A Road Less Walked

[Revan Noctis]

<From Call of Friendship>

Revan began his journey alone down the nearest highway, it was still strange that this far out there was little population, then again perhaps Draynor had just been more secluded than usual. The road kept going and a few times Revan thought he saw towns in the distance but he kept on going holding out for something unique. Taking a break Revan moved down to a nearby pond.

Sitting by the pond Revan continued to ponder what he’d do now without any real purpose, it seemed that perhaps turning back would be the smarter decision yet he enjoyed this verse and the feeling of familiarity though sometimes shattered gave him.

”Revan.” came a voice from seemingly nowhere.

”Revan, hear me.” he heard the strange voice again.

He got up from the ground and peered around him, strangely it seemed he was alone. He sat down by the pond again feeling foolish and looked into the water, looking back at him was a hooded figure on fire standing behind him. He bolted upright and drew his sword moving into a defensive position.

”Who are you!” Revan yelled his heart beating furiously.

”I have many names, but you may call me Paradai.” the figures white eyes shone like the rest of the blue, red and purple flames surrounding it.

”What do you want?” Revan asked refusing to lower his weapon.

”I want you, your fighting prowess and determination will be of great use to me, and before you ask yes there are people to save.” the figure showed a hint of amusement.

”Paradai, I’ve had enough of strange figures asking for help, who and what are you?” Revan was however curious by the man’s if that is what you could call him words.

“To put it simply I am a man of magic, sadly this magic has become so powerful it has possessed me, but my actions and words are still usually my own, does that sate your curiosity enough for now?” 

“Not exactly, where are these people that need help?” Revan asked wondering how he was supposed to know where to go.

”Allow me to light you a path.” Feint blue smoke seemed to form lighting up a new pathway across the fields and through the forest.

”Of course it will take some time, but there will be rewards, and of course you will have my company and sincerest thanks.” the figure smiled as it seemingly dissipated in front of him.

”Sure, why not.” wasn’t like he had anything better to do.

Revan began walking the mysterious path and as he did he began to feel cold, looking up he saw storm clouds forming overhead, this path would almost certainly lead to danger.

[Revan Noctis]

The path into the storm continued as the rains opened up and water fell down upon Revan and the ground he walked on. The mud was annoying but still he slashed forward ignoring the fierce lightning overhead that struck downwards around him.
He felt cold yet kept going knowing that whoever needed help would want him to hurry. He just hoped this wasn’t seemingly a fake cry for help like his last attempt.

“Do not worry, you are there.” Paradai said giving him company like he said he would however unwanted it truly was.

Revan stepped over a hill as smoke seemed to fill the air rising up to join the fierce black clouds. Ahead lay bodies and a badly damaged town, stone crumbling and wood burned. Running forward Revan approached the bodies hastily examing them.
Many of the bodies were large bulky green brutes yet some were human, looking fairly low armoured compared to ones he had seen before.

“This is a mercenary band of a race known as orcs, quite brutish and very good at war.” Paradai said appearing ahead over the bodies also peering down at them.

“Did they do this to the town?” Revan asked disturbed by what he was seeing.

“Head into the town and find out for yourself, the answers you seek are waiting.” the figure disappeared again much to Revan’s annoyance.


The town was small and bodies lay about, mostly humans but some other races too.
Revan could tell these races all had shared the town and even now the rain poured and washed away their combined blood, soaking the decaying flesh. Off to the side what looked like a group of innocent people died along with the Orcs that surrounded them.

“The Orcs were here to protect the town.” Revan said aloud upon his realisation.

“Now you’re getting it.” Paradai said appearing beside Revan.

“What did this?” Revan asked filled with a burst of anger.

“Ask them.” Paradai said turning to face a sound that was coming from behind Revan.

The bodies of the fallen all around him began to churn rising up with expressions of hatred, the dead flesh slipped from their bones as they at first shuffled but began picking up speed as they approached.

“I’m surrounded.” Revan said drawing his sword and preparing to face the undead monstrosities. 

One of the undead stepped forward and looked him over as if attempting to determine the odds of taking him down. Revan pounced forward removing the head of the unarmed abomination as it collapsed to the ground. The others continued closing in on him, Revan heard a sound from up above and as he looked he saw what he could swear were bows. Arrows rained down upon the undead that surrounded him, barely missing every skeleton fell to the accurate hail.

“Who goes there!” shouted a voice.

Revan looked around but saw no trace of Paradai. “Revan Noctis, I have come to help!”

Whispers could be heard above but before Revan could listen in two blue cloaked figures stepped out of the shadows. One clearly a woman stepped forward to announce herself.

“I am Captain Kalen of the Theguris Ranger company, who are you?” she asked demanding an immediate answer.

“Revan Noctis, I’m a uh prime, I came here to help.” he wasn’t entirely sure what being a prime meant but he knew it meant he came from the Nexus.

“A prime here?” came more voices from the shadows apparently surprised by his answer.

“I came as fast as I could.” Revan said feeling worried for these brave fighters.

Kalen seemed annoyed but understanding of why they had revealed their position and simply raised her hand to silence the whispers. “It isn’t safe here, come with me, it is true we could use your help.”

[Revan Noctis]

Revan followed the team of blue robed Rangers out of the town and headed up into the nearby hills. Rows of tents and flags dotted the top like a fair ground but only darker as it seemed this was where the surviving refugees had been brought.

“They hit us quickly, I’ve heard stories of Darkshire but when you’ve lived in peace for so long war hits you like a boulder.” Kalen said leading Revan past tall heavily armoured blue knights.

“General, I’ve brought someone back with me.” she said saluting the older grey haired bearded soldier.

“So you have Kyra, who is this stranger?” asked the General.

“A prime sir.” she said standing aside to allow the General to step closer to him.

“I am Revan Noctis, I’m a prime yes, I came here looking to give you my services.” Revan was sure that most primes did something similar to this often.

“Hmm, you seem confused enough to be a prime, how did you find us we haven’t been able to call for help yet.” Revan felt the man naturally didn’t trust him.

“To be honest sir, a stranger simply told me to come this way and here I am.” Revan hated how weird the truth sounded.

“Then perhaps a message did make it out, but not to the military but to some fresh prime, very well I’m sure the Duchess will be pleased all the same.” the General turned his back and began walking away throwing up his hand to motion the soldiers to the side.

Scampering away quickly the soldiers vanished from the tent, the General lowered his hand and turned back to Revan. “Our town wasn’t the only one attacked, the city of Midred was the first to fall to these attackers, the fortress there held until the leader of these foul fiends arrived and used sorcery to breach its walls, they slaughtered all inside but one, a child that they sent demanding our surrender.” the General said sitting upon a wooden chair.

“We allied with the neighbouring Orc town of Skalok, they were hit next and we brought the survivors here, then we were hit and now here we rest.” 

“We have few troops left, however the enemy hasn’t moved out yet, we believe they are prepping for a new invasion but we don’t have the means to counter attack.”

“Why haven’t you fled?” Revan asked feeling like this was a bad place for the civilians to be.


“Some of the Orcs attempted to flee but their bodies were brought back carried back into the town, they have horrible creatures who hunt down whoever attempt to flee, I believe they are merely waiting for us to die.” 

“Perhaps but they are ever continuing to arm their armies.” in walked a woman in a red and black dress.

“Meet Duchess Amelia.” the General said offering the seat to her.

The Duchess took a seat upon the wooden chair. “Revan was it, I think you can be of great help to us.”

[Revan Noctis]

“They have the entire city on lock down and are amassing their forces, by the time the Kingdom army learns of this threat it could be too late, for them and for us.” the Duchess continued to eye Revan with hope.

“You are a prime, naturally you would be a worthy commander, the General and the majority of our forces must remain here to protect the refugees.”

“Duchess, forgive me but would my services not be better getting you and your people to safety?” Revan asked not wanting to leave them here for the slaughter.

“Fear not Revan, perform this task and you will have the gratitude of me and my people forever.”

“You’re asking me to take a city of undead with next to nothing, what makes you think I’m capable?”

“Because you are our only hope.” the Duchess replied placing a great weight upon Revan.

Revan pondered for a moment the odds of success, slim yet perhaps if the forces he was given were well trained it might end up being possible. “I accept.”


Captain Kalen walked with Revan through the tents to the troops that would be joining them on this suicidal mission into the dark heart of this undead threat. The troops were mostly human with some orcs in the back who must have been volunteers from the orc settlement. Two large hulking machines towering even above the orcs also stood in the ranks drawing Revan’s attention to them.

“What are those?” Revan whispered impressed by their size.

“Centurions, they were a gift to our town from Midred.” 

“Midred had those but still lost?” Revan asked concerned.

“Not many, the local dwarves made them as gifts, and as extra security, they weren’t enough to stop an invasion of the whole city.”

Revan looked over the small amount of about fifty soldiers, ten of which were rangers personally under Kalen which gave him a very small amount, luckily it seemed they were all in fighting condition and were outfitted with fairly good armour that he assumed was also some form of gift from elsewhere.

“Where did you get your gear, it seems higher quality than what I’ve seen elsewhere around these parts.”

“The Dwarven forge, gifted to Midred, no doubt these undead abominations sought it for themselves.”

“Would the Dwarves be available to help us?” Revan asked needing to know more before they set off.

“We’ve heard nothing from them, I highly doubt any still live.” Kyra said now turning to face the troops.

“You will treat Commander Noctis with the same respect you’ve shown me, with his enhanced fighting ability he will lead us to retake Midred!” the soldiers cheered leaving Revan wondering if he had made the right decision.


The rains had come again as the entire trip to Midred was one through mud and puddles, the blue of Theguris now soaked a dark blue that seemed to blend in miserably with the rest of the weather. Ahead now sat what appeared to be a tower and nearby was a strange metal circle surrounded by standing stones, also what looked like small slabs of stone was amongst it.

“That’s the Dwarven forge.” Kyra said looking over the empty forge.

“How does it work?” Revan asked not knowing how such a thing would function.

“A dwarf once told me it converts things, and the Dwarves never seem to do much smithing, that’s all I know, the Dwarves haven’t offered to teach us.” Kyra sounded somewhat offended by that fact.

“It seems abandoned, any idea about that tower?” Revan asked seeing it was metallic but was evidently covered in bones.

“A warning perhaps, I just don’t know.” Kyra said contemplating their next actions.

“Why is there a Dwarf forge here, do they live here?” Revan asked noticing the placement as odd.

“It was an order of the King, the Dwarves were ordered to share but nothing said they had to teach us to make things, so the Duchess made a deal, they come down from their mountains and make equipment for us and they keep the knowledge to themselves.”

“I bet that didn’t go over so well with our more boney counterparts.” Revan replied as a small joke before getting up.

“Rangers stay in back, first group cover our approach and file in behind second group who will be with me.” the only difference between the groups was the third were not very fond of swords and seemed into more bigger weapons.

Revan and the second group armed with swords and shields moved toward the metal tower, as they approached it buzzed as if letting off a signal, by the time Revan realised it was a lookout it was too late. Reanimated bones like magic spawned from the dirt beneath them, quickly once more surrounded Revan ordered a hasty fall back the way they had came. Arrows opened a path way out of the horde as Revan cut down two of the undead in quick succession. 

An undead armoured skeleton grabbed one of the soldiers and dragged him to the ground and some sort of magical transference began as the soldier seemingly had his life drained, Revan pierced the skeleton quickly causing it to shriek in anger as the soldier crawled away.

“Fiend!” Revan yelled kicking the creatures skull into the ground crushing it beneath his boot.

The undead were too many and one by one soldiers began falling, before Revan knew ten souls had already been lost. Revan pulled out his bow and fired at the enemy joining the rangers in their extreme accuracy, the undead were slow but extremely numerous and nobody dares linger too long on the thought of where the bodies had come from.

“They must have their entire army here!” Kyra shouted realising that this was probably about the size that took the city in the first place.

“I didn’t realise it would be this size.” Revan said firing another arrow into the skull of another undead, what must have been at least a hundred were still clambering towards them.

A horn sounded drawing the attention of both them and the undead, a hot bright and burning flame washed over the undead horde burning their bones into cinders. At first Revan expected the Dwarves but instead his attention was drawn to what seemed to be humanoid lizards. 

“What are those?” Revan said watching around twenty of these reptiles attacked the undead with fierce ferocity.

“Salamanders.” Kyra said charging forward with her men and the orcs into the enemy.

Revan had no idea what exactly Salamanders were but he began learning quickly as he joined in battle alongside them, their mastery of fire scorched the majority of undead as their arrows did the rest and not before long the undead army lay defeated and scattered, the ground around them was left scorched and charred and the metal tower too had been burned.

A unique Salamander stepped forward as his burning blade un ignited. “Greetings I am Lord Kalvak.”

“I am uh Commander Noctis, what brings you here?” Revan hadn’t quite gotten used to the temporary title.

“We are hunters of undead and other such abominations, we have come seeking honour in battle, not to mention coin.” Revan saw something odd, a badge of sorts on the Salamander’s waste.

“What’s that you have?” Revan asked curiously.

“This is a badge that recognises me as a mercenary of the army, so I’m not mistaken as a bandit.” Revan couldn’t entirely tell but Revan suspected at some point these Salamanders might have been more likely to have been foe than friend.

“We march to retake Midred, the population there was slaughtered.” Revan said choosing to be honest to the strange reptiles.

“Then we will join you, it is our duty as a part of the kingdom military to protect you, plus we get paid by the body count, or rather the amount of cinders.”

“How’s that work?” Revan asked wondering how they kept track of their kills.

“A magical scroll, it’s fireproof and we cannot make it lie.” the Salamanders began forming up looking at Revan as if he were their ticket to payment.


The combined force of Human, Orc and Salamander came to a stop near the walls of Midred, lines of skeletons stood armed with spears and weapons accompanied by skeletons in black cloaks. “Looks like they were expecting us!” yelled the Salamander Lord Kalvak said observing the army before him.

“I hope you were looking for a challenge Lord Kalvak.” Revan said observing also some strange four legged dog like creatures moving through the lines.

“Foul creations.” Kyra said with hatred towards the army ahead of them.”

“Lord Kalvak, our men will hold them back while you use your fire as a shield wall, our rangers will barrage them through the wall.” Revan didn’t like their odds of not being quickly surrounded.

“If we have to pull back you can cover our retreat, third group have heavy weapons if they breach the firewall they will be sent in.” all they had to do now was take positions quickly and begin the battle.

[Revan Noctis]

The thick black clouds and rains poured from the heavens sizzling on the flames of the Salamanders that took up their positions as the forces of Theguris marched up and held position. The black cloaked skeletons began motioning orders to the many other skeletons, the animated corpses began moving towards them with small demonic dog like creatures charging ahead straight at them. Revan raised his sword signalling Lord Kalvak To order his forces to set the battlefield alight. 

Flames of bright blue and red swept over the field and began rising forming a flaming barrier, the speediest four legged adversaries kept charging even as they were set ablaze but were too slow to make it very far before burning out. The Skeletons armour offered more protection as their crooked forms began painlessly easing through the fires of the battle. Even as many burst into ash more managed to get through. Revan stepped forward joining the Human and Orc forces at the front ready to face the oncoming foes.

The undead battered the shield wall as arrows whizzed over their heads from the Rangers in the back. Revan watched as the skeletons attempted to claw and slash their way through the shields but the brave soldiers stood bravely against the fierce and deadly threat. Revan hacked at one of the undead with his sword as it fell cleaved in two to the ground joining the many other enemy forces now layed forgotten in the mud.

Rain continued pouring fiercely over Revan’s face as he slashed skeleton after skeleton, the bodies of ally and enemy alike began to pile up, the Rangers moved to cover what was left of the third group, the Salamanders too began to fall struggling to hold the undead off from the side. Revan, Lord Kalvak and Captain Kalen stood together in the thick of the fighting as their position was overrun, they had killed so many and yet it seemed pointless as the horde took them over. Captain Kalen was the first to fall as a hit on the back of her head knocked her out cold. Revan would have rushed to her defence but within moments her body was lost in the crowd. Lord Kalvak struck down two more skeletons with his ignited blade before being grabbed from all directions and pulled to the ground, Revan could hear his cries for a time as his still living body was dragged away.

“Not as long as I still breathe!” Revan yelled continuing to use his adrenaline fueled strikes to take out as many as he could.

Before him approaching through the crowd came a peculiar monstrosity, as it approached Revan came to realise the creature was worm like and was made from bones of the dead and seeped with dark energy. Revan knew that this creature had been sent to finish him off and as the creature approached he let out fiery projectiles from his palm, the balls of flame slammed the creature in its head causing to writhe in confusion before angrily turning its attention back to him. Revan charged forward and leapt upward toward the creature as it sprung forward, in a moment he felt the pain of tens of sharp bones ripping through his cloak and armour and into his frail flesh, a few moments later he felt himself suffocating on dark energy, everything went dark as he felt himself sliding into the creatures jaws.

[Revan Noctis]

Revan collapsed in a pool of his own blood as the creature regurgitated him onto a cold hard stone floor. He looked up only to see his sword clank down in front of him as it too was removed from the creatures gullet.
Revan struggling, slowly pulled himself up realising he was in a dark throne room with torches ignited with cold blue flames of dark energy that faintly provided enough light to see. 

“Revan, are you ok?” Kyra said grasping his arm and helping him to his feet.

“How are we alive?” Revan asked expecting them to have all died in that horrible battle.

“I suspect we will soon find out.” Lord Kalvak spoke seemingly having also been spared a cruel end.

“As far as we know our forces are dead, but for some reason we have been spared.” Kyra seemed to mourn the loss of her troops as she looked away hiding a single tear.

“Child, there is no reason for tears.” came a loud voice that echoed through the room drawing the attention of the three survivors.

A thick fog suddenly came over the throne blocking it from their eyes, as quickly as it came it began to dissipate revealing a darkened form behind it now seated on the stone throne. Revan looked over the revealed figure as the last of the smoke vanished revealing a pale corpse clad in fine made armour and a light blue cape.

“No, you’re dead!” Kyra yelled at the figure.

“Who is he?” Lord Kalvak asked moving to hold Kyra from doing anything foolish.

“I am Viscount Vincenz Asmouth, rightful ruler of Snowhold and now of course Midred.” the figure looked curiously toward Revan as if Revan was something particularly new to him.

“Snowhold?” Revan asked wondering just what this thing was referring to.

Kyra let out a sigh as she began explaining.“It was a mountain settlement not far from Midred, used to be an ally
except it became brutish and enjoyed war, however they bit off more than they could chew and before Midred’s reinforcements could arrive the entire city had just vanished into thin air.”

“Midred chose our fate, they decided that we were too violent, when the attack upon us came it was simply good fortune.” the Viscount spat angrily.

“So what happened?” Revan inquired not believing it was normal for a city’s people to simply disappear.

“We, have ascended beyond death!” the Viscounts voice rose to new height at his chance to boast.

“In the mountains my men and I discovered a slumbering threat that would have destroyed us all, but I also discovered secrets pertaining to immortality, I chose to have my people and I transcend and bring vengeance upon those that would do us wrong.”

“Why attack Theguris and the Orc settlement, they did nothing wrong.” Revan spoke back not wanting to hear the excuses for why this tragedy was right in some way.

“It was for the greater good, I required new bones to fuel my army for the beast soon awakens to consume us all.”

“The beast?” Revan asked not having expected to have so many new questions.

“A beast dwells in the mountains and has been building up its power for some time, it will bring with it a great plague that would destroy all of Camelot if unchecked.”

The Viscount seemed to ponder for a moment longer his next words. “I have no qualms with the three of you, join me and help me save our people, and then I will leave Theguris and the surrounding lands in peace.”

“I am a warrior dedicated to the extermination of your kind, I refuse to betray my oath.” Lord Kalvak said glaring at the Viscount.

“You speak only lies Vincenz.” Kyra spoke determined to not give into the evil before her.

“You are a prime, surely without ties to these lands you know what I did was ultimately necessary?” the Viscount asked Revan directly gazing upon the more mysterious hooded warrior.

“I know what it’s like to want to protect others Viscount, but by attacking innocents you’ve gone too far.” Revan was quite sure his words had condemned himself to death but he could not accept this creatures offer.

“I suppose it would make you happy to know that you are not the only ones that have come to bring me death, even now an army approaches under the banner of a General of King Aragorn and a foolish Count.”

A mist formed at the motion of the Viscount’s hand and swirled as an image materialised showing simple blue and white soldiers marching accompanied by the kingdoms ornately armoured forces.

[Revan Noctis]

Revan collapsed in a pool of his own blood as the creature regurgitated him onto a cold hard stone floor. He looked up only to see his sword clank down in front of him as it too was removed from the creatures gullet.
Revan struggling, slowly pulled himself up realising he was in a dark throne room with torches ignited with cold blue flames of dark energy that faintly provided enough light to see. 

“Revan, are you ok?” Kyra said grasping his arm and helping him to his feet.

“How are we alive?” Revan asked expecting them to have all died in that horrible battle.

“I suspect we will soon find out.” Lord Kalvak spoke seemingly having also been spared a cruel end.

“As far as we know our forces are dead, but for some reason we have been spared.” Kyra seemed to mourn the loss of her troops as she looked away hiding a single tear.

“Child, there is no reason for tears.” came a loud voice that echoed through the room drawing the attention of the three survivors.

A thick fog suddenly came over the throne blocking it from their eyes, as quickly as it came it began to dissipate revealing a darkened form behind it now seated on the stone throne. Revan looked over the revealed figure as the last of the smoke vanished revealing a pale corpse clad in fine made armour and a light blue cape.

“No, you’re dead!” Kyra yelled at the figure.

“Who is he?” Lord Kalvak asked moving to hold Kyra from doing anything foolish.

“I am Viscount Vincenz Asmouth, rightful ruler of Snowhold and now of course Midred.” the figure looked curiously toward Revan as if Revan was something particularly new to him.

“Snowhold?” Revan asked wondering just what this thing was referring to.

Kyra let out a sigh as she began explaining.“It was a mountain settlement not far from Midred, used to be an ally
except it became brutish and enjoyed war, however they bit off more than they could chew and before Midred’s reinforcements could arrive the entire city had just vanished into thin air.”

“Midred chose our fate, they decided that we were too violent, when the attack upon us came it was simply good fortune.” the Viscount spat angrily.

“So what happened?” Revan inquired not believing it was normal for a city’s people to simply disappear.

“We, have ascended beyond death!” the Viscounts voice rose to new height at his chance to boast.

“In the mountains my men and I discovered a slumbering threat that would have destroyed us all, but I also discovered secrets pertaining to immortality, I chose to have my people and I transcend and bring vengeance upon those that would do us wrong.”

“Why attack Theguris and the Orc settlement, they did nothing wrong.” Revan spoke back not wanting to hear the excuses for why this tragedy was right in some way.

“It was for the greater good, I required new bones to fuel my army for the beast soon awakens to consume us all.”

“The beast?” Revan asked not having expected to have so many new questions.

“A beast dwells in the mountains and has been building up its power for some time, it will bring with it a great plague that would destroy all of Camelot if unchecked.”

The Viscount seemed to ponder for a moment longer his next words. “I have no qualms with the three of you, join me and help me save our people, and then I will leave Theguris and the surrounding lands in peace.”

“I am a warrior dedicated to the extermination of your kind, I refuse to betray my oath.” Lord Kalvak said glaring at the Viscount.

“You speak only lies Vincenz.” Kyra spoke determined to not give into the evil before her.

“You are a prime, surely without ties to these lands you know what I did was ultimately necessary?” the Viscount asked Revan directly gazing upon the more mysterious hooded warrior.

“I know what it’s like to want to protect others Viscount, but by attacking innocents you’ve gone too far.” Revan was quite sure his words had condemned himself to death but he could not accept this creatures offer.

“I suppose it would make you happy to know that you are not the only ones that have come to bring me death, even now an army approaches under the banner of a General of King Aragorn and a foolish Count.”

A mist formed at the motion of the Viscount’s hand and swirled as an image materialised showing simple blue and white soldiers marching accompanied by the kingdoms ornately armoured forces.

[Revan Noctis]

It was possible it was a trick designed to mess with them and for a moment Revan said nothing simply staring at the floating magical window looking at an approaching military force. He gripped his blade and turned to the Viscount who only stared back at him, a sinister grin appearing on his face.

“If you join me I will let them all live, if not they will die like the inhabitants of this city before them.” the Viscount patiently awaited a reply and his grin vanished as he realised Revan was not going to give him one.

“Then watch as the living becomes my tools in death!” the Viscount shouted at the top of his decaying lungs.

Revan seized the moment, charging, he swung his sword at the Viscount but within a moment he was gone leaving a cloud of mist in his wake. The other two holding their own blades ran up behind Revan surprised by the hasty retreat.

“We have to warn that army.” Kyra said desperation in her voice.

“It’s already too late, but we can still defeat the Viscount if we act quickly.” Lord Kalvak said to Revan calmly but eyeing the doorway to the throneroom.

“We get out of here and help them if we can, our top priority is stopping the Viscount.” Revan replied moving towards the large wooden doorway.

The doors burst open splintering in every direction as skeletons equipped with armour and weapons quickly charged in taking Revan almost off guard but this time he was ready as he cut down the first undead warrior in his path only to block the blow of the next one and slice it upward. The flaming sword of Lord Kalvak came to life and Kyra performed a combat roll behind an enemy and stabbed it from behind.

Revan found himself quickly becoming surrounded again but he was not going to allow them to overpower him again as he swiftly began executing the skeletons as they charged toward him, his fluid strikes finding the weak points in their frail bones and armour. Revan believed this time they had gotten the upper hand but to his surprise the skeletons began to glow green with some sickly coloured aura that appeared to act as an extra layer of armour over their entire broken forms.

“What is happening?” Kyra asked as surprised as Revan.

Lord Kalvak’s flaming sword sliced through the body of another skeleton as he quickly turned to Revan with his own look of concern. “It’s a Banshee!”

A horrible tormented cry immediately came to Revan’s ears as he threw his own hands to block the horrible piercing shrieks. Chains rattled as Necromancers came out from the darkness clasping chains with a green figure in tow. A female spectre howling and hollering was dragged toward them, the black holes where her eyes used to be turned towards Revan and she began tugging on the chains a moment later, despite the strength of the Necromancers it broke free dragging one towards her she tore him apart in seconds. Another let go of the end and the chains collapsed releasing the Banshee from its imprisonment. 

The Necromancers one by one were shredded and their dark energy consumed by the Banshee before it turned peacefully toward Revan and his allies. A burst of energy disintegrated many of the skeletons and sent Revan and the others flying back once more onto the stone ground. The Banshee in anger began screaming as it quickly moved towards its next meal of energy. Revan shot flames at the creature which caused it to fly back howling in more pain and seething with more anger than before.

The Banshee charging forward pinned Revan to the ground and opened its blackened maw and Revan quickly felt his life energy draining from his body. Kyra leapt towards the Banshee but merely fell through it landing on top of Revan. The two stared into each other’s eyes for a few moments before the bowls of the creature reminded them of the danger they were in.

“Distract it.” Revan said rolling left as Kyra rolled right.

“On it.” she replied slashing harmlessly at the shrieking Banshee.

Sure enough the Banshee in its blinded rage turned toward her once more opening its mouth. Revan leapt through the creature landing on top of Kyra next as he fired the magical burning orbs into the Banshee’s open mouth causing it to finally go silent. Revan and Kyra layed grasping each other as the Banshee seemed to weep and whisper a final thank you before dissipating from existence.

Lord Kalvak approached the two humans laying on the ground with his own smirk. “Great work, there’s still a Viscount to stop when you’re both done lying together.”

“Of course lets go!” Revan shouted awkwardly quickly getting on his feet and leaving an annoyed Kyra to pull herself from the ground.

The three came to stairs that went downward into the rest of the castle and at the bottom more skeletons were making their way up the stairs toward them. Revan looked to see a side door that led outside to a balcony and motioned the others to follow him that way instead. The balcony gave a good view of the battle that now raged below, the army of the kingdom was real and was assaulting Midred. 

“We must help them take the city.” Kyra said moving towards what seemed like possibly a place to climb down.

“Alright we’ll join them.” Revan said climbing down next as Kalvak awaited space.

The three climbed down from window to window down the castle wall toward the streets below where the skeleton boards were marching out to battle. Kalvak continued to speak of finding the Viscount but there was no way of knowing currently where he was and it seemed the kingdom forces were pushing into the city.


The three undead slayers ran down the street avoiding battles where they could as they approached the frontline fighting. Skeletons and blue and white knights clashed followed by a group of ornately armoured silver kingdom soldiers. Revan leapt forward and ambushed a skeleton from behind as the two ahead were cut down by a golden trimmed armoured warrior.

“Greetings, I am Count Crimsonheart and this is General Firewind.” the gilded knightly soldier motioned to another soldier in silver and blue armour though wore a more simple helmet to those that stood behind him.

“I am Revan, the Viscount is behind this.” Revan said wondering how they had known about what was happening here.

“Our magic users saw this attack and the blood that was spilled, we stopped by the neighbouring Maple Falls and requested assistance.” the General said motioning for knights with feathered white wings on their helmets to follow him.

“Yes, Revan have you seen the Viscount?” Revan looked at the Count for a moment and the assumed magic user behind him.

“He cannot tell us the way.” the Count said noticing where Revan was looking.

“Last we saw him he was in the castle, he fled the throne room but I am uncertain where he went.” Revan explained unsure what to say.

“If he was in the castle I doubt he would be willing to leave the city, the Town Hall!” the General cried out and began his advance.

“The three of you join us, I do not know how tough Vincenz will be.” said Count Crimsonheart waiting for them to accept.

“By the way, Kyra isn’t it, your father General Kalen says that your people are fine.” the Count said moving to catch up with the General.

“The General was your father and he sent you on this mission?” Revan asked surprised by this news.

“Yes.” Kyra replied mostly ignoring Revan and moving off without him.


“Wraiths!” roared General Firewind as he and his swan knights took cover as the shadowy figures dived at them from up above.

“Wizard!” the Count cried as the blue robed figure in a strange pointy hat and holding a strange staff with a gem at the top.

For a moment the Wraiths continued dive bombing the soldiers but once it began the staff’s blue gem quickly glowed brighter until it was too bright to look at and then a mighty burst of water shot into the sky and tore into the Wraith’s causing their wounds to steam as they all collapsed to the ground and seemed to melt.

“Pfft water wizard.” Kalvak said unimpressed by the power he witnessed.

“Onward.” the Count said ignoring the Salamanders remark.

A large building in shambles was ahead but skeletons moved around it marking it as the most likely place the Viscount was now hiding out. Revan charged with the swan and golden trimmed knights, he hacked and slashed at the forces of the undead as the water wizard calmly made his way to the doors that seemed literally frozen shut. A massive blue ball of water was launched and slammed into the door shattering both ice and wood.

Revan was ready to advance into the Hall when a rumbling sound from beneath them could be felt. The same massive beast as before squirmed from its burrow as it came down and swallowed a swan knight while before its razor sharp tail sliced open two golden trimmed knights.

“Move everyone inside, I’ll take this horror.” Revan declared as Kyra, Kalvak and the Count nodded and raced off after the General who had entered battle with more skeletons.

The bone creature roared at Revan as he calmly walked toward it holding his sword flat against his chest. “It’s time for some vengeance.”

Revan charged and dodged the first strike as the creature lunged its head towards him, grabbing hold of the bones of the innocents that made up the creatures body Revan slashed at the corpse causing it to swing back and forth almost knocking him off. 

“You’re days are done you damned thing.” Revan said stabbing his sword into its head and tugging back splintering the bones along its length, falling to the ground Revan rolled out of the way as the skeletal serpent came crashing down finally defeated.

Revan would have celebrated but cries from inside told him he was needed to face the Viscount. Entering the government building he found the interior trashed and bodies of soldiers that had been alive only a moment before breadcrumbed a path to the current climatic battle. 

Kalvak was assisting Kyra as General Firewind and Count Crimsonheart battled the defiant Vincenz Who now held aloft a sword brimming with shadowy magic. In the dark Revan’s boot hit a body and looking down Revan could make out the figure of the blue water wizard having fallen along with most of the knights, the rest of whom were too wounded to still fight.

“Lucian keep at him!” the Count yelled slashing at the dreaded Viscount.

“Oliver on your left!” the General pushed in as the Viscount swung at the Count from the left but instead swung around to block the Generals blow.

Revan gripped his sword tightly and ran in to assist the two older soldiers in their struggle to defeat the powerful undead ruler. Knocking both men aside Vincenz blade slammed against Revan’s, shadowy tendrils poked and probed Revan’s sword as if searching for a weakness.

“You should have escaped while you had the chance Prime, unlike the others you will be forced to eternally remember the deaths of your friends and the pain as I tear your body apart piece by piece!” 

The two swords broke their lock and both duellists continued clashing blades as each took turns in forcing the other back. Revan slammed his elbow in Vincenz’s face sending him back. Revan swung his sword around and stabbed the Viscount through the stomach. In shock the Viscount peered down before stepping back, Revan’s blade slid out covered in black blood.

“What have you done.” the Viscount said attempting to stop the bleeding with his hand.

“About time already.” Paradai said appearing beside Revan.

“Paradai!” Revan said angrily wanting answers.

“Paradai, you have betrayed me?” the Viscount said shocked again by the betrayal.

“You were working with him?” Revan asked the flaming being.

“Great show guys, and well not really, actually I’m working for somebody a little more stronger.” the firey being took a couple steps toward Vincenz.

“This fool actually thought himself a ruler, he was just a primitive fool but don’t worry Revan you’ll join him soon.” Paradai turned and shot a stream of flames at the hooded warrior slamming him back against the wall.

“The one I serve has taken interest in you, sadly your new friends are in the way of his plans.” Paradai laughed maniacally as Revan struggled to get back up.

Gripping his sword Revan did his best to get up from the cindered ground, looking around he noticed the look of horror on his allies faces however they were not concerned about Paradai but instead the corpses around them.
The corpses shifted and turned, their bodies began to grow and mutate, faces turned into large mouths with rows of sharp teeth and arms and legs grew claws.

“This is the end of all of you.” Paradai said happily raising his arms in victory.

“Not quite Paradai!” Vincenz yelled his wounds healing.

“Vincenz you are a puppet, just let yourself die already.” Paradai teased.

“I am Viscount Vincenz Asmouth and I am no puppet!” the Viscount charged at Paradai and grabbed him as Wraiths entered the room, the two magical users vanished before Revan’s eyes leaving him with the Humans, Wraiths and new unknown adversaries. Revan’s palms burned as he prepared to destroy the Wraiths but stopped as Kyra and Kalvak got his attention.

“Revan the Wraiths are helping us!” she shouted causing Revan to look back to confirm her theory, indeed the Wraiths were now forming a protective barrier between them and the new creatures who were now up and moving closer brandishing long sharp blades made from the same organic material as their claws.

“Revan we will get the wounded out can you hold them?” the Count asked.

“Of course, go!” Revan charged forward as the Beasts and Wraiths collided with one another, both attempting to not just kill but tear the other apart. 

Dark magical blades and claws tore into the Wraiths as the Wraiths in turn used their spectral powers to rip into the muscled beasts as blood and pieces of flesh were splattered and thrown around the room. Revan’s sword braces against the swing of one of the Beasts as he leapt up and stabbed the creature in the head felling it quickly. The Wraiths were victorious as they floated around Revan and the gore splattered room, Revan supposed it was time to exit and find out what was happening. 

Exiting the building to find the others already gone Revan looked up to see the sky though no longer filled with rain clouds was now an eerie dark white, all around Revan could see Skeletons and these creatures fighting. Tendrils cracked from the earth below and shoved aside stone and wood to grasp at the undead that attempted to bring them down, this threat it seemed was quickly taking control of the city.

“We must find Vincenz and destroy the cause of this threat!” Revan yelled st the Wraiths before leading them off down the street.

Paradai stood over Vincenz as the remaining humans and a single Salamander fled attempting to reach the safety of the remaining human army that now struggled to believe that victory was even a slight possibility, once the undead were dealt with nothing would stop them.

“How’s it feel to know that you were nothing but a fool this whole time Vincenz.” Paradai said with his flaming boot to the death lords throat.

Orbs of fire collided with Paradai’s back as he furiously spun around ignoring Vincenz to focus on the Prime that refused to give up. Paradai shot out streams of electricity that Revan only barely dodged.

“Revan, I’m sure you think that you’re something special but I can assure you that your Master Omni does not intervene in such pathetic affairs as yours.”

“Omni isn’t my Master.” Revan said appearing from behind a burning bush and slashing at Paradai only for his sword to go straight through him.

“You’re right, you’re too useless to be of service.” Paradai said before slamming his arm against Revan sending him back into the flaming bush, Paradai quickly ignited the bush alight even further with streams of fire.

“Now Vincenz, where were-“ Paradai was taken by surprise as Revan rolled out and fired his flaming elemental spheres at the being.

With Paradai weakened Revan walked forward quickly and sent his sword straight through Paradai’s chest. “Who’s the fool now?” 

Paradai screamed as his body burned up and turned into ash before floating away. Revan unfazed simply sheathed his sword and ran to check on Vincenz. The undead lord seemed heavily wounded but then with the decaying flesh it was difficult to truly say.

“Well done Revan, couldn’t have done it better myself.” Vincenz said with a small smile despite the black blood that now leaked from his mouth.

“No offence but you can’t die yet, we need your army.” Revan said trying his best to stop the bleeding by bandaging the wounds.

“It matters little, these beasts are beginning to outnumber the dead and soon even my forces will be able to hold them back.”

“You spoke of a beast before, what did you mean?” Revan asked remembering the earlier conversation.

“Not a beast, the Beast.” Vincenz said shaking his head.

“Revan!” yelled Kyra charging towards Revan with Kalvak behind her as a massive winged beast landed on a burning rooftop behind them.

“The dragon responsible for all this.” Vincenz said eyes reflecting the mighty and terrible beast reflecting in his eyes.

Revan turned quickly seeing his new friends in danger not having noticed the white scaled monstrosity behind them. “Get down!”

Kyra and Kalvak paused and turned around slowly to bear witness to the large reptilian creature. Both began backing away as the Dragon reared its head and then breathed out a stream of dark black energy straight toward the pair.

“No!” shouted Count Crimsonheart jumping between them and the Dragon, crouching and raising his shield in defence.

Revan ran over quickly as Kyra and Kalvak got behind him and all three saw the black and  corrupted armour of Count Crimsonheart collapse to the ground. The Dragon leapt down and moved to sniff its prey before turning at the sound of the General who stood stunned at the defeated body of the Count, the Dragon swung its barbed tail flinging the General away before raising its head to eye Revan.

“Get the General and go.” 

“Revan.” Kyra threw her arms around Revan and held him tightly before releasing him and running off with Kalvak who merely saluted the hooded warrior.

Revan turned back towards the large white dragon that simply stood still observing him. “So you’re the one that caused all this!”

The Dragon raised itself up and breathed out black dark energy that was aimed right for Revan, rolling to the side and running forward, Revan charged the massive beast stabbing the creature in the foot. Roaring in pain it flapped its wings blowing Revan back. The same clawed foot it pounced like a cat trapping Revan under one of its massive claws, sadistically the Dragon lowered its claw into Revan’s chest and eased it back out before reapplying the sharp pressure, Revan knew it knew that he was a Prime and so would toy with him as long as possible.

“Your mistake.” Revan said as he closed his eyes confusing the creature.

Elemental glyphs began to appear around Revan as the Dragon shook its head before snarling and attempting to push its claw into Revan only to face resistance in the form of a magical beam, the energy built up and broke the Dragon’s claw before aiming right for its head, throwing its head upward the Dragon gave one last mighty roar before exploding into ash and cinders.

“Well done Revan.” Vincenz said approaching Revan and giving him a helping hand up.

“I...I beat it?” Revan asked unsure.

“So it seems you did.” Kyra and Kalvak appeared from behind the building running up to check on Revan as the creatures throughout the city also began burning up.

“We probably won’t meet again, but I’ll remember you as a fine warrior Revan.”

“And I’ll remember you as a brave and noble leader who put in the end chose the right thing to do, it’s just a shame you didn’t decide it sooner.” Revan said before looking sadly at the other two.

“You killed so many people, I don’t think we could ever forgive you, but I’m glad we stopped that Dragon.” Kyra said sternly.

“I for one Viscount still intend to put you on my list.” Lord Kalvak hissed earning a smile from the Viscount.

“Goodbye Revan, and Kyra for what it’s worth no more innocents shall die, and Kalvak, I look forward to seeing you again.” the Viscount dematerialised before them leaving them in the middle of a burning city with the death toll currently unknown.


“Theguris and Midred will be rebuilt, Maple Falls despite the loss of their Count intend to help with reconstruction efforts, I on the other hand must inform the families of their losses.”

“Allow me General, Kyra and her father will need your guidance and security.” Revan said earning a mere nod from the General of agreement.

“You are a magnificent warrior Revan, I hope we meet again.” Kalvak said placing a hand on Revan’s shoulder.

“Revan, will I ever see you again?” Kyra asked saddened by this goodbye.

Now it was Revan’s turn to embrace Kyra in his arms. “I’ll do my best to make it back, if I don’t, know that I’ll remember the first time I met you, goodbye for now Kyra.” 

Despite the death and destruction Revan had learned a lot from his encounters with these powerful foes and he had no intention of letting these lessons go to waste.
As much as Revan wanted to stay he now had a mission to do, return with a band of kingdom soldiers and inform Maple Falls of their losses, and just perhaps he’d learn more about both the Kingdom and the mysterious Omniverse.

<To A Story of a Crimsonheart>