Post: #1

Sammael groaned wearily, his body ached. His heavy eyelids contested his will and refused to open. He was exhausted beyond mere physical terms and the reprieve of deep, enrapturing sleep was all too tempting. The usage of two potions of such potency in direct succession had been a necessary evil, and now it was taking its toll. He focused his will and slowly, grudgingly, his eyelids responded. The blurry sight which greeted him was one of large stone pillars and an ornate bone giant seated upon a throne.

His eyes wide open, he attempted to sit up straight. Instantly his muscles rebelled, punishing his insolence with sharp, painful cramps. Grunting against the pain, Sammael managed to rise to a hunched position. From his raised position he noticed V’azrin’s get, the female vampire who accompanied him, and the shape-shifting Von Carstein, sprawled out around him, presumably unconscious.

As his vision began to clear, he noticed that the bone giant was staring at him intently, hands clasped.

“Welcome Lord Sammael to the Valley of the Kings. I am Sehenesment, Vizier of Quatar. We have much to discuss.”

Post: #2

As he shifted into conciousness Rowhaine slowly lifted his head. Lain face down in the sand, he felt the grains in his mouth and spat them out, spittle dribbling over his lips. His head pounded and the last thing he remembered was a blinding light.
Hearing a unknown voice he struggled to focus and just managed to make out the end of the sentence.

"We have much to discuss."

Turning his head he started in shock. Before him was not the Black Tower, but some giant bone monstrosity. He had heard enough stories to know this must be a Bone Giant creation of the Tomb Kings. But how he had got here or why was unknown.
A groan grabbed his attention, and lowering his gaze he saw other forms around him. Reshorn and Katie lay still unconscious, but the groaning was coming from another. Struggling to get up he saw Sammael hunched over.
"You!" Rowhaine croaked, before a hacking cough as he tried to clear the remaining sand in his throat. "You bastard!" Standing up he lurched forwards a few steps, before stumbling to his knees.
"I knew you couldn't be trusted, vermin flith! Where have you brought me and what have you done with my sister?!"

Post: #3

Sammael turned towards the snarling Von Carstein.

“I was not the one who bought us to this place, I believe we owe that thanks to Sehenesment”, he gestured weakly at the bone giant.

“We are in the Valley of the Kings, and as far as I know your sister is well. Why the Vizier has brought you as well, is beyond my knowledge”, Sammael glanced querulously at the bone giant.

“The wards protecting the Black Tower prevented me…”, the Vizier began.

“What wards? The combined forces of over a hundred priests have kept the wards down.”

“Of that you are mistaken, the priests’ spell collapsed some time ago, I have been prevented the wards from destroying the council’s forces. Regardless, I was unable to surgically remove you from the tower, unwittingly these creatures were brought along with you”, the bone giant paused to stare at Rowhaine.

“Time is of the essence, nor can I waste my energies attempting to transport them back to the Black Tower.”

“They will be destroyed. As the sun rises, the tower will transport itself to its new location”, Sammael spoke solemnly.

“My incantations will affix the tower in place. There are more pressing matters to discuss. Lybara is in turmoil, the sparse news which has reached my ears points to some conflict within the priesthood of the asp goddess.”

“And what am I to do? I would be viewed as an emissary of Settra, and dismissed at the very least, or most likely killed.”

“Exactly. You will have been seen as the savior of Lybaras, and have eased the tension between Khalida and Settra.”

“That is a very tenuous plan.”

“Yet necessary. Nagash grows in power, the portents point to his return to once awesome strength. The kings and queens of old must unite to stand a chance against his awesome wrath. As slim a chance as it is, it can not be ignored.”

“And how am I to stop a civil war in Lybaras?”

“That has been taken care of. A contingent will accompany you to Lybaras. There you shall quell the uprising.”

Post: #4

Reshorn lay still, listening to the words of those who surrounded him. He heard the growling tone of Rowhaine, the tired voice of Sammael and another's voice which was strangely foreign and yet recognisable.
As he heard both civil war and Lybaras mentioned the Necrarch was forced to stiffle a groan
Damn! This means those accursed unliving Nehekharan memories...shadows are involved! thought the vampire bitterly.
Deciding it was time to stop playing dead the withered form of Reshorn rose gracefully in one movement to crouch over Katie and send a pulse of Necromantic power through her frail form. With a shiver the young vampiress sat up looking around her wildly
"Wha...?" started Lesa's get only to trail off as Reshorn turned and walked away from her.
Swiftly the Necrarch moved to crouch beside the kneeling Rowhaine and slowly placing a hand on his shoulder he sent the same revitalising power through him along with a quick mental message
Be calm. Worry not whispered Reshorn's voice within the vampires mind.

Standing Reshorn now appeared shrivilled and bent once more as he shuffled over towards Sammael, when he spoke it was the voice of a rasping corpse
"What happens now then 'Lord' Sammael?"

Post: #5

Sammael sighed.

“It appears that my choices are limited. It would be in the best interest of all of us, if I could persuade Queen Khalida to join our cause. The companied allegiance of Queen Khalida and Settra, should sway other Tomb Kings to our cause, your council can not win a war against Nagash on their own, they will need the Nehekharans’ assistance”, Sammael waited for the muscle spasms to pass, the potions had taken a heavy toil on his body.

He paused deep in thought.

“The priesthood of the asp goddess in Lybaras has always been strongly united. Why would they now falter….unless.

Turning towards the bone giant, his eyes wide and alert, “the tree of Kraz’gai”.

The Vizier shifted.

“Indeed.”

Sammael pushed himself to his feet, his prior weariness forgotten.

“We must make all haste to Lybaras, where is your contingent Lord Sehenesment?”

“They await outside”, he said gesturing to two large doors.

“Tread carefully Lord Sammael, the full scope of this heresy has yet to reveal itself”, he said ominously.

Post: #6

As the skaven stood up in response the giants words, Rowhaine snarled,
"Before anyone goes anywhere, I want to know what the hells going on." The undercurrent of threat in his tone was clear, as was the point that his muscular bulk was easily the largest in the room.
"I don't know the hell just happened, but you going to explain and your going to explain fast." Rowhaine felt his temper spike, and for a moment his feature rippled as he struggled to control the beast within. Both the Vizier and Sammael looked in as a the gem round his throat pulsed. Moments later the glow disappeared and Rowhaine seemed to regain his temper.
"You," he said addressing the Vizier, "I don't care who are, but you brought me here, so you can damn well send me back."

Post: #7

Reshorn threw back his head and stared at the sky silently
Just my luck...I'm to meet those blind followers of the gods. Let us just hope that it is with less conflict than last time he thought miserably as ancient memories flashed through his withered head.
"I'll go with you Lord Sammael...it seems that a path must be followed before I can analyse my...our current situation" said the Necrarch politely.
Not waiting for a response he walked back to Katie, standing near her he smiled faintly...or as much of a smile as his corpse-like face could manage.
"Apologies for the situation Lady...but it appears that we are stuck here for now... Reshorn murmered to the young vampiress.
Then a worry hit Reshorn so immense and swiftly he almost fell with it
Sammael! How are we to feed Katie? She is too young to go without Regular...meals" questioned the necrarch, then muttering with a look of worry at Katie
"Replenishment potions won't work for one so long...not for long anyway"

Post: #8

The Vizier gave Rowhaine a cold stare before raising his hand and spitting out a heinous curse. Rowhaine dropped to his knees, a great power affixing him in place.

“Do not insult me you impudent bloodsucking wretch. Would you like me to transport you to the Black Tower? I would be glad to do so, and be rid of you and the rest of you mindless brutes. I maintain the considerable magical energies necessary to affix the tower in place and ensure the wards don’t tear you sister and fellow brethren to shreds only as a favor to Lord Sammael. He may be patient, but I will not stand to be insulted by an obscenity of nature in my own sanctum!”, the Vizier roared. With a flick of his hand Rowhaine was slammed against the wall.

“If you continue with your stupidity I will see that both you and your sister are destroyed. Be grateful that I continue to maintain her protection lest my concentration slip.”

Sammael watched impassionedly before addressing Reshorn.

“My potions are far more potent then any you have previously encountered. They will provide her with the sustenance she requires.”

Sammael turned towards the Vizier.

“I was informed of a potent artifact coming into your possession, Lord Sehenesment, is this true?”

“Yes, yes it is”, reaching beside his throne the bone giant held a single canopic jar in his hand, the jar tiny in the span of the giant’s palm.

“My parting gift to you lord Sammael. I am sure I need not tell you of its potency, nor the consequences of its usage.”

Sammael strode up to the outstretched hand of the Vizier, enraptured in awe. With great reverence he took the jar and opened it. Bright light shot out of the opening. A moment later, after emptying a vial into the jar, Sammael close it and tied it to his waist.

“You have been most generous great Vizier”, beckoning the vampires to follow, Sammael strode to the massive doors, pushing them open.

“Let us pray our fears are baseless, lest such power is released upon the desert”, with that Sammael strode out to join the assembled regiment of mighty Ushabti, thirty strong, two tomb scorpions, and a majestic Bone Giant.

“Onward, to the dark lord’s destruction.”

Post: #9

"Such arrogance" murmered Reshorn with amusement before turning to Katie. He saw that she stared at the injured form of Rowhaine with fear, with a swift gesture the old Necrarch placed a hand on the young girls shoulder
"Don't worry, their crude incantations arn't real magic. Anyone with real necromantic training could stop such an attack" he said with reassurance, although it was confidence he didn't feel

The vampire collapsed backwards staring at Reshorn in fear
Stop this magic!! he yelled
Reshorn shook his head
My magic can't stop the power of the gods if a priest has the power to invoke it...they hide behind their walls...without their deaths the gods can not be stopped!" hissed Reshorn as holy light burning the unlife out of the marching army of death

Rsehorn blinked and shook his head, that was an unpleasant memory.
With a sigh he beckoned for Katie to follow him as walked over to Rowhaine
"Are you alright?" he asked quietly
Rowhaine growled angrily at the Necrarch who merely shrugged
"We should get going" muttered Reshorn before following Sammael

Post: #10

"Go where?" snapped Rowhaine, gritting his teeth. The spell of the Vizier, whilst not particularly damaging, had made the anger within him difficult to control. The gem round his neck was pulsing strongly once more, but unlike last time it did not abate.
"We have been brought here against our will. I no nothing of the Tomb Kings politics, and you think they are just going to allow us to walk around freely. After what our kind did during the ancient wars?"
Stepping forward his face seemed to ripple. A mixture of pain and fear flitted across his face, before he seemed to control it.
"Move away. Now." His voice came in gasp causing Reshorn to back look in consternation,
"I can help?" he offered, "or the skaven, his potions are potent........"
"NO!" Rowhaine bellowed. Sammael and the Vizier looked over, curious as the noise, "if the Mistress could not cure this, then.....ah........." Crumpling over, he held his stomach, pain obviously coursing through his body. Stepping forward, Katie made as if to comfort her brother, but she was stopped by Reshorn.
"I think we should listen to him, "the Necrach said, eyeing the now blinding light of the gem, "I have seen instances like this before, and it cannot end well."

Post: #11

Sammael paused in his stride, turning to glance at the Von Carstein, shaking his head sadly.

“Why repress that which you can subvert to your benefit?”

Sammael strode back to Rowhaine, “Tell me what ails you. I am no stranger to unfortunate circumstance and bending it to suit my needs…”, Sammael trailed off, the day long ago in the desert flashed through his mind vividly.

“The time for suspicion has long passed, there will be ample time to destroy ourselves at a later time, for now we must prevent Nagash from denying us that right.”

“You spare these creatures far too much sympathy Lord Sammael”, the hatred was palpable.

“They deserve far worse, let mighty Ptra scourge the malignant forms. It was their kind’s madness that precipitated our present predicament, and they have the audacity to be petulant? Take heart fiends, if your fate was within my hands you would suffer beyond your wildest imaginations”, the Vizier snarled.

“You forget Lord Sehenesment that I too am an abomination to this world’s natural order, and now is not the time for petulant squabbling. There is much to accomplish, and far too sparse time to waste on such nonsense.”

Readdressing Rowhaine, “Tell me what ails you. The sooner I can assist you, the sooner we may be on our way, the sooner we may reunite you to your sister, and ensure your mutual survival.”

Post: #12

Reshorn was standing in the area between Sammael and Rowhaine, realising he was standing between the frighteningly bestial Vampire and the rather superior-acting rat he barely stiffled a groan
Could you of picked a worst spot to stop? he thought bitterly
As Katie once more made to step forward Reshorn gripped her shoulder tight enough to cause her to grimace
"Wha...?" started the vampiress
"No...I realise hes your brother but hes losing coherency...and I would prefer you not to get hurt if we can help it" said the Necrarch with a faint frown.
His hands moving in a blur he made a series of strange signs with his hands before holding them out infront of him in a steeple like shape, as he stared at Rowhaine he spoke to the Vizer
"This is your fault, you have dealt with this situation poorly 'upstart'. Any damage this one recieves will hang over your head...and allow me to assure you that you will suffer the consequences." Reshorn said softly.
"Lord Sammael...if you can help him please do, but I doubt he can speak to you rationally at this moment, if he loses control I shall attempt to restrain him, but I shall allow no hurt to the young childe. He is family of Lady Lesa and Lord Cromwell...and Master V'azrin wishes their family safe" Reshorn said his voice tight as his eyes narrowed on Rowhaine.

Post: #13

Rowhaine suddenly let out a roar that echoed round the chamber. At the sound the others backed away slightly, watching warily. Another painful cry sounded through through the room, but this time it didn't stop. It carried on and deepened in sound as something changed.
Writhing on the floor Rowhaine's body twisted around as muscles rapidly expanded and contracted. Cracks and snaps followed as his bones forced themselves into new positions. As the transformation carried his already bulky body grew bigger, until in moments it was three times his original size. Black fur covered the muscular form, and the eyes that looked from bestial face shone with rage.
Wasting no time Reshorn grabbed Katie and dragged her away. It was not a moment too soon as with blurring speed Rowhaine left to his clawed feet.
The musk of fear pervaded the room as the monstrous form loomed over Sammael. Before the skaven could reach for one his potions, a massive claw knocked him flying off his feet. He landed with a thump by Reshorn, and for a moment Rowhaine looked as if he would attack them as well. After a moment he looked away, as if recognising they were friends.
But ahead was one who was not. Racing forward Rowhaine leapt at the Vizier. The bone giant attempted an incantation, but this time it failed. The massive bulk of the Varghulf could not be stopped so easily, and moments later steel hard claws ripped gouges of ancient bones. Retaliating the giant brought its fist round in a crushing blow, only for the swift creature to dodge out of the way. Again and again it tried, but it was far too slow to hit Rowhaine.
As the battle continued Katie pressed herself against Reshorn in fear,
"Please. We must do something to help him," she begged the Necrach.

Post: #14

Reshorn stood, frozen in fear, he looked over at the form of Sammael lying on the ground, still weary from earlier, then he looked at the fearful expression on Katies face
"Damn it all to hell!" cursed Reshorn angrily as he stepped forward
As his hands flew through the same gestures as they had earlier stopping on the steeple shape, only this time the Necrarch screamed a single word in his ancient language. The massive Varghulf suddenly froze a snarl tearing from his lips, as he stood frozen the bone giant started forward its fist raised high as it moved forward it suddenly stumbled as a blast of shadow flew from Reshorns eyes to strike it in the chest
"Do NOT touch him or I'll tear you to shreds!" snarled the Necrarch angrily his eyes glowing brightly with the balefire of his dark magic.
Out of the side of his vision the vampire saw Katie step foward
"STAY BACK KATIE!" commanded Reshorn in an authoritive voice unlike his own.
"Lord Sammael...do something...anything...this spell isn't the easiest and his physical strength is astounding...Katie help the alchemist if he needs it" pleaded Reshorn the strain in his voice now evident.

Post: #15

Lord Sehenesment rose, an incantation on his lips as he ignored the impudent vampire’s warnings. He faltered, his palpable presence seemed to withdraw slightly.

“The tower is being attacked…”, he said softly.

In an instant he was forming hundreds of hand gestures, murmuring incantations in earnest, yet he was withdrawn to his current surroundings. The Varghulf growled as he strained against the Necrach’s spell, yet it held him fast.

Sammael sighed, rising wearily to his feet.

The abuse I suffer at the hands of allies rivals that of my enemies, he thought absentmindedly to himself.

“The fury must not be contained rather focused.”

Sammael reached to his side, his hand briefly brushing against the ancient canopic jar, a jolt of energy passed through his being, easing his weary limbs and mind. Drawing a flask he walked right beside the frozen Varghulf, who snarled at Sammael’s presence. Chanting under his breath, Sammael poured a circle of the flask’s contents around Rowhaine. The blue liquid which streamed forth from the flask did not splatter but landed soundlessly, seeming to push forward towards the Varghulf. Sammael completed the circle, and the blue circle encroached further and further upon the Varghulf. His eyes widening, filled with hatred, Rowhaine tore free of Reshorn’s binding magic and leapt towards Sammael. The circle flared, and Rowhaine flew back, tossed to and fro within the circle roaring loudly. The blazing circle finally closed completely over him, touching his flesh and letting out a blinding flash of light.

Rowhaine fell to the ground, still in his bestial state, unmoving.

“What have you done to him?!”, Reshorn roared.

“I have redirected his energies. He is now forced to face this conflict within him, from whence all true chaos stems.”, Sammael shrugged, sparing a curious glance at the Vizier.

“Should he fail, he shall remain in this catatonic state. Should he succeede, he will be empowered by the energies he has harnessed. His fate is his to decide.”

Post: #16

Lost deep in his thoughts, Rowhaine battled. In a world of darkness a man ran, leaping from one ledge to another. Behind a creature chased. Pausing it sniffed the ground, then chased after its prey. Seeing the creature closing the man knew he could not outrun him. Yet what else could he do? He had been running from it for as long as he could remember.

It scared him.

Every time the creature took hold of him, the men knew he grew weaker. Weaker as the beast grew stronger. Then for a time something happened. Bands of power bound themselves round the creature, slowing it, sapping it strength. The man rejoiced, believing he was saved, yet always in the back of his mind the worry lurked.

The beast did not give up lightly.

The scent of its prey drove it mad. It strove against that which trapped it. Never giving up and growing stronger the more it battled. On and on, never giving up, it knew one day it would have its chance once more.

Finally the chance had come.

Monstrous beyond belief, the magic could no longer control it. Its prey was cornered, ready to be devoured. It would consume its essence, and this realm would be his to control. Roaring it advanced, drinking in the fear of the cowed man.

"No."

So small a word, to have such power. Yet power it had. It echoed round and round, pausing the beast in its steps. The man cowed no more stood up. Chin held high, eyes no longer full of fear, but strength.

"I will not run. I will not give in"

The beast roared again, fury at the man's defiance showing its eyes. The man did not even flinch, instead putting his hands together and pulling them apart. As he did this the bands of magic snapped and the beast revelled in the glory of its full power.

**********

Reshorn stood watching Rowhaine. There was nothing he could do, but he knew the vampire was not giving in without a fight. Suddenly the jewel on the varghulf's chest shattered, the magical backlash catapulting the Reshorn and Sammael backwards.
Staggering to his feet Reshorn pointed an accusing finger at the skaven,
"You fool! That gem was created by the Mistress Lesa, to contain the bestial nature. If it has shattered it means Rowhaine has lost!"

Post: #17

Rising to his feet, for what felt like the umpteenth time, Sammael cast a glance and a slight frown in the Vizier’s direction. The Vizier had continued unabated through his incantations, if anything his presence seemed to have further diminished, neither of which boded well.

“What would you have rather me have done? I granted him a means of asserting control over himself, a means to stride the path towards his full potential. I granted him a means, nothing more nothing less.”

He spared Rowhaine a long piercing stare, before sighing deeply, and walking over to the vampires still form. Mouthing prayers to the gods, Sammael knelt beside Rowhaine, taking a slight sip from a vial. He seemed to shimmer on the edge of reality, before placing his hands on Rowhaine’s temples, chanting now in earnest.

His vision dimmed. He opened his eyes, the world around him was dark, and he heard the the ferocious roar of a beast. He had entered the Rowhaine’s mind, to provide the vampire one last impetuous to save himself.

Post: #18

Reshorn watched the strange activity with a feeling of cold fury, the rat was so high in its arrogance that it didn't seem to realise that the company it kept was of greater beings than it could ever be.
With a sneer at his form he whispered faintly
"He dies and so shall you beast"

Turning Reshorn walked over closer to Katie
"Are you alright Mi'Lady?" asked The Necrarch hesitantly.
Katie smiled faintly up at the corpse creature
"I am fine...but" as she finished her smile faded and her eyes shifted back to Rowhaine
"Will he be alright?" she whispered softly
Reshorn felt a pang of sorrow for the young get, her emotions were still much to strong for what she now was
"I...am unsure...I do hope he shall survive though, let us just hope Sammael's method works" said Reshorn his previous tone of respect for Sammael now completely gone.
"But..." she started only to be cut of by the Necarch
"But nothing, look I am sorry Katie but we will have to just wait...I know its hard but I am sure hes strong enough to come through his...instead worry about that 'vizer' over their. He seems weakened or something, I could easily destroy him even if he was at full strength but we now definitly have the advantage..." commented the Reshorn with a faint smile.
As the Necrarch finished he leant in close until his rotten lips were next to Katie's ear, yet she did not flinch
"Worry not...if anything happens to your brother they shall all die" swore the vampire so quietly that Katie almost did not hear it.

Post: #19

The man stood strong in the face of danger, as the beast barrelled towards him. He would die, but he would die standing.

"Why do you wish to die?" chittered a voice nearby. Both man and beast turned at the sound. High above on the mountainside sat a small rat. Preening its whiskers, it cocked its head at the man.

"Duck," it chittered once more.

The warning was just in time. Stooping low the man avoid the lunge of the beast, clawed hand whistling over his head. As the creature staggered forward overbalanced, the man shouted to the rat.

"Who are you? Are you here to help me?"

"Help you I cannot," it responded, "in this place, only your actions are accountable. As for who I am, first you should ask, who are you?"

Clawing his way up to a ledge, the man evaded the beast momentarily. It would not take long for it to figure out where he was, but at least it gave him time to think,
"Do not speak in riddles!" he bellowed at the rat, "I know who I am. I am-" he paused for a moment. In all the time he had been trapped in here, the thought had not entered his mind. He had been running for so long, he had forgotten himself.
"I do not know," he admitted, "It has been too long."
"Long perhaps, but you do know. You simply seek to run away from who you are, rather than embrace it," the rat replied, looking at the man quizzically.
"You know nothing!" the man screamed back, "I run only from the beast, not myself." Scrambling down the mountainside the rat stopped by the mans feet, looking down at the hunting form of the beast.
"Why do you run from the beast?" it asked, "for at the start you were stronger, yet you still ran." The man followed its gaze, trying to recall a time when the beast had been smaller. Try as he might he could not bring the image to mind, yet the feelings of that time did come back.
"It is an animal, without control. Rage and anger rule its being. It hungers all the time, acting without thinking. It's primal actions........disgusted me."
"All the things that you are not?" the rat responded.
"Exactly I would nev-" Suddenly images flashed unwanted through his mind. The man killing a woman, a man, children, babes in arms. No, this couldn't be right. The beast did such things, not he. More and more flashes, pictures of broken bodies. Bloodied men, raped women.
"What are you doing to me?!" he cried, stumbling to his knees.
"As I said, I can do nothing in here." Scampering forward the the edge of the rocky platform, the rat looked down, only to quickly back away. Moments later the head of the beast appeared, bellowing in triumph. The sound died away as the man stood once more, looking the creature in its eyes.
"I know who you are now," he whispered, stepping forward to the massive form, "For so long I tried to outrun you, push you away. But how can you outrun yourself?" He shook his head at his own idiocy, "I resented you, hated you. When I should have accepted that you are a part of me."
At these words the beast seemed to shrink in size, the all consuming rage that had powered it petering out. Its resentment at being locked away and ignored, was overcome by the acceptance of the man. Stepping towards one another, they merged into one, before they were both gone.
"I know who I am now. I am Rowhaine. Thank you.............Sammael"

Post: #20

“The path is long young one. Yet, the deepest darkness, our true nemesis lies within ourselves. We claw through life”, a smile twitched upon his face “and some in death, to evade our true selves, but all is for naught”, Sammael rose to his feet.

“Come, let us behold the majesty of the once great city of Quatar, whilst we speak of things that must be done”, after sparing a glance at the Vizier, Sammael and the vampires exited the chamber, walking out into the bright Nehekharan sunlight.

Gesturing past the contingent assigned by the Vizier for the use, the weary band marched out gazing in wonder at the massive statues that comprised the Valley of the Kings.