[CAMARAX KINGDOM – CASTLE CAMARAX]
[1 Year Later]
Seven figures huddled together in a dimly lit hallway.
The air smelled of cold iron and old rain.
It rained frequently during this time of year in Camarax…and today was no exception.
High above the castle were gray skies accompanied by a steady downpour.
The seven figures spoke in low hushed voices…their breathes were slow and deep.
On this day they would execute a bold plan, one that required coordination, commitment, and most importantly luck.
“Are you guys ready for this?” Arthos asked as he turned his gaze to look at each one of his companions individually.
By his side stood Wain, his best friend and advisor, Kristan his sister and oldest companion, Hector his trusted berserker healer, Percy his shadow and friend, Kay his mentor, and Neva his love.
The seven were far more than teammates, they were family.
Each family member nodded signaling they were ready for their boldest mission yet.
“Percy, is your team ready?” Arthos asked.
“They better be.
If they fail this mission, I will kill them myself.” Percy said in a serious tone.
His team had been handpicked and individually trained by him for this one critical mission.
Failure would cost Percy too much to bear.
“Ok, then…you all know what to do.
Act normal and wait for Percy’s signal.” Arthos said as a final reminder.
The group of seven, turned and followed behind Arthos as he opened the door.
The door was thick and heavy, like a fortified gate, protecting the private chamber inside.
The room was poorly lit despite the fact that it had multiple large windows where daylight softened the mood.
The hearth crackled with a low fire as faint whispers were heard.
At the center of the chamber was a large oak table, designed to hold a small group of six.
This was the Counsil’s chamber where important matters of State were discussed.
Aligning the walls of the chamber were large bookcases filled with books, maps, and records worn by heavy use.
At the head of the table sat the King, on his right was Princess Elencia, and to his left was Chief Counselor Thornell.
Seated next to them were the other four counselors one of which was seated uncomfortably squeezed in between.
A few senior court officials were also present and standing along the walls.
The herald called out, “presenting the Scavenger guild.
Sir Arthos the Verdant Knight, Sir Wain the Wise, Sir Percy Veil the ‘Night Veil’, Sir Hector the Red, Sir Kay, Lady Nevariel Arden the Moonblade, and Lady Kristan the Dreadwall.”
The King waved with his hand signaling those present to sit.
Those able to sit, took a seat.
Arthos and his team remained standing.
The Kings voice filled the chamber as he explained the reason for this occasion.
He said, “today is a solemn day.
On this day we sign an oath in perpetuity between the Scavengers guild and Camarax.
The purpose of which is to mutually protect, stabilize, and flourish as one people.
On this day, in the sight of all these esteemed witnesses present and in the sight of God we sign and seal the agreement.”
He continued, “Chief Counselor Thornell will now enumerate the articles of the agreement.”
The King’s voice softened and trailed as he shifted the room’s attention to the ancient and wise counselor sitting by his side.
A man who had served three kings for over three centuries.
Chief Counselor Thornell rose to his feet, clearing his throat he said, “what we do here today is for the lasting benefit of the realm and its people.
So that they may live long and prosper.”
As he spoke the last words, he stepped back toward the wall.
KABOOM!!!
A loud explosion shook the chamber.
A flurry of glass, stone, and debris filled the air.
FWIP, FWIP FWIP
Knives cut through the air with a slicing whisper.
Over a dozen masked assassins stormed through the broken windows hurling a tempest of knives and blades.
Two of the assassins wore distinct masks and appeared to be the squad commanders.
“AAGGHH!!!”
One counselor let out a loud, sharp, and startled shriek.
Seconds later he collapsed and perished on top of the large oak table.
Countless daggers pierced his back.
“Now!” Percy yelled.
On command, eight shrouded warriors descended from the rafters and engaged the assassins in a brutal battle of blades and daggers.
“Kris!
Protect the King!” Arthos shouted as he jumped over the table and impaled an assassin right before the masked figure was able to assassinate a trembling noble.
With one arm, Kristan threw the table at the assassins near the window causing them to break their formation and scatter…like bowling pins struck by a giant bowling ball.
She jumped in front of the King blocking a flurry of throwing knives with ease.
One assassin rushed toward her and swung his short sword at her neck.
CLANG
Kristan blocked the sword strike with her steel gauntlets followed by a savage shield smash that knocked the assassin off his feet onto the stone floor.
With one monstrous stomp, she smashed his skull into pieces splattering brain tissue and blood everywhere.
“Lady Kristan, your beauty is only rivaled by your savagery.
Next time, please defeat the enemies a bit cleaner.
This is my favorite robe.” The King complained seeing his favorite robe drenched in blood and gunky tissue.
“Sorry your Majesty…I got carried away.” Kristan apologized sheepishly.
The two assassin commanders targeted Princess Elencia as they performed their ultimate killing technique, while a third cloaked under an invisibility skill.
[DEATH SHOWER skill activated by Assassins]
[Death Shower unleashes 100 throwing knives at a target.]
The light in the room darkened as hundreds of knives materialized and sprayed the surface with a rain of flying metal.
CLING, CLING, CLUNG
[SKEWER skill activated by Percy]
Blades flashed in a whirlwind of surgical strikes as Percy countered the tempest of throwing knives, redirecting them back to the assassins while simultaneously catching the cloaked assassin in mid-strike.
“Auuufff”
The cloaked assassin let out a painful groan as Percy’s merciless skill skewered his chest.
Undeterred, one of the two assassin commanders attempted to throw a crude bomb at the princess in an attempt to kill her from a safe distance.
SLICE, SLICE, SLICE
Neva’s dancing blade split the air in three rapid strikes, severing the assassins’ arms before he was able to throw the bomb.
“I got it!” Hector yelled as he grabbed the crude bomb and hurled it out the window and into the air.
KABOOM!
The bomb exploded high above Castle Camarax causing a commotion as the castle guards rushed to the scene.
The second assassin commander smiled as he successfully managed to bypass the Scavenger guild’s defenses and stood inches away from the princess…daggers glowing bright red.