Post: #1

Arkhan the Black must die

The thought echoed through the mind of Amadeus Valda as he gave chase to the Dread Lord of Nagash. Riding on a magnificent pale horse, the wind blew through the mane of the beast and Valda's own long brown hair. They seemed to be dancing in tandem with the wind as the beast held a phenomenal speed, easily outpacing even the might elven steeds of Ulthuan. The creatures of the night all jumped out of the way of the oncoming freight train that was Amadeus Valda as the moon hit its zenith on what was an unusually cold night. Frost was forming as the gaze of Nagash was firmly fixed on his crown and how close he was to having it. Giving chase, the look on Valda's face was one of absolute determination as he wished he could catch up to the amazing steed of Arkhan the Black, the manticore chariot. He could feel its beating heart even from here as he saw the trail of dark magic that the Crown of Sorcery was leaving. All of the creatures of the night had come out to try and get a glimpse of one of the most powerful magical artefacts in existence. It was an understandable desire. It mattered not to Valda though.

Driving his heels in faster, Valda held on for dear life as the horse instinctively dodged the trees and rocks that affected those unfortunate enough to be going across the ground at the time. The surface on the road from Sylvania to Nagashizzar was rough but it was not impassable. Gritting his teeth and letting the animalistic rage he normally held back take hold, Valda roared out. The Seven Warriors were not here now, he was riding alone for the moment. He was riding for wrath, for ruin, and to stop Nagash becoming complete. As the steed leapt over another rock, Valda formed a small ball of black magic and sent it flying in the direction of the rapidly flying manticore of Arkhan. As he saw Arkhans head turn to see what was happening, a trio of black magic orbs flew back, the pale horse having to use its full dexterity to move out of the way of the miniature explosions they caused when they landed. Arkhan wanted to escape, and Valda would not let him. Arkhan the Black had to die.

Forming a spike of raging telepathic magic, Valda flung it in the direction of Arkhan knowing full well that the message would reach the Dread Lords mind.

You know where she is, don't you? You know that giving him that Crown back means your time will be limited. Who else will oppose him once we are all gone? Will you and your kind be able to stop the mighty Nagash at the head of his undead world? You're a fool Arkhan, a fool and a coward. You took that crown from a defeated vampire after you couldn't even get it out the vault. You're holding my prize and I want it back.

The thought was laced with pure malice with an undertone of contempt. Valda had given up on the tact he usually afforded the Council as his pale steed dodged another ball of dark energy. The scowl on his face told more of a story than anything else ever could. He would ride after Arkhan until his steed died its second dead and Valda had to run himself. He would not allow Arkhan to suceed, or Nagash to be restored. The only way of doing that was simple, he thought to himself.

Arkhan the Black must die

Post: #2

As his chariot thundered over the rocky ground Arkhan spat a curse. It was not often in his unlife he was caught off guard but he had not expected this, not off Him any rate. Raising his staff he spoke the words that activated its power, felling a thrumming in his hand as it activated. The skull atop the black pole glowed a ruddy red, before it filled the necromantic construct with unholy power.
Steadying himself as it lurched forward with renewed speed, he glanced over his shoulder. He had succeeded in holding his distance, nothing more.

Valda.

That dammed, cursed creature! After their encounter those many years ago, he had not expected to encounter him again. He thought the vampire would have had the sense, especially considering what he had seen in Nagashizzar. He knew as well as any the Dark Lord would not suffer interference like this, the fool would suffer for his arrogance.
The chariot lurched, nearly catapulting him from its speeding form. It was not the road this time. A burst of dark magic had exploded dangerously near, and only the innate magical resistance of the manticore had stopped it.
Something crept over Arkhan, something he had not experienced in years. It took a moment to realise it was a feeling. For so long he had seen the world with a cold detachment that feelings were like strangers to him. It took him even longer to place the feeling. Fear? No it wasn’t fear. Valda may be powerful, but Arkhan was not scared of him. Nor did he fear death. Though he would never admit it, death would be a release. His position with Nagash, was not one of choice, The Dark Lord brought him back time and time again, to serve him for eternity , not out of gratitude as many of the weak minded mortals thought. He had to pay, pay for what he did all those years ago, and this was Nagash’s way.
But if not fear then what, it finally dawned on him. It was anticipation. Too long had he spent fighting worthless battles, inferior foes. Valda promised something different. Arkhan knew there was something different about him, he had known since he had first encountered him. He was one who could truly challenge the Dread Lord, and Arkhan relished the opportunity.
Ahead the road turned sharply left, snaking its way round a mile deep ravine before continuing on the other side. A humourless smile transformed Arkhan’s face into something more terrifying than the normal grimace he wore. Urging his chariot faster he kept his course straight and true. As he hit the corner the magical construct lifted, ancient wings on its side beating. They were no longer strong enough as they once were for true flight, but still enough to carry over the ravine.
With an almighty crash the chariot hit the other side, bouncing a few times as it continued at a break neck speed. Looking back over his shoulder at the reducing form of Valda, Arkhan sent a though back to him.

Catch me if you can.

Post: #3

I'll catch you and tear you limb from limb...

Ducking a branch, Valda felt his steed quicken once more as he tried to make up the necessary distance to catch Arkhan the Black. Seeing the Dread Lord getting away was angering him immensely and Valda knew that something needed to be done to slow Arkhan down. Thinking as he nearly lost his grip on the pale horse, an idea sprung into his mind on what he would do to catch the Crown of Sorcery. Clasping the reins of his steed as tightly as he could, Valda reached into his armour with his left hand, making sure that his right did not falter. The horse knew the target and its eyes burned with black fire. The cold touch of his hand on his own chest made Valda tingle for a moment as he struggled to keep hold. Dodging one of Arkhans bolts of dark magic, Valda had to lean to the right to ensure that the horse did not collide with a tree. Finally, he felt what he needed resting in the centre of his muscular chest, the stone given to him not long after he first met Arkhan. The stone that controlled the Legion of Forever.

As he clasped the stone, the knights began to appear all around him like ghosts from the aether. They were his to command and his to control. Their presence made the chase appear a lot more ostentatious than it needed to be but their role could prove to be a pivotal one as the massive gap loomed ahead of him. The materialising Legion surrounded Valda as he got within feet of the chasm and the pale horse jumped out of pure instinct, honestly believing it could make the massive distance. The legion jumped with it as Valda prayed that his idea would work. Sure enough it did as the Legion, in their ethereal forms, carried Valda and the pale horse across the chasm like a leaf on the wind. Letting go of the stone for a moment, the Legion disappeared as quickly as they had arrived, Valda thankful for their help as he turned the sharp corner, quick on the heels of Arkhan. Letting the swift cold wind carryb the bead of sweat he had lossed fly from his brow, Valda spurred the horse on, trying to gain more speed as he wished for a moment that the Seven were with him. Klimpt, the metallic vulture would have caught Arkhan in no time and this damned chase would have been over by now.

The craggy terrain of the road to Nagashizzar was finally starting to show its effect on Arkhans chariot as Valda raced with all the speed of the wicked dead. A sharp descent a mile ahead of them meant Arkhan disappeared out of sight momentarily as Valda knew it would be difficult to control the chariot. He could still see the trail of magic though, it still stank. As he finally reached the valley, he saw Arkhan at the base, he had lost some ground to Valda. Smirking inwardly, Valda let his steed continue the chase while he looked around. Readying more of his dark magic blasts, he directed several of them at items ahead of the Dread Lord, hoping to slow him further so he could catch him. The only thoughts filling Valda's mind were ones of grandeur, more grandeur than any of the Vampire Council could imagine. The only thing in his way was a valley and a Dread Lord. Urging his steed on once more, he slowed his head and continued firing the magical blasts. Sending another message Arkhans way, it was surrounded in an air of amusement.

Don't give up on me so soon. We're having fun aren't we?

Post: #4

Fun. Arkhan nearly laughed out loud at that. Such arrogance Valda had if he thought attacking a Dread Lord of Nagash was fun. Still Arkhan had to admit, he had not expected his foe to make it over the ravine so easily.

We will see how much fun you have when your skin is flayed and hung in the walls Nagashizzar.

The chariot lurched once more on the many rocks that covered the path in front of him. Had this been anything other than a magical construct it would have been destroyed miles back. Yet even still it could not last much longer, especially with the barrage of magical blasts Valda was keeping up.
True the vampire’s strength did not lay in magic, not in the way Arkhan’s did. But he was a like an annoying animal. Snapping and nibbling, trying to wear him down. As the crown pulsed softly with power he knew he could not let himself be slowed. As much as it pained him to flee from someone inferior than him, the repercussions from Nagash would be worse if Valda somehow managed to get hold of the crown.
Sending tendrils of thought into the ground he searched for what he knew would be there. This was the path to Nagashizzar after all. Many a would be hero had perished on their quests and after the thousands of years many dead lay here, if you knew where to look.
Though now going slower than Valda’s enchanted steed, the chariot was still going fast enough to kick up a vast plume of smoke. Billowing out as they raced along it obscured what was happening to the ground. As Valda raced along he almost didn’t see the mass of rotting bodies stood ready to greet him. Appearing out of the cloud as if spectres they raised their ancient weapons, ready to protect their master as they had done so in their previous life.

Post: #5

The dead coming from the ground ahead of him almost made Valda think the chase was pointless. This distraction would prove to be his undoing here and now if he didn't time this perfectly. Clenching his left hand into a tight fist, he fired bolts of dark magic at everything around creating almight explosions as tree's and other items began to fall on the assembled dead. His horse leapt over the first tree and dodged out of the way of the second as one of the newly risen managed to get hold of Valda's leg, the speed of the steed ripping it clean from the joint. The endeavour had slowed him down a little as a plan began to form in Valdas cold mind.

Grabbing hold of the reigns with both hands, Valda freed his right hand to grab hold of his trusty blood blade. The enchantment of the blade was a simple one, it sought blood and made though who wielded it seek blood in equal measure. At a long shot, the effect would be transferred to creatures and other animals as he had learned when he left the sword on the zombie dragon in Schwarzberg and had to fight the beast unarmed. Letting the hilt of the blade touch his steed, the Beast flared up and Valda had to hold on lest he fall off and began with renewed vigour. It was now thirsty for Arkhans blood. As it sped up, Valda coughed through the smoke of the Chariot as he could barely see it. He was getting angrier by the minute and nothing would sedate him more than finally having Arkhans head on a pike at Schwarzberg.


Meanwhile

Ra'en, Berkerach, Heinemann, Rakmananoff and Klimpt had gotten leagues ahead of Valda. They had done so under the assumption that he would not catch Arkhan and had it not been for the amazing Akamantis they would never have gotten to this place in time as the wraith lady was the only one among them not present. Ra'en looked into the distance and saw billows of smoke and could hear explosions. He was sure this was the way they would be coming as Berkerach had rightly point out that this place was more dead than others. It was saturated with the lost hope of those who had wanted to go to Nagashizzar. Ra'en addressed the others.

"Arkhan will be here soon. You know what we have to do so you best make sure he doesn't simply speed past up. Berkerach, Rakmananoff, its your job to make sure that he is slowed while Heinemann and Klimpt obliterate that chariot so that he can't escape once we stop him."

The others nodded in agreement. Valda had not asked for their help but ater the Battle of Sylvania, the Seven Forgotten Warriors had decided to not be forgotten anymore. This was where they would be remembered.

Post: #6

Through the senses of the dead Arkhan felt that his ploy had worked partially. Temporarily slowed Valda was now picking up speed, but it was too late. He was on the final stretch now, and he would be in range of the armaments of Nagashizzar before Valda caught up to him.
There was an ominous creak from the chariot, no doubt protesting from limits its master had pushed it passed. This treacherous road would have destroyed any other contraption, and only Arkhan's will was keeping this one this one together.
The creak sounded again, but this time it did not stop. Something was wrong. Arkhan had not survived this long without developing some kind of sixth sense, and he could sense an unknown power at play. Before he could react there was a blood curdling screech from the undead maw of the manticore, as the left wheel was wrenched from its housing. It was as if a giant invisible hand had simply grasped hold of it and pulled it off.
But it was not enough. The massive wings of the manticore beat strongly, managing to keep the axle off the ground. Whilst saving its rider it also robbed him of control, the nightmares skittering over the rubble as they struggled to keep the chariot in a straight line.
Swearing Arkhan focused his will, concentrating on keeping the steeds under control. Slowing down was not an option, he had to deliver the Crown. But something else was happening. A white mist billowed out in front of him, entirely obscuring his vision. As the chariot careered through it he realised it was not mist, but steam, droplets of water condensing on his armour.
He knew suddenly who it was who was doing all this a cursed Valda's cowardice. So he had to bring his pets along as well? As he began to cast once more to disperse the annoying obstruction a monstrous armoured shape loomed out of the mist in front of him.
There was no chance of stopping.
With a deafening crash the two collided. The nightmares were destroyed on impact, necks and backs broken as the weight of the chariot crushed them against the unknown bulk. The yoke suffered the same fate as the rest of the chariot buckled, its rear end lifted upwards. Like a stone out of a catapult Arkhan was launched skyward, desperately clinging to the Crown with all his might. Such was the speed he had been traveling that the force carried him over whatever he had crashed into, to land with a thud on the other side.
But if they thought that would have stopped Arkhan they were sorely mistaken. He was a Dread Lord for a reason as he spun round, blade raised, ready to face his attackers.

Post: #7

Watching the scene unfolding before him, there was a small sign of anxiety in Valda as he watched Arkhan the Black get flung through a cloud of steam. Who was trying to interfere in his quest for the Crown of Sorcery? As he finally made it to the spot where the incident had happened, the cloud was beginning to dissipate and Valda felt immense relief wash over him as he saw a load of familiar faces. Why had the Forgotten come here to aid him. He certainly hadn't asked them to, but seeing Arkhan fly without his chariot was an image he would never lose, and for that he was grateful to his brethren.

Dismounting, Valda got to the spot where Arkhan and the Crown had landed. Turning a appreciative glance at the Forgotten, he returneed his eyes to Arkhan and narrowing them, Valda extended his hand down to the Dread Lord to help him up. There was a begrudging respect in his voice as he spoke.

"Come Arkhan, you've benn outsmarted here and now, just give it up. There are Seven of us and one of you. Even you can't stand up to odds that good."

A wide smile formed on the face of Amadeus Valda. He had no intention of Arkhan going back to Nagashizzar with the Crown, and if he had his own way, Arkhan would never go anywhere again. There was no actual respect in his voice, only laced contempt from actually having to speak with Arkhan after all this time. The words 'head on a pike' came to mind as he watched, fully expecting some sort of resistance from the Dread Lord of Nagash.

Post: #8

"I did not realise we were on first name basis Amadeus," Arkhan replied in a voice devoid of emotion. Ignoring the outstretched hand he took note of the surrounding warriors. One on one, he was superior to any of his foes. He could even conceivably take two or three on at once, but the bastard Valda was right, he could not outfight them all.
He had been in worse situations than this before though, and his brilliant mind was already running through the possible ways to turn it to his advantage. But whatever he though up, it always kept on coming back to the one point, he was outmatched.

"It appears you have the advantage Amadeus," the Liche admitted slowly, "I take it you have come for this?"In his clawed hand he held up the black Crown. It seemed so innocuous looking, like any other piece of old rubbish. But the feeling it gave those nearby told another story. To the surrounding vampires it was like their skins were covered in flesh eating ants, such was the dark power emanating from the Crown. Even Arkhan was not immune to its effects, but now was not the time nor the place to show any weakness.

"If you desire it that much, have it." With almost a casual flick of his wrist Arkhan tossed the crown to the ground in front of him, its twirling form twinkling as light reflected off it. Time seemed to slow as he waited for the moment, and Arkhan was not disappointed. Anyone else would have missed it, but before the Crown hit the ground Valda's eyes flickered downward, breaking eye contact with the Dread Lord. Something so small was still grievous mistake to make in front of someone who was skilled enough to take advantage of it, and Arkhan was one such warrior.

Lunging forward he didn't waste time with his sword, instead grabbing hold of Valda's right arm with his own right, he pulled Valda across his body. As his own body moved behind the vampires he grabbed hold of Valda's left shoulder whilst kicking him behind his kneecap. The force of the blow was enough to force Valda to his knees whilst his right arm which was still held was locked straight.
The inch long claws on Arkhan's hand fingered Valda's exposed throat,
"I thought she taught you better Amadeus," the cold voice mocked, "never drop your eyes." Around them the forgotten warriors looked on uncertainly, weapons ready. They could not attack the Liche without endangering their master, and Arkhan was counting on that fact to keep him alive, well as alive as you could call the skeletal monstrosity.

A low laugh answered him.
"Oh, she did Arkhan. She did." Pain suddenly wracked Arkhan's skull as Valda thrust his head upwards. The distraction was enough for the vampire as he twisted his locked arm round, grabbing hold of Arkhan's arm and reversing the lock onto him. Spinning round to the right he used his momentum to force the arm to twist even more, throwing the liche head over heels and onto his back with a thud.

The superior look on Valda's face dropped however, when he realised what Arkhan had managed to grasp when he fell. Before he could stop him the Dread Lord placed the Crown of Nagash on his head.
With an earsplitting bang power surged through the Arkhan, throwing off a shockwave which felled the surrounding vampires. Rising to his feet, the cold look that normally filled his was replaced with an ominous glow of arcane energy.
"You will not interfere with the Plan vermin" he snarled, tone filled with malice. Raising his hands high, he allowed the power to surge as he prepared to destroy his foes.

Post: #9

As his eyes opened in a wide glare, Valda realised the folly of error he had made in his most previous move and now the distance between himself, the Forgotten and Arkhan would be crucial. They needed to close that distance instantly to prevent the power of the Crown coming into play or all of them would be destroyed. They needed a distraction somehow. Anything would do for now. In a split second, the answer hit Amadeus Valda like lightning on a clear day.

"Oh dear Arkahn, look what you've gone and done. I bet even now Nagash is sneering on his big old bone throne cursing you for doing what Mannfred Von Carstein did." The look on Arkhans face was a story all in itself. The power of the Crown was intoxicating even for someone as ancient as the Dread Lord. The power gathering in his hand seemed to wane for a second as Valda continued/ "You've failed in your task for the moment. You were meant to bypass us. You could have simply held us at bay with the Crown and made the last part of the journey but here you are, miles from help and wearing what the Dark Lord desires. his wrath will be great Arkhan, you know that from experience though."

The dispondant look in Arkhans eyes turned to hateful rage as a bolt of black lightning erupted at Valda. The lightning splintered at the last moment as Valda saw Berkerach light up trying his hardest to fend off the arcane magics. Seizing the moments notice, Valda charged once more, only to feel his ligaments go numb as Arkhan stopped him with a mere glance. This was true power. A mighty punch hit Arkhan from behind as Heinemann hit the one they called 'The Black'. Arkhan did not fall though, he simply slid across the floor. Turning, he raised his hand and a massive ball of black energy knocked Heinemann flying through several trees. Valda could see a limp form in the distance as Heinemann was quite clearly unconscious. Laughing, Arkhan turned back to Valda.

"Is that all you have to offer?"

The answer came in another cloud of steam followed by by a metal bird flying through the steam at Arkhan. Once again, the crown glowed and Arkhan batted Klimpt away like he were a small insect and pointed at Rakmananoff making the steam gun explode on his back, covering the warrior in scolding water. Three down, Valda thought.

Snapping himself from the control of the magic, Valda aimed a forearm shot at the side of Arkhans head. As he did so, the Dread Lord grabbed Valdas forearm and attempted to fling him onto his back. Valda flipped back upright and attempted the same move on Arkhan. As he did so, he was met by a fierce elbow from Arkhans free arm. Launching a knee into Arkhans abdomen, followed by an attempted heel kick to the head, Valda found himself being grabbed and tossed to the floor like a mere child. In the moment that Valda fell, Arkhan flung another ball of dark energy at Berkerach. Thankfully, the magical vampire did not flinch and responded with his trademark winking blast that actually sent Arkhan off his feet. Valda had always known Berkerach was powerful but this was unheard of. The moments surprise was broken by Arkhan hitting Valda in the back. Another blast hit Berkerach and this one knocked him unconscious . Valda was less surprised this time around.

Turning, Valda realised Ra'en was nowhere to be seen and the others had been incapacitated. Another bolt of black lightning refracted around him as Valda felt his heart warm. No, it was the gem on his chest, he was being protected by her. Another black bolt simply refracted off him as Valda closed the distance one more and threw Arkhan to the ground. The Black one tried to sweep Valda up but missed and Valda landed a hard thrusting punch into Arkhans stomach. A poke in the eye sent Valda reeling again as Arkhan stood back up. Assuming a defensive posture, he waited for the next onslaught as in the distance coming from Nagashizzar, he heard a shrill scream and thunder like horse hooves. Behind him, a dragon roared in the distance. This fight would not go on much longer either way and Valda knew this was the crucial for both combatants. The fate of the Crown of Sorcery and the Old World literally hung on the next few minutes.

Post: #10

Overhead the sky started to turn black as clouds billowed and spread. A grim smile flickered over Valda's face as he recognised Lesa's trademark attacks. Moments later a thick bolt of lightning speared down out of the sky turned the area dazzling white.
As the glare cleared Vlda could see the bolt had been deflected, not by Arkhan but by another.

Behind the Dread Lord stood three cowled figures on horseback. Their chargers were jet black, red eyes rolling as they stamped the ground. Whoever the strangers were, they emitted an aura an malice that was only beaten by Arkhan himself. Turning round the Dread Lord saw the three and a scowl crossed his face,
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, power crackling around him. The voice that answered was deep and harsh, full of barely controlled anger.
"To make sure the crown returns safely."
"You dare doubt me?!!" Arkhan's bellow of rage echoed in the valley around them as he stepped forward. For all the horror the three seemed to instill, they still retreated from the enraged liche.
"No Prosecutor, we do not. We come on orders from the Dark Lord himself. He knew on your situation and ordered us to assist."
Arkhan glared at the three before turning back to Valda.
"Well it seems my amusement has been forestalled." Over head the shadow black dragon still circled as Lesa watched the events unfold below. One of her most powerful attacks had simply been pushed aside, and she waited to see what would happen next. She had no care for Valda, but Arkhan, she wanted him dead. With the crown there was little to no chance, but if Valda succeeded in taking it off him, perhaps she would have her chance.

Back down on the field groans filled the air as the forgotton warriors came round, watching Arkhan and the strangers warily. The two forces stood off but even though they outnumbered them, Valda and his warriors were outclassed.
"Surely you do not think you can still get the Crown Valda?" Arkhan mocked, "If you cannot defeat one of teh Dread Lords of Nagash, what hope do you have against four of us?" Turning to the others he gestured,
"May I introduce The Executioner, The Jailer, and the Judge." The three strangers lowered their hoods to reveal two men and a woman. The Executioner was muscular, hefting a doubled handed axe in a one handed grip like it was nothing. One eye had long been ripped out and sewed over, but his remaining one spoke volumes of his hate.
The other man whilst slender and taller, projected a powerful aura that matched that of the most powerful wizards Valda had ever encountered. His jade green eyes glittered with arcane light, it was he that had deflected Lesa's bolt.
The final of trio, stood tall and firm. Her lined face had long lost any capabiliy to show compassion, her eyes only shone will malice, her look as if she could see into your soul and tell your sins. The Judge was well named. As she opened her mouth elongated canines were revealed, showing the forgotten ones that not all vampires had escaped Nagash's clutches.

(I will finish this tomorrow)

Post: #11

It seemed battle was inevitable. Valda would not let the Crown escape, yet Arkhan knew death was preferable to returning empty handed to Nagashizzar.
Cold eyes staring forward Arkhan knew he could not afford such a fight. True, he and the Dread Lords were powerful, yet there was no small amount of power arrayed against them. Valda and his warriors knew enough to be wary know, and now Lesa seemed to have joined on their side, her magic could prove deadly. Even though the chance was small, there was still a risk the Crown be be taken, and that was not a chance he was willing to take.

An idea suddenly came to him. He had known Valda long enough to know certain weaknesses. His arrogance and pride, and also his word.

"A challenge." the words came out bluntly as Arkhan strode forward, "You and I. If you can defeat me, then you may take your prize. If you cannot, you and your warriors must retreat." Valda stared long and hard at the Liche lord before shaking his head.
"You take me for a fool. I need not best you in a duel to take the crown, the very fact you are proposing such a thing shows your own doubts." Arkhan's eyes seemed to glow with rage, before he spat the next words,
"So you are a coward Amadeus?" Yet he knew the vampire was right. Suddenly a cruel smile crept across his face as he entertained a thought.
"However I have something that you cannot take. Only something that I can give." Valda looked at the Dread Lord intently, realisation dawning on his face.
"Defeat me, and I will reveal to you where She lays."

Post: #12

The silence that followed was deafening before with a slow nod Valda accepted.
”You leave me no choice,” the vampire said bitterly as he faced his foe, ”but if we fight, we fight on even terms. Take off the Crown. Arkhan paused before his pride took over. Taking off the crown he passed it to the Jailer who held it reverently.
“I will return this to our Lord,” he said pulling on the reins of his dead steed.
”You will remain where you are,”Arkhan commanded, a dark light in his eyes, ”unless you wish to face my wrath personally. The Dread Lords shared a look that made it clear that whilst they did not agree with Arkhan, they feared him enough to not disobey him.
Walking forward from their groups Arkhan the Black and Amadeus Valda faced off against each other.
”No swords, no magic” Valda said warily watching the Dread Lord.
”Of course” Arkhan replied as if he had not expected anything less. Seconds stretched into minutes as they both watched and waited. In their minds they fought, countering moves yet to come, noting each weak spot, sure in their own gifts that they would be victorious.
It was Arkhan who moved first. Stepping forward his forward arm jabbed outwards, no more than a feint to mask the more powerful reverse punch following it. The blows were lightning fast, the first knocking Valdas head back whilst the second burst his lip. Taking advantage of his foes distraction Arkhan swung round his foot arcing round towards the vampires head.
It never made contact as Valda’s powerful arm grabbed the leg, using the Liche’s own momentum to pull him up and over. Smashing into the floor with thud Arkhan managed to roll expertly back to his feet, twisting as he rose to face Valda once more.....
(I’ll continue this tomorrow as Voltaire doesn’t seem to be posting and I need Lesa back!)

Post: #13

A fist smashed down into Arkhan’s face as Valda landed a blow. The force was enough to crack bone, spreading the Liche’s nose into his face. As another blow came in Arkhan twisted alongside it, grabbing Valda by the throat and throwing him to the ground. As the vampire landed on his back the Dread Lord was upon him, forearm at his throat whilst the other arm punched his head repeatedly. Such power the blows had that the skin on Valda’s cheek split, showing the white of bone through the bloody tear.
Arching is back, Valda managed to throw Arkhan off as he stumbled to his feet. Not giving the Liche a chance he attacked with a furious barrage of punches.
His first blow was blocked by Arkhan’s forearm but the follow up crashed into his chin. Bringing both arms up Arkhan managed to stop the third powerful blow, only to have a powerful short job delivered to his stomach. Doubling over he spat black bile before another strike to the back of the neck knocked him to his knees.
”Your arrogance will cost you this time Arkhan,” Valda taunted as he pulled the Liche’s head back to deliver another blow.
As it came down Arkhan raised his hands, grabbing the head and pulling the vampire close down until the Liche’s mouse was level to his ear.
”It is not arrogance when you are proven right.” Grasping the vampire he twisted him down and over, piledriving his head into the ground. Staggering back to his feet the Dread Lord felt dazed. They were not ordinary mortals. The blows they were exchanging were enough to shatter stone, each on had enough power to kill a mortal outright.
Valda was in almost a bad shape, but they both knew neither would back down.

****************************

Overhead Lesa watched the duel in something approaching awe. She had seen enough to know that this was as much personal rivalry as anything else. The minutes passed as the two continued to fight, each taking horrific amounts of damage as well as dealing it out. As much as she want to get involved, to end it once and for all she knew it would be suicide. As well as the Dread Lords there were also the Forgotten Warriors who had no loyalty to here and would no doubt take offense if she attempted to interfere. In short she was on her own.
***************************

A cracking sound filled the air as both warriors their foe at the same time. They had been fighting non-stop for twenty minutes, titanic blows taking their toll until both were covered in cuts and bruises.
Both staggered back, before staggering back forward. Grappling hold of each other, each tried to force the other to the ground. It seemed they were stalemated until Arkhan drew back his head, before smashing down into Valda’s face. Without pausing he headbutted him again, and again. The final strike knocked the vampire to his knees, before Arkhan’s foot struck him under the chin. The kick launched him backwards over the ground, sliding to a halt by the feet of the Forgotten Ones.
The Dread Lord stood back up straight, waiting, watching for his foe to rise. It was in vain though as Valda had been defeated. That last powerful blow had knocked him unconscious.

A smirk crossed Arkhan’s face as he realised he had won. Looking each of the Forgotten in the eye he laughed,
”See how the strongest of you falls. Do you dare face us? Do you dare face me?” He received no response, they knew when a cause was hopeless and faced by four of the Dread Lords of Nagash they could not prevail.

********************************

Lesa could have screamed as she saw Valda fall. Could no one stop Arkhan? The bastard seemed to be unstoppable, powerful beyond reason. Watching she saw Arkhan raise one of the nightmares that had been pulling his now destroyed chariot, before he and the other Dread Lords rode away, Crown of Nagash still in hand. The Forgotten warriors recovered their leader before starting to retreat from the Nagashizzar.
Not sure what to do Lesa climbed up higher into the clouds watching the Dread Lords make their way along the winding road to Nagashizzar. Suddenly something caught his attention. Coming down from the lair of the Dark Lord two more cowled figures approached. They met up before one of the Dread Lords accompanying Arkhan split up and joined the other group.
Setting off once more she could see Arkhan and his two companions headed off towards Nagshizzar but three of the Dread Lords rode off at a terrifying speed, back towards the plain of bones the duel had just taken place on.
It was there she witnessed a summoning like no other she had ever seen. The three threw their arms wide, summoning the thousands of dead to walk once more. In scant minutes a vast army, tens of thousands strong stood, ready to follow their undead masters.
Walking to the fore of this army one of the Dread Lords stood before suddenly he exploded into a swirl of dark mist. Like a cyclone the gust of wind moved round the army, spinning faster and faster until with a roar that hurt her ears the now black cloud shot off at a terrifying speed. The massive army and the Dread Lords has also gone, contained in whatever black magic have created the mist.
A horrible feeling set in Lesa’s stomach as she realised its direction. She had no doubt that it was heading towards Sylvania, to where the lands of the Vampire Counts lay undefended.

Post: #14

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