Kingdoms of Sirathir - Untold Mythology

PROLOGUE

SKALL

Skall the mercenary cursed as the wooden wheels of the carriage jumped over an exposed tree root peeking over the surface of the dirt path. The two creatures they were tethered to aggressively galloped, their instinct ordering them to run for their lives. Ferocious creatures that roamed the Pakali highlands, these once proud vidal-iki were in a frenzy, steam gushing out of their nostrils in short, erratic bursts. They were in wild hysterics, bellowing high-pitched roars that matched the creaking of the wheels, cries of flesh and wood cleaving through the serenity of the woodland world. Their persuers had them charging in a panic.

His arms, honed to the size of tree trunks from his years of working for the mercenary guild, tightly held onto the leather reins of his beasts as they frantically pulled the carriage along the beaten track, half blind, howling at oblivion. He could barely see them underneath the canopy, their black hides rendering them almost invisible in the pitch darkness. A sharp thunk from behind made him take a glance back, just in time to see a man's tattoo covered bare arm peek out from within a panel. It was muscular, but lean, covered in scars that told of many battles. Chains of enchanted ink wrapped around the arm, emiting a violent orange. It reminded him of the sa'anlas, the fire serpents native to Escodair. Soon the whole arm was lit ablaze, its owner channeling a great ball of fire, easily engulfing his fist, and launched it into a group of beasts behind them, torching them and their shadowed riders to cinders.

His pupils shrunk, adjusting to the bright luminescence that flushed the forest and blinded him momentarily, finally gained a full view of the danger than he willingly accepted payment to be in.

Skies above. How could one man be capable of wielding such unnatural power? Skall thought to himself. This was not definately not the type of job he was used to.

Skall was assaigned to this mission by the head of Torr Perta's mercenary guild himself, but was never told of any details about the individuals he was to guard, only where they were to go and that it was important that they get there. If it sounded suspicious to him back at the barracks, its sure as hell making him regretful now.

If I make it outta here alive, I'm quitting' that damned guild. Skies know I'm getting paid more in this one deal than all the years I've worked for that rat Favrian - ahh! Skall flicked the reigns sharply, causing the vidal-iki pair to accelerate.

The fire immolated some of their shadowclad hunters, agony escaping their charred lips in the form of shrieking hot air. Within moments their tortured bodies gave away to ash, scattering, traces of their existance vanishing into the wind.

However this was not enough; their comrades, numerous in number, continued persuit. Some even mercilessly tore apart those who burned in their way. But they were slowed enough for the them to gain a larger distance. Skall heard muttering from behind the thin planks of wood separating him from his charges.

"That ony slowed them down by a bit. They will catch up before we reach Kaer Soras' walls. It has to be done, if we truly want to deliver the relic to safety." A male voice said, hushed and even-tempered.

"No", said another man. This one wasn't as calm. "We will deliver this Hoardstone to Kaer Soras, as intended. All of us. We cannot, will not, leave you behind." This seemed to stop the mutterings for a few short seconds.

"Im sorry Tobias... It must be done - for the sake of the Kaer, it must be delivered. We cannot entertain the slightest possibility of its contents being taken from us." A woman spoke this time, her voice as collected as the first. She seemed to have resigned herself to a decision.

"How can you agree to this, Maeryn? Aldran is your mentor too," said the second male voice, Tobias.

"That's precisely why I will take the responsibility of ensuring this delivery's success." Aldran's voice spoke with steeled certainty as the carriage door creaked open.