FireHeart Legacy Book One - Legend of the Paladins

EVERNA SAGA

FIREHEART Legend of the Paladins (FireHeart Legacy Book #1)

Author: Andry Chang

Wattpad Version: https://www.wattpad.com/story/41779689-fireheart-legend-of-the-paladins
 

Robert Chandler had a tough life. A band of orcs ravaged his village, taking everything from him: his family, friends and all. Moved by compassion, Adamar Walthorn, a nobleman took Robert as his disciple. So the boy endured harsh trainings and lessons to be a soldier.

Upon reaching adulthood, Robert was tangled in a forbidden love. In order to be with his beloved, he must perform great deeds... breaking the rules if necessary. When duty called, Robert never expected his mission to be of great importance. The Empire of Arcadia stormed Lore and besieged its capital, Alceste. Will Lore defend its sovereignty? Can Robert save his homeland?

As a carefree, foolish young man, Cristophe never expected his profession as a monster hunter to be filled with dangerous, life-threatening adventures. So he put his life at stake every day, fighting fierce, tough monsters and quarries.

Destiny tied Cristophe with new friends and companions, including Robert Chandler. As finale, they undertook a secret mission to foil the Dark Forces’ plan to resurrect their fallen master. Will Cristophe and the heroes overcome all obstacles and challenges, thus discover their true destinies?

Come forth, Paladins! Fulfill your destiny!

The novel for the game "FIREHEART Legend of the Paladins" in: http://rpgmaker.net/games/1925

FireHeart - Legend of the Paladins Series is part of EVERNA SAGA Universe created by Andry Chang.
NovelBlog, News and Updates: http://fireheart-vadis.blogspot.com
Codex Evernium - Everna Wiki: http://evernade.blogspot.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Welcome to Terra Everna!
• The Devil in the Sun
• 1.1. Orcbane
• 1.2. The Orcjob
• 1.3. The Orcfight
• 2.1. Flashes of the Past
• 2.2. The Old Duke
• 2.3. Jeland
• 3.1. The Golden-Haired Princess
• 3.2. Order of the Lion
• 3.3. The Seeds of Love 

FIREHEART Legend of the Paladins - The Bounty Hunters (Wattpad Edition)

FIREHEART Legend of the Paladins
Book One: The Bounty Hunters

Author: Andry Chang

Wattpad - First Edition:
http://www.wattpad.com/myworks/41779689-fireheart-legend-of-the-paladins

Starting out as a carefree fool, Cristophe Deveraux never expected his career as a monster hunter to turn into more than just a livelihood. With his smart-aleck cousin Carolyn as partner, they battled various monsters, solving supernatural quests that were way beyond their academical know-how.

Along the course of adventure, Cristophe and Carolyn made friends with some extraordinary people: Robert Chandler, a ranger trying to make peace with his past; Paolo Marvellini, a dwarf priest struggling to protect his family from the conspiracy around him; Lavennia Iris, an elf archer with self-overconfidence issues; And many more heroes in the land, all with their unique personalities, abilites (and problems).

As finale, all those heroes were pitted together in an ultimate quest to prevent the return of Vordac the Dark OverLord - an ancient evil whose soul was sealed inside the godly sword, Deathblade Kraal'shazar. Will the heroes stop Vordac for good? Will they become the prophesied Paladins of Legend who hinder the ultimate evil from plaguing the good, magical world of Terra Everna? In this episode, FireHeart Saga - the Third Cycle begins.

 Come forth, Paladins! Fulfill your destiny!

The novel for the game "FIREHEART Legend of the Paladins"
in: http://rpgmaker.net/games/1925 

FireHeart - Legend of the Paladins Series is part of
EVERNA SAGA Lores and Universe created by Andry Chang.

NovelBlog, News and Updates: http://fireheart-vadis.blogspot.com 
Codex Evernium - Everna Wiki: http://evernade.blogspot.com

3.1.7.7. The Ravaging of the Sun - Part 2

Borg the Monster Earth Bear
2nd Reference: http://michobd.deviantart.com

Pillars of fire erupt from the floor, hitting the crocodile squarely on its abdomen. It lets out a deafening roar. Its abdomen is indeed its weak spot after all – uncovered with the crocodile’s ultra-hard crystallite scale. Now! Seeing that the crocodile is weakened and groggy, Robert and Sheena immediately attack it together. Robert reinforces his kiliji blade with fire aura, slides down between the crocodile’s four legs and strikes its abdomen again with Rising Dragon, the fire-reinforced Uppercut Slash. At the same time, Sheena’s flying Dancing Scimitar, also reinforced with fire, hits Jokul on its head, only to be deflected again by its thick hide. Robert is surprised for a moment on hearing a resounding clang, clang when his kiliji and Sheena’s scimitar hit Jokul.

Metal! This monster is a golem!

The giant crocodile is in pain, it stomps forwards, backwards, side-to-side to shake the pain off. Robert quickly moves away so he won’t get trampled by its feet like an unfortunate fellow huntress who tried to hit the abdomen too, but missed and got crushed. A life is taken, again.

As Robert arrives on a safer spot, he shouts to his comrades, ‘Careful! This thing is a golem! It’s made of some kind of alloy; our mediocre weapons can’t cut through it! We must destroy its insides!’

A thought comes into Sheena’s mind. Wait, if it’s a golem, a spirit must be dwelling inside it! It has a mind of its own, not programmed, but magically invoked! Now it’s time for me to do what I do best!

Sheena boldly runs towards the crocodile and swiftly comes in front of the crocodile’s head. Then she somersaults to avoid its jaws, her eyes glows, and she stares into Jokul’s eye, transferring her instruction mentally to it. Attack the dragon. Attack the dragon. Attack the dragon. The giant crocodile pauses, it’s as though in a trance. Apparently it has a soul embedded in it – a gavial’s soul. Gavial is the true name for were-crocodiles. They are thaumaturgy-engineered humans who have crocodile heads, torsos and tails but retain their human hands and feet so they can stand straight.

Totally hypnotized by Sheena, Jokul turns and looks around, and finds Vyr the dragon fighting fiercely with Hernan, Ney, Agustina and many others. The giant crocodile rushes to the red dragon at once, springs up and bites the dragon’s foot while it is flying in mid-air. 

Jokl the Mutant Ice Crocodile
Reference: Atlantica Game Database: Monster List - Huge Crocodile
http://www.atlantica-db.com/monster/sword/huge-crocodile-100

3.1.7.7. The Ravaging of the Sun - Part 1

Vyr the Metal Fire Dragon
Reference: Yu-Gi-Oh! Red Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon
http://yugiohblog.com/2012/06/duelist-pack-joey-wheeler.html/yu-gi-oh-red-eyes-darkness-metal-dragon

The Ravaging of the Sun

Where am I?

I don’t feel a thing. I’m dead, aren’t I?

It’s all dark. Is this a portal to the afterworld?

My body still feels solid. Or is this my soul?

My wounds still hurt… maybe I’m not dead after all.

Or maybe my soul shares the wounds in my body.

I’m just drifting here, don’t know where to go.

Eh? There are lights there.

I’ll let myself float; maybe I’ll swim there… ah. It’s no use.

Just float and enjoy the moment.

There’s no need to rush judgment.

It’s Robert’s thoughts. He just finds himself floating in darkness, in the middle of nowhere. Now he is wondering whether the lights in front of him is the place for the final judgment, or is it heaven. The mystery in his mind gets more confusing as the lights become clearer and clearer, and sparkling like stars.

What… is that… is that… the universe?

Robert goes into the strangest, most amazing room he ever sees in his life. It’s a miniature model of the universe, with all the stars and planets scattering there like floating dust. The largest thing of all in this room is the sun, the Corona. Robert surveys around, there are at least ten planets there, the largest planets in the room that move very-very slowly, rotating the sun. Robert observes them one by one.

Ah, I think this is Terra Eternia.

The planet Earth is named Terra Eternia that means Enia’s world and planet, the most eternal of all the things inside. Robert recalls a few things the Late Old Duke has taught him about Astronomy. The nearest planet to the sun is Trevus (Planet Mercury in our dimension, modern times). And then Planet Marvella (Venus – Andreas Marvellini was named after this planet), Eternia (Earth or Gaea), Aesis (Mars), Geine (Jupiter), Vazar (Saturn), Zebula (Uranus), Caeleth (Neptune), Xegvis (Pluto), and the smallest and farthest planet of the ten, Nixon.

 Robert tries to reach and touch the miniature planet Caeleth, the nearest planet from where he’s falling, but his hand penetrates inside it as it is a holographic illusion. And he keeps going down slowly until he steps on an invisible floor, with the rest of the universe reflected below it. It’s indeed a vast dome, much more spacious than the guardian rooms and slightly larger than the ice chamber and the engine room.

The sun itself is placed exactly in the middle of the Spacedome – as Robert calls it – and it’s a single largest thing in the entire room, abnormally much larger in scale proportion between the planets and the actual sun. Robert feels rather hot in this dome, so he throws a crossbow bolt into it just to find out whether the sun is solid and can emit heat like its real counterpart.

The bolt burns and dissolves into ash as it goes into the mini-sun.

So this sun is real after all. Maybe if I…

Robert’s chain of thoughts is broken by a sudden yell from above.

‘Robert! Oh, Robert, thank Vadis you’re alive!’

Robert looks up. It’s Carolyn! She agreed with me at last! I must admit she’s truly amazing. I’m glad I chose her as my partner from the start. Now she’s more than I expected her to be. But I hope Chris is all right. His potential is developing too; it’s a waste if his life ends in this mission.

Borg the Monster Earth Bear
Reference: Chris Ayers Character Design
http://www.chrisayersdesign.com/gallery_creatures_01.html

Before Robert can go deeper in his thoughts, Carol lands on the floor and instantly flings herself to Robert and embraces him gladly, like a lover sees her beloved whom she thought was dead but in fact is still pretty much alive. Robert is shocked to see Carol’s burst of feelings. He just stands there, don’t know what to do. His face remains serious and emotionless as ever, and Robert doesn’t hug Carol back. His mind flies to his one and only love, Princess Eloise of Lore – his forbidden love.

Suddenly a voice comes from nearby, ‘… We must find Rob and Carol!’

Hearing that voice, Carolyn is zapped and she immediately pushes Robert away. Anger comes into her face, and she slaps Robert on his left cheek.

Robert is confused, saying, ‘What’s that for?’

‘You didn’t push me away when I hugged you! If Iris and Andre saw us…’

‘Listen, Carol…’

‘You pervert! Taking advantage of a girl’s feelings!’

‘Hey, hey, what are you fighting about?’ says Andreas, trying to end their fight.

‘IT’S NOT YOUR BUSINESS!!!!’ Robert and Carolyn snap on Andreas altogether.

Andreas whistles, waving his left hand like a fan in front of his beard, talking to Iris.

‘Whew! They’re cohesive, aren’t they?’

‘Oh, yeah,’ says Iris. ‘That’s what happened when two people are closely connected for a long time. They influence each other!’

‘Something’s going on between these two.’

‘Yup. Better leave them in their own world.’

‘YOU FOOL! HOW DARE YOU MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE IN THIS… THIS… SPACE! NOW GET A GRIP AND FIND A WAY FOR US SO WE CAN GET OUT OF THIS PLACE!’ Now that’s Carol’s REAL angry shouts. Chiel who actually just arrives there is puzzled by its master’s behavior.

Soon afterwards Robert and his friends look above and see lots of people floating down into this room – like snow falling in winter or leaves falling from their trees in autumn. Then they quietly land on the floor, one by one, and almost all of them are amazed by the miniature of universe in this room.

Then we can see the champions of Vadis and Adair, approaching the center of the room one by one. Bragl Dar’gum the Relentless; Kyflynn the Windwalker with his partners Agustina Vyrakova and Desmond Edmundsen; Don Hernan y Parvaez; The elf guides including Orlevant and Ney’varíth, Sheena Mekh’ta with the two rogues Baxter and Ellephar; Prince Alexis Deveraux; and lastly, Nikanomikos Paliades followed by his assistant, Eidos Crydias. Viscount Adler von Bachmann is not around. Maybe he hasn’t jump into the fake sacrificial pit yet. But at least almost all champions are here now, and the miniature sun glows even brighter, emitting more heat throughout the Dome of Universe.

‘Here we are at last,’ says Paliades. ‘The final stage. According to my grandfather, the Kraal’shazar is sealed here. The Great Archmage Azrael led the sealing ritual, assisted by two great Archmages of Light, Carolyn, The Elf Queen of Thyrine and Nikanomikos Theripides, my great-grandfather. Azrael almost drained all his life force performing this ritual, and he died a year after. Carolyn and Theripides then worked together, making additional guardians and traps, combining technology and magic at the highest level. And so, we are yet to meet the final guardian, now we are so close to Kraal’shazar.’

And Paliades is right. About a minute after he said that, the sun glows most fiercely, and suddenly shoots fire to five directions. The lines of fire kill and burn the hunters that stand in their ways, and only a few can barely avoid it, and hit the wall of the Dome of the Universe. There are large things that look like runes, glowing on the sections of the wall which were hit by the fire.

Orlevant shouts, ‘The Five Glyphs of Enia! Vyr, Jokul, Eshmyr, Borg, and Voltar!’  (Fire, water or ice, wind, earth, and lightning). As he says that, the glyphs blink five times, slide upwards and disappear, leaving blank, dark holes like doorways on the wall.

Before the hunters can find out the purpose of this reaction, all of a sudden five gigantic, monstrous beasts come out from the doorways, charging at the hunters and butchering them savagely. Vyr is a red dragon, representing fire. Jokul is an ocean-blue crocodile, representing water. Eshmyr is a green pegasus (winged horse) with two pairs of fairy-like wings, representing wind. Borg is a brown bear, representing earth; and Voltar is a violet phoenix, representing lightning. Each beast has flickers of each element it represents on its body: Vyr is covered with fire, Jokul has crystal-like scales, Eshmyr is covered with a windy green aura around its body, Borg has stone skin like a golem, and Voltar has flickers and sparks of lightning around its body.

Being a shrewd tactician, Hernan immediately splits the hunters and champions into groups according to their elemental mastery by shouting,

‘Don’t panic! Use strategy! Listen to me! Water masters, Agustina, Ney and I attack the dragon! Robert, Carol and Sheena, fire masters, attack the crocodile! Attack anything your element is most effective against! Go, go, go!’

The champions readily understand Hernan’s strategy, take a moment to think, select their targets and attack at once. Vyr and Jokul are handled according to Hernan’s instructions, and they can fight evenly with the monsters with their combined strengths.

Dar’gum, Paliades and Eidos attack Voltar; Alexis and Desmond attack Eshmyr; and Kyflynn, Iris and Orlevant attack Borg. Andreas, on the other hand, stands in a (relatively) safer place with the healers to give assistance whenever possible. It’s not a test, a puzzle or a trap anymore. It’s an all-out fight to the death now.

The beasts are surely tougher opponents than any other guardians they faced until now. Jokul, for instance, slithers around with its bulky body, big jaws, big, sharp teeth but little feet. But its movement is a great deal quicker than normal crocodiles that it creates a Tidal Wave effect along its passing, trampling and devouring the hunters mercilessly. It catches a frogman hunter between its jaws, snaps the victim’s body into two pieces and swallows them whole. Robert, Carolyn and Sheena are having a tough time defending themselves, thinking hard to find a chance to hit the monster without being swallowed by it.

Just then Carolyn readies her Fireblast spell and aims to the crocodile, saying, ‘Rob, Sheena! Move out!’ And as soon as Rob and Sheena are out of the line of fire, Carolyn shoots.

‘Pyroagnios!’

The fire blast finds its target on the crocodile’s back. It damages some of its crystallite scales a bit, but the crocodile is practically unhurt. Robert is in his wit’s end now.

Darn! This croc is tougher than the golems! Even Fireblast only mark a scratch! What must I do now?

Robert turns around. His face suddenly turns more determined.

Aha! Akh’mal is here. I can ask him to cast Fire Wall to inhibit its movement and hurt it if possible, then I and Sheena will hit the croc with the best skills we have!

The bearded, old minotaur shaman and the minotaur champion look at Robert meaningfully, as though they share the same strategy with Robert. Robert looks back at them and nods. Fargothum then moves to Akh’mal’s side, ready with his giant club to guard him. Akh’mal, on the other hand, aims carefully towards Jokul the giant crocodile and shouts,

‘An Vyr’me Prdaj!’

NAVIGATION:  (ref code may08 pg 319 - pg 320 start)

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3.1.1.3. Into Danger's Den - Part 2

A'bong the rogue orc grunt

Then no one comes into the narrow passage – and Robert thinks that A’bong has already realized this tactic too. And it’s getting brighter inside – the torches are lit again. Well, playtime is over, Robert thinks. Now it’s the real showdown between a human, an orc and two kobold mongrels. Robert takes out his healing potion and drinks the whole dose from the container.

Then he boldy walks into the wide caverns again, clutching his bleeding left hand.

I should’ve worn my robe and cloak tonight – and brought a healing salve, Robert thinks.

A sarcastic voice greets him as he comes out of the narrow pass.

‘Well, well, the rat finally comes out. Still have the guts, huh?

You got bigheaded after killing my six mongrels, huh?’

Robert sees A’bong standing at a distance, staring mockingly at him. Robert approaches him.

‘Gharh, not very good at all, you still got wounded by my mutts. You two, now stay away! It’s now a matter between two warriors. C’mon, take me down now! Show me what you got!’

The two kobolds back away. And Robert has already arrived in front of A’bong. Apparently A’bong has underestimated him because of his arm wound and several minor wounds on his body. And A’bong thinks that the blood on Robert’s right is Robert’s, so Robert must be in front of the death’s door and A’bong can finish him with ease.

Robert says, ‘You know what your problem is?’
‘You talk too much!’

Without warning, Robert attacks A’bong with his kiliji. A’bong is shocked with Robert’s fast moves – for a dying man. He gets overwhelmed at first, but he successfully repels Robert’s blows with his great axe. Then Robert increases the strength and speed of his attacks.

Swordsmen usually use the balanced measure between strength and speed and have adequate constitution to bear heavy wounds before using healing potions.

Robert uses his skill – Power Bash and inflicts a deep wound on A’bong, but A’bong shows the Orcs’ great constitution by counter-attacking Robert with his great axe. Had Robert slowed down a little, he would have been split in two with the simple axe slash – Land and Sea Divide from A’bong.

Robert backs away staggering from the shock vibration from the effect of A’bong’s strike, then he gathers his strength again quickly and launches his combo move – Ten Point Chain Slash, slashing ten times on ten different weak point possibilities in split seconds. It’s a devastating combo. A’bong can’t match his speed with Robert’s and gets slashed in seven points and can only block or avoid three. Blood gushes out from the wounds, and A’bong falls on his knees on the ground.

But as Robert is going to deliver his killing blow, the two kobolds charge to save their master and attack Robert from the front and left. The large kobold seizes Robert’s left foot, gnaws on Robert’s armored left side. At the same time the female kobold locks Robert’s sword and kicks Robert right at his cheek. The blows throw Robert backwards, and now he’s completely helpless – sprawling on the ground – seized by the two kobolds.

Boy he wishes that he complied with Hulferd’s advice to bring a party along – and his stubbornness will lead to his death. And once again he gets the feeling he hates most: fear, as A’bong rises up again with glee. He raises his axe high – ready to deliver the Land and Sea Divide Slash to divide Robert in two.

‘Now, you die! And my mongrels will gorge your gut!’

In that critical moment a flash of a beautiful lady’s face comes in Robert’s mind and Robert quickly regains his resolve and wit.

He thinks, NO, I can’t die now!

He screams, ‘YAAAAAAHHH!!!’

The slash goes down. Robert lets out his spirited glare, and in split seconds, with his remaining strength rolls to the right, dragging the large kobold with him with his free left hand and the blow from A’bong slashes the large kobold instead and splits it in two – the large kobold has served as Robert’s shield now.

The female kobold gets shocked and its grip is loosened. Robert gets up and thrusts his kiliji into the orc’s throat – his unarmored part and also the orcs’ common weak point. A’bong spills out blood and he dies with wide-opened eyes before he can say ‘Impossible!’ – His last thought.

Robert retracts his sword from A’bong’s throat, and the dead orc falls on the ground. The female kobold howls at the top of its voice, enraged by the loss of its mates and master. Robert’s physical strength has depleted, but a newfound strength is growing inside him. It’s fire, the element of Robert’s inner strength. It has been triggered when Robert avoided A’bong’s last attack and now it’s growing out from his hand then covers his kiliji. From now on, he can use fire property in his sword skills. The female kobold whimpers at Robert’s display of strength – He’s stronger and more deadly than A’bong is and ever be. Its canine instinct takes over – it flees.

But Robert is now determined to finish his job completely and slashes his sword from afar, horizontally. A crescent-shaped fire emerges from the slash and flies in high speed towards the kobold. The kobold feels a hot wind behind it and turns its head back – and it howls in terror as the fiery crescent splits its torso in two.

It was one of the sword skills that originally utilize air – The Dragon Wings Air Slash. Now with fire property its name is The Crescent Fire Slash. Robert and Hulferd can do multiple air slashes, but in this case one is enough to finish the job.

Realizing that his job is finished, Robert sighs in relief. Tears start rolling from his eyes, as though he is sad and dissatisfied, but in fact the true reason is different. And his expression is somewhat indifferent. One may think that this is just a daily routine for Robert, or a mere trifle.
It’s another job well done.

But before he can move to decapitate his target or collect the proofs of his work, his failing physical strength, wounds all over his body, and loss of blood makes him staggering, lolling and then he collapses on the ground, unconscious. His condition is critical, and sometimes when a man goes into that state, flashes of the past and his entire life may come to him…

End of Chapter One

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Image Source: Orc Grunt (up) by Spike Silverscar
http://spikesilverscar.deviantart.com/art/Orc-Grunt-317319575

A'bong the Orc Grunt in action by Vadis

3.1.1.3. Into Danger's Den - Part 1

Kobold by Vadis

A shadow moves quickly in the dark, in the shade of moonlight. It also moves cautiously and stealthily, so no enemy might spot him and it can attack them in a surprise. Then Robert the Orcbane, the hunter arrives in front of the cave in the West Harper Hills. He hides and tries to recall his plan again before going in for a surprise attack.


No guards at the front… Suppose the map is right. But I never know, right? I must be ready for all risks and possibilities. Maybe they have already expected a hunter to come and prepared an ambush. A’bong was a veteran captain. I was only a scout. I have no idea what kind of ambushes they will be preparing and how to tackle them. I only participated in one war – so I only know standard ones and no orcish types. Pity Hulferd has resigned, he must be able to give me a few more pointers. Ah, throw away those negative thoughts. I must overcome this by myself – if I ever want to improve. Vadis, help me.


Then he clasps his hand and prays like a true Vadisian devout, and then he kisses the ring on his left little finger. He’s now ready.
Okay, here goes nothing.


Robert enters the narrow cave with a torch in his left hand and his trusted Kiliji in his right hand. He walks along, and sees some light from afar. Now he is convinced that someone is indeed there and camps inside the cave.


I’m in luck. They’re here – or whatever it is.


He walks on, and the cave is getting wider with stalactites and stalagmites on his way – he’s going underground. He sees some torches hung on the cavern posts, and draws the conclusion that the orc can lead his gang as well as humans do and he becomes more alert.


As he walks on, he smells something strange. And the air around him moves like a soft breeze. He raises his kiliji. Suddenly two pairs of eyes are shown on his left and right, and two kobolds pounce on him. Calmly, without looking, Robert moves right and slashes his kiliji to the upper right, and cuts through the kobold on his right on its gut. Kobold blood showers and splatters on his hair and armor. He successfully avoids the kobold on his left. Without wasting any time, he attacks the kobold. The kobold blocks Robert’s attacks with its sword – but Robert’s attack is getting quicker and comes from different angles and variants, the kobold gets overwhelmed and finally Robert pierces its chest. Before it dies, the kobold lets out a loud, long howl as an alarm to warn its comrades.


Robert thinks, So much for the surprise. I better think of another plan quick.


He thinks as he runs on forward, hoping to reach A’bong and the remaining six kobolds before they even realize what the alarm means. But it’s still a long way to the center and Robert hears angry kobold barking sounds not far from there. So he decides to drop the plan and head back. On the way, an idea comes into him.


Why don’t I use their tactic against them? Hiding behind the dark parts will be good. I’ll use my ‘concentration’ and attack them in the dark.


Robert deliberately puts off the torches – except the ones near the narrow exit - and hides behind a post just like the kobolds did. Then the six kobolds arrive, running in frenzy. They realize that two of their comrades have been slain, by sniffing the blood and the kobold carcasses. And they howl in fury, especially the two female kobolds – because all the males are their mates. Robert sees that this is a perfect opportunity to attack – but he retracts himself as he hears a loud yell.


‘HALT! On guard, you hound ‘n bitches! Something’s odd here!’

Robert sees A’bong the orcish captain’s silhouette appears from the light of the torch from the exit and from A’bong’s rear. Then A’bong roars again.


‘Ghr’oak*)! You morons! Can’t you see? The infiltrator is trying to ambush us! He put out the torches!’


(* Ghr’oak = A hole in your gorged flesh! – A very rude Orcish sarcasm)

The kobolds only yelp and bark in reply, obeying their master and leader.

‘This one is good, better than the gorged guts trying to kill us these three months!
You bitch! Go to the center and bring us some torches! And the rest of you, spread! Proceed with caution! The infiltrator is still around here! Hiding!’

Gorged guts? Robert thinks. This orc probably eats humans, or at least the kobolds do.

Orcs are usually well-versed with Aurelian Common Speech as well as their own harsh language that mostly sounds like grunts and growls, but they always speak in harsh slangs and sarcasms, and only believe that they can only control or lead others by power and out of fear. Female orcs only choose those who are fearsome and strong (because no orc is fair – as a matter of fact). No wonder male orcs sometimes kill each other to get the female and to show who’s the strongest. And A’bong is indeed an example of an orc idol because his brutality is more terrible than his rude talks.

Back to the tension at hand. Robert thinks hard to free himself. Now he begins to think that he should’ve chosen to be an assassin or learn the methods of stealth-killing, or be a sorcerer with mass-killing skills, but martial art is what he does best. No regrets, then. A swordsman is a swordsman. Then a kobold sniffs near his hiding place. Robert is tensed. Then in split seconds his wits fly fast and without thinking twice he carries on with his new plan and attacks the kobold near him without looking; only using his other senses.

He successfully slashes the kobold diagonally on the torso, and the kobold wails before it dies. A’bong and the other kobolds hear the wail, and run to the source. Then Robert avoids the kobold in front of him and runs to the exit. But the large kobold lunges with its claws, slashing Robert’s left arm, leaving three scratch marks on the wound. Robert is in pain – but as usual he only grimaces – never screams. Clutching his bleeding left arm, Robert runs into the narrow part of the cave, and waits midway.

Then he hears loud barking and sees the large kobold entering the narrow passage, and its two fellow kobolds also enter with him. As they are racing to reach Robert, the three kobolds jam each other on the narrow passage which width can only support one person. Robert uses this opportunity by slashing into the large kobold, splitting it in half with his incredibly sharp kiliji.

Then he charges onto the second kobold and decapitates it. The last one, the female kobold springs onto Robert with a greater speed than the male, and sinks its teeth on Robert’s chest only to find that its teeth only goes into the thick leather armor and only scratch Robert’s chest a bit.

Robert sees this opportunity and thrusts his kiliji into the female kobold’s gut, killing it at once. Then he pushes the dead kobold away and pats his reliable armor, as though thanking Vadis for the one who sold him this good quality armor.

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3.1.1.2. The One Job No One Wants - Part 2

The second floor consists of several office cabins and Hulferd’s own compartments. Hulferd enters a room – his office. Robert follows him in, and inside he sees a simple table with three chairs, with piles of parchments stored in racks. The wall is full of job posters – almost all with ‘X’ in a ‘O’ stamps that signifies that the jobs are complete. Robert takes notice of a new, unstamped poster with a picture of a fearsome, mysterious looking assassin on it and asks Hulferd.

‘Hulferd, who is the guy in that poster? Why didn’t you put it on the boards?’

‘Oh boy, haven’t you heard, Rob? Tsk, tsk, a person by your trade…’

‘Well, I’m not actually THAT sociable, you know.’

‘Hahaha… By the way, that guy is called MacLair. Oliver MacLair, a rogue assassin. He has killed several high-rank officials in Wardstone, not to mention daughter of the governor, rest her soul. Who hired him, we don’t know. And it’s not quite an accurate drawing either. He moves real damn quick so none of the “survivors” can see his actual looks – and he seldom leaves any “witnesses”. If anyone tries to chase him or even takes a glimpse of his face – that guy will end up dead before he can even blink. And I’m damn sure that none of the hunters here can match him…’

‘… Even me?’

‘… Even you. Don’t get insulted – that’s for your own good. It takes someone who can match his speed to take him down. The poster was sent to me a fortnight ago from the capital, and I decided to keep it down low until I have a chance to meet Kyflynn.’

Robert is curious. ‘Kyflynn?’

‘A night elf assassin – don’t tell me you don’t know him too.’

‘Only by reputation. I once overheard people talking in the tavern about the assassin that never killed people – only monsters. And his speed is legendary too.’

‘Yeah. I believe he’s the only one who can match MacLair. Ah, shall we get on the business now?’

‘Go on.’

Hulferd moistens his lips then talks on.

‘Now this A’bong and his kobold gang are nomads, they came here about three months ago and they raid villages, caravans and ambush travellers – kill and pillage like bandits do. Only bandits sometimes spare people’s lives so they can rob them again in the future. By the way, our spies have found their lair in the cave in the West Harper Hills. Here’s a copy of the map, and you can find the location accurately drawn in it. A’bong uses a broad battle axe and well-armoured – I think he’s a veteran from The Gremion Wars that deserted his army after Gremion was forced to share its territory with Bresconnor. And the kobolds are eight – two large ones and six small ones – including two females.’

Hulferd pauses for a while, staring at Robert with concern. Then he sighs.

‘I know you always get excited when it comes to orcs, but as your friend and mentor I warn you – be extra careful this time. A’bong is not an ordinary orc. He is intelligent and have leadership qualities – real different than the orcs you hunted all these times. I think he used to be a captain or even a general. Better take along a party with you, don’t act alone.’

Robert replies in a calm, polite voice.
‘I understand, teacher. You always have been my helper and guide since I’m a greenhorn and only a bit skilled in the battlefield. You even saved my life several times. You taught me your sword moves and treated me like your son. I will never forget that.’

‘But as always, I work alone. I always had this difficulty to deal with people, you know. And I bet no one will join me even though I tell them to handle the kobolds only and let me deal with the orc. For this once, teacher, let me handle this alone. If I can’t overcome this difficulty, I will never improve and I will be no different than others who only content themselves hunting acid blobs, petty monsters and petty bandits.’

‘I see. But you surely won’t mind if I send one of my spies to keep an eye of you, so he can collect the heads and the proofs of your work – standard guild procedure.’

Robert nods. It seems that he doesn’t mind at all, because the guild usually send novice hunters as spies – an extra job – to learn from the experienced ones. Robert used to be a spy to assist Hulferd these three years.

Then Hulferd’s wife, Charlotte comes in. She’s 39, a plump lady but still pretty. Although never experienced real education, she has a keen judgment and a kind heart. She has two kids, Helen, 16, quite pretty just like her, and her younger brother, Pearce, 10 years old. Apparently Pearce is the same Pear that called Robert earlier. Pear has great intuition and a keen sense upon anything, just like his mother and great determination to improve himself just like his father. No wonder he immediately searched for Robert as he saw the poster before his father told him not to. Maybe someday he can become a great hunter just like his father.

Charlotte greets Robert enthusiastically – she also wants Robert to marry Helen someday, but apparently Helen already has a lover somewhere… and Robert too…
‘Oh, Robert! What a surprise!’

‘Good day, ma’am. Long time no see.’

‘A long time, indeed. Two months! Where have you been? Helen has been asking for you.’

Robert snorts and shows his rare, cold smile. How can that be, he thinks. Helen already has Albert, the bookworm. She must be in the library with him now. She is only interested in poetry and writing, and Robert doesn’t even have an interest in it – or even in her.

‘Really? Tell her I said hello. Oh yes, about Pear, just tell him to stay out of trouble. I’ve been staying in the tavern these days, and it’s getting rowdier each and every day.’

‘WHAT? Ah, Pear! That overactive son of yours, Ferdy. Give him a word or two once in a while, will you? What kind of father are you, letting him prowling around, huh?’

‘Aw, honey, don’t be like that. Just let him taste a bit of the real world, it’s good for him. He’s smart, and I’m sure he will be a good hunter one day, just like dear Rob here. Anyway I’m too busy with the guild and things…’

‘But at least a warning, so he can learn to be cautious – like dear Rob here.’

‘…. Perhaps too cautious.’

‘… Or too rash.’

Charlotte and Hulferd stare at Robert at the corner of their eyes with their strange faces. Robert stares at them with a silly, stupid and puzzled face. He replies…

‘Hey, hey, don’t get angry, old fellas. I promise you I will keep an eye on Pear whenever I’m not at a job. Is that okay with you?’

Hulferd lands a slow jab on Robert’s shoulder.

‘Now that’s the spirit. Don’t let your cool hides who you really are.’

But THIS is who I REALLY am, Robert thinks.

Charlotte is not satisfied yet with Robert’s answer, and contorts…

‘And MOVE OUT from that smelly, flea-ridden Golden Ram Inn! And buy yourself a REAL house! I don’t want to see Pear play with you in that God-forsaken place every day! Gambling? God forbid!’

Robert replies, ‘I’ll work something out, ma’am. I will.’

But a different thought comes into Robert’s mind.

Aw, we hunters still have to eat when there’s no job. And honest jobs will keep us out of monster-hunting. And I don’t have enough money to buy a proper house, either. Later, ma’am. Much later.

Charlotte snorts. She knows her bidding won’t be fulfilled in the near future, knowing very well of the hunters’ nature – namely her husband’s. But she finally resigns and goes to the kitchen to make some tea for Robert, Hulferd and herself.

‘All right then. Don’t leave yet, Robert. I still want to talk to you over a cup of tea.’

Robert nods. Although he knows that a talk with Chatty Charlotte will be a boring one, but their kindness tops over anything in the world for him so he compels himself to stay a little longer – preparing his spirit for the most difficult job he has taken until now… with some pep talks and a healthy cup of tea.

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3.1.1.2. The One Job No One Wants - Part 1

Robert Chander (left) said: Do you have those in blue, with bigger scabbard?

Robert and Pear arrive at the Hunters’ Guild in Rand. It’s a fairly large building with a banner bearing a cross-lining between a snake and a sword, as though the snake is pierced by the sword. All Hunters’ Guilds in all regions of Lore use this symbol to show the wide network and excellent management system they have. So it is possible that several jobs can come from other cities – but those sorts of jobs must be the difficult ones that require extra skill and experience that are few among the hunters in the job commissioner’s region.

Many hunters of different sorts: swordsmen, warriors, assassins, archers and mages; men and women are there – it seems that the hunting job attracts more talented people than being a soldier, a mercenary, a bodyguard or even a thug. Some even wear clean robes and shiny armors – to show that they are distinguished hunters that are more trustworthy than the shabby ones. Of course, most of them crowd near job posters hanging on walls and message boards, and queue near job counters. The clerks are usually fine maidens with attractive uniforms – another proof of the excellent management of the guild.

Pear guides Robert to a poster on the right wall – the one that no hunters are seen around it. It bears a poorly drawn picture of an orc’s face, and Robert sees the notice:

WANTED
A’bong the Orc
DEAD

200 Crowns

Extra 50
Florins for every kobold’s head of A’bong’s gang

For crimes against
the kingdom
Banditry, Robbery, Murder

Robert reacts, ‘Well, it seems the reward is slightly higher than usual.’
A voice comes from behind.

‘That’s because this is not any stray Gremion orc or common ones – this guy is intelligent. He can even round up kobolds and lead a band. Of course the reward is fitting.’

Robert turns around to see the speaker as he speaks – he is Hulferd, the Guild Master. Hulferd is a 43-years old man with beautifully-trimmed moustache and beard, and well-built. Traces of his handsome face can be found on him. It seems that he is a former well known hunter and now runs his own guild. Robert greets him in his usual, cold but polite manner.

‘Good afternoon, Sir Hulferd.’

‘So, are you interested, Rob? I got the details right here.’

‘You don’t have to ask me that. Just tell me the details straightaway.’

‘Hahaha, don’t be like that, Rob, my friend. You know I always remember you every time I get jobs like this. It’s just no other hunters here ever want to take orc-hunting jobs. They think it’s too risky and dangerous for them, and I don’t have to send the posters to other cities when you’re around.’

‘And I specialize in orcs, highly dangerous monsters, and bandits.’

‘Right. Well then, shall we move to a quiet place for a quick briefing?’

‘Okay.’

Then Robert takes out three zennies and hands them to Pear, touching his head affectionately as though Pear is Robert’s own son.

‘Here, Pear. Now stay out of trouble. There are so much bandits and monsters around with these many posters. Don’t let your parents worried.’

‘I will, sir. Thank you, sir.’

Pear walks away joyfully. Robert and Hulferd walk to the office rooms in the second floor.

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Image Source: (Above) Ranger Weapons and Harnesses
http://www.xurge3d.com/inc/sdetail/26385/50930

Image Source: (Below) FireHeart Prior Version Comic by Irvan

3.1.1.1. The Orcjob and the Oddjob

CHAPTER ONE
ORCBANE:
IN THE SHADE OF THE MOON

‘A monster is not judged by its size and ferociousness, but by the devastation it brought.’
- Sage the Fireheart
Founder, Fireheart Hunters’ Guild
First Emperor of Arcadia

An Oddjob and an Orcjob
A boy runs in a hurry along the narrow streets of Rand. He bumps into people and tramples mud puddles along the way, leaving people cursing and yelling behind him – some even check their tunic to look whether the boy has stolen their purses or anything valuable.

The streets are real crowded here in Rand – as the city in the kingdom of Lore becomes a center of economy and culture. Thanks to the hunters and the hunters’ guild, the risk of monsters and bandits’ attacks has been lessened – at least less than other major cities in Lore: Varestine, Wagnerport even the capital, Alceste. Merchants, caravans and travelers usually hire hunters as escorts, unless, perhaps they are well-skilled, well-armed and can defend themselves or hire personal bodyguards.

The boy ignores all the curses and yells upon him, and runs along several blocks until he enters a shabby-looking tavern with a yellowish ram with the text ‘The Golden Ram’ badly carved on a signboard hanging in front. The Golden Ram is the cheapest, shabbiest and dirtiest tavern-inn in Rand. The wine and ale there are bad, but it is always full of rowdy, strange and suspicious people with their own strange, shady businesses – gambling, brawling, having fun with tavern maidens, and even talking in low voices. Well, secret talks in loud voices can be made in here too, as it’s too loud there – rest assured your talks won’t be heard by the neighbor at the next table.

The boy looks around desperately, and once in a while ducks to avoid flying objects like wooden mugs, stones – fortunately no sharp ones, though. After a while, he finally notices someone and comes to a group of people gambling on a corner. They are shouting in frustration or muttering things like ‘Damn, he won again!’ and all sorts of curses. One of them – a man with silvery, unkempt hair - doesn’t yell, though and coolly extends his hands to collect the crowns (gold coins), florins (silver coins) and zennies (bronze coins) on the table and pour them all into his purse. Although he apparently is the winner, he doesn’t smile. He only stare cautiously around him, readies himself as though anticipating something bad. And it happens. One of the gamblers, an ugly, fat, unshaven and badly dressed man gets up, bangs on the table and puts his one foot on the chair, screaming.

‘You CHEATED! Bloody cheater!’

The two other gamblers are puzzled for a while, staring at him – but they instantly understand, and scream along to support him.

‘Yeah! Winning seven times already! That’s impossible!’

‘Must be sumthin’ behind ‘ees hands!’

‘And he ain’t even smile all the time! Mus’ be afraid he’s gonna be found out!’

‘Thrash ‘im!’

‘Search him! Make him return our money!’

The cool silver-haired guy raises his face. He is handsome, although his face is sallow and looks somewhat feminine, but his calm, serious and cautious behavior gives an air of someone who has endured great hardships, tragedies and traumas. He always wears a leather breastplate in front of his shirt, and always ready with a kiliji (a curved long sword) neatly hung inside its scabbard under his shabby blue hood and robe. The boy recognizes him perfectly at once, and is about to call him, but the silver-haired man notices the boy and signals him to keep quiet and keep away.

‘Hey, won’ speak a word, eeh? No reveal your secret!?’

‘Maybe you will talk after we rearrange your pretty face!’

‘O’ you hungree? Wanna eat? Here, taste THIS!’

The bald man launches his knuckle sandwich towards the silver-haired man’s mouth, but the silver-haired man simply moves his head aside with great reflexes and avoids the hit altogether. He gets up, and is ready for the next attack.

One thought comes into the silver-haired man’s mind:
Even if I speak, these stupid brutes won’t listen – they just want to rob my winnings. Well, it’s time to show them who I really am, as Pear is already here…

To avoid revealing too much of him, the silver-haired man avoids most of the attacks using knuckles, knifes and a wooden chair, and finally counterattacks, catching the bald man’s punch and kicks him straight on his jaw, sending him flying backwards and falls crashing on the wall, knocking him out. The fat guy and the one-eyed scarface are astonished to see this display of strength, but thinking that it was only a lucky strike they attack the silver-haired guy altogether. The scarface’s attack misses, but the fat guy successfully hit the silver-haired guy’s shoulder as he is avoiding the scarface. But the silver-haired man’s expression doesn’t even change in pain, instead he ducks and sweep-kicks the fat guy’s feet, causing the fat guy to fall tumbling on the floor.

The one-eyed, badly-scarred man loses his guts and runs away at once.

The fat guy tries to get up although he is irritated with his friend’s cowardly behavior. But the silver-haired man doesn’t waste time and instantly draws his kiliji (an Aurelian version of Katana Sword that looks like a long saber) and points it directly to the fat guy’s throat. Then he finally speaks.

‘Get out now. I only kill monsters and bandits, unless you are one of them.’

The fat guy whimpers, ‘Ah, you’re a hunter?’

A tavern guest cuts in.

‘You’re new in town, heh? He’s a hell of a hunter, you know.’

The little boy named Pear speaks, ‘Mister Orcbane?’

The silver-haired man replies, ‘Sssh, I’ve told you many times, just call me Robert.’

‘Aw, it’s easier to remember you as Orcbane, as it is so frequently said at the guild.’

‘Ah, Pear, now you’ve done it.’

Robert the Orcbane then talks to the fat man with a threatening tone.

‘Well, what will it be now? Still want to rob my money?’

‘Your money WHAT? You must be cheated, I can tell’.

‘I didn’t cheat.’

‘Then how come you won seven times and only lost twice?’


‘’Twas a dice game, right? Maybe you must learn about concentration *). Focus your mind and eye on the dice movements. Well, you must train them hard, because I got that kind of training once as a scout.’



(* Concentration = What Robert means is Eagle’s Eye – the ability to notice very quickly or even the slightest movement from the objects from any distance. Besides training, one must have the talent – that is very uncommon among humans. An Eagle’s Eye expert is usually a good scout or spy. Robert has that talent.)



‘Damn, you’re a soldier! Then why did you lose twice?’

‘Well, that’s a natural thing. Even my concentration can’t be accurate all the times, but two out of seven, that’s good enough for me,’ says Robert, patting his waist where his bulging purse is safe beneath his leather armor. ‘I know you guys are new in town because none of my old mates want to gamble with me again. I need to earn pocket money, you know as there is no orc to hunt…’

Suddenly Pear remembers something and cuts in.

‘Excuse me, Sir Orcbane, but now there is’.

‘It’s Robert, Pear, Robert.’

‘Yeah, Robert… Robert…’

‘Wait.. you said there’s an orc-job at the guild?’

‘Yessirah.’

‘Let’s go there! Here, Gumbold, for the food, ale and for the damage too’

Robert tosses several florins and zennies to Gumbold the tavern-innkeeper’s table, and a crown to the fat guy.

‘Here’s for you. No hard feelings mate. Treat your friends too.’

The fat guy doesn’t believe his eyes and ears. He is still sitting on the floor, astonished as he sees Robert and Pear rushing out from The Golden Ram tavern-inn.


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FireHeart - Legend of the Paladins: The Prologue Part 2 (Novel Version)

As though a million angels rush down from the sky to attack one devil lord, the beautiful-looking yet deadly spell attacks the Deathblade from all sides. It’s a sure hit, no evil can escape and block this spell and the damage is continuous and extreme – the truly ultimate holy spell next to Armageddon. If it’s a one-hit and kill, Azrael is going to be all right. But the need to cast this spell ceaselessly drains more energy than Azrael can bear.

The Great Archmage of Light’s face turns white and pale, with traces of his nerves showing on his face and hands. His eyes are bloodshot, and blood begins to drop out from his eyes, nostrils, ears and mouth. It seems the spell is backfiring on him because of his lack of mana energy, but now the vision of devil begins to contort and dissolve. The dark mana from the sword is going to be suppressed, and the seal is about to be completed.

Then suddenly the devil’s shadow explodes the last drops of its energy, throwing Azrael, Theripides and Carolyn far away. The Orb of Aegis is thrown too, but it doesn’t break. It immediately turns into a white bird and flies back to the sword. Then it uses this golden opportunity to electrocute the entire sword.

Staggering and half-kneeling, Azrael also uses the last drops of his energy to complete the seal covering the sword. Theripides rushes forward to aid the near-exhausted Azrael, and he gets an unpredictable turn. The Deathblade suddenly flies and severs Theripides’ right arm. Theripides moves back, electrocuted and badly wounded. Now he probably regrets that that was the stupidest thing he ever done in his lifetime.

Carolyn immediately moves to cure Theripides, and the Viavitali (Great Heal) spell mends his severed arm nicely although it can’t connect the severed parts together. ‘Good thing you’re a lefty, we sure are going to need your technical concepts.’

‘Ugnnh... I’m done here, don’t worry about me. You better tend to Azrael.’
‘Ah, alas... he’s a lost case. Just let him finish the sealing before we help him.’
‘He did it again,’ says Theripides, shaking his head. ‘Why did he get to cast that blasted spell? Come to think again, he really sacrificed much so we can seal this sword.’

At last, Azrael finishes the orb covering the sword and Aegis’ orb. Now Aegis is assigned to a new job: suppressing and protecting Kraal’shazar, the Deathblade at all time. Carolyn the Elf Queen, the Archmage of Nature completes the sealing by adding the enchantment: Flame of the Eternal Corona on the orb surface, making it into a complete miniature sun.

‘At last... my last mission in this world is complete.’

After he says that, Azrael falls on his knees. Fatigue takes over him now all his magical energy is gone. He is one hundred twenty four years old now, and he is a mage no more. Naturally, he is now very weak and his feet can barely support him. Carolyn moves to support Azrael, saying, ‘You fool... losing everything to a devil-inhabited sword. You should’ve done better.’

Azrael responds feebly, ‘I have done my best, and... and I h-have no... regrets. Now I’m g-g-going to leave you all f-for sure. This is my last journey. I can’t go anywhere else now. Please, my friends. Now, for the first time, I’m going to ask you two some f-favors.

Please send my regards to the Old Emperor Sage and Prince Anthony. Tell them it’s been an honor serving them. And for me, Anthony is always Anthony. I will send his love to my daughter Vivian in heaven. May Arcadia live long and prosper.

Also, tell your descendants that should the Deathblade is in the open again and Vordac gets a new host, they must gather a number of heroes again to prevent that or make sure that this time Vordac’s soul will perish permanently.

I now prophesy that one day the paladins will rise. We may not be able to seal Vordac forever. But when Vordac is indeed released, these multi-talented heroes of light will emerge and fight the Dark Overlord and his minions. Find them, and make sure they are united and well-prepared. Only in the paladins’ hands hope may prevail.

And t-this is my last request. Just let me stay near here long enough until I die. I will now retire from the world and take a r-rest here. Put somebody trustworthy here to take care of me, s-so I can look towards this place where my masterpiece lays and be happy and satisfied about my life and what I’ve done for this w-w-world. I hope you will comply with my wishes.’

‘Of course, Azrael, my friend,’ says Theripides. ‘We will strengthen this place with our combined mastery of science and magic, and prepare our future generations.’

‘And we will find the paladins once we hear or see any premonition of Vordac’s return. The Holy Pope in Valanis will help too,’ says Carolyn.

‘T-thank you, my friends,’ says Azrael with tears in his eyes. ‘Thank you for appreciating my thoughts and wishes. N-now would you take this old soul outside, to his final resting place?’

‘You don’t have to ask,’ says Carolyn. Then she and Theripides take the ex-wizard Azrael out of the room through a secret stone door and then the door slams shut.

The room is empty again, except for a miniature sun ever-burning in the center. It’s the sun with a devil within.


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FireHeart - Legend of the Paladins: The Prologue Part 1 (Novel Version)

FIREHEART
LEGEND OF THE PALADINS

BOOK ONE
THE BOUNTY HUNTERS

Preface

Terra Eternia
The world of Vadis, Adair and Enia
Created by the One
Kept by the Three

Terra Eternia
Where three live as one
Positive, negative and neutral
Magic, science and nature

Terra Eternia
The world where myths are real
Fantasy is history
Fairy tales are factual

Terra Eternia
The world of dangers and adventure
When light and dark collide
And the neutral shed tears

Just like in our world, our dimension, when all beings live in harmony, Terra Eternia is indeed a beautiful world of love, hope and peace. But when evil – the extreme form of negativity – disrupts the balance, there are always conflicts between good and the Trinity of Evil: hatred, destruction and terror.

Evil once ruled supreme in this world, the Evil named Vordac, the Dark Overlord. His domination was ended by Sage the Fireheart, who assembled the Seven Heroes and waged the First Crusade. Vordac has once rebelled against Adair the Sodomos, the Dark God. Adair defeated Vordac, banished him from the underworld and cursed Vordac to roam in Eternia eternally. As a result of that, Vordac’s spirit can possess mediums or hosts, and after his defeat to Sage, he possessed a medium, the Great Sword Deathblade.

Vordac re-emerged with the help of his host, Mildred Urganon, but he again met a fatal defeat from Fireheart’s son, Antoine the Avenger. And again, Vordac’s spirit found refuge in Deathblade.

And now, that very sword is in the hands of an old man with white long hair, eyebrows, moustache and beard. He is standing in a dark, vast room with another old man and a she-elf.

The bearded man talks,
‘At last, we found the perfect, safest place to keep the sword.’
‘Are you sure, Azrael?’ says the blonde, long, curly-haired she-elf inquiringly, ‘Because, honestly, this room is not inaccessible enough.’
‘I agree with Carolyn,’ says the old, half-bald man with a white moustache. ‘I say we better melt this sword in the lava pit.’
‘I can’t believe a scientist like you would say that, Theripides. If we melt this sword, we’ll destroy it. Vordac’s spirit will be free and possess any of us,’ says Azrael.
‘Hmph, I guess we don’t have a choice, then,’ says Theripides. ‘We have searched for months, and Her Majesty here offered this place although she is not sure either.’

Carolyn responds with a sigh, ‘I guess we have to be satisfied with this place. It has all natural barriers, enough to prevent any being from reaching here. All we have to do now is adding some more to make sure no one can claim the sword, even us.’

Azrael nods and makes a decision, ‘Very well, then, we’ll seal Deathblade in here! I will now create a force field using this orb, and I also need some magical assistance from you two. This will be the final barrier should others fail. So, shall we begin?’
‘Naturally,’ says Carolyn.
‘Anytime,’ says Theripides.

Azrael holds the sword with his outstretched hands, and Theripides casts a spell to keep it aloft.
‘Eleviant!’
Azrael releases the sword and reaches into his pocketed belt. He takes out a silvery-white orb, and places it on his upright palm, and chants,
‘Aegis, ma washtar galatre Kraal’shazar, im gemackt an Corona Infer. (Aegis, please help seal the Deathblade, as the Little Sun is being made)’

The orb reacts and emits violent sparks, then flies towards Deathblade. When the orb touches the sword with a devil carved on its hilt and seven runes of Original Sin carved on its blade, the sword suddenly vibrates very hard. The red eye carved on the blade just above the hilt is widened although it’s alive. A thick aura of darkness comes out from the eye, resisting the power from the white orb.

The orb intensifies its energy, and the sword follows suit. As they reach the peak of their auras, anyone can see a visualization of a thunder bird and a black devil fighting each other. Soon enough, the thunder bird still doesn’t get the upper hand against the devil. Seeing this grim prospect, Azrael decides to help, saying,
‘I’ll begin the sealing process now! The dark energy from Vordac is still too strong for Aegis! Carolyn, help Aegis too!’

While chanting an indistinct, long mantra, Azrael releases threads of light from his ten fingers of his hands. The threads of light spin around the devil and the thunder bird as though trying to cover both of them in a bigger orb.

‘Yggmaishduma!’

Carolyn’s Force of Nature spell is much simpler than Azrael’s, yet more focused, giving more and ever-amplified pressure on the sword and also amplifying Aegis’ power. Under such pressure, the devil’s shadow roars. It amplifies its energy threefold and overpowers Aegis and the three wizards. It now looks like a devil’s shadow with an overlarge, open mouth. It’s going to swallow Aegis!

Knowing that more power is needed, Theripides now shows his speciality: his ability to cast two spells in one time. Using his free hand holding the Chrono Chakram, he casts Meteor Shower. Bolts of fiery meteorites pour down from above, and all focused towards one target: the Deathblade. The battle is in an even footing again, but the wizards need something more – because they don’t know how long they can keep this on. If one of them runs out of mana, all will be lost.

A calm loving smile shows on Azrael’s face. He knows at once that for the greater good, he must sacrifice himself. He stares at Carolyn and Theripides in turns, and then nods. Just then, a layer of light appears, covering Azrael’s body and making him shine dazzlingly. Carolyn and Theripides stare back at Azrael in terror: Azrael is going to cast Divine Retribution, the spell that once made him vanish without a trace – until he was found again about five years later.
Before any of them can say anything to stop Azrael, he already spoke the incantation aloud.
‘Eleison ex Tributalis!’

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