20 Judgement

I sat on the obsidian throne of the Inner Sanctum surrounded by the denizens that survived the slaughter. Nyxis sat on my left leg while Zeke and Scarlett took a stance on either side as Orion, in his human form, held a wooden board with a pile of parchment. Some distance away, I felt Veronica leaning against the far wall taking in the scene that was about to unfold. Except for the paladin I had offered, I was impressed that six more had survived the battle. As I expected from warrior priests trained to battle both dämon and most alike. That being the case, I was going to gain the information I sought no matter what.

My eyes fixed upon the paladins who stared with defiant eyes as they looked for someway to escape or to retrieve their weapons. Most looked to be close to death with beaten bodies dyed crimson and busted armor that was once cared for like a child. As I stared at each in turn, I found the center paladin gazing back without an ounce of fear. He looked to be in his fifties with peppered grey shoulder length hair and coal like eyes. His rough battle worn face still bled from a hash along his temple coating his eyes like some war paint. A tattered robe hung underneath his broken armor telling me his rank.

"There are a little over three hundred dead by my estimates," Orion began to read from the parchments, "twelve have been taken away while several more are unaccounted f--"

An ornery paladin with shaggy brown hair roared, "Get this over with already!"

His eyes went wide as a blade pierced his throat. "Interruptions will result in death," I warned tilting my head as a pool of blood began to form around the collapsed paladin, "Carry on with your report, Orion."

I watched Orion give a slight bow before continuing. As I listened, I kept a cold gaze on the center paladin as a faint familiarity began to rise. Ignoring it, I listened to the total damage of the Grotto as a whole. My heart grew with pained anger hearing that over three hundred and thirty denizens were gone in total. Most of which laid dead around us while others were taken to the paladin camp, my guess, or simply ran as far away as they could. However, some of the ones unaccounted for were made up of children that depended on a guardian to protect them from other monsters or humans looking for easy gold.

[(Death would be too easy a punishment for what they did, but that would be something I cross afterward. Right now I needed the exact location of where they took the others.)]

Holding up a hand for Orion to stop, "Tell me, where did you take those you captured?"

Chuckling sounded from a woman paladin with short peppered hair and sharp eyes, "Like we'll tell a monster like you anything, especially since you'll just kill us anyway. So sit pretty on that throne of y--"

I appeared before the woman grabbing her throat and lifting her off the ground, "I am going to kill you either way, but to those that cooperate I offer a quick and painless death."

Fear began to form in the woman's eyes as a shroud of shadows began to envelope her entire body. I felt her pitiful kicks against my gut that grew fainter by the second as her pulse slowed under my grasp. Her muffled screams boomed throughout the Sanctum like a chorus of death sung in honor of those she killed. Shocked eyes stared at us as a thud sound was followed by dropped metal against the stone floor. The woman laid unmoving at my feet while a black humanoid shadow was still clutched in my hand.

"What," the young paladin with bright blonde hair asked, "what did you do to Gertrude?"

I didn't say anything as the woman's shadow was consumed just like the winged serpent earlier leaving a descending trail of black smoke behind. Gazing at the woman, I was reminded what such effects happen to the body when removed from its shadow. Her once blazened crimson hair was now the brightest of whites. Her soft elegant hazel skin was so pale that I thought she was one of the Little Bat's victims. All life was utterly drained from the woman leaving behind a husk of her former self. That is what happens when the soul is ripped from its body.

Sighing, I allowed the woman's recent memories to play before my eyes. I saw the world through her eyes from a distant crushing waterfall that helped with sleep to a large forested area that surrounded our camp. The feeling of anxiously waiting for battle burning in my heart with each strike of my blade against the bale of straw. The sleepless nights filled with sweet ecstasy to help ease the stress of a day filled with training. The sight of monsters laying dead at my feet as we broke through the barrier and the massacre that followed. I saw it all through her eyes as her final thoughts faded from this world.

[(That helps us a little, but not much. Vusta is filled with forests and waterfalls as it is. Then again if I were them, I'd find a place close by to make camp especially if I planned to take captives. That narrowed it to fifteen different areas around the Grotto however some were hidden within caverns carved out long ago. I need to gather more information, but for now…)]

"Orion," I turned and found him at the ready in his raven form, "take those specializing in reconnaissance and search all the nearby waterfalls both above and below ground along with the surrounding areas."

I watched as he took off like a beast running from death and soar through a crevice above that allowed moonlight inside bathing the throne. "Now," I turned and made my way to the center paladin but something glistening around the deceased paladin's neck caught my eye. Crouching, I retrieved the small pendant and was surprised to find the symbol of Khokbus. "Interesting," I muttered and tossed the pendant to Veronica, "take a look at this, Veronica."

I watched as her eyes widened at the pendant that was so unnatural for a paladin of Lokdis to carry with them. Lokdis was usually represented by a doubled cross with one smaller horizontal piece near the top and a large horizontal piece placed evenly in the middle. That being the case, it was blasphemous for a disciple of righteous order to have a marking of death around their neck. Looking at the paladins in turn, it appeared that none were surprised to find such blasphemy among their ranks. Curious, I went to each paladin and pulled free the sign of order from their necks only to discover more markings of death. I felt both intrigued by the sudden conversion from order to death and somewhat frightened at the mere knowledge that the Eyes of Khokbus had such a reach.

Laughter came from the center paladin who stood without an ounce of fear. With tranquil eyes, he lumbered over to stand before me. "Lokdis and Khokbus are two sides of the same coin," he muttered, "both are gods of true order that governs Aquera. We were blinded for so long until his Eyes revealed the truth to us."

I tilted my head as I sensed the conversation was about to get interesting. "Pray tell," curiosity getting the better of me, "what truth is that?"

"You, who hides in shadows, should already know," he rhythmically chuckled, "order cannot truly be attained without death. A lesson that your father and mother learned the hard way, Einor Maximus VonKnight."

Light enveloped the man sending a shockwave throughout the cavern that had enough force to send everything in the vicinity colliding with the stone walls. That is it would have been if I hadn't acted beforehand. Though the years didn't seem to go well for him, I remembered his face as the vagabond that stalked near the manor begging for food. My parents had let him take shelter in one of the spare bedrooms in the east wing and fed him til he had his fill in exchange for help around the manor. He always had a smile on his face and a warm aura around him whenever I saw him helping my father tend the horses or helping mother and me in the gardens.

I remembered seeing him hiding underneath the apple tree at the center of the grain fields watching the manor. Heard his rough voice begging for the three adventurers to spare me as they dragged us from the flame. His breath still smelled of the mint my mother had given him as he begged for my forgiveness. I still remember feeling his comforting aura even after the deed had been done. His was the first feeling of betrayal I had ever felt in my young age that signified the path I took throughout my life.

Looking at the spot he laid, I still saw that smile of his as if learning I had lived on had brought him some peace in death. His body was intact but his soul wasn't, leaving another husk at my feet after a futile attempt to kill me. "The Eyes of Khokbus," I muttered kneeling down to close the man's eyes, "are the puppeteers controlling the strings of you, puppets."

I returned to the throne where I sat once more as my mind went through the options that I could take. "Tell me," I asked with a more comforting tone, "where is exactly your camp located? Who sent you to attack the Grotto?"

I was about to choose another paladin to add to my collection when a disturbance came from the doorway as several children poured in followed by an unaccounted for crimson haired paladin. His eyes, like his comrades, held no fear in them even when surrounded by monsters that sought his imminent death. Unlike the others, he only wore the purple robe of his rank over common clothes that those tending fields would wear. A doubled cross hung gently around his neck that sparkled in the light of the braziers. His hands were tightly bound in front of his chest and tied to a rope that was pulled by the scamps that I thought left. I found it somewhat amusing to see such a small figure pull a larger body with ease or maybe it was the two domesticated Streguar stalking behind him.

However, my attention was drawn to a denizen of the Grotto tied and bound just like the paladin beside her. Her red skin glistened underneath the purple half dress with a halter neckline that stopped just above her waist while a black ankle length skirt fluttered as she walked. Two small horns peered through her bluish hued hair that stopped at her shoulder blades while both sides of her head were shaved evenly. Silver armlets wrapped the upper parts of her arms while jeweled encrusted rings adorned her fingers. Gold eyes stared fearfully in my direction as they found the bodies of two paladins decorating the floor. The woman's name was Korin Thearus Almadaus and she reminded me of Xeth in more ways than one mainly because both were dälens or half-dämons.

As children reunited with their parents, the two prisoners were brought to stand before me. "Lord," Tus-Tus kneeled as his screechy voice sounded, "found other paladin hiding in antechamber along with traitor and young."

My one word sounded as cold as a frost dragon's breath sending a chill throughout the room, "Traitor?"

I looked at the dälen woman as she ran to kneel at the bottom step. Her face buried into the stone floor wet with fresh crimson blood pleading for her life, "My Lord, it is not what it seems. I-I am not a traitor to you or to the Grotto. Please, I beg you to listen to my pleas before deciding my fate."

"I can't say that I'm impressed to see that monsters have ass kissers as well," one of the older paladins muttered only to find his mouth sewn shut.

"If I may Lord," the crimson haired paladin bravely made his way to kneel beside Korin, "I'd like to speak freely."

[(The boy doesn't seem to understand what kind of situation he found himself in. Then again he probably did, but marched forward no matter the fear that dwelled beneath his skin. I'll hear both their words and see if the seeds of deceit are sowed.)]

I nodded giving the floor to the paladin as my eyes remained on his comrades to see their reactions to his words. "I'd like to begin by saying that Korin and I are lovers," he paused, resting a hand gently on Korin's cheek, "not only that but we're childhood friends that lived in the same orphanage."

"You were adopted by a wealthy family," Korin muttered as she placed a shackled hand over his, "while I was left behind forever abandoned while everyone else found their homes."

"On my fifteenth birthday," the fearless paladin turned to stare into my eyes, "I was taken into the order where I was trained to kill monsters such as those slaughtered today for the good of the people by his will."

He went on to describe the tenets drilled deep into the recesses of his mind so that he was nothing more than a good little priest. The years he spent repenting for the lives he had taken under their orders. Lives of monsters sentient to the world that just protected their families as they were cornered without any chance of escape. Their eyes wide with fear as they watched their young slain before their eyes as they were bound in chains. How he flailed himself with iron chains to ease the sorrow he felt.

[(His words seem true as his shadow remains still, but deceit comes in different forms. Deceit is often mistaken as truth. A truth that could cost many lives to be repaid.)]

Holding up a hand, I watched as the paladin bowed his head waiting for me to speak. Placing a hand under my cheek as such information bored me, "I am quite aware of the tenets you speak of and the harsh punishments given to those who break them. That being said, I wish to know how it is for your presence to be here. The Grotto was shielded by a mirage and a barrier yet here you are along with your comrades."

"Former comrades," he corrected me, "I renounced my duty to Lokdis long ago when my heart could not take it anymore. As you can see, I have been reduced to nothing more than a stable hand shoveling shit and tending to the steads. A life I much preferred for the freedom of continuing my relationship with Korin."

He placed his shackled hands over his chest. "I wish to serve under you if you'll have me. I can provide knowledge in tactics used by the order," he looked me in the eyes without fear, "in exchange I ask that you consider the possibility of other paladins willing to join as well."

"You'd go so far," Vilra stepped forward to gaze upon the paladin, "for the one you love even if it meant serving a monster and a primordial such as myself."

Vilra was not a mere monster that has roamed Aquera for years, but one of the long forgotten deities that watched over the world in the old age. She was considered one of the greater deities of the twelve having hidden followers throughout the known world. She was known as the Mistress of the Night. A weaver of fate that sewn the seams of past, present and future in the tailored sheet of time. She was the goddess of secrets that ruled over the darkest abyss forever hidden from sight.

Suddenly, a force began to envelope the cavern as blinding light irradiated from beside the kneeling figures. An immense pressure that could rival my own aura was unleashed upon us as the sounds of ropes and chains breaking rang out. Through the gaps of my fingers, I stood in front of Nyxis with Morrigon at the ready in my free hand as I watched shadowy figures rush toward Vilra. Almost in slow motion, the figures drew closer while the old goddess was stunned like the rest of us unable to properly protect herself. With the shadows drowned out, I was somewhat at a disadvantage to reach her.

My vision slowly became normal as the light faded revealing blades of light mere inches from cutting flesh. I caught movement of a large animal lung forward followed by the sounds of thuds as bodies found themselves against cold stone. Screams echoed throughout the Sanctum as geysers of crimson burst forth from the three remaining paladins. Sharp claws rendered tempered metal to shreds as large canines pierced bone. Large powerful limbs tore chunks of flesh free with a single strike. When it was over, the paladins were nothing more than stains waiting to be cleaned.

Standing amidst the carnage that took only seconds to finish was a creature that had a body of raw muscle and was covered in dark starless night fur. Two powerful wolf-like legs were clad in specially tailored pants with bits of leather sewn into them that stopped midway down the beast's calf. Sharpened nails dung deep into the ground now slathered in blood and torn flesh as powerful clawed hands dung deep into the paladin it held. An elongated snout filled with dagger-like fangs rendered flesh from bone coating the creature's head in blood. Ears fluttered to each side listening for any who dared to interrupt its feast. The creature feeding before me was what is known as a Lycanthrope or most commonly known, a werewolf.

"Duval," I said the beast's name, "has your hunger been sated for you to hear my words?"

The lycan, Duval, answered by turning his gaze toward me. His eyes were filled with feral rage that outshined the man I knew was hidden underneath. He howled with such strength that a small ringing began to sound in my right ear. I watched as he stalked closer, dropping the remnants of the paladin whose mouth was sewn. Blood stained fangs shined bright as he snarled, challenging me in the ways of Alphas, a fight to lead the pack.

"If that is what you wish," I casually answered, making my way to stand a few feet in front of him, "then so be it."

I watched as Duval got on all fours making his way slowly forward analyzing me. The sound of his claws scratching the stone floor got closer with each step taken. His eyes filled with primal rage gazed upon me like I was cornered prey waiting to be eaten. Pleas for me to move came from Vilra as she was held at bay by Akroq ensuring her safety. Looking toward Nyxis, I found her knuckles white as she wrapped her hand around Sylla's hilt. With this distraction, Duval pounced as Vilra's and Nyx's screams sounded.

My mind screamed out in pain as the flesh of my left arm was pierced by Duval's fangs. I felt his claws dig deep into my forearm and wrist as he tightened his grip. His canine head twisted back and forth tearing deeper into my arm. I watched as some of the feral fog dissipated from his amber eyes as I embraced him with my free arm. Out of the corner of my eye, I ordered Nyx and the others to stand down before acting. An arm was my offering as penance for the travesty that happened in my absence.

"I will bring her back," I whispered into Duval's ear, "this I promise you. I promise that and the lives of those responsible."

I watched as Duval tore a chunk of my flesh free and downed it as he still held my arm. He spoke after the taste of familiar blood began to calm his mind, "Lord Jackal?"

I kept a hold of his bulky body to ensure that he was himself once more and didn't release until I felt his grip fade away. "Welcome back old friend," I smiled as he took a step back and stared at my arm, "don't worry about it. I'm just glad it brought you back to your senses."

Turning to the denizens that stood side by side one another, I cast aside the elegant suit that was borrowed allowing my scars to be seen. "Denizens of the Grotto," I said in a loud clear voice that sounded like drums throughout the cavern, "mourn the dead as you wish. Bring flowers to adorn their pyres, weapons for them to wield in their eternal slumber, and raise their spirits high among the heavens. Do not dwell on those responsible for their deaths!"

All eyes never left me as I moved to the deceased paladins. A young green haired nymph asked with a fiery tone, "You wish for us to forget what they did?"

Murmurs began to swell into my ears as I just stared at the bodies before me. I felt their hostile gazes bore deep into my bare chest. I sensed their rapid growing anger and pain overwhelm them as they fixated on me. Zeke and Scar took stances on either side of me to hold back a few that charged to achieve their hatred. I saw Nyxis intercept Shz'rak as he struck from the shadows from the corner of my eyes. I watched as he slipped underneath her strike and flew forward.

[(They need someone to purge their anger. A martyr to die filling the void in their hearts that mere words cannot sate. This is my punishment for ignoring my duty to them as their king. For too long I have run from my birthright given to me by my father and his father before him. Not any longer, twice I have proclaimed to be a king and now it was time to act as such.)]

I felt the smooth hilt of a misericorde materialize with the grasp of my right hand. I knew what needed to be done for their anger and feeling of being lost to be sated. I knew what sacrifice needed to be made in hopes to start regaining their trust. A sacrifice that only I could provide showing that I have made my decision. The small blades that Shz'rak wielded stopped just inches from impaling my chest as the sound of struggles subsided. The cavern returned to its natural ominous silence as all eyes bore into me.

"Why?" Shz'rak muttered as his bulbous eyes stared at my severed limb resting gently on the ground at my feet.

I didn't say anything as the bloodied blade returned to its slumber. I stared at the left arm cut just above the elbow that was attached seconds before. It was my penance for being absent in their time of need. Black flame ignited to life in my hand followed by the screaming pain throughout my mind as I cauterized the bleeding nub sealing it shut. I closed my eyes to allow my nausea to subside as I gathered my thoughts.

Opening my eyes I bent down and retrieved my limb. "This," I held it up for all to see, "this is my vow to you all!"

I nodded to Nyxis assuring her I was fine before continuing what needed to be heard, "My vow that I will not rest until those taken are returned no matter living or dead. My vow that those responsible will regret ever stepping foot into our domain and doing as they pleased. They will feel our wrath once and for all. The wrath of monsters not willing to submit to their strength or their god's order."

I allowed time for my words to sink in as I made my way past Zeke and Scarlett. Those who stood in my way parted allowing a path to be walked. "To the denizens of the Grotto," I said as I stopped in the center of monsters, "I vow to no longer run from the responsibility that was given to me. I will begin to act as your king if you will allow it. I will forge a nation where we could live in peace and bury any who dare to destroy such a dream. Our time is coming to make our mark on Aquera just as the dämon kingdoms that settled the ice lands of the far north. Our kingdom will rival that of Ironclad."

My gaze fell upon Veronica, "To my sister, I vow to work alongside our Uncle and you to restore our family name. I vow to act as the hidden ally dwelling in the shadows ready to pounce on our common enemy. I vow to remain the brother you cherish no matter the monster I become in the coming future. Though you can't make such a decision alone, I will be the first to offer my hand in an alliance. Together we shall prosper in the faces of those that seek our ruin, this I promise by the blood of our parents."

None spoke as the air became electrified around me. I turned my gaze to Nyxis who stood in front of me, "To my friends and to my Queen," I caressed her left cheek wiping away a stray tear, "I vow to remain the man that you've come to know me as. I vow to be a kind and just king worthy of your guidance. A king worthy to rule by your side and to serve at your command."

I kissed Nyxis on her lips as I became lost in her eyes, "Will you accept my vows?"

A small grin formed on her face as she wrapped her arms around me burying her face into my chest. "Must you even ask," she chuckled as she stared into my gaze, "I will hold you to your word even more so than anyone else. I will stand by your side as your Queen no matter what tribulations we'll face in building a nation for our people and our children to thrive in."

I smiled and turned my attention to Zeke who held Scarlett by his side. Both beamed with joy as Scar spoke, "The same goes for us, Boss. We'll hold you to your word no matter how stubborn you become."

"I second that," Zeke chimed in as he took my hand in friendship, "Gotta say, it's going to be weird to explain this to the others. I mean finding out that Ironclad's king was your uncle was breathtaking in itself now learning that you're going to be a king might kill a few of them."

I gave a small grin before turning to the Grotto, "Pray tell, do you accept my words to be truth!?" I roared like a commander of a battalion of battle worn knights, "will you accept me as your king!?"

My eyes moved across the many faces who looked upon me as their minds tried to process what I had said. For a moment, I was afraid that my words would fall upon deaf ears as each and every being that surrounded me remained motionless. Then like a bolt of lightning striking the ground, all fell to kneel before me as my name roared like a tide crashing against a ship's bow. I was even surprised that Shz'rak and Akroq had fallen to a knee in respect. My eyes dwelled on the sea of monsters and dämon as they each bowed.

My eyes stopped on Veronica who leaned against the stone throne with her arms crossed and a wide grin. Her mismatched eyes never once left my gaze as she nodded her head accepting my vow for a future where the VonKnight name lives on. Nodding my thanks, I turned and made my way to stand before the bound paladin and Korin. Their eyes met mine as they knelt before me once more awaiting my judgement. I had considered just killing the two outright if I sensed deceit in the paladin's words, but he spoke true.

"Tell me your name," I said, towering over the two.

Without hesitation, the paladin roared out his name for all to hear. "Nathaniel," he bowed his head out of respect, "Nathaniel Cromwell, my Lord."

"Their is no need for such formality," I chuckled, "but it is appreciated. Now, if you would tell me where the camp is located." I watched as he started to speak but stopped at the sight of my raised hand, "Be warned that if you betray those you considered brothers in arms, then you will be tossing your life among men to the side for a life among monsters. If you don't wish to tell me, then as a sign of my respect for your true words, I'll grant you safe passage to Breura. The choice is yours."

"I have made my mind long ago, Lord Jackal. I wish to live alongside Korin for the rest of my days," Nathaniel answered without an ounce of regret, "we're camped toward the west on a small cliff that overlooks the Tlara Falls. If it helps, the horses are stabled near a decrepit shack not too far from the southern entrance."

My eyes looked past him and found Orion standing in front of fluttering black wings. The twelve Qebats that followed him through the crevice dropped the deceased body of an armored paladin whose mouth was frozen in surprised shock. Trails of scarlet dripped gently down his temple as a pool of blood began to form from massive gashes where flesh was torn free exposing the muscle underneath. His armor still had its shimmer from the day's ritualistic polishing burned into the mind of every fine paladin. Runes were etched along the pauldrons that glowed a hollowed blue as their magic started to fade. Looking closer, the poor bastard still gripped the hilt of his short sword unable to attempt a pathetic defense.

"He speaks truth," Orion turned his attention to my severed limb with shocked eyes, "I will kill those two. Where are they?"

I smiled as I placed a hand on his head trying to comfort him. "This was of my own volition," I chuckled, "this was my vow as a king."

Orion's eyes widened as his face became overwhelmed with surprised shock. For years, he has heard my feelings toward kings and nobility. For years, he heard my banter as we traveled about how I despised each one with dissatisfaction. His expression was what I had imagined it to be upon hearing my declaration of formally acknowledging my position as a king of monsters. An acknowledgement that I myself still didn't believe I made even though I made it with the severing of my arm.

"Very well," Orion muttered after taking a few seconds to come to terms with my decision, "I shall walk by your side and keep you from straying along the path of the king I know you can be."

I nodded and made my way to the throne after cutting the bonds that bound Korin and Nathaniel. I gazed upon my subjects who looked to me for guidance for the future. I roared, "Greet your new brother in arms! Morn the dead as you prepare them for their final farewells! Those of you willing and able for the hunt to come, prepare yourselves for we will be leaving within the hour! We will show them what true horrors await them, none shall escape our wrath!"

As if knowing of the death to come, the sky was a black void purged of every star seeking to pierce the veil. The air had a chill to it like that of a corpse given time to stiffen and all its warmth forever trapped in the cold earth. The roar of the Tlara Falls echoed throughout the hollow where stone walls and forest met. Icy rain fell from the heavens as the faint cracks of thunder vibrated the very air waking up any who dared slumber in the presence of judgment. It was such grand weather to wash away the tainted blood about to be spilled.

"Do you smell it, Orion?" I asked as I patted his scaled neck, "The aroma of long forgotten fear and impending death soon to come."

Orion turned his massive head to face me as we took another loop around the camp waiting for everyone to get into position. Orion had morphed into his black wyvern form and carried me to the camp to keep an eye on things. From our position, I found that the captives, both monster and otherwise, were held to the east near a massive red tent where screams could often be heard. Two guards were posted at each entrance while four archers occupied the watch towers. By the looks of the wooden walls and remnants of cut trees told me just how long the paladins had been here. It looked that the paladins had other plans besides purging monsters in Vusta.

[(Did they plan to take over the Beastdom? If so, who was giving them support? No matter how capable each paladin was there was no way for them to overthrow a nation's military strength. No matter, it was another matter to think about another time, right now everyone should be in position.)]

I smiled as I saw the faint mirror that reflected the moon in three quick successions hidden away in the southern forest. I had Duval and Shz'rak along with those more suitable for fighting up close stationed near the main entrances. After arranging the small militias, I was satisfied by having twelve newly raised paladins lead the charge under Duval's orders to assault from the south. I had Shz'rak and his platoon of two lamias, three ogres, one wraith, five insectoids, and ten undead paladins stationed to the west. Each would assault the camp from both entrances simultaneously while another group led by Zara would free the captives and lead them to safety.

I muttered as I watched four more orbs of light flash from each watchtower, "The time is upon us, old friend."

Orion roared with a ferocious tone that would frighten the mightiest of knights signalling the start of the assault. The guards at each entrance became overwhelmed by the flood of intruders and were cut down before weapons could be drawn. Spells and arrows rained down from the watchtowers onto the growing paladins that met the two swarms hoping to fend off the attack. With every step toward the center, a trail of bodies littered the ground as Duval ensured a few captives were taken from the wounded and killed the others. As I watched Duval and Shz'rak charge forward slaughtering any in their path, my attention was taken to Zara and several hobgoblins stalking their way toward the cages where the captives were held. Stone blades silencing the muffled screams of paladins in the way of their goal.

I watched as they broke free the chains holding the doors of the cages and led the occupants down the road of undead paladins that blocked either side and into the waiting arms of Akroq. Unfortunately not every captive was still among the living, five corpses were gingerly carried out of the camp. Soon they would join the others that had fallen in the funeral pyres that would take them to the eternal slumber. I was relieved that most were still alive and even more joyous when I spotted a red haired vampire taking a sword from one of the undead. I watched the vampire immediately leap upon an unlucky paladin and began to feed before joining her brother.

It was time for me to tie the bow on the proverbial ribbon as the paladins were forced to the center of their camp. With a raised hand, I summoned all the surrounding shadows to appear from their places in Penumbra. Like ghosts spiraling to the heavens, shadow upon shadow rose to my palm where a large black orb began to form as it enveloped the shining moon. The faces of the slain burned once more as I focused even more mana. I watched as the remaining paladins gazed in wonder at the sight of the disappearing moon. I felt the mass of whirling mana and shadows become a small orb that I held in my fingertips as I placed it close to my heart before throwing it.

At first the black orb seemed to send unsettled dirt proofing into the air as each paladin stared at it with caution. I smiled as several drew closer to the orb not realizing that they were once again alone with the corpses of their comrades. Several taking notice made their way to gather the dead while those overwhelmed with curiosity stayed with the orb as if entranced. I watched as the orb was gently lifted off the ground and brought closer to the others. The mistake I was waiting for to happen.

Deceit is an important tool.

The sudden explosion snuffed out the screams of the paladins that stupidly surrounded the black orb. From the palm that held it, the orb began to expand, devouring the paladin that held it and those that gazed upon it. The black mass continued to grow until the entire camp was swallowed by darkness. At the center, a tower of swirling white flame drew in tent and paladin alike as it consumed all things. Chaos consumed everything inside the black dome as paladins tried to free themselves only delaying their inevitable demise.

As if signaling the end, the rain became a slight drizzle as stars began to brighten the night sky above. Without a cloud in the sky, the moon's rays bore down on the area where such chaos and death took place seconds ago. A massive crater marked where the paladin forward camp once sat as water began to replace dirt and soil. With much more rain, a swimming hole shall purge the land where atrocities took place. Such a sight served as the first step towards the kingdom I wished to build.

"We still have a shack to investigate," I said urging Orion to the nearby shack untouched by my spell, "let's see if anyone is home."