Post by me on Jan 4, 2007 1:20:47 GMT -5
Merlin the greatest sorcerer that would ever live stood leading an army of innumerable swordsmen. The calvary on the wings of the army he lead shook fidgeted with unease on their mounts. Then the archers behind the main body of troops shook with nervousness, but stood ready to unleash a hail of arrows on their leaders command.
"Make ready, for we stand as the only line between the darkness and the light. May God give you strength to fight the demons that plague us. May he give you strength to protect our kingdom, and the families that wait inside the castle walls," shouted Merlin. The words managed to put heart into the ranks of the army assembled behind him, and a resounding chorus of cheers echoed in the still air.
A thick wall of fog formed and Merlin shouted once more, "Make ready, our foe fast approaches."
The wall rushed forward obscuring the sight of the countless thousands. With a wave of his hand Merlin dispelled the fog, and the army behind was revealed to him. A vast array of demons marched toward them. Bloodied claws and fangs shown bright red in the midday sun, but the fear struck their hearts when their leader was revealed once more. His armor shone like heavenly fire around him, and his face carried a demonic fury that would put fear into the stoutest of hearts.
It was King Arthur, once the greatest ruler of the lands. Now a pawn of the very thing he held in his hand. In his right hand was a sword which shone with an inner fire of demonic proportions. Jewels sat in the hilt, and runes of power ran across the surface. Out of it sprouted tendrils of darkness and flesh which wrapped around the Kings hand, and even more were buried in the Kings arm. Those threads extended into the Kings very soul, and the sword controlled him.
That sword was named Excalibur.
He sent waves of energy ahead to ravage the demon army, and he charged forth his staff blazing with light. The army charged behind him ready to die for their leader, their king who fought against them. Once more he sent forth a wave of light, but the leader of the demons stood unaffected.
Soon the armies joined in battle.
***
Hours into the battle the demon army faltered. King Arthur stood with the sword still in his hand, but the tendrils began to pulse and writhe. The kind fought with all his will, and the tendrils were forced from his arm. Rent asunder by the shear force of his will. The sword flew from his hand and its tip buried itself in the dirt. The demon army once again continued its attack, but without their leader they were slaughtered by the magics of Merlin.
***
King Arthur and Merlin sat in Merlin's chamber. On the table sat the sword Excalibur and beside it the only gem that could counter its power. "We must start the false legend. We must say that it was flung into the deep of the lake," Merlin said after consideration.
"But why not throw the sword into the lake to keep others from finding it," The king responded.
"I have seen into the future. In many days it will be found, yet before someone who could control the gem will be formed. No we must send Lancelot on a quest to the furtherest reaches of the world to hide it."
As if in response the gem grew a shell that made it appear as any other recently excavated from the quarry. Only a day later Lancelot rode from Camelot to fulfill his quest, and Merlin paced out into the world. The gem whispered to him, telling him where he should place it.
***
Many Years Later
Almost like an excited child during the time of Christmas maniac glee shone from the teenagers face. He was staring at his class ring, as the gem seemed to shift between colors even though he was only a Sophomore. His High School had allowed everyone except the Freshmen to buy one early if they so chose.
The gem changed color once again, and it drew him into its depths.
***
Far Far away
Finding a sword of this style in Alaska was odd, but even odder was the fact that it sprouted from a gigantic rock. Then of course was the skeletal remains of an old English knight guarding the cave. Jewels set deep in the hilt shimmered, and strange runes run down the blade. The excavation team would be there soon, and then they would return this treasure to the world.
"Make ready, for we stand as the only line between the darkness and the light. May God give you strength to fight the demons that plague us. May he give you strength to protect our kingdom, and the families that wait inside the castle walls," shouted Merlin. The words managed to put heart into the ranks of the army assembled behind him, and a resounding chorus of cheers echoed in the still air.
A thick wall of fog formed and Merlin shouted once more, "Make ready, our foe fast approaches."
The wall rushed forward obscuring the sight of the countless thousands. With a wave of his hand Merlin dispelled the fog, and the army behind was revealed to him. A vast array of demons marched toward them. Bloodied claws and fangs shown bright red in the midday sun, but the fear struck their hearts when their leader was revealed once more. His armor shone like heavenly fire around him, and his face carried a demonic fury that would put fear into the stoutest of hearts.
It was King Arthur, once the greatest ruler of the lands. Now a pawn of the very thing he held in his hand. In his right hand was a sword which shone with an inner fire of demonic proportions. Jewels sat in the hilt, and runes of power ran across the surface. Out of it sprouted tendrils of darkness and flesh which wrapped around the Kings hand, and even more were buried in the Kings arm. Those threads extended into the Kings very soul, and the sword controlled him.
That sword was named Excalibur.
He sent waves of energy ahead to ravage the demon army, and he charged forth his staff blazing with light. The army charged behind him ready to die for their leader, their king who fought against them. Once more he sent forth a wave of light, but the leader of the demons stood unaffected.
Soon the armies joined in battle.
***
Hours into the battle the demon army faltered. King Arthur stood with the sword still in his hand, but the tendrils began to pulse and writhe. The kind fought with all his will, and the tendrils were forced from his arm. Rent asunder by the shear force of his will. The sword flew from his hand and its tip buried itself in the dirt. The demon army once again continued its attack, but without their leader they were slaughtered by the magics of Merlin.
***
King Arthur and Merlin sat in Merlin's chamber. On the table sat the sword Excalibur and beside it the only gem that could counter its power. "We must start the false legend. We must say that it was flung into the deep of the lake," Merlin said after consideration.
"But why not throw the sword into the lake to keep others from finding it," The king responded.
"I have seen into the future. In many days it will be found, yet before someone who could control the gem will be formed. No we must send Lancelot on a quest to the furtherest reaches of the world to hide it."
As if in response the gem grew a shell that made it appear as any other recently excavated from the quarry. Only a day later Lancelot rode from Camelot to fulfill his quest, and Merlin paced out into the world. The gem whispered to him, telling him where he should place it.
***
Many Years Later
Almost like an excited child during the time of Christmas maniac glee shone from the teenagers face. He was staring at his class ring, as the gem seemed to shift between colors even though he was only a Sophomore. His High School had allowed everyone except the Freshmen to buy one early if they so chose.
The gem changed color once again, and it drew him into its depths.
***
Far Far away
Finding a sword of this style in Alaska was odd, but even odder was the fact that it sprouted from a gigantic rock. Then of course was the skeletal remains of an old English knight guarding the cave. Jewels set deep in the hilt shimmered, and strange runes run down the blade. The excavation team would be there soon, and then they would return this treasure to the world.