Amtgard Legends

Prologue

A crack of thunder struck the night sky, rain poured down coating the grass in a clear mist. Sat in the middle of a large grove was a long, thin pedestal holding what looked to be a glass sphere. Another crack of lightning shot across the sky. Out of the tree line walked a tall, slender being clad in a veil of yellow.

"The hour has come Pandora, your resurrection is at hand," his voice was almost a whisper as he reached out with a thin, decrepit hand and caressed the top of the orb. "The time is upon us to return," the orb shimmered a pure light as it responded to the man's touch. For the final time, almost like clockwork, lightning struck, but this time it shot its way towards the pedestal.

In a blinding flash, the rain stopped, the clouds dissipated and the night was filled with rays of sunshine.

"Now we must wait," releasing the orb, the man turned and made his way back into the tree line, disappearing as suddenly and quietly as he had appeared.

Chapter 1

The young Enodus sprung up from his bed in a cold sweat. Something was wrong, he didn't know what it was, but the insistent banging on his door informed him it was something that needed his attention. As Enodus moved to open the door, Radiant Mortyn stood waiting for him.

"Your Radiance, the hour is late. I mean you no disrespect, but what are you doing here at a time like this?" Concern clouded Enodus's face as he took in the sight of the man before him. Mortyn, clad in his royal garb, looked down at the young man. "Come, you have been summoned by the council," Mortyn's voice held nothing but authority, whatever was happening he wouldn't be finding out here.

Knowing what being summoned at such an hour meant. Enodus quickly slipped his garb over himself and followed Mortyn silently through the city of Storm Grove, its streets dimly lit and empty of its usual bustling crowds.

Finally, after walking in silence for what felt like hours, the pair arrived at Castle Storm Grove. The council sat waiting as they entered the main hall. Mortyn, taking his seat as Baron of the land, looked down to Enodus.

"Enodus, we have received word from the neighboring kingdom. A mysterious island has appeared in the Great Sea," as Mortyn explained he gestured to a map scrawled out before them with a pin marking the area.

The Regent, Obscuridad, stood briskly, "we have summoned you here on behalf of the kingdom of the Emerald Hills. Gather a small party and investigate this new land mass." Enodus stood in confusion and looked from one council member to another before speaking, "I don't understand… why choose me, are there not others more qualified for something like this," at his words Mortyn stood, "Enodus Solus, I was charged with deciding who will be sent and I have chosen you for good reason," there was slight agitation in his voice directed at Enodus's doubting tone.

Slowly returning to his seat, Mortyn continued his explanation calmly, "as the regent has stated already, you have been chosen to lead a small party down to the Great Sea, investigate this strange occurrence and return to us to report your findings. As a druid you have the ability to hear the Voices of Life, you are well acquainted with this area and you are a capable fighter in your own right, these are the reasons we have chosen to send you."

In shock Enodus looked to the council, "alright I understand," as he turned to leave he paused for a moment, "I will be collecting my teammates tomorrow morning," he then walked alone, back to his home through the darkness shrouded city.

Storm Grove was so quiet at night, it was both unnerving and peaceful, few people were still awake, so you could hear the sounds of nature all around you.

As he made his way through the streets, thoughts began flooding his mind. Who would he be taking? There were so many choices, he had a basic idea of the skills he might need: a healer, a warrior, a scout.

He walked slowly up the steps to his house and rested his hand on the door. He had noticed someone following him from the moment he'd left the castle. Unfortunately for them, he became aware of them due to the wind casting their scent in his direction. Enodus turned, catching a glimpse of the assailant in the corner of his vision. His voice barely above a whisper he chanted, "my power makes thee Frozen," suddenly, a small tendril of ice appeared snaking its way across the path and grabbing the person, holding them in place. Cautiously Enodus approached them and whispered, "from thy bindings thou art released," freeing them from their icy prison.

Not amused, he frowned at the tall scout before him, Sleth Sparta. "It appears you were being a bit careless. Not only for me to realize you were following me, but for allowing me to catch you within my sight," nodding as if slightly annoyed but also amused, he moved swiftly back and into a fighting stance.

"There's no need for that Sleth, I do not wish to fight you this evening," Enodus crossed his arms with impatience, "but I must say, your timing is perfect,"

Enodus motioned for Sleth to follow him into his home, "Come friend, I know you must be hungry and we have things of importance to discuss,"

Obligingly, Sleth made his way into the house and took a seat at Enodus's dining table, "First, I'd like it to be known that I wasn't exactly trying to hide from you or else you wouldn't have known I was there. I do pride myself on my stealth after all. However, I was not expecting you to cast at me so openly or I'd have approached you sooner,"

"Why didn't you then?" Enodus sat two bowls of freshly warmed stew on the table and took a seat

"First I didn't want anyone from the castle to notice me approaching you and second I wanted to see if you'd go straight home or not. Anyway, I was following you to inquire about your meeting with the council. There aren't many things that can cause them to gather so late into the night," Enodus glanced up from his bowl at his friend and noticed Sleth's bowl was already empty, but he hadn't even seen him move.

Chuckling to himself, Enodus explained the situation, leaving out the part where he didn't think he was the right man for the job.

"So, now that you have an understanding of what's going on. I'd like you to be the first member of my party," Enodus flashed Sleth his signature goofy grin before continuing, "in all seriousness, I could really use your skills on this expedition. I have no idea what we'll find out there, but it'd be great to know you had my back,"

Sleth sat silently for a moment before sighing deeply and tilting his head back, causing his long white hair to fall over the back of his seat, "Fine, but not because you asked. I'm curious about this strange island as well and this seems like a good opportunity to check it out without having to worry about the council riding my tail for snooping around where I shouldn't be. Now tell me, who else do you plan to have tag along?"

"That's a good question,"

* * * * *

As dawn broke, the light pushed its way into Enodus's room, encouraging him to rise. Making his way out into the living room, he saw Sleth laying sprawled out on the floor in front of the fireplace.

"What exactly are you doing down there when I have a perfectly good couch mere feet from you,"

"It was warmer here," Sleth's voice was laced with the remains of sleep.

Enodus furrowed his brow and looked towards the nearest window, only just noticing the frost that had crept up it. What a strange sight for early September here in Storm Grove, a place known for its late summers. Enodus shook the thought from his mind for the moment. Nature could be quite unpredictable, as a druid he knew this all to well.

"I'm heading out to pick up our next party member," he made his way across the room and out the front door. Taking in the morning air, he released a small sigh for his tasks ahead.

Now that the sun lit the sky the city streets were full of both people and noise, the cold air going unnoticed as they muddled through their everyday life.

Making his way down the crowded street he came to a stop at an old book store, Gobbledy-Book the Comfort Nook, he could already hear the rage that slipped through the cracks of the closed door.

Preparing himself mentally he opened it, the small bell that hung over it chiming longer than he thought it should. As he stood in the entrance way his eyes fell upon Sorin Winters. She was short for an elf, but her movements still appeared smooth and graceful. She had her silverish hair pulled up in "messy" bun and her amethyst eyes locked on the shelf in front of her

You could tell she was upset by the frequent exasperated sighs and the throwing of her free hand in the air. From the few completed sentences it seemed she was upset about her books being out of order.

"Who in their right mind- how could- who would- WHY in the ever loving world would someone put The Factors of Healing Magics here?! This is the Alchemy section! ALCHEMY! Fools, all of them," she sighed again and pressed her hand against her forehead, no doubt to stifle an oncoming headache.

Enodus made his way over to the desk at the front of the shop, he wasn't thrilled she was already in a bad mood, but he was determined to speak with her. He rang the bell.

Turning sharply she finally noticed her guest, her features softened at the sight of her friend.

"Let me guess, you got into a fight and ended up injured and have come crawling to me once again to flutter those silver eyes at me and ask me to 'help a bud out'," her tone suggested she was annoyed but she smiled at him nonetheless.

Enodus flashed his signature grin at her and put his hand over his chest in mock offense, "My dear miss Winters I'm truly hurt. No, I am here on official business really. I have a big favor to ask of you,"

"I'm already doing you a favor, after all I haven't thrown you out of my shop yet. Today isn't really a good day for me you see," at this point she had reached the other side of the desk and had her arms crossed over her chest.

Still smiling he leaned into the counter closer to her, "Oh don't be such a sour puss. I've come to ask you to join me, and a few others of course, on a small adventure," he could tell he'd caught her attention when she raised one of her eyebrows, he took that opportunity to explain his visit to the council the previous night and his encounter with Sleth.

Curiosity and a hint of excitement filled her eyes. She composed herself quickly and sighed.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt, there could be a lot for me to learn, if there are any undiscovered magical artifacts and such. You have a deal mister Solus,"

The smile faded from Enodus's face as he turned to leave the shop, "Glad to hear it, we will be leaving at noon. Please be ready and at my house at that time," he could practically feel her shocked and frustrated expression as her eyes bore into his back.

"Ridiculous as always," she huffed as she stomped quickly away to prepare.

Back on the street, Enodus made his way around the corner to The Rusty Knuckle. He sighed as he looked up at the old sign that hung over the tavern door, it brought him back to a simpler time, with less responsibilities and a lot more laughter. He'd opened the tavern when he first arrived at Storm Grove, a small contribution to his new home, a place to relax, drink and trade information.

Walking through the door was like stepping through time, people crowding the bar and a few at the tables, filling the room with laughter and the air with the excitement of a freshly ended adventure. He chuckled to himself as he made his way past the merry folk and up the stairs to his office.

Waiting inside were his two under belts, Storm Groves current champion Kildaar, the most civilized barbarian you'd ever meet and Kloud whose soul radiated kindness, as druids aut to.

"Good morning gentlemen, I'm glad you're both already here," Enodus took his place behind the desk and began rifling through his many stacks of paperwork, not really looking at them, he just didn't know what else to do with his hands.

Kildaar wasted no time as he turned to face Enodus, "have you thought about who you'll take with you? What type of team do you think you'll need?"

"As a matter of fact, I have thought about it. Too bad you're on the council or I might've invited you," at this Kildaar laughed and his shoulders seemed to relax a bit.

"Can't say I didn't try at least, I know I'd be your greatest asset and all," he shrugged and took a seat across from the desk, his face making a very poor 'whoa is me' impression as Kloud laughed.

"Yeah, yeah. Besides I'll need your help with the Knuckle while I'm gone. I still need someone to gather the passing information and make sure the place doesn't run out of booze,"

Kloud smiled at Enodus, "so you're going somewhere? Can I come?" His voice was light, and reminded most he talked to of the summer breeze, it made people lower their guard around the friendly druid, even people who'd have thought him an enemy. It was a weapon only he possessed.

"I'm afraid not my friend, I was hoping instead you and Khoriss could keep an eye on Sorin's book shop. I know the three of you are close, so I'm sure she wouldn't mind if it's the two of you,"

"Oh, I see. Of course, that sounds great. Thank you!"

"For what? I haven't done anything except trouble you,"

"For trusting me with such an important task, it's no trouble at all," with that, Enodus laughed and finally looked up from his paper shuffling.

"So Sorin Winters. Who else will you take with you," Kildaar sat forward in his chair and Enodus sighed.

"I can never be cool and mysterious with you can I?" He paused as Kildaar shook his head, "Sleth Sparta will also be joining us. I think a three person team will be easier to manage, though I may add someone later. Before you ask, no I don't know who that would be, I just feel as though someone might be joining,"

"I see… that seems a bit small, but I guess it is just supposed to be a quick scouting party,"

Enodus looked down at his shuffled papers and pulled one from the bottom of the stack, "so that's where that's been, huh," it was an old map with numerous markings made across its surface. Moving several stacks of paper, Enodus smoothed the map out across his desk, "this is Sorin's old map. It's what we used when we left our home island," Kildaar looked at him confused.

"Wait, you're not from the Emerald Hills? Are the two of you related or something?"

Enodus laughed, "she'd have your head if she heard you say that. She'd say 'us? Related? I'd sooner have a monkey as an uncle,'. No, we may be from the same island but we're from different clans. Now, it's about time for me to go," he tossed Kildaar the keys to the safe that housed the deed to the tavern.

"I fully intend to return so don't go selling the place or something, but just in case, Kildaar in the event that I don't make it back from this journey, I give full rights of this tavern to you. Alright boys, I'm off," without another word Enodus set off toward home, leaving his friend standing more than a little dumbfounded.

Waiting patiently at the bottom of his doorstep sat Sorin. Spotting him she stood and gathered her bags from the ground, "ready?"

"Almost, I still need to pack my things and then we can go,"

"Fair enough, I am a bit early," Enodus chuckled, Sorin was always early, it was like she thought everything would catch fire if she was on time and only the heavens know what would happen if she was ever late.

As they walked through the door Enodus saw Sleth still laying on the living room floor, "you ready bud? We'll be leaving in a bit,"

"I'm ready," he glanced at the two of them before returning to his previous position.

Nodding, Enodus made his way to his room to collect his gear. It didn't take him long as he hadn't really unpacked from his last trip, 'why should I? I always end up right back out anyway,' he thought to no one in particular.

As he made his way back into the living room Sorin eyed him suspiciously, as if she knew exactly how he was ready so fast. He shrugged at her and flashed a signature grin, which caused her to roll her eyes.

As they set out through town, Sorin took note of how quiet the town seemed; it was odd for mid-afternoon in Storm Grove. Most of the time you could barely hear yourself think, but now even a whisper felt like you were shouting.

A small group stood waiting for them at the main entrance to the city. The gate behind them stood taller than Sorin remembered, it could fit a small giant.

Mortyn and the rest of the council looked the group over, they seemed almost disappointed, though none of them said so.

"So you've chosen a three person team?" Mortyn waited, but Enodus simply nodded, "alright then, good luck and safe travels friends. May the grace of Clippy be with you," with that he turned to face the two large men guarding the gate. They were both clad in armor with one of them wielding a large turtle shield. "Z Shimeda, Romarik, open the gates," the men nodded and took hold of the huge chains on either side, pulling effortlessly, the massive doors began to open.

Obscuridad and Narcini, the guild master of reeves, approached the group with smiling faces. Obsi handed them a large bag, "these are some rations, they should last until you reach Razor Hills at least. Please be careful and return to us safely,"

Narcini placed a green, palm sized stone in Sorin's hand, "this is a wayward stone, it will teleport you back here in case of an emergency, but you can only use it once. I hope you don't need it, but I feel better knowing you have it,"

D, the prime minister, stepped forward, handing each of them a small pouch, "gems for supplies you may need down the road, don't go blowing it on junk or booze, I'm looking at you Enodus," he raised his eyebrow at the now grinning Enodus, who tried his best to feign innocence and shock.

After all the thank yous and good lucks the trio made their way out of the city. They glanced back as the gates closed behind them with a rumble that shook the ground around their feet.

"Well, I guess we're off, ready to go?" Enodus smiled looking over at his other party members.

"Another grand adventure awaits, let's not get lost this time, okay?" Sorin laughed as she nudged him.

"I'm a scout, remember? I never get lost," Sleth chuckled as Enodus tried to talk his way out of being the one who'd definitely gotten them lost last time. And so the journey began.