Part One



Jakob was hidden outside the Keep of Necropolis. He was waiting for a woods man, sheep herder or such, to be foolish enough to wander into the city. More souls for the guardian. He hoped it would be a young child or two. An evil grins spread across his face at the thought. Children were his favorite. He would enslave them. Force them to work till they would fall over tired and their little hands bled. Then, when they were of no more use, he would sacrifice them to the guardian. He would feel their energy pass though him as he took their lives and souls for the guardian. Oh how he loved that feeling. It gave him a bit more power, made him feel stronger. He closed his eyes and savored the memory of that feeling.

It was then he heard it. Or more felt it. The wind stirred slightly as his name was called. It felt as he was being pulled. Silently he slipped through the shadows, up the stairs of the keep and through the doors. It kept pulling him. He knew what it was, or should he say whom. It was the guardian that called to him. Beckoning him to come. To the top of the keep he went.

At the top the wind picked up more. He fell to his knees as it went dark all around him with clouds. They boiled with anger and lightening streaks. Jakob could feel his master close. The air vibrated with his presence.

He waits, upon his knees, her head bowed. He waits for him to speak. The voice comes. It comes deep, firm and commanding. ~~ Jakob.... I have a task for you.~~ Jakob looked up for only a moment and then cast his eyes down wards again. He was in aw but excited non the less. “Aye my massster. What isss it you wisssh of me?”

The guardians voice came full of anger.~~ You know of the woman Quick Silver. The one that took my most faithful and powerful servant, Arioch, away from me? Turned him against me and your brethren. And almost destroyed the undead in doing so and all I have worked so hard to accomplish. ~~

Aye, the guardian was mad. His anger was so great the air about them seem to throb with it. Jakob knew why the guardian was so angry too. All that work the guardian had done. All those years of planning. All those battles. He was so close to taking these lands of Britania. Everything had been ready. Everything had been in place. They almost had Yew. That had been their starting point. The plan was taking off so well. Victory would be theirs. It was so close they could all feel it. And then ..She...came along.

The guardian went on, his anger very evident in his voice but calm non the less ~~Quick is with child. The child is Arioch’s. ~~ Jakob’s eyes lit up as his head snapped up. The guardian could feel Jakob’s thoughts and a smirk curled up the edges of his lips. Jakob wanted to sacrifice their child to him, feel the childs life force, the childs soul as he gave it to him.

~~ I want them both to suffer. I want to have my revenge on them. Death would be too quick and merciful for the two of them. Quick was once a follower of mine. But she turned on me. I had tricked her many years ago. But with the help of her brother she saw though it and left. Then she takes away Arioch. Arioch. My most trusted and powerful leader. I gave him everything. Power, money. People feared him. My followers feared him and bowed to him. My greatest pleasure will be seeing him suffer. And he will suffer the most. All this has been working according to my plan. The fool. I saw I was losing him to her. So I made him flesh and gave him the ability to reproduce. If he will not follow me then his children will. ~~

A low growls comes from him and he continues, ~~ As for Quick....When Quick was with the alliance, she had made a boon with me to save Vincents life. I demanded her two children she would give birth to. She broke that boon she thinks. ~~

The guardian smirks, his eyes show he was not about to let go of the boon made so many years ago. She had broken it. When she realized he had no power over her unless she let him, that broke any hold or boons. She had thought it over with him. But it was far from over for the guardian.

Jakob’s voice came eagerly “ Ah my massster. I underssstand. You ssseek revenge you do.~~ The guardian looked down at him, his eyes pierced Jakob. They were cold, hard, and held a promise a faith far worse then any death for any that betrayed him... or failed him.

~~ That is part of the reason. Aye. But there is more. Much more. Arioch and Quick do not realize yet just how special this child will be. This child will hold the power’s over the soul. The child will get this from her father. Arioch can still collect them and still has power over them. The child will also have Quick’s magic. Together the combined powers will make this child very powerful. I have seen into the future. This child could be used to drive me from this world forever. To destroy the undead and any of the evil that walks this land. Or... ~~ The guardian looks thoughtfully to the distant as he rubs his chin. ~~ The child can be made to serve me. The childs powers would serve me greatly and I would have my revenge on the childs parents as well. Arioch and Quick will be forced to watch, as their child help me destroy this world and conquer it. And after this world we will go to the next. And the next.~~

The guardian sees the look of surprise upon Jakobs face. Reading his thoughts again he shakes his head, ~~ Nay, you will nay kill them. They are to both live. For the hell they will see will be far more painful then any death. They will suffer greatly for their betrayal and watch as their child lead my armies to victory in this world and those to follow. They will watch as their child tortures those that follow the light, their family and friends. Everyone that stands against me. ~~

The guardian pauses for a moment. He looks at Jakob for a few moments as if to consider something. ~~ I need you to pick out those you can trust to carry out my task. Pick only the strongest and most loyal. You will take Quick right before the baby is due to be brought in this world. The baby is to be born in our hands. It will be raised it to follow me. To listen to my every word. To lead my armies. Quick, do what you wish to her but keep her alive. She will watch as her child tortures and kills those around her. Including her brother Kylone. And make sure Arioch knows what you do to her. ~~ The guardian chuckles an evil laugh. ~~ I want him kept inform at all times the great pleasure you are taking in torturing his wife and raising his child to serve me. Do this for me and you shall stand at my side as my armies conquer this world and the ones to follow. And the children.....they will be yours to sacrifice to me.~~

A truly evil grin spread across Jakob’s face. Death, destruction, war. The torture of men, women and .....children. Children...... Aye, the children. His to sacrifice to the guardian. And not just this world but other worlds as well. “ Aye my massster. It ssshall be done as you wisssh.”

~~ Do not fail me~~ was the last thing the guardian said to him as Jakob awoke from his dream. He was still standing outside the keep hidden in the shadows, waiting for his next victim. ~~ Do not fail me~~ Those four words ranged through his ears as he remember the vision he had. But those four words held more meaning then all the rest that was said. Failure would mean a faith worse then death. Success... he would have power, glory, all will bow to him, serve him and the children. Ah aye. Those wonderful children. His to torture. His to force into slavery. His to sacrifice to the guardian. His alone. Arioch was a fool to give that all up for a woman. Soon, his powers will be as great as Arioch’s was, even greater. He would prove to the guardian he was worthy of these powers.

A young woman quickly ran across the city of the undead. A bundle of wood tied to her back. Jakob did nothing. Nay time for that now. He has more important things to do. His thoughts turned to those he would entrust to help him to complete the task the guardian had given him. Quick’s child would be here soon enough. He needed to have his brethren ready and his plan in place when it was time. Still hidden in the shadows he slipped through them in search of those he would ask to help him.....

Part Two



Jakob was hidden in the shadows as he leaned against the large Yew tree, deep in the forest of Yew. It was dark, damp and musty. Smell of death drifted on the wind from the crypts near by. He savored it. It made him feel at home. He had begun his search for those to help him in his task for the guardian. He had sent for the zombies. He smirked to himself. The zombies he knew he could rely on. As long as you promise them brains they would do anything you asked of them. An evil, gritted laugh came from him. It sounds like two bones being rubbed together. The zombies were fools. All they wanted was brains when they could of had so much more.

He could feel Samuel Arkady close. Sam was not very quiet about his approach neither. Jakob wondered how the zombies got close enough to anything living to feed on brains to begin with. You could hear them from the other side of Britania. And dumb as rocks. But he would play their stupidity to his advantage. Jakob watched as Sam stumbled into sight, moaning and mumbling. He steps from the shadows to confront the zombie.

Sam's voice came with only one thing in mind "You 'ave brains!?!? You sed you 'ave brains! Mi smel dem. Giv mi brains nuw!" Sighing Jakob pulled a small, bloody pouch from his belt and tossed it at the zombies feet. The Zombie quickly dropped to his knees, ripped open the pack and began to devour the brains. The brains squished across his face as he bit into them hungrily. Jakob watched him as he spoke, it would be a gruesome sight for most. But for him it was not.

" Theee guardian came to meee with a tasssk..." Sam nodded as he sat more comfortably on the ground and continued his feast. " Quick Silverrr isss with child. Arioch'sss Child. The guardian wantsss that child. "

Sam stopped eating for a moment and looked at him. As Sam spoke with a full mouth, bits of brains fell out " Arioch 'ave liddle breathers? Whut 'im doin wif dem dum fings? Ish 'im gonna ta eat dem liddle brains?"

Jakob shook his head and tried to retain his patients, he sighed, "Nayyy. Quick, Arioch’sss wife, isss having Arioch'sss child. This child will have powersss that theee guardian wantsss to put to hisss ussse. You are nayyy to harm the child or Quick. Theee guardian wantsss Quick to beee taken right before theee babyyy is due in thisss world ssso it will beee born in our handsss. Quick isss to sssuffer greatlyyy but kept alive. Alssso theee child growsss quicklyyy. Faster then theee normal two yearsss an elven child takesss. But then again her father isss not even a race but a creation of theee guardian. Ssso theee time to take her will beee sssoon."

The zombie continued to feed and nodded as if he understood. "Ohkey mi jus eat dat femules brains"

Jakob smacked his head with his hand, held his head and shook it slow. He breathes in deeply trying hard to keep from ripping Sam limb from limb. He hisses between his teeth as he speaks, " Nayyy! Quick-isss-nayyy-to-beee-harmed-or-theee-child! Quick isss to beee made to suffer and Arioch kept informed of her suffering. Theee Guardian hasss told me theee time to take her will be sssoon. Quick and her brother are at oddsss with one another. And have grown apart. Kylone will not beee able to find her when she isss taken. Ky can not feel her presssence asss heee once could. The guardian hasss been keeping Ky busssyyy to create thisss rift beeetween them. But Quick and Arioch have gone to theee Roguesss for protection. A sssmall deeetail to beee worked out but weee will take her non the lessss" Sam nodded with understanding as a puzzled look crosses his face "ah, m eat Arioch's brains. wait a min. Mi num knuw Arioch 'ave brains! When 'e ged dem? You ish tryin ta tickie ush!" Sam watched Jakob scream with rage at the heavens as he continued to eat the brains and once more try to explain what was to happen....

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As Jakob was taking to Sam, Quick sat on the banks of the shore near their home deep in thought. Valkyrie had given her some news that made her stomach turn. Valkyrie was a long time friend of Quicks and Val probably knew her better then anyone. Val had the powers of her mother and was a priestess of sorts. She consulted often with her goddess on matters. Quick had gone to her friend before on things, always seeking answers. But now those things all seemed so trivial compared to what she had been told. Quick had been feeling sick lately so she and Arioch went to Val. Quick was not sure but hoped ...beyond all hope... what if? .... but.. Ari had been so unsure if he was able to give her children. None the less, Val had told her she was with child two nights before. Val had looked very worried as well. Almost a scared worried. Quick had wanted to know what was going on but Val had told her she must first consult with her goddess. That did not set well with Quick and Arioch had done his best to comfort her. She smiled at the thought. He was always there for her.

And the look on his face. Well it was not what she expected but funny non the less. One of utter shock and surprise. He seemed a loss for words. But he was happy they were to have a child. Children were so fascinating to him. He had wanted to look in on the child. To touch it’s soul. He could already feel the child was female but he wanted to know more. To know their child better. But Val had warned against it. Until she could talk to her goddess.

They had gone to see Val the next day. The news she had given her made her ill to think about. The guardian wanted their child. He wanted the power she would have. He also wanted revenge. The guardian had already dispatched his followers and they looked for her even now. Did he still remember and consider the boon? But how could he use it against her. The guardian had power over her only if she let him. Then later that night, Carathar, whom they have all known a very long time, was taken over by the guardian. She had been cuddled in the lap of Arioch as they talked. Carathar had come to visit. As they sat there talking, he began to act funny. He mumbled incantations and reached over to rub her abdomen. She pushed him away as Ari drew his sword. She had told him if he touched her again to expect to lose his hands. Even though she was puzzled by Carathar’s actions Arioch had not been. The guardian was trying to get to her and the baby through Carathar. You could see him struggle with the conflict of it. As if he was trying to deny the guardian access to his body. Lucky for her Arioch and Mouse, a new found friend of the rogues whom she had grown to like quickly, was there to keep him at bay. That night they had gone to Raven and asked for the help of the rogues. She of course wanted to help them anyway she could. Quick wondered though if it was the right thing to do. Val told them the guardian would take the child at any cost. This would place them in danger as well. But she and Ari needed all the help they could get and would take what ever help they could find. There were many willing to help them. But still many looked for them. She was thankful for Raven’s help for this.

Raven was a good woman with a good heart. Quick was happy her and Ky were trying to work things out. Ky needed Raven. Her brother... she shakes her head. “ Nys my brother anymore” she says to herself in a soft whisper. She had disowned him. Treated him only as someone she knew. Nothing more. She was hurt and angry at him. Hurt and Angry because he always forgot about her. Hurt and angry he never had time to even talk with her.

She was in trouble now. Her child was in trouble and Ky did not cared or wanted to be there. He was always too busy doing something else.

She had been worried if Carathar’s touch had done anything to the baby so she sent word to Val the next morning. Val checked her over and assured her and Arioch the baby was fine.

She and Arioch had both been relieved. They puzzled over what he was up to though. Val gave them warning that no one could be trusted that served the guardian. The guardian could take over their minds and souls in an instant. Besides, the guardian had already commanded the child be taken. Quick could not understand why the guardian wanted the child from birth. Val explained that as soon as the child is born, his followers were to start to work the guardians influence over the child. The world felt as if it had dropped from beneath her when she said that. Arioch had wrapped his arms about her protectively swearing to her no one and nothing would harm either her or the child. Arioch would make a great father she thought. She could see the love building in him for their child already. He was so worried about this child. And treated the child as if she was the most precious gem. When the baby moved she would place his hand upon her abdomen. His eyes would shine with wonderment and curiosity. He was afraid but curious, unsure but willing to learn, full of emotions for this new life he had helped create. She stood and stretched, breathing in deeply the fresh, morning, sea air. Turning, she walked back to the house and through the door. Upstairs she could hear Ari moving about. He seemed agitated as he called for her. It puzzled her. She was about to walk up the stairs when he came flying down them, sword in hand.. He looked relieved when he saw her.

“What my love? Is everything ok?” She looked at him very puzzled. Dropping his sword, he grabbed her into his arms quickly and held her. He kissed the top of her head. She looked up into his eyes and saw something she thought she would never see in his eyes. Fear.

“My love? Please... what is wrong?” He looked down into her eyes, his voice trembling, “I thought I had lost you... and the baby.” He looked lost and confused for a moment as he mumbled under his breath, hugging her close again, “ It was only a dream. The guardian.. He had you and our child. He was hurting you. I tried to stop him but could not. He struck out at me, injuring me. It was so real, even the pain was real.... But it was only a dream....”

It was then, as she laid her head upon his chest she it. There was a nasty, red looking cut extending from his shoulder down across his chest. She quickly pushed him out at arms length to look him over.

“What...?” Arioch looked at her puzzled. She looked at the angry looking cut across his chest, blood flowing slightly from it, and then up to his eyes, her’s wide with worry and fear.

Her words stumbled from her mouth, “ You.. your... chest..... How?” He looked down and then back at her. They did not say anything ... they did not have to. They both knew....



Part Three

Once again Jakob met with the guardian in his dreams atop the Keep of the City of Necropolis. He bowed before the guardian on his knees. Quick had escaped and he knew not how. One minuet she was tied to the chair in the main room, the next she was gone. He knew the guardian would be angry with him and he awaited his punishment from him.

“Massster. I have faillled you. Quick essscaped usss. I awaait your punissshment.” But punishment did not come. Instead the guardians voice came with deep thought. What the guardian had to say was far from what he had expected to hear.

~~ When you brought Quick to the Keep, I was able better examine her. I have not been able to get close her enough except through my servants. My powers are not strong enough away from the keep to do so. I found my examination of her to be ...~~ The guardian paused for a moment. To Jakob, the guardian seemed to be considering something. Something important.

~~ Quick will not have just one child but two. Both females. One will be very powerful. She will have the full powers of the soul as Arioch and full powers of the mage as Quick Silver has. The other, though not as strong in powers will still have them.~~

This made Jakob look snap his head up. An evil grin crossed his face. Two children. Two to serve and lead his armies in the destructions of this land.

“ You want both theee childrenssss massster?”

~~No. I can not afford to have two of them live. The danger of one of them being used against me too great. Granted one of them is not as powerful as the other I can still not take the chance. She could still be powerful enough to be used to drive me from this world.~~

Jakob became excited. He hoped beyond all hope. “Thennn what ssshall bee done with theee other child?”

The guardians voice can cold with no feeling. ~~ Kill it. Sacrifice it. It’s soul will add to my own powers greatly.~~

Jakob laughed with evil glee. ~~ Thank you myyy massster. I will nyyya fail you again.”

~~ Another thing. There is a traitor among you. Someone helped her escape. I know who he is. ~~

A low, dangerous growl came from Jakob. “ I ssshall ssseek thisss traitor out. I ssshall punisssh thisss traitor for you.” ~~For now he lives. He could come in handy yet. Quick Silver, the trusting fool she is, will most likely trust him even more the next time. Seek out Quick Silver. I want both the children born in our hands. I want Quick Silver to be tortured. I want her to watch her child sacrificed to me. Death for her or Arioch will be too easy and merciful. I want them both to suffer.~~ The guardian motioned beside him and from the shadows someone stepped. Someone Jakob had not seen for many years.

Quickly he reached for his sword as a low hiss escaped from him. “ You! Traitorrr!” The guardian raises a hand to Jakob as this person grinned at him wickedly. Death was evident in his old enemies eyes. ~~ He has been reborn.

He is now known as Cor’Bael. He will help you in your search for Quick. He was once a close and trusted friend of hers and Arioch’s. And as far as they both know he still is. He could be used to get close to her as well. He could be Quick’s undoing....~~

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She paced the floors of her brothers office at the tavern in Northwoods. There was no where she was safe. The day have proved that. Jakob had taken here from the bank when she had been waiting for Paul to do a card reading on the child. She sat down as she went over the memories of what happened. She could not afford to make another mistake. She had been too careless the last time. There would not be a next. Jakob had put on her shackles that had been work with some type of magics. It held her fast and kept her from using her magics. He had taken her to the Keep of the City of Necropolis. There he had made his mistake. Two in fact. One being he tied her to the chair with normal rope and just around her chest. Not her hands or feet. Two being he trusted those around him too much. One of them had slipped her a rune, a scroll and a katana. He stood in front of her as she quickly worked the katana through the rope and recalled quickly to safety. She did not know who he was but she did see his badage. Nec. One of Jakobs own. Perhaps he was a spy. She wished she had known his name. Perhaps she could get more information from him and he could warn her of their plans and upcoming attacks.

The rune had lead her to Brit. Quickly she sent out wolves to Arioch with messages telling him she was safe. Arioch had still been at the keep with others trying to fight their way in to her. Arioch had stayed to try to keep them there as he quickly sent her brother Ky after her.

She had stumbled around Britania dazed and confused. Jakob had smacked her good across the face a few times which sent her head flying back against the wall. Her face was bruised, the back of her head covered in blood. Well what else did she expect. She had fought and kicked at them all, defying them. Even the one who had helped save her she had kicked and bit. She had been furious. Jakob had been spouting off how the guardian would be her childs father and even name her. Bring her up to serve him, lead his armies to victory over the realm, destroy this world and the many worlds to follow.

Stumbling into the stables found her nighmare. Quickly she dragged herself atop him and rode out. She was too weak and dazed to focus on her magics from the smacking Jakob had given her. She would have to wait for Ari to come for her. As she stumbled around she ran into Jakob and his party of undead and evil warriors.

They had found her once more. Quickly she rode through the city, struggling to stay atop her mount. She was an accomplish rider but she was still weak and unable to focus from her beating.

“SIS!” Her brothers voice boomed at after her as she passed a bridge.

“Ky?” Her brother had come for her as Arioch held the others at bay in the keep till she was safe. She leaned over to him as he sat on his horse and cried in frustrations. He held her the best he could and tried to soothe her.

“ They are here Ky. They found me again.”

Ky took her to the tavern in Northwoods. There she would be safe, or so they thought. But once more they found her. The battle raged on for hours. At first she remained in the tavern, hidden away from them. But as her strength returned so did her will to fight them, to help them. She was not a coward to stay hidden away as her friends and family fought. She ran out, casting heal, dispelling demons, helping where she could. They all fought so bravely for her. Not understanding completely why, they fought them non the less. Rockhammer, Kylone, Myca, Arioch, her love, and so many more. Winterfell, Rogues, Roses, all of them fighting together to rid Northwoods of the evil that had invaded. As they fought Soul Taker, a follower of the guardian from the alliance took her captive yet again. More magic shackles.

She had been careless yet again. But they had been careless as well. Soul took her to the tower of the alliance and chained her to the floor. She had refused to dismount knowing full well they would kill her mount. As long as she stayed on him he was safe.

Boz casted on her and Whorrid screamed at her, demanding she dismount again.

Smirking Quick Silver kicked her in the face. That was not the response Whorrid had been looking for. Whorrids katana lashed out at Quick, hitting the chains, breaking them. The undead always were a bit stupid. Quick cast recall escaping once more. After that the ravens of Soul Taker found her no matter where she went. He stalked her, toyed with her. Promised of more to come. He would take her child for the guardian. He would make her suffer as the guardian had wanted. Even that night he had dared to come for her once more, tricking her outside, holding a poisoned Katana to her neck. One of the men that served the Roses was quick to save her before any harm had been done. She was thankful to him and made note to find out his name as well.

There were those in Northwoods that had told the rogues to just give the dead what they wanted. So they would leave them be. Asylla, niece to Quick, had told them when the undead attack and she gets scared she hides under the table. Many had smirked at that. Lady Pagan had told them firmly no as she sat upon her steed. She had looked down at them as if she to challenge them. She looked very noble and not one to trifle with. No one dare did. She may be a lady but was very well skilled with her bow.

Lord Evin had also met with her, Arioch and Ky in the back office. Lord Evin had told them, as he had told them that wished to turn her over to the undead, that if the undead want something then it is best they did not get hold of it. She explain to him about the child she carried and he offered his help and that of Winterfells. He was firm, but gentle. He held himself in the noble matter he always conducted business. Lord Evin had a very kind heart, always willing to help those around him but he also always put the matters of Northwoods first. Quick had not wanted to bring any harm to anyone of Northwoods but she had no choice. Not only was her child in danger but the very realm it’s self. Arioch walked in and extended his hand to her. “ Let me take you home love. You are tired and worn looking. I’ll draw your bath and make you some tea as you bathe.” She smiled up at him, his eyes showing his love for her, and hers showed the same for him. His eyes showed so much more. He was happy and excited about their child. But worried and scared for them both at the same time. The eyes were the window to ones soul and in them you can read a person like would would a book.

Quick’s voice came soft and worn, “ Ays my love, but will we be safe there too? They seem to find me nys matter where we go.”

His eyes cloud over slightly but nods to her, “Ays, for now. As safe as any other place we go it would seem. Nys worry my love. I shall be there for you and our child. I shall protect you both with my life if need be.” Quick hoped it would not come to that. She and their child both needed him. As husband and father. Feeling more like herself she gated them home. A hot bath and tea sounded wonderful right then and she was looking forward to them both.





Part Four

The guardian sat upon his throne of bones, enemies defeated by his army of evil, slumped back and disgusted. Disgusted the one he had chosen had failed him. Failed him not once but many times. Over and over the guardian had Quick Silver in the palm of his hand . Over and over she some how slipped away. The guardian even had her in the very keep his army of evil calls home in this realm. The Keep of the undead in Necropolis. Even there she escaped. Was helped by one of his own people. Robb Snow. The very thought sent him into a tantrum once more. Loudly he screams in rage, pounding his fist upon the bone throne, sending bones and skulls flying. Everything around him trembled with his anger. His guards, demons, every dark thing you can imagine within his realm hid quickly in terror. They did not want to be chosen to take the brunt of his anger.

The guardian watched his followers scatter quickly as he relaxed back in his throne once more. Jakob would pay for his failures soon enough. For now his thoughts turned to find another. Another loyal and determined enough to carry out his plans. Another that would not fail him. Another that would give him what he wanted.

He sent his thoughts throughout Necropolis, searching, looking into each of their souls. Dark they were but not dark enough. Till he came upon DarkWizard. The guardian search his soul and a smile, a truly evil smile, spread across his face. He like what he found. A soul dark with evil, desires of greed and power, death, distruction and loyal to him.

DarkWizard was one of his Ancient Ones. So far he had done the usual things of evil. Raids upon towns and cities. Sacrificing men, women and children. Killing always brought DarkWizard a great pleasure. Burning homes. Trampling puppies and kittens beneath his horse. Trying hard to take over this world and destroy all in the name of the guardian. Now it was time for him to prove his loyalty. Prove he deserved the power the guardian had given him. Prove he was worthy of being an Ancient One.

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DarkWizard sat at the table going over the maps of Yew. The guardian had wished them to take over this area of the realm first. Then to spread slowly out to the surrounding areas like a plaque. As he sat there, pondering over where and when the next attack would be he heard the voice. His voice. DarkWizards head snapped up “Aye Massster. Hearrr theeee I do. Howww might yourrr humble serrrvant beee of serverrrviccce to theee?”

The guardians voice came even, deep, dark and commanding. DarkWizard dare not delay. ~~ Come to the top of the keep my loyal and faithful servant. I have matters I wish to speak upon with thee.~~

Quickly he ran to the top of the keep. The sky swelled with dark, angry clouds that seemed to swirl with evil. The lightening flashed, thunder crashed and the wind blew. The guardian was not in a good mood. DarkWizard could feel it in the air.

He bowed before the guardian, keeping his eyes cast down. His mind raced. What could the guardian want him to do? Invade Britania? Destroy Trinsic? Or better yet, burn down Northwood and sacrifice their children. Oh that would be perfect.

~~ I have something for you to do for me. I want you to take the woman Quick Silver captive and bring her here. No harm is to come to her or the children she carries. The children shall be born soon. I must have her before they are born.~~ A very puzzled look crossed his face. “ Massster? You wisssh usss to naaay harrrm herrr?”

The guardian looked at him with cold eyes that promised death to any to question him. Usually he would kill anyone that did but he was running out of time and needed him. ~~The children she carries has the Soul powers of their father Arioch and their mother’s magi powers. One, I will have lead my armies to victory over this realm. Once it is destroyed, she will help me lead them to the next world, and the next, and the next. The other child, the one who is not as strong in the powers will be sacrificed. You may feed upon her powers. ~~ DarkWizars eyes slit with glee as he crackled an evil laugh. He knew as he sacrificed the child to the guardian some of the childs powers from her soul would transfer to him. And oh how he loved to hear the children scream with agony as he slowly tortured them to death. Quick would be forced to watch that. Oh yes she would.

The guardian continued. ~~Quick is to suffer. Her and Arioch both. Both of them, once my loyal servants, turned traitor. Death would be too merciful. Arioch, was my most trusted and powerful ancient one. I gave him power, my armies worshipped him, gave him everything he could ever want or need and he turned on me. He shall suffer the most. He will watch his child be sacrifice, his wife made to suffer and his other child lead my armies. ~~

The guardians voice dropped to an evil hiss, ~~ Nay fail me as Jakob did. Or you shall suffer far worse then he will. Bring me Quick and her children and your rewards will be great. You shall walk by my side, help lead my many armies through many realms, destroying, bringing glory to me. You will have power, the armies you lead will worship you, all will bow to you as they do me. You will have anything and everything you want. If only you can do this simplest of task that Jakob has failed me in. Take a pregnant woman and give her children to me.~~

“Aye Massster. Do asss you sssay I ssshalll. Brrring thisss woman beforrre you I ssshalll.” The guardians voice grew impatient as time was running out,~~ Go now. Seek out Sam. He will be able to help you. Nay fail me or suffer you will.~~

DarkWizard rose as the guardian vanished back into his realm. His head full of what was to be done. First, he would seek out Sam. Then, he would take Quick Silver this night. Not good to keep the guardian waiting. As he sent for his men to find Sam he laughed with evil glee. This was going to be so enjoyable.