A Burning City

View Online

From Realms Afar
Chapter 1: The Army
On a different world, a huge stone fortress rose above the clouds in a mountain range. Smoke rose in huge billowing clouds as it was waylaid with a siege. Catapults flung flaming stones into its courtyards, the burning rocks beating the structures like meteors. Men inside the burning city were heavy with armor, barricading the gates and firing volley upon volley upon volley of arrows at their attackers. The battle had been raging for hours, and more and more men arrived every one of those hours to reinforce the army’s strength, building up momentum and tearing at the castles thick stone walls. Inside, moral and resources were stooping to all-time lows. Clerics quickly dashed about the battlefield, healing the wounds of soldiers and marking others for dead. Still the flaming rocks fell upon the city, and more and more property was lost, soon there would be no city to conquer. The soldiers at the barricade yelped as a massive claw slashed the wood to splinters, a terrifying roar filled the air and flames filled the bulwark, killing those trying to hold the gate in a raging inferno.

The dragon burst through the still burning gate with a speed to rival lightning’s, hide without armor, simply a glowing ring around its neck that dug into its throat whenever it disobeyed its master’s orders. The once noble creature flamed more soldiers as they yelled and charged it, charring their skin and making their steel armor glow red. Arrows pelted its back ferociously, causing it to roar in rage, jumping up with humungous wings and destroying a tower, ad killing dozens of archers. Men on the other side of the walls rushed in filled with zeal and a thirst for blood. As the gates fell, a horn sounded at the city’s highest point, calling all of the soldiers and mages to return to the palace. The city was flooded with countless soldiers, sometimes being hindered with traps and runes, but never stopping the over powering tide of warriors. The palace doors were sealed, and deep inside a large gathering of men robed in red silk gilded with golden lace. A huge purple rune before they began to glow brighter as they chanted something in an ancient language.

The remaining soldiers soon retreated to the rune, a few one horseback, and one with a crown of gold and emeralds. Soon, the familiar roar of the fire drake filled the halls as it disintegrated the doors with a single blast of flame, allowing the armies to charge inside. The rune reached its zenith with a final yell of the mage’s voices, and the survivors disappeared with a blinding flash. As the armies charged in, they looked around stupefied to find the halls empty. The castle was claimed by the impending army, and many cheers of joy and fervor filled the halls. Slowly, the celebrations quieted as a man walked in, his footsteps echoing in the polished stone halls. The man was garbed in a grey robe, much like that of the high warlocks that transported the survivors to safety. Men bowed at his presence, some in respect, and others in absolute terror. He approached the dragon and patted its scaled nose, the creature gurgled happily, but it was a forced sound, and its eyes were filled with hate. The man walked into the same room as the rune, and saw the six red robed mages being roped and captured.

“Well well, if it isn’t the Six Sages… how have you been?” the man asked, his voice was surprisingly young and filled with a smug tone.

One looked up at him, a grey beard hanging beneath his chin, eyes filled with anger, “Serverin! I should have known, no other could command a dragon to battle.”

Serverin smiled wickedly, “Correct you are, old man, as usual. Tell me, did your precious orb tell you of my approach?”

The sage simply stared with a longing in his eyes, face becoming stoic.

“I see, well, my spell worked then,” he said, walking to the burnt floor, the rune now inscribed in soot, “Where are they, o’ mighty sage?”

The wise man grinned with a knowing smile, “Far away from your clutches, and the scepter with them. Try as you might, you’ll never find them in the multiverse.”

The dark robed mage chuckled, “Oh no, not the multiverse… whatever shall I do… What’s this…?” he asked himself, pulling out six collars similar to the one wrapped around the dragon’s neck, “I guess we’ll see how these work first, then?”

White fluffy clouds filled the sky above the grand city of Canterlot. Swirling roofs sat upon tall marble towers, and the streets were filled with the hustle and bustle of any capital city. Ponies enjoyed their days, buying goods and gadding about with friends, catching up on the latest gossip and sipping rich cups of tea. The city was patrolled by guards, armed with spears and swords. They marched and sat at corners, making sure that the city was safe and happy. The palace was especially well guarded, and filled with a beautiful garden. Ponies were allowed to come and go as they please, taking in the graces of the well maintained flora and kind animals, or taking tours of the palace. Some ponies came from far and wide, all to meet with the Princess Sisters in court, so that they may bring up topics and business offers.

Today was especially busy for some reason, the line for court easily lead out into a separate hallway. From upon her gold throne, Celestia sat bored as another colt from Trottingham made a point about the increasing homeless rates there and had a small chart depicting the increase and likely causes. The chart was strikingly similar to one that she had just seen. At the end of his presentation, the stallion left and Celestia looked out one of the cathedral windows lining her hall. Soon she could set the sun and vacate to her private quarters. The thought of a warm cup of mint tea and a warm fireplace made her wonder if anypony would notice a slightly earlier sunset that usual…. Well, her sister might, and anypony watching the clock and sky at the same time, but she might be able to get away with it. She shook her head, no, it was her duty to learn the whereabouts of her country, and some of these ponies journeyed from distant lands to see her, the least she could do was open her ears to them.

Just as another pony stepped inside, dressed in business wear and baring a brown briefcase, there was a magical thunderclap. Celestia felt the very fabric of reality ripple, and then a splitting headache attacked her. Everything began to spin, and Celestia felt dizzy. A guard beside her took notice, and leaned over to see her face was wrought with pain.

“P-Princess Celestia, are you alright?” he asked, coming to her aid.

Celestia leaned back, “I’m fine, just a headache… I haven’t felt something this powerful since…”

Thoughts to ages ago reminded her of her foalhood, the world was peaceful, until the same feeling washed over her… and in a chaotic flash, He showed up.

“I must take a break and be with my sister. Court is officially closed due to unforeseen circumstances. Guards; make your way to the barracks and watch over the city. I must go.”

With that said, Celestia rose from her seat and disappeared in a golden flash. He guards were confused, but obeyed, ordering everypony to leave and headed to the barracks for further orders. As for Celestia, she reappeared in her sister’s room, and startled the slumbering Princess Luna from her rest. Luna was awake now, mane slightly out of shape and eyes groggy, but awake.

“Celly… What time is it, surely not time to raise the moon?” she asked, slowly getting out of bed.

Celestia shook her head, moving to her sister, “No, not time yet. Did you not feel it, or perhaps dream it?”

Luna raised a brow, “Whatever do you mean dearest sister, are you troubled by something?”

Celestia nodded, approaching one of the windows, “I felt a force akin to that of Discord’s appearance.”

Luna was suddenly awake; the very mention of the devilish Draconequus caused her mane to flare out and eyes to snap to attention, “Do you think another of his kind came through?”

Celestia sighed, “I don’t know, but I can feel something atrociously powerful somewhere near the Everfree… It’s unlike anything I’ve ever sensed, can you not feel it?”

With her mind much more aroused, Luna focused her power on the Everfree, “Yes, I can… Dare I say it; it feels as though it is more powerful than Discord…”

“I know,” said Celestia, “Which is why it frightens me so, I fear not even the Elements may be able to quell it.”

“We do not know it's intentions, it could very well be a much kinder creature,” countered Luna, trying to stay on what little bright side there was to this situation.

Celestia smiled at her sister, “You are correct, perhaps I am seeing this in too dark a light. Still, we should take precautions, so I will be leaving with a regime of our best to investigate.”

“Not alone, you aren’t!” Luna said, standing beside her sister, “I’m coming with you.”

Celestia chuckled, “I said I was taking are best guards, I won’t be alone.”

“Well by the time you get there it will be dusk, my Night Guards are especially good at seeing in the dark, we could be your eye in the sky,” Luna said, reinforcing her point with just a hint of pride.

Celestia mulled it over, “Very well, your guards may come with us, it will be important to know exactly where it is, even when our eyes fail us.”

Luna smiled, “You won’t regret it; how long until we head out?”

“As soon as we’re ready to leave for the Everfree forest. Gather your guards, and we’ll “head out”.”

The woods quivered with the wind, limbs trembling in the slowly cooling air. Leaves began to turn orange and wither with the coming of autumn in the independent forest. A sudden crack filled the air, but no thunderclouds hung above. There was a sudden commotion as a flock of birds scrambled into the air at the appearance of a huge force of men, women, and warriors. Armor and metal horse shoes clanked as the men began to shuffle about, horses restless. Some soldiers approached the center of the formation, kneeling before their superior.

“My liege, the area is secure, we are alone,” they reported, heads still facing the ground.

The crowned Duke nodded, “Good, then the wise and noble Sage’s have done as they have told. Their magic is truly wondrous, may my ancestors watch over them.”

One soldier looked up, “Orders, sir?”

The Duke looked around, “Have you ever seen a forest so thick? Or one that yellows? I do not like it, it may corrupt the scepter, let us find a place to rest our weary feet.”

“Aye, my lord!”

With that, the group ran off, barking orders to the soldiers under them. Mages began to use perimeter spells, looking for any signs of life and rangers scouted the area for some form of clearing.

The Duke looked around pleased, “Even after their city has fallen and homes burned, my people stay strong and loyal… I could not ask for more in return.”

It wasn’t long before a knight in slightly more polished armor returned, “My lordship, we have located what appears to be a ruin of some sort. It is well fortified despite being old, and a trench makes it very easy to defend.”

“And what about space, is there room for the civilians?” asked the Duke, looking to his people.

The knight nodded, “Yes, my lord. It looks to be like some sort of old castle and grounds.”

“Onward then, we march for the ruins,” commanded the Duke, pointing the direction specified by the faithful knight.

As they trekked through the thick woods, the Duke began to feel as if they were being watched, though his mages reported nothing. The trees were tall and twisted, almost unnaturally so, and vines hung from some of their branches. This world was a curious one, and he spotted one of the older alchemists take some bark and leaf samples. Their numbers were few, only two or maybe three hundred, including him. They were the survivors of a horrible attack, most likely some dark hearted man’s attempt to steal and corrupt the Staff of Harmony. The fortress was all but impenetrable around the holy city, except to a beast as powerful and respected as a drake… for one to control such a creature… the Duke shuddered.

They were soon upon the castles exterior, and as stated by his knight, a large trench surrounded the area, mist keeping the bottom out of sight, almost as if it was meant to. It was unfortunate that the knight forgot to mention that only an old and rotting rope bridge connected the two lands together.

“Have a new and more solid bridge built. Make it fast though, we must begin to pitch our camps, night fast approaches,” he called out, pointing out the old bridge as some of the more brave villagers attempted to cross.

The men quickly mobilised, and the sound of chopping was soon heard. Still holding fast to hiss orders, he saw that after a matter of minutes they had chopped down two tall and thick trees, each long enough to cross the gorge. Soon, large braches were being fastened using some rope and leather straps, and the bridge was ready to be crossed. The Duke dismounted, and led his pony across, followed by other riders, and then everyone thereupon after. They approached slowly, despite their previous courage and impatience, the palace had a very ominous feel to it, and the Duke hoped that it would pass when light again graced its derelict halls. Tents were quickly set up, and the Duke along with the Scepter bearers made their way into the old castle. The Duke saw that there was a tower above them, and ordered that watchmen were posted there, and the Scepter as well. The four men carrying a golden jeweled casket acknowledged, and carefully carried it up the steps.

A small and unspoken system was made. Anyone with an axe gathered wood, anyone with a sword and armor helped pitch tents and began to patrol the area, and anyone with magical talents began to inspect the area for anomalies and healed any injuries. The Duke had his own personal room established in the larger room they first entered. It was a well-constructed castle, even with pillars lying around the room, the floor did not collapse and glass still filled some of the windows. The roof was missing, but it did give a spectacular view of the sky as it burned bright orange. His bedroll was rolled and horse was pitched, The Duke began to wonder how to rebuild. Soon, makeshift torches filled the room and heard the sound of fires crackling inside the courtyard. His people were alive, that was a start, but there was no telling what creatures lurked here, some may even be more powerful than some of the Immortal Dragons of old.

The Duke made his way to the bedroll at the far end of the chamber, bypassing an odd statue and sitting beneath and archway. He was tired, and there wasn’t much to do, the denizens of Aviana were very kind to one another, effects of generations of trying to maintain absolute harmony for the Scepter. He was just settling in his bed when a guard came clanking along, running to the Duke as if the world was crumbling beneath them and the Duke had the only stable land.

“M-My liege, a thousand apologies for waking you, but this is urgent!” the guard stammered.

“Very well, go on,” the Duke sat up, looking at the knight.

“We are being watched, sir,” he reported, looking away for a moment, and then back to the Duke, “By strange four legged creatures.”

The Duke began to get up, “Can we have no peace… Form a perimeter, I will take no chances of our people falling, assume that they’re hostile and kill any that come into the camp.”

The knight bowed, “Yes my Lord.”

The knight stood as he was dismissed, and then raced back to the soldiers, yelling orders and moving the townspeople into a protected section of the ruin.

The Duke sighed, “Ancestors; can we have no peace…?”

A Single Free Soul

View Online

Chapter 2

The landscape beneath Celestia was a blur, mottled green and the occasional spec of blue and brown raced past her vision as she soared through the air. It had been much too long since she had flown on her own, and she wished the circumstances were better but the only reason she wasn’t in a chariot was because she was covered in ancient armor and had an enchanted spear at her side, just a precaution. The literally could not remember the last time she had used these things, a battle requiring an Alicorn didn’t happen often… a battle requiring an armored Alicorn had probably only happened once. Her spear, Flare Striker, was as long as she was, and doubled as a staff. It was made from an excessively rare metal named Magma Ore due to it being found in magma flows deep in mines that ponies used to dig when metal was needed for weapons and armor. It was heat resistant, to the point where it took even her most potent fire spell to even turn red, save for summoning a small solar fire, which melted everything. The metal gleamed dull orange, save for where a small sun rest near the top, which was brass, making it appear even more radiant. It’s edges had to be sharpened for a full month before it could cut anything and it took nearly a year to cool after it was set.

She looked over to Luna, who had her twin set of swords, Wane and Wax, both beautiful white swords made from a metal found only on the moon and in meteors. The stuff was also rare, and extremely cold tolerant, but couldn’t resist heat very well. Each was shaped like a crescent moon, and each was very durable. The handles were made from cobalt and made to look like tides. Her set was made much faster, but took longer to acquire the ore. She hadn’t seen her sister in armor since… well; she wasn’t really herself back then. Celestia turned and focused on her wing beats, after this they were going back into a museum, so there was no reason to get attached to them again. The Everfree was in sight, and she began to slowly descend. The flight did not last much longer, and soon she and the small fleet of ponies that had come with them touched down outside the wild forest. The place was especially unsettling at night, vines hung like nooses and branches curled like claws. Root stuck out like some kind of monster’s hands grasping for your feet, and the gnarled bark looked like it could come alive and attack… actually, there were cases of that, but they were in canine form.

They formed a large wall-like formation and began to march into the dangerous forest, searching for whatever had appeared. Celestia hadn’t visited the forest very often, but when she did, something like this had usually happened. She could feel them nearing where they had felt the appearance of the powerful being, but as they approached the location, she was noticing something strange, actually, two things.

“Luna,” she asked, looking around, “Does it feel like we’re getting closer to the old castle?”

The armor clad sister nodded, “It does, and also do you feel like…”

“The power source is splitting into a large area?” finished Celestia.

“Yes, as if it’s dissipating, but there’s still and epicenter,” Luna said, shifting her swords in their sheaths.

Celestia began to wonder just what they were up against here; nothing had really felt like this before. As they neared, she ordered for them to stop and sent two of Luna’s guards in the direction of the old palace on a hunch. As they waited for the guards to return, Celestia had them huddle together, setting up a perimeter. She and her sister gathered nearest to the middle, taking off her helmet and sighing.

“What do you think it is, sister, perhaps it is a Draconequus that has dispersed itself over an area using its chaotic magic,” suggested Luna.
Celestia sighed again, “I don’t know Luna, the closer we get, the more I feel like we’ve completely misjudged what’s out there. And yet, I’m still feeling that incredibly powerful energy source, magical in nature, and dispersed over our old castle.”

The two sisters began to discuss what it could be, suggestions going from a Draconequus all the way to alien gas. The forest around them seemed to fade away, there was no noise, not the hoot of an owl or the padding of feet, and Celestia felt like it was more than their large numbers that had caused the forest to hush here. It was as if the very woodland had seen what had come here, and then covered its mouth as if not to be noticed. Truly, she felt there should have been at least the distant howl of a wolf or the growl of a Hydra, but instead, there was just silence… damnable, unbearable silence. The guards returned all too soon, and brought some astounding news.

“Princesses, we looked where the castle used to be, and found it covered in odd, bipedal creatures, some of which have pitched tents and started fires, or even inhabited the ruin itself. A new bridge was made for them to get across, and some are in odd grey armor patrolling the ridge, though I think a few spotted us.”

Luna scoffed, “Impossible, not even the best guards can spot a Night Guard in flight during the night.”

Celestia looked at them critically, “How many are there, and did you say tents?”

The guards nodded, yellow slitted eyes betraying their calm demeanor, “They are many, easily outdoing us ten to one, and they have settled well already, guarding the bridge to prevent crossing and forming a patrol schedule, or at least something similar from what we observed.”

Celestia nodded, “Right… we should try to make contact, they might come in peace, since they seemed to have settled.”
Luna walked in front of her, “But sister, they have tents, chances are, they have planted themselves there to attack in the morning.”
Celestia waved a hoof, “No, we have to assume that wherever they came from, it was day. They have no idea where any of our settlements are, and perhaps they trying to adapt to our day-night cycle. I think they may be either explorers, or refugees.”

“… I see the reason behind your thinking, bit they have weapons and armor. If we are to approach them, we must do so cautiously,” reasoned Luna.

Celestia nodded, “I know, but if they did see your guards, then we might not have to do so in such a sly way. Find where this bridge of theirs sits, and I shall—with two guards—sit at the opposite end and see if we can ask for their leader, assuming their race has one.”

Luna mulled it over, “Good enough, but the rest of us shall surround their camp, our castle, and be at the ready, should they do something drastic.”

“Sounds good, are we ready?” she asked a guard standing nearby.

She saluted, “Yes, your majesty.”

Celestia stood, “Then let us make haste.”

The Duke sat outside of the old castle, looking onward into the woods, his men now lined along the gorges edges, two at the bridge. It had been a full fifteen minutes since the creatures were spotted flying overhead, and he began to wonder if what his men saw was merely a large bird in the dark. The forest had been very quiet despite it being so dense, perfect for life to thrive in, so maybe there was some truth to their words, but it had been too long since something had happened, and now a silence filled the air, only to occasionally broke by the low creaking of armor as a soldier shifted. He was ready to head back inside and call off the lockdown when something caught his eye. There, at the end of the bridge was a tall horse with wings and a horn, covered in armor and bearing a large spear. It was flanked by two smaller soldiers dressed in similar armor, though he couldn’t see their weapons. He made his way down the steps, and towards the creatures as a knight quickly ran to him.

“S-Sir, she has asked to speak with you personally,” he reported, kneeling at the Duke’s presence.

The Duke nodded, “And she should, we are most likely trespassing.”

He calmly made his way to the bridge, walking at a slightly faster than normal pace. The grass crunched underfoot as his leather boots squished the ground beneath his legs. The air seemed to charge as he approached, she radiated a certain aura of superiority, and he was sure there was no breeze nearby to blow her well colored mane like that. As he got closer, he saw her shift slightly; she was as uncomfortable as he was.

He finally arrived at the bridge, and stood solemnly, the two soldiers at his flank, and his eyes set forth, “Hello, I take it you are the ruler of this land?”

She nodded, “I am one of two, and my name is Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria. I am here on because of your presence in our land.”

The Duke felt a little subordinated, “And I am Luthos Delkin, Duke of the Holy City Aviana. May I ask if we are disturbing some sort of sacred grounds?”

“No, these ruins have been abandoned for centuries; I am speaking of the presence of your people here altogether. We felt your entry unto out world and thought the worst of it, tell me, are our assumptions correct?”

The Duke scratched his chin, “That depends, did you assume we are here to attack you?”

She nodded, “Yes, please do not answer a question with a question; I need to know what you are doing here and why you are doing it.”

“Sorry, we are fugitives. We come from a land known as Serinia, though unfortunately it has been plagued by a large scale attack lately. It was once a beautiful and pure place, where there are tales of men befriending packs of wolves and speaking with dragons, but recently… one man decided to break the world’s peace, I dare not speak his name for it is like speaking a curse. He is a very powerful mage, and we had believed our city was impenetrable… he proved otherwise. Somehow sneaking an army directly under our nose despite having an object that allowed our Sages to see an incoming threat, he attacked us suddenly and relentlessly, burning our buildings with flaming stones and breaking our gates with a dragon he had captured. We had no choice but to retreat, for even if we escaped our burning city, the land was out of balance, and we would quickly be captured or killed…”

He stopped for a moment, reminiscing on a battle already passed, “Escape to another realm was actually our best choice. I apologize if we’re intruding, your majesty.”

He looked up and was surprised to see remorse in her eyes, “I see… What about that ungodly power that is sitting in the watchtower?”

The Duke flinched, “My apologies, the Delkin line has been guarding it for over twenty generations. It is known by my people as the Scepter of Harmony, an artifact of immeasurable magical power, and a deadly weapon should it fall into the wrong hands, such as the dark magician who attacked us.”

The armored princess’s eyes grew wide, and her jaw dropped for a moment, “Does he have anyway of following your people here?”

The Duke shook his head, “The Sage’s would die before helping a man with such a dark heart.”

She seemed to calm immensely, “That is good news… You seem like a fair ruler, and your land is very close to our own. I do not usually do this with otherworldly travelers, but for some reason, I trust you. Your demeanor is humble, your guards are calm, and I’ve seen no signs of an attempt on our lives, despite how many openings there had been. If you would come with me, my sister and I will discuss with you the rules of this land.”

“May I ask why?” the Duke inquired.

She smiled, “If you are to live here, you will need to know our laws.”

The Duke’s mood did a ‘180’, but he restrained himself, knowing composure was important here, “A thousand thanks, fair maiden.”

She blushed, “It really isn’t any trouble, now if we could have no interruptions, please, come with me.”

The Duke summoned the soldiers at his flank, and they followed the Princess, perhaps his people could have peace after all.

The City was still burning. The clouds of smoke had lessened, but were still present, and stained the sky grey. Sunset was upon the once grand city, and inside was a bustle of activity. Soldiers were still in their armor, all of which were lined up and ready to march towards the rune, as soon as it was ready. The once wise and kind Sage’s eyes had turned black, soulless, the ring around their necks robbing them of their humanity. Like a dog would his master, they obeyed Severin’s every order; the collars were designed to beseech dragon minds, and being attached to a human had nearly killed them. Still, they worked, if a little slower than usual, and the rune was slowly beginning to form again. As for the warlock himself, inside the throne room he sat upon a tall seated throne, golden ornaments usually reserved for the righteous and holy protector of the Scepter, now tainted by his very presence. He absentmindedly stroked the snout of his pet dragon; the creature seemed to like the attention. His thoughts were on other things, such how to use the Scepter first, perhaps he would turn the sun red, or maybe force the once high and noble Duke to his knee.

A wicked smile crossed his face, “Imagine the shame of that man… first, he loses his precious kingdom, next he has to bow down and swear fealty to the man—no, God—who had humbled him…”

The dragon grumbled in response, shifting slightly under his master’s palm.

“Yes, it would be glorious, wouldn’t it? *Sigh* Oh I can barely wait… to see his eyes as we barged into this new realm, oh it would be glorious!”

Just then, the great doors at the end of the hall opened, revealing one of the Sages. The old man marched slowly up to the throne before kneeling; his hood was pulled suspiciously low over his face.

“What is it, slave? Is my gateway complete?” asked Serverin, slowly sitting up and patting the dragon a few times before standing.

“Yes, my lordship, the portal is ready. We are awaiting your command,” he said, voice slurred.

Serverin smiled, “Finally, it took too long. Next time I need something done, it had best be done much more quickly.”

As Serverin was leaving the room, he noticed that the Sage didn’t follow. Turning around, he saw that the Sage was casting a spell! Before he could muster some magic, the dragons collar was shattered, and the Sage Teleported onto his back. Serverin created a barrier just in time, as an all-consuming wave of fire washed over him as if there was an ocean of flame at its back. The drake that once obeyed his every word flew over him and took a swipe at him using its tail.

The Sage that was riding him looked back, and sighed, “Thank you. We must make haste for the portal, the army will be leaving soon, and I have a way to close it!”

The drake understood, deciding the quickest path was through a wall nearby, and smashed into the same room that the rune was being forged in. The army was readying themselves, just as it flashed a bright purple, ready to accept travellers.

“Hurry, before my brothers let the Army through, there is nothing I can do for them now!”

The huge beast leapt into the air, diving for the rune as the Sage on his back cast a spell, shouts of protest coming from the army. Just as they were mere feet away, a flash emanated from the dragon’s back, and the rune glowed green for a moment before engulfing the two interlopers, and then collapsing in an intense thunderclap. Everyone in the room was knocked to their rear, and a light black haze coursed into the room. Another clap entered the room, though it marked the appearance of Serverin, hand glowing with pure energy, eyes seemingly ablaze… they were literally on fire.

“WHERE ARE THEY?!” he demanded, voice causing the room to shudder.

A Sage stood, eyes still black, “To the realm we were preparing for you, milord. He had tainted this area, and made it impossible to create another portal here.”

“AND YOU!” he screamed, grabbing each of the remaining Sages with his power, and bringing them to him, “You had all best make a new one quickly, because I need that scepter, and you probably all want to keep your miserable lives.”

“Yes milord,” they all replied in unison, doing their best to bow while being floated five feet above the floor.

He dropped them from the air, all of them making a whump sound as they touched down. The very room darkened from Serverin’s anger, which caused him to close his eyes; breathed in and out slowly, then opened them, his eyes returning to their normal non-flaming hue. He walked out of the room silently, his voice completely devoid of emotion. The army began to mutter amongst itself, and the Sages walked single file out of the room, searching for an area that could be successfully used to make another portal. The sky turned black, stars slowly igniting themselves to join the moon on the night shift.