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Date Posted: 21:49:30 12/07/99 Tue
Author: Sir Dragzfuth
Subject: Clash with the truth

Clash with the truth

I mounted the horse again, and rode out of the town fast. Wretched state we live in indeed. Where a street wench
has a heart filled with good whereas the queen's is filled with poison.
"You can lead me to where dragon is likely to be?" I asked Tileraas.
"Yes, I believe I can, his heart is filled with malice lighting up a clear path."
Gallopping into the forest, the horse suddenly stopped, almost throwing me off his back. The steed stood up on his
back legs in obvious terror and fright...

My eyes turned upfront into dark out of their own.
"Danger, dead ahead!", Tileraas shouted.
I sheated the sword and jumped off the horse. Weapon illuminated brilliantly casting light into dead of the night.

A tall, dark figure emerged from the shadows,
"You can put down the sword Sir knight, I come in peace, not to fight.", a deep voice spoke.

"Who are thee?" I replied, still keeping the weapon readily in my hands.

"Town people know me as Baron von Risper", answer came. "But I do believe your sword will know better. And you
with it."
Face of the stranger came close enough for the light of the sword to reveal it. A human face of elegant features,
not looking threatening at all. My vision flickered and changed, figure in front wavered like a myst of smoke
now.

"As you can see I am not physically present, and therefore I pose no real threat to you and your mighty sword
Sir Magan of Dragzfuth", Risper spoke again, ephasizing each sylabel of my title and name.

"He speaks the truth", Tileraas noted. "This is but a mental projection, and the worst he could do in this form
is posess a mortal whose heart is weak. Nevertheless we should severe the link and be on our way, an evil such as
his can never be trusted, and he surely didn't appear to you without a good reason."
My eyes noticed the link of the projection with whatever power that was controlling it.

"Come now Sir knight, you are not going to cut a gesture of good will on my side by violence on your part?",
Risper said noticing where I was looking.
"I know better then to wish harm against you... See, I have been watching you for a long time Sir Magan. And I hoped
to have a conversation with thee one day, perhaps in less eggy circumstances then this."

Uneasily, I spoke back to the shadow. "Yeah, you hoped I would not know your true nature am I correct?"

"Bright lad... Yes, for it would have made this somewhat easier if you did not see me as the abomination of evil
you see now, and that just by looking at a puny mental projection I cast.", voice of von Risper mellowed somewhat.

"So you were hoping to use deception on me one day, I guess I am safe to assume you are looking for something
similar right now...", my words cut back into the night.

"Ahhh... such harsh words Sir knight. What makes you think I would not have revealed my true nature to you when
time would have prooved right. But it is how things stand now, that you both fear and hate me at the same time."
The voice changed further yet, sounding somewhat fatherly now.
"Your heart and soul are one of the strongest I've met in a long time Magan. You could make a fine companion to
me one day...."
Pausing for a few moments, Risper 'walked' few steps and looked back down the path into the town lights...
"Yes, a companion, not a mere servant like those demons and witches I have around me at the present time.", his voice grew
softer yet, almost hypnotizing.
"You already see glimpses of what true Power can show thee Magan, now that you hold the god sword. Imagine were
you to wield that power with no restraints... with no arguments of your consciuss... truly grasping the marvels
it could offer to thee. I know you can feel that, it's been in your heart always..."
He turned to me again.
"Can you now see all that you could have at my side...?"

I looked down a moment, then back into Risper's eyes. "Yes, I can. You have a voice of conviction that surely
had won you many allegiances over the time. But your spell is useless against me at this time... You have come
too late Baron Von Risper." I replied, using the same mocking emphasis on the sylabels of his own title and name
he did for mine.

Risper's eyes flickered bright red in fury for a moment.
"Very nice going, I couldn't have said it better myself", Tileraas noted.

"Fair enough Sir knight. Fair enough...", shadow continued, in a calm voice yet again.

"You knew that you were not going to sway me just by few simple words and a puny spell Risper.So what is it
that you show thyself to me for then? Surely you were not just passing by to say hi?", I poked at him.

Shadow weawered and replied in baritone laughter.
"Truly funny young Magan. I see your skill with tongue almost matches the one you have with the sword. But I didn't come
here to exchange jokes either. I come to offer you information on something I think you would dearly like to know..."

"And that might be?", I clutched my sword tighter, feeling cold chills eminating from Risper's form in front.

"What truly happened the day your home was destroyed, as I have seen it with my own eyes." Risper replied. "You were
told it was a random attack by a dragon, yet you never knew which dragon it was, and if it was actually true."

"Noone ever saw the dragon up close. Soldiers of the castle that found the home destroyed were too late..." I said,
repeating what was told to me that day.

Eyes of the figure in front glowed bright green, voice sounding fatherly again, "But was it truly like that my dear Magan?
I was there you know, and I've watched it all happen. A truly entertaining spectacle I must say", he cackled.
"And I can show it to you, you can watch it as if your eyes were mine then..."

"I don't like this Magan. He's up to something". Tileraas spoke in my thoughts.
"I need to know this Tileraas. Can you protect me against any tricks like posession? Could it be safe?"
"Safety from direct harm I can guarantee you Magan. But it is whatever happened that day that he wants to
show to thee that worries me... I don't think you should take up on that offer."

I sighed, thinking for a few moments.
"Alright Risper I want this, what do you ask in exchange?" I muttered back.

A smile appeared on the shadow reaching from it's one ear to another, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.
"Nothing much sir knight. I would grant thee this information for free, but then you would suspect me even more.
A simple request is all that I ask. I want you to spare Tri-arcanoth's life, for I know that you will encounter
the dragon in near future."

"Spare his life? But he is out there looking to kill me!", I exclaimed, puzzled.

"Oh well now sir Knight," (mocking emphasis on the first sylabel again), "You cut off one of his heads when he
was still in full strength, and you had no god sword assistance yet." Risper voice was filled with amusement now.
"I am sure you can find a way to keep old beast at bay without having to kill it..."

I turned my thoughts to the sword. "You think it's possible to incapcitate a full sized dragon without killing it
while the beast is hungry for revenge looking for your own life?"
Tileraas sighed, "Magan, I am telling you don't do this!"
"I asked you a question."
He didn't reply for a few moments, then muttered obviously upset "Yes damn it! You've seen the beast was vulnerable
before, just cut a life strand or two of his and he'll be terrified of you. He already isn't himself without that
first head you took off."

Facing Risper's shadow, I gave out a rebellious grin. "Alright Mr.Evil. You've got yourself a deal."
More baritone laughter echoed as Risper spoke back.
"You are by far one of the most entertaining humans I ever met sir Knight. Such a shame we can't be on the same side."
With a melancholic sigh, he continued.
"Expect this to feel slightly disorienting at first..."

A flash of bright light stroke my eyes and blinded me for a long time, leaving me in a place I knew not of time
nor space nor light... how long I was there I know not, but it felt like eternity.
Then suddenly my eyes started to see images again, and I could see myself walking through a sunny day, one that
happened 7 years ago.

I walked next to a compliment of soldiers that wore royal army ensignia. Mixed among them was an assortment of
wild men riders, that by any practical means fitted description of what I knew of the Tankan hordes. But they
were apparently with the royal army as friends at this time, not captive or anything.
A knight rode at the head of this 'ceremony' one that I recognize as Sir Taleoron. What in blazes was going on?
My movements were not my own, I only watched through Risper's eyes observing his memories of this day.
But he made sure he heard all the interesting bits of what was going as I was soon to realize.

Soldiers took no notice of me, as Risper was apparently in invisible form at that time. We floated next to the
man that looked like the most decorated of the Tankan men.
The man rode up to catch up with Sir Taleoron.
"So where is the entertainment Lord Justin had promised my men? They are starting to get restless sir KNight."
he noted in same mocking tone as Risper used with my own title.
Taleoron's face showed obvious disgust as the old knight answered the stranger
"We should be there soon... do not worry, Lord Justin keeps his promises well."

"He'd better", wild man noted. "I am a high general of our hordes, and should I find this displeasing, our
agreement is off, and I will send forth a messenger to Tankan himself, that this state should be leveled with
ground!". He finished with a smirk laughter, then turned his horse and rode back to his compatriots yelling something
in their native tongue.

"Intriguing development, is it not dear Magan?"
I've heard a voice speak that had nothing to do with these images.
"An alliance with Tankan... who would have thought Lord Justin had so much ingenuity up his sleeve. Ahh...
but let me not spoil the show for you..."

With horror I noticed next where the party was headed. We were just metres away from the entrance to the forest
clearing where once my home was... at this time it still was there, as I was very soon to realize.

Soldiers stopped at the edge, as Sir Taleoron gave an order to halt.
Tankan general rode up to him again. "What is it now man?"
"We've reached our destination, barbarian." Taleoron pointed his finger to the cottage in the clearing.
"It's all... yours... " his voice trembled.

My eyes would have gone wide in horror if they were truly mine as I watched helplessly the five barbarians charge
into the clearing and to the place I once called home. I tried screaming, running to warn my mother and sister
but I could not move... no voice would come out...
Risper brought us closer together to get a better look at the pillage
...
I watched my mother's eyes go wide in terror as she saw the barbarians...
I could see Alexandra try to help her as two men grabbed her, she brought up her sword and cut one of their hands.
Next the weapon was kicked out of her own hands as all five men charged her at the same time.
I could see how they put a torch to the house, and what they did to my mother before someone put her out of her
misery by cutting her neck...
My mind could stand no more of this but I could not close my eyes, I could not do a thing...
As Alexandra was pushed down on the ground and one of the barbarians raised over her I fought hard again to do
something... anything...
powerless... I watched and tears of rage swole over my eyes that I did not have control of.
As if Risper decided to be merficull upon me, he glided back to Taleoron and the soldiers.
Rage envelopped me as I looked at them standing, just watching the horror.
Taleoron could not stand to look though, he was clenching his fists and looking aside.
One of the soldiers approached his commanding officer,
"Sir Taleoron, I have to ask... it could have been any house in the kingdom... why did Lord Justin choose this one?"
Gripping to his sword hilt with one hand, Taleoron spoke through his teeth.
"Because... he... feels... that... Sir Dragzfuth... will ... make a better knight... if he was made an...orphan..."
I felt I was about too loose my mind, but apparently Sir Taleoron was not feeling THat much better.
With a shout of rage he sheathed his sword and charged his horse towards the Tankan men. My look shifted back
to observe the spectacle, but just as Taleoron was about to cut one of the Tankan down, a earblowing roar echoed
and a large shadow descended over the forest.
Gold glitters of Tri-arcanoths wing, still all of his three heads, all of his power, the mighty dragon dropped
down from the sky like a stone, burning two of the Tankan men to death in an instant.
Third was cut down by Taeloron just before he was dropped off his horse that panicked.
Fourth man tried to escape but Tri-arcanoth's claw grabbed him and his fate, MUCH deserved was sealed in the
dragon's jaws.
Tankan general stood next to Alexandra's limp body showing no intention to run from the dragon.
Roaring again, Tri-arcanoth spoke, all of his three heads in unisome threat.
"YOU WILL PULL BACK YOUR FORCES IN THE EAST, OR ELSE LORD JUSTIN WILL RELEASE HIS DRAGON ARMY UPON YOU. WE ARE
NOT MANY, BUT I ALONE AM ENOUGH FOR YOUR PUNY HORDES!!!!"
Barbarian trembled and muttered something in his native tongue.
"Valrittan... Valrittan..."

"Enchanting, that barbarian speech is it not? What that man said right now is, "God of fire". For that is what
he sees in this dragon.
Risper's amused speech echoed in my head again.

The wildman was already scrambling up his horse and running away, not allowing himself to be told twice to run...
Tri-arcanoth looked at Sir Taleoron. "YOU!", he roared.
Old knight was trembling, but mention of Lord Justin's name from dragon's mouth calmed him a little.
"Yes, mighty Tri-arcanoth?"
"LORD JUSTIN PROMISED ME ENTERTAINMENT. BUT ALL I SEE IS A COUPLE OF TERRIFIED WILDMEN, AND A DYING GIRL,
WHICH I CANNOT EVEN EAT WITHOUT GETTING INDIGESTION FROM THE SEMEN OF THOSE BARBARIAN... TELL SIR JUSTIN I WILL GET
SOMETHING AT THE VILLAGE AT CASTLE DRICE. AND GET THIS LASS A PROPER BURIAL WILL YA. IF YOU CAN LIVE WITH YOURSELVES
FOR DOING WHAT YOU JUST DID HERE!!!!!" Releasing another roar, dragon lifted up on his wings, and dissapeared
with a strong wind raising.

With unearthy struggle I managed to speak at last, but only Risper could hear my words of course.
"Enough Demon. I've seen enough..."
"Ahh... but the best is yet to come Magan. Watch... "
Our vision turned again, and looked down into the forest where nothing apparent was seen. Moving forward, I could
tell someone or something was behind the trees on the path that was going around there... we moved further
yet and I recognized Belamore's cart that just started to move ahead silently... my vision turned red, or so I felt...
"One last thing, I will let you in on a little secret. See my reasons for being here was a soul, your Sister's
soul more specifically. But alas, even Von Risper can't predict everything."
We turned back again and I could see a white flash emanate from Alexandra's body for a few quick moments.
"That was Janora's doing. The white witch that always has been a thorn in my side. But ahh...she's so entertaining,
you all are so entertaining..."
Risper's words slowly faded into a faint echo as the image blurred, and darkened until I was back in present
day, breathing the night air, staring into those red eyes in front of me.
I collapsed on my knees, my eyes burning. But I could not cry, not in front of this... abomination...

"One day Risper... I muttered... one day...
... Just tell me one thing. Did YOU order Lord Justin to do that?
Did You manipulate him?"

Baritone laughter roared into the coldness of the black sky.
"That is the best part Sir Dragzfuth. I did not. Lord Justin is by far the most fascinating man I have ever
seen. So.... inventive in his evil that almost puts ME to shame."
He continued laughing.
"Just for your information. That action ensured years of peace with Tankan hordes. It was only last year that
Tankan himself has returned from conquests overseas, and put things back into their place, as his superstition
is far less impressed by your "God of Fire". Not to mention he has his own non human allies..."
"But enough of history lessons for one day BOY. I will take my leave now. Just remember our deal. You must not kill
Tri-arcanoth the two headed..."
Laughter echoed still long after the shadow dissapeared.

I mounted the horse in silence, and rode off towards the dragon's trail again, lost in thoughts of mindless
rage.
---

...continued...

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