The Face of the Enemy

Baga-Bars urdged Maraeda through the blue gate that led to the tower where the party was to be held. Although the agta was still uncomfortable with this mode of transportation, Baga-Bars found that it no longer left him with a pounding headache and sour stomach. He just hoped that one of the han-bugu would have an answer to the Khan’s condition. There were to be many powerful han from that mysterious realm know only as rgcuo. A gathering of such power as this was unprecedented. Surely there would be an answer.

As his sight cleared the Mongol saw a long line of han waiting to gain entrance to the tower. He recognized many names; the mighty warrior Kiril Threndor, Mercillus ( the host), Myrex the wise, Silverfur, Katherine, Nop and many more. Towards the end of this line stood an orc named Gunthuk. Baga-Bars fingered the hilt of his exceptional kryss before he remembered his promise to be "polite". It turned out that "polite" did, indeed, involve not killing anyone.

Katherine noticed Baga-Bars glaring that the orcish form and snapped. "Leave my orc buddy alone!"

This comment surprised Baga-Bars greatly. Usually the han stepped all over each other to be first in line to kill an orc. Baga-Bars despaired that he would ever understand these han. "Dis orgh be friend?" Katherine chuckled at the young Mongol’s confusion.

Then Baga-Bars noticed the han Dexeron approaching. "Gunthuk is my friend," said Dexeron.

"Him ask mi kum ere tu help humies wit uruks," chipped in Gunthuk.

As Bara-Bars tried to understand the meaning behind this orcish version of the han speech the orc launched into a story about his birdie and riding horses. This added greatly to the Mongol’s confusion as Baga-Bars had never ever heard of an orgh riding "fuud".

Shaking his head, Baga-Bars lead the rest of the Mongol tsereg into the tower and up to the party on the roof. He whispered to Doigan Sachulga and Idugan Aigeran that they should be "polite" and not kill any of the other guests. He just hoped that he would remember this too.

On the roof, there was much food and drink. The Mongols left their agta out on a tower wing and mixed with the rest of the rgcuo guests. There was Jim and Justine [Daimon]. Allinora, Mantra, Nedbar Mooln, Lynn Marleen, Dawson, Danielle, Amena, Espyn, Agape, Ged, Slyder, . The roof was so packed that one could hardly move in the crowd. Baga-Bars just hoped that one of these could tell him how to help his Khan.

Suddenly, an orc appeared at the top of the stairs. "Mongol Khan! Mongol Khan!" it shouted rushing over to where Baga-Bars stood.

Seeing the orc with war-ax in hand approaching at a run made Baga-Bars forget all about being "polite". His kryss was in his had ready for action before the orc had taken two steps.

"What you want orgh? You here to steal my soul too? You better bring lots of friends!" snapped the Mongol waving his kryss at the orc. He added a "URAGSHAA!!!" for good measure closing on the orc.

The orc cowered back. "No! Wait!" it pleaded "I must talk with you! I must warn you!"

Baga-Bars stopped a swing that would have likely decapitated the orc where it stood. "Say your words orgh! Meh listen for now."

Now the orc seemed confused and hesitant. "Ummm... I’m not really an orc, you see. I am a man, like you!" Baga-Bars snorted at the absurdity of that statement but the orc took no notice. "Yes! But I died!" it explained. "Darkness. So long in Darkness. So empty." the orc made a whimpering sound then stopped and shoved something at Baga-Bars. "Here you must take this!" It was a book. [Note: translation of the book is at the end of the story] The orc continued it’s ramblings. "My fault. This death is all my fault. I was the one. I found him! Cause of so much misery." Then to the amazement of all, the orc started to cry. "Now I possess this orc body. Not human, but better than Darkness!" The orc cowered back at the mention of the word, Darkness. "No! I did not harm your Khan. I tried to stop it! Tried to warn him!" he finished in a rush.

Baga-Bars assessed the orc’s words. "Meh bish kill you orgh. You tell meh now who do dis thing to da Khan!"

A cloaked figure rode up on to the roof and behind the orc. The orc turned with a terrified look upon it’s gruesome face. "GALLIARD!!!" he shouted.

"Hello Bunelck.." the figure flashed a charming smile. "Or should I say Sir Amadace?"

"No! I’m an orc... uhhh... " the orc began to protest. "Me nub humie! Me spy on Mongol for Galliand and Master!"

Galliard laughed. "You can dispense with the act now. It was amusing, but I grow weary of this game. The Master has decided that it is time for you to go back." Galliard laughed again. A laugh that made the blood run cold in one’s veins.

"Noooooo!" shouted the orc turning to run.

Galliard gestured casually, paralyzing the orc where he stood. "You can not escape, Sir Amadace. Take a last look around so you can remember all you are missing!" Once again that blood freezing laugh echoed about the room. "Goodbye, Sir Amadace. Galliard gestured again and hell-flames totally consumed the helpless orc."

Baga-Bars pushed forward challenging the cloaked form. "Wat you do han? You be one that hurt Khan?" He demanded an answer.

Galliard looked down at Baga-Bars with contempt in his eyes. "Ahh, the little Mongol boy playing "tsereg". Yes, I took your Khan’s soul. The Master has need of it." Once again that laugh. "But you need not worry my little kitten. Your turn will come soon."

To the devil with being polite! Baga-Bars shouted "URGSHAA!!" As he swung his kryss at Galliard with all his strength. Galliard stepped back and cast paralyze on Baga-Bars.

"Temper, Temper," he admonished and continued sweetly. "You can not win my little friend. One day you will join us. One day everyone will join us, there is no escape." Then Galliard seemed pensive and disappointed. "The Master has ordered that I not kill you now. But I think that I will show you what you fight!"

Galliard gestured and before the startled onlookers stood a huge blood-red demon. He pranced around the room roaring and chasing people about. Always with that laugh. After a few minutes he tired of his little game. "Pleasant dreams my little Mongol friend, your fate awaits" and was gone in a flash of light.

After the confusion had settled down, Doigan Sachulga noticed that the demon had dropped a paper on the floor. It proved to be a map of the city of Yew. Nebdar Mooln noticed a path was marked out seeming to end at the Court of Truth.

Baga-Bars ordered the few Mongols to follow him to this town of Yew. Many of the han wanted to help and Daimon provided a gate back to the Mongol tosgon near Yew. The Mongols, with a small horde of han following behind, tumbled through the gate and set out for Yew in a cloud of dust.

Riding into the yard of the Court of Truth, Baga-Bars ordered that the building be searched for signs of their enemy.

Shortly, the evil Galliard was found in an office on the second floor. He was quickly surrounded by a mob of angry Mongols and han together.

Galliard looked up from his book. "Ahh, so you have found me," he said with utter disdain. "It makes no difference, you still can not win. When the Master is finished with your Khan he will come for you. Then you will be part of our army! You have no choice, you will all join us."

This statement was greeted with cries of outrage. Except for Daimon, who offered to join right then if the pay was right.

Galliard laughed that evil laugh. "I have other tasks, so you must excuse me. Good evening my friends." And vanished in a flash of light. It was too late to stop him.

On the floor was a bag. The bag contained a key, a map and two letters. The map traced a path from Yew down to Britain and over east of Cove almost to Vesper where it ended. (The content of the letters is included below.)

No one knew what the key was for. As no one knew where Galliard had gone, the Mongols and their han friends returned to their homes to study the book of the orc and Galliard’s letters for clues as to where the soul of the Khan Haruchai might be found. Before it was too late.

The letters:

Proctor Alberrin,

The device worked perfectly and I have the Mongol’s soul in a secure place. I await your instructions for the delivery. The savages are working out nicely. Not only have they further escalated the greed of the humans, but they have also proven quite useful in dealing with riders. Several of the smaller towns are almost completely under our control now.
Your devoted servant, Galliard

-----------------------
My dear Galliard,

This is excellent news indeed. On the night of the anniversary my birth at the place of my birth the heavens shall align and I shall consume this soul. My powers will increase and none will be able to stand before us.
Proctor Alberrin
-----------------------------------------
The orc book:

I hardly know where to begin and sometimes can hardly remember my true name let alone days so long past. But I must try. I must try to write this all down. No one else knows. So many years have passed. So much sorrow.

I am not really an orc, you see. I am a man who's lost soul is possessing and controlling this orcish body. I remember that, when I was a young man, I was a Knight. Yes! I was a Knight of the Virtues. My name is Sir Amadace. I dedicated my life to the Virtues and helping those in need. Ah, those were good days and I took many a weary traveler into my home between Vesper and Cove. Yes, I remember that. But then I discovered something. Something very old. Ancient. A prophecy. It foretold a coming.

I then abandoned my Knightly pursuits and took up the arcane ways of magic. For many years I studied this prophecy, searching both the land and the heavens for understanding. At last I found the key. A child would come. A man-child imbued with great power. I was determined to find this child and guide him in the ways of the Virtues that I loved, that he might become a great and wise leader and protector of the people. Bringing peace and happiness.

Alas, I was now an old man. What small fortune I had gathered in the days of my youth had been spent in my quest. What could I do? Then a group of rich and powerful mages approached me. They said that they knew of my good works as a Knight and knew of my quest to divine this prophecy. They said that they wished to aid me that the prophecy would be fulfilled and my quest to bring peace to the land would be complete.

I was overjoyed and welcomed my new brothers with renewed vigor. My home was rebuilt into a grand chapel of the Virtues. From the upper floor balcony, I could easily see the coast to the south, the cove cemetery far to the west and, on a clear day, I could even see Vesper far to the north and east. My spirit was refreshed in this beautiful place.

My friends took up the search with determination and soon we had found the mother, great with child. She had borne her husband six sons before and the husband himself was a seventh son. This child would be the seventh son of a seventh son. Truly the one the prophecy foretold. I persuaded them to come live in my chapel where their every need would be met. Where we could instruct the child in the ways of the Virtues.

The heavens aligned and the birth began, as was foretold, on the thirteenth day the seventh month, which was a Friday. As the child drew it's first breath, one of the wizards drew a silver dagger and plunged it into the mothers heart. Another slit the father's throat.

I raised my hands to cast spells to heal these killing wounds, but the wizards restrained me. I turned upon their leader. "Why have you done this thing? You promised to help me bring peace to the land. How could you commit this evil? You lied to me!"

The wizard laughed. "We did not lie to you, Sir Amadace. Peace is the absence of war. Once we have used the powers of this child to bring the world under our dominion there will be no more war."

I was imprisoned in a small room and the wizards began the child's training. Although I was never allowed out of my cell, I could sometimes catch glimpses of the child through a small window as the wizards attended to some aspect of his education. The child's skin was as white as snow, almost translucent. His hair was flame red and his eyes… The eyes were as red as blood. I wondered if it was even human. For no human could do the things that it did. The powers it commanded. And without feeling. I saw it kill a dozen warriors without even a flicker of regret or compassion. I felt a great despair that I had been the one to lead these wizards to this child, unleashing this malevolence. Many years pasted thus.

One day, this child decided that it no longer required the services of it's wizard mentors. Although these wizards were the most powerful mages in all the land, their combined efforts availed no more than the fluttering of a mongbat's wings against a Grand Master warrior in full armor. This child destroyed them all with an ease and contempt that terrified me to my core. In the end, my beautiful chapel was transformed into a vile ruin and I myself was destroyed.

I awoke in a place of Darkness. Although I was not really "awake" and it was not really a "place". It is more of a barrier between two planes of existence. No, not a barrier either. A transition. A transition state between the plane of the living and a higher form of consciousness. A soul in Darkness had awareness, but no existence.

I gradually became aware of other souls "around" me. Souls of many races. I deduced that these were souls somehow bound to the lower plane by some great need or tragedy. These souls, like myself, were trapped in this transition state unable or unwilling to release their bonds to the lower plane and take their place in a better world. Most did not even understand that this higher plane existed. Darkness was a "place" of great sorrow and torment.

I found that I could sometimes "watch" events unfolding on the plane of the living. I watched, in horror, as the child began a conquest of the land. I could not comprehend how a human form could unleash powers that destroyed entire cities. The number of fellow souls trapped in Darkness swelled from an unfortunate few to great legions. Eventually, peace did reign over the land. The peace of death. Had I possessed eyes I would have wept a sea of bitter tears over what my folly had wrought.

But this child's lust for power was in no way satisfied. He sought out the source of his energy and discovered that there were many other worlds waiting, ripe for his conquest. Full grown now the "Master", as he calls himself as he had never been given a name, launched his plan to conquer a second world called "Atlantic."

But something went wrong. The Master lost control of his powers and, thus, his dominance over our world. He was forced to retreat into hiding where he plotted to rebuild his lost powers and empire. The world gradually recovered from the Master's malignant influence and eventually the memory of that time of misery took on the status of ancient legend, fit only for frightening miscreant children. Still, the Master lived.

One day, the Master was ready and began gathering the means to rebuild his powers. The people had fallen upon easy times. There were few who followed the path of the Virtues and thus might oppose him. There was one, though. A healer priest who loved the Virtues and had made it his life's work to help his fellow man. This one called together heroes of Virtue. Many even came from those other worlds to offer their aid so powerful was the priest's need. I saw their souls pass through Darkness as they made the journey here. The Master was defeated by these hero's. His body was destroyed and his soul, in turn, trapped in Darkness.

The Master's rage was horrendous and the other souls "fled" from him. But soon, he began to plot again. If souls could transfer "through" Darkness from one world to another, he reasoned, a soul in Darkness should somehow be able to return to a world. Soon he discovered how a soul could infiltrate and "possess" the body of an unsuspecting living person. He found that he could feed off the life energy of the living in this way.

But the Master also knew that, alone, he could be defeated again. He needed an army. He began selecting souls from Darkness. Most of these souls were willing and eager to do his bidding in return for the chance to feel again. The minds of the lower races were easiest to break. Soon the Master commanded an army of possessed orcs. I myself came to possess the body of a desert orc named Bunelck.

The Master knew that even this army was no match for the killing abilities of the humans. He hit upon a two fold plan. He would provide new weapons to the orcs and turn the humans on each other as they fought to possess these new items. Now, each death provided a new soul to be recruited from Darkness. Even those who fight against him must eventually die and be assimilated into his forces. The harder the human forces fight, the stronger the Master's army becomes.

The Master has learned how to isolate the soul from a living body. He can then consume that soul adding its energy to his own. Becoming stronger. That body, in turn, becomes an easy target for possession. The Master saw some threat in the Mongol Horde and his minions have taken the soul of your leader. The Master's strategy, once again, cuts with a two edged sword. He will consume the soul of your Khan gaining energy and removing a potential threat at the same time.

I tried to warn your Khan, but my powers are little and this orc body will likely be "dead" buy the time you read this. I do not know how to rescue your leader or stop this madness for it has taken on a life of its own. The only possibility I see is that somehow a "gate" must be closed or opened. Either the gate between Darkness and the world of the living must be sealed, preventing the lost souls from returning to possess the living, or the gate between Darkness and the higher plane must be opened allowing the lost souls to complete their journey there. Either way, the Masters army would cease to grow and could then be defeated.

If the gate between Darkness and the living is somehow sealed, without opening the second gate, you would be damning the souls trapped there to endless torment. Remember that, someday, you would join their number. As for myself, I do not care. My sins have earned me an eternity of agony. A punishment I would gladly endure if I could but undo this wretched state of affairs.

I am so sorry…

Sir Amadace

© 2001 Todd Bailey