Or Friends and Foes (Solo)

[BattleMage]

Takes place directly after Battle Scrolls 4 (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=19840)


Radasanth was a lot different from the small towns throughout Corone that Derrick had grown to love. At one point in his young life Derrick had favored himself more of a small town man. However, lately Derrick Magnum found himself in many places he couldn’t have seen himself months prior. Already the young elf wore scars from his first citadel duel, in which he was pitted against a veteran foe, Lorenor, who had taught Derrick that he still had many things to learn. Most of the wounds earned in that battle were mended by the magic of the citadel monks, but the knowledge Derrick gained from his foe was unerasable.

Someday I'll beat Lorenor, he thought while tugging at the collar of his black tunic closer to his neck in an attempt to shield him from the breeze.

The outer walls of the citadel were a different sight entirely from their exterior. All around, as far as Derrick could scan, were the unfamiliar faces of heroes. To Derrick, a hero wasn’t aligned to either good or evil. All men had their standards and that is what would choose a universal alignment for them. Derrick viewed himself as a hero in training. His tales not only lacked in quality but also quantity, but someday he hoped to find a certain sense of pride in his own lore. The stories that currently followed the young man were those of drunken nights and courting women.

The young mage stepped from the citadel into the heat of Radasanth. The city itself seemed to be a bit hotter than the outside forests. It was certainly more stuffy than Concordia forest. Derrick’s throat was dryer than a Fallien drought and he would soon need to find himself a tavern to indulge himself before his departure from the city. There was a strange feeling of insecurity amongst the many other thoughts that jumped around the young adventurer's mind as he crossed a busy strip of local businesses. He couldn’t quite put his thumb on it, but he felt as if he were being watched. It wasn’t the first time he had recieved these feeling since his entrance to Radasanth either.

His staff and feet moved in unison, tapping the cobblestone as he made haste paste several more shops. He wasn’t here to shop despite the current shape of his worn tunic and dusty leather leggings. There was thoughts of meat and women on his mind, but no ale. He retired his liquor habits months prior, deciding that the liquid poison had somehow always limited him. He only wished to drink water or maybe some juice. He knew he would receive ridicule from the bar patrons ordering juice during happy hour.

In the distance a sign hung shaking with the constant gusts sent forth from the bosom of the sky. It read ‘Dawn’s Retreat.’ Derrick felt something pulling him into this tavern, but did not yet know what it was. An unseen aroma maybe or just a whim. It made no difference though, as he was thirsty and hungry.

As he came within steps of the taverns wooden doors he read a sign that was tacked to the window.

It Read:

A Tavern For Strong Men To Rest Their Heads

[BattleMage]

Inside the tavern there were many patrons, both men and women. They were all humans, save Derrick who was an elf of questionable origin. When he walked in there was a sudden silence. Everyone including the bartender gave the short handsome elf an eye of unwelcomeness. For that very reason Derrick continued, unalarmed by their awkward stares. He felt unwelcome, but hardly showed it as he approached the bar whistling an unknown tune. The looks he was exchanging with the patrons were priceless to say the least. Had it been anywhere else he might not of believed such a place to exist, but in Radasanth anything was possible. Derrick Magnum had entered the only racially divided bar on the block and was the minority.

A casual nod was given, but not returned, as he pulled a stool to the oak counters of the bar. The bartender was a tall, muscular man named Lurs, gave an expression of disgust as Derrick sat his sore rear-end in the stool and leaned over the counter.

“Bartender, I'll be having whatever smoked meat you have in this fine establishment and also bring me a cup of water.” Derrick voiced his order with confidence, making it clear that he didn't care if he was welcome or not.

Lurs let out a grunt and slammed his right palm onto the counter inches from Derrick’s left hand. The patrons still watched as the confident elf attempted to order from the disgruntled bartender.

“I won’t say I can’t serve you, boy, I never turn down gold. One thing I can say though is if you value that pretty elf head of yours, it would be in your best interest to close your mouth. We here are men of Radasanth and you are a mere elf. Lower than even the wood we chop for our fire.”

Derrick wasn’t offended by his small minded banter, he actually couldn’t help but to let out a grin. The grin morphed to a smile and the smile to a laugh. Before he could control himself, Derrick was laughing in the face of his provoker. Lurs became obviously more heated with that, as did the patrons that sat silently around the two.

“Well I will take a water but no longer do I wish to try your meat. I fear wasting your precious wood on an elf like myself would be devastating to business.” Derrick stated. He now only wished to provoke the man. “You seem to have a pretty fine establishment here my friend. Of all the bars in Radasanth, I chose the only gay bar.”

Derrick knew the one thing simple minded bigots resented more than other races was homosexuals. He knew the bar would stir and he would likely be thrown to the street with that comment. However, before Lurs could let out a peep the tavern door bursted open revealing the olive skin of a large Orc. Around his neck the Orc wore the pelt of a beast that looked to once be of great size. On his shoulder hung a huge sword that weighed more than Derrick. Derrick was starting to feel a bit more comfortable about the situation he now found himself in.

[BattleMage]

The intimidation of the Orc silenced Lurs with great haste. He wasn’t the racially charged tough guy from moments before. An anger still sparked in the eyes of Lurs as he sized up both of his ill favored patrons. The looks were equally sour throughout the bar. Some guests even removed themselves from the bar altogether now, with the arrival of the Orc.

“Derrick Magnum, elf friend, you are unwelcome here and if you wish to leave Radasanth alive you had better follow me with haste.” The large Orc commanded with a tone that revealed seriousness.

“Me and my new friend were just getting acquainted though.” Derrick rose from his stool winking at the bartender in a sarcastic fashion. He found it somewhat strange that the Orc knew his name but at the time he thought very little of it.

“It would be wise to hold your tongue, elf!” Lurs spat the words with such ferocity that he looked as if he was about to combust.

“I do not dare disrespect you in your place bartender, but if you follow this elf or myself, it will mark your end.” The Orc was obviously at a position of high renown in the hall for the bartender did not speak after that threat.

Derrick crossed the bar and followed the Orc back into the breeze of Radasanth where he would have to once again flip the collar of his tunic and trudge on. Now he followed a stern stranger though. A stranger who knew his names and had just saved him from an almost certain death. He would express how grateful he was, but that would come later. For now Derrick followed the Orc through a back alley a block from the bar. As the two passed people in the streets they seemed to turn in fear of the Orc. He was held in some regard amongst the people here at least. Deep into the alley the two crept until finally the Orc turned around scanning the distance they had just marched. There was no one in sight and that was enough for him. He lifted a cloth certain and nodded impatiently to Derrick.

“Alright.” Derrick quickly dodged into the hidden path to where the Orc signaled.

The orc followed and closed the certain leaving very little light. Suddenly though an orb of light emerged from several small beacons placed around the room. The very presence of the Orc had obviously triggered the enchantment. Derrick scanned the room and saw nothing of importance, save a bookshelf with several small notebooks and a book. Between the two men was a table with four chairs and unless Derrick was mistaken he would be sitting here for some time discussing what the hell just happened, so he decided to make himself comfortable.

“Orc, before all else I would like to know one thing...” Derrick began but was interrupted by the deep voice of the Orc.

“I am Mort and we will discuss all in due time... But for now we wait, I am expecting company!” Mort sat down in the chair across from Derrick and looked towards the certain. He seemed in somewhat of a hurry and whoever was coming would be likely joining the two for their conversation.

[BattleMage]

Together the two of them, Orc and Elf, sat in silent for a few minutes. Finally the sound of heavy footsteps could be heard outside in the alleyway. Derrick gripped his staff preparing for anything to emerge from the cloth barrier that separated him from the alley. Mort on the other hand sat calmly not even lifting his heavy eyes from the elf. The certain finally pushed open letting not only a cool breeze in but also the figure of a short husky Gnome. The Gnome was less than half the size of Derrick, who had always figured himself to be a short Elf. Derrick stared in amazement. He had never seen an Orc or a Gnome, and would have been clueless if not for drunkards tales from Underwood bars.

The Gnome and Mort exchanged nods and the gnome took his seat in great haste. He was dripping sweat from the curly red locks the rested atop his wide skull. He also seemed to hold a somewhat mighty presence in the room, despite his size. In his hand he carried a staff much like Derrick did, but his was custom made to match his height. Also his staff was forged of steel and had a blue glow around it. The shirt he wore promised that he had some wealth. It was ruby red, much like his hair, and had golden buttons. Over his eyes he wore a thick pair of reading glasses the reflected the illusionary light the beacons emitted throughout the room.

“Derrick Magnum, at last we finally meet.” The gnome stretched his hand as far as he was able and was met with Derricks. “I am Belarr son of Bredhil and I assume you have already met Mort?!”

“Yes I have, he was quite persistent that I follow him here.” Derrick said his eyes beginning to get lost somewhere in the inches of glass on Belarr’s glasses.

“You probably have many questions, but I assure you Derrick now is not the time. You are currently being watched everywhere you go in Radasanth, save this place.” Belarr spoke with a reassuring wisdom that comforted all who sought his words.

“Yeah I got that feeling earlier... But who would watch me, there’s got to be a mix up. I’m just a simple elf. I normally get watched by the women of a town but...” Derrick cut himself off, he knew that this wasn’t the time to joke by Mort’s cold stare.

“You are more than just an elf Derrick, you are predicted to one day be a master Wizard with powers unimaginable. Though the scene you made earlier in the tavern may have shortened the time we have together. Already even now as we speak the Knights of Dawn are seeking you and Mort out.”

“What are the Knights of Dawn?”

“Little is known of them but you will know one when close. They all wear a patch with an armored fist. They are deadly and seek nothing more but to rid the world of all races but human. That bar your entered, the bartender you insulted, and everyone you openly mocked just by your presence there were all tied in some way to the organization.”

“Those were Knights of Dawn? I am supposed to be startled at that bunch? I have seen tougher characters in the bars back home.”

“None of those you met were Knights young Derrick. Like I said you will know one when you see one, and fear will be struck in you. That is why I send you with an escort, Mort.” Mort did his best to stay silent while his master, Belarr, spoke. He didn’t even acknowledge his name when it was spoken. He just sat their listening and waiting.

“Where exactly are you sending me?” Derrick questioned, but in his heart he already knew the answer.

“You will travel south to Serenti, there the two of you will part ways and you shall travel to Fallien where we will all reunite in the Outlanders Post. How you get to Fallien is your choice, but I advise looking into a boat in the small town of Evermore west of Serenti. The Knights reach is weak there and you will easily find a young swashbuckler worthy of such a quest.”

Derrick was about to speak, but he was instantly silenced by the raised hand of Mort. The Orc had heard something in the alley and was signaling to Belarr and Derrick to stop their conversation for a moment. So the room grew silent and somehow the beacons that once emitted light now darkened.

[BattleMage]

Outside in the alley two robed men wondered. They carried each a resonating wand the emitted a red glow. The first was a taller mage and the second was of average height. They both had powers that exceeded that of Derrick and both wore a patch embroidered with the armored fist that Belarr spoke of to Derrick. They were a duo of warlocks sent to eradicate the young mage and his companions. They were deceived by their lords though in thinking they could rival with the knowledge and might of Belarr son of Bredhil. For Belarr long dwelt in the shadows and had learned much from his father, Bredhil, a master wizard. The two wizards passed the cloth curtain without even giving it a glance. For a few minutes after their pass the Orc, Elf, and Gnome; sat in silence until finally Derrick erupted.

“How did they not find us? We are but hidden by a stray curtain in an alley...”

Belarr smiled at the young mage. “You too would pass this place without even lifting a brow young one. For that curtain also acts as a magical barrier, if I will it to change like a chamaeleon it would. I changed its shades to match that of the very construct around us.” Belarr tapped the wall with his metallic staff and winked at Derrick.

“There are many tricks up the sleeves of master Belarr for he is wise and far beyond us in years, Derrick” Mort finally chimed in to the conversation. He had until then remained mostly quiet.

The beacons around the room begin to light once more but now they were a bit more dim than before. Derrick knew that he would have to take heed to the wise gnomes words if he to wished to one day possess powers like him.

“Obviously we have turned more heads than planned though and sadly our meeting must be cut short. To Serenti you two must go and I will cover your trail from the hands of the Knights of Dawn.” Belarr sat up and extended a closed hand to Derrick. “Until next time we meet master mage keep this. You may find it useful on your ventures.”

As the Gnome opened his hand a glitter was exposed. In it he held a small simple golden ring that held a single flawless sapphire. Derrick retrieved it from the gnome and put it on his right index finger. The ring was light and echoed power throughout the hand of Derrick Magnum.

“It is called Valihorn the Ring of Energy. It has been unused by me for many years but you will find it useful I don’t doubt. When your mind wills it, you can eject a small ball of energy hurling at your foes. It will not work always though Derrick, so do not rely to much on it’s powers.”

“Thank you Belarr one day I will repay the gift!” Derrick smiled as his heart filled with happiness. He had never been so well recieved by strangers before.

Mort grunted and also rose from his chair. “Now Derrick we must make our way out of Radasanth. We will now travel under the cool cloak of the night into the woods of Concordia and from there we will head on the South Road to Serenti.”

Belarr nodded to both Mort and Derrick and within a second he vanished. It was as if he was never there at all.

“Let us go young mage.” Mort slapped the shoulder of Derrick and moved from the room into the darkness of the alley. Behind him Derrick followed as the beacons of the room slowly dimmed until the room had no light left at all.