Liam stood atop the pyramid, watching nervously as the Dragon’s laughter rumbled like thunder. Afraid that he’d somehow offended the celestial with his impertinent question, Liam bowed low. He held the position until the Dragon’s laughter ceased.
“I apologise if my request offends Lord Traxiss.”
“You are wise - and lucky - scion of my friend. As have been your choices. Few would have had spirit to keep fear from ruling their mind when confronted with their death, yet you managed.”
“Had you chosen to punish the Demon with death, your experience would be small. After all, what can you learn from slaying a being stripped of power? Even his core would have been useless to you until you slew his soul, for immortals do not truly die until we return them to essence. That is certainly something you have yet to learn.”
Liam stared up at the dragon, sudden frustration building, about to protest.
He caught himself before he asked another question. The dragon truly has the mind of a serpent, twisting itself around words to change their meaning. Liam forced himself to calm. It hasn’t spoken untruly though.
“You have not lied, nor have you betrayed your duty here, Lord-Dragon Traxiss. I thank you for enlightening me. I only hope my question has not offended you.”
The dragon huffed, a gout of smoke billowing from its nostrils. “It cannot offend me. Offense–as with any other response–is only a choice. I know your intent is growth, not disrespect.”
The Dragon ran a claw along its chin, in a surprisingly human gesture as it regarded him. “I am merely surprised at your wisdom. Not only did you avoid making an immortal your nemesis, but you turned the situation to your favour. Of all the questions you could have asked. This was amongst the most complex to answer, and useful to you. It is also not for all to hear.”
In a flash of light, the dragon's form disappeared, being replaced by a tall and stunningly beautiful woman. Her silver hair was thick and spun in locks down her shoulder, as a diaphanous dress of golden scaled fabric fell to her ankle. There was something alien about her, though, as if she was not truly human.
Then Liam saw it. Her eyes burned with an internal fire, their intensity such that Liam had difficulty looking into them. They held such wisdom and power that instead of being comforted, his fear grew.
Then it finally registered. The Lord-Dragon Traxiss was a female.
The woman’s sudden appearance shocked Liam. He’d assumed that the Dragon was a male. After all, she held the title “Dragon-Lord”.
The confusion on his face was obvious, and Traxiss paused, baiting him to ask an easier question. When he refused, she simply smiled. “Once more, you restrain your tongue. You have become wise beyond your race, young mortal. I shall provide the answer, even though you did not ask.”
“The title ‘Dragon-Lord’ is but a translation of the words in my native tongue. It was the title that we gave to the champions of our tribulation. When we first heard the horns blow, only the greatest of our males could gain access to the Tribulation System, and even then, only the strongest and boldest amongst them were found worthy by our God.”
“Our Tribulation was not like yours, where everyone could level. Of those who did, all died in the first days. We remember and honour their courage and folly with this title. We remember our history, so as not to repeat it.”
“It is in the decades that came after their death that my tale began.”
She waved a hand and a well-padded throne leapt into existence beside her. A table appeared between them, and food sprung into being upon it, as did wine in chalices finer than any Liam had seen. Steaming piles of vegetables and fresh fruit filled bowls to each side of him. Looking over to the Dragon’s side of the table, Liam saw a chunk of tree root, and a bowl of water. Both objects shimmered with power so great that Liam had to look away.
Recalling the food from Vanaheim, Liam chose not to indulge in the meal until Traxiss gestured him to eat his fill. “This is not harmful to you, mortal. Do not fear. When I give my word, it is as Duritanium. I granted three questions and shall answer them.”
Sitting, she gestured behind him, and Liam turned to see a thick, leather padded arm-chair behind him.
As he sat, marvelling at the comforts she provided, she regarded him with a stern gaze.
“I shall grant your request, but I ask that you swear an oath to me.”
Liam raised an eyebrow at that. She had omitted any mention of oaths before.
She smiled as she waited, seeing if he would ask the question. When he did not, she continued.
“I require a pact of secrecy. You may only reveal to others the lessons you apply yourself. If you have not earned a step on my path, you may not discuss it with any who would not already know of it. If you deviate from the path I took, the rest of what I impart to you here remains hidden.”
Liam frowned, thinking of some way he could frame his answer as a statement rather than a question. The dragon was devious, and he knew it would take his next question as the third if he spoke it.
“I shall give the oath if you can tell me the purpose of it.” He stated carefully.
The dragon chuckled, her human voice a sweet melody of mirth. “Very well. Progress in the system is earned. To learn of the path of another is to learn secrets that took them centuries or millennia to discover. Some of these are dangerous to share, yet more can be used against me. Your oath will prevent you from spreading these secrets to eager ears until you understand their significance.”
Liam nodded. “I swear to God that I shall abide by the oath, as you stated it.”
A glow surrounded Liam, and the Dragoness smiled. Then she began.
Liam listened as Traxiss explained to him the method of her growth, explaining to him in brief the tale of the aeons long growth from a hatchling to the Overlord of a Spiral arm of this Galaxy. Liam had never heard many of the words the dragon used to describe the multiverse. He avoided asking more questions lest the dragon cease her retelling. He would remember, and one day discover, the answers for himself.
Traxiss explained her choices, and the differences between crafting and combat classes. She spoke of how the System only allowed experience to be gained when someone learned something new to them. She spoke of how skills and attributes interacted, allowing people to leverage their strengths against weaknesses in either.
Much of this Liam already knew, though when she explained the Spirit Nexii and the differences between evolutions of class and evolutions of race, he wished he could ask more. What the dragon said confirmed the words of Bragi, but she went further, explaining how the spirits could protect and guide. First the Dis, then the Vörðr and finally the Fylgja.
Liam thought quickly. He wanting to ask why his Vörðr had been the first spirit he gained. Instead, he was careful only to state a fact.
“I only have my Vörðr guardian. I have seen nothing of my Dis.”
Traxiss nodded and explained how Liam had gained his Vörðr Spirit Nexii first.
“The system is not something natural to the universe, it has… Difficulty with spirits. Spirit is a woven balance of essence of that reaches a nearly infinite complexity. In a living being, we tie that weave to our corporeal body. Over time, this stabilizes the weave, allowing the system to better form connect the spirit to that of our ancestors.”
“Have you ever been afraid of something, but not know why? That is a small part of your ancestral spirits guiding you to avoid a danger they encountered, that you do not yet understand.”
“In those whose bodies have died, the system’s understanding is diminished, and requires a greater connection between the node of the spirit and your ancestor to create the link. Usually, the Spirit of the Dis is formed when we meet our soulmate. We formed the Vörðr when we defeat a foe far greater than ourself, and our Fylgja comes forth in times of greatest danger.”
“In this way, the system uses our body, and its stabilizing influence, as the conduit to connect our Nexii to our ancestors. When complete, it creates a node, a place where our spirit stores magic and increases our connection to our past. The effect on our souls is to link us with our ancestors. The effect on our form is much greater, refining our minds, bodies and our connection to the system.”
“In this, you are different. Unique. Anomalous. Your forefathers spirit remains in his body too, making the connection far easier for the system to bridge. I know not how it will affect your growth, but expect to see differences between our paths.”
The dragon paused, looking Liam over for a moment. She gave a soft hum, as if in thought. “You are already progressing into developing your Fylgja. Your Animal Spirit. I suggest you do not stir it. Without your mother guardian spirit - what you know as a Dis - it will conquer your heart, and from there your soul.”
Liam nodded. Though he didn’t understand fully what was required, he knew that discarding such advice was foolish. The dragon smiled, seeing his confusion. “Love is the key. But for that, you need to be at peace with yourself. Learn who you are, then learn who you love. It is the first Nexus because it is how we learn of our spirit.”
“That you ascended at all is surprising. You are the first I have met who gained their father node before their mother. Were you offered a choice in what you became?”
Liam shook his head.
Traxiss pondered that for a moment. “You will probably receive the second choice when you ascend once more.” She stared at him closely. “You still have some way to go, especially in this place. While you may earn experience from combat here, it will be a drop in an ocean compared to when you face higher tier beings. For now, your best hope of gaining experience is through training others, as I did.”
With that, the Dragon began her tale, explaining to Liam her progression through the system.
Her experience–even from the beginning–was different to Liam’s. On her world, the Sector God chose less than one hundred Dragons to access the system. As she shared her tale, Liam listened in awe. It was not long before his eyes began misting as the tale turned from hope to tragedy.
“We were our god’s first realm. He created us to be deadly predators, with great intelligence, but he failed to challenge us. Over millennia, we built a civilization of comfort. We built our cities deep into the earth. Our capital, Voretanis was wondrous to behold, but we did not need to invent, nothing drove us to evolve, and we became complacent. Our people had plentiful food, an entire world to build from, and peace.”
“When the tribulations came, we did not know what the system was, much as you. A few champions were selected, but our society had no concept of conflict beyond the hunt. Instead of fighting, our champions tried to talk to the newcomers to our world, offering to share the wealth of two realms. We experienced our first true horror as they struck our champions down. We knew nothing of this until they were slaughtered before the tunnels of Voretanis and devoured by the enemy.”
“A powerful system god ruled the world of our enemy. It had created a race of fire Giants as its chosen people.” She paused, shivering slightly at the memory. “They did not fight battles but hunted us ruthlessly. While we, too were hunters, we lacked an understanding of hatred. We maintained a balance and worshiped a god who cherished the natural order. We could not level as you can but were forced to rely on our natural abilities.”
She went on, describing the great slaughter that took place.
“The Giants were different, their champions grew in levels and hunted for pleasure, and their technology was far advanced to ours. They used weapons and traps beyond anything we’d seen. We thought they would fight by our rules, as civilized beings, and each time we approached in force, they refused battle. As we withdrew, they would ambush us, over and again. Many of our males died, forcing the females to leave our nests to hold the line. As years passed, we retreated from our cities to the surface. The Imperial family refused to leave, believing they could reason with the invaders. They were all murdered in their nests.” Traxiss paused, her voice becoming cold. “Leaderless, we were forced to adapt.”
“We learned ways to hang our nests in the great forests on the surface of our world, abandoning our caverns to the Giants, and grew our numbers. We learned to draw the enemy into traps, but for a trap, we needed bait. I and many other mares volunteered our nests, and for years our lives became a nightmare of slaughter, loss and death, but the Giants could not reproduce as quickly as us, and as we grew in levels, our tactics took their toll, and soon they dwindled in numbers. In the end, only their champions stood against us.”
“They were unrelenting, seeking to destroy us and avenge their fallen species, but we had learned. We had learned to hate, but they had learned the system. It was in their last attack I lost my children. The champions had grown to the fifteenth level and were far more powerful than us.”
“For days, our people threw themselves at the enemy, dying in great numbers, piling as high as the mountains of our world. My children amongst them. When I saw the last of my children fall, I lost my mind and attacked the killer with all my might. I still do not know what distracted it, but my talons took its eyes as my fangs tore out its throat. My first kill avenged my children and gave me my first levels.”
Liam didn’t know what to say, but the tears running down his face told the Dragon all she needed to know. “Thank you, but it was aeons ago. I have regrown my brood since, though I miss those I lost. The multiverse is a big place, mortal. Big enough for us all to find peace, but it was no longer peace we sought.”
“Over the years, we regrew our population, and with the system now open to us, we tried to reclaim what we’d lost.” Traxiss sighed, almost in regret. “But now our society knew horror and loss. It changed us. We now desired power, so we could prevent this from happening again.”
“After we conquered the realm of the Giants, we were all integrated into the system, and many of our people chose classes that reflected their occupation before the Tribulation, thinking of going back to their old lives. This was not something I desired. I had seen my people die; my children die. Others - a very few of us - wished to learn more of the system. We wished to uncover its secrets and reveal them to our people. In this way, we could defend ourselves as the next tribulation approached.”
“It was from this desire that we forged a different path. The choice to become heralds of the system for our species. Or as you know, the class; we became Harbingers. We would build our species' power, bringing them word of all we learnt. Ensuring that we would never again face monsters and be helpless.”
Liam’s eyebrows rose at that. He recalled Traxiss mentioning the name of his class during her battle with Asmodeus, though he hadn’t thought they shared a class. It sorely tempted him to ask her about it, but he kept silent. Three questions, no more.
Traxiss smiled, seeing curiosity writ large on his face. “It is a rare class, but not unique to you. The system grants it to those who seek to learn more of the paths to power and to share what they know. Later, you will discover more, though the choice of which path you take is up to you.”
“Your class will evolve, and your choices will define the abilities and spells available to you. When you become a Harbinger Lord, the System will grant you another choice. One of which aspect you wish to take on.”
“I was the first to become a Harbinger of retribution. I was still mourning the loss of my brood and hoped to ease my pain through vengeance. It was much later that I came to regret my decision. While I have far more ability in combat, my decision slowed the growth of my people.”
“If you choose more wisely than I, you will eventually face another choice. That of what to do when you ascend your evolution to its highest form.”
“Once you unlock your nodes, you will become Ascended. Your Nodes will condense essence, the purest form of magic. Instead of drawing it into your node by conscious effort, your spirit will create a far more potent power on its own. With it you can blend the magic and abilities you have to create more direct and powerful actions. To gain immortality, we must apply the essence internally to build bridges between our nodes and our physical form. Welding your spirit to your corporeal body takes time and concentration, though once complete, if the body dies, the spirit will regrow it over time.”
“I chose not to do this. Instead, my choice was to become something greater. To tread a path that risked my ultimate destruction. I chose the Celestial path.”
Liam listened as the Dragon described what he must do to achieve it. “By putting the essence of your spirit into the world, you can bridge your soul to matter outside your form. In this way, you can never truly die. You are not splitting your soul, but extending it into the worlds you visit. If I stand on a world I have invested with my Essence, I have more power than any being upon it, except–perhaps–for the Tribulation System Fragments themselves.”
“The first world you fully invest your Nexus essence within shall move you beyond the form of a mere Ascended. Invest enough, and you will become a Planetar. On the world you entrusted with essence, you are beyond any God. Should your body or spirit be destroyed, you will reform upon that world in an instant, whole and healthy. You can only be destroyed if the world you invest is destroyed.”
“From there, if you invest multiple worlds, you become Planar, and finally, if you invest multiple star systems, a Celestial. I have heard whispers that there are even higher paths to follow, but I can only guess at what they entail.”
“Investing your essence into the world takes a great deal of time, or the acquisition of a Celestial artefact. It is in this way I gained my power. It is up to you now to navigate the dangers of the path if you choose to follow it.”
The dragon stopped. “The last lesson I have to teach is that the purpose of the system is not the purpose of any God. Power is simply a means, not an end. To follow the path of a celestial, you must find the connection between yourself, your people and your world, and then extend that to the stars and beyond.”
“Finally, I offer you the wisdom of my life. If you seek answers, follow the path you chose. Follow the path of the Harbinger and become the herald of the system on your world. Use it to protect, not to avenge. Learn, act and teach. Form your purpose, be decisive and act with determination. Only then can you realize your ultimate intent.”
“Never presume you are correct, but only that you are fallible. Plan, and test those plans against what you encounter, but never become certain. Certainty is the death of the mind and will lead to the death of those you love, if not yourself. It led to the downfall of my race, and to many others.”
The bubble of altered space within which Liam and Traxiss sat dissolved into motes of light as the Dragon released the spell. Liam had so many questions he didn’t know where to begin, but he held his tongue. They had struck a bargain for three questions. Any more might be impertinent.
He realized then that he’d eaten a great deal as he listened and struggled to rise from his chair. Giving the dragon a deep bow, Liam smiled.
“I thank you for your hospitality and wisdom, Lord-Dragon Traxiss. May your exploration of the System give you the answers you seek, and may your people find peace once more.” He bowed low to the Dragon as she turned back to view the field of battle.
“Thank you, Mortal. May your luck always be good. You shall need a great deal of it to defeat this enemy. Perhaps one day we shall meet again, so try not to die. I shall not always be there to resurrect you should you fall.” A soft smile curved her lips, and Liam felt his heart suddenly race as he realized how shockingly attractive the Celestial was.
“I shall do my best, Lord-Dragon Traxiss.” He said breathlessly, his heart hammering in his chest.
With that, the dragon gave a light laugh and reverted to its larger form. With a leap, it took wing, flowing into the air that was its favoured domain. It hovered over the battlefield, its massive wings keeping it steady despite its great size. It gave a roar to get the attention of all present. This one was softer than before, and Liam felt a wave of fear, but was not stunned.
All looked up at the Arbiter in her might. She sang, a deep reverberating hum underlying her words, reminding Liam of a deep horn blast.
On the field, the spirits of the dead rose. Their incorporeal forms were now visible, and their flesh regrew upon their spirit, as Liam’s had.
Their old bodies still lay where they’d fallen, while the wounded quieted, sitting up and seeing freshly healed skin. The two sides separated hastily, with the damned withdrawing towards the site of their portal. Meanwhile, the Scots, naked as the day they were born, hurriedly disrobed their own fallen corpses and, trying to preserve their modesty, re-equipped their gear.
From his vantage point atop the Pyramid, Liam saw the Lord of Douglas and Iain coming towards him with Llywelyn in tow. The young Squire held a banner of the Lord aloft and struggled to maintain his balance on the steep steps of the Pyramid. He almost fell when the Lord of Douglas stopped, suddenly preoccupied with something only he could see.
Traxiss finished her song and let out another roar.
Liam saw several messages appear in his vision.
The Dunbartonshire Tournament is complete. Congratulations.
The Kingdom of Scotland, led by Lord Douglas of Douglas has proven worthy, and has claimed victory. Their deeds shall be proclaimed across the Realms.
All aligned with the Sector God YHWH’s faction within this realm, gain a +1 increase to all attributes.
By the rule of the Arbiter, all experience gained shall be divided equally between the victorious faction.
Experience Gained: 2665
Congratulations. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Dread Queen has been eliminated from the Tournament and slain by the Arbiter. All equipment owned by her shall be sold at market price.
To the victor, the spoils.
As your opponent was defeated, and no longer exists, the Lord Of Douglas has allocated all funds from the sale of the Dread Queens Items to the Crown.
All combatants within the winning faction receive the title:
Tournament Victor.
You have defeated the enemy faction in a System Tournament. This Title Increases Strength, Agility and Vitality by 5.
Additional titles will be granted based on actions during the Tournament.
You have gained the title: Tournament Champion: Queenslayer.
You have defeated the enemy Ruler in a System Tournament.
You have gained +5 to all attributes.
You have gained +5 to all skills used in the Tournament
King David II of Scotland shall receive 739,028 Tribulation Credits once all competitors have exited the Tournament area.
You have reached level 10 in your Combat Class: Harbinger (Page).
Liam inspected his Combat Class immediately, bringing up the vision he’d hoped to see.
Harbinger Squire (Epic) Level 10
Ability Gained:
Inspired Learning: Spellform (Cast)
Once per day, you can immediately learn the Spellform of any cast spell you have seen.
Note: This ability does not apply to channelled spells
Attributes per Level:
+1 to each attribute
+8 Available Attributes
You may also learn one of the following spells:
Harbingers Defence
Inspiring Roar
Heroic Inspiration
Second Wind
You may also choose one of the following Abilities:
Countered Strike
Grapple
Bound pommel strike
Takedown
And two of the following skillsets:
Lays and Wards
Disengagements
Strikes and Counters
Wrestling
Liam immediately used Inspired Learning: Spellform, thinking back to the coruscating beam Traxiss had cast.
Nothing happened.
Did she channel the spell? He wondered.
Liam tried it again, but still nothing. He thought about the spell shield the dragon had formed around him and tried once more.
You have learnt the spell: Shield
Shield is a cast spell. This sung spell allows the caster to place a magical shield upon the ground that absorbs damage.
At Level One:
Traits: Immovable once cast.
Shield Dimensions: 5 foot by 5 foot.
Shield health: 100
Shield Duration: 30 seconds.
Next, Liam looked over the Skillsets, as he’d not seen them before.
The lays and wards were a simple series of stances, each described in detail. As he looked at the vision, a small image of a man appeared, showing the position of his blade relative to his body.
Each vision similarly detailed the other Skillsets, though Liam wondered how they would be applied if he selected them. He focused on his attributes instead. He would go through his magic and abilities later when he had more time to consider the benefits of each.
You have reached level 2 in your Race: Demi-Ascended.
Liam looked at the visions in amazement. He’d gained two levels, and, even better, had reached his tenth level in his Combat class. Eagerly, he opened his Attributes and marvelled at the changes he saw.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Statistics of Liam Lamberton
Titles: Page, Primus,. Journeyman.
Name: Liam Lamberton
Level:
{Levels: 42
12 (Race Tier 2: Human 10, Demi-Ascended 2)
10 (Harbinger {Squire})
10 (Magismithing {Journeyman})
10 (Archimancy {Journeyman})}
Race: Demi-Ascended
Class: Combat Class: Harbinger Page (Davidic Order)
Crafting Classes: Magismithing, Archimancy
Age: 17
Available Attributes: 20
Demi-Ascended: 669/1164
Tribulation Experience: 187/931
Magismithing: 612/931
Archimancy: 376/931
Health: 1760
Magic: 2840
Stamina: 100
Strength: 83 (112)
Agility: 81 (130)
Vitality: 85 (177)
Intelligence: 98 (101)
Wisdom: 114 (117)
Charisma: 58 (79)
Luck: 65 (68)
Faith: 56 (59)
Will: 122 (143)
Skills:
Skills:
Sword: 27
Swimming: 12
Manners: 21
Tactics: 19
Animal Husbandry: 10
Light Armor: 14
Riding: 10
Carpentry: 22
Chivalry: 12
Reading: 44
Stealth: 9
Wood Chopping: 22
Writing: 18
Housekeeping: 31
Languages: 76
Maintenance: 26
Athletics: 29
Mathematics: 21
Harp: 28
Music: 28
Heavy Armor: 17
Polearm: 22
Shield: 31
Lance: 6
Climbing: 23
Fishing: 58
Cooking: 33
Design: 26
Smithing: 38
Mining: 33
Meditation: 7
System Lore: 38
Spells:
Ward: Level 8
Healing Song: Level 7
Telekinesis: Level 12 ==> Telekinetic Field: Level 9
Flame Level 8 ==> Inferno: Level 3
Magic Sight Level 2
Regrowth: Level 3
Scriptorium: Level 1
Deepscan: Level 1
World-Smithy: Level 1
Shield: Level 1
Inspired Learning: Spellform: Level 1
Abilities
Feinting Slash: Level 5
Covered Strike: Level 4
Shield Parry: Level 8
Epic Crafter (Passive)
Inspired Design (System Effect)
Epic Designer (Passive)
Magic Sense (Passive)
Magic Attunement (Passive)
Mythic Designer (Passive)
Identify: Level 5
For a moment, Liam pondered where he should apply his attributes, realizing with a clarity he’d never felt before that if he wanted to follow the path of the Harbinger, he would need his wits more than his strength.
He hesitated, knowing that if he committed now, he was committing to the path that Traxiss had laid out. Learn, act and teach. Form your purpose, be decisive and act with determination. Only then can you realize your intent.
The Traxiss’ voice echoed in his mind.
Liam did as she advised, setting his purpose. He made his decision and acted with a determination he’d never felt before.
He would become the Herald of the System.
He would learn as much as he could and spread it throughout the mortal realm.
He would become a Harbinger.
With that, he allocated all his points into intelligence. He winced slightly, having forgotten that he should increase his attributes slowly, but as the pain faded, he saw the world with a clarity that was shocking.
He made his way down the steps of the Pyramid to where Lord Douglas waited upon the metallic stairs, Iain and Llywelyn were still assigning their attributes.
Liam smiled, thinking of the battles yet to come and trials ahead. There was a great deal of work to do.
Lord Douglas surprised him, greeting him with a hug.
“Liam! I’m glad to see you again.” He said. Liam looked down at his Lord, noticing that though they stood on the same step, he was now a head taller than his Lord. “What happened to you, lad? The men said they struck you on the head and then you just disappeared from the battle line.”
Liam grinned. “I was dead, Lord.” Liam explained what had happened, but when he got to the answers he received from the Dragon, Lord Douglas gripped him furiously by the arm.
“You mean there’s a way to resurrect the king?”
Liam nodded. “Aye, Lord. Though we need the Grail if we are to achieve it!”
Lord Douglas let out a whoop of joy, and leapt upon Liam, embracing him once more. “That is the greatest news you could have brought me. Did you hear, Iain! There’s hope!”
Iain smiled at the Lord. “Aye, Lord, though for now we have more pressing issues. If we find the grail and resurrect the King, he won’t be too glad with us if we’ve lost his Kingdom, or his son to Balliol.”
James nodded. “Then there’s the problem of which bastard killed him.” Despite himself, Liam winced when he saw his Lord glance over at him. “Don’t you worry yourself, lad. I know ye didn’t do the deed, but we must make sure the other Lords know it too.”
Iain nodded and patted Liam on the back. “Lets meet the others, Lord. We have a great deal of planning yet to do before we march. You can tell us what you can of the Dragon’s tale as we go.”
Liam nodded, and the trio trekked back towards the mounds of dead and the now victorious army of Scotland. As they went, Liam explained as much as he could about the Nexus nodes and the system. He was careful not to break his oath, and so left some parts out, including the Dragon’s history and class.
As they reached the tired Scots, Sir Peter stood and let out a yell. “Three cheers for the Lord of Douglas, and Earl of Moray!”
The cheers echoed out across the field, and Liam heard the voice of Andrew rise too. “And another three for Scotland!”
The Earl of Moray rode up, his armour covered in blood and gore from his charge. He reined his mount in with a savagery that almost caused Liam to speak up in protest, but one look at the Lord's scowl silenced him.
“Well, James! We won a mighty tournament.” His voice carried a bitter tone. He rose in his stirrups and screamed at the cheering Scots. “We lost our king but won a tournament. I don’t know why you are cheering!”
Silence descended on the field, and a few of the men in the crowd glared at the Earl, angry that he had so easily dismissed their achievement. “We almost lost, and against a horde of unarmoured and unarmed beasts. They had no tactics, not leadership. They were fodder!”
The Earl glared at the men and women who had remained to fight with contempt.
“How do you think you’ll fare against Balliol? You should be training, not cheering! If you think I’ll grant you any slack because you gained a mere few levels, you’re sorely mistaken.”
James grinned, seeing where his friend was going, and spoke up. “Aye, the Earl of Moray speaks true! Balliol’s men may only number three thousand, but each one is a hardened soldier. They are veterans, and though we have won this tournament today, and gained strength, we should not think that we can overcome them so easily.”
One man in the ranks stepped forward. He was a large man, dressed in plain but serviceable wool, with a leather apron tied over his neck. In his hands he carried a smithing hammer, though he’d replaced the handle with a long shaft of ash, making it into more of an oddly shaped warhammer.
All could see he was a blacksmith, and someone who was clearly used to it earning him a measure of respect, even from lords. His words, however, were cultured, as though he was of noble birth and, as he spoke, his voice conveyed his measured concern.
“Lord, you speak as though we are an army! I only came here to gain some levels before returning to my forge. I am no soldier.”
Moray glared the man down. “You only came here for yourself, when your King lies dead, murdered by some foul magic? You speak like you mean to refuse aid to his son, a mere boy, when you have the power to change the fate of our land? Are ye craven?”
The big man’s face went still. “I am no craven Lord, and I am Loyal to the King, but I am no soldier either. Many of us here have never held a weapon before today. We are good Christians, and would see our King avenged and his son safe upon the throne, but we are not warriors.”
Lord Douglas spoke then. His voice carrying out across the field and silencing the murmured agreement of many in the Scots ranks. “Our Lord, Jesus Christ, was a mere carpenter, and became a prophet. My own Squire, until a few weeks ago, was a mere apprentice to the carpenter of Douglas. But look at what they became! Our lord Christ now rules in heaven, while young Liam here, though no saint, has become more powerful than any of us. Not because he sought it, but because he did his duty to his King, his lord, and his God.” He gestured to Liam, and some men who had seen him fight muttered in agreement.
Pat spoke up, stepping forward to support his Lord. “Aye," He confirmed, bowing to the Lords. "Begging their Lordship's pardon, but only two weeks ago, the lad was weak as a lamb. You saw him fight today. He was more dangerous than the Dragon above!”
Liam raised his eyebrows at the ridiculous comparison, and was about to speak when Fergus chimed in. “God knows it's the truth! I wouldn’t be surprised if the lad can shoot fire out his arse and lightning out his eyes. He’s like the Wallace reborn!”
Fergus was being serious and scowled as the audience laughed. But he’d broken the tension. The Lord of Douglas leapt upon it like a lion.
“You all are worried, but it is because you do not yet understand how the system works in your lives. Come with the army, and we shall show you how to use magic. Together, we shall help you make choices that will aid in your growth!”
A stir rumbled through the crowd, and one of the Templars stepped forward, his white robes and red cross visible to all. “Magic is the devils…” He began, but Liam, seeing his movement through the crowd interrupted his protest, knowing what was coming.
“The Devil, curse him, uses foul and dark Magics to fight the powers of light that our Lord commands. You all came here hoping to gain power from the system. Where do you think that power comes from? The system grants you the magic, and God gave us access to its power. Do you think he wishes us not to use it to conquer the evil that invaded our world?”
He watched as the ranks of Scots considered his words. Many still seemed dubious, especially the Templar and his Brothers.
A rumble of hooves announced the approach of riders, and Liam and the Lords turned to see Lady Tatania galloping towards them with the Princess Margaret at her side. Their horses rumbled to a halt near where Liam and his Lord stood.
Their arrival caused quite a stir, and soon the crowd was bowing or kneeling to the women. Princess Margaret ignored them all. Slipping from her saddle, she tackled Iain into a great hug, fussing over him, and causing some in the crowd to cheer at the display of concern and deep affection.
Lady Tatania, however, had remained in her saddle, and beckoned her husband closer. She leant down and the two conversed in low tones.
Whatever had been said was clearly a cause for concern as his face turned sheet white. With a tug on her reins the Lady of Douglas turned from him, angling her steed's side on to address the crowd.
“Who amongst you can read?” She asked, her voice high but firm.
The Templar who had protested the use of magic stepped forward. “I can, Lady.”
She smiled. “Do you hold to your oaths to the Church, Sir?”
“I do, Lady.”
“Then aid me in this, Sir Knight, speak loud and true. Read the vision I display to the crowd. Let them know what I have become- what I am through God's Grace.”
With a sudden stir of air, the Lady glowed in the same golden hue that the system brought forth whenever someone levelled. About her arose the sound of an angelic choir, and from the heavens a beam of light descended to surround her brow in a soft halo of light.
The ground suddenly seemed to sprout new grasses from the muddy soil, beneath the horse she rode and small daffodils sprouted. The crowd shuffled back in awe of her beauty and grace.
She displayed her attribute table, and the elderly Knight collapsed to his knees before her, tears streaming down his face.
His brothers approached behind him, curious what could make the stubborn knight so completely lose his composure. They numbered nearly one hundred men, all between the ages of sixty and sixteen. First one, then others, saw the vision the Lady of Douglas displayed before them. As they read the words, they knelt, one by one. Each drawing their sword and holding them before them, blade down, praying before the Lady and the sign of the Templar Cross.
Liam could not see the visions from where he stood, and so he moved closer as the Knight read the text her vision contained.
“T…. This woman’s name is Lady Tatiana of Douglas.. Her class within the system is…”
He paused, fighting back the lump that rose in his throat, threatening to choke him with emotion. “She is a living Beati, she is Blessed by God!” He roared, exultant.
Silence.
Then, just when Liam thought the crowd would not accept her, a second templar stepped forward, tears streaming down his face.
“DEUS VULT!” He cried, and the cry was taken up by his brothers, who also were fighting the strongest of emotions; that of a faith affirmed. After years of hiding and keeping the secrets of the Order of the Knights Templar safe, these men were finally in the presence of a being so close to God it felt as if His spirit were also present amongst them.
Others in the crowd had knelt too, and soon everyone but the Lord of Douglas, The Earl of Moray, and some of the other gathered nobles who knew Tatania well remained standing. Then, dismounting, they too bent their knee. Liam knelt too, as did Iain and the Princess. He was in awe that his lady would be on the path to Sainthood.
“Continue reading, sir knight,” Lady Tatania’s voice rang out, somehow sweeter and more comforting than before.
“Beatified by God, the voice of the Archangel Gabriel guides her action. Though her choice is her own, she is an agent of God on Earth, one of his chosen champions. May all who see her take heart, and know God is with them.”
The Scots templar stood and bowed low to the Lady. He turned to face the crowd. “God WILLS IT!” He screamed, his fervor at its peak. The other Templars present echoed the cry in a roar. And they too now stood, forming ranks before her. Sergeant Brothers gathered behind them, and Liam could see that the elderly templar was beyond any doubt. The man had straightened from his age-induced hunch and now stood tall, chin up and proud, for he was in the presence of a living saint–or as close as one could come.
Tatania, though not intentionally, had just gained a company of powerful and loyal bodyguards.
Lady Tatania turned to Liam, and, seeing him kneeling, she beckoned him towards her. He rose, nervous as he approached her side.
“Can you show them some magic, Liam? It is important for what comes next. Do something that will awe them.” She paused, looking about at the fields where the dead lay, some already beginning to bloat with decay. "Can you dispose of some of the corpses? They will cause sickness to spread otherwise."
“Your will, Lady Beati!” Liam said seriously, bowing low as Tatania groaned.
“Not you too, Liam. When the Princess found out the class I received, she nearly fell to the floor! I am very much the same Lady you saved in the woods.”
Liam nodded, then frowned. "You received it? You had no choice?"
The lady laughed. "It was a choice between that and accepting my place in this world, so for me, it was no choice. Now, the magic?" She gestured expectantly, showing that not just she, but the crowd was waiting on him.
“Your will, Lady of Douglas.” He bowed once more and stepped away from the nobles. Taking his harp in hand, he gave a strum and whispered a song. As he did, he reached out with Telekinetic Field.
About him, the air stirred, causing his hair to lift and billow. It flowed around him towards the field where the dead now lay unmoving and cold. He raised his voice in song as his magic moved the corpses. First one, then another rose into the air, until hundreds moved. Progress was slow, but within an hour the remains had been piled into one great heap.
As the last of the bodies around the earthworks fell upon the great mound of dead, Liam turned to face it.
His fingers strummed quickly, from the yells and shouts behind him, the onlookers were surprised by the sudden change in his tune, but he was not done. Their surprise would soon give way to awe. What would come next would be a sight they would remember for the rest of their days.
With another strum of his harp, Liam's voice dropped an octave as he sang into being a great Inferno. He altered the song, and the air flowed over the flame, pushing it to even greater temperatures as he caused the air to combust.
So great was the power he wielded that he felt the magic flowing out of him like a physical force, drawing through his Aesium armour and pulsing into his Mind's nexus core. From there it gained purpose from his intent and was pushed out into the world through his Harp and Voice.
Soon the flame wrapped about the pile of dead, forming a whirling vortex that drew more air in. Men behind Liam stumbled as they attempted to avoid being sucked into what was becoming a tornado of flame and smoke. He himself was forced to plant his legs more firmly to avoid being sucked into the fire himself.
As the bodies incinerated within the conflagration, the Lady raised her voice. Somehow, over the chaos of the flame and wind, she was heard by all.
“All who can use the powers of the Tribulation System are Chosen of God through this Holy Trinity. Our Lord God, the creator. Christ, our savior, and the holy spirit, who inhabits us all, and Joins us to Him. The System is that holy spirit. It is god’s power delivered to mankind in its hour of need.”
Her voice rose too, and joined Liam's. The flames, once the angry orange-red the crowd were used to changed suddenly. Now they were golden flames, and they danced across the corpses, lifting the ashes upwards until they were no more. When the last body had disappeared completely, Liam let the song falter, and silence descended upon the field.
Liam turned and recieved a grateful nod from his Lord and Lady.
Turning once more to address the crowd, Tatania's voice rang out, and the light about her blazed slightly. "Remember those who fell, both in your hearts and in your deeds, for they are Martyrs of our land. You have seen today the power of God work through us as it can through you. Be not afraid of magic granted by god, for these are miracles!" A murmur of agreement rang through the crowd at that pronouncment. What else would have caused such a golden flame than God's power?
Tatania gestured to where the Pyramid had stood.“But do not be complacent! The Devil has perverted God’s love for us and in his hate, he granted similar powers to the enemy. Their existence is a mockery of God's glorious will and must not be allowed to continue. Together, if you put your faith in the Holy spirit–in the System - we shall vanquish the heretic, reform the unbeliever, save our kingdom, and deliver the damned unto our Lord for their final judgement!” Her voice rose and fell as she spoke until culminating in a roar that so inspired the army before her that their cheers went unabated for nearly five minutes.
She gestured towards Liam. “What you have seen this young noble accomplish today is but a small part of what is possible. Put your faith in salvation through Christ. He is coming, but before he arrives, we must empty his realm of all evil.”
Another raucous cheer broke out, this time for the opportunity that had been given to them. To learn magic, but not some witch’s curse. Real magic, like that used by angels and the Lord in Heaven himself.
As eager voices discussed the possibilities, the blacksmith approached Liam. “You can do that with fire? Can you smith with it too?”
In answer, Liam displayed his attributes, showing only his name and his Journeyman ranking in Magismithing.
“Still want to go back to your forge?” Liam asked with a grin.
The smith shook his head. "Not if you can show me how to do that?"
“Then join with us, if you want to learn!”