Sundering 'Of Honor and Glory'

Chapter 1

Nearing the end of the path leading into the basin the Crusaders spot demonic gatekeepers. Challenge without notable concern had their energy to spar not been exhausted during their journey. All except for the veteran gladiator -- Drained of patience he lept into the air with blades eager of combat.

Executus charged forth onto the gatekeeper like a wolf striking down an unsuspecting calf. His weathered status held great merit to his party; A peaceful man turned back to violence -- There was need for peace in torn land, thus, his expertise was at hand to eliminate the tormenter. But, also to teach the young knights the manner of being a crusader during dire times. This heroism centered the mind of the headmaster, as well, whom now felt the urge to compete for glory.

Headmaster Damien followed into combat; Sliding down the mountain-side less gloriously, but, still honorable as the Champion's Apprentice, Executus; Whom engaged with the opposing gatekeeper; Jumping into the air and plunging into the demons neck he swung from the handle as the gatekeeper flailed about.

Damien struck the opposite after ducking from the swinging blades. Striking the large ankle of the demonic monstrosity. 

The Crusaders unite outside of the colossal fortress, preparing for the fight that could finally bring peace to the war-plagued land. Each of the knights extend their hand and close their eyes bringing their focus to the fortress doors. A dim light radiates from their palms as the ground trembles from the splitting barrier. After an exchange of determined looks pass the young knights; they proceed into the darkness that awaits them.

"Move with caution," Turalyon said with his eyes forward. "And, have your wits about you; this is no place for error." He said, attempting to encourage the young and frightful knights.

Proceeding into the dark fortress, the knights are met by a narrow bridge. Even the slightest hint of light is being devoured by the endless pit of darkness beneath. As the knights began to make their way onto the bridge an apiration emerges from the depths of hell. Flying around the room, and hiding within the shadows before plunging down towards the knights; whom gallop in a panicked sprint across the narrow bridge.

Lord Lucious slows to a halt and turns to the fast approaching apiration. Drawing his blade, and planting his feet, he stares with intensity at the shadow. The dark energy let out a pulsating screech, when the Champion of Light split the apiration with his blade, seemingly with ease.

On the other side of the bridge, the knights were faced with two corridors. Unsure of their direction, the knights seek guidance from their Champion.

"We must divide," Lucifer said confidently shifting only his hood slightly to the right direction.

The courtyard met a large opening encasing the darkness of endless hallways extending into such. On the opposite side lay a network of small corridors consumed in darkness.

"Have you gone mad?" Turalyon responded quickly, beginning to speak again "We sta--"

"You dare defy the Champion?" Executus interrupted the master knight. Staring into the eyes of Turalyon, as his annoyance for the throne's heir was incessant.

"We stand NO chance if we divide!" Turalyon repeated himself, overcome with irritation. "We must think rationally if we want to defeat the Dark Lord." he said.

"We must divide," Lucious turned in an authoritative motion. "We must stay focused on the task at hand." He calmed his apprentice, "Besides," Lucifer turned to the agitated Turalyon, "We have prepared for this moment for quite some time." He assured the master crusader

"They have not!" Turalyon responded with haste; pointing in the direction of the young knights gathered around Clugaol.

Each of the knights held the same anxious expression silently praying to stay in a group together. Brother's Rhegar Durotus and Rulgar Koldrig had a conversation with their looks of concern and angst.