Shattered Lands

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Knowing he had long journey before he, he set foot towards his castle. The moon hovered above it a circle blacker then the night in the sky. The castle itself, Black Stone was ages beyond memmory. It rose to the skies the tip of the tallest section, just in the front, pierced the moon slightly. There was a giant spider-web window of red stained glass above the large double wooden doors. They were easily wider and taller then two men together. The castle was made of the same black stone of the mountains looking like black water. There were four towers at each corner with guard posts of goblin archers, they held the sharpest eyes of the creatures in the land, having evolved from the underground mines through the centuries.

He walked up the steps and pushed open the large doors. As he stepped inside they swung closed with a small bang the sound echoed off the walls. The first part of his castle was a large circular chamber with a throne at the end. He used it for his town meetings, everyone had a voice and got to speak their piece about how things were and town matters. He considered it the worst part of his Lordship, but he knew it was necessary for he was not a tyrannical leader. A king could not rule without the backing of his subjects. The floors were a granite of red and silver, the walls had photos of great warriors of his people and of him upon them. Candle fixtures with purple or green flame lit the hallway beyond the meeting chamber. Sets of armor stood proud and chests displayed weapons as he strode through the hallway. After that a long staircase in a diamond shape room led up curving into two stair cases. You could stand at the top of either and watch those below. His chambers and a guest area for a few privileged were up those stairs as well as a physical training area.

Below the castle were unholy artifacts and tomes he decided were not for public knowledge. As well as a vast personal library it was for his meditations and rituals. But right now he headed to his chambers to prepare for the search of the skeleton with the flute
 
"That was a Screamer, a bird that rips its food apart with it's claws and eats with it's beak." She said simply, turning around. "We're lucky we haven't run into the Akeev or Gravediggers." She said, now stepping away from the cave just to look around. "How long did you say you'd been here?"
 
Marosianya turned from the view to a large table where a map of all the bright cities was laid out. She would have prefered to stay out of this war, her people were always peaceful, but it was a short painful step from turning a blind eye to a dead one. She gazed across the parchment, searching for weaknesses, places that should be fortified and guarded closely. The boarder lands for a certainty would have to be watched. She would perhaps send out spys to such places, prefering not to alarm the people more than was needed. "You're frowning again." A smooth voice said from behind her. It was Kalich, her husband and King of the land of Light. But it was her blood that kept the power going. He wrapped his arms around her and looked at the map over her shoulder. "I don't even need to see your face to know that you are worrying, Bright one." He said. "She nodded and sighed. "It is true. We must find a way to watch the boarders more carefully." Her finger traced the map as she trailed off. There was a solution here somewhere.
 
Reaching his chambers he proceeded in. A glance outside told him it was their daytime for a green hue melded with the darkness and the moon became a blood red. Citizens emerged from their homes to start their day working. He would have to hold one town meeting before heading out but fir now he collected a few items a blood ritual as well would need to be preformed. He changed into a fresher pair of his outfit so as to be sturdy on the travels. He also tied a pouch of ash to his belt for consumption later. Placing his sword embedded with runes that focused on blood essence he headed to the lower levels of his castle.
"My Lord, it is good to see you." A lizard guard said, it's tongue tasting the air.
" I will not be staying long. Send a message to the town leaders to have our people gather in the Room of Discussion. They have three hours."
"at once, my Lord." He tapped his chest and headed off as Artunicka headed down a twisting stairwell into the Chambers of Ritual. The room was octagon shaped with bookshelves all around it. In between those were chests filled with jewel or arcane objects. Reaching out he took a book, Atlas of Karthos, while he had many books detailing all creatures and specific regions, this book gave a general description of everything or at least what was known. He had remembered the tree from the books picture earlier.

turning the pages he found it at the end. It was said to appear at the Line between light and dark but it seemed to only appear to a few and it also seemed not to have a permanent location. He would head to those lands that Line that was neutral in power but beyond the mind in reality. People had been driven mad staring at it. He put those thoughts aside and placed the book into his coat. Another one was on Blood Magic, the darkest form of magick besides his own gift necromancy. He was trying to blend the arts, but was not able to yet. A necklace was retrieved that held a diamond filled with blood that would refill on its own. There was a glyph carved in the center of the room and he walked towards it kneeling. He opened the necklace and a drop of blood hit the glyph and started to expand filling the carving.

A groan filled the room and a cold wind swept across the floor even though no window was open. The blood began to boil as he raised his arms wide both stretching out st his sides bent at the elbow slightly. His eyes closed he chanted in the language of vampyria known to a select few. "Et soon die naga. Burke tu ken na chiemben taru." In the universal language it meant "he who spills the blood, shall protect that which reflects in its depth." In this case his castle was reflected and unless another blood ritual was used against it, the castle could only be penetrated by ones who were bleeding and born of the dark lands. This ment when his town gathering was called they would all be pricked on the finger to show their sacrifice. If they were enemy and managed to get in, their life force was exposed for the wound had to remain open to stay inside. The blood turned to steam and evaporated in the air. Outside a red dome was faintly visible to the people but others could not see it if they walked into it, it would resist them making them feel weak. The ritual was complete. Three hours had passed in whst seemed seconds. He headed to the Room of Discussion as it was being filled and took his throne. He wanted to get on with his task.
 
"I've been here for about a month...I'm traveling on my way to the Land Of Light." Jez said. She looked down at her arm as it drew out a map to the :and of Light. It still looked like she had a few days until she got there, but she was a fast traveler.
 
Anarchy nodded. "Ah, so we are on different paths. I am making my way for the Land of Dark." She looked back outside. "Although my return might not be welcomed." She added quietly to herself. She shifted in her spot before sitting in the entrance of the cave, looking up at the sky. "It's surprisingly empty around here." She said.
 
A lone Light guard rode his horse slowly across the waste land. He would have preferred to go faster but they had been commanded to keep a sharp eye out for anything unusual. Most unfortunately he had lost his detail of soldiers and could only hope that they were still within hearing distance of his horn. Feeling cocky, and still somewhat new to his post he had thought he would try to get to the border of the Dark lands, but his horse had soon become skittish and he was forced to turn back. In the back of his mind he hoped that the Dark lands didn't have similar patrols.
 
The guards opened the door and a green light reflected off the floors. Many different people came shuffling in, mostly heads of household who would pass on what they heard. They flooded in and then the doors were closed. Standing in a large crowd they were not packed in, but were less then arms length apart. Artunicka stood up and raised an arm.
"Thank you all for gathering here today ." There were mutters of gratitude and praise. He sat down and clasped his hands together as he gazed out waiting for it to remain silent. He than spoke again.
"Citizens of Karthos, I shall be taking leave after this. The city guard will keep order in my stay. My advisory council shall make all plans and arrangements as well. I have found information regarding the Event which shall help if the prophesied war comes to pass. Nothing shall change except my absence. If you have offerings make them now."
a few groups stepped forward and gave what they thought of as valuable. One group stepped forward. " we offer you the thought bag. We shaped this for you. If you need anything think of it and it will be in the bag. But only one item a day and only general things, blood paper money that sort of thing." This group was 4 mutilated men. It was said their Gods mutilated themselves to create the world,and so they emulated them. Standing the king moved towards the group and they bowed. "Rise." He said lifting his hand. "This is a gift I truly can use, you may stay here for your offerings." When all left the group remained and was escorted to guest chambers. Artunicka headed outside and wandered into the Black Forest,for over a day he wandered and finally rested at a small circle of stone.

The circle was large enough so that two people sitting in it could face each other. It looked old and was unsure of its purpose. Making a small circle himself and after gathering kindling he struck two rocks together. Both had an X carved into them, or they would not have been able to spark. The fire grew a green flame that dance and chased away the cold. Reaching into his coat he pulled out the atlas. Flipping through pages he found the tree he had some way to go before he reached the Line and what he would find there, how big it was how long could he travel it or what was on the other side he did not know, but that is where the tree was. The back of the book held blank pages for him to write and do he did with with an ink well from his pocket.

day 1 cycle 12 moons
i have walked for over a day now and feel no closer to this tree. In another day or two I will be at the outskirts of my realm, further then I have ventured before there are dark creatures in hidden places that this book warns of I will not be able to survive encounters with some but I believe our paths will cross. Until then I know my people are safe and I move towards the Line.
 
Anarchy stood up. "I guess I should start moving." she said, stretching slightly and looking towards the direction she had been going. "So, Jez, I guess this is goodbye?" She asked, picking up her bow and stepping out of the cave, looking around before turning her back to the land and looking back into the cave. Only a few more days and I'll reach my destination..I'll probably be killed when I get there.
 
The guard pulled up his horse as he saw movement off in the distance. There was a cave or something up ahead. At first he feared some creature, and his mind raced with thoughts of evasion. Quietly he dismounted and began to make his way closer.
 
Anarchy hadn't noticed the person coming closer. She looked up at the sky. "It'll be dark soon.." She mumbled, taking a step back. The sound of a quiet footstep caused her to spin around. "Who are you?" She asked before recognizing the Light Land symbol on him. A Light guard... She groaned inwardly. "Oh, hello." I wonder if he recognizes me...
 
Staring into the fire he reflected on the past. Before he was Lord another ruled. Xanatos a tyrannical vampire. The people lived in fear and suffering. He led a failed rebellion a simple mortal who knew rune magick. It wasn't enough, instead of killing him Xanstos changed him into a vampyre so as to better control him and keep chains on the populace. For awhile it worked, until Artunicka used the runes and blood magick and invented Necromancy. This allowed him to control any vampyre who feasted on red blood. He easily dispatched Xanatos making him wither and turn to dust. The people crowned him King. After years of study he was able to survive without feeding, but the thirst was still there and feeding would make me stronger and faster. He simply chose not to. Practicing necromancy on himself he overcame the usual weaknesses of his species, such as light and silver. He was immortal, but could still be killed by removal of his head or being cut in half minor wounds healed quick major wounds took time. So knowing he could die, and that doing so might make him return as a ghost of his land, he cherished his life. He studied death and blood, but had no desire to experience it.

He stood and stamped out his fire. Far over the horizon he saw...light. He did not know what to make of this. He had heard rumors of lands different then his own, but he had never been there, he wasn't sure he believed it. Then again he was moving to the Line and that itself was only mythos, so maybe the rumors were true. As the ashes kicked up and the fire died, he collected the ashes and consumed them raw. As vampyre he needed blood, or used to but the ash was needed so not to weaken it was more for nutritional value. As where blood was more an energy and power booster to a limited degree no mater how much was consumed. After he was finished he headed west .

After a few miles the Forest changed into a mountain area,the light was brighter but still more then a few days travel. Then he heard a noise behind him and spun around half crouched as the werewolf lunged its muzzle foaming as it snapped. It's arms were outstretched and the necromancer lashed out at its knee sending the creature sprawling to the ground. It stood up and clawed at him. He took two steps back each to avoid a blow. Raising his fists in a stance he grinned. After all it was nice to see some creatures would pose entertainment, it would be his training away from the castle. These creatures were not his people they were not citizens of Karthos, these were feral beasts, like the giant cave trolls,or the Wraiths, deceased spirits who enjoyed fighting so much they could not rest in the afterlife,all life they used to live forgotten but their skill. Those he would have to use magick on such as his rune sword. The were wolf was much simpler. He sent a right and a left jab at the creatures face snapping its head back. The creature was taller then him and stronger then most vampyres, but his age and training prepared him. Before the creature could recover he tossed out a right and left hook to its ribs. The cracking of bone was quickly covered as it howled in pain. Stepping forward with his right four he swung his right elbow into the creatures neck snapping it. It crumbled to the floor it would soon be a meal to others. Turning he headed up up a steep hillside that led to a mountain that sparkled dark blue like a diamond. Overhead the black moon sparkled and watched.
 
Inwardly the guard cursed his luck to have come across someone without his company. Instinctively high hand rested on his sword as he scrutinized her carefully. "I am of the Queen's land guard, sworn to defend the Light. Who are you and what is your business in the wastes so close to the Bright?" He demanded.
 
Anarchy sighed. "I am going to the Dark Lands." She said quietly. "I mean no threat to your Queen." she held both hands up, her bow strapped loosely to her hip, her quiver tied to her back. "I do not wish to start a fight."
 
The guard thought a moment. Fighting he knew, but he'd never heard of anyone deliberately going to the Dark lands. "Are you a traitor of some sort then? Why would anyone willingly travel into Death.?" He stayed on his guard. For all he knew it could be a trap. The Dark folk could be very clever sometimes.
 
Anarchy was caught. "I. I have no choice." She said. "I cannot answer truthfully." She said, looking away when she finished. She felt the air prickle slightly. Gravediggers..still too far to worry.
 
The mountain were tougher then he expected, not many hand holds and a few of the foot holds broke causing him to grip the rock tighter. If he fell it would mean death for he must have been legions into the sky the forest of the ground a mere speak. He paused and looked sideways. The backdrop of his land was amazing and it was a rare moment of peace for him. That was soon to change he found as he made it to the top, the blue rock shining beneath his feet. There were a group of four trolls sitting at a camp fire. Upon hearing his approach they grabbed axes and stood at the ready.
"Where do you think your going?" One of them said "you gotta pay the toll 5,000 grains of ash."
the king smiled, they had no clue whom they addressed but he reached into his thought bag and produced a canister of the ash and tossed it at them. " if you can tell me where the Line is , there may be more on my return trip."
The ash was caught easily. " it's a league or so once you reach the bottom of this here mountain."
Artunicka had suspected that was the case but reassurance was not a bad thing. He strode past them and continued onward.

After the mountain there was a vast stretch of desert. When the king stepped foot on the sand there was a sharp pitch and he realized he was on the Line. He looked back but could see nothing but the desert stretched out before him, turning he pressed onward. For further he ventured the louder the pitch became. He gazed up and saw himself. The sky here was as a giant mirror in the distance and air had no smell. He footsteps make no sound. He began to wonder if he'd ever make it out or find what he was looking for.
 
The Light guard tightened his grip on his sword, but inwardly his thoughts were in a turmoil. Couldn't answer truthfully? What was that supposed to mean? "Is it perhaps you're in some sort of trouble miss?" He asked, maybe it really wasn't her fault. "If you're going against your will perhaps there's something we could do to help you." He remained alert. He longed to sound the horn but he couldn't be entirely sure any of his company would hear, and if they didn't he risked bringing even more trouble on his head in the form of the monsters of the waste.
 
Anarchy shook her head. "If..If I tell you the truth, you will not call an alarm?" she asked, looking at him carefully.
 
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