Dawn of the Epoch

Chapter LXXIX - Fulmination

The world watched as Ghaelvord strode purposefully across the Torrente Parma river in the bustling downtown of Parma, Italy.

“Behold!” He proclaimed loudly.

The camera panned out and the bridge was full of ghouls. Their metal armor gleamed in the sun. The clinquant luster of their polished vambraces gave off a brilliant glimmer. They marched with methodical uniformity. Their slack jaws and empty eyes paralyzed viewers with dread.

Ghaelvord launched into gasconade, “Citizens of the world, watch carefully for the fate of Parma is your fate. Listen to your imminent leader. Out of the ashes of war, a phoenix will rise. We will build a monument to humanity. Will you not consider joining me? The time will come and it will come soon when a path will open. The greatest few will find it waiting for them. Ruminate on that.”

Ghaelvord paused for effect and starred immovably into the camera’s lens.

Then he went on, “Today, you all bear witness to a small victory, but it is a prophetic one. It is a fleeting glimpse of things to come. Citizens of the world, I will not consume much more of your time. I do not expect the futility and inevitability of the present situation to sink in for some time to come. When it does, and in due time, the plan will be revealed and the prescient among you will receive guidance on joining the revolution. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled and use your time wisely!”

Ghaelvord grinned magnanimously into the camera as he let out a haughty, but not quite malevolent laugh. The screen panned sideways. Just before the screen went dark, the camera scanned the faces of the ghoul army. While Ghaelvord’s speech had captured attention, the final seconds of footage struck fear into the hearts of the generals of the Allied Forces. The faces of the ghouls were the faces of the soldiers stationed in Parma. Rather than the gleaming metal uniforms of the ghoul army, these ghouls wore the olive fatigues of the Italian army. Ghaelvord had converted them; they were now his.

The video was released on the Internet and watched billions of times across the world. Every major news network carried the story. The plot thickened.

Meanwhile, a quintet of mostly human adventurers walked deeper and deeper into the Western Alps where they explored yet another labyrinth that was lost long ago to the sands of time.