heroes of horde lands

7/31/2019 Heroes of Horde Lands

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BARBARIAN PRINCE .................................................................................................................................................. 3

BLACKSHADE ............................................................................................................................................................... 7

SAEVEL ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11

DRAGON PRINCESS ................................................................................................................................................... 32

RIZZEN ......................................................................................................................................................................... 36

JEZZARA ...................................................................................................................................................................... 46DRAGON PRINCESS ................................................................................................................................................... 52

SAEVEL ......................................................................................................................................................................... 60

JEZZARA ...................................................................................................................................................................... 64

BLACKSHADE ............................................................................................................................................................. 70

SAEVEL ......................................................................................................................................................................... 72

SARGENT HELLSPEAR ............................................................................................................................................. 77

BAERIC DAGGERFOLD ............................................................................................................................................ 83

DRAGON PRINCESS ................................................................................................................................................... 90RIZZEN ......................................................................................................................................................................... 92

SAEVEL ......................................................................................................................................................................... 96

DROW QUEEN .......................................................................................................................................................... 101

JEZZARA .................................................................................................................................................................... 108

LADY MOONSHADE ................................................................................................................................................ 111


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Sun was shining above as the barbarian watched his men gather in the valley. So many were

here, more than ten thousand. No. More than fifteen. He remembered his fathers words as he

counted men:

Remember son, his father once told him.Good commander can estimate his opponentsnumbers and strength with just a glance.

Seventeen thousand men, father, he said to himself. Not as much as you had. Not enough.

Yet where his father used strength of numbers, Hubadai used cunning. I shall not do the same

mistake as you did, father. I shall not march my horde west on Kara-Tur. Not yet. I shall

strengthen my kingdom here, and expand slowly. And then, I shall march on Cormyr, putting

every village and town to a torch. I shall have my revenge.

He slowly paced down to the valley to greet his men. My forces are fewer than my father had.But again, my father lacked talented men. He did not know of magic-men who can turn the

tide of battle with just a tip of their fingers, creatures so powerful that lesser men flee in their

sight. He did not travel as I did; wandering across this land they call Faerun, learning their

language and their art of war. He didnot know his enemy. Yet numbers still did he miss, this

new young king of Tuigans, although every day more and more came to his cause. And today,

he will speak in front of them, for today is a special day.

On this same day more than a decade ago, his father Yamun Khahan marched with his horde,

almost hundred thousand big, towards Faerun and conquered nation after nation until hestumbled upon the Alliance host that was led by Azoun IV, king of Cormyr. Azoun killed

Yamun and the horde was broken, retreatingdeep into Endless Wastes. You did not have a

nation, father. They did not follow a symbol, they followed you. And when you died, their

cause died with you. But Hubadai learned from his fathers mistakes, and created a kingdom.


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Kingdom of Yaimmunahar, with him as khan. And now, his men will not go back if he falls.

They will continue on, bringing down nation after nation.

It was a warm day in the Eyen Horo, or in common tongue The Valley of The God. It was

always warm here, and clean springs filled the entire horizon. It was here where the bones of

his father were placed, and it was here that Khahans Queraband, tent-city of warriors that

traveled with Hubadai wherever he went, came every spring, to give respect to their former

king. Young barbarian climbed the center of the camp and prepared to speak. Leader must be

loud. Every men that follows him must be able to hear him, so that he can share his vision with

them. Men will follow only what they believe in. And Hubadai had a loud, scary voice. True

voice of the commander.

My Tuigan warriors! My brothers! My sisters! Blood of my blood! It has been over fifteen

years since your fathers followed great Yamun west. It has been over fifteen years that yourmothers mourned them and cursed at West for making them widows! And today, we rise again.

Our numbers grew during these years, and soon we will march as my father marched once. Yet

this time, we shall not be stopped! We shall pillage every town westerns built and we shall

take their wives in our beds! We shall take their children as our own, raising them as warriors

of Yaimmunahar. One day, they shall walk and fight and die with you, my Yunnichar, my elite

warriors and backbone of my army. So today, we shall drink and feast for my father, who

showed us that if we unite, there is no limit to what we can do. This is for my father and your

true Khan, Yamun Khahan. Let us drink for him and let us be worthy to see him in Eternal

Plains after we die.

Horde has cheered, slamming their axes into their shields. Hubadai drank for his father and left

the center of the tents.

That was a good speech, hooded figure praised young Khan. Your men are truly yours to

command.

They are. I have proven my strength, that I am worthy of my fathers position, magic-man.

That you have, yet figures move on this board. Game is not won yet.

Cormyr will not stop us. Not this time.

Yet, Alliance strengthens their position west of here, by Lake of Mists. Becon Cairn is theirs,

and villages of Raumvirans extended themselves for them. Lord Donnington made Cairn into

real fortress, capable of holding back even the most numerous of foes.


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I am aware of that, Amon. And I shall not march west until Cairn is ours. We will find a

way to bring the fortress down, and then we shall move on Narfell. From there, I shall pluck

down kingdom by kingdom, until Cormyr stands alone.

I am at your disposal, Hubadai. I will help you as much as I can.

You already did much. Yet what is imperative for our conquest still misses.

Things are in motion, young Khahan. Warlocks are here already, as I promised. You will have

a force to counter Cormyrs War Wizards. And as for rest.

As for rest, I see no result.

Patience, Hubadai. It took me five long years just to find the key. And another year to place it

where it is needed. Soon, Kara-Tur shall witness the might that has slept for generations.

Can he be trusted?

My brother? He is a fiend, Hubadai. They must not be trusted. But he will do his role, and

then we shall dispose of him, before he has achance to betray us.

If he already didnt do just that. You lost track of him, as well as his companions.

Yet I know where he is headed. You must know the path your prey takes only if its

destination is not known. And we know where he must take them.

Do you think Baga was the right one for the task?

Baga Tak is one we can spare. My brothers number is less than three hundred. Baga marches

east with five hundred. He will do his job, securing your weapon and ending my dark brother.

Have some faith.

Although Khahan did not like Baga being given task so great, he knew Amon was right. He

needed his men to work against Alliance, as the war was ahead of them. And Baga, even if not

the smartest there is, is still good warrior. He should be able to hack down anything Amons

brother throws at him. Half-orc, half Tuigan, Baga was hard to keep in line. Only reason heand his men followed Hubadai is because he bested Baga in combat. Yet, even if Baga would

fail at his task, Khahan will get rid of a warchief that is hard to control.

Baga better not fail. If he does, I shall be in the middle of two enemies. And I need my

strength for Alliance.


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If Baga fails, I will personally take charge of retrieving it, Amon said and turned away.

You better do that, Amon, Khahan thought. You better do that or I shall end your

existence. Hubadai was not nave. Do not trust the creatures of the Abyss, his father once

told him. And he knew it was well said.


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I hate forests, Jeremy frowned. And I am starting to hate this one even more.

Trees bring life, my love. Do not hate the life; fear it instead.

Young sellsword smiled at his priestess. She always had something wise to say. A

splendid point of view on this world, and he loved her for that. She was the one who would

uncover for him wonders of the world which he was not aware about.

In forests, deep down in its heart, lie wondrous creatures that are described in legends

of men. Yet Faerun lacks such big forests, for civilized man has cut down ancient forests to

build houses and ships, to keep him warm. But here lies wonder of the world, my love.

Shalhoond is as old as Faerun itself, and its wilderness is untouched by hand of men, save the

road we are on.

It was true. Shalhoond, or The Great Wild Forest in common tongue, was a true

wilderness. It was a north border of land called Semphar, a land that is too east for Faerunian

maps to even show. Its long, wide trees spread for hundred of meters high and dense branches

filled with dark-green levees blocked the sunshine. Darkness was all around, at least around

the path. Fergana road was built long time ago, as queen of Semphar ordered old trees to be cut

so that caravans may pass. Yet it was so long ago that branches of trees that were on the

border of the road had already spread over the road, although the sunlight still managed to

reach the floor.

Sudenly Krelix rode back. He was set to command outriders that rode in front of

Blackshades man, to alert them if there was anyone in front.

My Lord, riders in front. They are heading towards us. We should go deeper into the forest.

Forest is too dense. We could lose ourselves in it if we leave the road, Jeremy answered to his

captain. How many are there?Thereare about hundred, I could not see. We dared not to venture any closer, else we might be

seen.

Hundred of them, hundred and eighty of us. I think those are pretty odds.


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Perhaps there will be no fight, Nymeria intervened, riding her white stallion between Lord

and his Captain. Perhaps they are friends.

You mean Darkan? Could it be? After so long? Jeremy asked content.

This is not the end of the journey, Blackshade. It is just the begging.

Jeremys face changed color. He was so angry. It has been almost two years since they left

Shaar. They traveled around the Sea of Fallen Stars, from one side to other, always on the

move. Nymeria, if that was even her real name, had dragged them around the sea, swearing

that soon the time will come for them to head towards her home. And couple of months ago, the

letter was found, left from Darkan, telling them that the time is ripe for coming home. He also

left instructions where to go, and its instructions lead them here.

I was promised much, girl. You better notthink for second to.

Watch your tone with me, sellsword. My word is sacred, and much you shall get.And soon.

You see that I do. Nevertheless, I shall not take my chances. Men, assamble around the trees.

Riders, ride back and wait for a sign. We shalltake them by surprise.

Sellswords gathered around and took formations around trees that surrounded the path. It was

easy to hide, for the forest was quite dense and sunlight was dim. So they waited there for the

riders to come. Time has almost stoped for Jeremy, as it always did before the raid. You could

even say that it was fear in him. Yet once the fighting begins, that fear is never there, foranother feeling takes its place. Once he swings his katana and charges into enemy lines, he

would feel immortal, as the entire world would not be able to stop him. He would feel content

and as he is doing what he was born to do. But now, his guts ached.

After long time of waiting, riders finally aproched. There were many riders, about two hundred

of them. All wore leather tunics and rode stallions, armed with spears and shields. In front of

the collumn, rode an older man. Jeremy could see that it was their commander just by looking at

his stature. He was almost fifty, he guessed, with long blond hair made into two braids that

fell over his shoulders. His beard was braided too, and over his lightly blue eyes scar ran downthe cheek.

Steady now, men, Jeremy whispered. Krelix, wait for my mark to engage.


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Pack your staff, Saevel, dark elf had told him months ago. We ride to see my sister.

What do you mean?

Old harper has another job for us. We ride east.

Saevel could not help himself not to remember the last time Harpers called for assistance. That

came with a tremendous cost, for he has lost his brother .

Two years ago, In The Year of Wild Magic, Harpers asked his brother to investigate

certain tomb in Shaar. After being captured, Saevel went there to find him. And he did, along

with army of devils, gnolls and giants that threatened entire Shaar and possibly Faerun. Theydid prevail, though, but at the cost of his brother, who was last seen battling with pyromancer

Amon. Where are you, my brother? Are you still alive?

And there was more dead, more than he can count. Gewar, Hapaw, Dai, Tara, Nestor,

Varien. Even Samuel can be counted there. Samuel LuVein was a paladin of Helm, sent from

Luiren by his father Gerrard to unite the nomads of Shaar and stop the devil prince Valerian.

He killed the devil, though he lost all his friends that day, including his father. And while he

escorted his fathers bones back home, tobe buried in the Hall of Helm, where every true

Champion lies, he found out that his mother has passed away from illness. It was too much,my friend. Truly was. Samuel disappeared, riding into the sunset never seen again.

And now, new task has awaited him, Saevel Moonshade, half-elf, half-human, son of

the powerful mage Islyur and peasant woman Sylvia. But this time, he was not alone, for

Harpers have recruited new ranger into their ranks. It was Rizzen Illystin, drow ranger of the

Underdark, who came to Toril in search of his sister. He fought alongside Saevel since then,

against Devil Prince and giants and gnolls. He stood arm to arm with Samuel in final clash

against the devil. That quest might have cost me one brother, but has rewarded me with

another.

So what is the quest? Saevel asked. Since initiation of Rizzen into the Harpers, it was him

who spent more time with their High Harper Berdorien.

Berdorien was an old man, though how old it was hard to say. Magic was strong with

him, and wizards were known to outlive generations of other ordinary humans. So their


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But Rizzen was not only spellcaster now. Although Saevel has forfeited the study of Arcane,

affinity of magic was too strong in him. He communed with the land, and found himself to be

able to control forest life around him. Little by little, he started to master the Gift of Forest,

becoming able to control emotions of animals and even trees, amplifying their growth and more.

What do we have to do once we get there?

Well, Berdorien has instructed me to investigate the ruins. There is little known of Draconia,

and never had there been a ruin found. There might be some history there to recollect.

So we go book hunting, is that it?

Well, that and giving aid to the Alliance there.

Alliance? What is Alliance doing there? Saevel asked. He knew that there has been no

Alliance there for fifteen years, except for few knights that escorted caravans that traveled The

Golden Way, only road that connected to the wonders of the East.

There is new Khahan there, mustering his horde. Berdorien does not think we might be of

much use there, but we are to contact Lord Estrael Oakspell, a wizard from Neverwinter, who

rode there with Alliance. He is High Harper himself, and we are to follow his instructions if he

has any at all.

Saevel did not like that, for last time some Khahan rose he led hundred thousand men into

Faerun. Not another war, I had enough of them already. We fought against devils, is thereneed for humanity to fight among themselves? So they left Sword Coast, months ago, the

party of three. Rizzen Illystin, Saevel Moonshade and his newlywed wife, Anet Moonshade.

Anet Moonshade, or Anet Laumee Harr as she was called in Shaar, was a daughter of

an old nomad warchief in Shaar. During the war with Devil Prince, her father was slain and

she became the leader of her tribe. She joined paladin LuVein in his cause to stop the devil, and

there she met Saevel. Though during the war they did not have time to meet properly, only few

weeks during the time that paladin ordered building defense near The Great Rift, they spent lot

of time together after the war. It was because the First of Nomads, Gewar Cor Marak, diedduring war and fight for his place started, that the two were broght together. Laskaw Tiaw

Harr, young nomad who was given power by Shaarmid, wanted her head or hand, as she was

the daughter of one of the greatest nomad warchiefs. She had to flee the Shaar, and Saevel

helped her. For months they traveled together, sharing every moment and fell in love. Even


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Greetings, stranger, Merchant told him. I am Dustin Longfoot, a humble merchant that

trades around these parts. And who might you be?

I am Saevel Moonshade, ranger from Sword Coast. I travel with my companions towards

Suizal.

Cormyr, ha? Well, that is far away from Sword Coast, my friend.

I need a worthy boat from there, and I would not risk greedy pirate captains down at Dragon

Coast. Cormyr was my best bet.

So it is. Though reaching it is trickyindeed. The Stone Lands are no friend to humans.

I am well aware of that. Though you seem to be fitted to cross it.

Well, I have learned my blood price years ago, when some warchief captured me and took myear as trophy. Since then, I march there with protection. Few ork chiefs will bother thirty

riders, they watch for smaller game.

Perhaps we might come to an arrangement that might suit us both.

And what is that?

Let us join you, and we shall watch over your caravan as good as those sellswords of yours,

even better. We have our food and supplies, we just need your protection.

Well, since we travel there, I do not see problem to add three more to my protection. Though

you shall not be paid for it.

Of course not, my friend. Protection is payment more than enough.

So they traveled for half a month through wastes of The Stone Land. They heard many stories

from Dustin, since he was a common guest in Tilverton. Cormyr marched in war, way east,

towards Hordelands. Lord Donnington led the men, along with many knights, war wizards

and Purple Dragon Knights, elite warriors of Cormyr and excellent strategists and leaders.

Other Alliance Lords followed too, though Dustin did not know which. Old merchant waswell guarded, Saevel could see. Bronze Dagger did the sellswords call themselves, and their

leader was an one eyed swordsman called Barin.


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It waspleasure too, Dustin. These ten days passed quickly in your company.

Tomorrow, we shall sleep under the roof, for Tilverton is here.

And so they did, on the morrow, for they have reached Tilverton. It was a big fortress, with

moat and spikes all around. Saevel knew it was here that ork chieftan, whose name he couldnot remember, led his band in Cormyr. It was here that Lord Agathorn stood against them, and

it was here that todays commander of Purple Dragon Knights, Lord Dragonspear, killed the

chieftan. Once inside, castellan of Tilverton greeted them.

Greetings Dustin. It is always pleasure to accommodate you here.

Greetings, Ser Henry. How fares your father? Any knews.

My Lord Father holds Beacon Cairne in east. It is not easy, for he writes that young nomad

Hubadai has more riders every day. The Alliance fortifies the strongholds, for they believe that

war will break.

And if you mind my question, Saevel asked the castellan, who is your Lord Father?

Dustin smiled and told the harper: You are speaking to Ser Henry Donnington, castellan of

Tilverton and son of the Lord Baelor Donnington.

Tales of your fathers bravery have reached the Sword Coast, Ser. I am honored to meet you.

They rested for two days here, feasted with Ser Henry and talked about history. Anet wasamazed by story of Yamun Khahan, leader of Tuigans from Hordelands, who led more than

hundred thousand barbarians on Faerun. It was here that he fell, for his barbarians were no

match to knights and war wizards of Cormyr. Andshe was surprised that it Ser Henrys father

fought back then, fifteen years ago.

It is symbolic, you see, Ser Henry told them. My father wounded the great Khahan then,

weakening him for King Azoun IV, and now he rode to fight his son. I have no doubt that he

will win.

And on third, they left the Tilverton. Their horses rested and supplies restocked, they prepared

for easier part of journey.

Farewell my frieds, Dustin told them. And if you ever find yourself in Corm Orp, you are

welcome to stay in my manse.


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So they traveled on foot for half a day until they reached Lake Mulsantir. There they rented

small boat to take them across, but they paid little extra to let them disembark north of the

city. By next day, the city was far behind, and day after it eluded from horizon. While they

traveled by Lake Tirulag, three little lambs walked around it. Anet was looking at them,

holding Saevel by hand, telling him how cute they are, when lambs started to walk over thewater, further and further, until they were floating above the center of the lake.

They are spirits, my love, Saevel told her. Rashemen is full of them. They are sacred to this

land, and quite deadly. Each spirit is governed by an emotion which makes them unpredictable.

Sometimes, spirits of dark emotions, like vengeance and hatred attack travelers. We better keep

away from them.

And so they did, far away from any creature or spirit they encountered until Rizzen saw some

riders in front. He wanted them to hide but it was too late. They must have seen them already,for their quickened their gallop. Few minutes later, band of riders was in front of them, some in

fur and some in leather, riding on their ponies.

Greetings strangers, one of the riders approached them.

Greetings to you, Saevel answered.

Ah, I hear the accent of West in your tongue, half-elf. Who might you be?

I am Saevel, and this are my companions, Rizzen and Anet. We mean you no harm, nor to

your people or spirits.

Notour people. Not anymore. I am Naarud, once warrior of Rashemen, now hunted by

witches for leaving their cause.

And what cause is that, oh mighty Naarud?

Iron Lord gathers men. The word is Tuigans rise again, under some new Khahan. The Witch

Conclave fears that past will repeat itself. But this time, our Iron Lord wants to be ready. He

took dozen of his best men and few witches and led them on Citadel Rashemen.

Why is that? I thought citadel is long abandoned.

It was, and some hags took it for themselves. He cleared it though, and now he commands

from there, asking for every able-body Rashemen to pledge his arms to defending the lands.

And every men that decides not to do so?


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Well, the pointy end of spear for him. He wants to put an example and hebloody did it. Few

warriors were bold enough to say no.

But you did, didnt you. And this friends of yours.

Not yet. We escaped before the recruiters came, but they will find out soon enough. We wonttake our chances, so we travel west, far from thisland as possible.

Why not stay and fight? Rizzen aked. Are you cravens?

Why dont you pick your sword, tainted one, and see for yourself!

I apologize for my friend, for he meant no ill. I know why you stayed. You look old enough to

be here when Tuigans came.

Bloody right I was, old enough to see my father butchered and my mother raped. Old enoughto see other young children taken, to be trained as one of Yunnicar, and older ones smashed in

the wall. I barely escaped them once, and I shall not take my chances again. And there is he,

the blue man they call The Godtouched, who cant be defeated by human hand. I still remember

him, calm as the water, as ten Iron Lords guards rushed towards him. Never saw a man that

fast. It was less than five seconds until all ten guards were on their knees, some with their guts

out, some headless. Then the Iron Lord, pride of Rashemen and chosen by Witch Conclave, the

greatest warrior in all of Rashemen, charged towards him. He gave few slices, I can still see it

clearly as the steel clashed, but the creature parried it off as it was some child attacking him.

Then, with a single stroke he decapitated him. It was then that Citadel Rashemen fell, and

that my father was killed. Rest was butchery, as Iron Warriors broke and tried to escape, but

Tuigan Yunnicar was all over them. No quarter they had for us. So tell me, tainted one, is it

worth fighting for? We have perhaps two thousand axes but Khahan shall throw on us

hundred thousand. And I shall rather take my chances on some recruiters trying to track me

down, than on Tuigan Horde.

This will be trouble, Saevel told his companions as the riders rode off.

Why do you say that, my love?

We cant go through citadel. We shall have to climb over the Sunrise Mountains.

You think Iron Lord wont let us pass?


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I think he will recruit us too. He seems desperate to increase his axe count. I will not take my

chances, not with your life on stake.

It didnt take them long to reach mountains from there. Couple of rainy days, which they

decided to travel off road, to miss any recruiters they might find. But then, the hard path was

ahead. It took them entire tenday to pass the mountains, climbing one peak at the time. Cold

wind cut deep in the bones, and rain has made it perilous, for wet surface was no friend to

hands of the climber. But it passed and they were on the other side of it. On The Golden Way

in Hordelands, close to their goal. It was different here, as if the rainy and wet weather was on

the other side. Here was a waste, with no moisture in the air and no water anywhere around.

Vegetations was scarce, with few cactus around the path. In the horizon, they saw tents,

white tents with Alliance standards mounted around. They walked to it, and guard has led

them to the man in charge. He had a biggest tent, though not so glamour. There were maps on

small, portable table, and in the center stood two guards around him.

Well, who do my eyes see, said the commander. Is that my old friend, Saevel Moonshade.

And my dear Lady Anet.

Ser Theodore! You are the last person I thought to see here.

Ser Theodore Roseburn was a knight Saevel met while in Shaar. He brought him Anet, who

young First of Nomads sought, although his liege Lord Donnington told him to stay away.

They shared few drinks and talked back then, and Saevel enjoyed his company as much as Anet

did.

Well, it was when you last saw me that Lord Donnington gave us orders to meet with rest of

the Alliance and head here. It has been two years that we are stuck here, and looks as though

nothing changed. At least nothing towards good.

What is happening? Tell me everything!

Not much to tell. It is son of that Khahan that invaded Faerun. His name is Hubadai

Khahan. We just heard news that his biggest rival Khan has bend the knee. And you know

how it goes. Once Khan bends his knee, his Yunnicar is no longer his, which makes him more or

less powerless against his Khahan. And now Hubadai has over fifteen thousand men in his

yunnicar. Not to mention other Tuigan warriors that Khans and Chiefs still control.

And what does Lord Donnington do?


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We venture far east, some book hunting and similar Harper business. Then we must go to

Lord Oakspell to help you here.

Well, if you go east, you will go further away from Lord Oakspell. His fort is north.

I know, but we have our orders. We would like to finish our business before the war breaks.Itmight get impossible later.

Anet moved forward, taking Saevels hand in her own. He didnt like it. She always did that

before saying something he wouldnt like to hear.

There might be a way to speed the process, darling. I can go with Ser Roseburn. Once you do

your thing, we shall meet. Until then, Ill report to Lord Oakspell and see if there is something

to do to help.

I dont want you to go through Endless Wastes.

She wont, Ser Roseburn told him. We march through Rashemen. Iron Lord is friendly

towards us. At least while Tuigans are around.

Well, I still dont like it.

I am a warrior, my love. Born and bred as one. I can fend for myself. Besides, I have entire

army to back me up.

He stopped for a second. He saw she was right. Path will get only more dangerous from here.Tuigan warbands raiding all around and monsters of the wastes roaming, not to mention how

dangerous the ruins of an ancient city can be. It was for the best.

So here they were, Saevel and Anet, alone in their tent for a while. Who knows how many

months will pass before he sees here again. After two years, beautiful and full of love, they

shall separate. After few long months of travel, they are near their goal. But from here, they

travel alone. He took her in his arms and kissed her, while the moon strode over the cloudless

sky, and hoped that the night lasts forever.


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With all due respect, magistrate,Saevel spoke, this drow has nothing to do with this

Queen. He has traveled with me for months now, and learned the ways of the Harpers before

that. We are due there, to the same Oasis, to explore some ancient ruins in the name of the

Harpers themselves.

This words moved Lady Amalia, Rizzen could see. You mention Harpers and all the doors

open for you. Unless you are drow.

Harper? This drow? she asked.

Yes, he has proven himself in Shaar, as this very dark elf stood with Lord Samuel against

Devil Prince himself. He is a valuable part of our organization and has nothing to do with

dark deeds that other drow have done.

Magistrate sat there in silence, thinking.

Magistrate, Amalia finally spoke, The Harpers have been friends and allies The Alliancefor

generations. And you can see he wears the Harpers pin. It must be truth. And last I saw Lord

Oakspell, who is Harper himself, he told me that two Harpers have been dispatched to join our

cause.

It is true. We are yours to serve, my Lady, Rizzensaid.

I see. Then we shall make use of you, will we not. I must say, you are foolish to travel that far

east. Tuigans raid The Golden Way. Almorel has been cut off from east, south and north. Onlythe road to Drubiev remains safe, and it is a question how long. Yet if you decide to travel east,

I can do nothing to prevent it. Though I may use it, still.

What do you mean, great Magistrate? dark elf asked.

If you survive your journey to the Oasis, I would like you to do some inquiry there. You are a

drow, you can easily make your way through this Oasis. And when you do, I want to know

everything there is about this Queen Akordia. If she can be reasoned with, how many drow she

has, how are they armed, what are their plans. Everything. And if you decide she poses great

threat, I would have you assassinate her.

Rizzen didnt like this. Oh dear sister, what have you got yourself into this time? Have you

learned nothing from the fall of our House.

I shall do so, Magistrate.


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Magistrate, Hamad spoke, thisis folly! My men already told you everything! We must slay

her at once!

Enough, councilor. We have more pressing matter. Queen Akordia shall not do much damage,

for the trade has stopped. As long as Tuigans raid, no caravan shall be foolish enough to begin

the voyage. After we finish with Hubadai, we shall move our hand towards dark elves that

plague the Oasis. Now, councilors, I will ask you to leave. I have some personal business with

the other Harper.

Room cleared, and even guards stepped out. Only Lady Amalia left there with her hand on

swords hilt.

Now, I have not even heard your names, Harpers.

My name is Saevel Moonshade and this is my good friend Rizzen Il Illenae.

You drows. All the names sound similar to me. But enough of that, for I haveanother matter

to discuss.

Lord Oakspell has a plan, Lady Amalia took over, and told me that I shall be the first one to

meet the two Harpers that are to execute it.

How did he know that, Rizzen asked.

He is wise and knows many things. From his tower, he tries to divine the future and the

means to change it. He sees all, though he would tell you he sees little.

So what is this plan?

He has seen the Horde butchering the land they ride. Death of many knights and lords.

Common folk. And he believes there is less bloody path to be taken to stop the war, unlike Lord

Donnington who thinks only blood and steel can win. To kill the serpent, you must sever its

head.

So you want us to kill Hubadai? Saevel asked.Magistrate laughed: Kill? If the deathof the Hubadai would win this war, barbarian would

be rejoined with his father long time ago. Nay, to understand the quest I bestow upon you, you

must understand the history. It all started twenty years ago, on plains of Eyen Horo, when

Yamun, great Khan and warrior managed to get hold of the power, naming himself Khahan.

The Tuigans loved him, for they have not seen a man more deadly with the axe, nor more


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cunning in battle. Honorable and strong he was, a true God to these barbarians. Yamun

Khahan he was since then, riding along with strongest Khans in Hordelands and two

especially respected Khans, Harwin and Daaron. They were his brothers, by blood and arms,

and have seen that Yamun gains influence over all. But when Yamun marched west, in your

lands, he had but one brother by his side, and it was Daaron.

Why is that? Rizzen asked.

That we do not know. Some dispute, over some girl it would seem. Some girl that Harwin,

who had no sons, took as his own. So Harwin left his cause, for years there had been no news

of him, for his brother asked for his head. He disappeared from the face of earth, along with a

child that crushed the bond between brothers. So Yamun left with Daaron west, and Yamuns

children followed. Most of them at least. Yamunar, his eldest son and Ganor, second by age

rode with him west, and never returned. Along with Yamun and Daaron, they died in Cormyr,as their Horde broke over the host of King Azoun IV. But here, in Hordelands, two childes

sharing blood with Yamun left, Hubadai and his younger sister Kyla. And three sons of

Daaron under my own roof, Somak, Targ and Kerlon. Kerlon died before even Daaron drew his

final breath, from sudden illness. But Somak and Targ lived for couple of years more. Until

Hubadai was man-grown and decided togo for the title of Khahan.

So he killed cousins? Saevel asked.

Patience, for you must understand the post-Yamun Hordelands. Every Khan that did not

bend the knee to great Yamum tried to reclaim the title. Most Khans that bend the knee weredead somewhere west, but those who returned thought that by fighting for Yamun they earned

their place of power, trying to seize the title for themselves. It was war, one Khan against

another, with no victor seen on horizon, but one. It was Khan Hisir who managed to get most

Khans and Chiefs under him, until young Hubadai decided to join the game. He was absent,

for five years, for he left the wastes. He traveled the Faerun learning of the ways in the west,

until he decided to come back and reclaim the throne. First he killed Daarons children, both

Somak and Targ. He challenged Somak to duel and killed him on the very place you stand now,

Harpers. Then he ordered for Targ to die too.

You let him do that?

The Alliance had no grip here. I was put to this position byYamun himself, eighteen years

ago. I still remember his words. Rule just and rule in my cause, and no harm shall be done to

any Raumiviran that live here. Disobey me or my kin, and I shall bring your city down brick by


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Watch for that one. His name is Ulf Alstar, once Khan now outcasted. He was one of the

men who tried to take the hand of Nymeria by force. With her gone, his chances of ruling

decreased fast. Yet he was stubborn and put everything on wrong brother. He backed Kaland

Khahan who was decapitated by his brother Hubadai. After that, Ulf and his men were named

outlaws and senticed to death, yet they managed to wriggle from Khahans fingers. So hereheis now, with his hopes in last chance of life.

And the wench?

Oh, she is a story for herself. Hubadai murdered her father and five years ago and took his

men. She worked hard to get them to her cause, to betray Hubadai. Yet Darkan learned of that

and told her that there would be greater threat to barbarian king if she joins Nymeria. Hubadai

left her in command of this fortress, and she has given both me and Darkan free passage inside.

But soon, Hubadai will put the pieces together and she will be marked as a traitor. Yet, bestthing of her is that she is raised in the Old Way. She will follow Dragon Princess into the hell

if she has to.

Nymeria entered the throne room with fiendish creature at her side. Jezzara could not believe

her eyes, as thirteen year old girl looked as she was twenty now.

What in the name of Lady Darkness?

It was Darkan, the half-fiend. He has enchanted Nymeria to look younger so that those who

seek to kill her would not recognize her. He broke the spell when he saw her.

Fiend was a powerful creature, Jezzara knew, and he looked that way too. His purple skin

radiated in torchlight and his big bat wings looked as the cloak of some high noble. His long,

black hair deflected the glow from his eyes.

What is he?

A half-fiend. As I said. Yet his cause is unknown. I would never understand why would a

half-fiend help our princess, but he has been true ally for a decade now. Powerful spellcaster

and wise man. Though I hope we shall not see his arts aimed against us.

Meanwhile, Nymeria climbed the steps that led to the throne. Throne itself was built by

dragonbone, or better to say dragon skull. Nymeria sat in dragons jaws as Darkan announced

her:


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him to Raumivirans, to get them under the Alliance. As far as I know, he managed to persuade

all the smaller town to join Alliance, but Almorel is still not declared.

Jeremy looked puzzled. This is still not his homeland, princess thought, he does not know the

towns. She told him:

I see you have a hard time keeping up, Blackshade. Almorel is largest city around Lake of

Mists. It is positioned on east border of the lake, watching over The Gold en Way. If Hubadai

were to march west, he needs Almorel. The other crucial town is Drubiev.

It is true, Master Blackshade, Darkan continued. And Drubiev is perhaps even more

important. That town is a bridge over river Clearflow. Lord Flambard has sent his bannerman

Ser Mace Scolland to hold it if Hubadai sends some war party to retake it.

Blackshades eyes turne big. Is he some fameous knight?

No, or at least I heard none of him. Yet it does not take much to hold the bridge, since no host

can reach it without being seen in Almorel. And flanking is hard, as it would mean that you

had to lead army through wilderness. And wilderness has a way to be even more deadly than

guarded bridges.

So this is the first Lord, Nymeria interrupted. Who else is there?

Well, second Lord that followed Lord Donnington was Lord Oakspell. Now this is a strange

one.

And why is that? Jezzara asked.

Well, this Lord is an elf. He is Lord from Neverwinter. Oldthis one is, for he is famous for

defeating the Demon Prince Yrglaw over fifty years ago. And where our Lords of Alliance are

strong with sword, this one is strong with spells.

A wizard? Blackshade asked.

A wizard. And a good one, I must say. I hold him the most dangerous of all Lords, not bynumber of his men, but for his spells that let him see what is hidden to others.

If that is so, Nymeria stood up, than he might already know of our plans!

Do not worry, Princess. The Fortress of The Old Men is magical keep. I inspected it long time

ago and found that no scrying is possible while you are in fortress. We are safe. But what


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troubles me is that once you leave the fortress, he might pick you up. If he does, he will send his

champion to hunt you down.

And who might that be? she asked.

Gael Spellshield. Another elf. He is what the western men call a Spellsword. Magical warriorproficient with sword as well as spells. Yet what differs him from Lord Oakspell is that his

spells are used in combat, to protect himself and harm others. He is most fearsome of all Lord

Oakspells warriors.

I would like to test that spells of his. Jeremy taunted.

You will, be sure of it. Lord Oakspell willpick up Nymeria, and when he does, it will be on

you to defend her from Ser Gael.

Master Darkan, if you will be so kind, where can we find this Lord?

Why, Mistress Jezzara, he holds one of the two fortresses far west. Tower of Smoke. That is

one of the ways into Faerun, and Hubadai must cross it.

What are the others? Blackshade asked.

Well one can enter Faerun by three ways, though the one that Lord Donnington holds is the

best one for an army to march. In order to reach the western lands, one must cross the Lake of

Mists and follow Golden Road. You will reach Beacon Cairne, where Lord Donnington has

fortified himself and once you pass it comes the hard part. Once you leave the Golden Road,

you must cross two hundred and forty miles of wasteland, with limited water sources along the

way. There you reach two fortresses, Tower of Smoke and Ring of Gray Flames. Tower of

Smoke is defended by Lord Oakspell, while Ring of Gray Flames is under command of another

Lord from Sword Coast, Lord Karhold.

LordKarhold? Jeremy interrupted. I heard of some Lord Harold of the House Karhold,

Lord of Yaktar. I heard stories of him during my stay in Dragon Coast. He was the one that

catched that fameous bandit, Swifthand. It were Swifthands men that told the talesof him.

Cruel and brutal, he tortured one prisoner at the time, to get the information about the outlaw

king, and he would make the others watch so they know what will happen to them if they do

not betray their leader. It was only the matter of time before Swifthand was in his dungeon,

tortured and publicly executed.


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It was him, true, yet back then he was just Ser Karhold. Now, his father is dead and he is

Lord. As my informers tell me, he rode here with his brother, Ser Wade, and his daughter, Lady

Viktoria.

What are the other ways, Master Darkan? Jezzara interrupted.

If there is no will to go through the wasteland, after Beacon Cairne one can stay on Golden

Way. But that would mean that one has to pass Citadel Rashamen, which is magical fortress

guarded by witches of Rashamen and their spirit-servants. Hubadais father was defeated by

wizards in the end, so I doubt he would even consider taking his horde through land of

witches.

Which brings us to last path. Nymeria said. She knew this one very well. It was the same

path we used to escape ten years ago.

It is true princess. That path is no less dangerous than the one with witches.

So one can slip an army through Ejen Horo. Nymeria continued. Then down the River

Ghaast through the wildernessof Shalhoond

Shalhoond? Jeremy interrupted. The Great Wild Wood?

Yes, the same one we traveled through on our way here. But back then, we followed Ferganas

Pass, way east of the forest. Shalhoond is a huge forest, and the pass we took was the most

civilized part of the wood. River Ghaast, on the other hand, is wild. It is full of life, that muchis true, but creatures that live in that forest are capable of taking out many men. Hubadai

would lose much warriors by taking that road.

Why not use Ferganas Pass like we did? Jeremy wanted to know. It had its perils, but

The road takes you way east from there. If you wanted to pass you would need ships. And to

transport over twenty thousand men is no easy task.

Yet it is possible. For us. Jeremy said. I do not see twenty thousand, only two. We could

outmaneuver the Alliance.

Nymeria turned to Jeremy. She knew he does not understand. Nothing at all.

Draconias heart was here, so long ago, when Lake of Mist was as big as sea. Here was the

capital of Draconia, upon this Volcano. It was a magical city that floated on the water. So


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Endless Wastes shall be mine before we take Faerun. I shall have my Tuigans and

Raumivirans, as the Dragon had it before. Only then, I shall go for the rest.

Entirecourt was suddenly silent. No Dragonlord dared to speak after the princess. I have to

keep my temper down, she thought. Darkan always said it would undo me.

Is there anything else we should know of Alliance? she finally said.

There is one more matter to address. War Wizards. They had defeated the Horde once, so

Cormyr has sent dozen of them to attend here. They are led by Alasdair, old War Wizard. He

had led the Cormyrian War Wizards during first war, and overwhelmed the Horde by his

firepower.

I hate wizards, did I mention that? Jeremy commented.

War wizards of Cormyr are trained for combat. They have destructive spells that can decimate

entire army. Hubadai fears them, be certain of it. And then there are Purple Dragon Knights of

Cormyr.

I know that sort. Jeremy frowned. Holy warriors of Cormyr, knights and commanders.

Excellent with sword and shield, and great strategists. People follow them, as they are noble

and honest. I always wanted to see how good they are in combat.

Then you shallhave your chance, Master Blackshade. For here came the new Lord

Commander of The Purple Dragon Knights, Lord Alexander Dragonspear, famous for morethan I can even begin to describe. And half-dragon.

Nymerias heart pounced. Half-dragon? He?Is he handsome?

They say he is one of the most handsome men in entire Cormyr. Son of a gold dragon, he is

stronger than any man alive, though if tales are true you would not see that by looking at him.

Can we get him on our side? Nymeria wondered.

Ido not believe so. Do not worry princess. There will be some high-noble half-dragon. Youwill find your kin to be your Prince.

Jezzara turned towards Nymeria: Your kin?


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firmer, and moved her blade swiftly to divert the attack. But too swiftly, for the blade missed

the spear. She felt pain travel over her face, as the spear tore her cheek open, and she could feel

the taste of blood in her mouth. She screamed, letting her katana from her hand and falling to

the knees, with blood dripping from her face on the ground.


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Sweat poured down his face, black from flames. This was close, he thought as he

dodged the last flame. At least I was not like that fool Saevel, jumping right in flames. It

was second time today his life was in peril. Minutes ago, the bridge collapsed under him, and

he barely caught the firm rope that managed to stay firmly bound to higher ground. Little by

little he climbed up, while his companions crossed over slowly. Only Nymeria had a easy

crossing. Rizzen stood mesmerized as she grew dragon wings from her back and flew over. And

not long after, they walked into another deadly room. This time there was no mistake; the

floors, walls and ceilings were no more mere natural cave. They were carefully carved and built,

with stanch of oldness about them. Yetin front of them laid a room hot as the Nine Hells.

From the walls the fire blasts roared to the other side of the room.

Who shall go first? Rizzen japed. He looked towards Saevel. He is always first to jump in,

drow thought, full of confidence this one.

I shall go, Saevel said as he observed the patterns of the flame bursts to anticipate their nextburst. Once he was certain that he knows what he is doing, he jumped into the room. But it

looked as though he miscalculated his steps, for the very first burst of flames caught him

unaware. As he jumped to evade it, the flame burned his foot. Then the second burst came and

a third. Saevel ducked then jumped, evading each flame only by an inch. Yet in the end he

crossed over.

Are you allright, Saevel! Rizzen yelled throughout the room.

Im fine. My boots guard me well. So whos next?Drow looked the flames, careful not to underestimate the complexity of the trap ahead. I shall

go, he said. He knew this was his chance to prove himself better than his companion. He

always enjoyed this moments, for he liked competitiveness between them.


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Now this I did not see coming, said the half-elf to his friend.

I told you I didnt trust her, drow responded.

Well, at least we still live, Saevel smiled while trying to make himself more comfortable in

bondages. But it didnt do for him, as the rope was firmly tied by Blackshade himself. Apart

from aching of the rope, they did no harm to us, he thought. It has been an hour at least, or it

seemed that way. Yet it was hard to track time in caverns deep below ground while waiting for

your destiny to reveal itself. And that is exactly what they waited for, ever since Nymeria

ordered dragonkins to capture them. Afterwards the three of them, Blackshade, Jezzara and

Nymeria, left for the surface, leaving two Harpers waiting. While waiting, Saevel took time toobserve a rising host of dragonkins. There were two thousand of them, perhaps more. Some big,

at least few hundred of them, and as strong as the guards they fought at entrance of this crypt.

Would not like to stand against them on battlefield. At least not without some formidable

host. Yet more and more haveawaken from the ground. Largest of them all, the one that calls

himself Darigazz, has been inspecting his legion around the hall. And most definitely, would

not like to stand against that one. Saevel was no fool. Sometimes, his confidence in himself

was high, even too high, but large dragonkin commander all armored in plate with broadsword

large enough to shatter his arms is no opponent to rush at. He could barely scratch his guards,

who proved to be adept in combat. He could only imagine the strength of their commander.

We must do something, Rizzen said.

We will. But now we wait.

I do not wish to wait any longer. Blackshade will pay this time.

Blackshade?

This is second time he proved himself treacherous. The man will die from my blades.He didno harm to us, my friend. As you can see, we are well treated still. And do not forget

what we owe to this man. If there wasnt for him, you would all perish against Lord

Valerian.

Perhaps, but.


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There is no but here. We shall wait to see what is behind this all. And if there is trouble, I

shall help you kill Blackshade. But until that time, we wait.

Well, it is not like we have anything else to do.

Yet not long after, the three companions returned, escorted by two drow warriors. Thisis intresting, Saevel thought as he watched two drow with their weapons in their hilts. He

knew it would be now or never to get some answers.

Dear Lady, he yelled across the hall, might I have your presence?

You might, Saevel. We come to talk with you. And your friend.

What is the meaning of this, my Lady? Have we done something to offend you?

I am sorry for the inconvenience, but it was a necessity to prevent the news of my new hostreaching outer world before I had a chance to talk to Queen. Yet I fear the unpredictable hand

of fortune has made a cruel jape on me.

What do you mean?

While we were down here, a sellsword company, calling themselves Black Shields, led by

Captain Blackcloak , has taken the village under their command and took Queen as hostage.

What?! Rizzen yelled rising on his knees. Two dragonkins closed by to return him to ground

if he decided to do something reckless.

Do not worry, drow, for your sister is safe, said Jezzara. At least as long there is no

opposition to the sellswords from drow.

Are all drow captured? asked Rizzen, Zaknefein? Is he still alive?

He is alive yet wounded. He took a arrow to a arm while escaping. It seems that Queen had

her warriors prepared for this situation. They were ordered to escape the village and hide. Most

of them made it, along with Tuigan chieftain Boga Tak and his barbarians. They took refuge

in these very caves, to hide against sellswords. Fortunately for them, Black Company is stillsecuring the village and making fortifications and has not sent a chase after them.

Yet it is matter of time, Saevel concluded.

Yes it is, dragon princess said, Yet we shall make our move beforethey have a chance to

fortify their position.


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Silence echoed throughout the room once again, yet Saevel could see that the plan was solid. He

knew that this was their best chance.

Alright, Nymeria finally said, I like your plan. Let us do it that way. So three of us shall

sneak in

Princess! Blackshade objected, Three of us? But you would be safer here than.

I shall fight my own battles and not hide behind my men. In order to prove my goodwill to the

drow, it will be me who shall risk my life to save their Queen.

Saevel was impressed. Few leaders were righteous as that. It reminded him of Shaar and

paladins of Luiren, Samuel and his father Gerrard. They were true heroes and they gave

everything for the sake of humanity. Both of them would look the death in the eye and offered

themselves in place of their men. He wandered where Samuel was. It has been two years, myfriend. I hope that you are still alive.

Then it is settled, Saevel said, We should hurry before the sellswords organize.


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Even before sellswords fortified themselves in her city and made a perimeter, Rizzen

and Saevel came to see the Captain, talking about some lost lieutenant that Captain

Blackcloak was curious about. And then, fighting began. Nymeria, Blackshade and Jezzara

stormed in, attacking Captains guards, and Saevel and Rizzen took the opportunity to kill

fast few guards and capture Blackcloak. She was impressed with her brother once again, asshe was two years ago when he headed into the tomb to face Lord Valerian. He used cunning

and trickery, casting darkness on Captain, to ensure he would be captured alive. And Jezzara

used her powerful spell to revive his shadow which decreased his strength fast. As fast as she

was captured, she was saved. She knew they would find a way to free her, without shedding

too much blood. And if some blood should be spilled, thank god it is not drow.

Yet battle was not without cost; Blackshade was badly wounded, for one sellsword has

left him with deep cut on his arm and even bigger on his chest. So while Rizzen cut her lose

and Saevel held sellsword Captain on swordpoint, Jezzara and Nymeria were mendingBlackshades wounds.He is lucky that both of them are priestesses. That wound might be

deadly otherwise. As she removed gag from her mouth, Saevel was already questioning

sellsword.

Now you and I shall have some conversation, sellsword. You picked a wrong town to

sack. Tell me, who is your employer? What is your contract?

My contract, half-elf, said the Captain with weak voice, result of being drained by shadow,

is simple and righteous. We were to capture Pleasant Valley Gateway Oasis and to hold ituntil our contractor arrived.

And tell me, Captain, who is your contractor?

Black Network.

The Zenth?! said Saevel surprised. Queen knew little of Zenth, for she has been on Toril for

mere two years. Yet both Red Wizards of Thay and Zenth had already made their impression

on young queen. Red Wizards were evil, she knew, for the land of Thay is homeworld to

suffering. Only high-born wizards, who had highest rank in that land, had good life. Otherslived just as her drow once did; in fear and bondage. They were traders, with intrest in gold

and magic items. And their market was not only west; it was east too. Which was a problem

since her town was built right at biggest oasis in the wastelands. And to travel east, you need

this oasis. That is why she knew it were them who already put the tale of evil drow in human

mind, to make them appear as danger to humanity and to ensure their eradication. Other


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You are too kind, my Queen. You are kind and just, and I would hate to see you fall because

of some Zenth trickery. As soon as our wounds are healed, we shall depart east, in hope to find

some tracks.

Zaknafein has tried already. East, west. South. Yet he did not find anything.

With all due respect, sister, Rizzen said, Zaknafein is a warrior. Saevel and me, well.

We are of wilderness. If there is anyone who can find tracks, it is us. And our companions.

Companions?

My wolf, Eslya, can follow a scent if it is there, Saevel told her, And do not underestimate

your brothers cheetah. Rha has sharper senses than most animals. We shall find them and

make them stop. One way or the other.


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Anet is it? And tell me Anet, what does a Lady like yourself seek so far from safety of walled

city?

I am no Lady. I was born as Anet Laumee Harr, leader of Mawaki tribe of nomads in Shaar.

Nomads well known for their skill with spear. And this is my greatsword. My father gave it to

me the day he died in battle against devils that invaded Shaar. So you see, I am no meek

woman. I am a warrior princess, able to protect my self. No walls are needed around me.

That amused Zax, she could tell. It took some more ferocity and convincing, yet sellsword

decided to follow her, and only her. No pissboy Alliance knight that hides behind his plate

will give commands to me. I shall listen only to brave Lady.

And so the Company was hers. Men were ready. All they needed was a target to attack

and to prove their allegiance. And she had a target. Hubadai made a move against Alliance.

One of the Chiefs harassed the road to the East, the same one that possibly robbed her husbandof his life. One held west, to prevent supplies to reach Almorel by road. One held south, to

control the path for Hubadai to travel to siege the city. And finally, one controlled north of the

city, to make sure no ship comes over lake into the city, bringing supplies. Although she would

go after Shanim Hojar, who held east, she knew north was more important. Chief Donozar

Chogar. If he would fall. Almorel might be supplied with ships. And it would make impossible

to siege it, unless moving to control the north again. She knew it was a smart move.

So they marched south-east, towards Lake of Mists and Syevyer Forest, to challenge

Donozar and his barbarians. It took few days, yet they passed with interesting stories whichmade her time run faster. She has heard of Zax and his combat prowness, as he killed four

Khans in his lifetime. He told her that only man he fears is Zelean, the Yunnicar Master. You

see, this man is no ordinary man. He is a god. Or at least offspring of one. Zelean The

Godtouched people call him. And once you see the man fight, you would know why. He is

strong, yet no stronger than most men. But he is faster than lightning itself. The way he doges

the blows and parries them, it truly looks as the dance of gods. He wears no armor, only

sandals and cloth to cover his manhood. Which I can tell you is something that is no simple

task to hide, if you know what I mean. He fights with two short swords, crafted to nearperfection by Hubadais father. And he is skilled, more skilled than any man I have ever met. I

seen him beat dozen of enemies without suffering a single blow. I seen him kill hundred of

knights claded in plate with deadly precision of blows. And I tell you, I would not want to

find myself against him, for I would die for certain.


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first kill. Or better to say, double-kill. He took down two barbarians with single cut. Kain,

stay with us, she yelled, yet barbarian cut his way deeper into enemy lines, hitting with his

legs and elbows as well with his axe. And then Donozar was on her. He was a strong man

armed with greataxe and clad in some scale and mail. She deflected the first attack, but barely.

Second one cought her off balance, and third knocked her on the ground. Luckly, some IronBrother was on him, but Donozar chopped him in few seconds. Yet it gave Anet enough time

to regain her footing though as she moved to attack Donozar from behind, a thump sound

echoed in her ears. It was an arrow, piercing her into shoulder. She screamed in pain and not a

second after another arrowhit her, this time in leg. She fell to her knees, trying to decern

location of archer. She saw the barbarian, aiming at her with his bow. I am done, she

thought as she tried to find some strength in her to jump aside. Yet sound of warhorn

distracted the archer. It is Zax! she saw. Zax charged in front of his elephants into the

barbarians and started slicing them. Elephants ramed down warriors and this time fear was all

around the Tuigans. Yet too late for her. Donozar killed fifth Iron Brother already and moved

towards her again. She stood up raising her greatsword. It is now or never, she fough as the

barbarian sliced with his greatsword at her. The blow was so hard that it yanked the

greatsword out of her grip, and as she battled not to drop it, Donozar stomped at her knocking

her far back. She fell on her back, losing her greatsword. It is over, she thought. As barbarian

jumped towards her. But there was that sound again, that thump echoe. Yet this time, arrow

did not hit her. It impaled Donozar in his neck, right beneath his helm. Then another one, right

in his face. And another one, again in face. Anets vision became blurry. She lost a lot of blood,

she knew. Yet she managed to see Donozar fall on his knees, then chest. She looked behind herand saw Bardan put away his longbow and running towards her. It will be allright, he

yelled, putting pressure on her wound, I have you now. She felt safe. She remembered her

husband, Saevel, as darkness covered her eyes. Saevel, where are you? Are you alive?


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It has been less than an hour after they made it when Captain Blackcloak summoned

him. It was costly, their venture. Eight men made it in, yet only four returned alive. It hadbeen hard fight, Hellspear remembered, for drow wardens that guarded the Queen Akordia had

been exceptional fighters, and there were no less than four guarding her. Two of his bretheren

dead in seconds, another soon followed. Tomas and Marcus were first to fall, for foolish boys

had little patience and charged in. Wardens were more than ready for them, and they were cut

down in a split second. Hellspear attacked one drow, hitting him hard and trying to take him

off balance. Jhon was on another one, with his longsword slicing at warden fast and hard,

letting dark elfs blood little by little. Dustin and Jory were on one, and Big Dan and Ben on

other. Ben proved to improve his skill with axe, for one his attack passed wardens guard andhit him right in the helmet. It stunned him and Big Dan, huge as he is, crushed poor elf with

his huge maul. But Dustin and Jory were not so lucky to best their opponent. Drow opened

Dustins throat and soon overpowered Jory, impaling his double-bladed sword in armpit of

poor Jory. Hellspear took his one out, with nice thrust right in drows face, and charged at that

drow, slicing his knee and impaling his heart. Then he captured the Queen, while Jhon finished

his warden with help of Ben and Big Dan.

I shouldve been faster, and at least Jory and Dustin might have been alive. But they

were gone, and there was no use in denying it. Yet that is four dead. And it prevented death ofhundreds, for once Queen was captured, Black Shields took the city without the fight. Captain

was more than pleased, yet it seemed he had more to do for his best sergeant. Perhapswhen

Jhon had his hand, he was better than me. But as a one-handed Jhon, I shall always

outperform him.Captain ordered Hellspear to do a little scouting. It seemed that it was not

Queen Akordia who attacked nearby caravans. It had to be someone else. And by the look at

the dead they left behind, they were not to be ignored. If we want to hold this city, we must

terminate those drow that might harass us. We are in unfriendly territory, and we can not have

enemy force taking us little by little. And trustme, drow are masters of harassment. So

Hellspear took two dozen men with him. He wanted to bring on Jhon, yet there was another

task for him, it seemed. Jhon has a knack of saying the right thing when it counts. I have more

delicate task for him to thewest. You will have to take someone else. So he picked two dozen

men and led them east, to follow the trail of dead. But what he did not know is that he led the

men to their death.


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Eslya and Rha, who returned not too long before from hunt, moved silently with Rizzen over

the close-by hill to take the sellswords by flank. Rest sneaked forward to get as close as

possible. But somehow, lady-sellsword has seen them skulking around and warned her friends.

It seemed that they were well trained in tactics and reaction, for all three of the sellswords

grabbed near cover. Saevel, Blackshade, Jezzara and Nymeria did the same, though not asnearly as fast as sellswords. Good, thought Saevel, Rizzen remains undetected.

Who goes there? yelled the sellsword sergeant.

My name is Saevel Moonshade, agent of Harpers, and this is my party. We mean you no

harm.

Then lower your weapons and show yourselves.

Only if you do the same. We met your companion who was due to Captain. We even met theCaptain Blackcloak himself. And our quest is same as yours. To find drow that raid travelers

along the road.

As he talked, he saw Rizzen and beasts take position right above three sellswords. Got you

now, he thought.

Come out of cover, said Saevel, and well talk.

How can I trust it is no trick.

If it was trick, Rizzen said, showing himself with ready bow above and two beastsby his

side, youd already be dead. Now put them down.

Sellswords obliged and dropped their crossbows, stepping out of cover. As they did it, Saevel

gave signal and his party too left the cover, lowering their weapons.

See? he told them, We mean you no harm.

As sergeant approached, Saevel finally recognized the man. Or better to say, the tiefling.

Kwalu? Is that you?

Sergeant Hellspear now, said sellsword. I changed my name after..

After Shaar? We thought you were dead! How did you survive?

I I I ran. I left all behind. It was either that or death.


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You did what you had to do. To survive. Gods know we all did.

They decided to travel together, to find drow together. Nymeria did not trust sellswords at

first, but Saevel made her understand that if two dozen sellswords died with ease, every sword

will come in handy. They learned that Kwalu, or Hellspear as he calls himself now, is searching

for his young squire, Ben. Boy was lost during attack and he believed he was still alive. His

companions were Lady Diana and Big Dan. Diana was expert with Morningstar and Big Dan

was simply big, and if you add that big maul he carried, big and tough. They traveled until sun

set down, when they decided to make camp.

Let us see ourselves camped here, Saeveltold them, We will take three shifts

I dont think it would be necessary, said the priestess, chanting words. Suddenly, a thck fog

came up, but what Saevel found amazing is that he could see right through it. It had to be

magic.

It will protect us from unwanted visitors. No living being would enter it, for the fog makes

them uneasy. And although you might think that it is transparent, it is not. Except you here,

no being can see farther than one yard. Rizzen would be enough to guard it.

Saevel was amazed. Such a handy spell. I wander what elsethe priestess has in her sleeve.


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Where is Big Dan? asked Nymeria. Hellspear just pointed to the side, wherehuge human

layed, covered in blood so much that Hellspear and Diana both looked like theyve been just

sprinkled a bit. His face was unrecognizable, as drow double-bladed sword stood there impaled

right through his nose. Yet his heart seemed pierced too.

I had to put him down, said Hellspear. There was nothing I could do for him. Sword was

impaled too deep.

He was beyond saving, said princess, awing over the dead body. We shall burry him outside.

Can you two carry him?

We will. He will not be left behind.

Then, two figures were seen running towards them. As they entered closed, Jezzara could see

that it was Rizzen and Saevel. At least you still live, thought priestess.

Is anybody hurt? yelled Saevel across the passage.

Big Dan is dead, said Nymeria, rest of us little winded, but alive. What happened?

Drow were on us, hundreds of them, explained Rizzen, We held our ground and cut many

down, before their sergeant was on us. He held us back for a while, and then a warhorn was

heard in distance. They started to back down and retreat. Did you find their leader? Who was

it?

Chalistrae, said Nymeria, and she escaped us.

heroes of horde lands

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