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The Tale of Valen Gray Part 1 and 2

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Star Wars Kid

PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:49 pm


Finally, for the first time in one thread, the legendary origins of Valen Gray! He is a character in an RP in my guild, and one of my favorite characters. I am sorry about all of the grammatical errors that I am sure are in there. My word processor on my computer does not have a spell check. Anyway, tell me what you think smile

(And yeah, I know it is long, but I hope it is worth it... maybe you should go get something to eat or drink though XD)

***

The Knight stood in the rain waiting patiently. His eyes closed, his sword strapped on his back. He ignored everything of the outside world and drew within himself, as he waited at the small bridge waiting for another traveler to cross. His loyal steed was off to the side of the road waiting beneath a leafless tree, as still as it's master. As the Knight waited his thoughts inevitably drew to a time that seemed so long ago that he sometimes wondered if it wasn't really a dream.

Valen Gray was once a Knight of the Kingdom of Bretonnia. He had served his Liege ever since he was old enough to carry a pale of water to the thirsty horses in the stable. His father was a Knight in service to Baron Catalonia, just like his father before him, and every Gray for more than 500 years. At the age of 13 Valen began his formal training to become a Knight of Bretonnia. He was apprenticed to an older man by the name of Nikolai. Nikolai had been training knights for years, and had even trained Valen's father. Valen had eagerly hoped to learn how to wield a sword and shoot a bow, but instead Nikolai made him do what seemed to be completely pointless tasks. For the first 2 years he did nothing but move hay to the barn, help build houses in the village, tend to crops in the field, and other such un-Knightly tasks. Valen had been taught all his life to respect his elders and their wisdom, but one day he brought up the nerve and asked, "Master Nikolai, why do you make me do these chores every day? have I not done these same things all my life?"

Nikolai smiled, "yes, why? is their something you would rather be doing?"

Valen blushed at this, realizing how rude and impatient he was behaving, but continued anyway. "Sir, I wish to learn the skills of a Knight."

Nikolai smiled again, "oh, so that is what you want. Then why did you never ask. Come with me." Nikolai led Valen out of the stables, and then out of the castle, until they were on the outskirts of the town. He tore a branch off a young tree and tossed it to Valen, who caught it in his hands. He then lifted his walking stick and pointed it at Valen, "now fight me!"

The old man moved faster than he looked, and deftly defeated him in that mock duel. Valen smiled as he remembered how sore he was that night from the whelps all over his body. So, from that day forth, instead of "pointless chores" Valen and Nikolai spent their days dueling, and exercising. Nikolai had him run 3 miles every day while carrying a sack of rocks on his back. Valen's thoughts then drifted to the day he was knighted, by his Liege:

"Valen, I hereby Knight you as Sir Valen Gray of Quenelles. Now rise as a protector of Bretonnia." Valen rose to the cheering of the whole town. That night they held a feast in his honor, and he had the privilege to sit at the left hand of his Lord. And across from him sat the beautiful Daphne Catalonia, the daughter of his Liege. Although he spoke sparsely to the lovely lady that night, he would, some years later near the end of the Great Orc Waaggh of 337:

He had returned from another attack on the greenskin scum. They had been raiding villages along a river to the south, and the Knights that were dispatched there quickly put an end to their bloodlust. Valen had become interested in literature after his training was completed, and loved to read in his spare time, which he had little of these days. He was reading beneath a tree a little ways from the fort he was currently stationed at when he heard a voice behind him, "you are from Quenelles aren't you."

He turned wondering who would know that and found himself face to face with the Lady Daphne. He shirked back for a moment, and then composed himself, "yes I am my lady. I am surprised you recognized me."

She smiled, "I have always had a talent for remembering faces, may I sit with you?" She was already sitting down, knowing the answer would not be no.

"So what brings you here my lady?"

"I am here to welcome refugees who will return with us to Quenelles. You probably are aware of the greenskins attacking the villages to the south?"

"Yes, I am aware of them, but they are no longer a concern, we road out a few days ago and they now all lay dead," as he prided himself he straightened his back a bit more.

She flashed that beautiful smile at him again, "well then I thank you on behalf of Bretonnia for your service."

"I live to serve, my lady."

They sat silently together there, watching some children playing in the field a short ways from them listening to their carefree happiness and just enjoying each others company. After awhile the Lady spoke again, "I am afraid I must take my leave now brave knight," she rose to her feet and Valen did likewise. She then reached behind her neck and removed her gold chain necklace that bore the emblem of Bretonnia on a small coin on the front of it and handed it to Valen, "I ask you to take this, as a gift for your services to all free people."

"I cannot take this my lady."

She smiled again at his humility, "you are borrowing it then, so that one day you must return it to me."

He smiled in turn, and took the necklace carefully into his hands, "and on my word I shall return it."

She smiled and then left without another word.

The Orcs went back to their mountain dwellings the winter of that year, the Knights of Bretonnia chased them back all the way there, until they reached the mountains where their steeds could not follow. Valen returned home to Quenelles alone, and met up with other Knights from different parts of the realm who all had originated from Quenelles as well. They all shared their tales of adventure, and boasted of their feats. One of the Knights claimed to have participated in a battle between 7 Knights and some 30 Orcs as they defended a village for days. They all jeered at the unlikelihood of this. Knights were known to exaggerate at certain details of their stories among their fellow Knights, but all the way home he insisted it were true.

They arrived home and were greeted by the whole town, who tossed necklaces of flowers up to them. They then proceeded up to the castle where there was no fanfare. They entered the Keep a bit puzzled at why everyone was so solemn, as they put their steeds into the stable a paige came and informed them that the Baron lay on his deathbed, and that he had been there ill for days. They went up to their Lord's room where he was surrounded by other Knights, servants, friends, and family. He strained to lift a hand and bid them over. In a whispered voice he spoke to them, "it is good to see your return. If I have one regret in life, it is that I will not be able to properly honor you."

One Knight spoke out, trying to match the low tone of his Liege, "my Lord, there be no need to honor us. We live only to serve, and not for rewards."

He nodded his head ever so slightly, "yes, but I still wish I could, for such grand Knights." He continued to stare at them a moment more as if to say something, then closed his eyes and drew his last breath. There was not a single dry face in the room.

The Baron had only one child in his life, so his lands fell into the capable hands of Lady Daphne. She was a good ruler, and made all of the new people in her lands feel at home. Many suitors came to the castle, looking for her hand in marriage, but she turned them all away, knowing that all they truly wanted was to marry up, and become a Baron. During this time the Kingdom of Bretonnia was at peace. The Orcs had been expelled to their mountain holes and the neighboring kingdoms and powers slumbered. So, the Knights began taking on their own personal quests, and expanding the renown of this noble land. Valen had set out on one such quest. He traveled north, into the lands of the Empire of Mordiheim. This restless land to the north was much larger than Bretonnia, and thus was harder to keep outside threats out. There were always roving bands of Orcs and Goblins and other creatures there. He travelled from village to village, doing what was needed, righting wrongs, and dispensing justice. He had been on this quest for nearly 3 years now when he arrived at another settlement:

Valen emerged from the forest and a ways off was a smoking village. He kicked the sides of his horse to hopefully get their before he would be too late. As he approached he could see that most of the buildings were burnt almost completely to the ground, others were piles of rubble. As he got closer he slowed his steed, seeing that much devastation littered the streets. When it was too thick for his horse to proceed he dismounted and continued on foot, keeping a look out for any attackers. But instead of Orcs or bandits he was met by villagers walking around aimlessly in shock at the sight of everything they had being destroyed. He walked over to a woman rocking back and forth on the ground next to a burned out building. He knelt beside her and she looked up, tears in her eyes, and in her arms he could see the charred corpse of her child. He bowed his head in sorrow, caught off guard at this and not sure what to say. She buried her head in his shoulder and wept. He knew she was in no condition to tell him what happened. After she composed herself a bit better he politley excused himself and moved on, searching to see if anyone was hurt, or trapped, or could tell him what happened here. He came upon some men trying to clear some rubble of a fallen house to reach the voices that were buried inside. He moved in to help them and they were able to save another child, buried beneath her mother's body that had shielded her from the falling roof. One of the men thanked him, as the rest carried the girl out.

"What happened here," Valen asked wishing to avenge these people.

The villager stared at him, knowing why he wanted to know, "brave Knight, I ask you to not avenge us, I would not see such a kind man as yourself fall to this monster," he almost spat out the last word.

"It is my duty, to protect those who cannot protect themselves. If a monster created this destruction here, then it is my sworn duty to see that it can cause no more harm else where. Even if it means my death."

The man, knowing he couldn't hide the truth forever answered him, "a dragon. A great black dragon. For years the beast has lived in that mountain to the east," he pointed off in the distance at a lone mountain top, "but never before has he flown west. I know not why..."

Valen understood why the man was hesitant to tell him. Dragons were fierce creatures, and some of the most intelligent. He had heard of Knights slaying them before, but he personally had never even seen one. "Thank you, I will stay here to help some more, and then go and slay the beast."

Valen stayed in the village and helped to rescue any other survivors, and tend to wounds, and then bury the dead. The villagers were not sure what to do next, leave, or rebuild. Valen decided that he would make sure whatever path they chose, they would both be equally safe. He stayed the night on the outskirts of town with his horse. The villagers came and offered him food and wine, but he said no, that he was content with his own food, and they needed it more than he did. The next morning he strapped on his weapons and armor again. The villagers pleaded with him not to go, but once again he told them that this was his duty. He then headed off to meet his fate. He reached the bottom of the mountain around midday. He was about to tether his horse to a tree, then thought better of it and left him there, untethered, knowing that his old friend would stay there long enough. He climbed the mountain, which was fortunately not that steep. He knew that dragons usually slept during the day and so he had that one little bit of advantage. He crept up the mountain, and came to a large plateau with the mouth of a large cave going into the mountain side. He crept along the mountain wall as quietly as possible, until he was at the cave entrance. He peered inside, and could see the glitter of gold. He walked inside, the cave wasn't as deep as he expected, and as he entered he discovered there was no dragon to be found. He was debating whether he should wait, or see if there was another cave where the dragon may be hiding when he heard an earth shaking roar from outside, somewhere down on the mountain side. He ran back outside to see where the beast was. He heard another roar, and the sound of fire coming from the other side of the plateau. He went over there so that he was close enough to peer over the edge, and below him was another larger plateau and the great black dragon stood there. And before him stood a knight, clad in black and red fighting him. The dragon unleashed another stream of fire, but the knight ran out of the way incredibly fast. The dragon whipped his tale around to hit the Knight, and just as it was about to hit him, he jumped over the tail, and in the same instance he stabbed his sword through it and into the rock beneath. The dragon roared in rage and pain, and snapped his jaws at the Knight, who once again was able to get out of the way, almost tauntingly this time. He pulled another sword from his back and at speeds faster than Valen had seen anyone ever go he ran up the dragon's spine to his head and then strode atop the beast as if it were his steed. The dragon thrashed it's head in rage at this mockery of it's pride, but the Knight held on. Then after he got bored he plunged his blade into the head of the beast. The dragon roared an even louder roar, his entire body now shook in it's death throes, and this time the Knight did jump off. The dragon thrashed for a few moments more, and then collapsed to the ground, never to move again. The Knight went over and removed his blade from the dragon's tail, and began to clean his weapons. Valen began to move down the mountain side, the Knight looked up and Valen waved but the Knight just stood there cleaning his weapons and watching Valen, sizing him up. Valen approached the Knight and extended his hand, "let me be the first to congratulate you on your great victory." The Knight still stood there, just looking at him. Valen retracted his hand peevishly, but then composed himself, remembering he was a Knight of Bretonnia, "my name is Valen Gray of Quenelles, Knight of Bretonnia."

The Knight nodded his head in recognition of where he came from, "I am Caleb of L'ordre des Cruor Draconis."

Valen had not heard of this Order, but understood the language it was in, a very old dialect from the western parts of Bretonnia. It basically meant: The Order of Blood Dragons. "I have never heard of your Order, I assume it is an Order of dragon slayers?"

Caleb's emotionless face bore a slight smile for a moment, but then was quickly back to his cold demeanor, "I suppose you could say that."

"Hmm, they must be very skilled at their craft." Valen looked at the corpse of the dragon, "the dragon was slain by you, and thus his treasure is yours. There is also a village nearby that was destroyed by the beast the other day, I am certain they would wish to thank you."

"I have no need for treasure or thanks, you may have it all if you wish."

The thought to take claim of the deeds of another Knight was perhaps the most dishonorable thing he had ever heard, "I cannot, I will return to the village for you then, tell them of the treasure, and your feats here this day."

"If you wish."

Valen was finding this conversation very difficult, "would you care to eat with me? it is nearing evening now."

"No, I must be on my way soon," at this Caleb turned back to his work of cleaning his weapons and armor. He set one blade aside and Valen could see that the pommel was crafted into the likeness of a dragon, it's wings spread wide.

Valen stood there for a moment more, then left and proceeded down the mountain side. He found his loyal steed where he left him, and as he approached, the horse neighed with joy and came trotting up to him. Valen petted his best friend's noes for a bit, and thanked him for having faith in him. They rode back to the village, where Valen told the tale of how this mighty warrior slayed the dragon, and this gave great hope to the villagers. And he also told them of the treasure that was left to them. At this they all begged him as to where they could find and thank this Knight, but, he could only tell him that he wanted none of that. They insisted again for Valen to stay the night, and share in their food. He could not refuse their hospitality this time, but only took sparsely in what little they had. He left the next morning, as a group of the remaining men prepared to go and retrieve the treasure of the beast that had taken everything from them.

Valen continued on his quest to slay evil throughout the land for several more months, and then when the leaves began to fall again, he decided it was time to return home. On his journey home he found little unrest in the villages and towns he passed through. This all made him feel accomplished, as perhaps he had brought some small change in the world, no matter how brief that may be. Then he finally reached the mountains that separated his home of Bretonnia from the rest of the world. By now winter was well underway, and snow was beginning to fall. He rode through the pass and eventually came around a bend in the road, and about 50 yards ahead stood a solitary dark figure, his head bowed, and his body clad in black armor. He approached, and the man looked up at him with a smirk on his familiar face. It was Caleb. Valen was glad to see this surprise, hoping that perhaps Caleb would travel with him the rest of the way to Quenelles, where they could share their feats together. "Greetings again Caleb of L'ordre des Cruor Draconis, what brings you to these lands?"

"I am on the hunt again."

As Valen got closer, he dismounted and walked his horse forward, "oh? perhaps I can join you in your hunt, even though I am certain a warrior of your skills can handle it alone."

"I am afraid that is not possible."

"May I inquire as to why?"

"Because, I am hunting you."

Valen was slightly surprised, and hoped that Caleb meant something else than what he was thinking, but began preparing his body and mind for a fight, "I am afraid I don't understand."

"I know. Perhaps this will help explain things," from behind him he lifted an unconscious person from beneath the snow. He lifted the man up with one hand up to his head, then he leaned his head close to the man's neck and in an instant he let out a hiss and bit down on the man's neck. The man awoke immediately and let out a scream, before he went silent as Caleb clamped down his windpipe. Valen could not move as he watched in horror as Caleb drained the man's body of blood, and then dropped his victim to the ground. He wiped his mouth with his hand, and licked up the rest of the blood and then turned back to Valen, "now do you have a better understanding?"

Valen, able to move again, removed his sword and shield from his back, "you will pay for that."

"I was hoping you would say that," Caleb said with a smile as he reached behind his back and unsheathed his two elegant long swords. Caleb charged so fast that Valen didn't even have time to brace himself, fortunately Valen's instincts were faster than his mind, and so he was able to parry Caleb's assault. They were both excellent swordsmen, even Caleb's incredible speed and strength were not enough to give him an edge in this duel. But even though Valen was able to defend himself, it was taking everything he had to stay alive. Caleb had control of this battle, and was pushing Valen back, closer and closer to the pass' wall. Valen knew he was in a bad position, and before he knew it his back was against the wall. Caleb smiled in mockery at him, "I was hoping for better from you."

This only fueled Valen to fight harder, but Caleb was still in control. Then Valen put one foot against the wall, tucked his arms in and slammed into Caleb. The Vampire was caught by surprise by this sudden change in tactics and was forced to back off, but Valen was not about to let this change of events to change back. He charged Caleb, and attacked him with everything he had. Caleb in turn quickly repelled the assault, and it was then that Valen realized what was happening. Caleb was toying with him, just like he had with the dragon. Caleb saw Valen's expression and knew that he now understood that he had no chance. Dropping his swords he grabbed Valen at the wrist of his sword arm, and beneath his shield arm, lifted him off the ground, and then above his head and threw him into the mountain side. Valen was wracked with pain as his body slammed into the rock. He slid down and slumped over into the snow. Darkness started to encroach around the edges of his vision as he began to black out. The last thing he saw was Caleb walking towards him, laughing and saying how much fun this fight had been.
PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:50 pm


So this is the conclusion to my previous short story. I hope you enjoy it. Personally I think this one is better than my last, it has more action and the plot doesn't jump around so much. And also I apologize for the errors, I have reread it, and tried my best to clean it up, but I am certain there are still more. And on a final note I am pretty sure this one is longer than the previous, but I hope you find it worth it.

***

The first indication to Valen that he was not dead was how much pain he felt. His eyes were closed and he wondered that if he opened them would he see his body in one piece? Slowly he opened up one eye and was face to face with brown. He shook his head and then began figuring out where he was. He was slung across his horse's back like a large sack. His horse stopped walking once it began to feel Valen moving. He patted his good steed on the side and then began dismounting from this uncomfortable position but instead he just ungracefully fell to the ground on his back. His horse, Roent, turned it's head in his direction and neighed at him. "I know I know, just, give me 5 minutes." Roent gave a disgruntled neigh and then turned away.

Valen just laid there staring up into the clear blue sky, waiting for the feeling to return to his limbs. The sun glared down at him and he shielded his eyes from it's light. He felt tired, but knew he couldn't sleep, not yet. After more like 20 minutes he pulled himself up into a sitting position and stretched his arms and legs before finally standing up all the way. He wondered why Caleb had spared him? Clearly the monster had no problem killing helpless people, but it still seemed strange. Perhaps he was still toying with him, even now. Letting Valen think that he perhaps still had a chance to avenge that innocent villager. Valen vowed then and there that after he stayed in Quenelles for sometime he would ride out again and find away to destroy the Vampire.

Valen stroked Roent's side who nodded happily in appreciation. Valen surveyed the surrounding country side to try and figure out where he was and to his surprise he recognized the area and knew that he was not too far from his home. Good old Roent remembered the way, even after all these years of traveling abroad. He mounted his horse and they rode at a nice quick trot and within a couple hours Valen could see his home town. He noticed the villagers to start moving around excitedly as he approached and when he finally reached the town he was greeted by a great fanfare of joyful people happy to see one of their heroes return home. It reminded him so much of his return from the war those years ago, but unlike that other time, when he approached the castle the fanfare continued. He was glad to see that everything was alright.

He rode into the courtyard with flower petals falling all around him from the parapets above. The courtyard was full of the castle's servants and guards, and just random people caught up in the excitement. On the steps leading up to the Keep was the Lady Daphne, more beautiful than he had remembered. She smiled as they made eye contact. He dismounted Roent who was then guided to the stables by a young paige. Valen strode up to the steps before his Baroness and kneeled before her and the whole courtyard went silent, "I have brought the greatness of Brettonia to lands beyond. By Helm I have slain many evils, righted many wrongs, and saved many innocents. And for the glory of the Lady of the Lake I have done all of this in her name."

The Lady smiled, "you have done well brave Knight, arise for your quest has been finished and your feats shall be remembered through the ages." He arose and she then made a proclamation to those gathered there, "tonight we shall have a feast in honor of Sir Valen Gray, and he shall tell us more of his journey. Send word out that all who wish to come are invited."

Word was sent throughout the entire town, and to some of the surrounding villages, and when the time for the feast had come the castle was packed with people everywhere, and on the grounds outside the castle. By this point it was clear that not everyone would hear his tales, but people came just so they did not feel left out. In the dining hall Lady Daphne naturally sat at the head of the table, and to her right sat Valen. That seat was usually reserved for close relatives, good friends, or spouses, but since Daphne had none of these she gave it to Valen. The food was served and like always it was a magnificent feast. For entertainment there were jesters, musicians, and ballad singers. After most of the food had been eaten Lady Daphne stood up to give a toast. She raised her chalice, "to Valen Gray, who has been gone for far too long." They all applauded in response. "I am certain you must be tired from your travels, but perhaps you could spare us a few tales before we end this celebration."

Valen smiled and rose, "I would be honored to." She sat down again and Valen began telling some of his more memorable tales of gallantry, although he specifically left out telling them of the last couple months and the stories involving Caleb. He recited his adventures to them for several hours and they all listened like mesmerized small children. Finally the night was growing late and he decided to let them go from the spell of his tales. The tired crowd dispersed and Valen sat down. He turned to his left, but saw that Lady Daphne was already gone from her seat and heading to one of the back exits. He bit his lip sheepishly and then got up as well and went out through a different exit.

For awhile Valen simply walked around the castle, exploring it and remembering old memories of his times here when he was a child. He walked outside and onto one of the parapets and took in a deep breath of fresh air. The night was clear and full of stars, and although it was a little cold it was not too bad. Of course for him nothing could be bad now that he was home again. Down off to his right was a balcony courtyard, he looked down there and to his surprise it had been transformed into a garden while he was away. He walked down the stairs to reach it and looked around in amazement. It was not a very large garden, but it was filled with beautiful plants and small trees. He wondered what it would look like in the spring. He walked around the stone paths and explored the well kept garden. He found one bush with it's flowers in full bloom. Their smell was quite strong, but not overpowering, and it's fragrance was as sweet as honey. "That one is my favorite." Valen, a bit startled spun around, and Lady Daphne stood before him. She had already changed her clothes and was now in her night gown and a warm looking robe. She walked up beside him to look at it as well, "it is called a Solstice Rose, but I prefer the Elvish name Hrive Lote. It only blooms during the winter and at night, but I find the wait to see it again well worth it."

Valen nodded, "it is very beautiful."

"Yes, it is." She was now no longer looking at the rose but at Valen, but he could not bring himself to meet her gaze. She smiled and then turned away again. "Would you walk with me Valen?" She offered her arm to him, and Valen found that this scared him more than a hundred Dragons. Somehow he managed to bring up the courage to wrap his arm around hers and walk with her, all the while the bottomless sinking feeling in his stomach felt like it got deeper. They walked for awhile in the silence together. Valen could not look at her, but ever so often she would look at him, smile, and then continue walking. They eventually started walking in circles in the garden, but she didn't seem to care, so he continued anyway.

Eventually they came to a stone bench for what seemed the hundredth time and she tugged him gently that way and they sat down together. She spoke first, "do you remember that time we spent together those years ago, during the war?"

"Yes, how could I forget?" His response sounded lame to himself, and he regretted saying it as soon as the words left his lips.

She smiled that dazzling smile of hers and continued, "many suitors have come from all around during my years as a Baroness. For a time I pretended to myself that I did not marry any of them cause I did not feel they could lead my people well. Which was partially true. But I have always known in the back of my mind that it was some other reason that kept me from marrying." That sinking feeling in Valen's stomach just got a lot deeper. "And when you finally returned home today I finally was able to admit to myself what that reason was. I love you Valen, and I have always hoped that you may feel the same about me..." Valen was about to reply but she interrupted him, "let me finish. I tell you this now because I feel I cannot wait much longer. If you do not feel the same, then I understand, but I wanted to know before I accepted someone else's han-" but before she could finish her sentence, and before Valen could think twice, he grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her. He kissed her for several moments and then backed off, he could feel his face was red, but hoped she couldn't tell in this light. She just sorta stared at him for a moment in surprise, "I guess that is a yes?"

Valen smiled, his confidence returning, "yes." He kissed her again and this time she returned his kiss. They sat there together in each other's embrace, not caring who might see, but somehow Valen knew that no one was around. He held her in his arms with one hand resting on her back and the other holding the back of her neck. They were so close now that her smell overpowered the smells of the garden and the night air. It was like an intoxicating and delicious fragrance and he felt like he could never have enough. He began kissing her on the neck and took in deep fulfilling breaths of her smell. She stopped kissing him back and let him kiss her as he chose. He loosened his grip on her so that he could move and kiss her lips again but she went limp in his arms. He started to kiss her again but this time she did not return his affection. He loosened his grip some more and she began slumping to the ground like a rag doll. He looked her over and found that both he and she were covered in scarlet blood. He released her in horror and she fell off the bench onto the ground. He quickly knelt beside her and called out into the night for help. She was already dead, tears were still on her cheeks, her face contorted into a despairing gaze. His eyes looked her over to find what had happened, he found that the blood had been spilling out from her neck... the same neck he had been kissing.... He reached up to his mouth and felt the warm blood still on his lips, chin, and all over his body. He began to realize what had happened, but refused to believe it. He quickly cleaned the blood from her neck, trying to prove his worst fears could not be true. But they were true. On her neck were two small puncture wounds: bite marks. He stumbled back from her, not able to believe what had happened. "This cannot be true," were the thoughts that rang through his head. And in response an echo of his own voice simply whispered back to him, "Vampire."

A couple of guards ran out onto the parapet above him. They looked down to their blood soaked liege, and then to Valen in horror. One yelled out, "The Baroness is slain! The Baroness is slain!" while the other lifted his crossbow and fired at Valen.

For a few moments he thought to stay there, and let it hit him. What more did he have to live for? The love of his life was dead by his own hands, he had become a monster, and he no longer had a home. But in an instant he thought of the true cause of all this: Caleb. The crossbow bolt was now just a foot away from him, but in a movement so fast that it even surprised Valen he swatted it harmlessly aside. The guard was already reloading the crossbow, and the other guard was moving to the courtyard below. But Valen ignored them and, after one last look at Daphne, he ran out of the courtyard and back into the castle.

He raced through the halls of the keep. Most of the people had gone to sleep, but after all of the yelling were coming out of their rooms to see what was the matter. As Valen ran past them the women shrieked and the men tried to grab and stop him, but he was far too fast for them now. Valen ran through the castle's corridors and made it to his room. He burst into his room and grabbed his weapons and armor and then rushed out again just as some guards were about to block his escape. He had to shove a couple aside, easily knocking them to the ground. He made his way to the outer courtyard without any further incidents, even though several people continued to try and stop him. He was heading for the gates when he remembered Roent. He couldn't just leave him; even though it probably would be a better life here. He changed his direction and entered the stables. There were a couple stable boys there, but when they saw his bloodied shirt they ran off screaming for help. He let them go, he would not hurt anymore people. He found Roent who had been awoken by the screaming and was a little bit perturbed, but Valen quickly petted his nose and calmed him down, "shoosh, it is ok. I am sorry my friend, I have done something terrible... and I was hoping that you would come with me." Valen wasn't sure if he could understand him, but he believed he did, and Roent seemed to nodded in response. So he quickly got him ready to ride and quickly walked the horse out of the stables. They walked out into the courtyard and found themselves surrounded by guards with weapons raised and the gate was already closed.

"Surrender Valen, you cannot escape," one of them said.

"Please do not make me fight you. I do not wish to harm anyone," Valen pleaded.

"Tell that to our Baroness. We shall avenge her, you will not leave this keep alive."

Valen was looking around for some way out, and then he realized he held it in his hands. In a flash he took his shield and through it with all his might at the timber that braced the gates. The wood shattered into a million pieces on impact, and the gates swung open. Valen smacked Roent on the rump and shouted at him to run. As Roent was speeding off Valen slung his armor of the horse's back as he had not had a chance yet to put it on. Still holding his sword he met the oncoming rush of arrows and soldiers. The arrows he easily dodged or batted aside. The soldiers on the other hand were a different story. They all came at him at once. Valen held his ground and then used his training to find weaknesses in their attacks and fought them off with nothing but his hands and a sheathed sword. He made sure not to harm anyone too severely. With his blinding speed and impossible strength he easily incapacitated one after the other. Many lay around him moaning on the ground and clutching their broken ribs, arms, and legs. When he had defeated enough of them to provide a clean shot fto the gates he shoved his way through the crowd and fled outside. Roent was waiting for him just a short ways down the road and he quickly reached and mounted him and they were off into the night.

Valen fled that whole night without stopping. When dawn finally did come he decided to rest his horse for a bit. They found a stream and he dismounted Roent and let him drink some water and eat some grass. Valen shed his clothes. He could never wear them again after what had happened. He cleaned the blood off of himself in the cold stream. While he scrubbed himself he felt his mouth begin to long to taste the blood again and he shuddered at the thought. When he was done cleaning himself he dressed in the other clothes he had brought. He then started to make a fire, but he wasn't really that cold, the fire was for the bloodied clothes. Once the fire was big enough he tossed them in one at a time. As he tossed his shirt in though he heard a jingle of metal. The fire quickly began engulfing the fabric. In his shirt he saw the red hot glow of metal. A tear streamed down his face. It was the necklace that Daphne had given to him during the war. It must have come off in his rush to take off his clothes. Quickly he put his hand into the fire, ignoring the excruciating pain and he grabbed the necklace. The now red hot metal seared his flesh but his will was stronger than the pain. He pulled his hand out and then cooled the necklace in the stream next to him. He held it in his hands while weeping at what he had lost. Valen stayed there for the rest of the day, unmoving except for his sobs. No one came by, and he may not even have reacted to them if they had.

The next day Valen had composed himself, and had settled on what he would do. He would hunt down Caleb and make him pay for what he had done to him. Once he had put on his armor and weapons he mounted Roent and they rode north, following the same roads they had come in on. They traveled through the Pass of Noose, although Valen knew Caleb would be long gone by now. It was about a week when Valen started to become hungry, and not for food. Currently they were traveling through the Anar forests. He dismounted Roent and led him off the road a ways. "Stay here," he said and Roent nodded in response. Valen crept through the forest, and began to notice how much better his hearing now was. He could hear everything, it was incredible. It was like someone had put every sound a forest could make into a couple of jars and placed the jars against Valen's ears. He then heard a rustle of snow and leaves ahead of him. As he moved forward he heard movement and a deer ran out of the underbrush. It ran quickly and gracefully through the forest, but Valen was faster. He caught up with the deer and tackled it to the ground, it gave out an odd sort of scream and then Valen, after a moment's hesitation, bit into it's neck. He bit down hard, hoping to kill the deer quickly by collapsing it's windpipe. It worked and after a few moments the deer was dead and Valen drained it of blood. After he was done he stood up and cleaned himself. This time had been much more clean, and his cloths were not stained, just some blood on his armor which came off easily. He went back to Roent who was waiting where he had left him and then they rode on.

During Valen's travels he had heard that in the Imperial province of Sylvania there was rumored to be a large Vampire population. Perhaps someone there would know of Caleb's Order, or perhaps even Caleb himself. After a few days of hard riding he reached this foreign land and it's capital of Waldenhoff. The city was bustling with activity, it's citizen's all cheerful and prosperous. This was one of the safer Imperial Provinces and was also one of the richer ones because of it's exclusive control over the Estalian trade road. Valen walked his horse to the city stables where he paid the man there to watch Roent while he went and explored the city.

Valen had never been in a city of such size before. And he was surprised at how much construction was going on. In every large square it seemed there was another monument going up depicting the Count of Sylvania. At the city center a massive towering keep was being built as well. It was no where near completion, but already Valen could tell that it would be a beautiful peace of architecture. And the city walls were being expanded outward as well to keep up with the growing population. Valen was wondering where he could find someone to tell him about Vampires when a pair of red figures caught his eye. Two knights walked down the street chatting together. Their armor was scarlet but what truly intrigued Valen was that their weapons were decorated with dragons on them, just like Caleb's. Valen followed them through the streets. They eventually began making their way into the taverns part of town and they entered one establishment which had the emblem of a mighty red dragon on it. Valen entered in as well. The tavern was dark and smoky from the candles and people smoking their pipes. He saw the two red knights go through a door in the back and he followed after them. No one seemed to care as he passed through the door. Behind the door was a set of stairs that went down into a cellar, he paused a moment, wondering if he should do this, and then went down them anyway. The cellar was had no lights in the immediate area, but on the far end of it Valen could see candle light. He moved towards it. Amongst some barrels and boxes a small room had been set up. In it's center was a table. Valen was sneaking around to try and peer inside when someone grabbed his shoulder. He spun around ready to defend himself. It was another red knight, he looked at him and chuckled and motioned for him to go in. Valen didn't understand, but he complied. He entered the small room and seated around the table were several red knights. One of them motioned for him to take a seat and reluctantly Valen did. One knight rose and then addressed those gathered there. "Welcome brothers, I am pleased to inform you at this meeting that we now have bases in every major city of both the Empire and Keslev." Valen was shocked at hearing this, how large was this Order? What were they trying to do? And could it be stopped!? "And now that one of our own controls the province of Sylvania our numbers will grow exponentially. We have recently sent scouts into the Silver Mountains to find a suitable place for a Keep where our entire Order can meet together without suspicion. So, that is all I have to say, does anyone have any news?" No one said anything, "very well then. Remember the code and fight well." The other knights rose and Valen did as well, to not draw attention to himself, but the one who had been talking called out to him, "I would like to have a word with you."

Valen stopped dead in his tracks and then turned around, "yes sir?"

"You are new to the Order aren't you?"

Valen then realized that they must all think that he is one of them, he could not believe his luck, "yes sir, I have only been a Blood Knight for about a week."

"Hmm, Blood Knight, that has a nice ring to it... did you think it up yourself?"

"Um, yes, I just thought it made sense..."

"Oh, don't worry, I like it. I will start using it. Before I have just been calling us 'Vampiric Knights' but that doesn't quite roll off the tongue the same way," the man chuckled, "well, since you are new to the Order do you have any questions?"

"Um, well actually I am looking for a certain Blood Knight, the one who changed me in fact. His name is Caleb? He wields two long swords which he carries on his back, he has slick black hair, an-" Valen didn't finish because the man was nodding in recognition.

"Yes, I know him. Strange, you don't strike me as the type whom Caleb would convert, but maybe you impressed him or something. He passed through here a few days ago, he actually is with the scouting team in the Silver Mountains. Do you have a map? I can mark the place where they are exploring."

Valen produced his map and handed it to the man who marked a general area where the Blood Knights were exploring. "Thank you," Valen said and then he hurriedly left the cellar and tavern. He moved through the streets as quickly as he could without drawing attention to himself. He made it to the stables and retrieved Roent and then they left the city and rode north as fast as Valen could push Roent, he was eager to finish this.

It took two days to reach the mountains and when they did Valen was relieved to see that the rocky terrain was not too bad for Roent to travel, but he did dismount his horse to make it easier for the both of them.

They walked through the mountains, Valen listening closely. They walked for some hours with no sign of the scouts. "These mountains are too vast," he said to Roent, "we'll never find anything in here."

And then a hauntingly familiar voice called down to him, "not quite Knight of Brettonia."

Valen looked up, already knowing who he would see. It was Caleb, a few other Blood Knights were climbing down the slope towards Valen, one in very ornate golden armor, likely the leader. Caleb shortly followed after them, he still had that smug look on his face. The man in the gold armor addressed Caleb, "you know this man Caleb?"

"I sure do. Don't worry, he is one of us, I gave him the gift after all."

Valen had had enough already, "it is no gift! It is a curse. Because of you I have lost everything."

Caleb laughed, "that is why I gave it to you, I like your spirit kid. You are now better this way, you just don't see it yet."

"There is only one good thing about this curse you have given me."

"Ah, see? And what is that?"

"It gives me the ability to slay you and avenge all those you have killed, and all the other deaths you have caused."

Caleb's face went dark after hearing that threat. The other Vampires backed off, giving them room, and Valen could tell that they would not intervene. Valen had Roent back away and then he unsheathed his sword and a long knife he was carrying since he had lost his shield. Caleb unsheathed the two long swords on his back. They faced off, each looking the other over; sizing him up. Caleb looked to be taking this battle more seriously than the last, which made Valen feel more confident.

Caleb made the first move and attacked Valen in a flash. Had Valen still been mortal he probably would be dead already, but he saw it coming and with equally fast reflexes he parried the barrage of attacks. They spun around each other in a vicious dance of blades. Each was a very skilled warrior and now that their bodies were on equal terms it was an even fight. Steel clashed against steel and the sounds of the epic battle rang out into the valleys and ravines of the mighty mountain range for miles around. Neither warrior let up any ground and gave it their all to find a way through the other's defenses. This duel went on for several minutes with neither side losing ground when Caleb tripped Valen with his feet. Valen stumbled and then fell to the ground, Caleb did not relent however and was attacking him at once and Valen was barely able to block in time. As Valen was trying desperately to defend himself he managed to tuck his legs into his chest and then kicked Caleb in ribs sending him careening into the ravine wall across the way. Valen was to his feet instantly and Caleb got up quickly as well, but not fast enough to move before Valen could charge at him like a raging bull. They met a violent crash that ended up with their weapons locked together and Caleb pressed up against the rock wall with Valen holding him there. Their faces were just inches apart now. Caleb donned that smug look on his face again and spoke, "so why is it that you hate me so much? It must be more than just that you were turned into a Vampire. Did you accidentally kill someone?" The angry expression on Valen's face showed him that he was on the mark. "Someone you loved? Perhaps even a woman?" Valen glared at him in unbridled anger and hate. "Hahaha. The whore probably deserved it anyway for being such a fool," he sneered. Valen's hate for him grew and he could feel a fiery wall of anger building up inside him. He let out a growl which turned into a scream and then into a deafening roar. Valen was pressuring against Caleb's swords intensely.

Caleb was able to hold him back for a few moments, but slowly he began breaking under the strength. The swords inched closer and closer to him. He now lost that smug look and began to look panicked. If he tried to kick Valen again he would likely collapse to the ground. Caleb tried fighting back and finally was able to hold his ground again, but then there was the sound of metal straining and to his horror he saw his swords each begin to have fractures along their length. Before he could try and plead for mercy the swords gave way and snapped, sending metal blades in different directions. As soon as those blades snapped Valen barreled into him and began viciously tearing Caleb apart with his sword and knife. Caleb let out a scream for help, but no one came to his aid. The other Vampires just watched as Valen tore him to shreds.

When Valen was finally done Caleb lay in so many pieces that even his regeneration abilities could never put him back together again. Long after Caleb's screams had finally ended Valen still slashed and stabbed the mutilated corpse in a blind fit of rage. After awhile the Vampire in gold armor walked up to him and placed one hand on his shoulder. Valen spun around with his bloodied weapons at the ready. The man lifted his hands to show that he meant Valen no harm. "I apologize for what Caleb did to you. In our code of conduct you are not supposed to force the gift of everlasting life on anyone. It must be taken freely. Caleb was an arrogant fool and an unsightly stain on our Order. I am sorry that you ever met him." Valen rose without saying a word and began to clean his weapons. The man waited a moment and then continued, "may I ask where you are going now?"

"I don't know." Valen didn't look up from his work.

"Then I would like to offer you an opportunity to join our Order. Most of us are more honorable than Caleb was. We could offer you protection and aid to help you hide in a world that hates our kind."

Valen paused and looked at him. The offer did intrigue him, at least a little bit. Where else did he have to go? "I'll consider it." Valen wasn't ready to forgive these people for what Caleb had done to him, even if they were not involved. In his mind they still represented an evil and dishonorable Order.

The man nodded, "very well, I assume you know how to find us if you change your mind?"

Valen simply nodded. He was done cleaning his weapons and he then sheathed them. He walked over to Roent who gazed at him with a startled look, but Valen could see that he still trusted him. Valen grabbed his reins and they walked passed the Blood Knights and then out of the ravine.

For the next several decades Valen traveled around the world as a rogue. He usually avoided large populations and preferred to live in the wilderness. At first he refused to drink the blood of people and only feasted on animals. After sometime he decided that he would feast on evil people like bandits and killers, and by doing so he would make the world a better place. Eventually though Valen finally came to terms with what he was and felt no qualms about feasting on anyone, so long as their death was swift and painless. Shortly after this coming to terms with himself he joined the Vampiric Order, although he rarely stayed more than a night or two at their various hiding places. In the Order though he found a new purpose for his life. They inspired him to search the world for great challenges in battle. Whether it be dangerous monsters, or powerful warriors he met in his travels. Only during these difficult battles could Valen finally feel alive again, and so it was not long till he needed to find greater and greater challenges to fulfill that need to feel alive. And slowly, overtime, Valen had become what he had once hated. He still was an honorable warrior, and would always bury the warriors he defeated, but he eventually lost his humanity and became a hunter who lusted for blood and battle.

And so some 500 years later Valen was still going through the motions of his Undeath. On this particular day he stood guarding a bridge and waiting for perhaps another challenge to cross. Valen's thoughts on his past were interrupted by the trotting of hooves on dirt and the jingle of chain mail. He opened his eye and raised his head. The rain had finally stopped and he took in a deep breath of the wonderful smell of the forest after a rainstorm. Off to the side of the road stood his ancient friend Roent, long since dead as well, but Valen had resurrected him so that they could continue to travel together. He looked down the rode and saw a blue, white, and silver figure approaching. Valen smiled. It was a questing Knight of Brettonia, much like himself in better times. Knights of Brettonia almost always proved to be a good test of his skills, and from the looks of this one Valen would not be disappointed. Once the Knight was within shouting distance Valen reached beneath his armor and produced a gold chained necklace. He looked at it like he was looking at it for first time again. A tear streamed down his cheek at what could have been. He kissed the necklace for good luck and then put it back, and then he called out to the approaching Knight.

***

And that is it. This is a story for my character in an RP, and this story ends moments before my first post in the RP. If you want you can follow his story you can by finding his first post in the Blighted Plains (In my guild...).

Star Wars Kid

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