Act 1
[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/933498063803256882/963762504754925630/Ash_book_cover2.jpg]
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Ceron Devourer Of Souls Rewrite 6/13/2023.
Song is from Enderal, an amazing game. (Free, on steam!)
"The twisting passages of time forever turn, men live and forgone, some stand destined for greatness leaving engravings upon the world becoming legend. Soon as they always do, legends fade melding into myth forming to an obscurity long forgotten through distant whispers... As time flows so does the world, new life is bred, more legends continue again an endless cycle. In the end it all eventually fades to dust, in shadows lying evermore but is this all? Doomed in this vicious cycle is it all dammed to be so.
Pioneers, seekers of truth. Women, children and men off faith all become dust. Death and life are bound to each other from the moment one is born it looms, just around the bend. No matter one's stature, no matter one's propriety- It turns for everything and everyone will no one break this curse?"
-Unknown
Prologue
Dyed crimson it gleamed, like weeping an unhallowed moon reigned. Eerie radiance blanketed skies above, glistening and illuminating the surroundings blood red as if overlooking the atrocities committed after dark in obscurity of night.
In lonesome walls, cold and deep within an ancient crypt a ghastly smell of decay lingered, engulfing the air to intoxication. At the innermost point a wicked, demonic tree was erected twisted in horrific bends, black petals stained in pus-like ooze were strewn across cracked stone flooring. Freakish runes inscribed on nearly every surface flickering deep vermilion. Extensive rusted chains shackled the chamber's walls. Emanating from within the tree these fiendish chains clutched souls of those lost inside the chambers halls. Sounds of crushing resonated throughout, followed by screams of agony, echoing.
Tapping, bodies hung bled dry dangling from thorny branches. Ferocious and vile a presence loomed overwhelming the chamber, causing any and all to dismay.
The tree cast a feeling of hopelessness and despair, continuously pulsing as though it had a heartbeat. Corpses, riddled with holes, some still, kept alive conjoined inside the tree's branches and thorn. Low moaning-- Cries emerged from the damned endlessly wrought with pain, succumbed were slowly absorbed by the tree. Sucking their very essence, akin to living nightmare. From within the void something moved peering out, shadows withdrew themselves as if alive, assembling, forming. Fully manifested the penumbra dissipated revealing a lone figure. Darkness radiated from its stature, like the shadows were its own skin. A putrid decaying aroma immersed it, a malicious simper announced itself from within its cloak. The seemingly elated entity disturbed the conjoined, the presence alone cause their faces to reveal more terror, anguish permeated their eyes wailing in desperation.
No creatures of the night dared reside in the dwelling of Ceron…
…
Night locked deathly still, natural sounds of twilight forgone, replaced by ominous whispering among soul-less trees. Like a symphony the forest mourned, revealing ghoulish faces- Coating of human skin intertwined within them half wood, half flesh, this revolting display painted the scenery. A crazed forest of pure torment, the soul, mind and body of once humans now absorbed. By parasitic roots feeding a sinister force waiting to erupt from depths below. Only trickling moonlight beamed down, shrouded behind a void of murky clouds.
Deep moonlight gleamed, silhouetting treetops, and upon a figure's back. In red haze, the shadow shimmered fluttering in the breeze. A long coat, laid ragged behind in thin strands. Despite it made no sound, like weightless wisps trailing wind. Distinct shapes of armor lined the figure, seen even through the shroud of darkness; etchings of soft runic markings, glowing a subtle azure... The wearer no other than Ceron, staring down the wretched, damned intruders who dared tread on his unhallowed grounds. The atmosphere was heavy within his raven black hair, eyes shone reflecting back the insolent as if intruding their very souls.
Upon the forest's cusp a band of paladins stood. Stark from the bleak, en-mass outfitted in enchanted weaponry and mithril plated armor. Like beacons their equipment gave off holy radiance, full adorned in silver etchings. Their presence alone caused the lying parasitic roots to retract and coil, lesser tendrils squealed fearing the holy light- However, all of this was but a farce in the face of Ceron.
Around three hundred, moving in harmony metallic thuds resounded in sync. The group parted, executed with precision, not a falter, a testament to the training they had endured... Once fully in-line a silhouette appeared deriving from the center, between two rows, this figure slowly walked into the light. In contrast the remnants around were but flickers compared to the inferno, radiating off the sole paladin undoubtedly the captain. A golden sheen, the paladin wore a stoic expression reverently gripping the hilt of his sword, "Evil incarnate, Your treacherous reign of death and despair ends today. Ceron wicked soul stealer, I Niel will lay blade upon your throat!!"
Preaching, again and again. Ceron scoffed- If they wanted death all they had to do was ask. In unison the other paladins displayed the same stance. Immediately the captain retreated back within organizing the formation... Continuing to watch the spectacle Ceron couldn't help but sneer "Repulsive creatures you dare walk upon my domain. Spouting that idiotic nonsense the gods you aimlessly worship will offer no guidance here."
Filled with contempt and disgust, a sinister visage revealed itself. His gaze penetrated through to the bone, in this act alone the killing intent emanating from Ceron skyrocketed, its immense pressure caused many of the paladins to go wary under the strain. Unable to stand the aura screams were heard some of the paladins collapsed, lifeless their bodies but husks around a fifth now departed motionless among the grime.
Even years of endless training barely made an effect all for naught in the presence of Ceron in the midst of this nightmare, one of the paladins dressed in white released a prayer, chanting a spell to soothe the company mitigating effects of mind based attacks. However, the meager third rate spell only partially managed to suppress the killing intent, the slight relief didn't last long.
The forest weighed in deathly stillness, as if time had been paralyzed only chilling breeze swayed. The ghoulish trees stopped mourning cries, a dreadful silence. Paladins gripped their keen blades in anticipation, various magical artifacts, bracing themselves peering into dark abyss before them. A rising hum sounded inside the terrain's depths, deep it shook, a wicked expression surfaced from Ceron's cloak... Instantly Ceron raised his palm, sparks began to permeate around his body, an intense azure coated the surroundings, lighting began to form dancing between his fingertips its brilliance intensified. This shocking display affected the paladins invoking some to go agape, soon the lighting started to bulge, and warp forming into a dazzling whip-
Crisp crackling sounds resonated, within the forest depths, hairs stood on end as if trenched in a cauldron of static. Immediately Ceron stiffed, the loom dropped, thrusting a downwards strike the whip descended at unfathomable speeds. In a mere moment it traveled over two hundred meters, screeching as so- The wrecking thud drenched the hapless paladins. Vaporized this single attack alone engulfed half of the band, some had been unfortunate enough, crawling as wounds carbonized, unrelenting pain howling in torment. Armor, flesh and potions might've well been paper at the foot of a volcano.
The sight alone seeped fear into their hearts. The forest trees started to wail, in sadistic pleasure, the ground was torn trembling beneath them. Landscape scorched charred black, some parts were even glassed. Its aftershock brought surrounding dirt, gravel, trees to burst in all directions; causing some unlucky souls to be crushed by the debris. Rolling clouds thickened, the eerie sky grew bolder as deafening thunder beckoned those to witness. Emanating above, in but a flash lighting streaked-- Striking the battlefield, its roar shook the scene as if enraged pelting the forest in flame.
..
Clouds of dense fog rose from the destruction, the outside world had seemed inconsequential within the layers of death. Countless were turned ash, some mutilated, infested with gouges and others simply cut in half entrails, blood strewn everywhere. Fading gazes were filled in anguish, lasting anguish into the afterlife. The scenery was stuffed with this horrid reality, distraught Niel distanced himself. Of the three hundred that was, only him and a few dozen remained edging slowly from the carnage. It would be a lie if Niel had no doubts, if anyone had when facing such.
The paths before laid in the same blood, the devil had been pushed there just needed a little more. Thousands upon thousands dead, torching's of land and monstrosities. Only one option remained, fate was sealed they needed to fight. Gazing upon Ceron, Niel knew it too well, a match of brute force alone wouldn't win this battle, anyone that could- They'd still be standing in front of him. It was fitting to be called pebbles under an oppressive boulder.
Niel raised his arm forming a fist, the paladins exchanged glances in a serious resolve. The weakest of them had died, those foundations that rose had already fell. It was within expectation, to the point of certainty really only those who had reached higher grades of tempering could still stand' at this stage there just wasn't enough left.
Tightening his gaze Niel watched the distant figure unmoving, a path of debris and fog momentarily parted, as if lulling them, daring them to enter..
...
Within the shadowy depths at opposing sides, two more bands of paladins appeared steadfast, running under the cover of twilight. Mud and muck pounded as their pace quickened towards the epicenter of destruction Ceron. Shrouded in whips of fog, and concealment runes enveloped their advance, the flanking troops were but silhouettes then nothing. No paladin could pierce past this haze, to the onlookers this ambiguity caused many seeds of worry bud in their hearts. The remnants including Niel stood by, as certain stiffness coated the air, abruptly sounds of clashing radiated from within the haze.
Distant screams, flashes of spark and flame, shock-waves concurring in into the next, ear piercing sounds were heard however-- This scene only lasted mere moments. Soon silent after its abrupt arrival, almost as answering the prayers and doubt the fog began to diminish revealing the battlefield, what laid upon the demonic forest's floor was not that of Ceron's corpse. Ceron remained at the center, unaffected his image was pristine the butchery he inflicted hadn't stained his cloak. Only a twisting expression laid on his face, haunting any who dared upon his gaze. The lying ground was drenched in revolting display, torn and ripped bodies were scattered. Numerous hollowed husks shells of what used to be, both groups sent to flank Ceron where sucked dry- Beyond recognition souls engulfed, agony and dread afore eradication.
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Withered and departed, lifeless disposed of motionless among the grime. A film of vermilion mist lingered, it warped and flowed around the dead kin to reaching claws; almost like they were being chained. The demonic roots rushed with vigor at the delicacies, overtaking the figures in quick succession. The ghoulish trees seemed elated as their branches impaled many of the deceased, pulsing, as bodies were sucked dry. Continuing to wither and jolt. Niel held a sharp breath, witnessing the hell before him. The paladins knew, they couldn't weep there was no time for sorrow, if but a moment was left unguarded they'd surely perish just as their comrades.
Still the scene arose anxiety in them, even though the deaths were recent a vile stench loomed; one of decay and disease. The possessed roots retracted, pulsing membranes deflated coming from whence they came depths below... Soon after, once inanimate corpses began to swell, screeching- Melodies of bone popping, cracking rose from within the perceived deceased. Seeds sprouted, bursting fourth devilish roots consumed every last inch, the band shrieked flinching at the display. As if terror in the paladin's hearts excited them these former bodies of comrades now home to grotesque monstrosities, abominations of rotting flesh, conjoined with a devilish tree horrifying mutations began to emerge, barely bound together the roots dangled. In but a moment the battlefield was turned on its head.
Wordlessly, the band stood petrified, stricken as if reality took hold of their throat. Gasping for air Niel's closest partner fell to his knees, hastily two more paladins rushed behind their captain, as more fell pulling out golden parchment channeling light energy. Kin to waves sensations flowed through the seven paladins, drenched in an ocean of sweat standing up from the mental assault. Reaffirming their ashen expressions, the monstrosities had already moved in tune with the group's realization of having to kill these creatures, once home to bodies of comrades and loves ones they had no choice, only by decapitating these abominations could they be put to rest.
...
Death meant everything, the stand here would forever change lives. Niel knew even while outnumbered, no supporting squads or high masters victory was unbelievably slim. Failure and the entire surroundings would plunge- No, the entire world to bask in darkness under Ceron's rule. Extreme hatred for the living that's who Ceron was pure evil, an overlord of death. A devil who could thoughtlessly slaughter children by the thousands. Born of what unholy mother Niel hadn't a clue.
As if woken from their slumber, deafening howls arose from the infernal abominations. Rocked to the core, a paladin, nay all felt the intensity. Immediately afterward the creatures bolted towards them, leaving behind gusts of smoke in their wake. In a flash, a creature arrived Niel tensed up shocked by the mere speed of the recently deceased. Quickly regaining his composure Niel pulled out a vial of blackish liquid pouring it on his blade, all the while these abominations were already tearing through the squad. In spur of flashes a paladin moved, teleporting in rhythm piercing slashes, striking abominations in each stroke.
Bladeshift, a movement ability by those who specialized in agility over all else. Gel, the second in-command for Niel's band of paladins. Still Niel's heart sunk. It was evident from the entire field, the numerical difference was dozens to one. If not more, as fog shrouded the immediate battles. They were no match if those abominations continued, from the dark one latched onto a paladin despite excellent moves he preformed, the myriad of slashes, spells didn't effect it; continuing to execute it's mission within the creature's grasp the paladin desperately squirmed as shock filled his face.
The nightmarish abomination jolted, horrific crackling emanated from its chest then it trembled, the entire creature began to deform pulsing. Abruptly an eerie snapping occurred its chest cavity came to life splitting open. Root and bone, the ghastly picture filled view as demonic roots germinated impaling the paladin like seeking hounds' the abomination released low hums of amusement watching the prey before it sucked dry, the roots throbbed turning the paladin into an empty shell... Rapidly all of his bodily liquids were consumed, this paladin's hollow body instantly was discarded thrown to the ground.
Unexpectedly the creature too fell on the ground, falling apart the demonic roots unraveled wiggling wildly, dropping onto the muck they quickly buried themselves into their victim. As if awaiting, feasting for what's to come. This brutal display started to occur, Niel grimaced turning to a paladin to his left, "Jared, clear this infernal fog, these creatures are using it to mask their approach." Nodding, "I'll need time." In unison the duo prepared, Jared took out a book from a waist pouch beginning a series of ramping chants.
..
From the fog Niel noticed something out of the carnage, one such creature stood in-front of him. Not attacking, letting him prepare almost taunting Niel like as if not perceiving him a threat, an insect. With a swift motion Niel finished pouring the black substance over the blade, drinking down three orange vials, causing orange radiance around his figure. The pair motionless both glared at each other. "Show me what you got damned beast." Niel spoke in a ragged voice, hastily struck flint on his blade. As he struck the blade a flash of sparks surfaced, soon the mysterious liquid was ignited, his blade now in a cloak of fire.
His sword now home to a raging inferno, its blazing heat radiated filling him with warmth in this chilling hell immediately the abomination hissed, retracting in fear. Niel lunged forward rapidly, with the cards in his favor went for a piercing attack. Without time to counter the creature sprung its roots towards the blade taking the brunt of the attack, letting out a high-pitched shrill the blade penetrated. Soon its roots were consumed by flames flaring up the surroundings with an increasing intensity, realizing the danger it cut off its arm preventing the fire from spreading. but, this weakness was fleeting, instantaneously roots reformed born again from its arm healing the dire wound. Even on the ground its burning arm caused the surrounding tendrils to curl, cowering in fear fire frightened these demonic roots.
In no delay the roots quickly healed, repairing its charred arm. In stalling measure it let fourth a sweeping attack, despite the ferocious move the speed was far less than before, Niel immediately raised his blade blocking. Fire engulfed its other arm, still it's force still impacted. Unable to counter the shock-wave sent Niel flying, then knocked down rolling among the muck traversing the length of almost twenty meters.
As Niel stabilized in a slide, the abomination had already caught up. Towering above it seemed bigger than ever blocking out moonlight, determined to end this a powerful slash came down, barreling towards Niel. However, the thrusting attack was avoided hurriedly Niel rolled left with desperation, narrowly escaping it's claws. The creature was slightly stunned by this paladin's impressive reflexes, just as it began another barrage of attack Niel threw a vial of black liquid over the creature, causing it to be soaked in the sticky liquid. Drenched the creature became frantic recklessly slashing towards Niel with no discernible strategy. Soon Niel blocked it's unrelenting attack's a fatal mistake, the creature was enveloped in flames, it spread like wildfire throughout its body, screeching in misery, causing Niel to bunch up in pain as his ears began to bleed.
Only the sound of flames were present, it's scorched body remained inanimate. The cries of misery no longer reverberated in Niel's ears. Unable to think, dulled by what just happened his stance was down, caught off guard a powerful blow struck his chin. A faint flash, snap echoed as Niel fell back among the grave of his comrades, Ceron was towering above with a wicked grin, before Niel could move- His neck already laid within Ceron's grasp, unable to get loose despite his thrashing Niel' felt his world shrink hurriedly looking for his squad mates, only to rest on their fallen forms being devoured.
It was agony, only able to helplessly watch. Niel was pulled back their eyes met, like a void reflecting upon himself Ceron's gaze bore through. It quaked Niel's very core causing him to go limp with chills down his spine, struck with the rearing realization he'll die. Amuck those around him, thrown away like trash without a proper burial, perhaps destined to becoming a worse fate, a living death. Either way no matter what it loomed, Niel laughed in a somber tone. Facing fate Niel fathered his resolve, quickly reached within his breast pocket. A translucent crystal, strange charms and runes were bound to it giving off a threatening glow, at it's core a shifting orb resided. Hastily Niel pressed down, attempted to crush the crystal but he felt nothing... A red liquid gushed from his wrist, Niel turned pale his hand was gone.
..
Overwhelmed, Niel screamed as pain coursed, tormenting his wrist. Collapsing onto the ground vision blurred, only Ceron filled view, seen holding Niel's hand. Leaning down he inspected the crystal, smiling "I've got to hand it to you Niel, I didn't expect you to try and pull a stunt like that." Ceron mockingly snorted as purple lighting dissolved the crystal; a summoning item, infused with some divine creature no doubt. "..Bastard. Just kill me already hellkite." Niel retorted in anguish still wavering his consciousness fading. Ceron hummed, as the fine crystal shards finally dissipated, turning his attention Ceron quickly grabbed Niel's head, tugging his hair. Than walked with haste, uncaring for the sorrow that enveloped Niel, stopping Ceron let go as Niel's face ran flush, his body was numb knocking on death's door.
"Don't die on me now." Ceron said whilst his hand begun to shine ominous radiance, black smog manifested within his palm, reaching forward Ceron masked Niel's wrist. Soon sensation came back, beginning to revitalize, like a butcher stitching what they cut the pain scampered off, darkness radiated, deepening around the wound- Filing in each scarred crevice till absorbed. The gouge healed, while bleeding had stopped his hand was still gone. Only a deformed lump laid. The stillness only lasted moments, Ceron snatched Niel by his neck. The permeating failure, death drenched Niel's mind and look, his will was crushed farther by the last ounce of hope dripping away. Taking in his gaze fully Ceron let go, Niel's neck had been left bruised as he once more fell on the ground.
..
Flashing to the side Niel stood up, striking towards Ceron as if feigning his last moments, a golden dagger pierced. Straight through the heart. Niel kept unmoving somewhat stunned, that slowly churned into shock. It wouldn't move, there... Was no blood. Not even the skin was touched... Ceron raised his arm, firmly placing his hand Over Niel's "Were it so easy.." Ceron muttered, pity or scorn Niel couldn't discern. As Ceron moved with him, retracting the dagger in a burst of motion, flinging Niel with it to the side.
"Kill you? It wouldn't be any fun. You deserve something else in the end."
Ceron snapped his fingers, at the same motions a sharp crack rang, roots shot out stabbing Niel's leg in quick succession- Pulsing' Ceron spoke looking forwards the gloomy sky, "Heed my words, Niel I won't kill you on this night. Pain and suffering will consume you, the failures you make and the inability to protect those you care about shall break you." Niel' rushed with confliction and searing pain that soon doubled to lethargy from the leg up, he couldn't look into the eyes of this devil, even if he wanted. Fatigue came in small steps as his head struck the ground. "Alzar's light..." Niel chanted by some will, unlike his own, like distant echoes.
Abruptly Ceron raised his hand, once doing so invoked a small incantation. His body began to shimmer a bluish hue, wrapping around his entire body like a new set of skin before vanishing, only leaving but a moment's afterimage.
...
..
From the clutching darkness, Niel woke to a cold breeze washing over him. Flowing through his hair and clothes in a soft gale. Ceron's presence was no more, the atmosphere that was had lifted. Ghoulish trees morphed back into the ordinary, almost like tempting one, to reach out and touch... The devilish roots that layered forest floor had decomposed, as if only sustained by their wicked ruler. Fog had diminished, the lying haze cleared up the scenery revealing carnage under an excited sun. All to eager to rest rays of sunlight, seeped throughout the dead forest.
Lonesome warmth of sun's embrace bred into the forest, all illuminated in light, in the field of death all was equally shown juxtaposed to angled shadows. A unsettling scene, bodies strewn across the battlefield, vultures were ever present now. Hovering above overlooking their meal, intending for a glorious feast on those already dead, soon to be. The surrounded area was torn, four charred black fissures had erupted outward, accompanied in cracks and tears. Across earth, mud and rock. Gravel regurgitated from the depths, as smoke lingered in the distance.
Niel woke not even realizing Ceron's disappearance, only immersed in his immediate surroundings. Still gazing upon his fallen comrades in despair, as he stood up almost faltering he saw everything- The world in a new light. Or for what it was. A daze for what seemed like an eternity befell him, before reaching into his tattered pocket wrought with blood. Pulling out a crest, Niel looked teetering on frustration and apathy. Muttering deep, unheard vows till the end. "It isn't fair.." Niel tensed, throwing the crest in a final exasperation before falling to his side, thinking of those beneath him staring to rot.
Soon he begun, starting to dig graves for them using his only hand..
"This is all I can do for them now..."
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