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 The sun beat down on Sardis as he
performed his training exercises with the large warmaul known as Saturnalia. He
trained high atop a bluff overlooking the city of Landinium, facing south at the
wide blue expanse of the ocean. A small breeze came off of the ocean, and had
Sardis been human he might have appreciated it. As it was, he was a genasi, an
elemental being borne of the fires of the chaos planes who had the ability to
transform himself into the flames, or into running water itself.The irony of his situation, that he being a being of chaos wielded a holy relic of Law, did not pass him up. It was actually very humourous. A humour that was also shared by his hammer, for Saturnalia possessed intelligence and wisdom handed down by many wielders over the several hundred years of her existence. That day was an important day to the people of the world, for it marked the first day of summer. Six long months had passed since the defeat of Diodane, the thing that infested Saturnalia when Sardis had discovered her. His friends had gone to Hell, quite literally, to help purge the darkness from the weapon, and that had culminated during the Battle of Landinium when the city had been attacked by both enemies of Caer Dwyn, and former allies Daeblyn. Diodane had taken form within the rock itself and had burst up from under the city, slaughtering enemy and ally alike before his friends had been able to take the thing down. They paid a price though, as Bashir the draconic paladin of Bahamaut, had been crushed to death by the creature. It had been Soroko that dealt the killing blow with her sunblade. Six long months of contemplation and helping the city to rebuild itself had worn away at Sardis. He was ready to step back out onto the field of battle again. He was ready to wield his weapon in combat. He was ready to do something other than sit! Strange things had happened all through the spring throughout the region. Gravity had seemingly reversed itself. The waters had turned red like blood. Whispers and rumours from townspeople indicated that many thought the gods were punishing them and were preparing them for an Armageddon of sorts. Sardis did not believe in these things, though even his devote friends were not sure. Bashir had been resurrected from the dead, and through his solemn and stoic behavior of late had commented that he felt the gods may have other plans for this world and that the people on it were perhaps not worth saving. Bashir had been troubled when the city had fallen under siege by templars of his own faith. As of late, he had avoided most of his friends and took to quiet contemplation and prayer. Sardis believed that his sword in his hand and enemies to fight would do him a world of good. Sardis stared out off of the bluff and over the tops of trees at the ocean. It’s blue eternity seemed to calm him a little. He did a few more movements with his maul and then stopped to catch his breath. Down below in the city he could hear celebration and music. The city was holding its annual solstice festivities. He felt he could do with some festivities. Sardis retrieved his belongings which he had brought with him, a white cotton shirt and bracers for his arms, and put them on. He was preparing to leave his quiet place when the sound of horses hooves alerted him that he was no longer alone. Leaning against Saturnalia, he watched as a man wearing the armor of the royal guard approached on a mighty black charger. Sardis recognized the man as Dunkin, one of the officers of the palace guard. He saluted the man, who smiled and returned the gesture. “I thought I’d find you here. Training I see? I suppose we all should be doing a little more of that. The bastards to the north are mobilizing again.” Dunkin said. They both laughed. “They are always mobilizing it seems. Let them come. I’m bored!” Sardis exclaimed, walking towards the man. Dunkin reached into a leather saddle bag and removed a vellum scroll. He handed it down to Sardis from his horse. “And what’s this? An invitation to a party tonight? Will there be girls?” Sardis joked, unrolling the parchment and reading. It was written in flowery court script, and was indeed an invitation, though it was from the king himself. “Something like that. King Ceddryk wishes to speak with you. I was sent to fetch you. He has some news for you that you will find welcome, general.” Dunkin spoke the last word with some emphasis, and caught Sardis off guard. “General?” Sardis asked, looking up at Dunkin, who smiled down. “Yes that’s what I said. The king wants to put you in command of some soldiers. You are quite an asset you know, helping rid the city of that demon and turning the tide of battle.” Sardis felt Saturnalia glow underneath his touch. The hammer was pleased. The two walked back to the city speaking of this promotion. Sardis felt proud that he had been chosen for such an honor though he had many questions filling his head. They passed under the main city gate, which six months ago had been ripped apart by enemy forces and which now stood stronger than ever. The cobblestones were covered in flower petals as the celebrations on the street progressed. There was dancing, kegs of ale, music, and merry making. The whole atmosphere was a happy one. Sardis and Dunkin walked amongst the people, who cheered the both of them (for Sardis was a celebrity and it seemed he could go no where without someone wanting to buy him a drink or offering to be the god parent of future children) The palace sat in the center of the city and overlooked everything for it sat on a small bluff. It was ringed with a stone curtain wall and was a fortress built in the center of the city. The inside of the keep was a lot cooler than outside. The two made their way through the halls of the palace to the throne room, wherein sat King Ceddryk, the current king of Landinium and who had held the throne for the past sixteen years after his father had passed. The king was a middle aged man, with roiling red hair and a thick beard. He held a large flagon of mead in one hand and he greeted the pair warmly as they entered into his presence and bowed. “Arise my friends. Thank you for finding Sardis Dunkin. You are excused.” The king dismissed Dunkin, who bowed again and left the two in the large room. There were several attendants and courtiers in the room with them attending other affairs. Their chatter filled the large chamber. “I see you have read the promotional orders.” The king said to Sardis, motioning to the scroll that Sardis held in his hand. “I want you to accept the rank of general in our army. We have need of talented leaders.” Sardis nodded at this. “I am honored your majesty.” “That’s good. I have your first assignment as well. As you know there have been strange happenings in the region. Things of an arcane origin. While you and I are not as equipped to handle such things, the mages guild is. Today there will be a meeting of the mages guild, and I have been told that you and your friends are going to be sent west to Daeblyn where you are to speak with a member of the Circle of Nine. “While in Daeblyn, you have been ordered to arrest the Daeblyn commander, the knight commander known as Wilhelm. You have encountered him before I know. He was flying about on a gryphon during the battle for our city. As part of our victory conditions, his surrender was negotiated. He is aware of this and should surrender to you without much of a scrap.” “But your majesty… why would he do such a thing?” Sardis asked. “Because his honor will dictate it. He will be ransomed back to Daeblyn undoubtedly. The gods know we could use the money. He will be found in a small village called Haizten, near the school at Geigus where you will be venturing. Return him to us.” |
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