Malchaeius Posted December 31, 2006 Report Share Posted December 31, 2006 [ 9] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Future of Thera. Sun Nov 25 12:13:27 2001 To: all Therans, it is with utmost joy that I send this scroll to each of you. Upon request from Queen Lethereal, Ruler of Shasarazade, I was asked recently to announce that Qax and Kaylian Leilani are to be come proud parents of twins. Though none can be certain, the mother is expected to bear her children within the lunar month within a city atop the clouds. It is there that Lec and Sec Leilani will take in their first breathe of Theran air, and the first sights will be the Gods themselves watching over their loving parent's shoulders. A healer will be present to assure the safety of both mother and child, and with the Gods protection, all should go without incident. May Sirant's blessing be with the lucky couple at this their happy moment. Shandronas Yewheart, the Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald. __________________________________________________ ____________ [ 64] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Beginning of the End? (Part 1) Tue Nov 27 15:49:07 2001 To: all Therans, again I come before you with ill news. Recently, I announced the birth of twins. It brings me much sorrow to inform you that due to complications, the mother-to-be Kaylian, did not survive the ordeal. The birthing took place atop the mountain of Olympus, witnessed by the Gods themselves, and attended by Ila. The first child to be brought into this world, was Lec followed closely by his brother, Sec. When the last child had been pushed from their mother's womb, it was known that Kaylian was slipping away... Unable to hold her newly born sons, before long, she was unable to see them. Qax took flight with his wife, and their sons to an undisclosed location where after a short while, her vision returned, but her condition worsened. As she lay on the grass she looked upon her family and whispered a few parting words. Her hand tightened it's grip upon Qax's and then fell limply away. As her life slipped away, Qax stood helpless, unable to do naught but watch it leave. He wandered the lands blinded by tears, and still carrying his sons in adition to his wife's lifeless body, and laid her to rest in a secret location, and as he excavated her resting place, her spirit rose, and gave her family one last message before returning to the Gods which granted her life. She was buried wearing the gown she was wed in and her wedding and enagement ring sparkled on her finger. This would not be the end of Qax's sorrow. He returned to his home for the first time without his wife by his side, and was attended to by an elven noble, who happened by. It was then that the room was plunged into an eerie darkness and a cloud of sulfur filled the air. Without form, the darkness rushed past him, knocking him to the floor, shielding his sons with his body. The dark presence overwhelmed him, and he watched in horror as it wrenched Sec, the youngest son, from his grip and returned from whence it came. Lec has been hidden for his own protection. (To be continued...) __________________________________________________ ____________ [ 65] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Begining of the End? (part 2) Tue Nov 27 15:49:46 2001 To: all I met later with Qax, and he told of a few odd occurances that, while seemingly coincidental, may be of great importance. When the Dark force took Sec Leilani, as he faded away, a few feathers floated slowly to the ground. What this could mean, I could not begin to guess. Secondly, within the town of Rehydin, an elven child came to Qax while he traveled with Queen Lethereal. This child, while other- wise normal in appearance, behaved in a rather odd fashion. With a pension for steak, he slept only during the day, remaining active when the sun was absent from the sky. Qax also spoke a name. A name not uttered in the Herald's halls for some time. Karman. I did not arrive within the lands until long after Karman's fall, but I was able to derive that a herald succumbed to the seductions of Kaogalan and became host for a demon after his outcasting from the ranks of the Heralds for his insane sermons and the deteriation of his sanity. After asking many people, I learned that Karman was at one point in love with Kaylian, Qax's wife. When he learned of her marriage to Qax, he grew increasingly jealous. She had told him that she would love no one that was not of the way of the mage, and so banished all hopes from his mind. When she later met and married Qax, he branded her a liar in his eyes. Could this be the what has been reffered to as the Child of Lies? Could this be the Begining [Hit Return to continue] of Thera's End? I implore you, those able of mind and body, seek the child before all is lost. I fear we've little time left. The clues hopefully have been lain before us, now all we need do is follow their path, and save Thera from what could be it's end. In closing, I would ask that you all give your condolences to Qax Leilani, in this his darkest hour. May the Gods be with us all, as the moments that come to bear, may be our last. Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald. __________________________________________________ ______ [ 75] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Perpetrator Revealed. Wed Nov 28 02:08:29 2001 To: all Greetings once again. As you all no doubt know, Gehenna has claimed responsibility for the abduction of Sec Leilani, the youngest son of Qax, but I come before you to annouce the Demon's demands. It was to Qax and Dnale that the demon made his demands. He appeared in the form of a legion of skeletons who appeared from nowhere in a cloud of smoke. Speaking together they claimed to be the Voice of Gehenna, he continued to say that we had stolen something that he loved, and he has repaid by stealing the infant Sec. They instructed Qax that if he was ever to see his son again, that he is to fetch the "Crown That We Follow". Dnale informed me that he had tried to locate such a crown, as did Bellia, but to no avail. Most likely hidden from mortal magics, such a crown will only be revealed by searching... As the mass of skeletons departed the faint sound of leathery wings was heard. Could this be another clue? None can know. Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald. __________________________________________________ ____ [ 98] [HERALD] Shandronas: The Sands of Time Run. Thu Nov 29 12:50:19 2001 To: all Ladies and Gentlemen, time grows short in the search to regain Sec, son of Qax Leilani. Within the month, I have been witness to the minions of Gehenna twice. They emphasize the repricusions if what they seek is not recovered. Each time that they were revealed, the smell of sulfur and ink filled the air, and a child's cry was heard echoing faintly in the distance. The first time they came, the waters of the fountain in Rehydin ran red as blood, and the air became hot and I found my breath hard to draw. They appeared and without attack spoke of their desires once more. "A crown is sought," they said, "we will barter the child for the crown. Each day the child becomes more sickly. The Grandest of Crowns do we seek." What is meant by this, I know not. The latest appearence that I witnessed was not as peaceful. They warned that time was running short and that bickering only made the child sicker... "Find the crown we follow, should you expect to see the child alive. I was forced to leave for a moment to perform a duty, and upon my return, the mass was gone. In it's wake an Skeletal Minion was summoned and began to inspire numerous attacks within Rehydin. Thankfully, numerous members of Justice were within the lands, peace was soon restored. Therans, I urge you to discover this crown before it is too late. Faithfully; Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald. __________________________________________________ ___________ [101] [HERALD] Shandronas: Secrets Revealed. Thu Nov 29 17:11:20 2001 To: all Therans... Though still weak from my ordeal, I come before you with news, the urgency of which is parelled by none. I sat with Qax, speaking casually of the recent events, when I found myself flying through space and time and stopped in what I can describe only as a void with the very planet sprawled out before me like an plaything of the Immortals. I heard a voice, distant at first, then louder until it permeated my entire being, seemingly coming from within. Slowly and deliberately, the Dischordant himself appeared before me. Telling me that my body, and it's limitations had no meaning in his realm. I slowly opened my eyes, seeing all before me, yet I did not dare gaze upon his form. His voice returned to me. He spoke to me of Chaos. That from which all was spawned. For hours he spoke to me of the so called balance between Good and Evil, light and dark. As a Healer, I serve neither good nor evil, seeking only to preserve life itself. Such was the reason he had brought me before him. He expressed anger with Gehenna, telling me that he did not serve Chaos, but evil. By demanding the crown, he threatened life upon Theran soil. The crown that is sought would place at Gehenna's call, millions of torments of hell and would bring about the second Bloodletting. Such was my responsibility, to gain knowledge that would protect all, good and evil alike. "The crown which is sought," The Dischord said, "lies within my ancient tower, guarded by K'ira Savruul and the Phsycic Medium." It was then that I thought of the infant Sec. "He is but a catalyst, if not this one, then another. And than another. It will stop only with his demise." He then revealed the basics of the secrets of dealing death to a demon: One must suffer a consecrated death and then be exorcised, banished back to Hell. I scour the lands seeking what knowledge I might find about the ancient art of Exorcism, most likely even as you read this scroll. He told me that the Crown which is Sought, if carried by an unworthy mortal, would taint their soul. I asked how I would know this worthy mortal and he said only this... "One worthy to bear the Crowne shalt bear a Crowne himself, and in such, carry the powers of the Three Servants of Sirant at his breast. Seek and you shall find." With a wave of his infinite hand, I found myself laying in Shasarazade, with barely enough energy to stand. I go forth now to seek what answers I might find, and seek out the one who is worthy to wear this crown. May Sirant guide my path, and deliver me from harm. Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance, Elder of Herald. __________________________________________________ ______ [130] [HERALD] Shandronas: The One Reclaimed. (part 1) Sat Dec 1 16:18:19 2001 To: all Therans Rejoice! For the first time in my life, I am able to scribe this scroll myself without the aid of Welby. Gehenna's reign of terror and death is at an end. In a ceremony held atop Crypticant's tower, the demon that held Thera's future in check, was banished back to the infernal void which spawned him. It began as a visit from him usually did, with a brimstone stench and summoned minions. I sat speaking with Qax Leilani, and Apollon, a fellow healer in the foyer to the Palace of Shasarazade. The room became stifled and the air thick with the smell of sulfur, announcing Gehenna's arrival. In a voice full of anger, he demanded his quarry, The Crown of Chaos. Qax, despite the fact that this fiend was in possession of his son, stood bravely and defied the demon, refusing to grant him the Crown, regardless of the cost. In a fit of rage he conjured unliving monstrosities from the very air, all of them unleashing their anger upon me. I recited a quick prayer to Sirant, and was protected by his wrath, delivering a blast of divine energy each time the beast struck me. He fell quickly, but was soon replaced by another, and yet another. Were it not for Apollon's blessings and the heft of Qax's blade, we would have fallen under the assualt. Soon, my mind began to falter and Qax's blade swung lighter with each blow. We realized that we would die if we did not retreat. With Qax leading us, we took flight to the city of Val Miran stopping for me to give directions to Lord Sirant's hallowed Shrine. Our journey took only a few hours, each of us running as fast as our legs would carry us. We finally reached the altar, and I nearly fainted from exhaustion. Our rest was short lived, and soon we heard the pounding of fists upon the door of the shrine. Gehenna was unable to enter the sanctity of the shrine, and in frustration, screamed his anger aloud. His taunts and promises of pain beyond belief echoed throughout the area denying us the needed sleep we required. I recieved word from the Queen of Shasarazade, Lethereal, that she had been assaulted by one of the demon's followers, and I advised her to come to the Shrine where she could rest in safety. In a few hours, she was fully rested and all was quiet. It was then that Manheim, the servant of The Dischordant, arrived to grant us what help he could. He concentrated deeply, and bestowed his vision unto my unseeing eyes for the trials that lay ahead of us, and a few others that would soon join us. In his hands he held a tome older in appearance than any that I had been witness to in my life. To be continued... __________________________________________________ _______ [131] [HERALD] Shandronas: The One Reclaimed. (part 2) Sat Dec 1 16:29:11 2001 To: all Bound in black leather, the book was filled with pages of vellum, yellowed and dog-eared, each penned in a dark, metallic ink. The lines of text were written in a tongue that was alien to me, it's spidery characters seemingly crawled across the pages unrevealing of it's content. I concetrated and was granted the ability to comprehend the words, by a blessing of Sirant. It was the text that explained in detail the rites neccessary to banish a demon back to Hell. I ran my hands over it's cover, smiling, knowing that we would soon be facing Gehenna and watching his face contort with fury knowing that his existance would soon be at an end. The ancient book explained that seven souls of virtue were needed to perform the holy rite, and we then enlisted the aid of Lexicant and Epurican, both willing to act in defense of Thera, and return Gehenna from whence he came. They came with speed to the Shrine and our troupe was then complete. Manheim explained the process that was to come, and we began our journey to Emerald Forest, where the ancient priest, Yun Fei Yang who had promised his aid, resided. Gehenna was there when we had arrived, lured under false promises that the crown lay beyond the door to the priest's humble dwelling. Blinded by his desire for the Crown, he pushed the old priest aside and hurried through the doorway which, unbeknownst to him, led into the Chamber of Expulsion. We followed quickly after him, Yun Fei Yang granting me and my companions passage upon seeing the tome that I held in my hands. We soon found ourself in the chamber. A solemn room, it's floor adorned with a seven-pointed star surrouded by an amber circle. At the center of the room, a set of simple- looking iron shackles were cemented to large rings set within the star's center. Within their steely grasp, lay Gehenna, his face twisted into a mask of fear and anger. I opened the book, and gazed upon the first line. "I must recite it precisely," I told myself, "do not falter, and utter the text exactly as it is written.". I opened my mouth, and words that I could not understand flowed from within, and in response the points of the star flared into light, and then faded just as quickly. I passed the book to Lethereal, who stood to my left. Her voice filled the room and then she gave the book to Qax, who gave it Apollon, who passed it to Epurican, in turn to Lexicant, and then to Manheim. Upon the completion of Manheim's words, the room was filled with a blinding light, and when they faded, Gehenna was nothing more than a smoldering hole in the center of the room. With a gesture from Manheim, I spoke aloud the two remaining lines of text, and a massive crack broke open the floor, shaking everyone to their knees. Cries of pain, anguish, and suffering filled the air, faded and when all was silent, a child faded into view. To be continued... __________________________________________________ _ [132] [HERALD] Shandronas: The One Reclaimed. (part 3) Sat Dec 1 16:45:40 2001 To: all It was Sec, son of Qax Leilani. Translucent, it became apparent to us all what Gehenna had done. Qax fell to his knees, sobbing, as he watched his son's spirit pass through a small door to the east, gently calling his mother's name. We passed through this door and gasped as we found ourselves in a room bathed in white light with a black pentacle etched into the floor. Standing in the middle was the faint image of Kaylian. She smiled upon each of us, and with arms out- stretched, gathered the small child, and lifted him off of the ground. She approached me, and with a smile of thankfullness, she handed me someting. It was a small pair of wire-rimmed spectacles... A weak smile played across my face taking pleasure in the irony. "Shandronas, my friend," she said, "You have served me well in life and in death, for my thanks, I can repay you only by giving you that which Manheim has." I removed the tattered, weathered headband that had concealed my eyes until then, and donned the delicate glasses. Every- thing was suddenly in focus, and these eyes saw for the first time without aid, all those around me.] Manheim, whose story I know not to this day, was granted enternal rest, free of his servitude. A single beam of light speared down, and when it dissipated, he was gone. Only a faint whisper in my ears followed. "Take care, old friend, I will see you again." The light reflected in the room flared and when it dimmed, we were before the temple of neutrality, within Val Miran's walls. All were present, save for one addition. Karman, the Demon known as Gehenna, the fallen Herald, stood before us. His memory of the past years was gone and he knew nothing of what had transpired over their passing. Other matters pulled me away from the reunion, and I was compelled to leave the lands, leaving the friends to re- aquaint themselves. While young Sec, son of Qax, and the prophecised Child of Lies did not live to see his father's ultimate sucess, but he is held close to his mother, and both watch over us all. Penned by Shandronas Yewheart, The Bane of Ignorance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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