Alvor sprints down a smooth stone brick hallway, hearing metal boots behind him. Hurry, we got a spell tongue trying to escape, Templars yell. Alvor comes to a doorway and passes through, he turns right and ducks behind a large round pillar. Templars rush past him a with a heavy clunk of their boots. Breathing heavy, Alvor tries to catch his breath, his chest hurts. Waiting a few moments as the boots fade, he hears door creeks open somewhere. Alvor peeks out and studies the room.
The high ceiling is four levels up with interlocking stairs on the far side. Red and gold banners hang along the walls and ceiling and connect to the level beams. A long rectangular fire pit was lit in the center of the room. Golden red rugs line the sides of the fire pit. Rectangular golden banners hang from the railings as artifacts and paintings cover the walls. Moving his eyes and spots several wooden doors with metal edging running along the right wall. Alvor’s eyes widen as he lands his eyes upon a painting on the far side being lit by several torch basins.
At the top stood Solaris with the sun shining behind him. His golden beard was finely trimmed with golden eyes. Solaris’s red skin stands out with his golden armor shining upon a group of people worshipping below him. God of the sun and righteous justice, Alvor thought to himself. Looking down, Alvor spots another section of the painting and sees black masses burning. Alvor looks away and feels his anger rise as he spots staves along the pillars and skulls of former mages. Looking away, Alvor looks for a place to hide.
Seeing an open door to his left, Alvor quickly runs and ducks through the door. Entering the room, Alvor quickly turns around and keeps the door slightly cracked and peeks out with a cautious eye. About time you made it, a woman said. Alvor jumps back with fright and turns around, he sees the female Templar lean against a grey barrel with golden bindings. Your gear is in the trunk, the Templar said as she points to a trunk just past her. The trunk sits against the wall of the room. Alvor feels suspicious of the trunk and the Templar but walks cautiously. Alvor walks to the trunk and kneels in front of it and examines the trunk. The Templar moves away and heads to the door and peeks out the crack. The trunk has a gold lining around the worn wood and rounded top.
Alvor reaches out and places his hands on the side of the trunk and slowly cracks the trunk open. Seeing his gear and lets out a breath of relief. Now all I need is my mother’s staff, Alvor said. What staff? the Templar asked. The Priestess has it, Alvor said. We have no time to grab something like that, every second we waste, the harder it will be for us to escape, she said.
Loud boots ring out from behind the door. Also, before we go, what is your name? Alvor asked with a cautious voice. The Templar looks from side to side quickly as a nervous look breaks out. Kendra, she said with a worried tone.
Quickly, get changed, they will be back soon, Kendra said. Alvor shrugs his shoulders as he reaches in and pulls out his gear. Quickly removing his prison garbs, Kendra quickly looks away and peers out the crack. Alvor quickly changes back into his tunic and pants, reattaching his cloak with a pin as slips his boots on. Where are my gloves? Alvor asked. They destroyed them because of the runes on them, Kendra said.
Alvor grips his left hand as he slips the key to Valisa’s chain into his right pocket. Alvor stands up and walks towards Kendra as he pulls his hood forward. Alvor’s eyes widen as he spots a crossbow and bolts on her hips and back. Her grey sword was sheathed on the left side of her waist. Her shield was firmly strapped and held in her left arm as a locket hangs from wrist with a family emblem. The emblem had a crest moon with the tips pointing down with a sword running through it.
Check the lower rooms, a Priest screams. Quick there coming, Kendra said. Quickly forming a grey glyph around his right hand with an interlinking chain circling a square with a star symbol. He circles his hand around Kendra, Illios, Alvor said. Magical grey energy envelops Alvor and shrouds him from Kendra’s sight.
After a few seconds, Alvor steps forth looking like a male Templar in full armor. A sword hangs from his waist as he grips a shield tightly. Let us go, Alvor said as the Kendra reaches for the door. She pulls the door open, Alvor and Kendra step into the grand hall and look around. Where is the prisoner? a Templar screams. He is here somewhere so keeps looking, beware the cuffs are off, A priest responds. Alvor and Kendra walk quickly and look around. Turning right and checking a room with an open door, I hope I am blending in, Alvor whispers. You are fine, the keep is easy, the quarry is another, Kendra responds. Not if we can get to Valisa, Alvor said. Leave that beast, Kendra said with a disgusted voice. Alvor shoots his head towards her, I will not leave my friend behind, Alvor said with hatred in his voice.
Walking away from the room, Alvor looks up spots the high Priestess with his mother’s staff. Her nose was in white cloth with red stains. His anger begins to build as he sees the priestess. The gem begins to glow brightly. The Priestess understands something clearly at last and looks over as her eyes widen. He is here, the Priestess said out loud. The Templars stop as they begin look around with an eye of suspicion. Looking around, Kendra slowly reaches for her sword with her right hand and starts to slip it out. The Priestess extends out her right arm and runs the staff over everyone. The gem goes faint and suddenly bursts to life as she points it at Alvor. The Priestess smirks as she pulls the staff away.
I think I remember your mother, she yelled with a mocking voice. Your mother screamed as we had her raped, then as she begged for your life, the Priestess pauses and places her left finger on her lips. We said we already killed you, we burned you alive, the Priestess said. Alvor’s anger burns brightly as he hears a loud roar in his ears.
Nice try spell tongue, the Priestess said. Cuff him and gag him, the Priestess said as she turns away. Templars rush down the stairs and surround both Alvor and Kendra. Three Templars stand in front of the fire pit. Kendra draws her sword and points it at Alvor and steps back as the Templars circle them. The Templars raise their shields as they flatten their swords. Others holding back as they examine the situation and begin to circle around.
The illusion dissipates as Alvor raises his hands into the air. Quickly forming orange glyphs in front of his hands. Alvor pulls his hands down and cups his fists. Thrusting them forward, “Ignatius” Alvor screamed! Launching two fireballs, the Templars jump out of the way as the fireballs rush past and explode behind them. The tapestries catch fire and fanes out. Kendra spins on her heels and slashes into the Templars. The Templars behind her jump back as they raise their shields and block the slash. Crossbowmen quickly reach the railing and take aim. Kill them, a Priest screams! Black smoke begins to rise and block the views of the Templars up top.
Kendra rushes back to Alvor as she raises her shield. Come on, we got to go, Kendra said. The Templars rush at them, Alvor raises his left hand as a white, blue glyph forms in front of Alvor’s hand. The smooth outer line pulses with energy. Triangles connecting at the edges and points inwards. A small pulsing orb in the center flickers with energy. Alvor holds his hand bent towards his chest as the ground begins to shake. The Templars on the right and left run away.
Writhing lines of energy erupt from the ground and into Alvor’s hand. Buy me a few moments, Alvor said with a strain in his voice. Kendra seeing the other Templar rush forward at them. Kendra raises her shield and thrusts her sword forward. The Templar parries the blade to the right as Kendra follows through and caves in his helmet with the edge of her shield. She swiftly kicks with her right foot and knocks the Templar into the fire pit. The other Templars rush towards them as Kendra dips in her sword and launches embers onto the other side.
Three Templars leap over the embers and fire pit and thrust their weapons. Kendra quickly blocks the thrusts as clinks ring out. Kendra pushes her shield to the left and slashes from right to left at the Templars. Kendra strikes two as the center Templar leaps back. Blood bursts from their necks as they fall backwards. The fire starts to spread on the other side and surrounds them as the air becomes harder to breath. The Remaining Templars fall back to the stairs. The last Templar rushes and swings at Alvor. Kendra raises her sword and parries the sword and pushes upwards. The Templar raises his shield and thrusts the shield as Kendra blocks with her shield. Kendra pulls her blade back and slips to her right and thrusts her sword and strikes under the Templars left armpit. Blood seeps from the wound as Kendra pulls her sword free with a heavy breath.
The heat seeps through her armor as Kendra begins to sweat. Fire! the priest screamed over the flames! The crossbowmen open fire as Kendra covers herself and moves in front of Alvor as the bolts land wildly around them. A bolt pierces through Kendra’s shield just above her arm. Kendra looks completely scared as she sees the flat pointed tip.
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Alvor reaches and grabs Kendra by the right shoulder, Acranas, Alvor said as he throws his hand upwards. A bright light erupts around them, Alvor feels his body being pulled somewhere else. Seeing only light it quickly fades, Alvor and Kendra let their eyes adjust and see the walls of the quarry. Alvor collapses to his knees, both breath heavy as they sweat heavily. Kendra feels her stomach begin to turn and quickly throws up.
Kendra finishes puking and breathes hard as her armor steams in the cold air. Alvor slowly rises to his feet, we got to keep moving, Alvor said as he tries to steady out. A chirp echoes out in the quarry. Alvor recognizes the chirp, Valisa, Alvor said with a heavy breath. Alvor starts to run in the direction of the chirps and begins to limp. Wait, Kendra said as she sees Alvor running. Alvor runs past mine carts and mining tools. Reaching a clearing in the quarry, Alvor spots Valisa chained into a level below. Alvor examines the dig site, he sees a glint of iron and gold ore could be seen. Mining racks were scattered all over the dig site. Carts sitting with rocks all around Valisa. Kendra moves up and stops next to Alvor.
Alvor hears Templars in the distance screaming get “that fire under control”. Seeing a wooden ramp fifty feet away, Alvor looks to Valisa and sees her tail sweeping back and forth. What are you waiting for? Kendra asked. Looks like Templars are hiding down there, Alvor said as he returns his attention to Valisa. Valisa was held down by several chains. Templars? Kendra asked. What are you doing? Kendra asked. Valisa has spotted danger, Alvor responds. Stay here and cover me, Alvor said. Alvor quickly rushes forward and keeps low as he finds a ramp and comes to a complete stop.
Looking back to Kendra, Alvor sees her take aim with her crossbow. Alvor reaches the ramp, the wood was tied together with some strong rope. Reaching out his right foot, Alvor gentle sets his foot on the ramp as a creak echoes out into the quarry. Walking down the ramp, Alvor keeps his eyes on each step he takes. Valisa lets out a fearful chirp, Alvor reaches the bottom and looks around. Spotting something moving behind some mining equipment on the far side. Alvor starts to walk forward, Valisa begins to let out more fearful chirps.
With each step Alvor’s heart begins to race. Good trap, but it will need some work, Alvor thinks to himself as he was halfway to Valisa. Valisa quiets down as Alvor approaches her. Alvor stops as he sees the lock holding her down on her left side. Alvor taps her on the side a few times as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the key.
Alvor kneels next to the lock and inserts the key into the lock. Slowly turning the key, Alvor heard a quiet click as the lock opens and drops down. Pulling the lock off, Valisa feels the chains not as tight and holds completely still. Alvor quickly sprints to Valisa’s head. Glad to see you are safe, Alvor said out loud.
Valisa happily chirps, as she sees Alvor in front of her. Extending out his right hand, Alvor gently places his hand on her snout. Hearing a light chirp from her, everything will be alright, Alvor said with calm voice. Leaning in close, wait for the right moment, Alvor whispers. The razor chains wear locked to the main lock, Alvor follows up. Valisa lets out a light chirp. Alvor steps back, what have they done to you? Alvor said out loud.
Templars rush out from their hiding spots and quickly surround him. Swords drawn as some take aim with crossbows. The priestess comes forth, such a challenge, the priestess said with a snarking grin. The moon emerges from the clouds and lights up the surrounding area. Seeing clearly Alvor slowly rises his hands up. For the crimes committed against the Solaris Chantry, the Priestess pauses as she takes a deep breath. The Priestess coughs harshly. Practicing magic, killing the faithful, destroying faithful artifacts and art, death is the only penance, the priestess said out loud.
The Priestess runs the blade of the staff on the ground, sparks fly as the edges were sharpen. Templars run forward and grab Alvor by the arms and drag him away from Valisa. The left Templar kicks Alvor in the back of the knees and forces him down. The right Templars reaches over and push Alvor’s head down. Alvor looks to the ground as they pull his cloak back as he closes his eyes.
The Priestess starts to spin the staff as the gem glows even brighter as she got even closer to Alvor. Valisa hisses violently as she pretends to struggle. The priestess comes to a stop and swings the blade down onto Alvor’s neck. The staff’s blade comes to a complete stop and forces the priestess to stumble forward. The Priestess looks down and sees the blade an inch from his neck.
The Priestess regains her balance as a look of confusion emerges on her face. Alvor looks up as his eyes change. His pupils narrow on the sides and elongate up and down. “Now”, Alvor screams! Valisa breaks loose from her chains as Kendra fires a bolt. The bolt striking the Templar on Alvor’s right as Valisa opens her jaws and bites into the Templar on the left midsection. Lifting the Templar up, Valisa snaps down and bites him in half. Blood and guts land near Alvor as he breaks free and stands up. The Right Templar hits the ground as the bolt pierces through his spine.
The Priestess stumbles backwards as she sees her guards fall to more bolts. Alvor rushes forward as he forms two fire glyphs over his hands. The Priestess comes to a stop and swings the staff again. Alvor dissipates the glyph from his right hand and reaches for the staff. Grabbing the staff in his hand as the priestess kicks him in the chest then in his groin. Alvor feels the blow land in his gut and hunches forward as he starts to feel sick. Releasing the staff, the Priestess moves backwards and spins the staff. She rushes forward and thrusts the staff into Alvor’s gut. It stops violently as the gem turns a deep blood red.
What is wrong with this thing? the Priestess said. The staff starts to glow orange, the Priestess hands start to smoke. She drops the staff and stumbles away. Holding her hands as she looks to the staff as it floats in the air and points itself upwards. A beam of whitish golden yellow light erupts from the gem and into the sky. Alvor looks up and spots glyphs forming high in the sky. A few seconds pass as whitish yellow objects fall from the sky.
The objects striking all around in no pattern. Barricades and watchtowers catch on fire as rock walls collapse. Alvor spots one heading right at him, he jumps back and dodges the ball by a few feet. The heat from the ball feels nice as Alvor lands and looks to the staff. The balls quickly speed up and strike all around the quarry. The towers collapses and smoke start to rise. Kendra quickly rushes into view, sweat runs down her head as she panics. What is happening? Kendra asked with a fearful tone. I do not know this magic, Alvor responds. Take the staff, let its power aid you, a voice said in Alvor’s head. Alvor rushes forward as he extends his hands. Grabbing the staff by the midsection, Alvor feels no pain as he grips the staff tightly.
Alvor stands there as the objects keep falling faster and faster. Solaris damn you, the Priestess said with a furious tone. Alvor looks at the Priestess as anger builds in her eyes. Alvor rushes forward and reaches the Priestess, he feels a presence guiding his right hand as he flips the staff and slashes. Alvor cuts the Priestess stomach as he comes to a stop on her left. The Priestess drops to her knees as she holds her guts in. Pain emerging on her face as blood seeps through her finger. She turns her head and looks up to Alvor with a look of anger and fear. Alvor flips the staff back as he forms a fire glyph in front of his left hand. Alvor looks at her with anger and fury and throws his hand into the air, “Ignatius”, Alvor said.
The Priestess bursts to into flames. She began to scream as she thrashes about as the flames cover every part of her body. She gets up and throws herself at him, Alvor steps to the right and watches her land on the ground. The Priestess tries to roll and extinguish the flames, her skin melts to the ground with each roll she takes.
Kendra watches as the Priestess skin turns black. Her hair burning as her clothes turn to ash. Alvor walks by Kendra with a cold reptilian look on his face. I would reclaim my mother’s staff, Alvor said out loud. The flames go out as the Priestess lays on her back with a gasp. Her chest hardly moves as she lays completely still. She gasps for breath with a deep scratchy voice.
Kendra reaches and pulls her crossbow and looks horrified. Hearing the Priestess continue to scream in pain, Kendra pulls the string of her crossbow back and hears a click. Loading a bolt, Kendra takes aim with a heavy hand and fires. The bolt launches and strikes the Priestess in the heart killing her instantly. All three looking around as the sky begins to glow as bright as the sun through the smoke.
Alvor looks up and spots the last falling object. Valisa, we got to go, Alvor screams! Valisa hisses in disapproval. I know you do not like people on your back but look up, Alvor said as he points up. Valisa looks up, quickly lowering herself to the ground. Alvor extending his leg over her body he settles between a couple of her spikes. Quickly get on, Alvor screamed! Kendra quickly turns around and runs to Valisa. Reaching Valisa she quickly mounts right behind Alvor.
Valisa leaps upwards and extends her wings. Flapping hard, Alvor feels the cold wind crashes against his face. Valisa gaining air as she heads for the mountains. Alvor turns his head to see a massive meteor break through the smoke. Looking around, Alvor spots a passage through the mountains. Valisa turn right, Alvor screamed! Valisa lowers her right wing and pulls hard. The force almost throwing Alvor and Kendra from her back.
A massive explosion erupts from behind them as a dust cloud gives chase. Valisa flaps again and begins to pick up some more speed. Alvor turns his head and looks behind them. The dust cloud continues to follow them. Turning his head back, Alvor trying to find a way out of the mountains. He reaches forward and rubs Valisa’s back as he spots a high mountain just to their left. Valisa, hard left, Alvor screams! Pulling hard Valisa sees the mountain and head directly for it.
The dust cloud was almost on top of them as Valisa picks up more speed. Alvor and Kendra gripping tightly on Valisa’s spikes. Valisa pull up , Alvor said. Valisa pulls up as she folds in her wings as the dust engulfs them.
The dust cloud settles in the mountains. Valisa bursts through the cloud, Alvor and Kendra coughing. Valisa passes over the mountain and into a valley as she extends out her wings. Slowly descending, Valisa steadies out as she feels the wind beneath her wings. Her nostril’s flair as she extends out her tongue. Smelling deer on the horizon, Valisa’s stomach begins to rumble as she lets out a hungry chirp. You are hungry, Alvor said as he begins to relax. Valisa chirping in agreement.
Let’s fly until the sunrise and then we will land, Alvor said. Valisa chirps in agreement as they fly into the night sky.