The Great Library of Palanthas
An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Dante.
A little gully dwarf runs by and says 'Wordwrap Off 65 80.'
The gully continues 'Eyes hurt? Turn Color OFF!! (regular story dates)
Astinus says 'Enter the main library here to view only the author list.'
Astinus gently places a small leaflet on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Dante' scribed in deep maroon ink.
Author: Dante Date Tue May 23 13:03:13 2006 Subject Dante The Wolf Knight. The screams that night were horrific. The young Dante, lay strapped to a table covered in his own blood. He was undergoing an experimental operation, that if succeeded would allow him to morph into a wolf at will. Two mages, sat on either side of him magically fusing a pair of gauntlets to his forearms. The pain was unbearable, his agonized screams filled the night air. The gauntlets were Jet black, and had a gem on the top of either palm. The gems were Diamonds, but now they were stained with his blood. Dante saw a flash of light, and then was knocked out. He awoke the next day laying on a small cot, with one the mages sitting in a chair beside him. "How are you feeling young one?" Asked the mage in a soft voice. "Like I was just landed on by a dragon." He replies, as he starts to sit up. "What in the name of the abyss happen Old man?" "The procedure was a success Dante!" The old mage said to him. "You are the first." His words were cut off by a black gauntleted hand closing around his neck. "And the last." Dante finishes the mages sentence, before snapping the mages neck with the twist of his hand. He gently lays the body in the cot and looks around for his armor and belongings. He quickly straps his light armor onto him and strides out the door. With a smirk he focuses his will on the gauntlets and he shimmers, then changes into a Black Wolf, with blood red streaks. He lifts his head proudly and sniffs at the air, before trotting off into the trees, never looking back. Author: Dante Date Mon Jun 5 22:06:30 2006 Subject Bundesphar's waiting. Standing on the Shores, I lift my head and sniff the air. I could smell them, The ones We were to escort. "She is close, Id better get them formed up." I thought to my self. "Anaru, tell the others to form up. The Baroness comes." I Say quietly to the White wolf that stood beside me. As she informs the others, I slowly shift my form, from wolf to man. I stand a few feet in front of my men, my hand laying on the hilt of my sword. I wait for her, and her men, not that we need them. Anaru, walks forward and sits beside me, and we stand in waiting together She Lifts her head and howls, and is joined by the other nine Wulfbunde. "Soon! Soon we shall have our fun." Myself and the other nine Bundesphar lift out heads and howl. Author: Dante Date: Mon Jan 22 17:43:50 2007 Subject Finding... Dante lopes easily through the Trees, his paws making hardly no sound on the leaf sewn ground, His eyes shown with a kind of wild fear. The golden Wolf Eshri fought to keep pace with him. Eshri had just informed him that his lifemate Arikaih, had fallen down a hole in the ground and he was running for all he was worth to get to her fast. He seemed to fly across the ground, his strides long, his paws seeming to float on nothingness. Stopping momentarily atop a large pile of rocks, he lifts his head and bellows a deep sorrowful howl, as he waits for Anaru to catch up with the puppies. Eshri pads over to him, nudging him gently, and growling softly to him "Don't worry Beloved. I am coming." He says as if she could hear him. He lifts his head and sniffs at the air, searching for a scent. A faint scent blue in the wind, and he takes flight again, using his skill as a hunter to use both his eyes and nose to find he trail. Finally, reaching a hole, he sniffs around, taking in the sliding marks and the scent that was so strong, he could almost see a picture of what happen. He lifts his head again, Letting a howl lose to tell her he had come, and that he would get her out. Now.. All he had to do is figure out how. Author: Dante Date: Wed May 2 23:50:56 2007 Subject The beast claims another. A man runs fearfully through the darkness, tripping and stumbling over unseen roots, fallen logs, shrubs. He ran, hoping to outrun Death itself. A beast toyed with him, weaving in and out of the shadows, so the man would only see glimpses of its glossy black fur. It was as if the beast was everywhere, all at once. It drove him, like a slavemasters whip, toying with him. Finally, once the beast had enough fun, it jumps forward for the kill. Large sharp teeth sink into the man's left calf, slicing through flesh, muscle and tendon. With a violent twist, the beast rips the flesh from the very bone. The man cries out and topples forward, unable to run anymore. He screams in both pain and terror as death approaches him. The beast stood in a beam of moonlight, its glossy fur reflecting its pale glow. It was a large wolf, its eyes glowing blood red. Its muzzle was pulled back into a vicious snarl, showing its long sharp fangs, covered and dripping blood. It stood on muscled legs and large powerful paws. It circles the terrified man, moving around his body, snapping at the man. The man's eyes meet the wolves, and he sees his death. Knowing there is no escape and he gives up. He stops trying to crawl away and simply lies there, accepting death. The wolf puts its paw on the man's forehead, pushing his chin up and slowly lowers his fangs to the man's neck. It pauses when its fangs brush against the man's neck, before viciously tarring the man's throat out. The wolf lifts his head and bellows a howl, before turning and loping back toward the camp. He enters the Green Dragon Army encampment and trots to a tent that was guarded by two soldiers. They snap to attention and nod. "Captain Dante." One of them says as he pulls the tent flap open. The wolf nods and enters the tent with what looks like a grin on his face. "It was a nice little run, its good to run every now and then." He thinks to himself before vanishing inside the tent. Author: Dante Date: Wed May 16 02:45:56 2007 Subject Cliff top... Dante stood atop a small cliff. His now long hair draped around his face and shoulders. His face was both thoughtful and full of anger at the same time. His eyes, blood red, shown bright against the darkness. A figure sat beside him. It sat on sleek, powerful paws and legs. A set of shackles and a length of chain are attached to each paw. Its fur is like the shadows them self and its pitch black eyes were vicious and unmerciful. "Dante, She is well. The Pack is well. All is well." The shadowy wolf says quietly. Dante growls lowly. "None is well, Brother. She is not here. They are not here. I am here. Alone." He says between clenched teeth. "No longer will I sit around. I will find her and then we will see how things are." "But she does it alone. Not only are we pack mates, we are life mates. She should not have gone alone." "I said Calm yourself!" The wolf growls. "You know her. She will be fine. She is strong Dante, you know that." Dante sighs and crouches. "Aye, I know she is strong. But she still should not of put herself in that kind of danger." "Methinks, there is no more danger for her. Now that the so called Baroness has fled like the frightened child she is, all will be well." Dante laughs and shakes his head. "The want to be knight and so called voice of our Queen. She was nothing to be feared then.. And even less to be feared now. She's only proved what I already knew. She "is" nothing. Few of the knights that served that wench can even be called a knight." He says, before hearing movement behind him. Dante spins around and the wolf that once stood beside him vanishes. Five men stood at the tree line. Three of which held spears, the other two wielded swords. All of them Knights of Takhisis. The spear blade slides deep into his left side, making Dante stumble back, toward the edge of the cliff. One of the swordsmen grabs the top of Dante's cuirass, pulling him away from the edge. He looks into Dante's red eyes and smirks. "You made your mistake when you betrayed the Knighthood." Dante grins and grabs the man's arms. "You made yours when you let me get so close." He says quietly before jerking the man toward him and sinking his long, fang like canines into the man's neck. The man cries out, but his cries die into a gurgle as Dante rips the man's throat out. Chuckling he lets the dieing man fall to the ground. He turns to face the three other men and slowly backs up toward the cliff. He stands at the edge, laughing evilly. "Come then, Oh knights! Destroy me like you were ordered! Come! Come unto me!" Dante continues to laugh evilly, raising his arms out to either side of him. The three men advance on Dante, who starts to lean backward. With his long black cloak floating out behind him, he closes his eyes and falls backward. He disappears over the edge and into the darkness below, his laughs echoing back to the top. The men go and search the land below. They find nothing but the corpse of one of their own that had been kicked over the edge by Dante. After searching for hours, they give up. They start back up the trail that leads to the top of the cliff and as the walk a lone wolf's howl echoes through the trees and off the rocks. Slowly it fades away, into the night. Author: Dante Date: Tue Jul 3 23:11:18 2007 Subject The Wolf falls..for now. (part one) Dante stood in a small clearing. He stood silent, unmoving and with his eyes shut. He stood there, armor less, weapon less, and shirtless. Blood covered his hairy chest, arms and hands, his face, and dripped from his chin and fingers. His forever gauntleted hands were heavy. He fought to keep standing. A number of bodies littered the clearing and the scent of blood and death filled the warm night air. The world seemed to move in slow motion to him as he looks around at the corpses. They were dead Green Dragonarmy soldiers, not bandits, or Knights. He insulted one of them and they ambushed him in retaliation. At least that's what he thought. He didn't think Kailith would have him killed. He killed them all, but not without consequence. He felt a strange feeling. Warm blood gushed unchecked from a deep wound in his side. He felt pain, crippling pain, pain that he hadn't felt since that night so long ago when he became what he is now. He closes his eyes once more and thinks back on the battle. ========================Flash Back========================= Rushing from the trees, ten soldiers surrounded him, weapons drawn. "You think we're scared of you, Wolf-boy? Well guess what, we aint!" Dante stands there silently, his eyes on the arrogant sounding man who spoke to him. "You got anything to say before you die Mutt?" The man says brandishing a spear. Dante continues to remain silent, his red eyes focused as a battle calm comes over him. "Guess not. Get him boys!" Ten armed opponents against a single unarmed man, unless you count his clawed finger gauntlets and teeth. His only real advantage was his speed and skill. Soldier after soldier attack, in pairs of two or three and he dispatches them quite easil Until a spear plunges deep into his side and he is grabbed by men on either side of him and is forced to his knees. "See, it bleeds. Its not so big and bad now that it has a spear in its side." The man who spoke before speaks again. "You aint so big and bad now are you?" He says as he rips the spear out of Dante's side. Wordlessly, Dante closes his eyes then he grins, showing his bloody canine like teeth. -Only three left. - He thinks to himself. "What are you grinning bout mutt?" The man says to Dante, who remains silent but opens his eyes. They're now completely black; before he closed them they were red. His muscles ripple as he flexes his arms and shoulders. "You know soldier-boy, you fucked with the wrong fucking wolf!" Dante says, his voice layered with his and that of his inner wolf. As he says that, he bursts upward to his feet, his arms breaking free of the men who held him. His clawed fingers wrap around the neck of the men on either side of him before they can even react to his movement. Chuckling evilly, he holds either man by the throat in a death grip. "You made a few mistakes." He says as he moves his hands to grip either mans neck. With a quick move, he rips out both of the men's throats. With a wolfish grin, he advances on the remaining man. "First, you attacked me. Second, you gloated when you should have been killing me. And lastly, this is the more important one. You should of brought more men, ten want-to-be solders? Fucking insulting." The man fearfully thrusts his spear at Dante, who side steps it and grabs the spears shaft. He closes his fist around the shaft breaking it, then throwing the spear blade away. "What the fuck are you!?" The man yells fearfully at Dante. "Your worst fucking nightmare." Dante says before grabbing the terrified man and sinking his canine like teeth into his neck and ripping out his wind pipe. He holds the gargling man up for a second, then pushes him away, watching him fall to the ground dead. ================================================================== Author: Dante Date: Tue Jul 3 23:16:16 2007 Subject The Wolf falls..for now. (part two) Dante opens his eyes and takes a deep painful breath. "You know, of course, we'll die before we can get anywhere right?" A shadowy wolf that appears beside Dante asks. "Aye Brother, I do." He replies, sinking painfully to a knee. "Death comes for us Brother, I can almost feel her sweet embrace." "We fought well brother, But we've failed Her." The wolf says as he lies down. "We have not failed Brother; Our Queen does but call us to her." Dante replies as he slides backward and leans against a tree. "It was good brother." The wolf says as he lays his head on his paws. "No regrets?" "Only one," Dante says quietly, as he shifts into a more comfortable position. His eyes are heavy, and his breath comes to him shakily and shallow. "Good bye Brother, Rest well." The wolf says, sighing heavily. Dante takes a slow deep breath and closes his eyes. He could feel his hearts weak beat's within his chest, each beat came slower and weaker than the last. "My Captain." A voice speaks in his mind. "I have a mission for you, My Great Captain. But first you must sacrifice your life to me. Die for me, my Captain and you shall be reborn." "Obedience without question. Loyalty until eternal death comes." Dante says in a hushed weak voice. "Ah, my good and loyal Captain, rest now your time will come again soon." Then the voice is gone. "Yes my Queen. I will rest now." Dante says as he takes a final deep breath. His heart beats a last time and then.. Death. Author: Dante Date: Tue Jul 3 23:52:48 2007 Subject The Wolf falls..for now. (part one) Dante stood in a small clearing. He stood silent, unmoving and with his eyes shut. He stood there, armor less, weapon less, and shirtless. Blood covered his hairy chest, arms and hands, his face, and dripped from his chin and fingers. His forever gauntleted hands were heavy. He fought to keep standing. A number of bodies littered the clearing and the scent of blood and death filled the warm night air. The world seemed to move in slow motion to him as he looks around at the corpses. They were dead Green Dragonarmy soldiers, not bandits, or Knights. He threatened one of them and they ambushed him in retaliation. At least that's what he thought. He didn't think Kailith would have him killed. He killed them all, but not without consequence. He felt a strange feeling. Warm blood gushed unchecked from a deep wound in his side. He felt pain, crippling pain, pain that he hadn't felt since that night so long ago when he became what he is now. He closes his eyes once more and thinks back on the battle. =======================Flash Back======================== Rushing from the trees, ten soldiers surrounded him, weapons drawn. "You think we're scared of you, Wolf-boy? Well guess what, we aint!" Dante stands there silently, his eyes on the arrogant sounding man who spoke to him. "You got anything to say before you die Mutt?" The man says brandishing a spear. Dante continues to remain silent, his red eyes focused as a battle calm comes over him. "Guess not. Get him boys!" Ten armed opponents against a single unarmed man, unless you count his clawed finger gauntlets and teeth. His only real advantage was his speed and skill. Soldier after soldier attack, in pairs of two or three and he dispatches them quite easily. Until a spear plunges deep into his side and he is grabbed by men on either side of him and is forced to his knees. "See, it bleeds. Its not so big and bad now that it has a spear in its side." The man who spoke before speaks again. "You aint so mighty now are you?" He says as he rips the spear out of Dante's side. Wordlessly, Dante closes his eyes then he grins, showing his bloody canine like teeth. -Only three left. - He thinks to himself. "What are you grinning bout mutt?" The man says to Dante, who remains silent but opens his eyes. They're now completely black; before he closed them they were red. His muscles ripple as he flexes his arms and shoulders. "You know soldier-boy, you messed with the wrong forsaken wolf!" Dante says, his voice layered with his and that of his inner wolf. As he says that, he bursts upward to his feet, his arms breaking free of the men who held him. His clawed fingers wrap around the neck of the men on either side of him before they can even react to his movement. Chuckling evilly, he holds either man by the throat in a death grip. "You made a few mistakes." He says as he moves his hands to grip either mans neck. With a quick move, he rips out both of the men's throats. With a wolfish grin, he advances on the remaining man. "First, you attacked me. Second, you gloated when you should have been killing me. And lastly, this is the more important one. You should of brought more men, ten want-to-be solders? Very Insulting." "Your worst nightmare." Dante says before grabbing the terrified man. "The abyss spit me out, your time is up fool!" Dante growls and sinks his canine like teeth into his neck and ripping out his wind pipe. He holds the gargling man up for a second, then pushes him away, watching him fall to the ground dead. ============================================================ Author: Dante Date: Tue Jul 17 19:41:38 2007 Subject The Wolf Returns. A cloud of smoke-like darkness rolls across the ground, the smell of death surrounding it. No light is able to penetrate its darkness, no fire, no moonlight, nothing. It moves quickly, as if on a mission of some sort. The quiet sound of strong paws striking the ground in rapid secession and the faint panting of a running wolf is heard from within the cloud. The cloud and the wolf hidden inside it move toward a large camp, full of soldiers wearing Green uniforms. The wolf growls with anticipation when he sees the camp and pushes himself to go faster. As the cloud approaches the camp, startled cry's break out and orders are shouted. The wolf and the cloud burst out of the trees and into the camp, the wolf still hidden within the cloud. As they move, they leave a faint trail of smoky blackness behind them. Arrows are shot into the cloud and spears are thrown, but they simply go straight through it and out the other side. The cloud moves through the camp at the wolf's direction, following the scent of the one he was searching for. The scent led him to a tent, guarded by a man on either side holding a spear at ready. The cloud surges, sending a shockwave that knocks the guards away from the tent flap. The cloud and wolf burst into the tent, the wolf jumping forward out of the cloud and starts to shimmer, shifting form in midair. A man lands where the wolf once was, the smoky cloud slowly vanishing. He lands in a crouch, his long black hair dangling over his face, hiding it. But anyone who has seen him before knows exactly who it is. A smirk crosses his face as soldiers rush into the tent after him, shouting and carrying on. Slowly he stands, raising his arms out to his sides. "Oh Kailith.. I'm back.." He says as chuckles evilly, his face still hidden by his hair and by shadows. It was Dante.. Risen from the dead. He looked different though. His armor was different for one, and the way he stood and moved were different also. The main difference was, his hands are bare, no longer covered by the gauntlet that once forever encased his hands. Author: Dante Date: Wed Sep 19 07:04:50 2007 Subject Blindness Part 1 A great black wolf lopes easily through the thick underbrush, a mischievous look in his eyes. A crowd of people chased after him carrying torches and with weapons in hand. The wolf's muzzle was covered in blood. Dante toyed with the people, running just fast enough for them to keep on him, but fast enough so he wasn't too close to them. He jumps up onto a fallen small rocky crag and lifts his head, releasing a deep howl. Leaping off the crag, he lopes away, the fun of leading the people on a wild goose chase had gone and he was getting bored with it. So he decided he'd lose them real quick and go find other entertainment. He jumps onto a fallen tree, his paws just barely touching it as he leaps off it, without looking what was on the other side. There was a gaping hole on the other side of the log, twenty feet or so in diameter. He shifts form as he falls at an angle toward the wall of the hole. He collides with the wall, his hands and feet finding holds, but his head slams into the wall. Blood splatters against the wall and flows freely down his face into his eyes from a gash above his right eye brow. He fights to stay awake, shaking his head to try and clear it. He releases one of his hands and wipes the blood from his eyes. His vision starts to blur and his eyes become heavier and heavier. Slowly his vision fades and his grip releases and he falls. He crashes into ledge after ledge as he falls until he finally crashes down onto the floor of the cavern. He is battered and bruised and scratched up, but other than his head wound there was nothing serious. Hours pass before he slowly starts to come to. Groaning in pain he moves his hands to his throbbing head before slowly blinking his eyes open. At first he thought he was blind and he very well could be, but he settles with the idea that it was just pitch black in the cavern, a deep oppressing darkness that wouldn't allow any light. Slowly he climbs to his feet and turns around in a circle. It was useless, he couldn't see where he was going, he could easily fall into a bottomless pit, or get lost down here forever. Growling, he shakes his head, "I have to stay calm. If I start to panic I'll never get out of here." He mutters to him self as he shifts into his wolf form. He sniffs the air and catches a strangely fragrant scent of food cooking. Slowly he follows the scent, carefully laying a paw down out in front of him as he walks, to help make sure he didn't fall into anything. After a few minutes he can hear a voice and some commotion. He wants nothing more but to run toward the scent and the sounds, but restrains himself because he still can't see anything. He walks a few more steps then stops, the fur on the back of his neck standing up on end. Someone or something was watching him. His ears perk up and he sniffs at the air but he cannot hear or smell anything. His muscles tense up and he stands completely still. "Ho-Ho! What do we have here?" The voice of an old man says loudly. "A blind wolf? No, no.. Its but a man disguised as a wolf!" The voice cackles shrilly, then from out of no where Dante is struck by something. The blow knocks Dante down and he quickly returns to his feet, only instead of four paws he stood on two feet. -What's this!? Why am I human again? - He says to himself inside his head. No one had ever made him shift back into his human form before and just what was it that could see him in this darkness? Unless.. Grimly he realizes that he is blind and there was never any darkness. A sudden panic grips him, his heart starts to pound and for the first time in his life he doubts himself. He rips his sword out of its scabbard and turns in a circle, holding the sword out in front of him. But what use will his sword be? How can he fight when he can not see? "Who's there?" Dante says out loud in a doubt filled voice. "Hehe I was right.. You are blind!" The voice giggles childishly. "Awnser me!" Dante shouts, swinging his sword, which clashes against a wall. Author: Dante Date: Wed Sep 19 07:08:00 2007 Subject Blindness part 2 "Useless blind Dante." The voice giggles more. "You are nothing now oh "great" Captain. What use is a blind man? None!" Doubt has set in and it is stronger an enemy than any warrior or mage. -He's right. Im useless. No longer can I fight. What can I do? - -Brother! Thou art not useless. Calm thyself Dante, thou hast other senses. Use them in stead of thy sight! - A familiar voice rings out in Dante's mind. Dante could feel the presence of the Large black wolf that was made up of shadows standing beside him and he calmed noticeably but was still doubtful of his abilities. -Brother, Thou art a great warrior. One of such greatness legends wilt be made from thou. Vision or not, Brother mine, Thou art still that great warrior. Make keen thy senses, Fight with them. - Dante nods and takes a deep breath, calming himself. The panic leaves him and his confidence returns. He stands complete still and strains his ears for the slightest sound. A pebble is kicked by accident and Dante moves with trained speed. He swings his hand at the sound with lightning like speed. His hand finds the neck of the man who taunted Dante and closes around it in an iron grip. "I wont ask again old man. Who are you? And how did you do that?" "Good work.. For a blind man! Hehe Im just a crazy hermit!" The old man says before disappearing from Dante's grip. "Untill next time Dante!" His voice rings out. "What was that about.." Dante grumbles and closes his useless eyes again, concentrating on his other senses. -I can do this. I refuse to give up! - He says to himself as he shifts into his wolf form. Slowly he starts to move again, finding his way with his senses of hearing, touch, and smell. Author: Dante Date: Tue Sep 25 22:13:24 2007 Subject Memories and the way out(Part 1) Time passes slowly to Dante as he wonders through the seemingly endless cave. He can do nothing but wonder aimlessly, sniffing the air and straining his furry ears for any sound of hope. His paws made little sound on the stone floor, but his stomach growled hungrily. Sullenly, he lets his mind wonder, reminiscing about the past. He sighs gently and continues padding along. His thought about the one thing that ever truly make him happy, the one person he ever cared about. He thought of Arikiah, his lifemate. He thought back to when they first met, she was a new thorn mage and he had been ordered to guard the Baroness. He remembered the first time he saw her. It was at that moment love entered his heart for the first time. He knew that she would be the one, that he would spend the rest of his life with her. They were together as much as they could be, often times sneaking away from Storms Keep to swim together and then sit on the beach laughing and having a good time. He wasn't happy unless he was with her. Finally after weeks of being together, Takhisis found it fit for Arikaih to join his pack, thus making their bond even stronger. Soon after she became apart of his back, they became lifemates. Since that day, at least until recently, He never left her side. He watched with pride as she became a powerful mage. A splash makes him alert again and he pauses, listening intently. After a few moments he continues, allowing his mind to wonder again. Sadly, he remembers the day she delivered their still born child and how hard she cried because she felt like she had failed to give him a child. He of course, didn't think she did, it wasn't her fault. She is the only person he has ever loved and probably the only one he will ever love. But now look at what happened. It was as if she hated him now. She would hardly talk to him anymore. Of course, it was his fault. If he had not been careless and not let himself get killed, he would of never changed and she would still love him. "My Beloved Arikaih, I wish there was some way for you to hear me." He says aloud. "I do still love you Arikaih and I will love you for all eternity." He shimmers into his human form and falls onto his hands knees, a single tear rolling down his cheek. The fact that he would never see her again hurt worse then any thing he's ever felt. He would rip the world apart piece by piece, if only there was some way for her to love him again. A strange noise interrupts his thinking and he becomes alert again. He wipes his face with his hand and then concentrates, focusing on listening. The sound of many shrill voices speaking in an ugly guttural language is heard. Quietly he draws his sword and silently moves toward the voices. As he nears them, a foul odor fills the air. "Goblins!" He hissed, crouching down. There was another scent also, the scent of the forest, his way out. Now all he had to do is get past the goblin. He grins and starts to clear his mind. Author: Dante Date: Tue Sep 25 22:16:21 2007 Subject Memories and the way out(Part 2) Uttering a prayer, he starts to move again. Startled cries echo in the cave as one of them spots him. He stood there, readying himself, focusing on his senses. He could hear their voices as they screeched, but he listened more to the sound of their feet. Silently he waits, his sword held neglectly in his hand. He would fight and he would win. He had full confidence in himself that he could. The first goblin that reached him leaps at him, screeching a battle cry. With trained reflexes and speed, he spins and swings his sword with massive force. The blow hits the screeching goblin just above the waist with such force the goblin is cut in half, spraying its black blood everywhere. The feel of the blood as it splatters on his face and arms, fills him with a kind of battle high. Dante starts to laugh evilly and takes his sword in both hands, charging toward the goblin attackers fearlessly. His laugher echoes through the cave as the clash of weapons grow more intense. To be continued. Author: Dante Date: Tue Oct 2 22:18:13 2007 Subject The Ogre and Freedom.(Part 1) The battle was intense. Dante fought with such ferocity, the goblin attackers flinched back. Even though he was blind and out numbered, he deftly fought and killed or injured at least half of the goblin's original number, before the remainder turn and fled in terror. He had received a few injuries but nothing serious, a cut on his left arm bled fitfully however. Slightly winded, he sits down and pulls some cloth wrap from a pouch and starts to wrap the cut on his arm. Fighting blind like that was a completely different experience than he had ever felt. In that one fight, he adapted his whole style of swordsmanship to fit to his blindness. Grinning he hums a soft tune as he ties a knot in the bandage. The sounds and smells of the forest calls to him, beckoning him to leave the cave and he stands, turning toward the exit. He was free, or so he thought. The heavy thud of two feet moving toward him and the brutish grunts and roars of an Ogre stop him in his tracks. Dante could feel the ogre running toward him and a slight whistle informs him that the ogre carried a weapon, a big one. He draws his sword and the ogre jumps forward, swinging a over handed blow at Dante. He senses it and jumps out of the way, letting the weapon swing harmlessly through the air then crash into the ground. The impact shook the ground and had to come from a war hammer of some sorts. Cursing Dante moves away to quickly plan a strategy, but his thought is interrupted the ogre swings the hammer again. Dante tries to block the hammer, but his blade shatters and he is thrown to the ground. He reaches into his boot and draws a dirk as he rolls to his feet. But as he comes to his feet, a hand closes around his head and he is lifted off the ground. The ogre laughs and throws Dante across the cavern as easily as one might throw a doll. He slams into the wall of the cavern with such force his breath is expelled, his dirk flies from his hand, and he falls to the ground, coughing up blood and gasping for air. A grim thought grips his mind as he kneeled there, gasping painfully. Ogres were hard to fight when he could see and now that he was blind it would be ten times as hard. This fight, he thought, would be his last. What chance did he have, blind and unarmed, against an ogre this size? None. -Don't think! Move! - a voice rings in his mind and he rolls quickly as the ogre's hammer lands where he just was. Grunting painfully he pushes himself to his feet and stands mockingly before the ogre. "If you are to be my death, then so be it! I do gladly accept death's call." Dante says, dodging another swing. "But you will find, I will not just lay down and die." -Brother! On the ground three feet to your right there is a pole arm. - The voice tells him urgently. He dives to his right, evading another swing and his hands close around the shaft of a halberd. It has a spear tip, then an axe head and a pick at one end, the other was a pointed butt piece. He comes to his feet, swinging the halberd skillfully around him, then moves into a stance, the blade of the halberd held low behind him slightly. The ogre roars in rages and charges Dante. He gives ground freely, staying just out of reach of the massive hammer. Then when an opening presents it self he thrusts the halberd, sending the spear tip into the ogre's right thigh. The wound enrages it more than hurts it and it swings its hammer again, this time connecting solidly. The blow hits Dante full in the chest and he flies backward, an audible cry of pain escaping him. He lands, rolling a few times. He lies there, gasping painfully and clutching at his chest with one hand, as his other clutches the halberd. Ribs were not just broke, some were shattered and others broke in multiple places. Great tears of pain wail up into his eyes, as he coughs up blood and gasps weakly for air. -Strength Dante! You must find strength! It is not yet your time! - The voice says in his mind. Author: Dante Date: Tue Oct 2 22:20:33 2007 Subject The Ogre and Freedom(part 2) At first the pain was so great he couldn't think coherently, but then the image of Arikaih enters his mind and from some where deep inside him, strength comes. The very last of anything he could muster would have to be enough. The ogre stood at Dante's feet, chuckling. It lifts its hammer for the killing blow, and then swings the hammer with all its might. Releasing the strength all at once, Dante rolls to his feet and grips the halberd in both hands. Shouting something a battle cry of sorts, he swings the halberd with all his might. The blade slices through the ogres right arm then sinks deep into its right thigh. The ogre roars in pain and releases the hammer, stumbling backward. Dante jumps forward, spinning and he swings a great blow to the ogre's right leg. The blade cuts straight through the leg, cutting it off as well. The ogre bellows again in pain and falls to the ground, its mouth agape. Dante lifts the halberd over his head and swings one last blow, beheading the ogre. He had won, but at what cost? Could he hold on to his life as injured as he is? Chuckling painfully, he stumbles away, toward the cave entrance. He could feel the change as he leaves the cave, the breeze and the soft ground underneath his feet. He staggers forward, chuckling still. He chuckled at the pain, not because he won. He falls to his knees and lifts his head and howls a painful cry for help. He pushes himself to his feet and staggers some more, before falling again. Painfully he lifts his head and howls again, and then falls backward. He lies there, his breath coming to him in weak, painful wheezes. He lay there, waiting for death's sweet embrace. His right hand still clutches at the halberd that he found and with his left he reaches up toward the sky. His consciousness fades and his hand drops. Author: Dante Date: Sun Dec 2 21:45:51 2007 Subject To Sanction. Dante limps through the trees, his black fur covered in blood. His whimpers softly as he walks, blood flowing from various wounds. Hatred and a deep sadness burned in his visionless eyes. He had lost everything he held dear. His Wolfbound, dead. His Bondmate Anaru, dead. His once Lifemate, gone. He was just a shell of his former self but he pressed on. It was not his time to die so he would live on to further the Glory of Takhisis . Word had reached him that Saige had called everyone back to Sanction for further orders after a convoy had been attacked. Though he was not far, his wounds made it hard for him. He crests a hill and looks upon Sanction, his destination. He pauses a moment and lifts his head, releasing a sorrow filled howl into the night air. As the howl dies away, he presses on into Sanction. Author: Dante Date: Mon Mar 17 21:46:25 2008 Subject [FWD] A return. [FWD Note] - [ 35] Dante: A return. [FWD Date] - Mon Mar 17 21:44:38 2008 [FWD To ] - all [Original to:] Dragonarmy [FWD List] - story The shadowy form of a large black wolf pads silently around a well lit camp. The wolf approaches a man, who stood alone outside the fire light, watching and waiting. The wolf stops before the man and sits on his haunches. "Gavin" The wolf says quietly, startling the man who was looking the other way. The man turns and bows deeply to the wolf. "Milord Dante. Welcome back." He says softly. "How was your venture?" "It went better than expected, But we havent time for that. Make the necessary preperations. You and the men march at dawn." Dante says, in a tone of command. "Aye Milord, it wll be as you say. Don't You march with us?" "No, i must go talk with someone. But i will rejoin you at dawn in two days." He stands and and looks around quietly. "Where do we march Milord?" Gavin asks as he bows quietly. "At dawn, a wolf will join you. Follow the wolf. " Dante says as he inclines his head. "Make haste Gavin, Dawn is but a few hours away." With that Dante lopes away into the darkness. Gavin turns and jogs back into the camp, already bellowing orders. Dante had been away seeking a blind warrior who could train him. He found this warrior and is again like he once was. Fearless. Merciless. Unstopable. He goes now to seek Lord Saige, to seek his wisdom. It has been days since he slept and it would probably be a few more days since he could. But He was used to pushing himself. Author: Dante Date: Fri Nov 7 01:50:44 2008 Subject A Figure. A figure stalks through the trees beneath Solace. He moved swiftly and silently, but he was followed by an angry mob with torches and who were armed to the teeth. The figure grins as he seems to disappear into the brush. Things were a bit too hot here now, it was time for him to go back to Neraka and report. He lays low as the crowd passes and then slips out of his hiding spot and moves swiftly to his hidden encampment. He grabs what few things he had and saddles his black horse. "Alright Skull, lets get back." He says to his horse as he climbs up into the saddle and kicks the horse into a gallop. They travel for days, stopping only to rest Skull for a few hours. Soon they reached Neraka, their home. They had been gone for some months scouting, you could say. He had learned few things, but he should report never the less. He sighed gently as he rode up to an inn and dismounted, handing the reins to a stable boy. "Watch him neighbor, he bites." Dante says as he walks into the Inn. A few moments later he emerges from the Inn and looks around. It was time to go report. He tosses his hood up over his head and walks down the street. Author: Dante Date: Thu Dec 11 04:08:35 2008 Subject Leaving in search of the Knife of Darcart Dante bursts into his small room, his face aflame with rage. He jerks a small pack off a table and empties the contents on the floor. He curses angrily as he starts to stuff the pack full of things. He had heard of an artifact as he was being drug from the common room. Luerk had said it was something of great importance. All he had heard was Dracart. He would show that arrogant fool of a highlord how wrong he was about Dante. He would find this artifact and bring it back. His honor would be restored as would his rank. He could see it now. Shaking his head, he throws the pack onto his back and quickly leaves the room. He grabs a messenger who passes him and smirks as the boy curses. "I Need you to do something for me boy." Dante says as he looks into the boys eyes and the boy cowers away. "Wha..what?" The boy says, his voice trembling. "Take a message to our allies. Tell them to watch for Solamnic forces who might move to intercept an artifact of the Dragonarmies." Dante says, his voice quiet. "Do this, or suffer my wrath. Understand boy?" The trembling boy nods and Dante smirks, before handing him a few coins. Without another word Dante leaves the Temple and soon Neraka. He pauses outside the gate and whistles loudly. Soon a black wolf appears from the brush and Dante grins. "Lets go old friend." With that, Dante and the wolf vanish down the road. Author: Dante Date: Mon Dec 22 21:10:49 2008 Subject Knife of Dracart- Conscripting Informants. It was late evening and Dante was stalking after a very odd couple, a Minotaur and a Half-elf that had been asking questions about the knife. He smirks as he sees the Minotaur enter an inn as the half-elf waits outside. He thought about rushing the Half-elf now since he was alone but by the time he had decided against it, the Half-elf had gone into the inn. He sighs as he follows him into the inn. The Minotaur was interrogating another man about information about the knife and Dante sat down, listening to what the minotaur was saying to the man. He takes a sip of his drink and curses as someone he knows walks in. It was Highmaster Luerk. What the hell was he doing here? This complicates things. Glancing over at Luerk Dante slides back into the shadows. By the time Dante turned his attention back to the Minotaur, it and the Half-elf were sitting together now, talking quietly. He strained to hear what they were saying but it was really no use. Suddenly the Half-elf jumps up, drawing a sword and a dagger and closing the gap between himself and Dante rather quickly. The Minotaur roars and rushes at Luerk. The half-elf throws a dagger at Dante, who easily moves out of the way, and stands drawing his long curved blade and kicking a table out of his way. The fight was short and interrupted by Luerk jumping on Dante as he was reaching for the Half-elf who lay on the ground. Dante quickly rolls to his feet, his face finally being revealed. He lowers his blade and glares at Luerk. He exchanges a few words with the arrogant Highlord but doesn't really pay attention. He loathes Luerk and his arm twitches wanting to strike at the man. With a profound distaste he sheathes his sword and does as the Highlord says. Pulling a length of rope from his pack he moves and hogties the Minotaur who had been slept by a spell from Luerk. The beast smelled awful, but he was soon tied enough so he couldn't move. Luerk took the Half-elf into custody and had Dante wake the Minotaur and bring him along. Dante curses inwardly as he wakes the beast and cuts his feet loose so he can walk. He glares at Luerk as they disappear outside into the streets of Sanction. Author: Dante Date: Tue Dec 23 06:09:36 2008 Subject A visit from Her. Dante stands in a small clearing in the moon light, his chest bare against the crisp night air. His spear was stuck into the ground not far from him and his Katana was held loosely. He flexes his muscles and releases them dropping to his knees and bowing his head. His mind wonders toward the voice that called to him. It was the voice of a woman, the voice of a temptress. Dante willingly strode toward the voice in the depths of his mind. He let the voice take him and thus he stood before his Queen, Takhisis. She flooded his mind with a great number of images. There were those of A great red dragon and some of a battle, no many battles. He heard Her laughter before she pulled him close and breathes on his neck. "Dante Sethhas long been dead. Lose that name, Be known now and forever as Dante Devereux" She whispers to him but before he could answer, Her presence was gone and he was awake again. "As you say, My Queen." He says quietly as he stands and grips his Katana. He takes a few deep breaths to calm his breathing and then starts a Kata. Author: Dante Date: Tue Dec 23 07:10:32 2008 Subject A visit. Dante stands in a small clearing in the moon light, his chest bare against the crisp night air. His spear was stuck into the ground not far from him and his Katana was held loosely. He flexes his muscles and releases them dropping to his knees and bowing his head. His mind wonders toward the voice that called to him. It was the voice of a woman, the voice of a temptress. Dante willingly strode toward the voice in the depths of his mind. He let the voice take him and thus he stood before his Queen, Takhisis. She flooded his mind with a great number of images. There were those of A great red dragon and some of a battle, no many battles. Lastly there was one of a man who wore a green cloak and had black hair. He heard Her laughter before she pulled him close and breathes on his neck."Dante Sethhas long been dead. Lose that name; Be known now and forever as Dante Delacroix" She whispers to him but before he could answer, Her presence was gone and he was awake again."As you say, My Queen." He says quietly as he stands and grips his Katana. He takes a few deep breaths to calm his breathing and then starts a Kata. Author: Dante Date: Wed Dec 24 17:55:15 2008 Subject Knife of Dracart -A new mission- Dante takes steps two at a time, cursing Saige. -Damn him! Damn him to the Abyss- He speaks within his mind and bursts through the door at the bottom of the steps. Immediately he saw the two Sivak Draconians standing next to horses. He strides toward them, his spear held low. "Rastar and Viraas I presume?" He says but doesnt give them time to answer. "Lose the horses and the heavy armor. We travel light, we travel fast. Meet me at the docks in an hours time." One of the Sivaks start to say something but Dante interrupts. "Know that I do not need, nor want you with me. Do say do I will not hesitate to kill you my damned self. Understood?" He snarls as he speaks and then turns to leave. "Like some soldier could.." one of the sivaks start but his words are cut off as Dante sweeps its feet out from beneath him. The tip of the spear is pressed against the Sivaks neck before he hits the ground. The other one reaches for his sword but suddenly realizes there is a blade pressed against his neck. "Do as I say or I will kill you both." He says before sheathing his Katana and leaves the courtyard. He moves swiftly through Sanction, toward where Luerk and his Greens were staying. He smirks as he enters the inn unnoticed through a window and slowly draws his Katana, looking down at the sleeping man. It was the Half-elf he fought not a day ago. He had information and Dante needed it. He grins as he kicks the bed, waking the Half-breed. Author: Dante Date: Sat Dec 27 10:15:35 2008 Subject Knife of Dracart -Stealing a prisoner- Dante kicked the bed, but of course the Half-elf wasnt in it. He crouched in a corner sprouting a witty remark about kicking beds as a hobby. He smirks to himself as he tells the half-elf to tell what he know about the knife. He of course had to make things difficult and Dante gripped his Katana tighter, keeping a rein on his anger. Finally the Half-elf cooperates and tells him very little about how he knew what it looked like and something else. That was honestly more than Dante knew so He ordered the Half-elf to come with him to find it. After some witty banter He agreed and moved to ready himself. "What do you think youre doing with my prisoner?" A very unpleasant voice says from the darkness. It was of course Luerk and Dante was kind of taking his Prisoner. Words were exchanged, but Luerk surprisingly let them go and even gave them supplies. Smirking Dante shakes his head and follows after Valas out the window and then lead him to the Docks where the Sivaks, Rastar and Viraas, waited. He spoke to a Captain of a ship painted black and then beckoned the others onboard. Soon they were underway and floated through the water, the moons bright over head. He stands at the railing, looking out over the water. His vision darkens and He starts to hear His Queens voice, whispering things to him. She calls him to Her again and he willingly goes. Soon his Queen floats around him, whispering to him, filling his mind once more with images. Again there was a Great Red Dragon and the tall man with black hair and a green cloak. Then there was a single image of a monk and then one of a huge ogre in black robes. "Find this monk, My hunter. He has information for you.." Takhisis whispers to him and he bows his head. "Of course my Queen. It will be done." He replies almost woodenly. His Queen Laughs mercilessly and sends him rushing back to reality. He falls to his knees, gasping for air. He must of held his breath the whole time. Shaking his head he looks up. He stands and grins as he sees shore fast approaching. "Valas, Get the Draconians and get ready to land." He says, his eyes glinting in the darkness. Author: Dante Date: Mon Jan 12 00:09:20 2009 Subject The morning after. Dante woke suddenly, his head pounding. He groans as he sits up from the hard dirt and looks around. Tachande lay about 10 feet away passed out on the ground and the two sivaks sat talking quietly. He sits up, holding his head tenderly in his hands. "What in the name of the abyss happened?" He grumbles as he looks at the Sivaks. "You and that other one got drunk and burned down the inn we were at." One of the Sivaks say before he snorts in distaste. "Youre lucky we were there or you two probably would of burned to death." Flash backs of the night before came somewhat to Dante and he groans and shakes his head. "Well atleast we had fun." He says as he chuckles and stands up off the ground before stretching and yawning greatly. He walks over to Tachande and kicks him. "Tach, Wake up we need to get moving to Solace." He says as he looks around. His head still pounded but memories from last night were slowly coming back to him. Chuckling gently Dante buckles his Katana across his back and tosses a piece of black lakrak root into his mouth. "Im going to scout ahead, bring him as soon as hes up and moving." He says to the Sivaks before disappearing into the wilderness. Author: Dante Date: Tue Jan 13 02:38:45 2009 Subject Taking a dive. Dante stands alone looking out over the Straits of Schallsea. Night had fallen some time ago and he stood waiting for the ship that would ferry him and the others across to Abanasinia. Soon his thoughts drift toward the past and his mind wonders through thoughts of Arikaih and he found himself longing for her savage beauty. His heart ached for her but she was gone. The sound of a horses hooves bring him back to reality. He turns and curses when he sees five Solamnic Knights in full armor atop of massive war horses. "State your name." one of the knights asks Dante. "Who wants to know?" Dante says arrogantly and the knight who asked clanks down to the ground and steps toward Dante. "I am Sir Ric of the Order of the Crown and I order you to state your name." He says in a stern voice with his hand on his sword. This of course was a fight that even if Dante won, he would probably be injured. He stays silent for a moment, trying to figure out what to do. But then, the sound of his saviors arrival rung out. The shrill whistle signaled the ships arrival and glancing over his shoulder, low and be hold there it was. Grinning wickedly Dante pulls the knight close, drawing a dagger from his belt in a blur of motion. "I am Dante Delacroix, The Dark Hunter!" He says before slicing the knights throat and kicking his body away. He hurls the dagger into the trees in the general direction of his small encampment, hoping someone would find it and figure out what happened before he turns and Launches himself off the 30 ft cliff and down into the water. The sailors aboard the ship threw Him a line and pulled him aboard. Dante, smirking as he looked back up at the cursing knights, waves gently as the ship sets sail toward the Abanasinian coast. Author: Dante Date: Fri Jan 23 07:25:33 2009 Subject Darkness Darkness surrounds Dante and Tachande as they moved swiftly away from Neraka. They had stopped for supplies and so Dante could talk to Ayasana but other then that they left as soon as they could. They ran for awhile but Dantes sensitive hearing picked up something and he came to a halt, listening for the sound again. It sounded like hooves. But it was coming toward them from the way they were going, not from Neraka. He sniffs at the air and picks up four distinct odors. There was sweat, mixed with leather, rusty metal and the faint stench of blood. He thinks for a moment and then suddenly kicks Tachande in the chest. The two brawl for a few minutes and then Dante ducks quickly behind a tree, hiding in the shadows. Tachande can now here the hooves and draws his Scimitars. He stands out in the open, waiting like a dumb ass. With a sigh, Dante grabs Tachande and pulls him out of the open and shoves him behind a tree, putting a finger to his own lips. Nodding Tachande hides against the tree and waits. Dante lets the first three pass but moves as the last one starts to pass. His razor sharp Katana almost slices the rider in half and his torso falls to one side, hanging my his spine and some flesh. He jumps into another shadow before the others can turn and see him. They stare in horror at their dead comrade. Tachande jumps out of the shadows and casts a spell that kills one of them, his shrieks fill the night. The other two curse and look around but from the shadows, a knife zips through the air and sinks into one of the two remaining mens throat. The man gurgles and then falls from his saddle, dead. The last man Flees from the Dante and Tachande, driving his horse into a dead run. Tachande searches the bodies and finds a Signet ring from Nordmaar. "It looks like this is going to be a challenge." Tachande says as he tosses the signet to Dante. "I always like a challenge." Dante replies as he sits down with his back against a tree. "Im going to get some rest. Get rid of the bodies and no fire." He says as he falls into a light sleep. Author: Dante Date: Mon Jan 26 22:32:05 2009 Subject A lonely night on the Beach. Dante walks alone on a moon lit beach on the eastern coast of Nordmaar. Tachande sleep back in the trees after a long day of training, yet after everything hes done lately, Dante couldnt sleep. Maybe it was the Lakrak but he hadnt had any in a few days. He sighs gently and looks out at the rolling waves of the Blood Sea of Istar. He shakes his head gently and continues his walk. His foot hits something in the sand and he curses, falling back into the sand. Grumbling he digs into the sand to find what he hit his foot on. His hand touched something metallic and curiously he pulls the metallic object out of the sand. He stands and walks over to the water and washes the sand off of it, revealing a blacken horned battle crown that bore a Black Crescent between the horns. He thinks for a moment, running his fingertips over the metal. He runs a hand through his hair and finally slides the crown onto his brow. Hes struck by a painful vision of what happened to its previous owner, who had died at sea long ago. The visions drive him to his knees he screams painfully. After a few minutes and a few more visions the pain subsides and he falls back onto his back in the sand, panting heavily. He shakes his head and rolls his hand falling on the other piece of the crown. He pulls it from the sand and brushes it off It was a mask that connected with the crown and was designed to look like something from the Abyss. He grins and tucks the mask away, before standing up and brushing himself off. The mask and crown once was owned by a previous Highlord of the Red Dragonarmy who died when his ship sank in the Blood Sea. Now Dante had found it, imagine that. Author: Dante Date: Thu Feb 5 19:23:17 2009 Subject Back to Neraka Dante sits alone next to a small creek, his wet hair draped around his downcast face. He just bathed in the cool water of the creek and now sat nude on a rock, relaxing for a few moments. His body was scared from the many wounds he had received in battle and his muscles rippled each time he moved. He sighed gently and cups his hands in the water and gently splashes his face with the clear water. The black metal band on his right finger touches his temple and A vision explodes in his mind. He is walking through the streets of Neraka and then he is kneeling before someone and receiving something. He comes back to his senses and stands abruptly and quickly dresses. He wasnt sure what the vision meant but he was for sure he needed to get back to Neraka as quickly as possible. He turns and moves quickly back to the camp. "Tachande, Mephiston! Get up. Break camp we need to move!" He says as he starts to put on what little armor he wore. "Were needed in Neraka and we were needed there a week ago. Lets move boys we have a lot of land to cover." He says as he douses the fire, leaving his own small tent where it was and waits for the others to wake and get dressed. Something was about to happen and it worried Dante. Author: Dante Date: Wed Feb 11 01:23:29 2009 Subject Leaving...again. Dante curses loudly, standing in his cave like abode under a house in Neraka. He had just received a message from Verminaard telling him to come to Pax Tharkas. Of course! Growling he throws the scroll case against the wall, shattering it. Dante curses loudly, standing in his cave like abode under a house in Neraka. He had just received a message from Verminaard telling him to come to Pax Tharkas. Of course! Growling he throws the scroll case against the wall, shattering it. He moves up the stairs and goes out the door, setting a poisonous needle trap before locking the door and moving out into the street. He goes to find Tachande, a Sergent who was under his command. He snorts as he hears that hes sleeping. He finds him in the Sleeping Quarters of the Red Barracks, sitting up in his bed, sweating profusely. After telling Dante of his slavery early on in his life, Tachande stands up and dresses quickly. "Tachande. Im leaving for Pax Tharkas, Verminaard has sent for me. Ill return in two moons time, until then I want you to see to it that Mephiston and yourself are properly trained as Soldiers." Dante says and leaves without another word. He moves quickly through the streets of Neraka and out of the gates and into the Wilderness. Once again the Hunter treks through the wilderness. Author: Dante Date: Fri Feb 27 22:49:21 2009 Subject Arrival Dante looks out at the looming fortress that is Pax Tharkas. He had been traveling for weeks and now he was here, he was in a foul mood. He would be going back to all the people, back to the order, back to everything he hated. Whatever Verminaard wanted, it had better be good. With distasteful sigh he starts toward Pax Tharkas. He left Neraka and went down to Sanction where he booked passage to a lonely beach somewhere south of where Pax Tharkas would be. From there he went over land to the imposing fortress. After a few questions, Dante strides toward where he could find Lord Verminaard and comes to a guarded door. "Go tell Verminaard that Dante Delacroix has arrived." The guard shakes his head and smirks. "Lord Verminaard is not to be disturbed." He says in an arrogant voice. Dante grins wickedly and in a fast move, has the guard against the wall with a knife at his neck. "You will tell him now or I'll slice yer throat and tell him my self. Understood?" Dante says, the knife pressed against the mans neck so hard it was drawing blood. After the guard nods, Dante releases him and then shoves him through the door, smirking. Author: Dante Date: Mon Mar 2 15:33:41 2009 Subject A vision. Dante watches as the guard comes back through the door, a small piece of cloth held to his neck. "He'll see you, Milord Dante." With a smirk Dante nods. "Of course he will." He mutters before walking into the room. He walks toward a Tall man who wore night blue dragonscale armor trimmed in gold and a hidious Dragon Highlord Helmet even though he was inside. "Verminaard, you summoned me?" Dante says, without a bow or even a salute. Verminaard shifts beneath his armor and looks at Dante. "Ah, Dante Seth, or should I say Delacroix?" Verminaard says as he turns on his heel and walks back to his "Throne". "You've made it here in good time." Dante smirks and nods gently. "Aye, I have business to attend too back at Neraka. Now what do you want?" "Ahh, get to the point hmm?" Verminaard looks at Dante, noting the way the man held himself in his presence, "I have a task for you." Pyros walked through the door at Dante's back. Heeding Verminaard's unheard call. Looking at the Human, Pyros didn't seem too impressed with the man. Summing up the man, Pyros began to speak. " My Queen deems this Mortal worthy of Highmaster? He seems less fit to be a Soldier. Either way, We have a task for you Dante Delacroix." Pyros nods to Verminaard, who grunts in amusement, "Yes the Dragon hunter's of Nordmaar. The Red Dragons have been weary of their existence, yet they deem it underneath them to deal with. Perfect for you." Dante grunts and nods. "Ive been there once before, gathered quite of following." He says with a smirk. "You want me to Invade Nordmaar and wipe out these Dragon hunters then?" Verminaard smirks beneath his grotesque Dragonhelm, "Yes." Turning his helmed head to Pyros, "What say you to this, shall it appease your squabbling kin and grant their allegiance to our war?" Pyros tipped his head. "Yes it would, yet," eyeing Dante, "One such as this mortal may not suffice, thus I shall send one of my kin with him, to assure that he not fail in his quest." Dante snorts at Pyros comment. "You know little of what im capable of." He glances down at the map and falls silent for a few moments. "I will go back to Neraka and gather our Armies. Then Nordmaar will fall beneath our might." "But before you depart, Dante, I have one question to ask you before your departure," dismissing Pyros to convene with the Red dragon who shall aide Dante, "What force do you plan to take to the Conquest of Nordmaar?" Dante smirks and looks at Verminaard. "I have already conscripted A group of Nordmaarian Barbarians, thanks to the Help Tachande. When i return, I will send him to gather the Goblin's and then Myself and a minotaur i found in Nordmaar will go to Mithas to get the Minotaurs to join us." Verminaard eyes the man through the slits in his horned helm, "Quite a force," He says walking back towards his throne he casts Dante one last glance. "You may leave, Do not fail me, or our Queen, Dante, we need the Reds aid in our Dante smirks. "I dont know what that word means Verminaard." He says as he turns on his heel and leaves the room. Dante wakes on a cold stone floor, his head throbbing. He rolls over onto his back, realizing that his hands are shackled and he wore rags instead of his armor. He groans as he sits up and glances around, wondering where in the abyss he was. A door opens and a man steps in, a whip coiled in his hand. "Ah yer finally awake, huh slave?" Author: Dante Date: Mon Mar 2 16:53:16 2009 Subject Slavery sucks. Dante growls at the man who pushes him forward. Obviously, he had been caught off guard and taken as a slave, only he has no memory of it. They said he was out for a number of days, and he sure felt like it too. He didn't know for whom he was a slave for but in the week that he's been there he has been told to mine and push carts. He'd killed two guards already, and been harshly punished. His back was covered in whip marks but his will still unbroken. He started planning the day he woke up in this hellhole, talking to other slaves. All of then wanted out, but none of then could get out. There were at least a hundred others who would join him, if of course he gave them a chance for freedom. He bides his time; there wasn't much else he could do. The guard pushes him again and Dante roars and turns, flinging the guard to the ground and jumping on top of him before he can react. He slams the guard hard and then bends down, ripping the guards throat out with his teeth. He grabs the guards dagger from his belt and pushes the tip into one of the links in his shackles, before twisting the dagger. He bends open the links of the badly made shackles fairly easy. With a wolfish grin he grabs the guard's sword and darts down the hallway, toward a hidden niche that he had found while working. He climbs up into the niche and sits back and waits. They would search for him for a day or two, but soon, they'd give up. He almost chuckles in amusement as he leans back against the wall of his hiding place. Author: Dante Date: Thu Mar 5 04:01:33 2009 Subject Vicktory! Dante grins as he orders Tachande to take the bulk of the slaves and get them armed and then out to the battle that was close at hand, while he himself took the big Ergothian and the blond Highlander with him. With a nod Dante and Tachande split apart. Dante, Raze, who was the Ergothian, and Juko, the Highlander, ran through the passage ways. The other guards would be ready for the slaves. Dante was going to do something foolish, but it just might work. He was leading them up stairs to a passage that would lead to a place above the courtyard. They were nearing their exit and Dante could already hear the sounds of battle. Dante paused. "I want you to fight like the beasts you are. Tare them Limb from limb!!" He roars, no howls before he turns and starts running for the opening in the cliff face. The two others roar and follow after him. They landed in the middle of guardsmen and were soon fighting like animals. Dante and Tachande soon met in combat and soon after that they stood victorious. Dante scanned the battle field. Thirteen slaves stood amongst the dead or dying. Dante grins and raises his sword. "WE ARE VICTORIOUS!!" He bellows and the cries of the thirteen join in, raising their weapons also. Dante looks over at Tachande and smirks. "Good Job, Subcommander." He says and then walks amongst the dead to join his thirteen warriors. Author: Dante Date: Thu Mar 5 23:18:43 2009 Subject New Armor. Dante walks through the streets of Neraka, Tachande and the thirteen other warriors close behind him. They were all covered in blood and mud. Dante stopped and looked around. "Subcommander Tachande, take these men to the barracks and get them washed, fed and clothed. Ill be along shortly." He says and watches as Tachande and the others walk away. He looks around again and then walks down a small alley. He knocks on a door and after a moment a large man in a blackened apron opens the door. "Orin, I need a new set of armor." He says and the big man sighs. "What happened this time Dante? A dragon eat it?" He shakes his head and steps aside, beckoning Dante inside. Dante steps inside the small smithy and chuckles. "No my friend, I was hit by some slavers about a month ago, they sold it." Orin grins. "The invincible Dante Delacroix got subdued and forced into slavery? How amusing." He says winking at Dante, who chuckles and leans against the wall. "Nothing fancy Orin, Just black enameled steel lamellar laced together with red silk. I need it with in a week. Can you do it?" He asks as he stands up, looking at Orin. "For you my friend, of course." Orin says and Dante nods. "Thank you my friend." Dante says before nodding and quickly leaving. He returns to his underground home to change his clothes and pick up "Wolfs Embrace", the sword he left behind when he left. After strapping his sword to his back, he leaves Neraka, again. Author: Dante Date: Tue Mar 10 08:30:54 2009 Subject The girl(part 1) Tarrian kneels quietly, feeding twigs to a small fire. She makes sure that she is mostly hiding the small fire from the view of anyone who might be wandering nearby. Dante walks through the trees, almost leisurely. It had been a long month and Dante couldnt relax in the city. He sighs and looks around, sniffing at the air. Tarrian looks around for signs of company, then continues to feed the small flame. Tachande grunted, travelling through the trees seemed like a blessing compared to the tunnels of the mines, looking over he dipped his head, indicating something north. Dante catches an unfamilar scent in the air and, being curious he moves silently to investigate.Tarrian kneels before the fire, pushing her dark cloak to the ground behind her. "I am here. What are your wishes?" She whispers, trying to be as quiet as possible.Dante spots the fire and ducks behind a tree, his hand on his sword. There seemed to be a woman kneeling on the otherside of the fire, muttering unheard words. Tarrian closes her eyes, thinking herself a bit safe. She continues to whisper the words. Tachande crept close to Dante, "Who is it?". He whispered. Dante shrugs gently. "Dont know..but whoever she is, has some company." He nods toward the woods behind here were five people crept up on her. Tarrian continues to listen for signs of intruders. Hearing nothing, she spreads her arms. "What would you have me do, Takhisis?" she said, a bit louder than a whisper, but still hardly audible. Dante gasps suddenly, as if someone had their hand around his throat. After just a moment he comes back to his senses. "Protect her!" He half shouts before taking off at a dead run, drawing "Wolf's Embrace." Tarrian hears the rustling in the leaves. She quickly dumps grass and dirt on the fire and grabs her cloak. Like a startled rabbit, she takes off into the underbrush. Tachande quickly follows Dante, drawing his twin swords in the process. Focusing in on his Queen, the urgency to help the lone girl overwhelmed him. So he quickened his pace. Dante roars an unhumanlike roar as the people rush toward the girl. "Tach! go get her!" He says before he swings his sword at the villager, slicing almost clean through him. He falls, dead and Dante, stands, looking at the others, brandishing his bloody Sword. Tachande dashes past Dante, chasing the fleeing girl. The urge growing, Tachande roared to her, "in the name of Takhisis, I command you to Halt!" mixing in the power of his Queen with his voice. Tarrian hears the roared words from behind her. Sensing the danger, she turns in her steps and makes for a small hole in the nearby tree. Dante whips off his sword and sheaths it before moving toward Tachande. He whaps him on the back of the head shaking his his own. "You seem to of frightened her." He says as he sniffs her out and looks into the hole for her. Tachande grunts, "Damnit, thought it would work." Shrugging, he sheathed his swords and stood back watching Dante. Tarrian hears the movement nearby and draws a dagger from her side. Dante says 'My Queen seems to think that you're important. Dont worry, i wont hurt you.' Dante says as he crouches down. Tarrian shakes her head. 'Not again...you won't hurt me again' Tarrian has covered herself with her dark cloak, trying to completely disappear into the darkness. In a quiet motion, she puts her dagger to her neck. 'Cmon now dearie, You were speaking to her before you ran. She told me to protect you. I swear on her name i wont harm you.' Tarrian shakes fiercely, the dagger cutting through the skin enough to JUST bring blood. I don't know what you are talking about. I wasn't talking to anyone." Author: Dante Date: Tue Mar 10 08:51:04 2009 Subject The girl(Part 2) Tachande looks past Dante, focusing his eyes towards the girl with the knife to her throat says 'I can see her aura swirl around you girl, you are her follower, same as me and my friend here. Upon my soul, we will not hurt you for you are have favor among Takhisis.' Tarrian startles when she hears the name of Takhisis. The dagger seems to slowly slip out of her hand. Tachande walks past Dante and extends his hand to the opening of the hole, saying 'Take my hand, and feel the blessing of my Queen.' Tarrian curls up in a tight ball as the dagger hits the ground. She mumbles, trying to put up a protective shield around herself Tachande sighs as he senses the feeble shield begin to envelope the girl. She had power it seems, looking past the darkness of the hole, he closes his eyes and prays to Takhisis. Tachande extending his hand further into the hole, a faint purple glow begins to build from his extended hand. Growing in intensity, it begins to form a medallion of his Queen. Faintly glowing, the medallion illuminates the darkness of the hole. Tarrian sobs as her shield fails. She pushes herself tighter against the wall, pulling the cloak tighter around her to "hide" herself. Dante says 'My name is Dante Delacroix. I am Highmaster of the Red Dragonarmy and more importantly, i am Takhisis' Hunter. This is my Subcommander Tachande' Tachande says 'And I am her Paladin, take the medallion in my hand child, and join us in the glory of our queen.' Tarrian remains quiet. Tachande closes his eyes, he extends his hand inches from the cowering girl and settles the medallion against her form. Tachande says 'My Queen, the almighty Takhisis is with you. Shall you not make yourself known to her servants, you face her wrath.' Tarrian pushes the cloak from her face...looking at him. "Wrath I'm used to," she whispers. Dante says 'Then feel her embrace and i shall protect you from any wraith, human or other.' Tachande says 'yet wrath is not what is offered, my child. Her holy blessing is. All you must do is wear the medallion upon your neck, and feel her blessing.' Tarrian shakes her head 'They will hurt me if they see it' Dante says 'I will kill any if they even dared.' Tachande says 'Believe me, young one, once you wear that medallion, my queen, her paladin, and her hunter shall protect you against any and all harm.' Dante returns her gaze, his eyes flashing gently. He ties his medallion back around his neck and pats Tachande on the shoulder, tellin him to move. Once he did Dante steps forward. "Whats your name?" 'Tarrian looks at Dante. "Tarrian" she says as she looks back down, hiding her face in the cloak again. Her hand seems to grope around on the ground, searching for her dagger. Dante smiles a wolfish smile at her. "Tarrian, you may think that She doesnt know you but you are wrong. She..has chosen you and put you under my protection and i will do so with my life if i must." "My life is not worth Protection." Dante smirks 'My Queen says differently.'He says as he reaches in and grabs the dagger before she could find it. 'And so, your life is worth Protection.' Tarrian looks at you again. "Why? I'm worthless." Dante says 'Maybe in the Eyes of those who would oppose Her. There is something special about you. I can sense it.' Author: Dante Date: Tue Mar 10 08:58:15 2009 Subject The girl(part 3) Tarrian looks up at Dante. 'Why are you interested in someone like me?' 'Because She has marked you.' Tarrian shakes her head. "I'm not marked in any way." Dante chuckles. "But you are. You can not see it, But you are." 'I don't understand' Dante offers out his hand. "Come with me and in time, you will." Tarrian reaches toward you, then draws her hand away. She shakes her head. "They find me when I leave. They always do." 'I will take you to Neraka. The heart of Our Queens power. No one will find you there.' Tarrian shakes her head. "I don't know you. How do I know you are not like them?" 'Pray to Her. She will tell you who i am.' Tarrian shakes her head again. "She tells me nothing." Dante pulls put his medallion again. "Do you know who this Medallion reprisents?" Tarrian shakes her head, her eyes still downcast. 'It reprisents Takhisis. All of her followers wear it.' Tarrian glances up for a moment, then returns her eyes to the ground. 'Come with me and you'll never have to be afraid again.' Dante says as he offers his hand out again. Tarrian seems to pull back. She turns her head away. "They will hurt me." Dante shakes his head. "Not with me around no one will." Tarrian continues to look down. "Can you promise me no one will ever hurt me again?" Author: Dante Date: Fri Mar 20 04:50:52 2009 Subject Abandonment. Dante and his men sat around three small fires. Him, Tachande, Raze and Jouko sat at the same fire, while the rest of the men spilt up between the other two. The others talked quietly, but Dante was silent. His mind wondered away from him, as if he was being called by someone. Something had been nagging at him since he released Tachande. He shakes his head and looks into the fire. He hears a familiar twang, and snaps his head up, watching as an arrow sinks into one of his men. "Ambush! To arms!" He shouts, coming to his feet and drawing his short sword and tossing it to Tachande. "Stay back." He orders as he draws Wolfs Embrace and follows his men into combat. The arrows stopped and now ten men charged toward Dante and his. Dante now led his men, Wolfs Embrace held in two hands has he runs. The battle was short and violent and Dante stood over the dead, his hand pressed to his side, blood running through his fingers. Six of his men died, four by arrows, two by the fight. Sheathing his sword across his back, he wipes the blood from his face and walks, with the aid of Raze back to the fires. Tachande and Lyor walked toward them and suddenly Dante drops to his knees, his Queen invading his mind. "Kill him, my hunter..he is unworthy." She whispers to him. "But my Queen, he is one of my best.." He replies. "Kill him..or suffer his fate." "I cant." "KILL HIM!" "NO!" He shouts as he tares her medallion from his chest and throws it against a tree, shattering it. He can feel his Queens pressence abandoning him as he falls to the ground, unconscious. Author: Dante Date: Sun Mar 22 06:52:35 2009 Subject Waking up Anew. Dante wakes slowly; groaning and blinking his eyes open slowly. He tries to sit up, but pain shoots through him and he lies back down. Cursing, he glances around. He was in a tent and alone, but he could hear people outside talking quietly and a fire crackling. Grunting, he sits up, his hand pressed against his bandaged side. Slowly he stands and walks outside. Tachande, Raze, and Jouko sat just outside his tent, talking quietly, while the rest of the men were probably asleep. It was dark and the moons were bright in the sky. "How long was I out?" Dante says, his voices quiet. The three look at him with some surprise. "A few hours..You shouldn't be up walking around." Tachande says, as he stands. "I'm fine." Dante replies before he smirks at Tachande, but then his face grows serious. "She has left me too. Because I wouldn't kill you." He pushes past Tachande and sits at the fire. Tachande can say nothing, instead he goes back to his seat and stares into the fire. "How you feelin Boss?" Raze says in his deep voice from across the fire. Dante grins wirily. "Like ive been chewed up and spat out." He glances around and sighs gently. "Raze, Jouko, I want you two to go find us some horses. I'm in no condition to travel by foot." He says, his gaze falling down on the fire. "Takhisis has Forsaken us, We are in danger the longer we stay here. We'll head west for now. Go now, return by morning." He says as he looks back into his tent. "There's a pouch with some coin in it in there. Take it all if you need." He says and Raze and Jouku nod, before standing and leaving the fire. Dante looks over at Tachande. "You're lucky I'd die for any one of my men." He says before falling silent and looking back into the fire. Author: Dante Date: Sun Mar 29 06:35:13 2009 Subject A venture to Icewall Dante sits at a table in the Inn he was staying at, sipping a glass of wine. It was early in the morning and none of his men were up yet. With a sigh he watches as a woman dressed in white walks down the steps and to the bar. He smirks and sets his glass down by his newly purchased mask and kicks his feet up on the table. He yawns loudly and watches as the Bartender points over at him. After a few moments, the woman walks over to him and stands in front of his table. "Can I help you?" He asks, taking a sip of his drink. "Im in need of some company on a long journey and the bartender said you were the one to ask." She says, looking him over. Dante is silent for a moment and finally sets his glass down next to his mask. "What kind of venture?" He asks quietly. He didn't listen to most of what she said after she said she was going to Icewall. His thoughts drifted after that. He, Tachande, and their men were on the run from Dragonarmy Agents and Icewall would be a perfect spot to hide for awhile. "And whats in it for me and my men?" He asks as she finishes telling him about some quest she had to go on. "I can pay you and whatever you find while we are there you may keep." She says and Dante leans back in his chair. "Give me a down payment so that I can get supplies for us." He says as he stands and takes his mask from the table, fixing it onto his face. She nods and hands him a pouch of coin. "When will you be ready to go?" She asks. "Be outside at first light. Me and my men will be waiting." He says, his voice muffled by the mask. He takes the pouch of coins and leaves the Inn, in search of his men. Author: Dante Date: Tue May 19 03:13:24 2009 Subject Return to Haven Dante shakes the hand of his good friend High King Kaeptakus. He had spent a week with him in the halls of Thorbardin and now it was time for him to leave. He had come to Thorbardin seeking the aid of an old friend, only to find him elevated to High King. It had been almost 15 years since they parted ways and when they knew each other they were both Mercs fighting some blood feud. How Kaeptakus has moved up in the world. With some what of a sad fairwell, Dante Turns his back to His friend and to Thoarbardin and heads north through the wilderness. He had been gone almost a month, First The Mage Lynx Had use of him and after that, Dante requested to be transported to Thorbardin. With a sigh he shifts under his armor and pulls his hood up over his head. It felt good to be on the move again, all that sitting around was starting to wear on him. Soon he would be back in Haven, and from there him and his men will continue on down to Icereach. Author: Dante Date: Sat Aug 1 01:48:02 2009 Subject A talk between friends. Dante sighs softly to himself. Was she worth sacrificing his men? A single woman? He was willing to risk his own life, but why would they follow him blindly into a battle that they would surely not come back from? He shakes his head and looks at each of the few men that followed him for a long moment. Each had risked his life more than once for him, but it was he who gave them their lives back from the slavers. He sighs and runs his hand through his braids. He stands up from the fire, and walks out into the trees. He couldnt, no he wouldnt ask them to die for Her. He idly thinks about leaving them while they slept. He could out distance them by a long ways and leave no trail for them to follow. But what kind of leader abandoned his men? That was out of the question. "Your mind is troubled, brother. We can all tell." Tachande says as he emerges from shadows. Dante nods and rests his hand on the hilt of his sword as he leans against a tree. "I can not ask you or the others to give your life for her. Perhaps its best if I leave you here and continue on my own." Dante says softly. "You can not leave us even if you truly wanted to my friend. We will follow you to the gates of the Abyss and back. You are our leader and nothing but death will make it any different." He says as he bows his head slightly. Dante sighs and nods. "You are a good man. You, and the others honor me with your loyalty. Tell the men to drop the trail but keep heading north, we need a ship to take us to the lands of Solamnia." Tachande nods and goes back to the camp. Dante runs his hand through the braids in his hair. It was a tough choice, leaving the woman behind but he wouldnt risk his men on a slim hope that shes even still alive. He returns to camp, to see him few men ready to move. "Lets go." He says and together they disappear into the darkness. Author: Dante Date: Tue Aug 4 00:01:43 2009 Subject Magick shop Dante steps off the Gangplank onto a dock in the Lord City of Palanthas. He looks at the hustle and bustle of the streets and snorts, already wanting to be out of the city. He glances back to Tachande and his men walking down the gangplank. "Tach, Take the men to the usual place by the south gate. I have something I have to attend to." With a curt nod Tachande and the men walk off down the street. He sighs gently and moves slowly down another street, pulling his hood up. He moves slowly, his mind in a whirl. The only two things that had ment anything to him were gone. One had abandoned him, the other hunts him. Sooner or later they would find him, unless he wasnt there to find. He runs his hand through his now unbraided hair and stops in front of a strange smelling shop. He wrinkles his nose under his mask and takes a deep breath, walking in. The shop was full of strange wonders and there was a young man in a black robe behind the counter, reading a thick spell book. Dante stands there silently, until the man looks up at him. "Can I help you?" Dante reaches up and pushes back his hood, then removes his mask, a wolfish grin on his face. "I need to see Tarones of the Black robes."
The Storytellers of Ansalon, The DragonLance MUD
Astinus points to the massive wall of books behind him and bids you to make a selection.
Authors: All|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z