Following the chilling success of their first collection, Lady Eckland, Glenn Riley, and new collaborator, Bella Darkwood return to guide you through the shadowy corridors of fear with their second compendium, *Whispers In The Dark 2*. These master...
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Date: 1221 AD Place: A remote temple on the outskirts of the Western Xia Dynasty territory, near Ningxia, China.
The horses whinnied nervously as the Mongol warriors approached the ancient temple, hidden in a remote valley of the Tibetan mountains. General Borjigin tugged on his reins, steadying his stallion as he examined their target in the dwindling twilight.
"Remember, do not damage anything until we learn what treasures this place holds," Borjigin commanded. "Subutai believes powerful relics are kept here - items that will help fuel the Great Khan's conquests across the world."
The twenty elite cavalrymen behind Borjigin grunted in acknowledgment. They were the keshik - Genghis Khan's personal guard - and they had accompanied Borjigin on this secret mission to plunder the secluded temple, acting on intelligence gathered by the Khan's spies.
As they neared, a barrage of arrows welcomed them - the temple's guardians vainly trying to defend their sanctuary against the famed Mongol warriors. With ruthless efficiency honed across years of warfare, the Mongols unleashed a withering hail of arrows and bolts from their composite bows and crossbows, dropping the white-robed men with ease despite the fading light.
Screams echoed across the valley as the Mongols breached the temple gates. The defenders - monks and priestesses - knew they stood no chance, yet still tried to protect their sacred home from defilement. Borjigin himself cut down three monks who rushed at him, divine fury etched on their faces even as his broadsword opened their bellies.
"Take them alive if you can!" Borjigin commanded as the clash of steel rang through the stone chambers. "Torture will loosen their tongues to reveal where the temple treasures are hidden!"
The Mongol warriors fanned out, subduing the wailing priests and priestesses. The finery of the temple contrasted with the plain garb of its guardians - golden statues of unfamiliar gods, ancient scrolls and tomes waiting to unlock arcane secrets, jewel-encrusted urns and goblets glimmering temptingly from altar shelves.
"Keep searching!" Borjigin urged, wiping the blood from his blade. "We cannot let a single relic escape the Khan's grasp!"
At the innermost sanctum, guarded by intricately-carved teak doors, the Mongols finally encountered stiff resistance. Robed men and women, desperate fury overcoming their passive natures, fought with staffs and bare hands to protect their holy of holies. The Mongols cut them down until only one small monk remained, trembling but defiant before the invaders.
"What lies beyond is not for your heathen eyes," the monk said, spitting blood as he gestured at the carved doors. "Turn back now, before you unleash what should never again walk the earth."
The surrounding Mongols laughed. Their commander dismounted and glared at the monk.
"Your threats mean nothing, priest," Borjigin sneered. "My warriors will take what they want, and you cannot stop them."
