The Astronarandus

Finale - A Funeral For The Dead, A Villain Repents.

Story By: Ryan Collins (a.k.a. Toreth Ni'Kla) you already know what goes here...

The Steirgan village of Porga.

"We are here today to honor the deaths of the noble people who died in our most recent battle. If not for their honor and bravery we surely would've lost our lives at that most epic battle. Most notable amongst them is our chieftain and high-shaman, and apparently was also our mysterious Blood Magister. He gave his life to make sure we all would survive, and now I give you our new Chieftain." The Steirgan giving the speech stepped back while Verci' stepped forward, wearing strange clothing they had never seen before. He cleared his throat, and was a bit shy of talking in front of a good amount of people.

"Well... I knew this man almost better than anyone else. Unknowingly I was taught all my lessons by my real father. Not many of you saw what happened but Fergus really showed what it meant to be a Steirgan. He didn't just go down...he went down with a bang! Let's go and honor our dead by having a huge feast for all our friends!" They nodded and some let out cheers before everyone made their way to the tables. Janor and Rasiss however stayed behind.

"Aye...he was a great man in the short time that I knew'em. Not at all loony like Janor here." Rasiss ducked under a blow from Janor. "But we cannot stay, unfortunately we have some business up in Jagur to take care of first. We wish ya some good luck and may Syrlu smile upon you." Verci nodded with tears in his eyes and gave both of them a large group hug.

"Thanks you guys for all your support, really it means a lot especially after the death of someone so close to me. Norgil will shy his storms from you and keep the waters calm." Vercitef nodded and walked away, Janor decided to pay the last regards.

"Mother Nature will certainly spare us all after this glorious victory. Goodbye Verci' and we'll be a'sure to visit you sometime ya big oaf." They all walked away laughing, secretly knowing they'd miss each other on the inside. Unknown to them was the fact that they were already destined to meet each other once more, once again under horrible conditions. But for now they would be separated and peaceful.

"You know, for a youngster he's an okay chap." Rasiss chuckled and Janor nodded in agreement.

"Aye, that he is. Well we best ride back with the Crusaders and catch another ship to Jagur. And we best be quick because I am not about to get sea sick again!" They did not see the figure in red clothing standing in an odd posture. The figure walked off into the middle of the battlefield where the bodies were still left. The Steirgans were unable to bury them until the ice softened a bit. He stopped at the body of Fergus and knelt down, touching the dried blood where the heart was still beating.

"Fergus...you're not dead yet..." Fergus opened one eye weakly, it took an awful lot for someone cursed like Fergus to die. He coughed painfully and the figure helped him up.

"Damu...wh-why are you...help-ping me now of all ti...times." Damu shushed him.

"You're dying, best save that last bit of energy before you expire. Remember this and remember it well, I am neither good nor evil. I am not the rising sun or the falling moon. I am not even akin to the rushing water and sturdy rocks. You cannot compare me with the forces of Borthos and Volatirus that are clashing as we speak. Lightness is my friend... Darkness my ally. I am the sole enforcer of Chaos and I plan to keep it that way. I can be your ally the first day and your enemy the next." Damu shook him to keep his eyes open. Then he licked his fangs in a creepy way that Fergus disliked immensely.

"Why...why are y-you telling me this? I'm a-about to...die!" Damu shushed him again.

"Save your energy old man. I am telling you this because I can. And also that you can die knowing your daughter did not marry a truely sadistic person. Now die in peace Fergus... knowing that a great weight has been lifted off your heart. Goodbye... father... goodbye." He put his hand on Fergus' chest and enacted a killing spell, letting Fergus finally rest in true peace. He gave him a last pat on the shoulders before walking towards another figure. This figure was oddly short and had a rat's tail protruding from the long oilskin coat. A pair of nasty daggers was belted to their waist and had one eye showing, the other covered by hair and a hat.

"Why did you even bother with that? I have better things to waste my ancient life upon then see you give peace to an old codger." The person coughed and began to walk up the slopes.

"You Warthi never could understand why we do these things so what makes you think you will now? Just keep your buck teeth shut." the Warthi made a rasping noise.

"Do not use such language again, it is a wonder I even speak to you." They continued to walk through the snow-filled night The Warthi was nearly enveloped by the massive amount of snow compared to his short size. He remedied this by jumping on top of the snow and used quick, light steps.

"If the Plan is to work then you need to deal with it sewer boy. Meet me in Jagur in a couple weeks, we're going to have to manipulate the two buffoons some more. Now I bid you goodbye my short ally." Damu teleported in a flurry of sulfuric flame and smoke, leaving the Warthi alone in the desolate wasteland. He sniffled his rat-like nose and laughed weakly. They were having more luck than he thought they would, and that luck would pay off eventually.

A remote and invisible island in the middle of Hypra's Tears.

"Syrlu, out with you! We came all this way and you have yet to show yourself!" A tall human with bear furs and chainmail armor swung his large axe into a tree, making his braided beard bounce. The female with him winced as he did that and her green skin paled a bit.

"Norgil, please do not do that near me... it pains me so." She sighed and a Dralek with blue skin and a green underbelly, completely dressed in Syrluian priest robes. He bowed and his eyes flared up with lightning.

"Stop arguing...I cannot keep this form for long, it is too small for my massive body." They all nodded and the female opened a scrying portal. In it they saw Janor and Rasiss preparing to leave for Jagur.

"Our blessed helpers have defeated the forces of our mysterious foe. This alliance has done us nothing but good so far and I hope to keep it that way." The two men uttered their agreements.

"I have lost a great Prophet in the recent days. Someone who followed me vigilantly until his death. Fergus shall be honored and given a place in the Celestial Hall!" Norgil raised his axe for emphasis and the other two nodded.

"Then it's settled, we will meet later until then keep close and hidden. Our mysterious Enemy has manipulated my most devoted servant which has me worried. Two lowly ruin-divers have unwaverying faith to us and that is our trump card. But do not abuse this for the Enemy will find some way to take that card away. Now farewell my friends." They all went their respective ways, the celestial alliance upholding for now.

The Myzian, on it's way to Jagur.

"Ugh, Rasiss ya oaf you're making me sea-sick with that horrible tail blade fighting of yours! Stop the clunking!" Rasiss replied to this by throwing a pillow at Janor's face. They were on their way to Jagur for more archaeological duties. This time it was beneath the Yaistin Palace itself after rumors that a large beast had attacked a guard that was exploring the Palace Underdepths. As much as they weren't detectives they heard rumors it was an ancient creature and that was as good of a reason as any.

"Oh hush, I think this might be our big break. A large ancient beast is as good of reason as any to do this job!" They agreed on it and got into their beds.

"Well we best get a lot of sleep for this trip. Good night old buddy!" Janor layed down as Rasiss murmured his good night. They both fell asleep to the swaying motion of the schooner. Unknowing of their true fate and how important they were to a hidden war amongst the celestials.