|
Other Links |
The Iskar Prisoner
Dagda Icefury, Sir Jevik Isqual, Thubr Axebringer and Galeth Veredeth escorted the Iksar prisoner solemnly through the forests of Faydwer, on their way to bring the grim news of Firiona Vie's kidnapping to King Tearis Thex. The creature's hands were bound with long chains. Thubr walked in front of the creature, the stout dwarf holding the end of the chains. Walking next to him was Sir Jevik. The Paladin did his best to warn away everyone they passed, telling them to keep clear of the beast and to avoid getting too close to it. Dagda helped to bring up the rear. She marched directly behind the young Iksar, her weapon drawn and ready to strike out if the creature made even the slightest attempt at escape. Her eyes never left the creature. Galeth strode silently at the side of the prisoner, his face stern and angry. The Iksar seemed frightened and a bit confused. It variously snapped its teeth at people that got too close to him or made pitiful pleading gestures with his hands to others. It seemed to Galeth that the creature was young, based solely upon its behavior. With so little knowledge and exposure to this new race, it was impossible for him to tell for certain. As the four marched toward the castle in Felwithe a rather large crowd of curious onlookers began to follow close behind. It had been two millennia since an Iksar had come close to the continent of Faydwer and the appearance of this creature was causing quite a commotion. The four approached the castle and marched without hesitation into the chambers of King Thex. The others stayed behind as Galeth walked up the steps of fine black and white marble, approaching the monarch. "Greetings, milord," Galeth said reverently as he bowed before the king. King Thex nodded toward Galeth and said, raising one eyebrow, "You are back so soon. I trust your journey went well?" Galeth lowered his head, "Unfortunately, Milord…" The King glanced over Galeth toward the others waiting near the bottom of the stair and exclaimed, "What in good Tunare's nation is that… that thing doing here? Guards! Guards!" Galeth held both of his hands up in a pleading gesture, "Milord, wait, please. This creature is a prisoner, we brought him here as proof…" "Proof?" The King drew his weapon and whispering a word known only to the Paladins of his order, the sword ignited and was engulfed in magical flames. The flames reflected in his eyes as he glared dangerously at the Iksar standing before him. The young Iksar hissed at the elves around him, his thick tail twitching nervously. "Milord… there is more. This thing here has assisted in the kidnapping of your daughter, Firiona," Galeth said, placing a hand on the King's shoulder. The King, his face twisting in a hate-filled glare as his icy blue eyes burned with disgust, snapped his head toward Galeth. Galeth's voice was filled with shame, "I am sorry, milord, but there was nothing that could have been done…" Throwing Galeth's hand from off of his shoulder, the King strode across the floor and stood face to face with the Iksar prisoner. Raising his fiery sword, he swung it in a wide arc severing the Iksar's head instantly. The creature raised its shackled arms reflexively in defense, even as the head was severed. Both the head and body fell to the ground. The flames from the sword cauterized the decapitation causing no blood to be spilt upon the royal floor. Galeth stood, his mouth agape, "Milord, I mean no disrespect, but that might not have been so wise." The King was indignant, "I care not what you think, Lord Galeth Veredeth! How DARE you bring that thing into MY kingdom!" Galeth prostrated himself before the King in a gesture of submission and fealty, "Forgive me, your majesty." "Galeth, tell me who has done this… who has stolen my daughter from me?" the King said as he began to pace the floor, his voice shaking with rage. "It was one like he who now lies lifeless. He said that his name was Danak," Galeth said. The King continued to pace around the room. He tapped the blade of his sword on the marble floor with each slow step he took and the sound echoed loudly throughout the hall. "Tell me Galeth. Tell me where and how this was done and do it swiftly as my patience for you is quite thin at this moment." Galeth swallowed, "Of course your majesty. Firiona, our companions and myself had traveled back to the forgotten lands. The first day we had set foot upon that land, one of them… along with this one, came and opened a portal, to where I know not…" The King shook his fist in the air, "Obviously you do not know! Quit stalling you fool and get the damned point!" "Forgive me, your majesty, of course." King Tearis Thex stopped his pacing and turned an icy glare upon Galeth, "Continue." Galeth continued in a halting pace, "The other… Lizard Creature…" "Iksar… the vile beasts are known as Iksar," the King said impatiently. "The Iksar… the other Iksar shoved Firiona into the portal before jumping into it himself. We would have followed but the portal closed as soon as the… Iksar jumped through." The King nodded and turned away from Galeth, raising his weapon as he spoke. "Give me one reason why I should not have you executed for failing me so miserably, Galeth." Galeth raised his head, staring boldly at the infuriated king. "Sir, I can not give you a valid reason that I think would satisfy your rage at this time." The King chuckled and turned to Galeth, his eyes still burning cold. "I give you one more chance, Lord Galeth Veredeth, to redeem yourself in my eyes and in the eyes of this nation." "I am listening, sir." The King continued, "Go back to this land and take your comrades with you. I shall give you a good number of Fier`Dal and Koada`Dal to assist you in this mission. Build a stronghold upon that land and return to me, my daughter… my ONLY heir to the Koada`Dal Throne." "You have two years," King Thex added. "Understood milord." Galeth kneeled once again before the King, "You are most merciful." The King took in a deep breath and continued to stare coldly at Galeth. "One more thing, Lord Galeth Veredeth." "Of course, milord?" The flames from his sword flickered out and the King replaced the holy sword into its sheath at his side. He slowly walked toward Galeth. "As your king and as a result of my…merciful nature and your pathetic failure, I hereby remove your knighthood." Galeth swallowed a large gulp of air as he listened to the king's cold words. The King turned away from Galeth briefly. He then spun around quickly and delivered a brutal backhand to Galeth's chin with his heavily mailed fist. Galeth did not fall from the blow but he kept his head turned to the side, a bit of blood beginning to stream down from his lip. The King then spit upon Galeth's face. "Go now, Galeth Veredeth, and do not return to me until two years have passed or my daughter is in your custody." "Understood, your majesty." Galeth kneeled a final time as the King turned and walked quickly from his chambers. That day, all throughout the land, town criers delivered the terrible news to the public. "Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Firiona Vie the chosen of Tunare and daughter to King Tearis Thex has been kidnapped! The lizard people known as the Iksar are said to be behind this tragedy. Encountering the Iksar shaman known as Danak Dhorentath, Firiona was taken by surprise. Opening a gate, he pulled her in and both disappeared. Her whereabouts are unknown. Sparing no expense, King Tearis Thex has ordered that the small elven settlement established in the new lands be greatly expanded and a city built to spearhead her rescue. Even now magically enhanced ships of enormous size and speed deliver unprecedented numbers of building supplies, raw materials and manpower to accomplish this goal. Rumors say the King will name the city after his daughter, Firiona Vie."
|