“Fine,” Gunther said, “now, let’s crack some skulls.”
“Ok, here’s the plan: Gheriballi and I shall do a charge. It won’t be enough but it will clear a hole. I’ll need your horde and Vangard to engage and keep the army from following. Gheriballi and I will then make a run for the keep.
“I’m going wit cha.” Gunther said, “To the keep and all. My lieutenants can handle the army.”
“Fine, the three of us will make a run for the keep. Ready?”
“Almost.” Gunther said. He then began to stamp his feet wildly on the ground, slow at first, then faster till they were a blur. At the same time his army began to beat their weapons on the ground or raise them in the air till they too were in a berserker rage. Obidaan had heard about it but since he had never fought a barbarian he had never seen it. It was an impressive sight. “Ready.” He said, his voice was much deeper now.
Obidaan and Gheriballi got into lockstep and began their paladin charge. There were barricades in front of them, but not expecting two paladins, people began to run to the flanks. The paladins let loose their charge. The force wave splintered the barricades, the city drawbridge and surrounding wall.
Arrows began to fly through the air. The paladins ignored them, riding fast under them. The horde was hit but the arrows literally bounce off of them. Relina was able to employ magic and many of the arrows floated harmlessly to the ground. Terry put up an earthen shield, weak but still effective, which caught all the ones near her. A couple of arrows did go through but they lost so much momentum that they were useless.
Seconds after the charge went off Gunther began running and in no time was running stride for stride with Obidaan and Gheriballi. He was not huffing or puffing but it seemed almost a natural pace. He smiled at them as they road to their goal.
Outside, the horde and the Vanguard had engaged the army in a grand melee. Magic and weapons went flying through the air as did blood and bones. The army was ill equipped for a berserker barbarian horde and soon they were running for their lives. It was over in minutes. Some of the horde lay dead on the battlefield but for the most part they survived in tact. The amount of carnage they dished out was impressive. Where the Vanguard had taken down 3—4 people each, the horde had taken down 10—15 each. They soon came out of their rage and were healed by Relina while Terry used the uninjured to secure the area. Fortunately, their wounds were not severe, barbarians are quite rugged, and Relina was able to help even at her reduced state.
Soon they were nearing the gate. The paladins looked at each other as though they were going to set up another charge when Gunther interjected “I got this.” He said and sped past them. At the moat Gunther leaped and screamed. Pulling Thumper all the way behind him he swung for all he was worth when he reached the gate, smashing in the gate, portcullis, and the reinforcement that was put behind it. He landed safely on the other side where he began to engage the guards who were there. Obidaan and Gheriballi leaped over the moat, briefly engaged a few guards in their way and made their way in. Tthe door opened and there stood the royal family. The king screamed, so all could hear, even those on the battlefield, “Stop! I surrender! No more, please.”
“Excellent” Obidaan said and got off of his horse. “We shall take you into custody and decide your fate later.”
“Fine, but why? For the love of the gods, why are you doing this? I know I’m a tyrant but so what? I keep my people fed, clothed and housed, and they keep me rich. I let them do what they want, within reason. Rank does have its privilege, don’t you think?”
“No. Rank has its responsibilities. You keep them alive, but you don’t allow them to live. Thugs like you remove their hope and brainwash them into believing this is the best they can do. People have to be truly free to grow and prosper. Disputes over bullshit not because you can’t get along but because you don’t want to. It’s all about the power; someone has to have it so they can wield it over others. Well, you’ve been in power long enough. I will unite this world, even if I have to destroy it.”
There was brief silence then Gheriballi took charge. “Look, Obidaan, let me handle the mop up and restoration here. I promise justice will be done and the people will be free. Also, let me get some trusted people to cover your other territories, that way the Vanguard can be in tact when you go to your next stop.” No ping.
There were no victory celebrations. Gheriballi noticed Obidaan truly took no joy in his task. He felt he had a mission and was carrying it out. “Fine.” Obidaan agreed. “However, lock the former king in the dungeon until we get back.”
“Ok.” Gheriballi said.
It took a few more days to stabilize everything and get the team back together. During that time, Obidaan gave the people of the land pretty much the same speech he had given in Qualtar. The people seem to receive him well, however, when people who have been oppressed for so long are suddenly free, there are bound to be problems. They didn’t know what to do. They didn’t realize the freedom of choice they now had. It was going to take a long time to show them what they are capable of.
It didn’t take them long to reach Bocktaria. When they went to the city, it was strangely quiet. The gate was open and unguarded, the streets were empty and most places seemed closed. Upon closer inspection, people could be seen peeking out of windows. They continued down the road and soon a person on a horse, in the middle of the road, came into view. It didn’t take them long to realize it was Shuronda.
“Greetings,” She said evenly. She was very solemn in her demeanor. “We know why you’re here. Please, follow me and I will take you to the queen.”
“I see our reputation precedes us.” He said half jokingly.
“Yes,” she was humorless in her response, “Why? Why us. We’ve been good neighbors. You helped us once before.” She stopped and turned to him. “Do you know we have a holiday, Vanguard Day, to celebrate the return of the queen? We celebrate this day in your honor. Now you wish to conquer us? It’s maddening.”
“You’re right, Shuronda,” Obidaan began, “it is maddening. I am uniting all the kingdoms, whether they like it or not. Those who cooperate shall be rewarded. Those that don’t shall be severely punished. I hope to be reasonable with the queen.”
“And if she is not agreeable?”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” they continued on to the castle in silence. Soon they were walking into the chamber of the queen. There she sat her mother near here, the throne where the king once sat now empty. A silent exchange took place between Shuronda and Queen Darla; in just a glance, blink, and nod combined with her facial expression told Darla everything she needed to know. She nodded back and Shuronda who then bowed and dismissed herself.
Obidaan opened the dialog, “May I still call you Darla?”
“It would seem more appropriate now than ever, Obidaan.” She retorted, “The rumors of what you have been doing have reached my ears. A land that once hailed you as a hero now fears you. I hope you are happy with yourself.”
“No, Darla, I’m not. I have trouble sleeping at night. I don’t eat like I used to. I haven’t punned with my group in months. I don’t smile. I am the most retched and miserable man on this planet and it will only get worse.”
For a moment, Darla felt sympathetic to Obidaan. She was expecting him to be arrogant and full of bravado, to challenge her or kill her in her chair. She did not expect this. “Then it seems you still have a conscious. It seems the Obidaan I met those many years ago is still here. And what of the rest of your group?”
“They are the rest of my conscious. Their,” he cleared his throat, “misplaced love and loyalty are the only things that sustain me through this time. They love me unconditionally. It’s the only thing that brings me joy.”
Darla looked at the group and could see the pain in their eyes. It was obvious they wished Obidaan had not chosen this path but it was also obvious they would follow h
im to oblivion before giving up on him. “I see.”
“I will not ask you to abdicate or die, my group would not allow me to carry it out. However, I do ask that you subjugate to my authority. I am uniting these lands, whether they like it or not. Right now I have another paladin pulling the lands together. I want you to rule over all these lands. You are connected by the water. Because of that, the lands should be connected period and ruled by a single ruler. I offer you that rule, subject to me. Do you agree?”
“I assume I have little choice.” She said.
“Your only other choice is death.”
“Didn’t you just say that your group would not allow you to kill me?”
“Yes, however,” Obidaan flicked his wrist as if to throw something. Mystic appeared and the blade embedded itself in her thrown about 2 inches from her right ear and then it disappeared, “they cannot stop it.” Everyone gasped at his demonstration.
“Then I accept your terms.” A palpable sigh of relief was heard on both sides.
“Excellent,” Obidaan said and produced a sheet of paper and began writing on it. When he was done, he attached his seal using his paladin symbol. “Take this writ to Gheriballi, Paladin of Justice, in Qualtar. There arrange to rule these lands. This writ recognizes you as ruler of these lands, under me.” He walked up to her and handed it to her personally. Before he left, he grabbed her and hugged her tightly. She wanted to slap him, she wanted to kill him,… she wanted to hold him. So much anger ran through her. She wanted to pull away, but he was too much, she felt herself overwhelmed by him. In the end all she could do was shed a tear and return his hug. She cared about him but hated the situation. While hugging her he whispered in her ear. “Please forgive me.”
“Not today,” she whispered back.
He let go of her and headed out.
“Shall we cancel Vanguard Day this year?” the queen mother asked.
The queen though for a moment, “No,” she said, “It’s a celebration of the past. Let us use that day to continue to remember what was. Besides, with the way things are about to be, the people will need some type of recreation. Now, prepare my chariot. I have to assist in the running of an empire.”
Obidaan continued his conquest of lands, with the help of Gheriballi, Gunther, and the Vanguard. This attracted more followers to him, including other paladins. Those he had fought with previously, the Paladin of Strife, Paladin of Knowledge, and Paladin of Seekers. Other that joined included Paladin of Mischief, Paladin of Thunder, Paladin of Hope and Paladin of Futility. He managed to gain an eclectic group of paladins and followers, some good, some evil, but all interested in what he was doing, creating a unified world.
Just prior to all of these people joining, he and the barbarian horde, made one special stop. When asked where they were going he’d only say “To visit an old friend.” He went to Vandicore to confront Llewellyn Vandarcathden. Since this was off of his normal path, there were no real preparations made to guard against him. He noticed extra guards at the gate but nothing more. The Vanguard and barbarian horde had no opposition to entering the kingdom. Llewellyn confronted them on the streets.
“What brings you back here?” He asked knowingly. “According to your rampage, you shouldn’t be here for another couple of months.”
“I decided to take a side trek. Besides, I have to keep another promise a friend.” He looked over at Gunther.
Llewellyn was confused but didn’t worry about it. “So, what are you going to do? Have your barbarian friends attack? You know as well as I do I could take all of them down, even if they berserk.”
Gunther didn’t like that, “Why you little punk! I’ll show you!” Gunther summoned Thumper and charged Llewellyn. Quickly Llewellyn pulled his axe in preparation for the attack each began to cast as the attack progressed. Gunther came down on Lu, aiming for his head. Lu put his axe up in defense. To everyone’s surprised, the axe bit into Thumper, causing a gouge in the seeming indestructible weapon. Staring at the gouge, Lu retracted the axe and swung it across Gunther’s midsection, slicing him soundly in the gut, causing blood to fly wildly. Gunther let out a yell as he used the momentum of the axe to spin him around and hit Lu squarely on the side. Lu moved as he felt the brunt land on his shoulder. He could also feel his bones crack under the pressure of the attack, he couldn’t hold his feet and went about 10 feet through the air before landing on the ground. Gunther however howled in pain and felt his shoulder crack as though he had hit himself with Thumper. He did not go flying through the air but did drop to his knees. He began to get back up when Obidaan yelled “Stop, enough. He gets your point.”
“Good,” Lu continued to heal himself, something Gunther couldn’t do. “Now where were we?” He stood up completely healed.
Obidaan walked over to Gunther and healed him. “We were negotiating your surrender.” Obidaan said callously. “And you will surrender, or I will fight you.” Gunther released then resummoned Thumper. Thumper came back like new.
“You? You can’t fight me, remember: Paladin will not strike down paladin?”
“I will in this case.”
“I don’t think so.” Lu challenged.
“Ready yourself.” Obidaan said. He summoned Mystic and headed for Lu. Again the same clash, but this time Lu’s axe was split in two. Dodging, he barely avoided the blow.
Obidaan began to swing again when Lu screamed “Stop!” Obidaan held his position. “Are you crazy? That blow would’ve killed me! You’re about to strike down a paladin. Are you insane?”
“I do believe I am,” Obidaan said. “I will do what I must and deal with the consequences later.”
“I can tell. Hell, I yield. This hellhole isn’t worth dying for. It’s yours; do with it as you please.”
“Thank you. Leave this land and never return.”
“Gladly,” Lu was off.
Obidaan turned to Gunther, “I told you I’d find you a place, here ya go. And take good care of the people, otherwise when I come back what he did to you will be nothing compared to what I do to you.”
“Thank you. I shall do as you ask.” Gunther noticed Alister, while a distance away, was still fairly close, flirting with one of the female barbarians. Gunther walked toward him and tapped Alister on the shoulder.
“Yes?” Alister was unaware of who it was.
Without warning, Gunther swung Thumper, catching Alister square in the jaw and sending him flying 30 feet through the air. He landed on the ground and tumbled like a rag doll. “Now we’re square.”
Relina immediately ran over to him and began to heal him. It helped some but her powers were still weak. Summing every ounce of willpower and faith she had, she concentrated on the unconscious body of Alister. Obidaan was rushing over getting ready to lay on hands when Don stopped him. “Let her do it.” He said.
“Why? You know except for paladins, divine magic has been diminished.”
“Has it? I don’t believe so. I just think it takes more faith now. She must find that.”
“Why?”
“Call it a premonition.” Don quipped. “Teacher and I have been having some nice conversations.”
Reaching even deeper down in her soul she prayed and believed. Then it was as if she could penetrate the darkness. A pinhole prick through the veil and that was all she needed. She could feel the power surge back into her. Recommitting herself, she laid hands on Alister one more time. This time she not only completely healed him but he leaped to his feet. “Wow! What a rush” he said. “I feel like I can conquer the world.”
“Good,” Obidaan said, “Because we have plenty of it left.”
They went to the castle to find the puppet king, only to find him dead, preserved and with strung up like a giant puppet. Relina said a blessing over the body and Terry and Don took it out back to bury it.
“Ok Gunther, this is your spot. I’ll be back to check on
you in a few months.”
“You won’t be disappointed. You have treated me fairly. I will do the same here. Feel free to take some of my horde with you. They will serve you well.”
“Very well.” Obidaan was off.
With the horde, new paladins, Vanguard, and other followers, they were finding it easier and easier to take the world. Many of the kingdoms did not resist him, those that did, were crushed unmercifully.
In a painful and agonizing moment, several of the more good lands decided to rise up against Obidaan’s army and fight him. He begged the rulers to stand down, that he would prefer they surrender rather than kill them. He even offered them the chance to rule even more land than they had. They refused, stating no one had the right to dictate their choices, even if they were on the same side. The slaughter was merciless and Obidaan took no joy in personally killing each ruler. The Vanguard tried to stop him but he shook them off as a dog shakes off water.
It was time to conquer Pinnacle, the last battle in this campaign. He had a plan and decided it was time to change the world forever. Still, through it all, the Vanguard has helped correct and deflect some of his transgressions. There was an incident where a commander had yielded on the battlefield but Obidaan did not care. He was about to do a killing blow when Don extended his staff to block Mystic “He yields.” Don said, “Show mercy.”
“Mercy? All who oppose me will die, he is no exceptions.” Obidaan chose not to shake them off this time.
“You’re right.” Terry said, “He is not the exception. We are. We are the aggressor. He fights to defend what is his, to preserve his way of life. We are the ones taking that away from him. What is he supposed to do?”
“Yield. Yield and allow me to finish my work in peace.”
“Your words are that of a madman.” Terry said, “If someone were to say those words to you, would you believe them?” Obidaan really had to think about that one
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