The Great Library of Palanthas
An Aesthetic shows you to a small reading room.
Stories of Ansalon from the view of Xaephran.
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 journal on the table in front of you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Xaephran' scribed in brilliant blue ink.
Author: Xaephran Date Thu Oct 25 23:43:49 2001 Subject "A Night at the Docks" - Part 1 by Xethan Whitestar The warm sea breeze blew through the open window and lovingly caressed her face, as she looked out. Long it had been now, that each night she would stare out that open window. The view of the docks and the ships laying by the quayside. Each night she would look out and watch, as the sailors passed by. Sometimes she would see a rather cute sailor fresh from the sea after a long voyage. She would call out to him with her sweet voice and beckon him to come up to her room and keep her company. Often times there would come a knock on the door and one of the men in town who would pay her a call would be found standing on the other side of the threshold. She enjoyed the times that men would pay her a call for she was fond of her life and the gifts that it brought. This night was not any different from any other night. The sailors of a ship fresh in to port were walking down her street. Their routine was always the same, once their ship was unloaded of its cargo they would seek the local tavern for a touch of ale. She preferred them to visit her before they entered the tavern, for she found it hard to speak with them, after they were long taken with the drink the local tavern provided. A striking sailor walked by her window, his dress not unlike that of the other sailors. She could see the ripple of muscles long hardened from months spent at sea. He also walked with the particular gait of a person who was more steady with the a rolling ship at sea than on unmoving land. He turned his head up to hear her calls and smiled. She liked that smile, his cheeky lips turned upwards. She found herself quite attracted to him and felt the night had potential. He stopped walking and seemed to ponder something and then spoke with his fellow sailors. They all cajoled him with whistles and cat calls at he walked through the her downstairs doorway. She moved back from the window and look at herself in a mirror, which sat across from the window. She thought she looked good as she passed by on her way to the door. Not having to wait long, there was a light knock at the door. She opened it, the man from the street was standing there. He was fairly tall and his shirt bespoke a well defined and quite muscular body beneath. Her heart jumped a little at the sight of this stranger at her door. His face was well tanned, but he did not have the weather beaten look of a sailor come upon middle age. She motioned for him to come inside and as he moved through the doorway she watched his movements knowing she would enjoy this evening. She slipped a red piece of cloth over the outer door handle this would let anyone know who came to her door that she was not to be disturbed. Following the man into the room she asked him his name, she really didn't care what it was, but she found that men tended to like to hear their own name when she spoke with them it gave them a sense of wanting. He told her his name was Marcus and she followed it up by saying her name was Linda. This of course wasn't her real name but she preferred only a select few to actually know the name she was born with. She admired the man for he was a fine looking fellow, but he did have a particular odour of one spent in the salt-sprayed ocean that sailors tended to exude. She told him to sit on the bed and that she would fix them a drink. After he had done so, she went to a table next to the bed, picked up two glasses and filled them with some wine from a decanter on the table. She put one glass back on the table and handed him the other, he gave thanks to her for her generosity. Linda then casually walked over to a chest of draws and opened the top one talking out a small bottle of clear liquid. Unstoppering the top she sniffed the contents, she then walked over to the man and sprinkled some on her wrist and let him smell. To be Continued..... Author: Xaephran Date Thu Oct 25 23:48:58 2001 Subject "A Night at the Docks" - Part 2 by Xethan Whitestar She watched him close his eyes closed and breathed the fragrance into his nose. She could see him enjoying the smell and her closeness to him. Linda then moved away from him less he got carried away and made a move before she was full ready for him. She sprinkled a few drops of the perfume on the bed so that his body odour would be more pleasant. After that Linda returned the bottle to the draw and took up her wine and drank deeply, then setting the glass back down on the table beside the bed. Linda moved in front of Marcus and smiled at him. She could see he was already starting to feel the effects of her presence mixed with the loneliness of the sea, he was more than ready for her. Linda wanted to tease Marcus a while longer so she started to undo the ties that held up her blouse. Letting it gently fall over her shoulders and expose the top of her breasts. She heard his breathing begin to quicken but he made no move towards her. Preferring to watch as she removed her clothes. Linda giggled softly and held her blouse in place with one hand, with the other she untied the strings holding her skirt in place. She let her skirt fall and revealed her creamy white thighs. Her legs that of soft alabaster, for she had not been scarred by anything or anyone. Marcus began to get very excited and his pants were showing just how much. Linda took her other hand away from her blouse and let it fall to the floor, left only with her lower undergarment. Marcus stood at this point and moved towards Linda. She held up one hand and told him to remove his clothes. Even with the perfume his clothes still had that smell to them. In a made flurry of movement Marcus flung all his clothes from his body and stood there with a grin on his face. Linda admired the masculine form before her. He was indeed a fine specimen of a man, she even felt her body respond to him this was definitely going to be enjoyable. Moving on Marcus Linda pushed him gently back onto the bed. Linda removed the rest of her clothes and mounted the bed sliding her thighs around his body and gently pushing against his manhood with her groin. Marcus reached to pull her down and again Linda drove off his hands but this time she moved them down onto her breasts and let him play with her now hard nipples. Marcus seemed to take a great deal of pleasure in this and Linda was also enjoying as she moved back and forth against his manhood. Linda lifted up slowly and moved further forward, taking Marcus' manhood in her hands she positioned it against the opening of her vagina. She slowly release her legs and let his manhood slide into her. She could feel him fill her with his manhood. Linda let out a small squeal of joy at he penetrated deep inside her. Marcus' grin nearly split his face as he began to rhythmically move up and down, bouncing Linda on his manhood. Laughing Linda squeezed her thighs again him and moved in counter to Marcus' movements. She wanted him deep inside, she wanted to be filled with every last bit of his manhood. She felt an all too familiar warmth in her groin, a signal that her body was going to spasm and explode with pleasure. Marcus kept his rhythm steady and when he saw her tense her muscles he grabbed her hips and drove her hard down onto his manhood. Linda screamed with ecstasy and moved hard against Marcus, trying to prolong her spasms and reach for more. She loved it when the men who came knocking on her door were able to make her do this. Marcus continued to move Linda up and down on his manhood. Trying to re-create the first spasm that had rocked Linda into screaming. Linda's body seemed to take on a mind of its own going into spasm after spasm, Linda's felt her To be Continued..... Author: Xaephran Date Thu Oct 25 23:53:25 2001 Subject "A Night at the Docks" - Part 3 by Xethan Whitestar groin ache for more. Not being able to stay upright any longer she flopped down against Marcus' chest and panted from the spent energy. Marcus stopped moving and laughed with pleasure. He then carefully rolled Linda onto her back and moved on top. Linda smiled as Marcus told her he was not done with her yet. He began to move his manhood in and out of her, Linda moaned with delight and relaxed to enjoy what Marcus was doing. He began to increase his rhythm and started driving himself deeper and deeper inside of her. Marcus felt Linda beneath him, her body one with his as he moved back and forth. She felt good and smelt good to him, he was enthralled by her passion. Marcus lifted Linda's legs onto his chest and started to really drive his manhood as deep as possible inside of Linda. She moaned and screamed as he hit the far reaches of her vagina. He felt his body draw close and a small shudder in his groin let her know he was near done. Linda moved her legs and grabbed his backside and drove him hard inside her. Marcus moaned as he exploded inside her. His manhood shuddering and pulsing as it filled Linda. After a short while his manhood subsided and he rolled off of her laying next to her panting. They layed there for what seemed a long time, trying to catch their breath. Marcus was the first to move, he rolled up and stood moving about the room. Linda watched him gather his clothes and put them back on. He moved towards her and grinned playfully caressing one of her nipples. Linda chuckled at this knowing he was about to leave. They always did that to her, they would fill her with their gift and then quietly leave. Marcus turned and moved towards the door stopping long enough to drop something on the table by the door. He left, letting the door close behind him. Linda got off the bed, straightened it and put her clothes back on. She went to the table by the door and took what Marcus had left for her and put it in her secret hiding place. She then went over to the window and sat down looking out, waiting for the next passer by to catch her eye for the night was young and there would be more knocks on the door....... Here Endith The Lesson Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 18:44:20 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART I Crouched over his dark stained desk, he wrote, the light of the moon and a small candle in front of him on the desk, lit his page. A quill dipped in ink in his hand and a black leather book open before him. His hand flowed across the page, deep in thought his mind open and letting the words of his mind form on the page. This was how each day was spent for Xaephran, his past long forgotten. The image of Chislev replaced with one more striking, the image of a dark woman with fire in her eyes and an allure of pure evil. Tempted and captured by the powers that only the followers of evil could obtain, Xaephran had given himself to this woman and become a servant of the Dark Queen herself. Takhisis was his mistress now, his days as the Champion of Chislev wiped from his mind. The Nature Goddess exacted her revenge upon her one time Champion by erasing what had happened to him when he made the journey all Wildrunners make. His powers to change the natural course of nature gone from him. But the Goddess Chislev was not happy with just that, now even the earth itself was exacting revenge on Xaephran. His steps were like the fires of abyss burning in his heart. All things of nature burned him now, weakening him as he passed. Neither field nor stream or the moss covered ground of the forest would support the passing of 'The Betrayer'. The earth burned him and he was unable to stop the torment it gave him. His only solace was to travel on parts of the earth altered by human hands. Roads and Paved streets would not burn, it has been like this since the day Xaephran turned his back on the white Unicorn that was his goddess and his soul was given to that of the Dragon Goddess Takhisis. Xaephran's hand moved across and dipped the quill into the ink pot once more. His mind racing too put down his thoughts to page. The knowledge Takhisis had bestowed him was his companion in this world. The power to cause things to evil and vile that those who stood at his side shuddered when he called forth the dark powers. Xaephran had joined the Temple of Takhisis in Neraka after being taken by Takhisis. He had started as a novice and quickly learned the ways of the Dark Queen. His rise amongst the Order was fast as he was blessed by Takhisis, his goddess would have him stand in the light and show him off to her sister Goddess Chislev to cause her pain over the loss of her Champion. It was soon clear to Xaephran he was stronger in mind and body than the other clerics around him. He stood before the High Priest of Takhisis and issued his challenge. The priest rose and called upon his dark powers but blessed was Xaephran that Takhisis took his side and the old priest was killed. He now spent his time in observance of his Goddess and put her words sent through him onto a page. Dipping his quill again Xaephran began to write more words of knowledge, there was a light tap at the door. Xaephran lifted his head towards the door "Enter" he commanded. It made him irritable with roused from his work, he was quick to punish those that sort him out without due cause. A soldier entered wearing the rank of a knight of Takhisis, a group of elite knights sworn to defend Takhisis and do her bidding. Xaephran bid him stand before his desk and give his report. The knight did not speak simply held forth a rolled parchment, Xaephran taking from his outstretched hand. He un-rolled the parchment and read it allowed ----- TO BE CONTINUED ----- Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 18:46:46 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART II High Priest, Your presence is demanded by rights of the Knights of Takhisis, to call all to arms, those who would call the Dark Queen their god. You are commanded to bring what forces you can, to the gates of Palanthas worth with. We of the Knights of Takhisis hold the city and are being pressed, make haste with your followers for that is the command of the Lord of Night, head of the Knighthood. The note Signed Lord Delve Xaephran's face darkened and his fist closed over the parchment crunching it beneath his fingers, he looked at the Knight before him and let the parchment drop to the floor now a ball in size. His hand reaching out towards the knight his finger outstretched he muttered a single word, not even audible to the knight. Darkness shot forth from his finger and passed through the knight. His armor not stopping the dark flame. He simply sighed as the air left his lungs as his body died while he stood looking at this old man that had killed him. The knights armor making a loud crash as it hit the floor. Xaephran's aide came crashing into the room of his master and took one look at the dead knight and then stood staring at Xaephran. The high priest turned his face still flaming from reading the parchment. "Gather my followers and call to me those of the Clerical arts of evil who would follow my call. We go to Palanthas to seek Lord Delve. Go now and gather my minions that dwell beneath this temple, bring them and let us gather in the courtyard two hours from now. For that time we march to Kalaman and then onto Palanthas. Let the whole world shake at my coming" The aide disappeared through the door he entered and doors could be heard opening and closing, word was spreading of the High Priests call. Soon those loyal to Xaephran would gather what they would need and meet him in the courtyard. Closing his book a sigh came from his lips at the lost time, the journey would take many days and he was sore to loose that much time he could spend writing. He did sit just long enough to make a single entry in the back where he kept all his personal entries. it simply read Today I leave for Palanthas, at the calling of Lord Delve of the Knights of Takhisis. This I do as a worshipper of the Dark Queen, but this I would write to all those who read these writings.... Lord Delve SHALL PAY! Closing the book and taking it from where it lay on the desk, Xaephran muttered a prayer and the book sealed itself from being opened by anyone but him. He then walked over to his chest by the bookcase and opened it. Taking out a large piece of black wood, Xaephran turned it in his hand watching as the spikes on the end turned and caught the light. His weapon of choice a 3' cudgel with sharpened spike on one end. This weapon was not designed to kill outright but inflict terrible pain on anything it struck. Looking around the room to check he had all that he needed Xaephran left the room carrying the words of Dark Queen in his right hand and the instrument of her will in his left. Upon reaching the courtyard many of his clerics had already assembled, there were a few clerics of other gods of evil. Spread amongst the clerics were their personal servants, minions of various races and species. Monsters that mothers used to scare their children. An evil smile crossed Xaephran's lips as he thought about the destruction he would cause. He ordered his followers to come before him and he said a benediction to Takhisis to bless this army and let all those who stand before it fall bloodied by the wayside. The army was not like that of soldiers it did not march they simply moved as one mass towards the northern gate of Neraka and beyond. ----- TO BE CONTINUED ----- Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 18:49:38 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART III They headed through the northern pass stopping the first night in the mountains, Xaephran was pleased that his aide had seen to everything as he was ill suited for organising details for bedding and personal needs. His thoughts turned to things he would do to Lord Delve when he caught up with him. Looking over a map of the eastern parts of Krynn he quickly decided that to get through to Palanthas then he would first have to take Kalaman, it would of been stupid of him to march straight through for the Solamnics would of hit him from behind the first chance they got. Xaephran knew his numbers were not large enough to take a city, his clerics were too few and the minions would have been little more than an annoying flee biting at the walls of Kalaman. So Xaephran sent out scouts, their mission to go to the temples and shrines around northern Neraka and bring with them the clerics that would be found there. They were to bring them back with all the followers they could find. The other clerics left would attempt to raise Undead and bring forth more minions. Xaephran watched the sun rise the first night after he had marched on the road. He looked to the trees beyond knowing he was not able to walk the unploughed land, he said a curse aimed at the nature goddess and the proceeded to wait for his reports to arrive. That first night on march Xaephran's scouts had not done so well, many didn't not come at his call or they were already gone to join the Knights of Takhisis and all that were left were old men and woman. Xaephran walked out of his tent at the news and ordered the camp broken for them to continue towards Kalaman. During the daylight hours they passed a cemetery and temple, Xaephran stopped and gave a benediction to Takhisis and on leaving he stopped at the entrance of the graveyard. He began to chant, his voice rising and falling in a crescendo of music. The aura around him began to brighten and the dark mist that covered the aura seemed to expand, there was a creaking noise and the earth shuddered as forms began to rise out of the ground. Undead servants that would follow Xaephran came forth, their bodies shambling at various stages of decay. Moving on throughout the day they marched towards their goal. They continued to march for the remainder of the day and most of the night, stopping only to let the living rest and keep control of those that were less than alive. They walked through the next day, Xaephran's driving purpose shared now by his troops. Night fell on the third day and it was then he aide informed Xaephran that they needed to rest as some of the undead and living were looking terrible. Xaephran waved his hand and gave his permission to stop for the evening. After the camp was set up Xaephran sat at his desk eating the meagre meal he had been served and looked over his reports. There were no reports of any troops near Kalaman of between them and their destination. Xaephran's eyes sagged as he read, fatigue began to take hold. He barely noticed the person standing before him and it brought him out of his daze quickly. The cleric bowed before him and told him that they had found a very old altar and that the high priest might like to take a look. ----- TO BE CONTINUED ----- Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 18:51:02 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART IV Rising Xaephran followed the cleric out of his tent heading towards the edge of the encampment. Passing the out edge they head down a beaten path. It went into the woods and snaked back and forth concealing what was up ahead. The trees seemed to part as they entered a clearing, some of the other clerics had come to look at the place and as Xaephran looked at the altar he saw something that made him smile. That altar was made from a black rock and had a bowl carved in the centre. behind the altar was a statue of a five headed dragon, with each head different colour. The eyes of the statue made from gems of the same colour as the head. Xaephran grinned evilly as he recognised it as an altar to the Dark Queen. He looked around at the priests and banished those not of the same faith. Gathering up those who also worshipped the dark queen they kneeled around Xaephran as he faced the altar. Xaephran begun a prayer he had done many times in the past, it was a prayer of guidance and one in which Takhisis might grant him insight. Long into the night he prayed his clerics around him praying silently. Near the hour of midnight a shadow passed overhead, Xaephran looked up and another shape passed overhead, this time he caught the sight of red. The clerics stopped praying and looked up their eyes filled with religious wonder. Two forms fly into the clearing and came to a stop before the clerics, Xaephran moved through where the clerics were still kneeling and came before the two creatures. They genuflected their head towards him bowing them low in subservant to him. Takhisis had chosen to bless him with two red Dragons. Xaephran could tell they were young but they were still dragonkin, something that would strike fear into the hearts of those they faced. With the blessing from Takhisis, Xaephran headed to his tent and to bed. Resting well in the knowledge his god was with him on this task. He was unsure how she would feel when he came upon Lord Delve. Xaephran knew in his heart he would try to kill this cleric who had stepped above his station. The morning came all too quickly and the army now larger than before once again set out towards Kalaman. There were still a good four days travel before they would see the walls and gates of Kalaman. The days were filled with walking and the nights in prayer and recruiting, again Xaephran called to his goddess and he was rewarded. On the second night two more red Dragons joined, they were young like the others and the same number again on the third night. Scores of Undead were raised and marched behind the minions that served their masters. The fourth night of recruiting, which would mark the sixth night from when they started to march Xaephran gathered the clerics to him and they all ringed a circle of faith. The young dragons looking on, Xaephran took up his position in the centre and began to pray. Long he chanted and prayed to Takhisis for her to send more dragons to fight by the side of his army. Once more there was an answer to his prayers, a dark form streaked across the sky in the night. It was far larger than the young dragons but not as big as the Ancient Wyrms. ----- TO BE CONTINUED ----- Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 18:53:08 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART V The creature screamed in the night and the young red dragons seemed to flinch from the noise. It was then that the dragon swooped down and into the fire light. It was not the dark red of his other dragons, but the shine of light. A silver dragon of Paladine struck out at Xaephran's forces. Having heard the call to dragonkind it had responded and now sought to destroy the evil it had found. Clerics ran and dived to get away from the Dragon. The silver dragon claw and killed them as they ran. Xaephran stood shocked at the sight, his goddess had abandoned him, turned her back on him and sent the forces of good against him. Still stunned Xaephran was knocked to the ground by one of his clerics as a wave of Undead passed him to engage the beast. The young red dragons taken but the swift attack turned on the beast with flame and claw. The Silver had surprised them in its attack but that was over now it was pressed hard by the forces it had sought to destroy. A dragon streaked from behind the silver as it sought the skies and bit into its neck, a horrible crunching noise was clearly heard as sinew and muscle were torn by the dragons teeth. The other three dragons closed in and tore the silver dragon apart, blood splattering everywhere. Standing in stunned silence, Xaephran looked over the carnage of what had happened. A look of profound horror in his eyes, had Takhisis forsaken his trek across the world in search of Lord Delve. Had his faith fallen to that which would bring down her wrath upon him. Xaephran still covered in the blood of the dragon called one of the Red Dragons too him and after he spoke quickly to the dragon he mounted up upon its back just in front of its wings. Five of his clerics also mounted the back of the other dragons, Xaephran instructed a cleric of the order of Morgion to continue the troops towards Kalaman and that he would return shortly. Xaephran spoke to the dragon and it responded, muscles clenching it shot into the air its wings beating furiously to gain altitude. The other dragons following the lead of the first, leaping into the air with riders holding on tightly. Xaephran guided the beast south back towards Neraka and both Dragon and Rider shot through the sky like a bolt of Red flame. The small party like flaming comets flew with all the speed the dragons could muster back the way they had come. Flying low Xaephran sought out something only he knew of with his eyes. Travelling til the dawn sun peaked over the eastern sky, they flew still further on. Xaephran's eyes scanning the way ahead in search of something. Xaephran finally saw what he was after and guided his mount to slow and land in a small clearing. The other dragons followed and all six landed suddenly. Xaephran slid down from the mount and walked past the dragon towards a the black rock structure, his clerics in tow behind him. Xaephran walked to the base of the structure and threw himself onto his knees at the base his head touching the ground, his voice uttering the words of observance to his goddess. Having travelled by winged beast, Xaephran and five of his clerics had returned to the altar where the first Dragon had appeared, Xaephran shaken in his faith needed to give himself once more to the dark powers to see that his Goddess approved of his actions The other clerics with Xaephran fanned about him and joined in unison adding their voices to Xaephran. They all chanted to the Dark Queen that she might bless then and give them the power to destroy her enemies. The dragons feeling left out of this ritual came closer and also fanned out behind the clerics their large heads kept low tot he altar as they too sought benediction from their Queen. Striking up a counter chant to the Clerics the words only a dragon could utter started to rise out the of the mouths of the Dragons. ----- TO BE CONTINUED ----- Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 18:54:24 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART VI Both Cleric and Dragon prayed long through the day and into the following night. At the troke of midnight in this strange clearing before the altar of the Dark Queen there came a noise. A scream in the sky louder than anything Xaephran had heard before, its voice immense with power within striking all before the clearing. Xaephran stopped chanting and as one he and his clerics turned back towards the Red Dragons. The scream came again louder and closer than before, searching the black sky Xaephran tried to seek its source, something had heard the prayer and had come to help or destroy its source. The dragons did not move and continued their strange chant in the language of dragons. A creature far large than the other dragons landed behind them, its head turned up the sky in defiance towards the gods, it scream again the scream of the dragon, terror striking all within its reach. Xaephran felt the scream enter his heart and it lifted him, he could feel his goddess within him. Her dark powers flowed through him and through his clerics, his heart soared as his faith was restored. Takhisis had sent her servant, a beast of incredible power, one of the Ancient wyrms of Krynn. Within his head Xaephran heard the name of the Dragon before him the name was 'Tombfyre'. Xaephran walked before his clerics and towards the Ancient Wyrm, heading past the other red dragons he stopped before the beast. Tombfyres head dipped low to come eye to eye with this puny cleric before him. His large eyes locking with Xaephran, their wills clashing to see who would master who. Xaephran let his power flow through his eyes and lock with Tombfyre, the was a flicker in the eyes of Tombfyre as flame bright red flash across the iris of his eyes. Tombfyres large dragon lips seemed to grin as he felt the evil in the cleric before him, a darkness he shared and a lust for blood equal to his. He moved his head towards Xaephran almost touching he then lowered it to touch the ground and lowered he eyes breaking the test of wills. Xaephran reached forth his hand and placed it on Tombfyres head between the ridges of his eyes. he said a prayer to Takhisis and asked that she bless them both. Turning to the rest of the party, Xaephran motioned for them all to mount up for there was a war to be waged, a war that would mark the coming of the Dark Queen through her vessel the vessel of her High Priest. Where once the dragons numbered six there were now seven bolts of red streaking across the morning sky, travelling low to remain unseen. Xaephran now mounted on his blessing from Takhisis, Tombfyre's mind locked with his they travelled sharing each others thoughts and what they would do to Kalaman once they reached it. The party struck low across the forests of northern Neraka and in lower still when they reached the plains south of Kalaman, travelling with terrific speed Xaephran and his followers reached the rest of his army as they set up camp a mere one days travel from the gates of Kalaman. Xaephran was surprised when he received the reports of the army after Tombfyre landed and he dismounted that they had not yet met any resistance. Surely the Solamnics were not cowards that they would not know of his coming by now or the fact he brought an army with him. The night was spent in observance and a keen sense was put towards making sure all the troops were ready for the coming days. Xaephran finished his work as quickly as possible for he had been without sleep for over 24 hours and wished to seek out his bed and rest. The nights work over, Xaephran slipped into his makeshift bed and his dreams drifted him off to be with the evil which his mind brought forth. ----- TO BE CONTINUED ----- Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 18:55:41 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART VII Dawn broke early over the eastern mountains and the sun quickly broke the predawn hold over the world. The sun rose into the morning sky and this marked movement within Xaephran's encampment. Breaking camp quickly as they were in enemy territory and wanted to be on the march as quickly as possible. The dragons came at the rear of the march trying to keep out of sight as much as possible. Undead walked with Cleric as they marched ever nearer to Kalaman. The army was in full swing now and ready for battle, Xaephran rode on the back of Tombfyre, suppressing his mounts need to kill so that when they struck Kalaman, Tombfyre could unleash the full fury of his power. The army march onwards towards Kalaman still unopposed in any way. It was passed the noon sun when they crested the rise that brought Kalaman into view, advanced scouts reported movement around Kalaman and that there were Solamnic forces occupying the city. They also reported fortifications around the walls and trenches to slow down approach. Xaephran knew within those walls would be Knights of the Solamnic Order and he wanted nothing more than to destroy them utterly. Gathering his forces he struck out and reached the other edges away from the walls, his horde not attacking yet. Xaephran has a plan that he wanted to use that would bring him the city within a day. The dragons had remain back passed the crest and would attack at dawn, when they did so it would mark the beginning of the battle. Tombfyre would not lead this attack instead he would wait out of sight in case of a counter attack. The lines now drawn, Xaephran gave his troops the order to line up in formation and await the coming battle. It would be a long night in formation for his troops but he did not care. It was the battle he waited for not the well being of his troops. The night past slowly and still no attack came, Xaephran's ego began to rise as he felt the Solamnic Commander a coward to let such a large army rest casually at his door. The night was nearly over and the battle would soon begin, Xaephran watched the eastern horizon for his dragons, given the order to fly off east and out of sight they were to attack as the light of the sun struck Kalaman in a hope that it would mask their approach. Xaephran had given orders to his clerics to have the Undead strike out at the first strike of flames upon Kalaman and to attack the gates. The person minions of the Clerics were to act as bodyguards and the Clerics would attack before the undead with dark fire and flames allowing the undead access to the city. Pre-dawn was in full bloom as the sun rose over the eastern mountains, a single ray of light striking the ground to the east of Kalaman. Its rays spreading like a plague across the ground, lighting the way. Moving swiftly towards the walls of Kalaman, Xaephran could feel the evil of the dragons, following the path of light, they would be high in the sky and would dip low and across the stream of light hitting the battlements of Kalaman. Like a wave from the ocean, with the screams of death itself the dragons broke from the protection of the morning sunlight and strafed across the battlements, fiery death rained upon the heads of those caught unprepared for the aerial assault. Flames of bright red spewing from the mouths of the dragons could be seen from where the rest of the troops stood waiting to attack. Screams of the dying could be heard. From out of the sky a challenge was screamed as the dragons of the solamnics broke from their circling of the skies at the attack of the red dragons. The two groups clashed in a fiery lightshow in the sky. ----- TO BE CONTINUED ----- Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 18:56:37 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART VIII Xaephran seeing now his dragons engaged ordered his troops forward. Unleashing the hordes of Undead, they stumbled and staggered across the ground towards the gates of Kalaman, their tortured moans marking their passing. With fires still burning on the battlements a line of defenders rose up and as one they pulled the strings on their bows. Then from an unseen order they released, hundreds of arrows streaked into the air. Xaephran had prepared for the missiles from his foes and as one his clerics raised their hands and struck with the power of their gods. Xaephran slashed his hand across the sky in the path of the arrows his prayers to Takhisis clearly heard as flames as dark as night flashed forth in a sheet of burning death. The arrows passed through the curtain of flame and turned to ash, the heads of the arrows melting and raining upon the ground. An arrowhead dropped at Xaephran's feet turned to a mass of metal no bigger than a coin. Xaephran bent down and picked up the melted arrowhead, turning it in his fingers. "SILVER! By the demons of the Abyss they knew we were coming..... But HOW?" Blood struck Xaephran's face like an explosion, the cleric standing in front of him had an arrow protruding from his neck, hot red blood pumped from the wound as he gagged and fell to the ground. Xaephran turned upon this new front as creatures swarmed out of the tree line to the west. Their presence unnoticed til now. They flew out of the trees in formation their wings shining in the sunlight. Xaephran curse himself for not sensing them earlier for they were the chosen of his enemy. The celestials of Paladine. Their winged bodies still resembling humans blessed in the afterworld to serve Paladine. The minions protecting their masters reacted first hurling themselves at the Celestials. They were no match for these creature and many fell. Their masters fought on teaming up to kill them in groups with powers granted by their gods and the maces and cudgels they carried. Xaephran turned back quickly and Tombfyre responded to his masters call. The ancient Wyrm rose up from his hiding place his powerful wings beating hard. Tombfyre streaked across the ground striking the Celestials with flame and claws. Driving them from around Xaephran, fighting hard himself Xaephran struck another Celestial that had come to close to him. His cudgel biting into the skull of the creature the spikes of his weapon squashing its head like a melon. They were holding their own, but they were suffering losses. Xaephran spied a quick look towards were his undead servants had managed to scramble up and over the gates they now hung on broken hinges. His forces had gained entry into the town and would be now killing all they found. ----- TO BE CONTINUED ----- Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 18:59:45 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART IX Tombfyre killed yet another Celestial and his flames kept more at bay. Tightening the group of Clerics Xaephran shot more Dark Flame at the creatures wounding some but none fell to the ground. From the battlements of Kalaman a lone man stood his face unable to be seen from this distance. His hands could be seen as he raised a horn up to his lips. A single note was blown as shambling forms of the Undead grabbed him from behind, bringing him to the ground. The Celestials reacted as if from some unseen command and broke off their attack. They flew on swift wing towards Kalaman, Tombfyre followed the creatures. One of his clerics ran to him and informed him that Kalaman was theirs and that the Commander of the Solamnic Forces had been captured. Striding forward Xaephran forgot about the curse and stepped off the path towards the Kalaman Gates and pain struck his legs and his mind was filled with fire. Stumbling back onto the path he curse the name of Goddess of nature once more and order the remainder of his troops towards Kalaman. They strode before him and Xaephran passed through the gates of Kalaman. Travelling towards the centre of the town, he reached a large square and there he stood on a fountain and declared the city to belong to the Dark Queen. Those among him raised their fists shouting the name of the goddess of Darkness. With Kalaman now in his grip Xaephran moved his troops and took over the building occupied by the Solamnic Commander. It was a lush home next to the city jail, here he rested reading the reports of losses and those captured. Xaephran ordered all the dead brought to the south gates and his clerics were to raise them to resupply his troops if they could not be raised they were to be burned. Xaephran also ordered that his clerics tend the Solamnic Commander and for him not to die, he would be an example to all Solamnics that he could not be stopped. He ordered for him to be put in a jail cell and have four undead guard him. Xaephran pondered what to do with the city now that it was in his possession. He had no need for it and could see no point burning what could be useful later. A sound of a slight cough from behind cause Xaephran to turn, before him was one of the clerics of Morgion. "High Priest, the city is not yours.... But what would you do with it?" "Why do you ask?" Xaephran replied. "On of my servants sought me out to ask for the city, his kind are those that dwell in the;story + dark and feast of the blood of men High Priest. They could hold the city for us til our;story + return" Xaephran furrowed his brow, Vampires to hold Kalaman. He gave it some thought and nodded towards the priest. "Yes I think Vampires would serve our purpose well. Do what you will with the captives to increase the Vampires within Kalaman. But make sure none turn the Solamnic Commander he is not to be harmed" ----- TO BE CONTINUED ----- Author: Xaephran Date Wed Jan 16 19:01:00 2002 Subject Beware the Darkness for it has TEETH! - PART X The clerics of Morgion bowed and walked out of the room. Xaephran felt content for his mind could now rest. The town would be well defended against attack with Vampires to guard it. It was quite late when Xaephran sought out a place to sleep. He slept well in the comfort of some rich fat Solamnic loving merchants misfortune to loose his house to his forces. The next morning came quickly and Xaephran spent the day searching for information on the troops between himself and the High Clerist Tower. It was not great distance but he had no wish for surprise attacks along the way. It would take three weeks to travel to the High Clerics Tower from Kalaman and Dargaard Keep was along the way. He had no wish to meet the forces of Lord Soth there for that would be disaster for all. Giving the order that they would depart in the morning, Xaephran once more sought his bed. Morning dawned upon his troops as they marched out of the west gate of Kalaman and towards Dargaard Keep. The morning smelt fresh upon the lips and Xaephran felt resolved with the faith of his Goddess upon his shoulders and the smouldering of Kalaman behind him. They walked long days and well into each night before resting. Over the period of the first week Xaephran and his troops spent time increasing their numbers and tending to the forces already under Xaephran's command. Xaephran had posted scouts in forward positions and also behind to get more knowledge of the area around him and also to see if he could find where those blasted celestials had gone. Dragons flew on ahead looking for troops and peasants a like, their thirst for blood unabated and unrestrained by Xaephran. It was during the second week of their marching that they crested a small hill and looked upon the sights of Dargaard Keep. Xaephran stood staring at the home of Lord Soth, Death Knight of the Black Rose. The keep looked burned by fire and ravenged by god knows what. The dead still walked the keep but they did not seem to Xaephran controlled like those who served him. Talking with his clerics they decided to bypass Dargaard and strike for the High Clerist Tower. Not wishing to cross the servant of Chemosh and incur his wrath. Pushing around the outskirts of Dargaard, Xaephran and his troops continued on. Each Day bringing them closer to the High Clerist Tower, Xaephran's resolve firming with each step that Lord Delve would feel his displeasure at the summons handed to him....... This is where the story stands at this moment, Xaephran stands a mere one days travel from the High Clerist Tower. His troops are ready for battle, and will attack the forces of Good that stand between him and the Knight of Takhisis known as Delve.
The Storytellers of Ansalon, The DragonLance MUD
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