The Adventures of Tanis Thalin: To Rule a World
Chapter Sixteen

As the fall of the Dark Knight was taking place, another battle of sorts was taking place on the opposite side of the world. It was not a battle of swords and spears but of words and policy. In a darkened country on the opposite side of Dracos, in the highest room of the highest turret, a meeting was taking place.

The castle belonged to one of the darkest of the Enrine. The Enrine being the dark wizards and lords that ruled many of the lands, one can only imagine what it was that the darkest of them possessed. The turrets reached a full thousand meters into the air with the appearance of incompleteness about the tops. The jagged forms at the tops looked as if the workers just walked from their work and never looked back. The wall thick enough to withstand even an attack from the dragon hoards. They were thick enough for the entire army of this dark wizard to stand upon it and look out over an approaching army.

It was not the size alone though that made this structure impressive. The walls of this keep were the darkest of reds. It appeared black as you rode toward this keep from the bowels of the planet, but as you approached you realize that you are looking at the deepest color of blood. The dark lord was known for taking his enemies and spilling their blood upon his walls himself. It was a feel for the power, he would explain to his armies as he would lower the dagger to his squirming enemy’s throat.

In this castle, the dark lords and wizards met. The room was large enough to house a garrison of men and women comfortably, and it was doing so at the present as many of the Dark Lords went nowhere without his compliment of servants and guards to protect his interests. Though only twenty were called to this meeting, well over two thousand sat along the walls awaiting their masters’ whims.

The eldest of the dark lords, Elfinous, stood and walked toward the center of the large room. Raising his hands and his voice he spoke to the gathered crowds, “My friends and colleagues, it is my pleasure to announce that the time draws near for our complete victory over the world of Dracos. Lord McCryden is not here? Where is that man? Was he not summoned with the rest of you? And the Dark Knight? He too has failed to answer my summons. Can anyone tell me of this strange occurrence? Never before have they missed out on the opportunity to prove loyal to our cause. Well, no matter. I have looked upon the signs and symbols. I have seen that the Askanitowa have been reborn! There is one out among the lesser out there that probably does not even know who he is at this point. We must find him! We must train him! We must see him be our partners in this great undertaking. With his power we will be unstoppable!”

When he has finished a small rumble of approval spread amongst the people in the room. Their rewards would be coming after all. The old man was going to see his promises through. People were muttering approval at the old man’s statements when a dark cloud entered the room. From the middle of this cloud a figure emerged and a small ball of flame shot forth and consumed the old man. The dark lords and wizard stopped dead in their tracks looking at the figure shrouded in darkness. The figure had the size and stature of one of the hated elves. Many reached for weapons to find themselves unable to move.

The figure moved to the place where the old man had stood and surveyed the crowds. “The old man was a fool, and so too are all of you. Lord McCryden will never again be present at any of your petty gatherings. He has been slain by the newest of those light blinded fools. The Dark Knight too has fallen to this young stag of a druid. Two of your great number dead at his hands and you feel that victory is ours? And what will happen when he comes for you? Will you be the ones to destroy him and his growing power? I have placed myself near him. I will see it through that he becomes our minion. First we must weed through the chaff that fills our number. Now here is our plan. I will give you our means and ways of doing what must come. I will lead you all since it would appear that our fearless leader is no longer able. It will be me that will lead us to our great victory and give us control over this great land. Do any of you have an objection? Just show your hand and I will step aside and allow you the command. What, no takers? Have none of you the strength of will to challenge me? I am not surprised. So before we begin are there any questions?” said the mysterious figure before the assembly of evil.

Many were trying to move their arms and bodies but none where able. One wizard opened his mouth and spoke to the figure, “Who are you dark lord? How should we call you? I for one would like to know to whom we should bend knee.” Said the dark wizard, Garrick.

“Garrick, you will know me in due time. It is not yet the hour for my identity to be revealed for it may compromise what is to come. Just suffice it to know that I will be aware of each of you. I will give each of you your orders in turn. Just know this, we prepare for war. Go back to your respective lands and prepare for war. Garrison your troops and make ready for we will march. And we will march soon!” S~ᴇaʀᴄh the ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Garrick makes a good point. We should know who we follow. Surely you do not fear us great one?” said the Dark lord Mardoc. “Never press for more than I am willing to give, Mardoc.” Said the figure. “In due time all will be revealed. Until then do as you are ordered. Make ready for war!”

With that the figure disappeared as fast and mysteriously as he had appeared. The council found that it was able to move and work again, no longer held by the mysterious figure’s spell. Most stood and moved toward the door. There was work to be done and a strong new leader to see it done.

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