The Four Amulets

Chapter 1

The small town was a blaze of light. The usual peaceful night was interrupted as the fire connected through the entire town. Men ran to acquire buckets as the women took the children and ran into the safety of the trees. That was exactly what they wanted. The silent killers stood in silence as their victims headed towards them, before a final war cry from their officer pushed to charge.

They burst through the cover with war cries and hatred in their eyes. They have always resented the other races, even after three hundred years of that triumphant day. The day they drove the evil sorceror, their master, to his apparent death and the rest of his forces retreated back to the southern mountains.

The ones nearest to the trees were swallowed in the horde that cut down everything and anything in its way. The men heard their screams of pain and took weapons, knowing that they would die with the rest of the village. Their night was a night of pain and suffering.

The following morning, back at the Imperial Palace, Emperor Rolan was addresed by the Imperial general, both grew up together and remained as close friends. The palace was adorned in statues of heroes, former kings and powerful magicians who shaped the world and modernized it. The emperor sat on the throne at the end of the hallway. Above was the skeleton of a once living elder dragon. Its giant skull constantly glaring at the mass of people.

A massive wolf sitting casually by the emperor's side at all times.

"My lord," The general went down on one knee. The emperor faced him, his crown flashing as it caught the candle's light.

"What is it, General?"

"A town was destroyed by a fire, my lord. We are not sure if anybody made it out alive. Three Imperial Knights were dispatched to investigate as we speak my lord."

"Good, keep me informed, General." The general saluted one more time before dismissing himself from the luxurious hallway.

The forest buzzed with life. Birds chirping, a deer could be seen in the distance. Three riders on horseback were walking along the side of the road. Riding in single file, they remained quiet, holding their weapons stready. Ready for sudden attacks. Then the bandits attacked. The attakers blocked both sides of the road, brandishing rusty chainmail and crooked swords. A few of their number carried short bows.

The three knights let loose a volley of arrows, knocking down a few. They made sure that the archers were killed before they could wreak havoc. They circled around each other, covering each other's back. When the bandits grew near, they took swords of the greatest metal known to man, deathseal. The pure black swords radiated power, and struck fear into the bandits before they were cut down.

"Let them run." The grim-faced knight stopped the two younger knights from chasing after the fearful outlaws.. "Remember we are here because of the burnt village, not the bandits. They probably were part of the looters gang, so stay alert."

"Aye sir." The two youths replied. They resheathed their swords and continued trotting down the road. Lord Baneheart's son, Aeron, was one of the younger knights. His best friend, Will Freeshield, accompanied him. Both were experienced knights, having experienced defending against raids and brigands.

"I say we chase after those basterds, they're gonna alert the others." Will said quietly when their officer wasn't looking.

"That's what those basterds are supposed to do, Will. Now shut up and let me work out a plan." Will's ears reddened as their officer heard his remark. Captain Lanway was a bit older than both boys but still heard a certain respect an officer would retain. Especially since he was an Imperial Knight. They were the feared company of Emperor Rolan's kingdom. Known for their role in the battle of the Amulet. The day Gallum was defeated.