracted Khelta. Azkerash wavered as a bounty of the afterlifes greatest souls presented themselves to him. He feltfor one of the first times in death
Uneasy.
But it was done, the offer made. Belavierr found herself being beseeched by ghosts, even as the coven bound her with words and craft beyond her own. She screeched as the knowledge etched itself onto her soul.
Ghosts were fleeing. Some found soul-traps and exploded them as the lesser artifacts couldnt contain the might of some ghosts. Others begged the living topreserve them.
The rest fought on to their ends. They did not look for salvation, only to strike a final blow.
On Terandria, Erin Solstice saw Tamaroth, the God of Rulers, gouge out one of Razias eyes. The Agelum bled blue. But she fought.
Kasigna was absorbing the souls, pulling them into the center. Erin Solstice felt Khelta calling herbut she watched.
Imwhats happening?
Magic was intertwining itself around her. Curious cloth bands, pulling her across the world. Gerial and Cawe turned as Erin Solstice reached for them. But then Gerial laughed.
Nerrhavias plan! Its working!
Nerrhavia?
She said that youd never be able to march with us. So she told Khelta to summon you if she could!
Cawe was laughing and crying as the two ghosts realized that Khelt had made it. They turned, and Erin reached for them.
No. Gerial. Cawe
The dead gods, four now, saw the magic. They had to realize what Khelt was doing. Tamaroth whirled, and they began heading for Izril. Cauwine guffawed as she saw the trick, but the other three
Erin Solstice!
Kasigna howled. A bleeding Razia tackled her, but the Goddess of Death threw the Agelum aside like a doll. Xarkouth landed, belching flame, and Norechl recoiled.
Tamaroth, God of Rulers, the bearded man, strode forwards, and Gerial and Cawe blocked his path. He reached out to brush them aside. Erinflickeredand saw her two friends there.
The [Pickpocket], Cawe, feathers dirty, a thief from Chandrar made a [Slave]. Standing in front of the God of Rulers just like she had defied Chandrars monsters. They were one and the same to her.
Gerial of the Horns of Hammerad. A plain, brown-haired Silver-rank adventurer with a thin mustache. Tallbut no legend. No mythic hero.
But he could have been. They both could have been. The squared shoulders of that adventurer could have been a heros shoulders if he lived. Erin saw him walking with a half-Elf and a Minotaur onto that stage of legends.
If only.
She cried out.
Gerial! Cawe!
The Garuda turned back to Erin, and her cracked beak opened wide.
Tell Pisces I kept you out of their chains.
Then she dodged left, and the God of Rulers ignored heruntil Cawe spat into his face. Tamaroth turned and grabbed for her. She was gone with a laugh.
Gerial touched Erins hands as Kheltas spell dragged the girl across the world. Xarkouth roared.
Ghosts! Fly with me to Izril! Stop the enemy as long as you can! Erin Solstice
The last thing she saw was Gerial, lifting a sword and facing the God of Rulers. He turned and shouted.
Death before dishonor!
He gazed up as the God of Rulers grabbed for Erin, and she vanished. Tamaroth looked down as his fingers came up an inch short, a moment too late. He stared at the adventurers hand, gripping his arm.
I never ran.
Gerial Doerisel of the Horns of Hammerad looked into Tamaroths eyes, and his smile was simply of a man proud of himself. He could say it. Twice now
Perhaps even the God of Rulers eyes flickered in acknowledgement. The memory of a being who had respected and loved such courage. Gerial smiled wider
And then Terandria was gone, and Erin stood on Izril, weeping and looking around as the gods pursued her to the end. She fell to her knees and pulled something from her soul.
If only they could save but oneas the Dragonlord of the Void flew towards her, as Razia pursued foes without any defeat, Erin Solstice drew a cowards tool.
A gift from the God of Secrets and Magic. A hangmans rope. Something to use to hide yourself at the worlds ending. She realized now.
Not me. Someone else needs it. Please. Just one person?
She rose, looking for one ghost among the many to give it to. Let something survive. Something
Dragonspeaker Luciva was losing her mind. She broke into the stalemate where Fetohep, the undead, and that young woman stood.
General Sserys! Wait!
She screamed, and the Drake turned. Luciva looked around.
Aa [Necromancer]. Find me await! General Sserys, Izril needs you! The Walled Cities need you! Stay in that bodywe will build you another one. Whatever you need.
A hero of Izril. She looked at the hope of Manus, as much a hope as Rafaema. She stumbled towards Sserys, seeing what had to be done. Yessave him! Bring back all the
The [Spear of the Drakes] slapped Luciva. Not with Nerrhavias piercing slap across generations, but briskly. Fetohep turned, but Sserys grabbed Luciva with the Humans hands. His eyes glittered.
Do I look like a thief, Luciva? Do I look like a Selphid? Nodo I look like a [Slaver]? Im dead. I was never the hero you all wanted me to be. I was the [General] of one war, and Zel Shivertail was the Drake who became what you wanted. You let him die. I kept this body for a young woman whos nowhere near my equal. But its hers.
He stepped back, nodding at Fetohep, who inclined his head in respect. Luciva grabbed for Sserys arm.
But you matter more!
He shoved her away with a look of disgust. The [General] gazed around as Manus officers slowed. Wall Lord Ilvriss, the Drakes. Sserys sneered at them.
I am not a child. I had one chance. And do you know what? I outgrew my Hoarding years long ago. Enough of the walls! Enough of tradition! Drakes will change or be buried in their cities!
He drew his blade, looking around. Sserys laughed as he saw Khelta, and the ghosts eyes searched for the figure he could not see while he walked the livings world.
I thinkits time. Khelta or whomever you arecan you return me to where I belong and her to her body?
I will try.
The great [Necromancer] whispered. She lifted her arms and looked around.
Rulers of Khelt. Protect me. We are almost out of
The dead being possessed by ghosts were driving back the Drakes. Speaking to the living. Howeversome were just
Attacking?
Relc Grasstongue, panting, running towards Mrsha, saw a Gnoll, a dead body lunging at a pair of Antinium who stabbed the undead repeatedly.
It wasnt regular undead from Khelt; they were all on his side. But neither was it a ghost. It wasflailing. Jerking the dead eyeballs in every direction. Opening and closing the mouth and flailing as if it had no idea what was going on.
As if it were unused to
Then the [Crusaders] did enough damage, and Relc saw a horror likelike Skinner. Something bulged out of the broken wounds in the corpse. Something fought to get out
Kill it! Kill
The Seamwalker in the undeads body reached for the Antinium a moment before a [Vizir] landed. He took one look at the thing and pointed.
[Disintegrate].
Hecrelunn evaporated pieces of the thing, and a half-Giant of Serepts forces smashed the corpse. Whatever it wasvanished.
What was that?
Relc ran forwards, staring at the undead. Was he talking to undead? They were the sane alternative, the allies to
I do not know. Khelta is there. Khelta!
Hecrelunn screamed and flew towards her. Relcs head turned as he heard more cries. More ofsomethingwas using Khelts ritual to come through.
And they wanted Erin. She was standing, sword in hand, as a group of undead clustered around her, keeping everyone back. Some kind of magical ritual. But the Seamwalkers saw the body.
Corpses began to stir. Fetoheps loyal soldiers turned their heads, and putrid flesh oozed from between their eye sockets. Bodies so foul that they twisted reality began to creep through the corpses of the dead, and the undead were sullied by that taint.
Protect Erin Solstice! Protect Khelta!
Fetohep whirled his blade and strode at the first horror. The warriors who had gathered here turned. The King of Destruction, blade drenched in Manus blood, whirled.
He seized a shuddering corpse and made to wrench its head off. Then stared as his hand shook.
The strength of the King of Destructiontrembled against the eyes of something that had eaten the bones of gods. The dead scales of a Drake rippled, and the scales flipped up, revealing tiny little eyes under each scale.
What horrors are these?
The King of Destruction whispered. Orthenon ran a spear and then his sword through the Seamwalker, and it forced Flos hand back. Gazi buried her claymore in its head, and she stared into those eyes. The Gazers own central eye went wide, and she froze.
Orthenon turned, but Gazis hands froze. Her pupil dilated to a point, and red tears began to drip from her eyes.
I see
Flos raised his other hand and shattered the corpse of the Drake, destroying the link. He lowered his fist, and Gazi stumbled away. One of a hundred, already. Gnolls and Drakes backed away in horror. Khelts undead attacked the Seamwalkers, but they were torn to pieces.
Fetohep saw a figure lift his sword. General Sserys shouted, and an army without fear charged down the hill towards him.
I am the Spear of the Drakes! Liscorto me, one last time!
Then came his army, charging into the horrors, screaming his name. Liscor threw itself into a slaughter as hands reached out and dragged them into another realm. But their spears thrust into the eyes, silenced the whispers.
Sserys stood in the center of the ritual, eyes streaming with tears as his army answered his call. Heedless of the cost, Liscor dove into the horrors plaguing Izril, and they were the army he remembered. This was then. Then and now, their finest hour.
Hurry. The gap in the world was widening, and they were trying to pour through. The Seamwalkers andworse.
A skeleton jerked to life and sat up fifteen paces away from the Drakes clustered around Erin Solstices body. Of course, the living young woman was a target beyond compare, but the skeleton looked at its hands, opened and closed them, and began to laugh.
It had a beard. Noit felt at its chin. No, he didnt. But he had a body.
You fools. Youve made your last mistake.
The being rode, manipulating the corpse. It might be a dead vessel of magic, but it had hands, and that was enough. He raised his arms in triumph.
I am Tamaroth! And I have ret
Fetohep of Khelt leapt upon the dead god, and his halberd swung down with the weight of Khelt.
Tamaroth caught it, and Fetohep flew backwards, skin breaking as the God of Rulers backhanded him across the ground. The living whirled, and the Herald of Forests charged whatever had attacked Fetohep. Her blade flashed down, and Tamaroth met her in a clash that cracked the air.
Her sword, centuries old and imbued with magic as extraordinary as Ierwyns naturebroke. The God of Rulers saw her waver and draw a shortsword. He caught the blade-barehanded and ran the ordinary blade through her. She jerked aside and stumbled away as he strode towards Erin Solstices body.
Wretch!
Fetohep threw himself forwards, weapon gone. He struck Tamaroth, and then Doubte was there. The [Hero] and Revenant Kings feet dug into the ground as the unstoppable skeleton possessed by the dead god walked forwards.
Tamaroths eyes were fixed on Erin Solstice. He parried an arrow shot point-black at his face by Alked Fellbow from the side without even looking at the Named Adventurer. He was laughing. His neck jerked left a fraction, and the Dead God hesitated.
What was?
The skeleton looked puzzled, and then its neck snapped. The light faded from its eyes as a [Necromancer], a young man with white robes, lowered his hand.
Pisces! What was that?
Ceria skidded to a stop as the Horns of Hammerad charged towards Erin. Pisces looked around. Fetohep and Doubte staggered, and they looked at the
[Deathbane Necromancer]. Pisces hand was trembling, but whatever hed seenit didnt understand death magic or didnt care. He spoke shakily.
I have no ideabut it sounded antagonistic.
Well done. To arms, Horns of Hammerad.
Fetohep rose, looking for his blade. Ksmvr charged past Pisces and ran both his swords into another corpse staring around with its mouth open. The Seamwalker turned to Ksmvrthen Yvlon brought down her fist and shattered its skull, pounding her fist into its brains.
The heads! Take out the heads!
Ceria pointed her hand at another possessed zombie and blasted its head off with a spike of ice. Pisces whirled, and he began breaking the undead apart. They had to protect
All four heads turned. Pisces, Yvlon, Ksmvr, and Ceria. A Drake [General] stood on the hill. Noa young woman wearing a stained apron under battered arms.
The Horns of Hammerad turned, and there she was. Onlyit wasnt her.
But it would be. It had to be.
The ghosts and dead gods fought around Erin. They had reached Izril in moments! All the way from Terandria?
No. NoErin looked around. They had made that long journey because
There was no Terandria left. No Baleros. The world ended at the High Passesthen they began to vanish.
Kasigna!
She was unmaking the deadlands. The gods flickered in and out of corpses, but the ghosts were smashing them to pieces. Tamaroth was arguing with the Goddess of Death as Cauwine looked up and down.
Naught but the void remains. Is this the beginning of your new world, Mother?
Kasigna smiled.
This is my domain, Cauwine. You three are not welcome. It will not be a reflection of any world. Flee, Tamaroth. Flee, Norechl. I will allow Cauwine to linger a moment. No one else.
Even the two dead gods wavered. But before they leftErin Solstice. They reached for her, and Cauwine drew her blade, aiming for Khelta. Then she turned, and the last Dragons in the world exhaled.
Xarkouth, the Dragonlords, every Dragon there was and had ever died burned Cauwine, and she screamed. Not one jet of flame, not one elemental furyhundreds. They flickered out of existence as Kasigna reached up.
The last rulers of every nation found the God of Rulers as Tamaroth strode towards Erin Solstice. The Bow of Avel loosed an arrow into his chest. The spears and blades of Terandrias monarchs ran into the God of Rulers, and he stumbled back. Ghosts vanished as they buried their blades in his chest.
Lesser rulers! I am your god!
He screamed at them, and a single ghost broke through the fighting, holding a blade that was different from any other. Tamaroths eyes went wide as Queen Merindue, half eaten, raised the blade of Excalibur overhead.
The sword in the stone plunged into the God of Rulers chest and then shattered. Tamaroth screamed, clawing at his chest. Of all the wounds he had taken
This one would not close.
Queen Merindue laughed as she lowered the broken blade loaned to her from the King of Camelot. She spread her arms wide, adorned not in gold or gems, but humbly. A [Queen] of a kingdom who had seen a great monster die.
She had helped found a new nation on the very bones of the being who had caused so much suffering. She alone had known the truth of rebels and heroes.
Tyrants died. She gazed into anothers eyes and mocked him as he bled. Tamaroth saw her vanish as he flailed at the air. He clawed at his chest as Norechl lunged at Erin Solstice.
Razia picked Norechl up and slammed it into the ground. One eye bleeding, warform gone, she stumbled. Then she saw the young woman holding the rope. Erin Solstice turned to Razia. To Kheltas ghost. To
Sserys? Someoneit can hide you. One last ghost?
Kasigna hissed at it.
That rope was meant to hide from me! Emerrhains little tool. All of this was wrought from your wretched gifts! That umbrella! The horn!
She screamed at the others. Razia stumbled towards Erin.
A rope? A noose?
Erin offered it to Razia. The Agelum stared at the noose. Then she grabbed it. Xarkouth spread his wings as his eyes glittered.
Of course. Ghostsanother minute! Strive another minute!
We will not last another second!
King Dolenm shouted. He looked up as a Seamwalker snatched him up. The King of Khelt raised a hand, and the Seamwalker dragged him into its maw as it sank into the earth. The Ruler of Khelt gazed up bitterlyand then stared up at the sky.
The 7th Ruler of Khelt had been a [Pirate]. A brigand and a man who thought differently enough to bury a ship instead of just an army. He had hungered for knowledge and thought of ways to make an unchanging land even more beautiful.
Under his rule, Khelt had begun pursuing the arts. He had plundered examples for them to copy and engendered the anger of countless nations, but he had added more than he left.
Dolenm had felt Xierca fall, head held high, and each ruler save Khelta and Fetohep had disappeared into the same death that now tore his soul apart. His head rose, and he buried a pair of scimitars in dead flesh. Then, skywards his gaze rose, and he laughed as he went. For the world had never ceased surprising him.
The Seamwalkers flooding this last piece of the deadworld were stealing the bodies of the ghosts. The ritual was turning against Kheltbut they needed another moment. The [Witches] looked up as a shuddering mass of entrails pulled itself forwards, whispering secrets from the edge of the world.
It wanted more. It wanted them. The Seamwalker reached for Califor, burning bright as she bound Belavierr with magicand the last Empress of Harpies dove out of the sky.
Empress Sheta struck the Seamwalker down, and the Harpy fanned her wings.
We were delivering the oldest ghosts to their foe. Come! The last flight of the world is upon us! The Dragonlord of Flame wakes as he always does!
Even in this dead landthe ghosts looked up, and the Seamwalkers saw a final brigade of ghosts spiraling down towards them. Flying Garuda, Djinni, harpies
And a tribe of Gnolls. Erin Solstices mouth opened wide as a [Chieftain] descended onto the ground. The [Witches] tipped their hats as the Gnoll looked up.
The last ghosts stepped into bodies as Fetohep gave the order for the [Mages] of Khelt to destroy what they had worked so long to activate.
He held the speaking stone aloft as a trio of Gnolls walked forwards, looking at the dead of their kin. Staring down at broken fur.
They did not weep for their kind. They had no time. But every ghost, from Khelt to the [Witches], even the Dragon, turned to them and bowed.
Only Luciva could see him. She stared up at Teriarch as Manus child, Rafaema, returned to her. Teriarch spokebut he was watching the three Gnolls.
Three ghosts amidst a species. Izril had been devoured long ago, but three had made the long journey across the end of the deadlands.
The firsts eyes were pale blue and glowed like the skies above. Her feet never touched the ground, and the air whispered around her.
Satar Silverfang, weeping for all of this, looked up and heard a chorus of voices. She gazed upon the [Chieftain] of old. And a song came to her. Great Plains Sing. A single clue to this Gnoll who flew into the sky in those days of old.
Chieftain Serunial took her tribe beyond the clouds. Now, the ghost of the [Chieftain] whispered as she stared at Izril.
It was always smaller when I stood a world above them. When I died, I thought they were so pitiful and forgot that I had raced across those lands and how vast and welcome they were. When I was young, Gnolls spread across the continent. Nownow they do look diminished. The blood that has been spilled here will never dry. I see Drakes. Our oldest foe.
She bowed her head, and the second Gnoll walked forwards in the body of a Gnollbut the magic in her made Valeterisa and Amerys kneel. An [Archmage] of old, one of Chandrars stories, lifted a staff she conjured from the dust and ground.
The [Archmage of the Eternal Grasslands], Kishkeria, wept tears of magic.
It was my tribe who did this. I founded Plains Eye, but they left Chandrar. They were blind to their own corruption. I see Drakes and treachery laid in the bones of Izril. But we have always been our worst enemies. Harpies. Drakes. Raskghar. We blame so many, but look at what Gnolls have done this day.
Both Gnolls gazed at each other, and their eyes turned to the Walled Cities armies. Serunial shook her head.
Look there. It is not always just our people. The Walled Cities and Dragons. They have haunted us and hunted us like animals. Now they came to wipe us out.
Not all. Some stood with us.
The two argued briefly, but then the final Gnoll hobbled forwards. He wore Ulcrezieks body. The sightless, bloody sockets had been replaced by a gaze that had frozen the Drakes trying to stop him. The oldest [Shaman] looked across the battlefield and shook his head.
He gazed at the Walled Citys soldiers, and they shook. The Dragons bowed to him, and the undead turned to a beacon of power of old. The Gnolls voice shook with grief and fury.
Gnorren trr Formilen trr Harpnkensoworl yeh bin Drackelhen lotos Dragonken. Nrkeh dokest.
The other two Gnolls looked at each other and had no idea what he had said, but they took the meaning. Each species wronged. Each one by Drakes and Dragons. The oldest of Gnolls who remembered the heart of their language raised one paw.
Yes. Let us make an end to this.
So Serunial and Kishkeria agreed. They joined paws with the third ghost, and the coven of the greatest [Witches] approached and removed their hats.
Our magic is yours, Gnolls. This is your hour to choose.
Califors eyes glowed as the Spider slunk away. But even Belavierr looked up in wonder and fear. The [Witches] and the ghosts turned to the Gnolls, and they did what Khelta had always intended.
All three raised their linked arms and called on the magic of the tribes. All the power they had possessed, by class or might.
All the power of their souls. They did not hold back. Archmage Kishkeria fueled a spell that the living Gnoll had never dared castwhich would evaporate even her soul. It didnt matter.
There was nothing left. The oldest [Shaman] looked at the [Chieftain of the Skies], and they gazed down at the Great Plains.
What would the oldest and most powerful ghosts of Gnolls do? The Walled Cities trembled. They could drag one of the last Walled Cities screaming into the abyss. And there was enough wrath in their eyes to do just that.
The Gnolls made their choice in an instant, for even the dead gods were afraid of what they might do. The first to act was the old [Shaman].
He lifted one foot like the weight of the sky and pain of every Gnoll. He brought it down on the ground with all his might.
Izril cracked. A jagged wound split the Great Plains, and the entire continent shook.
Shaman Theikha wept as she fell to her knees. She saw the waters of the ocean pouring into a crack in the continent. It ran into the distance, an opening in the earth so wide it split the armies in half. The Drakes and Gnolls gaped in horror into a divide that threatened to set Zeres drifting into the distance. It passed by Oteslia, and the City of Growth looked up as their great tree shook.
A split across the continent. But it was not death that the Gnoll intended. The next to move was Chieftain Serunial. She shouted at the people below.
Drakes and Gnolls have ever fought over land! They have driven our people into this last place. The Great Plains! If the greed of Drakes has no limit to Izrilthen we shall go further. To the places where we ever were and further still! Seek the Crossroads of Izril! Seek the home of my tribe! There!
She pointed up, and every eye followed a finger into the sky. Bird gazed upwards, his mandibles parted in awe. And he saw the Gnoll pointing at a gigantic cloud in the distance. One of many in the skybut this one would never vanish. He told Erin. He told everyone there were things up there.
But no one believed him. Now, Chieftain Serunial pointed up at the city in the sky. And then the shaking started again.
Great forests.
Nalthaliarstrelous and the [Druids] of Oteslia were on their knees. They were crying, for across the sea, ancient Treants looked up from their watery grave. The oldest spirits gazed upwards, and perhaps they smiled.
The ocean floor rose to fill the gap in Izril. Serunial called a second land upwards, joining the Great Plains. Mrsha looked up, and her heart leapt.
A new land?
Ceria whispered as she stared into the distance and couldnt find the end of a strange land. Sand and places that had sunk into the ocean rose once more. Then the final Gnoll moved.
The Archmage of the Eternal Grasslands pointed, and the grass she had created spread across the new land. But her magic was so much greater than that basic, Tier 0 spell. She smiled as the mortals looked up.
The other lands have long been lost. Seek them out in the ruins of the sixth continent. Seek out each treasure. Seek adventure and fill this world, Gnolls. For we have diminished too long. I am Archmage Kishkeria. We have always had magic. Reclaim it.
The Gnoll lifted her hand, and Mrshas wand blazed with magic. Wonderingly, the Gnoll lifted it, and Gireulasha gasped.
Mrsha!
A ball of [Light] appeared in her paws. Fissival groaned as, beneath the earth, the network they had laid long ago and used in treachery exploded. The [Archmage] smiled downwards and then lifted a paw.
The Waning World is over. I name this new age the Journey of the Living. You will make the new world. Ours is over.
The Gnolls stood there another moment, and their heads turned as one. They sighedand their bodies collapsed as the last ghosts faded from the world.
Fetohep of Khelt raised his head and cried out.
Khelta!
There Erin Solstice stood. There Sserys stood. The gods, the living, the last ghosts looked at a place in the world where the living and the dead matched.
What did they see? Was it a long bridge between the worlds, small enough to be contained in any one grain of sand, but long enough for Erin Solstice to walk across as a Drake marched to his final battle?
Was it a river, where the two spirits waded into the dark waters for distant shores?
In the lands of the dead, Khelta cut a piece out of reality, and Kasignas hands touched a barrier even she could not cross. Erin Solstice felt herself falling, sliding across a rule of the world being bent just far enough for her to go home.
Kheltas ghost kept the magic flowing, smiling as Fetohep knelt in front of her. His crown hung broken from his head from the fighting. His golden gaze met hers.
She smiled down at him. The last rulers of Khelt were all gone. Kheltas own eyes flickered, and she hesitated. Almostthe crack was almost wide enough.
She whispered in regret.
I cannotfinish the spell.
Erin Solstice hung in a blazing network of magic, and Khelta tried to keep the spell steady. But the Goddess of Death had her arm.
The door began to close, and her working unraveled. Khelta hung on, defying death with the weight of her class. The dignity of the last ghost of Khelt.
She looked at Erin, faltering, and Teriarch whispered to her. A white Gnoll walked forwards and raised his paws. The Dragon. His eyes glinted in two colors, and Teriarch spoke. He took hold of that burden, and Khelta gasped in relief. The Dragonlord bowed to her.
I will finish it. Go well, great [Necromancer]. Strike them a blow to defy death itself.
I too.
The Necromancer of Terandria whispered. The spell stabilized. Erin Solstice saw Sserys standing in the middle of a great working, and she turned.
The lands of the living and the dead met. The living thought they saw the dead, turning. The last ghosts facing four shadows.
As for the deadKhelta looked back. She raised a hand to Erin.
Go, Erin Solstice! Never die againand live beautifully. For the deadlands lie empty.
Then she turned and struck at Kasigna, bare-handed. The first [Necromancer], the first ruler of Khelt to ever look at sand and dust and envision a place to live in safety, had walked every land in the world.
Many had done the same. But few had ever been as respected as she. When she founded her nation, countless species had flocked to it, and in her days, her class had been one that walked along every kind of magic with head held high.
She had always loved the living and the dead equally, and the balance of the two filled Kheltas eyes. A living woman who understood death in a way that the goddess couldnt. A ghost who touched the living. She struck Kasigna barehanded, and her last blow was a slap that rebuked the pettiness of the divine. It could not touch a gods body, but it struck Kasigna harder than Nerrhavia could have dreamed.
The Goddess of Death stared into the [Necromancer]s gaze, and Khelts undead raised their heads and collapsed as Khelta fell. Fetohep clutched at his chest, and his golden gaze flickered. But he stood there, waiting for the end of it all.
The deadlands vanished. The last Harpy flew into the darkness, chasing the Seamwalkers, crying hope for the living.
A Dragon had returned. The Faerie King had struck his blow. The ghosts had given their blessing to the living.
Some ghosts had made it to safe harbor. Others had left secrets, weapons.
What they had fought for was time. Timethat was all that they could offer.
Time.
One last group of ghosts had avoided Kasignas notice. Empress Sheta of the Harpies had conspired with the wisdom of Gnolls. Sprigaena had drawn the ire of the dead gods.
But she was not the only Elf who had ever died, or her son. Most had been lost. But there were enough.
Elves stood side-by-side with Dwarves. The oldest species and ghosts from the last age had one last mission of their own.
It had taken them a long time to find their way down here. Much less to walk safely on this land of lands.
Rhir. Even ghosts were not able to walk here. Even Seamwalkers avoided this spot. Because the slumbering godthe child of gods infested this place like a nightmare.
Antinium fought it. They were so close to its heart that the ghosts could almost see the despairing people. The Elves and Dwarves and Halflings and oldest Humans and other specieswhat did they seem like to those desperate warriors?
She is waking. All this fighting has empowered her like the others. But she is too strong. She has the flesh of god itself.
The ghosts nodded at each other. A Dwarf, a true Dwarf, hefted a weapon he had made for a ghost to grasp. His eyes were like the earth itself, immovable.
She will eat us, Zineryr claimed. Then we must do more damage. Are you all resolved?
The Elves nodded. The other Dwarves sighed, for they had failed their charge and vigil. But they were resolved.
The last group of ghosts descended towards the slumbering figure. And it was [Priests] and [Clerics], the last until this era, who warded each step.
Rhir shook, and was it in fear? The Dwarf lifted his axe and spoke as the sleeping demigod trembled.
Come, child of gods. Sleep another hundred years. We may be ghosts, but I drenched this axe in the blood of your kin.
The oldest ghosts walked towards the sleeping figure and the Antinium fell back. The waking presence slumbered. The last ghost raised a hand and smiled.
Victory to you, friends.
They saluted the Antinium. Then they were gone.
Erin Solstice stood between the dead and the living, in the middle of the magic, as a Dragon and the Necromancer carried her towards her body. General Sserys passed her with a nod.
Ill give them a Liscorian welcome just for you.
Sserys
The [Spear of the Drakes] raised one brow.
Whats there to say anymore? I never wanted your body anyways. Skin is disgusting. Just give me one last fight.
He looked forwards, and Erin saw the last ghosts vanishing. The Deadlands were disappearingbut a handful of ghosts remained.
Rhir held on, the sleeping thing there defying Kasigna a moment. The Great Plains slowly vanished as Cauwine lowered her blade. There was nothing left to kill, and she looked at Sserys and extended a hand. The Drake bared his teeth.
Do you want me? Youll have to take my soul first.
He picked up a swordor maybe hed carried one from the lands of the living. He did like to cheat. Cauwine laughed as Kasigna whispered to Erin.
This is not over, girl. Even if you return homeit will never be the same. You may forget us, but we will never forget you. We will hunt you down and make the living world a reflection of your despair. Our time has come.
Tamaroth and Norechl were walking towards Razia, who had the rope in hand. The Agelum was on her knees next to Xarkouth. The Dragonlord of the Void had survived everything, somehow, and the last Seamwalkers were falling into the blacknessperhaps all the way back down to the pit of the world.
Erin Solstice saw Tamaroth, Norechl, Kasigna, and Cauwine looking at her. Their promise echoed in her veins. For response, the [Innkeeper] just spat.
A glob of spit slid down the inside of Kheltas ritual. Kasigna stared at it. The [Innkeeper] pointed at Kasigna.
You better stay right where you are, Kasigna, Cauwine, Norechl, and Tammy.
Tammy?
Erin shook a fist at them. She pointed at the Goddess of Death.
Stay right there. Because if you come to the lands of the living, Ill be waiting. And when I have a body, Ill punch you straight back into being nothing! Ill do anything to stop you. This isnt your world, and Ill call everyone ineverything to fight you!
The dead gods laughed at her. They sneered at the young woman. Then Norechl and Tamaroth went for Razia.
You know you cannot kill us, Agelum. Come, rest. The last Dragon falls.
Xarkouth bared his teeth, and Razia lifted the noose. Erin waited for her to place it around her neckbut the Agelum just smiled.
Someone stepped around Xarkouth. A flickering ghost shook his head and winked at Erin. Tamaroth recoiled in horror as Zineryr whispered.
Theyre so arrogant. They think theyve won, even now. Go. Weve done all we can.
Zineryr! The Gn
Then Razia pounced. She swung the noose, and Erin realized what the Agelum had seen. Not a noosenot a hiding place. Shed seen
A piece of rope. Unbreakable rope. She caught Tamaroth and hung it around his neck. Then she lashed the other end to Xarkouths tail.
Fly, Dragonlord!
Erin Solsticefarewell! I will carry these wretches into nothingness for an eternity if I must!
Kasigna whirled as a choking Tamaroth hung from the noose. Trying not to vanish. Norechl waveredthen Razia seized it. She hefted it overhead as the God of Nothing struggled, and Xarkouth took off as she raced up his back. The two struggling gods flew into the sky, carried by the last ghost of Dragons.
The last thing Erin Solstice saw was Razia standing, wrestling with the gods. Adding to her scars as she bled. But burning with all the mortal passion she had learned. Riding on the back of the Dragon who looked into the void and spread his wings for eternity.
Defiant. So proud, Agelum and Dragon, and never overly proud for they had no limit. She heard those wings beating and the laughter, like a call to arms. Like triumph and the ringing of horns of a thousand victories.
Then they were gone, flying into the void beyond the edge of even deaths land itself. Erin wept into the emptiness, and she saw the last two gods staring up uncertainly.
He cant fly forever. Tamaroth and Norechl will get free.
Kasigna stared at Xarkouth, reaching out as if deciding to stop the Dragonlord, but her eyes flashed maliciously, and she turned away. Zineryr chuckled. Fearlessly, he came to stand in front of the Goddess of Death. Sserys fought his last battle against Cauwine as the world shrank and vanished.
The Drake was outmatched and losing, but he cheated. He dug his claws into his foe and refused to let go. Sserys breathed in, and he fought with treachery and like his city. The son of Liscor held the line until he was relieved of his long duty. He left, still grinning victory.
Maybe not. But they fought you to the end, didnt they?
Zineryr
The Gnome lookedtorn. He flickered in and out of reality, but his wink was mischievous.
Turns out that if you teleport a tree full of Fraerlings in a forest, you have magic left to spare.
What? What does that mean?
Zineryr laughed at her.
Youll see. Now, go. We bought you time. Even this one wont walk the living world again. Oh, theyll plot and scheme, but theyre afraid we left traps for them. Which we did. God-destroying traps. Billions. Go live again.
He waved at her. Kasigna hissed at Zineryr.
I could destroy you, little Gnome. Your farewells are meaningless.
Zineryr didnt even look at her.
No, you wont. Youll give me the honor of being the last ghost. Erin Solsticegoodbye. Now, after so long
The Gnomes eyes twinkled sadly as the world of the dead vanished. Erin Solstice reached out, and she saw Sserys nod to her slightly, fighting to his last. The Gnome, the ghosts of KheltErin felt herself being dragged down. Towards a familiar place. She wanted it so much, but she clung to that vision. The Gnome leaned down.
Open your eyes.
And then
Authors Note: The epilogue.
Bier by Uni!
Ryoka and Erin Cosplay, Reunion, and Vess and Crusader 53 by /atlasphenomenon
The Wandering Inn Animation by Eris!
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